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Officials stated that consular teams across multiple countries worked closely with airlines, airport authorities and host governments to organise departures and ensure that travellers were able to leave safely. The effort covered Chinese tourists, business travellers and temporary workers who had been present across several Gulf states when concerns about travel disruptions intensified.

Authorities described the return of more than 10,000 citizens as part of a broader emergency response mechanism that allows embassies and consulates to provide rapid assistance to nationals overseas. Diplomatic missions in Abu Dhabi, Riyadh, Muscat and other regional capitals coordinated with Chinese carriers and international airlines to arrange flights and secure transit permissions, ensuring orderly departures from major regional airports.

Embassy staff reportedly maintained continuous communication with travellers through consular hotlines and digital messaging platforms, offering guidance on documentation, airport procedures and available transport routes. Officials also worked with host governments to facilitate safe passage to airports and ensure travellers received assistance where needed.

Chinese diplomatic representatives emphasised that governments across the Gulf region extended cooperation during the operation, helping to maintain stability at airports and allowing evacuation plans to proceed without major disruptions. Aviation authorities in the region assisted with flight scheduling and airport logistics, enabling large numbers of travellers to depart over a relatively short period.

The spokesperson noted that consular protection remains a central responsibility of the foreign ministry and its overseas missions. Chinese embassies regularly issue safety advisories to citizens abroad and maintain contingency plans for large-scale assistance operations when circumstances require urgent coordination.

Travel between China and the Gulf has grown significantly during the past decade, driven by tourism, trade and energy cooperation. The United Arab Emirates in particular has become a major destination for Chinese tourists and business travellers, supported by visa-on-arrival policies and expanding air connectivity between Chinese cities and Gulf hubs such as Dubai and Abu Dhabi.

Tourism authorities in the Emirates have highlighted the importance of Chinese visitors to the hospitality and retail sectors. Before the global pandemic disrupted international travel, Chinese travellers represented one of the fastest-growing visitor segments to Dubai, contributing strongly to hotel occupancy and shopping activity across the city.

Saudi Arabia has also expanded tourism cooperation with China as part of broader economic diversification plans. Initiatives linked to the kingdom’s Vision 2030 programme have encouraged tourism flows, cultural exchanges and investment partnerships, drawing increasing numbers of visitors from Asia.

Oman has similarly sought to attract Chinese tourists and investors by easing visa procedures and promoting cultural heritage destinations, while maintaining strong commercial ties with Chinese energy companies involved in infrastructure and industrial development.

Consular officials said the return operation involved travellers from multiple Gulf states as well as other nearby countries where Chinese citizens had been working, studying or travelling. Embassy staff helped verify identities, issue emergency travel documents where necessary and assist those who required medical or logistical support before departure.

Airlines operating between the Gulf and East Asia played a central role in transporting travellers. Carriers from the region, alongside Chinese airlines, expanded seat capacity on several routes and adjusted flight schedules to accommodate additional passengers returning home.

Officials indicated that the successful movement of thousands of travellers reflects increasing coordination between diplomatic networks, aviation authorities and emergency management agencies. Governments have developed more structured protocols for assisting nationals overseas following earlier crises that highlighted the need for rapid response capabilities.

Chinese authorities have emphasised that citizens travelling abroad should remain attentive to official travel advisories and maintain contact with embassies and consulates when circumstances change. Digital registration systems have also been introduced to allow travellers to inform diplomatic missions of their presence in foreign countries, improving the ability of officials to provide assistance if required.

Competitive Landscape and Market Pressures

Singapore’s storage and moving industry was valued at USD 59.48 billion in 2024. It is projected to grow steadily, reaching USD 100.16 billion by 2033. As demand expands, operators face rising expectations from customers who want clearer quotations, faster responses, careful handling of belongings, and fewer disruptions during moves. These expectations are evolving faster than the industry’s traditional operating models.

“Customers today are more informed and expect clarity and coordination throughout the moving process,” said Liang, Sales Manager of Yi Yun Movers. “Meeting these expectations requires tighter planning and consistent execution, especially in a highly competitive environment.”

Operational Focus Over Marketing Claims

Within this environment, Yi Yun Movers has focused on strengthening its core operations, particularly in areas such as safe handling, flexible scheduling, and end-to-end service coordination. The mover in Singapore provides residential and commercial moving services, along with storage, disposal, and after-hours relocations. These reflect a shift toward accommodating varied customer timelines and operational needs.

Technology as Operational Support, Not Replacement

The moving industry in Singapore is believed to have relatively low service differentiation, making internal efficiency a critical factor. To address this, some firms are beginning to explore how digital tools can support daily operations. Rather than replacing existing workflows, technology is being considered for practical functions, such as route planning, scheduling coordination, and administrative efficiency.

For Yi Yun Movers, this has meant examining how planning and coordination can be tightened without disrupting established on-the-ground processes. The company has taken a cautious approach, focusing on whether digital tools can reduce manual work and improve scheduling accuracy. At the same time, it keeps experienced crews and established handling practices at the centre of operations.

“We’re careful not to introduce changes that add complexity on the ground,” as revealed by Jovi, Operations Manager of Yi Yun Movers. “Any use of digital tools is meant to support planning and coordination, not replace the practical experience of our crews.”

GPS Software for Route Planning and Fleet Management

One of the key digital tools Yi Yun Movers has incorporated is GPS software. This technology helps the company optimise route planning and fleet management by:

• Providing real-time traffic data
• Calculating the most efficient routes
• Tracking vehicles throughout the process

This integration not only ensures faster service delivery but also improves customer communication regarding timeframes. With GPS software, the moving teams can focus on executing their tasks on the ground.

SME Readiness and Incremental Technology Adoption

This measured approach aligns with broader national discussions around small and medium enterprise (SME) readiness for technology adoption. While large-scale automation remains out of reach for many operators, incremental use of digital tools to support planning and coordination is increasingly viewed as necessary to remain competitive without compromising service reliability.

Yi Yun Movers’ experience reflects this wider SME reality. Rather than pursuing large-scale system changes, the company has focused on incremental adjustments that support administrative efficiency and coordination, recognising that readiness varies across teams and that operational continuity remains critical in a service-led business.

Adapting to Evolving Customer Expectations

As relocation activity continues alongside Singapore’s dynamic property and business landscape, operators are navigating tighter margins and higher service expectations. For Yi Yun Movers, the focus remains on maintaining service consistency, careful handling of items, and adapting operations to meet changing customer needs in a highly competitive moving industry.

Looking Ahead

Continued growth in Singapore’s moving and storage sector is shaping how operators manage cost, coordination, and service reliability. With customer expectations evolving alongside broader economic and property trends, operational discipline and adaptability are likely to remain central to how moving firms compete.

Yi Yun Movers intends to refine internal processes and maintain service standards while responding to industry changes pragmatically. This reflects a wider shift among local service providers toward strengthening operational foundations, as the moving industry adapts to a more demanding and competitive environment.

In addition to enhancing route planning and fleet management with GPS software, Yi Yun Movers is exploring the use of AI-Assisted Customer Relationship Management (CRM). By integrating AI-driven CRM tools, Yi Yun Movers aims to automate customer interactions, personalise communication, and improve service delivery.

With these forward-thinking approaches, the company is positioning itself to remain competitive in a rapidly evolving market. This enables its teams to effectively address the evolving needs and expectations of Singapore’s moving and storage sector.
Hashtag: #YiYunMovers

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

About Yi Yun Movers

Yi Yun Movers is a Singapore-based moving and storage company. It provides residential and commercial relocation services, along with storage, disposal, delivery, and special handling support. The company’s services also extend to providing manpower for packing, unpacking, dismantling, and assembly.

HKDC Chairman, Mr Joseph Lo, remarked, ‘HKDC has long been committed to supporting local designers and enterprises, driving design to create business value for Hong Kong, and reinforcing the city’s position as a global creative hub. In alignment with Hong Kong’s integration into the national development agenda and the advancement of Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA) collaboration under the 15th Five-Year Plan, we will continue to strengthen partnerships between Hong Kong’s design sector, the Chinese Mainland, and the international community, leveraging Hong Kong’s unique role as a “super connector” and “super value-adder”. Through flagship programmes, we foster cross-sectoral collaboration and design innovation, and are dedicated to transforming the DX design hub into a cultural landmark for visitors to Hong Kong, further enhancing the competitiveness and influence of the city’s design industry.’

HKDC believes that Hong Kong’s diverse cultural background, world-class cultural infrastructure, and global creative industry network will further reinforce the city’s leadership in the creative industries. Its annual flagship event, Business of Design Week (BODW), will continue to convene world-class designers, brand leaders, and entrepreneurs to foster cross-cultural and cross-disciplinary exchange and business collaboration. The project ‘DX GRAVITY’, developed with the GBA design industry, will promote cross-sectoral creative and commercial synergies.

Meanwhile, ‘Fashion Asia Hong Kong’ will strengthen ties among local, Chinese Mainland, and international fashion communities through strategic showcases, offering valuable opportunities for business growth and global exposure. Together, these initiatives highlight HKDC’s role as the premier platform enabling design brands to go global while attracting international talent and investment.

HKDC will continue to fully support government policy initiatives, working closely with industry stakeholders to advance Hong Kong’s cultural and creative industries, enhance global competitiveness, and position the city as a world‑class creative capital.

Hashtag: #HKDC

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

About Hong Kong Design Centre (www.hkdesigncentre.org)

Hong Kong Design Centre is a strategic partner of the HKSAR Government in leveraging the city’s East-meets-West advantage to create value from design.

The major programmes include Business of Design Week, DFA Awards, Fashion Asia Hong Kong and BODW In the City. Since 2024, we have also been operating the DX design hub in Sham Shui Po, dedicated to fostering emerging design talents and facilitating collaborations and exchanges in the design industry, as well as providing visitors an immersive experience through innovative exhibitions, fashion showcases and cultural events.

To achieve our goals, we:

• Cultivate a culture of design
• Bridge stakeholders to opportunities that unleash the power of design
• Promote excellence in various design disciplines

About Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency (www.ccidahk.gov.hk)

The Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency (CCIDA), formerly known as Create Hong Kong (CreateHK) since 2009, was established in June 2024. CCIDA is a dedicated office under the Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR Government) to provide one-stop services and support to the cultural and creative sectors with a mission to foster a conducive environment in Hong Kong to facilitate development of the arts, culture and creative sectors as industries. CCIDA’s strategic foci are nurturing talent and facilitating start-ups, exploring markets, promoting cross-sectoral and multi-disciplinary collaboration, promoting industrialisation of the arts, culture and creative sectors under the industry-oriented principle, and fostering a creative atmosphere in the community, thereby reinforcing Hong Kong as Asia’s creative capital and our positioning as the East-meets-West centre for international cultural exchange.

Disclaimer: The Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region provides funding support to some of HKDC’s activities/projects only, and does not otherwise take part in such funded activities/projects. Any opinions, findings, conclusions or recommendations expressed in this publication and relevant materials/events (or by members of the project teams) are those of HKDC only and do not reflect the views of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, the Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau, the Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency, the CreateSmart Initiative Secretariat or the CreateSmart Initiative Vetting Committee.

Since its launch in 2022, the exhibition has been jointly organized by AsianNet and TradeAsia (www.e-tradeasia.com). The event has supported numerous companies in expanding into overseas markets and has earned strong industry recognition for high-quality buyers, efficient matchmaking, and measurable order results.

In 2026, ACI 2026 will expand in scale and be held concurrently with leading international technology trade shows, including Embedded World, Display Week (SID), COMPUTEX TAIPEI, and ISC High Performance. By aligning with major global exhibitions, the event creates a strong time-synergy effect, enabling international buyers to efficiently compare products, evaluate suppliers, and complete procurement decisions within a concentrated timeframe. This strategic alignment enhances purchasing efficiency and maximizes cross-exhibition business opportunities.

ACI 2026 features a robust lineup of respected Taiwanese manufacturers, including industry leaders such as HIGHGRADE TECH, OKAYO ELECTRONICS, BIPOLAR ELECTRONIC, YNG WEI, YNG YUH ELECTRONIC, ESMT, GOOD OPPORTUNITY ELECTRONIC, MSTRONIC, SUN RISE EXACT, AIRWAVE TECHNOLOGIES, KING DESGIN INDUSTRIAL, CLEVER INTELLIGENCE UNITY, YO-TRONICS TECHNOLOGY, DORIS INDUSTRIAL, REUEX INDUSTRIAL, ARIOSE ELECTRONICS, UNITEX NUNG LAI BUTTON and many more. These companies will present thousands of the latest computer industry products and technologies, covering a wide array of sectors crucial to modern manufacturing and production.

Comprehensive Coverage Across the Entire Industry Chain

The Asian Computer Industry Online Exhibition 2026 brings together dozens of premium suppliers from the global computer manufacturing and electronic components sectors, showcasing over a thousand innovative products and forward-looking technologies. The exhibits are strategically structured around the core value of the industry supply chain, comprehensively covering key system-level products such as desktop computers, laptops and accessories, tablets and accessories, industrial computers and embedded systems, gaming and e-sports equipment, as well as computer software, IT, and internet services.

The ACI 2026 also highlights critical communications infrastructure, including networking equipment, wireless communication devices, telecommunications and fiber access equipment, landline and VoIP systems, and antennas. In terms of key components and supply chain solutions, the showcased products include computer components, storage and memory devices, active components, power supply units, connectors and terminals, cables and cable assemblies, wiring accessories, transformers, batteries, and charging equipment.

In addition, the ACI 2026 features monitors, computer accessories and peripherals, input devices, point-of-sale (POS) systems, printers, plotters and scanners, printer consumables and parts, as well as broadcast and professional AV equipment, audio and video components, consumer electronics accessories and components, and electronic materials and supplies.

Together, these comprehensive categories fully demonstrate the complete ecosystem of the computer industry, spanning system integration, communications infrastructure, core components, and end-use applications. Combining technological depth with product breadth, the exhibition stands as a premier international trade event for efficient business matchmaking and global market expansion among professional buyers and industry stakeholders worldwide.

ACI 2026 Online Exhibition：
https://www.etradeasia.com/online-show/43/Asian-Computer-Industry-Online-Exhibition-2026.html

Innovative Online Exhibition Model

The Asian Computer Industry Online Exhibition 2026 features dedicated online showrooms, digital catalogs, and virtual exhibition halls fully integrated with the TradeAsia platform. Buyers worldwide can browse exhibitor information, submit quotation requests, and conduct procurement evaluations in real time, thereby facilitating efficient, cost-effective, and results-driven global business connections.

Hashtag: #TradeAsia

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

About TradeAsia

TradeAsia (www.e-tradeasia.com) is a well-established global B2B trade platform with millions of members and over 600,000 suppliers worldwide. The platform facilitates efficient matchmaking between buyers and sellers and maintains strategic partnerships with hundreds of trade organizations and exhibition entities globally. Through cross-platform marketing and integrated exposure, TradeAsia provides suppliers with expanded international visibility and multi-channel promotion opportunities. For ACI 2026, the organizers will implement a comprehensive global marketing campaign to support exhibitors in expanding overseas markets, enhancing brand presence, and maximizing business opportunities.

As one of HKPC’s key annual initiatives promoting Artificial Intelligence (AI) and talent development, the job fair attracted over 2,000 tertiary students, fresh graduates and job seekers from across the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area. The event brought together more than 50 leading enterprises, organizations and government departments, offering over 10,000 quality job opportunities in key areas of new productive forces such as AI and STEAM. The event successfully established an efficient two-way talent matching platform and demonstrated HKPC’s commitment to implementing a talent-driven development strategy through concrete action.

The Job Fair also served as a core event funded by the Innovation and Technology Commission’s “New Productive Forces Talent Programme”. The event received strong support from more than 30 organisations, including the Hong Kong Talent Engage, the Labour Department, the Federation of Hong Kong Industries, the Hong Kong Quality and Talent Migrants, as well as various tertiary institutions. The opening ceremony was held in the morning, with officiating guests including Dr Lawrence CHEUNG, Chief Technology Officer of HKPC; Miss Rosalind CHEUNG, Assistant Commissioner for Innovation and Technology (Funding Schemes) and Ms. Karen FUNG, Chief Marketing Officer of HKPC.

At the opening ceremony, Dr Lawrence CHEUNG emphasised: “This year marks the beginning of the 15th Five-Year Plan and represents a golden opportunity for Hong Kong to leverage its strengths and align with national strategies. We must seize this opportunity to attract talent from around the world and develop new productive forces with Hong Kong characteristics. This Job Fair not only serves as a bridge connecting job seekers and enterprises but also provides an important platform to showcase how new productive forces can lead Hong Kong’s future development. Over the past two years, the “New Productive Forces Talent Programme” has organised a series of courses and technology study tours, and trained more than 1,000 participants.”

In a subsequent sharing session, Mr. Brian WONG, Chief People and Culture Officer of HKPC, delivered a presentation titled “HR as the AI Change Agent: Driving Enterprise-wide AI Transformation.” He pointed out that the success of corporate transformation in the AI era hinges on whether human resources (HR) can effectively play the role of change drivers. He shared several practical strategies, including how to cultivate AI engineers and talent in related fields. He emphasised that a company’s talent strategy should not be limited to technical skills training but should also focus on nurturing high-level thinking and innovative capabilities in talent, driving the company to adapt to rapidly changing markets and achieve robust transformation.

HR Leaders Praise Platform Value; Strong On-site Talent Matching

This year’s Job Fair featured a strong lineup of exhibitors, including Huawei International Hong Kong, Alibaba Hong Kong, Cathay Pacific Services Limited, The Bank of East Asia, EY and PwC, as well as government departments such as the Labour Department. Job opportunities covered key roles such as AI Consultant, Digital Transformation Specialist, Solutions Engineer and Digital Marketing Officer. Dedicated graduate programmes and internship opportunities were also offered, meeting the employment needs of a wide range of talent while providing companies with an important platform to recruit high-quality professionals in emerging technology sectors.

The atmosphere at the venue was vibrant, with many companies arranging on-site interviews, enabling job seekers to enjoy a seamless “one-stop interview” experience. HR representatives from participating companies highly praised the effectiveness of the event. Mr. Ryan Tang, Head of Personal Banking & Wealth Management Technology, Bank of East Asia, said: “The Job Fair attracted many professionals with experience in AI and technological transformation. I was very pleased to interact with them on site. Some candidates possess skills that match the bank’s needs, effectively strengthening our core talent pool.” Ms. Erica Kwan, Head of Business Development and Marketing, HSM Industrial Solution Company, said: “This Job Fair has improved our efficiency in recruiting digital and technical talent, enabling job seekers to connect more precisely with professional pathways in new industrialisation and become an important driving force for Hong Kong’s new productive forces.”Ms. Natalie Yuan, Co-Founder and Chief Operating Officer of First Resume, remarked: “Job seekers on site showed a strong desire to enhance their job-hunting skills in the era of new productive forces. We look forward to deepening our collaboration with HKPC in the future to help talent strengthen their competitiveness.” Job seekers also widely noted that the event not only brought together a large number of quality job opportunities but also allowed them to communicate directly with company representatives and receive free career support, helping them better understand the talent requirements of emerging technology sectors and plan their future career development paths.

AI-Powered Services Enhance the Job-Seeking Experience

To help job seekers stand out in the competitive job market, the Job Fair continued to provide a wide range of free and comprehensive career support services. Among them, complimentary professional headshot photography remained one of the most popular services, helping many participants obtain professional photos suitable for job applications. At the same time, AI-powered CV optimisation, AI mock interviews, and one-on-one CV consultation services were also highly welcomed by participants. Multiple industry seminars and practical workshops were fully booked, covering topics such as “Applications of AI in Recruitment”, “AI Career Opportunities in the Finance and Technology Sectors”, and “100 Days of AI Transformation: Entering the Finance and Technology Industries”. Industry experts shared valuable job-hunting skills and insights into industry trends. In addition, the Job Fair introduced a new “Start–up Zone“, allowing job seekers to engage directly with local startup entrepreneurs and broaden their innovative thinking. The founder of the startup CanTone said, “This event allowed more people to learn about our entrepreneurial vision, and it also helped us recruit student interns, enhancing our startup’s competitiveness.” The “Maker Workshop“ also attracted many participants, who operated equipment such as 3D printers and laser engraving and cutting machines under the guidance of professional instructors, experiencing the appeal of innovation and technology manufacturing and further stimulating their interest in exploring the field of new productive forces.

HKPC has long been committed to cultivating talent with strong competitiveness for the Greater Bay Area. Through the integrated model of “job matching + career support + industry exchange”, the Job Fair not only helps enterprises address their talent needs but also enables job seekers to seize the opportunities presented by the development of new productive forces and achieve high-quality employment.

In the future, HKPC will continue to build diversified talent exchange and matching platforms while further enhancing the talent development ecosystem in the field of new productive forces.

Photo Captions:

1. Dr Lawrence CHEUNG, Chief Technology Officer of HKPC, delivered welcome remarks at the opening ceremony of the “New Productive Forces” Job Fair 2026, noting that the Job Fair not only connects job seekers and enterprises but also showcases how new productive forces can lead Hong Kong’s future development.
2. Dr Lawrence CHEUNG, Chief Technology Officer of HKPC (Middle) and Miss Rosalind CHEUNG, Assistant Commissioner for Innovation and Technology (Funding Schemes) (Right) and Ms. Karen FUNG, Chief Marketing Officer of HKPC (Left), officiate the opening ceremony of the “New Productive Forces” Job Fair 2026.
3. Guests of honour, supporting organisations, representatives from institutions and associations witnessed the grand opening of the “New Productive Forces” Job Fair 2026.
4. The Job Fair attracted a large crowd and brought together more than 50 leading enterprises, organisations and government departments, offering over 10,000 quality positions in key areas of new productive forces such as AI and STEAM.

Hashtag: #HKPC

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

About the Hong Kong Productivity Council

The Hong Kong Productivity Council (HKPC) is a statutory body established in 1967, dedicated to enhancing the productivity and competitiveness of Hong Kong enterprises through world-class applied R&D, innovative technology services, and integrated manufacturing solutions. As a market-oriented, international R&D organisation, HKPC leverages its deep expertise and extensive industry experience in key areas such as AI, advanced manufacturing, life and health technology, green technology and new energy to drive new industrialisation and support the growth of emerging and future industries.

HKPC focuses on addressing businesses challenges and industrial technology needs, promoting the full integration between technological and industrial innovation. Through technology transfer, product innovation, intellectual property protection and commercialisation of R&D outcomes, the Council fosters collaboration with the local business community as well as top global R&D institutions, delivering added value to industries and advancing the development of new productive forces. HKPC’s world-class R&D achievements have been widely recognised over the years, winning an array of local and overseas accolades, reinforcing Hong Kong’s role as an international innovation and technology centre and a smart city.

To help enterprises capitalise on Hong Kong’s strengths in international connectivity to expand into global markets, HKPC offers comprehensive overseas expansion services tailored to critical areas including product development, technology, manufacturing, and management, enabling businesses to successfully go global from Hong Kong.

HKPC is also committed to providing timely and practical support to SMEs and startups with timely and practical , assisting them in accessing Government funding programmes. Through its FutureSkills training initiatives, HKPC helps both industry and academia stay ahead in latest digital and STEM technologies, nurturing a future-ready talent pool for Hong Kong.

For more information, please visit HKPC’s website: www.hkpc.org/en.

Driving R&D Translation and Sector Collaboration; Elevating Hong Kong as a Global Life & Health Innovation Hub

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 9 March 2026 – The Hong Kong Productivity Council (HKPC) today officially launched its new “Future Life & Health Tech Centre”, unveiling a suite of R&D achievements and application technologies across life sciences, medical technology, future food, biotechnology and modernisation of Chinese medicine. With a clear focus on accelerating R&D, pilot-scale development, smart manufacturing and commercialisation, the Centre aims to serve as an industry accelerator for life and health technology in Hong Kong, supporting the commercialisation of research outcomes from lab to market and driving the development of new productive forces.

Mr Edmond LAI, Chief Digital Officer of HKPC, said, “Life and health technology is a fast-rising focus for Hong Kong’s innovation and technology development. The Government’s 2026–27 Budget also outlines several initiatives to accelerate I&T development, with a primary focus on life and health technology. HKPC is committed to supporting the Government’s strategic development in this field by delivering forward-looking innovative technologies and services. Through the ‘Future Life & Health Tech Centre’, we will leverage AI, smart manufacturing, pilot platforms and cross-border collaboration to speed up the commercialisation of research outcomes, fostering Hong Kong as an international life and health innovation hub.”

An integrated platform from R&D to market adoption

Positioned as an end-to-end enabler across the full value chain, the “Future Life & Health Tech Centre” provides systematic support from research and pilot production through to scaleup and market adoption. It includes platforms for active ingredient efficacy validation, microencapsulation and controlled release, AI health monitoring model development, dosage form optimisation for Chinese medicine, future food technologies, medical device pilot capabilities and smart microfactory demonstration. The Centre serves as a bridge between universities and research institutes, healthcare providers, local enterprises and Greater Bay Area resources, facilitating upstream, midstream and downstream collaboration for life and health technology.

Exhibition Highlights Showcasing Diverse Applications in Life and Health Technology

According to HKPC’s “Hong Kong Life and Health Industry Development Study”, the sector’s long-term success hinges on technology-driven innovation and efficient industrialisation. The Centre showcases the following innovations:

1. Medical Technology and Diagnostics

• Veterinary recombinant plasmid DNA vaccine injection technology: Enhances plasmid DNA uptake to boost antibody production and immune response while improving safety; supports animal vaccine R&D.
• Innovative Porous Silica Capsule Technology: Delivers precise, sustained release of drugs or antibacterial agents; tested to eliminate over 95% of harmful microorganisms. HKPC co‑developed a customised hybrid process and smart production equipment for APEL to establish a “Smart Micro‑factory”, translating research into industrial application.
• Modernisation of Traditional Chinese Medicine: Combines modern dosage form development with zebrafish model validation. A TCM-based hydrogel patch is undergoing drug registration, with approval targeted for Q3 2026.
• AI Scalp Health Diagnosis System: Built on HKPC’s open AI platform “HKPC Picasso,” it utilises high-resolution imaging and multimodal data to detect scalp conditions and instantly generate personalised health reports.

2. Future Food and Functional Nutrition

• Bioprotective Coating Technology for Preservation on Fresh Produces: A food-grade coating that reduces moisture loss, oxygen exposure and microbial growth to extend shelf life and enhance supply chain efficiency.
• Microencapsulation and Controlled Release Technology for Functional Food: Embeds active ingredients within a carrier system to protect sensitive substances, enhance bioavailability and enable precise release control.
• AI-enabled Liquid Chilling Tunnel System: A two-stage chilling solution that reduces cooling time by over 60% and boosts efficiency by 90%. An AI vision system automatically identifies products and optimises chilling cycles, ensuring food safety, process stability and full data traceability. The technology has received multiple international honours, including the Gold Medal at the 2017 International Exhibition of Inventions Geneva.

HKPC emphasised that the “Future Life & Health Tech Centre” will act as a key platform for innovative research, pilot-scale development and industrial-scale commercialisation. Moving forward, HKPC will work closely with the Government, academia, healthcare organisations and industry partners in Hong Kong and other cities of the Greater Bay Area to strengthen the innovation ecosystem for life and health technology—supporting Hong Kong’s development as an international life and health innovation hub and advancing new industrialisation.

Photo Captions:

1. Mr Edmond LAI, Chief Digital Officer of the Hong Kong Productivity Council, outlines the vision and strategy of the “Future Life & Health Tech Centre” and introduces a range of cutting-edge R&D outcomes in life and health technology.
2. The “Future Life & Health Tech Centre” showcases medical technology and diagnostic innovations, including the “Veterinary recombinant plasmid DNA vaccine injection technology” and the “Modernisation of Traditional Chinese Medicine”.
3. The “Future Life & Health Tech Centre” features future food technologies, including the “Bioprotective Coating Technology for Preservation on Fresh Produces” and “Microencapsulation and Controlled Release Technology for Functional Food”.

Hashtag: #HKPC

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

About the Hong Kong Productivity Council

The Hong Kong Productivity Council (HKPC) is a statutory body established in 1967, dedicated to enhancing the productivity and competitiveness of Hong Kong enterprises through world-class applied R&D, innovative technology services, and integrated manufacturing solutions. As a market-oriented, international R&D organisation, HKPC leverages its deep expertise and extensive industry experience in key areas such as AI, advanced manufacturing, life and health technology, green technology and new energy to drive new industrialisation and support the growth of emerging and future industries.

HKPC focuses on addressing businesses challenges and industrial technology needs, promoting the full integration between technological and industrial innovation. Through technology transfer, product innovation, intellectual property protection and commercialisation of R&D outcomes, the Council fosters collaboration with the local business community as well as top global R&D institutions, delivering added value to industries and advancing the development of new productive forces. HKPC’s world-class R&D achievements have been widely recognised over the years, winning an array of local and overseas accolades, reinforcing Hong Kong’s role as an international innovation and technology centre and a smart city.

To help enterprises capitalise on Hong Kong’s strengths in international connectivity to expand into global markets, HKPC offers comprehensive overseas expansion services tailored to critical areas including product development, technology, manufacturing, and management, enabling businesses to successfully go global from Hong Kong.

HKPC is also committed to providing timely and practical support to SMEs and startups with timely and practical, assisting them in accessing Government funding programmes. Through its FutureSkills training initiatives, HKPC helps both industry and academia stay ahead in latest digital and STEM technologies, nurturing a future-ready talent pool for Hong Kong.

For more information, please visit HKPC’s website: www.hkpc.org/en.

By Nantoo Banerjee The all-out war in West Asia, involving the US-Israel combine and Iran and covering 10 countries in the region, is expected to have a big economic backlash on India. At stake are India’s $120-billion trade in this region, huge oil imports, overall balance of payments, inflow of external investments, foreign repatriation and […]

The article Iran War Is Likely To Hit Indian Economy Hard appeared first on Latest India news, analysis and reports on Newspack by India Press Agency).

The Food Expo PRO open exclusively to trade buyers on the first two days, and welcome public ticket-holders on 15 August. The concurrent Hong Kong International Tea Fair will be open to both trade buyers and public ticket holders for all three days. The 2025 edition gathered some 18,500 buyers from 64 countries and regions. Buyers are mainly importers, wholesalers, distributors, hotel groups, restaurants, clubhouses, and retail leaders such as department stores, as well as e-tailers. Apart from Hong Kong, buyers came from Chinese Mainland, Taiwan, Japan, Korea, as well as ASEAN countries, including Cambodia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Thailand, and Vietnam, among others, highlighting Hong Kong’s significant role as a key food trade hub globally.

Reserve a booth now to extend industry network: https://tinyurl.com/57zd6hx9
Register a buyer badge to source quality products: https://tinyurl.com/4nhckk3h

Food Expo PRO: new Meat zone debut

Positioned strategically at the heart of Asia, coupled with its exceptional logistics services and adept supply chain management, Hong Kong serves as a promising platform for global food manufacturers to extend their reach into markets across Chinese Mainland and the broader Asian region. As a renowned culinary capital of Asia, Hong Kong is also home to a thriving food services industry that captivates locals and visitors alike.

Food Expo PRO aims to strengthen Hong Kong’s position as a business hub for the food industry in Chinese Mainland, Asia, and the world. As a pioneer in the F&B industry, the Expo has always kept a close eye on several key trends and innovation in order to capture the evolving dynamics of the food industry.

This year, Food Expo PRO will introduce a new Meat product zone to spotlight the dynamic meat sector and meet rising demand for premium, diverse, and innovative meat offerings. The zone will showcase a wide range of high-quality meat products, including chilled and frozen meats, processed meats, specialty items, and value-added solutions from global and regional suppliers. It aims to connect exhibitors with professional buyers seeking opportunities in premium proteins, sustainable sourcing, and market trends in the Greater Bay Area and beyond.

Recognising the promising landscape of the Halal Market, the Expo introduced a dedicated Halal food and beverage label in 2024, bringing a diverse variety of Halal certified products ranging from snacks, condiments to seafood. In 2025, more than 120 food suppliers showcased halal products from around the world. A seminar will guide through the importance and the progress of promoting halal-friendly environment in Hong Kong. This session will explore the growing demand for halal products and the standard.

Highlighted zone “Food Science and Technology” brings alternative food and future food products to the professional buyers. The Coffee zone, debuted last year, will showcase coffee products, accessories, and machines from various origins. Events such as coffee demonstrations and seminars covering the coffee value chain will also be held concurrently.

Food Expo PRO also features a variety of seminars and forums covering the latest developments and market opportunities in the food industry. The Food Tech Symposium will focus on the latest technological advancements transforming the sector. The discussion will cover how new technologies can enhance efficiency and quality, benefiting both producers and consumers.

Hong Kong International Tea Fair: Brewing opportunities in tea business

The concurrent Hong Kong International Tea Fair is Asia’s premier marketplace for the tea industry, showcasing a variety of high-quality specialty teas, delicate teaware and tea related products. Building on the positive feedback from adopting the B2B2C format in 2025, which attracted over 500,000 visits together with the four concurrent fairs, the 2026 Tea Fair will once again open to the public during the three-day exhibition period, bringing the rich culture of tea to a wider audience.

To capture the evolving trends in the tea industry, the 2025 edition featured a diverse variety of new-style tea beverages such as sparkling tea, Kombucha, non-alcoholic wine-tea concoction beverage, herbal tea and yuenyeung in a capsule. A thematic zone “Friends of Tea” also presented tea-related lifestyle products such as tea-pairing food and tea perfume. The 2026 edition will strengthen the zone to enrich the overall visiting experience of public tea lovers.

Each day at the fair is filled with different activities and events. The 2026Hong Kong International Tea Culture Forum will be organised, with the purpose of creating an international platform for communication, promoting tea culture, and driving the international development of the tea industry. The China and Greater Bay Area KamCha Competition 2026 (Hong Kong Milk Tea) – Hong Kong Final will be held during the Hong Kong International Tea Fair, aiming to select the top Hong Kong-style milk tea masters, showcase the skills and unique flavours of Hong Kong-style milk tea production, and promote Hong Kong-style milk tea culture. Other events, such as the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Youth International Tea Art Competition 2026, Youth Tea Ceremony, Tea Tasting Sessions and Tea Art Performances, offer an immersive exploration of tea’s rich history and latest trends.

The International Tea Event Space Design Competition 2026continues to promote tea culture. Participants can present their creative tea-serving space designs through the competition, and the shortlisted designs will be displayed and judged during the fair. Another fair highlight is the Hong Kong International Tea Fair Tea Competition. Exhibitors’ teas will be judged in six categories: Green Tea, Oolong Tea, Black Tea, Chinese Black Tea, Raw Pu’er, Others. The entries will also compete for “The Best Aroma Award” and “The Best Taste Award”. Visitors can enjoy free tea tasting of winning teas during the Fair.

The two fairs will continue to adopt the HKTDC’s EXHIBITION+ model that integrates online and offline elements, extending face-to-face interactions from physical events to smart business platform, Click2Match, which will be open to participants from 6 to 22 August.

In addition, the International Conference of the Modernization of Chinese Medicine and Health Products (ICMCM), organised by the Modernized Chinese Medicine International Association (MCMIA), together with the HKTDC and ten scientific research institutions and industry associations, will be held at the Hong Kong Exhibition and Convention Centre on 13 and 14 August to deliver professional traditional Chinese medicine insights into the industry.

Websites:

Concurrent public fairs:

Hashtag: #HKTDC #FoodExpoPRO #HongKongInternationalTeaFair

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Scorching temperatures across Southeast Asia are expected to intensify electricity demand just as geopolitical turmoil in the Middle East disrupts global fuel supply, raising concern among policymakers and utilities about potential power shortages and higher costs across the region.

Meteorological agencies across several ASEAN countries warn that the coming early-summer period is likely to be warmer than the seasonal average, a pattern linked to persistent climate warming and regional weather anomalies. Rising temperatures typically trigger sharp increases in electricity use as households and businesses rely heavily on air-conditioning and cooling systems, placing additional strain on national power networks.

Energy markets are simultaneously grappling with the fallout from escalating conflict in the Persian Gulf. Fighting involving Iran has disrupted shipments of crude oil and liquefied natural gas through the Strait of Hormuz, a narrow maritime passage that handles a significant share of the world’s energy trade. Roughly one-fifth of global oil shipments and a substantial portion of LNG exports move through the corridor, making any disruption particularly significant for Asian import-dependent economies.

Oil prices surged above $100 a barrel as the conflict intensified, while supply interruptions and fears of a prolonged disruption triggered volatility across energy markets and financial exchanges. Governments across Asia have begun implementing emergency measures aimed at cushioning the economic shock and preventing shortages.

Countries in Southeast Asia are especially vulnerable because many rely heavily on imported fuels to power electricity generation. Natural gas and coal dominate power production across the region, with LNG imports playing a critical role in balancing demand during peak consumption periods. Any disruption to shipping routes or supply chains therefore has immediate implications for electricity prices and grid stability.

Power demand across the region has been rising steadily for years due to economic expansion, population growth and increasing use of cooling appliances. Analysts estimate electricity demand in Southeast Asia is growing by about 4 per cent annually, largely driven by air-conditioning use during hotter weather and expanding industrial activity.

Energy planners warn that the convergence of extreme heat and constrained fuel supply creates a difficult balancing act. Utilities must maintain adequate generation capacity while managing the rising cost of imported fuels, particularly LNG, which is often purchased on volatile spot markets.

Several governments have already moved to conserve energy. Bangladesh advanced the closure of universities during the Ramadan period as part of a plan to reduce electricity consumption, while authorities redirected natural gas supplies to power plants to maintain generation. The country depends heavily on imported fuel and has turned to expensive spot LNG cargoes to stabilise supply.

Other Asian economies have taken similar steps. South Korea has capped domestic fuel prices and warned against panic buying, while Japan is examining options including strategic reserve releases to offset the shock from rising crude prices.

Energy traders say the situation is already tightening fuel availability across the region. With several producers in the Gulf facing infrastructure disruptions or export constraints, cargoes are being diverted and prices for both crude and LNG have climbed sharply. Countries with weaker purchasing power risk being outbid by larger economies competing for limited supply.

Electricity demand is expected to climb even further in the coming years. Global consumption is forecast to keep expanding as economies electrify transport, digital infrastructure and industry. Data centres, artificial intelligence systems and urbanisation are adding new layers of demand across emerging markets.

Within Southeast Asia, the growth of digital infrastructure is becoming an additional pressure point. Rapid expansion of data-centre capacity is expected to multiply electricity requirements over the next decade, creating a new base load for national grids even before accounting for seasonal surges in cooling demand.

Energy experts say the current supply disruption illustrates the strategic vulnerability created by dependence on imported fossil fuels. A large share of oil and LNG used across Asia originates in the Gulf region, making the area’s geopolitical stability central to electricity security thousands of kilometres away.

The pressure has revived debate over the pace of renewable-energy deployment across ASEAN economies. Governments have pledged to expand solar, wind and hydropower capacity to cut carbon emissions and reduce fuel imports. Yet analysts warn that when supply shocks hit, authorities often prioritise short-term reliability over long-term climate targets, sometimes extending reliance on coal or other conventional fuels.

Utilities across the region are therefore preparing contingency plans for the peak summer period. Grid operators are examining reserve margins, arranging additional fuel cargoes where possible and urging consumers to moderate electricity use during peak hours.

Energy ministers across Asia have also intensified regional consultations on energy security, discussing coordinated responses such as shared fuel storage, joint procurement arrangements and accelerated development of cross-border power connections.