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The Summit explored the trends reshaping customer expectations and the future of financial services. Discussions focused on rising wealth, increasing cross-border mobility, and the growing convergence of data, artificial intelligence and human expertise. Participants exchanged perspectives on how deeper partnerships can enhance customer outcomes and unlock new opportunities for the next phase of growth.

Chengdu’s history provided a fitting backdrop for the Summit. More than a thousand years ago, the city pioneered “jiaozi”, widely regarded as the world’s first paper money. Its success depended on trust in the promise behind it, a principle that remains equally important in successful partnerships today.

Dennis Tan, Regional CEO, Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, Myanmar; Group Partnership Distribution, Prudential plc, said: “Keeping promises sits at the heart of every partnership for Prudential. Founded on trust and strengthened through collaboration, these relationships help us meet customers’ increasingly interconnected health, protection and wealth needs.

“The Summit demonstrated the strength of Prudential’s partnership ecosystem and the opportunities ahead. By bringing together distribution expertise, digital capabilities and market insights, we are working to create better customer experiences and drive long-term, sustainable growth with our partners.”

The programme also featured guest speaker Pierluigi Collina, FIFA’s Chief Refereeing Officer and referee of the 2002 FIFA World Cup Final. Drawing on his experience at the highest level of international football, he shared perspectives on leadership, accountability and sound decision-making in complex and rapidly changing environments.

Partnership distribution at Prudential

Prudential harnesses the strength of its partnership ecosystem to translate shared priorities into action, helping more customers achieve greater financial security and confidence for the future.

Partnership distribution has long been central to Prudential’s growth strategy. Since establishing its first strategic bancassurance partnership in 1998, Prudential has built one of Asia’s largest bancassurance franchises, comprising more than 180 banking partnerships across markets. In the first half of 2026, the bancassurance channel delivered US$586 million in new business profit, up 13 per cent on a constant exchange rate basis from US$505 million in the same period last year.

Hashtag: #Prudentialplc

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

About Prudential plc

Prudential provides life and health insurance and asset management in Greater China, ASEAN, India and Africa. Prudential’s mission is to be the most trusted partner and protector for this generation and generations to come, by providing simple and accessible financial and health solutions. The business has dual primary listings on the Stock Exchange of Hong Kong (HKEX: 2378) and the London Stock Exchange (LSE: PRU). It also has a secondary listing on the Singapore Stock Exchange (SGX: K6S) and a listing on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE: PUK) in the form of American Depositary Receipts. It is a constituent of the Hang Seng Composite Index and is also included for trading in the Shenzhen-Hong Kong Stock Connect programme and the Shanghai-Hong Kong Stock Connect programme.

Prudential is not affiliated in any manner with Prudential Financial, Inc. a company whose principal place of business is in the United States of America, nor with The Prudential Assurance Company Limited, a subsidiary of M&G plc, a company incorporated in the United Kingdom.

www.prudentialplc.com

By Ashok Nilakantan Ayers WASHINGTON: The final week of America’s 2026 midterm election campaign has become a high-stakes confrontation between President Donald Trump and a Democratic opposition seeking to turn voter dissatisfaction over the economy into control of Congress. Neither Trump nor former president Barack Obama is on the ballot. Yet both are criss-crossing the […]

The article Barack Obama Imparts Big Momentum To Democratic Campaign In Last Phase appeared first on Latest India news, analysis and reports on Newspack by India Press Agency).

With products sold in more than 80 countries, Thailand’s leading Sriracha producer highlights its global distribution strength, product innovation and ambition to grow Thai Sriracha on the world stage.

BANGKOK, THAILAND – Media OutReach Newswire – 26 October 2026 – Exotic Food Public Company Limited (XO), a leading Thai manufacturer and exporter of premium sauces, condiments and culinary products, is showcasing the strength of Thai brands on the global stage at SIAL Paris 2026, one of the world’s leading international food industry exhibitions, held from 17–21 October in Paris, France. The company’s participation reflects its ambition to take authentic Thai flavours beyond traditional export markets and build globally competitive brands through product innovation, international market expertise and strong distribution partnerships.

With products distributed in more than 80 countries and available at over 30,000 points of sale worldwide, Exotic Food has established a strong international presence through its flagship brands, Exotic Food and Flying Goose. Europe remains one of the company’s key markets, where its portfolio of Thai sauces, condiments and culinary products continues to reach consumers through international retail and distribution networks.

Bringing together more than 8,000 exhibitors from 130 countries and showcasing over 400,000 products, SIAL Paris 2026 serves as a major meeting point for the global food industry. For Exotic Food, the exhibition provides an important platform to connect with international buyers and distributors, strengthen existing business relationships and explore new market opportunities, while demonstrating how Thai food brands can compete in an increasingly diverse global marketplace.

At SIAL Paris 2026, Exotic Food is presenting its portfolio of authentic Thai flavours alongside innovations developed for international consumers. A key highlight is the Flying Goose Sriracha range, featuring more than 50 flavours, together with creative product collaborations such as Sriracha-flavoured potato chips and peanuts. The showcase reflects the company’s ability to combine Thai culinary heritage with an understanding of evolving global food trends, bringing familiar Thai flavours into new product categories and consumer experiences.

The company’s distinctive bright-red exhibition booth draws inspiration from Thai culture and the signature identity of Flying Goose Sriracha, creating a strong visual expression of its Thai roots and international brand positioning.

Mr. Jittiporn Jantarach, Chief Executive Officer of Exotic Food Public Company Limited, said, “Taking Thai flavours to the world is only the beginning. Building a successful global brand requires a deep understanding of international consumers, the ability to adapt to different markets, and a long-term commitment to quality and innovation.

“At Exotic Food, we combine our Thai culinary heritage with global market expertise to create products that resonate with consumers across cultures. Our presence at SIAL Paris reflects not only how far Thai brands have come, but also their potential to compete and grow on the world stage.”

Beyond international expansion and product innovation, Exotic Food continues to strengthen its sustainability commitments as part of its long-term business strategy. The company has achieved ISO 14068-1:2023 certification, supporting its roadmap towards Carbon Neutrality by 2040 and Net Zero Emissions by 2050. The certification reinforces its commitment to internationally recognised environmental standards and sustainable operations, particularly as sustainability becomes an increasingly important consideration for global business partners and international trade.

Through its participation in SIAL Paris 2026, Exotic Food continues to demonstrate how Thai companies can move beyond traditional food exports to establish distinctive, internationally competitive brands. By combining authentic Thai flavours with global market understanding, continuous innovation and responsible business practices, the company is reinforcing the growing potential of Thai brands in the international food industry.

Hashtag: #ExoticFood

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

These awards celebrate the most inspirational initiatives and developments in land, real estate, construction and infrastructure, recognising outstanding achievement, teamwork and corporate excellence. This year’s entrants have contributed to some of Hong Kong’s largest projects, including driving investment into the commercial sector, delivering essential infrastructure and leading sustainable practices.

Guest of Honour, Mr. TAI Sheung Shing, Victor, JP, Under Secretary for Housing, Housing Bureau, The Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, kicked off the ceremony with a speech recognising chartered surveyors for their significant contributions to the built environment. Additionally, the event welcomed Mr. David Lam, JP, Under Secretary for Development, Development Bureau, The Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, as a Presentation Guest at the Gala Dinner, to jointly witness this important occasion.

“These awards are about excellence. Excellence in our profession is about much more than a successful transaction, a well-delivered project or an impressive building. It is about the judgement behind a difficult decision. The integrity to give the right advice, even when it is not the easiest advice to give. And the commitment to leave a place, a business or a community better than we found it. ” said Ms. Ada Fung FRICS, Judging Chair of RICS Hong Kong Awards 2026. “For those of us working in Hong Kong, these qualities matter enormously. Our city never stands still, and neither can our profession. We must help clients navigate uncertainty, make better use of our built environment, and turn long-term ambitions into practical results.”

The RICS Annual Lifetime Achievement Award was presented to Mr. Philip Lo FRICS, a Steward of the Hong Kong Jockey Club. Mr. Lo is a former Chairman of Rider Levett Bucknall China and Hong Kong. He is a fellow of RICS and served on the RICS UK Management Board from 2011 to 2016, alongside his extensive leadership roles within RICS Hong Kong. He remains deeply committed to public service, currently holding key roles with the Hong Kong Housing Authority and the Hong Kong Housing Society, as well serving as an Adjunct Professor at The University of Hong Kong.

“Our profession is unique. We may not always have our names on the buildings, but we know every building carries our fingerprints. More importantly, through the built environment, we have the opportunity not only to create buildings and infrastructure, but also to shape communities, improve lives and contribute to the long-term development of society. That sense of purpose has always been one of the most rewarding aspects of my career.” said Mr. Philip Lo FRICS.

Results of RICS Hong Kong Awards 2026:

Project award categories
1. Commercial Property Project of the Year

• Jones Lang LaSalle Management Services Limited – The Bay Hub

2. Corporate Social Responsibility Project of the Year

• Hong Kong Housing Authority – Diamond Hill Water Feature Park

Team award categories
3. Agency Team of the Year

• JLL – Office Leasing Advisory Team

4. Construction Project Management Team of the Year

• Architectural Services Department & China State Construction Engineering (Hong Kong) Limited – Design and Construction of Chinese Medicine Hospital and Government Chinese Medicines Testing Institute in Hong Kong

5. Facilities Management Team of the Year

• Hang Seng Bank Limited & JLL
• Swire Properties Management Limited – Citygate – Driving Excellence in Facilities Management through Exemplary Sustainability Strategy

6. Property Management Team of the Year

• Nan Fung Property Management – AIRSIDE

7. Quantity Surveying Team of the Year

• Housing Department, HKSAR (Quantity Surveying Section) – SmartCOST+ (Construction Cost Data Management Platform)

8. Refurbishment / Revitalisation Team of the Year

• Architectural Services Department & Yau Lee Construction Company Limited – The Light Public Housing at Vacant School Premises (St. Joseph / Holm Glad / Ma Kam Chan)

9. Research Team of the Year

• Rider Levett Bucknall + Arup – Whole Life Carbon Assessment – Embodied Carbon Intensity Framework in Hong Kong and Mainland China

10. Valuation Team of the Year

• Cushman & Wakefield – Masterminds Behind Development: Shaping Hong Kong’s Future With Valuation Expertise

Special category awards

11. Best Deal of the Year

• Alibaba Group Holding Limited, Cushman & Wakefield – Anchoring the Global Digital Hub: Alibaba & Ant Group’s Overseas Headquarters at One Causeway Bay, facilitated by Cushman & Wakefield
• Jones Lang LaSalle Limited – JLL Capital Markets: Brookfield Asset Management and Uni-China Group Strategic Acquisition of Tsing Yi Industrial Site

12. Environmental Impact Award

• Architectural Services Department – Advancing Net Zero – Toilet Blocks at Pet Garden of Central and Western District Promenade
• Savills Property Management Limited – Kingston International Centre

13. Proptech Innovation of the Year

• Savills Property Management Limited – Smart Control Hub

Individual awards

14. Emerging Achiever of the Year

• Jason Leung MRICS, Assistant Research Director, Head of Land and Housing Research, Our Hong Kong Foundation

15. Lee Ming Kiu, Owen MRICS, Resident Engineer, AECOM

• Woman of the Built Environment Award
• Kathy Lee, Head of Research and Retail Consultancy, Colliers

The full RICS Hong Kong Awards Winners list is available at: https://www.rics.org/training-events/rics-awards/hong-kong-awards

High resolution photos are available at: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1c2FnfB9S-IXgcfj8SGXAFe6RP16oQFlA?usp=sharing

Notes for editors:

RICS Hong Kong Awards 2026 is sponsored by:

• Headline Sponsor: Hongkong Land Limited
• Premium Sponsor: Swire Properties Limited
• Cocktail Partner: Colliers
• Agency Partner: CBRE Advisory Hong Kong Limited
• Silver Sponsors: Link Asset Management; MOORE
• Supported by: Construction Industry Council

Hashtag: #RICS

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

About RICS Hong Kong Awards

The RICS Awards Hong Kong showcases outstanding achievements and developments in Hong Kong’s land, property and construction industries and across the built environment. The awards are open to everyone working within the property profession. The jury panel of the RICS Awards 2026 Hong Kong is formed by fourteen outstanding local industry leaders. Nominated projects have all displayed outstanding performance in professionalism, outcome & achievement, teamwork & collaboration and thought innovation.

About RICS
We are RICS. As a member-led chartered professional body working in the public interest, we uphold the highest technical and ethical standards.

We inspire professionalism, advance knowledge and support our members across global markets to make an effective contribution for the benefit of society. We independently regulate our members in the management of land, real estate, construction and infrastructure. Our work with others supports their professional practice and pioneers a natural and built environment that is sustainable, resilient and inclusive for all.

By K Raveendran Escalating tensions between the United States and Iran are threatening to push global oil markets into another period of turbulence, but India has found an unexpected measure of protection in President Donald Trump’s decision to ease sanctions on Russian energy. The policy reversal, driven partly by Washington’s own need for Russian diesel, […]

The article India Gains Crucial Oil Lifeline Amid Iran Tensions And Crude Oil Spikes appeared first on Latest India news, analysis and reports on Newspack by India Press Agency).

The Thailand Board of Investment (BOI) said on Saturday that applications submitted between 2023 and the first half of 2026 totalled 23.5 billion baht. The proposed projects cover specialised components and industrial materials used in electronics, batteries, electric motors and hydrogen technologies.

The figures represent investment applications rather than completed expenditure. The agency did not provide a breakdown of project approvals, construction schedules or the amount already invested, leaving the pace at which the proposed capacity will become operational unclear.

Narit Therdsteerasukdi, secretary-general of the BOI, said domestic production of sophisticated materials could reduce dependence on imports and allow Thai suppliers to participate in higher-value international manufacturing networks. The agency wants to develop industries supplying essential inputs rather than relying principally on assembly operations.

The applications include multilayer ceramic capacitors, graphite films used for heat management, engineered ceramics, neodymium magnets, materials for batteries and fuel cells, and specialised glass and quartz fabrics used in printed circuit boards. Nanomaterials for precision manufacturing are also represented.

Such products are important to increasingly powerful computing equipment. Multilayer ceramic capacitors help regulate electrical power in electronic circuits, while graphite films dissipate heat generated by densely packed components. The BOI said a high-end AI server can contain as many as 30,000 ceramic capacitors, illustrating the scale of demand associated with advanced computing infrastructure.

Among the companies identified by the agency, Taiwan’s Fultech Fiber Glass produces glass fabrics for circuit boards, including higher-performance varieties suitable for AI servers. Jones Tech manufactures synthetic and natural graphite films designed to transfer heat away from electronic devices.

Other projects target electric transport and energy storage. BGN Thai produces coated foils for lithium-ion batteries, while Phinis Well manufactures neodymium magnets used in electric motors. Xinyuan Graphite supplies bipolar plates for hydrogen fuel cells, extending the range of technologies covered by the investment pipeline.

CoorsTek Advanced Materials, part of the US-based ceramics group CoorsTek, has invested in engineered ceramics used in automotive pressure sensors and silicon nitride balls for hybrid bearings. Those bearings have applications in electric vehicles and wind turbines. Golden Egret Cemented Carbide produces tungsten carbide powders for precision cutting tools.

Thailand already hosts established electronic component manufacturers, including Japan’s Murata Electronics and Kyocera AVX Components. The BOI cited these operations as part of the industrial base supporting the proposed expansion into more specialised upstream production.

The announcement follows broader growth in investment applications for technology-intensive industries. BOI figures released for the first half of 2026 showed total applications rising 37 per cent from a year earlier to approximately 1.47 trillion baht across 1,299 projects. Digital infrastructure, including data centres, accounted for a substantial share of the total.

Those economy-wide figures are separate from the 23.5 billion baht advanced materials pipeline, which covers applications accumulated over a longer period. Comparing the two as if they represented the same reporting window would overstate the scale of the materials industry’s immediate expansion.

The government’s electronics strategy has also focused on printed circuit boards, a manufacturing segment closely linked to AI servers and communications equipment. Authorities announced approvals for further expansion by three circuit-board manufacturers involving more than $668 million in investment, with over 5,000 additional jobs expected from those projects.

Electric vehicle manufacturing provides another source of potential demand. BOI data published in September placed cumulative approved investment across Thailand’s electric vehicle supply chain at approximately $4.59 billion through August, covering vehicle assembly, batteries and key components. That total concerns a different investment category and should not be added to the newly disclosed applications without checking for overlap.

Narit said the agency would continue supporting research, technology development and workforce training alongside investment promotion. Its stated objective is to increase the share of advanced materials and components manufactured domestically for regional and international customers.

The investment drive also reflects Thailand’s efforts to attract suppliers serving multiple industries, rather than individual product categories. Manufacturers of specialised materials can potentially supply electronics, automotive and renewable-energy customers through overlapping production capabilities and established distribution networks.

The BOI calculated the dollar equivalent of the latest proposals using an exchange rate of approximately 33.76 baht to the US dollar. The agency, established in 1966, administers investment promotion for both domestic and foreign businesses.

By T N Ashok NEW YORK: The latest diplomatic signals from Washington and New Delhi suggest that a prolonged India–US trade confrontation may finally be approaching a settlement. US President Donald Trump says a deal is close. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, after meeting External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar in Mumbai on October 20, has […]

The article India-U.S. Trade Deal Draft Is Ready, But Still There Are Few Gaps appeared first on Latest India news, analysis and reports on Newspack by India Press Agency).

The two-day summit, inaugurated on Friday at the Brilliant Convention Centre, attracted investment proposals worth approximately ₹5,800 crore, potentially generating more than 10,000 jobs. Separately, five companies received letters of intent for land allocation covering projects valued at ₹9,625 crore.

The proposed semiconductor facility, involving Paras Semiconductors, a subsidiary of Paras Defence and Space Technologies, represents one of the state’s largest identified investments in advanced chip packaging. The company signed a memorandum of understanding with the state government on July 22 for a greenfield outsourced semiconductor assembly and testing plant.

The project is planned for the Indore-Ujjain corridor, where the government has identified approximately 50 acres for development. Its proposed capabilities include advanced packaging technologies associated with increasingly complex semiconductor devices, although commercial production schedules and confirmed manufacturing capacities remain undisclosed.

Advanced packaging allows multiple semiconductor components to be integrated within compact assemblies, improving communication between chips and potentially reducing power consumption. Technologies involving three-dimensional integration are particularly relevant to artificial intelligence accelerators, high-performance computing and specialised processors.

The proposed plant has been described as incorporating sophisticated packaging and testing capabilities. However, claims that it will become India’s first operational 3D artificial intelligence chip packaging facility remain dependent on implementation, technical specifications and the commissioning of competing projects.

Yadav said the summit demonstrated growing interest among technology companies in establishing manufacturing, research and engineering operations in Madhya Pradesh. More than 1,000 delegates participated, including representatives from Japan, South Korea, Taiwan and Sweden.

The investment proposals announced during discussions included ₹1,800 crore from Spintronics AI Semiconductors for phased development and ₹1,200 crore from Lalwala Industries for semiconductor manufacturing and chip design activities.

Other prospective investors included companies operating in electronics manufacturing, semiconductor design, healthcare technology and associated services. The government indicated that the proposals would require further approvals and implementation agreements before their anticipated employment benefits could materialise.

Among the five companies receiving land allocation letters, Cytech RE proposed a ₹6,415 crore hyperscale data centre with a capacity of 50 megawatts at Ganga Malanpur in Gwalior. The project represents the largest individual investment covered by those letters.

Una Ecosystems proposed a ₹2,000 crore lithium-cell manufacturing facility in Bhopal, while Auriga IT Solutions outlined a ₹500 crore global capability centre in Indore. Meena Circuits and Kaynes Electronics proposed electronics manufacturing investments of ₹400 crore and ₹310 crore respectively.

These investments extend beyond semiconductor fabrication and packaging, reflecting the government’s broader effort to attract data infrastructure, electronics manufacturing and technology services. The distinction is significant because the aggregate investment figures announced at the summit encompass several industrial categories rather than semiconductor production alone.

Yadav also announced plans for a Semiconductor Centre of Excellence and a separate Centre of Excellence for Photonics and Quantum Technologies. Both institutions are intended to support research, chip design, innovation and specialised workforce development.

The Madhya Pradesh State Electronics Development Corporation exchanged memoranda of understanding with five institutions, including SEMI India, Semiconductor Laboratory in Mohali and the Electronics Sector Skills Council of India.

The agreements cover technical collaboration, training, research and industry engagement. Their implementation is expected to involve cooperation between government agencies, academic institutions and private companies seeking access to specialised semiconductor expertise.

The state’s Semiconductor Policy 2025 offers financial incentives for eligible projects, including capital assistance and subsidised electricity. Officials have presented these measures as instruments for attracting investment into a sector requiring substantial initial expenditure and dependable infrastructure.

Yadav assured participating companies of administrative assistance, including streamlined approvals, single-window clearances and access to electricity supplies. He also identified the Indore-Ujjain Economic Corridor as a priority location for semiconductor packaging, electronics manufacturing and chip design.

Seven additional companies received letters of intent for office accommodation at the Electronics Complex in Pardesipura, Indore. Their proposed activities include semiconductor design, engineering services, research, artificial intelligence applications and electronics development.

The allocations cover approximately 44,816 square feet and carry projections of 1,280 employment opportunities. Among the beneficiaries are ADT Semiconductors, Spintronics AI Semiconductors, H-Semi Products and Truechip Solutions.

The summit’s programme includes technical discussions on semiconductor supply chains, advanced packaging, fabless chip design, photonics, quantum technologies and workforce requirements, alongside exhibitions involving more than 50 participating companies.

By Dr. Gyan Pathak Denotification of Jantar Mantar as protest site on 12 October 2026 has given anti-CEC and anti-SIR protesters to decentralize and widen the scope and ambit of the movement. The call for the nationwide street protest on October 23 given by the umbrella organization People Against SIR is likely to create numerous […]

The article October 23 Nationwide Anti-CEC Anti-SIR Protests Deepen Centre’s Dilemma appeared first on Latest India news, analysis and reports on Newspack by India Press Agency).

The investment strategy comes as Japan’s government bond market shows signs of recovering demand after months of volatility driven by inflation, fiscal uncertainty and expectations of further monetary tightening by the Bank of Japan.

Ryutaro Kimura, senior bond strategist at BNP Paribas Asset Management, has identified improving demand from domestic investors, particularly life insurance companies, as an important development supporting longer-maturity government securities.

The strongest indication emerged at Japan’s 20-year government bond auction on Tuesday, when demand reached a record level. The bid-to-cover ratio climbed to 5.84, compared with 4.01 at the previous auction and a 12-month average of 3.73.

The exceptionally strong bidding reflected renewed appetite for securities offering higher returns than those available during Japan’s prolonged period of exceptionally low interest rates.

Kimura attributed the favourable auction outcome to recovering domestic demand, supported by elevated interest rates and easing concerns about the government’s fiscal position.

Japanese life insurers have increased their net purchases of super-long government bonds since June, providing additional evidence that institutions with long-term liabilities are rebuilding their holdings of domestic fixed-income assets.

The auction results also showed an improvement in pricing conditions. The difference between the average accepted price and the lowest accepted price narrowed to 0.07 from 0.15 at September’s sale, indicating stronger bidding competition.

The yield on 20-year government bonds subsequently declined by as much as six basis points to 3.710%, reflecting the immediate market response to the auction.

Japan’s yield curve remains unusually steep, offering investors considerably higher returns on securities with longer maturities. That difference has encouraged asset managers to reassess the balance between income opportunities and the risks associated with holding longer-duration bonds.

Official yield data showed the benchmark 10-year government bond yielding approximately 2.93% on October 20, compared with 3.99% for the 30-year maturity. The difference exceeded one percentage point, highlighting the additional compensation available to investors extending their investment horizons.

Longer-duration bonds also carry greater sensitivity to changes in interest rates. Their prices can fall sharply when yields rise, making portfolio positioning particularly important while monetary policy expectations remain unsettled.

Japan’s central bank is expected to remain a significant influence on market conditions. Investors are awaiting its next policy meeting for indications about the pace of further interest rate increases and the outlook for inflation.

The Bank of Japan’s policy rate stood at 1.25% in October, following successive adjustments intended to address persistent inflationary pressures. Further tightening could influence borrowing costs across the maturity spectrum, although movements in longer-term yields also depend on government borrowing requirements and investor demand.

BNP Paribas Wealth Management’s October fixed-income outlook anticipates additional monetary tightening by the Japanese central bank, with approximately quarterly increases and a terminal policy rate around 2.5% in 2028. That projection represents the institution’s assessment rather than an announced central bank policy path.

Government financing requirements remain another consideration for investors. Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s administration faces scrutiny over fiscal proposals and their implications for future bond issuance, particularly as higher yields increase the cost of financing public debt.

Nevertheless, improved auction demand suggests that higher interest rates are attracting buyers who previously found Japanese government securities insufficiently rewarding.

The potential return of domestic capital is particularly significant because Japanese banks and insurers have substantial overseas bond investments. Rising domestic yields can encourage these institutions to reconsider foreign allocations, especially where currency hedging reduces the returns available from overseas securities.

Japanese investors sold foreign bonds for a fifth consecutive week through October 17, with cumulative net disposals reaching approximately ¥3.43 trillion over that period. The withdrawals provide further evidence of changing investment preferences as domestic fixed-income yields become more competitive.

The Ministry of Finance has also adjusted issuance arrangements for longer-maturity securities, an important consideration for investors assessing the relationship between government bond supply and institutional demand.

Market participants will continue examining auction results alongside investment plans from major insurers to assess the composition of demand. Japan’s Ministry of Finance conducted another liquidity-enhancement auction on October 22, following its 20-year government bond sale earlier in the week.

President of Botswana Duma Gideon Boko’s visit underscores Botswana’s longstanding ties with Chow Tai Fook across the natural diamond value chain

BEIJING, CHINA – Media OutReach Newswire – 20 October 2026 – During his State Visit to China, President of the Republic of Botswana Duma Gideon Boko led a delegation to visit the newly opened signature boutique of Chow Tai Fook Jewellery Group Limited (“Chow Tai Fook Jewellery”, the “Group” or the “Company”; SEHK stock code: 1929) at Beijing SKP on 14 October, for an exchange on China–Botswana cooperation across the natural diamond value chain. Mr Kent Wong, Managing Director of Chow Tai Fook Jewellery Group, welcomed President Boko and the delegation, highlighting the Group’s longstanding ties with Botswana’s diamond industry and sharing how Chow Tai Fook creates new value to natural diamonds through cultural heritage reinterpretation and contemporary design.

President Boko’s visit took place as China and Botswana elevated bilateral relations to a comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership. The two countries also agreed to deepen cooperation in the diamond sector and enhance access for Botswana’s diamond products to the Chinese market.

Mr Kent Wong, Managing Director of Chow Tai Fook Jewellery Group, said, ” We are deeply honoured to welcome President Boko to Chow Tai Fook in Beijing. Botswana holds an important place in the global natural diamond value chain and in Chow Tai Fook’s own journey with natural diamonds. Our longstanding partnerships with Botswana’s diamond industry and De Beers Group reflect a shared commitment to the enduring value of natural diamonds. We look forward to continuing to contribute our expertise in craftsmanship, design and retail to enhance consumer confidence in natural diamonds and support the industry’s sustainable development.”

Deepening ties across the natural diamond value chain

Botswana is one of the world’s leading diamond-producing countries, and diamonds are an important pillar of China-Botswana economic cooperation. The latest China-Botswana Joint Statement identifies the diamond sector as an area for further cooperation, including improved access for Botswana’s diamond products to the Chinese market.

Chow Tai Fook has deep roots in the natural diamond industry, underpinned by established global sourcing capabilities. The Group’s relationship with De Beers Group dates back to 1973, when Chow Tai Fook became a De Beers Group Sightholder. Since 2011, Chow Tai Fook has operated its own diamond cutting and polishing facility in Botswana, extending the Group’s involvement across the value chain from sourcing and craftsmanship to jewellery design and retail.

Chow Tai Fook has also been an early advocate of diamond traceability. Launched in 2016, T·MARK enables customers to trace the journey of selected diamonds from sourcing, cutting and polishing to certification and setting. In FY2026, all newly procured T·MARK diamonds were traceable to their country of origin.

Reimagining natural diamonds through Chinese creativity

Natural diamonds embody both the extraordinary beauty of nature and the emotions and memories that jewellery carries across generations. Through design and craftsmanship, Chow Tai Fook brings Chinese cultural heritage into a contemporary context, creating natural diamond jewellery that resonates with evolving lifestyles and expressions of individuality.

In September 2026, Chow Tai Fook participated in the signing of the Beijing Declaration on Natural Diamonds and Sustainable Development. Convened by The Shanghai Diamond Exchange, the initiative brought together government representatives from Botswana, Namibia and South Africa, as well as members of the Chinese and international diamond industry. It supports closer engagement between diamond-producing countries and the Chinese market, while advancing consumer understanding of the enduring value of natural diamonds.

Chow Tai Fook and De Beers Group also recently launched the Desert Rose Collection, inspired by desert rose stone formations and the resilience of plants thriving in arid landscapes. The collaboration builds on the two companies’ longstanding relationship and their shared focus on strengthening consumer appreciation and confidence in natural diamonds.

Looking ahead, Chow Tai Fook will continue to invest in design, craftsmanship and consumer engagement, while working with partners across the natural diamond value chain to support the industry’s sustainable development and contribute to deeper ties between China and Botswana.

Hashtag: #NaturalDiamonds #Diamonds #DeBeersGroup #BuildingForever

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

About De Beers Group

Established in 1888, De Beers Group is the world’s leading diamond company with expertise in the exploration, mining, marketing and retailing of diamonds. Together with its joint venture partners, De Beers Group employs more than 20,000 people across the diamond pipeline and is the world’s largest diamond producer by value, with diamond mining operations in Botswana, Canada, Namibia and South Africa. Innovation sits at the heart of De Beers Group’s strategy as it develops a portfolio of offers that span the diamond value chain, including its jewellery houses, De Beers London and Forevermark, and other pioneering solutions such as diamond sourcing and traceability initiatives Tracr and GemFair. De Beers Group also provides leading services and technology to the diamond industry in the form of education and laboratory services and a wide range of diamond sorting, detection and classification technology services. De Beers Group is committed to ‘Building Forever,’ a holistic and integrated approach to sustainability that underpins our efforts to create meaningful impact for the people and places where our diamonds are discovered. Building Forever focuses on three key areas where, through collaborations and partnerships around the globe, we have an enhanced ability to drive positive impact; Livelihoods, Climate and Nature. De Beers Group is a member of the Anglo American plc group. For further information, visit www.debeersgroup.com.

About Chow Tai Fook Jewellery Group Limited

Since its founding in 1929, CHOW TAI FOOK, the flagship brand of Chow Tai Fook Jewellery Group, has been celebrated for its bold designs and meticulous attention to detail. Our commitment to innovation and craftsmanship has made us synonymous with excellence, value, and authenticity.

As a global Chinese luxury group, we blend contemporary designs with traditional techniques to create timeless pieces. Each collection reflects our customers’ stories and lives, celebrating their special moments. We aspire to inspire and captivate generations to come, weaving the story of CHOW TAI FOOK into their own.

Our brand portfolio includes the iconic CHOW TAI FOOK flagship brand, HEARTS ON FIRE, ENZO, and MONOLOGUE, offering a wide variety of products, including an expanding range of cuttingedge IP collaborations. With over 5,000 stores worldwide, we offer a seamless client journey across all touchpoints through a network spanning China and a growing number of global locations.

Chow Tai Fook Jewellery Group Limited (SEHK: 1929) has been listed on the Main Board of the Hong Kong Stock Exchange since December 2011. We are committed to delivering sustainable long-term value for our stakeholders by continually enhancing earnings quality and driving higher value growth.

Industry Giants Gather in Ningde to Jointly Accelerate the Layout of the “Tesson Smart Power” Ecosystem

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 19 October 2026 – Tesson Holdings Limited (Stock Code: 01201.HK, hereinafter referred to as “Tesson Holdings”), a company listed on the Main Board of The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited, today issued an official announcement stating that its direct wholly-owned subsidiary has entered into an agreement with CCPOM Limited to acquire 100% equity interest in Contemporary Huazhi New Energy Technology Hong Kong Limited (hereinafter referred to as “Contemporary Huazhi (Hong Kong)”) for RMB 98.4 million, with a simultaneous capital injection of RMB 21.6 million (representing a total consideration of RMB 120 million).

On the same day, the “Solar-Storage-Charging-Inspection & Intelligent Zero-Carbon” Innovation Seminar and Strategic Signing Ceremony, co-hosted by Times Huazhi (时代华智) and Tesson Holdings, was grandly held at Fujian Jixin Solar-Storage-Charging-Inspection Technology Co., Ltd. (福建集新光储充检技术有限公司) in Overseas Chinese Building, Ningde, Fujian (福建宁德华侨大厦). At the seminar, Mr. Huang Shilin, Co-founder of Contemporary Amperex Technology Co., Limited (hereinafter referred to as “CATL”) and Chairman of Fujian Jixin Solar-Storage-Charging-Inspection Technology Co., Ltd. (福建集新光储充检技术有限公司) delivered a keynote speech. He conducted an in-depth analysis of the industry trends regarding the integrated development of new energy and intelligent charging/inspection, which drew enthusiastic responses from the attendees.

The signing ceremony brought together many distinguished guests. Under the joint witness of officiating guests including Mr. Huang Shilin, Professor Yu Changyuan from The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, and Mr. Wei Qingwen, representative of the major shareholder of Tesson Holdings, Tesson Holdings and Times Huazhi (时代华智) officially completed the agreement signing. At the same time, Tesson Holdings joined forces with Times Huazhi (时代华智), Inspur Group, EV Power, Wanji International (万吉国际), and several other industry-leading enterprises as well as top research institutions to sign multiple Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) for strategic cooperation. This marks a breakthrough achievement for Tesson Holdings in platform-based operations of smart power and new energy infrastructure layout since the launch of its new brand “Tesson Smart Power” in August this year.

Dual Strategy of Acquisition and Capital Injection: Anchoring the Innovative Track of “Solar-Storage-Charging-Inspection and Intelligent Zero-Carbon”

According to the announcement, RMB 38.4 million of the total consideration for this transaction will be paid in cash. The remaining acquisition consideration of RMB 60.0 million will be satisfied and completed by issuing consideration shares at HK$2.00 per share, while the simultaneous capital injection of RMB 21.6 million will be paid and completed as consideration for the subscription shares.

As a pioneer enterprise in the field of intelligent zero-carbon park operations for solar-storage-charging-inspection systems, Times Huazhi (时代华智) has successfully deployed multiple solar-storage-charging-inspection and zero-carbon park projects in core cities such as Shanghai and Fuzhou. Upon completion of this acquisition and capital injection, Tesson Holdings will directly incorporate high-quality new energy infrastructure assets, further enhancing the company’s operational capabilities and asset scale in high-power fast charging, energy storage, and zero-carbon microgrids.

Signing of Three Major MOUs: Building a Closed-Loop Chain of “Computing-Power Synergy + Energy-Carbon + Industry-Academia-Research”

At the signing ceremony held on the same day, Tesson Holdings and Times Huazhi (时代华智), together with several industrial partners, reached four deep strategic collaborations:

• 1. Computing-Power Synergy and Joint Innovation (AIDC): Partnered with Inspur Group and Micro-Gathering Power Sale (微聚售电) to jointly explore the integration model of AI Data Center infrastructure (AIDC) with new power sales and Virtual Power Plants (VPP).
• 2. Hong Kong Layout and Collaborative Innovation for Solar-Storage-Charging-Inspection: Partnered with EV Power, a leading EV charging operator in Hong Kong, and Wanji International (万吉国际), a green logistics operator, while introducing the 5D Power team from The University of Hong Kong and the HYBAY team from The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, to jointly create demonstration projects for solar-storage-charging-inspection and green logistics in Hong Kong.
• 3. Joint Construction of International Innovation Design Center (Hong Kong & Fujian): Partnered with Fuzhou University Design & Research Institute (福州大学设计研究院), Gesuo Technology (格索科技), and Anlaseo (a spin-off enterprise from The Hong Kong Polytechnic University) to promote the engineering applications of achievements such as smart energy replenishment stations for solar-storage-charging-inspection.

Energy-Carbon Asset Securitization Strategic Upgrading: Continuously Advancing Intelligent Zero-Carbon Transformation

Tesson Holdings and Times Huazhi (时代华智) deepened their cooperation by leveraging the advantages of the global industrial chain ecosystem resources of CATL to jointly explore the strategic collaborations implementation and innovative industrial upgrading of securitization for energy-carbon assets in new power track of solar-storage-charging-inspection.

Management of Tesson Holdings stated that the completion of this acquisition and multi-party strategic cooperation marks a crucial step for the company toward becoming an “Innovative Operator in Smart Power and Energy-Carbon”. Looking ahead, Tesson Holdings will rely on its development roadmap of “Battery Manufacturing — Zero-Carbon Microgrid & Energy Storage Operations — AI Power Trading & Energy-Carbon Asset Platform”, and fully utilize the strong support and resource empowerment from strategic shareholder Mr. Huang Shilin, Co-founder of CATL. The company will continue to deepen its green energy network layout in the Greater Bay Area and core cities, creating long-term value for urban low-carbon transformation.

Hashtag: #TessonHoldings

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

About Tesson Holdings Limited (1201.HK)

Tesson Holdings Limited (Stock Code: 01201.HK) is a company listed on the Main Board of The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited, focusing on (among other things) the deep integration of the new energy industry chain. Its strategic positioning includes being an innovative operator in smart power and energy-carbon. Centering on “Smart Power Source + Smart Electricity”, the company comprehensively expands into energy storage, solar-storage-charging-inspection, zero-carbon microgrids, AI energy management, and energy-carbon asset operations, striving to connect global high-quality industrial and capital resources to empower the high-quality development of the new energy ecosystem.