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ChinaOne.Ningbo Claims Line Honours at The Sun Hung Kai & Co Around the Island Race 2025

HONG KONG, Dec. 17, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — The ChinaOne.Ningbo sailing team achieved a milestone victory in the prestigious Sun Hung Kai & Co Around the Island Race 2025, claiming line honours in one of Asia’s largest and most competitive inshore sailing events. Crossing the finish line first amongst a formidable fleet of competitors, the result marked a triumphant Hong Kong debut for the ChinaOne.Ningbo team’s high-speed M32 class catamaran.

ChinaOne.Ningbo claims line honours (Image Credit: ChinaOne.Ningbo sailing team)
ChinaOne.Ningbo claims line honours (Image Credit: ChinaOne.Ningbo sailing team)

A Victorious Debut in Hong Kong

As a highlight of the 17th China Cup International Regatta, the Around the Island Race attracted over 200 boats and 1,500 sailors from around the region. Confronting a demanding 26-nautical-mile course—marked by unpredictable winds, shifting seas, and intricate island passages—the ChinaOne.Ningbo crew delivered an impressive display of teamwork, strategy, and resilience.

“This race is very significant for ChinaOne.Ningbo. To take line honours from a fleet of over 200 boats fills us with immense pride,” said Philip Sohmen, Co-Founder of ChinaOne.Ningbo.  “With a core crew of Chinese sailors, including Olympic champion Xu Lijia helming, the team pushed their limits across nearly 50 kilometers, balancing speed, precision, and endurance. This was no easy feat—our deepest admiration goes to the entire crew.”

The team’s lineup for this regatta included Xu Lijia, Liu Ming, Zheng Yi as well as Australian Nacra class specialists Jake Liddell and Brin Liddell. In preparation for Hong Kong’s highly variable conditions, the crew completed extensive pre-race training in a wide range of wind speeds from 14 to 22 knots.

ChinaOne.Ningbo sailing team celebrates after claiming line honours (Image Credit: China Cup International Regatta)
ChinaOne.Ningbo sailing team celebrates after claiming line honours (Image Credit: China Cup International Regatta)

Winning Formula: Local Talent Takes Centre Stage

Unlike traditional regattas, the Around the Island Race employs a staggered start system—slower classes begin earlier, with faster vessels departing later—ensuring competitive balance and suspense throughout the event. The first group of boats started the race at 8:30 a.m., while ChinaOne.Ningbo took off in the penultimate start with the Fast Fleet boats at 10:30 a.m.

The early phase of the race tested the team’s patience and precision. With light breezes of around 3 knots prevailing across Victoria Harbour, the risk of a Did Not Finish (DNF) loomed large if they failed to pass harbour entrance Lei Yue Mun before the 12:30 p.m. cutoff. Through meticulous wind-hunting and decisive maneuvers, the team cleared the gates to the harbour just in time.

“The wind was shifty around the harbour buildings, but after Lei Yue Mun, conditions became ideal,” explained Team Tactician Jake Liddell. “Once in open waters, the M32’s speed allowed us to overtake the fleet and secure the line honours.”

Charting the Future: Sailing Forward with a Mission

Beyond sporting achievement, this victory embodies a fusion of Ningbo’s maritime heritage – as a hub of the maritime Silk Road and the world’s highest volume port – and modern sailing excellence. Bringing this spirit from its base at the 

Xiangshan Asian Games Sailing Centre in Ningbo to Hong Kong’s harbour, the team showcased the pioneering character of Ningbo—defined by perseverance, collaboration, and exploration.

“As a Hong Kong person with roots in Ningbo, we’re proud to bring the spirit of Ningbo to Hong Kong,” said Philip Sohmen. “ChinaOne.Ningbo is dynamic, dedicated, and resilient—a true reflection of that spirit. This honour belongs to the crew and would not have been possible without the strong support of the Ningbo Sports Bureau, Xiangshan County People’s Government, and our valued partners, including Youngor and Helly Hansen.”

About ChinaOne.Ningbo

ChinaOne.Ningbo is a professional sailing team established in 2017 with the support of the City of Ningbo and managed by two-time America’s Cup winner Craig Monk. The team unites top Chinese and international sailors under a mission of global collaboration and excellence in competitive sailing. Since its inception,

ChinaOne.Ningbo has captured five world championship titles, including the M32 World Championships in 2017 and 2018, while continuing to lead the development of professional sailing across Asia and contributing to youth and amateur sailing development in Ningbo.  ChinaOne.Ningbo recently achieved third place in the 2025 M32 class world championships  held in November 2025 in Miami, the only Asian team to participate in this high level regatta. 

PARTNERSHIP UNVEILS 2026 STATE POLICY PRIORITIES

GREATER DES MOINES, Iowa, Dec. 17, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — The Greater Des Moines Partnership has unveiled its 2026 state policy priorities. The Partnership’s State Policy Agenda was developed by its Government Policy Council, representing more than 7,200 Regional Chamber Members and over 400 Investors. The Agenda includes a set of featured priorities that will guide The Partnership’s state policy efforts in 2026.

The Partnership will focus on the following priorities:

Economic Growth
Recognizing the competitive nature of economic development and the vital need to attract both business and talent to Iowa, The Partnership supports economic development tools and incentives that empower state and local governments and sustain a competitive tax environment, and advance a streamlined, efficient and modernized tax structure that promotes growth among businesses and nonprofits.  

Workforce Readiness
A skilled workforce is essential for Partnership Investors and the Affiliate Chamber of Commerce network of Regional Chamber Members. The Partnership supports strategies and programs that attract new talent, retain and upskill existing workers, and expand access to work-based learning, internships, apprenticeships and career pathway opportunities.   

Housing
The Partnership supports the creation and expansion of housing options through funding and policies that incentivize communities and employers to invest in new and existing housing for all Iowans.   

“We look forward to building on our strong relationships with state leaders to move policies forward that help our communities and employers thrive,” said David Stark, Chief Government Affairs and Philanthropy Officer at UnityPoint Health and 2026 Chair of The Partnership’s Government Policy Council. “Our region’s success continues to come from our ability to collaborate around shared priorities and move forward together.”

The Partnership’s full State Legislative Agenda is available on The Partnership’s website.

About the Greater Des Moines Partnership
The Greater Des Moines Partnership is the largest regional business, economic development and talent development organization in Iowa and the second-largest regional chamber of commerce in the country, serving 12 counties in Greater Des Moines: Adair, Clarke, Dallas, Guthrie, Jasper, Madison, Mahaska, Marion, Marshall, Polk, Poweshiek and Warren. Together with more than 400 Investors and an Affiliate Chamber of Commerce network of more than 7,200 Regional Business Members, The Partnership helps businesses grow and advances quality of life in Greater Des Moines with one voice, one mission and as one region, contributing to a vibrant regional economy. Learn more at DSMpartnership.com.

Contact:    
Metinka Slater
mslater@DSMpartnership.com
(515) 216-3989
Learn More About DSM USA   

HiTHIUM Unveils the World’s First 8-Hour-Native Energy Storage Solution for All-Weather Green Power

XIAMEN, China, Dec. 17, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — At the third Eco-Day, HiTHIUM unveiled the world’s first 8-hour-native battery energy storage solution, the ∞Power8 6.9MW/55.2MWh. Built on an 8-hour long-duration energy storage (LDES) system architecture and supported by a dedicated 8-hour battery cell, the solution adopts a native design from cell to system. It marks the first solution genuinely built for 8-hour LDES, supporting a continuous, all-weather renewable power supply.

With its ability to enhance grid stability and increase the utilization of renewable energy, 8-hour LDES has become a key direction for the industry. Within long-duration technology pathways, lithium stands out as the optimal choice, and the dedicated 8-hour lithium cells offer the best fit for system-level requirements thanks to their higher integration, efficiency, and stability. As a pioneer in lithium-based LDES, HiTHIUM continues to advance technological innovations and strengthen cost competitiveness, further reinforcing lithium’s advantages in the long-duration market and accelerating its large-scale, widespread adoption.

A Dedicated 8-Hour System: Lower Costs, Higher Efficiency, and Enhanced Safety

∞Power8 6.9MW/55.2MWh is a turnkey solution purpose-built for 8-hour long-duration, all-weather energy storage. Each highly integrated standard unit delivers 6.9MW of power and 55.2MWh of energy, consisting of one medium-voltage module and eight energy storage modules.

With optimized hoisting and cabling, the system reduces on-site construction intensity, boosts deployment efficiency by 18%, and cuts land use by 23% versus the previous generation. The solution also comes preconfigured for standalone energy storage plants, large wind–solar bases, and extreme environments. As an 8-hour-native design, it features a new system architecture, delivering combined value in cost reduction, high-efficiency operation, and enhanced safety and reliability.

Cost Reduction: By eliminating large amounts of redundant components,the system increases integration level by over 10%, and improves efficiency by more than 30%.

High-Efficiency Operation: Through intelligent control, thermal-island simulation, and end-to-end active balancing, auxiliary power consumption is reduced by over 30%, temperature control precision is improved by 50%, response speed is increased by 20%, and balancing capability is enhanced by 20 times with over 97% efficiency. Conservatively, the active balancing strategy alone can save more than USD 1 million per 1 GWh of LDES.

The Launch of HiTHIUM 8-Hour-Native Energy Storage Solution
The Launch of HiTHIUM 8-Hour-Native Energy Storage Solution

Safety and Reliability: The system incorporates the industry’s first mass-produced high-strength steel-belt confinement technology, a rapid dual-valve pressure release design, and new-generation high-performance insulation materials between cells. These materials can withstand 800°C extreme temperatures and 300 kPa of pressure without failure. HiTHIUM is also the first company worldwide to pass an open-door fire test, verifying its exceptional thermal resilience.

1300Ah Dedicated 8-Hour Cell: Large Capacity, Superior Safety, Long Lifespan

At the core of the 8-hour-native solution is the ∞Cell 1300Ah 8h, designed for the 6.9MWh BESS. Each cell delivers more than four times the capacity of mainstream products and reduces system component count by over 30%.

HiTHIUM also incorporates multilayer protection from materials to system integration, allowing the product to pass rigorous safety tests with non-propagating thermal runaway. Designed for more than 25 years of operation, it ensures full-lifecycle safety and provides solid long-term returns for long-duration energy storage.

The breakthrough in capacity and cost effectiveness comes from HiTHIUM’s proprietary ultra-thick electrode technology, developed by overcoming key challenges in long-duration cells such as electrode cracking, slow ion-electron transporting, and difficult electrolyte penetration. Compared with the previous-generation ∞Cell 1175Ah, the electrode thickness has been significantly increased, enabling the 8-hour cell to reduce foil and other power component costs by more than 50% versus 2-hour cells, achieving an optimal balance between performance and cost.

As an early mover in lithium-based LDES, HiTHIUM has built a cell portfolio spanning 587Ah, 1175Ah, and 1300Ah, with the first two already deployed at scale globally. The ∞Power8 6.9MW/55.2MWh system is scheduled for mass production in Q4 2026.

The launch of the world’s first 8-hour-native solution establishes a new technical pathway for long-duration storage, advancing cost-efficiency, safety, and operational performance. HiTHIUM will continue innovating across renewable bases, AIDCs, and other key scenarios to make all-weather green power a new standard in global energy supply.

 

TCL to Display the Future with Advanced Visual Innovations and AI-Powered Product Portfolio at CES 2026

SHENZHEN, China, Dec. 17, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — TCL, a global leader in consumer electronics and the world’s No. 1 Mini LED and ultra-large TV brand, is set to take center stage at CES 2026 with an extensive showcase of its most advanced displays and a full portfolio of AI-powered smart products.

TCL to Display the Future with Advanced Visual Innovations and AI-Powered Product Portfolio at CES 2026
TCL to Display the Future with Advanced Visual Innovations and AI-Powered Product Portfolio at CES 2026

Transforming its booth into a gateway to the future of visual experiences, TCL will show visitors how its exceptional display panels—across a wide range of sizes, categories, and form factors—deliver unparalleled performance. All of this is backed by TCL CSOT, a global leader in advanced display technologies and a subsidiary of TCL.

During the show, TCL will also unveil a new generation of groundbreaking display, mobile, and wearable devices. Among the exhibition highlights is TCL’s SQD-Mini LED technology, which features five core advantages, including an All-Scene Wide Color Gamut, no color crosstalk, more local dimming zones, higher brightness, and an ultra-slim form factor. Visitors will also get a first look at the newest NXTPAPER eye-care smartphones and enote tablets, as well as AR glasses that together underscore TCL’s unmatched capabilities in delivering cutting-edge viewing experiences across diverse applications.

In addition to advancements in display technologies, the company will present a full portfolio of AI-powered devices designed to shape the future of intelligence. Visitors can explore AI smart living through a series of home appliances, including air conditioners, refrigerators, washing machines, and smart locks, as well as immersive AI entertainment experiences brought by AI-powered TVs, AR glasses, and projectors. TCL will also showcase its latest advances in AI-enhanced productivity and mobility across mobile devices, tablets, and Human-Vehicle-Home ecosystem solutions that reveal how TCL’s AI technologies are shaping the next chapter of everyday living, working, and connectivity.

Additional details will be revealed at CES 2026:

TCL CES 2026 Booth:

  • Date: January 6 to 9, 2026
  • Location: Las Vegas Convention Center, Central Hall, Booth #18604

About TCL

TCL is a leading consumer electronics brand and leader in the global television industry. TCL now operates in more than 160 markets around the world. The company specializes in the research, development, and manufacturing of consumer electronics products ranging from TVs, audio, home appliances, mobile devices, smart glasses, commercial displays, and more. Visit the TCL website at https://www.tcl.com.

Amber Premium FZE Secures In-Principle Approval from VARA for Virtual Asset Service Provider License in Dubai

DUBAI, UAE, Dec. 17, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Amber International Holding Limited (Nasdaq: AMBR), operating under the brand name “Amber Premium,” the private banking-grade digital wealth management platform of Amber Group serving ultra-high-net-worth individuals and leading institutions, today announced that its Dubai subsidiary, Amber Premium FZE, has received an in-principle approval (“IPA”) from Dubai’s Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (“VARA”).

The IPA, which marks the final stage before full authorization for virtual asset activities in the region, is a key step in Amber Premium’s global coverage and reflects the company’s commitment to operating under robust regulatory frameworks. The in-principle approval highlights the company’s focus on building a compliant, transparent, and trusted platform for its stakeholders.

“VARA’s in-principle approval is a milestone in our long-term build. We are deliberate in pacing growth with governance,” said Michael Wu, CEO and Chairman of the Board, Amber Premium. “This advances our goal to bring institutional-grade digital wealth management capabilities to clients in the UAE. Sustainable participation starts with compliance-first decisions – we are committed to aligning with regulatory expectations, safeguarding clients, and contributing to market integrity. We look forward to continuing the licensing process with VARA.”

About Amber International Holding Limited

Amber International Holding Limited (Nasdaq: AMBR), operating under the brand name “Amber Premium,” is a global leading digital wealth management platform. As a private banking grade expert in digital wealth management and a subsidiary of Amber Group, Amber Premium is a trusted partner to high-net-worth individuals and leading institutions, delivering institutional-grade market access, execution infrastructure, and investment solutions. The firm is set to redefine the digital wealth management landscape, serving as a proven Nasdaq-listed gateway to digital assets. Learn more at www.ambr.io.

 

Cutting-Edge Technologies Debut in Concentration at 2025 AIE

MACAO, Dec. 17, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — The 2025 Global Intelligent Machinery and Electronics Expo (AIE), organized by China Electronics Chamber of Commerce, is held in a “Macao + Zhuhai” dual-city format, covering an exhibition area of 70,000 square meters with six thematic pavilions and attracting more than 1,000 enterprises from around the world. It serves as a high-energy platform for showcasing the latest developments and applications in the intelligent technology sector.

In the Intelligent Communication and Internet of Things Pavilion, vivo unveiled its proprietary technology brand Lanlan Technology, featuring a range of technological solutions including chip, battery life, operating system, large model and imaging technologies. Lenovo presented the latest progress of its “Hybrid AI” strategy, showcasing AI-powered terminal products such as smartphones, tablets and PCs, as well as intelligent solutions for individual and enterprise users.

The Intelligent Audio-Visual and Metaverse Pavilion features EeasyTime’s 5G Cloud XR digital twin platform and intelligent content creation agent integrating AI and VR technology; Voge Optoelectronics unveils a 32-inch glass-based MiniLED “Bestie Machine” and glass-based direct display substrates, leading new display innovations with high-zone dimming and transparent interactive design.

Key enterprises in other pavilions also showcase flagship innovations: Epson debuts the China-customized LA-A series SCARA industrial robots and metal powder 3D printers; XPeng Motors exhibits the G7 model with self-developed Turing AI autonomous driving chip; TCL presents the X11L SQD-Mini LED TV and Thunderbird X3 Pro AR glasses; and Xiaomi Auto showcases models like the YU7, SU7, and SU7 Ultra.

AIE Expo: International Exchange for Win-Win Cooperation

MACAO, Dec. 17, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — As the organizer of the 2025 Global Intelligent Machinery and Electronics Expo (AIE), the China Electronics Chamber of Commerce is committed to building a high-end platform for global intelligent industry exchanges and win-win cooperation.

China is our most important market. This AIE conference is an excellent platform to connect global innovation forces,” said Vladimir Vashetsky, director of international development affairs at Russian company SINOZON. “Whether it’s artificial intelligence, smart manufacturing, or the new energy sector, there are the most professional exhibitors and the most cutting-edge solutions here.”

Vladimir Vashetsky learned about the exhibition during an overseas roadshow. On June 23rd, the AIE Expo held its first press conference in Guangzhou. Subsequently, the AIE Expo Committee (hosted by China Electronics Chamber of Commerce) launched a series of intensive domestic and international promotion events, covering four major international hub cities including Seoul, Tokyo, Berlin, and Dubai, as well as key domestic cities such as Beijing, Shanghai, and Hangzhou, which has attracted extensive attention in the international market.

This AIE Expo has successfully gathered representatives from business associations and international buyers from over 30 countries and regions. The participants include global top retailers such as Amazon, Walmart, Rakuten, and JD Group, global manufacturing leaders like Epson, Toshiba, and Huawei, as well as multinational business association organizations including the British Chinese Chamber of Commerce and the American Chamber of Commerce in China.

“I am very much looking forward to learning about the latest technological products at this AIE Expo and exploring cooperation opportunities with the world’s top exhibitors. I have already recommended the AIE Expo to many of my international partners – including robot companies from Europe, smart home brands from the United States, and new energy technology companies from Asia. This is a rare exchange event for us,” said Aiman Saad, founder and managing director of Egypt’s E-TIME Trading Co., Ltd.

As an accelerator for the intelligent industry, this AIE Expo has built a “display + release + connection” three-in-one industrial promotion platform through a diverse event system of “1+1+6+N” (one opening ceremony and keynote forum, one industry white paper release, six thematic exhibition halls, and multiple special supporting activities). It effectively accelerates the rapid transformation of technological achievements into market value, and promotes in-depth cooperation among global industrial chains.

Preliminary statistics from the AIE Organizing Committee show that several buyers have expressed intentions to negotiate multi-million-yuan orders and long-term strategic cooperation, with the overall procurement scale expected to exceed hundreds of millions of yuan.

 

Twin-City Linkage, AIE Expo Ignites Technological Upsurge

MACAO, Dec. 17, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Concurrent with the 16th Asian Electronics Forum & Global Intelligent Technology Summit, the inaugural 2025 Global Intelligent Machinery and Electronics Expo (AIE) was hosted by the China Electronics Chamber of Commerce—an important practice to implement the Overall Plan for the Construction of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area. The expo was held from December 4 to 6 in a dual-city format at The Venetian Macao Resort Hotel’s Cotai Expo and the Zhuhai International Convention and Exhibition Center, aiming to build a high-end platform for global intelligent industry exchange and win-win cooperation.

As the core organizer, the China Electronics Chamber of Commerce leveraged its industrial resources and international influence to gather more than 1,000 leading intelligent manufacturing enterprises from around the world, including Huawei, ZTE, Tesla, BYD, Samsung, Tencent, and Siemens. Exhibits spanned six themed pavilions, covering key areas such as intelligent communications, the metaverse, the industrial internet, intelligent mobility, and health technology, fully demonstrating the latest technological achievements and development trends of the global intelligent industry.

The “Future Audio-Visual Exhibition Area” at the Macao venue emerged as a key highlight of the expo. Leading manufacturers and innovative brands in the smart glasses sector showcased their latest products and technological solutions here, attracting a large number of buyers and visitors for hands-on experiences and in-depth interactive exchanges.

By tapping into the strategic advantages of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, the AIE Expo—under the guidance and organization of the China Electronics Chamber of Commerce—not only highlights China’s innovation capabilities in the intelligent audio-visual and broader intelligent manufacturing sectors, but also builds a bridge for international cooperation across the global industrial chain, promoting in-depth integration and collaborative development of industrial resources worldwide.