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Misbehaving Monks: Sex Scandal Shakes Thai Buddhist Faithful

Thai Buddhist monks pray at Wat Pak Nam temple in Bangkok on July 18, 2025. (Photo by Chanakarn Laosarakham / AFP)
Thai police this week arrested a woman accused of bedding at least 11 monks in violation of their vows of celibacy, before blackmailing them with thousands of secretly taken photos of their trysts.The monks are said to have paid nearly USD 12 million, funneled out of their monasteries funded by donations from laypeople hoping to increase their merit and prospects for reincarnation.The scandal provoked outrage over hypocrisy in the monkhood, concern their status shields them from scrutiny, and soul-searching across society about the role of religion.

“I’m not involved in the religion like I used to be,” 33-year-old motorbike taxi driver Mongkol Sudathip told AFP. “I don’t have full respect for it anymore.”

King Maha Vajiralongkorn has cancelled invitations to more than 80 monks who had been due to attend his upcoming 73rd birthday celebrations, citing “inappropriate behavior that caused mental distress among the Thai people”.

While the 11 monks have been stripped of their robes, the kingdom’s National Office of Buddhism has vowed to “restore public trust” with a sweeping police probe into the grubby affair.

Splurging Attitude

Theravada Buddhism has been the spiritual backbone of Thai identity for more than two millennia, and still shapes national laws banning alcohol on religious holidays and protecting sacred objects.

Thai men are traditionally expected to ordain as monks at least once in their lives for a period lasting as short as a few weeks or as long as decades.

The clergy are bound by 227 strict rules, including a ban on masturbation, touching women and even handling objects directly from them.

Monks traditionally survive on alms, food offerings and a modest USD 170 monthly stipend, but some pocket fees for lectures, blessings and ceremonies, blurring the line between faith and fortune.

In a TV interview, the woman at the heart of the scandal said she had developed a “splurging attitude” as her monk lovers lavished her with shopping trips worth up to USD 90,000 a day.

Motorcycle taxi driver Mongkol said he now prefers to donate to hospitals or schools for underprivileged children.

“It feels more meaningful than giving money to temples,” he told AFP.

This month’s scandal is not the first to rock the monkhood.

In 2017, police raided Wat Dhammakaya temple north of Bangkok, arresting its former abbot over allegations of laundering USD 33 million in public donations.

This May, police held another monk in the capital over allegations of embezzling nearly USD 10 million from a temple for an online gambling network.

Buddhism scholar Danai Preechapermprasit said repeated scandals, especially among senior monks, have “shaken people to the core”.

“People question whether donations are used for spiritual significance or personal desire,” he told AFP.

“I think Thailand has reached a point where it’s difficult for monks to even walk down the street.”

A powerful lawmaker has pledged tighter regulations within three months, including mandatory donation disclosures and laws treating monk misconduct as a criminal offence.

“This case does not represent Buddhism as a whole,” said national police chief Kitrat Panphet on 17 July, pledging a new task force to probe misbehaving monks.

“It’s about a few individuals doing wrong,” he said.

Never Lose Faith

In Buddhist tradition monks are viewed as the Buddha’s spiritual heirs, entrusted with preserving and passing on his teachings.

But at Wat Bowonniwet in Bangkok, one of Thailand’s most revered temples, only 26 monks were ordained this year, a steep drop from nearly 100 before the Covid-19 pandemic.

A monk there, speaking to AFP anonymously, blamed societal changes after the pandemic, which forced people into isolation, saying nowadays “people prefer to live outside the temple life”.

But independent Buddhism expert Jaturong Jongarsa said temples are increasingly being treated as “a garbage dump”, where families send drug addicts or LGBTQ youth to be “corrected”.

“Temples are no longer seen as the sacred spaces they once were,” he told AFP. “People send their problems to the temple and hope they’ll go away.”

Still, not all Thais have lost faith.

Camphun Parimiphut, a 52-year-old security guard from Maha Sarakham in Thailand’s northeast, said: “Buddhism is about the teachings, not the individuals who fail it”.

Because of corruption scandals he now avoids giving money to monks, preferring to donate only food. But his devotion remains steadfast.

“You can lose faith in monks,” he said. “But never lose trust in Buddhist teachings. They still teach us how to live a good life.”


© Agence France-Presse

Scale Hits New High: HNC 2025 Concludes with Resounding Success, Driving a New Wave of Health Industry Upgrades

SHANGHAI, July 18, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Jointly organized by the China Chamber of Commerce for Import & Export of Medicines & Health Products and Sinoexpo Informa Markets, the “Healthplex Expo 2025, Natural & Nutraceutical Products China 2025” (HNC 2025) was successfully held from June 24 to 26 at the National Exhibition and Convention Center (Shanghai). The HNC 2025 once again achieved a historic breakthrough in scale, winning high praise from all participants. Held concurrently with Hi & Fi Asia-China, ProPak China & FoodPack China, and Starch Expo, the HNC built a business platform integrating the entire industry chain from upstream ingredient supply to end-product distribution. The total exhibition area exceeded 200,000 sqm, bringing together more than 2,500 exhibitors from around the world. Meanwhile, 93,080 professional buyers from 137 countries and regions attended the shows for business exchange and negotiation — a year-on-year increase of 21.2% — fully showcasing the latest achievements and future directions of the health industry, and highlighting its tremendous vitality and boundless potential.

The HNC deeply aggregates global resources and builds an industry ecosystem for collaborative development. This year’s HNC not only gathered leading enterprises from across China but also attracted industry leaders from more than 30 countries and regions, including Australia, New Zealand, Italy, South Korea, Japan, Malaysia, the United States, Canada, Singapore, Spain, Norway, etc. National pavilions and exhibitors from Italy, Spain, Slovenia, the United States, and Japan made their debuts in China at the exhibition. Local delegations from across China also demonstrated their regional strengths — for example, Jilin pavilion featured its renowned ginseng and antler products, while Xizang pavilion presented its unique highland resources and premium wellness treasures.

Both domestic and international exhibitors displayed a diverse range of products and solutions spanning nutritional and health supplements, imported dietary supplements, traditional tonic foods, health foods and beverages, anti-aging beauty products, emotional healing solutions, weight management products, healthcare devices and equipment, as well as third-party professional services. As a vital platform for information exchange, product launches, technology discussions, and market expansion in the health industry, HNC continues to attract a growing number of domestic and international companies, driving deeper collaboration and development across the global health and nutrition sector.

Staying true to the innovative spirit of HNC, the exhibition spotlighted trending topics such as sports nutrition, aromatherapy, health foods and beverages, and the medicine and food homology, and curated several themed zones. Highlights included the brand-new “Hi Energy Camp”, “Healing Workshop”, “Light Wellness Awakening • Food & Beverage Festival”, as well as the fully upgraded “TCM Nutrition Zone.” These zones combined product showcases, competitions, and immersive experiences, while also collaborating for the first time with Douyin E-Commerce, the leading interest-based e-commerce platform, to offer brands live-streaming sales channels. This cross-ecosystem partnership empowered multiple brands to drive GMV growth and create best-selling products, putting innovative practice into action to boost domestic health consumption and reshape the health ecosystem through category evolution. All activities received enthusiastic feedback from onsite participants.

As an industry hub for insights and exchange, the HNC 2025 also hosted more than 50 high-caliber industry events, reaching a new high in scale. The agenda covered professional industry conferences and forums, new product launches, international brand exchanges, innovative interactive experiences, business matchmaking, etc. Hot topics included weight management, applications of medicine and food homology, probiotic research, regulations and market trends for foods for special medical purposes (FSMPs), development of low-GI and whole-grain products, brand building and marketing strategies, hit product incubation, cross-border e-commerce strategies, nutrition across the life cycle, etc.

Major events included the 14th Nutraceutical Industry Development Conference (NIDC), The 19th Innovation Hub for Nutrition and Health Food, The 2nd Jilin’s Changbai Mountain Ginseng Health (Shanghai) Forum & Related Industry Economic and Trade Matchmaking, 2025 Industry Forum on Medicine and Food Homology, NutriGlobal 2025: Private Advisory Forum for Supply Chain Innovation in China’s Health Market, among others. These sessions, held in both Chinese and bilingual formats, gathered government officials, industry association leaders, research experts, and business executives, who shared forward-looking insights and engaged in in-depth exchanges with attendees onsite.

Meanwhile, to enhance the efficiency and precision of connections between exhibitors and channel partners, the HNC meticulously organized five targeted business matchmaking sessions onsite. Well-known MCN agencies were specially invited, along with top e-commerce influencers and leading private-domain group leaders, to source new products. Major offline supermarket chains and pharmacy chains also actively participated in the matchmaking sessions. Through this kind of business matchmaking model, broader and more diversified‌ market channels are opened up for exhibitors.

To enrich the overall experience for visitors, the HNC significantly upgraded its “Discovery Tour” interactive activity, carefully planning three themed tour routes: Beauty & Anti-Aging, Weight Management, and Tonic Food. Visitors showed great enthusiasm by checking in at booths to learn about the latest products and solutions under each theme. In addition, the HNC launched an all-new immersive cultural experience project called “Trendy Herbal Shop”, showcasing the integration of food-medicine homology traditions, as well as a limited-time “Seal-Collecting Tour” activity, which added vibrant fun and cultural depth to the exhibition.

The HNC 2025 in Shanghai has come to a successful close. The organizers would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to all exhibitors, professional visitors, partners, and media friends for their invaluable support and enthusiastic participation. Looking ahead, the next stop for HNC will be the “Healthplex Expo, Natural & Nutraceutical Products Shenzhen 2025” (HNC Shenzhen 2025), taking place from December 16 to 18, 2025, at the Shenzhen World Exhibition & Convention Center. Next year at the “Healthplex Expo 2026, Natural & Nutraceutical Products China 2026” (HNC 2026) in Shanghai, we expect to see you again from June 15th to 17th, 2026. We look forward to reuniting with colleagues from the global health and nutrition industry to share the grand occasions, and to jointly write an even more brilliant new chapter for the health industry.

CONTACT US
SINOEXPO INFORMA MARKETS
Email: carol.liu@informa.com
Website: www.hncexpo.com/en/
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Stronger Security, Smarter Custody: CoinEx Launches CoinEx Vault

HONG KONG, July 18, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Award-winning and globally-recognized cryptocurrency exchange CoinEx announced the launch of CoinEx Vault, a cutting-edge self-custodial wallet tailored for companies, institutional clients, and high-net-worth individuals seeking robust security and seamless asset management solutions. Its capabilities enhance user control while strengthening CoinEx’s own ecosystem by fostering reliability and accessibility, reflecting the company’s vision to become the infrastructure of the blockchain world.


Guided by its user-centric philosophy to meet the interests, experiences, and needs of its user base, its product team focused on upscaling its security and operability:

To meet the greater needs of interactive users, high-volume traders, and institutional stakeholders, we tried and tested different concepts and functions to create both a secure and sustainable mechanism for self-custodial asset management.”

Designed with enterprise-level security standards, CoinEx Vault leverages advanced multi-signature with cold wallet technology to empower users with full control over their crypto assets. The App transforms users’ offline mobile devices into secure cold wallets, enabling the safe storage and operation of multi-chain digital assets without exposing private keys to internet threats.

Unmatched Security for Large-Scale Asset Operations

CoinEx Vault stands out with its multi-layered security features including group multi-signature wallets, offline approval mechanisms, and an exclusive three-end distrust framework. This sophisticated architecture prevents single points of failure and mitigates risks associated with hacking, phishing, and malware attacks. Users can manage their assets confidently, knowing that their private keys never leave the offline environment.

Comprehensive Asset Management for Enterprises and Individuals

The platform supports over 24 blockchain networks and more than one million tokens, facilitating functions such as transfers, staking, transaction acceleration, and interaction with decentralized applications (DApps). Whether managing team-based multi-signature wallets or personal holdings, users can initiate transactions via the official website and approve them securely through the mobile App—ensuring efficient large-asset operations.

Key Advantages

Cold Wallet Management

CoinEx Vault empowers users with full control of their private keys, ensuring that crypto assets are protected from online threats such as hacking, phishing, or malware. Users can securely manage their assets by initiating transactions through the official website and approving them seamlessly via the mobile App. Notably, there is no need for additional hardware wallets—simply download the CoinEx Vault App onto your mobile device to transform it into a secure offline wallet, enabling safe and convenient asset management without extra equipment.

Risk Isolation Mechanism

Built with a mutually distrustful framework, CoinEx Vault maintains complete separation between the website, App, and server systems. This architecture eliminates single points of failure, significantly reducing the risk of system breaches or hacking attempts. This layered security model ensures the integrity of users’ assets, providing peace of mind for both individuals and institutions.

Accessible and User-Friendly

CoinEx Vault is offered free of charge, making advanced security accessible to everyone. Users can instantly download and install the App, providing an easy and straightforward way to achieve greater security and control over their crypto holdings. Whether for personal or team-based asset management, CoinEx Vault is designed to be both powerful and user-friendly.

Additional Features

– Multi-Signature Management: Collaborate with team members through customizable m/n multisig configurations, supporting batch approvals and signatures to streamline operations.

– Accident Protection: CoinEx safeguards against situations where multi-signature wallet members are temporarily unable to meet signature requirements, ensuring continuous access to assets and preventing inaccessibility. This feature enhances operational resilience and provides peace of mind for enterprise asset management by maintaining seamless control and transaction capability even in unforeseen circumstances.

– Real-time Information: Real-time transaction tracking ensures asset flow transparency, with proactive detection of abnormal activities.

– Security Partnerships: Collaboration with top security auditors like SlowMist guarantees code security and robustness.

Streamlined Operations and Future Expansion

CoinEx Vault also introduces batch operation tools to handle high-volume transactions efficiently and incorporates third-party security audits for added assurance. The platform’s flexible architecture allows users to connect mobile cold wallets to the website via QR code, USB, or Bluetooth—making large asset management straightforward, secure, and efficient.

Learn more about CoinEx Vault here.

To learn more about CoinEx, visit: Website | Twitter | Telegram | LinkedIn | Facebook | Instagram  | YouTube

Lao Team Scores Big at International Math Olympiad

Lao students on the stage of award ceremony (Photo: Supplied)

Fifteen medals are heading back to Laos after a standout performance by Lao students at the 2024 Singapore International Math Olympiad Challenge (SIMOC), held from 5 to 8 July. 

Thailand Rejects Full Tariff Elimination in US Trade Talks, Citing Domestic Risks

Thailand Rejects Full Tariff Elimination in US Trade Talks, Citing Domestic Risks

Thailand has ruled out cutting tariffs on all US goods to zero in ongoing trade talks, due to concerns about risks to local producers and key industries, Deputy Finance Minister Paopoom Rojanasakul said on 18 July.

DNAKE Emerges as a Global Innovator in Brain-Computer Interface Technology

XIAMEN, China, July 18, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Brain-Computer Interface (BCI) technology is redefining human-machine interaction by establishing direct communication between the brain and external devices. This transformative innovation is driving profound societal impact across industries: revolutionizing neurological disease treatment (e.g., epilepsy, Parkinson’s, and depression), enhancing educational outcomes through improved focus, and enabling seamless industrial human-robot collaboration. With aging populations and rising neurological disorders worldwide, BCI’s healthcare applications are experiencing explosive demand.

According to IMARC Group, the global BCI market reached $1.74 billion in 2022 and is projected to hit $3.3 billion by 2027. In this rapidly evolving field, DNAKE is establishing itself as a rising force through cutting-edge R&D and global vision.

Technology Leadership & Standardization

As a key driver of BCI advancement, DNAKE has forged strategic partnerships with elite research institutions like the CAS Key Laboratory of Brain Function and Diseases, Xiamen University’s Brain Cognition & Intelligent Computing Lab, etc. These collaborations underscore its dual strengths: proprietary innovation and integration of top-tier academic resources.

DNAKE holds pivotal roles in the BCI Industry Alliance and China Communications Standards Association, actively co-authoring technical standards such as “EEG-Based Attention Monitoring Systems: Technical Requirements and Testing Methods.” This standardization expertise positions DNAKE to extend its influence into global markets, where consistent technical benchmarks are critical for adoption.

Breakthrough Innovations

DNAKE‘s BCI team recently published groundbreaking research in the Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences, solving a critical industry challenge: environmental adaptability. Their innovative “Human-AI Multi-agent Copilot” system merges EEG signal decoding with deep reinforcement learning AI, enabling devices to interpret user commands while autonomously responding to environmental changes—a leap from one-directional BCI systems to true interactive intelligence.

In sleep health, Dr. Phang’s team also developed a Multiscale Temporal Convolutional Neural Network (MTCNN) algorithm in the Journal of Neural Engineering that achieves 88.24% accuracy in sleep-stage classification—a 23% improvement over consumer-grade headbands (Miller et al., 2022). This approach sets new paradigms for EEG signal analysis.

R&D Commitment

DNAKE‘s 300+ member R&D team includes specialized BCI engineers, with 2024 R&D investment spiking to 11% of revenue. A dedicated $18 million BCI Technology Center will accelerate project commercialization.

Strategic Vision

Aligned with its “Innovation-Driven Transformation” strategy, DNAKE is pivoting toward digital health ecosystems while strengthening its smart community and hospital solutions. “In BCI, Chinese innovators compete on equal footing globally,” notes DNAKE. “Through autonomous R&D and international collaboration, we’re poised to shape BCI’s future.”

About DNAKE

DNAKE (Xiamen) Intelligent Technology Co., Ltd. is a global leader in smart intercom and home automation solutions. Since 2005, we’ve delivered innovative, high-quality products—including IP intercoms, cloud platforms, smart sensors, and wireless doorbells—to over 12.6 million households worldwide. Combining cutting-edge technology with customer-focused design, DNAKE provides reliable, scalable solutions for both residential and commercial needs.

vivo Wins Innovate for Impact Use Case Award at the ITU AI for Good Global Summit

The recognition highlights vivo’s commitment to empowering accessibility through on-device intelligence.

SHENZHEN, China, July 18, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — vivo was honored with the “Innovate for Impact” best use case award in the accessibility category at the AI for Good Global Summit, in Geneva, Switzerland. Received on July 9, the award recognizes vivo’s efforts in leveraging on-device artificial intelligence (AI) to empower accessibility with the initiative “On-Device Intelligence Empowers People with Disabilities and Smart Interaction Scenarios,” which stood out among the top submissions from 32 countries. This recognition is a strong endorsement of vivo’s long-standing commitment to inclusive technology and its leadership in advancing accessibility solutions globally.

vivo was honored with the Best-Case Award in the accessibility category at the ITU AI for Good Global Summit.
vivo was honored with the Best-Case Award in the accessibility category at the ITU AI for Good Global Summit.

The AI for Good Global Summit, organized by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) in collaboration with over 40 United Nations organizations, including UNIDO and UNESCO, is a leading platform for dialogue on AI, promoting international cooperation among major AI economies. Through workshops and case-study initiatives, the AI for Good Global Summit aims to facilitate the exchange of exemplary experiences and expert knowledge on the global application of AI technologies and models, ultimately improving fairness in AI.

This year, the Summit’s Innovate for Impact challenge awarded 51 AI-driven use cases selected from 238 submissions received from across 32 countries. At the ceremony, Mr. Wei Wei, Director-General of the Department of Science and Technology at China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, and Dr. Bilel Jamoussi, Deputy Director of ITU’s Telecommunication Standardization Bureau, jointly presented certificates to the winning companies and institutions.

vivo was selected as one of the Innovate for Impact Use Case winners.
vivo was selected as one of the Innovate for Impact Use Case winners.

At the summit, Cao Yuqiong, Senior Director of Software Industry Development at vivo, delivered a keynote titled “AI Expanding Human Perception Seeing, Hearing, Understanding Everything.” Cao emphasized vivo’s vision of “Technology for a Better Future” and demonstrated some of the company’s key accessibility innovations, including vivo Seeing and other pioneering features designed to create a fairer digital world.

Cao Yuqiong, Senior Director of Software Industry Development at vivo, shared vivo’s vision of technology for good.
Cao Yuqiong, Senior Director of Software Industry Development at vivo, shared vivo’s vision of technology for good.

Since 2019, vivo has been leveraging on-device AI capabilities to create industry-leading accessibility solutions. Among these innovations are vivo Listening, which enables two-way voice-to-text communication, and the world’s first “Sign Language Translator,” a breakthrough in overcoming complex grammar recognition challenges. Additionally, vivo has introduced the industry’s first AI visual assistance product, vivo Seeing, which pioneers a multimodal visual assistance system that provides core functions such as environment description and object localization. vivo has also developed vivo Music Scores Reader, designed for visually impaired music lovers.

vivo’s ongoing efforts in information accessibility have earned recognition and affirmation from reputable organizations and institutions domestically and internationally. In June 2025, vivo Voice for Hope Initiative was shortlisted as an “Outstanding Case of Technology for the Disabled” by the China Academy of Information and Communications Technology. At the 7th Technology Accessibility Development Conference (TADC), the initiative titled “vivo Information Accessibility: Industry Practice Driven by Large Models” was awarded the “2025 Outstanding Case of Information Accessibility.”

In addition, vivo is taking the lead in creating a barrier-free ecosystem empowered by science and technology. vivo’s barrier-free technology is now featured in the National Barrier-Free Environment Exhibition Hall, making vivo the first technology company to provide guided tours for individuals with disabilities using smartphones in China. As part of its efforts to build an open platform for “science and technology for good,” vivo has made its full-stack AI capabilities available to developers at no cost, with a particular focus on those developing barrier-free solutions. In May 2025, vivo and the China Disabled Persons Welfare Foundation held a conference on the vivo Voice for Hope Initiative – Special Action on Technology for the Disabled. During the conference, vivo announced its commitment to invest RMB 30 million over the next five years to explore innovative solutions that empower people with disabilities to live barrier-free lives.

To date, vivo’s products and services have reached over 500 million users in 60 countries and regions around the world, with accessibility features benefiting more than 4 million users.

(END)

About vivo

vivo is a technology company driven by user orientation to create exceptional products, with smart terminals and intelligent services at its core. It aims to bridge the gap between people and the digital world, offering users a more convenient and personalized mobile digital life. Guided by its corporate values of ‘Benfen’ (staying grounded), user orientation, design-driven innovation, continuous learning, and teamwork, vivo integrates sustainable development strategies across its value chain, striving to become a healthier, enduring world-class enterprise.

Headquartered in Dongguan, China, vivo taps into local talent resources and maintains an extensive R&D network spanning Shenzhen, Dongguan, Nanjing, Beijing, Hangzhou, Shanghai, and Xi’an. Its research covers a wide range of frontier areas, including 5G communication, artificial intelligence, industrial design, and imaging technology. Currently, vivo’s manufacturing network (including authorized production) boasts an annual production capacity of nearly 200 million units, with sales covering over 60 countries and regions and a user base exceeding 500 million.

For more corporate, brand, product, and technology updates, follow vivo’s official WeChat accounts: ‘vivo’.

For additional media resources, high-resolution images, or videos, please visit: https://www.vivo.com/news

About ITU

The International Telecommunication Union (ITU) is the United Nations agency for digital technologies, driving innovation for people and the planet with 194 Member States and a membership of over 1,000 companies, universities, civil society, and international and regional organizations. Established in 1865, ITU coordinates the global use of the radio spectrum and satellite orbits, establishes international technology standards, drives universal connectivity and digital services, and is helping to make sure everyone benefits from sustainable digital transformation, including the most remote communities. From artificial intelligence (AI) to quantum, from satellites and submarine cables to advanced mobile and wireless broadband networks, ITU is committed to connecting the world and beyond. Learn more: www.itu.int

Skyborn confirms Siemens Gamesa turbine supply and service agreement for Gennaker project

  • Agreements with Siemens Gamesa aim to ensure supply of the Gennaker offshore wind farm with 63 SG 14-236 wind turbines and their long-term maintenance.
  • Gennaker will add up to 976.5 MW to Germany’s renewables capacity*.

HAMBURG, GERMANY – EQS Newswire – 18 July 2025 – Skyborn Renewables (Skyborn) is delighted to confirm execution of the Turbine Supply Agreement (TSA) and the Offshore Long Term Program Service Agreement (LTPSA), with Siemens Gamesa for the provision of 63 SG 14-236** wind turbines and their long term service. Both agreements are based on the Master Supply Agreement signed by Skyborn and Siemens Gamesa in June 2024. The agreements are conditional and subject to conditions precedent, including a notice to proceed from Skyborn. Installation at sea is set to begin in early 2028.

These agreements strengthen the long-term partnership between the two companies and upgrade the wind turbine technology for Gennaker to state-of-the-art.

Contract signature took place in Hamburg in presence of Patrick Lammers (Skyborn – CEO), Michael Prutsch (Skyborn – Gennaker Project Director), Marc Becker (Siemens Gamesa – Senior Vice President for Offshore) and Mogens Jakobsen (Siemens Gamesa – Head of Sales).

From the left: Michael Prutsch (Skyborn - Gennaker Project Director), Patrick Lammers (Skyborn - CEO), Marc Becker (Siemens Gamesa – Senior Vice President for Offshore) and Mogens Jakobsen (Siemens Gamesa – Head of Sales).
From the left: Michael Prutsch (Skyborn – Gennaker Project Director), Patrick Lammers (Skyborn – CEO), Marc Becker (Siemens Gamesa – Senior Vice President for Offshore) and Mogens Jakobsen (Siemens Gamesa – Head of Sales).

“We are thrilled to see the Turbine Supply Agreement and the long-term service agreement with Siemens Gamesa coming to completion. It is another step towards Gennaker’s commissioning. Siemens Gamesa is a partner of choice for offshore wind turbines and we are delighted to be partnering with them again. Gennaker our blue-print project, is the showcase of our end-to-end delivery capabilities, with standardized process to bring new offshore wind projects to life every 12 to 18 months.” explains Patrick Lammers, Skyborn CEO. “Gennaker, as the largest offshore wind farm in the German Baltic Sea, will contribute to Germany’s climate goals by boosting renewable energy production in the electrical mix.” Lammers adds.

Marc Becker, Senior Vice President of Siemens Gamesa for Offshore adds: “We have successfully partnered with Skyborn on four offshore wind projects across France, Taiwan, and Germany. With Gennaker, our joint portfolio will surpass 3 GW of clean energy capacity. As the project moves toward final investment decision, we stand ready to deliver our SG 14-236 workhorse turbine, already backed by a robust order book exceeding 16 GW.”

With a capacity of up to 976.5 MW, Gennaker is to become the largest offshore wind farm in the German Baltic Sea to date. Located approximately 15 kilometers north of the Fischland-Darß-Zingst peninsula, the project area sits within a designated priority zone for offshore wind energy in the Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania coastal sea. Skyborn secured the initial building permit for the Gennaker site in May 2019 and maintains site exclusivity for development. Once commissioned, the project will supply approximately 1 million people with green electricity. Gennaker is planned to be commissioned in 2028.

*Capacity as applied for, in the permit application for Gennaker offshore wind farm.
**The project currently refers to Siemens Gamesa SG 14-236 turbines and any future updates of that platform.
Hashtag: #skyborn

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

About Skyborn Renewables

Skyborn is an accomplished offshore wind developer and operator with more than 20 years’ experience, headquartered in Germany. The company’s capabilities cover the entire offshore wind value chain, including greenfield development, project engineering and design, procurement, financing, corporate power purchase agreements, construction management and asset management. Skyborn is a portfolio company of New York based Global Infrastructure Partners (GIP), a leading infrastructure investor and part of Blackrock.

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