New $2m investment aims to inspire next generation of ocean protectors

MELBOURNE, Australia, Sept. 26, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Today, SEA LIFE Melbourne Aquarium has unveiled Rocky Shores – a fully reimagined Rockpool zone that sweeps guests into the dynamic, ever-shifting world of Victoria’s coastal ecosystems, riding a digital crashing wave of light, sound and discovery.

Rocky Shores is a hands-on sensory adventure, inviting guests to discover the mighty mini beasts of Victoria’s stunning coastline. From tidal surges, hands-on encounters and innovative digital storytelling, Rocky Shores reveals how the resilient creatures of Victoria’s coastline have adapted to thrive in one of nature’s most dynamic environments.

From sea stars that regenerate limbs to decorator crabs that disguise themselves in style, Rocky Shores is home to a fascinating array of rockpool residents. Guests can encounter an ever-growing cast of clever and curious coastal creatures. Featuring sea cucumbers, spider crabs, hermit crabs, elephant snails, and a dazzling array of sea stars – each showcasing their own remarkable adaptations. An octopus will also join the display during the school holidays, along with additional fascinating species to be revealed.

These mighty mini marine marvels showcase the incredible survival skills of the rockpool, one of nature’s most unpredictable environments. Thoughtfully designed, the new zone encourages everyone to explore these bustling ecosystems. In a first for the aquarium, a bespoke section of the new rockpool has been designed with wheelchair users in mind, ensuring everyone can engage closely with the habitat and learn about its fascinating creatures alongside our expert team.

Claire Burrell, General Manager, SEA LIFE Melbourne, said, “Rocky Shores has been carefully designed to showcase the beauty and resilience of our coastal ecosystems and bring guests closer than ever before to the magic of the ocean. We can’t wait to welcome families, schools and guests from around the world to explore this new immersive experience.”

The brand-new $2 million exhibit transports guests into the heart of rockpool life – a vibrant, ever-changing coastal world brought to life right here in central Melbourne.

Building on the success of the award-winning Junior Marine Biosecurity Officer program, SEA LIFE Melbourne has again partnered with the Agriculture Victoria to educate guests how to identify and report marine pests, empowering the next generation to protect Victoria’s coastal ecosystems.

For more information or to book tickets, head to- www.visitsealife.com/melbourne/whats-inside/exhibits/rocky-shores

-Ends-

Download high-res images and video here

BEIJING, Sept. 26, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — A report from China Daily

Countries involved in the Belt and Road Initiative, such as the United Arab Emirates, have emerged as promising prospects for both individual and institutional investors amid global economic uncertainties and the ongoing transition toward high-quality development in China’s real estate sector, according to industry experts.

These views were shared by senior executives and experts at the 2025 Middle East Property Investment Forum, hosted in Shanghai by China Real Estate Information Corp on Tuesday. The forum aimed to offer new perspectives for enterprises seeking transformation and market expansion, while also presenting fresh opportunities for individual overseas property purchases and investment.

Designed to serve as both a bridge and an experiment, the forum aligns with China’s call in its 2025 government work report to advance the Belt and Road Initiative more deeply, creating more opportunities for businesses and individuals.

“The global trade landscape is undergoing profound adjustments, with growing emphasis on regional trade, fair trade, green trade, and secure trade,” said Luo Changyuan, a professor at Fudan University’s School of Economics.

Luo noted that these trends closely align with cooperation priorities between China and Arab countries in areas such as energy, environmental protection, and industry and supply chains, creating a favorable macro environment for bilateral collaboration.

“There is a growing appetite from investors in China for Abu Dhabi. We see that opportunity increasing as we invest more time here and build brand awareness,” said Jonathan Emery, CEO of Aldar Development.

“With bilateral trade now approaching $100 billion, the scope for deeper cooperation is substantial. And it is not only in commerce, but also in investment, culture, tourism, and education where the ties between the UAE and China continue to grow stronger,” Emery said.

“Overseas property investment should concentrate on regional hub cities. In the Middle East, Dubai and Abu Dhabi stand out as the key destinations,” said Ding Zuyu, chairman of CRIC.

Ding pointed out that leading cities in mature markets, such as New York, London, and Singapore, have long been magnets for real estate investment. Similarly, as the UAE establishes itself as the region’s leader, its core cities of Dubai and Abu Dhabi function not only as national centers, but also as financial and economic hubs for the wider Middle East.

At the event, CRIC released its 2025 H1 UAE Residential Market Trends Report, its second in-depth research publication on the UAE property sector this year following the launch of its UAE Real Estate Market White Paper in May.

The latest report focuses on the fundamentals of the UAE residential market, with Dubai and Abu Dhabi as the primary areas of analysis. Examining factors such as trade performance, urban planning, and real estate transaction patterns, the report aims to offer practical, data-driven insights for global investors, enterprises, and researchers.

It outlines three major strengths underpinning the UAE’s property market: steady economic growth, strong demographic momentum, and favorable policy support.

“In particular, China’s electric vehicles, solar power, and lithium batteries match the energy transition needs of Arab nations. Meanwhile, emerging new quality productive forces — including the digital economy and artificial intelligence — are expected to drive deeper digital cooperation, while new corridors of trade and investment, facilitated through third countries, offer pathways to overcome certain international circulation barriers,” Luo noted.

Specifically, in Abu Dhabi, the population reached 4.14 million in 2024, surpassing Dubai to become the country’s most populous emirate. In the first half of 2025, residential transactions in Abu Dhabi totaled 21.85 billion dirhams ($5.95 billion), up 30 percent year-on-year, with average home prices rising 17 percent to 3.3 million dirhams per unit.

Dubai, meanwhile, has emerged as one of the world’s fastest-growing real estate markets, recording 98,726 transactions in the first half of 2025, a 22 percent increase year-on-year. The total value of transactions jumped 40 percent to 326.9 billion dirhams, while luxury property rental yields reached 5.3 percent in 2024, ranking second globally.

This overall momentum is being strongly felt in the real estate market. As the capital’s largest developer, investor, and manager, Aldar’s figures illustrate the trend clearly: in 2024, overseas and expatriate buyers accounted for 78 percent of its UAE sales, up from just 21 percent in 2021.

“A major part of this growth is coming from China. Over the past three years, purchases by our Chinese customers have increased almost three-fold, already surpassing $690 million this year with the final quarter still to come,” Emery said in his keynote speech on building bridges between the UAE and China through cross-border real estate.

According to him, the combined investment of $700 million made by Chinese investors in the UAE to date this year comes from both individuals and institutions.

“We hope to grow this opportunity as we invest time in communication and work with partners,” Emery said.

Nevertheless, experts also cautioned that investors should closely monitor the sustainability of economic, demographic, and policy trends in the UAE, while remaining alert to geopolitical risks in the wider Middle East.

“Among the 152 countries involved in the Belt and Road Initiative, I view Southeast Asia and the emerging Middle East markets most favorably,” said Li Lan, general manager of Shanghai Construction Group’s overseas business management division.

Li shared the globalization experience of Shanghai Construction Group, which currently has 53 ongoing projects across 26 countries involved in the Belt and Road Initiative, spanning Southeast Asia, Africa, and other regions.

“When Chinese companies expand overseas, several factors should be considered. First, such ventures need to align with national strategies, ensuring that policies and development plans between the two countries are compatible. For example, the Belt and Road Initiative should be coordinated with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 economic diversification strategy to secure a strong foundation for future growth,” Li explained.

“Second, attention should be paid to the development prospects of the target country or region, such as the presence of major cultural or public events, which can help ensure sufficient construction demand for building companies.

“Third and finally, a coordinated approach along the entire industry chain is ideal. Forums like today’s, which bring together investors, developers, contractors, and suppliers on a single platform, demonstrate that having the right people, at the right time, in the right place, is crucial for fostering connections and collaboration based on past overseas experiences,” Li added.

MELBOURNE, Australia, Sept. 26, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Titomic Limited (ASX: TTT), a global leader in Titomic Kinetic Fusion™, a cold spray additive manufacturing technology, is pleased to announce the appointment of Aude Vignelles as President of the Asia-Pacific Region (APAC), based in Melbourne. Ms. Vignelles brings an exceptional track record in aerospace, space, telecommunications, and advanced technology sectors, further strengthening Titomic’s executive leadership during a pivotal period of regional growth and transformation.

Aude Vignelles is the former Chief Technology Officer of the Australian Space Agency, where she led the development of Australia’s Civil Space Strategy Technical Roadmaps, scoped and managed the Agency’s national programs, and delivered international engagements across the space ecosystem. Her leadership played a crucial role in shaping the direction of Australia’s civil space capabilities and fostering global partnerships.

“Aude is a visionary technology leader with a rare blend of strategic insight, engineering depth, and cross-sector experience,” said Jim Simpson, CEO and Managing Director of Titomic. “Her appointment reinforces Titomic’s commitment to the Australian industrial base and our ambition to lead in aerospace, defense, and energy markets across the Asia-Pacific region.”

Ms. Vignelles began her career at the European Space Agency (ESA) in the Netherlands, supporting scientific missions including Rosetta and later serving as Test Manager for the X-ray Multi-Mirror Mission (XMM)—the largest scientific space program ever undertaken by ESA at the time. She then held executive roles in the broadcast and telecommunications sectors, including leadership at ONdigital, Foxtel, Austar, and as Vice President of Technicolor APAC.

Prior to joining Titomic, she also served as Executive Manager of Satellite & Fixed Wireless Operations at nbn, Australia’s national broadband network provider. Her background in engineering, program delivery, and public-private sector engagement positions her uniquely to drive Titomic’s mission in the region.

Titomic is currently expanding its Australian operations as part of a broader transformation, including increased investments in defense and aerospace through partnerships with industry leaders, new business development strategies, and operational enhancements driven by internal promotion and external advisory support.

“I am thrilled to join Titomic at such an exciting inflection point,” said Aude Vignelles. “The company’s Cold Spray Additive Manufacturing technology has tremendous potential to revolutionize how we manufacture, repair, and sustain high-performance parts in critical industries. I look forward to working with the team to accelerate growth, deepen customer engagement, and deliver real industrial impact across the region.”

This announcement has been authorized for release by Titomic’s Board of Directors.

SHANGHAI, Sept. 26, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — A news report from english.shanghai.gov.cn

A group of 12 expatriates, including international experience ambassadors and cycling enthusiasts, took to the streets of Shanghai by bicycle on Sept 20, joining the “Ride Like a Local” event to explore the city’s cycling culture and urban landscape.

The 4-kilometer ride began at the historic Zhang Yuan, or Zhang Garden, and concluded at Fudeli Park. 

It wove through a mix of historic and modern landmarks, including the shikumen-style Fengshengli neighborhood, the cafes and low-rise Shanghai-style houses along Julu Road, the green expanses of Middle Yan’an Road, and the tranquil historic area of North Laochengdu Road.

Co-organized by the Foreign Affairs Office of the Shanghai Municipal People’s Government, China Daily, and Meituan Bike Sharing, with support from the West Nanjing Road Subdistrict Office in Jing’an district, the event aimed to showcase Shanghai’s cycling infrastructure and promote sustainable urban mobility.

Participants gathered for a pre-ride photo at Zhang Garden, a site once known as a private garden and now a revitalized public space. 

They learned about its historical ties to cycling, including Shanghai’s first documented bicycle demonstration, held there in 1886.

The curated route connected historic architecture, cultural venues, green corridors, and local laneways, giving riders an immersive view of the city’s layered identity while highlighting the convenience and accessibility of cycling in Shanghai.

The event also sought to help expatriates strengthen their ties with the city and engage more closely with local community life.

Edwin Montealegre, an international experience ambassador from Costa Rica, praised the convenience and safety of cycling in Shanghai. He noted that finding a bike is effortless, and unlocking one via a simple phone scan takes less than a minute.

According to Montealegre, designated bike lanes provide a safe and comfortable riding experience, separating cyclists from cars and motorcycles.

“Riding a bike in Shanghai is actually really convenient. You can go outside your home, your office, a restaurant or anywhere and easily find a bike. And it’s really safe. Everyone has their own space,” he said.

Mahmoud Soliman, a professor at Shanghai International Studies University and an international experience ambassador from Egypt, has lived in Shanghai for over 10 years. An avid cyclist himself, he expressed his appreciation for Shanghai’s bike-friendly infrastructure and environment.

“I think it is very friendly for cycling, and it’s really convenient to ride from one district to another,” Soliman said.

He added that he often cycles long distances, sometimes carrying his dog in his backpack, enjoying the freedom and convenience it provides.

Soliman also emphasized the environmental benefits of cycling and noted how bike-sharing services are constantly improving.

“The seats have improved. Before, they had a lock, which was really difficult to open. Now you don’t have this kind of lock,” he said, describing the upgrades as making the experience easier and more enjoyable.

The user-friendly design and accessibility of bike-sharing apps also impressed Soliman, who appreciates the ability to easily locate bicycles and report operational issues. He recommended that municipal plans further promote such services, especially with expanded cycling infrastructure like dedicated bike lanes, to encourage more residents to adopt a healthy and sustainable lifestyle.

For those new to Shanghai’s bike-sharing system, getting started is simple. Expats can use Alipay — set their location to Shanghai — and quickly access a range of local lifestyle services, including Meituan Bike Sharing, via the Easy Go platform.

According to Montealegre, such bike-sharing services are not common in his home country, where cycling can be dangerous due to the lack of dedicated bike lanes.

He believes promoting these services is particularly beneficial for foreigners in Shanghai, as it allows them to “see things that you cannot see when you take a taxi or when you are taking the metro or the bus”.

Soliman sees cycling as a faster alternative to taxis in Shanghai’s busy traffic. He also appreciates its environmental benefits, aligning with China’s green initiatives.

He noted, “Shanghai is a very busy city, sometimes the taxi is stuck in the traffic, but the bikes can go very easily. You can easily navigate everywhere.”

BERLIN, Sept. 26, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Growatt, a world-leading provider of distributed solar and energy storage solutions (ESS), proudly announces that it has once again been honored with the EUPD Research Top Brand PV Award, marking the company’s eighth consecutive year of recognition. In 2025, Growatt received accolades for its inverter brand strength in Mexico, Brazil, Pakistan, Germany, and the Middle East & North Africa, while also earning recognition for its energy storage solutions in Australia.

This consistent achievement reinforces Growatt’s position as one of the most trusted solar inverter and battery storage providers worldwide, a brand that millions of households and businesses rely on for their clean energy needs.

A Global Clean Energy Partner

With installations in over 180 countries, Growatt has built a reputation as a trusted energy partner delivering advanced residential solar inverters, commercial and industrial PV solutions, hybrid inverters, battery energy storage systems, EV chargers, and smart energy management platforms. From residential rooftop solar systems to large-scale industrial solar power plants, Growatt empowers users to generate, store, and optimize renewable energy while lowering energy costs and increasing energy independence.

“Our long-standing recognition by EUPD Research across multiple continents is a testament to our unwavering commitment to innovation, reliability, and customer-centric solar energy solutions,” said Lisa Zhang, Vice President of Growatt. “We are honored to be trusted by millions of customers and industry professionals worldwide, and we remain dedicated to driving the transition toward a cleaner, smarter, and more sustainable future.”

Recognition Across Six Major Markets

The EUPD Top Brand PV Award is based on extensive surveys conducted with installers and distributors worldwide, evaluating brand awareness, satisfaction, customer preference, and market recommendation levels.

Solar Inverters: Recognized in Mexico, Brazil, Pakistan, Germany, and the Middle East & North Africa, showcasing Growatt’s global influence and strong brand perception in both emerging and mature PV markets.

Energy Storage Systems: Awarded in Australia, where the demand for residential battery storage systems and hybrid solar inverters continues to grow as homeowners seek greater energy independence and resilience.

These awards highlight Growatt’s ability to deliver localized solar and storage solutions that meet the unique needs of diverse regions, from sun-rich residential solar rooftops in Latin America to advanced distributed energy storage solutions in Australia and Europe.

Beyond regional awards, Growatt also achieved top positions in the 2024 global PV inverter rankings by S&P Global Commodity Insights, ranked as the No.1 Residential PV Inverter Supplier, Top 3 Hybrid Inverter Supplier, and Top 5 Commercial PV Inverter Supplier worldwide.

Leading Innovation in Solar Inverters and Energy Storage

Growatt’s award-winning portfolio includes a wide range of grid-tied solar inverters, hybrid inverters for PV, and energy storage solutions designed to maximize solar power utilization. The company also offers smart energy monitoring/management platforms (ShinePhone, ShineServer, ShineTools, OSS) that enables homeowners and businesses to monitor, control, and optimize their energy usage in real-time. With these platforms, users and installers benefit from simple WiFi configuration, self-consumption and energy trend displays, and online smart I-V curve diagnostics. Whether monitoring through a mobile app or web platform, Growatt delivers a one-app-for-all solution across its inverters, battery storage systems, and EV chargers, ensuring seamless connectivity and smarter energy management.

By combining solar PV inverters, battery storage systems, and EV charging solutions, Growatt is shaping the future of distributed energy ecosystems and supporting the rapid adoption of decentralized renewable energy systems. These technologies enable users to reduce reliance on fossil fuels, cut electricity costs, and ensure backup power supply during outages—addressing some of the most pressing challenges of today’s energy landscape.

About Growatt Founded in 2011, Growatt is a global leader in distributed energy, offering solar PV inverters, energy storage systems, EV chargers, and smart energy solutions for homes and businesses. With R&D centers in China and Germany and 1,100+ engineers, Growatt delivers innovative and reliable products worldwide. The company has 65+ offices and subsidiaries across 30+ countries, serving users in over 180 regions. Growatt continues to lead in technology innovation and customer satisfaction, empowering a greener, more sustainable future. For media inquiries or partnership opportunities, please contact: marketing@growatt.com | en.growatt.com