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China Automotive Systems Began Volume Shipment of EPS Systems to a Global Automaker in Europe

WUHAN, China, May 18, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — China Automotive Systems, Inc. (NASDAQ: CAAS) (“CAAS” or the “Company”), a leading power steering components and systems supplier in China, today announced that the first batch of electric power steering (“EPS”) models for a global automaker’s European division has been shipped from the CAAS’ factory. This EPS steering model will be featured in two new vehicle models in Europe, with more vehicle projects to follow. Annual sales volume is expected to reach approximately 300,000 units.

CAAS’ senior management team and key project members hosted celebration on-site to jointly witness this milestone moment. From project initiation to volume shipment during the past two years, the CAAS team leveraged their strong technical capabilities and meticulous engineering work, earning high recognition from this global automaker. Despite the strict technical and quality requirements, the CAAS team completed a total of 66 DV/PV tests, 65 of which were approved by the customer on the first attempt; the software also underwent 11 major upgrades; along with our state-of-the-art production line powered by eight modern manufacturing technologies, including seamless integration of Manufacturing Execution System (MES) with Automated Guided Vehicles (AGV), computer vision Poka-Yoke, and 100% autonomous robotic inspection.

Mr. Qizhou Wu, Chief Executive Officer of CAAS, commented, “We are proud of entering another major OEM’s supply chain as we make strides in broadening our customer base and geographic reach. We remain laser-focused on pursuing our global mission of ‘providing intelligent chassis system solutions for global automakers’. EPS products are one of our advanced steering products in an expanding product portfolio to meet the diverse needs of both passenger and commercial vehicles on a worldwide scale.”

About China Automotive Systems, Inc.

Based in Hubei Province, the People’s Republic of China, China Automotive Systems, Inc. is a leading supplier of power steering components and systems to the Chinese automotive industry, operating through its sixteen Sino-foreign joint ventures and wholly owned subsidiaries. The Company offers a full range of steering system parts for passenger automobiles and commercial vehicles. The Company currently offers four separate series of power steering with an annual production capacity of over 8 million sets of steering gears, columns and steering hoses. Its customer base is comprised of leading auto manufacturers, such as China FAW Group, Corp., Dongfeng Auto Group Co., Ltd., BYD Auto Company Limited, Beiqi Foton Motor Co., Ltd. and Chery Automobile Co., Ltd. in China, and Stellantis N.V. and Ford Motor Company in North America. For more information, please visit: http://www.caasauto.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains statements that are “forward-looking statements” as defined under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements represent our estimates and assumptions only as of the date of this press release. Our actual results may differ materially from the results described in or anticipated by our forward-looking statements due to certain risks and uncertainties. As a result, the Company’s actual results could differ materially from those contained in these forward-looking statements due to a number of factors, including those described under the heading “Risk Factors” in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 20-F as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on April 22, 2026, and in documents subsequently filed by the Company from time to time with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Any of these factors and other factors beyond our control, could have an adverse effect on the overall business environment, cause uncertainties in the regions where we conduct business, cause our business to suffer in ways that we cannot predict, and materially and adversely impact our business, financial condition and results of operations. A prolonged disruption or any further unforeseen delay in our operations of the manufacturing, delivery and assembly process within any of our production facilities could continue to result in delays in the shipment of products to our customers, increased costs and reduced revenue. We expressly disclaim any duty to provide updates to any forward-looking statements made in this press release, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

For further information, please contact:

Jie Li
Chief Financial Officer
China Automotive Systems, Inc.
jieli@chl.com.cn 

Kevin Theiss
Awaken Advisors
+1-212-510-8922
Kevin@awakenlab.com 

Thai Officers Seize 130 Kilograms of Ivory at Mekong River Bound for Laos

Thai authorities seized over 150 kilograms of ivory and animal remains in Nong Khai during a wildlife smuggling operation bound for Laos. 16 May 2026. (Photo: Thailand’s Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation)

On 16 May, Thai authorities seized over 150 kilograms of ivory and animal remains along the Mekong River in Nong Khai, stopping a cross-border smuggling attempt into Laos’ capital Vientiane.

According to Thailand’s Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation, officers found abandoned sacks on the riverside containing 22 pieces of cut ivory weighing 130.9 kilograms and unidentified animal skeletal remains weighing 29 kilograms, all packed and ready for a boat crossing into Laos. 

The police couldn’t identify the suspects. 

The raid was linked to the arrest of a 50-year-old Lao woman on the same day in Loei Province. The evidence, one live monitor lizard alongside two bags each of chopped monitor lizard and suspected wild boar meat, indicates both operations share a single cross-border trafficking network.

Thai authorities promptly shared details of both incidents with Lao counterparts through a joint emergency wildlife communication channel, pushing for both sides to go after the people funding the operation.

The Nong Khai raid is part of a wider problem along the Mekong, according to Thailand’s wildlife conservation authority. Earlier in January 2026, officers in Bueng Kan Province stopped a long-tail boat coming from Laos and found 55 ivory tusks weighing 169 kilograms in plastic bags left on the riverbank. Two local men, aged 18 and 21, were arrested after being paid THB 200 (around USD 5.70) per bag to carry the goods ashore. 

Both now face charges of possessing protected wildlife products and smuggling.

Under Thai law, anyone caught handling ivory without a permit faces up to 10 years in prison, a fine of up to THB 1 million (around USD 30,600), or both.

Alliance Laundry Systems to Expand in Laos as Laundromat Demand Grows

A picture of Alliance Laundry Systems' manufacturing and research facility in Chonburi, Thailand. (Photo by ALS)

Alliance Laundry Systems (ALS), a provider of commercial laundry equipment in Asia-Pacific, says Laos is becoming one of its growing markets in the region as more businesses and consumers adopt modern laundromat services.

The company said they have supported numbers of laundromats in Laos since the end of 2025, with most operations currently based in Vientiane. ALS representatives said demand has increased over the past two years as more Lao entrepreneurs explore laundromat businesses modeled after those in neighboring Thailand.

Speaking during a media visit to the company’s manufacturing and research facility in Chonburi, Thailand, Sales Director for Southeast Asia at ALS, Sukree Kirai, said Laos has shown positive growth despite being a smaller market compared to some neighboring countries.

“So, for the last two years I have contributed to start ups in Laos,” he said. “The feedback is good, because a lot of Laos people come from the northeast of Thailand. So, they saw a lot of laundromats there.”

He added that many Lao workers and visitors in Thailand have become familiar with self-service laundromats, making it easier for the business model to expand into Laos.

“The laundromat opened in Laos has never closed. The one that was open like 2-3 years ago is still open. So that’s why we see the opportunity there,” he said.

ALS said it plans to continue promoting its services in Laos, with future interest in expanding beyond Vientiane into cities such as Pakse and Luang Prabang.

Laos Market Still Developing

Senior Sales Director Asia-Pacific at ALS, Eddie Tay, said Laos remains in an early development stage for modern laundromat businesses, but consumer familiarity continues to increase.

“I think Laos is still at a stage where consumers are becoming more familiar with laundromat services,” he said. “We have seen how the business model developed in Thailand, and we believe some of those ideas can also work in Laos.”

Tay said different Southeast Asian countries are adopting laundromat services at different stages, with Thailand currently serving as one of the region’s more established markets.

ALS also sees potential growth from sectors such as hospitality and healthcare as tourism and service industries continue developing across the region. 

Thailand Factory Supports Regional Expansion

The comments came as ALS opened its enhanced manufacturing facility and STAR Lab research center in Chonburi, which serves as a production and export hub for the Asia-Pacific region, including Laos.

Managing Director for Asia-Pacific at Alliance Laundry (Thailand) Co., Ltd, Ben Dobbs, said the facility focuses on commercial-grade equipment designed for long-term operational use.

“For more than 118 years, Alliance Laundry Systems has built our reputation on quality, reliability, and continuous innovation in the commercial laundry industry,” Dobbs said.

“Our Thailand factory demonstrates how we translate these strengths into smart, efficient solutions that address real operational challenges while delivering long-term value and quality for investors and businesses.”

The 27,000-square-meter factory includes manufacturing systems using German-engineered machinery, along with product testing and development facilities under ALS’s STAR Lab.

According to ALS, the facility produces commercial laundry equipment designed to support energy efficiency, reduced water usage, and longer machine lifespans.

Among the products highlighted during the media tour was Stax-X, a stacked washer-dryer system developed for small business owners and compact laundromat operations. The machine is available under several ALS brands, including Speed Queen, Huebsch, IPSO, and Primus.

The company said it continues working with Laos and regional distributors to provide technical support, maintenance services, spare parts access, and business planning support for operators across Southeast Asia.

More About Alliance Laundry

Currently, Alliance Laundry has laundry solutions available under four respected brands, sold and supported by a global network of select distributors. ALS serves approximately 150 countries with a team of more than 4,000 employees. The brands include Speed Queen®️, Huebsch®️, Primus®️ and IPSO®️.

Together, they present a full line of commercial washing machines, dryers, and ironers (with load capacities from 20–400 lb. or 9–180 kg.) and support service. Customers can also experience the superior wash and fabric care of commercial-grade laundry equipment in their home through the legendary Speed Queen®️ washers and dryers.

For more information, visit www.alliancelaundry.com

Officials Link Pig Farm Wastewater to Mass Fish Deaths in Vientiane Province

A picture of the authority from Agriculture and Environment checking and testing water quality at Nam Cheng river. (Photo by Agriculture and Environment News)

Authorities in Vientiane Province have identified untreated wastewater from a pig farm as the primary cause behind the mass fish deaths reported along the Nam Cheng river in Viengkham and Phonhong districts earlier this month.

The incident occurred after heavy storms and rainfall between 7 and 8 May, when residents observed and reported the water turning dark black and muddy, accompanied by a strong foul smell, while large numbers of fish were found dead as well. 

According to findings released by the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Inspection on 11 May, officials conducted field inspections together with relevant departments to collect water samples from three locations.

Laboratory analysis found that water quality levels had exceeded national environmental standards. As a result, pH levels reached between 9 to 11, indicating highly alkaline and toxic conditions unsuitable for fish. 

Dissolved oxygen levels also dropped below standards for sustaining fish and other aquatic species.

Officials pointed out the polluted water contained large amounts of waste, which consumed oxygen in the stream as it broke down. This caused the water to smell bad and left fish and other aquatic animals struggling to live. 

Following on-site inspections, officials identified the most likely source of pollution was wastewater discharged from the Zhang Weixing breeding and commercial pig farm project, according to the official Facebook page of the Lao Ministry of Agriculture and Environment.

According to the page, untreated pig waste overflowed from the farm’s final wastewater pond after heavy rainfall and flowed directly into Nam Tao Reservoir before entering the Nam Cheng river.

In response, the Vientiane provincial authorities have temporarily suspended the pig farm’s operations while authorities review its environmental management systems.

Officials also announced additional measures, including expanded water quality monitoring, inspections of businesses operating along the river, environmental risk assessments, and legal investigations into those responsible for the pollution and environmental damage.

Second Major River Pollution Case in Weeks

The Nam Cheng pollution case comes just two weeks after another major fish death incident was reported along the Xe Don River in Salavanh and Champasak provinces.

On 2 May, Lao authorities concluded that wastewater discharged from the Khounmeexay Khongsedone Cassava Starch Factory caused hundreds of fish deaths after untreated wastewater was released directly into the river.

Officials said the pollution significantly reduced oxygen levels in the water, while pH levels reached 11.3, making conditions impossible for fish to survive.

Authorities later suspended the factory’s operations as legal and environmental investigations continued. Residents living near the river were also advised not to consume dead fish or use river water until conditions returned to safe levels.

Doremi3babies Helps Hong Kong Parents Choose the Right Caraz Playmat Size Amid Limited Living Space


HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 18 May 2026 – Doremi3babies is one of Hong Kong’s most comprehensive retailers of Caraz baby playmats and playpens, with years of accumulated experience serving local families and maintaining quality standards for every product carried. Observing that size mismatches are among the most common issues parents encounter after purchase, Doremi3babies has drawn on its local service experience to compile a practical size selection reference based on actual Hong Kong residential floor areas, helping parents identify the most suitable mat size and playpen configuration for their home.

Space Is Limited in Hong Kong Homes — Choosing the Right Size Matters
According to Hong Kong’s Census and Statistics Department 2021 Population Census, the median per capita residential floor area stands at approximately 172 sq ft. The latest Housing Bureau supply statistics (2025) show that 88% of private residential units currently in the development pipeline have a usable area of less than 70 square metres (approximately 753 sq ft). In a space-constrained home, a playmat that’s even slightly misjudged in size can disrupt daily living — making preparation before purchase all the more important.

4 Steps to Choosing the Right Size
The following steps help parents confirm their needs before buying, reducing the chance of a mismatch after the mat arrives home:
1. Measure the net usable area: Measure the actual spot where the mat will be placed — deducting furniture and walkways from the total floor space, not the overall unit size.
2. Consider your baby’s developmental stage: Crawling infants (approx. 4–10 months) need continuous flat surface area; toddlers (approx. 10–18 months) benefit more from playpen boundaries to define a safe zone.
3. Decide whether to pair with a playpen: If combining a mat with a playpen, calculate the usable area inside the playpen — not the mat’s outer dimensions.
4. Choose the style based on your confirmed space: Once space constraints are clear, foldable or modular designs help maximise what’s available.

A General Size Reference Based on Unit Floor Area
One of the most common mistakes Hong Kong parents make when buying a playmat is estimating size based on the total unit area, rather than the net usable floor space after accounting for furniture. The gap between the two is often what leads to a mismatch once the mat arrives home.

Caraz playmats, for example, offer a range from compact sizes suited to a corner of a single room, through to larger formats that can cover the main activity zone of a living area. Using net usable floor area as the starting point, the general reference is as follows:
* Under 200 sq ft: A mat around 70×140cm is a common starting point. The foldable design is especially practical — it can be stored upright against a wall when not in use, freeing up the living space.
* 300–400 sq ft: Mid-size options such as 120×160cm to 140×200cm are the most common choice among Hong Kong families, balancing play space with storage flexibility.
* 400 sq ft and above: Larger formats such as 160×200cm or above give infants a dedicated zone for crawling and first steps without compromising daily living.

If a playpen is being added alongside the mat, the playpen’s overall outer footprint needs to be estimated separately — it cannot be read directly from the mat dimensions alone.

Three Practical Directions for Compact Homes
For families with limited floor area, these approaches are worth considering:
* Choose a foldable mat: Fold it away when not in use to free up everyday living space.
* Consider a modular playpen system: Adjustable configurations adapt to irregular room layouts without being locked into a fixed size.
* Base your size decision on net usable area: The right standard is whether it fits and gets used — not simply bigger is better.

Hashtag: #Doremi3babies

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

About Doremi3babies

Founded in Hong Kong in 2017, Doremi3babies is Hong Kong’s most comprehensive Caraz retailer, offering the full product range — playmats, playpens, and baby houses — with new arrivals in sync with the Korean market. The company has served over 6,000 families and delivered more than 16,000 baby products, with every item personally tested by the store owner before introduction. All Caraz products are manufactured in Korea and meet KC and CE international safety certification standards.
For more playmat size recommendations, visit the.

CK Life Sciences’ Sequencio Therapeutics Appoints Emily Tan as Chief Operating Officer


HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 18 May 2026 – Sequencio Therapeutics, a subsidiary of CK Life Sciences Int’l., (Holdings) Inc. (“CK Life Sciences”, Stock Code: 0775) today announced the appointment of Emily Tan as Chief Operating Officer. A 30-year biopharmaceutical veteran, Ms Tan will oversee the company’s global operations and drive execution across its development pipeline.

Ms Tan joins Sequencio Therapeutics with an extensive track record across global pharmaceutical companies, leading contract research organisations, and innovative biotechnology companies, bringing deep expertise in clinical development, operations, quality, regulatory execution, and commercial strategy.

Ms Tan most recently served as Senior Vice President, Business Development at IQVIA, where she led commercial activities in Asia Pacific and supported clients in developing and executing global integrated go-to-market strategies.

Her career includes C-suite roles at China-based biotech startups Unixell Biotechnology, Bennu Biotherapeutics, and Oricell Therapeutics, where she scaled operations and led successful global Investigational New Drug (IND) and China Investigator-Initiated Trial (IIT) submissions. She previously held leadership positions at PAREXEL, Syneos and Pfizer.

“Emily brings a rare combination of operational excellence, clinical development experience, and regional and global leadership,” said Dr Melvin Toh, Vice President and Chief Scientific Officer of CK Life Sciences. “Her appointment strengthens Sequencio Therapeutics’ leadership team as we advance our pipeline and build the operational foundation to support our next stage of growth.”

“I am excited to join the Sequencio Therapeutics team at this important stage of its development,” said Ms Tan. “Building on the company’s strong scientific foundation, I look forward to strengthening operational capabilities and supporting the continued advancement of the pipeline.”

Ms Tan holds a Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy (Honours) from the National University of Singapore and a Master of Science in Epidemiology from the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine.
Hashtag: #CKLifeSciences #Sequencio #Therapeutics #COO #ChiefOperatingOfficer #CancerVaccines #R&D #Pharmaceutical #Biotechnology

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

Sequencio Therapeutics Company Limited

Sequencio Therapeutics Company Limited, a subsidiary of CK Life Sciences Int’l., (Holdings) Inc., is focused on developing next‑generation therapeutic cancer vaccines that harness a patient’s own immune system to achieve durable, long‑term remission with a favourable safety profile, addressing key limitations of current standard‑of‑care therapies. Sequencio Therapeutics is driven by a long‑term vision to shift cancer treatment from transient tumour reduction toward sustained, immune‑controlled remission.

Beyond the Hype: AI+ Power 2026 Explores How AI Drives Real Business Value

Tech Giants Microsoft, Adobe, BytePlus, HP, and iFLYTEK Headline the Event; Over 10,000 Professional Visits Expected to Bridge the “Deployment Gap” through High-Impact Exhibitions, Strategic Summits, and Hands-on Skills Labs


HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 18 May 2026 – 2026 represents a definitive turning point as Artificial Intelligence transitions from experimental “pilot” phases to industrialized, enterprise-scale implementation. AI+ Power 2026, Hong Kong’s premier exhibition & conference for commercial AI applications, returns to the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC) from 4-5 Jun 2026. Now in its sixth edition, the event actively responds to the HKSAR Government’s “AI+” development strategy. Under the theme “AI+ Power in Action,” the expo focuses on how AI creates value and unlocks new market opportunities for enterprises. By showcasing a diverse array of AI solutions on-site, the event empowers businesses to remain competitive in an increasingly challenging business environment.

The 2026 Enterprise Imperative: Beyond Prompting – Agentic AI Enters the Era of Autonomous Execution

For today’s business leaders, the challenge is no longer understanding AI — it is choosing the right tools and applying them effectively. According to Gartner’s 2026 Strategic Trends, the enterprise landscape has moved beyond the initial GenAI hype into the era of Agentic AI — autonomous systems capable of independent decision-making and workflow execution. While most enterprises have begun AI deployment, the ultimate differentiator for 2026 is achieving the transition from “conversation to execution” and securing a measurable Return on Investment (ROI).

Culsin Li, Founder and Chief Visionary Officer of AI+ Power, noted: “In 2026, the most critical executive skill is becoming leaders who can strategically direct AI adoption. With AI applications entering the ‘no-code’ era, technical implementation is no longer the primary hurdle; the focus for leadership returns to the core of business: identifying operational pain points and defining strategic needs. AI+ Power 2026 serves as a premier platform where attendees can gain insights from expert-led case studies and source ready-to-deploy AI solutions to immediately resolve bottlenecks. We provide a comprehensive one-stop ecosystem, enabling decision-makers to transition seamlessly from strategic inspiration to procurement and final implementation.”

AI+ Power 2026 features six high-impact pillars designed to accelerate AI adoption:

Pillar 1: AI+ Summit – Strategic Roadmaps for Vertical Transformation

The AI+ Summit features a formidable roster of global pioneers, including Microsoft, HP, Adobe, BytePlus, and iFLYTEK, who will dissect the shift from smart office revolutions to autonomous AI agents.

To address the critical pillars of corporate governance and financial practice, the Summit has curated two flagship strategic forums:

  • CEO Panel: AI Transformation for Hong Kong’s Legacy Leaders — Moderated by Dr. Toa Charm, Chairman of the Data and AI Literacy Association (DALA), this session explores how C-suites navigate AI strategy and talent governance while balancing technological innovation with business value creation. It also examines how leaders can accelerate the scalable adoption of AI across Hong Kong, the Greater Bay Area (GBA), and Asia to ensure AI visions translate into tangible organizational impact.
  • FinTech 2.0: From Future of Work to Agentic Workflows — Moderated by Mr. Peter Koo, Convenor, FinTech Specialist Group of Hong Kong Computer Society. Partners from the “Big 4” (EY, Deloitte, KPMG, and PwC) will share the stage for a rare joint session to dismantle how Agentic AI automates KYC and risk monitoring, and explores “Data-to-Revenue” pathways. The forum will also address the convergence of AI with Tokenisation, Stablecoins, Digital Assets, and RegTech.

The Summit will also cover MarTech, enterprise productivity, retail, and education, featuring leaders from MTR Lab, HSBC, Maxim’s Group, Hong Yip, HKT, PrimeCredit, and Logitech, alongside academic representatives.

Pillar 2: AI+ Expo – The Modern Workplace & Smart Living Revolution

Industry leaders Canon HK, Logitech, Shure, and iFLYTEK will demonstrate how AI-driven hardware eliminates operational friction, allowing teams to focus on core creativity.

Pillar 3: AI+ Skills Lab — Zero-Barrier Mastery for Decision Makers

To address the enterprise talent gap, the AI+ Skills Lab has been launched this year to provide hands-on, practical training. Led by a team of veteran practitioners including Arik Chan from GDG HK (CISSP-certified), Frankie Wu from GDG HK and also Founder of Nexamind AI, and Roland Leung, Director of Datality Lab, the lab is tailor-made for non-technical decision-makers. It emphasizes a “small-class, laptop-ready” approach; featured highlights include OSINT-driven fraud detection using Google Gemini, the deployment of privacy-safe enterprise AI agents, and rapid AI-powered commercial video creation using Seedance 2.0 and KlingAI 3.0. This practical experience empowers participants to “Learn Today, Apply Tomorrow,” transforming AI into real-world productivity.

Pillar 4: Embodied AI & Robotics — The First “Smart Living Experience Zone”

Breaking away from pure software solutions, the event debuts the first “Smart Living Experience Zone,” presenting the physical manifestation of AI integrated with robotics in environmental management, medical rehabilitation, and gerontech. Highlights include environmental robots capable of automatic waste classification and autonomous cleaning; medical assistant systems for physical therapy and ward delivery; and non-invasive “passive fall detection” care solutions. These innovations are setting new benchmarks for automated operations across the property management, healthcare, and social welfare sectors.

Pillar 5: AI Strategic Advisory Hub & Industry Networking — Unlocking New Business Opprtunities

The event proudly presents the “AI Strategic Advisory Hub,” a flagship initiative designed to disrupt the traditional one-way nature of business matching. Technical experts from leading providers will transform into “Consultants”, offering decision-makers immediate diagnostics and tailored deployment advice. Navigating a vast array of technical choices can be overwhelming; this “Advisory Hub” is dedicated to helping enterprises pinpoint high-ROI implementation pathways, ensuring that technology investments translate directly into tangible profitability. Furthermore, the two-day event features exclusive industry networking sessions to foster deep dialogue and strategic exchanges between technology pioneers and enterprise leaders.

Pillar 6: AI+ Power Awards 2026 — Recognizing the Future Leaders of Commercial AI

The AI+ Power Awards 2026, a highly anticipated flagship event, returns to honor the region’s most innovative, impactful, and commercially viable AI applications. This year has seen an unprecedented level of competition, and the first-round finalists have officially been announced. Shortlisted organizations in key categories such as “AI+ in Business” and “AI+ Project of the Year” include industry pioneers such as Maxim’s Group, CITIC Telecom CPC, iFLYTEK, ASTRI, and Lingnan University. The final winners will be grandly unveiled in late May.

Capturing the Momentum of AI Scaling: Building a New Era for Innovation

AI+ Power 2026 responds proactively to the HKSAR Government’s “AI+” strategy, embodying the core spirit of “AI+ Power in Action.” We are committed to transforming policy vision into commercial reality, helping enterprises successfully transition from AI “observers” to “active practitioners.”

Through high-level summit exchanges, immersive exhibition experiences, step-by-step practical training, and prestigious award recognition, we empower every attendee to seize first-mover advantages in the age of AI scaling. Together, we are driving Hong Kong’s evolution into the premier Asia-Pacific hub for commercial AI innovation.

Secure Your Advantage: Register Now

Online pre-registration for AI+ Power 2026 is now officially open. Trade visitors and industry professionals are invited to register for free admission and pre-book seats for keynote summits and hands-on Skills Lab workshops. Please note that workshop seating is limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Register Now: https://bit.ly/3R9W3fC

Event Details:

  • Date: 4-5 June 2026 (Thursday–Friday)
  • Venue: Hall 5FG, Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC)
  • Admission: Free for trade visitors (Pre-registration required; group registration available)
  • Official Website: www.aipluspower.com

Hashtag: #AIPower #AIPower2026

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

About AI+ Power’s Organizer – Baobab Tree Event Management Co., Ltd.

Baobab Tree Event Management Co., Ltd. (BTE) is a Hong Kong–based event and exhibition organizer founded in 2011, with offices in Guangzhou, Shanghai, and Beijing. With over 20 years of industry experience, the company specializes in event management, exhibition operations, marketing, sales, and on-site delivery.

The company manages the delivery of Hong Kong’s signature mega events, including the Hong Kong Chinese New Year Parade and the Hong Kong Wine & Dine Festival, both organized by the Hong Kong Tourism Board, while also developing and managing professional exhibitions across multiple industry sectors such as AI and digital technology, Food & Beverage, Veterinary, Non-Woven, Professional AV, and PCB & electronics manufacturing, serving regional and international markets.

Committed to sustainable development, the company integrates ESG principles into its operations and has completed an independent ESG assessment, achieving Level 1 status under an assessment framework developed by the The University of Hong Kong and ESG Development Co., Ltd.

Official website:

Philanthropy Deployed as Risk Capital Holds Potential to Scale Early-Stage Innovations in Asia, New Report Finds

  • Asia’s development challenges are outpacing conventional funding models, with early-stage, high-risk innovations chronically underfunded
  • Philanthropy Asia Alliance and Centre for Asian Philanthropy and Society’s new research explores how Asian funders are bridging this gap, and the lessons to scale impact across the region

SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 18 May 2026 – A new report released today at the sixth Philanthropy Asia Summit highlights what becomes possible when philanthropy in Asia is deployed as risk capital: funding that absorbs the risks of unproven solutions that governments are unable or unwilling to back, markets cannot yet price, and social innovators cannot bear alone. It also sets out what it will take to scale this approach and accelerate impact across the region.

The report spotlights 10 cases spanning climate, health, housing, water, waste, and digital inclusion where philanthropic risk capital underwrote the earliest and riskiest stages of social innovation. These range from sustainable housing and carbon removal technologies to public health interventions, with early backing helping solutions attract follow-on funding and achieve adoption within public systems. Collectively, these efforts have reached more than 210 million people across 13 Asian economies, a scale that demonstrates the model’s potential, even as these cases represent only a small fraction of the region’s needs.

Philanthropy as Risk Capital in Asia: Bridging Innovation to Impact was researched and written by the Centre for Asian Philanthropy and Society (CAPS) and commissioned by the Philanthropy Asia Alliance (PAA). Drawing on 10 case studies and 37 in-depth interviews with philanthropists, fund managers, social enterprise founders and programme leads across 13 markets, the report explores how and when Asian philanthropy functions as risk capital, and its potential to address development challenges in Asia at scale. It also examines what drives funders to take these risks, how capital is deployed across different instruments and stages of innovation, and the strategies used to manage risk while maximising impact.

Key findings
The findings point to several consistent patterns in how Asian philanthropists featured in the study approach early-stage risk:

  • Philanthropy as risk capital in Asia is often patient and conviction-driven; funders are prepared to commit long-term capital to enable solutions to scale. The largest and longest commitments came from individual philanthropists and families driven by personal conviction and direct experience of the challenges they seek to address. For example, The Tahija Foundation in Indonesia provided more than US$17 million over ten years to test a novel approach to dengue control using Wolbachia bacteria. A randomised controlled trial demonstrated a 77% reduction in dengue transmission, and the method has since been adopted into Indonesia’s national health plan, with an estimated 14 million people now protected. Institutional funders complement this with more targeted, milestone-linked discipline and deep trust in founders.
  • Funders are experimenting beyond traditional grants to explore a range of instruments across different growth stages. From concessional debt to equity, funders are exploring instruments across the spectrum, with some sequencing different forms of capital as trust and results develop over time. However, knowledge gaps and regulatory constraints in some markets continue to limit broader adoption.
  • Funders are leveraging relationships, community trust and government access to manage risk and extend reach. They bring networks, credibility, and access to government stakeholders alongside capital, reducing implementation risk and laying the groundwork for long-term partnerships. The funder’s proximity to the communities they serve, and alignment with domestic policy priorities, can prove as consequential as the funding itself.
  • Funders are supporting alignment with public sector priorities from the outset, as early integration with public systems matters when government adoption is the pathway to scale. The projects that achieved the greatest reach did so through early engagement with government, with funders helping to align solutions with national or local priorities from the outset. For example, the Vanke Foundation made community waste management a thematic priority in support of China’s zero-waste city ambitions, and backed INSPRO, a social enterprise using insect-based bioconversion to recycle organic waste. Beyond funding, the foundation facilitated access to district government stakeholders, enabling INSPRO to establish operations in Yantian and scale its technology for agricultural use. Similarly, Tata Trusts aligned its digital initiatives with the Government of India’s Digital India programme, providing early-stage funding and ecosystem support to Haqdarshak, a platform improving access to government welfare schemes.

“For these Asian philanthropists deploying capital to support early-stage innovation, we observe how trust in the capabilities of the people behind the ideas is critical to managing these risks,” says Dr. Ruth Shapiro, Co-Founder and CEO of CAPS. “And we see the importance of aligning with government as key to legitimacy and scale. The same strategies to manage risk are being leveraged to maximise impact for the community.”

“The report highlights what makes early philanthropic capital unique,” said Shaun Seow, CEO of PAA. “Taking an early position absorbs the risk of an untested solution and builds the evidence and regulatory confidence that later investment requires. PAA’s role is to help connect funders across the region so those early commitments compound rather than sit in isolation.”

Research methodology
The findings are based on a region-wide scan of social enterprises, programmes, and initiatives centred on novel or unproven solutions. Ten cases were selected through a targeted assessment identifying high-potential pathways for philanthropic risk capital across climate, health, and inclusive development. The research was conducted between October 2025 and January 2026, through 37 in-depth interviews and a review of academic and non-academic literature.

The cases examined include Agros, BillionBricks, Equatic, Haqdarshak, Inspro, Seven Clean Seas, Urban Spring, Wadhwani AI, Wateroam, and the World Mosquito Programme in Yogyakarta.

Download the full report: https://p-aa.org/PhilanthropyAsRiskCapitalReport (Live on 18 May)

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

About Philanthropy Asia Alliance (PAA)

Philanthropy Asia Alliance (PAA) is a Temasek Trust initiative dedicated to catalysing collaborative philanthropy in Asia through dynamic multi-sector partnerships. By harnessing collective strengths, PAA multiplies impact, accelerates positive change, and takes urgent action to address the pressing environmental and social challenges of our time. PAA’s flagship programme is the annual Philanthropy Asia Summit. For more information, visit

About the Centre for Asian Philanthropy and Society (CAPS)

Established in 2013 and working across more than 17 economies in Asia, the Centre for Asian Philanthropy and Society (CAPS) is a nonprofit organization committed to improving the quantity and quality of philanthropic and private giving throughout Asia. Our mission is to maximize private capital for public good, conducting research, advisory, convening and capacity building to engage philanthropists, foundations, family offices, corporates, government bodies, social sector organizations and experts on best practices, models, policies and strategies to facilitate private giving and social investment in the region. For more information, and .