KITCHENER, ON, July 30, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Canadian Solar Inc. (“the Company”, “Canadian Solar”) (NASDAQ: CSIQ) today announced that it will hold a conference call on Thursday, August 27, 2026, at 8:00 a.m. U.S. Eastern Time to discuss the Company’s second quarter 2026 results and business outlook.
The dial-in phone number for the live audio call is +1-877-704-4453 (toll-free from the U.S.) or +1-201-389-0920 from international locations. The conference ID is 13762069. A live webcast of the conference call will also be available via the webcast link on the investor relations section of Canadian Solar’s website.
A replay of the call will be available after the conclusion of the call until 11:00 p.m. U.S. Eastern Time on Thursday, September 10, 2026, and can be accessed by dialing +1-844-512-2921 (toll-free from the U.S.) or +1-412-317-6671 from international locations. The replay pin number is 13762069. A webcast replay will also be available via the webcast link on the investor relations section of Canadian Solar’s website.
AboutCanadian Solar Inc. Canadian Solar is one of the world’s largest solar technology and renewable energy companies. Founded in 2001 and headquartered in Kitchener, Ontario, the Company is a leading manufacturer of solar photovoltaic modules; provider of solar energy and battery energy storage solutions; and developer, owner, and operator of utility-scale solar power and battery energy storage projects. Over the past 25 years, Canadian Solar has successfully delivered nearly 177 GW of premium-quality, solar photovoltaic modules to customers across the world. Through its subsidiary e-STORAGE, Canadian Solar had shipped over 20 GWh of battery energy storage solutions to global markets as of March 31, 2026, and had a $3.5 billion contracted backlog as of May 8, 2026. Since entering the project development business in 2010, Canadian Solar has developed, built, and connected approximately 12.2 GWp of solar power projects and 6.4 GWh of battery energy storage projects globally. Its geographically diversified project development pipeline includes 24 GWp of solar and 81 GWh of battery energy storage capacity in various stages of development. Canadian Solar is one of the most bankable companies in the solar and renewable energy industry, having been publicly listed on the NASDAQ since 2006. For additional information about the Company, follow Canadian Solar on LinkedIn or visit www.canadiansolar.com.
SHANGHAI, July 30, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Daqo New Energy Corp. (NYSE: DQ) (“Daqo New Energy,” the “Company” or “we”), a leading manufacturer of high-purity polysilicon for the global solar PV industry, today published its 2025 Environmental, Social and Governance (“ESG”) report.
The 2025 ESG report highlights the Company’s key achievements with respect to corporate governance, innovation and R&D, employee rights protection, environmental sustainability and emission reductions, as well as social responsibility. “As we navigate this complex industrial environment, Daqo New Energy, as a leading manufacturer of high-purity polysilicon in China, remains firmly committed to its founding vision of sustainable development. We continue to balance quality with efficiency, harnessing innovation as a driving force for growth. We view sound operations as the foundation of our business, address industry challenges with ‘Daqo Commitment,’ and empower the energy transition with ‘Daqo Solutions,’ thereby contributing meaningful green momentum to global sustainable development,” said Mr. Xiang Xu, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Company. “Looking ahead, Daqo New Energy will remain steadfast in its mission, integrating ESG principles more deeply into its overarching development strategy. We will anchor our governance with higher standards, protect the ecosystem through concrete action, fuel innovation with greater momentum, and empower employees with greater care. By championing the high-quality, sustainable development of the photovoltaic industry and joining hands with global partners to build a green and low-carbon future, we strive to contribute even greater strength to the global energy transition and the sustainable development of humanity.”
In the 2025 ESG report, Daqo New Energy disclosed its ESG Development Strategy, which defines its short-, medium-, and long-term sustainable development objectives:
Short-term objective (2023-2025): Increase the proportion of clean energy used and reduce waste emission intensity per unit of output value; optimize comprehensive energy consumption per unit of product, improve product quality, and achieve a sustainable balance between quality and energy efficiency; improve the recycling rate of raw and auxiliary materials and build a resource-efficient, eco-friendly circular economy system; and leverage industrial advantages to drive innovation and upgrading, so that product, commercial, social and environmental value are mutually reinforcing.
Medium-term objective: Achieve carbon peaking, with clean energy accounting for over 80% of total energy consumption by 2030. Notably, Inner Mongolia Daqo New Energy already exceeded this target in 2025 by achieving an 85% clean electricity ratio in its annual electricity consumption.
Long-term objective: Achieve carbon neutrality by 2060.
To read the report in full, please visit the Company’s investor relations website at: https://www.dqsolar.com/ESG
About Daqo New Energy Corp.
Daqo New Energy Corp. (NYSE: DQ) (“Daqo” or the “Company”) is a leading manufacturer of high-purity polysilicon for the global solar PV industry. Founded in 2007, the Company manufactures and sells high-purity polysilicon to photovoltaic product manufacturers, who further process the polysilicon into ingots, wafers, cells, and modules for solar power solutions. The Company has a total polysilicon nameplate capacity of 305,000 metric tons and is one of the world’s lowest cost producers of high-purity polysilicon.
KITCHENER, ON, July 30, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Canadian Solar Inc. (the “Company” or “Canadian Solar”) (NASDAQ: CSIQ) today announced that its U.S.-manufactured TOPCon and HJT Low Carbon hail-resilient modules have received FM Approvals recognition under the rigorous FM 4478 and FM 4480 identified component standards, making them the first FM Approvals PV modules listed as identified components for severe hail zones.
The recognition validates the exceptional durability and resilience of Canadian Solar’s U.S.-manufactured TOPCon and HJT Low Carbon HP modules, including proven resistance to severe hail impacts. To achieve FM listing, the modules successfully passed a comprehensive series of tests designed to evaluate their ability to withstand the demanding environmental and mechanical stresses encountered by utility-scale solar projects, including:
Hail Damage Resistance Testing per ANSI/FM Approvals Standard for Ground-Mounted or Elevated Photovoltaic Module System, Class 4480.
Design Qualification and Type Approval Testing in accordance with the IEC/EN 61215 series standards.
Safety Qualification Testing in accordance with IEC/EN 61730-2 and ANSI/UL 61730 requirements.
As the first FM Approvals identified component PV modules listed in the industry, Canadian Solar’s U.S.-manufactured TOPCon and HJT HP products set a new standard for solar projects in hail-prone markets. The FM Approvals recognition provides developers, asset owners, and investors with an additional layer of confidence by validating the modules’ resilience under severe hail conditions.
By helping reduce hail-related project risks, strengthening insurability, and supporting long-term asset performance, these modules can enhance project bankability and contribute to more predictable lifetime returns. Designed for today’s increasingly challenging climate conditions, they enable solar project stakeholders to better protect revenue streams while supporting reliable plant operation over the life of the asset.
Dr.Shawn Qu, Executive Chairman and Chief Technology Officer ofCanadian Solar, said, “As extreme weather events become more frequent, resilience is increasingly critical to solar project success. The FM Approvals listing of our U.S.-manufactured TOPCon and HJT HP modules demonstrates our commitment to delivering high-performance products that help customers mitigate risk, improve project bankability, and ensure reliable long-term operation of their solar assets.”
About FM Approvals
FM Approvals is a premier, global, third-party testing and certification agency, founded as a business unit of FM Global. Backed by technical integrity, engineering expertise, and science-based testing standards, FM Approvals evaluates loss prevention products used to protect commercial and industrial facilities. During testing and certification, products are analyzed to understand performance under real-life perils including fire, flood, wind, seismic activity, and other emerging threats. Products that are certified to the requirements of our loss prevention standards are listed in the Approval Guide or RoofNav.
AboutCanadian Solar Inc.
Canadian Solar is one of the world’s largest solar technology and renewable energy companies. Founded in 2001 and headquartered in Kitchener, Ontario, the Company is a leading manufacturer of solar photovoltaic modules; provider of solar energy and battery energy storage solutions; and developer, owner, and operator of utility-scale solar power and battery energy storage projects. Over the past 25 years, Canadian Solar has successfully delivered nearly 177 GW of premium-quality, solar photovoltaic modules to customers across the world. Through its subsidiary e-STORAGE, Canadian Solar had shipped over 20 GWh of battery energy storage solutions to global markets as of March 31, 2026, and had a $3.5 billion contracted backlog as of May 8, 2026. Since entering the project development business in 2010, Canadian Solar has developed, built, and connected approximately 12.2 GWp of solar power projects and 6.4 GWh of battery energy storage projects globally. Its geographically diversified project development pipeline includes 24 GWp of solar and 81 GWh of battery energy storage capacity in various stages of development. Canadian Solar is one of the most bankable companies in the solar and renewable energy industry, having been publicly listed on the NASDAQ since 2006. For additional information about the Company, follow Canadian Solar on LinkedIn or visit www.canadiansolar.com.
Safe Harbor/Forward-Looking Statements
Certain statements in this press release, including those regarding the Company’s expected future shipment volumes, revenues, gross margins, and project sales are forward-looking statements that involve a number of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially. These statements are made under the “Safe Harbor” provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. In some cases, you can identify forward-looking statements by such terms as “may”, “will”, “expect”, “anticipate”, “future”, “ongoing”, “continue”, “intend”, “plan”, “potential”, “prospect”, “guidance”, “believe”, “estimate”, “is/are likely to” or similar expressions, the negative of these terms, or other comparable terminology. These forward-looking statements include, among other things, our expectations regarding global electricity demand and the adoption of solar and battery energy storage technologies; our growth strategies, future business performance, and financial condition; our transition to a long-term owner and operator of clean energy assets and expansion of project pipelines; our ability to monetize project portfolios, manage supply chain fluctuations, and respond to economic factors such as inflation and interest rates; our outlook on government incentives, trade measures, regulatory developments, and geopolitical risks; our expectations for project timelines, costs, and returns; competitive dynamics in solar and storage markets; our ability to execute supply chain, manufacturing, and operational initiatives; access to capital, debt obligations, and covenant compliance; relationships with key suppliers and customers; technological advancement and product quality; and risks related to intellectual property, litigation, and compliance with environmental and sustainability regulations. Other risks were described in the Company’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including its annual report on Form 20-F filed on April 10, 2026. Although the Company believes that the expectations reflected in the forward-looking statements are reasonable, it cannot guarantee future results, level of activity, performance, or achievements. Investors should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. All information provided in this press release is as of today’s date, unless otherwise stated, and Canadian Solar undertakes no duty to update such information, except as required under applicable law.
Canadian Solar Inc. Investor Relations Contact Wina Huang Investor Relations Canadian Solar Inc. investor@canadiansolar.com
Scientists used a new error correction method to encode 70 logical qubits and crack a classically intractable problem.
The quantum computation finished in approximately 15 minutes — a task that would demand infeasible amounts of time with leading classical computing methods.
YORKTOWN HEIGHTS, N.Y. and CHICAGO, July 30, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — IBM (NYSE: IBM) and researchers from the University of Chicago today announced a demonstration in quantum computing that achieves the fundamental criteria for quantum advantage: performing computations beyond the reach of leading classical simulation methods while providing trust that the computation returned accurate results.
IBM Quantum System Two
In their new paper, “Sampling hard circuits with verifiably high fidelity,” the researchers showed that these two goals could be simultaneously achieved by a novel construction of encoded quantum circuits, enabling one of the largest demonstrations of logical quantum computing to date. These circuits and their results are also now openly released on the Quantum Advantage Tracker.
Building Trust into Quantum Results
For years, researchers have used a benchmark known as random circuit sampling (RCS) to test whether quantum computers could outperform classical systems. In simple terms, RCS asks a quantum computer to generate patterns so complex that a classical computer cannot efficiently reproduce them. The challenge has been verification: as the problem becomes harder, it becomes increasingly difficult and then infeasible to prove the quantum computer’s answer is correct, without making strong assumptions about the inner workings of the quantum computer.
In their experiment, researchers from IBM and the University of Chicago have addressed this obstacle with a structured alternative to RCS. The team was able to prove that this alternative retains the same hardness criteria as RCS, but crucially the new structure can be used to detect errors during the computation.
“Verification remains one of the biggest challenges in firmly establishing experimental quantum advantage,” said Bill Fefferman, Associate Professor at the University of Chicago. “This experiment develops techniques to better characterize the fidelity of hard quantum states under noise, increasing confidence that the quantum computer is solving a computationally hard problem.”
Soumik Ghosh, PhD student in Fefferman’s group at the University of Chicago, added, “Beyond strengthening experimental validation, advances in verification have the potential to unlock practical applications for the next generation of quantum computers.”
In one of the world’s largest-known error correction demonstrations, the team executed 70 logical qubits — shielding them from errors to run 2,415 logical two-qubit operations and 468 logical “T gates,” both metrics that quantify the complexity of a quantum circuit. Because the circuit was encoded, the logical computation was able to achieve effective logical error rates that were 10 times lower than the physical error rates, enabling the remarkably high circuit fidelity even at the large gate counts.
“We are now firmly in the quantum advantage era,” said Jay Gambetta, Director of IBM Research and IBM Fellow. “We have demonstrated a quantum computation beyond the practical reach of classical computers that establishes, with statistical confidence, a lower bound on how faithfully it was executed. This milestone gives scientists, developers, and businesses a new foundation for trusting quantum computers as they scale to problems far beyond what we can achieve classically.”
The team showed many leading classical simulation approaches faced prohibitive runtimes — while the IBM quantum computer took approximately 15 minutes to accomplish the task.
Error correction, and trust in the computation’s output, are essential milestones towards scaling quantum computing — and this work marks a significant step on the path forward.
More Demonstrations of Quantum Advantage Emerge
Today, alongside this milestone from IBM and the University of Chicago, partners from across IBM’s ecosystem are announcing more demonstrations of quantum advantage with trusted computations. To learn more, visit https://www.ibm.com/quantum/blog/quantum-advantage.
About the University of Chicago
The University of Chicago is a leading academic and research institution that has driven new ways of thinking since its founding in 1890. As an intellectual destination, the University draws scholars and students from around the world to its campuses and centers around the globe. The University provides a distinctive educational experience and research environment, empowering individuals to challenge conventional thinking and pursue field-defining research that produces new understanding and breakthroughs with global impact.
About IBM
IBM is a leading provider of global hybrid cloud and AI, and consulting expertise. We help clients in more than 175 countries capitalize on insights from their data, streamline business processes, reduce costs and gain the competitive edge in their industries. Thousands of governments and corporate entities in critical infrastructure areas such as financial services, telecommunications and healthcare rely on IBM’s hybrid cloud platform and Red Hat OpenShift to affect their digital transformations quickly, efficiently and securely. IBM’s breakthrough innovations in AI, quantum computing, industry-specific cloud solutions and consulting deliver open and flexible options to our clients. All of this is backed by IBM’s long-standing commitment to trust, transparency, responsibility, inclusivity and service. Visit www.ibm.com for more information.
A picture of 135 suspected scammers arrested in the Boten Special Economic Zone on 30 June 2026. (Photo by Lao Security News)
Lao authorities detained 1,044 suspects linked to suspected online scam operations, illegal gambling, and telecom fraud during nationwide crackdowns in July, as the government intensifies efforts to tackle transnational criminal networks.
The largest operation took place on 18 July in Hadxayfong District, Vientiane Capital, where police raided ST Vegas Company and detained 589 suspects from four nationalities, including 373 Thai nationals and 199 Lao citizens. Authorities seized more than 10,000 electronic devices during the operation.
In Luang Namtha Province, authorities announced in July the results of a 30 June operation in the Boten Special Economic Zone, where police detained 135 suspects. Officials said the group allegedly used fake social media accounts, investment scams, delivery fraud, and online gambling platforms to target victims in Laos and abroad.
On 11 July, police raided seven rental houses in Sisattanak District, Vientiane Capital, and detained 122 foreign nationals from several countries, including China, Brazil, Malaysia, Vietnam, Pakistan, Uruguay, and Myanmar.
Three days earlier, authorities in Champasak Province detained 80 foreign nationals during a raid on a wood processing factory in Bachiengchaleunsouk District. The suspects included citizens from Uganda, Kenya, Malaysia, and Cameroon. The case remains under investigation.
Separately, 67 Thai nationals detained on 21 July in Vientiane Capital over alleged online gambling activities were transferred to Thai authorities on 24 July through the First Lao-Thai Friendship Bridge.
On 22 July, police in Xieng Khouang detained 51 suspects at a hotel in Pek District, including Taiwanese, Indonesian, Chinese, and Japanese nationals. Authorities said an alleged ringleader, a Chinese national identified as “Xun,” escaped and remains wanted.
Authorities Issue New Warnings
The latest raids come as Lao authorities and Chinese business groups in Laos issue new warnings against supporting online scam networks.
On 15 July, the Ministry of Public Security issued a nationwide notice urging individuals and businesses not to assist online fraud groups or illegal gambling operations. The ministry said authorities are strengthening action against cybercrime, money laundering, human trafficking, illegal labour, and online gambling.
Government agencies have been instructed to establish task forces, while businesses, hotels, landlords, and casino operators must report suspicious activities and avoid providing support to criminal groups.
Authorities warned that those found assisting such operations could face fines, asset confiscation, or criminal charges. Officials involved in wrongdoing may also face disciplinary action.
The Chinese Commerce Chamber in Laos issued a separate notice on 28 July, warning that scam operations are harming victims and damaging the reputation of Chinese businesses operating in the country.
The chamber urged companies to inspect their properties, carefully screen tenants, and avoid providing space, equipment, or services to suspected criminal groups. Businesses that fail to report suspicious activities could face membership restrictions and legal consequences.
Largest category marketing investment in 15 years supports Desert diamonds’ debut in Asia, opening a brilliant new chapter for natural diamonds
SHANGHAI, CHINA – Media OutReach Newswire – 30 July 2026 – De Beers Group hosted the Desert diamonds Asia launch event in Shanghai on 29th July, marking the official arrival of the Desert diamonds beacon in China, embodying the spirit of “authenticity, individuality and inner radiance”. This is the first new beacon launched by the Group in over a decade. Backed by its largest category marketing investment in 15 years, the campaign champions a renewed perspective for natural diamonds and aims to unite the industry, further underscoring the strategic role of China in shaping future demand for natural diamonds and supporting the industry’s long-term growth.
De Beers Group Desert diamonds Asia launch event in Shanghai.; Lynn Serfaty, General Manager of Natural Diamonds at De Beers Group, delivers an inspiring address in an interactive session with wellness coach Lear Tsui.
First unveiled in 2025 at the JCK Las Vegas Show, the Desert diamonds beacon marks a new chapter in the celebration of natural diamonds. Drawing inspiration from the desert landscapes that echo the ancient desert routes of Dunhuang and the lingering charm of the Silk Road, Desert diamonds pays tribute to the untamed authenticity of natural diamonds, celebrating a spectrum of colours from warm whites to champagne tones and amber hues. Desert diamonds jewellery has been seen on international stages – worn by celebrities such as Taylor Swift, Rihanna, Bad Bunny, Doja Cat, and Aryna Sabalenka. By bringing the beacon to China, De Beers Group aims to meet the growing consumer demand for self-reward, emotional gifting, and milestone celebrations — reaffirming the enduring desirability of natural diamonds for a new generation of consumers.
Departing from traditional jewellery marketing, De Beers Group has creatively invited “Real People” to interpret the unique allure of Desert diamonds. These “Real People” are not celebrities or professional models, but pioneering individuals from diverse fields who dare to pursue authenticity and illuminate their individuality through their own stories. They vividly embody the authenticity, individuality and inner radiance that Desert diamonds represent, through their personal journeys. This groundbreaking approach forges a deeper resonance between natural diamonds and genuine emotions, echoing today’s consumer desire for sincere and diverse narratives.
Lynn Serfaty, General Manager, Natural Diamonds, De Beers Group, said, “From red carpets to everyday life, consumers want a natural diamond that tells their personal story – a unique symbol for life’s most precious moments. Following its global success, we are confident in bringing Desert diamonds, a natural inspiration from the desert to China.”
She added: “Our research shows that Desert diamonds resonate strongly with Chinese consumers: 95% desire to own them, 94% find them distinctive, and 96% consider them innovative. Consumers increasingly see jewellery as a key expression of emotional connection and self-affirmation. The authenticity, individuality and inner radiance they seek are the soul of Desert diamonds. I’m delighted to see the industry is uniting to reignite passion for natural diamonds and shape a brilliant future.”
Desert diamond “Real People” features stand-up comedian Liu Yang, Peking Opera performer Guo Yu’ang, racing driver Shi Wei, and wellness coach Lear Tsui.
Departing from conventional advertising fronted by celebrities, De Beers Group has for the first time selected four “Real People” through authentic storytelling, breaking away from the traditional celebrity endorsement model. Each of them interprets the campaign’s theme — “Authenticity” — through their unique life stories: embracing every mark of life with truth, the singular stance of being born one of a kind, and the brilliant light that shines from deep within.
In China, consumers are increasingly drawn to jewellery that is authentic, rare, and everlasting — a clear shift toward self-expression through pieces that reflect authenticity, individuality, and inner radiance. De Beers Group observes that today’s consumers seek not only the timelessness of natural diamonds but also designs that are distinctive, personal, and value-driven — Desert diamonds perfectly embodies this exceptional realm of effortless refinement.
Chow Tai Fook, Chow Sang Sang and TSL | Tse Sui Luen present exquisite jewellery designs inspired by the colours and spirit of the desert landscape.
Leading retailers Chow Tai Fook, Chow Sang Sang and TSL | Tse Sui Luen, which are the strategic partners of the Desert diamonds campaign, have been developing collections that showcase the desert-inspired palette, underscoring the industry’s strong confidence in the campaign. The retailers will debut their Desert diamonds jewellery collections at the launch and lend their firm support to the campaign in future marketing initiatives.
Created to resonate with a new generation, this campaign targets young consumers through a holistic media and digital strategy. Today’s young consumers are proudly embracing tradition, finding meaning in their cultural roots. The creative storytelling parallels each diamond’s natural journey with the wearer’s own path, allowing the authenticity, individuality and inner radiance of Desert diamonds to strike a chord, and reinforcing that every Desert diamond and every individual is one of a kind. This narrative also echoes a timeless legacy of diamonds as the indestructible stone, a symbol of resilience and everlasting brilliance, and qualities this generation deeply admires. The campaign will steadily ramp up marketing investment, harnessing robust media and social influence to establish Desert Diamonds as the preferred choice of discerning consumers.
Beyond engaging consumers and retailers, the Desert diamonds campaign supports national efforts to drive quality consumption and product innovation. It aligns with the Shopping in China initiative, which promotes high-quality goods with strong provenance, traceability and sustainability. De Beers Group is leveraging the launch to drive natural diamond category education in China and champion premium natural diamond jewellery. With a focus on brand building, quality assurance, product innovation and sustainable development, Desert diamonds provides Chinese consumers with a trustworthy, high-quality choice, supporting the high-quality development of China’s consumer market and the initiative’s goal of stimulating domestic consumption.
Building on its global momentum, Desert diamonds has become a powerful cultural phenomenon. In the U.S., it has captured attention on red carpets and through high-profile celebrity engagements, with warm-toned diamonds growing increasingly visible across fashion, music, and entertainment. Retailers who took part in the initial U.S. campaign reported higher foot traffic and a surge in enquiries tied to life milestones – clear signs of growing consumer desire for these naturally warm diamonds at life’s defining moments. By drawing a parallel to the wearer’s own journey, the campaign positions Desert diamonds not just as gems, but as emotional keepsakes rooted in the earth and elegant symbols of true individuality and enduring meaning.
Please follow the official accounts to find more information regarding Desert diamonds.
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About De Beers Group
Established in 1888, De Beers Group is the world’s leading diamond company with expertise in the exploration, mining, marketing and retailing of diamonds. Together with its joint venture partners, De Beers Group employs more than 20,000 people across the diamond pipeline and is the world’s largest diamond producer by value, with diamond mining operations in Botswana, Canada, Namibia and South Africa. Innovation sits at the heart of De Beers Group’s strategy as it develops a portfolio of offers that span the diamond value chain, including its jewellery houses, De Beers London and Forevermark, and other pioneering solutions such as diamond sourcing and traceability initiatives Tracr and GemFair. De Beers Group also provides leading services and technology to the diamond industry in the form of education and laboratory services and a wide range of diamond sorting, detection and classification technology services. De Beers Group is committed to ‘Building Forever,’ a holistic and integrated approach to sustainability that underpins our efforts to create meaningful impact for the people and places where our diamonds are discovered. Building Forever focuses on three key areas where, through collaborations and partnerships around the globe, we have an enhanced ability to drive positive impact; Livelihoods, Climate and Nature. De Beers Group is a member of the Anglo American plc group. For further information, visit www.debeersgroup.com.
U.S. Embassy Laos and MoES sign agreement expanding Fulbright English programs to strengthen language education for students and teachers nationwide.
On 29 July, the U.S. Embassy in Laos and the Ministry of Education and Sports (MoES) signed a two-year Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to establish a framework for implementing the Fulbright English Teaching Assistant (ETA) and English Language Fellow (ELF) programs during the 2026-2028 academic years.
U.S. Chargé d’Affaires Michelle Y. Outlaw and MoES Director General for International Cooperation Sengsaden Bounlavong signed the agreement, which aims to expand access to quality English instruction and strengthen the capacity of Lao teachers and students at schools, universities, teacher training colleges, and technical and vocational institutions nationwide. MoES Deputy Minister Kingmano Phommahaxay attended as an official witness.
Following the signing, Chargé d’Affaires Outlaw highlighted the importance of English as a practical skill that creates opportunities in higher education, tourism, science, and technology.
“English is also the lifeblood of international business. It empowers people to connect with the largest, strongest, and most dynamic economy in the world, the United States,” she said. “By renewing our joint commitment to English language instruction in Laos, we are helping equip students and educators with the communication skills needed to succeed in today’s workforce, engage with U.S. businesses, and contribute further to economic growth.”
Outlaw added that access to high-quality training and hands-on learning opportunities helps teachers and students achieve academic success and prepare for future careers, noting that investment in educators and learners creates lasting benefits beyond the classroom.
The agreement comes as the United States marks the 250th anniversary of its independence and the 10th anniversary of the U.S.-Laos Comprehensive Partnership.
The U.S. Embassy in Vientiane has long partnered with MoES to strengthen English language teaching across Laos. Through the Fulbright ETA and English Language Fellow programs, American educators work alongside Lao teachers to improve classroom instruction and introduce effective teaching practices.
Under the new MOU, the United States will support up to 12 ETAs and five ELFs at educational institutions in Vientiane Capital, as well as Savannakhet, Champasak, and Luang Prabang provinces, during the 2026-2028 academic years.
Editor’s Note: This article was contributed by the U.S. Embassy in Laos. Views and information presented are those of the contributing organization.
Where the spirit of Muay Thai meets eight decades of retail heritage: a special-edition bag available from 1 July 2026 at participating Central Department Stores and Rajadamnern Stadium.
BANGKOK, THAILAND – Media OutReach Newswire – 30 July 2026 – Two Thai legends have joined forces on a collaboration that lets travellers carry a piece of Thai culture with them. Central Department Store, under Central Retail, Thailand’s leading department store, and Rajadamnern Stadium, one of the country’s most treasured cultural landmarks and a home of Muay Thai, have launched the Central x Rajadamnern Stadium Bag. The bag is available from 1 July to 31 October 2026, or while stocks last.
The magic lies in how the bag brings their stories together. The limited-edition bag reimagines Muay Thai in contemporary form, bringing together the signatures of both institutions for shoppers and travellers around the world to experience and own.
Central Department Store revives the classic logo it used between 1947 and 1973, marking a return to the heritage and legacy of the store’s founding era.
Rajadamnern Stadium brings the Yant PaedTidt (Eight-Direction Yantra), an ancient sacred symbol believed to offer protection, courage and strength from every direction — qualities that echo the heart of Muay Thai.
Central Department Store’s red meets Rajadamnern Stadium’s signature blue, uniting both identities in one design.
The choice of a fabric tote reflects Central Department Store’s commitment to sustainability.
Own the collaboration everyone is talking about. Free with a qualifying purchase between 1 July and 31 October 2026, or while stocks last:
Central x Rajadamnern Stadium Bag Red version: Free with a purchase of 15,000 Baht or more at nine participating Central stores: CENTRAL @ centralwOrld, Central Bangrak, Central Rama 9, Central Phuket, Central Patong, CentralFestival Samui, CentralFestival Chiangmai, Central Udonthani and Central Pattaya Beach.
Central x Rajadamnern Stadium Bag White version: Free with a purchase of 20,000 Baht or more at Central Chidlom.
Take Home the Collectible for 990 Baht
The Central x Rajadamnern Stadium Bag Red version is available for purchase from 25 July 2026 at23 participating Central stores: Central Chidlom, CENTRAL @ centralwOrld, Central Ladprao, Central Pinklao, Central Bangna, Central EastVille, Central Silom Complex, Central Rama 2, Central Rama 3, Central Chaengwattana, Central Ramindra, CentralPlaza WestGate, Central Future Park Rangsit, CENTRAL @ Megabangna, Central Nakhon Pathom, Central Fashion Island, CentralFestival Samui, Central Phuket, CentralFestival Hadyai, CentralFestival Pattaya Beach, CentralFestival Chiangmai, Central Khonkaen and Central Udonthani.
The Central x Rajadamnern Stadium Bag Red and White versionsare available for purchase from 1 July 2026 at the Rajadamnern Stadium Official Store.
Something worth taking home
For shoppers, it is more than a bag. It is a combined expression of Muay Thai spirit and Thai retail heritage, shaped by two Thai legends and created for travelers to carry home. The collaboration has also earned the endorsement of the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), whose current strategy prioritises quality of experience over visitor volume. By leveraging Thailand’s cultural capital — from Muay Thai and Thai cuisine to locally rooted products and destinations — TAT aims to create meaningful value for travellers and the tourism sector alike. Learn more:
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About Central Retail
Central Retail Corporation Public Company Limited (“the Company” or “Central Retail”) is the leading Multi-Format, Multi-Category, Omnichannel Retail and Wholesale platform in Thailand and Vietnam. The Company has a network of 3,777 stores (as of 31 March 2026) such as department stores, specialty stores, supermarket, hypermarket, wholesale, and retail plaza. Central Retail’s business is organized into 4 operating segments based on business units; (1) Food, which focuses on groceries and items including products and services for both people and pets under portfolio of retail and wholesale banners, for example, TOPS, TOPS FOOD HALL, TOPS FINE FOOD, TOPS DAILY, TOPS CARE and GO WHOLESALE in Thailand and Big C / GO! hypermarket, Tops Market Vietnam, go! and Lan Chi Mart in Vietnam; (2) Hardline, which focuses on electronics, home improvement, stationery, office equipment, book, and e-Book under portfolio of retail banners, for example, Thaiwatsadu, Thaiwatsadu x BnB home, Auto1, Power Buy, OfficeMate, B2S, Meb, and Nguyen Kim; (3) Fashion, which focuses on apparel and accessories under portfolio of retail banners, for example, Central Department Store, Robinson Department Store, Supersports, and Central Marketing Group; (4) Property, which focuses on leasing retail property to third parties and to its own stores at retail plazas, for example, Robinson Lifestyle, Tops Plaza, and Big C / GO! mall Vietnam. As of 31 March 2026, Central Retail has a presence in 2 countries: comprising of 63 provinces in Thailand and 26 provinces in Vietnam.
Rajadamnern Stadium is the world’s first Muay Thai stadium. It remains the birthplace of Muay Thai’s official ranking system and championship belt, and a living arena where every fight night begins with a ritual dance honouring teachers, discipline and history through an immersive experience.
About Both Partners
Central Department Store stands as the country’s foremost department store and the curated retail lifestyle destination, bringing together trend setting, high-quality and unique assortment, lifestyle experiences, and world-class services that inspire customers. With branches across Thailand, Central Department Store offers a comprehensive retail universe spanning beauty, fashion, watches and jewellery, mom and kids, home, bedding, small appliances, and elevated services designed to make every visit more than a shopping trip with stores across Thailand’s major tourist cities.
Building Forever
http://www.central.co.th/en/tourist
https://www.facebook.com/CentralDepartmentStore/
https://www.instagram.com/centraldepartmentstore/?hl=en
