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Customs figures showed a sharp rise in outbound shipments of unwrought aluminium and aluminium products, extending the strong performance seen in April, when exports reached 598,000 metric tonnes. The increase underlined China’s role as the main buffer for a global market unsettled by production cuts, shipping delays and higher insurance costs linked to the conflict around the Gulf and the Strait of Hormuz.

The aluminium surge came as China’s wider trade machine gathered pace. Total exports rose 19.4 per cent from a year earlier in May, beating forecasts and widening the trade surplus to more than $105 billion. Imports also grew 27.4 per cent, but the headline gain masked a sharp fall in crude purchases, with volumes down about 29 per cent as refiners leaned more heavily on inventories and cut some buying amid elevated freight and geopolitical risks.

Aluminium has become one of the clearest channels through which the Middle East war is reshaping industrial supply chains. Producers in Gulf states account for a meaningful share of non-Chinese primary aluminium supply, and disruption to power-intensive smelting, port activity and shipping routes has tightened availability for consumers in Europe, Asia and North America. Prices in London climbed to a four-year high this month as traders priced in the risk of prolonged supply constraints.

Chinese exporters have benefited from the opening. Producers and traders have increased shipments of semi-finished products and other aluminium categories where overseas premiums have risen faster than domestic prices. The price gap has improved margins for exporters, even as Beijing continues to manage capacity growth in a sector long associated with heavy energy use and emissions.

The market shift is particularly important for manufacturers in transport, construction, packaging, power infrastructure and renewable energy. Aluminium is widely used in electric vehicles, aircraft parts, solar frames, building systems and high-voltage transmission equipment. A sustained shortage outside China could raise input costs for industries already dealing with expensive financing, disrupted shipping schedules and volatile energy markets.

China’s advantage rests on scale. The country dominates global aluminium production and has built deep processing capacity across provinces such as Shandong, Henan, Guangxi and Yunnan. Its producers can move quickly when export margins improve, though output remains constrained by power costs, environmental controls and the national ceiling on smelting capacity.

The export rise also carries political sensitivity. Western governments have long argued that China’s industrial policies create excess capacity and depress global prices. A fresh wave of metal exports, even if driven by war-related shortages, could sharpen trade friction at a time when the United States, Europe and other economies are expanding scrutiny of Chinese goods in sectors ranging from steel and batteries to solar components and electric vehicles.

Crude oil tells a different story. China remains the world’s largest crude importer, but May’s decline showed how refiners are adjusting to uncertainty in Gulf shipping. The Middle East supplied a large share of China’s crude last year, with Saudi Arabia, Iraq, the United Arab Emirates, Oman, Kuwait and Qatar among key reported suppliers, while Iranian barrels have continued to reach Chinese buyers through opaque trading channels.

Refiners have drawn on commercial and strategic inventories built during earlier periods of lower prices and heavy discounted buying. Weak domestic fuel margins have also reduced the incentive to import aggressively. Independent refiners in Shandong and state-run plants have faced pressure from high crude costs, capped fuel prices and softer demand growth as electric vehicles erode petrol consumption.

The fall in crude imports may help ease immediate pressure on global oil markets, but it also reflects the vulnerability of China’s energy security to maritime disruption. The Strait of Hormuz remains central to crude and liquefied natural gas flows, and any prolonged interruption would force Beijing to rely more on stockpiles, pipeline supplies from Russia and Central Asia, and alternative seaborne routes.

For commodity markets, May’s trade data showed a split picture. Metals exports are expanding where China can monetise overseas shortages, while energy imports are being managed more cautiously to reduce exposure to war-driven price spikes. Copper imports slipped from April, suggesting that parts of the manufacturing supply chain remain uneven despite the strong headline export performance.

The competition drew over 40 global submissions to decarbonise beef and dairy supply chains, with winning solution set to scale across one of Asia’s leading retail networks

HONG KONG SAR- Media OutReach Newswire – 9 June 2026 – DFI Retail Group (DFI or the Group), a leading Asian retailer, and The Mills Fabrica, a global collaborative hub propelling sustainability-focused innovations in the techstyle and agrifood sectors, named Number 8 Bio as the winner of the DFI Sustainability Innovation Challenge 2026. This announcement follows the Final Pitching event, which was held on 5 June, World Environment Day. The Australia-based innovator was recognised for BetterFeed™, a range of proprietary feed additives that cut enteric methane from grazing cattle and sheep while improving the productivity of every animal that uses it. The team takes home a HK$120,000 grant and the opportunity to partner with DFI to scale its solution across the Group’s regional beef and dairy supply chains.

Scott Price, Group Chief Executive, DFI Retail Group said: “Tackling Scope 3 emissions requires collaboration across the value chain, and we are pleased that the Challenge has created opportunities for innovators to test and scale practical solutions within real operating environments. We look forward to seeing how they support our progress towards more sustainable and resilient food systems.”

Number 8 Bio has built a feed additive that does two jobs at once. BetterFeed™, a family of proprietary organic small molecules, free of bromoform, reduces enteric methane from grazing cattle and sheep, which is responsible for both the majority of livestock emissions and a 12% loss of nutritional energy from every pasture. By stopping that methane from forming, BetterFeed™ redirects the recovered energy straight back into animal growth and production, a genuine win for farmers’ bottom lines as much as for the climate. Winning the DFI Sustainability Innovation Challenge opens a pilot pathway across DFI’s beef and dairy supply chains, including with Mengniu Dairy and Charoen Pokphand Foods Public Company Limited (CPF).

Hashtag: #DFIretailGroup #TheMillsFabrica #Sustainability

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DFI Retail Group

DFI Retail Group is a leading Asian retailer driven by its purpose to “Sustainably Serve Asia for Generations with Everyday Moments”. At 31 December 2025, the Group and Maxim’s operated 7,580 outlets and employed more than 79,000 people across 12 markets. The Group is committed to delivering quality, value and service to consumers across the region through trusted brands, strong local market positions, and a broad retail ecosystem supported by extensive store networks, digital capabilities and efficient supply chains. The Group operates a portfolio of well-known brands across five key divisions: health and beauty, convenience, food, home furnishings and restaurants under Maxim’s.

From the spectacular underwater suites at Atlantis Sanya, to the colorful street-art alleys of Tianya Town, and the rooftop infinity pool at Sanya Conifer Resort, each stop gave the visitors a fresh impression of Hainan. Many visitors paused to capture the scenery, remarking with delight: “Sanya is full of surprises!”

Exploring Luxury Resorts and Applauding World-Class Service

At 10 a.m. on June 4, the tour operators arrived at Atlantis Sanya. Upon entering the lobby, they were immediately captivated by the resort’s massive aquarium, where sharks, rays, and other marine creatures glided gracefully through the water. The group was visibly amazed.

The group toured both the ocean-view suites and the resort’s signature underwater suites. In the latter, floor-to-ceiling windows offer direct views into the aquarium, allowing guests to lie in bed and watch marine life drift by as if they were beneath the sea.

“The underwater suite concept is truly unique. Very few hotels in the world can offer an experience like this,” said tour operator Vivian He from Hong Kong. “The dreamlike setting would make an outstanding feature for honeymoon packages and would appeal strongly to younger travelers. I’ve already taken plenty of photos and videos on my phone and plan to use them for promotion when I return.”

The group then traveled to Hyatt Regency Sanya Tianli Bay in Tianya District. Strolling through palm-lined gardens, they were greeted by breathtaking views where the infinity pool seemed to merge with the sea and sky beyond. Many guests stopped to take photos, fascinated by the striking visual effect, which made it look as though water flowed directly into the ocean.

“The design is incredibly clever. It gives you the urge to dive right in and swim toward the sea,” said Julia, a tour operator from Germany, while taking photos of the stunning view. Having worked in the European outbound travel market for many years, she was visiting Sanya for the first time. “In Europe, hotels with sea views like this often come with a very high price tag. Hainan offers excellent value for money. Combined with China’s visa-free policy for travelers from 86 countries, it has tremendous appeal for European visitors.”

The hotel’s representative introduced the group to the property’s all-ocean-view suites, children’s amusement facilities, and its distinctive pink-sand beach. Natthapat, a tour operator from Thailand, showed particular interest in these features. “The children’s facilities and the pink-sand beach are perfect for family travel products. When I return home, I’ll discuss with my team how we can incorporate this destination into our product offerings.”

The delegation then proceeded to Rosewood Sanya. The hotel’s sky lobby, located on the 14th floor, offers sweeping 270-degree ocean views. Equally impressive was the elevated infinity pool on the 13th floor. Suspended between sea and sky, the pool’s edge appears to merge with the horizon, creating a spectacular setting from every angle.

“This is one of the most visually stunning hotel pools I’ve ever seen,” said Amy, a tour operator from Australia, while admiring the view from the poolside. She noted that Australian travelers also have a strong preference for luxury resort experiences, and the design aesthetic and sense of privacy here align perfectly with the expectations of the high-end market.

Throughout the visit, many tour operators actively exchanged business cards with hotel sales representatives, inquiring about partnership opportunities, group rates, and capacity for group reception. A tour operator from Southeast Asia said that he hopes to bring a group of high-end family travelers to experience Sanya’s luxury resort offerings.

Tianya Town’s Artistic Transformation Resonates with Tour Operators

The delegation also visited Tianya Town, where they experienced the unique charm of this “seaside arts village.” From the colorful mural-covered walls at the entrance of Huanglong Street, to the pure-white architecture of Sanya Guanxia Seaview B&B, and the cave-inspired interiors of Malt Cave Seaview Café, every corner became a favorite photo stop.

“This is completely different from the fishing village I imagined,” said Eter, a tour operator from Georgia, pausing at the iconic “18° North Latitude” landmark to examine the coordinates displayed on the wall. She noted that the destination could be easily integrated with the coastal tourism resources of Sanya, Lingshui, and Wanning. “Visitors are drawn to places with distinct geographic markers, which give the destination a sense of occasion.”

A local guide accompanying the group explained that in recent years, Tianya Town has undergone a series of small-scale renovations and refined upgrades. While retaining the original layout and character of a traditional fishing village, it has incorporated contemporary artistic elements, evolving into a popular photo-friendly destination. Today, Tianya Town is home to dozens of seaview guesthouses, cafés, and cultural and creative shops, making it especially popular among younger travelers.

“These small but beautifully designed destinations are exactly what many European travelers are looking for,” said Zhang Jing, a tour operator from Ireland. “Many European visitors are keen to experience local culture and everyday life when they travel. Tianya Town combines fishing village stories, artistic ambiance, and seaside accommodations. It has tremendous appeal.”

Inside one of the town’s cultural and creative stores, the visitors showed great interest in souvenir products featuring traditional Li ethnic totems. France, a tour operator from the United States, even inquired on the spot about purchasing the products in bulk as gifts for clients.

Meanwhile, Korean tour operator Lee Jae-hyun was particularly impressed by the town’s photogenic appeal. “Every corner is picture-perfect. Young people in Korea love destinations that look great in photos. If Tianya Town were included in independent travel packages, I’m sure it would be very popular.”

Duty-Free Shopping Drives Strong Interest and New Cooperation Opportunities

On the afternoon of June 4, the tour operators continued their familiarization tour with visits to Sanya Conifer Resort and Pullman Oceanview Sanya Bay Resort & Spa.

At Pullman Oceanview Sanya Bay Resort & Spa, the group was introduced to the hotel’s comprehensive conference facilities and family-oriented amenities. Guests were particularly intrigued by the hotel’s exclusive underground passageway, which provides direct access to Sanya Bay Beach.

Sanya Conifer Resort, meanwhile, impressed visitors with its iconic 70-meter-high rooftop infinity pool. Offering panoramic views of the Sanya Bay coastline, the elevated waterscape has become one of the hotel’s signature attractions. Its distinctive architectural design also earned high praise from the international tour operators.

Later that day, the delegation arrived at the final highlight of their Sanya tour—a self-guided visit to the CDF Sanya International Duty Free City. As the world’s largest single-building duty-free shopping destination, the complex brings together more than 800 international brands.

Aziz, a tour operator from Malaysia, found himself spoiled for choice in the cosmetics and fragrance section. “Malaysian travelers love duty-free shopping. The selection of brands here is impressive, and the pricing is highly competitive. If duty-free shopping can be combined with resort stays as part of a travel package, I believe it would be extremely well received by the market.”

Julia, a tour operator from Germany, was equally impressed by the scale and variety of the shopping complex. “European travelers enjoy purchasing luxury goods and cosmetics, and Sanya’s duty-free advantages are very clear. I believe Sanya has the potential to become a new favorite destination among European visitors.”

After several days of exploration across Hainan, tour operators from around the world expressed strong interest in developing partnerships in sectors ranging from sports tourism and wellness travel to cultural and leisure tourism. Shirley, a tour operator from Australia, paid particular attention to Hainan’s sports tourism resources. “Hainan has outstanding assets for sports tourism, especially golf and coastal outdoor activities. These resources are ideal for developing sports-focused holiday products. Australian consumers are passionate about sports travel, and I plan to introduce Hainan’s sports tourism offerings to the Australian market.”

According to officials from the Sanya Municipal Bureau of Tourism, Culture, Radio, Television and Sports, the city has launched several new international air routes since the beginning of this year, contributing to steady growth in inbound visitor arrivals. Looking ahead, Sanya will continue to improve its inbound tourism services and strengthen international market outreach, encouraging more global tour operators to include the city in their product portfolios.

Sunny Hainan, heart’s desire. Although the two-and-a-half-day familiarization tour was brief, it provided tour operators from around the world with a firsthand look at Sanya’s diverse tourism offerings and strong hospitality capacity. More importantly, it allowed visiting industry professionals to identify tangible opportunities for future cooperation. With the continued expansion of international flight connections and the ongoing optimization of inbound travel policies, Sanya is embracing the world with an increasingly open and welcoming outlook, ready to receive more visitors from across the globe.

Hashtag: #SanyaTourismBoard

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The exhibition brings together over 60 pieces of signature works alongside new creations, accentuating cross-disciplinary philosophy of “Technology + Art + Eastern Culture” to achieve glittering and transparent art works. Through the use of innovative, crystalline materials and immersive, accessible artistic language, Wu Daijie Art Studio redefines artistic expression to deliver avant-garde works that resonate deeply with audiences.

The Opening Ceremony was officiated by guests of honour, including Ms. Maria Helena de Senna Fernandes, Director of the Macao Government Tourism Office; Ms. Chan Lei Lei, Director of Macao Conservatory, Cultural Affairs Bureau of the Macau S.A.R. Government; Mr. Philip Cheng, Director of Galaxy Entertainment Group; and lead artist Wu Daijie.

At the opening ceremony, Mr Philip Cheng, Director of Galaxy Entertainment Group, said: “Galaxy Entertainment Group continues to align with the Macao SAR Government’s “Tourism + Culture” initiative, working closely alongside the government and industry partners to create distinctive cultural and artistic experiences. Through dedicated efforts, we present a diverse range of unique events that offer fresh and exciting experiences for visitors from around the world. This exhibition bridges artistic expression with technological innovation, inspired by interpretations and imagination rooted in traditional Eastern culture. We believe that this brand-new exhibition will bring renewed vibrancy and creative energy to Macao’s arts and cultural scene this summer.”

Lead artist Wu Daijie added: “Macau serves as the gateway for Chinese and Western interaction and a vital hub for cultural exchange within the Greater Bay Area. Galaxy Macau and GalaxyArt – world-class integrated resort and arts platform – continuously offer forward-thinking experiences. I am deeply honoured to present my exhibition here, which is not only a sharing of my personal artistic endeavours at this stage, but also a way to contribute to the popularisation of art.”

Structured around four thematic expressions, the exhibition unfolds a poetic journey through light, form and emotion. “Luminosity · The Spirit of Nature” captures the ethereal beauty of living beings, distilling their essence into luminous, crystallised forms that reflect the pure vibrancy of living creatures. “Luminosity · The Glow of Modernity” presents whimsical perfection and unlimited possibilities seen in fairy tales through light and shadows, creating striking, avant-garde visual narratives.

In “Luminosity – Beyond Void & Form,” the serene elegance of Zen philosophy is reinterpreted through a delicate interplay of classical and modern aesthetics, while “Luminosity – Flowing like Water” evokes fluidity and abundance, expressing grace, balance and openness.

A Vivid Transformation into Luminous Clarity

“Ethereal Flow” — a contemporary, fashion-forward series that includes a large-scale aerial installation – is the highlight in the “Luminosity · Flowing like Water” section series. Inspired by a classic passage from Laozi’s Tao Te Ching— “The highest goodness is like water; water benefits all things without contention, embodying the virtue of humility”—the work reflects the idea that true virtue, like water, nurtures and sustains all without striving. With its dynamic sense of scale and dazzling visual impact, the installation invites audiences to reflect on reality and the nature of humanity.

“Ethereal Stone” and “Timeless Dialogue: Taihu Stone” is a collection of four pieces at the “Luminosity – Beyond Void & Form” section. The works draw inspiration from the classic anecdote of Mi Fu reverently addressing a scholar’s rock, reflecting the deep-rooted Chinese tradition of stone appreciation and its unique cultural heritage. Centred on the intricate beauty of Taihu stones, the works reinterpret their delicate, sculptural forms through a contemporary lens. By bringing traditional culture into dialogue with modern artistic expression, the series creates a poetic exchange across time. It also serves as a gentle reflection for today’s fast-paced society—encouraging a return to inner contemplation, and a rediscovery of cultural identity and humanistic spirit through the philosophies of Chinese tradition.

“Dazzling Galaxy – Crystalline Art Exhibition” – open now until September 13 at GalaxyArt – invites visitors to immerse themselves in a radiant convergence of innovation, culture and artistry, further enriching Galaxy Macau’s dynamic cultural landscape and reaffirming the award-winning luxury resort’s commitment to world-class creative experiences.

For more information about Galaxy Macau and GalaxyArt, please visit www.galaxymacau.com.

Hashtag: #GalaxyMacau

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About Galaxy Macau Integrated Resort

Galaxy Macau, world-class luxury integrated resort, delivers the “Most Spectacular Entertainment and Leisure Destination in the World”. Developed at an investment of HK$43 billion, the property covers 1.1 million-square-meter of unique entertainment and leisure attractions that are unlike anything else in Macau. Nine award-winning world-class luxury hotels provide close to 5,000 rooms, suites and villas. They include Banyan Tree Macau, Galaxy Hotel™, Hotel Okura Macau, JW Marriott Hotel Macau, The Ritz-Carlton, Macau, Broadway Hotel, Raffles at Galaxy Macau, Andaz Macau, and Capella at Galaxy Macau. Unique to Galaxy Macau, the 75,000-square-meter Grand Resort Deck features the world’s longest Skytop Adventure Rapids at 575 metres, the largest Skytop Wave Pool with waves up to 1.5-metre high and 150-metre pristine white sand beach. Two five-star spas from Banyan Tree Spa Macau and The Ritz- Carlton Spa, Macau help guests relax and rejuvenate.

As the dining destination in Asia, Galaxy Macau offers a wide variety of gastronomic delights, exquisite experiences and ingredients of the finest quality with over 120 dining options from Michelin dining to authentic delicacies; Galaxy Promenade is the hottest shopping destination featuring the latest in fashion and curated experiences in Macau. Spanning over 100,000-square-meter, luxury flagship stores, lifestyle boutiques and our selection of labels are among the more than 200 world-renowned brands for a world-class shopping journey; Galaxy Cinemas, immersive thrills and luxurious comfort go hand in hand at Galaxy Cinemas. All 10 theatres are equipped with the latest audio-visual technology; CHINA ROUGE, one-of-a-kind deluxe lounge that evokes the glitz and glamor of Shanghai’s golden era with entertainment in luxury and style; and Foot Hub presents the traditional art of reflexology to make you feel more relaxed and revitalized. For Authentic Macau Flavours & Vibrant Asian Experiences, Broadway Macau – just a 90-second walk via a bridge from Galaxy Macau, has over 35 Authentic Macau & Asian Flavours at its Broadway Food Street. The 2,500-seat Broadway Theatre plays host to world-class entertainers and a diverse array of cultural events. Meeting, incentive and banquet groups are also well looked after with a portfolio of unique venues in Galaxy Macau and a professional service staff.

Galaxy International Convention Center (GICC) is the latest addition to the Group’s ever-expanding integrated resort precinct and will usher in a new era for the MICE industry in Macau. GICC is a world- class event venue featuring 40,000-square-meter of total flexible MICE, and a 16,000-seat Galaxy Arena – the largest indoor arena in Macau.

For more details, please visit www.galaxymacau.com, www.broadwaymacau.com.mo and www.galaxyicc.com.

The statement followed reports that a fire broke out on the tanker MT Marivex near Omani waters on Monday, with preliminary information indicating that 24 seafarers from India were on board. Early inputs from shipping and seafarer welfare channels said the crew were safe, although officials were still verifying the vessel’s condition, the cause of the fire and the exact location of the ship.

The incident has drawn attention because it occurred close to one of the world’s most sensitive maritime corridors, where tankers moving energy cargoes between the Gulf, Asia, Africa and Europe routinely pass through the Gulf of Oman and the approaches to the Strait of Hormuz. The waterway remains under close watch after months of heightened security alerts affecting commercial shipping and civilian mariners.

MT Marivex is listed in maritime databases as an oil and chemical tanker built in 2009, with the vessel associated with the Palau flag in live tracking records. Its published identification details include IMO number 9464156 and a length of about 135 metres. Tracking data placed the vessel in the Arabian Sea area and showing a voyage linked to Duqm, an Omani port that has become increasingly important for energy, logistics and industrial activity.

Officials in New Delhi and Muscat are understood to be working through diplomatic and maritime channels, including the embassy, shipping authorities, naval contacts and the vessel’s commercial representatives. The immediate priority is confirmation of the crew’s condition, access to emergency support, and coordination with Omani maritime agencies if evacuation, firefighting or medical assistance is required.

Seafarer unions had urged authorities to act swiftly after distress information emerged from the crew. The appeals focused on the need for direct contact with the vessel, clarity on whether the fire had been contained, and assurance that rescue assets were available. Such calls have become more frequent as commercial crews have faced rising exposure to conflict-linked disruption, fires, mechanical failures and security alerts across West Asian waters.

The incident also places renewed scrutiny on safety protocols for crews operating near the Gulf of Oman. Shipping advisories issued over the past months have urged masters and crew to maintain constant watch, report suspicious activity and follow international ship and port security procedures. Risks in the area include fire, collision, drone activity, missile threats, small craft movements and navigational disruption caused by conflict-related alerts.

No official confirmation had established whether the MT Marivex fire was caused by an attack, technical failure or another onboard emergency. Authorities were treating the first stage of the response as a safety and rescue matter while verifying facts. That cautious approach reflects the sensitivity of the region, where inaccurate early claims can complicate maritime operations and diplomatic coordination.

Oman has a record of working with foreign missions during incidents involving seafarers and vessels in its waters. Its maritime agencies have previously coordinated search-and-rescue operations off Duqm and in the Gulf of Oman, including cases involving tankers and mixed-nationality crews. Such operations can be difficult when vessels are adrift, carrying flammable cargo, or operating in rough seas.

The Embassy of India’s response is also shaped by the large number of seafarers from India working on foreign-flagged ships. Many serve on tankers, bulk carriers, container ships and offshore vessels across Gulf routes. Their welfare has become a central concern for diplomatic missions as shipping disruptions in the region have moved beyond cargo delays and insurance costs to direct crew-safety risks.

For shipping companies, the episode underlines the operational pressures affecting tankers and other commercial vessels near Oman. Owners and managers must balance commercial schedules, crew contracts, war-risk insurance, route planning and regulatory compliance. A single onboard fire can trigger port-state coordination, salvage assessment, environmental monitoring and crew repatriation procedures.

Wing Kai New Energy X QIJI Energy X C&D Hi-Tech

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 5 June 2026 – The 19th (2026) International Photovoltaic Power Generation and Smart Energy Exhibition & Conference (SNEC 2026) was grandly held from June 3 to 5, 2026, at the National Exhibition and Convention Center (Shanghai). Attracting over 3,000 exhibitors from 95 countries worldwide, the event stands as the largest and most influential professional grand gathering for the photovoltaic and energy storage sectors across Asia and globally.

During the exhibition, Mr. Yiu Wang Lee, Chairman of the Board of Wing Lee Development Construction Holdings Limited (“Wing Lee” or the “Group”, stock code: 9639.HK); Mr. Cai Huihui, General Manager of Wing Kai New Energy Technology Co., Limited (“Wing Kai New Energy”); Mr. Wang Yi, Key Account Manager of QIJI Energy; Mr. Xu Jun, Overseas Energy Storage Commercial Director of Contemporary Amperex Technology Co., Limited (CATL); and Mr. You Yuxian, ASEAN Regional Energy Storage Sales Director of CATL, jointly visited the exhibition booth of C&D Hi-Tech. The delegation engaged in in-depth discussions with the team led by General Manager Mr. Zhan Shengli, focusing on battery swapping station projects in Hong Kong and Southeast Asia. By integrating multi-party resources, the teams successfully finalized and signed a Strategic Cooperation Agreement.

Through this signing, the three parties will join forces to address and resolve the industry pain points of overseas markets regarding regulatory compliance, engineering infrastructure, and supply chain coordination. The collaboration represents a deep integration of QIJI Energy’s cutting-edge battery swapping solutions, Wing Kai New Energy’s localized infrastructure and operational capabilities across Hong Kong and Shenzhen, and C&D Hi-Tech’s robust global resource allocation strengths. Moving from single-project development to an ecosystem of mutual win-win, this partnership will significantly enhance the delivery efficiency of green energy across Hong Kong, Macau, and the Southeast Asian region, setting a brand-new benchmark for regional zero-carbon smart transportation.

As a subsidiary of Wing Lee, Wing Kai New Energy has been rooted in Hong Kong since its inception while radiating its presence globally, deeply cultivating sustainable clean energy solutions. Addressing the acute pain points in the Greater Bay Area and Southeast Asian markets, where rapid fluctuations in energy prices have led to surging cost pressures for logistics distribution enterprises, Wing Kai New Energy will focus on urban distribution logistics battery swapping businesses in the future. The company plans to integrate site resources, infrastructure, and operations to fill the gap in regional infrastructure. We firmly believe that this cooperation will effectively bridge the cross-border green energy eco-link, accelerate the construction of a green energy service network, and contribute solidly to the realization of the “dual carbon” goals. Meanwhile, we sincerely invite more partners to join the Zero-Carbon Smart Alliance to jointly advance sustainable development.

Hashtag: #WingLee

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About Wing Lee Development Construction Holdings Limited

Deeply rooted in Hong Kong, Wing Lee is an established contractor engaged in civil engineering, electrical and mechanical engineering, and new energy businesses, and has participated in various large-scale landmark projects in Hong Kong. The Group’s civil engineering business specialized in site formation waterworks as well as road and drainage works, while its electrical and mechanical engineering business specializes in power system-related projects and emergency maintenance works. In recent years, the Group has actively expanded into the new energy sector, undertaking solar photovoltaic projects, distributing various electric commercial vehicles and electric construction machinery, and engaging in the construction and subsequent maintenance of charging piles, battery swapping, recycling, and energy storage businesses. In 2025, Wing Lee Construction, together with SANY Group Co., Ltd. and CATL, among other industry giants, founded the “Zero-Carbon Smart Alliance” to develop full-industry-chain solutions for photovoltaics, energy storage, charging and battery swapping, and smart applications in green transportation.

The delegation of over 70 business and institutional leaders from Hong Kong and the Chinese Mainland is the largest and most diverse overseas mission led by the current term of the HKSAR Government so far.

Speaking to the media in Uzbekistan yesterday (June 4), Mr Lee set out the three main objectives of the visit: further explore emerging markets and lay the foundation for long-term economic and trade development; strengthen government-to-government (G2G) relationships and promote closer bilateral co-operation; and build a “hub-to-hub” model of co-operation.

He said the visit had been successful, yielding achievements in eight areas, including:

• Establishing high-level contacts and ties between the HKSAR Government and the Governments of Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan, and reaching consensus on co-operation in multiple areas;
• A total of 96 co-operation agreements and memoranda of understanding (MoUs) were reached during the visit (61 with Kazakhstan, 35 with Uzbekistan), involving specific amounts exceeding US$1.65 billion in total;
• The governments agreed to commence bilateral discussions on agreements in various areas;
• Deepening project matching and research collaboration between Hong Kong and Central Asian region in areas including finance, innovation and technology (I&T), and aviation;
• Demonstrating Hong Kong’s effective role as a platform for going global and achieving substantial results, with Hong Kong and Mainland enterprises joining forces in tapping new markets and bringing synergistic advantages into full play;
• Facilitating more convenient people-to-people exchanges by promoting direct flights, aviation and transport co-operation, and extensions to the mutual visa-free period;
• Promoting exchanges in education, talent and culture to further deepen people-to-people bonds; and
• Advancing a hub-to-hub co-operation model to open up broader room for co-operation between Hong Kong and the Central Asian region.

While in Tashkent (June 3-5), Mr Lee met with local leaders, government officials and business representatives to deepen co-operation between Hong Kong and Uzbekistan in areas including trade, investment, finance, I&T, and people-to-people exchanges.

Mr Lee held meetings with the President of Uzbekistan, Shavkat Miromonovich Mirziyoyev, his Advisor on Strategic Development, Sardor Umurzakov, the Prime Minister, Abdulla Nigmatovich Aripov, as well as the Deputy Prime Minister, Jamshid Khodjayev, to exchange views on furthering mutual co-operation.

Mr Lee highlighted that under the “one country, two systems” principle, Hong Kong enjoys both the China advantage and the global advantage. He said that Hong Kong would continue to play its roles as a “super connector” and a “super value-adder” to further deepen co-operation and exchanges with Uzbekistan on various fronts in line with Uzbekistan’s goal of achieving high-quality development.

Earlier (June 3), Mr Lee met with the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Uzbekistan, Bakhtiyor Saidov, after which they jointly witnessed an exchange of notes between the two places on a mutual visa-free arrangement, which would allow a visa-free period of 30 days for visitors from both sides.

“Moreover, we are glad to have initialed the Air Services Agreement with Uzbekistan, and look forward to launching direct passenger flights between the two places soon,” Mr Lee said, during a high-level business dinner (June 4). The Chief Executive pointed out that Hong Kong and Uzbekistan are important trade and investment gateways to their respective regions – the Asia-Pacific and Central Asia.

“It helps that we are all believers in the Belt and Road (B&R) Initiative, a modern expression of the ancient Silk Road spirit,” Mr Lee said. “Today, China is Uzbekistan’s largest trading partner, and the two countries work closely on major infrastructure and connectivity projects that are revitalising the Silk Road. Hong Kong is a pivotal player in the B&R Initiative, thanks to our world-class professional and financial services expertise.”

The delegation also toured the IT Park Uzbekistan and the Center for Islamic Civilization before concluding its visit in Tashkent.

Hashtag: #HongKong #BrandHongKong #CentralAsia #Kazakhstan #Uzbekistan

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As an innovative driver of global payment solutions, Epay made a powerful international impression by showcasing its robust product matrix and vertical industry solutions. Amidst this prestigious gathering of top-tier global decision-makers, Epay emerged as a focal point of the event, drawing significant industry attention with its specialized sector expertise and deep compliance capabilities.

Throughout the event, the Epay booth buzzed with high-energy discussions as a steady stream of industry leaders and representatives gathered for consultations. Against the backdrop of an evolving global trade landscape, the strategic synergy and bidirectional flow between high-growth markets in Europe and the Asia-Pacific region emerged as a primary focus for many attending businesses.

On the floor, Epay’s expert team provided in-depth, tailored consultations for fintech peers, social media platforms, digital marketing agencies, and B2B trading enterprises. Addressing complex pain points such as global pan-entertainment payouts and cross-border supply chain fund flows, the team demonstrated Epay’s core global collection and payout capabilities alongside its flexible API solutions, precisely empowering businesses to expand internationally.

Furthermore, the Epay team engaged in deep-dive strategic dialogues with local commercial banks, international clearing organizations, and financial experts from various countries. Moving forward, Epay remains dedicated to expanding robust local payment networks, leveraging its forward-looking vision to power the global digital economy.

Hashtag: #EPay

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

About Epay

Forging Ahead, Driving Digital Growth
The curtain has fallen, but a new journey has just begun. For Epay, the conclusion of this international expedition marks the starting point for a new chapter in empowering global growth.

Standing at the forefront of the global digital economy, Epay remains committed to security as its foundation and innovation as its driving force, continuously building a compliant and rock-solid fintech infrastructure. Looking ahead, Epay will continue to dissolve geographical and financial barriers, marching alongside visionaries worldwide. We look forward to leveraging an even more forward-looking ecosystem to safeguard the global expansion of cross-border enterprises.

With past milestones honored and the future ahead, we look forward to seeing you at our next stop—ChinaJoy in Shanghai!

The announcement forms part of SKYWORTH Solar’s newly unveiled global growth strategy, revealed at the 2026 SNEC Exhibition and Global Customer Summit in Shanghai, where the company introduced its new positioning as a “Global Smart Energy Ecosystem Leader” and outlined plans to accelerate expansion across key international markets.

Thailand has emerged as one of SKYWORTH Solar’s strategic markets in Southeast Asia, driven by rising energy demand, increasing electricity costs for businesses, and growing momentum behind renewable energy adoption.

The opening of the company’s Thailand office at Empire Tower in Bangkok strengthens SKYWORTH Solar’s local presence. It enables the company to provide customers and partners with enhanced support across consultation, project execution, after-sales service, supply chain coordination and project delivery.

“Thailand represents a significant growth opportunity for SKYWORTH Solar as businesses increasingly seek reliable and cost-effective clean energy solutions,” said Wanfei Qu, Chief Investment Officer of SKYWORTH Group, CEO and Director of SKYWORTH Solar. “Our strategy is built on the principle of ‘Global Vision, Local Execution’, combining global expertise with strong local partnerships to support Thailand’s energy transition and long-term sustainability goals.”

As part of its expansion plans, SKYWORTH Solar signed a 100MW C&I solar project MOU with CapSolar, supporting the growing demand for rooftop solar solutions among commercial and industrial businesses.

The company is also strengthening its local ecosystem through investments in project development, financing partnerships and service capabilities. This includes a strategic banking collaboration with ICBC Thai and access to a US$500 million investment fund to support solar project development and deployment in Thailand and other international markets.

One example of SKYWORTH Solar’s growing footprint in Thailand is its 3MW rooftop solar project at UMC Steel Plant in Chonburi Province. The project is expected to generate approximately 4.4 million kWh of clean electricity in its first year, helping reduce energy costs while supporting the facility’s sustainability objectives.

The developments in Thailand were highlighted as part of SKYWORTH Solar’s broader global strategy unveiled at SNEC 2026. The company announced plans to expand its solar, energy storage, and integrated smart energy solutions across Europe, Southeast Asia, the Middle East, and Africa, in response to increasing global demand for renewable energy technologies.

As governments and businesses accelerate their decarbonisation efforts, SKYWORTH Solar aims to support customers through a combination of advanced technology, flexible business models and localised service capabilities.

For more information about SKYWORTH Solar and its clean energy solutions, please visit https://www.skyworth-pv.com.
Hashtag: #SKYWORTH

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

About SKYWORTH

SKYWORTH Solar, the cutting-edge PV brand under SKYWORTH Group, is a global leader in providing comprehensive one-stop solar solutions. Comprehensive end-to-end services are provided, encompassing consulting, design, and product O&M, all supported by a portfolio of self-developed solutions.

As a leading global renewable energy developer, service provider and energy solutions provider, SKYWORTH is actively shaping the future of energy. With a strong presence in EPC services and one-stop product solutions, SKYWORTH delivers high-quality, reliable, and innovative energy solutions. SKYWORTH ‘s commitment to originality and excellence has earned widespread recognition in international markets such as Germany, Italy, the UK, Brazil, and Senegal.

The plan, worth about $4.3 billion, reflects a sharp turn by Gulf from its traditional base as a power producer into a broader infrastructure group linking electricity generation, telecommunications, cloud services and industrial logistics. The investment push comes as Thailand seeks to position itself as a regional data hub, helped by rising demand for cloud computing, artificial intelligence workloads and data-localisation capacity across Southeast Asia.

Gulf’s strategy is built around a simple commercial premise: AI facilities need vast, reliable and increasingly low-carbon electricity. Data centres are among the most power-intensive assets in the digital economy, and operators are under pressure to secure stable energy supply while meeting sustainability commitments from global technology clients. Gulf’s existing position in gas-fired power, renewable energy and utilities gives it an advantage that pure technology infrastructure firms may struggle to match.

Sarath, Gulf’s chief executive and controlling figure, has spent years reshaping the group from a conventional energy developer into a conglomerate with exposure to telecoms, satellites, digital platforms and cloud infrastructure. The merger of Gulf Energy Development and Intouch Holdings created a larger listed platform linked to Advanced Info Service, Thailand’s biggest mobile operator, and Thaicom, the satellite company. That structure gives Gulf access to telecom traffic, enterprise clients and digital distribution channels that can support its data-centre ambitions.

The investment programme is expected to support new data-centre capacity, related infrastructure and power projects needed to serve hyperscale and enterprise customers. Gulf has already moved into the sector through partnerships involving global technology names and regional operators, while its digital arm has explored cloud and AI services designed for corporate and government clients. The company’s first major data-centre project has become a reference point for its expansion into facilities that can host high-density computing workloads.

Thailand’s broader investment environment has also shifted in Gulf’s favour. Authorities have approved large-scale data infrastructure projects from global technology players, including server and data-processing investments across Bangkok, Samut Prakan and Chachoengsao. Google, Amazon Web Services, Microsoft and ByteDance-linked operations have all announced or pursued major commitments in the country, intensifying competition but also validating Thailand’s role in the regional digital economy.

For Gulf, the opportunity lies not only in renting data-centre capacity but also in selling bundled infrastructure: power, connectivity, cloud access and long-term operational reliability. That model could create recurring income and reduce dependence on regulated returns from power generation. It may also help Gulf deepen its relationship with large technology clients seeking local partners that understand land, energy approvals, grid constraints and domestic regulatory requirements.

The group’s financial position gives it room to move, though the scale of the programme will be closely watched by investors. Gulf reported strong first-quarter earnings for 2026, helped by its energy operations and profit contribution from Advanced Info Service. Revenue growth and core profit gains have strengthened confidence in its ability to finance new projects, but data centres require heavy upfront spending and returns can depend on utilisation rates, long-term contracts and energy costs.

The timing is also sensitive. Across Asia, governments are competing for data-centre investment while confronting pressure on power grids, water use and land availability. Singapore’s cautious approach to new data-centre capacity has encouraged developers to look at Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia and Vietnam, but each market faces its own constraints. Thailand has industrial land, policy incentives and improving connectivity, yet grid readiness and clean-energy availability remain decisive issues for hyperscale clients.

Gulf’s renewable energy targets are likely to form part of its sales pitch. The company has set out plans to raise the share of renewables in its generation portfolio and reduce carbon intensity, while continuing to rely on gas as a stable baseload fuel. Its long-term LNG supply arrangements also point to a strategy that balances energy security with transition commitments, even as customers demand cleaner electricity for digital operations.

Sarath’s expansion plan underscores how AI is redrawing corporate strategy beyond Silicon Valley. Energy groups, telecom operators and infrastructure funds are increasingly competing for the physical assets behind the digital boom. Gulf’s bet is that Thailand’s AI economy will be shaped as much by power plants, fibre networks and industrial sites as by software models and cloud applications.