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AilsynBio and Dong-E-E-Jiao Sign Project Cooperation Agreement Empowering Traditional Medicine with AI to Open a New Chapter in the Health Industry


HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 10 April 2026 – AilsynBio, an AI-driven drug discovery company, held an Innovative Project Cooperation Agreement Signing Ceremony today at the Hong Kong Science Park, announcing a project cooperation agreement with Dong-E-E-Jiao Co., Ltd. (000423.SZ). This partnership marks a profound cross-sector integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and traditional medicine, aiming to empower biopharmaceutical innovation through technological means.

The ceremony brought together influential leaders and experts from industry, academia, and research sectors, including senior representatives from China Resources Pharmaceutical Group, Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation (HKSTP), and The University of Hong Kong (HKU), to witness this significant milestone.

Dr. Bo Chen, Chief Scientific Officer of China Resources Pharmaceutical, noted:

“This collaboration with Dong-E-E-Jiao and AilsynBio is a key initiative for China Resources Pharmaceutical in advancing the modernization of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). It represents a deep integration of industry, academia, and research in the field of ‘AI + TCM’ between Mainland China and Hong Kong. We look forward to leveraging scientific research and industrial resources from both regions to overcome the challenges of TCM’s mechanisms of action and to pave an innovative path for TCM to evolve from empirical medicine to evidence-based medicine.”

Mr. Liang Zheng, Vice President of Dong-E-E-Jiao, stated:

“As a core strategic product for Dong-E-E-Jiao, deepening the scientific value of Compound E-Jiao Syrup is crucial for our brand upgrade. This cooperation will strengthen the scientific foundation of our products in the field of women’s health, helping Dong-E-E-Jiao accelerate into a new stage of ‘reshaping TCM wisdom through technological innovation.'”

Mr. Pierre Wang, Managing Director of HKU Versitech Limited, stated:

“HKU Versitech is honored to witness this project cooperation between HKU spin-off AilsynBio Ltd. and China Resources Pharmaceutical subsidiary Dong-E E-Jiao, a partnership that exemplifies the successful translation of Hong Kong’s top-tier academic research into high-impact industrial applications. This cooperation will continue to serve as a vital catalyst for the company’s rapid international growth and its mission to scale cutting-edge biotechnology globally.”

Looking ahead, the two parties will focus on three key collaborative directions:

  1. Advancing AI-driven innovation: Leveraging AilsynBio’s AI drug discovery platform to accelerate biopharmaceutical R&D processes.
  2. Launching specialized research: Engaging in in-depth cooperation on the “Premature Ovarian Insufficiency (POI)” research project.
  3. Promoting cross-border fusion: Exploring the integration of biotechnology, AI, and traditional medicine to jointly create a new paradigm for the health industry.

During the ceremony, AilsynBio and Dong-E-E-Jiao signed the agreement on behalf of their respective organizations. The signing was witnessed by Dr. Bo Chen, Chief Scientist of China Resources Pharmaceutical; Mr. Eric Or, Chief Ecosystem Development Officer of HKSTP; and Mr. Pierre Wang, Managing Director of HKU Versitech.

AilsynBio stated that this cooperation is not only a combination of cutting-edge technology and traditional medicine, but also a strategic layout for future healthcare innovation. By leveraging AI technology, the partnership aims to inject technological vitality into traditional medicine for the benefit of more patients.

Hashtag: #AilsynBio #昂心生物

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

About China Resources Pharmaceutical

China Resources Pharmaceutical Group Limited (Stock code: 03320.HK) stands as a premier, integrated pharmaceutical enterprise in China. Our comprehensive operations span the entire value chain, from R&D and manufacturing to distribution and retail. We host a robust portfolio of listed subsidiaries and maintain advanced innovation platforms dedicated to both chemical and biological pharmaceuticals. Our diverse products including chemical drugs, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), biologics, health supplements, and medical devices, addressing a vast spectrum of therapeutic areas. We are the proud custodian of iconic brands such as “999”, “Dong-E-E-Jiao”, and “Jiangzhong”. Guided by our mission to “Safeguard Human Health and Enhance Quality of Life,” we are dedicated to evolving into a trusted, innovation-driven leader in pharmaceutical and healthcare sector.

About Dong-E E-Jiao

Dong-E E-Jiao Co., Ltd. (000423.SZ) is an enterprise engaged in the production and operation of E-Jiao and related products. As a subsidiary of state-owned China Resources Group, it is primarily involved in the R&D, production, and sales of E-Jiao and related Chinese patent medicines, health foods, and food products. The company, formerly known as Shandong Dong-E E-Jiao Factory, was established in 1952, listed on the Shenzhen Stock Exchange in 1996, and joined China Resources Group in 2005. The company houses the National Gelatin Traditional Chinese Medicine Engineering Technology Research Center and a postdoctoral research workstation. It is recognized as a National High-Tech Enterprise, a National Innovative Enterprise, a National Intangible Cultural Heritage Heritage Enterprise, and a National Traditional Chinese Medicine Culture Publicity and Education Base. Its products are sold not only in the domestic market but also in over 10 countries and regions, including Southeast Asia, Europe, and the Americas.

About AilsynBio

AilsynBio is an AI-native biotechnology company dedicated to the rational design of differentiated therapeutics. By combining artificial intelligence, physics-based modeling, and deep medicinal chemistry expertise, the company delivers end-to-end drug discovery solutions spanning novel target identification, mechanism-of-action elucidation, and lead design and optimization. Validated through collaborations with multiple top-tier pharmaceutical companies, AilsynBio’s technology offers industry-leading predictive accuracy and enables the delivery of IND-ready candidate molecules with greater efficiency, higher success rates, and a fraction of the time and cost required by conventional approaches.

No More Fuel Anxiety! AION UT Debuts in Australia, Setting a New Benchmark for Urban Electric Vehicles

MELBOURNE, Australia, April 10, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — On April 10, the highly anticipated 2026 Melbourne Motor Show grandly kicked off. GAC made a strong appearance with four vehicle models across its product lines — GAC, AION, — highlighting its leading strength in new energy and intelligent technologies, while reinforcing its image of “Tech-Driven GAC, Advancing Global Reach with a Full-Chain Ecosystem”. At the show, GAC officially announced the launch of its global strategic model, the AION UT, in Australia. This marks not only a milestone in GAC’s “One GAC 2.0” global strategy but also a solid step forward in the company’s deep cultivation of the Australian market and its ongoing commitment to the Local Strategy — “GAC: Growing Australian Confidence.”


As a leading enterprise in China’s new energy vehicle industry, GAC adheres to the core philosophy of “Tech-Driven GAC, Advancing Global Reach with a Full-Chain Ecosystem”. Upholding the principle of ‘In Australia, for Australia, integrating into Australia, serving Australia, and contributing to Australia’, GAC is committed to deeply cultivating the Australian market by actively advancing efforts across multiple areas including products, channels, services, energy ecosystems, and mobility systems.

Designed as a strategic model for global urban youth, the AION UT stands out with its distinctive ‘Eyebrow-Style Headlight’ stylish design and class-leading spaciousness. It perfectly blends trendy looks with the comfort space comparable to mid-to-high-end vehicles. Equipped with an advanced smart cockpit, the AION UT offers leading smart interactions, exceptional range and fast-charging performance, all backed by stringent global manufacturing standards. It directly answers the core expectations of Australian users looking for new energy mobility during a time of soaring fuel prices, making it a high-quality, fashionable choice for a green and smart lifestyle.

As one of the few Chinese automakers with mature capability in developing right-hand drive (RHD) vehicles, GAC presented four standout models at the Melbourne Motor Show, including the GAC EMZOOM, GAC M8 PHEV, AION V, and the newly launched AION UT. The display covers a variety of powertrains such as pure electric, plug-in hybrid electric and internal combustion engine vehicles. These models highlighted GAC’s accumulated technical expertise and innovative strengths in electrification and intelligent technologies, delivering new experiences of green mobility for Australian customers.

 

Thousands of Lao Workers Return Home via Mukdahan Border as Pi Mai Lao Travel Peaks

A picture of Lao immigrants gathering, coming from Bangkok and east of Thailand to Mukdahan border, preparing to cross border back to celebrate Pi Mai Lao in Laos. (Photo by ทรงสิทธิ์ (ลุงเตชิน) สาระกิจ)

Thousands of Lao workers are crossing the Mukdahan border checkpoint each day as they return home for Pi Mai Lao, according to Thai media.

The surge is taking place at the Second Thai–Lao Friendship Bridge, which links Mukdahan Province in Thailand with Savannakhet in Laos. Since early morning, large crowds have lined up at immigration after traveling overnight by bus from Bangkok and eastern Thailand.

Authorities estimate that around 5,000 people are crossing daily. 

In response, officials have opened all inspection counters and deployed additional staff to speed up passport checks and reduce waiting times.

With rising temperatures and heavy crowds, tents and seating areas have been set up, and free drinking water is being provided to help travelers cope with the heat.

Officials say the aim is to ensure smooth and efficient crossings while maintaining security, allowing workers to return home in time to celebrate Pi Mai Lao with their families.

The annual return of Lao workers reflects strong cross-border movement between Thailand and Laos, particularly during major holidays when travel demand peaks.

Resilience and Potential Opportunity in a Higher‑Volatility World, Citi Wealth The Short and Long: Macro Investments View Report Q2 2026

Highlights

  • Citi Wealth’s latest The Short and Long: Q2 2026 Macro Investment View states global shocks to markets are driving higher volatility and rapid risk repricing, while the U.S. economy remains relatively resilient.
  • Citi Wealth’s 2Q26 view favors quality and resilience, including U.S. large‑cap equities, short‑duration high‑quality fixed income, with a strategic allocation to gold, which remains an attract mix for ballast and potential income in portfolios.
  • Structural themes such as AI, energy security, and supply chain realignment continue to create potential long‑term opportunities amid persistent inflation and tighter monetary policy.

NEW YORK, April 10, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Citi Wealth has released The Short and Long: Q2 2026 Macro Investment View, its quarterly report designed to offer global, data-driven guidance to help investors navigate increasingly complex markets with confidence and clarity.

“The first quarter saw markets digest simultaneous shocks, which increased volatility and led investors to quickly reprice risk. While the U.S. economy remains resilient, elevated inflation risks and tighter policy expectations reinforce our preference for portfolio quality. We continue to believe investors should remain anchored to fundamentals—favoring U.S. equities, staying underweight duration, and taking equity risk rather than credit risk given tight spreads. Gold remains a key portfolio diversifier and ballast, and we see durable opportunities in structural themes like the energy transition and the AI ecosystem, which are being accelerated by global events,” said Kate Moore, Chief Investment Officer, Citi Wealth.

Markets entered 2026 facing multiple shocks at once. AI disruption, geopolitical conflict, and shifting policy expectations have increased volatility and driven the need for investors to re-evaluate risk levels.

While these forces unsettled markets and investors, they also reinforced the importance of focusing on resilience, quality, and diversification in portfolios.

Despite a challenging start to the year, equity markets experiencing meaningful swings, the roughly 9% peak‑to‑trough drawdown in the S&P 500 during 1Q26 remained within historical norms, reinforcing the importance of long-term portfolio resilience rather than reactive positioning.

The report outlines how current forces are shifting our perspective across asset classes and Citi Wealth has outlined five core convictions represent our highest confidence views on the macro backdrop, potential market opportunities, and risks in 2Q 2026:

  1. Remaining anchored to fundamentals during volatility: We believe U.S. equities remain a favored core equity exposure for portfolios due to durable fundamental underpinnings.
  2. Staying underweight duration amid inflationary and fiscal concerns: Front-end bond exposure appears to offer attractive income with less of the price risk of longer-term bonds if rates rise further.
  3. Taking equity risk rather than credit risk: With global spreads still tight, we do not think investors are being paid enough to take excessive credit risk as the conflict may impact growth in various regions.
  4. Gold remains an important piece of portfolio construction: As global entities diversify global reserve balances, gold has the potential for continued benefit.
  5. Structural investment themes are becoming more actionable: The conflict in the Middle East is exacerbating slow-moving forces around supply chain realignment, the energy transition, and fiscal policy – leading to potentially durable opportunities.

ENDS

About Citi

Citi is a preeminent banking partner for institutions with cross-border needs, a global leader in wealth management and a valued personal bank in its home market of the United States. Citi does business in more than 180 countries and jurisdictions, providing corporations, governments, investors, institutions and individuals with a broad range of financial products and services. 

Additional information may be found at www.citigroup.com | X: @Citi | LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/citi | YouTube: www.youtube.com/citi | Facebook: www.facebook.com/citi

Supporting ASEAN’s creative economy through UK partnership and research


SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 10 April 2026 – The success and impact of the ASEAN–UK Advancing Creative Economy programme was on show at the recent 2nd ASEAN–UK Creative Economy Symposium 2026 in Manila. The Symposium showcased how research, capacity building, and regional collaboration are shaping the future of the creative economy across Southeast Asia, further advancing the goals of the ASEAN Creative Economy Sustainability Framework, adopted at the 46th ASEAN Summit. The Symposium also celebrated the 5th anniversary of the ASEAN–UK Dialogue Partnership, focused on deepening cooperation and connection.

The Department of Trade and Industry of the Philippines, together with the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, the British Council and the ASEAN Secretariat, convened over 270 leaders, policymakers, creatives, and investors from ASEAN and the United Kingdom in Manila for the ASEAN–UK Creative Economy Symposium 2026, reinforcing the region’s push to harness the creative economy as a key driver of growth, innovation, and cultural identity.

Deputy Secretary-General of ASEAN for ASEAN Economic Community (AEC), Satvinder Singh, said:
“ASEAN is well-positioned to harness the full potential of the creative economy. Six out of eleven ASEAN Member States now rank among the top 70 globally in the WIPO Global Innovation Index’s creative outputs dimension. ASEAN recognises that intangible assets, such as intellectual property, brands, and design as the currencies of modern creative economy. The ideas, expressions, and innovations our creators produce must be protected, valued, and commercialised.”

UK Ambassador to ASEAN, Helen Fazey, said:
“The UK and ASEAN are advancing together through trust, cooperation, and shared priorities. This partnership reflects a strong and growing relationship built on mutual respect and a shared ambition to support sustainable economic growth, innovation, and opportunity across the region. Through initiatives like the ASEAN–UK Advancing Creative Economy programme, we are deepening collaboration, strengthening people-to-people links, and supporting the development of vibrant and resilient creative sectors.”

ASEAN-focused research highlights pathways for growth in the creative economy
New research under the ASEAN–UK Advancing Creative Economy initiative is providing critical insights into the evolution and economic potential of cultural industries across the region.

Arts and Technologies in ASEAN: Interconnected Parts, commissioned by the British Council, examines the fast-growing creative technology landscape across ASEAN. Drawing on more than 60 interviews and case studies, the report explores how artists are using digital tools—from AI to immersive media—while also analysing the regulatory environments shaping innovation. It highlights both the dynamism of the sector and the need for stronger support systems to sustain growth.

Complementing this, the Regional Perception Poll on the ASEAN Creative Economy offers a comprehensive view of how the sector is understood across the region. Based on insights from over 4,000 respondents, including both producers and audiences, the study highlights the interconnected nature of creative ecosystems and the relationships between artists, industries, policymakers, and communities. Its findings underscore the need for tailored, context-specific strategies and stronger regional collaboration to unlock further growth.

Together, these research outputs provide valuable evidence to inform policy, guide investment, and strengthen UK–ASEAN partnerships.Building on this work, a new ASEAN festival research and mapping initiative is underway, expanding earlier studies to provide a more comprehensive understanding of the region’s diverse festival landscape and identify opportunities for future collaboration.

Country Director Indonesia and Director South East Asia, Summer Xia, said:
“Through the ASEAN–UK Advancing Creative Economy initiative, we are investing in the research, skills, and partnerships needed to support long-term growth in the creative sector. The symposium in Manila was an important opportunity to share these resources and ensure they are shaped by and for the region. By working closely with the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office and the ASEAN Secretariat, we are helping to build a stronger, more connected creative economy across ASEAN countries.”

Underscoring the broader vision of the initiative, Deputy Secretary-General of ASEAN for ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community (ASCC) San Lwin has reaffirmed, in separate engagements, that the ASEAN-UK Advancing Creative Economy programme maximises the region’s creative potential to fuel socio-economic growth and cultural exchange. He reiterated the shared commitment to leveraging innovation and creativity as key connectors to drive prosperity, deepen cultural unity, advance social equity, and promote sustainable, inclusive development in order to forge an “ASEAN Community of Opportunities for All.”

Learn more at: ASEAN Creative Economy Initiative
Hashtag: #BritishCouncil

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

About the British Council

The British Council is the UK’s international culture and education organisation. We support peace and prosperity by building connections, understanding and trust between people in the UK and countries worldwide. We do this through our work in arts and culture, education and the English language. We work with people in over 200 countries and territories. In 2024–25, we reached 600 million people.

Bangkok Unveils “KUDTHAI” Cultural Showcase in Emerging Songwat District During Songkran


BANGKOK , THAILAND – Media OutReach Newswire – 10 April 2026 – A new chapter in Thailand’s cultural and retail landscape is set to debut this April, as The Mall Group introduces “KUDTHAI 2026,” a curated showcase of Thai creativity, launching its first-ever pop-up in Bangkok’s rapidly emerging Songwat district during Songkran.

Presented in collaboration with the Tourism Authority of Thailand, the initiative reflects a growing effort to spotlight Thailand’s cultural identity through contemporary retail and experiential tourism.

“KUDTHAI” — derived from the Thai word “Kud,” meaning “to carefully select” — brings together a refined selection of Thai brands, artisans, and culinary talents, highlighting craftsmanship, local wisdom, and modern design for both local and international audiences.

The inaugural “Song Wat KUDTHAI 2026,” taking place from April 9–12 at Lost in Songwat, marks the first time The Mall Group extends its retail experience beyond its flagship developments into one of Bangkok’s most talked-about neighborhoods. Once a historic trading hub along the Chao Phraya River, Songwat is now re-emerging as a vibrant cultural enclave attracting a new generation of creatives and global travelers.

Extending this experience into the city’s premier retail destinations, “KUDTHAI 2026” will also be held from April 8–19, 2026 across the EM District — Emporium, EmQuartier, and Emsphere — creating a connected journey between Bangkok’s emerging cultural quarters and its established lifestyle hubs.

This multi-location approach reflects a broader shift in how visitors experience Bangkok — moving fluidly between heritage neighborhoods and contemporary retail environments.

While Songkran remains one of Thailand’s most globally recognized celebrations, “KUDTHAI 2026” offers an alternative lens — focusing on curated cultural discovery through design, gastronomy, and local creativity.

At the EM District, the “EM District Thai Hansa Maha Songkran: A Summer of Thai Celebration” from April 10–15, 2026 further enhances the experience with immersive installations, signature water attractions, and themed markets including THAI-POP MARKET at Emporium, THAI LOCAL MARKET at EmQuartier, and THAI-TAINMENT MARKET at Emsphere.

A highlight includes “Little Song Wat,” bringing culinary names from the historic Songwat community into the heart of the city, reinforcing the connection between Bangkok’s evolving cultural districts and its modern retail landscape.

Together, these activations position Bangkok as more than a festive destination during Songkran — but also as a city redefining how tradition is experienced through innovation, culture, and commerce.
Hashtag: #KudThai2026 #SongwatKudThai #FriendsOfSongwat #bangkoksongkarn #Bangkokshopping #TheMall #EMDISTRICT

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

HOTEL & SHOP PLUS: Redefining the Future of Hospitality and Commercial Spaces

SHANGHAI, April 10, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — HOTEL & SHOP PLUS Shanghai organized by IM Sinoexpo concluded successfully at the Shanghai New International Expo Center from March 31 to April 3, 2026. Far beyond a conventional trade show, this flagship platform served as a crystal ball for the industry, previewing tomorrow’s landscape across hotels, commercial properties, offices, and public spaces. Through an integrated value chain of “New Products × Competitions × Forums × Special Exhibitions,” the event decoded the definitive roadmap for digital transformation, sustainable innovation, and experiential economy. Product launches delivered transformation tools. Competitions redefined service excellence. Forums ignited breakthrough thinking. Immersive exhibitions previewed the future of consumption.

Power Brands Unleashed

Spanning 210,000 sqm, the exhibition featured 2,000+ exhibitors and 135,682 visitors. International attendance rose by 25.84%, with 10,886 visitors from 176 countries, led by Russia, South Korea, Australia, Mongolia, and others, boosting the event’s global influence. Highlights included innovative products and technologies from top brands like JOMOO, COSO, GREE, TCL, SIDEFU, GROUP GM, LIONKING, Laffey Electric, VINEKO, Guest Supply, ABSOLUTE LIFESTYLE, and more, redefining smart space solutions.

Driving Industry Transformation Through Innovation

The exhibition has shifted from “static displays” to “immersive experiences,” capturing new consumer trends. Highlights include ” Hotel Investment and Franchise Zone,” the ” Aroma Nest” for emotional and olfactory needs, the “PLC Technology Zone” for green solutions, and the “Gen-Pet Wonderland” for family inclusivity. The ” Eastern Life Aesthetics” and “Super Hotel Mall” showcase scenarized artistic experiences, envisioning future hotels as “livable art galleries.”

Global Minds, Local Impact

Industry leaders convened to discuss trends and share insights through keynotes, roundtables, and competitions. Forums like the China International Building & Interior Design Forum and Shanghai International Architecture Festival drove innovation. Notable speakers, including Lyu Huanzheng (goa), Chris Godfrey (HBA), and Cedric Jaccard (Avalon Collective), addressed topics such as “Spaces for the New Human Era,” “Hotel Experience Design,” and “Hotel Revitalization.” Highlights included the Hotel Uniform Show and Housekeeping Competition, featuring uniforms that blend brand storytelling with embroidery and 3D tailoring.

Global Connections & Major Deals

The fair hosted over 500+ matchmaking sessions, linking 150+ exhibitors with 100+ global buyers from countries like Romania, Germany, Poland, Ukraine, and Cameroon, resulting in successful collaborations and large orders, with participants expressing high satisfaction.

Mark Your Calendars:

2026 Hotel & Shop Plus Shenzhen will take place from 13–15 October 2026 at Shenzhen World Exhibition & Convention Centre. 2027 Hotel & Shop Plus Shanghai will take place from March 30–April 2, 2027, at SNIEC. Stay tuned for further event news! Explore more, visit our website: https://www.expohsp.com/?lang=en

CONTACT: Caroline Cao, caroline.cao@imsinoexpo.com

Lau Yee-Wa Wins First Chommanard International Literary Award

BANGKOK, THAILAND – Media OutReach Newswire – 10 April 2026 – At Elite+ magazine’s 12th anniversary gala dinner on Friday, 3 April 2025, held at the Chatrium Hotel Riverside Bangkok, Lau Yee-Wa of Hong Kong was named the inaugural Chommanard International Literary Award grand prize winner for Lau Yee-Wa’s debut novel, Tongueless. The selection was made after almost a year from the call for submissions by female authors from ASEAN member states and East Asian region, including China, Hong Kong and Taiwan.

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Nearly 70 books from 47 publishers representing 10 countries were submitted for this competition. But, for the past 15 years, Praphansarn Publishing, with the sponsorship of Bangkok Bank, has been organising the Chommanard Book Prize, which is given annually for the best book written by a Thai female writer, the winner receiving a cash prize of 100,000 baht and the publication of her book translated into English.

Mr Arthorn Techatada, the Award Program Director, explained, “After holding the Chommanard Book Prize for 15 years, it now seemed this was the right time to expand our programme to include ASEAN and China Region female writers as it is very important to promote outstanding female literary talent throughout the region and the world beyond as Asian female writers don’t get the deserved recognition, and fortunately, Bangkok Bank agreed.”

Mr Arthorn then with the assistance of Associate Professor Dr Trisilpa Boonkhachorn of the Faculty of Arts, Chulalongkorn University, invited and formed a panel of judges from Thailand, Indonesia, Hong Kong, Malaysia, the Philippines, France and Germany. All were given the arduous task of reading every submission, followed by deciding on a longlist and then shortlist and country winners from which the grand prize winner would be selected.

The shortlist winners included Li Zi Shu, an award-winning Chinese language writer from Malaysia, for her book, The Age of Goodbyes; Thuận, a Vietnamese author based in Paris who writes in both Vietnamese and French, for her novel, Chinatown. She was also recognised by The New Yorker Best Books 2023. Next are the acclaimed Thai writer Veeraporn Nitiprapha, a two-time winner of the SEA Write Award for her novel, Memories of the Memories of the Black Rose Cat; Isna Marita, an Indonesian author and Environmentalist for her first novel, Mountain More Ancient; Dr Nguyễn Phan Quế Mai of Viet Nam, who has written 13 books in Vietnamese and English, for her book, The Mountains Sing; Leila S Chudori, an award-winning journalist and novelist, for her novel, The Sea Speaks His Name; Yáng Shuāng-zǐ, a writer of fiction, essays, manga and video game scripts, for her novel, Taiwan Travelogue, and Lau Yee-Wa of Hong Kong, who studied Chinese literature and philosophy, for her debut novel, Tongueless.

The two country winners, who along with the shortlisted authors, attended over a week of activities centred around the Bangkok International Book Fair organised by PUBAT (Publishers and Booksellers Association of Thailand) and visits to important media organisations. They include Jemimah Wei of Singapore for her debut novel, The Original Daughter, which was a Good Morning America Book Club selection and New York Times Editors’ pick, and Marga Ortigas, an award-winning journalist from the Philippines, for her novel, The House on Calle Sombria.

When Associate Professor Dr Trisilpa Boonkhachorn, jury chairperson, announced Lau Yee-Wa as the grand prize winner, the audience and especially the shortlisted and country winners erupted in loud cheers and applause. Then, after receiving a 500,000 baht prize presented by Mr Chartsiri Sophonphanich, President of Bangkok Bank, Ms Lau Yee-Wa gave the keynote speech for the gala celebration on the topic, “Deschooling Society for Global Peace”.

Ms Lau Yee-Wa began, “I never expected to receive such an award or to have my novel translated into so many languages, including Thai. I thought the story, written in Cantonese, was too colloquial and based on such a local Hong Kong context, it would be difficult to understand.”

Later, the winning author went on, “Then, I realized I was not writing fiction. I was documenting a quiet, invisible form of violence that happened every day in the classroom, workplace and even daily life in the whole world. This violence is called deschooling, which the philosopher Ivan Illich warned us about more than 50 years ago.”

Ms Lau Yee-Wa closed by saying, “I believe that Tongueless is my own small, stubborn act of deschooling. I refused to wrap the story in comforting, official language. I let the pain, the vanity, the quiet rebellion, and the flnal demand for choice speak in their rawest form. In doing so, I rediscovered my own voice—and I hope every reader who finishes the book begins to hear theirs again.”

The guidelines for submissions for the Chommanard Book Prize for Thai writers writing in Thai and the Chommanard International Women’s Literary Award for writers from ASEAN member and China region countries will be announced in the coming months. You can find additional information by visiting the Chommanard International Women’s Literary Award website @ https://virf.io/chommanard/home or by contacting virf@elitecreative.co.th.

Hashtag: #Elite+ #ChommanardInternationalLiteraryAward

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