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Voyager of the Seas to Return to Hong Kong as Homeport in 2028, Launching Chinese New Year Itineraries

Two-Ship Deployment with Spectrum of the Seas, Strengthening Hong Kong’s Position as a Cruise Hub

SHANGHAI, Aug. 27, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Following the announcement of the extended Singapore season for Navigator of the Seas, Royal Caribbean is further expanding its presence in Asia with the return of Voyager of the Seas. Beloved by Chinese vacationers, Voyager of the Seas will be seasonally homeported in Hong Kong from January to February 2028, offering a new lineup of itineraries tailored to the Chinese New Year holiday and the peak winter school holiday travel season. The deployment will bring Voyager of the Seas and Spectrum of the Seas together in Hong Kong for a two-ship deployment, giving vacationers from China and across Asia more opportunities to set sail from this regional cruise hub and explore a diverse range of destinations. Related sailings are now open for bookings in China.

Voyager of the Seas will be seasonally homeported in Hong Kong from January to February 2028
Voyager of the Seas will be seasonally homeported in Hong Kong from January to February 2028

 “Asia is home to remarkable destinations, flavours and cultures the world over wants to experience,” said Benjamin Bouldin, President of Greater China and Managing Director Asia, Royal Caribbean. “We have long believed in Hong Kong as an ideal international cruise hub for Asia. With the return of Voyager of the Seas joining Spectrum of the Seas — already homeporting here — our two-ship deployment offers vacationers a broader range of Hong Kong homeport itineraries than ever before. Whether it’s a quick weekend getaway with family and friends or a longer journey discovering new destinations, or festive sailings timed for Chinese New Year, the two ships complement each other to give vacationers even more flexibility to explore the best of Asia.”

Anthony Lau, Executive Director of the Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB), said, “I am delighted to welcome Royal Caribbean’s further expansion of its homeport deployment in Hong Kong. In addition to the arrival of the Spectrum of the Seas next winter, the Voyager of the Seas is also set to be deployed in the city during the Chinese New Year period in 2028. This not only emphasizes Hong Kong’s appeal as a regional cruise hub and reflects the industry’s confidence in the city, but also offers visitors the opportunity to experience vibrant festive atmosphere that is ‘Only in Hong Kong’, alongside a rich array of spectacular events and attractions. HKTB will continue to drive more ship calls and deployment to Hong Kong and work with industry partners to step up promotional efforts, attract more visitors, thereby sustaining the growth momentum of Hong Kong’s tourism industry.”

Voyager of the Seas has a deep connection with the China market. In 2012, she first arrived in Shanghai, becoming one of the largest cruise ships operating from an Asian homeport at the time and witnessing and helping usher China’s cruise market into the era of mega-ships. Starting from 2014, she began homeporting at Kai Tak Cruise Terminal in Hong Kong, bringing new energy to the market and deepening Royal Caribbean’s local presence. Now, this iconic ship — which carries the cruise memories of a generation of Chinese travelers — returns to Asia with a comprehensive upgrade and a new season from Hong Kong, further demonstrating Royal Caribbean’s long-term commitment to deepening its presence in the China market and supporting Hong Kong’s development as a cruise hub.

Diverse Itineraries Covering Asia’s Bucket-list Destinations

Timed around key travel periods including Chinese New Year and winter vacation, Voyager of the Seas will offer a diverse lineup of 4- to 10-night sailings. During the Chinese New Year period, vacationers can choose 4- or 5-night getaways departing from Hong Kong, China, to Ishigaki and Okinawa, Japan, with select sailings featuring overnight stays in Okinawa, for more time to experience the destinations’ natural beauty and unique cultures. Sailings from Hong Kong, China, will also visit Taipei, China (Keelung) and Hue/Danang, Vietnam (Chan May). Vacationers can experience Taipei’s vibrant city life and local cuisine, explore the timeless charm of the ancient city of Hue, and take in the coastal scenery of central Vietnam. For those seeking deeper exploration, select sailings of up to 10 nights will connect multiple distinctive ports across Asia, bringing vibrant cities, historic landmarks, coastal landscapes and mountain scenery together in one unforgettable vacation.

Diverse Onboard Experiences for the Whole Family

Beyond the destinations, Voyager of the Seas offers a wide range of onboard experiences for vacationers of all ages. Thrill-seekers can make waves on the FlowRider surf simulator, race down The Perfect Storm waterslides, take on the rock-climbing wall and go ice-skating at Studio B, the ship’s onboard ice-skating rink. Friends and families can test their putting skills at Voyager Dunes, the ship’s nine-hole mini-golf course, or face off in a glow-in-the-dark battle with Laser Tag: Battle for Planet Z. Younger vacationers have dedicated spaces and activities at Adventure Ocean, while teens can make their own memories at the teen-focused Living Room.

For dining, vacationers can gather over Italian family-style dishes at Giovanni’s Table, savour hand-cut steaks at Chops Grille, explore sushi and Japanese-inspired flavours at Izumi, or opt for casual favourites at Windjammer and Café Promenade. Across every day at sea, Voyager gives different generations the ability to spend their holiday in their own way from high-energy thrills and family activities to dining, entertainment and time to unwind.

Two Ships Deepen Royal Caribbean’s Asia Presence

In the 2027-28 season, Spectrum of the Seas will continue to homeport in Shanghai and Hong Kong, offering 56 curated itineraries ranging from 3 to 11 nights and visiting 22 popular destinations across Asia. Among them are three warm-winter holiday sailings from Hong Kong — Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year itineraries — giving vacationers more ways to celebrate the festive season at sea. Vacationers can take in the vibrant autumn scenery on Thanksgiving sailings, immerse themselves in the festive spirit on Christmas sailings, and enjoy seasonal highlights such as winter whale watching on New Year sailings, making every journey a memorable experience. With the two ships working together from their Hong Kong homeport, vacationers can choose from short weekend getaways to longer holiday journeys, creating a more comprehensive network of cruise options.

In 2027-28 season, Spectrum of the Seas will continue to homeport in Shanghai and Hong Kong year-round
In 2027-28 season, Spectrum of the Seas will continue to homeport in Shanghai and Hong Kong year-round

With Navigator of the Seas extending its Singapore season, Voyager of the Seas further expanding its Hong Kong deployment, and Spectrum of the Seas continuing to homeport in both Shanghai and Hong Kong year-round, Royal Caribbean will deploy four ships across the Asian market in the 2027-28 season. Together, they strengthen Royal Caribbean’s presence across three key Asian homeports — Shanghai, Hong Kong and Singapore — and further solidify brand’s leading position.

Royal Caribbean will deploy four ships across the Asian market in the 2027-28 season
Royal Caribbean will deploy four ships across the Asian market in the 2027-28 season

Building on its continually expanding network across Asia, Royal Caribbean will continue to bring more high-quality, immersive overseas vacation experiences to Chinese consumers, turning every journey at sea into a memorable opportunity to connect with loved ones and create lasting memories. At the same time, Royal Caribbean will continue to enrich its portfolio of overseas vacation products for the China market, bringing travel agency partners more quality itineraries and product choices and working together to seize new opportunities across the Asia Pacific travel market.

Starting today, bookings for Voyager and Spectrum 2027–28 season sailings are open across the China market. Vacationers can learn more and make reservations through Royal Caribbean’s official website, official WeChat mini program, Fliggy flagship store, Douyin flagship store, authorized Royal Caribbean travel agency partners, or by calling 400-885-0277.

BingX Reaches No.1 in TradFi Perpetual Assets Coverage with 500+ Listings

PANAMA CITY, Aug. 27, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — BingX, the world’s leading multi-asset trading platform, today announced that its TradFi suite has surpassed 500 listed perpetual futures assets, further strengthening its position in multi-asset trading. The milestone gives eligible users access to an expanded range of stocks, commodities, indices, and forex markets alongside digital assets, all through a single trading platform.

BingX Reaches No.1 in TradFi Perpetual Assets Coverage with 500+ Listings
BingX Reaches No.1 in TradFi Perpetual Assets Coverage with 500+ Listings

With more than 500 TradFi perpetual futures assets now available, BingX has built the largest such offering among major trading platforms, with more than 20% more listings than the second-ranked platform based on internal benchmarking. The expansion reflects BingX’s broader multi-asset strategy: bringing more markets, more opportunities, and a more connected trading experience to users in one place.

“Surpassing 500 TradFi perpetual futures assets marks another important step in our evolution toward a truly connected multi-asset trading ecosystem,” said Kevin Lee, Chief Strategy Officer at BingX. “Our ambition is not simply to offer more markets, but to make a broader range of relevant opportunities accessible through one integrated trading experience. By combining extensive market coverage with deep liquidity, we are making it easier for users to explore opportunities across both digital and traditional financial markets.”

To celebrate the milestone, BingX is launching the TradFi Trading Sprint, inviting eligible users to explore its expanded TradFi offering. Eligible participants who trade at least 1,000 USDT can share a 300,000 USDT reward pool, with individual rewards of up to 90,000 USDT.

About BingX

Founded in 2018, BingX is the world’s leading multi-asset trading platform, serving more than 40 million users worldwide. From crypto to traditional markets, BingX connects users with a broad range of assets, markets, and opportunities through one unified trading platform.

With perpetual futures, TradFi offerings, spot trading and copy trading, alongside AI-powered products and solutions, BingX delivers a reliable and responsive trading experience designed to help traders navigate evolving markets and act on opportunities with greater confidence and efficiency.

BingX has been the Principal Partner of Chelsea FC since 2024 and became the first Official Crypto Exchange Partner of Scuderia Ferrari HP in 2026.

For more information, please visit: https://bingx.com/

More Than 160 Dead in Nepal-Tibet Flash Floods, Hundreds Still Missing

At least 165 people have died and hundreds remain missing after devastating floods and mudslides struck Nepal and Tibet.

At least 165 people have died and hundreds remain missing after a massive flash flood and mudslide struck the Nepal-China border, destroying homes, roads and bridges and disrupting a major crossing between the two countries.

The disaster hit Nepal’s Rasuwa and nearby districts on 26 August, with floodwaters and debris sweeping through settlements along the Lhende, Bhote Koshi and Trishuli rivers. Nepalese authorities said hundreds of tourists and other travelers remain unaccounted for, including nationals from India, the United States, Australia, the United Kingdom and Canada.

In Tibet’s Gyirong County, Chinese authorities reported three deaths and 558 people missing, including 260 foreigners. The mudslide also damaged the Gyirong border port, cutting roads, communications and electricity in the area.

The region is a major route for tourists and pilgrims traveling between Nepal and Tibet, including people heading toward Mount Kailash and Lake Mansarovar.

Search and Rescue

Nepal has deployed army personnel and helicopters to search for survivors and evacuate people from affected areas. Rescue teams are also assessing damage to roads, bridges and power infrastructure.

The Nepal Electricity Authority said the disaster damaged around 430 megawatts of electricity generation capacity, including hydropower and solar facilities.

The cause of the flood was initially unclear, with early reports suggesting an earthquake.

The US Geological Survey later said the seismic signal came from a glacial collapse and resulting debris flow, rather than an earthquake. Preliminary satellite analysis also indicates that an ice-and-rock landslide blocked the Lhende River before releasing a surge downstream.

Authorities are continuing to monitor the rivers for further flooding as rescue and recovery operations continue.

InfoComm India 2026 Summit to Convene 80 Experts on India’s AI-Driven Digital Leap

India’s largest Pro AV conference returns to the Jio World Convention Centre, Mumbai, 16–18 September 2026 — 80 speakers across 50-plus sessions and ten tracks, opening with Larsen & Toubro Group CIO Gopi Thangavel, with new on-site AVIXA CTS® certification. Free to attend.

MUMBAI, India, Aug. 27, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — The InfoComm India 2026 Summit, the education programme at India’s largest Professional Audiovisual (Pro AV) and integrated experience technology trade show, will convene 80 speakers across more than 50 sessions when InfoComm India 2026 takes place at the Jio World Convention Centre (JWCC) in Mumbai from 16–18 September 2026. Free to attend and spanning ten specialised tracks across three stages, the conference brings India’s Pro AV, IT and end-user communities together to learn from the practitioners, decision-makers and institutions shaping the industry.

Part of India’s largest Pro AV showcase

The Summit anchors what is on track to be the largest InfoComm India to date. The 2026 edition spans five halls across two levels of JWCC — Pavilion Halls 1 to 3 and Jasmine Halls 1 to 2 — with the show floor now exceeding 10,600 net square metres, up more than 17% on 2025. More than 300 global brands will exhibit, led by Platinum Partners BenQ, Crestron, Epson, Harman, Shure and Vega. India’s momentum underpins the programme: according to AVIXA’s 2025 Industry Outlook and Trends Analysis (IOTA), the country is Asia Pacific’s fastest-growing Pro AV market, having overtaken China, within a global Pro AV market projected to grow from US$332 billion in 2025 to US$402 billion by 2030.

InfoComm India 2026: More than 300 global brands will exhibit, led by Platinum Partners BenQ, Crestron, Epson, Harman, Shure and Vega.
InfoComm India 2026: More than 300 global brands will exhibit, led by Platinum Partners BenQ, Crestron, Epson, Harman, Shure and Vega.

Headlining the programme: India’s next digital leap

The conference opens on Wednesday 16 September with the flagship Opening Session, “Leading India’s Next Digital Leap: Technology, Infrastructure and the Intelligent Enterprise,” headlined by Gopi Thangavel, Group CIO of Larsen & Toubro (L&T) — one of India’s largest engineering and infrastructure groups. Drawing on L&T’s work across infrastructure, manufacturing and smart built environments, the session examines how artificial intelligence, automation and intelligent infrastructure are reshaping both industry and public services — and the leadership and investment required to drive India’s next wave of digital growth. Sessions then run across ten tracks, from audio, digital signage and broadcast to unified communications, immersive technology, AI, enterprise IT and cybersecurity.

InfoComm India Summit opens on Wednesday 16 September with the Opening Session, “Leading India's Next Digital Leap: Technology, Infrastructure and the Intelligent Enterprise,” headlined by Gopi Thangavel, Group CIO of Larsen & Toubro (L&T) — one of India's largest engineering and infrastructure groups.
InfoComm India Summit opens on Wednesday 16 September with the Opening Session, “Leading India’s Next Digital Leap: Technology, Infrastructure and the Intelligent Enterprise,” headlined by Gopi Thangavel, Group CIO of Larsen & Toubro (L&T) — one of India’s largest engineering and infrastructure groups.

Featured sessions

  • “Securing the Intelligent Workplace: Zero Trust for AV, IT & Collaboration” — Giri Kumar, India Head of IT/AV Engineering, Commonwealth Bank of Australia
  • “The Most Expensive Room in the Building: Rethinking Collaboration in the AI Era” — Holger Reisinger, Senior Vice President, Video Business Unit, Jabra
  • “The Pulse of Digital Signage: Global Trends, Managed Solutions & the Future of AI” — Florian Rotberg, Managing Director, invidis consulting
  • “How 5G and IoT Are Transforming Connected AV Experiences” — edge computing and connected infrastructure, from smart workplaces to smart cities — N Ramesh, Deputy Director General (Technology), Department of Telecommunications, Government of India, and Sandeep Arora, VP Telecom Industry Platform, Capgemini
  • “AI-Ready Workplaces: How AV, IT and Workplace Leaders Are Redefining Enterprise Collaboration” — Prashant Bishnoi, AI-Powered Workplace Partner Program Manager (Asia), Microsoft
  • “The Future of Experience: Technology, Storytelling and Human Connection” — Stephen Thomas Cavit, President, Themed Entertainment Association (TEA) Asia Pacific Board
  • “Smart Learning: AV Technology Transforming the Indian Classroom” — hybrid classrooms and smart campuses across higher education and K-12

Aligned with India’s national digital agenda

The 2026 programme leans into India’s national priorities. Sessions are co-organised with the Computer Society of India (Mumbai Chapter) on enterprise IT and cybersecurity; ICT Academy on skills and workforce readiness; invidis consulting on digital signage; and the Themed Entertainment Association (TEA) on immersive experience. Together with sessions on 5G, IoT and smart infrastructure, the programme speaks directly to the technology behind India’s Digital India — spanning the public sector, retail, healthcare and education. In all, it comprises 18 panel discussions and 22 expert presentations, plus the returning Smart Tech Stage.

Community and networking: Xchange LIVE

Beyond the sessions, the Summit hosts the AVIXA Xchange LIVE programme of community meet-ups — Newcomer, CTS and AV/IT gatherings, plus a Women’s Council meet-up — giving first-timers and seasoned professionals dedicated space to connect. It closes on Friday 18 September with a professional-development session, “InfoComm India AV Futures,” on where the industry goes next.

New for 2026: earn your CTS certification on-site

New this year, professionals can sit industry certification exams at the show for the first time. AVIXA will run on-site certification testing for the Certified Technology Specialist (CTS®, CTS-D and CTS-I) and Audiovisual Network Professional (ANP®) certifications, alongside prep courses for newcomers and experienced practitioners alike. The CTS credential is a globally recognised AV qualification held by more than 15,000 professionals worldwide and accredited to the ISO/IEC 17024 standard.

Exams run at JWCC on Wednesday 16 and Thursday 17 September (9:00 AM–12:00 PM and 2:00–5:00 PM IST) and Friday 18 September (9:00 AM–12:00 PM IST). Certified attendees can also earn Renewal Units (RUs) for the sessions they attend — on average five RUs per visit, making the show a fast route to maintaining certification.

The InfoComm India Summit has become the place where India’s AV and IT community comes to learn — and to lead. For 2026, it has paired the industry’s biggest conversations — AI, intelligent infrastructure and immersive experience — with the hands-on skills and certifications professionals need to act on them, so attendees can apply their learnings the very next day.

Registration

Visitor registration is free and open now. AV, IT and technology professionals can register to attend, and experience India’s vision for the future of Pro AV.

#InfoCommIndia2026  #TechMeetsTribe

About InfoComm India

Since its inception in 2013, InfoComm India has grown into the country’s leading platform connecting manufacturers, distributors, technology providers, system integrators, consultants, end users, enterprise buyers and government stakeholders across the Pro AV and integrated experience technology industry. It is one of three marquee events operated by InfoCommAsia Pte Ltd across the Asia Pacific region, alongside InfoComm China in Beijing and InfoComm Asia in Bangkok. Each show pairs a comprehensive exhibition with a Summit conference programme offering education on the latest industry trends and best practices.

About AVIXA

AVIXA® (the Audiovisual and Integrated Experience Association) is the international trade association representing the professional audiovisual and integrated experience industry. Founded in 1939 and now home to more than 3,000 enterprise members representing over 20,000 AV professionals across more than 80 countries, AVIXA is the industry’s leading resource for standards, certification, training, market intelligence and thought leadership. InfoComm Asia serves as AVIXA’s flagship gathering for its communities across the region.

For more information, visit:

infocomm-asia.com | infocomm-china.com | infocomm-india.com 

Countdown to BIOHK2026: World-Class Biotech Convention Prepares to Host Global Pavilions, Multi-Track Forums, and Signature Executive Networking

HONG KONG, Aug. 27, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — As a premier global landmark in biotech, BIOHK2026 convenes international biotech hubs, cross-disciplinary industry forums, and high-impact networking events to accelerate cross-border partnerships in Hong Kong.


The official countdown is underway. With just two weeks until BIOHK2026 convenes at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC) from September 9-12, 2026, BIOHK2026—organized by the Hong Kong Biotechnology Organization (HKBIO)—serves as a world-class international landmark event bridging biotech innovation, industrial capacity, venture capital, and regulatory bodies. Leveraging Hong Kong’s strategic position as Asia’s premier “Super-Connector” and biotech financing gateway, this 5th annual convention will welcome over 10,000 professional attendees, 400+ world-class speakers, and delegations spanning over 40 countries and regions.

To assist international delegates in maximizing their strategic footprint, HKBIO has published a comprehensive operational guide detailing the core pillars of this year’s convention.

1. Featured Exhibition Pavilions: Landmark Regional & International Innovation Clusters

Spanning expansive exhibition halls hosting nearly 200 global exhibitors, BIOHK2026 brings together prominent regional biotech hubs, state-backed industrial platforms.

Greater Bay Area & Mainland Innovation Hubs: Major regional delegations including Guangzhou and Shenzhen will showcase their dense biotech clusters, pioneering biotech enterprises, clinical trial capacity, and advanced biomanufacturing strength. A central spotlight will also be cast on the Hetao Shenzhen-Hong Kong Science and Technology Innovation Cooperation Zone, highlighting cross-border policy synergy, joint research initiatives, and frictionless data and sample flows between Hong Kong and Mainland China.

Leading Institutional & Corporate Delegations: Backed by Mainland China and connected to global markets, Hong Kong serves as an ideal pivot for biotech innovation. As a premier institutional partner, CITIC Group has joined hands with HKBIO for BIOHK2026. As a flagship implementation of CITIC’s strategy, this landmark partnership leverages abundant industrial resources, expert think tanks, and deep market entry experience to fully elevate the scale and international stature of the convention.

Nordic Future Health Pavilion: Co-organized by the Hong Kong Chamber of Commerce in Sweden (HKCCSE) and supported by the Consulate General of Sweden in Hong Kong and AstraZeneca Hong Kong, this dedicated pavilion brings around 10 leading Nordic life science enterprises and organizations directly to the main convention floor. Key participants will showcase breakthrough technologies spanning precision T-cell receptor-engineered T-cell therapies (Anocca), stromal cell therapies (NextCell Pharma), cancer immunotherapies and vaccines (ExpreS2ion Biotechnologies), digital health (Keeada Health, SoftMed), ophthalmology (Uveo), and biotech development (Veltio Pharma).

2. High-Impact Conference Program: 50+ Multi-Track Industry Forums

Across seven dynamic stages hosting over 400 world-class speakers, the four-day conference features high-level keynotes and more than 50 vertical forums bridging global biotech ecosystems:

Frontier Therapeutics & Advanced Sciences: Dedicated tracks covering AI-driven Drug Discovery & Healthcare, Cell and Gene Therapy (CGT) source innovation, Brain-Computer Interface (BCI), Synthetic Biology, Spatiotemporal Omics in infectious diseases, mRNA/Exosome therapies, Longevity & Anti-Aging science, and Modernization of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and other cutting-edge disciplines.

Global Regulatory, Clinical & Policy Frameworks: High-level keynotes and dedicated sessions exploring regulatory harmonization, highlighting the newly established Hong Kong Centre for Medical Products Regulation (CMPR), GBA Clinical Trial Collaboration via “One Institute, One Center”, and cross-border medical integration. Anchored by these initiatives, BIOHK2026 brings together top regional drug regulators—including representatives from Hong Kong, Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia and Pakistan—to facilitate international collaboration and empower the global expansion of innovative therapeutics.

Global Cooperation Forum Series: Flagship international sessions exploring cross-border technology transfer, investment, and market access synergies across key global regions—including dedicated tracks for North America & Europe, Latin America, Southeast Asia/ASEAN, Belt and Road Economies, GBA, and specialized regional showcases like Hainan.

Biotech Investment & BD Summits: Capitalizing on Hong Kong’s position as the world’s second-largest biotech financing center—supported by HKEX Chapter 18A enabling non-revenue biotech listings and a robust capital ecosystem—forums will bring together corporate BD leads, investors, and dealmakers to analyze macro trends, primary vs. secondary market valuation, cross-border licensing, and value creation.

3. Concurrent Highlights: Strategic Matchmaking, Pitching & Executive Networking

Complementing the exhibition and conference tracks, BIOHK2026 features high-impact concurrent activities designed to convert participation into actionable dealmaking:

Integrated One2One Partnering Engine (Included with Delegate Pass): Every registered pass holder gains full access to the digital platform. Delegates can utilize multi-dimensional filters—categorizing counterparts by technology modalities, therapeutic focus, development stages, and specific collaboration goals—to pre-book 30-minute face-to-face sessions in dedicated private partnering suites at HKCEC.

BIOHK2026 Pitching Competition: Serving as a premier global launchpad for healthcare innovation, this competitive roadshow stage features high-potential biotech startups, university spin-offs, and early-stage innovators pitching platform technologies directly to rooms filled with global biotech investors, corporate BD leads, and industry mentors.

Regulatory Roundtables & Heavyweight Leaders: Strategic dialogues and closed-door consultations linking biotech developers with industry visionaries and global opinion leaders. Featuring keynotes and insights from renowned heavyweights across policy, academia, and top-tier venture capital, these sessions provide a premier platform to navigate international market access and global growth strategies.

Victoria Harbour Night Cruise Networking: A signature evening event bringing together industry leaders, investors, and international delegates for an exclusive night cruise along Victoria Harbour, providing an inspiring setting to deepen connections and discuss strategic partnerships against Hong Kong’s skyline.

Public Engagement Day: The convention wraps up on Saturday, September 12, with a dedicated Public Engagement Day open to the community, highlighted by two featured tracks: “Junior Scientist: Biotech STEAM Discovery Day” to inspire next-generation scientific curiosity, and “Healthy Futures—Where East Meets West” exploring integrative health, wellness innovation, and science communication.

“BIOHK2026 is engineered as Asia’s premier platform connecting source innovation to global commercialization,” stated an HKBIO spokesperson. “We invite global biotech leaders, investors, and pioneers to gather in Hong Kong this September to capitalize on new market opportunities and shape the future of global healthcare.”

Maximize Your Presence—Pre-Book Your Calendar Today!

September 9-12, 2026 | BIOHK2026—Where Leaders Unite Biotech Advances

We cordially invite global biopharma executives, researchers, investors, regulators, clinical experts, and industry leaders to gather in Hong Kong and explore the new frontiers of biotechnology.

For further details, please contact us via the channels above.

About HKBIO

The Hong Kong Biotechnology Organization (HKBIO) is a leading non-profit organization dedicated to advancing the growth, internationalization, and innovation of Hong Kong’s life sciences ecosystem. Bringing together leaders from government, industry, academia, research, and capital markets, HKBIO serves as a Super-Connector, fostering cross-border collaboration, accelerating clinical translation, and supporting the commercialization of biotechnology innovation across the Asia-Pacific region. Through its initiatives, HKBIO continues to strengthen Hong Kong’s position as a leading international biotechnology and healthcare innovation hub while helping transform scientific breakthroughs into real-world healthcare solutions.

For more information, please visit https://www.bio-hk.com/.

 

State Grid Changzhou Power Supply Company Assists Enterprise in Obtaining China’s First “Carbon Neutral” Transformer Certification

CHANGZHOU, China, Aug. 27, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Recently, with the support of State Grid Changzhou Power Supply Company, 15 units of 35 kV, 6,000 kVA pad-mounted transformers manufactured by Jiangsu Huapeng Transformer Co., Ltd. successfully obtained the British Standards Institution (BSI) carbon neutral certification, making them the first batch of export-oriented transformers in China to receive such certification. These units are scheduled to be shipped to Europe in the near future for use in local data center construction projects.

Currently, with the explosive growth of AI technology and the rapid expansion of the global computing power industry, transformers — as core power equipment for computing infrastructure — are experiencing surging market demand. Chinese-made transformers have gained strong international traction due to their advanced product performance and extremely short delivery cycles. Zhou Yuechao, Deputy Director of the New Energy Workshop at Jiangsu Huapeng Transformer Co., Ltd., stated: “To meet overseas market demands, our transformers can be delivered in as little as six months from order placement, giving us a distinct advantage over foreign competitors, whose construction cycles often take two to three years.”

In the first half of this year, the company’s export orders exceeded RMB 2.4 billion, with overseas business accounting for more than 60% of total revenue, and products sold to over 200 countries and regions worldwide. As overseas markets continue to expand, product green and low-carbon certification has become a key lever for the company to deepen its presence in high-end international markets.

Product carbon neutral certification is a systematic endeavor that requires precise quantification of carbon emissions across the entire product lifecycle, substantive emission reductions, and traceable offsetting. To overcome the certification challenges, the State Grid Jiangsu Electric Power “Electric Warm Current” Party Member Service Team went deep into the factory premises, identified carbon emission sources throughout the entire production process, customized specialized accounting ledgers for energy consumption, materials, and transportation, assisted the enterprise in aligning with international emission factors, and cooperated with third-party agencies through multiple rounds of data verification.

Chen Chang, a marketing staff member at State Grid Changzhou Power Supply Company, stated: “After comprehensive and precise accounting, after deducting the emission reductions from the enterprise’s own photovoltaic generation, the remaining 1,242 tons of CO₂ emissions from these 15 transformers will be traded and offset through our carbon trading platform.”

To address the post-accounting carbon emission gap, the power supply company connected with the Suzhou One-Stop Carbon Neutrality Inclusive Service Center to precisely match carbon resources for the enterprise, completing a one-time retirement of 1,250 tons of CO₂ equivalent through carbon trading, fully covering the remaining carbon footprint of the products.

Earlier, State Grid Jiangsu Electric Power had released the “Electric Warm Current” 2026 “Practical Initiatives for the People” Ten-Action Plan, which included measures to expand energy efficiency and carbon efficiency service models. Through this certification process, the enterprise accumulated experience in full-chain carbon data management for its products, laying a solid foundation for future responses to international green trade barriers and deeper penetration of high-end overseas markets. This milestone marks another front-running achievement for China’s high-end power equipment in the green and low-carbon track, while also providing a replicable model for State Grid Jiangsu Electric Power’s “electric-carbon synergy” services.

The Gift Empire Broadens Regional Reach with Vietnam Office and Packaging Empire Launch


SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 27 August 2026 – Corporate buyers in Singapore are increasingly asking for gifting and packaging to come from the same supplier, and for that supplier to hold sourcing presence in the region rather than in a single procurement market. The Gift Empire Pte Ltd, a Singapore supplier of promotional gifts and customised corporate gifts, has responded to both within the same quarter, opening a Vietnam office supported by a local platform at giftempire.com.vn and launching Packaging Empire as a dedicated division for customised packaging solutions. Singapore remains the company’s primary market and the base from which it serves corporate gifting accounts across Singapore, Malaysia, and Vietnam.

Packaging Empire was established in response to demand from businesses seeking one partner for both requirements. The Gift Empire has supplied customised corporate gifts and promotional gifts since 1999 to organisations including Amazon, Citibank, Maybank, Shopee, and Microsoft, and receives orders through GeBIZ, Ariba, and Coupa, the procurement systems used by Singapore government agencies and large corporate buyers. Accounts of that size have traditionally run separate vendors for promotional gifts and presentation packaging, which adds cost and complicates delivery schedules when both elements are tied to the same campaign date.

The division produces gift boxes, mailer boxes, retail packaging, product sleeves, and event packaging, covering product launches, corporate events, gift-with-purchase campaigns, festive gifting, roadshows, retail applications, and brand activations. Demand for everyday corporate gift items such as custom canvas tote bags and custom water bottles in Singapore has grown alongside the shift, and these are frequently ordered with matching boxes or sleeves timed to the same launch. Clients ordering both now work to a single production timeline under one supplier.

For buyers, consolidating the two functions changes how a project is run. A client briefs one team and works to a single production timeline, so the gift item and the packaging it ships in are scheduled against the same delivery date instead of being tracked as two jobs. Colour matching and print finishing are handled within one production process, which keeps branding consistent between the item and the box it arrives in. Quality control covers both components at the same stage, and any delay sits with a single point of accountability. Volumes across gifts and packaging can be quoted together instead of being priced by two vendors working to separate minimum order quantities. For procurement teams, a single supplier also means one vendor record to maintain and one invoice per campaign, which is a practical consideration for government agencies and large corporations buying through GeBIZ, Ariba, or Coupa.

The Vietnam operation serves a dual function. Alongside supplying Vietnamese businesses through its local platform, the office gives The Gift Empire direct presence in one of the region’s largest manufacturing bases, where a significant share of the product it already sources is made. Vietnam’s electronics sector contributed over 35 per cent of the country’s total exports in 2025, reaching a record US$165 billion, according to Vietnam Briefing. Working on the ground allows closer collaboration with manufacturing partners and tighter oversight of production and quality control. The company expects this to shorten lead times for its Singapore and Malaysia clients and reduce its exposure to disruption in any single supply market.

Vincent Lau, Sales Manager at The Gift Empire, said the changes came out of client requests and not a shift in the company’s focus.

“Most of our work is still corporate gifting for clients here in Singapore, and that has not changed. What has changed is that more of them want one team handling the gifting and the packaging instead of coordinating two suppliers against the same deadline, because when the packaging runs late, the whole campaign moves with it. Vietnam happened at the same time for a practical reason, which is that a lot of the manufacturing we already source from is there, and being on the ground changes how quickly we can sort things out.” – Vincent Lau, Sales Manager, The Gift Empire Pte Ltd

The two developments give The Gift Empire a broader service range and a wider sourcing base within the same quarter, with Singapore continuing as the primary market for its corporate gifting and packaging work. The direction Lau has set out for the company is to operate as a single-source provider for corporate gifting and packaging across Southeast Asia, where a client in any of its markets briefs one team and works to one production timeline supported by a regional sourcing network.

Hashtag: #TheGiftEmpire

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About The Gift Empire

Founded in 1999, The Gift Empire Pte Ltd is a Singapore-based one-stop provider of customised corporate gifts, promotional gifts, and branded packaging. With more than 25 years of industry experience, the company supplies SMEs, multinational corporations, government agencies, educational institutions, banks, hotels, and event agencies, and is registered on GeBIZ, Ariba, and Coupa. Its services span sourcing, design, quality control, logistics, and fulfilment, with a catalogue of over 400 branded products available with custom logo application. The Gift Empire operates in Singapore, Malaysia, and Vietnam, and its packaging division, Packaging Empire, delivers bespoke packaging for corporate and retail applications.

Hong Kong Fashion Fest presents eight flagship programmes for its third edition


HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 27 August 2026 – Presented by the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, and spearheaded and sponsored by the Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency of the Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau, the third edition of Hong Kong Fashion Fest will take place from September 1 to 14. The two-week fashion extravaganza will bring together over 300 local and international design entities. In collaboration with six industry organisations, it will present eight flagship programmes across various cultural landmarks and stylish design spaces in Hong Kong, showcasing the city’s exceptional appeal as Asia’s fashion capital through a diverse range of fashion-themed events.

Presented by the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, and spearheaded and sponsored by the Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency of the Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau, the third edition of Hong Kong Fashion Fest will take place from September 1 to 14.
Presented by the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, and spearheaded and sponsored by the Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency of the Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau, the third edition of Hong Kong Fashion Fest will take place from September 1 to 14.

This edition of the Hong Kong Fashion Fest offers a rich lineup of programmes, covering haute couture, city-wide pop-up stores, cross-regional menswear, sustainable design forum, modern denim culture and more, propelling the creativity and aesthetics of emerging designers from Hong Kong and abroad onto the global stage. The eight flagship programmes include the opening programme “VIRTUOSE: The Artistry of Couture 2026”, the citywide fashion pop-up “Wear’s HK”, the international fashion showcase and trade platform CENTRESTAGE, “Future Threads: Menswear’s New Waves Between Italy and Hong Kong”, “Fashion Summit (Hong Kong) 2026”, “Hong Kong Fashion Fest Gala 2026”, “Fashion Asia Hong Kong 2026”, and the “5th Hong Kong Denim Festival”.

Admission to all public exhibitions at the third edition of Hong Kong Fashion Fest will be free. Members of the public and fashion enthusiasts are welcome to visit and experience the city’s vibrant creativity and energy. For more detailed information and the latest updates on Hong Kong Fashion Fest, please visit the official website (www.hongkongfashionfest.com), and follow the official social media channels on Instagram (www.instagram.com/hkfashionfest), Facebook (www.facebook.com/hongkongfashionfest) and YouTube (www.youtube.com/@hkfashionfest).

Hashtag: #HongKongFashionFest #hkfashionfest #CSTB #CCIDA #CCIDAHK

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

About Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency (CCIDA)

The Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency (CCIDA), formerly known as Create Hong Kong (CreateHK) since 2009, was established in June 2024. CCIDA is a dedicated office under the Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR Government) to provide one-stop services and support to the cultural and creative sectors with a mission to foster a conducive environment in Hong Kong to facilitate development of the arts, culture and creative sectors as industries. CCIDA’s strategic foci are nurturing talent and facilitating start-ups, exploring markets, promoting crosssectoral and multi-disciplinary collaboration, promoting industrialisation of the arts, culture and creative sectors under the industry-oriented principle, and fostering a creative atmosphere in the community, thereby reinforcing Hong Kong as Asia’s creative capital and our positioning as the East-meets-West centre for international cultural exchange.

Disclaimer: The Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region provides funding support to the project only, and does not otherwise take part in the project. Any opinions, findings, conclusions or recommendations expressed in these materials/events (or by members of the project team) are those of the project organisers only and do not reflect the views of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, the Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau, the Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency, the CreateSmart Initiative Secretariat or the CreateSmart Initiative Vetting Committee.