Asia’s fashion extravaganza CENTRESTAGE returns in September ACN Newswire

Asia’s fashion extravaganza CENTRESTAGE returns in September

HONG KONG, August 20, 2026 - (ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - Asia’s premier annual fashion event CENTRESTAGE--organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) and sponsored by the Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency (CCIDA) of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) will return to the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC) from 2 to 5 September. One of the flagship programmes of the third "Hong Kong Fashion Fest", CENTRESTAGE will bring together some 270 brands from 24 countries and regions and will feature more than 40 spectacular events, including over 30 fashion shows. The number of participating designer brands and fashion shows reached a record high this year, showcasing the vibrancy and international influence of Hong Kong's fashion industry, and strengthening the city’s position as an international trading hub and an East-meets-West centre for international cultural exchange. The fair is open to industry buyers and the public for free, welcoming visitors to experience the unique charm of Asia’s fashion capital in person.Smilely Lam (centre), Associate Executive Director of the HKTDC; Katherine Fang (second left), Chairman of the HKTDC Garment Advisory Committee; Yvonne Ip, Assistant Commissioner for Cultural and Creative Industries (second right); Ryu Seok Chun (far right), Director General of the Korea Trade-Investment Promotion Agency Hong Kong (KOTRA); and Chief Designer XPX Eugene Lam from Hype² pavilion (far left) introduce the highlights of CENTRESTAGE at the press conference.Smilely Lam, Associate Executive Director of the HKTDC, said: “HKTDC is committed to promoting trade development through the extensive global network and years of exhibition experience to actively support Hong Kong fashion brands and designers in expanding into overseas markets. This year marks the 11th edition of CENTRESTAGE. Leveraging on Hong Kong’s role as a superconnector, we would like to utilise CENTRESTAGE to connect the industry with global buyers, partners and media. Through CENTRESTAGE, Hong Kong fashion and design can go further and shine brightly on the world stage.”Inaugural Hype² pavilion harnesses star power and KOL influenceWith the continuous growth of the global streetwear market and Generation Z consumers increasingly seeking "self-expression" and "emotional value", CENTRESTAGE introduces the Hype² pavilion for the first time this year. This pavilion spotlights fashion labels spearheaded by local celebrities and KOLs, promoting cross-sector collaborations across the fashion & lifestyle, show & entertainment, culture & creative industries. Participating brands include Claro by Rosita Kwok, OGIS by Vincent Wong, PICK AND MATCH by Kelvin Kwan, ROSEMA.ESE X Jaime Cheung by Jaime Cheung and Ariel Leung, and XPX by Pakho Chau and more. Several brands will launch limited-edition or debut products during the fair to further drive excitement. The fair will also host the "Hype² Fashion Show" on 4 September, featuring a joint presentation by more than 10 trend-setting brands.The fair brings together some 270 exhibiting brands from 24 countries and regions.CENTRESTAGE ELITES: KIT WAN STUDIO’s solo fashion show in Hong KongThe grand opening fashion show, CENTRESTAGE ELITES, will take place on the first day of the fair (2 September), putting the spotlight on KIT WAN STUDIOS, a multidisciplinary design and visual art studio led by Kit Wan, a Hong Kong-born creative director and visual artist. The studio's collaborative roster of local superstars is formidable and includes Miriam Yeung, Hins Cheung, MC Cheung, and Panther Chan. The artist’s overseas collaborations also span multiple top-tier events, including designing ‘stage armour’ for artists in Los Angeles at the Grammy Awards and Eurovision in the United Kingdom. Marking his solo fashion show in Hong Kong, the presentation is themed "MUTANT // MYTHOLOGY", connecting the two seemingly unrelated concepts of "mutation" and "mythology". Through three narrative chapters, it presents a cinematic fashion journey, striking a balance between the studio's signature performative showpieces and more-wearable fashion silhouettes. The HKTDC has specially arranged to livestream this grand fashion occasion on the CENTRESTAGE website and Instagram account, the HKTDC’s YouTube channel, Facebook and other official pages, as well as various lifestyle online platforms. During the fair, a dedicated exhibition area will also be set up at the venue to display selected works from CENTRESTAGE ELITES. Kit Wan will attend the fair in person on 4 September to share his experience in expanding into overseas markets and his insights on creative inspiration, to help guide young designers and fashion design students.Korea debuts as "Featured Partner" to present largest-ever pavilionThis year’s CENTRESTAGE brings together exhibitors from 24 countries and regions, among which the Faroe Islands, Austria and Slovakia from Europe, the United Arab Emirates from the Middle East, Malaysia from Asia, as well as Colombia from South America will participate for the first time, further broadening the international footprint of CENTRESTAGE. Korea, meanwhile, becomes CENTRESTAGE's “Featured Partner” for the first time, with the Korean Pavilion jointly organised by the Korea Trade-Investment Promotion Agency (KOTRA), HISEOUL SHOWROOM and the Consulate General of the Republic of Korea in Hong Kong, marking the largest pavilion in the event's history. The pavilion brings 12 Seoul-based designer brands, including doucan, ELNORE, Ét demain, HOLYNUMBER7, NUOSMIQ and RE RH'EE. Beyond Seoul, the Gyeonggi Fashion Creative Studio brings 10 local brands, including ARTS DE BASE, PHENOMENON SEEPER and VEGANTIGER, introducing the latest Korean styling aesthetics and high street fashion to Hong Kong. The Korean pavilion will also present a thematic fashion show titled "SEOUListic: The Future is Sustainable" on 4 September (the third day of the fair). In addition to showcasing the creativity and sustainable concepts of Korean designers, Lee Chae-yeon, a former member of the girl group IZ*ONE, will make a special guest performance, fusing fashion and entertainment to highlight the charm of Korean pop culture.The Austrian pavilion, coordinated by Austrian Trade Commission, makes its debut with seven brands, including Woody, which boasts over a century of wooden shoe craftsmanship, and the avant-garde structuralist brand km/a mode. Led by the Australian Fashion Council, the Australian pavilion will present 10 participating brands showcasing a natural and comfortable Australian fashion aesthetic. Meanwhile, the Canadian pavilion, spearheaded by the Consulate General of Canada in Hong Kong and Macao, gathers several high-end, female-founded and female-led brands, including Iris Setlakwe and Devlyn Van Loon.Seven thematic zones feature new "Perfume" zoneThis year’s CENTRESTAGE features seven thematic zones. The brand-new "Perfume" zone gathers various fragrance brands from around the world, including niche labels from Malaysia, Thailand and Vietnam that are not yet available in Hong Kong, allowing buyers and fashion enthusiasts to extend their fashion experience through scents. The "Craftsmanship" zone is a combination of artisanal techniques and fashion design, featuring first-time Malaysian exhibitor Maswira Majid and local brand Catchu Syvaion, which incorporates craft elements into lingerie design. The "Contemporary" zone brings together brands such as Colombian label STUDIO INGRID BURGOS and Chinese Mainland premium menswear and womenswear brand Langdeng. The "Urban" zone spotlights casual design brands full of metropolitan charm, including local brand COLE COOL. The "Athleisure" zone gathers multiple collections combining sportswear elements and workwear, including local brand Glocal Mahjong. The "Circular Fashion" zone introduces first-time German exhibitor Paulina's Friends and local brand JESSE LEE, showcasing upcycled fabrics combined with 3D printing technology. Furthermore, the "Accessories" zone, which was first introduced last year, has further expanded in scale this year, with American luxury brand Jeremie St. Croix making its debut.Record number of fashion shows gathers industry elites and rising starsThis year, CENTRESTAGE will feature more than 40 spectacular events, of which over 30 are fashion shows covering a diverse range of styles, setting a new record for the fair. One of the major highlights, the Fashion Hong Kong Runway Show, will take place on 3 September. Inspired by the theme "Hong Kong Dopamine", it will transform the diversity, aesthetics and energy of this city into a sensory experience. Four local designer brands, including 112 mountainyam, ANGUS TSUI, ARTY:ACTIVE and Z I D I, will present their latest creative collections, interpreting the unique allure of Hong Kong fashion design.In addition, other exciting fashion shows will feature local labels including KEVYIU, VICTOR CHAN STUDIO x atelierYVF, Cixi Jewelry and Cecilia Yau Couture, as well as designs by Paulina's Friends from Germany and Slovak designers Bráz Noémi and Mišena Juhász, showcasing diverse creative design styles from different regions to industry professionals and audiences. CENTRESTAGE will also host a series of talks during the fair, including a "Meet with Designer" session featuring Korean designer Rok Hwang in person on 4 September, who will share his experience in building the ROKH brand and taking it onto the international stage, as well as his observations and insights on the development of the global fashion industry. In addition, organisations including Redress, AiDLab and the Australian Fashion Council will present thematic talks exploring hot topics such as circular fashion and fashion technology.CENTRESTAGE continues to nurture emerging design talent through a series of competitions, including the Hong Kong Young Fashion Designers' Contest (YDC) organised by HKTDC, which is dedicated to providing a platform for young designers to showcase their work. In addition, the "Thread of Creativity – Fashion Design Competition 2026" organised by the Asian New Generation Creativity Design Association will also take place during the fair, allowing young designers to demonstrate their creative talent and inject fresh energy into the industry. In addition, the "Sparkle Charity Foundation x Sparkle Collection: Next In Chinese Style – Young Designer Challenge 2026 Award Presentation Ceremony", initiated by designer brand SPARKLE by KAREN CHAN, will honour the next generation of design talent, promoting the inheritance and innovation of fashion culture while encouraging young designers to fulfil their potential.Other highlights include a fashion showcase organised by the Fashion Farm Foundation, featuring works by designers from the Greater Bay Area, as well as the "Young Knitwear Designers' Runway 2026" organised by the Knitwear Innovation and Design Society (KIDS), showcasing the vitality and development potential of Hong Kong's knitwear fashion industry.The HKTDC Hong Kong Watch & Clock Fair and Salon de TIME (1-5 September), also organised by HKTDC, will be staged concurrently with CENTRESTAGE, allowing visitors to explore the latest watch and clock products alongside fashion brands at the same venue. The CENTRESTAGE Instagram account (@centrestage_hktdc) has been continuously updated with the latest event information and fashion trends. Everyone is welcome to follow the account to stay closely connected with all the latest happenings at CENTRESTAGE.CENTRESTAGE: https://www.hktdc.com/event/centrestage/enCENTRESTAGE Instagram (IG): https://www.instagram.com/centrestage_hktdc/Fashion Hong Kong: https://www.fashionhongkong.com/Hong Kong Young Fashion Designers' Contest (YDC): https://www.fashionally.com/en/Photo download: https://bit.ly/4xUZbMsSmilely Lam (centre), Associate Executive Director of the HKTDC; Katherine Fang (second left), Chairman of the HKTDC Garment Advisory Committee; Yvonne Ip, Assistant Commissioner for Cultural and Creative Industries (second right); Ryu Seok Chun (far right), Director General of the Korea Trade-Investment Promotion Agency Hong Kong (KOTRA); and Chief Designer XPX Eugene Lam from Hype² pavilion (far left) introduce the highlights of CENTRESTAGE at the press conference.The fair brings together some 270 exhibiting brands from 24 countries and regions.The grand-opening fashion show, CENTRESTAGE ELITES, will be held on 2 September, spotlighting KIT WAN STUDIOS — a multidisciplinary design and visual-arts studio led by Kit Wan. The STUDIO’s new collection, "MUTANT // MYTHOLOGY," was previewed at today’s press conference.Kim Youngseok (centre) and Wilfred Chung (right), Deputy Director and Project Manager of the Korea Trade-Investment Promotion Agency (KOTRA), together with guest host Annie Lee (left), introduce the highlights of the Korean Pavilion.Girl group VIVA wearing outfits from participating Korean brands at the press conference, showcasing the allure of Korean fashion.Artist Jeffrey Ngai introduces CENTRESTAGE's newly launched Hype² pavilion.Media enquiriesPURPLE:Fiona WongTel: (852) 9221 1056Email: fiona.wong@purplepr.comYannis SinTel: (852) 6226 3398Email: yannis.sin@purplepr.comHKTDC’s Communications & Public Affairs Department:Katy WongTel: (852) 2584 4524Email: katy.ky.wong@hktdc.orgJane CheungTel: (852) 2584 4137Email: jane.mh.cheung@hktdc.orgHKTDC Newsroom: https://mediaroom.hktdc.com/enAbout HKTDCThe Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) celebrates its 60th anniversary this year. The HKTDC is a statutory body established in 1966 to promote, assist and develop Hong Kong's trade. With over 50 offices globally, including 13 in the Chinese Mainland, the HKTDC promotes Hong Kong as a two-way global investment and business hub. The HKTDC organises international exhibitions, conferences and business missions to create business opportunities for companies, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), in the mainland and international markets. The HKTDC also provides up-to-date market insights and product information via research reports and digital news channels. For more information, please visit: www.hktdc.com/aboutus. Follow us on @hktdc and LinkedInAbout Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency (CCIDA)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.About Hong Kong Fashion FestAnnounced by the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Chief Executive in the 2023 Policy Address, "Hong Kong Fashion Fest" will be organised to develop Hong Kong into a fashion design hub in Asia. Through consolidating various fashion design events and introducing innovative elements and affiliate activities annually, the Hong Kong Fashion Fest promotes Hong Kong’s fashion and textile design brands and boosts Hong Kong’s position as a prime destination for hosting mega cultural and creative events. Under the theme "Rhythm of the Heart", the third edition of Hong Kong Fashion Fest will be held from 1 to 14 September 2026 at various landmarks in Hong Kong. The event will bring together eight flagship programmes organised by six industry organisations and, for the first time, will be combined with CENTRESTAGE - the annual fashion extravaganza organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council - to generate stronger synergies. The event will attract fashion design industry players from all over the world to come to Hong Kong; foster collaboration, innovation and business opportunities; establish platform for local and international fashion designers and brands and connect with different sectors in the fashion design industry of Hong Kong, the Chinese Mainland and overseas, thereby consolidating Hong Kong’s position as the East-meets-West centre for international cultural exchange.Disclaimer: The Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region provides funding support to the project only, and does not otherwise take part in the project. Any opinions, findings, conclusions or recommendations expressed in these materials/events (or by members of the project team) are those of the project organisers 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. Copyright 2026 ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com. All rights reserved. www.acnnewswire.com
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Hua Medicine Announces 2026 Interim Results ACN Newswire

Hua Medicine Announces 2026 Interim Results

- Sales of HuaTangNing reached 3.055 million packs in the first half of 2026, representing a 73% year-on-year increase; revenue hit RMB378.9 million, up 74% year-on-year. The in-house commercialization drive maintained robust growth with continuously improved operational efficiency.- Expanded manufacturing scale lifted gross profit margin substantially to 61.8%, a year-on-year rise of 7.6 percentage points.- Profit generated from commercial operations doubled year-on-year, and loss narrowed markedly to RMB30.2 million after excluding one-off income, demonstrating a clear path to full-scale profitability.- Selling expense-to-revenue ratio stabilized at 33.5%, reflecting tangible gains from increased marketing efforts and streamlined operations.- Dorzagliatin secured marketing approvals in both the Hong Kong and Macao Special Administrative Regions of China; demonstrating our innovative business model is showing early success and marking a key milestone for global expansion.- A five-year patent term extension was granted for dorzagliatin, extending core patent protection to April 2034. The National Reimbursement Drug List price of the product will remain unchanged for 2026 and 2027, reinforcing long-term commercial profitability certainty.- Topline results from real-world studies further validated the broad applicability, safety and tolerability of dorzagliatin across diverse real-world patient populations.- Multiple combination therapy studies revealed synergistic metabolic benefits when dorzagliatin is paired with oral small-molecule GLP-1 receptor agonists, THR-β agonists and pan-PPAR agonists, tapping into development therapeutic potential in new disease areas including obesity and MASLD.- Clinical development of the second-generation GKA in the United States proceeded smoothly. R&D initiatives for new indications including MODY-2, diabetes prevention, neurodegenerative diseases and frailty were accelerated across the board.SHANGHAI, August 20, 2026 - (ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - Hua Medicine (the “Company”, HKEx: 2552) announced the unaudited consolidated results of the Company and its subsidiaries for the six months ended June 30, 2026 (the “Reporting Period”), as well as the Company's business progress during the first half of the year and future outlook. During the Reporting Period, HuaTangNing, dorzagliatin tablets), the Company’s core globally first-in-class oral anti-diabetic glucokinase activator (GKA), entered a rapid scale-up phase under proprietary commercialization. Revenue and gross profit both recorded substantial growth with sustained gross margin improvement. The Company achieved critical milestones in global expansion through the commercial launch of dorzagliatin in Hong Kong and Macao SARs. Multiple pivotal clinical datasets were presented at leading international academic conferences, delivering continuous breakthroughs across the full product pipeline. Core operating losses narrowed steadily, while robust cash reserves laid a solid foundation for the Group’s long-term sustainable growth.Dr. Li Chen, Founder and CEO of Hua Medicine, stated: “The first half of 2026 represents a pivotal stage for Hua Medicine as we translate original innovation into marketing value realization. Sales volume and revenue of dorzagliatin grew more than 70% year-on-year, gross margin surpassed 60%, and profit from commercial operations doubled compared with the same period last year. It validates the Company’s successful transition from R&D-innovation-driven growth to rapid commercial development in the chronic disease space. It fully demonstrates that domestically developed first-in-class drugs from China possess strong and sustainable market momentum, backed by national policies that support innovative drugs across the full-value chain. Meanwhile, dorzagliatin was successfully launched in Hong Kong and Macao SARs, officially kicking off our internationalization strategy anchored in Greater China with outreach to Southeast Asian, Spanish-speaking and Portuguese-speaking markets. Chinese original innovative medicines are now deeply participating in the global metabolic disease treatment landscape. Moving forward, rooted in glycemic homeostasis regulation, the Company will advance a new paradigm for diabetes homeostasis-targeted therapy featuring next-generation long-acting GKAs, fixed-dose combinations and combination therapies. We will build a human energy-metabolism health pipeline matrix covering disease prevention, special types of diabetes, fatty liver diseases and steatohepatitis, cognitive impairment and frailty. Leveraging artificial intelligence technologies, the Company will continuously expand the clinical boundaries and application scenarios of its glycemic homeostasis technology platform, and strive to bring China-originated innovative therapies to patients with metabolic diseases at home and abroad.”Business Highlights and Operational Progress1. Accelerated Proprietary Commercialization with Major Operational Efficiency Improvements- Rapid sales expansion. During the Reporting Period, we sold approximately 3,055,000 packs of HuaTangNing in the first half of 2026, up 73% from 1,764,000 packs sold during the same period in 2025. This rapid sales growth trajectory is further supported by the maintenance of China’s National Reimbursement Drug List (NRDL) price for the 2026 and 2027 calendar years. Regions that already led sales in 2025, coastal areas including Shanghai, Tianjin and Guangdong province and Beijing, continued to deliver strong growth during the reporting period, reflecting the substantial market potential for further market penetration and providing a solid basis for sustained strong growth in the future.- Markedly enhanced profitability driven by scale effects. Relying on expanded production capacity and optimized manufacturing processes, gross margin rose significantly from 54.2% in the first half of 2025 to 61.8%, up 7.6 percentage points; gross profit reached RMB234.3 million, a 99% year-on-year surge. Selling expenses totalled RMB126.9 million, with the ratio of selling expense to revenue standing at 33.5%. Our commercialization efforts achieved profit of approximately RMB107.4 million (as defined by gross profits less selling expenses), doubled from RMB53.7 million in the same period of 2025. as profitability from proprietary commercialization continues to materialize. - Normalized financial performance with healthy cash reserves. Loss before tax stood at approximately RMB30.2 million. Excluding the one-off release of contract liabilities in the corresponding period of 2025 following the termination of the Bayer contract, the loss for the current reporting period is expected to narrow by approximately RMB29.4 million as compared with the adjusted loss of approximately RMB59.6 million for the corresponding period in 2025. Fundamental business operations continued to improve. Cash balances were approximately RMB1,072.9 million as of June 30, 2026 a decrease of RMB19.4 million from bank balances and cash position as of December 31, 2025. Ample liquidity supports domestic market expansion, global clinical R&D, and overseas commercialization in Hong Kong, Macao and Southeast Asia. - Our commercialization team continued to scale. The professional sales team expanded to 187 product representatives, and 75 staff actively engaged in marketing, medical affairs and commercial operation as of June 30, 2026, representing growth of 93% and 79% respectively compared with the same period of 2025.2. Strengthened Core Intellectual Property Rights and Breakthroughs in Overseas Market Development- Marketing approvals secured and commercialization rolled out in Hong Kong and Macao. Dorzagliatin (brand names: MYHOMSIS(R) was approved for marketing in Hong Kong on February 2026 and in Macao on June 2026. The product has been distributed to hospitals and pharmacies in Hong Kong, with the first prescription issued in August 2026, providing a new treatment option for patients with Type 2 diabetes outside mainland China. - Patent term extension secured to boost long-term commercial certainty. In February 2026, the China National Intellectual Property Administration granted a five year patent term extension for dorzagliatin, extending core patent protection to April 2034.3. Real-World Clinical Evidence Reinforces the Product’s Differentiated ValueThe Group continued advancing post-marketing real-world studies of dorzagliatin to further validate its efficacy and safety profiles in complex patient cohorts.- Topline data released from large-scale multi-centre post-marketing real-world study HMM0601. At the 2026 ADA Scientific Sessions, the Company presented results from HMM0601, a large-scale post-marketing real-world study. Across 80 clinical centres in China, HMM0601 enrolled 2024 patients with Type 2 diabetes with mean disease duration of 7.9 years. Over the 52-week treatment period, no drug-related serious adverse events (SAEs) or episodes of severe hypoglycemia were observed; the incidence of clinically meaningful hypoglycemia was below 1%, and no new safety signals were identified compared with the Phase III clinical trials; HbA1c was significantly reduced from baseline, and the proportion of patients achieving HbA1c
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Emperor Watch & Jewellery Limited Announces 2026 Interim Results ACN Newswire

Emperor Watch & Jewellery Limited Announces 2026 Interim Results

Financial Highlights For the six months ended 30 JuneChanges2025HK$ million2026HK$ millionTotal revenue2,7942,934+ 5.0%Gross profit840969+ 15.4%Gross profit margin30.1%33.0%+ 2.9ppAdjusted EBITD 1297448+ 50.8%Net profit194318+ 63.9%Basic earnings per shareHK2.73 centsHK4.28 cents+ 56.8%Interim dividend per shareHK0.55 centsHK0.90 cents+ 63.6%1 Adjusted EBITD represents earnings before interest, tax and depreciation charge on the self-owned flagship store, which reflects the Group’s core operating performanceHONG KONG, August 20, 2026 - (ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - Emperor Watch & Jewellery Limited (“Group” or “Emperor W&J”) (Stock code: 887), a leading retailer of European-made watches and jewellery products, announced its interim results for the six months ended 30 June 2026 (“Period”).During the Period, the Group’s total revenue increased by 5.0% to HK$2,934 million (2025: HK$2,794 million). Revenue from Hong Kong increased by 11.1% to HK$1,771 million (2025: HK$1,594 million), accounting for 60.4% (2025: 57.1%) of total revenue, and revenue from the Chinese Mainland increased by 20.7% to HK$873 million (2025: HK$723 million), accounting for 29.8% (2025: 25.9%) of total revenue. Revenue from the watch segment increased by 9.8% to HK$1,866 million (2025: HK$1,700 million), accounting for 63.6% (2025: 60.8%) of the total revenue.The Group’s gross profit increased by 15.4% to HK$969 million (2025: HK$840 million) with an improved gross profit margin of 33.0% (2025: 30.1%). As a result, the Group’s net profit increased significantly by 63.9% to HK$318 million (2025: HK$194 million) during the Period. Basic earnings per share was HK4.28 cents (2025: HK2.73 cents). The Board declared an interim dividend of HK0.90 cents (2025: HK0.55 cents) per share.As at 30 June 2026, bank balances and cash on hand of the Group amounted to HK$1,573 million (31 December 2025: HK$1,610 million). Since the Group was in a net cash position, hence its net gearing ratio was zero (31 December 2025: zero).During the Period, the Group opened eight jewellery stores in the Chinese Mainland, which mainly in established first-tier or new first-tier cities. Apart from the jewellery stores, a multi-brand watch store was opened on Canton Road in Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong. Subsequent to the Period, a multi-storey Rolex boutique was opened on Canton Road in Tsim Sha Tsui, further strengthening the Group’s leadership position in the market. As at 30 June 2026, the Group had a total of 69 stores in Hong Kong, Chinese Mainland, Macau, Singapore and Malaysia.Ms. Cindy Yeung, Chairperson of Emperor W&J, said, “Considering several favourable factors such as a continued rebound in the stock market and higher tourist spending in Hong Kong, it is expected that the Hong Kong economy will remain resilient in the second half of 2026. In recent years, consumer behaviours have become more sophisticated, especially in the luxury market. Personalised and premium customer services as well as luxurious shopping environments are expected. In this regard, the Group has opened multi-storey Rolex boutiques in Beijing in the Chinese Mainland and Tsim Sha Tsui in Hong Kong, aiming to enhance its customers’ shopping experience and strengthen its foothold in the luxury watch market. In respect of the jewellery business, the Group has been actively exploring intellectual property (IP) collaboration opportunities in order to tap into the younger consumer market; in the meantime, gold jewellery has gained immense popularity among consumers and is gradually transforming into daily wearable accessories. The Group will therefore continue expanding its jewellery business segment, to seize market opportunities and elevate the brand presence.”About Emperor Watch & Jewellery LimitedWith long establishment history of over 80 years in Hong Kong since 1942, Emperor W&J (887.HK) is a leading retailer principally engages in the sale of European-made internationally renowned watches, and jewellery products under its own brand, “Emperor Jewellery”. Through its comprehensive watch dealership, unique marketing campaigns and extensive retail network at prime locations in Hong Kong, Chinese Mainland, Macau, Singapore and Malaysia, Emperor W&J established a strong brand image amongst its target customers ranging from middle to high income groups worldwide. In recognition of its efforts in investor relations communications, Emperor W&J was granted with “Best IR Company” (Small Cap), “Best IR Team” (Small Cap) and “Best Investor Presentation Material” (Small cap) in HKIRA Investor Relations Awards 2026 by the Hong Kong Investor Relations Association. For more information, please visit its website: www.EmperorWatchJewellery.com.Investor/Media EnquiriesAnna LukGroup Investor Relations DirectorTel: +852 2835 6783Email: annaluk@emperorgroup.comJanice AuGroup Investor Relations ManagerTel: +852 2835 6799Email: janiceau@emperorgroup.com Copyright 2026 ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com. All rights reserved. www.acnnewswire.com
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Guoquan Reports 22% Revenue Growth in 1H2026, Existing Franchised Stores Sales up 7.4%, Farm GMV Soars Over Sixfold

HONG KONG, August 20, 2026 - (ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - Recently, Guoquan Food (02517) announced its interim results for the six months ended 30 June 2026. The Group recorded revenue of RMB3,947 million, representing an increase of 21.8% year-on-year. Gross profit was RMB849 million, up 18.3% year-on-year, and net profit was RMB213 million, up 12.1% year-on-year. Core operating profit (non-IFRS measure) amounted to RMB225 million, up 18.3% year-on-year, representing a core operating profit margin of 5.7%.Existing Franchised Stores Sales up 7.4%; Large-Store Remodelling Reshapes Per-Store ValueWhen assessing the operational quality of a chain retail enterprise, sales of products to existing franchised stores are a more meaningful metric than new store opening numbers. As of 30 June, the Group had a total of 12,198 stores, representing a net increase of 1,798 stores. During the period, 365 stores were closed, with a store closure rate of below 3%. Revenue from existing franchised stores amounted to RMB2,581 million, representing a year-on-year increase of 7.4%. Excluding the impact of new store ramp-up, this indicates that the existing franchised store network still possesses organic growth momentum.Behind the growth of existing franchised stores, large-store remodelling served as the primary driver. In the first half of the year, 684 stores completed the upgrade to the large-store model. This upgrade is not simply about expanding floor space, but rather about using larger physical space to accommodate a wider range of categories and extended operating hours – expanding consumption scenarios from hotpot and barbecue to cover all daily meal occasions, and upgrading stores from mere ingredient sales points into comprehensive community family dining entry points.Penetration into lower-tier markets progressed simultaneously. The number of stores in township markets reached 3,377. By precisely targeting these markets with high-cost-performance bulk-sale items and large-pack family packs, the “one store per town” strategy taps into the vast hinterland of approximately 38,000 townships nationwide, with penetration potential far from being exhausted.Farm Business Grows Over Sixfold, New Growth Engine Takes ShapeOnline and membership data also recorded rapid growth. Registered members reached approximately 82 million, representing a year-on-year increase of 63.0%. Member consumption accounted for 73.2% of total sales, up 12 percentage points year-on-year, indicating that the revenue structure is increasingly concentrated among highly loyal customer groups. The Douyin channel saw significant growth: platform exposure exceeded 6.97 billion views, up 117.8% year-on-year; store GMV on Douyin reached RMB910 million, up 97.2%, initially forming a closed loop between online traffic and offline conversion.Guoquan Farm was the fastest-growing business segment during the period. Its omni-channel paid GMV reached RMB240 million, up over 600% year-on-year, and it brought in over 1.92 million new members for the stores. This model does not set up an independent e-commerce platform; instead, it leverages the existing store network as front-end warehouses and pickup points, while online content seeding and traceability livestreams drive traffic, forming a closed loop of “direct sourcing – content seeding – online ordering – in-store pickup”, which theoretically reduces marginal costs. Among best-selling products, the Golden Pillow Durian Pulp attracted a total of 1.559 million buyers, with a repurchase rate of 22.06%, and also boosted sales of related categories such as durian mille-crêpe cakes, Beihai cooked salted duck eggs, and crispy ice cream. In August, the “Grassland Sheep Traceability” livestream achieved over 8.09 million total exposures within three hours, with a peak concurrent viewership of 173,000.The Farm model completely removes the physical constraints of store floor space and freezer capacity from Guoquan’s category boundaries – the “infinite shelf” combined with a 10,000-store fulfilment network represents a critical leap forward in its transformation from a hotpot ingredient retailer to a full-category platform for home dining.Institutionalised Return Mechanisms; Hong Kong Flagship Store LaunchedThe Board proposed the payment of an interim dividend of RMB0.0503 per ordinary share (tax inclusive), totalling approximately RMB128 million. During the period, the Group repurchased a total of 82,201,200 H shares on the Stock Exchange at an aggregate consideration of approximately HK$192 million. The dividend together with the share buybacks amounted to approximately RMB296 million, equivalent to 139.9% of the profit attributable to owners of the parent for the period (RMB211 million). The shareholder return ratio increased from 5.6% in 2024 and 2025 to 7.1%.In addition to the amount, the Board also approved the 2026 H-Share Equity Incentive Plan, which adopts core operating profit as the performance indicator. The reference target values for the years 2026 to 2030 are set to gradually increase from no less than RMB600 million to no less than RMB1.2 billion. By anchoring the assessment to profit rather than revenue or store count, the plan helps guide management to focus on profitability, better aligning management’s interests with those of shareholders. The high dividend payout provides immediate returns, while the equity incentive focuses on long-term growth.The Hong Kong flagship store opened on 18 August, serving as the first stop for the brand’s overseas expansion. Its positioning is not rapid replication, but rather validating the large-store model in high-tier cities and localised supply chain capabilities. According to publicly available data, the Greater Bay Area, with a population of 87 million and an economic aggregate of RMB15 trillion, coupled with the logistics efficiency of the “one-hour living circle”, provides ample room for subsequent regional deepening.Integrated Manufacturing-Retail Closed Loop; Synergies Gradually UnfoldingLinking these strategies together is the “manufacturing-retail integration” capability that Guoquan has built over the years. On the front-end “retail” ecosystem – community stores, township stores, large stores, camping stores, stir-fry stores, flash delivery, and Farm – it reaches consumers, understands scenarios, and accumulates member data. On the back-end “manufacturing” ecosystem – seven ingredient production facilities covering core categories such as seasonings, beef, surimi, and aquatic products, with a “single product, single factory” strategy complemented by digitalised central warehouses – it converts front-end demand into scaled product supply. During the period, external sales from the industrial end increased by 20.7% year-on-year, reflecting the potential for the supply chain capability to be externally deployed. The Danzhou Industrial Park in Hainan was topped out, Heyi Meat’s Phase II commenced production, and the Daixiaji Zhangzhou factory was contracted, indicating that the production capacity landscape continues to expand.Looking ahead to the second half of 2026, with the continued replication of the large-store model, the regular operation of the Farm traceability IP, and the gradual accumulation of operating data from the Hong Kong flagship store, Guoquan is expected to gain clearer market recognition of its positioning as a “home dining infrastructure platform”. From a 10,000-store scale to an ecosystem platform, Guoquan’s strategic transformation is entering a substantive realisation phase. Copyright 2026 ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com. All rights reserved. www.acnnewswire.com
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HELP Therapeutics Announces Nature Medicine Has Published HiCM-188 Clinical Trial Data for Advanced Ischemic Heart Failure ACN Newswire

HELP Therapeutics Announces Nature Medicine Has Published HiCM-188 Clinical Trial Data for Advanced Ischemic Heart Failure

NANJING, CHINA, August 20, 2026 - (ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - Aug 19, HELP Therapeutics today announced the Nature Medicine publication of 12-month results from the HEAL-CHF clinical trial evaluating HiCM-188, an investigational allogeneic human iPSC-derived cardiomyocyte (hiPSC-CM) therapy for the treatment of severe ischemic heart failure. The randomized controlled trial enrolled 20 patients, assigned 1:1 to receive either coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) alone or CABG combined with transepicardial HiCM-188 injection. The study achieved both pre-specified primary safety endpoints, demonstrating no treatment-related tumor formation through 12 months and no sustained ventricular tachycardia through 6 months. At 12 months, 90% of patients receiving transepicardial HiCM-188 injection combined with (CABG improved to NYHA Class II, versus 60% of patients in the CABG-only group.."HEAL-CHF provides the first clinical evidence that delivering HiCM-188 intraoperatively during CABG may combine the benefits of revascularization with myocardial regeneration," said Professor Dongjin Wang, Lead Author and Director of the Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery at Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital. "Over 12 months, we observed no serious cell-related adverse events alongside encouraging signs of reverse cardiac remodeling. Given the substantial global burden of heart failure and the persistent shortage of donor hearts, regenerative approaches like HiCM-188 have the potential to fill a critical unmet need for patients living with end-stage disease.""The publication of the HEAL-CHF study in Nature Medicine reflects years of dedication to advancing breakthrough stem cell technologies into clinically validated therapies," said Dr. Eugene Jiaxian Wang, Chief Executive Officer of HELP Therapeutics. "With our pivotal Phase III trial now enrolling patients in China and our Phase I program initiating in the U.S., we are eager to maintain this momentum as we work toward bringing a new regenerative medicine breakthrough to heart failure patients worldwide."About HiCM-188HiCM-188 is an investigational allogeneic human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived cardiomyocyte (hiPSC-CM) therapy designed as a standardized, off-the-shelf product for scalable manufacturing and distribution. HiCM-188 is the first iPSC-derived cardiomyocyte therapy worldwide to obtain Investigational New Drug (IND) clearances from both the U.S. FDA and China's NMPA. It is currently being evaluated in a multicenter Phase III trial in China led by TEDA International Cardiovascular Hospital, and a Phase I trial in the United States at the Texas Heart Institute.About HELP TherapeuticsFounded in 2016, HELP Therapeutics is a global clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company developing iPSC-based cell therapies for cardiovascular and other degenerative diseases. The company leverages proprietary off-the-shelf cell therapy platforms and national iPSC bank infrastructure to ensure scalable clinical and commercial delivery. HELP Therapeutics has established a commercialization partnership with China Resources Sanjiu Medical & Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. (SZSE: 000999) to build out distribution infrastructure in China. For more information, please visit https://en.helptherapeutics.com.Disclosure NoticeThe information contained in this release is as of August 19, 2026. HiCM-188 is an investigational product and has not been approved for commercial use by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, China National Medical Products Administration, or any other regulatory authority. This release contains forward-looking statements regarding HiCM-188, including potential clinical benefits and regulatory development timelines, which involve substantial risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially.References & Publication Details1.Journal: Nature Medicine (2026) DOI: 0.1038/s41591-026-04605-12.Clinical Trial Registry: ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT03763136)3.Ethics Approval: Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital IRB (No. SC202000102); National Health Commission of China (MR-32-21-014649) Copyright 2026 ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com. All rights reserved. www.acnnewswire.com
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Bank of Chongqing Stands Alone Among China’s 42 A-Share-Listed Banks: What Sets It Apart?

HONG KONG, August 20, 2026 - (ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) -1. Revenue: Net Interest Income Drives Growth; Fee-Income Volatility Mirrors Broader Industry TrendsBank of Chongqing's headline revenue figures provide a useful starting point.In 2025, the bank reported revenue of RMB 15.113 billion, up 10.48% year on year, while net profit attributable to shareholders rose 10.49% to RMB 5.654 billion.The momentum carried into the first quarter of 2026. Revenue increased 11.57% to RMB 3.996 billion and net profit rose 11.22% to RMB 1.898 billion, marking another quarter of double-digit growth in both metrics.Preliminary results for the first half of 2026 showed revenue of RMB 8.486 billion, up 10.80% year on year; profit before tax of RMB 4.081 billion, up 7.82%; and net profit attributable to shareholders of RMB 3.518 billion, up 10.28%. This marked a fourth consecutive quarter of double-digit growth in both revenue and attributable net profit, making Bank of Chongqing the only bank among the 42 listed on China's A-share market to do so.A closer look at the revenue mix shows that net interest income has been the principal growth engine. It reached RMB 12.459 billion in 2025, an increase of 22.44%. The momentum remained firm in 2026, with first-quarter net interest income rising 12.83% to RMB 3.548 billion, pointing to another solid first-half performance.As a locally rooted city commercial bank, Bank of Chongqing has played an active role in supporting the Chengdu-Chongqing Economic Circle and the New International Land-Sea Trade Corridor. Growth backed by strong demand from the real economy is more sustainable and gives the bank a defensible revenue base in an increasingly competitive market.Fee and commission income tells a different story. Banks' fee businesses have entered a period of deep adjustment amid tighter enforcement of rules requiring reported bancassurance commission rates to match actual payments, lower mutual-fund distribution fees, and volatility in wealth-management markets. Sharper swings in wealth-management markets produced a marked divergence in fee income among listed city commercial banks in 2025. Against the backdrop of interest-rate liberalization, while a handful of institutions continued to grow on the back of the sector's winner-takes-more dynamics, the industry remained broadly under pressure, with several listed city commercial banks recording declines of around 30% in net fee and commission income. Bank of Chongqing held up relatively well: the decline in its fee income narrowed in 2026, with early signs of stabilization and recovery.The bank has also made headway in improving the quality of its fee income. In 2025, it ranked first in Chongqing by non-financial corporate bond underwriting volume, market share, and number of issues. It also led locally incorporated financial institutions across western China. In trade finance, cross-border renminbi settlement volume increased by more than 120% year on year. These higher-quality fee income streams, underpinned by stronger service capabilities, are gradually displacing traditional conduit business and emerging as a new growth driver.Net interest margin, or NIM, rose to 1.39% in 2025 from 1.35% in 2024, an increase of 4 basis points. A breakdown of asset yields and funding costs shows what drove the improvement:Although the average yield on loans fell by 12 basis points, the average cost of deposits declined by 37 basis points. The larger reduction in funding costs offset downward pressure on asset yields, enabling the bank to deliver a stronger improvement in NIM than the industry average and highlighting more effective management of deposit pricing.Total assets reached RMB 1.034 trillion at the end of 2025, up 20.67%, taking the bank above the RMB 1 trillion threshold. Expansion continued in 2026: assets rose to RMB 1.108 trillion at the end of March, up 7.20% from year-end, and to RMB 1.109 trillion at the end of June, up 7.27% from end-2025. Market observers see the bank's growth potential at its new scale as evidence that its “Five Highs” operating strategy, centered on ambitious goals, strategic transformation, efficient operations, quality service, and high-quality growth, is gaining traction. Through greater efficiency and higher-value services, Bank of Chongqing has achieved a step-change in scale and built a more differentiated competitive position as it moves toward the ranks of leading listed commercial banks.As a locally rooted financial institution, Bank of Chongqing has anchored its growth in China's Western Development strategy and achieved a step-change in scale as it grew in tandem with the regional economy.Outstanding corporate loans rose 30.95% year on year at the end of 2025. Backed by coordinated execution across the organization, credit was directed to national priorities including the Chengdu-Chongqing Economic Circle and the New International Land-Sea Trade Corridor, as well as Chongqing's '33618' modern manufacturing cluster system. The annual report showed a 60% increase in outstanding loans to technology-based enterprises and 40% growth in green lending. Manufacturing loans posted their largest absolute increase and fastest growth in five years. Outstanding financing in support of the New International Land-Sea Trade Corridor exceeded RMB 55 billion. This lending not only supports the real economy but also embeds the bank more deeply in customers' transaction flows, helping it attract substantial low-cost demand deposits as its balance sheet expands.2. Risk: Broad-Based Improvement in Forward-Looking Indicators Reinforces Asset QualityBank of Chongqing has put its belief that 'risk management creates value' into practice by upgrading its risk controls and steadily reducing risk exposure. At the end of 2025, the non-performing loan ratio fell by 11 basis points year on year to 1.14%. More importantly for investors, forward-looking asset-quality indicators improved in tandem: the special-mention loan ratio and overdue loan ratio declined by 70 basis points and 37 basis points from the start of the year to 1.94% and 1.36%, respectively.Asset quality improved further in the first quarter of 2026. At the end of March, the non-performing loan ratio fell by another 2 basis points to 1.12%, while the provision coverage ratio rose by 1.02 percentage points from year-end to 246.60%. The continued improvement in these forward-looking indicators, together with steadily rising provision coverage, reduces the risk of potential problem loans migrating into the non-performing category, strengthens the margin of safety, and highlights the bank's capacity to absorb credit risk.3. Institutional Views: Capital Replenishment Potential and the Case for a Valuation Re-ratingAt the end of 2025, the bank's core Tier 1 capital adequacy ratio stood at 8.53%. Rapid asset growth has consumed some capital, but the bank's RMB 13 billion convertible bond is now in its conversion period. Chongqing Expressway Group's decision to convert its holdings into shares may be only the beginning.By the end of March 2026, the bank's core Tier 1 and total capital adequacy ratios had risen to 8.67% and 12.57%, respectively. Institutional estimates suggest that full conversion of the remaining bonds could materially strengthen capital and create room for continued balance-sheet expansion during China's 15th Five-Year Plan period.After Bank of Chongqing released its annual and first-quarter reports, the market response was broadly positive. Analysts at CITIC Securities, China Merchants Securities, Zhongtai Securities, Guotai Haitong Securities, China Galaxy Securities, and Zheshang Securities published a series of follow-up notes, with ratings ranging from Buy and Overweight to Recommend and Outperform.The common thread across the reports was that the bank's move beyond RMB 1 trillion in assets was not simply a story of scale; it was also accompanied by tangible progress in lowering funding costs and improving asset quality.4. Conclusion: A Clear Case for a Return to a More Reasonable ValuationTaken together, Bank of Chongqing's performance in 2025 and the first half of 2026 points to several positive shifts: assets have crossed RMB 1 trillion, revenue and profit growth have returned to double digits, NIM has bottomed and begun to recover, and risk indicators continue to decline. These stronger fundamentals could increasingly feed through to the bank's market valuation.According to a June 9 report by BOCOM International, the banking sector was trading at between 0.5 and 0.8 times book value, near the bottom of its valuation range. That has sharpened investor focus on listed banks' share-price performance and market-capitalization management practices.Changjiang Securities argues that a turning point in fund flows into bank stocks is already in place. Broad-based index funds tracking the CSI 300 recorded net outflows of nearly RMB 1 trillion in the first half of 2026, while active mutual funds' exposure to banks fell to a record low. The brokerage believes the impact of those reductions has now been fully absorbed, and that bank valuations will enter a slow, gradual recovery from the second half of 2026.With sector NIMs stabilizing and earnings expectations improving, high-quality regional city commercial banks are drawing renewed institutional interest. As confidence in Bank of Chongqing's re-rating case grows, a higher weighting in institutional portfolios, together with the stock's high dividend yield and low valuation, could help the shares move decisively out of undervalued territory and toward a more reasonable valuation. Copyright 2026 ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com. All rights reserved. www.acnnewswire.com
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Addressing Cross-Border Transit Demand at the New Huanggang Port: Weixin Pay, Wonder and Koon Wing Motors Join Forces to Introduce ‘Wonder Transit X’ Smart Mobility Platform, Driving Digital Transformation of Green Minibuses and Fostering Public Transit Integration Between HK and the Chinese Mainland ACN Newswire

Addressing Cross-Border Transit Demand at the New Huanggang Port: Weixin Pay, Wonder and Koon Wing Motors Join Forces to Introduce ‘Wonder Transit X’ Smart Mobility Platform, Driving Digital Transformation of Green Minibuses and Fostering Public Transit Integration Between HK and the Chinese Mainland

HONG KONG, August 20, 2026 - (ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - With the imminent inauguration of the new Huanggang Port, cross-border transport demand between Shenzhen and Hong Kong is set to rise further. To drive the digital transformation of Hong Kong’s green minibuses and facilitate cross-border travel between Hong Kong and the Chinese Mainland, Wonder (the “Company”), a leading FinTech and payments platform for merchants in Hong Kong and Asia-Pacific region, Weixin Pay, and Koon Wing Motors reached a cooperation intention at the “Hong Kong Minibus Smart Transit Cooperation Signing Ceremony” held on 18 August 2026. This cooperation marks a pivotal milestone in the integration of public transportation between Hong Kong and the Chinese Mainland. By deploying the Wonder Transit X smart mobility platform across Hong Kong’s green minibus network, the initiative will comprehensively drive innovation in smart payments, smart ticketing, and digital operations, delivering a seamless, frictionless commuting experience for local residents and cross-border passengers, further deepening the integration of FinTech with Hong Kong’s public transit sector. Under the cooperation agreement, Wonder Transit X will be integrated into the green minibus fleet operated by Koon Wing Motors, seamlessly bridging Weixin Pay, Wonder’s smart mobility solutions, and the local green minibus network. In particular, routes servicing the new Huanggang Port will introduce Wonder Transit X to support a versatile array of electronic payment methods, including Weixin Pay, thereby streamlining cross-border commutes for both tourists and local residents. This cooperation will introduce various digital payment options and digital operational capabilities to these critical routes, elevating the passenger journey while empowering operators to optimize ticketing, transaction processing, and daily administrative efficiency. This deployment signifies the official expansion of Wonder Transit X into Hong Kong’s green minibus sector, laying a solid foundation for the digital transformation of local public transport.Wayne Chen, Regional Head of Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan, Weixin Pay, said, “Minibuses are a cornerstone of Hong Kong's transit infrastructure, essential for both the immersive travel experiences of tourists and the everyday needs of Greater Bay Area residents. We believe this cooperation with Koon Wing Motors will significantly optimize transit efficiency, eliminate the friction of cash handling, and digitally transform the 'last mile' of cross-border connectivity.”Ma Kiu Sang, Director of Yan Yan Motors Ltd., a subsidiary of Koon Wing Motors, said, “To enhance the commuting experience for passengers utilizing our green minibuses post-clearance at the Heung Yuen Wai and new Huanggang ports, we have upgraded our fleet with a state-of-the-art digital payment system. In addition to Octopus, cross-border passengers can now pay fares using Weixin Pay, credit cards and a wide array of digital payment methods, making every journey smoother and more convenient.”Jason Ngan, Founder and CEO of Wonder, said, “This cooperation underscores Wonder’s unwavering commitment to advancing smart city infrastructure through FinTech. By integrating Wonder Transit X into an expanding network of green minibuses, we are delivering more accessible, diversified, and globally recognized payment options to passengers, while injecting fresh impetus into the digital transformation of Hong Kong’s public transit system. Whether serving local residents, mainland visitors, or international tourists, our platform ensures everyone can utilize their preferred payment methods for a frictionless and inclusive travel experience. Given the intensifying cross-border connectivity, incorporating commonly used payment tools in the Chinese Mainland like Weixin Pay into minibus routes connecting port-adjacent communities directly addresses the pragmatic needs of cross-border passengers. We look forward to working with Weixin Pay and Koon Wing Motors to seamlessly integrate smart payment capabilities into the daily commutes of Hong Kong citizens and facilitating cross-border travel, further cementing Hong Kong's leading position as an international smart city.” Wayne Chen (left), Regional Head of Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan, Weixin Pay; Ma Kiu Sang (center), Director of Yan Yan Motors Ltd., a subsidiary of Koon Wing Motors; and Jason Ngan (right), Founder and CEO of Wonder, are pictured at the Hong Kong Minibus Smart Transit Cooperation Signing Ceremony.Digitalizing Public Transit: Elevating the Passenger Experience and Operational EfficiencyPublic transportation is an integral component of daily life in Hong Kong. In tandem with ongoing smart city initiatives, the digital transformation of public transit has become paramount. This cooperation will bring significant convenience to passengers on the relevant green minibus routes. Local residents, Mainland visitors and international travelers can seamlessly settle fares using a comprehensive suite of digital payment solutions tailored to their preferences, including Weixin Pay, PayMe, UnionPay, UnionPay app, JCB, Visa, Mastercard, Discover and Diners, and BOC Pay. This effectively eliminates the reliance on cash and exact change—a critical advantage during peak transit hours and short-haul journeys. Furthermore, digital payments ensure transparent transaction records and instant confirmation, granting passengers peace of mind and real-time visibility into their fare expenditures. Over the long term, this cooperation will drive the modernization of minibus services, aligning them more closely with the contemporary needs of the public. Beyond serving local communities, this cooperation significantly refines the cross-border travel experience between Hong Kong and Chinese Mainland. Specific routes act as vital arteries connecting border communities, offering essential transit links for frequent cross-border travelers. Notably, as a flagship infrastructure project between Shenzhen and Hong Kong, the new Huanggang Port's connecting minibus routes will feature this diversified digital payment system. Mainland visitors can utilize familiar platforms such as Weixin Pay, mitigating the friction of acquiring Hong Kong currency upon arrival and ensuring a fluid transit experience. As minibus services increasingly integrate with border checkpoints, community transit hubs, and broader railway networks, this streamlined payment infrastructure will be instrumental in enhancing cross-border travel convenience.For operators, the Wonder Transit X platform centralizes fare configuration, transaction logging, and operational data analytics, substantially reducing administrative overhead. The system dynamically accommodates complex fare structures across varying routes, section fares, and passenger categories, supporting fare collection and management for various ticket types including adults, children and seniors. Leveraging robust digital transaction ledgers and backend administrative tools, operational teams can gain better insights into transaction and operational conditions across various routes, laying the groundwork for digital fleet management and service optimisation, ultimately elevating the experience for both frontline drivers and passengers. Green minibuses under Koon Wing Motors now feature a new electronic payment system supporting a wide range of payment methods including Weixin Pay, PayMe, UnionPay, UnionPay app, JCB, Visa, Mastercard, Discover and Diners, and BOC Pay.Wonder Transit X: “Any Payments. Any Transportation.”Wonder Transit X is a comprehensive, all-in-one smart payment platform engineered specifically for the transit sector. Anchored by the product philosophy of “Any Payments. Any Transportation.”, it integrates passenger payment processing, fare routing rules, transaction confirmation, and fleet management into a single platform. The platform is designed to deliver a streamlined, intuitive, and secure payment experience for commuters, while simultaneously empowering operators with robust tools for managing complex fare structures, transaction records, and day-to-day fleet operations. Beyond green minibuses, Wonder Transit X is also capable of supporting various modes of transport and integrating with existing transport systems, making it highly adaptable for taxis, ferries, and broader public transit applications. Smart Upgrades for Green Minibuses: A Benchmark for Public Transit DigitalizationThis cooperation illustrates the seamless expansion of smart transit platforms from fundamental payment gateways into comprehensive ticketing and operational management solutions. By unifying payment processing, fare structuring, and operational analytics, the platform fosters a more efficient, intelligent, and sustainable public transit model. This implementation will serve as a benchmark and operational blueprint for other public transport operators considering smart mobility solutions in the future. Through this cooperation, Weixin Pay is extending its frictionless payment ecosystem deeper into daily commuting scenarios. Passengers utilizing Weixin Pay will benefit from the enhanced convenience of using their preferred payment option on designated green minibuses. Ultimately, this cooperation not only accelerates the digital transformation of Hong Kong’s green minibuses but also enhances cross-border mobility by optimizing the transit payment experience at border checkpoints. It simultaneously promotes the growth of Hong Kong's local payment ecosystem, cross-border payment convenience, and smart mobility services, injecting new momentum into Hong Kong's smart city development.Green minibus routes operated by Koon Wing Motors serve vital port-adjacent communities, delivering a smart travel experience for cross-border passengers traveling between Hong Kong and the Chinese Mainland.Wonder: Committed to “Making Payments Simple” Through TechnologyAs a leading FinTech platform serving businesses in Hong Kong and the Asia-Pacific region, Wonder's mission is to "make payments simple", leveraging technology to simplify payment processing, collections, and capital management. The platform integrates online and offline collections, corporate accounts, digital payments, business expense management, transaction management, and digital financial services. Furthermore, it supports digital onboarding, e-KYC, instant settlement, and SME financing. Through these solutions, Wonder empowers businesses to maximize operational efficiency and expand their payment capabilities across diverse sectors, spanning business operations, public services, and daily mobility. Backed by robust technological capabilities and a culture of innovation, Wonder has achieved notable milestones in recent years, including: secured a USD6 million Series A funding round led by Hong Kong Telecom (HKT) / PCCW in 2019; introduced the T+0 instant settlement for digital taxi payments in Hong Kong in 2023, accelerating daily fare reconciliation for drivers; recognized as the first FinTech firm authorized by the Hong Kong Transport Department to deploy digital payment acceptance infrastructure within taxis in 2024; appointed as Octopus's inaugural omnichannel payment service provider in Hong Kong, enabling merchants to seamlessly accept Octopus and over 30 alternative payment methods via a unified platform; and successfully raised a USD12 million venture debt from HSBC Innovation Banking in February 2026 to support business growth across the Asia-Pacific region and product development.Please click here to download the high-resolution images.About WonderWonder is a leading payments and FinTech platform for merchants in Hong Kong and the Asia-Pacific region, dedicated to leveraging technology to simplify payment processing, collections, and capital management for businesses across all industries. The platform provides one-stop payment, capital management and digital financial solutions for merchants and enterprises of varying scales, encompassing online and offline collections, corporate accounts, digital payments, business expense management, transaction management, and instant settlement. Wonder is Hong Kong’s first full-stack omnichannel payments platform, allowing merchants to complete KYC onboarding digitally in minutes, open an account, accept payments, pay digitally, and manage transactions, all from a single platform. Key products include Wonder App, Wonder Terminal, Wonder Dashboard, Wonder Card, Wonder Taxi, and Wonder Transit X.Headquartered in Hong Kong, Wonder completed a USD6 million Series A funding round led by Hong Kong Telecom (HKT) / PCCW and raised a USD12 million venture debt from HSBC Innovation Banking. The Company has offices in Hong Kong, Japan, Taiwan, Singapore, Malaysia and the Chinese Mainland, continuously driving the advancement of payments, FinTech, and digital operational services across Asia. For more information, please visit https://wonder.app.About Weixin PayWeixin Pay is the mobile payment solution integrated within the Weixin/WeChat application and is one of China's leading mobile payment services. Its mission is to provide users and businesses with secure, convenient, and professional payment experiences. In China, Weixin Pay covers nearly every aspect of daily life, both online and offline. The cross-border Weixin Pay service is available in 78 countries and regions, supports 36 currencies, and covers a wide range of scenarios including restaurants, retail, transportation, tourism attractions, and education payments - helping international merchants effectively serve Chinese consumers.About Koon Wing MotorsKoon Wing Motors manages a comprehensive network of green minibuses across Hong Kong, serving as a long-standing transit provider for local residents. Capitalizing on extensive expertise in green minibus fleet management and operations, Koon Wing Motors remains steadfastly committed to enhancing the accessibility and reliability of public transportation, delivering a seamless, frictionless commuting experience for local residents and cross-border passengers.For media enquiries, please contact:Frement Financial PR TeamTel: (852) 9461 9199 Copyright 2026 ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com. All rights reserved. www.acnnewswire.com
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Hengrui Pharma Reports 2026 Interim Results as Innovation and Globalization Continue to Drive Business Momentum ACN Newswire

Hengrui Pharma Reports 2026 Interim Results as Innovation and Globalization Continue to Drive Business Momentum

HONG KONG, August 19, 2026 - (ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - Hengrui Pharma (“Hengrui” or “the Company”) today announced its financial results for the first half of 2026. During the reporting period, innovative drugs remained the Company’s key growth driver, while globalization initiatives continued to validate the global value of Hengrui’s innovation portfolio.Financial HighlightsIn the first half of 2026, Hengrui reported revenue of RMB15.46 billion. Drug sales revenue was RMB13.95 billion, representing a year-over-year increase of 1.87%. Innovative drug sales increased by 16.38% year-over-year and accounted for 63.16% of total drug sales, with non-oncology innovative drug sales increasing by 73.97% year-over-year and emerging as an increasingly important growth driver.Net profit attributable to shareholders of the listed company was RMB4.47 billion, up 0.34%. R&D investment totaled RMB4.61 billion, representing 29.8% of revenue.Pipeline and Regulatory HighlightsHengrui continued to advance its pipeline in China during the reporting period, obtaining seven innovation-related approvals, including two Class 1 innovative medicines, one Class 2 innovative medicine and four additional indications. At the end of the reporting period, nine marketing applications had been accepted for review by China’s National Medical Products Administration, while 17 clinical programs had advanced to Phase III, 22 to Phase II, and 10 innovative assets had entered Phase I clinical development.Hengrui also reported progress across its metabolic pipeline. Two Phase III studies of ribupatide injection, a GLP-1/GIP dual receptor agonist, in China for type 2 diabetes reported positive topline results, supporting a planned NDA submission. HRS-7535, an oral small molecule GLP-1 receptor agonist, met all primary and key secondary endpoints at Week 44 in a China Phase III obesity study, with continued weight loss through Week 50 and mean body-weight reduction of up to 11.1%. An NDA submission is planned.Global Partnerships and Business DevelopmentHengrui continued to advance its globalization strategy through diversified collaboration models. Since 2023, the Company has completed 13 overseas business development transactions, including out-licensing, NewCo and strategic alliances, with a total potential transaction value of approximately US$42 billion. These collaborations include leading global pharmaceutical companies such as BMS, GSK and others.Among the diversified collaboration models Hengrui has explored, NewCo has also seen important progress in 2026. Kailera Therapeutics completed its Nasdaq IPO in April 2026, becoming one of the largest biotech IPOs at the time. Braveheart Bio also successfully listed on the Nasdaq Global Market on August 6, 2026.Scientific RecognitionDuring the reporting period, 204 research findings related to Hengrui products were published in academic journals and received international recognition. Hengrui participated in the American Society of Clinical Oncology Annual Meeting for the 16th consecutive year, with 91 studies accepted, including 11 oral presentations—a new high for the Company. Research in non-oncology areas was also presented at major international congresses, including the American Diabetes Association, International Stroke Conference, World Congress of Nephrology, American College of Cardiology, American Academy of Dermatology, and European Alliance of Associations for Rheumatology.OutlookLooking ahead, Hengrui will continue to advance its innovation and globalization strategy, while further pursuing its dual-growth strategy across oncology and chronic diseases. The Company will strengthen its global R&D capabilities, pursue diversified international collaboration models, and continue to focus on delivering sustainable long-term value and bringing more high-quality innovative therapies to patients worldwide. Copyright 2026 ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com. All rights reserved. www.acnnewswire.com
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Onchain Foundation Becomes Strategic Shareholder of Trust Square Ecosystem AG to Accelerate Global Innovation Platform ACN Newswire

Onchain Foundation Becomes Strategic Shareholder of Trust Square Ecosystem AG to Accelerate Global Innovation Platform

ZURICH, SWITZERLAND, Aug 19, 2026 - (ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - Trust Square Ecosystem AG today announced that the Onchain Foundation has become a strategic shareholder of the company through a strategic investment, marking a significant milestone in Trust Square's transformation into a global ecosystem platform for emerging technologies.The investment from the Onchain Foundation will support the international scaling of Trust Square's ecosystem-driven business model, including the expansion of its flagship initiatives, Trust Forum, Trust Circle, and Trust Hive, as well as further ecosystem development activities connecting global innovators, entrepreneurs, investors, corporates, policymakers, and academia.As part of the broader strategic expansion of Trust Square's shareholder ecosystem, Inacta Ventures has also become a strategic shareholder of Trust Square Ecosystem AG, further strengthening the company's foundation with additional expertise in venture building and ecosystem development.This expansion builds upon the existing strategic partnership with The Hashgraph Association, which is a shareholder and ecosystem partner of Trust Square.Scaling Trust Square's Global Innovation PlatformThe global innovation landscape is evolving at unprecedented speed. Artificial intelligence, Web3, blockchain infrastructure, and other frontier technologies are reshaping industries, economies, societies, and governance.However, meaningful innovation requires more than technology alone. It requires trusted environments where leaders can exchange ideas openly, build relationships, and collaborate on solutions that create long-term impact.With the strategic investment from the Onchain Foundation, Trust Square will accelerate the international expansion of its ecosystem-driven business model, scaling its flagship initiatives across leading innovation hubs worldwide.At the core of this expansion are three complementary formats designed to create meaningful connections, foster collaboration, and support the responsible adoption of emerging technologies.Trust ForumThe Trust Forum is Trust Square's biannual flagship gathering, bringing together up to 250 global leaders for confidential dialogue, strategic exchange, and collaboration on emerging technologies and future opportunities.Trust CircleThe Trust Circle is a global network of curated gatherings connecting 80 to 100 innovators, entrepreneurs, investors, corporates, policymakers, and academics through meaningful discussions and knowledge exchange.Trust HiveThe Trust Hive consists of agile, invitation-only pop-up gatherings that activate the ecosystem around timely topics, opportunities, and special occasions.Together, Trust Forum, Trust Circle, and Trust Hive create a global platform for trusted dialogue, ecosystem development, and collaboration among leaders shaping the future of technology.Strengthening the Trust Square EcosystemThe partnership with the Onchain Foundation reflects a shared commitment to advancing innovation through collaboration, ecosystem development, and trusted networks.The Onchain Foundation is a Swiss non-profit organization committed to advancing blockchain technology and supporting initiatives that unlock the transformative potential of decentralized systems. Through strategic partnerships, ecosystem development, and innovation programs, the Foundation works to accelerate the responsible adoption of blockchain technologies.The Hashgraph Association, an existing strategic shareholder of Trust Square, is a Swiss non-profit organization driving the global adoption of Hedera-powered solutions by funding innovation, providing training and education programs, and supporting venture initiatives.Inacta Ventures, a newly added strategic shareholder of Trust Square, is a venture builder and ecosystem architect supporting startups, corporates, and governments in adopting emerging technologies. With a presence in Switzerland and the UAE, Inacta Ventures supports more than 100 startups and corporates.Together, these organizations strengthen Trust Square's ability to connect technology leaders, founders, investors, enterprises, institutions, and communities across global innovation ecosystems.Leadership ExpansionAs part of the strategic partnership, Guido Schmitz-Krummacher, Managing Director of the Onchain Foundation, has joined the Board of Directors of Trust Square Ecosystem AG.His appointment further strengthens Trust Square's strategic leadership and reflects the close alignment between both organizations' missions to foster innovation, collaboration, and responsible technology adoption.Executive QuotesKamal Youssefi, President of the Board of Directors of Trust Square Ecosystem AG and President of the Board of Directors of The Hashgraph Association:"We're proud of the growth and recognition Trust Square has achieved over the years. We've always been convinced that a vibrant Web3 ecosystem cannot be built on technology alone but rather emerges through strategic partnerships and cross-chain collaborations. With the Onchain Foundation joining The Hashgraph Association and Inacta Ventures becoming a strategic shareholder of Trust Square, we are confident that Trust Square's global network of Web3 leaders, entrepreneurs, and policymakers will drive innovation, enhance cross-chain collaboration, foster the deployment of viable decentralized solutions, and support the mainstream adoption of the Web3 industry."Guido Schmitz-Krummacher, Managing Director of the Onchain Foundation, Managing Director and Member of the Board of Onchain Ventures AG, Director of Lisk Ltd., and Member of the Board of Trust Square Ecosystem AG:"Our blockchain ecosystem is facing significant challenges, while the AI ecosystem is moving beyond the initial hype cycle and entering a necessary phase of consolidation around its core values. This makes it more important than ever to bring together the innovation leaders of both ecosystems at meetings and events where the future of blockchain and AI can be discussed, shaped, and advanced collaboratively. Trust Square and its team are well positioned to play a leading role in addressing these challenges. As an entrepreneur and an 'old blockchain guy,' I am excited to contribute to this mission."About Trust Square Ecosystem AGTrust Square Ecosystem AG is a Swiss ecosystem builder connecting innovators, entrepreneurs, investors, policymakers, academics, and industry leaders shaping the future of technology.Through its flagship initiatives, Trust Forum, Trust Circle, Trust Hive, and additional ecosystem development activities, Trust Square creates trusted environments where meaningful collaboration drives innovation across AI, Web3, digital assets, digital identity, cybersecurity, sustainability, and other frontier technologies.About the Onchain FoundationThe Onchain Foundation is a Swiss non-profit organization committed to advancing blockchain technology and supporting initiatives that unlock the transformative potential of decentralized systems.Through strategic partnerships, ecosystem development, education, and innovation programs, the Foundation works to accelerate the responsible adoption of blockchain technologies and foster collaboration across the global technology ecosystem.About The Hashgraph AssociationThe Hashgraph Association is a Swiss non-profit organization that drives the global adoption of Hedera-powered solutions by funding innovation, providing training and education programs, and supporting venture initiatives.Through its ecosystem programs, The Hashgraph Association supports organizations, developers, enterprises, and entrepreneurs building the next generation of decentralized applications and digital infrastructure.About Inacta VenturesInacta Ventures is a venture builder and ecosystem architect supporting startups, corporates, and governments in adopting emerging technologies.With a presence in Switzerland and the UAE, Inacta Ventures builds ecosystems and ventures that accelerate innovation and enterprise adoption, supporting more than 100 startups and corporates.Media Contact:Fabio SchlafHead of Ecosystem DevelopmentTrust Square Ecosystem AGfabio.schlaf@trustsquare.com Copyright 2026 ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com. All rights reserved. www.acnnewswire.com
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Champion REIT Announces 2026 Interim Results ACN Newswire

Champion REIT Announces 2026 Interim Results

- Resilient occupancy across property portfolio reflecting proactive leasing efforts- Three Garden Road recorded positive rental reversion in selective renewal cases- Proactive retail tenant mix refinement driving positive impact on tenants’ sales- Successfully secured credit facilities for refinancing all debt due in 2026HONG KONG, August 19, 2026 - (ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - Champion Real Estate Investment Trust (Stock Code: 2778), which owns Three Garden Road and Langham Place properties, announced its interim results for the six months ended 30 June 2026.Summary of financial results 1H 20261H 2025ChangeTotal Rental Income (HK$ million)9491,029- 7.8%Net Property Income (HK$ million)780859- 9.3%Distributable Income (HK$ million)432476- 9.1%Distribution per Unit (HK$)0.06330.0701- 9.7% 30 Jun 202631 Dec 2025ChangeGross Value of Portfolio (HK$ million)56,43256,179+ 0.5%Net Asset Value per Unit (HK$)6.486.45+ 0.5%Gearing Ratio25.4%25.4%no changeOPERATING REVIEWMarket OverviewIn the first half of 2026, global macroeconomic environment was marked by geopolitical uncertainties. Sentiment in Hong Kong’s commercial real estate market showed signs of stabilisation and a selective recovery. Central office leasing sentiment improved notably, while the Hong Kong retail sales recorded solid growth, supported by sustained inbound tourism and a steady pipeline of mega events. Occupancy across the Trust’s property portfolio demonstrated resilience, reflecting proactive leasing efforts. However, negative rental reversion continued to impact the Trust. Distributable income of the Trust decreased by 9.1% to HK$432 million and distribution per unit decreased by 9.7% to HK$0.0633. On financial management, we successfully secured credit facilities for the refinancing of all debt due in 2026 and also expanded our lender pool.Three Garden RoadProactive leasing efforts resulted in high retention rate with over 90% of leases expiring in 2026 confirmed to renew, among them were the major tenants. Occupancy of the property maintained at a stable level of 82.2% as at 30 June 2026 (31 December 2025: 81.6%). Site inspections momentum remained solid in the first half with double digit year-on-year growth. We observed stabilisation of market rents for the property as Central office leasing momentum improved. Positive rental reversions were achieved in some renewal cases.Langham Place Office TowerRental income of the property showed signs of stabilisation. Occupancy remained resilient at 86.2% as at 30 June 2026 (31 December 2025: 86.9%) amid intense competition of the broader Kowloon office market. Wellness and lifestyle operators remained a key component of Langham Place Office Tower’s tenant profile, accounting for 67% of the tenant mix as at 30 June 2026. To enhance tenant diversification, we acquired an international direct sales company and distributors in its value-chain as new occupiers.Langham Place MallTenants’ sales at Langham Place Mall benefitted from the better retail market sentiment. The proactive tenant mix management continued to generate positive impact. The introduction of fashion labels tailored to the mall’s customer demographics resulted in double-digit sales growth in this segment, while lifestyle segment continued to outperform. The mall continued to launch creative campaigns to reinforce its retail trend-setting position. Occupancy maintained at high level of 99.5% as at 30 June 2026 (31 December 2025: 99.3%).DistributionDistributable income of the Trust decreased by 9.1% to HK$432 million (2025: HK$476 million) and distribution per unit ("DPU") dropped by 9.7% to HK$0.0633 (2025: HK$0.0701).Asset ValueThe appraised value of the Trust's properties was HK$56.4 billion as at 30 June 2026, compared with HK$56.2 billion as at 31 December 2025, mainly reflecting mild increase in rental rate assumptions for Three Garden Road.SustainabilitySustainability remains integral to the Trust's long-term value creation strategy. In the first half of 2026, we made steady progress across strategic priorities. On sustainable finance, we secured a HK$3.0 billion sustainability-linked loan with the support of eight banks. Moreover, Three Garden Road achieved WiredScore Platinum recertification, reaffirming its best-in-class digital connectivity standards. Through our flagship EcoChampion Pledge tenant engagement programme, we organised capacity-building and knowledge-sharing workshops to promote more sustainable workplaces.OutlookThe global macroeconomic outlook is expected to remain uncertain. Policy measures to fortify Hong Kong as an international financial centre should continue to drive demand for office in the Central business district, while the recovery in inbound tourists should benefit the retail sector. Three Garden Road remains well positioned to capture future leasing opportunities with its convenient access to both Central and Admiralty business districts. We are also advancing plans for a major asset enhancement initiative to further strengthen the property’s competitiveness. Looking ahead, we will continue to adopt a prudent capital management strategy while remaining agile in the uncertain macroeconomic environment.About Champion REIT (stock code: 2778)Champion Real Estate Investment Trust is a trust formed to own and invest in income producing office and retail properties. The Trust focuses on Grade A commercial properties in prime locations. It currently offers investors direct exposure to nearly 3 million sq. ft. of prime office and retail floor area. These include two Hong Kong landmark properties, Three Garden Road and Langham Place, as well as a joint venture stake in 66 Shoe Lane in Central London. The Trust has been awarded the top five-star rating by GRESB for three consecutive years since 2023. Champion REIT is managed by Eagle Asset Management (CP) Limited, a member of the Great Eagle Group.Website: www.championreit.comFor press enquiries:Jervois FinanceKenneth TangTel: +852 9827 2880Email: kenneth.tang@jervoisfinance.comAda LauTel: +852 9506 6017Email: ada.lau@jervoisfinance.com Copyright 2026 ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com. All rights reserved. www.acnnewswire.com
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Guoquan (2517.HK) 2026 Interim Results: Dual Growth in Scale and Efficiency, Powered by the Dual Drivers of Membership Stickiness and Product Matrix ACN Newswire

Guoquan (2517.HK) 2026 Interim Results: Dual Growth in Scale and Efficiency, Powered by the Dual Drivers of Membership Stickiness and Product Matrix

HONG KONG, August 19, 2026 - (ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - Guoquan Food (Shanghai) Co., Ltd. ("Guoquan" or the "Company"; stock code: 2517.HK), a leading one-stop home meal products brand in China, announced its interim results for the six months ended 30 June 2026, which have been reviewed by the Audit and Risk Management Committee of the Board.For the six months ended 30 June 2026, Guoquan recorded a revenue of RMB3,946.9 million, representing a year-on-year increase of 21.8%; gross profit was RMB848.6 million, representing a year-on-year increase of 18.3%, with gross profit margin of 21.5%, compared to 22.1% for the first half of 2025. Net profit for the period was RMB213.2 million, representing a year-on-year increase of 12.1%; core operating profit (non-IFRS measure) was RMB225.0 million, representing a year-on-year increase of 18.3%; and basic and diluted earnings per share were RMB0.0807, representing a year-on-year increase of 18.0%.Against the backdrop of a generally prudent macro consumption environment, the resilience of Guoquan's business model was further demonstrated, underpinned by its rigid-demand attributes and value-for-money positioning. Firmly advancing the "community central kitchen" strategy, the Company achieved double-digit growth in both revenue and core operating profit through the continuous expansion and refined operation of its omni-channel instant retail network, with the number of registered members reaching approximately 82.0 million, further consolidating its leading position in the home-dining retail market.Omni-channel Network Expansion Accelerated, with Scale and Store Efficiency Improving in TandemAs at 30 June 2026, Guoquan's total store count increased to 12,198, representing a net addition of 1,798 stores compared to the same period last year, covering 31 provinces, autonomous regions and municipalities in the Chinese Mainland, as well as the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the PRC. During the Reporting Period, the Company added 997 operating stores and reduced 365 operating stores, representing a net addition of 632 stores. Among them, township-level stores recorded a net increase of 367 to 3,377, further enhancing penetration in lower-tier markets.Store efficiency improvement and store format innovation advanced in tandem. During the Reporting Period, in addition to 24-hour unmanned retail stores, the Company completed large-store format upgrades for 684 stores which, leveraging the presentation of an enriched product portfolio and the creation of all-day consumption scenarios, effectively drove the growth of store sales; 96 Guoquan camping stores commenced operation, covering emerging consumption scenarios such as outdoor gatherings and countryside leisure. Revenue from sales of products to existing franchised stores was RMB2,581.5 million in the first half of 2026, representing a year-on-year increase of 7.4%.For online-offline synergy, Guoquan relied on its Guoquan APP, WeChat mini-program, third-party food delivery platforms and social commerce platforms such as Douyin to drive deep integration between offline stores and online channels. The Company achieved over 6.97 billion impressions on platforms through its multi-level Douyin accounts matrix, representing a year-on-year increase of 117.8%; stores generated GMV of RMB910 million via the Douyin channel, representing a year-on-year increase of 97.2%. Through a multi-channel, multi-scenario layout and the deep integration of online and offline operating models, Guoquan successfully established a holistic instant retail store network, providing consumers with the "Guoquan Instant Commerce" shopping experience.Dual Drivers of Membership Ecosystem and Product Matrix Significantly Strengthened Consumer StickinessAs at 30 June 2026, the number of Guoquan's registered members reached approximately 82.0 million, representing a year-on-year increase of 63.0%. More importantly, during the Reporting Period, the consumption amount of members accounted for 73.2% of the Company's total sales, representing a substantial year-on-year increase of 12 percentage points, demonstrating the effectiveness of the Company's membership program in building close online and offline connections and engagement with consumers and fostering consumer loyalty. The simultaneous growth in membership scale and consumption share provides a high-quality existing customer base for the Company's revenue growth.On the product front, during the Reporting Period, the Company introduced a total of 139 new SKUs of hotpot and barbecue products, and successively launched or upgraded a number of scenario-based set meal products such as "Barbecue Camping Container Set", "Chongqing Wanzhou Grilled Fish Pot" and "Crayfish Freedom Bucket"; around the drinks and beverage scenario, it launched a variety of NFC fruit juices, craft beer and flavored tea beverages, further enriching its one-stop meal offerings. Guoquan Farm delivered an outstanding performance, achieving an omnichannel paid GMV of RMB240.0 million during the Reporting Period through online channels such as Douyin livestreaming, representing a year-on-year increase of more than 600%, and newly launched a variety of new SKUs such as Monthong durian pulp, tiger skin durian mille-feuille cake, Beihai Cooked Salted Sea Duck Eggs and crispy mini ice cream, further improving the all-scenario product layout.Deepened Supply Chain and Industrial Layout Supports Scaled DevelopmentOn the industrial front, Guoquan continued to promote the integrated closed-loop construction of "production, supply and marketing". As at 30 June 2026, the Company had a total of seven food ingredient production plants, covering core categories such as condiments, meatballs, paste and aquatic products, and beef products, forming a comprehensive and well-defined production capacity matrix; the food production base in Danzhou, Hainan Province is commencing construction, which upon completion will further expand its geographical coverage and optimise the supply chain's radiation radius. The Company's bargaining power in upstream procurement has been continuously enhanced, while economies of scale on the production side continued to be unlocked, providing support for cost optimisation.Digital supply chain management was deepened in parallel. Cooperating with warehousing and logistics suppliers and leveraging 21 digitalized central warehouses across China, Guoquan achieved swift circulation of products through digital stock and barcode management, with most orders delivered the next day from central warehouses to retail stores. Supply chain digitalisation covers all core segments including production, procurement, warehousing and logistics, enabling the Company to monitor supply and demand dynamics from the procurement end to the store end, closely monitor inventory levels, and ensure the timely availability of products for stores nationwide.Coordinated Development of Four Major Store Formats; Deepening Community Central Kitchen Strategy and Membership OperationsBuilding a comprehensive channel ecosystem and fully expanding the sales network. Guoquan will firmly advance the coordinated development of four major store formats, namely large stores in townships, large community stores, Guoquan camping stores and Guoquan stir-fry stores; new stores in the second half of the year will predominantly adopt the large-store format, while existing community stores will be strategically upgraded into large-store models. The Company will continue to deepen its presence in county and rural markets, steadily replicate the camping store format and iterate the stir-fry store format, forming a highly efficient comprehensive channel traffic closed loop of "online traffic generation and accumulation, offline conversion and repurchase".Deepening the community central kitchen strategy to expand community consumption scenarios. The Company will continue to deepen the core strategy of "community central kitchen", closely aligning with the all-scenario dining concept of "One Home, Three Tables, Five Meals", build on the enrichment of the core scenarios of hotpot and barbecue, and simultaneously expand into diverse categories such as Chinese and western cuisine, breakfast pastries, bakery and fried foods, drinks and beverages, desserts and ice products and agricultural products, so as to optimise its full-matrix product offerings.Deepening digital and intelligent membership operations to convey the IP value proposition. The Company will empower tiered membership operations with AI intelligent tools to achieve highly personalized and precise reach; improve its membership rights system and membership points mall; and continue to operate the "Guobao" brand IP, leveraging the value of the IP to foster emotional connection with members and enhance their loyalty.Promoting industrial ecosystem synergy and empowering supply chain management with AI. Upholding the "one-product-one-factory" strategy, the Company will activate the synergy advantages of its seven self-owned food ingredient production plants and advance the construction of the food production base in Danzhou, Hainan Province; through digital and intelligent tools such as AI smart production scheduling, big data inventory monitoring, digitalized quality control management, and AI smart routing and order scheduling, it will achieve the precise matching of production with market demand, the efficient allocation of inventory resources, and a rapid response in terminal fulfillment.Deepening the construction of organizational capabilities and empowering franchisee management. Guoquan will further standardize franchisee management, deepen the development of the two major organizations, namely the Franchisee Committee and Store Manager Hubs, and build a standardized and replicable store operation system; it will optimise its training system, cultivate more career-oriented franchisees, and promote synergistic development and mutual benefit between franchisees and the Group.Developing overseas markets in phases to deliver the good taste of China. Guoquan will focus on launching pilot store operations in Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China, accumulate overseas operational experience through refining localized operations, steadily explore overseas regional markets in a phased manner, and gradually achieve the implementation of its overseas product business.For the full-year 2026 results outlook, Guoquan expects its total store count to exceed 13,100, representing a net addition of over 1,534 stores; new stores in the second half of 2026 will predominantly adopt the large-store format, with an expected closure rate of below 4%; store efficiency is expected to achieve high single-digit growth; and the number of registered members is expected to exceed 95 million. Guoquan forecasts that core operating profit for the year will achieve stable growth. Copyright 2026 ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com. All rights reserved. www.acnnewswire.com
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Everest Medicines Reports 1H 2026 Results, Enters New Phase as Growth Accelerates and Innovation Gains Momentum ACN Newswire

Everest Medicines Reports 1H 2026 Results, Enters New Phase as Growth Accelerates and Innovation Gains Momentum

HONG KONG, August 19, 2026 - (ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - Everest Medicines (01952.HK) announced its interim results for the six months ended June 30, 2026. Everest delivered strong growth and reached an important profitability milestone in the first half of 2026. Total revenue increased 157% year-on-year to RMB 1.148 billion, driven by continued commercial momentum across the company’s portfolio. Gross margin excluding non-cash items reached 73.7%, while operating expenses as a percentage of revenue decreased by 64.0 percentage points year-on-year, reflecting increasing operating leverage and execution efficiency.From the first-half results, the company’s growth drivers are broadening beyond the commercialization of core products to include portfolio expansion, monetization of innovative assets, and global expansion.In the first half of 2026, the company achieved non-IFRS net profit of RMB 97.23 million, while IFRS net loss narrowed by 98% year-on-year. Everest ended the period with RMB 1.859 billion in cash. Following the reporting period, the company received approximately RMB 770 million in July from the upfront payment under its global licensing and collaboration agreement for civorebrutinib, further strengthening its financial position and capacity to invest in future growth.Mr. Yifang Wu, Chairman of the Board of Everest Medicines, said: “Everest Medicines has entered a new phase of development as an innovation-driven, integrated biopharmaceutical company. Guided by our 2030 Strategy, we are strengthening our capabilities in innovation, commercialization, and global development, accelerating the realization of global value and laying a stronger foundation for sustainable, high-quality growth.”During the period, the company achieved profitability, while expanding its innovative pipeline and advancing its R&D programs. Through continued efforts to strengthen its BD capabilities, the company is developing a model that combines in-licensed and internally developed early-stage assets, exemplified by civorebrutinib (also known as EVER001), with internal incubation and development creating opportunities to out-license innovative assets and realize their value. At the same time, the company is bringing in high-quality mid- to late-stage assets, exemplified by NEFECON(R), while continuing to build its commercialization capabilities and generate further opportunities for BD partnerships. These efforts are enhancing the efficiency of innovation resource allocation and accelerating the translation of innovation into clinical and commercial value.Everest’s marketed portfolio continued to gain momentumNEFECON(R) maintained strong sales momentum. In the first half of 2026, sales revenue from NEFECON(R) reached RMB 889 million, with net sales increasing 94% year-on-year. Through deeper penetration across key hospitals, broader market expansion, enhanced physician and patient education, and continued generation of real-world evidence, Everest is supporting broader adoption of treatment strategies focused on addressing underlying causes, early intervention, and long-term management. Following approval, VELSIPITY(R) moved rapidly into commercialization, with local manufacturing progressing. XERAVA(R) delivered steady hospital sales growth, while local manufacturing advanced as planned. The company also reached an understanding with Hainan Herui Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. regarding certain NEFECON(R)-related patent matters and entered into a commercialization collaboration for budesonide enteric capsules, further broadening treatment options for patients.Meanwhile, commercialization services for Hasten Biopharmaceuticals continued to contribute to revenue growth. Services for mature products under the CSO arrangement commenced in March 2026, generating RMB 145 million in service revenue and RMB 28 million in commercialization profit in the first half of the year.Mr. Rogers Yongqing Luo, Chief Executive Officer of Everest Medicines, said: “In the first half of 2026, the company continued to execute its strategy and accelerate the translation of innovation into clinical and commercial value. Solid progress across commercialization, BD, in-house R&D, and global expansion further strengthened our foundation for sustainable growth and our ability to bring innovative therapies to patients.Our BD strategy is building a diversified portfolio of future growth drivers through global partnerships for internally developed assets and selective in-licensing of differentiated innovative assets, while our in-house R&D continues to generate clinical progress. With the establishment of a pan-Asia-Pacific commercialization platform, we are also extending our proven capabilities from China into other Asian markets.”EVER001 global licensing deal expected to accelerate overseas developmentIn June, the company entered into an exclusive licensing and collaboration agreement with Travere Therapeutics, Inc. (NASDAQ: TVTX) for the development and commercialization of civorebrutinib (also known as EVER001) in all markets outside China and certain countries in East and Southeast Asia. The deal has a total potential value of up to $1.1425 billion, including an upfront payment of $112.5 million and up to approximately $1.03 billion in additional cash payments tied to specified clinical development, regulatory and commercial milestones across up to five indications. Travere will also pay tiered royalties on future sales in its licensed territories, ranging from high single-digit to double-digit percentages based on annual net sales thresholds.CICC believes the partnership is expected to accelerate the global clinical development and commercialization of EVER001 and could advance its development in membranous nephropathy. BOCOM International is positive on EVER001’s overseas market potential and its development opportunities across additional indications. EVER001 achieved positive 52-week Phase 1b/2a clinical results, and a Phase 2 basket trial has been initiated in China to further evaluate its potential in autoimmune kidney diseases, including FSGS, MCD, and IgAN.BD expansion further strengthens the product pipelineThe company continued to selectively introduce mid- to late-stage assets with strong commercial potential. MT1013, DMX-200, and Bejescin(R) strengthened its nephrology and autoimmune portfolio; CARDAMYST(R) and Sumecigrel (formerly known as Vicagrel) further expanded its cardiovascular portfolio; and LNZ100, together with VIS-101, enhanced its ophthalmology portfolio.With multiple assets moving through key regulatory and commercialization milestones, the company is building a diversified portfolio of future growth drivers. CARDAMYST(R) is expected to receive approval in the third quarter of 2026, LEROCHOL(R) and LNZ100 are expected to receive approval in 2027, and MT1013 is expected to receive approval in 2028.In-house R&D and pan-Asia-Pacific expansion advanceThe company’s in-house R&D also translated into clinical progress. The company’s proprietary AI+mRNA platform also advanced, with its personalized mRNA cancer vaccine EVM16 achieving its first-in-human clinical data readout and planned to enter an investigator-initiated Phase 1b study in the fourth quarter of 2026. EVM18, the company’s in vivo CAR-T therapy, has initiated IIT studies across multiple autoimmune diseases and is advancing toward global IND filings.The acquisition of Hasten Biopharmaceuticals (SG) Pte. Ltd. further strengthened the company’s global commercialization capabilities and established a pan-Asia-Pacific commercialization platform. The platform provides a foundation for scaling the company’s proven commercialization capabilities from China across Asian markets, supporting the regional expansion of both existing and future products.Meanwhile, CBC Group and the company’s Directors have collectively purchased 5.163 million shares since December 2025, with the transactions totaling more than HK$172.5 million, demonstrating their confidence in the company’s strategic direction and long-term prospects.Overall, Everest Medicines is gradually developing a growth model built on the commercialization of core products, portfolio expansion through BD, a pipeline of innovative assets generated through in-house R&D, and international expansion through global partnerships and its pan-Asia-Pacific platform. As the company enters its new phase, the coordinated strengthening of its capabilities in innovation resource integration, commercialization, and global development is expected to provide an important foundation for future growth. Copyright 2026 ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com. All rights reserved. www.acnnewswire.com
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Aurentis Capital Group Announces Technology-Driven Trading Platform for Global Markets ACN Newswire

Aurentis Capital Group Announces Technology-Driven Trading Platform for Global Markets

LONDON, Aug 19, 2026 - (ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - Aurentis Capital Group has announced a technology-driven trading platform designed to provide market participants with access to a range of global financial instruments through a streamlined digital environment.The platform is designed around the needs of traders seeking access to markets including equities, commodities, currencies and indices. Aurentis Capital said its approach combines market access with digital tools intended to support market monitoring, analysis and account management.Platform Designed for Multi-Asset Market AccessAurentis Capital Group's platform brings multiple financial markets together within a single trading environment. The offering is intended to allow users to monitor market movements, review positions and manage trading activity through digital devices.The company said the platform has been developed with an emphasis on accessibility and ease of use, with functionality available across desktop and mobile environments.Focus on Trading TechnologyThe platform incorporates market-monitoring and analytical functionality intended to support traders as they assess changing market conditions.Features include market data, charting capabilities and account-management tools. The company said the technology is intended to provide traders with a centralized environment for monitoring markets and managing their trading activity.Educational and Analytical ResourcesAlongside its trading technology, Aurentis Capital provides educational and analytical resources covering financial markets and trading-related topics.The resources are intended to support users in developing their understanding of market structure, trading strategies and risk-management principles. Educational materials may include market commentary, tutorials, analytical resources and other learning content, subject to availability through the platform.Risk and Market ConsiderationsTrading financial instruments, particularly leveraged products such as Contracts for Difference (CFDs), involves significant risk and may not be suitable for all investors. Market prices can move rapidly, and losses can occur. Depending on the product, leverage and applicable jurisdiction, losses may exceed the initial amount invested.Prospective clients should review the applicable product documentation, terms and risk disclosures before trading and should consider whether the products are appropriate for their individual circumstances. Where appropriate, independent financial advice should be obtained.About Aurentis Capital GroupAurentis Capital (https://aurentiscg.com) is a financial-services brand focused on providing technology-enabled access to global financial markets. The company develops its offering around digital trading infrastructure, market access and resources intended to support market participants.Media contactBrand: Aurentis Capital GroupContact: Media teamWebsite: https://aurentiscg.com Copyright 2026 ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com. All rights reserved. www.acnnewswire.com
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Hong Kong emerges as top professional services platform for Mainland enterprises going global ACN Newswire

Hong Kong emerges as top professional services platform for Mainland enterprises going global

HONG KONG, August 18, 2026 - (ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - Mainland enterprises are now adopting increasingly comprehensive global business strategies when it comes to their international expansion plans. This has seen them targeting trade with the world’s most advanced economies, as well as with many of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) aligned territories and the key emerging economies. The dynamic evolution of their approach is highlighted by new research from the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), which also details the pivotal role Hong Kong plays in helping such businesses overcome a variety of related challenges, including shifting global trade policies, rising protectionism, and ongoing supply chain reconfigurations.In terms of the priorities of such globally-minded businesses, the HKTDC survey showed that 82% have plans in place to expand their existing overseas operations, while 63% are focused on developing new overseas business activities. In addition, some 54% plan to enhance their overseas sourcing operations, while 47% aim to expand their overseas sales networks, and 36% intend to enhance their overseas technology cooperation programmes.Highlighting the upside for Hong Kong, Bruce Pang, Director of HKTDC Research, said: “With the overseas expansion strategies of Mainland enterprises now extending to supply chain integration, cross-border investment and higher value-added business activities, the need for highly professional support services has continued to grow. As the first-choice professional services hub for the majority of the surveyed enterprises, Hong Kong’s unique connectivity and unrivalled expertise have ensured it is playing an ever more significant role in helping Mainland business seize global opportunities.“With many of these opportunities now stemming from the BRI economies, next month’s Belt and Road Summit is certain to bolster cross-regional cooperation and help Mainland businesses find the ideal Hong Kong partner for their global expansion plans”.Balancing advanced and emerging market opportunitiesHighlighting the significance of the Belt and Road markets within the global expansion strategies of many Mainland enterprises, 94% of surveyed companies confirmed their interest in developing business in these territories, a significant increase on the 73% recorded for a comparable survey in 2023. In addition, 91% of respondents are prioritising expanding their existing ASEAN activities, particularly within Singapore (49%), Vietnam (46%), Thailand (44%) and Malaysia (41%).Looking further afield, 48% of surveyed enterprises intend to target Europe’s more advanced markets, while 47% plan to further develop their engagement with the US and Canada. Alongside this, interest in the Middle East rose from 33% in 2023 to 46% this year, while the proportion looking to expand into Latin America doubled from 17% to 34%. Compared with the 2023 survey, companies evidenced a far greater overall inclination to target all of the major overseas markets.Global expansion fueled by evolving business environmentsIn addition to the uncertainties arising from changes in US trade policy, Mainland enterprises’ primary concerns include intensified competition from other regions (61%), geopolitical tensions (55%), rising Mainland costs (51%), and tariff and non-tariff trade barriers (50%). Against this backdrop, companies indicated they were looking to continuously improve production and service efficiency (60%), better manage risks in overseas markets (57%), and control overall production and sales costs (57%).Wing Chu, Deputy Director of HKTDC Research, said: “Most enterprises pursuing international expansion plan to develop two to three overseas business functions (61%), indicating their intention to extend along different stages of the global industrial and business value chain. During this process they face major challenges, including difficulty coping with rapidly changing market uncertainties, intense competition in overseas markets, and insufficient capital to adjust business operations and supply chains. These challenges underline the growing need for professional services support.”Hong Kong: The lead global expansion services platformTo help address the challenges of overseas expansion, 83% of surveyed enterprises saw Hong Kong as their first choice of services platform, followed by the Chinese Mainland (78%) and Singapore (31%). Overall, the services sought from Hong Kong were broad and diverse, with marketing, legal and accounting advisory, financing and risk management, supply chain management, research and development, product standards and ESG-related support all making the list.Hong Kong continues as the lead global expansion service platform for Mainland enterprises, thanks to its highly internationalised business environment, robust legal system, free flow of capital and information, extensive international business networks and strong pool of professional talent.The National 15th Five-Year Plan explicitly supports Hong Kong’s integration into national development and highlights leveraging the city’s professional services strengths to support Chinese Mainland enterprises in going global and promoting high-quality international cooperation. In October 2025, the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government launched the GoGlobal Task Force, integrating Hong Kong’s financial, business network and government resources to provide more comprehensive support for enterprises expanding overseas and further reinforcing Hong Kong’s role as a go global services platform.Belt and Road SummitJointly organised by the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) and the HKTDC, the Belt and Road Summit has long served as a premier platform for policy dialogue, business networking and deal-making, facilitating cross-regional and cross-sector collaboration while helping enterprises capture opportunities in Belt and Road and other emerging markets through Hong Kong. The 11th edition of the Summit will take place on 9-10 September at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre. Under the theme “Advancing High-Quality Development • Embarking on a New Journey”, the Summit will bring together senior government officials and business leaders, investors and professional services providers from around the world to explore collaboration opportunities amid evolving global economic conditions and exchange views on high-quality development across infrastructure, finance, innovation and technology, trade, global business expansion, cross-border investment and sustainable development.To further support Chinese Mainland enterprises going global through Hong Kong, this year’s Summit will feature a dedicated “Go Global Chapter”, including two thematic breakout sessions focusing on overseas expansion opportunities and Hong Kong’s professional services strengths. There will also be a newly introduced “GoGlobal Connect” zone showcasing service offerings from various professional sectors in Hong Kong and providing consultation and practical support for Chinese Mainland enterprises. In addition, the Summit will organise a GoGlobal Business Mission to Nansha, Guangzhou, offering participants first-hand insights into the latest developments in the Greater Bay Area.Over the years, the Belt and Road Summit has developed into a leading platform for promoting international cooperation, deal-making and business exchange among Belt and Road countries and regions, helping enterprises tap into global opportunities.Mainland Enterprises’ Global Expansion: Hong Kong – The Premier Service Platform:https://research.hktdc.com/en/article/MjQwNjQ5OTA3MAPhoto download: https://bit.ly/4xcU22oDirector of HKTDC Research Bruce Pang (centre), Deputy Director of HKTDC Research Wing Chu (right) and Senior Economist (Greater China Team) Cherry Yeung (left) unveiled the latest survey findings and analysed emerging trends in the global expansion strategies of Mainland enterprises ahead of the HKTDC’s flagship Belt and Road Summit.An HKTDC survey found that 94% of surveyed Mainland enterprises intend to expand into Belt and Road markets, underscoring the importance of these markets in their global expansion strategies. To help enterprises go global, the HKSAR and the HKTDC will jointly organise the 11th Belt and Road Summit on 9-10 September to promote international trade, investment and professional services cooperation.Media enquiriesHKTDC’s Communications & Public Affairs Department:Navin LawTel: (852) 2584 4525Email: navin.cm.law@hktdc.orgSerena CheungTel: (852) 2584 4272Email: serena.hm.cheung@hktdc.orgWinnie KanTel: (852) 2584 4055Email: winnie.wy.kan@hktdc.orgHKTDC Media Room: http://mediaroom.hktdc.comAbout HKTDCThe Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) celebrates its 60th anniversary this year. The HKTDC is a statutory body established in 1966 to promote, assist and develop Hong Kong’s trade. With over 50 offices globally, including 13 in the Chinese Mainland, the HKTDC promotes Hong Kong as a two-way global investment and business hub. The HKTDC organises international exhibitions, conferences and business missions to create business opportunities for companies, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), in the Mainland and international markets. The HKTDC also provides up-to-date market insights and product information via trade publications, research reports and digital news channels. For more information, please visit www.hktdc.com/aboutus. Copyright 2026 ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com. All rights reserved. www.acnnewswire.com
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TMX Group Limited Completes Acquisition of RAFI Indices from Research Affiliates ACN Newswire

TMX Group Limited Completes Acquisition of RAFI Indices from Research Affiliates

TORONTO, ON, Aug 18, 2026 - (ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - TMX Group Limited (TMX Group) today announced it has completed the acquisition of RAFI Indices, LLC (RAFI Indices) from Research Affiliates Global Holdings, LLC (Research Affiliates), a global index provider and investment advisor. The transaction was announced in June 2026.The acquisition will significantly expand equity portfolio coverage of TMX VettaFi, a differentiated index provider with modern distribution solutions, and TMX Group subsidiary.RAFI Indices is an index company founded by Research Affiliates. It specializes in constructing, publishing, and licensing indices that reflect a deep, academically rigorous understanding of the fundamental factors driving capital market returns. The company is renowned for its innovative approach, offering over 90 indices that cater to a diverse range of investment needs worldwide.For more information about TMX VettaFi, please visit www.vettafi.com.About TMX Group (TSX: X)TMX Group operates global markets, and builds digital communities and analytic solutions that facilitate the funding, growth and success of businesses, traders and investors. TMX Group's key operations include Toronto Stock Exchange, TSX Venture Exchange, TSX Alpha Exchange, The Canadian Depository for Securities, Montréal Exchange, Canadian Derivatives Clearing Corporation, TSX Trust, TMX Trayport, TMX Datalinx, TMX VettaFi and TMX Newsfile, which provide listing markets, trading markets, clearing facilities, depository services, technology solutions, data products and other services to the global financial community. TMX Group is headquartered in Toronto and operates offices across North America (Montréal, Calgary, Vancouver and New York), as well as in key international markets including London, Singapore and Vienna. For more information about TMX Group, visit www.tmx.com. Follow TMX Group on X: @TMXGroup.For more information please contact:Catherine KeeHead of Media RelationsTMX Group416-671-1704catherine.kee@tmx.comAmanda TangDirector of Investor RelationsTMX Group416-895-5848amanda.tang@tmx.comTo view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/310057 Copyright 2026 ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com. All rights reserved. www.acnnewswire.com
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Focus Graphite Chairman Converts Final C$835,000 Loan to Equity at a Premium to Market ACN Newswire

Focus Graphite Chairman Converts Final C$835,000 Loan to Equity at a Premium to Market

C$0.50-per-share conversion completes longstanding Chairman loan as Focus strengthens its financial position amid growing government and industry supportOTTAWA, ON, Aug 18, 2026 - (ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - Focus Graphite Inc. (TSXV: FMS) (OTCQB: FCSMF) (FSE: FKC0) ("Focus" or the "Company"), a Canadian developer of high-grade flake graphite deposits and advanced graphite materials for battery, defence and industrial applications, is pleased to announce that Chairman Jeff York, through his holding company JJJY Holdings Inc. ("JJJY Holdings"), has agreed to convert the final C$835,000 outstanding balance of his longstanding loan to the Company into equity at C$0.50 per share.Under the proposed transaction, Mr. York will convert C$835,000 into 1,670,000 common shares of Focus at a deemed price of C$0.50 per share, representing an approximately 11% premium to the Company's C$0.45 closing share price on August 17, 2026.The financing relationship dates back to 2019 and 2020, when Mr. York, through JJJY Holdings, provided significant capital to support Focus and its ongoing activities. By September 30, 2020, amounts due to JJJY Holdings had reached approximately C$3.05 million. Since that time, the balance has been progressively reduced through a series of previously disclosed settlements and equity conversions. The C$835,000 conversion announced today represents the final outstanding balance of Mr. York's longstanding shareholder loan to the Company.The transaction removes the Company's remaining obligation under the longstanding shareholder loan without requiring a cash repayment, preserving capital for its development priorities and further strengthening its financial position."My decision to convert the remaining balance of my loan into equity reflects my continued confidence in Focus Graphite and the progress we are making across the business," said Jeff York, Chairman of Focus Graphite. "With the loan now fully converted into equity, I am further aligning my interests with our shareholders while strengthening the Company's financial position. Focus has made significant progress across its projects, technology and strategic partnerships, supported by growing government investment, and I remain committed to supporting the Company as we move into the next stage of development."The conversion also follows new federal support for the Lac Knife Graphite Project ("Lac Knife" or the "Project"). On August 17, 2026, Prime Minister Mark Carney announced major clean-energy and critical-minerals investments and specifically identified Focus Graphite's Lac Knife infrastructure project among the strategic pre-development projects being supported through Natural Resources Canada's ("NRCan") First and Last Mile Fund ("FLMF") 1. The federal announcement highlighted pre-construction work for a new transmission line and road connecting Lac Knife to Hydro-Québec's power grid, supporting the development of graphite supply for battery and energy-storage technologies.The final conversion further strengthens Focus's financial profile and preserves capital for its development priorities as the Company advances its Quebec graphite assets, downstream technology and broader commercial strategy.Focus continues to advance Lac Knife, its downstream advanced-materials initiatives and broader commercial strategy amid growing government and industry support for secure, resilient North American critical-mineral supply chains.The shares-for-debt transaction remains subject to approval by the TSX Venture Exchange.About Focus Graphite Advanced Materials Inc.Focus Graphite is building an integrated graphite platform to supply the industries shaping the future. Through the development of world-class graphite resources, advanced processing technologies and higher-value advanced materials, the Company is positioning itself to support battery, defence, advanced manufacturing and other strategic industries across North America and allied markets.The platform is anchored by the Company's two 100%-owned graphite assets in Quebec. Lac Knife is one of North America's highest-grade feasibility-stage graphite deposits, while Lac Tetepisca is one of the largest identified graphite resources globally. Together with strategic technology partnerships and government-supported innovation initiatives, these assets provide the foundation for a secure, scalable and increasingly integrated graphite supply chain.For more information on Focus Graphite Inc. please visit http://www.focusgraphite.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/focus-graphite/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/focusgraphite X: https://x.com/focusgraphiteInvestors Contact: Dean Hanisch CEO, Focus Graphite Inc. dhanisch@focusgraphite.com +1 (613) 612-6060Jason LatkowcerVP Corporate Developmentjlatkowcer@focusgraphite.comCautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking StatementsCertain statements contained in this press release constitute forward-looking information. These statements relate to future events or future performance. The use of any of the words "could," "intend," "expect," "believe," "will," "projected," "estimated," and similar expressions, as well as statements relating to matters that are not historical facts, are intended to identify forward-looking information and are based on the Company's current beliefs or assumptions as to the outcome and timing of such future events.In particular, this press release contains forward-looking information regarding, among other things, the proposed shares-for-debt transaction involving the conversion of the remaining C$835,000 balance of the longstanding shareholder loan into 1,670,000 common shares of the Company at a deemed price of C$0.50 per share; the anticipated completion of the transaction and receipt of TSX Venture Exchange approval; the expected impact of the transaction on the Company's financial position, capital structure and financial flexibility; the anticipated preservation of capital for the Company's development priorities; the continued advancement and future development of the Lac Knife Graphite Project and the Company's other Quebec graphite assets; the advancement of the Company's downstream processing, purification and advanced-materials initiatives; the Company's broader commercial strategy and potential future commercial opportunities; the continued development of strategic partnerships and government and industry collaboration; the potential benefits of government-supported infrastructure initiatives for the Lac Knife Graphite Project; and the Company's strategy to contribute to the development of secure and resilient North American critical-mineral and advanced graphite supply chains.Forward-looking statements are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors that may cause actual results, performance, or achievements to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such statements. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, risks related to market conditions, regulatory approvals, changes in economic conditions, the ability to raise sufficient funds on acceptable terms or at all, operational risks associated with mineral exploration and development, and other risks detailed from time to time in the Company's public disclosure documents available under its profile on SEDAR+.The forward-looking information contained in this release is made as of the date hereof, and the Company is not obligated to update or revise any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise, except as required by applicable securities laws. Because of the risks, uncertainties, and assumptions contained herein, investors should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information.Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.1 https://www.pm.gc.ca/en/news/news-releases/2026/08/17/prime-minister-carney-announces-largest-clean-energy-investment-northTo view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/310208 Copyright 2026 ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com. All rights reserved. www.acnnewswire.com
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Impression Dahongpao Announces 2026 Interim Results ACN Newswire

Impression Dahongpao Announces 2026 Interim Results

Financial Highlights:1.Stable financial foundation and healthy cash flow: Despite the impact of one-off factors such as extreme weather, the Group recorded revenue of RMB47.14 million for the period; net profit attributable to shareholders of the parent company was RMB2.54 million; and net cash flows generated from operating activities reached RMB6.79 million, demonstrating strong self-sustaining cash generation capabilities and sound cash flow position even under adverse conditions.2.Short-term disruptions do not impair long-term value; cost fluctuations represent a reasonable transition: The performance volatility during the period mainly stemmed from three uncontrollable or one-off factors: (i) extreme heavy rainfall (total rainfall increased by approximately three times year-on-year) which constrained outdoor performances; (ii) the fading of the inaugural-year concentrated viewing benefits for the "Moonlight Wuyi" project and the rise in depreciation and amortisation costs due to differences in operating cycles; and (iii) changes in cooperation agreements for the cultural tourism town. All these factors are transitional in nature and have not undermined the market appeal of the Group's core IP.3.Strategic launch of "Wuyi Guanwu" to unlock diversified growth: During the period, the Group's wholly-owned subsidiary signed the Mount Wuyi Impression Jianzhou Project Operation Investment and Management Cooperation Agreement, with the project tentatively named "Wuyi Guanwu". This project will deeply integrate Wuyi Mountain's local culture with modern immersive experiences, enriching the Group's "day-and-night activity linkage" ecosystem and injecting strong momentum for future development.4.Steady progress across three core business segments; Global Offering proceeds empower industrial upgrades: The Group continues to deepen its three core businesses – "shows and performance services", "Impression Cultural Tourism Town" and "Chatang Hotel". Leveraging the proceeds from the Global Offering, the Group is accelerating the iterative upgrade of performance quality, replication of projects in other regions, and diversified business deployment.HONG KONG, August 18, 2026 - (ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - Impression Dahongpao Co., Ltd. (HKEX Stock Code: 2695; NEEQ Code: 870608, “Impression Dahongpao” or the “Company”, together with its subsidiaries, the “Group”), a leading large-scale cultural tourism performance and integrated leisure resort service provider in China, is pleased to announce its unaudited interim results for the six months ended 30 June 2026 (the “Period”). In the face of a complex and volatile external environment and extreme weather challenges in the first half of 2026, the Group maintained stable operations in its core business while proactively adjusting its business structure with a forward-looking strategic vision, making significant moves to develop new cultural tourism upgrade projects.During the Period, the Group recorded revenue of RMB47.14 million, representing a slight decrease compared with the same period of 2025; net profit attributable to shareholders of the parent company was approximately RMB2.54 million; and gross profit margin for the Period was 24.74%. Net cash flows generated from operating activities reached RMB6.79 million, providing a solid foundation for the Group to weather market fluctuations and invest in future growth. Meanwhile, the Group’s total assets stood at RMB481.81 million, and the gearing ratio was strictly controlled at a low level of 29.35%, demonstrating the Group’s excellent risk management capabilities and prudent financial strategy.The decline in performance in the first half of 2026 was primarily attributable to the combined effect of exceptional one-off and non-recurring factors. In the first half of this year, the Wuyi Mountain region experienced total rainfall of 4,201mm, an increase of approximately three times compared with the same period, and frequent extreme rainstorms directly led to the cancellation of performances or a short-term decline in attendance rates. Secondly, the Group’s “Moonlight Wuyi” project, which premiered in 2025, received strong support from trade unions and the education system in its inaugural year, benefiting from one-off promotional support which did not continue during the Period. At the same time, the extended operating period of “Moonlight Wuyi” during the Period directly resulted in a corresponding increase in rigid costs, including depreciation of right-of-use assets, depreciation of fixed assets, amortisation of long-term deferred expenses, as well as utilities and staff salaries.Continuous optimisation of business layout to consolidate diversified growth foundationIn terms of business optimisation, the Group has implemented a series of cost-reduction and efficiency-enhancement measures for “Moonlight Wuyi”. These include optimising the pricing system, introducing tiered incentive policies for groups and study tours to activate channel momentum, partnering with cultural tourism and tea enterprise live-streaming rooms to expand online sales channels, and innovating NPC interactive check-in and new media seeding marketing models to boost market visibility. At the same time, the Group strictly controls costs, precisely adjusts performance schedules, and centrally deploys performers from the Impression Art Troupe to reduce labour costs.In addition, the Chatang Hotel has completed a brand upgrade and was renamed “Impression Dahongpao Qiyuan” to strengthen the synergy with the core performance brand. The Group has introduced a professional marketing team to focus on the online market, revitalised idle spaces for external leasing to generate stable ancillary income, and launched “performance + hotel” package tickets for joint marketing. Meanwhile, the Group continues to reduce losses, optimise its asset structure, and drive a steady transformation with improved quality and efficiency.Signing of the Mount Wuyi Impression Jianzhou Project Operation Investment and Management Cooperation Agreement to build a new cultural tourism ecosystem engineWhile actively responding to short-term fluctuations, the Group has not slowed down its pace of expansion and upgrading. During the Period, the Group achieved a milestone breakthrough in its business development – its wholly-owned subsidiary formally signed the “Wuyi Impression Jianzhou (Upgrade and Renovation) Project Operation, Investment and Management Cooperation Agreement”, with the project tentatively named “Wuyi Guanwu”. This project represents the Group’s core strategic deployment to align with the national trend of cultural tourism consumption upgrading and to deepen the excavation of Wuyi Mountain’s local culture. The “Wuyi Guanwu” project is not merely a hardware renovation, but a deep integration of culture, business and tourism. It aims to comprehensively upgrade the existing commercial area into a high-quality cultural tourism block integrating “intangible cultural heritage experiences, immersive performances, national trendy cultural and creative products, specialty dining and themed accommodation”.In the past, the Group’s revenue was heavily dependent on the nighttime “Impression Dahongpao” scenery show. The implementation of the Impression Jianzhou project will greatly enrich tourists’ daytime activity options, successfully creating a full-day tourism loop of “visit Jianzhou and experience culture by day, watch Impression and enjoy the grand show by night”, achieving “day-night linkage” and effectively extending tourist stay in Wuyi Mountain. At the same time, through introducing high-quality self-operated and co-operated commercial formats, the Group will break through the limitations of a single ticket-based economy. The upgraded “Wuyi Guanwu” will generate substantial high-margin secondary consumption scenarios including dining, cultural and creative products, and accommodation, comprehensively optimising the Group’s revenue structure. The signing of this agreement also marks a new milestone for the Group’s operational investment and management capabilities. The Group will export its proven IP operation standards and commercial management systems, which will not only enhance the overall tourism destination image of Wuyi Mountain, but also accumulate valuable practical experience for the Group’s future “replication in other regions” and asset-light expansion.Deepening the three core segments with a clear long-term development blueprintLooking ahead, the Group will continue to maintain its three core segments: (i) shows and performance services; (ii) Impression Cultural Tourism Town business; and (iii) Chatang Hotel business. In terms of core business development, the Group will leverage the proceeds from the Global Offering as a driving force to reinforce its solid foundation in daily operations, continuously strengthen its core IP competitiveness, and promote iterative upgrades in performance quality. At the same time, the Group will accelerate the deployment of diversified businesses, with a strategic focus on the innovative development of the “Impression Cultural Tourism Town” to further enrich tourists’ leisure options and the overall tourism ecosystem. In addition, exploring replication paths in other regions will be one of the Group’s key strategic directions. The Company plans to export its proven operational management models to broader markets and actively explore replication in other regions, striving to create new growth drivers. Overall, the Group will strengthen operational support, continuously enhance operational efficiency and visitor experience, aiming to achieve an organic integration of short-term stability and long-term development.About Impression Dahongpao Co., Ltd.Impression Dahongpao Co., Ltd. (Stock Code: 2695; NEEQ Code: 870608) is a state-owned cultural tourism service enterprise, listed on the NEEQ in 2017. The Company’s business comprises three main segments: (i) shows and performance services; (ii) Impression Cultural Tourism Town business; and (iii) Chatang Hotel business. Among them, the Company’s signature show, the “Impression Dahongpao” scenery show, serves as the cornerstone of its business and is the only live performance conducted within a UNESCO World Natural and Cultural Heritage site, and the only large-scale outdoor scenery show intertwined with the history of traditional Chinese tea culture. In 2024, “Impression Dahongpao” ranked third among all tourism scenery shows in China and tenth among all cultural tourism performances in terms of box office revenue¹. In terms of sales revenue generated from cultural tourism performance programmes, the Company ranked eighth in China’s cultural tourism performance market in 2024¹.¹ According to Frost & SullivanThis press release is issued by Brilliant Monkey Financial Communications Limited on behalf of Impression Dahongpao Co., Ltd.. For media enquiries, please contact:Sabrina / ChristopherTel: 9464 8907 / 5592 6231E-mail: sabrinawong@bmonkey.com.hk / christopher@bmonkey.com.hk Copyright 2026 ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com. All rights reserved. www.acnnewswire.com
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Tokyo Lifestyle Receives Independent Research Coverage from Broad Investment Securities; Note Highlights Asset-Light Shift and Global Expansion ACN Newswire

Tokyo Lifestyle Receives Independent Research Coverage from Broad Investment Securities; Note Highlights Asset-Light Shift and Global Expansion

NEW YORK, Aug 18, 2026 - (ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - Broad Investment Securities LLC, a U.S. SEC-registered investment adviser, has issued an independent fundamental research report on Tokyo Lifestyle Co., Ltd. (Nasdaq: TKLF), examining the Japanese consumer-products distributor’s business model, financial trajectory, channel mix and international expansion.Tokyo Lifestyle, formerly Yoshitsu Co., Ltd., operates as a retailer and wholesaler of Japanese beauty and health products, general merchandise, luxury goods, electronics and collectible cards. The company reaches end markets through four channels—company-operated stores, franchise outlets, wholesale distribution and cross-border e-commerce—across Japan, Hong Kong, Southeast Asia, North America, the UK and Australia.Its assortment spans roughly 69,800 SKUs. Supplier relationships include major Japanese brands such as Shiseido, Kao and Kose. The company also manages proprietary and licensed brands including Tokyo Lifestyle, Hare no Ryohin and REIWATAKIYA. In 2025 it began private-label product development and entered a strategic collaboration with an affiliate of Tasly Group aimed at joint research, development and global distribution of health products.As of the fiscal year ended March 31, 2026, Tokyo Lifestyle reported nine franchise partners operating 11 stores in the United States, the UK, Hong Kong, Thailand, Vietnam and Japan. Hong Kong continues to serve as the primary logistics and distribution hub linking Japanese supply chains to overseas markets.Net revenue for FY2026 rose 77.6% year-on-year to $373.2 million, the highest level since the company’s January 2022 Nasdaq listing. Revenue expanded from approximately $195.7 million in FY2024 to $210.1 million in FY2025 before accelerating to $373.2 million. The increase was driven principally by faster growth in the franchise and wholesale channels and by an expanded contribution from luxury goods, consistent with management’s stated transition from an asset-heavy company-operated model toward a lighter franchise-and-wholesale structure.Gross margin contracted from 11.4% in FY2025 to 7.5% in FY2026. Net income attributable to the company was about $0.72 million, or basic earnings per share of $0.02. The margin compression reflects the rising weighting of franchise and wholesale sales, which typically generate lower unit margins in exchange for greater scale and reduced capital intensity. The company remains in the investment phase of this strategic shift; the path to sustained profitability is still evolving.Geographic mix continued to internationalize. Japan accounted for 52.9% of FY2026 revenue, down from 70.5% a year earlier, while Hong Kong and other overseas markets rose to 47.1% from 29.5%. Total assets increased to $233.6 million from $157.8 million, of which accounts receivable stood at $186.8 million. Operating cash flow was negative during the period, primarily reflecting the working-capital build associated with expansion.At the July 29, 2026 close, the shares traded at $2.025 per ADS, implying a market capitalization of approximately $8.57 million, a trailing price-to-earnings ratio of about 11.96 and a price-to-book ratio of roughly 0.21. As a micro-cap issuer, Tokyo Lifestyle remains subject to Nasdaq continued-listing requirements as well as balance-sheet and cash-flow considerations, points the research note addresses directly.Overall, the report positions Tokyo Lifestyle as a relatively scarce Nasdaq-listed Japanese cross-border consumer-products platform with above-average top-line growth and a distinctly international revenue profile, while underscoring the operational and financial characteristics typical of a micro-cap company still executing a structural transition.For more information, please contact:Golden Fleece Cross-border Consulting Co., LimitedEmail: heidiho@goldenfleece.hk Copyright 2026 ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com. All rights reserved. www.acnnewswire.com
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Chuangxin Industries Announces 2026 Interim Results ACN Newswire

Chuangxin Industries Announces 2026 Interim Results

Financial Highlights:- For the first half of 2026, the Company recorded revenue of approximately RMB 11.53 billion, representing a YoY increase of approximately 32.4%.- Net profit attributable to owners of the company was approximately RMB 2.30 billion, representing a YoY increase of approximately 166.1%.- Earnings per share reached approximately RMB 1.11, representing an increase of approximately 91.4% from RMB 0.58 in the corresponding period of last year.HONG KONG, August 17, 2026 - (ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - Chuangxin Industries Holdings Limited (“Chuangxin Industries” or the “Company”, together with its subsidiaries, the “Group”; stock code: 02788.HK) announces its interim results for the six months ended 30 June 2026 (the “Reporting Period”). During the Reporting Period, the Company recorded outstanding results with a significant improvement in profitability, achieving revenue of approximately RMB 11.53 billion, representing a YoY increase of about 32.4%. Net profit attributable to the parent company was approximately RMB 2.30 billion, representing a YoY increase of 166.1%, and earnings per share were approximately RMB 1.11, representing a YoY increase of 91.4%. The growth was primarily driven by a year-on-year increase in electrolytic aluminium product selling prices, reduced production costs from a higher proportion of green energy usage, and the Company’s ongoing efforts to optimise its financing structure and reduce finance costs.Leveraging its years of experience in building an integrated industrial chain encompassing “energy-alumina refining-electrolytic aluminium smelting”, the Company continues to enhance its resource security and cost control capabilities. It has made positive progress in industrial chain synergy, energy security, green energy transition, and global expansion, further improving operational efficiency and profitability. This has allowed the Company to demonstrate strong earnings resilience amid industry cyclical fluctuations and lay a solid foundation for future high-quality development.Integrated Industrial Chain Advantages Continue to Materialise, Driving a Step-Change in ProfitabilityOver the years, the Company has been deeply rooted in the upstream aluminium industry, establishing an integrated industrial chain covering “energy, alumina refining and aluminium smelting.” Currently, the Company operates an electrolytic aluminium production facility with an annual capacity of 788,100 tonnes and a supporting captive power plant in Huolinguole, Inner Mongolia, as well as an alumina refining and aluminium hydroxide production base in Binzhou, Shandong, forming a stable and efficient resource security system.Relying on this comprehensive integrated layout, the Company’s self-sufficiency in alumina and electricity fully meets its production requirements, effectively mitigating the impact of raw material and energy price fluctuations and further consolidating its cost competitiveness. At the same time, the Company continues to advance refined management and cost control, fully leveraging industrial chain synergies. This has enabled it to demonstrate strong earnings flexibility and risk resilience during the market recovery cycle. During the Reporting Period, benefiting from a year-over-year increase in electrolytic aluminium product prices, the Company’s profitability improved significantly, fully reflecting the synergistic effects and counter-cyclical resilience brought by its integrated industrial chain layout. Additionally, the Company completed the acquisition of the remaining equity interest in Shandong Chuangyuan New Material Technology Co., Ltd. and a 100% equity interest in Tongliao Smart Mining Co., Ltd., further strengthening its upstream resource layout, enhancing raw material security, and improving industrial chain synergy to support sustained and steady future development.Green Energy Expansion Continues to Deepen, Accelerating Digital and Intelligent TransformationThe Company remains committed to green and low-carbon development, actively advancing renewable energy projects and increasing the share of green energy in its energy mix. As of the end of June 2026, the Company had commissioned 1,040 MW of wind power and 110 MW of solar power capacity, with overall project completion at approximately 66%. As subsequent project phases are gradually completed and commissioned, the Company's proportion of green energy is expected to exceed 50%, which will further reduce energy costs and enhance profitability and market competitiveness.The green energy transition not only effectively reduces production costs but also enables the Company to produce green aluminium products that align with global low-carbon development trends, meeting the growing demand for low-carbon materials in sectors such as new energy vehicles, high-end manufacturing, consumer electronics, and green construction. This continues to increase the added value of its products and market competitiveness. Simultaneously, the Company is advancing smart manufacturing and digitalisation and smart-manufacturing upgrades, accelerating the development of production equipment, automated control systems, and information platforms, while promoting the adoption of fully graphitized cathode retrofitting, applications of copper-inserted steel collector bars, and other energy-saving and consumption-reduction technologies to continuously improve production efficiency, energy utilisation, and product quality.On the sustainability front, the Company continues to enhance its ESG governance framework, publishing its inaugural ESG report and establishing a board-level ESG committee. It remains dedicated to improving environmental, social, and governance standards, actively promoting green manufacturing, energy conservation and emission reduction, further strengthening its capabilities for sustainable development.Globalisation Strategy Progressing Steadily, Aiming to Build a World-Class Green Aluminium GroupWhile consolidating its domestic industrial base, the Company is actively advancing its globalisation strategy, accelerating overseas capacity expansion to enhance global resource allocation capabilities and international market competitiveness. In 2025, the Company, together with partners, invested in the construction of an integrated 500,000-tonne-per-annum electrolytic aluminium project in Saudi Arabia. As of the end of June 2026, the project had completed all necessary compliance approval procedures, with on-site construction in full swing and all work progressing steadily according to plan. This project will fully leverage the energy cost and geographic advantages of Saudi Arabia, providing vital support for the Company’s global industrial layout.The global energy transition and the rapid growth of industries such as new energy and high-end manufacturing will continue to drive demand for high-quality, low-carbon aluminium products. Going forward, the Company will fully leverage its integrated industrial chain and green energy advantages to further improve cost competitiveness and operational efficiency. Building on its international expansion, it will continue to explore global markets and enhance its long-term sustainable development capabilities.Looking ahead, the Company will remain focused on deepening its presence in the aluminium industry, relying on its integrated industrial layout, green energy advantages, and continuously improving operational management capabilities to strengthen its core competitiveness. It will steadily enhance its market position and overall influence in the global aluminium industry, advancing toward its goal of becoming an internationally competitive green aluminium enterprise.About Chuangxin Industries Holdings LimitedChuangxin Industries Holdings Limited (Stock Code: 02788.HK), established in 2012 and listed on the Main Board of the Stock Exchange of Hong Kong in November 2025, is an integrated production enterprise focusing on the upstream of the aluminium industrial chain-alumina refining and electrolytic aluminium smelting. The Company has strategically established production bases in Huolinguole, Inner Mongolia, and Binzhou, Shandong, creating an integrated ecosystem covering “energy, alumina refining and aluminium smelting”. The Company’s ability to manage the total costs of aluminium per ton ranks among the top of all aluminium smelting companies in China and is competitive on a global scale. The Company is committed to sustainable development and the continuous advancement of its integrated electrolytic aluminium ecosystem. By leveraging its cost advantages and bolstering R&D investment, the Company aims to enhance its competitiveness and market standing. Furthermore, it strives to mitigate carbon emissions across the value chain, with the ultimate long-term goal of achieving a comprehensive green business transformation.Chuangxin Industries’ Official Website: https://en.innovationigi.com/ Copyright 2026 ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com. All rights reserved. www.acnnewswire.com
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Food Expo and concurrent fairs attract over 520,000 visits, setting all-time record ACN Newswire

Food Expo and concurrent fairs attract over 520,000 visits, setting all-time record

HONG KONG, August 17, 2026 - (ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - The Food Expo, Beauty & Wellness Expo and Home Delights Expo, organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), concluded successfully today. The two trade fairs — Food Expo PRO and Hong Kong International Tea Fair — also closed on 15 August. The five fairs brought together over 1,850 exhibitors from more than 30 countries and regions, attracting over 520,000 public visits in total - a record high. Per capita spending continued to grow, reaching HK$1,685, reflecting the continued vibrancy of the local consumer market and strong public demand for gourmet food, healthy living and quality home products.For trade exhibitions, the Food Expo PRO and Hong Kong International Tea Fair drew some 20,000 buyers from 64 countries and regions. Apart from Hong Kong, buyers came from Chinese Mainland, Macao, Taiwan, Japan, Korea, as well as ASEAN countries, including Indonesia, Cambodia, Thailand, Malaysia and the Philippines, among others, reinforcing Hong Kong's unique advantages as a food trading hub.The International Conference of the Modernization of Chinese Medicine & Health Products, organised by the Modernized Chinese Medicine International Association (MCMIA) together with the HKTDC and ten scientific research institutions, also concluded successfully on 15 August. Over 30 distinguished speakers attended to discuss innovation, research and development in Chinese medicine, and global opportunities.Smilely Lam, Associate Executive Director of the HKTDC, said: "This year's fairs received an enthusiastic response. Attendance recorded solid growth, and per capita spending reached a record high alongside visitor numbers, reflecting the strong market demand for quality food, healthy living and novel experiences. This year's five fairs, themed 'Live Well · Stay Well', gathered a diverse range of food and beverage, wellness and related lifestyle products, services and experiences from around the world, comprehensively showcasing the latest trends in the health and wellness sector, and creating more business opportunities for the industry."Ms Lam added: "We are pleased to see the fairs attracting a broader range of international participation. Exhibitors, buyers and industry representatives concluded multiple cooperation and procurement agreements, underscoring Hong Kong's position as an important trade platform connecting Chinese Mainland and international markets, as well as its role as an international food trade hub. Buyers' purchasing intentions show that market demand continues to grow for health and functional products, convenience foods, specialty foods and premium tea products. Products with sustainable development concepts and international certifications such as Halal certification are also gaining popularity, reflecting the industry's proactive response to consumers' pursuit of healthy living, quality experiences and responsible consumption, injecting growth momentum into the market.”Per capita spending reaches record high of HK$1,685; Health and wellness products in the spotlightDuring the fairs, the organiser conducted a random sampling survey, interviewing more than 1,430 visitors. The per capita spending continued to grow, reaching HK$1,685, with 87% of respondents indicating that their actual spending was in line with or exceeded their budget, reflecting stable consumer sentiment. The fairs also successfully aligned with the healthy living consumption trend, with over 80% of respondents expressing interest in health and wellness-related products. The product categories of greatest interest to respondents included health and functional foods (62%), health supplements and nutritional products (51%), as well as mental and physical wellness products and healthy lifestyle items (40%). Among the respondents who are aware that the fairs have a halal food and beverage label, more than half of the respondents (53%) believed that halal food and beverage label helps promote halal products, while 51% noted the silver-age products and services showcased at the fairground, reflecting the continued growth potential of these markets.Public fairs draw strong crowds; buoyant spending atmosphereOver five days, The Food Expo, The Beauty & Wellness Expo and The Home Delights Expo offered visitors a diverse range of international food, beauty and wellness products, as well as home living experiences. Five themed days were held throughout the fairs, encouraging visitors to embrace quality living through product showcases, expert sharing and interactive experiences. The fairs also featured a variety of special products and limited-time offers, attracting strong visitor traffic and generating encouraging sales results. The Food Expo's Gourmet Zone featured Hong Kong's first chewy treats themed market, featuring chewy desserts that received an enthusiastic on-site response. Henry Ling, Executive Director and General Manager (Asset Management) of Uni-China Group, said the 12 participating exhibitors expected to generate total sales of HK$1 million to HK$1.4 million during the fair.Held concurrently, the Beauty & Wellness Expo brought visitors a wide range of holistic wellness experiences, including fragrance, health and fitness demonstrations. Among the highlights was an aroma-emotion testing experience presented by Xuelei Fragrance Museum from Guangzhou, drawing a continuous stream of visitors throughout the fair. The newly launched "Stay Relax" zone showcased products designed to relieve fatigue and promote relaxation. Alan Ho, Founder and Chairman of Hong Kong wellness brand Vogue Bio, said the brand's expo-exclusive buy-one-get-one-free promotion was well received by visitors. He expected total sales during the five-day fair to exceed HK$1 million, far surpassing his expectations.The Home Delights Expo showcased a range of smart home solutions, trendy household products and sleep technology. Sleep Health Association, exhibiting for the first time, set up a "Go Sleep Exp", where many visitors came to learn about ways to improve sleep quality and related health information. Cyrus Chiu, president of the Association, said the pavilion featured a first-of-its-kind sleeping experiential project in Asia, drew strong visitor traffic through its innovative design and helped enhance public awareness and understanding of sleep health.Trade fairs expand business networks, help mainland enterprises reach new marketsThe HKTDC is actively assisting quality mainland food products in expanding into overseas markets. This year marks the fourth consecutive year of the Chinese Mainland premium agricultural products "Going Global" exchange and matchmaking event, which facilitates mainland enterprises in leveraging Hong Kong's international business platform to expand into overseas markets. The event was attended by Chan Kwok-ki, Chief Secretary for Administration of the Hong Kong SAR Government, who delivered a keynote address. At the matching session, the Environment and Ecology Bureau of the HKSAR Government signed Memoranda of Understanding (MoU) with representatives from Hunan, Xizang and Shandong to strengthen cooperation between Hong Kong and these three regions. The event recorded intended transactions exceeding HK$1.8 billion, setting new records in both the breadth of industry participation and total intended deal value. Peng Tingjun, Director-General of the Agricultural Trade Promotion Center of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs of China, said that more than 100 agricultural enterprises from over 10 Chinese Mainland provinces and regions brought more than 1,000 specialty products to Hong Kong, enabling visitors to experience distinctive agricultural traditions while helping Chinese agriculture reach global markets through Hong Kong.Making its debut at the Food Expo, the Xizang Pavilion achieved encouraging results Nagqu State-owned Capital Investment and Operation and Xizang Baqing Qizhen Industry successfully signed a MoU with a Hong Kong importer, with an estimated annual cooperation value exceeding RMB100 million, aiming to further expand the market for Xizang Naqu cordyceps. Another Chinese Mainland exhibitor, Henan Yunong Youpin Operation Management, following its participation in the Central Asia business delegation led by the Chief Executive in June this year, successfully connected with agricultural research and national investment bodies in Kazakhstan and plans to establish an agricultural industrial park there. Making its debut at the Food Expo this time, Fan Na, Chairperson of the company, stated that the company successfully connect with two wholesalers through the expo, with a target cooperation scale of RMB 10 million.This year, the Korea Pavilion expanded its size by 40%, gathering over 130 exhibitors and become the largest overseas pavilion. During the Food Expo PRO, the HKTDC signed a MoU with the Korea Agro-fisheries & Food Trade Corporation. Kim Kwangseok, Branch Director of the Korea Agro-Fisheries & Food Trade Corporation’s office in Hong Kong, said: “Hong Kong has long been a strategically important market for Korean agri-food products. It is not only our sixth largest export market, but also a crucial springboard for entering the Greater Bay Area and the Chinese Mainland markets. Beyond Hong Kong and the Chinese Mainland, the expo also helps Korean enterprises connect with importers and distributors from Singapore and other Asian markets, making it an important platform for international expansion.”The Food Expo PRO and the Food Expo featured the halal food and beverage label for the third consecutive year. This year, over 130 food suppliers showcased halal food from around the world. Tai Po Chun Hing, a local heritage brand with nearly 60 years of history, has been a regular participant at the Food Expo and joined the Food Expo PRO for the first time this year. At the newly introduced "Meat Zone”, it presented halal-certified beef tendon balls made in Hong Kong. Pius Chan, Executive Director of the company, said “On the first day of the expo, we met over 20 buyers from the Philippines, Thailand, and the Middle East, and expect orders worth between HK$500,000 and HK$1 million. We are also showcasing carbon-neutral beef balls that meet carbon footprint standards, demonstrating our commitment to ESG."SBY Frozen Food Supply, a Singapore-based halal meat manufacturer and distributor with a history of nearly 80 years, also identified Brazilian suppliers of raw beef and chicken products during the Expo. Abdul Halim Hafizuddin, Business Development Manager of the company, estimated the company's annual procurement value could reach between US$3 million and US$5 million.The spotlighted “Food Science and Technology Zone” featured innovative food technologies, including pet food solutions that attracted strong buyer interest. Felix Cheung, Founder and CEO of IXON Food Technology, said: "We received enquiries from more than 200 buyers on the first day of the expo, including buyers from Korea, Kazakhstan, Timor-Leste, Europe and Arab markets. Based on current discussions, the potential business value is estimated at between US$500,000 and US$1.3 million."The Coffee Zone at Food Expo PRO highlighted the growing potential of the coffee market, showcasing coffee products from different origins, accessories and coffee machines. First-time exhibitor Hawaii Coffee Association promote Hawaiian coffee and other specialty products at the expo. Ralph Gaston, Board Member and Secretary of the Association, said they had connected with more than 100 buyers during the expo and expect to conclude business within the next two to three months.A seminar titled " Brewing ASEAN Connections: Coffee Origins, Market Trends and Business Opportunities" was also held. Prof. Simon Wong, Chairman of the Belt and Road International Coffee Alliance, stated at the seminar that the Alliance will connect around 150 Belt and Road markets, further consolidating Hong Kong's role as an international coffee trading hub. Combined with Hong Kong's unique advantage as a "super-connector," the city is well-positioned to become a two-way gateway for the coffee industry.Held concurrently, the Hong Kong International Tea Fair introduced the new "Tea Lifestyle" zone, featuring a variety of innovative tea beverages, tea-inspired products and interactive experiences. Among the exhibitors was local tea brand BASAO, which made its debut at the fair and launched its new mellow black oolong. Katherine Yu, Director of Operations of BASAO, said they conducted around 30 business meetings with buyers mainly from Thailand, Japan and Egypt during the fair. In addition to overseas buyers, the brand is also connected with local enterprises including Cathay Pacific and Yung Kee, as well as potential partners from the digital marketing, content creation and new retail sectors, opening up new cross-industry collaboration opportunities.The Tea Fair also featured the new Chinese Mainland Matcha Pavilion. Chen Haiyan, Manager of the Industry Development Department of Hangzhou Jingshan Tea Development, said the pavilion connected with buyers from Hong Kong, Japan, Southeast Asia, India, Europe, and the United States during the fair. Among them, a Thai company expressed interest in purchasing around 20 tonnes of matcha powder, while buyers from India and Hong Kong indicated interest in procuring 10 and 100 smart matcha machines respectively.The Kenya Pavilion also reported encouraging results. This year, the Tea Board of Kenya led nine companies to exhibit at the fair. David Muriuki, Deputy Director of Trade Advisory of the Board, said the potential business deals made across the companies reached more than US$10 million, with one exhibitor alone connecting with more than 80 prospective business partners. During the fair, the Board also signed a MOU with HKTDC to strengthen market connections and trade promotion cooperation.Hybrid model connects local and overseas business opportunitiesThis year, both the Food Expo PRO and Hong Kong International Tea Fair continued to adopt the hybrid exhibition model "EXHIBITION+" to allow global food and tea buyers to conduct business through both physical exhibitions and online platforms simultaneously. Until 22 August, exhibitors and buyers can still conduct online negotiations through the "Click2Match" intelligent matching platform to explore business opportunities.Chinese medicine international exchange promotes industry developmentThe International Conference of the Modernization of Chinese Medicine & Health Products, funded by the HKSAR Government's Chinese Medicine Development Fund, was themed "Clinical Translation, Regulatory Policies and Global Innovative Pathways of Traditional Medicine". It invited over 30 experts, scholars and industry leaders from 11 countries and regions to jointly discuss international regulations for Chinese medicine and the latest market development trends, promoting international exchange and cooperation in Chinese medicine. This year, the organiser featured interactive games and displays at a “Multi-Facet of Chinese Medicines” public education display at the Food Expo, as well as a "Chinese Medicine Health Public Forum", to promote the advantages of Chinese medicine services and wellness culture, enhancing public awareness and understanding of Chinese medicine.Photo download: https://bit.ly/3UDevP9Organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), the Food Expo, Home Delights Expo and Beauty & Wellness Expo (three public exhibitions), together with the Food Expo PRO and the Hong Kong International Tea Fair (two trade exhibitions), concluded successfully.The fairs attracted over 520,000 visits, setting a new all-time record.The Fish Marketing Organization and the Vegetable Marketing Organization expanded their exhibition space at this year's Food Expo to promote their new unified brand "Hong Kong Harvest", showcasing to the public the unique appeal of local fisheries and agricultural produce.The Food Expo's Gourmet Zone introduced a new “Dessert and Gelato” theme, featuring Hong Kong's first chewy treats themed market, which was highly popular among visitors.The Chinese Mainland premium agricultural products "Going Global" exchange and matchmaking event was held on 14 August, attracting more than 200 participants, including representatives of the Chinese mainland exhibitors, as well as Hong Kong buyers and distribution channel operators.During the Food Expo PRO, the HKTDC signed a MoU with Korea Agro-fisheries & Food Trade Corporation.Halal food continued to attract market attention, with related products becoming one of the highlights of the exhibitions.The seminar titled "Brewing ASEAN Connections: Coffee Origins, Market Trends and Business Opportunities" invited industry representatives from Laos, Thailand and Vietnam to analyse the development trends of the ASEAN coffee market, opportunities in specialty coffee and the potential for regional cooperation, while exploring business opportunities in the Belt and Road markets.Hong Kong International Tea Fair introduced a new "Tea Lifestyle" zone, showcasing innovative tea beverages and tea culture lifestyle experiences.Beauty & Wellness Expo marked its 10th edition this year, offering holistic health experiences for the mind, body and soul. Mannings provided a health experience zone with a series of free health screenings and professional consultations.Home Delights Expo featured a "Go Sleep Exp" that promoted the importance of quality sleep through interactive displays and professional sharing sessions.Throughout the exhibitions, a series of highly popular and exciting events were held, including "Star Chef Cooking Demonstrations”, "Smart Bidding", and lucky draws.International Conference of the Modernization of Chinese Medicine & Health Products, themed "Clinical Translation, Regulatory Policies and Global Innovative Pathways of Traditional Medicine", invited over 30 experts, scholars and industry leaders from 11 countries and regions to jointly discuss international regulations for Chinese medicine and the latest market development trends.The Food Expo featured a special “Multi-Facet of Chinese Medicines” public education display to promote the advantages of Chinese medicine services and wellness culture, enhancing public awareness and understanding of Chinese medicine.To learn more about the opinions of exhibitors and buyers, please visit:HKTDC Food Expo PROfoodexpopro.hktdc.comHong Kong International Tea Fairhkteafair.hktdc.comHKTDC Food Expohkfoodexpo.hktdc.comHKTDC Beauty & Wellness Expohkbeautyexpo.hktdc.comHKTDC Home Delights Expohomedelights.hktdc.comThe International Conference of the Modernization of Chinese Medicine and Health Products (ICMCM)icmcm.hktdc.comAugust Happy Buy websiteecoupon.hktdc.com/food/HKTDC’s Communications and Public Affairs DepartmentKaty WongTel: (852) 2584 4524Email: katy.ky.wong@hktdc.orgWinnie KanTel: (852) 2584 4055Email: winnie.wy.kan@hktdc.orgClayton LauwTel: (852) 2584 4472Email: clayton.y.lauw@hktdc.orgMedia Room: http://mediaroom.hktdc.comAbout HKTDC The Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) celebrates its 60th anniversary this year. The HKTDC is a statutory body established in 1966 to promote, assist and develop Hong Kong's trade. With over 50 offices globally, including 13 in the Chinese Mainland, the HKTDC promotes Hong Kong as a two-way global investment and business hub. The HKTDC organises international exhibitions, conferences and business missions to create business opportunities for companies, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), in the mainland and international markets. The HKTDC also provides up-to-date market insights and product information via research reports and digital news channels. For more information, please visit: www.hktdc.com/aboutus. Copyright 2026 ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com. All rights reserved. www.acnnewswire.com
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