CHONGQING, China, May 23, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — A news report from iChongqing – Chongqing Qianxin Foreign Trade and Economic Cooperation Group (CFTEC) and AEOTrade co-hosted a digital cross-border trade roadshow on May 22 during the 8th Western China International Fair for Investment and Trade (WCIFIT), as Chongqing seeks to expand digital trade links with Singapore and global markets.

Supporting organizations included Singapore’s Infocomm Media Development Authority, or IMDA, the Chongqing Liangjiang New Area government, COSCO Shipping Logistics Supply Chain, and Shanghai Pudong Development Bank’s Shanan branch.

The project is based on the China-Singapore (Chongqing) Demonstration Initiative on Strategic Connectivity, a bilateral cooperation program linking western China with Singapore in logistics, finance, aviation, and information communications. It also draws on the United Nations Convention on Negotiable Cargo Documents, known as the NCD Convention, and DEPA, the Digital Economy Partnership Agreement, a framework covering digital trade and economic cooperation.

At the technical level, the pilot connects AEOTrade’s AEOTradeChain platform with TradeTrust, a framework initiated by Singapore’s IMDA for digital trade documents. CFTEC’s Singapore company serves as the trade ecosystem participant, COSCO Shipping Logistics Supply Chain acts as the logistics partner, Chongqing Liangjiang New Area coordinates supporting resources, and Shanghai Pudong Development Bank provides financial support.

The pilot project focuses on trade digitalization and the implementation of the NCD Convention, showcasing progress in rule alignment, technical interoperability and ecosystem development. Once mature, it is expected to provide early experience for issuing NCD documents in complex road transport scenarios and support broader use of digital trade processes and NCD documents.

CFTEC is one of the project’s core operators. The company is a key Chongqing municipal state-owned enterprise with more than 40 years of experience in international trade. It holds multiple business qualifications, including advanced customs AEO certification. Its business covers more than 80 countries and regions.

During WCIFIT, held in Chongqing from May 21 to 24, CFTEC appeared at Booth A04 in Hall N1. The company displayed its “1+3+N” overseas service system, “2+2+N” strategic product system, and the full-cycle service capabilities of its Yumaotong digital trade platform.

During the fair, CFTEC signed cooperation agreements with nine companies, including Zybio and Beijing Huayu Time Culture Media. It also took part in events on the New International Land-Sea Trade Corridor, multinational operations, and Chongqing-ASEAN investment and trade cooperation.

ANSHUN, China, May 23, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — On May 21, at the Guizhou Anshun Tourism Development Conference, Mafengwo Travel Group officially launched three flagship “New Mountain Play” benchmark projects — Huangheying Water Cave, Lotus Ancient Cave, and Luoyang Glasswater Gorge — while jointly releasing the 2026 Anshun Mountain Outdoor New Play Playbook with the Anshun Municipal Bureau of Culture, Sports, Radio, TV and Tourism. By redefining mountain outdoor travel experiences through “new play,” the initiative injects fresh momentum into Anshun’s positioning as an international mountain tourism destination. 

“Personalized travel is rising rapidly. Tourism is transitioning from a ‘sightseeing economy’ to an ‘experience economy.’ More than just ‘having been there,’ travelers today seek emotional value from scenic spots and related projects,” said Chen Gang, Founder and CEO of Mafengwo, in a speech titled *Co-creating the Super Play Era of Mountain Tourism*. He noted that leveraging benchmark new-play projects such as Huangheying Water Cave, Lotus Ancient Cave, and Luoyang Glasswater Gorge, Mafengwo will work with Anshun to integrate “new play, new formats, new marketing, and new consumption” into a holistic innovation ecosystem for destination-wide play. Together, they aim to revitalize natural resources, energize industrial momentum, link rural revitalization, and jointly build Anshun into a national hub for new mountain play.

At a time when travelers are increasingly weary of “man-made check-in spots” and homogenized internet-famous projects, the newly launched projects abandon the old path of large-scale construction. Instead, they return to the wild itself, adopting a “light development, heavy experience” approach to create mountain plays that are “wild on the outside, refined on the inside.” Huangheying Water Cave focuses on “natural wonders + interactive adventure,” using its original “water-cave” karst features to create a genuine sense of “underground exploration.” Lotus Ancient Cave, based on a massive natural cave, integrates “light ultimate” activities such as via ferrata, rappelling, and cave drop towers, allowing ordinary visitors to feel adrenaline-pumping “heart-racing moments” in a natural setting. Luoyang Glasswater Gorge follows the original river course, using natural elevation differences to design trails for hiking, canyoning, and waterfall rappelling, with minimal artificial construction, emphasizing the pristine “glass water” and an eco-harmonious, back-to-nature mountain experience.

At the “2026 Anshun Mountain Tourism New Play” sharing session, Mafengwo Travel Group and the Anshun Municipal Bureau of Culture, Sports, Radio, TV and Tourism jointly released the *2026 Anshun Mountain Outdoor New Play Playbook*. Ten selected plays in non-traditional mountain settings were featured, including “Night Tour of Dupo Tang — Immersive Journey into the World of Journey to the West,” “Watch Intangible Cultural Heritage ‘Spider-Man’ Climb Cliffs for Bird’s Nests,” and “370-Meter Free Fall at Balinghe Bridge.” These showcase how Anshun creatively uses its karst landscapes as a natural “amusement park” for mountain experiences.

He Weihong, Vice Mayor of Anshun, stated in his address: “In Anshun, the ‘City of 21°C,’ mountains are no longer just scenery to be viewed. They are living fields to be climbed, immersed in, jumped over, and breathed in. Anshun will take this conference as an opportunity to accelerate the internationalization of its mountain tourism and build a first-class mountain outdoor sports destination.” During the event, Anshun Tourism Group also promoted its mountain outdoor travel routes.

By early 2026, the number of outdoor sports participants in China had exceeded 400 million, with participation in mountain hiking, trail running, rock climbing, and canyoning rising year by year. Driven by the dual trends of “nationwide fitness” and “pan-outdoor” activities, mountain play is moving from niche circles to the general public. Unlike the high barriers of traditional outdoor activities, Anshun’s new plays target the blue ocean market of “light ultimate + strong experience + high shareability.” Whether it’s a “bridge bungee jump,” checking out the natural wonder “Eye of the Great Sage,” or experiencing a “Journey to the West fantasy” at night by Dupo Tang Waterfall — these activities are novel, beginner-friendly, and serve as natural content and social currency.

Anshun’s mountain play innovation has also attracted international attention. Anouar, Chief Representative of the Tunisian National Tourism Office in China, noted in his speech that Anshun’s innovation in integrating mountain tourism and sports is worth learning from for many international peers. He noted that Tunisia has diverse mountain resources across the country, with history embedded in the mountains and culture in the scenery — this is the unique charm of Tunisia’s mountains. He looks forward to China-Tunisia cooperation to explore more mountain tourism opportunities and co-create new partnership models.

An international dialogue session brought together representatives from the Norwegian National Tourist Board, Visit Flanders (Belgium), and the Saudi Tourism Authority to discuss mountain outdoor tourism upgrade from a global perspective. The guests agreed that they were delighted to see that Anshun is not simply replicating a “Switzerland of the East” but is creating an entirely new “universal language of mountain tourism.” The internationalization of mountain tourism is not about imitation but about excavating the unique narratives of local landscapes — with its green mountains and clear waters as the canvas and play innovation as the brush, Anshun is painting a vibrant new picture for the world.

A domestic dialogue session brought together frontier explorers, practitioners, and experts in mountain sports tourism to discuss the future development of mountain sports tourism from the perspectives of communities, products, and operations. Qin Chuan, Founder of Wanan Youth Travel, noted that with technological advancements and equipment iteration, more and more “outdoor novices” without professional training can enjoy the pleasures of the wild. Currently, Wanan Youth Travel is selecting and developing “super single products” and continuously improving service quality to deliver ultimate outdoor experiences to visitors.

After the conference, industry guests conducted on-site inspections of new play projects, including Lotus Ancient Cave, Dupo Tang Night Tour, Anshun Ancient Town, and Getu River. Wang Yu, Chief Representative of the Norwegian National Tourist Board in Greater China, remarked: “Anshun and Norway share many similarities. Anshun’s new mountain plays emphasize ‘light development, heavy experience.’ Take Lotus Ancient Cave — it doesn’t feel like a ‘designed’ scenic spot, but rather an extension of Anshun’s natural mountain charm itself, an experiential field you can fully immerse yourself in. The scale of this ‘light ultimate’ experience is just right — thrilling enough, yet truly authentic.”

NEW YORK, May 23, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — OlloBot is set to launch a new offline experience in North America in late June, featuring plush collectibles inspired by its OlloBot family member, OlloNi, while offering a first look at its upcoming product prototype, the OlloNi SS1. Scheduled for a global launch on Kickstarter in late August, the new model will be previewed on-site.

The move builds on the strong interest generated at CES 2026, where OlloNi first drew attention for its distinctive form and emotionally expressive interaction design. Unlike conventional robotic displays, the debut attracted sustained visitor engagement, signaling a growing appetite for technologies that can deliver more intuitive and human-centered experiences. The upcoming North America activation responds directly to that interest, translating early curiosity into a more immersive, real-world encounter. While the OlloNi SS1 will be presented in its current design-stage form as a preview of what’s to come, the experience focuses on creating tangible touchpoints that bring OlloBot’s vision of “companionship” closer to everyday contexts.

This approach reflects the brand’s broader thinking on how robots can exist within the home environment. “Robots designed for the home need to begin with emotional connection,” said Lyn Fang, founder of OlloBot. Lyn noted that development paths in the robotics sector have increasingly diverged. On one end are humanoid systems focused on advanced mobility and functional integration, while on the other are entertainment-oriented AI devices that often lack depth in emotional interaction. Between these two directions lies an emerging opportunity: companion-oriented robots designed to exist consistently within the home and build meaningful, long-term relationships.

Positioned within this space, OlloBot introduces the concept of a “cyber pet,” intended not to replace human roles, but to respond to the growing absence of companionship in modern households. Unlike task-oriented devices, such systems are designed to build familiarity over time through ongoing presence and subtle interaction.

This philosophy is further encapsulated in the brand’s core concept: technology that conveys warmth. From its rounded physical design to its soft, non-intrusive interaction cues, OlloBot prioritizes reducing the sense of distance often associated with machines. Rather than emphasizing mechanical precision or information delivery, the system is designed to make emotions perceptible. A multi-screen expression system enables communication through visual cues such as gaze and state changes, fostering a sense of emotional presence rather than transactional interaction.

The approach also extends to how companionship is delivered. OlloBot incorporates an active presence mechanism, allowing the device to remain perceptive and responsive without becoming disruptive. This balance reflects a restrained product philosophy that distinguishes the brand within the category. Instead of competing for constant attention or encouraging dependency, the design emphasizes ease of long-term coexistence. The goal is not immediate novelty, but a sustained sense of comfort that integrates naturally into daily routines.

The upcoming OlloNi SS1 represents a continuation of this direction and will enter crowdfunding on Kickstarter in August, with final commercial release details to be announced. Ahead of this, the North America showcase will also introduce a line of plush collectibles based on OlloNi, available in blind box format. These items serve as an accessible extension of the brand’s identity, reinforcing its focus on emotional resonance while broadening audience engagement.

As smart home technologies continue to evolve, the definition of innovation is gradually shifting from enhanced capability to deeper understanding. In this context, OlloBot’s exploration centers on a more immediate and human concern: the growing absence of companionship in modern living environments. By adopting a measured and empathetic design path, the brand seeks to integrate technology into everyday relationships in a more sustainable way—one that prioritizes being seen, understood, and accompanied over momentary novelty.

About OlloBot

OlloBot, a brand under BizConf Technology Co., Ltd. (SHE: 300578), specializes in embodied intelligence and develops proactive, family‑centric AI companion cyber-pet robots. The brand focuses on creating emotionally intelligent embodied AI that brings warmth, presence, and gentle connections to modern homes. Its products learn routines and emotional patterns with “gentle intelligence,” develop long‑term personality traits, and prioritize privacy and emotional safety.

Pioneering a new category defined by the Cyber Pet concept, OlloBot integrates AI and robotics into real domestic environments to rethink how families connect with technology and to make home life feel more meaningful and emotionally enriched.

For more information, please visit:

Website: https://ollobot.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ollobotofficial
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ollo_bot
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ollo_bot
X (Twitter): https://x.com/OLLOBOT_Real
TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@ollo_bot

Scientific Research Achievements in Five Fields Showcase Hong Kong’s Strength in Innovation and Technology Commercialisation

HONG KONG, May 23, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — The 4th BOCHK Science and Technology Innovation Prize Award Ceremony, organised by the Hong Kong Alliance of Technology and Innovation (HKATI) and title-sponsored by Bank of China (Hong Kong) Limited (BOCHK), was concluded successfully. The Ceremony was officiated by distinguished guests including Mr Leung Chun-ying, Vice Chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (NCCPPCC); Mr Zhang Yong, Deputy Director of the Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region; Professor Sun Dong, Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region; Mr Zhang Changwei, Deputy Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of China in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region; Mr Sun Yu, Vice Chairman and Chief Executive of BOCHK; Professor Tong Wai-cheung, Chairman of the Research Grants Council of Hong Kong; Professor Teng Jin-Guang, Chair of HKATI; and representatives from Department of Science and Technology of Guangdong Province, and Science and Technology Bureaus of cities in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area.

The award laureates in the five major fields have made research achievements that possess both international frontier and strong application value, making outstanding contributions to core technological breakthroughs and the commercialisation of research outcomes. The laureates are Professor Lin Dahua, in Artificial Intelligence and Robotics, recognised for his systematic innovations in computer vision and multimodal intelligence; Professor Chan Kwan Chee Allen, in Life and Health, recognised for his outstanding contributions to the development of non-invasive diagnostic technologies using cell-free plasma DNA; Professor Yu Changyuan, in Advanced Manufacturing, recognised for his breakthrough in the research and applications of photonic information devices and systems; Mr Kwock Yin Lun Alvin, Ms Ip Pui Yin Michelle and Mr Zhang Yu Rex, in FinTech, recognised for their pioneering work in digital asset insurance and generative AI security; and Professor Lu Yi-Chun, in New Materials and New Energy, recognised for her pioneering contributions to aqueous batteries.

The BOCHK Science and Technology Innovation Prize is a prestigious award in the field of innovation and technology in Hong Kong and the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area. Since its establishment, the award has consistently focused on major national strategic needs and Hong Kong’s research strengths, aiming to encourage researchers and innovation talent to drive the commercialisation of scientific and technological achievements. The number of nominations for this edition has increased significantly by more than 73% compared with the previous edition, reflecting the growing innovation and technology ecosystem in Hong Kong and the Greater Bay Area’s ability to gather high-calibre researchers and high-quality innovation projects. The laureates in each field will receive a cash award of HK$2 million, with a total prize pool of HK$10 million, fully sponsored by BOCHK.

At the ceremony, Professor Teng Jin-Guang, Chair of HKATI, delivered welcome remarks and stated: “This year marks the first year of the 15th Five-Year Plan period. The plan explicitly calls for moving faster to achieve greater self-reliance and strength in science and technology, developing new quality productive forces, supporting Hong Kong to develop into an international innovation and technology hub, and building an international hub for high-calibre talents. It presents a historic opportunity for Hong Kong’s innovation and technology development. As the organiser, HKATI will closely align with the strategic deployments of the 15th Five-Year Plan, continue to fully support Hong Kong’s  innovation and technology development, and leverage the influence of its awards to promote deeper integration of technological and industrial innovation — contributing to the building of Hong Kong as an international innovation and technology hub and to the nation’s goal of self-reliance and strength in science and technology.”

Mr Leung Chun-ying, Vice Chairman of the NCCPPCC, delivered opening remarks at the ceremony. He stated: “Since the establishment of the Innovation and Technology Bureau (now the Innovation, Technology and Industry Bureau) in 2015, Hong Kong has gradually moved away from short-term thinking and accumulated a solid foundation.” He envisions that with another decade of dedicated cultivation, innovation and technology will emerge by 2036 as a major pillar industry alongside finance, trade, and shipping, forging a new economic landscape for Hong Kong. He also advocates drawing on the close ‘government-industry-academia-research’ collaboration experience of places like Sweden. Finally, he extended his congratulations to the laureates of the 4th BOCHK Science and Technology Innovation Prize, thanked Bank of China (Hong Kong) for its sponsorship, and encouraged different sectors to persevere persistently, injecting new impetus into Hong Kong’s development and helping the nation achieve the grand goal of becoming a world leader in science and technology at an early date.

Professor Sun Dong, Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, delivered opening remarks at the ceremony. He stated: “The Government is leveraging HK$10 billion measures such as the Research, Academic and Industry Sectors One-plus Scheme (RAISe+), the New Industrialisation Acceleration Scheme (NIAS), and the Innovation and Technology Industry-Oriented Fund (ITIF) to organically connect a complete pathway covering upstream R&D, midstream transformation and commercialisation of R&D outcomes, and downstream industrialisation. With clearer industrial policies, the Government aims to promote the development of the real economy and contribute Hong Kong’s strength to the nation’s drive to build a modern industrial system. The HKATI and BOCHK have continuously organised this award, building an important platform for research talents in Hong Kong and the Greater Bay Area to showcase outstanding research achievements.”

Mr Sun Yu, Vice Chairman and Chief Executive of BOCHK, remarked, “Technological innovation cannot flourish without the precise nourishment of financial resources. As a local bank with deep roots in Hong Kong for over a century, and serving as Bank of China Group’s Southeast Asia regional headquarters, BOCHK has always been at the forefront of serving as an “enabler” and “practitioner” of technological innovation, fully supporting the development of Hong Kong into an international innovation and technology hub. Looking forward, BOCHK will continue to join hands with sectors of society, and advance innovation by building a technology and innovation ecosystem that connects the government, investment community, research institutes and industry leaders. By leveraging financial resources to support technological advancements and pushing forward concrete measures to drive industrial upgrades, BOCHK aims to make greater contribution for Hong Kong’s better integration into the overall national development.”

Since its establishment in 2022, the BOCHK Science and Technology Innovation Prize is now in its fourth edition. Its Review Committee brings together leading scholars around the world, upholding rigorous professional standards across the five major fields and earning broad recognition for its fairness and integrity. At the same time, past laureates have actively promoted the commercialisation of research outcomes, science popularisation education, and collaboration among industry, academia and research institutions, attracting frequent media attention and generating growing social impact. Looking ahead, the BOCHK Science and Technology Innovation Prize will continue to bring together the strengths of research, industry and finance, support more promising research achievements toward real-world application, and inject sustained momentum into Hong Kong’s innovation and technology ecosystem.

For further information about the 4th laureates, please visit www.stip.hk.

High-resolution event photo selection link: https://v.pixcheese.com/s/tHTLNBFZsmv

About the BOCHK Science and Technology Innovation Prize

The BOCHK Science and Technology Innovation Prize (STIP), established in 2022 by the Hong Kong Alliance of Technology and Innovation and title sponsored by Bank of China (Hong Kong), is a non-governmental merit-based award. The STIP aims to reward outstanding scientists and research teams in Hong Kong or in research-related corporations/organisations set up by Hong Kong institutions and located in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, for their significant achievements in scientific and technological innovation and transformation. The STIP encourages them to serve the motherland, connect to the Greater Bay Area, and contribute to the world with its foothold in Hong Kong.

KUNSHAN, China, May 23, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Arctech, a global leader in solar tracking systems and intelligent energy solutions, announced that it has been ranked the world’s No. 2 solar tracker supplier for the second consecutive year, according to the newly released Solar PV Tracker Market Report 2026 by S&P Global Energy.

In 2025, Arctech captured 12.1 percent of the global tracker market, with total shipments reaching 16 GW, while retaining its No. 1 market position in EMEA.

Global Market Growth Outlook

The global solar tracker market grew steadily in 2025, with total shipments reaching 133 GW, a 19 percent increase from 2024. The Middle East and Africa region surged 49 percent to a record 26 GW, while Europe reached 25 GW, driven by strong growth in Italy and Romania. S&P Global Energy forecasts global tracker shipments to exceed 160 GW by 2030.

Arctech Regional Leadership in EMEA

In the EMEA region (Europe, Middle East and Africa), Arctech became the No. 1 supplier with a 22.6 percent market share, recording the largest shipment growth in the region. The company’s strong presence is highlighted by its leading positions in Saudi Arabia, where it holds 53.6 percent of the market, and the UAE, where it holds 54.1 percent. Arctech also gained growing momentum across European markets, securing key projects in Greece, Italy, and other countries. In Africa, Arctech has also established a growing presence in South Africa, Egypt, and other markets, and will continue to deepen its footprint across the continent.

Grand Showcase Ahead

At SNEC 2026 (June 3–5, Shanghai), Arctech will unveil its new intelligent PV piling and automatic installation solutions alongside its full-scenario “Tracker+” and “Green Power+” offerings. “Tracker+” features the SkyLineⅡall-terrain intelligent tracking system, SkyFlex cable mounting system, and StarShineⅠcleaning robot, while “Green Power+” covers ArcBank and ArcTank energy storage systems, ArcTrack mobile solar-tracking & storage microgrid solution, and building-integrated green energy.

About Arctech

Arctech is a world-leading provider of solar tracking systems and intelligent energy solutions.

For more information about Arctech, visit: https://en.arctechsolar.com/

BEIJING, May 23, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — The 4^th China International Supply Chain Expo (CISCE), is now 30 days away and will take place from June 22 to 26 at the China International Exhibition Center (Shunyi Venue) in Beijing.

The expo will feature six core supply chain sectors — Digital Technology, Advanced Manufacturing, Green Agriculture, Healthy Life, Smart Vehicle, and Clean Energy — alongside a dedicated Supply Chain Service exhibition area. To date, 676 Chinese and international companies; national-level specialized, sophisticated, distinctive, and innovative enterprises; and industry organizations have confirmed participation. Including upstream and downstream partners participating alongside exhibitors, the total number of exhibitors is expected to exceed 1,200.

Registration Opens with Free Admission

The expo will be open to trade visitors from the afternoon of June 22 through June 24, before opening to the general public on June 25–26. Registration is now open for trade visitors, buyers, media representatives, and public attendees, with free admission available to all registered participants.

115 Returning Exhibitors Participate for a Fourth Consecutive Year as New Participants Join

The number of participating countries and regions continues to grow compared with the previous edition. First-time participants include companies from 13 countries, such as Finland, Austria, and Kazakhstan, alongside organizations including UNICEF, the UN Global Compact, and the Licensing Executives Society International (LESI). At the same time, 115 Chinese and international companies are returning for the fourth consecutive edition, while several globally recognized multinational companies will participate for the first time this year.

Launched in 2023, the CISCE is the world’s first national-level exhibition dedicated to supply chain cooperation. Following the successful staging of its first three editions, the expo has grown into a widely recognized international platform for trade and industrial collaboration.

For more information about the 4^th China International Supply Chain Expo, please visit https://en.cisce.org.cn/, or register for visit from https://en.cisce.org.cn/audience/WEB/access