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Showcasing Spectacular Entertainment and Chinese Cultural Performances, Featuring Renowned Chinese Artist “Zhu Zhengting” to Bless the People of Thailand in the Heart of the City

BANGKOK, THAILAND – Media OutReach Newswire – 16 February 2026 – Siam Paragon, Thailand’s premier global landmark and the top destination in the hearts of Thai people and international tourists, has partnered with the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) and Kasikornbank, ushers in a grand celebration for the Year of the Horse. The event “Siam Paragon A Prosperous Chinese New Year 2026,” bringing an array of rare cultural performances from China to offer a magnificent experience in the heart of Bangkok, The celebration also features special performances by leading Thai artists and an exclusive appearance from Chinese superstar “Zhu Zhengting,” who flew in to deliver New Year blessings to Thai fans at Parc Paragon, Siam Paragon.

The Grand Opening Ceremony, held on 14 February 2026, was honored by the presence of Atthakorn Sirilatthayakorn, Minister of Tourism and Sports, alongside Mr. Han Zhiqiang, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the People’s Republic of China to Thailand, who both joined in delivering Chinese New Year blessings. Also in attendance were Thapanee Kiatphaibool, Governor of the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT); Chadatip Chutrakul, Chief Executive Officer of Siam Piwat Group; and Mayuree Chaipromprasith, President of Corporate Affairs and Communications at Siam Piwat Co., Ltd., all gathered amidst a grand and festive atmosphere. The event captivated the audience with special performances, including “Chinese New Year Welcome Dance” from China and the “Siam Noble Steed Dance” from Thailand, symbolizing the deep-rooted ties between the two nations. The celebration also featured rare and exquisite Chinese cultural showcases from four renowned troupes originating from Beijing, Chongqing, Henan, and Fujian.

The highly anticipated highlight was the appearance of renowned Chinese artist “Zhu Zhengting,” who joined the festivities to wish fans wealth, happiness, and prosperity for the year ahead, while delivering a special performance as a New Year gift. Additionally, the celebration featured mini-concerts by leading Thai T-Pop artists, including Better Weather and Daou Pittaya, who brought joy and left a lasting impression amidst the spectacular sight of giant auspicious lanterns illuminating the entire of Parc Paragon.

The grand celebration of “Siam Paragon A Prosperous Chinese New Year 2026″ presents a magnificent parade of entertainment to deliver joy and prosperity for the Year
of the Horse, running from today until 18 February 2026. In addition to the spectacular colors of giant auspicious lanterns and exquisite cultural performances from the People’s Republic of China, there are concerts from leading Thai artists performing on a rotating schedule to provide non-stop fun at Parc Paragon and Fashion Hall.

The lineup includes:

1. 15 February 2026: Enjoy performances by HERS and MEAN Band;
2. 16 February 2026: Meet 2Ectasy, Jeffy, Kakagoesbackhome, and Slapkiss;
3. 17 February 2026: Have fun with SERIOUS BACON and Klear;
4. 18 February 2026: Concluding with Wanyai and OABNITHI.

Simultaneously, Siam Paragon is packed with activities to enhance luck and wealth across various areas, featuring many more highlights such as:

• Be mesmerized by the art installation “The Fortune Guardians,” depicting a pair of lions in a rhythmic and lively spirit of celebration, created by Suthipa Kamyam, a renowned artist and illustrator who has collaborated with numerous international brands. She has transformed the Jewel zone and Cascade on the M Floor into an artistic landmark for the Chinese New Year, symbolizing the opening of gates to welcome positive energy, inviting luck and joy to flow in and reach all visitors.
• The Sculpture Exhibition by Ren Zhe: This exhibition features the work of the renowned Chinese sculptor, celebrated for his masterful fusion of Eastern cultural roots with a contemporary global perspective. His powerful sculptures are imbued with dynamic movement, harmoniously communicating Eastern philosophical values through modern materials. The exhibition will be on display from 5 March 2026 at the Glass Wall on the M Floor.
• NEXTOPIA, the prototype for the world of tomorrow, welcomes the Chinese New Year festival with the heartwarming concept “Let Good Things Grow: Lucky in Love, Lucky in Green.” This initiative invites everyone to share positive energy through self-care, meaningful connection with others, and sustainable growth alongside the planet. Visitors can immerse themselves in contemporary interactive activities and workshops that are engaging and accessible to all ages. We invite you to fulfill your special moments at NEXTOPIA with eco-friendly, heart-healthy menus amidst a romantic atmosphere and melodies —perfect for hanging out until midnight.
• For those seeking spiritual guidance and an opportunity to give back, the Siriwattana Cheshire Foundation under the Royal Patronage of Her Majesty the Queen presents the “Siriwattana Fortune Telling for the Disabled” charity event. To welcome the Year of the Horse, the event features 40 renowned experts specializing in various disciplines. The event takes place from February 13–20, 2026, at Crystal Court, 2nd Floor (North Zone), Siam Paragon, from 10:30 AM to 7:00 PM. Fortune-telling tickets are available at the venue for 400 THB.

Beyond the exceptional experiences offered across all zones, Siam Paragon delights shoppers with the exclusive “A Prosperous Chinese New Year 2026,” promotion, running from today until 22 February 2026, featuring discounts of up to 50% at participating stores. Shoppers meeting the spending requirements can receive Siam Gift Cards and Paragon Department Store Cash Coupons with a total value of up to THB 1,700. Special privileges are also available for Kasikornbank credit cardholders, while ONESIAM members can earn 4x ONESIAM Coins upon qualifying spend, along with up to 15% credit cashback from participating credit cards, or 0% interest installments for up to 6 months on Siam Gift Card purchases.

Additionally, the special “Lucky with Love” promotion will run from today until 17 February 2026. Shoppers meeting the spending requirements can redeem Siam Gift Cards and Paragon Department Store Cash Coupons with a total value of up to THB 31,800, plus an additional bonus of up to 1,550 ONESIAM Coins when spending via ONESIAM KBank Credit Cards. Furthermore, purchases of THB 2,000 or more will be rewarded with an extra Ang Pao (containing gift vouchers or discount coupons from participating stores). For top spenders at participating luxury brands, an exceptional prize of 2 Baht weight of gold, valued at THB 149,500 (price as of 26 January 2026), will be awarded to those with a cumulative spend of THB 4 million or more.

Experience the grandeur of the Chinese New Year celebration, a spectacular and radiant start to a prosperous Year of the Horse at “Siam Paragon A Prosperous Chinese New Year 2026.” Join the festivities at Siam Paragon from today until 20 February 2026. For more information, please visit Facebook: SiamParagon

Hashtag: #SiamParagon #SiamParagonCNY2026

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Today’s biggest stars express individuality and confidence with natural diamonds

LOS ANGELES, US – Media OutReach Newswire – 6 February 2026 – At this year’s GRAMMY Awards, the Red Carpet sparkled with natural diamonds punctuating the looks of today’s most celebrated music artists.

Leading artists, performers and presenters showed up for music’s biggest night in diamond jewelry looks that spoke to creativity, individuality, glamour and power. From nominees Olivia Dean and Sabrina Carpenter to presenter Keltie Knight’s choices, natural diamonds expressed not only the timeless glamour and brilliance they’re known for, but their ability to amplify personal style. Natural diamonds were spotted in a range of tones from icy whites to deep whiskeys, and in settings from platinum to rose gold. Just as Hollywood stars are hitting the Red Carpet this year in Desert diamonds, the biggest new trend in natural diamonds, musical artists are experimenting with a bolder diamond palette, creating a more personality-driven red carpet.

Desert diamonds
Desert diamonds, ranging from warm whites to deep whiskeys, were spotted everywhere, including on presenter Keltie Knight, who opted for unique diamond and yellow gold hoops by RENNA, as well as a smattering of yellow gold, fancy-shaped diamond solitaire rings from the brand. Highlights also included power player J Balvin who chose a clean and classic tuxedo paired with a large cushion cut yellow diamond ring that added a nice balance to the traditionally masculine look.

Simple Drops
Simple drop earrings emerged as a quiet standout at the GRAMMYs, proving that restraint can be just as impactful as large statement pieces. Addison Rae and Madison Beer leaned into effortless glamour, choosing sleek diamond drops that framed the face with subtle movement and modern elegance. Billie Eilish brought her signature edge, using pared-back diamond drops to balance her bold black and white suiting. Kelsea Ballerini elevated the look in Sabyasachi, where refined diamond drops added softness and romance, while Reba McEntire turned to Martin Katz for timeless brilliance, opting for classic diamond drops that were sure to catch the eye.

Diamond Hoops for Men
Men are increasingly embracing minimalist yet impactful diamond hoop earrings as a refined accessory choice. Bad Bunny paired his sharp Schiaparelli tuxedo with a single diamond hoop earring, bringing a subtle but polished sparkle to his look that perfectly balanced his experimental sartorial vibe. Kaytranada’s red carpet presence and inclination for understated yet stylish accessories suggest that simple diamond hoops align naturally with his fashion-forward aesthetic. This trend points to a broader moment in men’s red carpet jewelry: pared-back diamond hoops that provide polished shine without overpowering the rest of the ensemble, signaling a move toward jewelry that feels personal, versatile, and modern.

Rings
Rings at the GRAMMYs reflected a dual trend of bold expression and refined delicacy, underscoring natural diamonds’ versatility. Sabrina Carpenter complimented her look in Chopard, opting for diamond rings that delivered impact without overpowering her look, while Sombr also made a striking impression with a diamond ring that was perfect high-jewelry shine to go with his existing sequined ensemble. In contrast, Olivia Dean showcased a more delicate approach in Cartier High Jewelry, layering elegant diamond rings that emphasized timeless sophistication perfectly echoing her Chanel gown. Miley Cyrus made perhaps the boldest ring statement of the night with several diamond rings stacked and worn over leather gloves.

Necklaces
Necklaces at the GRAMMYs showcased how natural diamonds can define both quiet refinement and bold presence on the red carpet. On the delicate end of the spectrum, Charlotte Lawrence in Messika exemplified understated luxury with a finely crafted diamond necklace that traced the neckline proving that less is more. In contrast, Hailey and Justin Bieber turned heads with matching Lorraine Schwartz statement diamond neck pieces that anchored their looks. Tate McRae also grabbed attention with a 50 carat Lorraine Schwartz necklace, while Pharrell Williams elevated his ensemble with a striking diamond necklace that blended artistry and scale. Together, these moments underscored a versatile necklace trend: from minimalist diamonds that whispered elegance to oversized, expressive pieces that commanded attention. Natural diamonds continue to serve as dynamic anchors in personal style storytelling.

Hashtag: #ADiamondisForever #NaturalDiamonds #diamonds #GRAMMYS

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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.

The event was officiated by Prof. Timothy TONG, Chairman of the Research Grants Council (RGC); Mr Osher GILINSKY, Vice President for Asia Pacific, Academia and Government, Clarivate; and Prof. Christopher CHAO, Senior Vice President (Research and Innovation) of PolyU, who delivered opening remarks.

Celebrating PolyU’s exceptional research achievements and their far-reaching impacts on society, the Nation and the world, Prof. Tong stated, “The PolyU Research Excellence Report vividly demonstrates its commitment to sustainable development, reflecting the dedication and innovation of its faculty, researchers and students.” Prof. Tong commended PolyU for its effective use of research resources, noting the significant advancements in AI-driven medical breakthroughs, climate solutions and sustainability. He further emphasised the RGC’s ongoing commitment to supporting research that addresses major societal challenges, exemplified by initiatives such as the Research Impact Fund. Additionally, he reaffirmed the RGC’s partnership with universities in strengthening Hong Kong’s status as a global knowledge hub.

Recognising PolyU’s outstanding global research performance, Mr Gilinsky elaborated, “In recent years, PolyU has demonstrated high research productivity in high quality, driving for high impact for the society. PolyU was granted 1,020 patents between 2020 and 2024, the second highest among UGC-funded universities. To enhance research translation, PolyU has formed partnerships with companies including NVIDIA, Huawei and Alibaba. These achievements illustrate PolyU’s international connectivity, diverse disciplinary strengths and strong culture of research translation. Leveraging its strength with the Chinese Mainland resources, PolyU is also accelerating knowledge transfer and identifying emerging areas for discovery, particularly in AI-powered healthcare, sustainable engineering, advanced manufacturing and smart city development—fields where it aims for global leadership.”

Prof. Chao emphasised, “The report is a testament to years of dedicated effort, groundbreaking innovation and the unwavering commitment of the PolyU academic community. In 2025, we are proud to have 21 PolyU scholars named Highly Cited Researchers by Clarivate, while 428 rank among Stanford University’s World’s Top 2% Most-cited Scientists—placing PolyU second among Hong Kong tertiary institutions. Our Strategic Plan 2025/26 – 2030/31, themed ‘Unite to Meet Challenges, Innovate to Benefit Society,’ will further empower PolyU to deliver even more transformative contributions to society.”

Clarivate has been forging continuous collaborations with numerous institutions, including co-authoring the report series The impact of research undertaken by universities in Hong Kong with UGC in 2022. Produced by Clarivate using authoritative data from the Web of Science, the PolyU Research Excellence Report delivers a comprehensive assessment of the University’s overall research performance and achievements, highlighting PolyU’s global leadership in engineering, advancements in powering medical research with emerging AI technologies, and unique contributions to the hospitality, fashion and textile, design and art disciplines that distinguish the University on the global stage.

PolyU’s strengths are exemplified by its leadership in Hong Kong’s research output growth, achieving the highest number of publications among UGC‑funded universities in 2024. Nearly 40% of its outputs are internationally co-authored, while 27% involve QS Top 50 university partners. The quality and impact of the University’s research output are further evidenced by its strong disciplinary performance. In the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2025, seven PolyU disciplines rank in the global Top 30, while, overall, 26 disciplines are listed among the world’s Top 100, underscoring the breadth and depth of the University’s academic excellence across multiple fields.

Following the report launch, the Impact Forum featured a high-level panel discussion on “Innovations and Challenges in Research Evaluation”. The discussion facilitated insightful exchanges between the panel and attendees on evolving approaches to research assessment, the importance of measuring societal impact and strategies for fostering cross-institutional collaboration.

Hashtag: #PolyU #Clarivate #ResearchOutput #AIMedical #Engineering #HongKong

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By Nitya Chakraborty The meeting between Chinese President Xi Jinping and the British Prime Minister Keir Starmer on Thursday, January 29 in Beijing assumes special significance at a time when Britain is fighting its transatlantic ally U.S. over the sovereignty of Greenland and President Trump has mentioned security threat from China and Russia in Arctic […]

The article China’s Diplomatic, Trade Gains In Europe Continue As Trump Fumes appeared first on Latest India news, analysis and reports on Newspack by India Press Agency).

Ottawa and New Delhi are preparing for a high-level visit in March by Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, with negotiations entering an advanced stage on a cluster of agreements covering uranium supply, clean energy cooperation, critical minerals and artificial intelligence. Officials familiar with the talks say the visit is being positioned as a reset in economic engagement after a period of diplomatic strain, with both sides keen to lock in commercially binding deals that reflect shifting global supply chains and technology priorities.

The centrepiece of the expected package is an expansion of civil nuclear cooperation, anchored in long-term uranium supply contracts. Canada is among the world’s largest producers of uranium, while India has been seeking diversified and reliable fuel sources to support its nuclear power programme, which is projected to grow sharply over the next decade. Negotiators have been working to streamline regulatory clearances and pricing mechanisms to give utilities and suppliers greater certainty, while ensuring safeguards and compliance obligations are met.

Energy cooperation is set to extend beyond nuclear. Talks have included collaboration on clean hydrogen, carbon capture and storage, and grid-scale renewable integration. Canadian firms bring experience in cold-climate energy systems, advanced storage and emissions management, while India offers scale, manufacturing depth and ambitious deployment targets. Officials describe the approach as moving from memoranda of understanding towards projects with defined investment timelines and joint development structures.

Critical minerals form another pillar of the discussions. Canada’s reserves of lithium, nickel, cobalt and rare earths are increasingly viewed as strategic assets as governments seek alternatives to concentrated supply routes. India, pushing to build domestic battery and electronics manufacturing capacity, has been exploring offtake agreements, joint exploration and downstream processing partnerships. The proposed framework is designed to align mineral extraction with environmental and community standards, while enabling long-term supply security for manufacturers.

Artificial intelligence cooperation has emerged as a newer, fast-moving track. Policymakers on both sides have been weighing arrangements that combine Canada’s research ecosystem and talent pipeline with India’s large-scale data capabilities and application-driven innovation. Areas under discussion include healthcare diagnostics, climate modelling, financial services and public-sector digital infrastructure. Officials have emphasised the need for guardrails on data governance, intellectual property and ethical use, reflecting growing global scrutiny of AI deployment.

Trade officials say the March visit, if confirmed as planned, would also provide political momentum to broader commercial ties. Bilateral trade has grown steadily over the past decade but remains below potential, particularly in high-value manufacturing and services. Business groups in both countries have been urging clearer pathways for investment approvals, mobility of skilled professionals and dispute resolution mechanisms to reduce friction for companies operating across jurisdictions.

By Asad Mirza In today’s fractured world, fissures caused mostly by the ongoing Trumpomania, every nation is working post haste to forge new alliances particularly focussed on trade. The best example of this is the India-EU partnership FTA, to be formalized on January 27.. The enhanced partnership is going to eliminate tariffs on more than […]

The article India-EU FTA Gives A Strong Political Message Of Europe To Trump appeared first on Latest India news, analysis and reports on Newspack by India Press Agency).

By Nitya Chakraborty 2025 was the year of the maverick U.S. President Donald Trump. The developments during the year beginning January 20 evolved around Trump. He was the key decision-maker, irrespective of what other countries leaders felt. He cared little for the United Nations, WTO, WHO and all other multilateral bodies. He openly said ‘I […]

The article 2025 Was Donald Trump’s Year But 2026 Is Going To Be The Year With Xi Jinping’s Domination appeared first on Latest India news, analysis and reports on Newspack by India Press Agency).

Conceived as a structuring activation, Heirs of Greatness Day is part of the deployment of a strategic platform combining vision, method, and action. The initiative aims to position CCIs as levers for sustainable development, cultural sovereignty, and African soft power.

Held in a continental context marked by the Africa Cup of Nations and heightened international attention on the continent, the event affirms Casablanca as a symbolic crossroads where creation, transmission, and global projection converge.

At the heart of this activation is The Sovereign Code, the foundational methodology developed by ORUN, structured around three complementary pillars: Memory, Structure, and Transmission. Serving as a true reference framework, The Sovereign Code informs all ORUN programs and seeks to transform African cultural heritage into sustainable value-creation systems that are measurable and enduring.

Heirs of Greatness Day gives concrete expression to this methodology by highlighting the seven Houses of Art: Weaving, Foundry, Crochet, Tannery, Dyeing, Ceramics, and Tailoring. Designed as spaces for transmission, experimentation, and structuring, these Houses bring together master artisans, designers, and partners around a shared ambition: to create a dialogue between ancestral know-how and contemporary standards of creativity, quality, and responsibility.

On this occasion, Roméo Moukagny (Gabon, Senegal), Kader Diaby (Ivory Coast), Anil Padia (Kenya), Jennifer Mulli (Kenya), Henri Philippe Maidou (Central African Republic), Sonia Ahmimou (Morocco, France), and Lucette Holland (Senegal, France) presented works and approaches embodying a rigorous vision of African creation, deeply rooted in local territories while fully oriented toward the international stage.

The day’s program was designed as an immersive and narrative experience, blending institutional sequences, artistic installations, editorial exchanges, and symbolic moments. The evening featured the presence of Her Majesty Queen Temitope Morenike Enitan-Ogunwusi, Queen of the Yoruba People in Nigeria; Olivia Yacé, Miss Ivory Coast, Miss World Africa 2022, 2nd Runner-up Miss World 2022 and Miss Universe nominee; as well as singer Singuila, all coming together to celebrate greatness and exemplify the dialogue between cultural heritage, contemporary creation, and international influence..

The Sovereign Code – Build to outlast time

This cultural showcase reflects ORUN’s commitment to anchoring Heirs of Greatness Day in a continuity that goes beyond a single event. It was also the occasion for ORUN to receive ISO 20121 certification, attesting to its commitment to responsible and sustainable event management aligned with international standards.

This sustainability policy aligns with ORUN’s mission, The Sovereign Code (Memory, Structure, Transmission), and the core values guiding its action: Transmission, Responsibility, Inclusion and Equity, Excellence and Rigor, Local Anchoring and Lasting Impact, Integrity and Transparency. These principles structure all of ORUN’s commitments and its relationships with partners and stakeholders.

The initiative also benefited from significant diplomatic and institutional support, highlighting the growing recognition of cultural and creative industries as strategic sectors in Africa’s development trajectories. The presence of personalities from cultural, institutional, and international spheres reinforces the symbolic reach and credibility of this first edition.

Finally, Heirs of Greatness Day is part of an ambitious trajectory led by ORUN toward 2025-2030: structuring cultural sectors, building the capacities of designers and artisans, creating skilled employment, developing local value chains, and promoting African talent on the global stage.

This first edition thus marks the starting point of a movement set to establish a lasting presence in the continent’s cultural and economic ecosystem.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of ORUN, part of African Currency Network (ACN).

Image (1): https://apo-opa.co/3YHa1Gb
Caption: ORUN ART HOUSES Crochet

Image (2): https://apo-opa.co/4qKPJYm
Caption: ORUN ART HOUSES (1)

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Caption: ORUN ART HOUSES (2)

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Caption: ORUN ART HOUSES (3)

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Caption: ORUN ART HOUSES – Weaving

Image (6): https://apo-opa.co/4jASNnm
Caption: ORUN ART HOUSES – Ceramics

Image (7): https://apo-opa.co/4jCsKME
Caption: ORUN ART HOUSE- Couture

Image (8): https://apo-opa.co/4b4KZIB
Caption: Olivia Yacé, Miss Cote d’Ivoire & Habyba Thiero, Founder CEO of Orun

Image (9): https://apo-opa.co/3LAtpBB
Caption: Olivia Yacé, Miss Cote d’Ivoire – Her Regal Majesty Olori Temitope Enitan-Ogunwusi, the Queen (Olori) of the Yoruba kingdom of Ife in Nigeria – SINGUILA, Singer

Image (10): https://apo-opa.co/4qtR5Hm
Caption: Massamba, the renowned Rwandan singer, accompanied by his group Hoba Massamba

Image (11): https://apo-opa.co/4pC7nfS
Caption: Her Regal Majesty Olori Temitope Enitan-Ogunwusi, the Queen (Olori) of the Yoruba kingdom of Ife in Nigeria & Habyba Thiero, Founder of Orun (1)

Image (12): https://apo-opa.co/4jZ2PiF
Caption: Her Regal Majesty Olori Temitope Enitan-Ogunwusi, the Queen (Olori) of the Yoruba kingdom of Ife in Nigeria & Habyba Thiero, Founder of Orun (2)

Image (13): https://apo-opa.co/4qlGjCP
Caption: Her Regal Majesty Olori Temitope Enitan-Ogunwusi, the Queen (Olori) of the Yoruba kingdom of Ife in Nigeria & Habyba Thiero, Founder of Orun (3)

Image (14): https://apo-opa.co/459PFJi
Caption: Her Regal Majesty Olori Temitope Enitan-Ogunwusi, the Queen (Olori) of the Yoruba kingdom of Ife in Nigeria

Image (15): https://apo-opa.co/45bwO0w

Hashtag: #HeirsOfGreatness #HeirsOfGreatnessDay #BuildToOutlastTime #ORUN

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About ORUN:

Backed by African Currency Network (ACN) and a member of the Kigali International Financial Centre, ORUN is a Pan-African organization dedicated to structuring cultural and creative industries (CCI) as levers for sustainable development, cultural sovereignty, and soft power for the African continent.

As a true strategic tool serving African economies, ORUN is engaged in transforming territories by showcasing the continent’s talent and know-how. At the crossroads of creation, design, craftsmanship, and transmission, ORUN converts African professions, stories, and talents into sustainable cultural, economic, and symbolic assets capable of generating local value while engaging with strategic partners and international platforms.

There are no flashy RGB lighting effects here, only a sheet of glass as thin as a cicada’s wing, being repeatedly rolled and unrolled like a tape measure. This is the public debut of Lens Technology’s aerospace-grade UTG (Ultra-Thin Glass) photovoltaic encapsulation solution. This technology marks the official entry of the manufacturing titan—best known as a giant in the Apple supply chain—transferring its precision manufacturing capabilities from consumer electronics to humanity’s next trillion-dollar market: space infrastructure.

As leading global satellite companies begin the mass deployment of third-generation (V3) satellites, the Low Earth Orbit (LEO) internet race is entering a “second half” defined by heavy payloads, long lifespans, and low costs. Lens Technology’s entry aims to untie the knot that has long plagued the aerospace industry: the trade-off between flexibility and durability.

Farewell to the “Plastic Feel”: The Material Battle in Space

At the Lens Technology booth, engineers demonstrated the core contradiction to the audience: Traditional aerospace solar cell covers are either heavy Cerium-doped Glass (CMG) or expensive Fused Silica, typically ranging from 100μm to 500μm in thickness. They are robust, but too heavy and impossible to bend.

To adapt to the massive power demands of next-generation satellites (such as those supporting direct-to-cell services), solar wing designs are rapidly evolving from rigid panels to Roll-Out Solar Arrays (ROSA-like structures). This shift forced designers to temporarily turn to polymer materials like transparent Polyimide (CPI).

“However, polymers have a fatal weakness in space,” explained a Lens Technology on-site technical lead. “The LEO environment is filled with high-energy Atomic Oxygen (AO) and strong UV radiation. Under long-term exposure, polymer molecular chains break, causing the material to yellow, become brittle, and suffer a drastic drop in light transmission. This efficiency decay was tolerable for early satellites with 5-7 year lifespans, but for the new generation of mega-constellations pursuing higher commercial returns, it is unacceptable.”

Lens Technology’s answer is Aerospace-Grade UTG. As an inorganic material, glass possesses innate “immunity” to Atomic Oxygen and UV aging, ensuring high light transmission throughout the satellite’s lifecycle. More importantly, its dense structure provides an effective barrier against water vapor and micrometeoroids, offering physical protection for delicate ultra-thin HJT or future Perovskite batteries.

The 30-Micron “Moat”: A Perfect Match for Next-Gen Satellites

In the demo area, a piece of glass only 30μm-50μm thick is bent to an astonishing radius of R1.5mm. This level of flexibility drew gasps from the audience.

This is exactly the characteristic most coveted by top global satellite companies today. To reduce the cost per launch, next-generation mega-satellites must be stowed with origami-like efficiency inside the rocket fairing. Lens Technology’s UTG solution allows solar wings to be tightly wound like a tape measure during launch, and instantly recover to a flat state upon orbital deployment.

However, making glass thin is the first step; keeping it from shattering during the violent vibration of a rocket launch is the real challenge.

Analysts point out that Lens Technology’s core competitiveness lies in its proprietary chemical strengthening processes and laser/diamond wire cutting technologies. Glass fractures often originate from micro-cracks invisible to the naked eye. Leveraging processes honed on foldable smartphones, Lens has significantly reduced the density of micro-defects on the glass edges and surfaces. This means that even under immense tension and vibration, this “glass skin” remains tough and resilient.

Dimensional Strike: Reshaping Aerospace Costs with “Consumer-Grade” Capacity

If technical specifications are the ticket to entry, then capacity and cost control are Lens Technology’s ultimate weapons.

“The logic of commercial space has changed; it is now the era of industrial mass production,” commented an industry analyst at the scene. Compared to the small-batch, lab-grade customization model of traditional aerospace glass manufacturers, Lens Technology brings the scale of consumer electronics manufacturing.

Facing the grand ambition of global satellite leaders planning to launch tens of thousands of satellites annually, supply chain elasticity is critical. Lens Technology stated that it has the capability to rapidly expand existing pilot lines or flexibly retrofit mass production lines. This potential for “ten-thousand-satellite scale” delivery and yield control can significantly lower the BOM (Bill of Materials) cost per satellite—addressing the most sensitive pain point for commercial space giants today.

Outlook: The New Cornerstone of Next-Gen Space Energy

At CES, Lens Technology also “spoiled” its future technology roadmap.

As Perovskite/Silicon tandem cells are viewed as the mainstream for future satellite power, UTG will serve not just as a cover, but as an encapsulation substrate. Lens Technology revealed it is developing next-generation composite UTG integrated with Anti-Static (ESD) coatings and Selective Radiation coatings, which will not only protect chips from electrostatic discharge damage but also assist in regulating battery temperature.

Although this business currently accounts for a tiny fraction of Lens Technology’s massive revenue and is in a period of intensive validation with global top-tier photovoltaic component manufacturers (Tier 2) and top commercial space clients (Tier 1), its signal significance cannot be ignored.

From smartphone screens to satellite wings, Lens Technology is proving that in the era of scaled expansion for space infrastructure, ground-based industrial giants possessing extreme craftsmanship and mass manufacturing capabilities will be indispensable “pavers” for the interstellar journey.

Hashtag: #LensTechnology

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GLAS has carved out a niche as a specialist provider of services that support the lifecycle of debt instruments, from syndicated loans and direct lending to private credit and leveraged finance transactions. Founded in 2011 by Mia Drennan and Brian Carne, the firm oversees administration for a substantial portfolio of assets under management running into the hundreds of billions of dollars and employs over 450 staff across 16 offices worldwide. Drennan is expected to remain at the helm as chief executive, reflecting continuity in leadership amid the change in ownership.

The strategic rationale behind the investment reflects broader shifts in global credit markets. Demand for outsourced loan administration and trustee services has grown as lenders and borrowers navigate increasingly complex financing arrangements and regulatory requirements. Private credit, in particular, has expanded sharply, with non-bank lenders and institutional investors seeking specialist support for documentation, compliance and reporting functions that underpin large, bespoke transactions. GLAS’s suite of services has made it a go-to partner in this space, particularly for institutional clients negotiating intricate debt structures.

Financial terms of the deal disclosed by Oakley indicate its indirect contribution via Fund VI will be up to about £55 million, but wider valuations implied by market coverage suggest a total enterprise value near £1 billion. That figure aligns with expectations from advisers and reflects both GLAS’s established market position and the strategic value investors place on firms that facilitate the expanding private credit ecosystem. Oakley’s purchase follows a period of growth for GLAS under Levine Leichtman’s ownership, during which assets under administration reportedly rose from roughly $120 billion in 2021 to more than $750 billion today, driven by geographic expansion, technology investment and targeted acquisitions.

Oakley Capital’s profile has broadened in recent years as the firm has backed a variety of businesses across sectors including consumer brands, technology and business services. Its backing of GLAS reflects a deliberate push into specialised financial services where structural trends favour outsourced, technology-enhanced solutions. The involvement of La Caisse, a major institutional investor, underscores the appeal of GLAS’s business model to long-term capital allocators seeking exposure to the infrastructure of global credit markets.

Industry analysts have noted the appetite for loan agency services has been underpinned by the proliferation of private credit funds and a resurgence of syndicated lending activity following periods of market volatility. As banks and alternative lenders diversify their portfolios and jurisdictions tighten reporting standards, demand for independent administrators with global reach has grown. GLAS’s deep bench of expertise in handling complex transactions and its geographic footprint are seen as competitive advantages that could support accelerated growth under Oakley’s stewardship.

Executives from both sides have highlighted the strategic fit. Mia Drennan said the partnership with Oakley and La Caisse positions GLAS to expand its offerings and deepen client relationships, building on a track record of innovation in service delivery. Josh Kaufman, partner and head of Europe at Levine Leichtman, expressed pride in the firm’s role in GLAS’s development and confidence in its future trajectory under new ownership. Advisers on the transaction included Deutsche Bank and Robert W. Baird, working with GLAS and Levine Leichtman, reflecting the complexity and market interest in the deal.