Highlights

• First Graphene enters exclusive agreement to develop, produce, market and sell graphene-based carbon paste products with Halocell Australia
• Carbon paste is a conductive coating used to improve performance across a range of flexible printed electronics, energy generation and storage devices
• Market-ready product already used in perovskite solar cells manufactured by Halocell and has a wide array of common applications

SYDNEY, Nov. 26, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — First Graphene Limited (ASX:FGR; “First Graphene” or “the Company”) is pleased to announce it has entered an exclusive Licence Agreement (“Agreement”) with Halocell Australia (“Halocell”) to manufacture, market and sell graphene enhanced carbon paste.

The 12-month Agreement gives First Graphene global exclusivity over development and sale of the PureGRAPH^® containing product, with Halocell receiving a 10% royalty on sales as well as using the product in manufacturing its commercially available perovskite solar cells (“PSC”).

This is an addition to the existing Joint Development Agreement and Cooperative Research Centre Project (CRC-P) Partners Agreement reached in June 2022 and August 2023 respectively.

Market-ready product with multiple sector applications

Under the pre-existing CRC-P Partners Agreement, FGR and Halocell have successfully investigated and introduced graphene to carbon paste with a focus on fine tuning formulation, concentrations, components and syntheses.

The paste is already used in the manufacture of Halocell’s PSCs, which has doubled PSC efficiency to more than 30% and dramatically reduced production costs via roll-to-roll (“R2R”) deposition technology producing thin-film perovskites.

It is preferred over traditional conductors such as gold because of significant material and production cost reductions while maintaining high performance output and enhancing robustness.

Halocell’s indoor PSCs are already sold in the global market for use in small electronic devices due to their ability to achieve high power conversion efficiency in low light conditions.

There are 44 additional devices identified across the satellite, aerospace, IoT, electronics and renewable energy sectors that could benefit from PSC technology (refer ASX announcement 27 August 2025).

Halocell, in partnership with V-Tol Aerospace and Li-S (ASX:LIS), is already developing a lightweight power solution including next generation solar and batteries to significantly increase the flight duration of electric powered drones.

The graphene-based carbon paste can also be applied to a range of conductive applications such as heating systems and sensors, ceramic coatings, electrodes and electrochemical mixes.

Manufacturing sample graphene enhanced carbon paste material at First Graphene’s Henderson facility is planned to commence within the next month.

First Graphene Managing Director and CEO Michael Bell said:

“First Graphene and Halocell’s partnership is going from strength to strength, introducing PureGRAPH^® to accelerate solar technology improvements and bringing enhanced PSCs to market.

Through this Agreement, we can leverage carbon paste intellectual property already developed and take this product to global markets, which is mutually beneficial to Halocell in meeting their own ambitious manufacturing targets to help meet growing product demand for PSCs.

While the carbon paste market is set to more than double to circa US$2.8 billion by 2032, the real opportunity comes from the multitude of applications and products that can benefit from better performance, longevity and efficiency our PureGRAPH^® offers.”

Halocell Australia CEO Paul Moonie said:

“Working with FGR to introduce functionalised graphene into our perovskites has produced groundbreaking module efficiency and R2R production results.

We see this additional agreement as an excellent opportunity to market graphene-enhanced carbon paste to technology developers around the world and demonstrate how Australian manufacturing is at the forefront of this new age material revolution.”

BANGKOK, Nov. 26, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Fiscal year 2025 marks another significant milestone for TCEB, reaffirming Thailand’s status as a premier and preferred MICE and mega-event destination. During the year, the country successfully secured 30 major international events spanning all MICE sectors and mega-events. With conferences scheduled through 2029, these achievements reflect long-term confidence from international partners and the strength of Thailand’s collaborative MICE ecosystem.

Mrs. Supawan Teerarat, President of Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (Public Organization) or TCEB, said, “FY2025 demonstrated Thailand’s strategic vision and strong appeal as a host for a series of future international MICE and mega-events. Securing hosting rights in the financial year 2025 illustrates global confidence in our MICE ecosystem and underscores TCEB’s commitment to leveraging MICE as a catalyst for professional, business and economic growth, enhancing Thailand’s reputation and influence on the global stage for years to come.”

According to Mrs. Supawan, during FY2025 (October 2024 – September 2025), Thailand won the rights to host a total of 30 international events with a combined 109,000 pax and an estimated economic impact valued at 9,845 million baht. The wins span all MICE sectors – meetings, incentives, conventions, exhibitions – and mega events. In the Meetings & Incentives (MI) sector, the Amway Leadership Seminar in Bangkok, scheduled for March–April 2026, will welcome over 10,000 delegates from China. In the Conventions (C) sector, the International Dragon Award Annual Conference 2027 in Bangkok is expected to draw 7,500 overseas delegates. In the Exhibitions (E) sector, Gastech 2026 in Bangkok will host around 50,000 participants. Thailand has also secured two mega-events, with Chiang Rai confirmed as the venue for the Spartan SUPER World Championship, to be held from 2026 to 2028. This event is expected to draw approximately 60,000 athletes and delegates in combination from 50 countries worldwide during the three consecutive years. The other is Tough Mudder, scheduled in Pattaya, which is expected to attract 16,000 pax.

In addition to these headline events, other notable conventions expected to draw over 1,000 overseas delegates include the 63rd World Boxing Council Annual Convention 2025 and the 1st World Boxing Council MuayThai Convention 2025, with 2,000 expected participants; the 31st Congress of the Federation of Asian Pharmaceutical Associations (FAPA 2026), attracting 2,000 delegates; the Asian Pacific Orthodontic Congress (APOC 2028), with 1,200 expected attendees; and the Congress of the World Society for Reconstructive Microsurgery 2029 (WSRM 2029), expecting 1,500 participants.

“Winning the rights to host conferences over the next four years, such as WSRM 2029, demonstrates strong international confidence in the country as a premier and preferred MICE destination. These successes reflect a collaborative MICE ecosystem that ensures events meet evolving business needs. From Gastech, involving the Ministry of Energy, to the Amway Leadership Seminar with the Tourism Authority of Thailand’s tailored ‘Slow Living of Bangkok‘ program, the Kingdom showcases trusted capability, professionalism, and world-class standards. Meanwhile, the northern city of Chiang Rai hosting the Spartan SUPER World Championship from 2026 to 2028 underscores the nation’s capability to deliver major events beyond the capital,” added Mrs. Supawan.

For more information, contact TCEB at: pr@tceb.or.th

About TCEB

A LEADING AGENCY AT THE FOREFRONT OF THAILAND’S MICE INDUSTRY

Established in 2004, Thailand Convention & Exhibition Bureau (Public Organization) or TCEB – the government agency under the supervision of the Prime Minister – has been assigned a role to promote, support and develop business events industry – corporate meetings, incentive trips, conventions, exhibitions, mega events and world festivals. Serving as a strategic partner, TCEB helps deliver creative ideas and solutions to bring success and fulfill the requirements of business events. The overarching goal is to drive Thailand to become a global MICE and mega events destination that can drive the country’s strategic industries and national economy.

A landmark celebration of fashion, sports and urban culture

HONG KONG, Nov. 26, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) proudly presented “HONG KONG FASYNATES 2025: Fashion x Sports” – a large-scale fashion-sports extravaganza jointly organised by its School of Fashion and Textiles (SFT), Department of Biomedical Engineering (BME), and Research Institute for Sports Science and Technology (RISports) – at the Central Square of Kai Tak Sports Park from 22 to 23 November. The two-day event transformed the City into a stage where fashion and creativity blend with the spirit of sports, showcasing Hong Kong’s dynamic landscape and leadership in two vital industries: fashion and sports.

HONG KONG FASYNATES represents a fusion of fashion, synergy with the suffix “-NATES”, emphasising how fashion creates synergy with other industries. Themed “Fashion x Sports”, the event has fostered collaboration among fashion and sportswear industry leaders, key brands and creative talents, building a dynamic ecosystem across different industries while energising the City with vibrant activities.

On the opening day (22 November), the “Move to Light” digital illumination show—created by world-renowned lighting designer and winner of the Outstanding PolyU Alumni Award 2021, Mr Tino KWAN—wowed the audience. The illumination ceremony was officiated by Miss Rosanna LAW, Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) of the People’s Republic of China; Prof. Wing-tak WONG, Deputy President and Provost of PolyU; Prof. Christopher CHAO, Senior Vice President (Research and Innovation) of PolyU; Miss Drew LAI, Commissioner for Cultural and Creative Industries of the Government of the HKSAR; Ms WANG Xin, former Olympic diving gold medalist and Sports Advisor of RISports; Dr Daniel LEE, Associate Director, Elite Training Science & Technology of the Hong Kong Sport Institute; Prof. Erin CHO, Dean of SFT; Prof. Ming ZHANG, Director of RISports; Tyson Yoshi, Founder of Triplet; Mr Joe WONG, Director of Open Dialogue, as well as sports brand representatives and a group of young local designers. Together, they activated the digital illumination installation, the glowing lights symbolising Hong Kong’s growing prominence in fashion-tech integration and urban lifestyle design.

Following the illumination ceremony, five talented bachelor’s degree alumni from SFT—all finalists in the Hong Kong Young Fashion Designers’ Contest—presented a fashion show that merged sports aesthetics with high-end fashion. They are Wilson Yip (2015 graduate), Catherine Hui (2024 graduate), Einar Lai (2024 graduate), Murfi Lau (2015 graduate) and Yoyo Chan (2022 graduate). Their five collections, themed around car racing, running, fitness and gym, street dance, and road running and hiking respectively, reflected the synergy of movement and design, while also showcasing the versatility required to thrive at the intersection of casual-wear, streetwear and performance gear.

The evening concluded with the “Skate to Style” performance by the All Hong Kong Skateboarders Association (AHKSA), where talented skateboarders, performing in designs curated by Prof. HUANG Tsai-Chun, Assistant Professor of SFT, combined athletic skill and artistry to rousing applause.

On 23 November, the “HONG KONG FASYNATES Bazaar” transformed Central Square into a vibrant playground for fashion and sports enthusiasts. It featured 16 lifestyle and fashion brands across 11 booths hosted by various lifestyle and fashion brand and independent local labels, all contributing to a lively and inspiring marketplace atmosphere. Visitors also enjoyed the “PROFASHION Live Interviews”, featuring brand founders and company directors who discussed how design innovation and sustainability influence latest fashion and lifestyle trends. AHKSA also hosted skateboarding competitions and lessons, while a professional hair and makeup agency, a fashion brand and the online platform FASHIONALLY jointly led interactive Fashion Experience Workshops, offering hands-on opportunities to explore urban sports, creative styling and beauty techniques. The event concluded with dynamic performances by the Hong Kong Rope Skipping Club and dancers from ROSEMAESE and YouniverS, whose energetic rhythms and youthful vitality brought the event to a perfect close.

Through an engaging mix of runway showcases, live performances and interactive experiences, HONG KONG FASYNATES embodied the vitality, creativity and collaborative spirit of local fashion and sports industries. It also offered a new stage for designers, athletes and brands to explore how fashion captures movement and urban identity, reflecting Hong Kong’s spirit of innovation and energy, and redefining Hong Kong’s position as Asia’s creative capital.

SAN MATEO, Calif. and NEW YORK, Nov. 26, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Checkbook, a leading provider of modern digital payment solutions, today announced a strategic partnership with LL Pay U.S., LLC (d/b/a LianLian Global), a core cross-border payment affiliate of Lianlian DigiTech (Stock Code: 2598.HK), to streamline international payments for platforms, merchants, students, and travel agencies worldwide.

LianLian Global has built a reputation as a trusted payment service provider for Asia merchants selling on global marketplaces such as Amazon and eBay. With virtual accounts available in 12+ markets, LianLian Global facilitates global fund collection and payouts, supporting merchants as they grow their cross-border operations.

By combining LianLian Global’s extensive cross-border payments infrastructure with Checkbook’s innovative payment technology—including PayPal wallet payouts and ACH, the partnership aims to enhance efficiency and flexibility for businesses across multiple industries:

• Pay to Wallets: Support for U.S. digital wallet payouts, including PayPal.
• E-commerce Payments: Enable merchants to receive international payments and settle funds back to China via compliant banking channels.
• Education Payments: Facilitate tuition payments for Chinese students studying abroad through reliable ACH transfers.

“This partnership with LianLian Global represents a major step forward in making cross-border transactions faster, more transparent, and more accessible,” said Aditya Raikar, Chief Revenue Officer at Checkbook. “Together, we are removing friction in payments for merchants, students, and businesses operating globally.”

“LianLian Global is dedicated to advancing payments and expanding into the US with innovative financial services,” said Sandra Lam, Deputy CEO of US at LianLian Global. “By partnering with Checkbook, we are enriching our global payout capabilities and jointly serving the growing demand for efficient cross-border solutions.”

The collaboration is expected to accelerate growth for both companies, particularly in the U.S. market, by addressing the evolving needs of cross-border enterprises with flexible, tech-forward payment options.

BEIJING, Nov. 26, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — A news report from chinadaily.com.cn:

For more than 600 years, the people of the Tunpu, fortified villages of the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), in Anshun city, Guizhou province, have kept alive customs rooted in a military migration that took place centuries ago, when soldiers and their families from Central China were stationed here to guard the area.

“Our ancestors came here from our hometown 600 years ago at the emperor’s order. The way we speak and the clothes we wear all come from that time,” says 75-year-old Chen Heying, a member of the Tunpu community, recalling stories she has known since childhood.

Wearing a plum-flower crown nestled in her chignon and tied with a black headscarf, Chen walks with friends through the village market in a blue robe, trimmed with colored thread and embroidered neckline.

In Anshun, the Ming Dynasty origins of these customs remain vivid.

Living in Jiuxi village, Chen is proud of her distinctive dress, saying, “Sometimes when we pick up our grandchildren from school, people ask what we are wearing. I tell them I am from Tunpu.”

Tunpu, the local pronunciation of Tunbu or Tunbao (literally fortified villages), refers to settlements created when Ming-era soldiers were sent to defend and farm the land in Guizhou, explains Mao Peiqi, a professor at Beijing-based Renmin University of China, speaking at a Tunpu cultural conference in November.

According to historical records, more than 300 such settlements were formed around Anshun, once home to roughly 200,000 Tunpu people. Their enduring traditions combine Han customs with influences from the surrounding ethnic groups and can still be recognized today in fortress-style architecture, clothing, and dialect.

Ancestral ways persist

In Jichang village, one of the largest Tunpu settlements with more than 4,000 residents, villagers carry an image of the village guardian in a procession each year on the 18th day of the first month of the Chinese calendar.

Villages raise colorful flags and erect ceremonial gates. The ritual, recorded in the Qing Dynasty’s (1644-1911) Annals of Anshun, begins with dawn rites at the Wang Gong Temple. Villagers place the image on a decorated sedan chair and parade through the settlement with fireworks, Dixi Opera troupes and floats.

“This is our faith and our shield. It makes the village more united,” says village elder Tian Yingmin, seated in a bamboo chair inside the Wang Gong Temple.

The procession is now listed as a national-level intangible cultural heritage and has become a key marker of Tunpu identity.

The veneration of Wang Gong traces back to the Tang Dynasty (618-907), when Wang Hua, a local ruler in Anhui province, was honored for his loyalty and military service.

“Our ancestors came from Shexian county in Anhui and brought this ritual with them. It has been passed down to this day,” Tian explains.

Xiamen University professor Chen Zhiping says that the ritual’s form differs distinctly from indigenous Guizhou customs and likely originated among migrants from Anhui and neighboring areas.

Today, the responsibility for maintaining and transmitting each component of the festival – floats, Dixi Opera performances and ceremonial roles – is assigned to different groups within the village. “For the most important parts, we choose respected elders aged over 60, while other roles are open to people of all ages,” Tian says.

Visitors discover roots

As interest in Tunpu culture has grown, these ancient customs now draw visitors from across China and abroad. Villagers have developed educational programs, guided tours and cultural experiences that help supplement their income while fostering wider understanding of their heritage.

The Wang Gong procession attracts particularly large numbers. “You need to book in advance, or you won’t be able to get in,” Tian says.

Peking University professor Qian Liqun says turning Tunpu research into tourism, education and literary resources is vital. “Tunpu culture was created by local people, and those people should always be the focus of attention and service,” he says.

One of the most compelling attractions for visitors is Dixi Opera, a ritualized, martial dance-drama in which performers wear carved wooden masks representing historical heroes and generals. The masks range from fierce black-faced warriors with long beards to pale, noble visages with high brows. The opera is also a national-level intangible cultural heritage.

During the Wang Gong festival and other shows, a village troupe earns several hundred yuan per performance. According to the troupe’s deputy head, their performances are especially popular with visitors from Hong Kong, some of whom travel to Anshun every year to experience the event.

The art of mask carving is also finding new audiences. In Zhouguan village, 53-year-old Qin Fazhong inherited his grandfather’s carving knife and now makes the imposing masks.

He has opened a carving museum with an experiential workshop and sells wooden sculptures overseas through social media.

“I opened accounts on Douyin, Kuaishou and other platforms to livestream my carving,” Qin says.

His sessions often attract more than 100,000 viewers, and local media report that his works are shipped across China and overseas, with annual export revenue averaging more than 2 million yuan ($278,600).

Shared past emerges

While military-settlement policies existed widely across Ming-era China, scholars say that the distinctiveness of Tunpu culture stems from its development within Guizhou’s multiethnic environment.

Mao attributes that distinctiveness to Tunpu’s setting amid multiethnic communities. Surrounded by different cultures, Tunpu people developed strong cultural self-awareness and a drive to preserve traditions.

The exchange and friction among diverse groups created Tunpu’s unique character.

Signs of this interaction with local ethnic groups are visible. “Today’s Tunpu costumes are no longer purely in the Ming-era style,” Chen Zhiping says.

Embroidered waistbands, coordinated headwear colors and silver jewelry worn by Tunpu women clearly absorb aesthetic elements from the Miao and Bouyei ethnic groups. In food, the widespread use of sour soup, preserved meat and chili peppers shows the influence of local ethnic cuisines.

At the same time, he adds, Tunpu culture brought educational traditions and advanced farming techniques from the Central Plains.

That long history of exchange gives Tunpu broader significance, Mao says. “We live in a time that values cultural diversity. Each group preserving its own culture makes the world richer,” he says, adding that Tunpu demonstrates how distinctiveness can coexist with openness.

In 2023, Tunpu culture was designated one of Guizhou’s four major cultural projects, with initiatives covering archaeological research, heritage protection and culture-tourism integration. “We are firmly committed to the principle of protection first, rational use, and minimal intervention,” says Xie Nian, deputy head of the provincial publicity department.

Qian echoes this caution. “Tunpu is a living culture, and Tunpu people should be its masters. We should be cautious about commercialization,” he warns. “It must not be reduced to a purely profit-driven performance.”