HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 17 September 2026 – Hong Kong’s Chief Executive, John Lee, yesterday (September 16) announced the First Five-Year Plan for Economic and Social Development of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) (2026-2030) and his fifth Policy Address. Priority areas include accelerating development of the Northern Metropolis (NM) while also establishing an international hub for high-calibre talent.
“The NM will rise as an important strategic vehicle for advancing high‑quality post‑secondary education, integrating I&T (innovation and technology) and industry, and pooling international high‑calibre talent,” Mr Lee said. “It will become a major platform for Hong Kong’s deepening engagement with other cities in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA) and integration into and serving the overall national development.”
To foster the synergistic development of education, technology and talent, the HKSAR Government will take forward the establishment of the Northern Metropolis University Town (NMUT), integrating the five elements of education, technology, industry, talent and quality living environment.
Hong Kong’s Chief Secretary for Administration, Chan Kwok-ki said the NMUT will comprise three university towns (San Tin, Hung Shui Kiu and Ta Kwu Ling) with their combined campus areas covering about 300 hectares.
“Together with the surrounding technology areas, industry areas and living community areas, the overall planned areas of the three university towns will exceed 1,000 hectares,” Mr Chan said. “While each of the three university towns has its own strategic focus, their shared goal is to expand and strengthen Hong Kong’s education and research capabilities, connecting them with industry chains, supply networks, and markets locally and across the GBA to inject strong impetus into the city’s growth.”
The first building (Building 1 of the Loop Hong Kong Park) is scheduled for completion by the end of this year, and will be positioned as the flagship project for launching of the NMUT.
To dovetail with the development of the NMUT, and raise Hong Kong’s scientific research capabilities, the HKSAR Government will support the capacity expansion and enhancement of post‑secondary education. For instance, starting from the 2027/28 academic year, the Government will gradually increase the annual quota of the Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme from 400 to 550 places by the 2029/30 academic year. Also, additional funding of $20 million will be provided each academic year to support knowledge transfer, thereby accelerating the transformation of innovative outcomes.
“The Northern Metropolis University Town not only supports the expansion and enhancement of Hong Kong’s post-secondary education, consolidating the city’s status as an international hub for post-secondary education, but also serves as a primary platform for Hong Kong to engage deeply in the Greater Bay Area, and integrate into and serve the overall national development,” Mr Chan said. “It also acts as a new engine to elevate Hong Kong’s international connectivity and reinforce its global competitive advantages.”
The NM accounts for about one third of Hong Kong’s total landmass and is projected to house about one third of the city’s population.
Hong Kong’s First Five-Year Plan sets a target of making available about 900 hectares of “spade-ready sites” from 2026-27 to 2030-2031. This would enable the provision of over 70,000 housing units and one million square metres of economic floor space.
Among the nine New Development Areas in the NM, construction works have begun at four of them (Kwu Tung North/Fanling North, Hung Shui Kiu/Ha Tsuen, Yuen Long South and San Tin Technopole and the Loop). A cumulative total of about 120 hectares of “spade‑ready sites” have been produced up to 2025‑26, while no less than 200 hectares of “spade‑ready sites” will be produced in 2026‑27 and 2027‑28.
Under the integrated strategy of urban-rural development, the NM will become an ideal place to live, work and travel. This, in turn, will help to attract talents and professionals to the area.
“Talent is the most valuable asset of any economy,” said Paul Chan, Hong Kong’s Financial Secretary. “Indeed, competition among different economies is determined by the quality of the talent they have. It is critical that we have people with the qualifications, experience and expertise required to support our economic development.”
The 2026 Policy Address announced several initiatives to attract the necessary talent for Hong Kong’s development, and to promote talent exchange and training.
These include relaxing the requirements on extension of stay under the Top Talent Pass Scheme (TTPS) for technology start‑up talent, and expanding the Immigration Facilitation Scheme for Invited Persons by extending its coverage from the current ASEAN Member States to also include countries and regions in Central Asia and the Middle East.
The HKSAR Government will also introduce a new visa category to allow non‑locals to participate in short‑term training programmes in Hong Kong, as recognised by bureaux and departments, advancing Hong Kong’s development into a regional training hub.
For the full document of Hong Kong’s First Five-Year Plan and related information, please visit the dedicated website (www.hk5yplan.gov.hk).
WASHINGTON D.C., US – Media OutReach Newswire – 17 September 2026 – Delphos is pleased to announce the successful closing of a strategic investment in PowerGen Renewable Energy (“PowerGen”) by All On Partnerships for Energy Access Limited by Guarantee (“All On”), a leading Nigerian impact investor dedicated to expanding access to commercial energy across the country.
Delphos acted as an exclusive financial advisor to PowerGen, supporting the company throughout the structuring, negotiation and successful execution of the transaction.
The funding will support the continued expansion of PowerGen’s renewable energy platform in Nigeria, providing growth capital for both its commercial and industrial (“C&I”) business and distributed utility operations. The investment will fund additional renewable energy infrastructure, delivering reliable, affordable and lower-carbon electricity to businesses and communities, and is expected to support up to 6,000 electricity connections and reach an estimated 41,000 beneficiaries across Nigeria.
The transaction follows PowerGen’s successful landmark capital raise completed in 2025. The fundraising brought together a consortium of leading development finance institutions (DFIs) and private investors, reflecting continued investor confidence in the company’s growth strategy, operating model, and management team. As part of the financing round, Delphos advised PowerGen on the investment from IFU, Denmark’s development finance institution.
Founded in 2016, All On is one of Nigeria’s foremost investors in the distributed energy sector. Its investment in PowerGen further validates the company’s business model and reinforces its position as a leading distributed renewable energy platform in Nigeria.
Aaron Cheng, CEO of PowerGen, stated: “This investment from All On is a strong vote of confidence in PowerGen’s platform and our ability to deliver reliable power at scale. All On’s deep experience in Nigeria’s energy sector, makes them an ideal partner as we grow our operations in Nigeria. We’re grateful to Delphos for their continued partnership in structuring this transaction and supporting our broader financing strategy as we expand across the continent.”
Connor Shine, Director, at Delphos, concluded: “All On’s investment in PowerGen underscores the growing conviction among strategic investors that distributed renewable energy is central to closing Africa’s power gap. Delphos is proud to have advised PowerGen on this transaction, and we look forward to continuing to support the company as it accelerates its expansion across the continent.”
Hashtag: #Delphos
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About PowerGen:
PowerGen is a leading renewable energy platform across Africa, with offices in four countries (Kenya, Nigeria, Sierra Leone and DRC). PowerGen owns and operates renewable energy and distribution utility projects to deliver clean, reliable, and affordable power. In 2024, PowerGen was listed as one of the Financial Times’ Africa’s Fastest Growing Companies! PowerGen ranked 40th in the overall rankings and 5th in the Energy & Utilities sector.
About All On: All On Partnerships for Energy Access (“All On”), an independent impact investing company, was seeded by Shell to catalyze the growth of Nigeria’s off-grid energy market to provide affordable, reliable, and sustainable energy for low-income households and small businesses.
All On provides debt and equity funding, as well as non-financial support, to Nigerian energy companies that align with its mission of closing Nigeria’s access-to-energy gap through renewable energy solutions.
Delphos is the definitive source for arranging innovative financial solutions for development companies and projects. Specialized in raising long-term, competitively priced capital for corporates, fund managers, developers, SMEs, sovereigns, and entrepreneurs worldwide. Since 1987, Delphos has arranged more than US$20B in development finance to support the efforts of over 1,200 companies. With resources of more than 350 government agencies and multilateral organizations worldwide to help clients with their international business goals and have sustainable impact. Delphos also provides market-leading transaction advisory and investment/risk management consulting services to government and private sector clients across multiple industries. Being approved advisors to AfDB, DFC, IDB Invest, IFC, USAID, US Ex-Im Bank, USTDA, WBG, leading private equity firms, infrastructure developers and strategic investors, and foreign governments and utilities.
MUNICH, GERMANY – Media OutReach Newswire – 17 September 2026 – Recently, BDStar successfully hosted its 2026 Ecosystem Partner Conference in Munich, Germany. The event aimed to strengthen communication and collaboration and build a more robust industry ecosystem. Customers, distributors, and partners from multiple countries attended the conference.
Under the theme “Ecosystem Synergy for Intelligent Evolution,” the event introduced BDStar’s iLDB® strategy and shared the applications and development roadmap of GNSS Services. Training sessions were also organized for distributors. BDStar and attendees engaged in in-depth discussions on strengthening cooperation and fostering ecosystem synergy.
BDStar Founder and Chairman Zhou Ruxin stated that internationalization is a key strategy currently being implemented by BDStar. The company will continue to increase investment in global markets and build localized teams to provide customers worldwide with not only better products, but also enhanced services and support.
Meanwhile, BDStar also participated in INTERGEO 2026 in Munich, showcasing its GNSS chips, modules, antennas, services, and Chip-Cloud GNSS Solutions for a wide range of applications.
Hashtag: #BDStar
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
Collaborating with HKSH to introduce Alzheimer’s disease screening and joining hands with SASHCC to launch palliative care referral service
HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 17 September 2026 – FWD Hong Kong (“FWD”) has announced a comprehensive upgrade to FWD Care, collaborating with HKSH Medical Group (“HKSH”) and Haven of Hope Sister Annie Skau Holistic Care Centre (“SASHCC”) respectively to launch a range of new support services covering the complimentary early detection for Alzheimer’s disease, the expansion of a market-first1 complimentary cancer second medical opinion service, and a palliative care referral service. The enhanced offering provides FWD’s health insurance customers with support beyond financials, accompanying customers at every step of their health journey.
Dr Joseph Chan, Chief Medical Officer of HKSH Medical Group and Deputy Medical Superintendent of Hong Kong Sanatorium & Hospital (centre), joined Ken Lau, Managing Director of Greater China and Hong Kong Chief Executive Officer, FWD (right), and Kelvin Yu, Chief Proposition and Healthcare Officer, FWD Hong Kong & Macau (left), at an FWD Hong Kong sharing session, marking their collaboration to promote the early detection of Alzheimer’s disease and the expansion of a complimentary cancer second medical opinion service.
FWD Hong Kong held a cheque presentation ceremony with Haven of Hope Sister Annie Skau Holistic Care Centre, marking FWD’s donation in supporting SASHCC’s palliative care services. (From right to left) Dr Paul Wong, Deputy Medical Superintendent, Haven of Hope Sister Annie Skau Holistic Care Centre, received the donation cheque on behalf of the centre from Kelvin Yu, Chief Proposition and Healthcare Officer, FWD Hong Kong & Macau.
FWD’s latest survey2 found that 78% of respondents consider it equally important for insurance solutions to provide support beyond financials – such as second medical opinions and specialist referrals – in the event of a serious illness diagnosis. Almost 70% (69%) of the respondents further expect emotional, psychological and bereavement counselling to be available for patients and their families, indicating that public expectations of insurance services have moved beyond claims alone. The health and care burden of later life is also a concern for many Hong Kong people. Recognising this need, FWD has further enhanced FWD Care’s services, which span prevention, treatment and recovery, by introducing later-life care to close the support gap for seniors and their families.
Ken Lau, Managing Director of Greater China and Hong Kong Chief Executive Officer, FWD, said, “The survey shows that when facing serious illnesses such as dementia and cancer, customers value treatment and care arrangements after diagnosis just as much as the financial support from claims settlement. FWD is committed to a customer-led approach and understands that they value support beyond financial protection. By deepening our collaboration with HKSH Medical Group and partnering with Haven of Hope Sister Annie Skau Holistic Care Centre for the first time, we are providing professional health support ranging from early detection screening to later-life care. We will continue to actively expand our network of health partners and enhance FWD Care to meet the diverse needs of our customers.”
Dementia prevalence rises with age and awareness of palliative care remains low
Research by a local organisation3 indicates that the prevalence of dementia rises significantly with age: 10% of Hong Kong people aged 60 or above live with dementia, increasing to 50% among those aged 85 or above. As Hong Kong’s population continues to age, the number of people living with dementia locally is projected to reach 550,000 by 2045, further intensifying demand for medical services and family care. FWD’s survey findings echo these concerns, with 57% of respondents worried about developing dementia and losing the ability to look after themselves in later life.
On care during the final stage of life, the survey found that the largest proportion of respondents would prefer home care (30%), followed by a palliative care centre (23%) – both ahead of hospital (16%) and residential care homes for the elderly (13%). However, almost 70% (69%) of respondents said they did not understand or had never heard of palliative care services, and only 15% had made financial preparations for palliative care.
Collaborating with HKSH to offer free Alzheimer’s disease screening for earlier detection and intervention
Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form of dementia, with pathological changes beginning more than a decade before symptoms appear. Many patients, however, only seek medical advice when there is obvious decline in cognitive ability, by which time the optimal treatment window may have passed. To address this gap, FWD has collaborated with HKSH to offer free Alzheimer’s disease screening to eligible customers of FWD’s full range of health insurance products4. The screening comprises one blood test and two consultations, with results explained by a designated Resident Medical Officer at the HKSH Family Medicine & Primary Care Centre (Happy Valley).
Dr Joseph Chan, Chief Medical Officer of HKSH Medical Group and Deputy Medical Superintendent of Hong Kong Sanatorium & Hospital, said, “Population ageing is a structural shift faced by society as a whole, bringing an immense impact to patients, caregivers, and the entire public healthcare system. HKSH has long advocated preventive medicine, and deeply understands that meeting this challenge cannot rely on treating illness after it occurs, a proactive defence strategy focusing on early prevention and intervention is essential. With our strengthened collaboration with FWD, we hope to build a defence line for brain health, enabling early diagnosis and treatment through the Alzheimer’s disease screening.”
Assessing the p-Tau 217 biomarker through blood test is currently one of the key tools for evaluating the risk of Alzheimer’s disease pathology. If necessary, further PET scan can be arranged to detect abnormal accumulation of Amyloid and Tau protein in the brain. Seizing this critical window to administer targeted medication during the early, mild stages of the disease can effectively delay brain damage caused by Alzheimer’s disease, helping patients maintain cognitive function and quality of life.
FWD has also launched the “FWD MAX x HKSH – Protect Your Brain Health: Free Online Dementia Screening Test” campaign on its lifestyle experience platform, offering a short questionnaire enabling the public to detect changes in cognitive health early5.
In addition, FWD and HKSH have collaborated to expand the scope of a market-first1 complimentary cancer second medical opinion service to all health insurance customers. Following a confirmed diagnosis of cancer, the insured6 can attend a face-to-face consultation with a doctor from the HKSH Cancer Centre, who will review the relevant medical information and provide treatment recommendations, giving patients an additional professional opinion on their treatment options.
Joining hands with SASHCC on referral service to palliative care, relieving discomfort and providing emotional support for patients in the final stage of life
The FWD Care upgrade also extends to supporting patients in the final stage of life. FWD has partnered with SASHCC to add a referral service to palliative care under the FWD Care recovery plan, responding to the multiple medical, emotional and social support needs of patients and their families. Eligible customers7 under FWD Care recovery plan can be referred to SASHCC by a dedicated FWD Recovery Nurse8 on an as-needed basis for a comprehensive assessment conducted by a multidisciplinary team of doctors, nurses and social workers9.
Dr Paul Wong, Deputy Medical Superintendent, Haven of Hope Sister Annie Skau Holistic Care Centre, said, “Palliative care does not mean giving up on treatment. Its focus is on relieving physical discomfort and supporting emotional needs, so that patients can maintain their dignity and quality of life in the final stage of life, whilst their families are accompanied through this journey. Our assessments are carried out jointly by doctors, nurses and social workers to ensure that every aspect is properly addressed. Through this collaboration with FWD, families in need can receive support sooner whereby dedicated Recovery Nurses proactively refer their eligible customers to us.”
Kelvin Yu, Chief Proposition and Healthcare Officer, FWD Hong Kong & Macau, said, “FWD Care moves beyond the traditional claims framework. It is designed around the customer’s healthcare journey to provide professional support, in addition to financial protection, at every critical stage. This comprehensive upgrade to FWD Care extends from prevention, diagnosis and treatment through to recovery and later-life care, offering appropriate assistance precisely when our customers need it most, and reinforcing our commitment to being a solid partner for them and their families at every stage of life.”
FWD Care is available to customers of designated critical illness and medical insurance products of FWD Life Insurance Company (Bermuda) Limited (incorporated in Bermuda with limited liability) (“FWD”). The above information is for reference only, does not constitute the full terms of the coverage, and is subject to the terms and conditions of the relevant services.
1 Per a comparison made on 14 April 2025 among the key insurers in Hong Kong, FWD is the first insurer to collaborate with HKSH to launch the Cancer Management Programme. Free Cancer Second Medical Opinion is part of the Cancer Management Programme.
2 FWD commissioned “ESDlife”, a major lifestyle and health media platform in Hong Kong, to conduct the “Hong Kong Later-life Health and Care Attitudes Survey” from June to July 2026, interviewing 1,106 Hong Kong residents aged between 25 and 65 via questionnaire.
3 Source: Hong Kong Alzheimer’s Disease Association (https://www.hkada.org.hk/what-is-dementia). The relevant figures cite Lam, L., et al. (2023) Hong Kong Mental Morbidity Survey for Older People, Department of Psychiatry, The Chinese University of Hong Kong; and Hong Kong Population Projections 2022-2046, Census and Statistics Department.
4 The offer is available to eligible insured persons aged 40 or above who successfully apply for a designated insurance product during the promotion period with annually payable premium. The promotion period runs from 15 July 2026 to 30 September 2026 (both dates inclusive), and eligible policies must be issued on or before 31 December 2026. The screening is conducted by a designated Resident Medical Officer at the HKSH Family Medicine & Primary Care Centre (Happy Valley) and comprises two consultations and one blood test for pTau217 (a biomarker). Designated insurance products include Crisis OneMaster Series, Crisis USupporter Series, Crisis EasyGo – UPrime Cover, NobleCare Premier Medical Plan, Jade Deluxe Premier Medical Insurance Plan, EBeyond Medical Insurance Solution, MyMillion Medical Plan, as well as vCore Medical Plan (VHIS Certification Number: S00036), vCare Medical Plan (VHIS Certification Number: F00015), vCare Supreme Medical Plan (VHIS Certification Number: F00032), vFamily Medical Plan (VHIS Certification Number: F00072), vCANsurance Medical Plan (VHIS Certification Number: F00051), vBooster Medical Plan (VHIS Certification Number: F00069), vPrime Signature Medical Plan (VHIS Certification Number: F00070) and vTheOne Medical Plan (VHIS Certification Number: F00067). Terms and conditions apply.
5 The Dementia Screening Test is based on the AD8 questionnaire and is intended for initial assessment only. It is not a substitute for a professional clinical assessment. If you have any questions about the test results, please seek professional assistance.
6 The HKSH cancer second medical opinion service is available to customers holding an FWD critical illness or medical policy who have received a confirmed diagnosis of cancer. Customers may arrange the service through FWD eServices or an FWD Recovery Nurse under the FWD Care recovery plan. The service is provided by HKSH Medical Group and the relevant arrangements are subject to terms and conditions.
7Eligible customer refers to the Insured Person of designated individual life insurance products (in the case of an approved claim from FWD or FWD Life on Crisis Benefit or for benefits in relation to reimbursement of hospitalisation and surgical expenses or hospital cash due to Designated Diseases) or his/her spouse, children or parents (in case of successful claim of Death Benefit) (‘Family Member’) or one carer designated by Insured Person or Family Member (‘Carer’). Designated individual life insurance products include the following individual insurance products underwritten by FWD (as defined in remark 1), FWD Life (Hong Kong) Limited and FWD Life Assurance Company (Hong Kong) Limited (FWD Life (Hong Kong) Limited and FWD Life Assurance Company (Hong Kong) Limited collectively called ‘FWD Life’):
a. for Death Benefit: all individual life insurance products; and
b. for Crisis Benefit and benefits in relation to reimbursement of hospitalisation and surgical expenses or hospital cash: all individual medical products, such as indemnity hospital
insurance plans (including but not limited to Voluntary Health Insurance Scheme products) and individual critical illness insurance products
(Hereinafter called ‘Designated Insurance Product(s)’)
The respective Designated Insurance Products are subject to change as determined by FWD and FWD Life from time to time without further notice. The Policies of the Designated Insurance Products are subject to the respective policies’ terms and conditions. Please refer to the product brochures and policy provisions for details.
8The Recovery Nurses under the FWD Care recovery plan are healthcare professionals employed by third-party service providers and not FWD employees, agents or representatives. FWD shall not be responsible for or liable to their actions, negligence or omission. There is no charge for the designated Recovery Nurse support under the FWD Care recovery plan. The Recovery Nurses will make their best effort to arrange support services. The availability of these services cannot be guaranteed and will be subject to the availability of service providers. The Recovery Nurse and service providers have the sole discretion in deciding the types and frequency of support services on a case-by-case basis. Any disputes in relation to the Recovery Nurses and support services provided by service providers shall be resolved between the Eligible Customer and third-party service providers.
9 The referral service to palliative care is available to customers who joined the FWD Care recovery plan. Referral is subject to assessment by an FWD Recovery Nurse, and customers may not make a booking directly. The service is provided by Haven of Hope Sister Annie Skau Holistic Care Centre, and the relevant assessment and service fee arrangements are subject to the terms and conditions of SASHCC.
The services provided by HKSH Medical Group, HKSH Family Medicine & Primary Care Centre (Happy Valley) and Haven of Hope Sister Annie Skau Holistic Care Centre referred to above are currently provided by third-party service providers and do not form part of the policy provisions or benefit items under the policy. FWD makes no representation, warranty or undertaking as to the availability and quality of the services, and shall not accept any responsibility or liability for the services, opinions, treatment, negligence, omission or failure to act by such third-party service providers. FWD reserves the right to terminate or vary these services in its sole discretion without further notice. Details of the services may be revised from time to time without prior notice from FWD. FWD does not provide any medical advice and you should consult your own medical advisors for professional advice.
Hashtag: #FWDHongKong
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About FWD Hong Kong
FWD Hong Kong is part of the FWD Group (1828.HK), a pan-Asian life and health insurance business that serves approximately 40 million customers across 10 markets, including BRI Life in Indonesia. FWD Hong Kong is firmly positioned as a top five pan-Asian insurer by business scale in Hong Kong*.
FWD Hong Kong has been assigned strong financial ratings by international agencies. It offers life and medical insurance, employee benefits, and financial planning.
FWD’s customer-led and tech-enabled approach aims to deliver innovative propositions, easy-to-understand products and a simpler insurance experience. Established in 2013, the company operates in some of the fastest-growing insurance markets in the world with a vision of changing the way people feel about insurance. FWD Group is listed on the main board of the Hong Kong Stock Exchange under the stock code 1828.
For more information about FWD Hong Kong, please visitwww.fwd.com.hk.
*According to Provisional Statistics on Hong Kong Long Term Insurance Business – January to December 2025, Insurance Authority of Hong Kong, as well as FWD’s own assessment based on market information, FWD ranks among the top five pan-Asian insurers in Hong Kong in both new business first year premium and new business case count rankings. Calculated based on individual and group businesses. Pan-Asian insurers refer to multinational insurers currently having a well-established operation in the Asian market with multiple distribution channels.
TACHENG, CHINA – Media OutReach Newswire – 17 September 2026 – On September 16, more than 20 Chinese and foreign influencers and bloggers from 14 countries, including the United Kingdom, France, Venezuela, Hungary and Brazil, gathered in Tacheng, Xinjiang, China. Over the course of a seven-day media tour, they will explore Xinjiang in autumn from a variety of perspectives, embarking on an immersive journey of discovery and content creation.
The launch ceremony, themed “A Tribute to the Land,” was held in a field on the outskirts of Tacheng City, inviting Chinese and international guests to immerse themselves in the spectacular autumn harvest.
The event centered on processional performances, all presented by local performers from Tacheng. As the performances unfolded along the route, the influencers watched and captured the most touching moments with their cameras.
According to the organizers, the influencers will determine their routes by opening “mystery boxes”. They will split into two groups and take two different routes deep into Tacheng for traveling, immersive field experiences and content creation. Through short videos, photo essays, live streams and other formats, they will continue to share original content across social media platforms and media outlets in China and abroad.
Located in northwestern Xinjiang, China, Tacheng has long been home to people from different ethnic groups. Its diverse folk traditions and cultures have given this Silk Road border city a distinctive and vibrant character.
Hashtag: #Tacheng
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
BEIJING, CHINA – Media OutReach Newswire – 17 September 2026 – PETRONAS Lubricants International (PLI) is introducing its all-new PETRONAS Syntium automotive lubricant range to distributors and workshops across China. Featuring newly upgraded formulations tailored to modern powertrains, the transformed PETRONAS Syntium portfolio represents a comprehensive advancement in engine protection technology, fuel efficiency, and sustainable performance.
PLI launches the upgraded PETRONAS Syntium range in China, featuring high-performance formulations tailored to local needs.
As the world’s largest electric vehicle market, China is experiencing an unprecedented evolution in its automotive landscape. Rapid innovation from both domestic and international automakers is generating explosive growth, especially in the hybrid vehicle segment. Domestically, Chinese consumers now set higher standards for vehicle performance, efficiency and component protection. Developed through PLI’s decades of expertise and its role as the technical resource behind the Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS Formula One Team, the new PETRONAS Syntium range was strategically introduced to address these market expectations.
Speaking about the new range, PETRONAS Lubricants International Regional Managing Director Asia, Noorhana Abdul Habib, said, “China remains a cornerstone of our global strategy and we are committed to our continued presence and development in this market. As domestic and international automotive brands innovate at a rapid pace, the upgraded PETRONAS Syntium portfolio translates our Formula One-proven expertise into high-performance, localised solutions tailored for Chinese motorists. By delivering exceptional fuel economy, superior wear protection and enhanced durability, we are providing our partners around Asia with next-generation solutions engineered to thrive in China’s rapidly evolving automotive landscape.”
The upgraded portfolio comprises three purpose-built variants, each developed to address different engine types and driving requirements:
PETRONAS Syntium Supreme – Designed for high-performance vehicles, combining CoolTech+™, ETRO+™ High-Performance Base Oil and Formula One-derived expertise to improve fuel economy by up to 13%¹.
PETRONAS Syntium Hybrid – Developed for hybrid and new energy vehicles, featuring CoolTech-H™ technology to deliver up to 68% better protection against engine wear².
PETRONAS Syntium Prime – Engineered for everyday driving with CoolTech™ technology, providing up to 38% greater protection for critical engine parts³.
The refreshed portfolio will be made available to distributors and workshops across the country, supporting PLI’s continued efforts to meet the changing dynamics of China’s automotive sector.
PRODUCT FACT SHEET
PETRONAS Lubricants International Introduces Upgraded PETRONAS Syntium Range in China, Powered by Formula One-Proven Technology
PETRONAS Syntium Supreme
PETRONAS Syntium Supreme, developed for high-performance vehicles, is powered by three core technologies: CoolTech+, ETRO+™ High-Performance Base Oil™, and Race DNA.
CoolTech+™ – PLI’s proprietary fluid technology that offers enhanced control over harmful heat build-up at critical engine contact points, helping to reduce engine wear and improve fuel economy by up to 13%¹.
ETRO+™ High-Performance Base Oil – A Group III base oil that provides strong low-temperature fluidity, resistance to breakdown, reduced evaporation loss and rapid oil pressure build-up during cold starts, while helping to prevent harmful deposit formation.
Race DNA – Technology developed through the extreme demands of Formula One, applying PLI’s motorsport and hybrid powertrain expertise to lubricant solutions for road vehicles.
The combination of CoolTech+™ and ETRO+™ technologies delivers six core benefits:
Enhanced wear protection for consistent engine power;
Strong high-temperature performance;
Protection against low-speed pre-ignition, even as oil ages;
Low-temperature fluidity for smoother start-stop operation and quicker throttle response;
Effective engine cleaning;
and Improved fuel economy, which helps reduce carbon emissions and support environmental goals.
PETRONAS Syntium Hybrid
PETRONAS Syntium Hybrid with CoolTech-H™ technology is formulated to mitigate fuel dilution, water contamination and corrosion associated with low-temperature hybrid operations.
The variant was developed to meet the growing demand for hybrid and new energy vehicles in China. The formulation was stress-tested over 20,000 kilometres of real-world driving with no signs of oil degradation.
The formulation is engineered for frequent engine start-stop cycles, repeated cold starts and rapid power-unit switching.
It was stress-tested over 20,000 kilometres of real-world driving, exceeding the manufacturers’ recommended testing range of 15,000 kilometres, with no signs of oil degradation.
PETRONAS Syntium Prime
The CoolTech+ ™ technology in this variant is engineered to deliver reliable, long-lasting engine protection across a wide range of conditions, whether stop-start urban commuting or sustained highway travel.
Product Packaging
The new PETRONAS Syntium range will also be introduced in redesigned metal packaging. The new can features a specialised welding process that reduces residual metal slag, provides a cleaner and more consistent finish, and strengthens the seal to help prevent potential oxidative deterioration of the oil.
To enhance product security and consumer confidence, the packaging also incorporates a concealed, one-time-use opening mechanism, QR code-based authenticity verification and reinforced protective material. The new seal design also supports improved recyclability, minimising environmental impact at the end of its useful life.
Product Availability
The new PETRONAS Syntium range will be sold through official distributors and PLI’s network of partner workshops across China, including PETRONAS AutoExpert outlets and authorised signage workshops. Participating workshops will progressively introduce the upgraded formulations as their remaining stocks of the existing range are depleted.
Motorists may visit their nearest participating workshop to access the new range.
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About PETRONAS Lubricants International
PETRONAS Lubricants International (PLI) is the global lubricants manufacturing and marketing arm of PETRONAS, Malaysia’s dynamic global energy group. Established in 2008, PLI manufactures and markets a full range of high-quality automotive and industrial lubricant products in over 100 markets internationally. Headquartered in Kuala Lumpur, PLI also has offices around the world including Turin, Belo Horizonte, Beijing, and Chicago. PLI is the technical resource behind PETRONAS’ partnership with the Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS Formula One Team, responsible for the design, development and delivery of the Fluid Technology Solutions™, which includes customised lubricants, fuels and transmission fluids to power the Silver Arrows.
We are a progressive energy and solutions partner, enriching lives for a sustainable future. Our commitment remains to conduct and grow our business in ways that contribute positively to society and the environment.
PLI is driving an aggressive business growth agenda as one of the leading global lubricants companies at the forefront of the industry, providing custom-made solutions for every need. For more information, please visitwww.pli-petronas.com
The model supports multimodal inputs including text, images and video, and generates high-fidelity 1080p videos of 5 to 20 seconds with natively synchronized audio
BEIJING, CHINA – Media OutReach Newswire – 17 September 2026 – HiDream.ai, an AI company specializing in foundation models and generative AI, announced the launch of HiDream-O1-Video-1.0, or HiDream V1, its native omnimodal video generation model.
Designed around a deeper understanding of creative intent and real-world physics, HiDream V1 supports multimodal inputs including text, images and video. It can generate high-fidelity 1080p videos ranging from 5 to 20 seconds, with enhanced narrative planning, character consistency, physical plausibility and audiovisual synchronization.
In its debut on two independent international benchmarks, HiDream V1 ranked No. 4 globally on the Artificial Analysis Image to Video Leaderboard (With Audio) and No. 8 on the Arena.ai Image-to-Video leaderboard, placing it among the world’s leading video generation models.
A Strong Debut on Two International AI Benchmarks
Artificial Analysis independently evaluates leading AI models through standardized and reproducible benchmark testing. Arena.ai uses anonymous head-to-head comparisons and user voting to assess model outputs. Together, the two platforms provide third-party perspectives on model performance based on both standardized testing and real-world user preferences.
HiDream V1’s results demonstrate its competitiveness across key dimensions including visual quality, prompt adherence, motion quality, narrative coherence and audiovisual coordination.
The global AI video generation market has become increasingly competitive, with models developed by Chinese teams—including Seedance and MiniMax H3—maintaining strong positions on international leaderboards. HiDream V1’s top-tier debut further expands China’s presence among the world’s leading video generation models.
“The next generation of video models will not be defined solely by higher resolution or longer duration,” said Yao Ting, Chief Technology Officer of HiDream.ai. “What matters is whether a model can genuinely understand a creator’s intent and how objects, actions and sounds interact in the real world. HiDream V1 was designed from the outset to represent text, video and audio within a unified framework. Our goal is to move video generation beyond simply looking sharp and moving smoothly toward understanding instructions, sustaining coherent performances and keeping sound aligned with visuals. Its performance on two independent international benchmarks provides encouraging validation of our native omnimodal approach.”
Upgrades in Visual Fidelity, Narrative Coherence and Character Consistency HiDream V1 introduces broad improvements in high-fidelity rendering, narrative continuity and character consistency. Rather than optimizing only for the quality of individual frames, the model is designed to maintain coherence across an entire video sequence.
Once characters, emotions, motivations and physical rules are placed within a continuous sequence, each element can affect the others. HiDream therefore uses a technical framework built around three stages: planning first, followed by joint generation, and then alignment through multimodal reward signals.
Under this approach, the model first plans the narrative and character states at a global level. It then jointly constrains visuals, movement and semantics during generation, before using multimodal reward signals to align visual quality, continuity and physical plausibility.
Native Omnimodal Architecture for Better Intent and Physics Understanding The central challenge in AI video generation is shifting from the quality of individual frames to a broader understanding of complex instructions, continuous motion and the rules governing the physical world.
User prompts often contain multiple layers of information, including characters, actions, settings, camera directions, dialogue and sound. To handle these requirements more effectively, HiDream V1 incorporates multimodal intent understanding and planning. Before generation begins, the model structures the user’s request across elements such as shot duration, setting, character state, movement, facial expression, composition, camera motion, dialogue and ambient sound.
Through this “understand, plan and generate” workflow, HiDream V1 plans narrative development and character states at a global level, while coordinating visuals, motion, semantics and audio during generation. This is designed to improve content completeness, character consistency and continuity between shots.
Physical reasoning is another core capability of HiDream V1. The model incorporates factors such as gravity, inertia, collisions, deformation, materials, lighting and spatial continuity into the generation process. As a result, object movement, character actions and environmental responses can more closely reflect the behavior of the real world.
This approach moves video generation beyond reproducing visual appearances and toward modeling how a dynamic world operates over time.
Content-Adaptive Video Duration Most current video generation models require users to specify a fixed duration in advance, forcing the content to fit within a predetermined time window. This can lead to unnecessary pauses after an action has ended or the use of slow motion to fill the remaining time.
HiDream V1 instead incorporates duration into its narrative planning process. Within a range of 5 to 20 seconds, the model can determine an appropriate video length based on how an event unfolds, how long an action takes to complete and the pacing required by the content.
The capability is not simply a matter of adding or removing frames. It is designed to make duration serve the narrative, producing more natural pacing and more complete sequences. Users can focus on describing the event and intended outcome, while the model plans the corresponding temporal structure.
Joint Modeling of Text, Video and Audio
Conventional AI video generation systems often follow a staged workflow in which visuals are generated first and sound is added afterward. This can lead to mismatches between lip movements, physical actions, ambient sound and sound effects.
HiDream V1 uses a native omnimodal architecture to jointly model text, video and audio signals. The three modalities constrain and inform one another within a single generation process. Visual motion influences sound timing, dialogue and sound effects contribute to the emotional tone of a scene, and text conditions guide the generation process throughout.
This unified approach is designed to improve synchronization across character performance, environmental changes and physical actions.
During post-training, HiDream uses Diffusion Reinforcement Learning and a multimodal reward model aligned with human perception and aesthetic preferences. Generated content is evaluated across multiple dimensions, including visual quality, semantics, motion, physical plausibility and sound, helping improve overall consistency and realism.
Completing HiDream’s Native Omnimodal World Model Portfolio HiDream V1 is not a standalone model. It is a core component of HiDream’s native omnimodal world model strategy.
Built on a unified UiT, or Unified Transformer, foundation, the company’s portfolio now comprises four major model families:
HiDream-O1-Image, for image understanding and generation;
HiDream-O1-Video, for dynamic content generation and temporal storytelling;
HiDream-O1-World, for 3D environment simulation and real-time interaction; and
HiDream-O1-Embodied, for spatial reasoning, action planning and feedback in embodied AI.
Rather than operating as four separate technology stacks, the models are designed to evolve from the same unified architecture. Together, they cover spatial understanding, temporal modeling, 3D interaction and embodied action, creating an integrated system for perceiving, understanding, generating, interacting with and acting upon the physical world.
HiDream’s models have previously achieved leading results on several independent benchmarks. HiDream-O1-Image 1.5, the commercial version of the company’s image model, ranked No. 2 globally and No. 1 among Chinese models on the Artificial Analysis text-to-image leaderboard, while its open-source edition also reached No. 2. HiDream-O1-World ranked No. 1 overall on WBench, a benchmark for interactive world models. HiDream-O1-Embodied achieved first-place results in the disturbance adaptation and spatial reasoning categories of RoboColiseum.
“We are not building four isolated model product lines,” said Dr. Mei Tao, founder and CEO of HiDream.ai. “We are building a native omnimodal system that shares a unified technical foundation and continues to evolve toward a deeper understanding of the real world. Competition among the next generation of foundation models will depend not only on improvements in individual capabilities, but also on whether different modalities can understand, generate and interact within a unified architecture.”
From understanding and generating the world to simulating and acting within it, the launch of HiDream V1 completes a key part of HiDream’s native omnimodal world model portfolio.
HiDream Completes Series C+ Financing
Alongside the launch of HiDream V1, HiDream announced the completion of a Series C+ financing round backed by New Micro Capital, Jiaozi Capital and ICBC Capital. The proceeds will support native omnimodal model research and development, product iteration, AI computing infrastructure and the expansion of industry applications.
New Micro Capital was jointly established by Shanghai New Micro Technology Group, Shanghai Science and Technology Venture Capital Group and its management team. The firm manages nearly RMB 10 billion in assets.
As the corporate venture capital arm of New Micro Technology Group, New Micro Capital is expanding its investments in artificial intelligence. Drawing on the group’s industrial capabilities in specialty integrated-circuit manufacturing, it seeks to advance collaboration across AI infrastructure, model technologies and end-user applications.
Jiaozi Capital is a wholly owned state-backed equity investment platform under Chengdu Jiaozi Financial Holding Group. The firm focuses on artificial intelligence and other strategic technology sectors, using long-term capital and industrial resources to accelerate technology commercialization and ecosystem development.
With the launch of HiDream V1, HiDream’s native omnimodal world model strategy is moving from a technical roadmap toward an integrated system supported by a unified foundation, a coordinated model portfolio and deployable product capabilities.
Availability
HiDream V1 is currently in internal testing and is expected to become available in the near future. Users can learn more at: https://hiharness.ai/
Hashtag: #HiDreamAI
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About HiDream.ai
HiDream.ai is an artificial intelligence company focused on generative AI and native omnimodal world models. Built on its unified UiT architecture, the company’s model portfolio spans image generation, video generation, interactive world simulation and embodied intelligence. HiDream aims to develop AI systems capable of understanding, generating, simulating and acting upon the real world.
Leaderboard disclaimer: Rankings cited in this release reflect publicly available results at the time of publication and may change as participating models, evaluation data or platform methodologies are updated.
Singapore’s 50-year packaging house formulates a bespoke tone close to real human skin — plus a signature couture black — for a leading French luxury beauty maison, colours no standard Pantone reference could reproduce.
SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 17 September 2026 – Firstpack, a Singapore-and-Johor packaging manufacturer with more than fifty years and three generations behind its press floor, has developed custom ink colours for a leading French luxury beauty maison that reach beyond the standard Pantone matching system — a true-to-life skin tone for one of the maison’s flagship product lines, and a deep, signature black.
Some colours simply live outside the books. The Pantone system is the global language of print colour, yet a lifelike human skin tone and a truly saturated, dimensional black both sit at the edges of what any standard swatch can specify. For a house of this calibre, where the packaging is part of the product’s promise, matching “close to” a reference was never going to be enough.
Rather than settle for the nearest library match, Firstpack’s colour team formulated each shade from the ground up as a dedicated custom ink. The skin tone was built to read as real skin — warm and natural rather than flat or printed. The black was engineered for depth and richness beyond a standard process or spot black. Each colour was profiled and proofed on X-Rite spectrophotometry and held to a tight Delta-E tolerance across the full run, so every carton left the floor matching its target — sheet after sheet, batch after batch.
“Some colours don’t exist in any book — you have to build them,” said [Joseph Tan, Director], Firstpack. “A skin tone has to look like skin, and a signature black has to have depth you can feel. We formulate the colour until it’s right, then make it repeatable at scale. That’s the difference between printing a colour and engineering one.”
The work draws on a capability Firstpack has invested in for decades: colour that is measured, not guessed. Its six-colour Mitsubishi offset presses, in-line spectrophotometric control, hot-foil finishing and die-cutting let it serve luxury, beauty and F&B brands across Singapore and the region — where the box is the first impression a brand makes, long before a word is read.
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
Firstpack Enterprise Pte Ltd
Firstpack is a Singapore-headquartered packaging manufacturer and supplier producing paper bags, paper boxes and carton boxes for brands across Singapore and Malaysia. Family-run across three generations and more than fifty years, Firstpack operates two six-colour Mitsubishi offset presses with X-Rite colour management, hot-foil finishing and die-cutting under one roof. Learn more at firstpack.com.sg.
Grand Opening on 18 September; Receive a Limited-Edition Eco Bag with Spending of HK$250 or More During the First Three Days
HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 17 September 2026 – The pre-owned fashion trend is sweeping Hong Kong. 2nd STREET, Japan’s leading specialist retailer of pre-owned apparel, will officially open its new Causeway Bay store on 18 September 2026, bringing a fresh, treasure-hunt shopping experience to trend-conscious shoppers on Hong Kong Island.
Known for its diverse brand selection, quality pre-owned pieces and bright, welcoming store environment, 2nd STREET has become a favourite among local fashion enthusiasts. The brand’s arrival in the heart of Causeway Bay further extends its RE-USE sustainable fashion philosophy to Hong Kong Island.
Limited-Time Grand Opening Offer at the Causeway Bay Store To celebrate the new store opening, the 2nd STREET Causeway Bay WINDSOR Store will offer an exclusive shopping reward during its first three days of trading, from 18 to 20 September. Customers who spend HK$250 or more in a single transaction will receive one limited-edition eco bag on a complimentary basis. Both practical and commemorative, the eco bag reflects the brand’s commitment to encouraging greener everyday living. Quantities are limited and available while stocks last.
2nd STREET Causeway Bay WINDSOR Store Information
Address: Shops G4–G11 and G26–G31, G/F, WINDSOR, 311 Gloucester Road, Causeway Bay, Hong Kong Opening hours 11:00 am–10:00 pm
BERLIN, GERMANY – Media OutReach Newswire – 17 September 2026 – At IFA 2026, Midea’s Fabric and Floor Care division presented its latest innovations in laundry and floor-cleaning technologies themed at “Zoned Care, Omni Clean”.
With the Omni Trio washing machine and AT8 Ultra wet-and-dry floor cleaner as key highlights, the showcase addressed a wide range of everyday home-care challenges, including separate laundry care, noise and vibration reduction, stubborn stain removal and the cleaning of tangled hair from floors.
During the exhibition, the products drew attention from German technology and smart-home media and also received recognition from industry bodies. The showcase innovations were honoured with the YD Best Design Award, while the Omni Trio received VDE A-10% low-noise certification, highlighting Midea’s continued strengths in both industrial design and product engineering.
Two Products, One Home-Care Direction
The Omni Trio brings a different approach to laundry separation. Its three independently operated drums—a 10 kg main drum and two 0.5 kg smaller drums—allow different loads to be washed separately at the same time. Everyday clothing, baby garments, socks and underwear can be handled without waiting for one cycle to finish before starting another.
Independent water inlets and Auto Dose systems, Foam & Flow DualSpray technology and low-noise performance support the same objective: making categorized laundry care easier to integrate into daily routines.
For floor care, the AT8 Ultra addresses another set of frequent cleaning tasks. Its technologies include Easy Foam cleaning, 60°C hot water on demand, a mechanical arm for improved water pickup, anti-tangle technology, and automated roller cleaning and drying. Each targets a practical issue, whether it is a stubborn stain, residual water or hair wrapped around the roller.
Together, Omni Trio and AT8 Ultra demonstrate how “Zoned Care, Omni Clean” extends beyond individual product features. Different cleaning tasks call for different solutions, and Midea FFC is applying its experience across laundry care and floor cleaning to address these needs with greater precision.
From European Needs to Global Development
IFA 2026 also provided Midea with an opportunity to observe how these innovations respond to expectations in the European market, where quieter operation, efficiency, flexibility and ease of use remain key considerations for home appliances.
These local insights also contribute into Midea FFC’s global product development. Learnings from different markets help shape technologies that can be adapted to diverse homes, daily routines and cleaning habits.
For the home-care category, the next stage of innovation is not simply adding more functions. It is about enabling appliances to better understand and handling specific household tasks, with greater automation and less effort from the user. For Midea FFC, the response at IFA 2026 offers a valuable reference point as the company continues to develop home-care technologies for markets around the world.
Hashtag: #Midea #OmniTrio #AT8Ultra
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
ABOUT MIDEA & MIDEA GROUP
Midea is a global technology company specializing in smart home appliances, climate solutions and floor-care technologies, with a focus on user-centric design, energy efficiency and sustainable innovation.
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