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Boosting Yeast Protein Production to Meet the Growing Global Demand for Alternative Proteins

YICHANG, China, Jan. 17, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Angel Yeast (SH600298), a global leader in yeast manufacturing, has officially completed the topping out of the main plant for the industrial yeast protein production project at Baiyang Yichang, which will boost an annual output of 11,000 tons, a milestone of Angel Yeast’s sustainable protein development strategy. The company is committed to building a sustainable future with innovative fermentation technologies and advanced biomanufacturing capabilities to advance the development of global alternative proteins and new sustainable food products.

Boosting Yeast Protein Production to Meet the Growing Global Demand for Alternative Proteins
Boosting Yeast Protein Production to Meet the Growing Global Demand for Alternative Proteins

Traditional protein production, from cereal and legume cultivation to dairy farming, is time-consuming and may struggle to meet future demands for quantity, quality, and sustainable supply. Therefore, there is an urgent need to innovate large-scale, low-cost, and high-quality protein production methods. Angel Yeast has achieved the breakthrough to extract proteins from yeast, only taking hours, boosting production efficiency significantly. To meet the growing market demands, it is expanding production capacity and the 11,000-ton production line is expected to be put into operation in 2025.

Yeast protein boasts significant environmental advantages by effectively lowering dependence on land and water resources and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The carbon dioxide emissions associated with producing yeast protein are approximately 1/20 of those from animal protein. AngeoPro by Angel Yeast has broadened the application of yeast protein significantly. The products range from protein bars, high-protein cereals and chips to yeast protein powder, cookies and alternative meats.

“AngeoPro has redefined ‘future protein’, boasting 80 percent higher protein content and a 96 percent protein utilization rate that surpasses nearly all plant-based proteins. It also provides the nine essential amino acids needed by the human body which account for 47 percent of total amino acids, while in comparison whey protein is 46% essential amino acids, while plant proteins are usually only 35 to 40 percent, making AngeoPro yeast protein a nutritionally advantaged and highly efficient source of high-quality protein,” said Zhang Yan, assistant general manager of Angel Yeast and dean of the Angel Yeast Research Institute.

Bruce Friedrich, founder and CEO of Good Food Institute, recently spoke at the The Asia-Pacific Agri-Food Innovation Summit in Singapore, where he noted that the Asia-Pacific region’s demand for meat is expected to account for 50 percent of the global total by 2050. He compared alt protein development to that of solar and electric vehicles a decade ago, which was not seen as a viable choice of energy transformation at that time but is now mainstream.

With the costs of yeast protein coming down dramatically, the global and Asian markets are quickly responding to the trends and promoting the potential technologies.

Angel Yeast is taking a lead in global layout. It exhibited the AngeoPro products at Food ingredients Global Europe 2024 held in Frankfurt, Germany, and has introduced the ingredient to a famous vegan protein bar brand in India that further expands application.

“Looking forward, Angel Yeast will continue to increase our investment in the R&D of yeast proteins, improve production technologies and expand fields of expansion, and contribute to building a sustainable future for all,” said Zhang Yan.

AWE Celebrates 20 Years of Achievements with Stakeholders

A New Era of Premier Events unveiled

Diverse Opportunities for Hong Kong showcased

HONG KONG, Jan. 17, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — To commemorate its 20th anniversary, AsiaWorld-Expo (AWE) hosted a grand Banquet and Ceremony on 15th January 2025. As a premier conference and exhibition centre in the Asia-Pacific region, AWE unveiled a series of large-scale international events during the ceremony, heralding the arrival of many more visitors and the stimulation of local business markets to inject new energy into Hong Kong’s economy. The dinner was attended by an impressive assembly of leaders from both the political and business worlds, along with industry fellows, all of whom gathered to celebrate this significant milestone for AWE. Attendees were thrilled to learn about the series of exciting events scheduled for the year ahead, creating an atmosphere of great enthusiasm.

Michael Wong, Deputy Financial Secretary of the HKSAR Government (Centre) pictured with government officials and the management teams of AsiaWorld-Expo and Airport Authority Hong Kong.
Michael Wong, Deputy Financial Secretary of the HKSAR Government (Centre) pictured with government officials and the management teams of AsiaWorld-Expo and Airport Authority Hong Kong.

John Lee, the Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, conveyed his congratulatory message through a video, recognising AWE’s contribution to the city’s overall economy. He highlighted that AWE has successfully attracted participants from around the globe by hosting a multitude of large-scale activities, reinforcing Hong Kong’s status as a hub for iconic events. This has not only facilitated talent and business exchanges across various sectors, but also boosted the tourism, hospitality, retail, entertainment and transportation industries, contributing significantly to Hong Kong’s economy.

Michael Wong, the Deputy Financial Secretary, was guest of honour at the ceremony. He was joined by Simon Li, Chairman of AsiaWorld-Expo; Fred Lam, Chairman of the Airport Authority Hong Kong; Vivian Cheung, Acting CEO of the Airport Authority Hong Kong; and Irene Chan, CEO of AsiaWorld-Expo, to officiate the celebration’s lighting ceremony. 

In his speech, AWE Chairman Simon Li noted that AWE is facing intense competition in Asia as well as various economic challenges following the pandemic. However, he emphasised that his team had remained steadfast, proactively participating in international events to seize global opportunities. The team has consistently demonstrated its commitment to driving economic development in Hong Kong, having hosted over 330 major events in 2024, thereby reinforcing Hong Kong’s status as a premier destination for large-scale events.

CEO Irene Chan announced that a series of international events would be hosted at the venue for the first time in 2025. Among these is the “Longines Hong Kong International Horse Show”, Asia’s first version replicating the 50-year established London show, which is renowned as one of the world’s most prestigious indoor equestrian events. Additionally, there will be the inaugural “Routes World 2025”, an international conference for the aviation sector, along with “Airspace Asia Pacific 2025” which is also the first in the city. The venue will also feature the large-scale convention-cum-exhibition “Connect Marketplace Hong Kong” and “UFI Global Congress” for the MICE industry. Four leading technology-focused exhibitions will also be held concurrently, including “Build4Asia 2025”, “The Battery Show Asia”, “Mobility Tech Asia” and the brand-new “Data Center Asia”. This comprehensive line-up of events at AWE is set to attract a substantial number of business travellers to the city, injecting further momentum into the local economy.

The celebratory event vividly showcased AWE’s successful hosting of numerous international exhibitions, conferences, cultural events, and entertainment activities since its opening. A series of striking light boxes highlighted significant milestones from the past 20 years, including the relocation of the China Sourcing Fair, organised by Global Sources, from Shanghai to Hong Kong in 2006; the exhibition “The River of Wisdom – Animated Version of the Riverside Scene at Qing Ming Festival”, which attracted over 900,000 visitors in 2010; Madonna’s Hong Kong concert in 2016; the iconic musical “The Lion King” in 2019; and the inaugural “Super Terminal Expo” in 2024.

Another captivating feature was the giant “Wall of Stars”, created with signatures from over 200 international superstars who have performed at AWE. This wall not only commemorates countless spectacular moments, but also symbolises AWE’s ongoing commitment to serving as a prominent stage for international concerts and performances.

The dinner event featured a vibrant array of activities, including a special video series entitled “Little Screws”, in which employees from various departments shared insights and amusing anecdotes behind large-scale events. This lively presentation effectively conveyed the theme “Outstanding Staff (the Little Screws), Achieving Great Events”. Another highlight was a sand art performance presented by Snow Chung, President of the Hong Kong Sand Painting Association. Her delicate artistry infused the evening with a creative atmosphere, captivating the audience while symbolising the many achievements of the AWE team, who have built a significant reputation in the industry through years of unwavering effort. The programme also included a game that offered a wonderful prize — a 2025 Mega Event Pass. Winners received a pair of tickets to any public event held at AWE throughout the year!

To celebrate the significant milestone of its 20th anniversary, the marketing campaign of the year is themed “Explore All in AWE”, reflecting the venue’s position as an inspirational hub for a world of dazzling discoveries and endless opportunities. Throughout 2025, AWE will welcome a series of distinctive exhibitions, a lineup of superstar concerts making their debut in Hong Kong, and other thrilling performances. This marks the beginning of an even more prosperous year for AWE.

Bybit: A Global Favorite Among Full-Time and Professional Traders and the World’s Second-most popular Crypto Exchange

DUBAI, UAE, Jan. 17, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Bybit, the world’s second-largest cryptocurrency exchange by trading volume, has been recognized as the second most popular cryptocurrency exchange globally, according to the latest report from CryptoQuant. The “2024 Crypto Survey: Exchange Use and Investor Behavior” underscores Bybit’s unmatched appeal to professional traders, commitment to security, and innovative offerings that cater to a diverse, global user base.

Bybit’s platform has become a hub for full-time traders, with 52% of surveyed users identifying as professionals—outperforming rivals OKX (38%) and Binance (37%). This success is supported by initiatives like the Bybit Broker Program, which has onboarded over 700 new clients in 2024, raising the total to 1,500 institutional clients. Additionally, Bybit’s Unified Trading Account (UTA) simplifies trading by centralizing spot, futures, and options activities in one seamless interface. Supporting over 70 cryptocurrencies as collateral, this system empowers traders to maximize their capital efficiency by using unrealized profits as margin across various products. UTA’s role in managing 99% of the platform’s trading volume showcases its importance to Bybit’s ecosystem.

Furthermore, Bybit’s integration of MetaTrader 5 allows users to diversify into traditional markets, such as Gold and FX, using USDT, marking another step forward in meeting the needs of professional traders.

Bybit’s global popularity spans regions including Africa, South America, the Middle East, Asia, Europe, and Oceania, where it maintains a dominant presence. Even as the exchange strategically exits certain jurisdictions to comply with regulatory requirements, Bybit’s adherence to a compliance-first approach ensures sustainable growth in markets with clear regulatory frameworks. This adaptability has strengthened Bybit’s position as a trusted and reliable global platform.

The report also acknowledges Bybit’s excellence in security, customer service, and P2P trading, where it ranks as the third-best exchange globally. These accolades reflect Bybit’s dedication to delivering a secure, user-focused experience that builds trust and loyalty within its growing community.

Joan Han, Sales & Marketing Director at Bybit, shared:
“This achievement reflects our team’s unwavering dedication and commitment to delivering a world-class trading experience. We actively listen to our clients’ requests and continuously improve our tools to ensure a smoother trading journey. Our ability to adapt and thrive in diverse markets speaks to the strength of our vision and our focus on fostering a secure, accessible, and professional crypto ecosystem. As we continue to innovate and grow, we remain dedicated to empowering traders worldwide with the tools and trust they need to succeed.”

#Bybit / #TheCryptoArk

About Bybit
Bybit is the world’s second-largest cryptocurrency exchange by trading volume, serving a global community of over 60 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

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Dongying’s vibrant Spring Festival awaits visitors

DONGYING, China, Jan. 17, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — A news report from chinadaily.com.cn:

With Spring Festival just around the corner, Dongying in East China’s Shandong province has curated an array of exceptional cultural and tourism activities to enrich the festive atmosphere.

Over 1,000 events spanning five major series, including folk performances, lantern displays, and intangible cultural heritage exhibitions, await visitors.

The sixth Dongying Lantern Festival at Bailu Garden in Dongying district promises a dazzling experience. From the first to the 16th day of the Spring Festival period, the park will feature over 70,000 square meters of lantern displays, showcasing creative and intricate designs. Highlights include an artistic performance known as datiehua (striking iron flower) and awe-inspiring fireworks. Visitors can also savor over 120 local delicacies and explore a 10,000-square-meter snow playground complete with snow tanks and motorbike rides.

From the first to the seventh day of the Spring Festival period, Liuhu town in Dongying district will come alive with captivating folk performances, interactive activities, and enchanting evening light tours. Highlights will include five themed events featuring over 20 exciting programs, such as acrobatic shows and traditional magic tricks, offering a seamless and vibrant Spring Festival experience.

At the Yellow River Intangible Cultural Heritage Market in Nanling village, Lijin county, traditional elements will take center stage. The event’s opening ceremony will feature performances of Lijin’s traditional yangqin (a hammered dulcimer) opera. Through activities such as cultural heritage exhibitions, folk performances like the Yellow River labor chant, and immersive workshops, visitors can experience the unique charm of folk culture along the Yellow River.

On the 11th day of the first month, folk art troupes of Guangrao county will parade down Le’an Street. Featuring diverse performances like yangko dance, stilt walking, dragon dances, lion dances, and more, this event offers a captivating display of local traditions and artistic vibrancy.

Dongying’s cultural institutions will also brim with festive cheer. The city’s art museum, library, cultural center, and Lyu Opera Museum, along with venues across districts and counties, will host interactive and engaging activities for a wonderful Chinese New Year celebration.

As the first Spring Festival inscribed on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, Dongying invites all to experience a celebration filled with rich traditions, creative displays, and lively festivities.

Rizhao buzzes with Spring Festival celebrations

RIZHAO, China, Jan. 17, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — A news report from chinadaily.com.cn:

If you’re planning to travel during the Spring Festival holidays, why not immerse yourself in the authentic celebrations in Rizhao?

No winter in Rizhao is complete without experiencing the mesmerizing orange sunrise. As dawn breaks, venture to Wanpingkou and the Lighthouse Scenic Area to witness the warm sunrise over the sea. Afterward, head to the World Sailing Championships Base to marvel at seagulls soaring and dancing through the sky.

After that, don hanfu, a traditional Chinese garment, and capture some picturesque moments in the Juguo Ancient Town. Then, explore the Spring Festival goods markets, returning home with bags brimming with treasures and memories.

For those looking for a more grandiose celebration, Rizhao hosts a myriad of cultural activities, such as the Chinese New Year concert, the Chinese New Year opera season, and the dragon dance contest. These events offer traditional drama, modern dance, fashionable concerts, and intangible cultural heritage performances, offering a diverse and exciting cultural experience. Come and watch dragon and lion dances as well as acrobatic performances at the Spring Festival temple fairs, and make a wish under the fireworks.

Moreover, various cultural spaces like libraries, art galleries, museums, and bookstores organize a rich array of activities centered around local customs and culture. Delve into museum treasures, solve riddles in libraries, and revel in the endless entertainment options available.

Visitors are also warmly welcomed to spend Spring Festival in Rizhao’s homestays, where they can engage in hands-on activities like grinding tofu, crafting paper-cut window decorations, and composing couplets, immersing themselves in a truly unique experience.

In the rural areas of Rizhao, the festive atmosphere is even more vibrant. Rizhao is consistently rolling out initiatives to bring culture to rural areas, mobilizing artistic groups and cultural workers to delve into villages and communities, hosting culturally enriching activities that resonate with the locals.

The excitement extends beyond in-person activities as Rizhao blends traditional markets with live e-commerce broadcasts. These initiatives infuse cultural elements such as drama, traditional Chinese opera, calligraphy, and fine arts, showcasing local talent and presenting small plays and dramas. Additionally, Rizhao hosts exhibitions and sales of high-quality products like handmade crafts and cultural creations, inviting anchors and institutions to partake in online Spring Festival shopping festival live broadcasts.

This winter, seize the opportunity to visit Rizhao, where you can witness the breaking of dawn, behold the snowy landscapes, and relish the vibrant Spring Festival atmosphere!

Origin Agritech Held Transgenic Breeding Seminar and Announces Partnerships with 12 Leading Agricultural Companies

BEIJING, Jan. 17, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Origin Agritech Ltd. (NASDAQ: SEED) (the “Company” or “Origin”), a leading Chinese agricultural technology company, today announced the signing of cooperation agreements (the “agreements”) with 12 prominent agricultural companies, including Beidahuang Kenfeng Seed Co., Ltd. and Denong Seed Co., Ltd. The Agreements were formalized during the Company’s “Corn Smart Plant Type & Transgenic Breeding” seminar and Field Observation of Origin’s corn transgenic experimental field in Sanya, co-hosted with China Agricultural University.

The Agreements encompass comprehensive biotechnology services, focusing on:

  • Application of BBL2-2 transgenic varieties
  • Molecular marker-based variety improvement
  • Gene editing technology implementation
  • Corn mutant library applications

The Agreements were announced during a high-profile industry event that brought together leading agricultural experts, including Jingrui Dai, Academician of the Chinese Academy of Engineering, and Yanqiu Zhang, President of the China Seed Association. The event also showcased Origin’s successful development of “smart plant type” corn varieties, demonstrated through field observations at Sanya Nanbin Farm.

During the seminar, Origin showcased its latest innovation, the MIGC 20K (Multi-function Integrated Gene Chip 20K), a breakthrough technology developed by Origin’s Marker Biological Breeding Platform. This advanced chip leverages data from 40 million SNP sites across 1,218 inbred lines and incorporates 10 million detection data sites from over 2,000 breeding inbred lines in China. The MIGC 20K provides comprehensive solutions for transgenic component identification, variety rights protection, and efficient molecular breeding.

“These Agreements represent a significant milestone in Origin Agritech’s mission to advance agricultural biotechnology in China,” said Weibin Yan, Chief Executive Officer of Origin Agritech. “By combining our expertise with that of our new partners, we are strengthening our position in the seed industry while fostering innovation that will benefit farmers across the region. The MIGC 20K platform will play a crucial role in accelerating these collaborative efforts and advancing our breeding capabilities.”

Bill Deng, Vice President of Origin Agritech, commented: “These Agreements will accelerate the development and commercialization of innovative seed varieties, ultimately contributing to the modernization of China’s agricultural sector. The integration of our MIGC 20K technology will provide our partners with advanced tools for precise breeding and variety development.”

About Origin Agritech Limited
Origin Agritech Limited, founded in 1997 and headquartered in Zhong-Guan-Cun (ZGC) Life Science Park in Beijing, is a leading Chinese agricultural technology company. In crop seed biotechnologies, Origin Agritech’s phytase corn was the first transgenic corn to receive the Bio-Safety Certificate from China’s Ministry of Agriculture. Over the years, Origin has established a robust biotechnology seed pipeline, including products with glyphosate tolerance and pest resistance (Bt) traits. For further information, please visit the Company’s website at www.originagritech.com. The Company also maintains an X account for updating investors on Company and industry developments which is https://x.com/origin_agritech.

For more information, please contact:
Origin Agritech Limited Contact:
Kate Lang (Mandarin/English)
Director of Investor Relations
Phone: +86 186-1839-3368
Email: bing.lang@originseed.com.cn

Investor Relations Contact:
Matthew Abenante, IRC
President
Strategic Investor Relations, LLC
Tel: 347-947-2093
Email: matthew@strategic-ir.com

JinkoSolar’s Subsidiary, Jinko Solar Co., Ltd., Announces Estimates of Certain Preliminary Unaudited Financial Results for Full Year 2024

SHANGRAO, China, Jan. 17, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — JinkoSolar Holding Co., Ltd. (“JinkoSolar” or the “Company”) (NYSE: JKS), one of the largest and most innovative solar module manufacturers in the world, today announced that its majority-owned principal operating subsidiary, Jinko Solar Co., Ltd. (“Jiangxi Jinko”), published estimates for certain preliminary unaudited financial results for the full year ended December 31, 2024.

For the year ended December 31, 2024, (i) preliminary unaudited net income attributable to shareholders of Jiangxi Jinko is estimated to be in the range of RMB80 million to RMB120 million, a decrease of 98.39% to 98.92% or RMB7,320.48 million to RMB7,360.48 million year-over-year, and (ii) preliminary unaudited net loss attributable to shareholders of Jiangxi Jinko excluding extraordinary gains and losses is estimated to be in the range of RMB750 million to RMB1,050 million, a decrease of 110.86% to 115.21% or RMB7,654.04 million to RMB7,954.04 million year-over-year.

The preliminary unaudited financial results for Jiangxi Jinko for full year 2024 included in this press release (the “Jiangxi Jinko Preliminary Unaudited Financial Results”) differ from JinkoSolar’s consolidated financial results (the “Consolidated Financials”), due to (i) the consolidation scope of the Jiangxi Jinko Preliminary Unaudited Financial Results differing from that of the Consolidated Financials as the former are prepared solely for Jiangxi Jinko, whereas the Consolidated Financials also include financial statements from JinkoSolar and its other subsidiaries, and (ii) differences in accounting standards and principles used to prepare the Jiangxi Jinko Preliminary Unaudited Financial Results and the Consolidated Financials. Specifically, the Jiangxi Jinko Preliminary Unaudited Financial Results are prepared in accordance with PRC GAAP, whereas the Consolidated Financials are prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States. As such, investors in JinkoSolar should exercise caution when reviewing the Jiangxi Jinko Preliminary Unaudited Financial Results included in this press release and are advised not to base their investment decisions solely on such preliminary unaudited financial results.

JinkoSolar currently owns approximately 58.59% equity interest in Jiangxi Jinko.

About JinkoSolar Holding Co., Ltd.

JinkoSolar (NYSE: JKS) is one of the largest and most innovative solar module manufacturers in the world. JinkoSolar distributes its solar products and sells its solutions and services to a diversified international utility, commercial and residential customer base in China, the United States, Japan, Germany, the United Kingdom, Chile, South Africa, India, Mexico, Brazil, the United Arab Emirates, Italy, Spain, France, Belgium, Netherlands, Poland, Austria, Switzerland, Greece and other countries and regions.

JinkoSolar had over 10 productions facilities globally, over 20 overseas subsidiaries in Japan, South Korea, Vietnam, India, Turkey, Germany, Italy, Switzerland, the United States, Mexico, Brazil, Chile, Australia, Canada, Malaysia, the United Arab Emirates, Denmark, Indonesia, Nigeria and Saudi Arabia, and a global sales network with sales teams in China, the United States, Canada, Brazil, Chile, Mexico, Italy, Germany, Turkey, Spain, Japan, the United Arab Emirates, Netherlands, Vietnam and India, as of September 30, 2024.

To find out more, please see: www.jinkosolar.com

Safe Harbor Statement

This press release contains forward-looking statements. These statements constitute “forward-looking” statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and as defined in the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements can be identified by terminology such as “will,” “expects,” “anticipates,” “future,” “intends,” “plans,” “believes,” “estimates” and similar statements. Among other things, the quotations from management in this press release and the Company’s operations and business outlook, contain forward-looking statements. Such statements involve certain risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements. Further information regarding these and other risks is included in JinkoSolar’s filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, including its annual report on Form 20-F. Except as required by law, the Company does not undertake any obligation to update any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

For investor and media inquiries, please contact:

In China:

Ms. Stella Wang
JinkoSolar Holding Co., Ltd.
Tel: +86 21-5180-8777 ext.7806
Email: ir@jinkosolar.com

Mr. Rene Vanguestaine
Christensen
Tel: +86 178 1749 0483
Email: rene.vanguestaine@christensencomms.com

In the U.S.:

Ms. Linda Bergkamp
Christensen, Scottsdale, Arizona
Tel: +1-480-614-3004
Email: linda.bergkamp@christensencomms.com

The 6th “Design Licensing and Business (DLAB) Support Scheme” Launch Ceremony

Announcement of 43 Selected Local Design Companies
Supporting Companies in Exploring Design Licensing Opportunities and 
Expanding Business in the Mainland

HONG KONG, Jan. 17, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — The Design Licensing and Business (DLAB) Support Scheme, organised by the Innovative Entrepreneur Association (“IEA”) and sponsored by the Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency (“CCIDA”), held its launch ceremony today (January 17), announcing the 43 selected local design companies for the 6th DLAB Support Scheme. The organiser was honoured to have Mrs. Lowell CHO, Assistant Commissioner for Cultural and Creative Industries, as the Guest of Honour of the ceremony. She was joined by Ms. Cherrie CHONG, President of IEA, Ms. Iris WONG, Director of the Merchandise Trade and Innovation Department of the Hong Kong Trade Development Council , Mr. Zacharias CHENG, Vice President of IEA and Ms Ellen MOK, General Secretary of IEA to officiate at the launch ceremony. Following the launch ceremony, a sharing session was held where Ms. Tina CHOW from GZ Art-Land shared her insights on licensing development in the Mainland.

Group picture of the selected 43 local design companies and guests for the sixth DLAB.
Group picture of the selected 43 local design companies and guests for the sixth DLAB.

Since the first edition, DLAB has provided funding to 220 local design companies (“design companies”) which specialised in character design or possessing licensed design content, which helped them to understand more about the market opportunities in design licensing and to expand their business. The selected design companies for the 6th DLAB Support Scheme must be registered in Hong Kong, and have full ownership of the IP right of their design content which cannot be launched in more than six years. The design companies will not only receive comprehensive training on marketing, business operations and brand building, but also have access to a professional advisory team for guidance and support. Design companies in Group One must have been established for no more than six years, while those in Group Two must have been established for no more than twelve years. Both groups of design companies will setup an exhibition booth in the Hong Kong Pavillion at the Hong Kong International Licensing Show 2025 held from 28 to 30 April, 2025 at a discounted rental fee of HKD4,000 for new participants or HKD6,000 for past participants. Furthermore, they will be sponsored to participate in the Greater Bay Area exchange program held in February 2025, which aims at strengthening connection with Mainland enterprises and understanding the market potential in the Mainland.

Ms. Cherrie CHONG, President of IEA, said, “Over the past five editions, IEA has supported outstanding local companies and designers in developing licensing businesses through the DLAB Support Scheme. The Hong Kong Pavillion at the Hong Kong International Licensing Show and exchange programs also created opportunities for them to expand business networks and increase exposure, allowing more potential clients and customers to recognise the works of the selected companies and designers. Some of the companies successfully matched up with their right partners. We hope that the selected design enterprises of the 6th DLAB Support Scheme will inject new vitality into Hong Kong’s brands and creativity, enabling more local young brands to enter the international market and expanding the development of the entire industry.

For more details of the 6th DLAB, please visit www.dlabhk.com.

About Innovative Entrepreneur Association (IEA)

Innovative Entrepreneur Association is a non-profit making organisation, with the aim to foster the spirit of “Innovative Entrepreneurship” in Hong Kong, the Mainland and all over the world. With the cooperation with the government and other organisations, IEA helps the start-up companies acquire more experience and strategies in order to enhance their competitiveness. IEA always strives to promote Hong Kong as world-leading “Creative and Entrepreneurial Capital”.  

Website: http://www.iea.org.hk.

DLAB Logo

There are four letters in the logo of DLAB, “D” stands for Design, “L” stands of Licensing, “A” is And while “B” is the short form of “Business”

About Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency

The Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency (CCIDA) established in June 2024, formerly known as Create Hong Kong (CreateHK), is a dedicated office set up by the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region under the Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau to provide one-stop services and support to the cultural and creative industries with a mission to foster a conducive environment in Hong Kong to facilitate the development of arts, culture and creative sectors as industries. Its strategic foci are nurturing talent and facilitating start-ups, exploring markets, promoting cross-sectoral and cross-genre collaboration, promoting the development of arts, culture and creative sectors as industries under the industry-oriented principle, and promoting Hong Kong as Asia’s creative capital and fostering a creative atmosphere in the community to implement Hong Kong’s positioning as the East-meets-West centre for international cultural exchange under the National 14th Five-Year Plan. 

Website: https://www.ccidahk.gov.hk.