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Dingdong Announces Entry into Definitive Agreement to Sell its China Business to Meituan

SHANGHAI, Feb. 5, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Dingdong (Cayman) Limited (“Dingdong” or the “Company”) (NYSE: DDL), a leading fresh grocery e-commerce company in China, today announced that it has entered into a definitive Share Purchase Agreement (the “Share Purchase Agreement”) with Two Hearts Investments Limited (“Buyer”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Meituan (HKEX: 3690).

Pursuant to the Share Purchase Agreement, Dingdong has agreed to sell to the Buyer all issued and outstanding shares of Dingdong Fresh Holding Limited, Dingdong’s wholly-owned subsidiary incorporated in the British Virgin Islands (“Dingdong BVI” or the “Target Company”), which holds through a series of wholly-owned and majority equity interest subsidiaries substantially all of the Company’s operations in China (the “Transaction”). The Company’s international business is not part of the Transaction and will be retained by the Company following any necessary reorganizational processes to be completed prior to the closing of the Transaction.

The Company’s board of directors has approved the Company entering into the Share Purchase Agreement after a thorough review of the terms of Transaction with its financial and legal advisors. The consummation of the Transaction is subject to the satisfaction of customary closing conditions, including the receipt of antitrust and other required regulatory approvals. The Company plans to convene an extraordinary general meeting for shareholders to vote on approval of the Transaction.

Transaction Consideration

Under the terms of the Share Purchase Agreement, based on the balance sheet as of December 31, 2025, and after Dingdong (Cayman) Limited receives total cash not exceeding US$280 million from Dingdong BVI and its subsidiaries (provided that the remaining net cash of Dingdong BVI and its subsidiaries on a consolidated basis shall not be less than US$150 million), the Buyer will pay total cash consideration of US$717 million in the Transaction. This amount is subject to adjustments based on certain net cash, net working capital and other financial line items of the Target Company as of certain agreed upon dates. 

The adjusted consideration will be payable in cash in two installments: (i) 90% of the consideration payable at closing, and (ii) the remaining 10% payable following the Company’s settlement of applicable taxes related to the Transaction.

Management Comments

Mr. Changlin Liang, Founder, Director and Chief Executive Officer of Dingdong, stated:

“Since its founding, Dingdong has been driven by the vision of redefining the traditional fresh food industry through the deep integration of digital technology and supply chain innovation. We have always adhered to our founding mission of ‘Empowering Everyone to Eat Better, Live Healthier’. From direct sourcing at the origin, the efficient operation of our frontline stations, to the last-mile delivery service, every step of our operations is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life of our consumers.

We believe that this unwavering commitment is aligned with Meituan’s company mission of ‘Helping People Eat Better, Live Better’, laying a solid foundation for the strategic merger between the two companies.

Following thorough deliberation and rigorous review by our board of directors, we have entered into an agreement with Meituan for the sale of Dingdong’s China business. This transaction is subject to the satisfaction of customary conditions precedent, including necessary regulatory approvals, and approval by our shareholders. We have and will continue to ensure full regulatory and legal compliance and transparency throughout the process. During the integration and transition period between the signing of the Share Purchase Agreement and the closing of the Transaction, Dingdong will strictly honor all of its commitments to customers, employees, and partners, ensuring the stability and orderly operation of the China business. We firmly believe that through the deep integration of the strengths of both companies, we will jointly build a more resilient fresh food infrastructure and deliver higher-quality services to consumers.”

Mr. Song Wang, Director and Chief Financial Officer of Dingdong, stated:

“From a financial and strategic investment perspective, the pricing rationale of this transaction fully demonstrates the capital markets’ high recognition of Dingdong’s supply chain moat, user stickiness, and brand core values. We believe that this is not only fair and prudent pricing based on the long-term synergies between the two parties, but also a strong validation of the quality of Dingdong’s China business accumulated over years.

At present, the Transaction is progressing steadily in accordance with relevant legal and regulatory procedures and closing conditions. We will continue to optimize the efficiency of capital allocation, and on the premise of ensuring the compliance of the Transaction, strive to maximize the interests of all of our shareholders. We will also provide solid financial and resource support for the Company to enter its next stage of high-quality growth.”

Key Terms of the Share Purchase Agreement

The Share Purchase Agreement contains customary representations, warranties, and covenants of the parties. Key terms include:

  • Conduct of Business and Transition: From the signing date until closing (the “Transition Period”), the Company covenants to operate the Target Company in the ordinary course of business. Any operating profits or losses incurred by the Target Company and its subsidiaries during this period will accrue to the Buyer. The Company is subject to customary restrictive covenants during this period, including, among other things, limitations on capital structure changes and material non-ordinary course contracts. The Company represents to the Buyer that no unauthorized leakage of funds has occurred or will occur. Any such leakage may result in a direct deduction from the consideration.
  • Non-Competition: The Company and the Founder have agreed to a five-year non-competition and non-solicitation covenant following the closing, covering the To-C fresh grocery e-commerce business within the Greater China region.
  • Exclusivity: The Company is bound by a “no-shop” obligation, prohibiting the solicitation or facilitation of alternative acquisition proposals from third parties during the Transition Period.
  • Termination and Fees: The Share Purchase Agreement may be terminated if closing does not occur within 12 months, which may be extended with mutual consent. The Agreement includes tiered termination fee arrangements: (i) the Buyer shall pay a US$150 million termination fee if it fails to proceed to closing despite the satisfaction of all material conditions; (ii) the Company shall pay a US$75 million termination fee if it fails to satisfy certain material controllable conditions, or fails to cooperate in regulatory filings; and (iii) the Buyer shall pay a US$75 million termination fee if the Transaction fails and the required anti-monopoly approval or certain other regulatory clearance cannot be obtained, despite the Company’s material cooperation.

Closing Conditions

Closing of the Transaction is subject to the satisfaction or waiver of various customary conditions, including, among other things, the approval by the Company’s shareholders, the receipt of anti-monopoly clearance from the State Administration for Market Regulation of the People’s Republic of China (SAMR), the completion of the overseas business carve-out,  the completion of non-resident indirect transfer tax filings and the absence of any Material Adverse Effect.

About Dingdong (Cayman) Limited

Dingdong (Cayman) Limited is a leading fresh grocery e-commerce company in mainland China, with sustainable long-term growth. We directly provide users and households with fresh groceries, prepared food, and other food products through delivering a convenient and excellent shopping experience supported by an extensive self-operated frontline fulfillment grid. Leveraging our deep insights into consumers’ evolving needs and our strong food innovation capabilities, we have successfully launched a series of private label products spanning a variety of food categories. Many of our private label products are produced at our Dingdong production plants, allowing us to more efficiently produce and offer safe and high-quality food products. We aim to be the first choice for fresh and food shopping.

For more information, please visit: https://ir.100.me.

Safe Harbor Statement

This announcement contains forward-looking statements. These statements are made under the “safe harbor” provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements can be identified by terminology such as “will,” “expects,” “anticipates,” “aims,” “future,” “intends,” “plans,” “believes,” “estimates,” “confident,” “potential,” “continue,” or other similar expressions. Among other things, business outlook and quotations from management in this announcement, as well as Dingdong’s strategic and operational plans, contain forward-looking statements. Dingdong may also make written or oral forward-looking statements in its periodic reports to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, in its interim and annual reports to shareholders, in press releases and other written materials and in oral statements made by its officers, directors or employees to third parties. Statements that are not historical facts, including but not limited to statements about Dingdong’s beliefs and expectations, are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements involve inherent risks and uncertainties. A number of factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statement, including but not limited to the following: Dingdong’s goals and strategies; Dingdong’s future business development, financial conditions, and results of operations; the expected outlook of the on-demand e-commerce market in China; Dingdong’s expectations regarding demand for and market acceptance of its products and services; Dingdong’s expectations regarding its relationships with its users, clients, business partners, and other stakeholders; competition in Dingdong’s industry; Dingdong’s proposed use of proceeds; and relevant government policies and regulations relating to Dingdong’s industry, and general economic and business conditions globally and in China and assumptions underlying or related to any of the foregoing. Further information regarding these and other risks is included in the Company’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. All information provided in this announcement and in the attachments is as of the date of the announcement, and the Company undertakes no duty to update such information, except as required under applicable law.

ATFX Global Head of Marketing Weems Chan Receives Prestigious “Hong Kong’s Woman Leaders” Award

HONG KONG, Feb. 5, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — ATFX is proud to announce that its Global Head of Marketing, Ms. Weems Chan, has been honoured with the esteemed “Hong Kong’s Woman Leaders” Award by the World Women Leadership Congress (WWLC). The award recognises leaders who make a real impact by guiding diverse teams and managing complex projects across different markets.

A Collective Achievement and Leadership Philosophy

The recognition reflects Ms. Chan’s leadership journey and her contributions to ATFX and the wider business community. Reflecting on the honour, Ms. Chan described the award as a collective achievement rather than an individual milestone.

“It is such a privilege to be recognised alongside so many amazing women leaders. To me, this award isn’t just about my own work. It really feels like a celebration of everything our team at ATFX has achieved together. It is a great reminder of how much we can accomplish when we work collaboratively and embrace diverse perspectives.”

In her role, Ms. Chan places strong emphasis on leadership qualities that foster an environment where people feel valued, heard, and empowered to do their best work. She works closely with teams that invite collaboration, flexibility, and inclusivity, principles that help the organisation remain creative and agile in a fast-changing industry while delivering strong results for clients worldwide.

Ms. Chan also encourages women leaders who are just starting out to trust their vision, stay persistent, make accurate decisions, and build strong networks of people who support and challenge them. She believes leadership is not defined by a title, but by the ability to inspire others, face challenges head on, make a positive impact, and stay true to one’s values while supporting diversity.

ATFX’s Collaborative Culture and Leadership Support

She further highlighted ATFX’s collaborative culture and its role in supporting leadership across global teams. With teams spread around the world, ATFX places importance on respecting and learning from different backgrounds and experiences, while maintaining open communication so ideas and feedback can be shared freely. This supportive environment helps leaders grow, builds trust across teams, and enables the organisation to tackle challenges more effectively in a fast-changing industry. Ms. Chan also expressed her appreciation to the management team, noting that their continued commitment and vision have been instrumental in building the strong and supportive culture at ATFX.

About ATFX

ATFX is a leading global fintech broker with a local presence in 24 locations and holds 9 licenses from regulatory authorities, including the UK’s FCA, Australia’s ASIC, Cyprus’ CySEC, the UAE’s SCA, Hong Kong’s SFC, South Africa’s FSCA, Mauritius’ FSC, Seychelles’ FSA, and Cambodia’s SERC. With a strong commitment to customer satisfaction, innovative technology, and strict regulatory compliance, ATFX delivers exceptional trading experiences to clients worldwide.

For further information on ATFX, please visit ATFX website https://www.atfx.com.

Signing of strategic technology supply and offtake agreement with Carester, US$20 million equity investment from the Industrial Development Corporation, and commencement of DFS for the Zandkopsdrift magnet rare earths and battery grade manganese project in South Africa

LUXEMBOURG, Feb. 5, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Frontier Rare Earths Limited (“Frontier” or the “Company”), which is developing the Zandkopsdrift magnet rare earths and battery grade manganese project in South Africa, is pleased to announce the signing of a Technology Supply Agreement with Carester SAS (“Carester”), one of the leading western rare earths separation specialists, and an investment of US$20m from South Africa’s Industrial Development Corporation to finance a Definitive Feasibility Study (“DFS”), with first production targeted for 2030.

 

HIGHLIGHTS

  • Strategic technology supply and offtake agreements signed with leading rare earth  specialist Carester
    • Carester’s proprietary rare earth solvent extraction technology to be deployed at Zandkopsdrift
    • Will enable production of high-purity NdPr oxide and mixed heavy rare earth carbonate (“MHREC”) at Zandkopsdrift
    • Includes 7-year offtake for MHREC, which will be processed at Carester’s Lacq facility in France
  • Updated Prefeasibility Study (“PFS”) on Zandkopsdrift project completed in 2025
    • Expected to be lowest-cost producer of battery-grade manganese globally and lowest-cost producer of magnet rare earths outside China
    • Battery-grade manganese by-product revenue expected to cover ~90% of rare earth production costs, with neodymium-equivalent net production cost of $100/kg
    • Post-tax NPV10%: US$2.0bn; post-tax IRR (ungeared): 28%; post-tax IRR (50% geared): 34%; average annual revenue: US$727m; average operating margin: 72%
  • Long-life, magnet-focused production profile
    • Expected average annual production (first 25 years): ~3,038 tpa NdPr oxide, and 114 tpa of Dy oxide and 25 tpa of Tb oxide separated by Carester
    • Magnet rare earths (Nd, Pr, Dy, Tb) represent ~94% of contained rare earth value
    • Proven and Probable Reserves support >45-year mine life at planned production rates
  • US$20 million strategic equity investment from Industrial Development Corporation of South Africa
    • Investment to fund DFS and corporate development activities
    • Conditions precedent satisfied in September 2025, with DFS under way and completion scheduled for H1 2027
    • IDC holds an option for offtake up to 10% of production at prevailing market prices, subject to being used in further downstream processing in South Africa
  • Zandkopsdrift designated as EU Strategic Project; multiple potential EU funding pathways under evaluation
    • Designated a Strategic Project under the EU’s Critical Raw Materials Act (June 2025)
    • Aligned with objectives of EU–South Africa Clean Trade and Investment Partnership (signed November 2025) and the EU’s RESourceEU Action Plan financing (announced December 2025)
  • First production targeted for 2030
    • Zandkopsdrift project fully permitted with Mining Right and Environmental Authorisation in place
    • Infrastructure planning (roads, power, process water) already completed, supporting a smooth transition from DFS into mine development

For more details view full press release on the Frontier’s website here.

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VT Markets Powers Reliable Gold Trading Amid Extreme Market Volatility

SYDNEY, Feb. 5, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Amid heightened volatility in global precious metals markets, VT Markets has proven the strength of its trading infrastructure, maintaining stable execution and uninterrupted access during periods of intense market stress.

VT Markets Powers Reliable Gold Trading Amid Extreme Market Volatility
VT Markets Powers Reliable Gold Trading Amid Extreme Market Volatility

During the recent market volatility, VT Markets recorded USD1.5 trillion in gold trading volume in January, underscoring strong client engagement and sustained confidence in its trading environment. Notably, 20% of gold traders were new to the platform, highlighting VT Markets’ ability to attract new traders eager to seize opportunities amid heightened market fluctuations.

The platform experienced its highest gold trading volume on 29 January 2026, a day when global gold markets saw dramatic price swings-gold futures surging past $5,500 per ounce and then exhibiting sharp intraday volatility amid geopolitical and macroeconomic pressures.

Crucially, VT Markets’ deep and diversified liquidity pool enabled the platform to maintain consistent pricing and high order fill rates, even during peak volatility. Average spreads on gold and silver remained competitive, while execution stability was preserved during fast-market conditions that challenged liquidity across the industry.

Ross Maxwell, Global Strategy Operation at VT Markets shares: “Volatile conditions inevitably test market infrastructure. During periods of extreme market stress, the stability of a trading platform comes into play. Our system performed exactly as designed- keeping gold and silver trading open and accessible for clients. That ability to stay operational during extreme conditions is what sets us apart from other brokers.”

This performance underscores VT Markets’ commitment to providing traders with dependable market access when it matters most. In volatile conditions where execution speed, liquidity depth, and platform resilience are critical, VT Markets has demonstrated its capability to perform under pressure- turning market uncertainty into opportunity for its global trading community.

AXA and Deloitte Private Forge Strategic Initiative To Enhance Wealth Planning for HNW Clients

Deliver enhanced wealth-planning capabilities and client experience for HNW individuals

HONG KONG, Feb. 5, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — AXA Hong Kong and Macau (“AXA”) is pleased to announce its strategic initiative with Deloitte Private, to elevate its wealth management offerings for high-net-worth (HNW) clients and drive sustainable growth in this premium segment. This initiative brings together AXA’s extensive expertise in insurance solutions with Deloitte Private’s renowned capabilities in tax planning and wealth advisory, creating a powerful synergy designed to meet the evolving needs of HNW individuals.

Through this initiative, AXA clients will benefit from AXA’s enhanced access to Deloitte’s professional expertise, enabling highly personalised and comprehensive advice tailored to complex financial requirements. This initiative reinforces AXA’s commitment to delivering a seamless, client-centric experience by integrating holistic wealth management solutions into its service platform.

Jonathan Li, Chief Distribution Officer, AXA Greater China, said, “As a leading insurer, AXA offers a seamless, integrated one-stop solution of products and services tailored for HNW clients. In an increasingly professional wealth management landscape, HNW clients are becoming more aware of wealth planning and succession, and are turning to insurance as a strategic tool to hedge risks and support long-term legacy planning. This strategic initiative with Deloitte Private marks a significant milestone in enhancing our HNW offerings. By combining our insurance expertise with Deloitte’s specialised advisory capabilities, we can deliver personalised and comprehensive solutions that address our clients’ complex and evolving needs, helping them achieve long-term financial success. This reinforces our unwavering commitment to providing superior service and building enduring relationships, while shaping the next chapter of growth in the HNW segment.”

Allen Wong, Hong Kong Business Managing Partner, Deloitte China, said, “The HNW markets have needs that are distinct from the broader market. With Deloitte Private’s professional insights into wealth and tax management, insurance financial consultants are better equipped to deliver one stop solutions — from insurance to comprehensive advisory guidance in wealth management, cross-border tax advisory, legacy and succession planning. This approach transforms expertise into tangible business results, strengthens market confidence, and opens new possibilities for growth. Looking ahead, we look forward to working together with AXA to support the HNW segment in preserving wealth and planning for legacy, while reinforcing Hong Kong’s position as a leading wealth management hub.”

As demand for sophisticated, integrated financial strategies continues to grow among HNW clients, this initiative represents a strategic step forward in AXA’s efforts to deliver tailored, innovative wealth solutions. Backed by Deloitte’s global network and advisory services to AXA, complemented by legacy planning and other offerings, AXA remains dedicated to leveraging its expertise and strategic alliances to deliver sustainable value and reinforce its leadership position in the HNW market.

From left: Eric Wen, Chief Agency Officer of AXA Hong Kong and Macau; Jonathan Li, Chief Distribution Officer of AXA Greater China; Allen Wong, Hong Kong Business Managing Partner of Deloitte China; Robin Choi, Deloitte Private Tax Partner, officially launched the strategic initiative during the AXA Agency Annual Kick-Off Conference 2026.
From left: Eric Wen, Chief Agency Officer of AXA Hong Kong and Macau; Jonathan Li, Chief Distribution Officer of AXA Greater China; Allen Wong, Hong Kong Business Managing Partner of Deloitte China; Robin Choi, Deloitte Private Tax Partner, officially launched the strategic initiative during the AXA Agency Annual Kick-Off Conference 2026.

About AXA Hong Kong and Macau

AXA Hong Kong and Macau is a member of the AXA Group, a leading global insurer with presence in 50 markets and serving 95 million customers worldwide. Our purpose is to act for human progress by protecting what matters.

As one of the most diversified insurers in Hong Kong, we offer integrated solutions across Life, Health and General Insurance. We are the largest General Insurance provider and a major Health and Employee Benefits provider. Our aim is to not only be the insurer to provide comprehensive protection to our customers, but also a holistic partner to the individuals, businesses and community we serve. At the core of our service commitment is continuous product & service innovation and customer experience enrichment, which is achieved through actively listening to our customers’ needs and leveraging and investing in technology and digital transformation.

We embrace our responsibility to be a driving force against climate change and a force for good to create shared value for our community. We are proud to be the first to address the importance of mental health through different products and services and thought leading iconic research. Our overall Sustainability Strategy, with emphasis on climate strategy and biodiversity commitment, is developed based on TCFD recommendations. We are committed to integrating environmental, social and governance factors across our business and strive to contribute to a sustainable future through 3 distinct roles – as an investor, an insurer and an exemplary company.

About Deloitte China

Deloitte China provides integrated professional services, with our long-term commitment to be a leading contributor to China’s reform, opening-up and economic development. We are a globally connected firm with deep roots locally, owned by our partners in China. With over 20,000 professionals across 31 Chinese cities, we provide our clients with a one-stop shop offering world-leading audit, tax and consulting services.

We serve with integrity, uphold quality and strive to innovate. With our professional excellence, insight across industries, and intelligent technology solutions, we help clients and partners from many sectors seize opportunities, tackle challenges and attain world-class, high-quality development goals.

The Deloitte brand originated in 1845, and its name in Chinese (德勤) denotes integrity, diligence and excellence. Deloitte’s global professional network of member firms now spans more than 150 countries and territories. Through our mission to make an impact that matters, we help reinforce public trust in capital markets, enable clients to transform and thrive, empower talents to be future-ready, and lead the way toward a stronger economy, a more equitable society and a sustainable world.

Deloitte refers to one or more of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited (“DTTL”), its global network of member firms, and their related entities (collectively, the “Deloitte organization”). DTTL (also referred to as “Deloitte Global”) and each of its member firms and related entities are legally separate and independent entities, which cannot obligate or bind each other in respect of third parties. DTTL and each DTTL member firm and related entity is liable only for its own acts and omissions, and not those of each other. DTTL does not provide services to clients. Please see www.deloitte.com/about to learn more.

Deloitte Asia Pacific Limited is a company limited by guarantee and a member firm of DTTL. Members of Deloitte Asia Pacific Limited and their related entities, each of which are separate and independent legal entities, provide services from more than 100 cities across the region.

Deloitte Private is the brand under which member firms and their related entities in the Deloitte organization provide services to privately owned entities and high-net-worth individuals.

This communication contains general information only, and none of DTTL, its global network of member firms or their related entities is, by means of this communication, rendering professional advice or services. Before making any decision or taking any action that may affect your finances or your business, you should consult a qualified professional adviser.

No representations, warranties or undertakings (express or implied) are given as to the accuracy or completeness of the information in this communication, and none of DTTL, its member firms, related entities, employees or agents shall be liable or responsible for any loss or damage whatsoever arising directly or indirectly in connection with any person relying on this communication.

© 2026. For more information, please contact Deloitte China.

THIS PRESS RELEASE IS AVAILABLE ON AXA’S WEBSITE: AXA.COM.HK 

IMPORTANT LEGAL INFORMATION AND CAUTIONARY STATEMENTS CONCERNING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
Certain statements contained herein may be forward-looking statements including, but not limited to, statements that are predictions of or indicate future events, trends, plans or objectives. Undue reliance should not be placed on such statements because, by their nature, they are subject to known and unknown risks and uncertainties and can be affected by other factors that could cause AXA’s actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied in the forward-looking statements. Please refer to Part 4 – “Risk factors and risk management” of AXA’s Universal Registration Document for the year ended December 31, 2020, for a description of certain important factors, risks and uncertainties that may affect AXA’s business, and/or results of operations. AXA undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any of these forward-looking statements, whether to reflect new information, future events or circumstances or otherwise, except as part of applicable regulatory or legal obligations.

Carlsberg Asia Celebrates the Year of the Horse with Exclusive Limited-Edition Packaging Across the Region

Taps In Chinese Rap Powerhouse SKAI ISYOURGOD for a Vibrant “Blueprint Supreme” CNY Remix Redefining Festive Storytelling

Click here to download high-resolution images

HONG KONG, Feb. 5, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Carlsberg is set to celebrate the Year of the Horse with limited edition Lunar New Year packaging. To honour the year ahead, the Danish brewer unveils special bottles, cans, and packs for customers to enjoy at home or when on an adventure with friends and family.


The Year of the Horse is a powerful symbol of energy, freedom, bravery and good fortune, and these themes have been creatively woven into the design. The motif of the Horse can be seen riding high above the sky, below Carlsberg’s Hop Leaf seen transformed into the shape of lucky clouds. Set on a dark green background with red and gold accents, the latter are associated with happiness and wealth for the year ahead.

The design was inspired by the historic Gilding Lacquer Art Technique, traditionally used on luxury items as a symbol of affluence across Asian societies. But, by combining it with artificial intelligence to create the final design, it creates a juxtaposition of the past and present, blending traditional and modern-day techniques.

 

Carlsberg pioneers a bold fusion of tradition and contemporary culture, partnering with acclaimed Chinese rap artist SKAI ISYOURGOD

Carlsberg has also teamed up with SKAI ISYOURGOD, the renowned Chinese rapper, to compose a Lunar New Year-inspired remix of his viral hit ‘Blueprint Supreme.’ Reimagined with festive, Carlsberg‑name-forward lyrics and an upbeat Lunar New Year attitude, the track takes center stage in our latest TV commercial—blending pop culture with the spirit of celebration to mark the arrival of the New Year. 

Crystal Lee, Marketing Director, Carlsberg China says, “We spotted a unique opportunity with SKAI ISYOURGOD when we saw how strongly his music and personality resonate with younger consumers in China. His rise as one of the most-streamed Mandarin artists made him the perfect cultural bridge for Lunar New Year. By anchoring our campaign to his viral track and transforming it into a Carlsberg-name-forward remix, we created a youth-centric ecosystem that feels natural to how they consume culture today.”

“The remix carries a memorable Carlsberg lyric‑led sonic hook that travels across platforms, ensuring our brand shows up consistently in their daily moments. Music brings emotional lift and repetition builds recall. Together, they create powerful pathway for participation and conversion throughout the festive season.”

Jeff Chong, Director, International Premium Brands, Carlsberg Asia says, At Carlsberg, we are committed to celebrating the moments that matter most to our customers. Lunar New Year is a regional story lived locally, and we are proud to once again bring a unifying brand experience to markets across Asia.” 

“By partnering with SKAI ISYOURGOD – the most streamed Mandarin artist on Spotify in 2025 with over 4 million monthly listeners – we created a powerful creative platform that our markets can activate with speed and consistency. The partnership provides a unified sonic identity, modular edits and key visuals that each market can tailor to their own festive rituals while staying unmistakably Carlsberg. The result is a modern, cohesive Lunar New Year expression that travels seamlessly across Asia – flexible for local nuance, strong for regional scale, and designed to covert festive attention into meaningful brand impact across every channel.”

Carlsberg premiers the festive remix and TV commercial in collaboration with SKAI ISYOURGOD of his viral hit ‘Blueprint Supreme.’
Carlsberg premiers the festive remix and TV commercial in collaboration with SKAI ISYOURGOD of his viral hit ‘Blueprint Supreme.’

Guests enjoying the photo installation featuring an upside down room.
Guests enjoying the photo installation featuring an upside down room.

Carlsberg hosted a series of pop-up events to premier the festive remix and TV commercial in collaboration with SKAI ISYOURGOD.
Carlsberg hosted a series of pop-up events to premier the festive remix and TV commercial in collaboration with SKAI ISYOURGOD.

Guests cheering with Carlsberg to welcome the coming of The Year of the Horse.
Guests cheering with Carlsberg to welcome the coming of The Year of the Horse.

This is the sixth year Carlsberg has celebrated Lunar New Year. Since 2021, Carlsberg has consistently celebrated this occasion by releasing its Chinese zodiac limited edition packs, making every festive moment more meaningful. Carlsberg’s Lunar New Year campaign has commenced in key markets across Asia, including Mainland China, Hong Kong S.A.R., Malaysia, Singapore and Vietnam since late December 2025. The campaign will also include various touchpoints to engage consumers and enhance the festive spirit, including activations on social media.

– end –

About Carlsberg Group:

Established in 1847 by brewer J.C. Jacobsen, the Carlsberg Group is one of the leading brewery groups in the world, with an attractive portfolio of beer and other beverage brands. With over 37,000 employees, and with a presence in more than 125 markets, the Group has a purpose of brewing for a better today and tomorrow Doing business responsibly and sustainably supports that purpose – and drives the efforts to deliver value for shareholders and society.

Carlsberg Asia is a dynamic and diverse region comprising of 8 operating markets: Cambodia, Mainland China, Hong Kong S.A.R., Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Singapore and Vietnam. Altogether we have 34 breweries and some 12,000 employees spreading across the Asian markets. The Asia Regional Office is based in Hong Kong. 

For further information, visit carlsberggroup.com 

Microchip Technology Receives Frost & Sullivan’s 2025 Global Product Leadership Recognition for Automotive Touchscreen Controllers

Microchip is recognized for advancing automotive HMI innovation with flexible, safety-compliant touchscreen controller technology that enables next-generation in-vehicle displays.

SAN ANTONIO, Feb. 5, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Frost & Sullivan is pleased to announce that Microchip Technology has been recognized with the 2025 Global Product Leadership Recognition in the automotive touchscreen controllers industry for its outstanding achievements in innovation, engineering excellence, and customer-centric execution. This highlights Microchip’s consistent leadership in driving measurable outcomes, strengthening its market position, and delivering differentiated, safety-compliant solutions for the rapidly evolving automotive human-machine interface (HMI) landscape.

Frost & Sullivan evaluates companies through a rigorous benchmarking process across two core dimensions: strategy effectiveness and strategy execution. Microchip excelled in both, demonstrating its ability to align long-term product strategy with market demand while executing with precision and scale. “Microchip’s maXTouch® M1 family directly addresses the complexity of modern automotive HMI by combining form-factor freedom, functional safety, and uncompromising performance in a single, integration-ready platform. With its strong overall performance, Microchip sets a benchmark for automotive touchscreen controllers in a fast-moving, software-defined vehicle ecosystem,” said Jack Palmer, principal consultant for Frost & Sullivan’s mobility advisory practice.

Guided by a long-term growth strategy focused on deep OEM collaboration and continuous product innovation, Microchip has shown its ability to adapt and lead in a rapidly changing environment. As automotive displays evolve toward pillar-to-pillar layouts, curved OLED panels, and freeform shapes, OEMs face mounting pressure to reduce complexity and accelerate time-to-market. Microchip’s maXTouch M1 family delivers a timely response, offering reconfigurable sensor channels that adapt to circular clusters, ultrawide infotainment panels, and shaped displays, while maintaining robust performance in harsh automotive conditions.

Innovation is central to Microchip’s approach. The ATMXT3072M1 and ATMXT2496M1 controllers introduce capabilities previously unavailable in the market, including high signal-to-noise performance for thick-glove operation, seamless knob-on-display functionality, and ISO 26262 functional safety compliance. These advancements empower OEMs to deliver safer, more intuitive, and highly differentiated in-vehicle experiences across infotainment, cluster, and center-stack applications.

“Receiving this recognition from Frost & Sullivan underscores the impact of our long‑term investment in automotive HMI innovation,” said Giovanni Fontana, director of Microchip’s human machine interface division. “The maXTouch M1 family was engineered in close collaboration with our OEM and Tier 1 partners to solve real integration challenges and deliver solutions that anticipate the evolving needs of the industry. We’re proud to help our customers create safer, more intuitive, and exceptional performance as the market moves rapidly toward software‑defined vehicles.”

Microchip’s unwavering commitment to customer experience further strengthens its position in the automotive semiconductor market. The company works closely with OEMs and display manufacturers through joint design reviews, tuning sessions, and regional support hubs, ensuring that product roadmaps align with real-world integration challenges. Its Total System Solutions approach—combining touchscreen controllers with complementary microcontrollers, power management ICs, and development tools—simplifies HMI integration, reduces system cost, and accelerates deployment across global programs.

Engineered for uncompromising reliability, the M1 family is AEC-Q100 qualified and CISPR 25 Class 5 compliant, with embedded diagnostics, error-correcting memory, and independent safety timing paths. Performance enhancements such as sub-25 millisecond touch latency, multi-touch reporting up to 120 Hz, palm recovery, and moisture resilience ensure precise interaction even in high-noise or high-humidity environments. Hybrid touch-plus-rotary input enables tactile control directly on the display, aligning with regulatory trends that prioritize reduced driver distraction for critical functions.

Frost & Sullivan commends Microchip for setting a high standard in competitive strategy, execution, and market responsiveness. The company’s vision, innovation pipeline, and customer-first culture are shaping the future of automotive HMI and redefining expectations for capacitive touch technology in software-defined vehicles.

Each year, Frost & Sullivan presents the Product Leadership Recognition to a company that demonstrates outstanding strategy development and implementation, resulting in measurable improvements in market impact, customer value, and competitive positioning. The recognition highlights forward-thinking organizations that are reshaping their industries through growth excellence.

Frost & Sullivan Best Practices Recognition
Frost & Sullivan’s Best Practices Recognitions honor companies across regional and global markets that exhibit exceptional achievement and consistent excellence in areas such as leadership, technological innovation, customer experience, and strategic product development. Each recognition is the result of a rigorous analytical process in which Frost & Sullivan industry experts benchmark performance through comprehensive interviews, deep-dive analysis, and extensive secondary research. The goal is to identify true best-in-class organizations that are driving transformative growth and setting new industry standards.
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About Microchip Technology
Microchip Technology Inc. is a broadline supplier of semiconductors committed to making innovative design easier through total system solutions that address critical challenges at the intersection of emerging technologies and durable end markets. Its easy-to-use development tools and comprehensive product portfolio support customers throughout the design process, from concept to completion. Headquartered in Chandler, Arizona, Microchip offers outstanding technical support and delivers solutions across the industrial, automotive, consumer, aerospace and defense, communications and computing markets. For more information, visit the Microchip website at www.microchip.com.

Contact:

Tarini Singh
E: Tarini.Singh@frost.com

Amber Liptai    
E: Amber.Liptai@microchip.com

Vietnam-Backed Aluminum Project in Sekong Advances Toward 2028 Launch

An aluminum smelting project in Sekong Province, southern Laos, is expected to produce 1 million tonnes annually, with operations to begin in 2028.

A major aluminum smelting project in Sekong Province is expected to produce up to 1 million tonnes of aluminum annually once fully operational, with production scheduled to begin in 2028, according to the Ministry of Industry and Commerce.

The project, operated by Vietnamese firm Vietnam-Phuong Group (VPG), is located in Dak Cheung district and focuses on mining bauxite. Construction of the USD 1 billion Bauxite-Alumina Mining Industrial Complex began in late 2022, covering nearly 9,000 hectares, making it the largest mining investment by Vietnam in Laos.

The Lao government granted approval for the project in September 2025. Following the completion of all necessary mining research and site clearance, the project is poised to become a major contributor to Laos’ industrial growth, energy supply, and potential exports.

Minister of Industry and Commerce Malaithong Kommasith visited the site on 3 February to monitor progress, address operational challenges, and evaluate community impact mitigation measures. He emphasized that responsible project management is crucial for ensuring sustainable benefits for both the company and local residents.

The Minister praised the company’s commitment to minimizing community impacts and encouraged greater involvement of local residents in supplying materials and services to the project, thereby creating employment opportunities for the locals.

Bauxite Mining in Laos

Bauxite is a reddish clay material found in tropical regions. It is primarily composed of aluminum oxide compounds, silica, and iron oxides. 

About 70 percent of global bauxite is refined through the Bayer process into alumina, which is then processed into pure aluminum metal.

Bauxite mining in Laos has a controversial history, particularly in neighboring Champasak Province. 

A 2020 briefing by Mekong Watch highlighted concerns over the Sino-Lao Aluminum Company (SLACO) project on the Bolaven Plateau, backed by Thai and Chinese interests. 

Local communities resisted the 135 kilometres squared project, citing threats to livelihoods, health, and environment, including potential water and air contamination. 

Against this backdrop, officials have emphasized that the Sekong project must meet environmental standards, manage waste and water carefully, and maintain transparent engagement with affected communities as operations scale up.