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CSTS Enterprises Partners with PolyU School of Hotel and Tourism Management on Business Consultancy Project

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Advertorial Desk
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Bridging academic excellence with real-world sports tourism and corporate travel challenges

HONG KONG, Jan. 23, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — CSTS Enterprises, together with its subsidiary Connexus Travel, today announced a strategic collaboration with School of Hotel and Tourism Management at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (“PolyU”) on a business consulting project for Master of Science (“MSc”) students, aiming to equip future hospitality leaders with hands-on industry experience.

Running from 23 January to 30 April, 2026, the 13-week consultancy project will bring together selected MSc students from PolyU’s globally renowned hospitality programmes – including MSc in International Hospitality Management and MSc in International Tourism and Event Management – to form consulting teams to address high-impact real-world business challenges for CSTS and Connexus Travel.

Working under faculty supervision and in close collaboration with CSTS project leaders, student teams will deliver comprehensive presentations and strategic reports containing actionable recommendations.

“We are honoured to collaborate with PolyU’s School of Hotel and Tourism Management, combining academic excellence with our sports tourism expertise,” said Sharon Li, Group Director, Corporate Strategy & Sustainability at CSTS. “CSTS looks forward to sharing our industry knowledge to jointly nurture the next generation of hospitality leaders.”

“The project bridges cutting-edge academic training with real industry challenges in hotel operations, events, and sports tourism,” said Dr. Tony Tse, Professor of Practice at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University’s School of Hotel and Tourism Management. “Partnering with CSTS offers our MSc students invaluable hands-on experience while delivering meaningful strategic value to a leader in global sports hospitality.”

Beyond this consulting project, CSTS and PolyU are exploring expanded partnership opportunities including priority internship tracks for participating students, as well as scholarship programmes recognising excellence in sports and travel innovation.

About CSTS Enterprises Inc.

Headquartered in Hong Kong, CSTS Enterprises engages in dynamic media, entertainment, sports, and trave technology. CSTS is dedicated to becoming a global expert in developing and managing innovative, end-to-end integrated marketing solutions and services that connect major sports and entertainment events with regional and local brands. This empowers businesses to amplify their reach through experience-led, culturally resonant marketing.  

At its core, CSTS Enterprises is a provider of innovative solutions across corporate travel, integrated marketing, and advanced technology services. Through deep knowledge of the industry and advanced technologies, CSTS delivers tech-enabled efficiency and cost-effective travel programs, transforming corporate travel into a seamless, value-driven experience.  

About Connexus Travel Limited

Connexus Travel (formerly known as Swire Travel), License No: (350001), one of the earliest Hong Kong-registered and award-winning travel agencies, has been a trusted household name for over 78 years. As an innovative travel management company in the region, it delivers seamless, tech-enabled experiences, combining personalized 24/7 support with innovative digital platforms. Connexus Travel offers a full spectrum of travel services—including corporate, leisure, MICE, and sports/lifestyle travel—and plays a key role in promoting global events like the FIFA World Cup and Formula 1. 

Connexus Travel is a subsidiary of CSTS Enterprises. 

About PolyU School of Hotel and Tourism Management

For more than four decades, the School of Hotel and Tourism Management (SHTM) of The Hong Kong Polytechnic University has refined a distinctive vision of hospitality and tourism education and become a world-leading hotel and tourism school. Ranked No. 1 in the world in the “Hospitality and Tourism Management” category in Shanghai Ranking’s Global Ranking of Academic Subjects 2025 for the ninth consecutive year; placed No. 1 globally in the “Commerce, Management, Tourism and Services” category in the University Ranking by Academic Performance in 2024/2025 for eighth years in a row; and ranked No. 1 in Asia in the “Hospitality and Leisure Management” subject area in the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2025, the SHTM is a symbol of excellence in the field, exemplifying its motto of Leading Hospitality and Tourism.

The School is driven by the need to serve its industry and academic communities through the advancement of education and dissemination of knowledge. With a strong international team of over 90 faculty members from 21 countries and regions around the world, the SHTM offers programmes at levels ranging from undergraduate to doctoral degrees. Through Hotel ICON, the School’s groundbreaking teaching and research hotel and a vital aspect of its paradigm-shifting approach to hospitality and tourism education, the SHTM is advancing teaching, learning and research, and inspiring a new generation of passionate, pioneering professionals to take their positions as leaders in the hospitality and tourism industry.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains statements that are forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements can be identified by terminology such as “anticipate,” “estimate,” “forecast,” “plan,” “project,” “potential,” “continue,” “ongoing,” “expect,” “aim,” “believe,” “intend,” “may,” “should,” “will,” “is/are likely to,” “could” and similar statements. Statements that are not historical facts, including statements about CSTS’s beliefs, plans, and expectations, are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements involve inherent risks and uncertainties. All information provided in this press release is as of the date of this press release, and CSTS does not undertake any obligation to update any forward-looking statement, except as required under applicable law.

Media Contacts 

Danny Leung
Corporate Communications, CSTS Enterprises Inc.
Phone: +852 9709 4924
Email: danny.leung@csts-enterprises.com
Website: https://csts-enterprises.com/en 

Tiffany Chan
Marketing Manager, School of Hotel and Tourism Management
Tel: +852 3400 2293
E-mail: tiffany-sm.chan@polyu.edu.hk
Website: https://www.polyu.edu.hk/shtm/

JA Solar’s DeepBlue 5.0 Delivers Bankable Performance in a Changing Global PV Market

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Advertorial Desk
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BEIJING, Jan. 23, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — JA Solar, a trusted global partner in green energy, is rapidly expanding the global deployment of its DeepBlue 5.0 modules across utility, C&I, and residential markets, as developers increasingly prioritize long-term value, bankability, and risk mitigation in a more volatile global PV market.

JA Solar's DeepBlue 5.0 Delivers Bankable Performance in a Changing Global PV Market
JA Solar’s DeepBlue 5.0 Delivers Bankable Performance in a Changing Global PV Market

Reflecting the promise of “Performance You Can Bank On,” DeepBlue 5.0 delivers higher energy yield through four core strengths—area utilization, quality, performance and scenario adaptability. Its selection for South Korea’s 410 MW Haenam Bukil project, the country’s largest ground-mounted PV plant, highlights growing confidence in its long-term investment value.

Smarter Area Utilization – More Power per Module

DeepBlue 5.0 adopts a full-screen front design that removes inactive areas, enabled by zero-gap flexible interconnection, hidden busbars, and multi-cut cell technology.

  • Up to 15 mm more active cell length and ~25 mm more edge utilization
  • 1.82% increase in effective generation area
  • Up to 20 W higher output

With power ratings up to 670 W and efficiency of 24.8%, developers gain higher power density without increasing installation footprint.

Stronger Structural Engineering – Reliability by Design

A new structural platform enhances density, uniformity, and durability under real-world stress. Key upgrades include:

  • Improved CSE encapsulation for better sealing and moisture resistance
  • Triangular junction-box layout for optimized load dispersion
  • Micron-level manufacturing control for reduced cutting loss and higher yield

Together, these design and manufacturing upgrades reduce long-term performance uncertainty, supporting financing confidence and bankability across large-scale and C&I projects.

Higher Lifetime Performance – More Energy in All Conditions

DeepBlue 5.0 boosts energy yield across varying irradiance and throughout its lifecycle.

  • Multi-cut architecture reduces shading impact
  • Low-light optimization delivers up to 3.26% gains in mornings, evenings, and cloudy weather
  • Bifaciality up to 85% enhances rear-side generation

This translates into lower LCOE and more predictable cash flows over the project lifecycle—critical advantages as input costs and financing scrutiny increase.

Broader Scenario Adaptability – Ready for Diverse Environments

DeepBlue 5.0 is engineered for stable performance across utility, rooftop, and challenging climates.

  • Patented dust-mitigation frame reduces soiling
  • Enhanced resistance to damp heat, mechanical loads, and hotspots
  • Seamless front surface supports architectural integration

The result is lower O&M needs, stronger output stability, and suitability for multi-scenario.

A Reliable Choice in a Market Facing Rising Costs

As module prices rise due to raw-material pressures, supply-chain shifts and evolving trade policies, upfront cost alone is no longer the deciding factor. Developers are increasingly focused on long-term certainty, predictable performance, and partner reliability.

Backed by independent third‑party validation and rigorous quality control, DeepBlue 5.0 delivers more performance with the same trust, embodying JA Solar’s long‑standing commitment to reliable, high‑quality products. With this foundation, JA Solar continues to serve as a trusted global partner, providing developers with confidence, stability, and bankable returns in an increasingly dynamic and cost-sensitive global PV market.

Goeroptics Showcases Industry-Leading 50° FoV SiC Waveguide and XR Optical Innovations at SPIE

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Advertorial Desk
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SAN FRANCISCO, Jan. 23, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Goeroptics, a world’s leading AR&MR solution provider, unveiled a suite of advanced XR optical solutions at SPIE AR|VR|MR 2026. The company debut its latest AR flagship product, the F50Se — a 50° FoV full-color silicon carbide (SiC) etched optical module designed for seamless AR experiences. Demonstrating its advanced XR optics technology, Goeroptics also showcased full-color AR optical modules F15Pi (polymer) and F25Ge (glass), as well as a range of ultra-compact MR pancake modules at the exhibition.

Large-FoV SiC Module Enables AR Performance Breakthrough

The newly introduced F50Se module delivers performance advantages through material innovation and upgraded fabrication processes.

The FoV of AR display is fundamentally limited by the refractive index of the waveguide materials. Mainstream glass waveguides currently offer a maximum refractive index of approximately 2.0, limiting single-layer full-color waveguides to FoVs below 30°. Exceeding this limit typically introduces optical artifacts such as color distortion and edge vignetting. In the F50Se development process, Goeroptics overcomes this longstanding FoV constraint by innovatively adopting silicon carbide (SiC) with a refractive index of 2.65 as the waveguide substrate, enabling a FoV expansion to 50°.

This material innovation required corresponding upgrades in fabrication processes. To address the exceptional hardness and chemical stability of SiC—which render it unsuitable for conventional nanoimprint lithography—Goeroptics adopts ion beam etching (IBE) alongside an innovative grating design. By maintaining the overall reflectivity of the SiC waveguides below 5%, the company effectively suppresses common AR display artifacts such as ghosting and rainbow effects, resulting in a significant improvement in visual purity.

Paired with a full-color and ultra-compact LCoS light engine, the F50Se delivers over 1500 nits of brightness, enabling a large-screen-like viewing experience.

Extensive Product Portfolio Addressing XR Applications

Goeroptics showcased a diverse portfolio of optical solutions tailored to a wide range of XR use cases.

For consumer applications where lightweight design is critical, the F30Se offers a 30° field of view using SiC fully-laminated waveguide with a thickness of just 0.65mm and total weight of 3.5 grams. The F15Pi full-color polymer module adopts a high-refractive-index polymer material, delivering a lightweight yet durable design. Optimized micro-nano grating structures increase waveguide transmittance to over 92%, effectively reducing rainbow artifacts. Combined with an ultra-compact 0.2cc full-color Micro-LED optical engine, the F15Pi is well-suited for all-day wear.

For outdoor and industrial environments with high ambient light, Goeroptics introduced the F25Ge full-color etched waveguide module. Paired with a 0.2cc high-efficiency Micro-LED light engine, it achieves a peak eye-box brightness of 4,200 nits, ensuring excellent readability under bright lighting conditions.

For mixed reality (MR) applications, Goeroptics continues to lead in the development of ultra-compact Pancake modules. The latest Star LE51-D Pancake module features an 85.5° FoV and 29 pixels per degree (PPD) resolution within a 14 mm total track length (TTL), and integrates diopter adjustment from -700° to +200° for users with myopia. The Star LE52 module further reduces the TTL to 13.6mm，with an optimized 0.68-inch Micro-OLED display.

Advancing XR Industry Growth through Innovation

SPIE AR|VR|MR, organized by the International Society for Optics and Photonics, is the most professional and influential global platform for XR display technologies.

At this year’s SPIE event, Goeroptics presented its SiC waveguide series along with a range of application-focused XR optical solutions. These innovations are set to accelerate the integration of AR and MR technologies across an expanding spectrum of use cases—from 3D entertainment, gaming, and multi-screen productivity to industrial maintenance and outdoor operations. Continued advances in materials and fabrication processes are driving the XR optics industry toward solutions that are thinner, clearer and more adaptable.

AVA to Showcase Next-Generation Multi-Screen Collaboration Solutions at ISE 2026, Expanding Global Partnerships Across Asia-Pacific

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Advertorial Desk
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TAIPEI, Jan. 23, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — AVA, a brand of Taiwan-listed eMPIA Technology [3556.TWO], closed 2025 with strong global momentum driven by rapid Asia-Pacific channel expansion and growing market adoption of its wireless collaboration solutions. Building on this success, AVA will exhibit at Integrated Systems Europe (ISE) 2026, where it will unveil two major innovative solutions designed for next-generation collaboration, training, and control room.

AVA to Showcase OnCollab and IllumiNet Series in 2026 Following Strong Asia-Pacific Expansion
AVA to Showcase OnCollab and IllumiNet Series in 2026 Following Strong Asia-Pacific Expansion

The first is IllumiNet Wireless Multi-Screen Control, a software-defined AVoIP platform designed for control rooms, training centers, and multi-screen collaboration spaces. IllumiNet enables intuitive wireless control, switching, and monitoring of multiple displays from a single iPad, making it ideal for command centers, and advanced training rooms .

The second highlight is OnCollab A10 Wireless Conferencing Device for dual-screen collaboration, a conferencing-ready solution that redefines how teams collaborate in video meetings. Users can dedicate one screen for live video conferencing while simultaneously using a second screen for annotation, whiteboarding, or content discussion.

Expanding Asia-Pacific Channel Presence

Throughout 2025, AVA significantly expanded its Asia-Pacific channel footprint beyond Taiwan, establishing active market presence across India, Thailand, Japan, China, Singapore, Indonesia, and Malaysia. This expansion reflects rising demand for flexible collaboration, training room, and control room solutions across education, enterprise, and government sectors.

Actively Seeking Global Partners at ISE 2026

As part of its global growth strategy, AVA will use ISE 2026 as a key platform to engage new international partners. AVA welcomes collaboration opportunities with distributors, system integrators, interactive flat panel brands (IFP), and leading AV solution providers who share a common vision for open, interoperable collaboration ecosystems.

AVA’s wireless collaboration solutions are already integrated into IFP from IQBoard, Jector, and Genetouch, validating their compatibility and value within IFP ecosystems. AVA has also publicly demonstrated BYOM bundle solutions in Taiwan in collaboration with mainstream video conferencing brands such as Logitech, Poly, Jabra, Audio-Technica, ClearOne, Aver, and Lumens.

AVA at ISE 2026

Venue: #1B440, Hall 1, Fira Barcelona, Spain

Date: February 3–6, 2026

To experience AVA’s latest collaboration innovations, visitors are invited to reserve a booth tour through sales@avacast.net.

About AVA

AVA, a brand of Taiwan-listed eMPIA Technology, brings over 20 years of expertise in audio and video IC innovation. Leveraging eMPIA’s proven technology heritage, AVA specializes in next-generation wireless collaboration and ProAV solutions.

For more information on AVA, visit https://www.avacast.net and follow us on LinkedIn.

World’s Oldest Cave Art Discovered in Indonesia

By
Laotian Times
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This handout photograph released by Griffith University's Maixme Aubert on January 21, 2026, shows a view of prehistoric cave paintings in the Sulawesi island of Indonesia. In the caves of Sulawesi, Indonesia, researchers have discovered slender stenciled hands with deliberately elongated, claw-like fingernails—the oldest example of rock art in the world, dating back 67,800 years. (Photo by Maxime AUBERT / GRIFFITH UNIVERSITY / AFP)

By Frédéric Bourigault/AFP – A red stencil of a hand pressed against the wall of an Indonesian cave is the oldest rock art ever discovered, scientists said on 22 January, and sheds light on how humans first migrated to Australia.

The cave art dates back at least 67,800 years, according to research published in the journal Nature by a team of Indonesian and Australian archaeologists.

“We have been working in Indonesia for a long time,” study co-author Maxime Aubert of Australia’s Griffith University told AFP.

This time they ventured to caves on the island of Muna in the Sulawesi province on the advice of Indonesian archaeologist Adhi Agus Oktaviana, the study’s lead author.

There they found “handprints in negative, stencilled, probably using red ochre,” Aubert said.

The fingers of one of the hands were “retouched to become pointed like claws, a style of painting only seen in Sulawesi,” the Canadian archaeologist added.

To determine the art’s age, the team took five-millimetre samples from “cave popcorn”, which are small clusters of calcite that form on the walls of limestone caves.

Then they zapped the layers of rock with a laser to measure how the uranium decayed over time, compared to a more stable radioactive element called thorium.

This “very precise” technique gave the scientists a clear minimum age for the painting, Aubert explained.

At 67,800 years old, the Indonesian stencil is more than a thousand years older than other hand stencils found in a Spanish cave which has been attributed to Neanderthals. However the dating of that cave art “has been controversial,” the study cautioned.

The new discovery is also more than 15,000 years older than previous art found in the Sulawesi region by the same team.

The scientists also established that the Muna caves had been used for rock art many times over a long period.

Some of the ancient art was even painted over up to 35,000 later, Aubert said.

A Fork in the Road

Beyond setting a new record, the art also offers clues for a long-running historical mystery.

Scientists have been divided about how Homo sapiens first journeyed from Asia to Australia.

They could have taken the northern route, travelling by boat through Indonesia islands including Sulawesi to Papua New Guinea.

These ancient humans could then have walked the rest of the way, at the time, Papua New Guinea and Australia were both part of a supercontinent called Sahul.

Or the migrants could have taken the southern route, travelling through the islands of Sumatra, Java and Bali before heading for Timor. Then a boat ride was required to finally make it to Australia.

“These paintings provide the first evidence that modern humans were on these Indonesian islands at that time,” Aubert said.

The discovery also “reinforces the idea that people arrived in Australia via Papua, perhaps around 65,000 years ago”, he said.

But it could not be ruled that other people were also making their way to Australia via the southern route at the same time, he added.

The researchers also said that the paintings were very likely created by people closely linked to the ancestors of Indigenous Australians.

© Agence France-Presse

11th Annual Mining Asia Conference & Expo Incorporates Clean Energy, Renewables & Batteries for the 2026 edition

By
Advertorial Desk
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SINGAPORE, Jan. 23, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Mining Asia (https://www.miningasiaconvention.com), South East Asia’s largest and longest standing mining conference and exhibition showcasing the region’s dynamic mining sector to an international audience of investors, industry leaders and key mining stakeholders, is returning to Singapore Marina Bay Sands Expo and Convention Centre from 23-24 June 2026.

Mining Asia Conference & Expo 2026 - A Platform for Networking, Thought Leadership and Exhibition Showcase
Mining Asia Conference & Expo 2026 – A Platform for Networking, Thought Leadership and Exhibition Showcase

For the 2026 edition, Mining Asia expands its focus to include clean energy technologies, batteries, EVs and renewable energy within its conference themes. This evolution reflects the industry’s shift towards sustainable mining practices and integration of green technologies across mining operations.

Clean energy, batteries and renewables for Mining Asia

The current energy transition to deliver a clean energy future – powered by renewable energy and electric vehicles – is a defining conversation of our time. For South East Asia, this transition carries particular urgency as the region faces escalating impacts of climate change, including record breaking heat waves, severe droughts and rising sea levels.

Mining Asia has long been at the forefront of championing the South East Asian and wider Asian mining sector, recognizing mining’s vital role as a key economic driver for the region. As the world pivots away from coal and accelerates the shift towards clean energy, critical minerals such as nickel, lithium and rare earths have become essential to reducing dependence on fossil fuels.

With Asia Pacific countries such as Indonesia, China and Australia emerging as major critical minerals producers, Singapore’s strategic location and reputation as a global finance hub position it as the ideal gateway for fostering investments and dialogue on clean energy, batteries and renewables. Mining Asia thus serves as the premier platform to shape the region’s sustainable energy future.

Attendee profile

More than 70% of attendees at Mining Asia come from Asia and the Middle East while Australia, Europe and Americas make up the remaining 30%. This strong regional presence makes Mining Asia the ideal platform for international mining and energy companies seeking to connect with Asia based investors and showcase their projects to a highly targeted audience.

Our investor base includes banks, institutional and private investors, all seeking new opportunities in the mining, energy and clean technology sectors. This qualified investor pool continues to grow yearly, underscoring Mining Asia’s proven ability to attract new investors to the event.

Daniel Radziszewski, Managing Director of Spire Events – organisers of Mining Asia since 2015 – states that “Over the past 11 years, the high quality of the speakers assembled at this event has provided insightful regional and international perspectives, leading to Mining Asia being recognised as the leading event in the region for global companies and individuals who wish to understand what makes South East Asia mining industry tick.”

He added, “Regular attendees at Mining Asia over the past decade have given feedback that they appreciate the diversity of conference topics, speakers and exhibitors as it provides useful opportunities to learn latest industry developments and establish new business contacts”.

Spaces are available for sponsors, exhibitors and delegates who wish to be a part of Mining Asia 2026. Enquiries can be sent to Daniel via email at daniel.radz@spire-events.com. More information is available at https://www.miningasiaconvention.com

Background on Spire Events

Spire Events is a Singapore based events company specialising in mining & energy conferences and expos. Mining Asia is part of the global Critical Minerals, Mining & Clean Energy Conference Series that spans across various locations in Asia, Europe, Latin and North America and Australia. 

Spire Events also organises the MiningTech Conference Series which focuses on technology in mining and they are held in Brazil and Canada. Besides conferences, Spire Events also organises large scale mining and energy expos in Africa, namely Mauritania and Botswana. The full calendar of events can be found at www.spire-events.com

PR Newswire is the Official Press Release Distribution Partner of Mining Asia Conference and Expo

Laos Eyes Hydrogen-Roasted Coffee to Lift Exports, Cut Emissions by 2027

By
Phoudasack Vongsay
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Bolaven Plateau coffee harvesting. (Picture by The Bolaven Plateau Coffee Producers Cooperative)

Laos is advancing to transform its coffee sector by 2027, shifting the focus to higher value, cleaner production, and stronger access to international markets. The effort centers on the Bolaven Plateau, the country’s primary coffee-growing region.

Coffee remains one of Laos’ leading agricultural exports, generating more than USD 200 million annually. However, developers say the next phase is less about increasing volume and more about quality, branding, and long-term sustainability.

To explore how emerging technology and investment could reshape Lao coffee’s future, The Laotian Times spoke with Ryutaro Nishio, representative of Lao Green Hydrogen (LGH), and Toshihiro Mochizuki, Managing Director of Pakse-Japan SME SEZ Development Co., Ltd. (PJSEZ), where a hydrogen-roasted coffee plant is currently on the way.

Hydrogen roasting and value creation

Lao producers, authorities, and Japanese-led LGH inspecting coffee hydrogen technology. (Picture by LGH)

A key part of the expansion plan is hydrogen-powered coffee roasting, developed through cooperation between Lao producers, authorities, and Japanese-led LGH.

Nishio said “At LGH, we are planning to purchase up to 6,000 tonnes of green beans per year and produce around 5,000 tonnes of roasted coffee annually in the future. This is not only an investment in roasting capacity, but a way to create long-term, stable demand.”

Unlike traditional roasting, hydrogen roasting uses green hydrogen and produces only water as a by-product. Nishio continued “When hydrogen is used, the only result of combustion is water, allowing production to scale while keeping environmental impact low.”

Clean Coffee, Beyond Emissions

Clear, smooth cup with fewer unwanted notes of coffee, making the natural characteristics of Lao coffee and its origin to stand out. (Picture by Laos Coffee)

For Nishio, “clean coffee” goes beyond just lower carbon emissions, it is also cleanliness in taste, a concept that bridges environmental responsibility with consumer experience.

From a flavor perspective, hydrogen roasting reduces combustion-related impurities and allows for more stable roasting conditions. He stated “This helps produce a clear, smooth cup with fewer unwanted notes and allows the natural characteristics of Lao coffee and its origin to stand out.”

The technology improves stability and helps with flavour-loss, potentially extending shelf life. 

Nishio added, “In that sense, clean coffee is something you can experience, not just explain in theory.”

This experiential quality could prove decisive in premium markets, where consumers increasingly seek transparency and distinctive taste characteristics alongside sustainability credentials.

Hydropower and Cost Advantage

Nam Theun 1 Hydropower containing Laos’ abundant hydropower. (Picture by ASEAN Briefing)

Laos’ abundant hydropower plays a central role in making hydrogen roasting feasible at scale. The country generates approximately 80 percent of its electricity from hydropower, providing one of the lowest electricity costs in the region. Low electricity costs help keep hydrogen production affordable, supporting cleaner processing without sharply raising costs.

Nishio confirmed “One reason this technology suits Laos, because it allows coffee to remain price-competitive while meeting rising expectations around sustainability.”

Bolaven Plateau and growing investor interest

the Bolaven Plateau coffee field, which shaped by its volcanic soil, cool climate, and high-altitude growing conditions. (picture by TripJive)

At PJSEZ in Champasak Province, developers said Bolaven Plateau coffee offers strong appeal for international partners.

Mochizuki said “We understand that Bolaven Plateau coffee is shaped by its volcanic soil, cool climate, and high-altitude growing conditions. It offers bright, citrusy and floral Arabica, as well as smoother Robusta, supported by smallholder farmers and cooperative-driven quality.”

The plateau, situated at elevations between 1,000 and 1,350 meters above sea level, provides ideal conditions for coffee cultivation. Its volcanic soil, rich in minerals, combined with consistent rainfall and moderate temperatures, creates distinct flavor profiles that specialty roasters value.

PJSEZ has attracted LGH to establish a hydrogen-roasted coffee plant in the zone since 2024, with construction currently underway and Lao coffee’s international presence is also already growing as well.

He explained that Lao coffee was rarely available in Japan a decade ago, but has since become easier to find, with its recognition steadily increasing. He noted, “Hydrogen-roasted coffee can maintain its original taste and aroma longer compared to general coffee products.”

Markets, challenges, and the road to 2027

Developers believe the combination of clean production and improved quality could help Lao coffee reach higher-end and new international markets, particularly in Japan, Europe, and North America where sustainability standards are becoming increasingly stringent.

Nishio explained “International markets increasingly care about decarbonisation, but what ultimately determines repeat purchases is taste and quality. By combining Lao origin, green hydrogen, and clean taste, we believe recognition and brand value can improve significantly.”

The European Union carbon border adjustment mechanism and similar regulations in other markets are expected to favor products with verifiable low-carbon production methods, potentially giving hydrogen-roasted Lao coffee a competitive edge.

Meanwhile, looking ahead to 2027, PJSEZ expects coffee to play a growing role in export growth and regional development in southern Laos, creating employment opportunities and supporting rural livelihoods.

Mochizuki mentioned “We see opportunities through sustainable production, value addition using new technologies like hydrogen roasting, and better international market access.” 

He also highlighted ongoing challenges: “Key issues include inconsistent quality, high logistics costs, climate change, and the need for technical training, certification, and infrastructure.”

These issues are common in developing coffee origins, with quality gaps linked to limited equipment and training, Laos’ landlocked location raising transport costs, and climate change causing unpredictable weather.

What Success Looks Like for local and farmers

Farmers and local people harvesting coffee in Bolaven Plateau. (Picture by Council on Smallholder Agricultural Finance.)

Despite these difficulties, both sides see long-term potential for communities and farmers.

Nishio noted “For communities on the Bolaven Plateau, success means having reliable buyers and coffee farming established as a long-term, sustainable industry.”

He also added “For farmers, the most important thing is having clear buyers and having their quality properly recognised. Production growth and value creation need to progress at the same time.”

This dual focus on volume and quality reflects lessons from other coffee-producing regions, where market access alone has proven insufficient without corresponding investments in quality improvement and farmer education.

Mochizuki echoed that view, saying the future of Lao coffee depends on linking quality production with long-term market access.

He stated “As foreign investment advances, Lao coffee will continue to expand its presence in Japan, Europe, and the United States.” Meaning, with stable demand, improved processing, and stronger recognition of Bolaven Plateau coffee would help establish the sector as a sustainable driver of regional development.

The success of this hydrogen roasting initiative may also serve as a model for other agricultural sectors in Laos seeking to add value domestically while meeting international sustainability expectations. 

As global coffee consumption continues to grow, projected to reach 200 million bags by 2030, Laos’ strategic positioning at the intersection of quality, sustainability, and competitive pricing could prove increasingly valuable.

Edufrienz 99: One of Asia’s First Digital Platform Advancing Character Education for Future-Ready, Compassionate Children

By
Advertorial Desk
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SINGAPORE, Jan. 23, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Edufrienz 99 is a Singapore-based digital education platform and Asia’s first platform dedicated to character education and Social Emotional Learning (SEL). The platform supports schools, educators, and families in strengthening children’s holistic development beyond academic achievement.

Across Asia, children are facing increasing emotional pressures, digital distractions, and complex social environments. In response, governments and educators are placing greater emphasis on character education and SEL. Despite this shift, many schools and families continue to lack accessible and practical resources.

Edufrienz 99 addresses this gap through a comprehensive digital library of structured SEL curricula and character education resources. The platform includes teacher guides, character-based stories, videos, interactive activities, and 87 learning topics, heightening the importance of good character traits and 21st-century skills. Resources are made available through an annual subscription model starting at USD 2.49 per month. This approach makes quality character education accessible and affordable for schools and families.

Edufrienz 99 Image
Edufrienz 99 Image

Edufrienz 99 is designed for schools, educators, and parents. The platform combines digital games, printable worksheets, and activities. This approach supports learning through screens and encourages hands-on engagement in classrooms and at home through printed materials. It also supports more purposeful screen use.

“There is a growing awareness that children need more than academic success to thrive in an increasingly complex world,” said Boon, General Manager of Edufrienz 99. “SEL has often been delivered through programs and in-person training, even in Western markets. EduFrienz introduces an easy-to-use SEL-centric digital library to support schools and families.”

Beyond its core platform, Edufrienz 99 is developing original children’s learning characters, including Spark Frienz and Lumi Frienz. These characters are learning companions to reinforce positive values through stories and guided activities. The company also works with partners on curriculum development and education-focused innovation.

Current initiatives include a co-creation with Dr Siti Mariam of Tink It on an executive functioning curriculum and an ongoing AR/VR project with a local polytechnic.

“Executive functioning skills help children manage their learning, emotions, and decisions,” said Dr Siti, Education Specialist and Co-developer of the curriculum. “Our collaboration with Edufrienz 99 focuses on translating research into practical learning experiences for children,” she added.

Edufrienz 99 is open to collaboration with education groups, distributors, NGOs, and organisations across Asia. Partnership opportunities include distribution tie-ups, content co-creation, and licensing initiatives to expand availability to practical and accessible character education globally.

Partnership & Media Enquiries

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