KUNSHAN, China, Sept. 10, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — The 2025 Chinese Opera (Kunshan) Festival, co-organized by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism and the Jiangsu Provincial People’s Government, opened on September 8 in Kunshan, Jiangsu Province. Building on past festivals that highlighted the classic role types of Sheng (male), Dan (female), Jing (painted face), and Chou (clown), this year’s program focuses on martial arts theater. The opening performance featured martial arts excerpts presented by six renowned masters of Chinese opera, and throughout the festival—which continues through September 20—20 martial artists from across China will present 10 joint performances, reflecting the ongoing preservation and innovation of traditional Chinese opera.

At the opening ceremony, certificates were awarded to participants selected for the 2025 National Leading Talent Development Program for Chinese Opera, along with honors for institutions recognized by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism between 2020 and 2024 as Outstanding Opera Production Initiatives.

This year’s festival is anchored by five signature programs: opening and closing ceremonies, a national showcase of opera performers (martial arts theater), invited performances of acclaimed productions, opera symposia, and initiatives to preserve endangered opera forms. It also includes five extension programs: opera exchange and promotion activities, the “Watch Opera, Visit Jiangsu” cultural tourism campaign, a special exhibition at the Chinese Opera Museum, a traditional opera cultural marketplace, and a digital promotion platform.

Over the course of the festival, 39 performances will be staged, featuring 107 productions from 53 ensembles representing 31 distinct opera traditions. Performances and activities will be hosted at a variety of venues, including traditional theaters, historic towns, museums, universities, and scenic sites, offering audiences immersive cultural experiences.

Kunshan, the birthplace of Kunqu Opera, the earliest form of Chinese opera, is hosting the festival for the seventh consecutive year. A new three-year action plan has now been launched to guide its future development. From 2018 to 2024, the festival presented 348 opera genres, including puppetry and shadow theater, bringing together 494 organizations that staged 295 performances featuring 606 excerpts, while drawing record audiences both in person and online.

BANGKOK, Sept. 10, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — The Thailand Capital Market Development Fund (CMDF) and Oliver Wyman, a global leader in management consulting and a business of Marsh McLennan (NYSE:MMC), today unveiled their joint whitepaper Developing The Thai Capital Market Towards An International Financial Hub, which underscores Thailand’s vision to position the nation as a prominent international financial center.

Commissioned by CMDF and developed by Oliver Wyman, the strategic report highlights Thailand’s position as one of Southeast Asia’s largest equity markets by capitalization and initial public offering volume, supported by a sizeable bond market. However, five priority areas must be addressed to elevate the country’s capital market proposition for global investors: global branding and visibility, supportive policy environment, infrastructure and connectivity, attractiveness of capital market assets, and domestic institutional investor base.

Juckchai Boonyawat, President of CMDF, stated, “The whitepaper underscores Thailand’s strong foundations as one of ASEAN’s largest equity and bond markets, while outlining that these five priority areas need to be strengthened to attract global investors to the Thai capital market. CMDF is committed to working with regulators and market participants to advance these priorities, positioning Thailand’s capital market as a trusted, competitive, and internationally integrated hub that supports the nation’s long-term prosperity.“

Three cornerstones were identified to guide Thailand’s capital market transformation:

Rebuild confidence and visibility: Elevate Thailand’s global reputation through targeted promotion, improved credit ratings and coverage, and enhanced anti-money laundering safeguards in its special financial zone.

Remove frictions and expand access: Tackle existing capital flow constraints by developing an efficient, wider ecosystem that involves growing a future-ready workforce, fostering a supportive regulatory environment, diversifying product variety, optimizing connectivity with other markets, refining the issuer framework, upgrading financial infrastructure and intermediary operations, growing domestic institutional investors, among others.

Offer attractive investment opportunities: Focus on providing distinctive investment propositions in overseas wealth management, digital assets, and sustainable finance to attract new pools of capital.

“Our report with CMDF provides a comprehensive list of policy options that spans across improved governance, streamlined regulation, and potential initiatives to make Thailand a preferred destination for global capital. Thailand’s strategic focus on developing a robust, integrated, and internationally attractive capital market is a testament to its commitment to economic growth and regional leadership,” said Hyunseung (Henry) Cho, Partner and Head of Thailand at Oliver Wyman.

Anchored on these three cornerstones, the report noted that achieving Thailand’s vision as a global financial hub requires coordinated action across market operators, intermediaries, issuers, and investors — underpinned by predictable, internationally aligned frameworks, and modern infrastructure. Progress should adhere to a phased roadmap with clear milestones, transparent monitoring, and the flexibility to adapt to evolving global conditions.

Developing The Thai Capital Market Towards An International Financial Hub was launched at a public seminar hosted by CMDF and Oliver Wyman on September 10 in Bangkok. Graced by Juckchai Boonyawat, President of CMDF, the event drew capital market leaders, regulators, academics, investors, and professionals from Thailand’s financial services industry.

About Capital Market Development Fund (CMDF)

The Capital Market Development Fund (CMDF) was established as a legal entity under the Securities and Exchange Act (No. 6) B.E. 2562. Its main objectives are to promote the long-term development and competitiveness of Thailand’s capital market. CMDF supports initiatives that enhance market infrastructure, foster financial literacy, and advance innovation across the ecosystem. Through strategic partnerships and funding, CMDF plays a catalytic role in shaping a robust, inclusive, and well-positioned capital market that supports the country’s economic growth and global aspirations.

For more information on CMDF, please visit cmdf.or.th.

About Oliver Wyman

Oliver Wyman, a business of Marsh McLennan (NYSE: MMC), is a management consulting firm combining deep industry knowledge with specialized expertise to help clients optimize their business, improve operations and accelerate performance. Marsh McLennan is a global leader in risk, strategy and people, advising clients in 130 countries across four businesses: Marsh, Guy Carpenter, Mercer and Oliver Wyman. With annual revenue of $24 billion and more than 90,000 colleagues, Marsh McLennan helps build the confidence to thrive through the power of perspective. For more information, visit oliverwyman.com, or follow on LinkedIn and X.  

Member of the media, please contact: 
Oliver Wyman
Han Siang Oh +65 6510 9408
hansiang.oh@oliverwyman.com
Capital Market Development Fund (CMDF) CMRIconnect@cmdf.or.th

SEOUL, South Korea, Sept. 10, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Korea’s leading foundation and piling equipment manufacturer, Bruce Piling Equipment, has, since its establishment in 1998, been designing and producing its own piling equipment lineup in Korea. The company supplies products through a network of dealers spanning over 30 countries worldwide. Its equipment has proven reliable and durable across diverse projects and challenging environments, including major infrastructure projects such as Incheon Bridge in Korea, Hathaway Bridge, Chincoteaque Channel Bridges, and Sakonnet River Bridge in the United States, as well as various government and private sector construction projects around worldwide.

Bruce Piling Equipment’s main product lineup includes the Hydraulic Vibro Hammer, which offers powerful and stable vibration performance; the Hydraulic Pile Hammer, renowned for its precise and efficient striking quality across various ground conditions; and the Power Pack, forming a comprehensive range of piling equipment. These machines respond to a multitude of field methods and soil conditions, while customer-tailored design and easy maintenance help significantly reduce total cost of ownership (TCO).

Of particular note, Bruce Piling Equipment announced that at this year’s ‘Mining Indonesia 2025’ exhibition it will unveil its new Power Pack with electronic engine technology, developed with ISO 9001 certification, resulting in greatly increased operational efficiency, durability, and maintenance convenience.

A company representative added, “At booth B3-5820 during Mining Indonesia 2025, visitors can experience the new Power Pack and our piling solutions through 3D simulations, project videos, and technical consultation. We will continue to expand our global leadership through continued R&D and ISO-based quality innovation.”

Detailed product information for BRUCE Piling Equipment can be found at https://www.powerquip.co.kr

MUNICH, Sept. 10, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — At IAA 2025, CATL supported the Ellen MacArthur Foundation (EMF) in convening a high-level forum that brings together executives from BASF, BMW, Mercedes-Benz, the European Battery Alliance, the Global Battery Alliance, Benchmark Mineral Intelligence, and Xynteo, alongside over 100 cross-sector representatives, to discuss pathways for achieving circularity across the entire battery value chain and advancing policy and financial collaboration to scale the circular economy.

The event, held at the opening of one of the world’s leading automotive shows, highlighted circularity as a key theme for the industry, reflecting growing recognition that sustainable mobility depends on closing the loop across battery design, manufacturing, reuse, second-life applications, and recycling. CATL contributed insights from its Global Energy Circularity Commitment (GECC) initiative, sharing practical lessons from its global operations and partnerships.

Built for Circularity: Design, Manufacture, and Infrastructure for Batteries

The first discussion explored how circularity can be embedded from the earliest stages of battery development, from design and manufacturing to the supporting infrastructure. Panelists highlighted the importance of digital traceability, material transparency, and collaborative industrial practices as key enablers for a truly circular battery ecosystem.

Jiang Li, Vice President and Board Secretary of CATL, emphasized both the challenge and the opportunity ahead:

“To make circularity real at scale, the industry needs clear standards and aligned policy and financial frameworks. With more partners joining us, we are working together to build an ecosystem that makes batteries more resilient, secure, and sustainable for the decades ahead.”

Daniel Schönfelder, President, Battery Materials at BASF, spoke to the role of sustainable cathode materials and industrial collaboration; Jens Rubi, Senior Manager, Head of Circularity at Mercedes-Benz, highlighted embedding circularity into OEM strategies; and Oliver Ganser, VP of Digitalisation at BMW, discussed leveraging Catena-X, the BMW-led cross-industry digital platform for automotive data exchange, to ensure supply chain transparency and traceability.

The discussion underscored that building a circular battery ecosystem requires coordinated action across manufacturers, suppliers, and technology partners, and that collaboration at every stage of the value chain is essential to make circularity scalable and practical.

From Money to Mandates: Scaling Circular Batteries with Smart Policy and Finance

The second discussion focused on the levers needed to scale circularity across the global battery ecosystem, emphasizing policy frameworks, financing mechanisms, and standardized approaches. Panelists explored how regulatory alignment, investor confidence, and tools such as the Battery Passport can create transparent and comparable metrics across jurisdictions, enabling practical, large-scale implementation of circular practices.

Emma Nerenheim, Managing Director of the European Battery Alliance, highlighted the urgency of coordinated action:

“We’re talking so much about collaboration now. I want to say that the word is consolidation. It’s not collaboration. It is that we have to decide that we need to do this. It’s incredibly difficult to understand how this question is going to work out (for the recyclers)- So consolidate now.”

Inga Petersen, Executive Director and Board Member of the Global Battery Alliance, further emphasized the need for a harmonized global approach to circularity:

“We need much more emphasis on creating a global level playing field and looking at the global battery ecosystem. There is a real risk of fragmentation, where high regulatory compliance burdens and high-standard products in certain markets could leave emerging markets struggling to meet sustainability and recycling requirements. We really need to create common minimum standards for batteries to ensure they meet sustainability metrics and can access capital.“

Other panelists shared complementary perspectives: Zoe Zhang, Critical Minerals Analyst at Benchmark Mineral Intelligence, provided insights on supply chain risks and the importance of transparent data for investors; and Amy Marshall, Managing Director at Xynteo, discussed multi-stakeholder partnerships and systems transformation to enable circularity.

The forum served as the first formal convening of partners under the Ellen MacArthur Foundation’s Critical Minerals Program, launched in June, where CATL outlined its ambitious goal that within 20 years up to 50% of new battery production could be decoupled from virgin raw materials. Moving forward, CATL will continue working with EMF and industry partners on pilot projects and full value chain solutions, advancing a sustainable, equitable circular battery ecosystem.

HONG KONG, Sept. 10, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — At the AVPN Global Conference 2025 in Hong Kong, Dr Priti Adani, Chairperson of the Adani Foundation, delivered a stirring appeal to philanthropists, businesses and changemakers: ‘Don’t just give. Build together.’ 

(L-R) Dhun Davar – Chief of Programmes & Deputy CEO, AVPN, Dr Abhishek Lakhtakia – CEO, Adani Foundation, Dr Priti Adani – Chairperson, Adani Foundation, Naina Subberwal Batra – CEO, AVPN, Patsian Low – Chief of Markets & Deputy CEO, AVPN

In her keynote, Dr Adani emphasized that the next leap for social development depends on collaboration and on bringing every philanthropic institution, NGO and partner onto a single platform where efforts are aligned, learnings are shared and impact is multiplied. Dr Adani reminded the audience that the true strength of philanthropy is not in isolated contributions but in unified action. “We must be co-builders, not just donors. Real change happens when we work as partners — pooling resources and breaking down silos.”

She called for a collaboration platform where philanthropists across the world can move beyond numbers, focusing instead on the human stories of dignity, resilience and transformation, saying, “Impact is never about numbers. It is about the stories behind them — stories of hope, transformation and empowerment.”

“Dr. Priti Adani’s keynote was a powerful call to bold action,” said Ms Naina Subberwal Batra, CEO of AVPN. “She reminded us that we need to act, even amidst uncertainty and to invest in solutions to build the foundations for a sustainable and equitable future for Asia. At AVPN, we echo this call for action. Philanthropy must stay the course and unite diverse stakeholders so that together, we can turn conviction into action and build systems that withstand the test of time and uncertainty.”

Dr Priti Adani outlined three non-negotiables for this shared movement:

• Co-Building: Every partner comes not as a donor, but as a builder of lasting change.
• Multipliers, Not Beneficiaries: The true measure of impact is not in what we give, but in how we extend our beneficiaries as multipliers of change.
• Uniting Skills with Values: Skills without values are buildings without foundations. Unite them — and you build generations.”

Dr Adani declared, “This is not a moment to clap. It is a moment to commit! We must be the generation that sowed in the drought, that believed before the rains came, that built a harvest of dignity and opportunity for all.”

Closing her address, Dr Adani urged the gathering to go beyond symbolic gestures and to actively collaborate, learn from one another, share best practices and inspire each other to aim higher.

BERLIN, Sept. 10, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — TCL, a global leader in consumer electronics and the world’s No. 1 Mini LED and Ultra-large^[1]TV brand, has recently won several prestigious awards for its latest innovations at IFA 2025. These honors recognize TCL’s intelligent lifestyle solutions and underscore its commitment to pioneering advanced technology that elevates everyday living experiences.

IFA 2025 saw the debut of the IFA Innovation Awards, celebrating technologies shaping the future of smart living. TCL stood out here with three wins and two Honoree distinctions across smart devices, soundbars, and gaming monitors. The TCL NXTPAPER 60 Ultra smartphone secured the winner of “Best in Tech for Good” with its advanced eye-care displays, and was joined by the TCL NXTPAPER 11 Plus tablet as an Honoree. The RayNeo X3 Pro was the Honoree winner of “Best in Emerging Tech” for its AI-powered ecosystem and multimodal interaction. And TCL’s Wireless Free Sound Speaker Z100 took home “Best of Audio” for its immersive home-theater audio performance, while the 32R84 QD-Mini LED Monitor earned “Best in Computing & Gaming” for its superior visuals and smooth gameplay experience.

At IFA 2025, TCL also excelled at the distinguished Global Product Technology Innovation (GPTI) Awards with three Gold Awards. TCL’s Premium QD-Mini LED C8K TV received the “ZeroBorder Design Gold Award” for its revolutionary Virtually ZeroBorder Design that delivers an edge-to-edge viewing experience. The TCL FreshIN 3.0 fresh air conditioner won the “AI Energy-Saving Technology Gold Award”, with its upgraded T-AI technology enabling up to 37%+ higher energy efficiency than conventional inverter models. And TCL SuperDrum Series Washer & Dryer Pair earned the “Super Drum Technology Innovation Gold Award” for its six Bionic Lifters and wave-patterned drum, providing deep yet gentle cleaning while conserving water.

These awards span TCL’s wide product portfolio and reaffirm its global leadership and technological prowess in the consumer electronics sector. TCL will continue to bring smart living solutions with more immersive and connected experiences to users worldwide.

About TCL

TCL is a leading consumer electronics brand and leader in the global television industry. TCL now operates in more than 160 markets around the world. The company specializes in the research, development, and manufacturing of consumer electronics products ranging from TVs, audio, home appliances, mobile devices, smart glasses, commercial displays, and more. Visit the TCL website at https://www.tcl.com.