Setting highest annual visitation to date
Offering Macao’s largest free sales platform to empower local SMEs
 Drawing 800,000 visits across seven editions

MACAO, July 28, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — The “2026 Sands Shopping Carnival,” an annual signature shopping event in Macao, was held successfully from July 23 to 26 at The Venetian^® Macao’s Cotai Expo, drawing large crowds over four consecutive days, attracting nearly 160,000 visits and setting a record-high annual visitation in the event’s history. In its seventh edition this year, the carnival has grown to feature over 580 booths across eight themed exhibition zones, the largest-ever food court, and new additions including a “Sports Experience Zone” and a range of cultural and creative brands from the Greater Bay Area – all aimed at offering an enhanced one-stop summer carnival experience for Macao residents and visitors alike. The event once again played a key role in driving footfall and boosting spending across the city, fully supporting the Macao SAR government’s “Tourism+” policy, and facilitating the city’s economic diversification.

As the largest sales event in Macao, the Sands Shopping Carnival has served as a large business platform for local SMEs, community partners and Sands retailers for seven consecutive years since its launch during the pandemic in 2020. It is dedicated to helping local SMEs expand business opportunities, broaden customer base, and enhance brand visibility. To date, the carnival has provided 4,000 complimentary booths for local businesses and has been highly received among both Macao residents and the Greater Bay Area visitors. Over the past seven years, the event has attracted a cumulative total of 800,000 visits.

This year, the scale of the event has expanded even further, featuring over 580 booths that brought together an array of international and local Macao brands across eight themed exhibition zones: Household Products, Gourmet and Wine, Food Court, Cultural and Creative, Sands Retailers, Macao Specialties and Souvenirs, Play and Fun, and Sports Experience. 

Dr. Wilfred Wong, executive vice chairman of Sands China Ltd., said: “We are delighted to celebrate the successful conclusion of the seventh edition of the Sands Shopping Carnival. Over the past seven years, the carnival has evolved from an innovative SME initiative into Macao’s largest consumption event. It stands as a testament to the perseverance and growth of the city’s SMEs, while embodying the spirit of solidarity that brings the Macao community together. Over the years, the event has helped local SMEs expand their business opportunities while providing trainees from social service organisations with a valuable platform to apply their skills, showcase their talents and unleash their potential. By uniting the strength of the business, commercial and social service sectors, the event fully demonstrates Macao’s vibrancy and diversity. We are especially encouraged that the carnival is drawing an increasing number of visitors from across the Greater Bay Area to Macao, further cementing its position as one of the region’s most influential consumer events, attracting 800,000 visits over the past seven years.

“We would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to the Macao SAR government and all sectors of society for their longstanding support and trust. Looking ahead, Sands China will continue to leverage this platform to create opportunities and strengthen connections among local SMEs and community partners, while remaining committed to supporting Macao’s economic diversification and contributing to its development as a World Centre of Tourism and Leisure.”

A number of new elements were introduced to this year’s carnival, including the largest-ever food court, which brought together 58 popular local eateries and gave visitors an experience of Macao’s diverse culinary offerings. A Sports Experience Zone was also set up, allowing the public to enjoy the fun of pickleball. The zone also featured a basketball shooting challenge as a warm-up for the NBA China Games, which is set to take place in October at The Venetian Arena. In addition, the Cultural and Creative Zone welcomed a multitude of cultural and creative brands from the Greater Bay Area for the first time. These themed exhibition zones attracted a steady stream of visitors, creating a lively atmosphere and fully demonstrating the carnival’s appeal.

As one of the highlights of the carnival, the ICBC ePay Presents: Greater Bay Area Karaoke King Singing Competition received an overwhelming response once again. The event attracted close to 150 talented singers from the Greater Bay Area. Notably, over half of the applicants were from Hong Kong, reflecting the competition’s growing appeal across the Greater Bay Area. Throughout the competition, contestants delivered powerful performances, showcasing impressive vocal talent and captivating stage presence, filling the venue with excitement and enthusiasm. In addition, the Busking Corner, which was open for public participation, attracted many singing enthusiasts to take the stage. Professional singers were also invited to give warm-up performances, further enriching the carnival experience.

This year, Sands China once again invited local social service organisations to participate in the carnival, providing a platform for local disadvantaged groups to showcase their talents and integrate into society. A record high of 20 social service organisations joined this year, covering social rehabilitation, youth development, animal welfare, and support for vulnerable groups. The event provided an opportunity for people with special educational needs and other trainees to gain practical experience by promoting and selling their handmade products, thereby enhancing their skills and confidence. In addition, the company organised a range of community activities to further promote inclusivity in Macao.

Over 5,000 selected items priced at MOP1 and products with 90% discount were available for purchase every day during the event. In addition, a series of family activities were arranged during the carnival. The well-received cooking activity “BOC Smart Kids Presents: Little Master Chef Workshop” returned this year, attracting nearly 3,000 participants over the past seven years. Led by Sands China’s food and beverage team, participating families made different cuisines and enjoyed the fun of cooking together. The carnival also featured the Bank of Communications Presents: “Play and Fun” Kids Area, which offered inflatable attractions, game booths, and other exciting activities for children to play freely and for families to strengthen their bonds.

The 2026 Sands Shopping Carnival was organised by Sands China and co-organised by the Macao Chamber of Commerce, with full support from the Economic and Technological Development Bureau (DSEDT), the Macao Government Tourism Office (MGTO), and the Commerce and Investment Promotion Institute (IPIM). The event was sponsored by BOC Macau, ICBC (Macau), Bank of Communications Co., Ltd. Macau Branch, and Banco Nacional Ultramarino (BNU).

About Sands China Ltd.

Sands China Ltd. (Sands China or the Company) is incorporated in the Cayman Islands with limited liability and is listed on The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited (HKEx: 1928). Sands China is the largest operator of integrated resorts in Macao. The Company’s integrated resorts on the Cotai Strip comprise The Venetian^® Macao, The Plaza^® Macao, The Parisian^® Macao and The Londoner^® Macao. The Company also owns and operates Sands^® Macao on the Macao peninsula. The Company’s portfolio features a diversified mix of leisure and business attractions and transportation operations, including large meeting and convention facilities; a wide range of restaurants; shopping malls; world-class entertainment at The Venetian Arena, The Londoner Arena, The Venetian Theatre, The Parisian Theatre, The Londoner Theatre and Sands Theatre; and a high-speed Cotai Water Jet ferry service between Hong Kong and Macao. The Company’s Cotai Strip portfolio has the goal of contributing to Macao’s transformation into a world centre of tourism and leisure. Sands China is a subsidiary of global resort developer Las Vegas Sands Corp. (NYSE: LVS).

For more information, please visit www.sandschina.com.

Media contacts:

Corporate Communications, Sands China Ltd.
Mabel Wu
Tel: +853 8118 2268
Email: mabel.wu@sands.com.mo

Jesse Chiang
Tel: +853 8118 2054
Email: jesse.chiang@sands.com.mo

Partners with KACCWA to deploy REALIZER as the Official AI Platform for WABA Korea Expo 2026, helping businesses transform face-to-face meetings into lasting business opportunities.

SEATTLE, July 28, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — CoBALT, an AI SaaS company specializing in business relationship intelligence, today announced its official expansion into the United States with a strategic partnership with the Korean American Chamber of Commerce of Washington State (KACCWA). Under the agreement signed on July 20, CoBALT’s flagship platform, REALIZER, has been selected as the Official AI-powered Business Engagement Platform for WABA Korea Expo 2026.

Scheduled to take place in Seattle from August 14–16, 2026, with a B2B networking program beginning on August 13, WABA Korea Expo serves as a primary gateway connecting Korean and U.S. companies, investors, and industry leaders. Throughout the Expo, REALIZER will be provided to participating exhibitors to digitize, organize, and automate relationship management before, during, and after meetings.

While conventional CRM tools require manual data entry after interactions occur, REALIZER captures the full context of face-to-face meetings from the very first contact. By leveraging AI to automate contact capture, briefing preparation, and personalized follow-ups, REALIZER eliminates traditional follow-up delays — reducing response times from an industry average of 5 days to real-time execution — while boosting lead conversion rates from 47% to over 70%.

“Trade shows and B2B exhibitions are among the most critical channels for international expansion, yet companies routinely lose valuable opportunities in the days following an event due to delayed execution,” said Haeil Yi, Chief Executive Officer of CoBALT. “REALIZER was built to bridge that gap. Our deployment at WABA Korea Expo demonstrates how AI can strengthen human relationships and turn initial handshakes into measurable business outcomes. This partnership marks an exciting first step in CoBALT’s expansion across North America.”

“WABA Korea Expo was created to build lasting bridges between businesses across Korea and the United States,” said Myung Kyu Oh, President of KACCWA. “The biggest challenge for exhibitors has always been preserving relationship momentum after the event closes. Partnering with CoBALT ensures our attendees have the AI tools needed to convert meaningful conversations into long-term commercial partnerships.”

Operating across major global markets — including the U.S., Singapore, Japan, South Korea, and the UAE — REALIZER has earned international recognition at premier technology forums, including GITEX Supernova and the Slingshot Global Competition.

Following WABA Korea Expo 2026, CoBALT plans to expand REALIZER across North American trade shows, industry conferences, chambers of commerce, and enterprise sales organizations.

About CoBALT

CoBALT is a global AI SaaS company developing intelligent solutions that maximize the value of in-person business interactions. Its flagship platform, REALIZER, combines AI-driven contact capture, relationship intelligence, and automated follow-up to reduce administrative burden and accelerate pipeline growth for global B2B teams. Operating from Singapore and Seoul, CoBALT serves enterprise and mid-market clients across North America, Asia, and the Middle East. For more information, visit www.realizer.ai.

MUMBAI, India, July 27, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Waaree Renewable Technologies Limited (WRTL), one of India’s leading Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC) companies in the renewable energy sector and a subsidiary of Waaree Energies Limited, today announced the signing of an ECI (Early Contractor Involvement) Agreement with a special purpose vehicle of a top global independent power producer (IPP) (“Principal”), to develop a utility-scale solar photovoltaic (PV) project integrated with a Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) in New Zealand. The project will be undertaken in consortium with two experienced local companies, with WRTL leading solar supply and engineering, marking WRTL’s strategic entry into the Australia and New Zealand (ANZ) renewable energy market. The ECI is signed for limited early work; upon completion of ECI work, the Principal may sign the EPC contract for the project with the consortium.

The project is expected to become one of New Zealand’s largest solar energy projects upon completion. The integrated renewable energy and storage solution will support the country’s transition towards a cleaner energy mix while enhancing grid reliability, improving energy resilience, and enabling greater integration of renewable power.

The ECI agreement represents a significant milestone in WRTL’s international growth journey and underscores the company’s commitment to expanding its presence in high-growth global renewable energy markets. By partnering with established local companies, WRTL will combine its proven EPC expertise and project execution capabilities with local market knowledge to deliver a world-class renewable energy asset.

The ANZ region continues to be an attractive destination for renewable energy investments, supported by ambitious decarbonization targets, growing electricity demand, and increasing deployment of energy storage solutions. WRTL’s entry into this market aligns with its long-term vision of becoming a globally recognized renewable energy solutions provider while contributing to the energy transition in developed markets.

Mr. Sunil Rathi, Executive Director, Waaree Renewable Technologies Limited:
“This agreement marks an important milestone in Waaree Renewable Technologies Limited’s international expansion strategy. Entering the ANZ market through this proposed landmark project in New Zealand reflects our confidence in the region’s renewable energy potential and our ability to execute large-scale, technologically advanced clean energy projects. We are pleased to collaborate with experienced local partners and look forward to delivering a project that supports New Zealand’s clean energy ambitions while strengthening WRTL’s global footprint.”

The project positions WRTL to pursue further opportunities across the ANZ region and other international markets, building a diversified global portfolio and long-term stakeholder value.

About Waaree Renewable Technologies Limited

Waaree Renewable Technologies Limited (WRTL), a subsidiary of Waaree Energies Limited, is spearheading the Solar EPC business. We are also a solar developer that finances, constructs, owns and operates solar projects. Headquartered in Mumbai, the company provides clean energy to its clients by setting up both on-site solar projects (rooftop and ground-mounted) and off-site solar farms (open access solar plants). The company has also taken measured steps to expand into adjacent segments of the T&D space.

MUMBAI, India, July 27, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — What happens when colour is viewed not simply as a trend, but as a story shaped by material, craft, memory and design? Asian Paints brings its yearly forecast ColourNext 2026 into the world of collectible design for the first time with ‘Colour As Continuum’ displayed at Nilaya Anthology, Mumbai.

Asian Paints Colour As Continuum at Nilaya Anthology

Presented as a month-long curated design experience, the showcase reimagined the four ColourNext 2026 directions, IRL, Pastoral, Solarpunk and Daydream, through a carefully selected collection of furniture, objects and material expressions from Nilaya Anthology’s enviable roster of designers and makers. Moving beyond traditional trend forecasting, it invited visitors to experience Colour through stories, emotions and material explorations.

Over the last two decades, ColourNext has evolved into South Asia’s most deeply researched colour and material forecast, examining colour as a reflection of changing lifestyles, material innovations and emerging ways of living. At the heart of ‘Colour As Continuum’ is the idea that colour is never experienced in isolation. Through a curation of collectible design pieces, visitors discovered how colour is shaped by materials, craftsmanship and cultural memory. Each curated space brought to life the tactile warmth of IRL, craft traditions of Pastoral, the regenerative vision of Solarpunk and the softness of Daydream. Objects designed by Charlotte Perriand, Le Corbusier, Pierre Jeanneret, Christoph Delcourt, Christabel McGreevy, Ashiesh Shah, Ravi Vazirani, Paola Paronetto, Laura Pasquino, Jacqueline Leighton Boyce and more are curated across the four forecast directions.

It also features Colournext Lab where biomaterials, woven fibres, handcrafted processes, translucent surfaces and experimental finishes demonstrated how material carry emotion, ecology and cultural continuity. 

Speaking about ColourNext, Amit Syngle, MD & CEO, Asian Paints, said, “ColourNext has evolved into a cultural document that studies how shifts in society, technology, craft and human behaviour begin to shape the spaces we inhabit. With Colour As Continuum, we have taken ColourNext beyond trend forecasting into a curated collectable design experience at Nilaya Anthology.”

As part of the programme, Nilaya Anthology hosted the launch of Udayshanth Fernando: Living Design, a new publication by Rizzoli USA, alongside an evening with London-based artist HARRI exploring material innovation and the future of design. Visitors could also trace ColourNext’s evolution since 2003 through archival storytelling and its CMFT narrative.

Colour As Continuum was showcased at Nilaya Anthology until July 2026.

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