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Come to Beijing Chaoyang for an Adventurous Encounter with Trendy Toys and Intangible Cultural Heritage


BEIJING, CHINA – Media OutReach Newswire – 15 May 2026 – From May 15 to 24, 2026, Beijing Chaoyang Park will host a unique cultural event — the first China New Cultural and Creative Market & Trendy Toy Carnival.

The first China New Cultural and Creative Market
The first China New Cultural and Creative Market

This is not a traditional exhibition, but an urban carnival that seamlessly blends popular IPs, intangible cultural heritage (ICH) crafts, immersive performances, and top-tier cultural and creative products from across China. The fair brings together high-quality creative cultural products, time-honored ICH brands, and trendy toy labels. Covering a total area of approximately 66,000 square meters, it features both indoor and outdoor zones. Centered around two main themes — “New Oriental Aesthetics” and “The Rise of Guochao (Chinese trendy culture)” — the event showcases over 10,000 creative products.

In the “Rise of Guochao” zone, leading Chinese trendy toy brands present immersive installations. 52TOYS brings the “Panda Roll Playful Panda Forest,” where dozens of lifelike, giant panda sculptures are scattered among the trees, creating perfect photo opportunities. Pop Mart hosts a special exhibition celebrating the 20th anniversary of its hit IP “MOLLY,” featuring a giant castle inflatable and vending machines for blind boxes. Also making its offline debut as a themed zone, “The Emoji Clinic,” the globally recognized emoji brand launches several exclusive items not yet available in stores.

The ICH section is equally impressive. Ten nationally recognized master artisans showcase their representative works at the “Oriental Showcase,” presenting ten traditional crafts, including filigree inlay, Hepu horn carving, polished lacquerware, Longquan celadon, and Shui ethnic group’s horsetail embroidery. Traditional ICH techniques are creatively combined with trendy toy designs — Peking silk figurines, cloisonné, and Beijing embroidery are integrated into modern doll clothing and accessories, giving birth to a unique Oriental trend aesthetic. Additionally, over 40 other ICH items — such as jade carving, cloisonné, Beijing embroidery, Miao embroidery, and carved lacquer — allow visitors to observe master artisans at work up close and participate in hands-on activities like seal carving, tie-dyeing, and clay sculpting.

Throughout the event, five major venues in Chaoyang Park will host over 100 performances, spanning street dance, traditional Chinese music, symphony, opera, and parades. The Shell Theater will present an ACG symphony concert and a symphony of Hong Kong film golden melodies. At the East Square of Chaoyang Planning Art Museum, the “New Oriental Aesthetics” pop-up stage will feature continuous performances of Jingxi Taiping Drum dance and classical umbrella dance. The East Square of Weibo IN will focus on trendy crossover acts, with breakdance battles and jazz quartets taking turns on stage.

And when night falls, even more intriguing adventures begin. A mecha parade weaves through the crowds — you might brush past Black Myth: Wukong and a troupe of mascots. On the Fangzhou Lake, lantern-lit flower boats set sail, their slow journey accompanied by ancient music and shimmering water, creating a moving Oriental painting. From daytime blind-box surprises to nighttime lantern-lit garden strolls, the park offers unexpected delights at every turn.

No tickets are required — just a sense of curiosity. Bring your camera, gather your friends, come to Beijing Chaoyang Park, become a “power player,” and join this immersive carnival of trendy toys and intangible cultural heritage.
Hashtag: #Chaoyang

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

Customer Service Excellence Award 2025 Concluded Successfully MTR Crowned Grand Champion Among Over 100 Winners


HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 15 May 2026 – The Hong Kong Association for Customer Service Excellence (HKACE) hosted the HKACE Customer Service Excellence Award Presentation Ceremony cum 26th Anniversary Celebration Luncheon last week at The Regent Hotel Hong Kong. Over 100 awards were presented to recognize outstanding customer service practitioners, with MTR Corporation named the Grand Award Champion as the highlight of the occasion.

A group photo features Hon Algernon Yau, JP, Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development (9th from right, front row); Derek Choi, Chairman of HKACE (10th from right, front row); Hon Shiu Ka Fai, BBS, JP, CPPCC National Committee Member and Member of the Legislative Council (8th from right, front row); Hon Perry Yiu, MH, JP, Member of the Legislative Council (7th from left, back row); together with HKACE Founding Members, Executive Committee members and guests.
A group photo features Hon Algernon Yau, JP, Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development (9th from right, front row); Derek Choi, Chairman of HKACE (10th from right, front row); Hon Shiu Ka Fai, BBS, JP, CPPCC National Committee Member and Member of the Legislative Council (8th from right, front row); Hon Perry Yiu, MH, JP, Member of the Legislative Council (7th from left, back row); together with HKACE Founding Members, Executive Committee members and guests.

Held under the theme “High Tech, High Touch – AI Empowers a New Era in Customer Service”, the event attracted more than 450 guests. The Honourable Algernon Yau, JP, Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, graced the occasion as the Guest of Honour. The award presentation ceremony was also privileged to have The Hon Shiu Ka Fai, BBS, JP, Member of the National Committee of the CPPCC and Member of the Legislative Council; The Hon Perry Yiu, MH, JP, Member of the Legislative Council; together with representatives of professional associations who served as award presenters. Members of the award judging panels and customer service industry leaders also joined the celebration to recognize the outstanding achievements of the award winners.

Hon Algernon Yau: Government Injected HK$200 Million into BUD Fund to Support AI-driven Digital Transformation

In his opening address, The Honourable Algernon Yau, JP, noted that artificial intelligence was driving customer service into a new era, shifting from human-led operations to a model that integrates data analytics and intelligent systems. Mr Yau stressed that as technology advances, human warmth becomes increasingly precious. He emphasized that true excellence in customer service is built on a customer-centric foundation, requiring service professionals to integrate technology with empathy, sincere communication and personalized attention to achieve a balance of efficiency and human warmth.

“2026 marks the start of the planning and layout for the nation’s 15th Five-Year Plan, which prioritizes high-quality development, innovation-driven growth and the deep integration of the digital economy. Hong Kong is proactively aligning itself with the country’s development strategy, contributing its unique strengths to meet national needs. The services sector, in particular, must upgrade and transform. To help, the Hong Kong SAR Government has put HK$200 million into the Dedicated Fund on Branding, Upgrading and Domestic Sales (BUD Fund), offering targeted support for AI adoption and helping businesses transform digitally.” Mr Yau stated.

Derek Choi: 40% Surge in Applications Reflected High Competitiveness and Recognition of the Awards

Mr Derek Choi, Chairman of HKACE, said “the Customer Service Excellence Award 2025 received 220 applications – a significant 40% increase from the previous year – reflecting the industry’s growing emphasis on service quality. A total of 102 awards were presented, making the competition exceptionally fierce.”

“Participants had to be nominated by the member companies and submit a written proposal in the first round to be shortlisted among the five finalists for a panel interview,” Mr Choi explained. “An independent judging panel, composed of industry elites and academics, then determined the gold, silver, bronze, and merit award winners. This rigorous assessment process upheld the award programme’s standing.” Mr Choi also extended his heartfelt gratitude to all judging panel members, noting that their selfless dedication and strong support had contributed significantly to the credibility of the awards programme.

A total of 102 awards were presented at the event amidst fierce competition. Derek Choi, Chairman of HKACE, together with honourable guests, HKACE executive committee members, and all awardees, posed for a group photo to commemorate this significant moment.
A total of 102 awards were presented at the event amidst fierce competition. Derek Choi, Chairman of HKACE, together with honourable guests, HKACE executive committee members, and all awardees, posed for a group photo to commemorate this significant moment.

Customer Service Excellence Award 2025 Winners Unveiled: MTR Crowned Grand Champion

The Customer Service Excellence Award 2025 featured three main categories – Individual Awards, Team Awards and Programme Awards – alongside the Grand Award. MTR Corporation scooped a total of 15 awards, standing out among a strong field of competitors to be named Grand Champion. HKT Limited and The Hong Kong Jockey Club also secured the 1st Runner-up and 2nd Runner-up of the Grand Award respectively.

Other gold award winners included AIA International Limited, BMW (Hong Kong) Limited, Bank of China (Hong Kong) Limited, Cathay Pacific Airways, CLP Power Hong Kong Limited, Hong Kong Fire Services Department, Hongkong Post, and Industrial and Commercial Bank of China (Asia) Limited.

Appendix 1: List of Winners of the HKACE Customer Service Excellent Award 2025

Grand Award
Champion MTR Corporation
1st Runner-up HKT Limited
2nd Runner-up The Hong Kong Jockey Club
Individual Award – Contact Centre Service Award
Gold Bank of China (Hong Kong) Limited Tse Mei Yee, Shirley
Silver HKT Limited Li Miu Hei, Annie
Bronze AIA International Limited Luk Kwong Lam
Merit HKT Limited Yeung Shuk Yi, Joe
Merit The Kowloon Motor Bus Co. (1933) Ltd. Wan Ka Hing, Tingo
Individual Award – Counter Service Award
Gold BMW Concessionaires (HK)Ltd Lai Ka Yui, Brian
Silver CLP Power Hong Kong Limited Lau Tik Fung, Oscar
Bronze Bank of China (Hong Kong) Limited Ng Ka Ling, Aimee
Merit China Mobile Hong Kong Company Limited Yeung Fong Chun, Frank
Merit Sino Group – Citywalk 2 Management Company Limited
Individual Award – Field & Special Service Award
Gold Hongkong Post Hung Tsz Yin
Silver Ngong Ping 360 Limited Yip Ka Man, Carmen
Bronze Shell Hong Kong Limited Xia Min
Merit Bank of China (Hong Kong) Limited Luk Ka Chun, Paul
Merit Cathay Ardis Yeung
Individual Award – Frontline Service Award
Gold Industrial and Commercial Bank of China (Asia) Limited Kwan Shing Yan, Kelvin
Silver Goodwell Property Management Limited Wong Pui Ching, Rebecca
Bronze MTR Corporation Law Pak Hin, Hinson
Merit The Hong Kong Jockey Club Cheung Tsz Ching
Merit Aviation Security Company Limited Cheng Bing Lam
Individual Award – Internal Support Service Award
Gold HKT Limited Zheng Minsui
Silver BOC Group Life Assurance Co. Ltd. Ma Wing Sze, Sissy
Bronze Cathay Bianca Tang
Merit AIA International Limited Lyu Chen Yu
Merit Airport Authority Hong Kong Agnes Wong

Individual Award – Customer Service Training Award
Gold HKT Limited Law Kar Yan, Kannis
Silver The Hong Kong Jockey Club Brian Leung
Bronze Cathay Jennifer Lui
Merit MTR Corporation Chiu Tsz Ho, Ivan
Merit H Properties Management (HK) Co. Ltd. Yip Ching Ching, Janee
Individual Award – Customer Service Supervisor / Team Manager
Gold Cathay Michelle To
Silver The Hong Kong Jockey Club Miriam Hang
Bronze MTR Corporation Matthew Cheung
Merit Ocean Park Corporation Li Chi Kit, Henry
Merit HKT Limited Wong Lai Man, Ulysses
Individual Award – Top 5 Young Stars of the Year
Cathay Tedd Wong
The Hong Kong and China Gas Co. Ltd. Sham Fung Wa
Hong Kong Tourism Board Michelle Tam
CLP Power Hong Kong Limited Ng Oi Mei, Amy
Ngong Ping 360 Limited Yau Cheuk Ting, Anna
Team Award – Contact Centre Service Award
Gold Bank of China (Hong Kong) Limited Digital Hub
Silver China Mobile Hong Kong Company Limited Customer Contact Centre
Bronze MTR Corporation High Speed Rail Service Hotline
Merit Cathay Virtual Relationship Manager
Merit HKT Limited 1O1O Outbound Contact Centre
Team Award – Counter Service Award
Gold CLP Power Hong Kong Limited Smart Energy@Tai Po
Silver Bank of Communications (Hong Kong) Limited Tai Po Branch
Bronze The Hong Kong Jockey Club Kowloon Bay, Telford Off-Course Betting Branch
Merit MTR Corporation ELEMENTS Concierge Service
Merit Airport Authority Hong Kong Customer Service Team & Terminal Duty Team

Team Award – Field & Special Service Award
Gold Cathay HKIA Rescue Team
Silver The Kowloon Motor Bus Co. (1933) Ltd. KMB Field Operations Support Team
Bronze CLP Power Hong Kong Limited CLP Green Studio Multi-Purpose Vehicle
Merit Ngong Ping 360 Limited Attractions & Entertainment Team
Merit Airport Authority Hong Kong Service Team of Airport Home Baggage Check-in
Team Award – Frontline Service Award
Gold Cathay Cabin Crew Team
Silver The Hong Kong Jockey Club Tuen Mun Town Plaza Off-Course Betting Branch
Bronze HKT Limited “Here to Serve” Team
Merit MTR Corporation East Rail Line Interfacing Team
Merit Airport Authority Hong Kong HKIA VIP Lounge and Government VIP Lounge Team
Team Award – Internal Support Service Award
Gold AIA International Limited Premier Agency Enquiry Team
Silver MTR Corporation Operations Data Studio
Bronze HKT Limited Operations Transformation Team
Merit AXA China Region Insurance Company Limited Customer Strategy and Insights Team
Merit The Hong Kong Jockey Club Retail – Racecourse Work Group
Team Award – Customer Service Training Award
Gold HKT Limited Consumer Business Group Training Team
Silver AIA International Limited Service Training and Knowledge Team
Bronze MTR Corporation MTR Learning & Training
Merit Hong Kong Tourism Board Visitor Services and Human Resources
Merit ABC Pathways School Training & Development
Programme Award – Customer Retention Award
Gold MTR Corporation Elderly Care Programme
Silver CLP Power Hong Kong Limited Power Connect
Bronze HKT Limited HKT Commercial SME Customer Retention Programme
Merit The Hong Kong Jockey Club Experience Diversity, Connect with CARE
Merit Cathay Cathay Million Miles Programme
Programme Award – Digital Transformation Award
Gold MTR Corporation MTR Smart Mobility: Digital Transformation for Travel Concession Schemes
Silver CLP Power Hong Kong Limited Digital Transformation for Hong Kong ‘s Largest Residential Peak Demand Management
Bronze Airport Authority Hong Kong Smart Passenger Security Screening System at Hong Kong International Airport
Merit China Mobile Hong Kong Company Limited AI+Service
Merit Ngong Ping 360 Limited “Delight Guests Always” – NP360 AI Assistant
Programme Award – Outstanding Customer Service Award
Gold MTR Corporation Kai Tak and Sung Wong Toi Stations Customer Experience Enhancement
Silver Hong Kong Fire Services Department “Old Friends” Home Visit Scheme
Bronze Ngong Ping 360 Limited Shining You Customer Service Program- Creating Muslim Friendly Attractions in Hong Kong
Merit CLP Power Hong Kong Limited CLP Community Watch & Care Service Pilot Programme
Merit H Properties Management (HK) Co. Ltd. Happy DNA: Happier Places, Happier People

Programme Award – People Development Award
Gold Hong Kong Fire Services Department Greater Bay Area Joint Emergency Response and Rescue Exercise “Liancheng – 2025”
Silver Airport Authority Hong Kong The Operation Officer

Skill-based Salary Progression Scheme

Bronze The Hong Kong Jockey Club Racing Towards Excellence: Retail Succession Programme
Merit MTR Corporation Buddy Scheme for Newly Recruit Station Officer
Merit Aviation Security Company Limited Structured Customer Service Development Programme
Programme Award – Service Innovation Award
Gold MTR Corporation MTR Smart Mobility: Intelligent Crowd Diversion System for Kai Tak Sports Park
Silver H Properties Management (HK) Co. Ltd. Happy Moment
Bronze BOC Group Life Assurance Co. Ltd. 5+1 Senses @ Service Centre
Merit The Kowloon Motor Bus Co. (1933) Ltd. Pet Bus Tour
Merit HKT Limited Transforming Service Experience – Wise
Programme Award – Employee Engagement Award
Gold AIA International Limited “Inside Out”
Silver The Hong Kong Jockey Club “HAPPI-D” Programme
Bronze Ocean Park Corporation Village Adventure
Merit MTR Corporation Know Our Customer Programme

This press release is issued by Passion PR Limited on behalf of the Hong Kong Association for Customer Service Excellence.
Hashtag: #HongKongAssociationForServiceExcellence #HKACE

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

About Hong Kong Association for Customer Service Excellence (HKACE)

Hong Kong Association of Customer Service Excellence (HKACE), a non-profit organisation, was established in February 2000 to represent more than 300,000 customer service practitioners in Hong Kong, the number of member companies has almost 50. The 9 founding member organisations are AIA International Limited, Cathay Pacific Airways Limited, Centaline Property Agency Limited, CLP Power Hong Kong Limited, HKT Limited, Hongkong Post, Shell Hong Kong Limited, Standard Chartered Bank (Hong Kong) Limited and The Hong Kong Jockey Club. They are committed to continuously improve themselves, to promote customer service culture with passion, leveraging on members’ synergy and professional expertise.

The Association initiated a multitude of industry awards and programmes over the years, including the “Customer Service Excellence Award”, “Young Service Stars Programme”, and the “Quality Customer Service Programme”. “Service Appreciation Programme” was first launched in 2013 to foster service appreciation culture. The Association aims to facilitate the sharing of managerial experiences among member organizations, encourage innovation, and elevate the competitiveness of Hong Kong’s service sector by rewarding high levels of customer service.

About Customer Service Excellence Award

In line with the mission to promote customer service excellence among members, the HKACE introduced the Customer Service Excellence Award program in 2001 with an aim of motivating customer service staff, recognizing outstanding performers and promoting a customer service culture with member companies.

Moldova Celebrates 25 Years of National Wine Day, Strengthening Its Position as a Rising Global Wine Destination

CHIȘINĂU, Moldova, May 15, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — The Republic of Moldova will mark the 25th anniversary of National Wine Day under the slogan “United by Wine” on 3–4 October 2026 in Chișinău, celebrating a milestone that reflects the country’s transformation into an increasingly recognized player in the global wine industry.

As one of the few countries in the world to dedicate a national holiday to wine, Moldova has turned National Wine Day into a major cultural and tourism event, attracting thousands of visitors annually and showcasing the evolution of its wine sector on the international stage.

This year’s anniversary edition will feature an updated concept, expanded participation from wineries across the country, and curated experiences designed to highlight the diversity, authenticity, and quality of Wine of Moldova.

Over the past 25 years, National Wine Day has grown from a domestic celebration into one of Europe’s notable open-air cultural events, becoming a key platform for wine tourism and international visibility.

“Moldova’s wine sector has evolved significantly by combining deep-rooted traditions with modern innovation,” said Ștefan Iamandi, Director of the National Office of Vine and Wine. “This anniversary reflects both our heritage and our ambition to position Moldova as a competitive global wine producer.”

At the core of this transformation is the national brand “Wine of Moldova. Unexpectedly Great.”, which has strengthened international recognition and supported the expansion of Moldovan wines into global markets.

Today, Moldova exports wine to more than 70 countries worldwide, with around 60% of exports going to Europe. The sector contributes approximately 3% of GDP and accounts for nearly 8% of total exports, underscoring its strategic importance to the national economy.

In 2026, Moldova will further expand its international presence by participating in key industry events, including JFEX Japan, Daejeon Wine Expo in South Korea, Interwine China, and WBWE in the Netherlands, where producers will showcase wines defined by authenticity, terroir, and competitive quality.

Visitors from around the world are invited to experience National Wine Day in Chișinău on 3–4 October 2026, where Moldova’s capital transforms into a vibrant celebration of wine, culture, and hospitality. The event offers international guests the opportunity to discover local wineries, taste award-winning wines, and explore one of Europe’s most distinctive emerging wine destinations.

About Wine of Moldova

Wine of Moldova. Unexpectedly Great. is the national wine brand of the Republic of Moldova, representing a modern, dynamic wine industry rooted in centuries-old tradition. Through consistent quality, authenticity, and innovation, Moldovan wines continue to gain recognition on international markets.

iQIYI’s Absurdist Crime Drama ‘Born with Luck’ Sets New Genre Benchmark

BEIJING, May 15, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — On May 13, iQIYI, China’s leading online entertainment platform, announced that its crime drama “Born with Luck” surpassed 10,000 on its content popularity index, placing it among the platform’s most-watched titles since its May 4 premiere. Debuting via iQIYI and iQIYI International, the series has sustained strong momentum in both audience engagement and chart performance, reflecting iQIYI’s consistent ability to develop distinctive drama genres.

Adapted from the novel of the same name by acclaimed author Zijin CHEN, “Born with Luck” opens with an anonymous whistleblowing letter that sets off a chain of increasingly absurd criminal cases. As police officers Yi’ang ZHANG and Qian LI investigate the deaths of a former police chief and a criminal investigation captain, they are drawn into a complex web of relationships in Sanjiangkou City, involving related groups, violent criminals, and local troublemakers. The result is a genre-blending narrative that fuses crime, suspense, and sharp absurdist comedy into a distinctive viewing experience.

iQIYI Senior Vice President and the drama’s chief producer Ying DAI said, “From ‘Burning Ice’ to ‘Born with Luck’, this is our fourth collaboration with Zijin CHEN. Filmed in Harbin, Heilongjiang province, the series brings together the distinctive humor of Northeast China and the tone of the story in a way that feels truly organic.” This further underscores iQIYI’s long-term commitment to premium suspense storytelling and genre innovation.

The series draws an added dimension through promotional tie-ins with iQIYI’s hit variety show “Super Sketch Show”. Several comedians from the show appear in the drama, while familiar comedic references have been widely picked up by viewers in bullet comments, further amplifying the show’s humor and audience engagement.

As of today, its Weibo rating has climbed to 9.2 out of 10. The series has also delivered strong performance across major platforms, ranking No. 1 on related drama charts on Douyin and Kuaishou, two major short-video platforms in China, while continuing to top major third-party charts including Enlightent, ky.live, and Dengta. These results demonstrate growing market appetite for absurdist crime storytelling.

Contact: iQIYI Press, press@qiyi.com

A Decade of Excellence for Metis CI

Deepening Roots in the Cook Islands, Scripting a New Chapter in Asset Protection

HONG KONG, May 15, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Metis Global (Cook Islands) Limited (“Metis CI”), a global leader in asset protection and trust services, hosted a gala dinner on 12 May (local time) in Rarotonga to celebrate its 10th anniversary. This milestone marks a decade of profound expertise in asset protection and wealth succession, while highlighting the firm’s enduring partnership with the Cook Islands government and its strategic collaborators.

The evening was attended by a distinguished gathering of guests, including officials from the Financial Supervisory Commission (FSC) and the Financial Services Development Authority (FSDA), local government representatives, legal advisors, banking partners, and strategic partners from around the globe. Against a backdrop of warmth and prestige, attendees reflected on Metis CI’s journey in helping clients navigate a volatile global economy through robust asset allocation and wealth succession frameworks.

Dr Cheung, Founder and Chairman of Metis Global Group (front row, center), poses with company representatives and distinguished guests at the Metis CI 10th Anniversary Gala Dinner. The group photo, featuring government officials, banking partners, and legal advisers, commemorates the company’s ten-year milestone.
Dr Cheung, Founder and Chairman of Metis Global Group (front row, center), poses with company representatives and distinguished guests at the Metis CI 10th Anniversary Gala Dinner. The group photo, featuring government officials, banking partners, and legal advisers, commemorates the company’s ten-year milestone.

Rooted in Integrity, Built on Professionalism

In his opening remarks, Dr Cheung, Founder and Chairman of Metis Global Group, expressed his gratitude for the unwavering support of the Cook Islands government:

“Ten years ago, we chose to take root in the Cook Islands not only for its world-class asset protection legal system but also for its highly professional, efficient, and innovation-friendly regulatory environment. Over the past decade, Metis CI has been honoured to work closely with the FSC and the FSDA. We remain committed to the highest compliance standards and actively support the government’s policies regarding transparency and international anti-money laundering regulations.”

Dr Cheung further emphasized the group’s vision: “Through Metis CI, Metis Global Group has fostered a strong connection with this region. While we are deeply rooted in the local community, our business spans the globe; thus, we are committed to serving as an international ambassador for the Cook Islands’ trust system and its premier asset protection advantages. Moving forward, we will continue to align with government policies to transform the nation’s legal strengths into a secure guarantee for our clients, ensuring that every legacy entrusted to us is realised within a stable political and economic environment under rigorous supervision.”

A Premier Jurisdiction for Global Asset Protection

The Cook Islands pioneered one of the most comprehensive offshore trust asset protection legislations, establishing itself as one of the premier jurisdictions in this field for a long time. Its legal framework is internationally renowned for asset segregation and trust protection, offering comprehensive wealth management solutions for high-net-worth individuals worldwide.

As a licensed trust company incorporated in the Cook Islands, Metis CI operates under the Trust Companies Act 2014 and is regulated by the Financial Supervisory Commission. Entering its second decade, Metis CI will continue to utilise the Cook Islands as its strategic core. The firm is dedicated to enhancing service quality, deepening international cooperation, and collaborating with regulators and industry peers to promote a more professional, transparent, and resilient future for offshore trust services.

 

“Impressions of China” Short Video Showcase 2025 Wraps Up

NANJING, China, May 15, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — A report from InJiangsu.

The “Impressions of China” Short Video Showcase 2025 has officially concluded, drawing 4,173 submissions from creators around the world. The four-month event, which began in mid-August 2025, is designed to bridge cultures through authentic visual storytelling. After final judging, more than 200 works received awards, offering a genuine, diverse snapshot of contemporary China — from everyday street scenes and personal stories of perseverance to urban development, industrial innovation, and natural landscapes.

To enhance creative quality and cross-cultural appeal, organizers arranged on-location filming tours for nearly 50 international students from four Nanjing-based universities — Nanjing University, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics, and Nanjing University of Science and Technology. They were joined by overseas video bloggers from France, the United Kingdom, Russia, and the Netherlands. The group visited regions including Qidong (Nantong), Liangxi (Wuxi), Yixing (Wuxi), Binhai (Yancheng), and Taicang (Suzhou), capturing Jiangsu’s rich cultural heritage and modern urban energy through their lenses.

The showcase gained wide exposure through Jiangsu Broadcasting Corporation’s cross-media platforms, the overseas partners of Jiangsu International Communication Center, and major global channels.

On February 3, 2026, an awards ceremony in Nanjing also marked the launch of the 2026 edition. The event featured four thematic chapters, during which outstanding creators and video subjects shared their behind-the-scenes stories. Winners were announced in eight categories: 80 Best Works, 120 Excellence Works, and 220 Merit Works. The special “Dreams Set Sail from the East” honor went to the piece In the Name of River and Sea.

“Impressions of China” continues to encourage global creators to document the country through honest, everyday lenses. Future editions will refine themes, expand distribution, and further energize cross-cultural dialogue through short videos.

Voicecomm Technology (02495.HK) Forms Strategic Partnership with IT Park from Tajikistan

Jointly Building an AI Ecosystem Embedded with “Computing Power + Talent + Scenario” in Central Asia


HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 15 May 2026 – Voicecomm Technology Co., Ltd. (“Voicecomm Technology” or the “Company”, Stock Code: 2495.HK), a core technology provider and ecosystem operator of trustworthy conversational AI in China, is pleased to announce that the Group has signed a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Dushanbe Software Products and Information Technology Park (“Dushanbe IT Park“), at the recent “Tajikistan-China Digital Business Connect” IT Forum held in Beijing. The two parties will jointly establish a “Digital Talent Innovation Center” and collaborate in areas including artificial intelligence, big data, industrial internet, and embodied AI.

The “Tajikistan-China Digital Business Connect” IT Forum was grandly held in Beijing on May 11, 2026, during the state visit to China by Emomali Rahmon, President and National Leader of the Republic of Tajikistan. Organized by the Innovation and Digital Technologies Agency under the President of the Republic of Tajikistan, the forum brought together core players from the digital industries of both countries, marking a new chapter in Tajikistan-China digital cooperation.

The forum was attended by representatives from 70 ICT companies from Tajikistan and over 120 leading technology companies from China, including Chinese tech giants such as Alibaba, ByteDance, BYD, Huawei, DeepSeek, Kuaishou, Lenovo, and Voicecomm Technology.

Five Pillars: Building a Trustworthy Conversational AI System in Central Asia

Dushanbe IT Park is a national digital technology innovation and industry cluster platform prioritized by the Government of Tajikistan, recognized as an emerging digital economy engine in Central Asia. Voicecomm Technology’s cooperation with the IT Park revolves around five pillars:

  • Joint Computing Power Center Construction: Co-build a public computing platform tailored for trustworthy conversational AI R&D, providing foundational support including computing resource scheduling, model training, and data processing.
  • Enabling Real-World Scenario: Integrate practical application scenarios from government affairs, urban services, industry, and manufacturing in both China and Tajikistan to provide industrial support for technology R&D and talent training.
  • Joint Training of Engineers: Establish training bases for universities in Tajikistan and across Central Asia, offering customized training programs, instructor development, and joint curriculum design.
  • International Authority Certification Implementation: Introduce international technical certification systems, offer accredited courses for AI engineers, big data analysts, robotics applications, and issue globally recognized certificates.
  • Technology Innovation Transfer & Talent Exchange: Build a collaborative “government-industry-university-research” mechanism to facilitate the implementation of joint R&D results in Tajikistan and establish a platform for two-way digital talent exchange between China and Tajikistan.

Expand Global Ecosystem Footprints and Focus on Long-Term Value Creation

With its core technical framework of “multi-modal perception + multi-model thinking,” Voicecomm Technology has achieved commercial deployment across various verticals, including smart city management, automotive and transportation, telecommunications, finance, healthcare, and energy. By establishing localized computing infrastructure, talent cultivation systems, and technical certification standards in Tajikistan – a key hub in Central Asia – Voicecomm Technology’s globalization strategy is evolving from product export to a comprehensive competitive advantage encompassing talent, standards, and ecosystems.

Christopher Chen, General Manager of Voicecomm Technology for the Middle East and Central Asia region, attended the conference and stated: “I am honored to represent Voicecomm Technology in reaching this strategic cooperation with Dushanbe IT Park at the Tajikistan-China Digital Business Connect Forum. This is not only a crucial milestone in Voicecomm Technology’s globalization but also an export of our ecosystem model. We are committed to deeply integrating trustworthy conversational AI and embodied AI technologies into the local market – empowering local talent, co-creating industry scenarios, and participating in standard setting. This deep-seated localized ecosystem co-creation model will unlock vast long-term growth opportunities for us in markets along the Belt and Road.”

Hashtag: #VoicecommTechnology #聲通科技

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

Voicecomm Technology Co., Ltd.

Founded in 2005 and headquartered in Wuhan, Voicecomm Technology is one of the leading core technology providers and ecosystem operators of trustworthy conversational AI listed on the Main Board of the Hong Kong Stock Exchange, and obtained the qualification as National-level SRDI, Technology Little Giant and High-Tech Enterprise. Leveraging its proprietary trustworthy Agent,the Company overcomes pain points in the commercialization of large language models, such as hallucinations and compliance issues, ensuring AI is usable, manageable, and controllable in enterprise environments. For enterprise-level customers, the Company provides AI services covering the entire process of “communication –decision – execution”. Its trustworthy Agent solutions have been widely deployed across multiple scenarios, including City management and administration, Automotive and transportation, Telecommunications, Finance, Healthcare, and Energy management, and it is dedicated to empowering the intelligent transformation of diverse industries.

Laos Hydropower Firm EDL-Gen Rebounds to Profit in 2025

Nam Ngum 1 hydropower plant reservoir. (Photo: EDL Generation Public Company)

Electricité du Laos (EDL) Generation Public Company,  known as EDL-Gen, reported a financial comeback, recording a net profit of LAK 1.8 billion (USD 82.9 million) in 2025 after two consecutive years of deepening losses.

The result is a reversal for a company that had been profitable as recently as 2022 before sliding into the red in 2023 and again, more severely, in 2024, according to official data.

EDL-Generation Public Company is a Lao hydropower producer majority-owned by EDL, generating and exporting electricity mainly to Thailand, and operating ten hydropower dams across Laos. The company can export its energy through independent power producers.

Power Plants Lead the Charge

EDL-Gen’s plants generated 8,038 gigawatt-hours (GWh) of electricity in 2025, enough to power millions of homes, up from 6,970 GWh the previous year and nearly 19 percent above the company’s own target. 

Hydropower facilities under EDL-Gen’s full ownership alone produced 18.20 percent above their individual plan.

Additional income from partner power projects also surged, after the Theun-Hinboun plant in Bolikhamxay and Khammouane Provinces fully repaid its debts and began paying out much higher dividends to EDL-Gen.

EDL-Gen also took decisive steps to strengthen its finances. 

The company sold and transferred its stakes in several hydropower projects back to EDL and other investors, reducing its debt load and freeing up cash. Revenue more than doubled from LAK 3,003 billion (USD 136.5 million) in 2024 to LAK 6,842 billion (USD 311 million) in 2025, while the company’s debt burden relative to its assets fell by more than half.

Road Ahead

Despite the strong result, EDL-Gen is tempering expectations for 2026. 

The company projects a much smaller profit of LAK 128 billion (USD 5.8 million) next year. Management is also bracing for a cash shortfall and plans to sell additional projects and seek government financial support to bridge the gap.

Still, after years of turmoil, EDL-Gen enters 2026 on far firmer ground, operating 1,657 megawatts (MW) of installed capacity, enough to supply electricity to a small country,or  enough to power roughly one to 1.5 million homes.