Author: Media OutReach Newswire

Key Messages:

• The NPO Standards Industry Summit brought together global standards and industry giants, who reached a consensus on international NPO standards, laying a solid foundation for the industry upgrade and large-scale commercial use of NPO.
• Multiple vendors from countries like China, the US, and Japan held a joint exhibition of connectors, NPO modules, and switches, strengthening industry confidence in building an open and prosperous NPO ecosystem.

PARIS, FRANCE – Media OutReach Newswire – 10 September 2026 – On September 10, the NPO Standards Industry Summit, co-hosted by IPEC and OIF, was held at the Shenzhen World Exhibition & Convention Center. The event was attended by top players from across the global industry chain, including experts from OIF, CAICT, Tencent, Alibaba Cloud, Baidu, Huawei, Broadcom, SENKO, Amphenol, and Yamaichi. The summit focused on NPO evolution and international standards development, with in-depth discussions being held on topics like ecosystem upgrade and industry chain collaboration. Ultimately, a consensus on international NPO standards was reached at the summit, laying a solid foundation for the industry upgrade and large-scale commercial use of NPO.

Dr. Zhao Wenyu, Vice Chairman of IPEC and Deputy Director of the Technology and Standards Research Institute of China Academy of Information and Communications Technology (CAICT), emphasized: “As SuperPoDs continue to expand in scale, traditional optical modules are consuming huge amounts of energy, and co-packaged optics (CPO) faces constraints like a closed industry chain and complex operations and maintenance. In contrast, near-packaged optics (NPO) – with its excellent energy efficiency, a favorable trade-off in port density, and strong compatibility with existing pluggable ecosystems – is expected to become the preferred solution for SuperPoD interconnect in the near term, and coexist and evolve alongside CPO and other solutions in the long term. We call upon stakeholders across industry, academia, research institutions, and user groups, to join hands in developing NPO standards and driving the NPO ecosystem to evolve from ‘usable’ to ‘easy-to-use at scale’”.

Jiang Zhibin, the Optical Network Architect at Tencent, highlighted: “As SuperPoDs expand in scale and GPUs and switch chips increase their SerDes data rates, optical interconnect solutions will advance more rapidly towards 6.4T NPO.” Looking ahead, there is an urgent need to use opto-electronic collaborative design to overcome the challenges introduced by advanced packaging processes.

Dr. Man Jiangwei, Director of the Advanced Opto-Electronics Laboratory at Huawei, stated: “In exploring the optimal interconnect solution – NPO – for SuperPoDs, Huawei has launched the industry’s first high-bandwidth 7.2T NPO product and successfully conducted a demonstration of dynamic transmission at the IPEC exhibition booth. Furthermore, with the introduction of key technologies like built-in light sources and highly-integrated SiPh chips, this NPO product features ‘high bandwidth, high reliability, and high availability’ while achieving ‘low latency, low power consumption, and low cost’.”

Meanwhile, at the China International Optoelectronic Exposition (CIOE), the IPEC booth showcased the latest achievements of the global NPO industry chain, particularly those from the US, Japan, and China. The display showcased high-density connector solutions from leading vendors in the US and Japan, as well as the NPO modules of various capacities developed by multiple Chinese vendors, alongside several NPO switches, demonstrating a high level of commercial maturity.

The success of this summit and exposition marks a milestone for the development of the global NPO industry. At the summit, a consensus was reached on international NPO standards and the paths for collaboration between standards organizations and the industry chain were streamlined, laying a solid foundation for the large-scale commercial use of NPO. Furthermore, the joint exhibition of industry ecosystem products has strengthened industry confidence in building an open and prosperous NPO ecosystem.

Hashtag: #Huawei

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

HONGHU, CHINA – Media OutReach Newswire – 25 September 2026 – Honghu lotus root ranks first in antioxidant content among major lotus-root-producing regions, according to industrial report by China Merchants Securities (CMS), highlighting the ingredient’s potential beyond traditional food and into functional food, superfood and biotechnology markets. Building on Honghu’s nutritional profile and industrial scale, Huagui Group is expanding from lotus root and aquatic vegetables into functional ingredients, wellness products and biotechnology, while developing a broader global platform connecting China’s aquatic resources with international food, health and commercial markets.

As a global player in lotus root and aquatic vegetables, Huagui has established an international commercial network. The Honghu Lotus Root brand was valued at RMB 25.861 billion in 2025, reflecting its market position. Related products reach more than 50 countries and markets and are present in retail and food conglomerates channels including Costco and Yum! Brands, the parent company of KFC and Pizza Hut. Co-headquartered in Beijing and Hubei, Huagui continues to expand sourcing, international distribution, private-label programs and cross-border supply-chain partnerships. The conference brought together the China Vegetables Association, representatives from Europe, the United States and South Korea, and international guests including a representative member from the Saudi royal family.

Alongside its commercial expansion, Huagui is strengthening its position in the biotech and superfood market. Honghu lotus root naturally contains dietary fiber, vitamin C, potassium and polyphenols. According to a report by China Merchants Securities (CMS), Honghu lotus root ranks first among major lotus-root-producing regions in antioxidant content. The report also notes that the output value of Honghu’s lotus root industry is approximately five to six times that of Jiangsu, highlighting its nutritional profile and the scale of its commercial potential across plant-based nutrition, functional foods and health applications. Huagui is also establishing bio-extraction, functional ingredients and wellness products through its biotech business.

“Our strategy is creating a global ecosystem connecting aquatic plants, aquatic animals, food, biotech and longevity,” said Melody Zhao, Executive Vice President of Huagui Group. “From natural resources to R&D, and from brand building to global shelves, Huagui is connecting China’s aquatic industries with global consumers through products, supply chains and international channels.”

Supporting this strategy is a diversified business platform built around four core sectors. Huagui Food anchors food manufacturing and supply, while Huagui Health develops functional foods, wellness products and higher-value ingredients. Huagui’s e-commerce, commodities supply-chain finance and import-export operations connect digital channels, financing, global sourcing, international trade and private-label programs under its “Buy Global, Sell Global” approach. On the aquatic-animal side, Huagui’s Fishery Joint Venture with Hubei Agricultural Development Group, a China Top 500 enterprise group, extends the platform into fisheries and large-scale open-water operations, covering approximately 666.7 million square meters of fishing and aquaculture waters.

From global food channels to superfoods, Huagui is building an integrated platform across aquatic plants and animals, creating opportunities in international food, biotech and commerce.

Hashtag: #HuaguiGroup

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Empowering Brand Globalization Through Innovative Premium Consumer Experiences

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 24 September 2026 – ZJLD Group Inc. (“ZJLD” or the “Company”, together with the Company’s subsidiaries, collectively the “Group”) (SEHK stock code: 06979.HK), a flagship enterprise in China’s baijiu industry and the first baijiu company listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange, is pleased to announce that its flagship brand, Kweichow Zhenjiu, has partnered with CDF (China Duty Free) Cruise to successfully host the themed event “Timeless Brew, Maritime Legend – Exclusive Zhenjiu Tasting on Adora Magic City” aboard China’s domestically built large cruise ship, Adora Magic City. This collaboration marks a key milestone in ZJLD’s “go‑global” strategy by leveraging the cruise as an international showcase, while deepening bilateral cooperation by upgrading from a traditional supply‑only model to an all‑round co‑creation model.

Held from September 12 to 16, the event targeted high-net-worth individuals and duty-free consumers aboard the cruise. Through a diverse array of activities—including exclusive tasting sessions, fashion shows, and thematic workshops—the event showcased the deep cultural heritage and exquisite brewing craftsmanship of Chinese sauce-aroma baijiu to global travelers. During the event, Zhenjiu’s star products, “Da Zhen · Zhenjiu” and “NEWS Oak-Aged Craft Beer“, made their international debut, further conveying the brand’s core values and commitment to a high-quality lifestyle.

The Head of International Business at ZJLD stated: “Cruise ships represent a premium cross-border spending scenario, serving as an innovative testing ground for the globalization of Chinese baijiu. This partnership not only achieves deep integration between brand heritage and distribution channels but also marks a significant exploration of the global strategy for Chinese sauce-aroma baijiu. Moving forward, Kweichow Zhenjiu will remain committed to artisanal craftsmanship while taking innovative consumer touchpoints as a breakthrough point to showcase the unique charm of Chinese baijiu to global markets, striving to establish an international benchmark for China’s premium sauce-aroma baijiu.”

Hashtag: #ZJLDGroup

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

About ZJLD Group Inc.

Zhen Jiu was established in 1975 in Zunyi, Kweichow, China’s primary production area of sauce-aroma baijiu. In 1988, it was honored with the National Quality Award at the 5th National Wine Appreciation Conference. In the same year, it was announced by the Protocol Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Communication Department of the Ministry of Economy and Trade, and the Great Hall of the People Management Bureau to become one of the two sauce-aroma baijiu served at state banquets. It is also known as one of the “Three Representative Baijiu Brands in Kweichow”.

ZJLD Group Inc. is a leading baijiu group in China devoted to offering premium baijiu products, including sauce-aroma, mixed-aroma, and strong-aroma varieties. According to Frost & Sullivan statistics, the flagship brand Zhenjiu has maintained its position for two consecutive years (2023 and 2024) as the fourth-largest sauce-aroma baijiu brand in China and the third-largest in Guizhou Province, by revenue. The Company operates four baijiu brands in China, including two national baijiu brands, Zhen Jiu and Li Du, and two regional brands, Xiangjiao and Kaikouxiao. ZJLD prides itself on inheriting the time-honored baijiu-brewing techniques and reinvigorating them to develop iconic products. It strives to create a wide variety of aromatic and mellow baijiu products to meet the diverse preferences of consumers, seize broader market opportunities, and promote traditional Chinese baijiu culture.

BINZHOU, CHINA – Media OutReach Newswire – 24 September 2026 – The Binzhou Aerospace Exploration Center will open on Sept. 25, offering an immersive destination that combines aerospace science, cultural tourism, education and leisure. Visitors can explore space through interactive experiences while learning about the development of human spaceflight and China’s achievements in aerospace.

As a new hub for aerospace science and patriotic education in Binzhou, the center features a professional, systematic, and immersive aerospace science education system, making it a premier venue for youth study tours. Covering 9,456 square meters, with nearly 15,620 square meters of exhibition space, the center features a Visitor Service Center and five themed exhibition areas: Planet Paradise, Beyond the Dome, Interstellar Voyage, Touching the Stars and Mars Base.

Designed for visitors of all ages, the center will provide aerospace science education, immersive experiences, family activities and study tours, adding a new destination for science and cultural tourism in Binzhou.

Hashtag: #BinzhouInformationOffice

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BANGKOK, THAILAND – Media OutReach Newswire – 24 September 2026 – Vitals today announced the rollout of online consultations with licensed doctors in Thailand, adding telehealth to its diagnostics-led health and wellness platform. The service connects testing, AI-assisted interpretation, medical consultation and wellness products in one customer journey.

Vitals is run by its founder and chief executive, Charles Temple, a New Zealander with more than 18 years of operating experience across Hong Kong and Southeast Asia. The company’s proposition is to start with a test, turn the results into a personalized picture of what an individual’s body needs, and then recommend what to do about it.

Customers begin with a non-invasive Comprehensive Wellness Test, which uses a small hair sample collected at home to screen more than 700 biomarkers covering nutritional status, metabolic function and broader systemic indicators. For a deeper clinical picture, Vitals Longevity blood programs measure up to 82 laboratory indicators. A licensed nurse comes to the customer’s home or office to draw the sample, which is processed by partner laboratories certified to ISO 15189 and by the Ministry of Public Health.

The results do not arrive as a spreadsheet of numbers. An AI analysis layer built into the Vitals platform, working alongside the laboratory and the company’s clinical team, translates them into a plain-language report and a personalized protocol covering what is deficient, what is out of range and what to prioritize.

The telehealth rollout adds online consultations with licensed doctors for customers who want their blood results interpreted or have a broader health question. Customers can speak to a physician from the same app that delivered the report. Data alone can leave people with more questions than answers; putting a doctor into the flow at the right moment takes the guesswork out.

Only at the end of that chain does the product come in. Vitals sells its own range of supplements, developed using its own formulations and manufactured by third-party producers in Thailand, alongside more than 100 global and local brands through its stores and online platform. Because the recommendation is grounded in the customer’s own results, the natural next step is to retest, adjust and continue.

“The attraction is not simply the growing market for vitamins and supplements. It is the broader business opportunity created when technology is applied to an established consumer behavior,” said Bruce Rockowitz, spokesperson for Vitals.

Vitals connects testing and wellness services in Thailand

Thailand already has much of the infrastructure needed for such a transition, including internationally recognized hospitals, accredited laboratories, a sophisticated private healthcare sector, a large tourism economy and a consumer base accustomed to spending on beauty and wellness. The same logic can extend into hospitality, food, beauty, travel and healthcare, where adding data, personalization and digital distribution can potentially turn traditionally service-based businesses into recurring consumer platforms. Vitals is also expanding into Singapore and Hong Kong, extending the model beyond Thailand.

For more information about Vitals, visit: https://vitals.co.th/en

Hashtag: #Vitals

https://vitals.co.th/en

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About Vitals

Vitals is a diagnostics-led health and wellness platform with physical stores and an online platform. It offers non-invasive hair-based wellness testing of more than 700 biomarkers, at-home blood testing with licensed nurse collection and certified laboratory analysis, AI-generated personalised reports and protocols, online consultations with licensed doctors, and a supplement marketplace combining its own third-party-tested range with more than 100 global and local brands.

Media Contact
Vitals
Media enquiries: info@vitals.co.th
Website: https://vitals.co.th/en

BINZHOU, CHINA – Media OutReach Newswire – 24 September 2026 – On Sept. 9, the Nine-Nine Yellow River · 2026 Tour of Binzhou International Cycling Race officially kicked off at the Yellow River Delta Trade Center Plaza in Binzhou. As Binzhou’s sole international-level major sporting event and the highest-tier professional road cycling race in Shandong Province, this UCI Class 1 one-day race brought together 18 top professional cycling teams from 30 countries and regions. Over 400 athletes gathered in Binzhou, speeding along the Yellow River Avenue and racing along the majestic banks of the Yellow River.

Now in its fifth edition, the race has grown from a regional event into a UCI Class 1 one-day race and a featured sports tourism event in China. It has become an international platform for elite teams and riders to compete and gain experience.

After fierce competition, the professional category champion claimed the Yellow Jersey, while the Green, Red and Polka Dot Jerseys went to the winners of the sprint, Greater China and climbing classifications, respectively. In the team classification, Li-Ning Star, Hengsheng-VONOA-Taishan Sports Continental Team and Phoenix Finiss-SCOM-Hengxiang Continental Team finished first, second and third.

Hashtag: #BinzhouInternationalCyclingRace

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Three-phase roadmap prioritizes photonics, power semiconductors, and sensors to advance the “Made in Thailand” chip initiative, targeting over 230,000 new jobs.

BANGKOK, THAILAND – Media OutReach Newswire – 24 September 2026 – Thailand has approved its first national strategy for the semiconductor and advanced electronics industry, establishing a long-term framework to build an integrated domestic ecosystem spanning chip research and design, front-end manufacturing, conventional and advanced assembly, packaging and testing, and high-value electronics applications.

Approved on Thursday by the National Semiconductor and Advanced Electronics Policy Board, chaired by Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister, Mr. Ekniti Nitithanprapas, the strategy targets about $80 billion in cumulative investment and about $150 billion in annual industry revenue by 2050. It also aims to create more than 230,000 new jobs under Thailand’s long-term “Made in Thailand” chip initiative.

“This is Thailand’s first comprehensive national framework for building semiconductor capabilities and moving the country into higher-value activities across the global supply chain,” said Mr. Ekniti. “It gives investors a clear view of our technology priorities, infrastructure commitments and workforce-development plan through 2050.”

The roadmap will be implemented in three phases. By 2030, Thailand will reinforce its established assembly and testing base, scale advanced packaging capabilities and lay the foundations for front-end wafer production. By 2040, it will seek more anchor investors in upstream activities, including chip design, wafer fabrication and advanced-technology manufacturing, to fill gaps in the supply chain. By 2050, Thailand aims to have a complete domestic supply chain. Thai companies are expected to grow into local champions that co-develop innovation and hold key positions in the chain.

The strategy identifies three priority technology platforms aligned with Thailand’s industrial strengths and global demand: photonics for artificial intelligence, data centers and high-speed communications; power semiconductors for electric vehicles, energy-storage systems and power grids; and sensors, building on Thailand’s micro-electro-mechanical systems (MEMS) capabilities, for connected devices, automation, automotive, smart devices and medical applications.

Implementation will be supported through five coordinated mechanisms: tax incentives, grants and low-interest financing; high-skilled workforce development with industry and academic partners; upgraded research and chip-design infrastructure and partnerships between foreign and Thai companies; investment-ready infrastructure, including cluster sites, reliable water and electricity, clean energy and disaster-resilience systems; and regulatory reform and business facilitation for foreign investors and Thai suppliers including a broader market access through FTAs.

The board also approved a workforce program under the national strategy coordinated by the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation with universities, research institutes, industry and international partners. By 2030, the program aims to develop 86,600 people, including 84,900 highly skilled personnel and approximately 1,700 advanced researchers, through specialized curricula, industry placements, overseas training, and programs for faculty members, researchers and technical instructors.

The strategy builds on strong investment momentum. From 2023 through the first half of 2026, the BOI received investment-promotion applications for 879 semiconductor and advanced electronics projects worth about $27.2 billion (909 billion baht). The projects span chip production at various stages, printed circuit boards (PCBs), hard disk drives, AI servers, networking and power-management equipment, and electronic parts for vehicles and office equipment.

Infineon Technologies, the world’s largest maker of power semiconductors and automotive chips, will open its first Thai factory in Samut Prakan on Oct. 1. The facility will produce and package advanced power modules for electric vehicles, energy storage, clean energy and advanced electronics. Infineon also plans to establish an R&D center, develop joint curricula with Thai educational institutions and employ more than 5,000 people in Thailand at full operation.

Thailand’s expanding ecosystem also includes Foxsemicon Integrated Technology in semiconductor-equipment supply, Analog Devices in analog and mixed-signal chips, Zhen Ding Technology in printed circuit boards, Terahop in optical communications, and Malaysian Pacific Industries (MPI) in semiconductor assembly, packaging and testing.

“The ‘Made in Thailand’ chip initiative will bring together the country’s technology, infrastructure, investment and talent through a strong, coordinated and comprehensive national plan to turn this ambition into reality,” said Mr. Narit Therdsteerasukdi, Secretary General of the Thailand Board of Investment (BOI). “For semiconductor investors, specialized talent is as critical to site selection as infrastructure and incentives. The strategy is also designed to provide a dependable workforce pipeline for faster ramp-up and long-term expansion.”

Note: Investment, revenue and job figures are strategy targets. The U.S. dollar equivalent of 909 billion baht is based on an exchange rate of approximately 33.44 baht per dollar.

Hashtag: #Thailandboardofinvestment #BOI #FDI #Investment

https://www.boi.go.th/en/index/

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

Thailand Board of Investment (BOI)

Established in 1966, the Office of the Board of Investment (BOI) has continuously played an essential role for over 60 years in promoting value-adding investment for the country, from both foreign and Thai investors, to enhance national competitiveness and drive towards a new era of sustainable and balanced growth.

Investment Services Center- PR Section, The Office of the Board of Investment (BOI)

555 Vibhavadi-Rangsit Road, Chatuchak Bangkok 10900 Tel. +66 (0) 2553 8111, Fax: +66 (0) 2553 8222

SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 16 September 2026 – Food delivery is now firmly embedded in everyday life for nearly two in three Singaporean households (64%), but convenience alone is no longer enough. From choosing a restaurant to checking out and receiving an order, Singapore consumers expect meaningful choice, clear value, and an excellent experience – and they are counting on healthy market competition to protect all three.

However, following Deliveroo’s market exit in March 2026, a new consumer study by Blackbox Research reveals widespread apprehension that this three-way expectation is breaking down. With the sector effectively consolidated into a two-player market, consumers increasingly view platform surcharges, markups, and exclusivity arrangements as direct cost-of-living pressures.

Key findings from the study of 1,001 active delivery consumers include:

• Fears of Rising Charges: 85% of consumers fear higher delivery charges, whilst 84% expect steeper menu prices and higher platform fees as a direct consequence of reduced competition.
• Checkout Cart Abandonment: Over two-thirds of consumers (69%) have abandoned an order at checkout in the past three months due to surprising late fees.
• A Narrowing Duopoly: Over nine in ten active users (92%) now default to either GrabFood (85% reach) or foodpanda (66% reach). Consequently, 57% of consumers believe their genuine choices have shrunk.
• Demand for Open Menus: 83% of consumers think restaurants should be listed across multiple delivery platforms rather than locked into single-app arrangements.
• Merchant Pressures: 72% believe fewer platforms leave local restaurants with higher commission costs or weaker commercial terms, which are ultimately passed back onto consumer checkout bills.

David Black, Founder & CEO of Blackbox Research, said: “Food delivery has become an essential weekly routine for most households, and Singaporeans have very clear expectations around what makes that worthwhile: meaningful choice, fair value, and reliable service. But there is genuine anxiety across the market. Everyday delivery users fear that without vigorous competition, they will be left to pick up the tab – whether in dollars and cents or through a deteriorating experience. When delivery apps feed the majority of households, platform pricing practices become a direct, everyday cost-of-living concern.”

The Final Tab: What It All Adds Up To
Choice, value, and service are not separate expectations. All three rely on platforms continuing to compete actively for each order. If that competitive pressure weakens, consumers expect fewer options, higher costs, and poorer service – whilst local food businesses face an even tighter squeeze.

The full report, Hungry for Choice: Are Singapore’s consumers and food businesses paying the price of reduced competition in food delivery?, is available for download here.

About the Study & Methodology
This study combined quantitative consumer polling with interviews with industry experts:

• Quantitative Survey: Fielded online in July 2026 among 1,001 active food delivery consumers aged 18 and above in Singapore who ordered via an app within the preceding three months. The sample closely mirrors national demographics by age, gender, income, and ethnicity.
• Expert Interviews: Conducted in August 2026 with five independent specialists across competition economics, platform operations, SME commerce, and public policy.

The full methodology and question index are publicly accessible here.
Hashtag: #BlackboxResearch #consumerchoice #fooddelivery #fooddeliverysingapore

https://www.blackbox.com.sg/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/blackbox-research/
https://blackboxresearch.substack.com/

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

Blackbox Research

Headquartered in Singapore, Blackbox is Southeast Asia’s leading decision intelligence provider, delivering decision science solutions and community-wide perspectives on contemporary challenges. As a provider of data insights, we work closely with businesses, governments, regulators, and non-profit organisations across the region. For more information, visit blackbox.com.sg

Bringing Continuous Fiber Reinforcement (CFR) Technology to Local Market, Targeting Aviation Maintenance, Electronics Manufacturing, and Medical Devices Launch Event Successfully Held at Hong Kong Productivity Council

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 24 September 2026 – Markforged, a leading provider of industrial additive manufacturing solutions, today proudly announced the official appointment of Unotech Limited (“Unotech”) as its exclusive distributor in Hong Kong. Unotech will fully manage the sales, technical support, and application development for Markforged’s product portfolio in the region, delivering comprehensive end-to-end support for local industries. The official launch event was held at the Inno Network of the Hong Kong Productivity Council (HKPC).

The event kicked off with an opening and ribbon-cutting ceremony hosted by executives from both companies, followed by the first live demonstration of Markforged’s patented Continuous Fiber Reinforcement (CFR) technology. This breakthrough technology overcomes the material limitations of traditional 3D printing by precisely laying down continuous strands of carbon fiber, Kevlar, and high-strength, high-temperature fiberglass inside the part during printing. The resulting components match the strength and rigidity of machined aluminum, making them ready for quick use in manufacturing jigs, fixtures, robotic grippers, production tooling, and end-use functional parts.

Local manufacturing and engineering units face pressing dual challenges: compressed lead times and a growing share of high-mix, low-volume orders. Custom manufacturing tools—such as fixtures, assembly jigs, inspection gauges, and automated grippers—are the hardest hit. Markforged’s additive manufacturing platform effectively shifts production capabilities directly back to the facility floor. By enabling “print-on-demand” iterations right after design changes, it significant reduces traditional tooling lead times that usually stretch into weeks. For Hong Kong’s manufacturing environment, characterized by limited space, high labor costs, and tight delivery schedules, this digital solution significantly leverages operational and clinical efficiencies.

Leveraging Unotech’s robust industrial technology network in Hong Kong, Markforged’s advanced hardware and materials can be efficiently and reliably integrated across universities, research institutes, and manufacturing facilities. Backed by an in-house

team of application engineers, Unotech provides on-site installation, professional training, and tailored application development to help clients shorten supply chains, reduce inventory, and enhance production resilience.

Ivan Siu, Sales Director of Unotech Limited, stated: “We are deeply honored to partner with Markforged, a pioneer in industrial 3D printing. Combining Markforged’s technological dominance with our local footprint, we are confident in delivering highly cost-effective, reliable, and innovative manufacturing choices to Hong Kong. Our dedicated technical team will focus on mission-critical industries, including aviation maintenance, electronics manufacturing, medical devices, and precision engineering. These sectors demand superior part strength and rapid turnaround times, which perfectly match the capabilities of CFR technology. We will continue to strengthen our local engineering capabilities to drive the long-term growth of Hong Kong’s smart manufacturing ecosystem.”

Brian Chen, General Manager of Greater China and Vietnam at Markforged, added: “Hong Kong stands as a vital technology and trade hub within the Greater Bay Area, with a sophisticated customer base spanning multiple advanced manufacturing sectors. We chose Unotech as our exclusive partner because of their deep local technical expertise and comprehensive after-sales service network. An exclusive partnership concentrates accountability, ensuring our customers have a single, seamless point of contact for total peace of mind. Markforged will directly share our extensive repository of case studies and validated material data from the Greater China region with the Unotech team, empowering them to maximize operational efficiency for our medical, aviation, and precision engineering clients.”

Please click here to download high resolution images

1. Markforged appointed Unotech as its exclusive distributor in Hong Kong, with executives from both companies hosting the opening and ribbon-cutting ceremony.

2. Brian Chen, General Manager of Greater China and Vietnam at Markforged said that the company chose Unotech as their exclusive partner because of Unotech’s deep local technical expertise and comprehensive after-sales service network.

3. Ivan Siu, Sales Director of Unotech Limited said they were deeply honored to partner with Markforged.

4.&5 First live demonstration of Markforged’s patented Continuous Fiber Reinforcement technology at the event.

6. Markforged and Unotech ‘s management pose for a group photo with industry representatives.

Hashtag: #Unotech

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

About Markforged

Markforged is an industrial additive manufacturing company that enables manufacturers to create strong, end-use parts, fixtures, and spares right on the factory floor through its Digital Forge platform and Continuous Fiber Reinforcement (CFR) technology. This approach shortens supply chains, reduces inventory, and enhances production resilience. Its product line includes industrial-grade composite and metal additive manufacturing systems, serving sectors such as aerospace, automotive, electronics, medical devices, and precision engineering.

About Unotech Limited

Unotech Limited is an industrial technology solution provider in Hong Kong. By introducing smart manufacturing and 3D printing technologies, Unotech delivers equipment supply, application development, and technical support services to local research, educational, and manufacturing institutions.

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 24 September 2026 – As World Pharmacists Day approaches, AS Watson celebrates the contribution of more than 3,300 pharmacists and nearly 10,000 health professionals who help customers proactively manage their health and wellbeing every day through its network of over 1,770 pharmacies worldwide.

Driven by growing customer interest in preventive healthcare and self-care, AS Watson recorded 10% growth in global health sales over the past year, reflecting increasing demand for products and services that support overall wellbeing and healthier lifestyles.

Peter Macnab, International Commercial Director of AS Watson, said, “As healthcare continues to evolve from treatment to prevention, AS Watson is supporting customers with trusted professional advice, personalised and innovative O+O (Offline plus Online) healthcare solutions. We proudly recognise our pharmacists and healthcare professionals whose expertise and dedication make a meaningful difference to the health of customers and communities every day.”

AS Watson Unveils Global Health Research
To better understand evolving customer health behaviours, AS Watson unveiled findings from its Global Health Research, conducted by WISE, its customer experience insights division, among over 11,000 respondents across 10 markets in Europe and Asia.

The survey found that health concerns(43%) are the main driver of health product adoption, with professional advice (41%) from healthcare experts remaining a key influence alongside recommendations from family and friends (32%).

Customers are increasingly adopting an offline and online approach to product research, combining online research(82%), health professional consultations (49%) and in-store product discovery(44%). When making purchase decisions, they consider a combination of price and promotion(56%), brand trust(48%), and product benefits(45%).

The findings highlight the increasingly important role pharmacists play in preventive healthcare, helping customers make informed health decisions through trusted professional advice and guidance.

Peter concluded, “The future of healthcare is increasingly preventive, personalised and accessible. By bringing together trusted expertise, personalised care and O+O innovation, AS Watson is building a healthcare ecosystem that helps people take charge of their health with confidence. Our ambition is to make preventive healthcare more accessible and relevant to every customer, helping create healthier lives and communities worldwide.”

Hashtag: #ASWatson

https://www.aswatson.com/our-company/o-and-o-strategy/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/aswatson/
https://www.facebook.com/ASWGroupofficial/
https://www.instagram.com/aswatsongroup_corp/

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About AS Watson Group

Established in 1841, AS Watson Group is one of the world’s longest-standing and most recognised retail companies with roots in Asia. Today, the company operates over 17,000 stores across 12 retail brands in 31 markets, employing 130,000 people globally. This makes AS Watson Group the largest international health and beauty retailer in the world.

In the fiscal year 2025, AS Watson Group reported revenue of over US$26 billion. The company’s technology-enabled O+O (Offline plus Online) platforms serve over 6 billion shoppers annually, seamlessly integrating physical and digital retail experiences.

AS Watson Group supported over 180 charitable and non-profit organisations every year, dedicating over 40,000 hours of volunteer work to serve over 370,000 people in need in our operating markets.

AS Watson Group is also a member of the world-renowned multinational conglomerate CK Hutchison Holdings Limited, which has four core businesses – ports and related services, retail, infrastructure and telecommunications in over 50 countries.

Please visit www.aswatson.com/our-company/o-and-o-strategy/ for more information.

About WISE

WISE stands for Watson Insights on Shoppers Experience. It is the research division of AS Watson, the world’s largest international health and beauty retailer. By constantly having conversations with a panel that comprises of over 180 million members across 31 markets, WISE focuses on developing customer insights in beauty care, personal care, health and wellbeing to help better understand and meet the needs of today’s customers.