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Digital initiative turns city into innovation hub

Govt support for startups credited with nurturing technological transformation

HANGZHOU, China, July 16, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — A report from chinadaily.com.cn:

When Canadian entrepreneur Nikk Mitchell first landed in Hangzhou, the capital city of Zhejiang province, more than a decade ago, he expected to stay for just a year — long enough to enjoy the misty lake views and ancient pagodas before moving on.

Two humanoid robots walk forward at the exhibition hall of Unitree Robotics in Hangzhou, East China's Zhejiang province, Feb 20, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]
Two humanoid robots walk forward at the exhibition hall of Unitree Robotics in Hangzhou, East China’s Zhejiang province, Feb 20, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]

Today, as co-founder and CEO of FXG — a virtual-reality startup — he remains firmly rooted in a metropolis that has become a bellwether for China’s technological leap.

China captured me,” he said while sitting in his studio in Dream Town, a government-backed tech park that has become a haven for startups.

He credited the city’s success to a strong research ecosystem, a robust industrial supply chain that helps convert concepts into commercial products, and a policy environment that actively supports innovation.

“For Hangzhou, it’s the government support that makes this a really friendly place to do business,” he said.

That support has helped nurture companies like artificial intelligence startup DeepSeek, as well as Game Science, the developer behind the hit title Black Myth: Wukong, and Unitree Robotics, which dominates the global market for quadruped robots — a phenomenal rise that Mitchell believes is no coincidence.

In the eyes of analysts and business leaders, Hangzhou over the past two decades has become a powerful symbol of China’s technological transformation.

They believe that today’s boom traces its roots to 2003, when Xi Jinping, then secretary of the Communist Party of China Zhejiang Provincial Committee, launched the “Digital Zhejiang” initiative.

Backed by a total investment of 62.5 billion yuan ($8.7 billion) in information infrastructure, the initiative overhauled the region’s internet infrastructure, setting a foundation for data-driven industries.

“Faster networks, higher reliability and expanded digital services did more than boost businesses,” said Gong Sen, director of Zhejiang University’s Centre for International Studies on Development and Governance. “They enabled a more responsive government and paved the way for a smarter city.”

Gong said that development of sound digital infrastructure enabled Zhejiang to lead the way for China in pushing forward the development of one-stop government services.

Meanwhile, Xi also showed foresight in pointing out that Zhejiang, as one of China’s major economic powerhouses, needed to play a greater role in the nation’s sci-tech innovation drive.

In March 2006, he presided over a provincial conference on independent innovation, proposing targets to develop Zhejiang into a region with strong innovation and sci-tech capacities.

Xi’s early push for digital connectivity helped Hangzhou leap ahead of its peers and establish a durable edge in China’s fast-growing digital economy, Gong said.

Over the past two decades, companies like Alibaba have played a defining role in shaping China’s digital economy, from e-commerce and cloud computing to digital payments. Others, including NetEase, have driven advancements in hard tech and gaming.

Hangzhou is a place where entrepreneurs are not only building products, but also laying the groundwork for a future driven by AI, blockchain and smart technologies, said Cai Guoxiang, vice-president of Rokid, a Hangzhou-based producer of AI-powered smart eyewear.

The continuity of government efforts to develop the city into a digital hub is one of the key reasons for the emergence of leading tech startups, Cai said.

“This continuity — spanning from the e-commerce revolution to the current AI surge — has cemented Hangzhou’s reputation not just as a home for tech giants, but as a breeding ground for the next generation of innovation,” Cai said.

That foundation has evolved into a full-fledged industrial cluster — an entire ecosystem — centered around AI, he added.

These companies collectively represent Hangzhou’s early wave of technological strength. Now, with the rise of a new generation of innovation driven by artificial intelligence, a second wave is taking shape, Cai said.

While Xi’s policies created the groundwork for Hangzhou’s tech boom, the region’s officials have driven the vision forward through a host of initiatives to cut red tape and offer key incentives to startups.

“Officials often told us: ‘We won’t bother you if you don’t need us — but if you do, we’ll be there.’ It’s more than a slogan — it reflects a real commitment,” Cai said.

In other words, the government stays out of the way when things are running smoothly, but steps in immediately when businesses need help, he added.

“After meeting the criteria for a municipal subsidy program, we submitted our application online. Eight minutes later, we received the funds — 3 million yuan. That level of speed shocked even us,” Cai said.

“When you combine that with Hangzhou’s investment in research, funding and infrastructure, it’s no wonder the city has emerged as a leading hub for innovation. It’s not a miracle. It’s a product of intention — and execution.”

Targeted support

Lou Hangjie, deputy head of the bureau of science and technology in Hangzhou’s Yuhang district, said that offering practical, targeted support for tech companies has always been a policy priority for local authorities.

In Yuhang, where many startups are based, high-tech enterprises can secure up to 600,000 yuan in subsidies, while graduates launching new ventures receive three years of rent relief and additional grants of up to 500,000 yuan. Administrative requests are funneled through a single online platform that sends inquiries to the appropriate department — often generating responses in mere hours.

At the same time, businesses can lodge complaints or request administrative assistance through a unified online platform that routes their queries directly to relevant government departments.

“The playing field is level for all businesses, whether domestic or foreign,” he said.

Huang Kaisheng, dean of the Yangtze Delta Region Institute of Tsinghua University, Zhejiang, said the strategic blueprints once envisioned by Xi have since laid the groundwork for Hangzhou’s emergence as China’s leading digital economy hub and a global center of innovation.

Hangzhou’s transformation — from a follower to a front-runner in the innovation race — offers a vivid example of how systematic top-level design, bold reform and an inclusive innovation ecosystem can reshape a city’s future,” he said.

Huang said the experience of Hangzhou, and Zhejiang in general, offers a key playbook for other cities to boost their innovation drive.

“For cities, success in innovation hinges on building a dynamic innovation network that links technology, capital, industry and policy,” he said.

Meanwhile, long-term thinking is essential, he added. “Rather than chasing short-lived trends, cities must invest consistently in basic research and talent development.”

Forging connections

Another reason that Mitchell, the Canadian entrepreneur, has stayed in Hangzhou is the personal connection he’s forged with local officials — a relationship that, over time, has come to feel more like friendship.

“I have more than 30 government officials on my WeChat,” he said. “When we hit a rough patch and needed serious help, they weren’t just worried about losing an investment — they were worried about me, Nikk Mitchell, as their friend.”

“And when things turned around and we were back on our feet, they were genuinely happy for me — like friends would be.”

“To me, that is why I don’t think my company’s headquarters will ever leave Hangzhou,” Mitchell said.

CCTV+: Inaugural “Strait Cup” Cross-Strait University Baseball and Softball Games Wrap Up in Zhejiang

BEIJING, July 16, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — The first-ever 2025 “Strait Cup” Cross-Strait University Baseball and Softball Games, bringing together top collegiate teams from both sides of the Taiwan Strait, came to a close recently at Xujiadai International Baseball Stadium in Lindaizhen, Zhejiang province.

 

The week-long event featured more than 300 college athletes competing in men’s baseball and women’s softball. Hosted at the Xujiadai International Baseball Stadium, the Games delivered a series of high-level contests that showcased skill, discipline, and camaraderie. Fifteen teams competed in a round-robin format over seven days, with the top three finishers in each division earning podium spots. Individual honors were also awarded, including Outstanding Coach, Outstanding Athlete, Best Batter, and Home Run Champion. In the men’s baseball division, Taipei University of Marine Technology, East China University of Political Science and Law, and Nanjing Tech University claimed the top three spots. On the softball side, Nanjing Tech University clinched the title.

The Strait Cup was about more than just stats and standings. On the field, student-athletes competed with passion and poise; off the field, they engaged in shared training sessions and tactical exchanges that encouraged professional growth and mutual understanding. The mix of competition and connection reflected the tournament’s broader aim: fostering cross-Strait bonds through sport.

Organizers also incorporated cultural and educational activities into the schedule, giving athletes the chance to explore life beyond the ballpark. Site visits included Pinghu Mo’s Manor, the Pinghu Museum, and Zhejiang Gint Vacuum Flask Technology Co., Ltd.—offering participants a close-up look at the region’s rapid development and rich heritage. The experience underscored the shared aspirations of students from both sides of the Strait and highlighted sport’s potential to bring people together.

Video – https://mma.prnasia.com/media2/2731176/video.mp4

Syrian Girl, 8, Walks Overnight to Escape Shelling, Save the Children Protects Childhoods Amid War as Aid Becomes a Race Against Time

Photos: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1OIKkIC7kIPhFq-FWR7pO1-JbERqg29mN?usp=sharing

HONG KONG, July 16, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — With shells drawing near and only minutes to escape, what would you save? “I was forced to leave everything behind – my toys, my clothes, all the things I loved,” said 8-year-old Syrian girl Amal. In the harsh winter of 2024, she and her family walked for two days to flee the conflict, carrying nothing but the thin clothes on their backs. Food, water, shelter, and even a sense of security were all unwillingly left behind.

8-year-old Syrian girl, Amal, fled shelling on foot overnight (Delil Souleiman / Save the Children)
8-year-old Syrian girl, Amal, fled shelling on foot overnight (Delil Souleiman / Save the Children)

A Tent for a Home: A Childhood Rewritten by War

In 2018, war first forced Amal from her home, relocating her to a camp in Northeast Syria. In December 2024, as the conflict escalated once more, she and her family were forced to flee overnight. “The road was filled with the sounds of explosions and roaring planes. I saw some children freeze to death in the wilderness… We could only desperately push forward,” recalled Amal’s father, Hasan. Describing the two-day trek in the bitter cold, he said, “The children suffered immensely. They kept crying, begging to go home, but there was nothing we could do. We abandoned all our possessions just to save our lives. “Still shaken, Hasan remembered, “We adults were terrified too, but for the sake of our children, we had to stay strong.”

Since December 2024, the escalating conflict in Syria has displaced over 15,000 families. This is the third time Amal has been displaced in her short eight years; her “home” has shrunk to a tent that could vanish at any moment.  What Amal left behind was more than just a house—it was her childhood. She misses the home with apple and orange trees, and the friends she played hide-and-seek with every day. Now, all of that is out of reach. Despite this, Amal holds on to a dream, “One day, I want to become a doctor and help children when they are sick.” The war has stolen what should have been a carefree childhood—no school, no peaceful nights, not even a predictable tomorrow.

What Would You Save?— Save the Children Supports Children’s Survival Needs

When Amal’s family arrived at the new camp, exhausted, the Save the Children team immediately provided them with Ready-to-Eat kits, hygiene kits, blankets and mattresses to fend off the cold winter nights, addressing their most urgent needs as an initial response. However, life in the tent remains a struggle. “When it rains, the tent leaks, and we can’t sleep. When it’s windy, we’re cold, scared, and shivering.” Amal shared. Since 2012, Save the Children has provided aid to 8.3 million people in Syria, including 4.8 million children like Amal, offering food, clean water, emotional and psychosocial support, shelter, healthcare, and education services.

Kalina Tsang, CEO of Save the Children Hong Kong, stated, “Whenever a conflict or disaster strikes, children are always the first to bear the brunt. They lose not just their belongings, but also their health, safety, education, a secure environment to grow up in, and a precious, fulfilling childhood. The Children’s Emergency Fund was established to ensure that children in crisis receive the support they need to survive—from basic food and warmth to medical care, from a safe place to live to physical and psychological support. We appeal to the public to extend a helping hand and support children in distress.”

In 2024, Save the Children’s humanitarian work has helped over 20 million people worldwide, including 12.8 million children. The organisation has also provided support in humanitarian crises such as the conflict in Ukraine, the escalation of conflict in Lebanon, and the earthquake in Myanmar. Please support Save the Children’s emergency relief work: https://savethechildren.click/wwys-support-amal-pr-en.

About 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 the future we share.

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.

Visit our website, or follow us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and YouTube.

Electrifying and Proven: ExploMar’s WAVE300 Makes Waves at Monaco Energy Boat Challenge

SHANGHAI, July 16, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — At the 2025 Monaco Energy Boat Challenge (MEBC), XNRG.tech, a subsidiary of Xtenders, brought its high-performance energyX 6.3 carbon RIB to the world stage — powered by ExploMar’s WAVE 300 electric outboard (300HP), making its official debut at this prestigious event and demonstrating its proven performance under real racing conditions.

From R&D, testing to racing

Developed and manufactured by ExploMar, a high-performance electric outboard manufacturer based in China, the WAVE 300 is one of the world’s earliest and most powerful 300hp electric outboard systems, powered by a 125kWh high-energy-density lithium-ion battery.

Delivered to XNRG.tech in mid-2024, the propulsion system has since undergone extensive real-world testing. At this year’s Monaco Energy Boat Challenge, it delivered electrifying performance in both the Endurance Race and the 16-nautical-mile Speed Trial.

High Performance in Electric

On July 4, the energyX 6.3, powered by the WAVE 300 system, finished with 1st place in the Electric propulsion system – Open Sea Class during the MEBC Endurance Race. The RIB completed 27 laps on a 0.66-nautical-mile circuit, with a top speed of 42 knots, and returned to the dock with 11% battery remaining — a remarkable showcase of both performance and energy efficiency. The MEBC Endurance Race is a 3-hour challenge to test the boats’ energy capabilities.

Fastest Finish – 16NM Speed Trial

On July 5, the energyX 6.3 once again showcased its speed capabilities in the 16 Nautical Mile Speed Trial, racing from Monaco to Ventimiglia. It was the first electric boat to cross the finish line, completing the course in just 29 minutes with 40% battery remaining. In a thrilling head-to-head battle, ExploMar’s WAVE 300 system held its own against top-tier electric competitors, staying neck and neck until the final moments — underscoring its competitive edge in real-world coastal performance.

Mr. Herbert Dercksen stated, CEO of XNRG.tech, ‘Great to see how the combination of a light weight carbon boat, with a total boat weight of only 1400 kg incl battery and engine, performs compared to the other participants.’

“We are proud to support XNRG.tech in this challenge and thrilled to see WAVE300 prove itself on such an international stage,” said Alex Dong, CEO of ExploMar. “Our on-site engineers worked closely with the XNRG team during every stage of preparation and racing. Behind the scenes, our R&D team in China provided continuous technical support to ensure optimal system performance. Participating in MEBC has given us the opportunity to showcase not just the power and reliability of WAVE300, but also the strength of our engineering team and product development capabilities.”

Beijing Review: Chinese and U.S. youth explore the charm of Beijing’s history and modernity

BEIJING, July 16, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — On July 7-12, 25 young delegates from China and the United States gathered in Beijing for the Across the Pacific: China-U.S. Youth Dialogue for a Shared Future program.


Chinese and U.S. youth explore the charm of Beijing’s history and modernity

This cross-Pacific initiative opened a new chapter in people-to-people diplomacy, giving American students a deeper and more nuanced view of China, and allowing young voices from both nations to find common ground where history meets modernity.

The delegation visited the Blue Hall of China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs on July 11, where they attended a live press briefing. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning joined the group for an open, face-to-face conversation afterward.


“When Ms. Mao walked toward us, I was genuinely thrilled,” Gina Egito, a computer science major from West Chester University in Pennsylvania, recalled. She had chosen her seat carefully to observe and take notes.

Mao shared a group photo of her with the delegates on her official X account later that night, captioning it, “A delightful exchange with Chinese and American youth.”

Over the course of the week, the group visited a range of institutions and landmarks, including China Agricultural University (CAU), the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) China Office, the U.S. Embassy in Beijing, the Temple of Heaven, the Forbidden City, as well as innovative tech titans like Tencent and Xiaomi.

At CAU, delegates explored China’s rural development strategies. At the WFP office, discussions turned to pressing global issues, including food security and South-South cooperation.

“I think it’s really interesting to see the developing countries working together to collaborate for their shared interest, for their shared problems, because it showcases a sense of camaraderie of being together. I’m really impressed with the WFP and their commitment to sustainable learning, intellectual sharing, and making sure it’s accessible, because that’s going to make their solutions long term,” said Kiran Alexis Nieves-Noel, a student studying International Affairs and Chinese at East Tennessee State University.

At the U.S. Embassy, the group engaged in frank and constructive conversations about the role youth can play in improving bilateral ties and mutual understanding.

Cultural immersion was just as impactful. In front of the Hall of Supreme Harmony inside the Forbidden City, Justin Isaiah Seymour Welch, a master’s student in Technology Management at New York University, paused to take photos.

“This is my third time in Beijing. I was here last November, and I visited this park at night. So, this is my first time experiencing it during the day. It’s really nice to see it in a whole new light—there’s such a lively atmosphere with people hanging out, and you can hear the bugs chirping. It’s a refreshing, vibrant experience,” he said.

The group’s visits to Tencent and Xiaomi brought the Chinese tech industry to life. At Tencent, delegates explored AI-driven tools and cutting-edge platforms like AI assistant Tencent Yuanbao and the 3D model generator Hunyuan3D.

“That’s something you can’t truly learn from a textbook or a class—you have to be here, see it with your own eyes. It’s definitely been an eye-opening experience,” Erik Michael Larson, an undergraduate from Indiana University, said after a ride in a Xiaomi vehicle.

The program also gave students a taste of everyday life in Beijing—from a boat ride down the gleaming Liangma River to the lively atmosphere of the city’s Lotus Market.

“When I think about China from what I’ve learned in class, it’s mostly about special holidays or cultural events. But you don’t really get to see what daily life is like. Experiencing it firsthand here has been a completely different perspective,” said Larson.

On the river cruise, a moment of surprise captured the imagination of Wayne State University law student Michael Alexander Buzzy. When a giant 3D screen lit up over the water, he instinctively reached for his camera.

“It’s incredible to be in a city—and a country—that has such a rich history. I feel like Beijing does a fantastic job of showcasing that, especially through this experience,” he said. “For example, when we visited the Forbidden City, we got a deep dive into China’s classical history. But in the heart of the city, you also get a real sense of China’s modern-day development, technology, and how far it’s come. It’s been amazing to experience both sides of China in such a short time. I’m really excited for what’s still to come.”

The youth delegation will travel onward to Xi’an, Shaanxi Province, Suzhou, Zhejiang Province, and Shanghai for further exchanges and site visits from July 12 to 23. In Suzhou, they’ll take part in the China-U.S. Future Diplomats summer camp.

This program is jointly hosted by the China International Communications Group Center for the Americas, the U.S.-based International Student Conferences (ISC), and Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University, with support from Xi’an Jiaotong University. All 25 U.S. and Chinese delegates were selected through the ISC.

Comments to pengjiawei@cicgamericas.com
Company Name: Center for the Americas, China International Communications Group
Contact Person: Peng Jiawei
Email: pengjiawei@cicgamericas.com
Country: People’s Republic of China

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Yum China to Report Second Quarter 2025 Financial Results

SHANGHAI, July 16, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Yum China Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: YUMC and HKEX: 9987, “Yum China” or the “Company”) today announced that it will report its unaudited financial results for the second quarter ended June 30, 2025 before the U.S. market opens on Tuesday, August 5, 2025 (after the trading hours of the Hong Kong Stock Exchange on Tuesday, August 5, 2025).

Yum China’s management will hold an earnings conference call at 7:00 a.m. U.S. Eastern Time on Tuesday, August 5, 2025 (7:00 p.m. Beijing/Hong Kong Time on Tuesday, August 5, 2025).

A live webcast of the call may be accessed at https://edge.media-server.com/mmc/p/kij3u6kb.

To join by phone, please register in advance of the conference through the link provided below. Upon registering, you will be provided with participant dial-in numbers and a unique access PIN.

Pre-registration Link: https://register-conf.media-server.com/register/BIb7706c47c6cf42db8f213a8ac7f0329c 

A replay of the webcast will be available two hours after the event and will remain accessible until August 4, 2026. Additionally, earnings release accompanying slides will be available at the Company’s Investor Relations website http://ir.yumchina.com.  

About Yum China Holdings, Inc. 

Yum China is the largest restaurant company in China with a mission to make every life taste beautiful. The Company operates over 16,000 restaurants under six brands across around 2,300 cities in China. KFC and Pizza Hut are the leading brands in the quick-service and casual dining restaurant spaces in China, respectively. In addition, Yum China has also partnered with Lavazza to develop the Lavazza coffee concept in China. Little Sheep and Huang Ji Huang specialize in Chinese cuisine. Taco Bell offers innovative Mexican-inspired food. Yum China has a world-class, digitalized supply chain which includes an extensive network of logistics centers nationwide and an in-house supply chain management system. Its strong digital capabilities and loyalty program enable the Company to reach customers faster and serve them better. Yum China is a Fortune 500 company with the vision to be the world’s most innovative pioneer in the restaurant industry. For more information, please visit http://ir.yumchina.com.

Investor Relations Contact
Tel: +86 21 2407 7556
E-mail: IR@yumchina.com 

Media Contact
Tel: +86 21 2407 8288 / +852 2267 5807
E-mail: Media@yumchina.com 

A depressed art market may present a historical buying opportunity, say CKGSB and SDA Bocconi

BEIJING and MILAN, July 16, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Amid a cooling global art market, a new suite of data-driven tools offers investors a rare edge. The Cheung Kong Graduate School of Business (CKGSB) and SDA Bocconi School of Management have jointly launched the MM Art Indices, a pioneering set of indices tracking global art market performance and provide institutional-grade analysis.

MEI Jianping, Professor of Finance, Cheung Kong Graduate School of Business (CKGSB)
MEI Jianping, Professor of Finance, Cheung Kong Graduate School of Business (CKGSB)

Building on the success of CKGSB’s MM Chinese Art Indices (launched in 2023), the new MM Art Indices present MM Continental Art Price Indices, the first-ever comparative, long-term art price benchmarks constructed according to artists’ birthplaces, spanning Asia-Africa-Oceania, Europe, and the Americas.

According to the MM Art Indices, based on auction records (since 1873) from Sotheby’s, Christie’s, and Phillips across major global cities, Asia-Africa-Oceania recorded the strongest long-term growth, with a CAGR of 7.7%, despite a 6.4% decline in Spring 2025. The Americas rebounded sharply by 31.7%, while Europe increased by 22.4%, nearly recovering pandemic-era losses, though its long-term growth remains more modest at 2.3% CAGR. “These regional patterns reflect deeper economic shifts,” said Mei Jianping, CKGSB Professor of Finance. “Europe’s market is mature and stable, while the Americas show postwar expansion and volatility. Asia’s growth, driven by China and India, is rapid but uneven.” The Chinese art market rebounded by 9% in Spring 2025, despite a 48.2% drop from its 2020 peak.

By combining the Sotheby’s Mei & Moses Index (1928–2000) with the MM Art Indices (2000–2024), researchers found that 10-year rolling returns on art turned negative in 2023-2024–the worst in 70 years. “We’re seeing a rare alignment of market conditions that suggest art may be undervalued on a historical basis,” said Mei. “For long-term collectors, this could represent a strategic entry point into the market.”

CKGSB and SDA Bocconi have signed an MOU to co-develop new tools, including European country-level indices and sentiment metrics, under the newly launched Art Market and Finance Monitor at SDA Bocconi. “The MM Art Indices bring much-needed transparency to a market that has traditionally lacked standardized benchmarks,” said Brunella Bruno, Professor of Finance at SDA Bocconi. “By applying rigorous financial methodologies, we’re helping bridge the gap between cultural value and market performance,” added Andrea Rurale, Director of Intensive Program in Art Markets and Finance at SDA BOCCONI.

To read the full report, click here.

From Borneo to ASEAN: ICW & BuildXpo 2025 to Drive Regional Collaboration, Innovation and Growth

The ASEAN edition to expand on the event’s momentum with new markets, tech showcases, and global participation

KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia, July 16, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — The highly anticipated 27th International Construction Week (ICW) & BuildXpo 2025, is set to take place from 28 to 30 October 2025 at the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre (MITEC), following the successful debut of ICW Borneo 2025 in Kuching in May.


Held under the theme “Constructing the Future of ASEAN”, ICW & BuildXpo 2025 reflects Malaysia’s dual leadership as ASEAN Chair and President of the UN-Habitat Assembly (2025–2029), strengthening its position at the forefront of regional policy direction and global urban transformation.

Organised by the Construction Industry Development Board (CIDB) Malaysia in partnership with Qube Integrated Malaysia Sdn. Bhd. (Qube), and hosted by the Ministry of Works Malaysia, ICW & BuildXpo 2025—the anchor construction industry event for Malaysia’s ASEAN 2025 Chairmanship—will build on the momentum of the inaugural Borneo edition, which saw over 3,000 participants converge to discuss the future of sustainable and tech-driven development for ASEAN across the various programmes curated. ICW Borneo 2025 generated estimated sales close to RM48 million at its official trade showcase, BuildXpo.

Held under the theme “Constructing the Future of ASEAN”, ICW & BuildXpo 2025 reflects Malaysia’s dual leadership as ASEAN Chair and President of the UN-Habitat Assembly (2025–2029), strengthening its position at the forefront of regional policy direction and global urban transformation.

A Comprehensive Platform for Collaboration, Innovation, and Trade

ICW & BuildXpo 2025 will feature a robust three-day programme combining high-level conferences, specialised forums, technical competitions, and a dynamic exhibition. Highlights include the International Construction Transformation Conference (ICTC), the Digital Construction Summit (DCS), and the Global Opportunities Seminar, which will explore new markets and export pathways for Malaysian firms.

Other featured segments include the Women in Building Malaysia (WIBM) Roundtable, the return of the popular Construction Dispute Resolution Conference with a focus on AI-powered contract management, and a host of youth- and skills-driven activities including the National Crane Competition, QUEST Award 2025, and the MSSA Open Ideas Competition.

The official trade showcase, BuildXpo, will feature over 350 booths across five key segments: Construction Technology, Construction Materials, Construction Equipment, Construction Machinery & Systems, and Supporting Services, which includes start-ups, educational institutions, financial service providers, and trade publications. Complementing this will be the International Sourcing Programme, jointly organised with the Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE), to connect local exhibitors with buyers from emerging and established markets. CIDB IBS will also present three events at BuildXpo this year: the innovative IBS Homes showcasing modular technologies; the Construction Career Spotlight for young and experienced professionals in construction; and the NextGen TVET Modular Thinker competition for TVET students.

Scaling Up from 2024: New Markets, New Technologies

Building on the success of last year’s edition—which generated over RM654,000 in projected trade through the BuildXpo showcase and international sourcing—ICW & BuildXpo 2025 aims to scale up significantly through several strategic thrusts. These include enhanced ASEAN engagement via the ASEAN Pavilion, deeper participation from East Malaysia through the Sabah and Sarawak Pavilions, and increased focus on China’s expanded presence—spotlighting smart infrastructure systems, sustainable solutions, heavy machinery, and advanced construction technologies.

CIDB Chief Executive Puan Zainora Zainal commented: “From Sarawak to Kuala Lumpur, ICW & BuildXpo 2025 is a platform for transformation. It brings together people, ideas, and opportunities—enabling Malaysian firms to grow, export, and lead the regional shift toward a sustainable, inclusive and digital construction future.”

ICW & BuildXpo 2025 invites construction professionals, policymakers, investors, innovators, students, and entrepreneurs to be part of this transformative journey. By bridging business, technology, and policy, the event offers a vital platform to shape the next chapter of ASEAN’s built environment.

For more information and to register, visit www.icw.my 

About CIDB Malaysia

The Construction Industry Development Board was established under the Construction Industry Development Act (Act 520) to develop the capacity and capability of the construction industry through enhancement of quality and productivity by placing great emphasis on professionalism, innovation, and knowledge in the endeavour to improve the quality of life.

About Qube Integrated Malaysia Sdn. Bhd.

Qube Integrated, based in Kuala Lumpur since 2003, excels as a B2B and B2C exhibition and event organiser with a global presence. Known for its venue management, World Expo pavilion creation, and comprehensive event services, Qube leverages its extensive experience to provide end-to-end solutions. Operating across Malaysia, Indonesia, and Singapore, its team specialises in creating impactful event experiences, excelling in design, planning, and management for various events. Qube’s award-winning services extend to exhibition management, interior design, and venue management, making it a leader in the events sector.

CONTACT: Yasmin Bathamanathan, yasmin@qube.com.my