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Singapore-linked professional bodies and trade groups have opened a Professional Services Centre in Nanjing, pitching it as a gateway for Chinese companies seeking to expand into Southeast Asia and for Singapore firms looking to deepen their footprint in China. The launch took place on March 27 at a forum in Nanjing and marks the alliance’s second centre in China and third globally, according to the announcement distributed by the organisers.

The centre has been set up under an alliance led by the Institute of Singapore Chartered Accountants and supported by the Association of Small & Medium Enterprises, Institute of Valuers & Appraisers, Singapore Business Federation, Singapore Chinese Chamber of Commerce & Industry, Singapore Manufacturing Federation, Tax Academy of Singapore and the Law Society of Singapore. Organisers said the Nanjing base is intended to provide companies with legal, tax, accounting, valuation, advisory and market-entry support as they navigate cross-border expansion. The move comes as commercial links between China and ASEAN continue to broaden and as businesses face a more complex regulatory and geopolitical environment when operating across jurisdictions.

Nanjing was presented as a deliberate choice rather than a symbolic one. The alliance said the city offers strong university linkages, talent pools and institutional support, while the Singapore-Nanjing Eco Hi-tech Island provides an established platform for bilateral cooperation. That project is jointly backed by authorities in Jiangsu and Nanjing as well as Singapore’s Ministry of Trade and Industry, giving the new centre an anchor in a corridor that already carries a Singapore brand in east China.

Officials used the launch to underline the commercial logic. Nanjing Vice Mayor Xu Feng said enterprises expanding overseas depend on professional services support and described Singapore as a global hub with complementary strengths. Ernie Koh, a council member at Singapore Business Federation and vice-chairman of the research and publications committee at Singapore Chinese Chamber of Commerce & Industry, said the platform could help enterprises build capabilities and unlock opportunities across Southeast Asia. Darren Ku, a council member at ASME, said smaller companies in particular need a more coordinated route into foreign markets, from compliance to market-entry strategy. Daniel Koh, vice-president of the Law Society of Singapore, framed the legal dimension as equally important, arguing that cross-border growth now demands stronger risk management and regulatory advice.

The alliance is presenting the centre as more than a ceremonial office. It says its centres in China and Vietnam have already supported more than 100 businesses, and cited BIPO, the human resources technology group, as one example of a company that used the ecosystem to establish operations and build local teams in Nanjing. Those claims could not be independently verified from public disclosures in full, but they fit the broader trend of service providers bundling market access, compliance and talent support for companies trying to expand across Asia without building every capability in-house.

That broader trend matters. Enterprise Singapore continues to position China as a major destination for outward expansion, pointing to its scale, consumer market and innovation ecosystem, while also offering grants and overseas market assistance to firms venturing abroad. At the same time, ASEAN’s own data show the region’s trade in goods rose to about $3.8 trillion in 2024, and ASEAN says two-way merchandise trade with China reached $772.4 billion that year, accounting for roughly a fifth of ASEAN’s total trade. Chinese media and official commentary have since pointed to China-ASEAN trade crossing the $1 trillion mark in 2025, underscoring why service platforms that specialise in cross-border operations are multiplying.

Commercial opportunity, however, does not remove the risks. China is trying to reassure foreign investors after weaker inbound investment figures, while international companies remain alert to policy shifts, compliance burdens, data rules and geopolitical tensions. Reuters reported this month that Beijing has been signalling a more open stance to foreign business even as it works to reverse a decline in foreign direct investment. For Chinese firms heading south, Southeast Asia offers growth, manufacturing diversification and access to younger consumer markets, but it also presents a patchwork of tax regimes, legal systems and political risks that can complicate expansion plans. That is precisely the gap the Nanjing centre says it wants to fill.

The launch also reflects a wider Singapore strategy of exporting professional and business services alongside capital and trade links. Earlier alliance messaging around the Shanghai centre described a “hunt in a pack” model in which multiple associations expand together so companies can tap a bundled network rather than isolated advisers. That approach appears to be carrying over into Nanjing, with the added emphasis on helping Chinese enterprises invest in Singapore and across ASEAN, not only on helping Singapore firms move into China.

With emotional depth, singer Natalia Sarsgard describes the path to finding oneself again, to gathering one’s thoughts, to remaining silent, to withdrawing—in order to reflect in the silence, in the comfort, and in the seclusion, to feel and reconnect with ourselves and others.

Through her multifaceted voice, Natalia Sarsgard’s interpretation of the song conveys how strength and courage can arise from deep vulnerability. Without even realizing it, one is accompanied by the confidence that what was thought to be lost can be found again.

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The national-level “Green Factory” program, led by the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, is a cornerstone of China’s green manufacturing system. It aims to honor enterprises that lead in efficient land use, non-toxic raw materials, clean production, waste recycling, and low-carbon energy utilization.

Hongzheng New Materials stated that it will further advance the research and application of green and low-carbon technologies to promote the upgrade of aluminum-based materials toward lightweight and high-value-added products, thereby injecting new momentum into the industry’s transition toward greener and more intelligent development.

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By Arun Srivastava The Naxalite movement, originating from a 1967 peasant uprising in Naxalbari, West Bengal, has witnessed numerous “twists and turns,” evolving from a localized armed insurrection into a fragmented insurgency and, in recent years, a shrinking threat experiencing mass surrenders and gruesome killings of cadres by the security forces. But one evolution is […]

The article Twists And Turns In Naxalite Movement In Last Six Decades After 1967 Uprising appeared first on Latest India news, analysis and reports on Newspack by India Press Agency).

Rare operatic genres, often referred to as endangered theatrical forms, are typically characterized by strong regional identities, limited reach, scarce inheritors, and relatively small scale. Shaped over centuries, they embody distinctive musical styles and performance forms of high artistic value and deep cultural resonance. As an integral part of intangible cultural heritage, they preserve local dialects, customs, and cultural ideals..Their protection, transmission, and revitalization are essential to strengthening the foundations of Chinese opera and advancing the creative transformation and innovative development of traditional Chinese culture.

This year’s showcase drew participation from over 100 troupes nationwide, with 36 outstanding works selected. Covering genres such as Yong Opera, Qian Opera, Qi Opera, Dunqiang, and Yong Opera, the showcase highlighted recent progress in safeguarding and revitalizing China’s rare operatic traditions.

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In 2026, Joining Hands with the Hong Kong Chinese Orchestra to Present Light and Shadow on Strings

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 27 March 2026 – Co-presented by the Hong Kong Arts Festival and The Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust, “No Limits” 2026 will collaborate for the first time with Hong Kong Chinese Orchestra (HKCO) to jointly present Light and Shadow on Strings. The concert will be held on 28 March 2026 (Saturday) at 3pm at the Tsuen Wan Town Hall Auditorium. Featuring a 50-member HKCO ensemble alongside rising erhu star Yang Enhua, the performance brings together solo, chamber and orchestral works in a celebratory programme of Chinese music, showcasing the artistic synergy that emerges when musicians of diverse abilities share the same stage.

The concert is one of the major programmes of “No Limits” 2026 and marks HKCO’s inaugural participation in this inclusive festival, representing a significant step forward in advancing inclusive arts within Hong Kong’s mainstream cultural landscape.

Rupert Woo Pak-tuen, Associate Conductor of HKCO and Resident Conductor of the Hong Kong Young Chinese Orchestra, will lead the ensemble and Yang Enhua in a selection of orchestral works. These include the huqin quartet Ru-Meng-Ling, the five-piece combo Autumn Moon on a Placid Lake, and the string quintets Three Variations on Yangguan and A Joyful Evening. The programme also features Tam Yat-sing’s Eternal Night, which was named the Audience’s Favourite at HKCO’s 2023 Music from the Heart concert. Through diverse ensemble formations, the performance weaves a richly layered world of Chinese music, revealing both the delicacy and dynamism of Chinese music through refined musical dialogue.

Yang Enhua will perform three solo works: Dishui Nanyin Words of the Blind, recognised as part of Hong Kong’s Intangible Cultural Heritage; Sun Wenming’s renowned Farewell; and Hua Yanjun (Ah Bing)’s iconic Reflection of the Moon on the Water. Through nuanced expression and tonal depth, these works embody both the inheritance and innovation of traditional Chinese music, conveying resilience and dignity of spirit amid adversity.

The concert will also present the world premiere of Luminous Sound Journey, a newly commissioned work by cross-disciplinary composer Luk Wai-chun, commissioned by “No Limits” and HKCO. Inspired by the sensory experiences of visually impaired individuals in perceiving light and sound, the piece intertwines sonic and visual imagination, guiding audiences into a musical journey that transcends perception and expectation.

Co-produced by “No Limits” and HKCO, Light and Shadow on Strings marks an important milestone in the journey of inclusive arts towards the mainstream stage.

Eddy Zee, Project Director of “No Limits”, said: “Light and Shadow on Strings is an important embodiment of No Limits’ commitment to advancing inclusive arts into the mainstream. The collaboration between Hong Kong Chinese Orchestra and erhu soloist Yang Enhua demonstrates how the spirit of inclusion can be realised on the foundation of professional artistic excellence, revealing the distinctive creative energy that emerges when mainstream musicians and artists of diverse abilities come together.”

Dr Chin Man-wah, Executive Director of the Hong Kong Chinese Orchestra, said: “There are multiple perspectives when it comes to defining the success of a social care project; it is not just about the audience attendance rate, but more importantly about the cultivation of talent, the accumulation of experience, and the establishment of mindsets.”

Rupert Woo Pak-tuen, Associate Conductor of the Hong Kong Chinese Orchestra and Resident Conductor of the Hong Kong Young Chinese Orchestra said: “Light and Shadow on Strings reveals the rich layers of Chinese music, from the subtle intimacy of solo passages to the powerful resonance of ensemble works. Through this collaboration, we hope audiences can experience the music’s purity of tone, its striking contrasts, and the profound emotional intensity it carries. This programme serves to illustrate our vision of harmony in diversity and our unwavering commitment to inclusion.”

Yang Enhua said:”Music has always been my bridge to the world, leading me beyond the boundaries of visual impairment. Through this performance, I hope to show how sound carries emotion and imagination, and to embrace the diverse ways we all perceive the world. I truly value this collaboration with No Limits and Hong Kong Chinese Orchestra. Their professionalism and trust have allowed us to create and share the sincere power of music on equal ground.”

Light and Shadow on Strings is the closing programme of the eighth edition of No Limits. For details, please visit: www.nolimits.hk.

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About “No Limits”

Launched in 2019 and co-presented by the Hong Kong Arts Festival and The Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust, “No Limits” offers barrier-free performances and events and explores and promotes inclusiveness and understanding through the arts.

Every year from February to March, “No Limits” showcases a series of fascinating programmes of music, dance, theatre and film by international and Hong Kong artists of different abilities. It also presents free film screenings as well as education and community programmes including an international symposium.

“No Limits” is committed to provide accessible in-venue performances and programmes for people with different abilities, highlighting creativity and talent in a variety of forms, spreading the message of inclusion to the society.

For more information about “No Limits”, please visit https://www.nolimits.hk.

About Hong Kong Chinese Orchestra

Founded in 1977, Hong Kong Chinese Orchestra is often invited to perform at famous venues and festivals all over the world, having covered Europe, North America, Asia, Australia and the Arctic Circle to date. It is therefore acclaimed as a leader among full-sized Chinese music ensembles in the international arena today. The Orchestra is set up in four sections: bowed-strings, plucked-strings, wind and percussion. The instruments include both the traditional and the improved, new versions: the bowed-string section has been using the Eco-Huqin series developed by the Orchestra since 2009. HKCO performs both traditional Chinese music and contemporary, full-length works in a variety of musical formats and contents. It also explores new frontiers in music through commissioning over 2,400 new works of various types and styles, whether as original compositions or arrangements.

About Yang Enhua

Yang Enhua began learning erhu at the age of 12, and has over fifteen years’ experience studying under Zhao Yijun, Gan Bolin, Li Aping, Peng Cheng, and Mao Qinghua of Hong Kong Chinese Orchestra. In 2022, Yang won the VSA International Young Soloists Competition and performed at the Kennedy Center, USA. In 2024, he performed in Seoul and ranked fourth in Korea’s first International Visually Impaired Solo Competition. In 2025, he won the Silver Award at the Singapore International Solo and Chamber Music Competition (Chinese Music category), and received a top ten award at the Danny Awards and the Special Grand Prize at the World Chinese Music Competition. Yang is committed to promoting musical inclusion, supporting employment for people with disabilities, and connecting communities through music. He is currently pursuing an undergraduate degree at the Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts, supported by the Lee Hysan Scholarship.

About the Hong Kong Arts Festival

Launched in 1973, the Hong Kong Arts Festival is a major international arts festival committed to enriching the cultural life of the city. In February and March every year, the Festival presents leading local and international artists from all genres of the performing arts, giving equal importance to great traditions and contemporary creations. The Festival also commissions and produces work in theatre, music, chamber opera and contemporary dance by Hong Kong’s own creative talents and emerging artists, many of which have subsequently had successful runs in Hong Kong and overseas. Every year, the Festival also presents more than 250 “PLUS” and educational activities that offer diverse arts experiences to the community as well as tertiary, secondary and primary school students. In addition, through the “No Limits” project co-presented with The Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust, the Festival strives to create an inclusive space for people of different abilities to share the joy of the arts together.

For more information about the Hong Kong Arts Festival, please visit https://www.hk.artsfestival.org/.

The meeting highlighted the role of LuLu Group International, which operates more than 280 hypermarkets across the Gulf Cooperation Council, in maintaining steady flows of essential commodities including rice, wheat, pulses, fruits and vegetables. Officials familiar with the interaction indicated that the discussion centred on logistics efficiency, pricing stability and the need to safeguard uninterrupted shipments during periods of geopolitical and climate-related uncertainty.

Yusuff Ali is understood to have outlined how the group has expanded sourcing networks and strengthened warehousing capacity to manage demand across markets such as United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Oman and Kuwait. These countries rely significantly on imports to meet domestic consumption needs, making supply chain continuity a strategic concern for both governments and private sector operators.

India remains a major exporter of food products to the Gulf, with staples such as basmati and non-basmati rice forming a substantial share of shipments. Fresh produce, seafood and processed foods have also seen sustained demand as expatriate populations grow and consumption patterns diversify. Trade data over the past year has shown that food exports to GCC markets have held steady despite fluctuations in global commodity prices and shipping costs.

The discussion comes against a backdrop of tighter export controls imposed at various points to stabilise domestic food prices. Authorities have intermittently restricted shipments of certain grains, including rice varieties, prompting concerns among importing nations about supply reliability. Industry participants say large retailers with integrated supply chains, such as LuLu, have been better positioned to absorb shocks by diversifying sourcing and building buffer stocks.

Government officials have emphasised that export policies are calibrated to balance domestic needs with international commitments. During the interaction, Modi is said to have reiterated the importance of maintaining India’s reputation as a dependable supplier while ensuring affordability within the domestic market. The approach reflects a broader strategy of using trade diplomacy to reinforce economic ties with key regions.

LuLu Group’s operations have evolved beyond retail into food processing, logistics and distribution, enabling it to play a pivotal role in linking producers in India with consumers across the Gulf. The company sources directly from farms and cooperatives, reducing intermediaries and allowing for more competitive pricing. This model has gained traction as governments encourage greater efficiency in food supply chains.

Analysts note that Gulf countries have been investing in food security initiatives, including overseas farmland acquisitions, strategic reserves and partnerships with large distributors. Retailers such as LuLu have become central to these efforts, providing the infrastructure needed to manage large-scale imports and ensure consistent availability at the consumer level.

Yusuff Ali has previously highlighted the importance of long-term partnerships between exporters and retailers in stabilising supply. The group has expanded procurement centres across multiple states, enabling it to source a wide range of products while maintaining quality standards required by Gulf markets. Investments in cold chain logistics have also helped reduce wastage and improve delivery timelines.

The meeting also touched on opportunities to enhance bilateral trade flows through digitalisation and improved port connectivity. Industry experts argue that reducing transit times and streamlining customs procedures could further strengthen supply chains, particularly for perishable goods. With global shipping routes facing periodic disruptions, efficiency gains at origin and destination ports have become increasingly critical.

India’s engagement with the GCC has deepened across sectors, with food trade forming a key pillar of economic cooperation. The region accounts for a significant share of India’s agricultural exports, while remittances and energy imports reinforce the interdependence between the two sides. Strengthening food supply mechanisms is seen as part of a broader effort to secure mutual economic interests.