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First Shell Recharge Electric School Bus Charging Station installed in CUHK

As one of the leading global energy companies, Shell continues to focus on its strategy to deliver more value with less emissions while working to become a net-zero emissions business by 2050, contributing to global decarbonisation. This year, Shell installed CUHK’s first Shell Recharge electric school bus charging station, featuring two fast chargers with a power output of 120 kW, ensuring rapid and efficient energy replenishment for CUHK’s electric school buses. At the same time, Shell consistently upholds high safety standards, with stringent controls in the design, installation, and operation of the charging station to ensure a safe and reliable electric vehicle charging experience.

Since 2018, Shell has supported CUHK’s sustainability initiatives by supplying Shell FuelSave Diesel B5 for the university’s fleet, helping reduce emissions and enhancing operational efficiency. The collaboration has expanded with the introduction of fast-charging facilities further modernises CUHK’s transportation system and accelerates the adoption of innovative low-carbon technologies. Looking ahead, Shell will continue to work with CUHK to lead the development of advanced mobility solutions and demonstrate leadership in campus sustainability.

Mr. Yew Chong Tan, General Manager of Shell Commercial Fuels East, commented, “At Shell, we are committed to working with customers and partners to provide holistic energy solutions that power progress together. The installation of this electric school bus charging station at The Chinese University of Hong Kong exemplifies our dedication to such collaboration as we navigate the energy transition.”

First Hybrid School Bus to Begin Operates at CUHK

The Hong Kong Productivity Council (HKPC) has provided CUHK with the first hybrid school bus ever deployed on a Hong Kong campus, which helps reduce diesel consumption and lower exhaust emissions compared to regular diesel coaches. When utilizing fast charging directly, it can reach an 80% battery charge in as little as 25 minutes.

Mr. Yonghai Du, Chief Innovation Officer of HKPC and General Manager, Centre of Advanced Power and Autonomous Systems (APAS), added, “This 12-meter plug-in hybrid bus is the first green transport project designed, developed, and assembled in Hong Kong by APAS, funded by the Innovation and Technology Fund and supported by our industry partners. This collaboration exemplifies the shared commitment of academia and industry to social responsibility. HKPC will continue to pioneer diverse innovative solutions, foster collaboration among ‘Government, industry, academia, research, investment, and applications’, expand the application demonstration of new technologies, products, and scenarios, and drive the transition towards green transportation.”

CUHK Advances Low-Carbon Transportation

These two major initiatives not only highlight CUHK’s dedication to sustainable development but also set a new standard for environmentally conscious transformation in transportation across Hong Kong.

Mr. Simon Lee, Director of Security and Transport at The Chinese University of Hong Kong, stated, “CUHK is committed to promoting sustainable development and embedding environmental protection principles within daily campus operations. By installing the EV charging station and introducing the hybrid campus bus, we aim to offer convenient transportation for staff and students while reducing carbon emissions and achieving low-carbon mobility. I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to Shell for its strong support of the charging station project and to the Hong Kong Productivity Council for its professional assistance in introducing the hybrid campus bus, enabling us to jointly drive campus transportation toward a new green milestone.”

Hashtag: #Shell #CUHK #ElectricBusChargingStation

https://www.shell.com.hk/

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SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 19 January 2026 – Madame Tussauds Singapore hosted an exclusive fan meet event on 16 January 2026, featuring international music and entertainment icon AGNEZ MO, bringing fans up close with the superstar in an intimate and memorable setting.

The special appearance marked a meaningful reunion between AGNEZ MO and her wax figure, which was first unveiled at Madame Tussauds Singapore in 2022. The fan meet offered a rare opportunity for fans to reconnect with the multi-talented artist while celebrating her continued global success.

Hashtag: #MerlinEntertainments #MadameTussaudsSingapore

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Madame Tussauds Singapore

Madame Tussauds has been inviting people to walk the red carpet and get closer to the revered – and feared – for over 250 years. With 22 attractions in the world’s top destination cities, we are dedicated to giving millions of visitors the opportunity to mingle with the mighty from A-listers to music legends, heroes of sport, to infamous world leaders. Today, we continue to partner with the global icons of a generation to create astonishing lifelike figures from sittings and offer exciting and interactive experiences to ensure guests have never felt closer to fame.

Merlin Entertainments is a world leader in branded entertainment destinations, offering a diverse portfolio of resort theme parks, city-centre gateway attractions and LEGOLAND Resorts which span across UK, US, Western Europe, China and Asia Pacific. Dedicated to creating experiences that inspire joy and connection, Merlin welcomes more than 62 million guests annually to its growing estate, with over 140 sites across 23 countries. An expert in bringing world-famous entertainment brands to life, Merlin works with partners including the LEGO Group, Sony Pictures Entertainment, Peppa Pig, Dreamworks and Ferrari to create destinations where guests can immerse themselves in a wide array of brand-driven worlds, rides, and uplifting learning experiences. See www.merlinentertainments.biz for more information.

UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan arrived in New Delhi on a working visit, marking another step in the steady expansion of political, economic and strategic ties between Abu Dhabi and New Delhi. He was received at the Palam Air Base by Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi, accompanied by senior members of the Union Cabinet and officials from the external affairs establishment, underscoring the importance both sides attach to the engagement.

The visit places renewed focus on deepening UAE–India partnership at a time when bilateral cooperation spans trade, energy security, technology, defence and people-to-people exchanges. Officials said discussions during the visit would review progress under existing agreements while identifying new areas for collaboration aligned with long-term economic and geopolitical priorities.

The UAE and India have built a close relationship over the past decade, anchored by high-level political engagement and sustained institutional cooperation. The elevation of ties to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership has provided a framework for collaboration across sectors, with regular leader-level interactions helping to maintain momentum. Sheikh Mohamed and Prime Minister Modi have met frequently on the margins of multilateral forums and through bilateral visits, creating a rapport that has translated into concrete outcomes.

Trade and investment remain central to the agenda. Bilateral non-oil trade has expanded significantly following the implementation of the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement, which reduced tariffs, simplified customs procedures and opened services markets. Officials on both sides view the agreement as a catalyst for further growth, particularly in manufacturing, logistics, food security and digital services. The UAE has also emerged as a major investor, with sovereign and private capital flowing into infrastructure, renewable energy, ports and technology ventures.

Energy cooperation continues to be a pillar of the relationship. The UAE is a key supplier of crude oil and liquefied natural gas, while joint investments in strategic petroleum reserves and downstream assets have added depth to the partnership. As both countries pursue energy transition goals, collaboration has widened to include renewables, green hydrogen and climate technology, reflecting shared commitments to sustainability and diversification.

Defence and security cooperation has gained prominence amid evolving regional and global challenges. Regular joint exercises, intelligence exchanges and defence industrial cooperation have strengthened interoperability and trust. Counter-terrorism, maritime security and cyber resilience are areas where officials see scope for closer coordination, particularly given the shared interest in stable sea lanes and secure digital infrastructure.

Technology and innovation feature prominently in the discussions. The UAE’s push to position itself as a hub for advanced technologies aligns with New Delhi’s focus on digital public infrastructure, fintech and start-up ecosystems. Partnerships between research institutions, technology firms and start-ups have expanded, supported by policy initiatives and investment platforms designed to facilitate cross-border collaboration.

The large expatriate community also shapes the relationship. Millions of people from India live and work in the UAE, contributing to its economy and cultural diversity, while remittances and professional exchanges strengthen social and economic links. During past engagements, leaders have highlighted the role of this community as a bridge between the two nations, with initiatives aimed at skills development, worker welfare and cultural exchange.

On the multilateral front, both countries coordinate positions on regional stability, economic governance and climate action. Cooperation within forums such as the G20, where the UAE has participated as a guest under New Delhi’s presidency, has reinforced alignment on development priorities, debt relief for vulnerable economies and sustainable growth.

Officials familiar with the visit said meetings would assess progress on commitments made during earlier engagements and set timelines for new initiatives. Agreements and memoranda of understanding under consideration span sectors including education, healthcare, space cooperation and financial services, reflecting the breadth of the partnership.

Pioneering Logistics Data Connectivity to Empower SME Financing

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 19 January 2026 – In response to the evolving global trade landscape and accelerating digital transformation, Hong Kong is consolidating its strength and reinforcing its position as an International Trade Centre while driving industry digitalisation. PAO Bank Limited (“PAObank”) has actively support the HKSAR Government’s initiatives to promote data-sharing infrastructure and financial technology development. PAObank adopted data from “Port Community System” (“PCS”), serving as a pilot case to explore the potential of the PCS data in replacing traditional freight documentation. PAObank has been invited to join PCS Rollout Ceremony, sharing professional insights on leveraging cargo data to promote digital trade finance.

The PCS enables interoperability of logistics data across sea, land and air transport, establishing a comprehensive and reliable logistics footprint for cargo transiting through Hong Kong. PAObank, as the first digital bank to participate in the Commercial Data Interchange initiative, has become a leader in harnessing alternative data to streamline financing process. PAObank was invited to PCS Rollout Ceremony on 16 January to share its practical experience in utilising PCS for trade finance. The real-time import/export customs declaration and cargo data provided by PCS empower banks to better understand the trade and capital flows of SMEs, thereby reducing credit costs and enhancing the efficiency of trade finance.

Mr. Ambrose Wong, Alternate Chief Executive & Chief Risk Officer of PAObank, remarked in the panel discussion, “As one of the Ping An Group’s integrated financial platforms in Hong Kong, PAObank is driven by the vision of empowering finance through technology. We are at the forefront of utilising alternative data to simplify SME financing and establishing industry benchmarks. Traditional port information is often fragmented, and banks lack access to consolidated trade data, making it difficult to assess business operations and credit risks in a timely and accurate manner, which affects financing efficiency. PCS provides unified, reliable, and comprehensive logistics data, further breaking down industry data barriers. This enables banks to access real-time data, quickly and accurately evaluate SME business conditions, and conduct more precise credit approvals to meet SMEs’ funding needs and help them seize business opportunities.”

Mr Ambrose Wong continued, “PAObank is honoured to serve as one of the pilot cases for the PCS, contributing to system optimisation and the realisation of cross-sector data sharing. PAObank will continue to support the HKSAR Government in jointly promoting the digitalisation of trade finance, deepening application scenarios, and enabling more SMEs to benefit from robust data-sharing infrastructure, contributing to strengthening Hong Kong’s position as an international financial and trade centre.”

Looking ahead, as part of Ping An Group’s integrated financial platforms in Hong Kong, PAObank will continue to strengthen its commercial data utilisation, integrating diverse data from trade, logistics and finance to unlock data potential. The bank will continue to be the trade partner, offering banking services including foreign currency deposits, cross-border remittance, and foreign currency exchange to help SMEs unlock their business potential. In addition, PAObank is actively developing innovative financial technologies to provide more diversified services for SMEs and individual customers, working together to promote the sustainable and healthy development of Hong Kong’s economy.
Hashtag: #PAObank #PCS #TradeFinancing

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PAO Bank Limited

PAO Bank Limited (“PAObank”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Lufax Holding Ltd (“Lufax”) (SEHK: 6623; NYSE: LU) and a member of Ping An Insurance (Group) Company of China, Ltd. (“Ping An”) (SEHK: 2318; SSE: 601318), is committed to fostering financial inclusion and establishing a digital banking ecosystem by leveraging its extensive experience in SME banking services and its leading financial technology advantages. PAObank was granted a banking licence by the Hong Kong Monetary Authority in May 2019 to offer banking services via virtual channels. PAObank is expanding diverse business segments including retail banking and SME banking, serving customers in Hong Kong and the Greater Bay Area, establishing itself as one of the Ping An Group’s comprehensive financial platforms in Hong Kong.

A Milestone in Sustainable Operations & Facility Management

Storefriendly stated: “Achieving this Excellent rating reinforces our commitment to ESG goals. By optimizing our operations management, we ensure that our self-storage facilities are not only efficient but also environmentally responsible, providing our customers with a superior and greener storage experience.”

Selective Scheme Focuses on Building Performance Across Key Assessment Areas

BEAM Plus EB reviews a building’s sustainability performance through multiple assessment areas, including Site, Management, Materials & Waste, Energy Use, Water, Indoor Environmental Quality, and Innovation. Within these, the Management aspect places strong emphasis on responsible management practices and measures that promote the sustainable operation of building spaces. Achieving an Excellent rating in this aspect further validates Storefriendly’s ongoing investment and results in day-to-day operations management and its broader sustainability strategy.

Integrating Smart Technology with Green Logistics

Storefriendly continues to invest in cutting-edge technology—including AI-powered customer service systems and Safety Box. By combining smart access controls with energy-efficient facility management, the Group enhances both security and operational performance. This HKGBC recognition serves as a roadmap for the Group’s future, as it strives to modernize the mini storage industry with forward-thinking, sustainable solutions for both personal and business clients.

The following five Storefriendly Tower properties have been certified by HKGBC and included in the Existing Buildings portfolio assessment:
1. Storefriendly Tower (Peninsula East): 82 Hung To Road, Kwun Tong
2. Storefriendly Tower (Metropolis East): 13 Yip Cheong Street, Fanling, New Territories
3. Storefriendly Tower (Island East): 8 A Kung Ngam Village Road, Shau Kei Wan
4. Storefriendly Tower (Peninsula West): 850-870 Lai Chi Kok Road, Cheung Sha Wan
5. Storefriendly Tower (Metropolis West): 22-28 Tai Chung Road, Tsuen Wan

Hashtag: #Storefriendly

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

About Storefriendly Self Storage Group

Founded in 2002, Storefriendly Self Storage Group is one of Asia’s leading self-storage brands, with operations across Hong Kong, Macau, Singapore, and Taiwan. The Group operates over 90 branches and more than 40,000 storage units. Over half of its branches are self-owned properties, conveniently located and equipped with 24-hour smart access and comprehensive security systems, providing safe and flexible storage solutions for both individual and business customers. The Group continues to invest in technology—including AI-powered customer service, wine storage, and smart safety boxes—to elevate service quality through innovation and deliver an enhanced storage experience.

Visit Storefriendly: https://www.store-friendly.com/en/

India has overtaken most markets to become the world’s second-largest 5G network by user base, crossing an estimated 400 million subscribers as operators expand coverage and devices become more affordable. The scale of adoption places the country behind only China, underscoring the pace at which fifth-generation services have spread across cities, towns and large rural corridors.

Official tallies compiled from industry disclosures and regulatory filings show nationwide 5G availability across all states and union territories, with more than 450,000 base stations activated since commercial launch in October 2022. Data from the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India indicates that fifth-generation users now account for a substantial share of total mobile broadband connections, a shift that has occurred faster than earlier transitions from 2G to 3G and 4G.

India’s 5G surge reshapes global rankings as operators leveraged aggressive rollouts and introductory pricing to seed usage. The government’s early spectrum auctions, coupled with simplified right-of-way rules for fibre and towers, reduced deployment friction. Policymakers also pushed indigenous manufacturing through production-linked incentives, lowering equipment costs and shortening supply chains.

Market leaders have driven much of the momentum. Reliance Jio built a standalone 5G network using mid-band spectrum and dense fibre backhaul, prioritising urban clusters and industrial zones before pushing into smaller towns. Bharti Airtel opted for a non-standalone architecture initially, upgrading existing 4G sites to accelerate time-to-market while expanding capacity. Vodafone Idea has begun selective launches following capital infusions, focusing on circles with higher data demand.

Subscriber growth has been supported by falling handset prices and a rapid refresh cycle. Entry-level 5G smartphones from domestic and global brands now sit near mass-market price points, while older devices have been phased out as networks refarm spectrum. Analysts note that average data consumption per user has climbed as video streaming, cloud gaming and real-time navigation benefit from lower latency and higher throughput.

Enterprise use cases are also gaining ground. Private 5G deployments are being tested in ports, manufacturing plants and campuses to support automation, predictive maintenance and machine vision. The Department of Telecommunications has approved pilot licences for captive networks, enabling firms to experiment without relying solely on public networks. Healthcare applications such as remote diagnostics and education tools like immersive classrooms are being trialled in partnership with state governments.

The speed of expansion reflects a competitive pricing environment. Unlimited 5G plans bundled with 4G subscriptions reduced barriers to trial, while promotional offers encouraged device upgrades. Industry executives argue that scale efficiencies and declining network costs will support sustainable pricing even as data traffic rises.

Challenges persist. Monetisation remains uneven as consumers expect higher speeds at similar prices, pressuring average revenue per user. Network densification in dense urban areas requires continued capital expenditure, and power availability in remote regions complicates operations. Cybersecurity and data privacy frameworks must keep pace with new applications that rely on ultra-reliable connectivity.

Spectrum policy will shape the next phase. Operators are seeking clarity on millimetre-wave allocations to unlock ultra-high-capacity hotspots for campuses and stadiums. Backhaul capacity, particularly fibreisation of towers, is another bottleneck that policymakers are addressing through coordinated infrastructure planning.

Globally, India’s ascent alters competitive dynamics. Vendors see the market as a proving ground for large-scale deployments, while application developers view it as a launchpad for services that require millions of concurrent users. The country’s experience is being studied by emerging economies looking to leapfrog directly to advanced mobile broadband.