Home Blog Page 1172

Benefiting from Property Sales Growth, Sino Land Interim Revenue Increases by 34.5% to HK$5,185 Million

Solid Fundamentals and Prudent Financial Management Positioned to Capture Opportunities


Summary of 2025/2026Interim Results

  • The Group’s revenue for the six months ended 31 December 2025 (“Interim Period”) was HK$5,185 million (2024: HK$3,854 million), representing an increase of 34.5% year-on-year. The Group’s unaudited underlying profit attributable to shareholders, excluding the effect of fair-value changes on investment properties, was HK$2,220 million (2024: HK$2,241 million).
  • Steady interim dividend at HK15 cents per share (2024: HK15 cents per share).
  • Attributable revenue from property sales for the Interim Period, including share from associates and joint ventures, was HK$6,912 million (2024: HK$2,448 million), representing an increase of 182.4% year-on-year. The recent positive sales momentum was driven by the well-received launches of Villa Garda, Grand Mayfair III, and ONE PARK PLACE, as well as the sales of residential units and car parking spaces at St. George’s Mansions.
  • Attributable gross rental revenue, including share from associates and joint ventures, was HK$1,708 million (2024: HK$1,748 million).
  • Attributable hotel revenue, including share from associates and joint ventures, was HK$822 million (2024: HK$794 million).
  • Over the past six months, the Group acquired two land parcels in Tuen Mun and Jordan Valley, demonstrating our confidence in Hong Kong’s long-term prospects and our disciplined and strategic approach to land bank replenishment.

Financial Highlights

For the six months ended 31 December: 2025 2024 Change

Revenue HK$5,185 million HK$3,854 million +34.5%
Underlying profit HK$2,220 million HK$2,241 million -0.9%
Profit attributable to shareholders HK$1,533 million HK$1,820 million -15.8%
Dividend per share
Interim HK15 cents HK15 cents –

Results and Business Highlights

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 27 February 2026 – Sino Land Company Limited (Stock Code: 83) today announced its interim results for the six months ended 31 December 2025 (the “Interim Period”). The Group’s unaudited underlying profit attributable to shareholders, excluding the effect of fair-value changes on investment properties for the Interim Period, was HK$2,220 million (2024: HK$2,241 million). Underlying earnings per share was HK$0.24 (2024: HK$0.26).

Mr. Daryl Ng Win Kong, Chairman of Sino Land, and the Group's management will continue to uphold prudent financial management while striving to enhance operational efficiency and productivity to capture future opportunities.
Mr. Daryl Ng Win Kong, Chairman of Sino Land, and the Group’s management will continue to uphold prudent financial management while striving to enhance operational efficiency and productivity to capture future opportunities.

After taking into account the revaluation loss (net of deferred taxation) on investment properties of HK$682 million (2024: revaluation loss of HK$407 million), which is a non-cash item, the Group reported a net profit attributable to shareholders of HK$1,533 million for the Interim Period (2024: HK$1,820 million). Earnings per share was HK$0.17 (2024: HK$0.21). As at 31 December 2025, the Group had net cash of HK$51,402 million.

Property Sales – Accelerated sales momentum drives strong segment performance

Total revenue from property sales for the Interim Period, including property sales of associates and joint ventures, attributable to the Group was HK$6,912 million (2024: HK$2,448 million). Market sentiment improved notably in the second half of 2025, supported by the interest rate cut cycle, stronger financial market performance, and the inflow of talent and overseas students, all of which helped underpin housing demand.

The Group has won two government land tenders over the past six months, namely Tuen Mun Town Lot No. 569 on Hoi Chu Road in Tuen Mun and New Kowloon Inland Lot No. 6674 on Choi Hing Road in Jordan Valley. These acquisitions continue to reflect our confidence in Hong Kong’s long‑term prospects and our disciplined and strategic approach to replenishing the land bank with projects offering good development value.

Two new projects are scheduled for launch in 2026, namely La Mirabelle in Tseung Kwan O and the Wing Kwong Street/Sung On Street Development Project in To Kwa Wan. Total units sold from 1 July 2025 to 13 February 2026 reached 2,325 (attributable units: 1,052), mainly driven by the well‑received launches at Villa Garda, Grand Mayfair III and ONE PARK PLACE.

A diversified and balanced investment property portfolio reinforces long-term resilience

For the Interim Period, the Group’s attributable gross rental revenue, including share from associates and joint ventures, was HK$1,708 million (2024: HK$1,748 million), representing a decrease of 2.3% year-on-year. This decline was mainly due to the soft retail environment at the beginning of 2025, which put pressure on rental reversions, although retail sentiment improved sequentially. Overall occupancy of the Group’s investment property portfolio remained stable during the Interim Period.

Hong Kong remains well positioned to leverage its status as an international hub and financial centre, highlighted by the 119 new listings that ranked the city first globally in IPO fundraising in 2025. Supported by the HKSAR Government, the strong uptake of talent schemes and robust financial market activity strengthen overall market sentiment and lay a solid foundation for sustained business growth. The Group is actively implementing targeted marketing and promotional campaigns to stimulate foot traffic to its malls and drive retail consumption.

As at 31 December 2025, the Group has approximately 13.5 million square feet of attributable floor area of investment properties and hotels in the Chinese Mainland, Hong Kong, Singapore and Sydney.

Hotel Operations – Continuous improvement in occupancy rates

For the Interim Period, the Group’s hotel revenue, including attributable share from associates and joint ventures, was HK$822 million compared to HK$794 million in the last interim period, and the corresponding operating profit was HK$289 million (2024: HK$261 million).

Hong Kong continued to see a solid tourism rebound in 2025, with visitor arrivals recovering amid an increasingly vibrant event calendar. With a diverse pipeline of events scheduled for 2026, including the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Finance Ministers’ Meeting, the Group remains confident in the outlook for Hong Kong’s tourism sector.

With solid fundamentals and balance sheet, the Group is well-positioned to capitalise on opportunities

The Group continues to make steady strides on its sustainability journey. In the Interim Period, Sino Land was recognised in CDP’s Climate Change A List and named Global Sector Leader in the Residential category of the Global Real Estate Sustainability Benchmark, achieving the highest five‑star rating in both Development Benchmark and Standing Investment Benchmark. The Company also received MSCI’s top ‘AAA’ ESG rating, up from ‘AA’. These recognitions reaffirm Sino Land’s commitment to promoting ESG and sustainability.

‘As the Chinese Mainland and Hong Kong are poised to attract increasing global capital inflows from investors, I am encouraged by the notable improvement in the economic and operating environment since the second half of 2025. Supported by the Government’s measures, more than 270,000 talent have been attracted to Hong Kong to date, while visitor arrivals and the establishment of family offices have both recorded double‑digit growth in recent years. Hong Kong also ranked first globally in IPO fundraising last year, which has helped strengthen market sentiment and support the upward trajectory. The newly announced Budget is closely aligned with the nation’s development strategy and the 15th Five‑Year Plan across key priority areas. It fosters the development of the Northern Metropolis and innovation and technology, further highlighting Hong Kong’s close connectivity with Chinese Mainland and the world, as well as its large pool of talent. These initiatives are expected to help draw additional talent, enterprises and capital, and to reinforce international investors’ confidence in the Hong Kong market.

Amid expectations of further interest rate cuts and a solid recovery in tourism, the Group remains optimistic about the overall outlook and expects the residential market to retain its momentum. We will continue to uphold prudent financial management while striving to enhance operational efficiency and productivity. With a solid financial position and forward‑looking strategies, we are well positioned to capture future opportunities and deliver sustainable long‑term value for our investors,’ said Mr. Daryl Ng Win Kong, Chairman of Sino Land.

Please download photos from here.
Hashtag: #SinoLand

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

Bybit and Block Scholes Report Highlights Diverging Signals in Bitcoin Derivatives Markets

DUBAI, UAE, Feb. 27, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Bybit, the world’s second-largest cryptocurrency exchange by trading volume, has released the latest Bybit x Block Scholes Crypto Derivatives Analytics report, analyzing recent volatility, positioning, and sentiment across Bitcoin and Ethereum derivatives markets.

The report details how Bitcoin broke out of a prolonged low-volatility range after briefly falling to $62,000, followed by a sharp rebound toward the $68,000 level. While spot prices have recovered much of the decline, derivatives markets continue to signal caution.

Key findings:

  • Bitcoin’s realized volatility rose sharply after weeks of consolidation.
  • Options markets aggressively priced downside risk during the sell-off but did not reprice higher on the rebound.
  • One-week at-the-money implied volatility climbed to about 60%, leaving the front end of the volatility curve mildly inverted.
  • Put skew eased from extreme levels but remains biased toward downside protection.
  • Perpetual futures open interest has continued to decline, indicating limited appetite for leveraged exposure.

“The $70,000 psychological level has thwarted Bitcoin bulls for much of this month, keeping the world’s oldest and largest cryptocurrency on course for its fifth consecutive monthly decline,” said Han Tan, Chief market analyst at Bybit Learn. “Still, as crypto’s fundamentals remain supportive, the current confidence crisis may ultimately create space for a strong bullish narrative to emerge. Flows could reverse once macro clarity improves, particularly around Federal Reserve policy or U.S. trade policy.”

The report shows that despite the rebound in spot prices, derivatives markets remain defensively positioned. Short-dated options continue to reflect demand for protection against renewed downside, and volatility levels during the recovery remain notably lower than those seen at the height of the sell-off.

Broader indicators reinforce the cautious outlook. Spot Bitcoin ETFs have recorded net outflows for four consecutive months, placing Bitcoin on track for its fifth straight monthly decline, a pattern last observed during the bear market following the 2018 ICO cycle. Ethereum shows a similar setup, with spot Ether ETFs nearing a fourth month of net outflows since their launch in July 2024. Weak retail sentiment and declining leverage further underscore the lack of conviction behind the recent price recovery.

The full Bybit x Block Scholes report is available for download.

#Bybit / #CryptoArk / #BybitLearn

About Bybit

Bybit is the world’s second-largest cryptocurrency exchange by trading volume, serving a global community of over 80 million users. Founded in 2018, Bybit is redefining openness in the decentralized world by creating a simpler, open and equal ecosystem for everyone. With a strong focus on Web3, Bybit partners strategically with leading blockchain protocols to provide robust infrastructure and drive on-chain innovation. Renowned for its secure custody, diverse marketplaces, intuitive user experience, and advanced blockchain tools, Bybit bridges the gap between TradFi and DeFi, empowering builders, creators, and enthusiasts to unlock the full potential of Web3. Discover the future of decentralized finance at Bybit.com.

For more details about Bybit, please visit Bybit Press
For media inquiries, please contact: media@bybit.com
For updates, please follow: Bybit’s Communities and Social Media

Discord | Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn | Reddit | Telegram | TikTok | X | Youtube

 

The More, The Merrier with Trip.com’s 3.3 Mega Sale

SINGAPORE, Feb. 27, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Trip.com has today unveiled the 3.3 Mega Sale for the school holidays and upcoming long weekends, happening from 3–6 March.

On top of the unmissable deals throughout the four days, you will enjoy even greater savings when you book flights for three or more people, or hotel stays of four nights or longer!

Four Days of Unmissable Deals with Trip.com’s 3.3 Mega Sale

From 3 to 6 March 2026, Trip.com will present a dizzying array of travel deals. From daily discount coupon drops at midnight, to all-in fare deals and flash sales for hotels, attractions and eSIMs, there are offers catering to all types of travellers.

Highlights of the Trip.com 3.3 Mega Sale include:

  • Score up to S$60 OFF Flight and Hotel Bookings with Daily Midnight Coupon Drops, All-in-Fare Deals and Buy 1 Get 1 Free or Half-Price Deals: 

Get ready to snag the biggest travel discounts of the season from 12am on 3 March. With limited coupons up for grabs at midnight each day, only the fastest fingers will get to claim these unbeatable travel deals.

  • Grab Unbeatable Flight Deals, including S$800 return flights to Auckland and London: 

Get your fingers ready to grab return flights to Auckland with Air New Zealand, or to London on Qatar Airways for an all-in price of just S$800*!

DBS/ POSB cardholders can also enjoy up to 50% off flights to China at 12.00pm on 3 March.

  • Double Your Adventures and Stay Connected:

Grab the person next to you and go on an adventure! Discover the most popular theme parks and local cultural gems alike with Buy 1 Get 1 Free or 50% Off deals, then share your photos online to show others what they’re missing with S$1 eSIMs**.

Attractions include Shanghai Disneyland, Universal Studios Japan, Lotte World Adventure, Ocean Park Hong Kong, Warner Bros. Studio Tour Tokyo – The Making of Harry Potter, and Have Fun in Kansai Premium Pass, while S$1 eSIMs will be for destinations as diverse as China, Europe, Japan, and Thailand.

  • Enjoy Greater Savings on Hotels with Special Promo Codes: 

Looking to book a popular hotel without breaking the bank? Don’t forget to grab promo codes to enjoy up to S$70 off stays for your next trip!

  • More Deals and Discounts

The fun doesn’t end on 3 March. There are still many deals and discounts you can enjoy during the remainder of the campaign period from 4–6 March 2026, such as discounts of up to S$120 off flights for HSBC cardholders and 20% off flights and hotels for those heading to Thailand.

For first dibs on Trip.com deals and updates, join the Trip.com Singapore Telegram group at https://t.me/TriptalksSG.

Download Trip.com mobile app (available on the App Store or Google Play) to get the latest travel inspiration, recommendations and deals.

* Prices are before applicable services, taxes, and fees. All promotional offers are available on a first-come, first-served basis within the specified period and while stocks last. Terms and conditions apply.
** Data allowances and durations vary. Please refer to individual product listings for details.

About Trip.com

Trip.com is an international one-stop travel service provider, available in 24 languages across 39 countries and regions in 35 local currencies. Offering an extensive hotel and flight network of more than 1.5 million hotels and flights from over 640 airlines, along with over 300,000 attraction and tour products, Trip.com covers 3,400 airports in 220 countries and regions. Trip.com’s world-class 24/7 multilingual customer service helps to ‘create the best travel experience’ for its millions of customers worldwide. To book your next trip, visit Trip.com.

Lingnan University welcomes nearly 200 higher education leaders from all over the world to its internationalised learning environment and “Study in Hong Kong” advantages

HONG KONG, Feb. 27, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Lingnan University welcomed nearly 200 higher education leaders from all over the world at its Tuen Mun campus today (27 February). The visit was one of the main activities of the 2026 Asia-Pacific Association for International Education (APAIE) Conference and Exhibition. Through campus tours and interactive exchanges, Lingnan showed its internationalised learning environment and innovative teaching facilities, actively highlighting Hong Kong’s unique advantages as an international higher education hub. The University also promoted the “Study in Hong Kong” brand, which aims to attract more non-local students to study and work in the city. Lingnan’s senior management, academic staff, and students explored opportunities to work with representatives of student exchange programmes, research partnerships, and talent recruitment.

Nearly 200 higher education leaders from all over the world visit the Lingnan University campus.
Nearly 200 higher education leaders from all over the world visit the Lingnan University campus.

Prof S. Joe Qin, President and Wai Kee Kau Chair Professor of Data Science at Lingnan University, addressed the distinguished guests, saying “The University’s Lingnan-60 Global Talent Recruitment programme has rapidly assembled a top-tier engineering, artificial intelligence, and data science faculty, excelling in innovation and with great international influence. By adopting a distinctive Liberal Arts + Technology education model, we provide students with opportunities for whole-person development and interdisciplinary academic exchange. We are taking this opportunity to demonstrate Lingnan’s position as a leading research-oriented liberal arts university, comprehensive in arts and sciences in the digital era, to foster closer collaborative relationships with the global higher education community, to attract more non-local talents to the Lingnan family, and to nurture future leaders with an ambitious international vision.”

There were presidents, senior management, and representatives from many of the world’s top 100 universities, as well as highly respected institutions such as Nanyang Technological University, KU Leuven, UC Berkeley, Korea University, and the University of Warwick. Led by Prof Bradley R. Barnes, Special Advisor to President on Internationalization and Director of Global Education at Lingnan University, together with a group of Lingnan students, the delegation toured campus facilities epitomising cultural diversity, and visited the student residences. The visit showed how exchange students from around the world engage with faculty and peers at Lingnan University through shared spaces and residential activities, and learn to appreciate of the spiritual values inherent in Chinese culture.

The delegation also visited the new Wu Jieh Yee Lingnan Hub, a multipurpose complex designed for shared living and contact between faculty and students, and to encourage closer connections within the Lingnan community. They also toured the seven-storey Lingnan Education Organization Building currently under construction, which will be equipped with state‑of‑the‑art teaching and research facilities, and house the School of Data Science and the interdisciplinary research hub, strengthening Lingnan’s academic and research excellence.

Seemi NISAR, a Year 4 Economics student from Pakistan, shared her learning experience during the exchange session: “These past few years can be summed up in one phrase—’stepping out of my comfort zone’. Although I initially faced the unknown and challenges when I came to Hong Kong, it was through these experiences that I gained the most valuable opportunities for learning and personal growth. Lingnan’s exchange programmes, internship opportunities, and service-learning initiatives have allowed me to accumulate rich international experience beyond academics, and truly feel my holistic development.”

Zhansaya MAKHAMBETALIYEVA, a Year 1 Data Science student from Kazakhstan, added: “Lingnan offers a learning environment that combines rigorous academic training with diverse extracurricular experiences, enabling students to challenge themselves and gain a sense of accomplishment in a multicultural setting, beyond the classroom.”

Lingnan University supports the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China in making Hong Kong into an international post-secondary education hub, and promotes the ‘Study in Hong Kong’ brand. The University’s international influence has grown, and it came first globally for SDG 4: Quality Education in the Times Higher Education (THE) World University Impact Rankings 2025. For the first time, Lingnan was also in the top 301–350 universities worldwide of the THE World University Rankings 2026, and its international outlook placed 47th. Over 20 per cent of Lingnan scholars are on Stanford University’s list of the World’s Top 2% Scientists.

The APAIE Conference and Exhibition, one of the three most successful international education conferences, is sponsored and hosted this year by the eight Hong Kong universities funded by the University Grants Committee. Themed “Asia-Pacific Partnerships for the Global Good”, it will bring together over 3,000 higher education leaders and experts from more than 70 countries and regions to explore critical issues and emerging trends in higher education. The APAIE Conference and Exhibition will also have pre-workshops, keynote lectures, parallel sessions, roundtable discussions, networking functions, and local university campus tours. 

Valle Venia presents new song by LPS feat. Lara: Where will it take me


NEUSTADT AN DER WEINSTRASSE, GERMANY – Newsaktuell – 27 February 2026 – The song describes the challenge of trusting the flow, relying on oneself, following one’s own values with confidence.

Valle Venia presents new song by LPS feat. Lara: Where will it take me Picture: Leo Philipp Schmidt
Valle Venia presents new song by LPS feat. Lara: Where will it take me Picture: Leo Philipp Schmidt

In a time when everything seems to begin to dissolve, when disorientation prevails more than ever and when one is searching for something to hold on to, certainty can be found in uncertainty.

Lara’s authentic interpretation, with her multi-faceted voice, conveys confidence in finding a way for oneself and others.

In the faceless, noisy crowd, where glances are not returned and touches are not felt, one is pulled away by an invisible hand.

Multilink: https://valevenia.lnk.to/wherewillittakeme
Youtube: https://youtu.be/0MVTgXO2E_M
Website: www.valle-venia.com

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

Dowinx Combines Engineering Precision and Human-Centered Design to Deliver Long-Term Comfort

LAS VEGAS, Feb. 27, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Dowinx, a global ergonomic seating brand, today shared its product philosophy focused on durability, consistency, and real-world comfort, as consumers increasingly value long-term support over first-impression softness.

Dowinx gamingchair
Dowinx gamingchair

In today’s fast-paced life, a chair does more than provide a place to sit. It supports long work hours, relaxation, gaming, and creative routines. In response, Dowinx has built its product approach around one principle: comfort should stay reliable over time.

Rather than designing mainly for appearance or short-term feel, Dowinx includes long-term performance standards from the start of product development. Key modules—including frames, seat cushions, and reclining mechanisms—are tested independently before full-chair assembly.

Dowinx evaluates major components through repeated validation. Load-bearing structures undergo high-frequency pressure testing, backrest and adjustment systems complete thousands of stability cycles, and cushion materials are assessed for rebound and deformation recovery. This modular engineering process helps Dowinx maintain stable overall performance while introducing new features.

Engineering Data Snapshot

  • 30,000+ pressure and fatigue test cycles on load-bearing structures
  • Thousands of stability cycles for backrest and adjustment systems
  • Cushion rebound and deformation recovery testing for long-term seating consistency
  • BIFMA-related standard validation for key components, with selected parts tested to enhanced internal durability benchmarks

Dowinx believes engineering should serve everyday life. Each structural test and cushion validation is designed to support users through long work sessions, downtime, and daily routines with consistent comfort.

“We do not pursue a short-lived ‘wow’ feeling when someone first sits down,” said a Dowinx product development lead. “Dowinx designs chairs to fit naturally into daily life and provide dependable comfort over time.”

Dowinx also improves efficiency through a vertically integrated supply chain. By overseeing core production processes and working directly with material suppliers, Dowinx reduces intermediary costs and invests more in cushion structure, support systems, and safety performance. This approach enables Dowinx to offer feature-complete seating solutions at accessible price points.

Beyond manufacturing, Dowinx emphasizes long-term ownership experience through transparent warranty policies, responsive customer support, and stable replacement-part availability.

As remote and hybrid work continue to expand, Dowinx remains focused on seating solutions that balance comfort, durability, and value. Dowinx believes a well-designed chair should quietly support work, creativity, and rest as a trusted part of everyday life.We are not simply manufacturing chairs—we are redefining the relationship between you and your home workspace.

About Dowinx

Dowinx is a user-focused ergonomic furniture brand dedicated to designing gaming chairs that combine functional engineering, reliable craftsmanship, and long-term comfort. The brand serves professional gamers and home office users globally, emphasizing real-world usability, innovation, and design-driven ergonomics.

Official Website: https://dowinx.com/
Amazon Store:
https://www.amazon.com/stores/Dowinx/page/976BDFA3-2CAE-4F3B-B5EF-D79AFE8B0079 

Follow Dowinx:
Instagram: @dowinx_us
Facebook: @Dowinx Chair

WuXi XDC Enters Strategic Collaboration with Earendil Labs on WuXiTecan-2 Payload-Linker Technology Platform

SHANGHAI, Feb. 27, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — WuXi XDC Cayman Inc. (“WuXi XDC”, stock code: 2268.HK), a leading global CRDMO (Contract Research, Development, and Manufacturing Organization) specializing in antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) and other bioconjugates, today announced a strategic collaboration with Earendil Labs on WuXi XDC’s proprietary WuXiTecan-2 payload-linker technology platform. Earendil Labs is an AI-powered biotech company focused on researching and developing next-generation innovative biologics for the treatment of autoimmune diseases, cancer, and other conditions with unmet medical needs. This collaboration marks the establishment of a robust strategic partnership aimed at accelerating the development of next-generation ADCs by synergistically combining WuXi XDC’s globally leading ADC technology platform with Earendil Labs’ cutting-edge AI-driven antibody discovery and development capabilities to address significant unmet medical needs.

Jimmy Li, PhD, CEO of WuXi XDC (left); Jian Peng, PhD, CEO of Earendil Labs (right)
Jimmy Li, PhD, CEO of WuXi XDC (left); Jian Peng, PhD, CEO of Earendil Labs (right)

Under the agreement, WuXi XDC will grant Earendil Labs an exclusive global license to its proprietary WuXiTecan-2 payload-linker technology for use against multiple specific targets. Earendil Labs will utilize this technology to conjugate antibodies and bispecific antibodies discovered through its AI platform and to advance the development of the ADC candidates against these specific targets. The total potential deal value could reach up to approximately $885 million, comprising an upfront payment, and certain development, regulatory, and sales milestone payments. Additionally, WuXi XDC will be eligible to receive tiered royalties on net sales upon commercialization of any resulting ADC products.

Leveraging its world-leading integrated CRDMO platform, WuXi XDC will also fully support the Chemical, Manufacturing, and Controls (CMC) development and manufacturing of the ADC components within the collaboration. Earendil Labs will focus on subsequent product development, global regulatory submissions, and commercialization. This complementary partnership ensures maximized resource utilization and efficient project progression.

Jimmy Li, PhD, CEO of WuXi XDC, stated, “We are very pleased to establish this strategic partnership with Earendil Labs. This collaboration not only fully demonstrates the value of our WuXiTecan-2 payload-linker technology platform but also marks another significant milestone for WuXi XDC in empowering cutting-edge innovation alongside our partners. Earendil Labs has generated bispecific antibodies with differentiated advantages using its unique AI platform. Combining these with our WuXiTecan-2 technology helps develop more effective and safer next-generation ADCs. We look forward to supporting Earendil Labs in accelerating the R&D and commercialization of their ADCs through our integrated, end-to-end CRDMO service platform, ultimately benefiting patients worldwide.”

Jian Peng, PhD, CEO of Earendil Labs, said, “Partnering with WuXi XDC represents a critical step in our mission to transform biopharmaceutical R&D through AI. WuXi XDC possesses a globally recognized and validated ADC technology platform and end-to-end manufacturing capabilities. This collaboration is a powerful alliance between frontier AI exploration and WuXi XDC’s integrated CRDMO services. We eagerly anticipate working closely with WuXi XDC to drive innovative breakthroughs through technological integration, empowering high-quality development in the global biopharma industry and contributing to the health of patients globally.”

Zhenping Zhu, MD, PhD, President & co-CEO of Earendil Labs, added, “ADCs are emerging as a promising class of therapeutics in the treatment of cancer and many other human diseases. At Earendil Labs, we are developing a rich pipeline of bispecific / multi-specific ADCs utilizing our cutting-edge AI and high-throughput biology plaforms. We believe WuXiTecan-2 payload-linker technology will significantly enhance the success rate and speed of our novel ADC development, ultimately bringing these potentially life-transforming treatments to patients worldwide as soon as possible.”

About Earendil Labs

Earendil Labs is an AI-powered biotech company focusing on researching and developing next-generation innovative biologics for the treatment of autoimmune, cancer and other diseases of unmet medical needs. By combining advanced machine learning, generative protein engineering, and high-throughput experimental techniques, Earendil Labs and its affiliate Helixon Therapeutics streamline drug discovery & research process with aim of significantly accelerating drug development. Earendil Labs’ proprietary integrated framework enables precise optimization of functionality, manufacturability, and developability of protein-based biologics with first-in-class and/or best-in-class potential. For more information about Earendil Labs, please visit: www.earendil.bio

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 preclinical 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

Thailand Eases Oil Export Controls to Laos, Maintains Restrictions on Cambodia Shipments

Thai Military Regrets Impact on Laos Following Chong Mek Export Restrictions
This image is used only for representational purpose (photo credit: Anchalee KB)

Thailand has announced a relaxation of oil export controls at the Chong Mek border crossing in Ubon Ratchathani, effective 27 February.

The move aims to facilitate smoother cross-border fuel shipments to Laos. However, strict controls on shipments to Cambodia remain in place.

The Second Army Region, which oversees the crossing, posted the new guidelines on social media.

The announcement follows a decision from the Army Operations Center to ease restrictions on fuel exports to Laos, while still maintaining oversight of onward shipments. Authorities stressed that this move is designed to support businesses while maintaining effective control over exports.

The shift comes after previous scrutiny over fuel movements at Chong Mek, where unusually high volumes of fuel shipments sparked concerns.

Temporary Suspension of Fuel Exports

In December 2025, Thai authorities temporarily suspended fuel exports after detecting abnormal export levels. It was later revealed that some shipments had been routed through Laos before reaching Cambodia. This led to heightened inspections and a temporary halt on exports.

Shortly after the announcement, Thailand’s Defence Ministry apologized to Laos, stressing that the suspension was prompted by unusually high fuel shipments, with some passing through Laos before reaching Cambodia.

The Thai military clarified that the measures were not targeted at Laos, saying they were necessary for security reasons amid heightened regional tensions. 

In response, Laos rejected claims of re-exporting fuel to Cambodia, with then-Minister of Industry and Commerce Malaithong Kommasith confirming that oil imported from Thailand is strictly for domestic use.

Malaithong reassured Thailand that Laos fully complies with cross-border trade laws and clarified that seasonal fluctuations in oil consumption are closely monitored.

Now, with the new relaxed export controls, both countries are working to streamline cross-border operations and avoid future disruptions.

Thailand has also emphasized that while the fuel controls at Chong Mek are being relaxed, the broader security context remains a key factor in their ongoing border policies.