News related to
energy

Guan replaces Wang Zhonglin, who has been removed from the posts of Hubei Party secretary, standing committee member and provincial committee member, with a further assignment to be announced. The decision was conveyed at a provincial leadership meeting in Wuhan on May 30, where the central authorities described the change as part of a broader assessment of Hubei’s leadership needs and development priorities.

The appointment gives Guan control of the top political office in a province that sits at the centre of China’s inland transport network and plays a strategic role in advanced manufacturing, water management, grain logistics and Yangtze River economic planning. Hubei’s capital, Wuhan, is a major base for automotive production, optoelectronics, universities, biomedical research and high-end equipment, making the province a testing ground for Beijing’s effort to combine industrial upgrading with regional balance.

Guan, born in December 1969 in Shenyang, Liaoning province, is 56 and a member of the Manchu ethnic group. He holds a doctorate in science and is an alternate member of the 20th Communist Party Central Committee. His career has moved through county administration, municipal planning, provincial government, propaganda work, forestry governance and national resource management, giving him a profile that spans both local economic administration and central regulatory oversight.

His move to Hubei comes less than two years after he rose to the Ministry of Natural Resources, where he became Party secretary and minister in December 2024. That ministry oversees land use, mineral resources, territorial spatial planning, marine resources, surveying and natural resource supervision, areas closely tied to China’s drive to improve food security, industrial self-reliance, ecological protection and urban development discipline.

Before entering the central government, Guan spent much of his early career in Liaoning, including posts linked to Shenyang’s planning and land resources system, Faku county administration, agricultural affairs and provincial government coordination. He later served on the Liaoning provincial Party standing committee and chaired the provincial federation of trade unions. A transfer to Shandong in 2018 placed him in charge of propaganda work and education-related Party responsibilities before his move to Beijing in 2020 to lead the National Forestry and Grassland Administration.

That background is likely to shape his work in Hubei, where economic policy is intertwined with land redevelopment, ecological protection along the Yangtze, flood control, industrial zoning and rural revitalisation. Hubei has long been central to China’s “Rise of Central China” strategy, but it also faces familiar pressures, including uneven local government finances, competition for investment, the need to raise household consumption and the challenge of moving manufacturers up the value chain.

Hubei’s economy expanded to 6.266 trillion yuan in 2025, growing 5.5 per cent year on year. Wuhan’s output reached 2.215 trillion yuan, up 5.6 per cent, reinforcing the city’s role as the province’s growth engine. Provincial authorities have set a 2026 growth target of about 5.5 per cent, alongside efforts to keep surveyed urban unemployment at about 5.5 per cent, signalling a policy mix focused on steady expansion, employment and industrial resilience.

The province’s leadership team now pairs Guan with Governor Li Dianxun, who has emphasised manufacturing, consumption, technological innovation and service-sector upgrading in this year’s government work agenda. Hubei has sought to attract investment into automotive components, new energy supply chains, digital industries and cultural consumption, while also promoting Wuhan’s role as a national science and education hub.

Guan’s appointment also reflects a wider pattern in China’s cadre management, where central authorities rotate officials between ministries and provinces to align local governance with national policy priorities. Hubei has political significance beyond its economic weight because of Wuhan’s transport links, its university and research base, and its position along the Yangtze River, a corridor Beijing regards as vital to both industrial security and environmental protection.

Wang Zhonglin, Guan’s predecessor, had led Hubei since late 2024 after serving as governor and, earlier, Party secretary of Wuhan during the city’s post-pandemic recovery. His next role has not been disclosed, leaving the latest move as part of an unfinished personnel sequence at provincial level.

Over 80% Optimistic About Overseas Trade, Yet Tariffs and Costs Pose Key Hurdles

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 29 May 2026 – To support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in expanding into international markets, the Hong Kong Productivity Council (HKPC) and DHL Express Hong Kong (DHL) will co-host the “Blueprint for Global Expansion: Market Entry, Logistics & Risk Management” Forum on 12 June.

Amid an increasingly complex and rapidly evolving global supply chain landscape, the forum will delve into market strategies, logistics optimization, and risk management —equipping local businesses with the insights needed to navigate challenges and capture opportunities in global trade. As the first SME-focused forum jointly launched by HKPC and DHL, the initiative marks the beginning of a series of collaborative efforts to share practical expertise and support businesses in strengthening their international presence.

From Data to Strategy: Addressing the Three Key Barriers for SMEs Going Global
According to the latest quarterly “DHL Hong Kong Air Trade Leading Index (DTI)” survey, commissioned by DHL and conducted by HKPC, the primary challenges faced by enterprises expanding overseas are: “Complex tariff and customs clearance procedures” (23%), “High logistics and delivery costs” (20%) and “lack of local sales channels/ business partners” (12%). Despite these hurdles, over 85% of air traders remain neutral or positive about overseas trade prospects. In terms of readiness, 68% of respondents reported moderate confidence, while a further 18% showed high confidence, indicating a pragmatic and risk-aware approach among businesses pursuing global expansion.

In light of these findings, the forum will address the three critical dimensions of market, logistics, and risk management, offering professional guidance and targeted resources to help SMEs formulate immediate and actionable go-global strategies.

Andy Chiang, Senior Vice President and Managing Director, DHL Express Hong Kong and Macau, said, “DHL has long been committed to supporting SMEs in navigating the complexities of international trade. Through our GoTrade programme, we provide practical tools and expertise to help businesses manage cross-border logistics and customs processes more effectively. Our collaboration with HKPC focuses on equipping SMEs with actionable insights and strengthening their operational capabilities for global expansion. We look forward to continuing our partnership to deliver knowledge-sharing and networking opportunities that empower businesses to grow internationally with confidence.”

Three Thematic Sessions: A Comprehensive Global Expansion Blueprint for SMEs
The forum is specifically designed to address the pain points identified in the survey, featuring three expert speakers offering targeted insights:

￮ Professor Roy Liang TAN, Practitioner Professor of Management and Business Strategy at the HKU Business School will provide an in-depth analysis of how to assess target market maturity, avoid common pitfalls, and leverage government funding schemes to optimise financial planning — transforming the go-global vision into a concrete action plan.

￮ Ms Julian Tsoi, Director, Marketing Communications and Direct Sales, DHL Express Hong Kong, will share insights on how businesses can leverage global logistics networks and technology to enhance customs clearance efficiency and improve operational performance, while navigating the complexities of cross-border logistics and addressing common challenges in international expansion.

￮ Mr Kenneth POON, Assistant General Manager – Business Division at the Hong Kong Export Credit Insurance Corporation, will analyse export trade risks across different stages in emerging markets and guide enterprises on using credit insurance tools to guard against bad debts and strengthen financing capabilities.

Beyond expert presentations, the forum will feature interactive networking and Q&A sessions, allowing participants to exchange practical experiences directly with speakers and fellow SMEs, and explore business growth opportunities together.

Registration is now open. Seats are limited, first come first served!

“Blueprint for Global Expansion: Market Entry, Logistics & Risk Management” Forum

Date: 12 June 2026 (Friday)
Time: 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Venue: LG1, Future Manufacturing Hall, HKPC Building, 78 Tat Chee Avenue, Kowloon
Language: Cantonese and Putonghua
Registration Link: https://campaigns.hkpc.org/zh-hk/rsvp-blueprint-for-global-expansion

Hashtag: #HKPC

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

About 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.

DHL – The logistics company for the world

DHL is the leading global brand in the logistics industry. Our DHL divisions offer an unrivalled portfolio of logistics services ranging from national and international parcel delivery, e-commerce shipping and fulfillment solutions, international express, road, air and ocean transport to industrial supply chain management. With approximately 389,000 employees in more than 220 countries and territories worldwide, DHL connects people and businesses securely and reliably, enabling global sustainable trade flows. With specialized solutions for growth markets and industries including technology, life sciences and healthcare, engineering, manufacturing & energy, auto-mobility and retail, DHL is decisively positioned as “The logistics company for the world”.

DHL is part of DHL Group. The Group generated revenues of approximately 82.9 billion euros in 2025. With sustainable business practices and a commitment to society and the environment, the Group makes a positive contribution to the world. DHL Group aims to achieve net-zero emissions logistics by 2050.

The logistics company for the world.

“Building on AECOM’s long-standing contribution to Hong Kong’s airport development and our partnership with AAHK since the 1990s, we helped deliver a world-class terminal that enhances connectivity and strengthens resilience, setting new benchmarks for aviation in a changing world,” said Dr. Johnny Cheuk, AECOM’s Hong Kong executive leader.

AECOM’s multi-disciplinary team brought together expertise in mega project management, engineering and passenger terminal design to deliver innovative, buildable solutions through phased construction, minimizing disruption within a live airport environment. A signature feature of T2 is its 63,000 m² ‘Feather Roof,’ supported by tree-like columns, combining architectural expression with operational performance. Leveraging multiple digital solutions such as BIM and Tekla, alongside phased modular construction significantly enhanced the precision, safety and delivery efficiency of this iconic roof structure.

Supporting HKIA’s pledge to become the world’s greenest airport, sustainability is embedded throughout the project. Key measures include implementing a high-performance façade that enhances thermal efficiency, natural daylighting and acoustic comfort. AECOM also helped define embodied carbon quantification standards at the outset of this project more than a decade ago. These are complemented by energy-efficient building services that reduce overall energy consumption, contributing to the award of BEAM Plus Provisional Platinum rating — the highest qualification level recognized by the Hong Kong Green Building Council (HKGBC).

Hashtag: #AECOM #Aviation #Terminal2

https://aecom.com

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

About AECOM

AECOM is the global infrastructure leader, committed to delivering a better world. As a trusted professional services firm powered by deep technical abilities, we solve our clients’ complex challenges in water, environment, energy, transportation and buildings. Our teams partner with public- and private-sector clients to create innovative, sustainable and resilient solutions throughout the project lifecycle – from advisory, planning, design and engineering to program and construction management. AECOM is a Fortune 500 firm that had revenue of US$16.1 billion in fiscal year 2025. Learn more at aecom.com.

The guidance, issued on May 25 in a 38-page blueprint, reflects growing official concern that attackers are using generative AI, large language models and autonomous tools to discover exposed systems, weaponise flaws, craft phishing lures and scale malware operations faster than conventional security programmes can respond. The document places rapid remediation, continuous monitoring and exposure reduction at the centre of enterprise cyber defence.

CERT-In’s most stringent timeline applies to known exploited vulnerabilities affecting internet-facing and critical systems, including applications, identity platforms, cloud assets, APIs, operational technology and systems supporting essential business functions. Organisations are advised to patch, mitigate or isolate such weaknesses within 12 hours where feasible. Critical externally exposed vulnerabilities should be addressed within one day, while known exploited flaws inside internal systems should be fixed within one day unless compensating controls are implemented and documented.

The blueprint also recommends that critical internal vulnerabilities affecting high-value systems be remediated within three days, and high-severity vulnerabilities within five days based on risk prioritisation. Where patches are unavailable, organisations are expected to use temporary protections such as isolation, access restrictions, web application firewalls, API shields, feature disabling and enhanced monitoring until permanent fixes are deployed.

The directive signals a shift from audit-driven cybersecurity to continuous exposure management. CERT-In has warned that organisations can no longer depend on periodic assessments or reactive incident response when automated tools can identify weak credentials, misconfigured systems, insecure APIs and vulnerable internet-facing services at machine speed. The approach requires security teams to maintain live inventories of assets, prioritise exposed systems and test whether controls work under attack conditions.

AI is changing both sides of the cyber equation. Attackers can use it to automate reconnaissance, write exploit code, refine phishing messages, generate synthetic identities and adapt malicious software. Defenders are being pushed to use similar capabilities for anomaly detection, threat hunting, automated triage and faster containment. The risk, however, is that poorly governed AI systems can themselves become attack surfaces through prompt injection, data leakage, model manipulation, poisoned training data, model theft and compromised orchestration pipelines.

The guidance gives particular weight to organisations operating in banking, financial services, telecom, healthcare, government, energy, transport, cloud services and other critical infrastructure-linked sectors. These environments often rely on interconnected digital systems, third-party software, outsourced technology providers and legacy platforms, creating wider exposure when a single flaw is weaponised quickly.

Global breach data has reinforced the urgency behind faster patching. Software vulnerability exploitation has overtaken stolen credentials as a leading breach entry point in major datasets, while ransomware remains a high-impact threat. Security teams also face growing pressure from supply-chain compromise, shadow AI usage, cloud misconfiguration and business email compromise. Unauthorised use of public AI tools has become a data governance issue as employees may upload source code, business documents, credentials or customer information into platforms outside corporate oversight.

CERT-In’s blueprint calls for a zero-trust approach, least-privilege access, layered controls and secure-by-design practices across applications, infrastructure and AI workflows. It urges organisations to maintain visibility into AI deployments, restrict sensitive data uploads to public AI platforms, log AI activity, conduct adversarial testing and keep human approval for critical autonomous actions.

Software supply-chain visibility is another major focus. Organisations are encouraged to use software bills of materials and related inventories for AI models, cryptographic assets and hardware components to understand dependencies, validate provenance and coordinate remediation when vulnerabilities emerge in third-party products.

The new expectations build on India’s existing cyber incident reporting framework, under which specified cyber incidents must be reported to CERT-In within six hours. The latest blueprint does not merely extend compliance obligations; it raises operational expectations for boards, chief information security officers and technology vendors by linking resilience to the speed of response.

Smaller organisations may struggle with the 12-hour benchmark because patch testing, downtime concerns, legacy dependencies and staffing shortages often slow remediation. The guidance therefore recognises feasible mitigation as part of the response, but it also makes clear that unmanaged exposure is no longer acceptable when attackers can exploit public-facing weaknesses within hours.