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Zetrix AI, Shenzhen Data Exchange to Unlock Value of ASEAN-China Data Through Cross-Border Trading Platform

Enabling Secure and Regulated Data Flows Between China and Southeast Asia Data Ecosystem

KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia, May 22, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Zetrix AI Berhad (“Zetrix AI”) and Shenzhen Data Exchange Co. Ltd. (“SZDEX”) today announced their plans to jointly establish a platform for the secure monetisation of data as a strategic asset class in ASEAN and enable the orderly movement of data products between the region and China, marking a major step towards creating a vibrant cross-border data trading ecosystem.

As data emerges as a strategic asset for AI and digital economies, Zetrix AI and Shenzhen Data Exchange are partnering to enable secure cross-border data trading between ASEAN and China.
As data emerges as a strategic asset for AI and digital economies, Zetrix AI and Shenzhen Data Exchange are partnering to enable secure cross-border data trading between ASEAN and China.

The massive amount of data that exists within the ASEAN bloc — home to nearly 700 million and the fifth-largest economy in the world — and its corresponding value creation potential is undeniable. Yet, to date, this valuable asset remains largely untapped.

In contrast, within China alone, the total value of data transacted in 2025 was estimated at approximately RMB50 billion. Companies deploying Artificial Intelligence to enhance the efficiency of business processes have been the most active purchasers of data. Now, this collaboration between Zetrix AI and SZDEX aims to set ASEAN as well on course to becoming a leading data trading centre. 

Both parties have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to cooperate in the field of data, with the aim of promoting the development and utilisation of data resources, enhancing data security and privacy protection, and strengthening cooperation in relevant policies, regulations, and technological innovation.

More concretely, by combining Zetrix AI’s decades-long track record as a pioneering innovator in the provision of digital government and related commercial services with SZDEX’s proven market leadership as operator of China’s national-level platform for data assetisation and trading, the partners agree to collaborate in three key areas:

1. Co-building a Regional Data Trading Infrastructure and Developing a Platform for Data Circulation

They will jointly build a standardised and compliant platform for data circulation and utilisation in the ASEAN region, establish data trading rules, quality control systems and security assurance mechanisms tailored to regional characteristics, realise the efficient integration and orderly circulation of data resources within the region, and set a benchmark for the development of the data element market in ASEAN. Accordingly, the two parties will jointly explore and assess the feasibility and regulatory requirements for establishing and operating a data exchange in the ASEAN region.

2. Promoting the Two-Way Circulation of Cross-Border Data Products and Building an ASEAN-China Data Interconnection Scheme

This will entail aggregating and integrating high-quality data resources within the Southeast Asia and China markets in areas such as culture and tourism, trade, finance, government affairs, manufacturing, and agriculture, and facilitating the entry of such high-quality data products from one market into the other to unlock the value of these assets. 

The two parties will, thus, jointly establish a two-way interconnected system for the circulation of cross-border data products, clarify full-process standards for data compliance review, property right registration, transaction settlement and other links, to enable the efficient flow of data elements between China and ASEAN.

3. Deepening Ecological Resource Sharing and Jointly Building a Cross-Border Data Element Ecosystem

To enhance the sharing of data resources for the establishment of a China-ASEAN data ecosystem, the parties will work together to address core pain points in cross-border data governance, compliant circulation, transaction innovation and technological application through joint initiatives such as co-hosting of events, including roadshow, seminars and China-ASEAN cross-border data cooperation forums, building an industry exchange and cooperation platform, and gathering upstream and downstream resources along the cross-border data industry chain. In addition, the parties will jointly conduct research and model innovation in the field of cross-border data circulation, explore cross-border data trading rules, security assurance systems and commercial operation models compatible with China and the ASEAN region as well as promote the formulation and implementation of industry standards.

Recognising that safety and compliance are paramount in the handling of data, Zetrix AI and SZDEX are firmly committed to carrying out this initiative in a manner that enables the potential value of data assets in the region to be fully realised while prioritising at all times data safety and privacy protection.

This collaboration follows Zetrix AI’s entry into the newly-launched World Data Organization as a founding member, a member of its inaugural council and the lead representative for ASEAN, reinforcing the Group’s growing role in enabling the secure, responsible and efficient use and trading of global data assets.

From the establishment of the flagship ASEAN China AI Lab to the positioning of its Layer-1 blockchain platform Zetrix as an international supernode of China’s national Xinghuo blockchain to the roll-out of the ZTrade customs clearance processing application in collaboration with the General Administration of China Customs and to more recently, the joint roll-out with the Chinese Academy of Information and Communications Technology of the Avatar blockchain-based trust protocol for AI agents, Zetrix AI has been leading the way in fostering greater cooperation between ASEAN and China in deploying state-of-the-art technologies to help drive economic growth in the region.             

About Zetrix AI Berhad

Zetrix AI Berhad (“Zetrix AI”), formerly known as MY E.G. Services Berhad, is leading the way in the deployment of blockchain technology and artificial intelligence in powering the public and private sectors across ASEAN. Headquartered in Malaysia, Zetrix AI started operations in 2000 as a pioneer in the provision of electronic government services and complementary commercial offerings in its home country. Today, it has advanced to the forefront of technology transformation in the broader region, leveraging its Layer-1 blockchain platform Zetrix and embracing the convergence of Web3, AI and robotics to enable optimally-efficient, intelligent and secure cross-border transactions, digital identity interoperability and automation solutions that seamlessly connect people, businesses and governments.

About Zetrix

Zetrix is a layer-1 public blockchain that facilitates smart contracts and delivers privacy, security and scalability. Zetrix’s cryptographic infrastructure can be introduced to multiple industries to connect governments, businesses and their citizens to a global blockchain-based economy. Developed by Zetrix AI Berhad, formerly known as MY E.G. Services Berhad, the cross-border and cross-chain integration with China enables Zetrix to serve as a blockchain gateway that facilitates global trade by deploying critical building blocks for Web3 services such as Blockchain-based Identifiers (BID) and Verifiable Credentials (VC).

About Shenzhen Data Exchange Co. Ltd.

Shenzhen Data Exchange Co., Ltd. (“SZDEX”) is a state-owned enterprise established to implement the spirit of the Implementation Plan (2020-2025) for Comprehensive Pilot Reform in Shenzhen to Build the City into a Pilot Demonstration Zone for Socialism with Chinese Characteristics issued by the Central Government of China, to advance the market-oriented allocation reform of data elements. SZDEX was officially licensed to operate on November 15, 2022. SZDEX aims to build a nationwide data trading platform, grounded in compliance assurance and technical support, driven by application scenarios, and focused on promoting the integration of data and the real economy. SZDEX seeks to establish a cross-regional, cross-sector, and cross-industry data trading ecosystem, explore feasible paths for large-scale cross-domain data circulation, develop comprehensive service capabilities covering the entire data trading chain, and accelerate the establishment of a nationwide data trading platform for cross-regional and cross-border data circulation.

 

Earbuds That Think: Anker unveils soundcore Liberty 5 Pro and Liberty 5 Pro Max with Anker’s First Neural-Net Chip

NEW YORK and BELLEVUE, Wash., May 22, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — For 80 years, every chip ever built has moved data back and forth between memory and processor – consuming more than 90 percent of available power before a single calculation begins. At Anker Day in New York today, Anker Innovations announced it has ended that for consumer hardware. THUS™, the company’s first proprietary AI chip, computes directly inside NOR Flash memory, eliminating the transfer entirely – a neural-net compute-in-memory (CIM) architecture the company says is the first ever commercialized in a consumer device. The product carrying it, the soundcore Liberty 5 Pro, has already earned a Guinness World Records certification for the highest objectively measured speech quality score in TWS earbud history. Anker calls them Earbuds That Think.

Anker Day in New York
Anker Day in New York

THUS™: Breaking an 80-Year Assumption in Chip Design

Every chip built today descends from an architecture established in 1945 by mathematician John von Neumann. Its defining logic was divide and conquer: break any problem into discrete steps, translate those steps into code, and execute them one at a time. Memory and the processor can therefore be physically separated. Programs live in memory; the CPU fetches one instruction at a time, executes it and advances to the next.

AI breaks that assumption entirely. A neural network does not divide a problem into steps – it processes end-to-end, drawing on millions or billions of learned parameters all at once. Every inference requires every one of those parameters to make the round trip between memory and the processor. In a data center, that movement is an engineering cost. In a wearable device that is powered by a battery smaller than a fingernail, it is a wall: more than 90 percent of chip power is consumed by simply moving data.

Anker Thus AI™ Chip
Anker Thus AI™ Chip

Introducing THUS™ AI Chip Platform

The answer has long existed in nature. Neurons in the human brain do not separate where information is stored from where it is processed – they do both in the same place. THUS™ applies that same principle to silicon.

Rather than shuttling model parameters between physically separate memory and processor, THUS™ embeds computation directly inside NOR Flash memory cells. The model parameters never have to move. The energy previously consumed by that movement is redirected to actual computation. NOR Flash-based compute-in-memory also requires approximately one-sixth the physical footprint of SRAM-based alternatives, making it viable for the most constrained consumer devices.

“Every AI chip built until now stores the model on one side and does the computation on the other. To think, the device has to carry all those parameters across, many times per second, every single inference. THUS™ puts the computation where the model already lives. The model never has to move again.”

                                                                                                                                                                                  – Steven Yang, Founder and CEO, Anker Innovations

soundcore Liberty 5 Pro & Pro Max
soundcore Liberty 5 Pro & Pro Max

Earbuds That Think: The First Consumer Products to Run THUS™ CIM AI

The soundcore Liberty 5 Pro and Liberty 5 Pro Max are the first two products to ship with the THUS™ chip. Their positioning is organized around three on-device intelligence layers the chip enables – understanding, adapting, and tuning – each representing a function earbuds could not credibly perform before neural-net AI became viable at this scale.

It Understands – Call Freely. Be Heard Clearly. / Meeting Ends With Plans, Not Messy Notes.

In April 2026, the soundcore Liberty 5 Pro earned Guinness World Records certification for the “Highest speech quality score (G-MOS) for TWS earbuds” in objective testing – the measurable proof of what it means for an earbud to truly understand its speaker. The Liberty 5 Pro Max features identical earbud hardware and achieves equivalent call performance.

Behind that result is a system built differently from the ground up. Conventional earbuds rely on microphone arrays alone to separate voice from noise – a process where both signals share the same medium (air), making clean isolation increasingly difficult as the acoustic environment grows louder or more complex.

The Liberty 5 Pro and Liberty 5 Pro Max deploy a 10-sensor matrix – eight MEMS microphones and two bone conduction sensors – feeding a large neural-net model running entirely on-device via the THUS™ chip. The MEMS array captures the full acoustic environment; the bone conduction sensors simultaneously detect the mechanical vibration of the speaker’s cranial bones – a signal physically coupled to the speaker’s voice and structurally independent of airborne noise. The THUS™ chip cross-references both streams simultaneously, producing a far more precise isolation than microphone-only systems can achieve. Call Freely. Be Heard Clearly.

AI Note-Taker (Liberty 5 Pro Max)

The Liberty 5 Pro Max extends the understanding layer into meetings. Its charging case – operated through a 1.78-inch AMOLED display – records sessions without a connected phone, then generates transcripts, speaker identification, and action items via the soundcore app. The case’s 512MB of onboard flash supports up to 12 hours of local recording; cloud transcription deletes audio immediately upon completion, with local files encrypted via AES-256 and all transmission secured by TLS 1.3. Meeting Ends With Plans, Not Messy Notes.

It Adapts – Instant Focus, Zero-Pressure All Day Long

Adaptive ANC 4.0 monitors external and residual in-ear noise at 384,000 samples per second, adjusting cancellation depth in real time across noise types – low-frequency mechanical vibration, mid-frequency office ambient, high-frequency voice – while simultaneously managing the in-ear pressure that sustained fixed-level ANC typically generates, reducing listening fatigue over extended use. Rated at up to 2x deeper cancellation than the Liberty 4 Pro.

It Tunes – Pure Sound, Just Right

HearID 5.0 builds a personal EQ profile from an in-app hearing test. AI Sound Enhancement reconstructs frequency content lost in Bluetooth compression, restoring up to 65% of the audio quality typically discarded in wireless transmission.

Both models: three-device Multipoint connectivity, Apple Find My, Google Fast Pair, IP55 dust and water resistance, Bluetooth 6.1. Battery: 6.5 hours with ANC on, 28 hours total with the charging case.

Pricing and Availability

The Liberty 5 Pro is available starting today for SGD 239 in Singapore on Shopee and Lazada, RM 699 in Malaysia on Shopee, Lazada and TikTok Shop, and ฿5,999 in Thailand on Shopee, Lazada and TikTok Shop, in Pearl Blue, Pearl White, Midnight Black and Rose Gold.

The Liberty 5 Pro Max is available starting today for SGD 299 in Singapore on Shopee and Lazada, RM 899 in Malaysia on Shopee, Lazada and TikTok Shop, and ฿7,999 in Thailand on Shopee, Lazada and TikTok Shop, in Titanium-Gold and Black.

15 Years, One Promise

The Liberty 5 Pro series launches at a milestone for Anker Innovations. For 15 years, Anker soundcore has been driven by a single promise: Seeking Ultimate Innovation in audio experience backed by the confidence of an 18-month warranty.

About soundcore

soundcore is a smart audio brand under Anker Innovations, committed to providing an immersive audio and video experience with premium wireless headphones, indoor and outdoor Bluetooth speakers and high-definition projectors. Soundcore is the world’s No.1* wireless headphone brand by shipment volume among mainstream premium audio brands. For more information visit www.soundcore.com.

About Anker Innovations

Anker Innovations is a global consumer technology company driven by ultimate innovation, creating products that help people power, create, connect, and live more freely. Founded in 2011, Anker Innovations serves more than 200 million consumers across 146 countries and regions. Learn more at anker.com.

The Anker logo is a registered trademark of Anker Innovations.

DISCLAIMER

Statements in this news release that are not statements of historical fact may include forward-looking statements regarding future events or the future financial performance of the company. We wish to caution you that such statements are just predictions and that actual events or results may differ materially. The Company reserves all of its rights.

[1] All performance figures are based on internal Anker lab tests. The 150x AI computing power figure applies specifically to the environmental noise cancellation task and reflects the shift from rule-based DSP to neural-net AI processing. It is not a general performance claim and does not reflect a process node upgrade.

soundcore Liberty 5 Pro was certified by Guinness World Records in April 2026 as the “Highest speech quality score (G-MOS) for TWS earbuds (objective test).”

[2] Source: Euromonitor International (Shanghai) Co., Ltd., in terms of mainstream premium audio brands’ global shipment volume of wireless headphones in 2025; mainstream premium audio brands refer to brands with ≥75% of revenues from audio equipments (headphones, speakers, etc.) and meet the criteria of mid-to-high-end brands in terms of pricing, brand positioning, and distribution channels; wireless headphones are headphones that pair with electronic devices (mobile phone, computer, etc.) using wireless connection technology (e.g., Bluetooth); research completed in Mar. 2026.

Singapore Management University Launches South-east Asia’s First University-Anchored Fund Dedicated to Urban Solutions & Sustainability

The fund will invest in startups in SMU’s flagship Urban SustaInnovator accelerator programme, which began incubating them from February 2026.

SINGAPORE, May 22, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Singapore Management University (SMU) today announced the launch of the Urban SustaInnovator (USI) Fund, a US$10 million (S$12.69 million) investment programme designed to support startups emerging from USI, SMU’s flagship accelerator for urban solutions and sustainability (USS) ventures for expansion in Singapore and across Asia. The fund will invest in USI’s globally sourced and competition-vetted pipeline of early stage deep-tech startups from the Lee Kuan Yew Global Business Plan Competition (LKYGBPC).

SMU’s Vice President of Partnerships and Engagement, and Chair of the USI Programme Management Committee, welcoming the founders of the selected startups and their mentors in February 2026. The USI accelerator began incubating its first batch of startups in February 2026, after it was launched at the Lee Kuan Yew Global Business Plan Competition at SMU last September.
SMU’s Vice President of Partnerships and Engagement, and Chair of the USI Programme Management Committee, welcoming the founders of the selected startups and their mentors in February 2026. The USI accelerator began incubating its first batch of startups in February 2026, after it was launched at the Lee Kuan Yew Global Business Plan Competition at SMU last September.

USI was launched at the 12th edition of LKYGBPC held in September 2025 at SMU by Minister for National Development, Mr Chee Hong Tat, and was designed to incubate high-potential startups in the USS sector. The accelerator began incubating its first batch of startups in February 2026.

The USI Fund, believed to be South-east Asia’s first university-anchored co-investment fund dedicated to urban solutions and sustainability, is integrated with the purpose-built accelerator that supports early-stage ventures addressing critical urban challenges – including decarbonisation, energy transition, the built environment, mobility, and circularity – as they move from validation to real-world deployment across Asian cities.

Professor Sun Sun Lim, SMU’s Vice President (Partnerships & Engagement), said, “Urban sustainability innovation often fails not for lack of ideas, but for lack of capital that understands early–stage risk and long deployment cycles. The USI Fund addresses this pain point by co–investing with leading venture capital partners and backing deep-tech startups from SMU’s robust global pipeline, providing targeted early–stage capital to help founders scale proven solutions into Asian urban markets.”

Professor Lim, who is also the Chair of the USI Programme Management Committee, said that the Fund will co–invest alongside established venture capital partners under prevailing market terms, providing catalytic capital while benefiting from the commercial rigour and sector expertise of lead investors. The Fund is expected to make its first investments from the inaugural USI accelerator cohort, with deployments expected to commence by Q4 2026.

Built-in Pipeline from the Lee Kuan Yew Global Business Plan Competition

The competition attracted over 1,500 applications from more than 90 countries, creating a strong pipeline from which seven high-potential startups were selected for incubation under the USI accelerator programme. This gives the USI Fund privileged access to quality startups with demonstrated traction and strong alignment with priority urban sustainability themes.

The USI programme brings together public, private, and philanthropic partners to support these high–potential startups to anchor in Singapore and scale across Asia. The 12–month, hybrid, non–residential, zero–fee and equity–free programme provides founders with regional market access through SMU’s growing network of overseas centres in the region, fundraising and pilot support, as well as mentorship and ecosystem connectivity.

The programme is supported by a ‘Singapore Inc’ Advisory Board comprising venture capitalists, scientists, corporates, and regulators, providing founders with multi-sectoral and multidisciplinary guidance from early validation through to regional expansion.

Inaugural Cohort Demonstrates Early Traction

The seven startups in the inaugural USI accelerator cohort are showing significant progress across capital raise, deployment and international validation.

Qarbotech, a Malaysia–based nanotechnology company developing photosynthesis–enhancing materials for agriculture, has gained global visibility after winning the Grand Prix at SusHi Tech 2026 and securing a pilot project with Tokyu Fudosan Group. MacroCycle, a US–based startup specialising in chemical upcycling of PET plastics, has attracted institutional backing from Volta Circle, the investment platform of the Lohia family which owns Indorama Corporation, while also being recognised as a finalist at Temasek Foundation’s The Liveability Challenge 2026.

Commercial progress is also evident among ventures that have moved beyond proof–of–concept.

Inviscid AI, a Singapore company focused on real–time thermodynamic simulation using physics–informed neural networks, has reported eightfold revenue growth since joining the USI programme. Sesame Sustainability, an AI–driven industrial decarbonisation software platform founded by alumni of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, has secured paid pilot engagements with Swedish multinational ABB and received strong interest from a strategic investor. Smart Tire Company, a US–based venture commercialising airless tyres derived from shape–memory alloy technology, is advancing pilot projects linked to NASA–affiliated programmes. Mimicrete, a UK based company working on self–healing concrete solutions, has commenced a pilot in Singapore with The GEAR by Kajima. Pronoe, a French company focused on carbon capture through modular ocean alkalinity systems, is working on a carbon removal pre–purchase agreement project with Frontier, backed by Meta and Google.

Both Qarbotech and Mimicrete are also in the process of establishing or expanding their presence in Singapore, underscoring the city’s role as a regional launchpad for deep tech commercialisation and scale–up.

Advancing the ‘Teaching Accelerator’ Model

In line with SMU’s emphasis on experiential and practice–oriented learning, another important benefit of the USI Fund is that it enables SMU students to learn directly from live ventures and real investment decisions through interactions with the founders and mentors on the USI programme, said Prof Lim.

She said, “Selected SMU students are embedded across stages of the USI platform – from startup evaluation and market analysis to diligence and portfolio support – allowing them to develop venture literacy, climate and sustainability insight, commercialisation know-how and applied decision–making skills beyond the classroom.”

“By integrating capital deployment with deep experiential learning, the USI Fund reinforces SMU’s mission as a global city university, where education, innovation, and real–world impact are closely intertwined,” she added.

For more information, please visit https://iie.smu.edu.sg/usi

About SMU IIE

The Singapore Management University’s Institute of Innovation and Entrepreneurship (IIE) empowers aspiring entrepreneurs and innovators to create positive change. It offers tailored training programmes, an equity-free incubator, and a vibrant community that connects innovators through events and networking opportunities, including the renowned Lee Kuan Yew Global Business Plan Competition (LKYGBPC). For more information: https://iie.smu.edu.sg

About SMU

Established in 2000, Singapore Management University (SMU) is recognised for its disciplinary and multi-disciplinary research that addresses issues of global relevance, impacting business, government, and society. Its distinctive education, incorporating innovative experiential learning, aims to nurture global citizens, entrepreneurs and change agents. With more than 13,000 students, SMU offers a wide range of bachelors, masters and PhD degree programmes in the disciplinary areas associated with six of its eight schools – Accountancy, Business, Computing, Economics, Law and Social Sciences. Its seventh school, the SMU College of Integrative Studies, offers degree programmes in deep, integrative interdisciplinary education. The College of Graduate Research Studies, SMU’s eighth school, enhances integration and interdisciplinarity across the various SMU postgraduate research programmes that will enable students to gain a holistic learning experience and well-grounded approach to their research. SMU also offers a growing number of executive development and continuing education programmes. Through its city campus, SMU focuses on making meaningful impact on Singapore and beyond through its partnerships with industry, policymakers and academic institutions. https://www.smu.edu.sg/

Save the Children Hong Kong Releases “Hearing Children” – Child-led Research Report: How Family Interactions Affect Youth Mental Health

Over Half of Youth Feel Inferior Due to Parental Criticism: Accumulated Emotions Increase Risks of Depression


HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 22 May 2026 – Save the Children Hong Kong today released its research report, “Hearing Children” – Child-led Research Report: How Family Interactions Affect Youth Mental Health (Full Report). Following the implementation of the Mandatory Reporting of Child Abuse Ordinance (the “Ordinance”), there has been ongoing public debate on how to enhance child wellbeing; however, unlike physical harm, psychological trauma is significantly more difficult to identify. According to the latest figures from the Social Welfare Department, a total of 1,354 child abuse cases were recorded in 2025. Of these, only 16 cases—a mere 1.2%—were classified as “psychological abuse”.

New study from Save the Children Hong Kong: Parental criticism leaves half of local youth feeling inferior and increases risks of mental health issues.
New study from Save the Children Hong Kong: Parental criticism leaves half of local youth feeling inferior and increases risks of mental health issues.

The organisation believes that whilst the vast majority of parents care deeply for their children, they may inadvertently cause psychological trauma through their disciplinary methods, communication styles, and the way expectations are conveyed. Save the Children Hong Kong recommends that parents adopt “Positive Parenting” to strengthen parent-child non-violent communication, expressing their thoughts through mutual understanding and respect. Simultaneously, the Government should allocate additional resources to community and school settings to bolster mental health support for children and young people. Regarding the 25 categories of professionals specified under the Ordinance, training on identifying psychological abuse should be strengthened to support frontline practitioners in making clearer judgements on reporting thresholds and to facilitate timely intervention.

Over 80% of Youth Feel Pressure to be “Perfect”: 40% Told to Improve Even When Praised

The study was designed by six youth researchers aged 14 to 17, under the guidance of Professor Gary Tang Kin Yat, Associate Professor of the Department of Social Science at The Hang Seng University of Hong Kong. It aimed to explore the psychological and emotional harm hidden behind parental “love and discipline”. The study surveyed 408 children and adolescents aged 13 to 18, and found that 20.4% of respondents experience heavy pressure to “be perfect”. Furthermore, 41.2% reported that even when parents praise their achievements, it is often accompanied by reminders of “how to do better next time”. Over half of the respondents felt inferior to others due to parental disparagement, while more than 30% felt that no matter how hard they tried, they could never meet their parents’ expectations.

Ms. Wong Shek Hung, Director of Hong Kong Programme of Save the Children Hong Kong, noted that while parents genuinely care for their children, yet when faced with their own stresses and anxieties, they may struggle to find the most appropriate way to express their care. Consequently, their love can inadvertently become a burden for the child. “This reflects the pivotal role parents play in their children’s lives. Children place immense value on every word their parents say; as such, comments we may seem insignificant can directly impact how a child views themselves,” she said.

The survey also explored parental behaviours that adolescents found most distressing. Respondents identified the most hurtful remarks as toxic comparisons (e.g., “Why can’t you be more like them?”), invalidation of worth (“You are such a disappointment”), and dictatorial commands (“Because I said so”). The most resented behaviours included losing emotional control (“Losing their temper”), invading privacy (“Checking my phone”), and micromanagement (“Having to control everything”).

Table: The True Voices of Youth – What We Want Parents to Know

Most Hurtful Remarks

(Top Five)

Most Resented Behaviours

(Top Five)

Most Desired Encouragement (Top Five)
” Look at other people” “(Parents) Losing their temper” “You did a great job”
” You are so disappointing” “Snooping on my phone” “I support you”
“I said no means no” “Having to make every decision” “I believe you can do it”
“You aren’t as good as others” “Entering my room without knocking” “Your happiness is what matters most”
“I’m only doing this for your own good” “Moving or touching my belongings” “I know you’ve done your best”

Avoiding Adults: A Widening Gap in Mental Health Support for Children

Another alarming phenomenon is the significant gap emerging in Hong Kong’s mental health safety net for children and adolescents. Unlike physical trauma, psychological distress is difficult to identify and often relies on the victims seeking help themselves. However, the study found that when children and young people feel distressed, their help-seeking behaviour tends to “avoid adults”. A vast majority of respondents (86.3%) prioritise speaking to friends or venting on social media (78.7%). Conversely, the overwhelming majority “rarely or never” seek help from teachers (96.8%), social workers (97.5%), or parents (73.3%).

Nearly half of the respondents (49.6%) tend to internalise and handle their problems alone. Beyond the habit of self-reliance (47.3%), key reasons for this include a feeling that “no one truly understands or can help” (45.3%), a desire not to become a burden to others (29.9%), and a fear of being judged, misunderstood, or getting into trouble after seeking help (18.4%).

Ms. Wong Shek Hung expressed concern that current child protection systems—such as school-based social workers and helplines—may become ineffective if children actively avoid adult assistance, thereby limiting opportunities for timely intervention. She warned that if stress and emotions continue to accumulate without an outlet, the consequences could be severe.

Invisible Wounds: The Link Between Mental Stress and Psychosomatic Symptoms

Whilst psychological stress leaves no visible scars, its latent harm can be more enduring and profound. The study reveals that when adolescents are under mental pressure, their physical health is equally affected. When facing conflicts or difficulties at home, over a third of respondents (37.1%) reported “sometimes” experiencing insomnia, stomach aches, or headaches. Similarly, over a third (38.1%) indicated they “sometimes” experience acute anxiety reactions, such as nervous tension, trembling, or a racing heart.

Dr. Phyllis Chan Kwok-ling, Adviser of Save the Children Hong Kong and Psychiatrist, noted that psychological trauma is difficult to detect, which may lead to more severe cumulative consequences. “This is especially true if children and adolescents conceal their trauma or lack the self-awareness to address it. As trauma accumulates, it may become a root cause of emotional problems and increase the risk of developing conditions such as depression.” Dr Chan explained. She also expressed concern that the study found neither parents nor teachers are seen as confidants. “When adolescents face difficulties, they need adults to listen and share experiences. If they turn only to social media or peers, the lack of adult guidance may amplify their distress. Furthermore, relying solely on peers carries the risk of an ‘echo chamber’ effect; mutual validation amongst friends may deepen their sense of hurt and intensify wariness or hostility towards parents.”

Ms. Wong Shek Hung added that adolescents may not know how to articulate their inner needs, leading them to remain silent or cope in isolation. “In reality, as long as both parties are willing to take the first step towards better communication and empathy, a warm and intimate parent-child relationship can be maintained.”

Strengthening Systemic Support and Empowering Children with Emotional Regulation Skills

Beyond the family unit, society bears a responsibility to provide support across schools, communities, and institutional levels. We must systematically foster emotional management skills in children and assist parents in adopting positive communication and parenting techniques. To this end, the organisation proposes the following recommendations:

  1. Mainstream “Social and Emotional Learning” (SEL): Integrate SEL into the regular school curriculum to strengthen students’ ability to manage and articulate their emotions.
  2. Promote “Positive Parenting” through Home-School Cooperation: Implement comprehensive Positive Parenting initiatives to develop disciplinary communication skills and foster empathy within parent-child interactions.
  3. Enhance Mandatory Reporting Training: In relation to the Mandatory Reporting of Child Abuse Ordinance, training for professionals should be strengthened to include content on “identifying psychological abuse”, supported by real-life case studies to help frontline staff clarify reporting criteria and enable timely intervention.

(For detailed information on these recommendations, please refer to the full report.)

Ms. Wong Shek Hung emphasised that family dynamics cannot be addressed with a “one-size-fits-all” legislative framework, nor is punishing parents an ideal way to manage family relationships. “The law provides only the most basic safety net. As previously mentioned, most parents care deeply for their children; the gap lies in communication and mutual understanding, as well as in adopting positive ways of interaction. Beyond legislation, we hope to improve parent-child relationships in the long term through support services and public education.”
Hashtag: #SavetheChildrenHongKong #香港救助兒童會 #positiveparenting #正向管教 #mentalhealth #精神健康





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Save the Children Hong Kong

Save the Children believes every child deserves a future. In Hong Kong and around the world, we do whatever it takes – every day and in times of crisis – so children can fulfil their rights to a healthy start in life, the opportunity to learn and protection from harm. With over 100 years of expertise, we are the world’s first and leading independent children’s organisation – transforming lives and future.

Established in 2009, Save the Children Hong Kong is part of the global movement which operates in around 100 countries. We work with children, families, schools, communities and our supporters to deliver lasting change for children in Hong Kong and around the world.

VINEXPO ASIA 2026: THE PRESS KIT IS NOW AVAILABLE (VOL. 2)

HONG KONG, May 22, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Vinexposium is giving its 2026 Hong Kong event a whole new dimension. Vinexpo Asia is growing, restructuring and evolving to align with new consumption trends. Three spaces – Vinexpo Asia, Be Spirits and Be No – will be hosted under the same roof to embrace the ever-expanding range of alcoholic and no-alcohol drinks.

Press Kit Vinexpo Asia 2026
Press Kit Vinexpo Asia 2026

In this volume, you will find all the essential information about this edition:

  • Key figures and event highlights.
  • Major 2026 trends shaping the W&S industry in Asia.
  • Markets overview.
  • Practical information to attend and cover the show.

ACCESS THE PRESS KIT HERE

For more information, visit the Vinexpo Asia, Be Spirits and Be No websites
View photos from the previous edition in Hong Kong here 

TCMA Marks National Milestone, Driving Thailand’s Cement Industry toward Net Zero 2050


BANGKOK, THAILAND – Media OutReach Newswire – 22 May 2026 – Thai Cement Manufacturers Association (TCMA) marked a significant national milestone in advancing the decarbonization of Thailand’s cement and concrete industry toward Net Zero 2050. This progress is driven by strong collaboration among government agencies, industry players, and international partners under the “Decarbonization of the Cement and Concrete Sectors in Thailand” project, while accelerating the adoption of technology, innovation, and green investment to enhance competitiveness and support long-term economic growth.

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Dr. Chana Poomee, Honourary Chairman of TCMA and President of ASEAN Federation of Cement Manufacturers (AFCM), stated that today’s “National Milestone” reflects the power of collaboration at both national and international levels. The initiative is led by the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), in partnership with TCMA and key Thai government agencies, including the Department of Climate Change and Environment and the Department of Industrial Works, with financial support of CAD 8 million from the Government of Canada through Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC), to accelerate tangible greenhouse gas reductions in the cement and concrete sector.

TCMA, as the industry representative, serves as a central platform connecting stakeholders across the entire value chain, driving the implementation of the “Thailand 2050 Net Zero Cement and Concrete Roadmap.” This aligns with Thailand’s NDC 3.0 targets, strengthening industrial competitiveness, attracting green investment, and fostering sustainable economic growth.

“Decarbonization is not only a pressing challenge but also a strategic opportunity to enhance national competitiveness. The progress achieved under this project spans policy development, innovation, technology deployment, standards, and capacity building-key enablers that will accelerate the industry’s transition toward Net Zero”, Dr. Chana said.

A key technological advancement under the project is the introduction of the Mobile Carbon Capture Unit (MCCU) from CETRI, Canada. This advanced and flexible technology is designed for real-world industrial operations and will be piloted starting in June, rotating across cement plants of TCMA members in the SARABURI SANDBOX. The pilot aims to validate performance under diverse operational conditions and pave the way for large-scale industrial application.

“The deployment of MCCU in Thailand highlights the strength of international collaboration in bringing advanced technologies into real-world application. It accelerates learning-by-doing, validates technological performance, strengthens local technical capabilities, and reduces investment risks-laying a strong foundation for future scale-up”,
Dr. Chana added.

From an investment perspective, the development of technology-ready and standards-aligned projects enhances investor confidence, increases the attractiveness of green investment, and improves access to sustainable finance-key drivers in accelerating the industry’s transition to Net Zero.

TCMA continues to advance the industry under a “Collaborative Mindset-Action-Value,” promoting the systematic adoption of low carbon technologies, including low carbon cement innovations such as Limestone Calcined Clay Cement (LC3), Carbon Capture, Utilization and Storage (CCUS). These solutions not only reduce emissions but also improve efficiency, lower long-term costs, and strengthen global competitiveness.

At the regional level, TCMA is expanding its role through AFCM by fostering collaboration and advancing the AFCM Decarbonization Roadmap, which serves as a shared framework to reduce carbon emissions across ASEAN’s cement industry while enhancing regional technology, standards, and competitiveness.

“As President of the AFCM, TCMA is committed to driving ASEAN toward becoming a low carbon region by leveraging collaboration as a key mechanism to accelerate technology transfer, strengthen the industry capabilities, and unlock new regional economic opportunities”,
Dr. Chana said.

TCMA reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening collaboration and welcoming international support in both technology and finance to accelerate the transition toward a low carbon industry, while enhancing Thailand’s competitiveness on the global stage.

Hashtag: #TCMA #CementActionToNetZero #NetZero2050 #Decarbonization

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

ATxEnterprise 2026 Signals Southeast Asia’s Shift from AI Experimentation to Enterprise Deployment

SINGAPORE, May 22, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Southeast Asia’s transition from AI ambition to real-world enterprise adoption took centre stage this week at Asia Tech x Enterprise (ATxE) 2026, part of Asia Tech x Singapore (ATxSG) that is jointly organised by the Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA) and Informa Festivals. Held at Singapore EXPO, the event saw over 120,000 business interactions and a 55% international exhibitor and speaker line-up across Southeast Asia, Greater China, Japan, Europe, and North America. This reinforces Singapore’s role as a strategic gateway connecting global innovation with Asia’s evolving digital economy.

Policymakers, enterprise leaders, and global technology players converged at ATxE 2026
Policymakers, enterprise leaders, and global technology players converged at ATxE 2026

ATxE 2026 reflected a broader market shift across the region. Enterprises have moved beyond experimentation with AI to integrating it into their long-term business strategy. With over 700 exhibitors across 35 pavilions, ATxE convened companies, sectors, and technologies scaling growth across AI, cloud, cybersecurity, satellite, media, and digital infrastructure.

Over 450 speakers — including policymakers and industry leaders — convened at ATxE 2026. In addition to global companies such as Microsoft and TikTok, the event featured representatives from Indonesia’s Coordinating Ministry for Economic Affairs and ambassadors and trade leaders from Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the European Union. Speakers addressed opportunities and challenges shaping Southeast Asia’s digital future, from sovereign AI adoption to regional connectivity.

AI Adoption Expands Beyond the Technology Sector

A clear signal of this shift was the growing participation of traditionally non-tech industries in accelerating digital transformation efforts. Supply Chain, Logistics and Transport recorded a +500% increase in VIP enterprise buyers, followed by Healthcare and Pharma (+320%), Retail and FMCG (+80%), Manufacturing (+37%), and Banking and Finance (+32%).

This cross-sector demand reflects how AI adoption is becoming increasingly business-critical. Dealmaking was anchored by a highly senior audience, with 71% of attendees being manager-level or above. To support business outcomes and cross-border collaboration, the event facilitated networking initiatives through ATxConnect, Hosted Buyer Programme, and Startup Pitch Sessions.

Advancing Southeast Asia’s AI and Digital Transformation Agenda

Discussions focused on the foundations needed to sustain long-term digital growth, including workforce readiness, cyber resilience, trusted digital ecosystems, and regional coordination.

In his opening address, Senior Minister of State for the Ministry of Digital Development and Information, Mr Tan Kiat How, highlighted Singapore’s push to make AI practical and accessible for enterprises, particularly SMEs. Several initiatives were introduced to support enterprise AI adoption and cyber resilience. These included the launch of the AI for Enterprise Impact Playbook with insights from over 1,000 enterprises to guide local firms with existing digital capabilities on the next steps in AI adoption. Partnerships with Grab and RSM Stone Forest IT were forged to support the Digital Enterprise Blueprint, a national strategy that helps SMEs digitalise through support from established technology vendors. Mr Tan also announced the inaugural SME AI Impact Awards 2026 to encourage more SMEs to adopt AI.

“What stood out this year was the level of convergence happening across industries, markets, and leadership groups,” said Joyce Wang, Event Director for ATxSG at Informa Festivals. “Conversations are no longer centred on whether AI adoption will happen, but how enterprises and governments can scale it responsibly, securely, and collaboratively across the region. ATxEnterprise has become a platform where these conversations translate into real partnerships, practical solutions, and measurable business outcomes.”

ATxEnterprise will return to the Singapore EXPO from 26-28 May 2027.

About Asia Tech x Singapore (ATxSG)

ATxSG 2026 is Asia’s leading technology event jointly organised by Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA) and Informa Festivals, supported by the Singapore Tourism Board (STB). The event consists of two main segments, ATxSummit and ATxEnterprise.

About Informa Festivals

Informa Festivals produces some of the world’s most influential technology gatherings, including London Tech Week, Africa Tech Festival and Asia Tech x Singapore. These events bring together global leaders across enterprise, government, start-ups and investment to explore the technologies shaping the future of the digital economy. Informa Festivals is part of Informa PLC, a leading international B2B Live Events, B2B Digital Services and Academic Markets Group. For more information, please visit: https://www.informa.com/divisions/informa-festivals/

Quanchai Showcases Self-Developed Agricultural Power Solutions at AGRITECHNICA ASIA 2026

BANGKOK, May 22, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — A report from China Construction Machinery Information Network & Forktruck Network.

Quanchai made a strong appearance at AGRITECHNICA ASIA 2026, held from May 20 to 22 at the Bangkok International Trade & Exhibition Centre (BITEC), Thailand. As one of Asia’s leading trade platforms for agricultural technology and innovation, AGRITECHNICA ASIA attracted professional visitors from 73 countries, with international trade participants accounting for 48% of the total audience.

At Booth E1, Hall 98-99, Quanchai presented its core agricultural power products, demonstrating the innovation, performance and application value of China’s self-developed high-performance engines in intelligent agricultural equipment.


Focusing on Cost-Effective Low-Power Solutions — Quanchai V13

At the exhibition, Quanchai highlighted its V13 engine, a domestically developed low-power dedicated engine designed for tractors, high-speed rice transplanters, small construction machinery, and small generator sets. Developed through independent innovation with internationally advanced design concepts and testing technologies, the V13 combines high performance with strong cost efficiency, making it one of the most powerful and cost-effective options among engines of the same displacement.

The V13 engine has a displacement of 1.3 liters, with a maximum power output of 19.8 KW and a peak torque of 80 N•m. Its torque reserve coefficient reaches up to 35%, delivering approximately 30% better power performance than comparable products. Its lightweight aluminum alloy engine block makes it the lightest in its class at the same volume, better suited to agricultural operating scenarios while also allowing easier maintenance.

Equipped with a high-pressure common rail fuel system and patented direct-injection combustion chamber technology, the V13 significantly improves combustion efficiency and reduces fuel consumption. It also supports instant start-up at temperatures as low as -25°C, offers a B10 service life of more than 20,000 hours, reduces idle noise by 4–5 dB compared with competing products, and lowers vibration by 30%, providing agricultural users with stable and reliable power output.

A New Benchmark for Heavy-Duty Agricultural Machinery Power — Quanchai V38N

In addition to its low-power engines, Quanchai also showcased the V38N, a heavy-duty engine designed for large-displacement tractors. Jointly developed by Quanchai and AVL of Austria, the V38N is specially designed for 50-horsepower tractors. It features a displacement of 3.8 liters and a maximum torque of 270 N•m, with low-speed torque increased by 25%. This enables the engine to handle complex working conditions and improve operating efficiency by approximately 30%.

The V38N also delivers strong advantages in fuel consumption control. Equipped with a diesel system dedicated to off-road applications and AVL combustion technology, it achieves more precise fuel atomization and lower fuel consumption. Under high-intensity operating conditions, its integrated front bracket and reinforced engine block ensure stability and reliability when used with high-load agricultural implements such as rotary tillers and seeders, providing strong support for frequent operations during busy farming seasons.

The launch of the V38N redefines the power standard for medium-sized tractors, enabling every drop of fuel and every unit of horsepower to be converted into tangible agricultural productivity.

A Highly Efficient Mid-Power Choice — Quanchai E25N

The Quanchai E25N is a high-performance Euro V diesel engine developed on the proven Quanchai Q Series platform, specifically for 50–70 hp tractors. Inheriting the Q Series’ strengths of reliability, fuel efficiency, and durability, the E25N features a 2.5-liter displacement, rated power of 75 hp, maximum torque of 290 N•m, and low-speed torque of 240 N•m at 1,000 rpm, delivering stronger performance for plowing, rotary tillage, and heavy-load climbing.

Equipped with a Bosch 1,600 bar high-pressure common rail system, the engine achieves fuel consumption as low as ≤205 g/kW•h. With a reinforced crankshaft, optimized intake and exhaust ports, low-friction design, efficient cooling, and improved sealing structure, it offers high reliability and longer maintenance intervals.

Thanks to its compact structure and integrated layout, the E25N is well suited for 50–70 hp wheeled tractors and can meet the needs of multiple operating scenarios, including paddy fields, dry farmland, and orchards.

Deepening Its Presence in Overseas Markets and Building a Global Service Network

In recent years, Quanchai has continued to expand its overseas presence, with its products exported to more than 100 countries and regions worldwide. The company is accelerating its transformation from “product globalization” to “system globalization.”

Over the past three years, Quanchai ‘s overseas business has achieved a compound annual growth rate of more than 50%, demonstrating strong growth momentum. Currently, the company has established five overseas offices covering Southeast Asia, North Africa, the Middle East, South America, and Eurasia. It is also continuously improving its localized service network to provide global customers with fast-response technical support, spare parts supply, and after-sales services.

Exhibition Presence and Technical Showcase

At AGRITECHNICA ASIA, Quanchai showcased not only its three core engine products—the V13, V38N, and E25N—but also used digital displays and live engine demonstrations to give visitors an intuitive experience of Quanchai engines’ high performance, low fuel consumption, and reliability.

At the booth, technical specialists provided detailed explanations of the engines’ design concepts, combustion technologies, low-temperature start-up capability, and adaptability to frequent high-intensity operations, attracting strong interest from international customers and industry experts.

Through the exhibition, Quanchai demonstrated to the global agricultural machinery industry the application advantages of “China-developed power” in smart agricultural equipment, while highlighting its technological innovation strength and global service capabilities.

Leading Chinese Power Brands onto the Global Stage

As global agricultural machinery continues to evolve toward higher efficiency, intelligence, and energy savings, power systems have become a key factor in improving operating efficiency and work quality. With its independent R&D capabilities, international design concepts, and well-established overseas service network, Quanchai  is accelerating the global expansion of China’s agricultural power equipment and providing reliable support for agricultural modernization.

Looking ahead, Quanchai will continue to deepen its focus on intelligent agricultural power solutions, optimize its product portfolio, enhance technological capabilities, and leverage international exhibition platforms to expand global market cooperation, driving the continuous innovation and value export of Chinese agricultural power technology.

About Quanchai

Quanchai is a leading Chinese manufacturer of small- and medium-power internal combustion engines, focusing on four major application fields: agricultural machinery, commercial vehicles, construction machinery, and industrial equipment, including forklifts and generator sets.

The company is committed to independent innovation, with a strong focus on product reliability and cost efficiency. Its products have been exported to more than 100 countries and regions worldwide, serving a wide range of sectors including agriculture, commercial vehicles, construction machinery, and industrial equipment.