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Ascott Invests in AI-ready Infrastructure to Scale Agentic Commerce

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SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 23 April 2026 – The Ascott Limited (Ascott), the wholly owned lodging business unit of CapitaLand Investment (CLI), today announced a decisive push into AI-ready infrastructure to position itself at the forefront of agentic commerce, as intelligent agents increasingly take over how travellers plan and book their stays. Three strategic collaborations with Accenture, Amadeus and EHL Hospitality Business School will advance this AI-ready transformation across digital architecture, distribution and people capabilities. As one of the global hospitality companies frontrunning to invest in agentic AI, Ascott seeks to accumulate data, operating experience and process efficiencies that would compound over time.

Ascott is building the technology infrastructure and people capabilities to lead in agentic commerce. Pictured at the Ascott Global Conference 2026 panel "Man versus Machine: When AI Agents Become the First Audience, How Will Ascott Convince Software Before Humans?" are (from left) Tan Bee Leng, Chief Commercial Officer, Ascott; Emily Weiss, Senior Managing Director and Global Travel Industry Lead, Accenture; Kevin Goh, Chief Executive Officer, Ascott; Professor David Bardolet, Associate Dean, APAC and Professor of Strategy, EHL; and Paul Wilson, Vice President, Hospitality, Asia Pacific, Amadeus.
Ascott is building the technology infrastructure and people capabilities to lead in agentic commerce. Pictured at the Ascott Global Conference 2026 panel “Man versus Machine: When AI Agents Become the First Audience, How Will Ascott Convince Software Before Humans?” are (from left) Tan Bee Leng, Chief Commercial Officer, Ascott; Emily Weiss, Senior Managing Director and Global Travel Industry Lead, Accenture; Kevin Goh, Chief Executive Officer, Ascott; Professor David Bardolet, Associate Dean, APAC and Professor of Strategy, EHL; and Paul Wilson, Vice President, Hospitality, Asia Pacific, Amadeus.

Mr Kevin Goh, Chief Executive Officer, Ascott, said: “Distribution shifts, labour pressures and rising guest expectations are reshaping hospitality. While AI is already helping Ascott make meaningful strides across commercial and operational functions, the bigger opportunity lies in what comes next. Instead of waiting to see how agentic AI plays out in travel, we are building the infrastructure to shape how it does. With more than 1,000 properties across 14 brands in over 230 cities, the opportunity before us is significant. The work we are announcing today covers how our workflows are redesigned, how our inventory reaches guests and how our people are equipped to deliver. AI can power our operations, but only our people can exercise the judgement that turns a stay into a memory. That balance will guide how we continue to invest and operate.”

Ms Tan Bee Leng, Chief Commercial Officer, Ascott, said: “In an agent-led travel ecosystem, Ascott properties will have to be visible where the real decisions are made — inside algorithms. Brand and property information must become machine-readable and optimised for generative engines. That requires smarter recommendations, more precise inventory matching and loyalty experiences that recognise our Ascott Star Rewards members at every touchpoint, whether they are searching on their own or through an agent. Our work with Accenture and Amadeus is building exactly that foundation. But technology alone cannot deliver the heartfelt experiences that define an Ascott stay. Our collaboration with EHL is about keeping our people as the human advantage, bringing warmth and genuine care that no AI can fully replicate.”

Ascott’s move into agentic commerce is grounded in AI capabilities already delivering impact. Since the launch of Cubby in 2023, the digital concierge has supported more than 900,000 guest enquiries, autonomously handling most routine interactions and contributing to booking outcomes. Beyond guest engagement, Ascott has continually invested in AI-enabled capabilities across marketing, revenue management, loyalty and sales. The company has identified and even redesigned cross-functional workflows supported by AI — such as sales enablement and prospecting, pricing and discounting, lead-to-deal conversion, and marketing content creation.

Cubby, Ascott's AI-powered digital concierge, already assists guests with itinerary planning, destination discovery and property recommendations on DiscoverASR.com. With Ascott's new agentic foundation layer in place, Cubby is set to evolve from travel companion to personal travel agent, moving from conversation to orchestration by anticipating guest needs and acting on them before they have to ask.
Cubby, Ascott’s AI-powered digital concierge, already assists guests with itinerary planning, destination discovery and property recommendations on DiscoverASR.com. With Ascott’s new agentic foundation layer in place, Cubby is set to evolve from travel companion to personal travel agent, moving from conversation to orchestration by anticipating guest needs and acting on them before they have to ask.

Ascott has also been strengthening the content ecosystem that shapes how its properties are found and recommended by AI‑powered search and generative engines. By focusing on meaningful guest interactions that translate into positive reviews and digital advocacy, Ascott is improving the discoverability of its properties in an increasingly AI‑led travel environment. As it builds towards agentic commerce, Ascott is tracking clear outcomes, including stronger booking values, greater efficiency, faster time‑to‑market and improved AI visibility.

Preparing for Agent-Enabled Travel with Accenture
Ascott is working with Accenture, a leading solutions and services company that helps the world’s leading enterprises reinvent by building their digital core and unleashing the power of AI. Together, the companies will design the foundational architecture required for a next-generation AI-enabled travel ecosystem, with responsible AI practices and data privacy built in by design. This foundation layer will help create value at speed through enabling seamless communication across Ascott’s core systems, including its central reservation, property management, customer relationship management and loyalty platforms. Ascott will be pilot testing a range of next-generation capabilities, including model context protocol frameworks, large language model (LLM)-enabled applications and early-stage unified commerce concepts. The goal is to facilitate machine-mediated interactions which do not require workarounds as they become more prevalent.

The new tech infrastructure will prepare Ascott to deploy a standardised agentic layer across different guest interfaces, such as LLM chats, messaging apps and its own direct booking platforms. Accenture is contributing to the commerce and personalisation vision that sits atop this foundation – one where Cubby could evolve from travel companion to personal travel agent. Moving from conversation to orchestration, agentic Cubby could compare options, plan itineraries and complete bookings on behalf of guests. This would give rise to a new era of personalisation, where Cubby does not just respond to guests, but anticipates their needs and acts before they have to ask.

Ms Emily Weiss, Senior Managing Director and Global Travel Industry Lead, Accenture, said: “Agentic commerce represents the biggest shift in commerce in the last 20 years. In travel specifically, we see this shift taking place across the entire end to end journey; from inspiration and planning to booking and loyalty. Ascott recognised early on that brands who have systems that agents can trust enough to transact with, have the advantage. Therefore, a technology overlay is not sufficient – platforms needed to be re-architected while reimagining how brands present themselves to machines. With Ascott, we are collaborating to build that foundation, positioning Cubby to move from travel companion to booking agent.”

Redefining Hospitality Distribution with Amadeus
Most hotel reservations systems are built around fixed room types and rates. That works well for many portfolios but is less efficient for one as diverse as Ascott’s, where serviced residences, hotels, resorts and social living properties each offer a variety of accommodation options with different demand drivers, catering to all lengths of stay and purposes. With AI agents quickly becoming a key interface for travel discovery and planning, it is becoming imperative for reservations systems to be primed for AI agents to effectively evaluate accommodation options and suggest personalised stay experiences.

To address this, Ascott is implementing the Amadeus Central Reservations System (ACRS), developed by Amadeus, a global travel technology leader. Once deployed, with an API-first architecture, ACRS will enable Ascott to define and distribute inventory by both room categories and richer property attributes, giving guests and AI agents access to a complete picture of what each property offers. The result will be a distribution model that activates properties and promotions faster, propagates rate logic more consistently and reduces friction for owners bringing new offers to market. For guests and the AI agents acting on their behalf, it means being matched to stays based on what actually matters to them.

Mr Paul Wilson, Vice President, Asia Pacific, Hospitality, Amadeus, said: “Ascott operates one of the most diverse hospitality portfolios globally, with deep roots in Asia and growing scale across multiple regions. Attribute-based shopping is where distribution is heading, and Ascott understands that better than most. We are pleased to bring these modern retailing capabilities to our customers as we transform the hospitality industry in partnership with forward-thinking customers like Ascott.”

Keeping Talent and Brand at the Core with EHL
Along with robust, integrated data, an essential enabler for implementing AI is the workforce. Ascott is making sure its people, the talent and change-management capabilities to lead the transformation, are keeping pace. As the company expands across a broader range of property types – from serviced residences and limited-service properties to full-service hotels and resorts, building an AI-ready workforce requires a clear talent development strategy. The company’s primary objective of this strategy is to design smarter, more productive operations, prioritising high-value engagements rather than scattered initiatives, thereby freeing up its associates to focus more on guests.

Working through Ascott’s Global Brand Academy, EHL – a global leader in hospitality education – is developing training programmes to build internal certified trainers at Ascott, giving regional and property teams the skills, models and tools to uphold brand standards and service philosophy. The aim is to grow brand pride, preference and performance from within, so that a shared hospitality mindset holds across the portfolio. And because AI transformation is as much a cultural exercise as it is a technical one, Ascott hopes to equip its associates with the confidence and capabilities they will need to embrace AI. The rollout has started with the Ascott brand, and will be followed by Oakwood, Citadines and others.

Hashtag: #TheAscottLimited #Hospitality #Technology #TalentDevelopment #AI #HR





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

The Ascott Limited

The Ascott Limited (Ascott) is driven by a vision to be the preferred hospitality company, enriching global living with heartfelt experiences. With a portfolio of more than 1,000 properties spanning over 230 cities across more than 40 countries, Ascott’s presence spans Asia Pacific, Central Asia, Europe, the Middle East, Africa and the USA. Its diverse collection of award-winning brands includes , , , , , , , , , , , , and .

Ascott specialises in managing and franchising a wide range of lodging options, including serviced residences, hotels, resorts, social living properties and branded residences, catering to the varying needs and preferences of global travellers. Through the loyalty programme, members enjoy exclusive privileges and curated experiences, enhancing every aspect of their travel journey.

As a wholly owned business unit of , Ascott generates fee-related revenue by leveraging its expertise in both lodging management and investment management. It also drives the expansion of funds under management by growing its sponsored and private funds.

For more information on Ascott and its sustainability programme, please visit . Alternatively, connect with Ascott on , , and .

CapitaLand Investment Limited

Headquartered and listed in Singapore in 2021, (CLI) is a leading global real asset manager with a strong Asia foothold. As at 31 December 2025, CLI had S$125 billion of funds under management. CLI holds stakes in eight listed real estate investment trusts and business trusts and a suite of private real asset vehicles that invest in demographics, disruption and digitalisation-themed strategies. Its diversified real asset classes include retail, office, lodging, industrial, logistics, business parks, wellness, self-storage, data centres and credit.

CLI aims to scale its fund management, lodging management and commercial management businesses globally and maintain effective capital management. As the investment management arm of CapitaLand Group, CLI has access to the development capabilities of and pipeline investment opportunities from CapitaLand Group’s development arm.

CLI is committed to growing in a responsible manner, delivering long-term economic value and contributing to the environmental and social well-being of its communities.

SoftwareOne named a Customers’ Choice in Gartner® Peer Insights™ Voice of the Customer for Software Asset Management Managed Services

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Customers highlight SoftwareOne’s expertise and service quality in independent Gartner survey

Zurich, Switzerland – EQS Newswire – 23 April 2026 – SoftwareOne, a leading software and cloud solutions provider, announced today that it has been recognized as a Customers’ Choice in the Gartner® Peer Insights™ Voice of the Customer for Software Asset Management Managed Services, published March 31, 2026. This distinction is based on feedback from customers who have used SoftwareOne’s services.

“We are proud to see both SoftwareOne and Anglepoint1 recognized by our customers in Gartner Peer Insights,” said Raphael Erb, CO-CEO, SoftwareOne. “We feel this feedback underscores our commitment to delivering value and expertise across the full spectrum of software asset management services.”

According to the report, SoftwareOne has an overall rating of 4.7 out of 5, based on 53 reviews as of January 31, 2026, in the Software Asset Management Managed Services market on Gartner Peer Insights. Vendors recognized as a Customers’ Choice meet or exceed both the market average Overall Experience and the market average User Interest and Adoption score.

The Voice of the Customer is a document that applies a methodology to aggregated Gartner Peer Insights reviews in a market to provide an overall perspective for IT decision makers. The Voice of the Customer report includes vendors who have products listed in a particular market and have received 20 or more eligible reviews along with 15 or more ratings for the Capabilities and Support/Delivery sub-ratings over the 18-month analysis period.

Gartner Peer Insights reviews are submitted by customers who rate vendors based on their own experience purchasing, implementing, and using technology and services. The Voice of the Customer methodology applies consistent criteria to ensure fair representation of customer perspectives across the market.

For more information, including detailed ratings and customer feedback, visit our website.

Gartner disclaimer
Gartner, Voice of the Customer for Software Asset Management Managed Services, Peer Community Contributor, 31 March 2026.
Gartner, Peer Insights, and Customers’ Choice are trademarks of Gartner, Inc., and/or its affiliates.
Gartner Peer Insights content consists of the opinions of individual end users based on their own experiences, and should not be construed as statements of fact, nor do they represent the views of Gartner or its affiliates. Gartner does not endorse any vendor, product or service depicted in this content nor makes any warranties, expressed or implied, with respect to this content, about its accuracy or completeness, including any warranties of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose.
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1Anglepoint is an independent company, majority-owned by SoftwareOneHashtag: #SoftwareOne

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

ABOUT SOFTWAREONE

SoftwareOne is a global software and cloud solutions provider and distributor. With a presence in over 70 countries and a team of about 13,000 professionals, we combine global scale and local expertise to help partners and customers optimize costs, source and procure, accelerate growth, and navigate complex IT environments with confidence. Leveraging deep capabilities in cloud, software, and data and AI, the company empowers organizations to modernize, innovate, and unlock the full value of their technology investments. Headquartered in Switzerland, SoftwareOne is listed on the SIX Swiss Exchange and Euronext Oslo Børs under the ticker symbol SWON.

SoftwareOne Holding AG, Riedenmatt 4, CH-6370 Stans

Stable economy and digital transformation power Hong Kong SMEs to decade high performance, CPA Australia survey

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HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 23 April 2026 – Hong Kong’s small businesses delivered their strongest performance in a decade in 2025, while confidence in the year ahead has climbed to a record high, according to CPA Australia’s latest Asia‑Pacific Small Business Survey 2025–26.

Stable economy and digital transformation power Hong Kong SMEs to decade high performance, CPA Australia survey

The survey shows that 68 per cent of Hong Kong SMEs recorded growth in 2025, up from 65 per cent in 2024 and marking the highest result on record. This positive momentum is expected to continue this year, with 71 per cent of SMEs expecting their businesses to grow and 76 per cent anticipating growth in the local economy — both at record highs. Customer loyalty and a strong workforce were identified as key drivers behind SMEs’ solid performance last year.

Mr Cliff Ip, Councillor of CPA Australia’s Greater China Divisional Council, said Hong Kong’s improving business environment played a critical role in supporting SME growth. “Hong Kong’s business confidence and economic growth strengthened last year, supported by robust capital markets, a recovery in tourism and consumption, and signs of stabilisation in the property market,” said Mr Ip. “Against this stable and supportive backdrop, small businesses not only benefited from increased business activity, but were also able to expand in a healthy and sustainable manner.”

Looking ahead, Mr Ip noted that while global geopolitical tensions and external uncertainties pose rising challenges, Hong Kong’s underlying strengths remain a key advantage for SMEs. “Rising geopolitical risks are likely to create headwinds for many sectors such as trade and logistics through higher fuel costs and supply chain disruptions. However, I remain confident about Hong Kong’s overall business outlook this year,” he said. “As many regions become more unpredictable or less secure, Hong Kong’s stable and consistent business environment, together with supportive policy settings including the city’s low and simple tax regime stand out as important advantages in attracting international companies and investors.”

Mr Ip added that these developments also present new opportunities for local SMEs, particularly as increased international interest creates scope to build partnerships, expand networks and tap into new markets. “This environment also creates favourable conditions for younger entrepreneurs to explore emerging markets and pursue new business opportunities,” he said.

Improved business performance has strengthened the solvency of many local SMEs. The share of businesses reporting difficulty paying debts fell sharply from 22 per cent in 2024 to just 3 per cent in 2025, while only 4 per cent expect to face difficulties this year, down markedly from 26 per cent previously. As a result, Hong Kong small businesses are now the least likely among the surveyed businesses to report solvency concerns.

Mr Ip said, “The solvency of many SMEs has notably improved, driven by stronger cash flow from improved business growth, a robust capital market and a recovering property market over the past year. This healthier cashflow has both supported easier access to external finance and reduced the need for such finance.”

Hong Kong SMEs have also strengthened their capability to invest in technology that delivers rapid improvements in profitability. In 2025, 64 per cent of SMEs reported that their technology investment in that year helped improve profitability, up from 59 per cent in 2024. Two in five Hong Kong SMEs invested in artificial intelligence (AI) last year, making it the leading technology investment among local SMEs, followed by customer relationship management (CRM) software.

At the same time, cyber protection has improved, with the share of Hong Kong businesses reporting losses from cyber incidents falling sharply from 72 per cent in 2024 to 43 per cent in 2025. However, as digitalisation accelerates, cyber risks remain elevated, with nearly three in five SMEs expecting to face cyber threats this year, above the survey average 42 per cent.

Mr Davy Leung, Deputy Chairperson of CPA Australia’s SME and Entrepreneurship Committee of Greater China, said the growing maturity and availability of AI tools is helping SMEs enhance productivity, reduce operating costs and improve customer experience.

(Left) Mr Davy Leung, Deputy Chairperson of SME and Entrepreneurship Committee 2026 from CPA Australia (Right) Mr Cliff Ip Greater China Divisional Councillor 2025 from CPA Australia
(Left) Mr Davy Leung, Deputy Chairperson of SME and Entrepreneurship Committee 2026 from CPA Australia (Right) Mr Cliff Ip Greater China Divisional Councillor 2025 from CPA Australia

“However, rising digital fraud, wider AI adoption and SMEs’ increasing reliance on digital banking have prompted the Hong Kong Government to significantly strengthen banking security and cybersecurity resilience over the past year. This includes the rollout of low-cost and practical initiatives such as the Cybersec One Programme and the continued implementation of the ‘9+5’ SME support measures. The decline of cyberattack-related losses reported in the survey in part reflects the effectiveness of these measures.

“As cybersecurity threats and digital fraud risks continue to escalate, SMEs should make better use of these available resources, including free website risk assessments and vulnerability identification services, to strengthen their defence capabilities and safeguard business operations.”

Mr Leung also suggested that the Government consider revamping the Technology Voucher Programme to support broader digitalisation efforts, including the adoption of both AI and non-AI technologies. He added that enhanced training support would help SMEs identify and implement modern tools to drive innovation, improve efficiency and strengthen long-term competitiveness.

Rising costs remain a key challenge for Hong Kong SMEs in 2025, with 29 per cent reporting it having a negative impact on their business. However, this was the second‑lowest level among all surveyed markets, underscoring Hong Kong’s relatively low inflationary environment last year. Notably, the share of SMEs citing staff costs as a negative factor rose from 35 per cent to 42 per cent, making it the most significant cost pressure for Hong Kong businesses in 2025. This increase may help explain why the proportion of SMEs hiring additional staff declined from 42 per cent to 38 per cent last year.

Mr Leung said, “Increasing costs remain a significant barrier for many SMEs across Asia‑Pacific region, but Hong Kong’s relatively low inflation has helped cushion the impact on local small businesses,” Mr Leung said.

Mr Leung added that while headcount growth has moderated, overall staff costs have continued to rise as businesses invest in higher‑value talent. “Greater digitalisation and automation have helped ease labour constraints in Hong Kong. When SMEs do add staff, they are increasingly recruiting employees with digital and AI capabilities, or creating new roles to support business transformation. These positions typically command higher salaries, which has contributed to higher overall staff costs despite slower hiring growth.”

The annual survey collected the views of 4,166 small businesses across 11 Asia-Pacific markets, including Singapore, the Chinese Mainland, and Australia, with 305 respondents from Hong Kong.
Hashtag: #CPAAustralia

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

About CPA Australia

CPA Australia is Australia’s leading professional accounting body and one of the largest in the world. We have more than 176,000 members in over 100 countries and regions. Our core services include education, training, technical support and advocacy. CPA Australia provides thought leadership on local, national and international issues affecting the accounting profession and public interest. We engage with governments, regulators and industries to advocate policies that stimulate sustainable economic growth and have positive business and public outcomes. A CPA is a Certified Practising Accountant. More at

NineSmart Smart Property Makes Appearance at HKBN Enterprise Solutions Event

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Advertorial Desk
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Driving Intelligent Transformation of Property Management with AIoT


HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 23 April 2026 – NineSmart attended the “AI-Powered Property Operations: From Strategy to Execution” conference hosted by HKBN Enterprise Solutions on 17 April, where it exchanged insights with industry peers from property management and technology sectors on how AI and IoT can help transform property operations from traditional models into a truly intelligent one. The event focused on smart property management, security operations, tenant experience and system integration, and featured keynote sharing and live demonstrations showcasing how AIoT is driving property management from “passive monitoring” to “active detection” and “predictive management.”

(Middle Left) Sing Wong, Business Director and (Middle Right) Lucas Mo, Co-founder of NineSmart at the HKBN Enterprise Solutions Event
(Middle Left) Sing Wong, Business Director and (Middle Right) Lucas Mo, Co-founder of NineSmart at the HKBN Enterprise Solutions Event

Presentation: A People-Centred Approach to Intelligent Transformation

During the session, Sing Wong, Director of Business Development at NineSmart, noted that true intelligence should go beyond device automation and address the practical needs of residents, frontline property staff, and management or owners alike. In traditional property management, access control, lifts, sensors and clubhouse facilities are often managed separately. Even with automation systems in place, these systems may still fail to connect with one another, resulting in more back-end systems for frontline teams to monitor.

Wong said, “The real shift in intelligent management lies in data flow and system connectivity. When data from different devices is brought into a single platform, management teams can better anticipate and address potential issues early, freeing frontline staff from repetitive tasks so they can focus on higher-value service work.”

Showcase: Smart Property Management Solution

In addition to the presentation, NineSmart also showcased its Smart Property solution and one of its functional modules, Smart Access, demonstrating how a unified platform can connect different devices to help the industry improve operational efficiency and service experience. Through an integrated IoT platform, access control is no longer just a standalone function, but one that can be connected with other operational workflows, notification mechanisms and data analytics, enhancing overall efficiency and security.

Driving Smart Transformation and Automation Toward Unmanned Operations

As AIoT technology continues to mature, property operations are moving away from manual patrols and reactive follow-up to predictive and automated management. More repetitive tasks will be handled automatically by systems, allowing frontline teams to focus on higher-value work and helping property operations move toward a sustainable unmanned operating model.

Lucas Mo, Co-founder of NineSmart, said, “The future of property management is not just automation, but a true intelligent transformation driven by data and AIoT, enabling residents, frontline teams and management to collaborate efficiently on one platform. This allows property teams to better understand usage patterns and service needs, make more forward-looking decisions, and enhance both operational efficiency and long-term asset value.”

Positive Feedback from Attendees and Industry Representatives

Visitors and industry representatives said NineSmart’s showcase clearly demonstrated the practical implementation of smart property management, particularly in access control, system integration and operational automation, with clear use cases and tangible value. Some attendees also noted that the showcase successfully combined the ideas of “automation” and “people-centric design,” advancing smart transformation from a simple hardware upgrade to a shift in operational thinking. This closely aligned with the event theme of moving from strategy to execution, helping to advance property operations toward a higher level of intelligent transformation.

Hashtag: #HKBNEnterpriseSolutions #NineSmart #SmartProperty #IoT #SmartAccess



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

About NineSmart

NineSmart is a leader in property technology, specialising in IoT and AI-driven solutions that transform property management. We are dedicated to developing and deploying innovative solutions for smart building automation and digital transformation to comprehensively optimize management efficiency. As a Cyberport incubatee, NineSmart is dedicated to creating innovative, sustainable, and user-centric smart living experiences. Visit to learn more.

PETRONAS Lubricants International Launches Flagship PETRONAS Pro Series to Elevate Global Industrial Performance

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Advertorial Desk
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New streamlined flagship range simplifies product selection for businesses without altering trusted, high-performance formulas


KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA – Media OutReach Newswire – 23 April 2026 – PETRONAS Lubricants International (PLI) announced the launch of the PETRONAS Pro Series, its new flagship range of industrial lubricants, during a trade engagement session in Kuala Lumpur. The launch marks a significant milestone in the company’s commitment to advancing industrial efficiency and supporting the professionals who keep the world’s essential industries moving.

From L-R: Ravi Tallamraju, Group Chief Technology Officer, PETRONAS Lubricants International (PLI); Noorhana Habib, Regional Managing Director (Asia), PLI; Khalil Muri, Managing Director & Group CEO, PLI; Mohd Zameer Zahur Hussain, Chief Executive Officer, PETRONAS Lubricant Marketing (Malaysia); Udaya Kumar, Group Industrial Managing Director, PLI
From L-R: Ravi Tallamraju, Group Chief Technology Officer, PETRONAS Lubricants International (PLI); Noorhana Habib, Regional Managing Director (Asia), PLI; Khalil Muri, Managing Director & Group CEO, PLI; Mohd Zameer Zahur Hussain, Chief Executive Officer, PETRONAS Lubricant Marketing (Malaysia); Udaya Kumar, Group Industrial Managing Director, PLI

The new PETRONAS Pro Series now offers a comprehensive set of application-based solutions organised into application categories, with the first four unveiled as part of this initial launch. The PETRONAS Pro Series is designed to empower customers to select the right fluid with total confidence, ensuring maximum uptime and equipment longevity through the following products:

  • PETRONAS ProKomp (Compressors): High-stability oils engineered to maintain peak performance and thermal resistance in industrial air compressors
  • PETRONAS ProGris (Greases): Heavy-duty greases designed to withstand extreme pressures and temperatures in the most demanding environments
  • PETRONAS ProGear (Transmission Lubricants): Advanced lubricants providing superior protection and smooth power transfer for industrial gearboxes
  • PETRONAS ProHyd (Hydraulic Fluids): Premium fluids optimised for high-pressure hydraulic systems to reduce wear and maintain precision

“With the PETRONAS Pro Series, we reaffirm our commitment to the professionals who power industries, and to an industrial future that is more efficient, more reliable, and more sustainable,” said Udaya Kumar, Group Industrial Managing Director of PETRONAS Lubricants International, at the launch. He added, “By streamlining our offerings, we are making it easier for our partners to access the world-class technology they trust, allowing them to focus on driving their operations forward.”

The PETRONAS Pro Series strengthens PLI’s broader lubricants portfolio, which serves mobility, industry, and future energy systems through its core brands: PETRONAS Syntium, PETRONAS Sprinta, PETRONAS Urania, PETRONAS Iona, PETRONAS Arbor, PETRONAS Tutela, and now PETRONAS Pro.

Every product within the range is powered by PETRONAS Fluid Technology Solutions™, a proprietary technology platform developed through decades of global R&D and motorsports expertise. This ensures that the same innovation driving performance on the world’s toughest racetracks is adapted to meet the rigorous demands of real-world industrial applications.

As part of its phased global rollout, the PETRONAS Pro Series is now available in India and Brazil, enabling business partners to begin introducing the enhanced range to their customers.
Hashtag: #PETRONASLubricantsInternational #PLI #PETRONASPro #industrial #lubricants #technology

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

PETRONAS Lubricants International

PETRONAS Lubricants International (PLI) is the global lubricants manufacturing and marketing arm of PETRONAS, Malaysia’s dynamic global energy group. Established in 2008, PLI manufactures and markets a full range of high-quality automotive and industrial lubricant products in over 100 markets internationally. Headquartered in Kuala Lumpur, PLI also has offices around the world including Turin, Belo Horizonte, Beijing, and Chicago. PLI is the technical resource behind PETRONAS’ partnership with the Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS Formula One Team, responsible for the design, development and delivery of the Fluid Technology Solutions™, which includes customised lubricants, fuels and transmission fluids to power the Silver Arrows.

We are a progressive energy and solutions partner, enriching lives for a sustainable future. Our commitment remains to conduct and grow our business in ways that contribute positively to society and the environment.

PLI is driving an aggressive business growth agenda as one of the leading global lubricants companies at the forefront of the industry, providing custom-made solutions for every need. For more information, please visit.

Laos-China 500 kV Power Transmission Line Now Operational

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Namfon Chanthavong
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Transmission poles in Laos (photo: Electricite Du Laos)

Laos and China have put their new 500 kV cross-border power transmission line into operation.

It went live on 20 April, following test runs after engineers first connected it on 5 February.

The line runs 177.5 kilometres, connecting the Nam Mo 3 substation in Oudomxay Province to the Xishuangbanna substation in Yunnan Province. The Lao section covers 32.5 kilometres and was built by the Electricite du Laos Transmission Company, a joint venture between state utility EDL and China Southern Power Grid. Construction began in February 2025.

Capable of carrying up to 1.5 million kilowatts of electricity, the line will deliver around 3 billion kilowatt-hours of clean power each year, roughly 30 times more than the previous link.

Authorities estimate it will cut carbon emissions by around 2.5 million tonnes annually.

Environmental protection was a priority throughout construction, earlier reports from state media confirmed. Engineers optimised the route to avoid sensitive areas and used forest co-planting techniques to reduce deforestation by more than 80 percent, while expanded safety zones along the line offer added protection to nearby communities.

Officials from both sides said the line will strengthen energy security, improve electricity reliability, and support long-term economic growth in northern Laos.

They also see it as a foundation for deeper clean energy cooperation across the Lancang-Mekong region.

Energy Production in Laos

The 500kV line does not stand alone.

In December 2025, authorities inaugurated a 1,000-megawatt solar power project in Oudomxay Province, with Phase I projected to generate 1.7 billion kilowatt-hours annually. The new transmission line will carry that solar power directly to Yunnan Province, making the two projects closely linked.

In March this year, the Lao government signed a deal to build a large clean energy and aluminium industrial zone, also in Oudomxay, covering 6,279 hectares.

China’s Guangxi Investment Group will lead investment in a green aluminium production base capable of producing up to half a million tonnes per year, drawing on up to 2,000 megawatts of clean energy. Officials say the project could reposition Laos from a resource-exporting country into a regional hub for green industrial manufacturing.

On the domestic grid side, EDL is also fast-tracking 12 large-scale solar farms with a combined capacity of 830 megawatts to strengthen domestic supply, alongside accelerating the Nam Ngum 3 hydropower project for completion by 2027.

Mozambique President Visits Zoomlion Smart Industrial City During China State Visit

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CHANGSHA, China, April 23, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Mozambique’s President Daniel Francisco Chapo toured the manufacturing facilities of Chinese heavy equipment maker Zoomlion on April 16, marking the first day of a weeklong state visit to China as the African nation seeks to accelerate its infrastructure and agricultural development.

Chapo, on his first trip to China since taking office in 2025, was received at Zoomlion’s Smart Industrial City in Changsha by Chairman and CEO Zhan Chunxin, where he observed automated excavator assembly lines and a range of farm equipment including electric tractors, hybrid and fully electric combine harvesters, and rice transplanters.

The company also staged live demonstrations to showcase the precision of its intelligent systems, featuring an excavator stacking cups and a skid-steer loader performing a choreographed routine.

Chapo said Mozambique had found in Zoomlion the kind of solutions its construction and infrastructure drive demands, noting that the country is engaged in large-scale development spanning roads, bridges, buildings and broader infrastructure.

Agriculture accounts for roughly a quarter of the country’s GDP and employs the majority of its working population, making mechanization a persistent priority for economic development.

The country’s Ministry of Agriculture held a separate meeting with Zoomlion two days later to discuss its agricultural machinery requirements.

Mozambique is at a stage of development that aligns closely with Zoomlion’s long-term strengths in construction and agricultural equipment. With experience built over years of product development, manufacturing and international market expansion, the company is well positioned to support a wide range of infrastructure and mechanization needs.

Zoomlion, listed in Hong Kong, reported international revenue of 30.5 billion yuan ($4.4 billion) in 2025, roughly 59% of total sales, compounding at 52% annually over the past four years. Earthmoving machinery revenue rose approximately 45% year on year.

The Changsha facility produces more than 100 excavator models on shared assembly lines, turning out one excavator every six minutes on average, with a full manufacturing cycle from raw steel to finished product of 6.5 days.

The visit reflects growing international interest in equipment manufacturers capable of serving diverse construction and agricultural needs, as infrastructure investment continues to expand across emerging markets.

2026 ASCO | Mabwell to Present Latest Clinical Data on 9MW2821 Combined with Toripalimab for Urothelial Carcinoma in Oral and Poster Presentations

By
Advertorial Desk
-

SHANGHAI, April 23, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Mabwell (688062.SH), an innovation-driven biopharmaceutical company with a fully integrated industry chain, announced that two latest clinical study results of its Nectin-4-targeting ADC 9MW2821 in combination with toripalimab for urothelial carcinoma will be presented at the 2026 American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) Annual Meeting in Chicago, USA from May 29 to June 2, 2026 (local time), as an oral presentation and a poster presentation, respectively.

Oral Presentation

Title: Bulumtatug fuvedotin (BFv; 9MW2821) plus toripalimab in patients with locally advanced or metastatic urothelial carcinoma (la/mUC): Follow-up results from a phase 1b/2 study.

Abstract Number for Publication: 4518

Presenter: Prof. Sheng Xinan, Chief Physician, doctoral supervisor, Dept. of Urologic Oncology (Beijing Cancer Hospital)

Session Date and Time: 6/1/2026 8:00AM-9:30AM CDT

Poster Presentation

Title: Bulumtatug fuvedotin (BFv; 9MW2821) plus toripalimab in perioperative patients with muscle-invasive bladder cancer (MIBC): Results of cohort A from a phase 2 study.

Abstract Number for Publication: 4609

Principal Investigator: Prof. Liu Zhuowei, Chief Physician, Dept. of Urology (Sun Yat-sem University Cancer Center)

Session Date and Time: 5/31/2026 9:00AM-12:00PM CDT

About Mabwell

Mabwell (688062.SH) is an innovation-driven biopharmaceutical company with capabilities spanning the entire pharmaceutical value chain. The company is committed to providing more effective and accessible therapies to meet global medical needs, with a focus on oncology and aging-related diseases. Mabwell’s mission is “Explore Life, Benefit Health” and its vision is “Innovation, from Ideas to Reality.” For more information, please visit www.mabwell.com/en. 

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements including, but not limited to, the potential safety, efficacy, regulatory review or approval and commercial success of our product candidates and those relating to the Company’s product development, clinical studies, clinical and regulatory milestones and timelines, market opportunity, competitive position, possible or assumed future results of operations, business strategies, potential growth opportunities and other statements that are predictive in nature. “Forward-looking statements” are statements that are not historical facts and involve a number of risks and uncertainties, which may cause actual results to be materially different from any future results expressed or implied in the forward-looking statements. These statements may be identified by the use of forward-looking expressions, including, but not limited to, “expect,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “plan,” “believe,” “estimate,” “potential,” “predict,” “project,” “should,” “would,” and similar expressions and the negatives of those terms.

Forward-looking statements are based on the Company’s current expectations and assumptions. Forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks, uncertainties, and other factors, many of which are beyond the Company’s control, including, but not limited to: environment; politic; economy; society; legislation; our dependence on our product candidates, most of which are still in preclinical or various stages of clinical development; our reliance on third-party vendors, such as contract research organizations and contract manufacturing organizations; the uncertainties inherent in clinical testing; our ability to complete required clinical trials for our product candidates and obtain approval from regulatory authorities for our product candidates; our ability to protect our intellectual property; the loss of any executive officers or key personnel. In case one or more of these risks or uncertainties deteriorate, or any assumptions are incorrect, the actual results may be seriously inconsistent with the stated results.

The Company cautions all the persons not to place undue reliance on any such forward-looking statements, which speaks only as of the date of this press release. The Company disclaims any obligation, except as specifically required by law and the rules of the applicable Stock authority to publicly update or revise any such statements to reflect any change in expectations or in events, conditions, or circumstances on which any such statements may be based, or that may affect the likelihood that actual results will differ from those set forth in the forward-looking statements. All forward-looking descriptions, figures and assumptions in this press release are applicable to this statement.

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