Vaniva is a new-generation solution and is the only product in Vietnam classified in the dual mode-of-action group, registered for the control of both nematodes and Fusarium. Photo: Syngenta Vietnam

Fusarium - a persistent, global threat

Fusarium spp.-induced yellowing and root rot are among the most difficult soil-borne diseases to manage across a wide range of crops. The fungus can persist in the soil for many years and often goes undetected until the root system has been severely damaged. By the time above-ground symptoms appear - such as yellowing leaves and widespread leaf drop - the disease is extremely difficult, and sometimes impossible, to control

Globally, a soil-borne fungal strain known as Fusarium Tropical Race 4 (TR4) - the cause of so-called "Panama disease" in bananas - is projected to affect up to 17 per cent of the world’s banana-growing area by 2040.

Without effective control, this could result in losses of approximately 36 million tonnes of bananas, representing more than $10 billion in losses to the global banana industry as a whole. FAO has also warned that the spread of TR4 could reduce global banana production by approximately 2 per cent by 2028 and affect around 240,000 jobs across the banana value chain.

In Vietnam, Fusarium spp. are also major pathogens responsible for yellowing and root rot in several economically important crops. According to studies by WASI and VAAS, the combined presence of Fusarium spp. and root-knot nematodes (Meloidogyne spp.) is a major cause of reduced growth and yield in coffee plantations in the Central Highlands.

In durian, black pepper and citrus, Fusarium - together with other soil-borne fungi - often forms part of a disease complex that weakens plants and may ultimately cause plant death if an appropriate control strategy is not implemented from the outset.

Nguyen Hac Hien, director of the Dak Lak Sub-Department of Crop Production and Plant Protection, said, “Yellow-leaf root rot has become one of the most pressing challenges in the province’s key crop-growing areas, directly affecting yields, the productive lifespan of orchards and farmers’ incomes. One of the greatest difficulties is that the disease develops below ground; by the time visible symptoms appear, the root system has often already suffered severe damage."

"We therefore encourage farmers to take early preventive action, maintain soil health and adopt science-based integrated crop protection measures, while using crop protection products safely, effectively and strictly in accordance with label instructions. The availability of new solutions with advanced modes of action will provide valuable support for pest and disease management efforts across the province.”

Representatives of Syngenta Vietnam and WASI at the Vaniva® 450SC press conference. Photo: Syngenta Vietnam

Breakthrough solution from Syngenta

Powered by TYMIRIUM technology and featuring the active ingredient cyclobutrifluram, Vaniva 450SC provides effective control of plant-parasitic nematodes and key soil-borne diseases, particularly Fusarium spp., helping protect root systems and establish a strong foundation for healthy crop growth from the earliest stages.

Developed through more than 15 years of Syngenta research and innovation, TYMIRIUM technology is designed to address some of the most challenging below-ground pests and diseases while protecting soil and root health.

Vaniva is a new-generation solution and is currently the only product in Vietnam classified in the dual mode-of-action group, registered for the control of both nematodes and Fusarium.

By safeguarding root systems early in the crop cycle, Vaniva 450SC helps improve water and nutrient uptake, supports vigorous crop establishment, and enhances plant resilience under challenging growing conditions. Beyond delivering effective crop protection, TYMIRIUM technology reflects Syngenta's commitment to advancing sustainable and regenerative agriculture by developing innovative solutions that help farmers increase productivity while reducing environmental impact.

According to Syngenta, solutions powered by TYMIRIUM technology are being introduced across more than 100 crops in over 60 countries, demonstrating the company's continued commitment to innovation that enables farmers to produce more while caring for the health of their soils and the future of agriculture.

Syngenta Vietnam and WASI sign a cooperation agreement for a joint programme to develop and transfer crop protection solutions. Photo: Syngenta Vietnam

Safe for people and crops

Vaniva 450SC delivers superior efficacy at low active-ingredient rates - only 1/2 to 1/10 of some other solutions - meaning significantly less active ingredient enters the environment, reducing environmental impact and better protecting beneficial organisms. In the soil, the product does not affect earthworms or the beneficial microorganisms essential to soil fertility.

By conserving soil biodiversity and increasing root biomass, it supports soil health and a sustainable agricultural ecosystem - reflecting Syngenta's direction of developing solutions that protect soil health, support regenerative agriculture and reduce environmental impact.

The launch of Vaniva 450SC reflects Syngenta's long-term commitment, guided by its purpose of "Breakthroughs for farmers, in every field.”

What sets Syngenta apart is not only its innovative products, but also its integrated approach - combining world-leading research and innovation with close partnerships with farmers through technical knowledge transfer, safe crop protection stewardship training, field days, and on-farm demonstration trials conducted directly in farming communities.

Tran Thanh Vu, managing director of Syngenta Vietnam, said, “With Vaniva 450SC we complete a comprehensive root-protection solution for farmers - from nematodes to fungal disease, including Fusarium, for which no truly effective solution previously existed. This is the result of many years of research, and it reflects Syngenta's commitment: bringing the most advanced technologies, safer for people and the environment, to Vietnam's fields.”

ASEAN steps up digital push for agriculture MSMEs to boost competitiveness

USDA opens applications for agribusiness trade mission to Vietnam

Hanoi, Bac Ninh and Hung Yen seek closer regional integration to attract investment in smart agriculture

Rize raises $31 million to accelerate sustainable rice farming in Vietnam and Southeast Asia

Speaking at the event, Deputy Minister Nguyen Danh Huy stated that the Vietnamese government identifies modern and synchronised infrastructure as one of its strategic breakthroughs. Over the years, Vietnam has invested heavily in expressways, airports, seaports, and logistics infrastructure. In urban areas, Vietnam considers urban rail a strategic solution. This type of transportation can provide high-volume public transport services, reduce reliance on private vehicles, and support more sustainable growth.

Deputy Minister Nguyen Danh Huy. Photo: MoC

The deputy minister said Vietnam hopes to strengthen cooperation with Russia and international partners in research, technology transfer, digital transformation, green transport, human resource training, and investment attraction. Vietnam welcomes businesses, financial institutions, and investors to continue working with the country in building a modern transport system and sustainable cities. Vietnam aspires to remain a reliable investment destination and an active partner in sharing experience, developing technology, and building transport solutions tailored to each country's conditions.

During the event, the delegation from the Ministry of Construction (MoC) participated in thematic discussions on the development of urban railway systems, modern passenger transport services, and traffic navigation, and also joined technical surveys of several key transport infrastructure projects in Moscow.

The MoC delegation also held meetings with Russian State Secretary and Deputy Transport Minister Dmitry Zverev on transport cooperation.

In the aviation sector, both sides have promoted the connection of direct flights between the two countries based on the Aviation Agreement between Vietnam and the Russian Federation. To date, eight airlines, including two Vietnamese and six Russian airlines, operate Vietnam-Russia routes.

In the first six months of 2026, air transport between the two countries experienced impressive growth, reaching approximately 1.07 million passengers, a 32 per cent increase compared to the same period in 2025.

Photo: MoC

To further facilitate the opening of more flight destinations and increased flight frequencies, both sides agreed to promote exchanges, finalise negotiations, and proceed with the signing of a new agreement between the two governments and a new MoU between the civil aviation authorities of the two countries to create the most favourable conditions for the operations of airlines from both countries.

In the maritime sector, both sides highly appreciate the signing of the Protocol amending the 1993 Commercial Maritime Agreement in April 2026. To date, both sides have also completed the ratification procedures for the Protocol to enter into force.

Regarding railway cooperation, Vietnam and the Russia are active members of the Organisation for Cooperation between Railways. The two sides have reached many important agreements, such as increasing transport volume; establishing an inter-ministerial working group between Vietnam, China, and Russia; and maintaining the permanent cooperation mechanism between Vietnam Railways and Russian Railways.

During the meeting, both sides agreed to encourage the signing of an MoU on cooperation in training and developing human resources for transportation and a joint MoU on transportation in 2026, and to soon hold the second meeting of the Russia-Vietnam working group on cooperation in transportation and logistics.

Russia-Vietnam bilateral trade grows 6 per cent in 2025 Bilateral trade between Russia and Vietnam rose by 6 per cent in 2025, highlighting the continued growth of their economic partnership.

Delo Group, VIMC sign deal to develop Russia-Vietnam maritime transport Russia's Delo Group and Vietnam Maritime Corporation signed an MoU on the sidelines of the Vietnam-Russia Business Forum in Moscow on March 24.

Vietnam-Russia energy cooperation: a strategic pillar in global transition Amid a rapidly restructuring global economy shaped by geopolitical shifts, economic cooperation between Vietnam and Russia is entering a new phase with significant potential for both depth and scale.

AWE has an exciting line-up of events in the months ahead. Following the successful conclusion of the Kerry Fencing World Championships 2026 Hong Kong, China, more than 16 concerts are scheduled to take place in August and September. Together with international conventions, exhibitions and other large-scale events, these are expected to attract hundreds of thousands of visitors from Hong Kong, Mainland China and around the world.

The Ticket Stub Offer further leverages AWE's strength in bringing together world-class events and diverse visitor audiences. The first eligible event is the "The 16th Worldwide Chinese Life Insurance Congress & 2026 IDA Annual Conference", taking place at AWE over four consecutive days from 7 August. The event is expected to welcome more than 10,000 insurance professionals from around the world. Following a series of major concerts, the globally renowned "Jewellery & Gem WORLD" will be held from 14 to 18 September and is expected to attract more than 55,000 buyers from over 140 countries and regions.

Large-scale conventions and exhibitions typically run over several days, with exhibitors, buyers and delegates often extending their stay in Hong Kong. This generates economic benefits across a wide range of sectors, including hotels, food and beverage, retail, transport and tourism. By extending the Ticket Stub Offer to cover both the days before and after an event, AWE encourages business travellers to explore Hong Kong beyond their meeting, networking and sourcing itineraries, supporting the growth of bleisure travel.

The partnership also highlights AWE's strategic location adjacent to Hong Kong International Airport, enabling visitors to enjoy dining privileges conveniently throughout their journey, from arrival and event participation to departure, while delivering a seamless "Touring upon arrival; Mega events upon arrival" experience.

AWE is connected to the airport by a covered walkway, with the journey taking approximately 15 minutes on foot. Located in the public area of the Departures Hall in Terminal 1, Lin Heung Lau (HKIA) operates around the clock, making it particularly well suited to concertgoers as well as travellers departing on flights at different times of the day. Through this collaboration, AWE extends the economic impact of international events beyond the venue to the airport and neighbouring businesses, while giving overseas visitors the opportunity to experience Hong Kong's authentic Dim Sum dining culture.

Looking ahead, AWE will continue to strengthen partnerships with neighbouring businesses, the tourism sector and other stakeholders to explore more cross-sector collaborations. By connecting concerts, conventions, exhibitions, dining, retail and tourism experiences, AWE aims to encourage both leisure and business visitors to stay longer and further unlock the wider economic benefits generated by world-class events.

Download hi-res photo: https://www2.asiaworld-expo.com/2026/PressRelease/AWExLHL.zip

AsiaWorld-Expo x Lin Heung Lau (HKIA) - Ticket Stub Offer

Major Events at AWE in August and September

The investment aims to meet the growing demand for Automated Positioning Stages, key components used in the manufacturing equipment for optical transceiver modules supporting data centres, as generative AI continues to be adopted worldwide. MISUMI will also expand production capacity for components serving high-growth industries, including humanoid robotics.

According to the company, generative AI is accelerating global investment in data centre infrastructure by leading technology companies. As investment in data centres continues to expand, demand for optical component manufacturing equipment and high-precision mechanical parts is increasing accordingly.

At the same time, ongoing industrial automation and labour shortages in many countries are creating significant opportunities for the humanoid robotics industry, which is expected to become one of the key growth drivers of the manufacturing sector over the next decade.

To address these emerging market needs, MISUMI plans to expand its production capacity significantly to ensure a stable global supply for customers. Upon completion of the investment, the company's production capacity for Automated Positioning Stages is expected to increase to approximately three times the level of fiscal year 2025.

Notably, Vietnam has been selected as one of the key locations for this investment. The expansion not only strengthens MISUMI's global manufacturing network but also highlights Vietnam's increasingly important role in the high-tech industrial supply chain.

The rapid advancement of AI is reshaping the manufacturing industry. The company believes that investing in expanded production capacity will enable MISUMI to better meet customers' future needs while contributing to the sustainable development of the manufacturing industry.

In addition to expanding manufacturing capacity, MISUMI continues to advance its Digital MODEL Shift strategy to improve customer productivity. Since 2000, the company has been a pioneer in introducing online ordering platforms within the manufacturing industry. Today, its AI-powered meviy platform automatically generates quotations directly from 3D CAD data, significantly reducing the lead time from design to production while streamlining the procurement process.

According to MISUMI, the company's mission extends beyond supplying components. It aims to eliminate repetitive engineering and procurement tasks, enabling customers to focus more on innovation while improving productivity and overall competitiveness.

Vietnam and Aichi expand cooperation from manufacturing to innovation Vietnam is seeking to attract higher-quality Japanese investment and expand cooperation in innovation and startup ecosystems, Minister of Finance Ngo Van Tuan told Aichi Governor Hideaki Ohmura during talks in Hanoi.

Vietnam seeks Japanese expertise on financial reform On July 14, a delegation from Vietnam's Ministry of Finance, led by Deputy Minister Nguyen Duc Chi, held working sessions with Japan's Financial Services Agency and the Securities and Exchange Surveillance Commission in Tokyo to exchange experience in capital market development, financial innovation and securities regulation.

Japanese investors see growing opportunities in Vietnam's startup ecosystem Japanese venture capital firms and investors are deepening their engagement with Vietnam's startup ecosystem. Miki Takahiro, director of the Japan External Trade Organization in Ho Chi Minh City spoke with VIR's Thanh Van about the latest investment trends and startup opportunities.

Previously Announced Recent Business Highlights

Business Development

• Successful demonstration of a high-power 9.5Ah pouch cell designed for industrial and military drone applications. The prototype delivered exceptional power stability, retaining approximately 95% of its capacity at a 10C discharge rate, a significant improvement over typical market pouch cells, which average 78% retention at 5C. Solidion expects to make the pouch cell commercially available in Q2 2026. Solidion is working toward commercial availability of the pouch cell and will provide updates as development progresses.

• The Company unveiled its new PEAK Series, an advanced UPS battery system engineered specifically for AI data centers, leveraging the Company's high-performance 5500 silicon-carbon anode cell. The system delivers up to 30% space savings, significantly lower total cost of ownership, and up to three times longer life than conventional backup solutions. Commercial availability is expected in 2026, with Solidion currently working with select data center partners on early integration and testing.

Technological Advancements, Business Development and Corporate Updates:

• $35 Million Private Placement (June 7, 2026): Solidion announced a securities purchase agreement with a new institutional investor for 750,000 shares of common stock and pre-funded warrants to purchase 1,583,000 shares in a private placement priced above market under Nasdaq rules, generating $35 million in gross proceeds and closing on June 9, 2026. Net proceeds are earmarked to accelerate commercialization of the Company's patented Extreme-Climate Battery technology, fulfill customer demand, expand inventory, advance prototype development, and support general working capital needs, with Titan Partners, a division of American Capital Partners, serving as sole placement agent.

• Gen-ECB / Space Battery Technology (June 4, 2026): Solidion unveiled its patented Generation Extreme-Climate Battery (Gen-ECB) platform, engineered to power satellites, LEO-based AI data centers, crewed spacecraft, and future lunar infrastructure as commercial space activity accelerates. The technology leverages graphene's thermal conductivity and radiation resistance to actively manage cell temperature, enabling reliable operation from −80°C to +60°C and demonstrating over 500 charge cycles at −40°C — a key durability benchmark for missions like NASA's Artemis program. Paired with the Company's silicon-rich solid-state, anode-less lithium metal, and lithium-sulfur chemistries (targeting 380+ Wh/kg), the platform positions Solidion — backed by its 385+ patent portfolio — to supply high-reliability, domestically sourced power storage for satellites, Starship operations, and lunar surface systems, diversifying its revenue opportunity alongside its existing EV and AI data center UPS markets.

• The Company previously announced that it has entered into a non-binding Memorandum of Understanding with an entity that manufactures and distributes energy storage systems.

• The Company has been awarded a grant to advance research and development of Electrochemical Manufacturing of High-Performance Graphite Based on Biomass-Derived Carbon. This award is one of the projects funded by ARPA-E, the Advanced Research Projects Agency, from their highly competitive OPEN program.

• The Company has been awarded a grant to scale up the synthesis of a carbon-nanosphere material that will be used as an anti-corrosive additive in molten-salts-based heat transfer fluids for advanced molten salt nuclear reactors from the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE).

• The Company has been awarded a grant to develop an advanced fiber-based electronic battery system built on a coaxial carbon nanotube (CNT) yarn architecture from the U.S. Department of War/Army STTR Program.

• Solidion Technology completed a major restructuring of its August 2024 equity financing, eliminating all Series C and D Pre-Funded Warrants, along with the corresponding derivative liability, significantly strengthening the balance sheet and reducing future dilution risk. Long-term investors Madison Bond LLC and Bayside Project LLC converted their entire warrant allocation into common stock, and agreed to lock-up restrictions on those shares, subject to certain exceptions, which supports shareholder alignment and Solidion's long-term growth strategy.

CEO Statement:

"Solidion's much improved balance sheet reflects the commitment of long term shareholders and reaffirms the strategy of building an organization that can compete revenue wise," said Jaymes Winters, Chief Executive Officer of Solidion Technology.

Q2 2026 Financial Highlights

• $27.7 million in cash and cash equivalents at June 30, 2026, compared to $0.2 million at December 31, 2025. Following the completion of the private placement, the substantial doubt about the Company's ability to continue as a going concern previously disclosed has been alleviated.

• $124,914 in revenue from government grants and delivery of Solidion's proprietary silicon anode products.

• $1.4 million loss from continuing operations, reflecting decreased spending on professional services and other public company expenses.

• Net Loss of $2.9 million, or $0.35 per basic share, including a non-cash loss of $0.9 million related to change in fair value of derivatives.

See below for additional information on Solidion's operational results:

Summary of Statements of Operations for the Three Months Ended June 30, 2026 and 2025

Net Sales

Net sales increased by $120,914 for the three months ended June 30, 2026, to $124,914, compared to $4,000 for the three months ended June 30, 2025. The increase was primarily attributable to government grant revenue recognized during the period.

Operating Expenses

Operating expenses decreased by $296,546 for the three months ended June 30, 2026. This decrease was primarily driven by lower general and administrative costs, including reduced personnel and professional services expenses. Additionally, there were decreased research and development costs, including personnel expenses associated with the commercialization of our battery cell products and third-party validation testing of our proprietary silicon anode.

Other Income (Expense)

Other expense increased by $1,192,684 for the three months ended June 30, 2026. This increase was largely driven by a loss of $917,780 due to a change in the fair value of derivative liabilities related to the Forward Purchase Agreement and warrants related to the March private placement financing, compared to a loss of $216,150 in the three months ended June 30, 2025. Other expense for the quarter also included a $549,915 non-cash write-off of deferred offering costs associated with a registration statement the Company withdrew in June 2026, and interest expense of $153,597 primarily related to the Company's short-term notes.

About Solidion Technology, Inc.

Headquartered in Dallas, Texas with pilot production facilities in Dayton, Ohio, Solidion's (NASDAQ: STI) core business includes manufacturing of battery materials and components, as well as development and production of next-generation batteries for energy storage systems, including UPS systems serving the artificial intelligence (AI) data center market and electric vehicles for ground, aerospace, and sea transportation. Solidion holds a portfolio of over 385 patents, covering innovations such as high-capacity, silane gas free and graphene-enabled silicon anodes, biomass-based graphite, advanced lithium-sulfur and lithium-metal technologies.

For more information, please visit www.solidiontech.com or contact Investor Relations.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Solidion Technology Inc., (NASDAQ: STI) (the "Company," "Solidion," "we," "our" or "us") desires to take advantage of the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and is including this cautionary statement in connection with this safe harbor legislation. The words "forecasts" "believe," "may," "estimate," "continue," "anticipate," "intend," "should," "plan," "could," "target," "potential," "is likely," "expect" and similar expressions, as they relate to us, are intended to identify forward-looking statements. We undertake no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future developments or otherwise, except as may be required by law.

The partnership brings together FC Bayern, record champions of German football with fans on every continent, and LONGi, the world's No.1 solar module manufacturer (Wood Mackenzie, 2026). It is also LONGi's second major move into global sport this year, following its partnership with the BMW BERLIN-MARATHON 2026, and deepens a long-term commitment to the region at the heart of the global energy transition.

The partnership was launched on stage by Zhong Baoshen, Chairman and General Manager of LONGi; Rouven Kasper, Board Member for Marketing & Sales, FC Bayern; Charles Jiang, Vice President of LONGi, President of the PV Product Management Center; and FC Bayern legend Roy Makaay.

"POWER ON, GAME ON" is more than the slogan of a launch day. It gives the two partners a simple shared language: POWER ON carries LONGi's side, clean energy for power plants, businesses and homes; GAME ON carries FC Bayern's, the passion of the game and fans across the world. Going forward, "POWER ON, GAME ON" will serve as the unifying message across the partnership's joint campaigns, content and fan engagement, a shared expression of what LONGi and FC Bayern set out to achieve together.

The world's No.1 solar module maker meets football's record champions

Founded in 1900, FC Bayern has grown into one of the most successful and widely followed clubs in world football, defined by its "Mia san Mia" identity and a standard of performance sustained across more than a century. Founded in 2000, LONGi has spent more than 26 years holding solar technology to the same standard. Its crystalline silicon-perovskite tandem solar cell holds the world record for conversion efficiency at 35.5%, and it has retained PV Tech's highest "AAA" bankability rating for 26 consecutive quarters.

The partnership pairs that record of technology leadership with a sport built on emotion, loyalty and everyday relevance. Solar advances through lab results and decimal points; football lives in rituals, rivalries and weekend afternoons. Where the two meet, LONGi's engineering finds a place in daily life, and the game finds a partner building the future its fans will live in.

Behind the theme stands the full breadth of LONGi's business, with solutions spanning utility-scale power plants, commercial and industrial projects, and residential systems. Energy reaches people wherever they live and work, much as football reaches fans wherever they are. That connection to people is what LONGi's mission and FC Bayern's spirit have in common, and what this partnership is built on.

"FC Bayern and LONGi come from different worlds, but we are driven by the same instinct: keep improving, keep challenging ourselves, and never treat one achievement as the end. Football connects millions of people, and energy touches every one of them."_said Zhong Baoshen, Chairman and General Manager of LONGi.

"FC Bayern is synonymous with excellence on the pitch. Alongside LONGi, we're united by a shared drive for excellence and a genuine commitment to building a more sustainable future. We look forward to partnering with this global industry leader to keep renewable energy firmly in the spotlight."_said Rouven Kasper, Board Member for Marketing & Sales, FC Bayern.

That drive runs through everything LONGi makes.

From world records to everyday products

LONGi's portfolio spans the full range of solar applications, from utility-scale power plants to businesses and homes. Every product is held to the standard that set those records, engineered to be dependable in everyday use.

"Every LONGi product starts from the same question: how to turn the best solar technology into something customers can rely on every day. That discipline runs through the whole portfolio, from the modules powering the world's largest solar plants to EcoLife, our home energy series. Products are where our technology keeps its promises."_said Charles Jiang, Vice President of LONGi, President of the PV Product Management Center.

Beyond performance and products, the two are united by a commitment to sustainability.

From "Mia san Mia" to "Solar for Solar"

Through its "Solar for Solar" concept, LONGi is advancing toward net-zero emissions by 2050 and accelerating the clean energy transition. FC Bayern, through its "Mitnand" strategy, integrates environmental and social responsibility across the club. The partners will explore opportunities to bring LONGi's solar solutions into the club's own sustainability efforts, with potential applications across training facilities and stadium infrastructure.

Details of joint initiatives and fan-facing activities will be announced in due course.

From the dosing of the first participant in the RAG-17 Phase II trial on January 13, 2026, to the completion of enrollment and first dosing of all participants today, this rapid progression across all five sites underscores both the strength of physician and patient engagement in the SOD1-ALS community and the operational execution of Ractigen's clinical team. With all participants now having received their initial dose, the study advances into the critical evaluation period, during which safety, biomarker, and functional data will continue to accumulate ahead of key regulatory interactions.

RAG-17 is developed using Ractigen's proprietary SCAD™ (Smart Chemistry-Aided Delivery) platform, with positive First-in-Human (FIH) Phase 1 clinical data recently published in Nature Medicine.

"Completing enrollment and first-dose administration in our Phase II MAD trial marks a pivotal achievement for Ractigen as we advance RAG-17 along a defined, accelerated regulatory pathway," said Long-Cheng Li, M.D., Founder and CEO of Ractigen Therapeutics. "Building upon robust Phase I SAD data that demonstrated remarkable CSF SOD1 protein suppression and plasma neurofilament light chain (NfL) reduction, this milestone brings us one step closer to delivering a transformative therapy to SOD1-ALS patients. We remain fully focused on executing our clinical strategy and engaging with regulatory authorities to accelerate the development of this meaningful treatment."

RAG-17 Phase II

This Phase II trial (NCT06556394) is a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, multiple ascending dose (MAD) study designed to evaluate the safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetics (PK), pharmacodynamics (PD), and preliminary efficacy of repeated intrathecal injections of RAG-17 in patients with SOD1 mutations. The participating sites include Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University (led by Dr. Yi-Long Wang), The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine (led by Dr. Zhi-Ying Wu), West China Hospital of Sichuan University (led by Dr. Hui-Fang Shang), Fujian Medical University Union Hospital (led by Dr. Zhan-Yu Zou) and the First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University (led by Dr. Jing-Sheng Zeng).

RAG-17

RAG-17 is an investigational siRNA therapeutic candidate designed using Ractigen's proprietary SCAD™ delivery platform technology to specifically target and silence the superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1) gene mRNA. Mutations in the SOD1 gene cause a toxic gain-of-function and are a known cause of familial ALS. By reducing the production of the toxic mutant SOD1 protein, RAG-17 aims to slow or halt the progression of SOD1-ALS.

RAG-17 has obtained Orphan Drug Designation (ODD) from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and been selected for the CARE Program of the Center for Drug Evaluation (CDE), National Medical Products Administration (NMPA), which facilitates the accelerated development of rare disease therapies.

For more information, visit www.ractigen.com

CLASSYS continues to recruit and develop world-class talent while bolstering its capabilities across technology, business and global operations to support its global expansion. The appointment of Dr. Taek-Soo Kim as CTO reflects the company's commitment to strengthening its global technology leadership and preparing for its next phase of growth.

Last month, CLASSYS launched its "Next Stage" growth strategy with the appointment of Jun-oh Yoon, former Executive Vice President of Samsung Electronics, as its Chief Executive Officer (CEO). With Dr. Kim joining to execute that strategy within the R&D organization, the company plans to accelerate technological innovation and the development of next-generation products centered on AI, software, and data.

Dr. Kim plans to combine CLASSYS's established energy-based device (EBD) technologies with its extensive clinical and procedural data, applying AI to drive development of next-generation products designed to reshape the market. In particular, he will systematically incorporate feedback from clinicians and key opinion leaders (KOLs) across major global markets into the R&D process. This approach will enhance treatment efficacy, usability, safety, and the overall user experience, enabling CLASSYS to lead the global market with differentiated medical aesthetics technologies and solutions that meet market and customer expectations.

Furthermore, Dr. Kim's track record of leading large-scale R&D transformation initiatives at leading global technology organizations is expected to accelerate the implementation of CEO Yoon's global-standard management systems across the R&D organization. Through rigorous risk management and agile execution, CLASSYS will continue building a more agile and efficient R&D culture.

A CLASSYS spokesperson said, "While CEO Jun-oh Yoon combined an engineer's deep technical expertise with a strategist's global perspective to help drive Samsung's growth, CTO Taek-Soo Kim helped lead R&D transformation and technology innovation at Samsung Advanced Institute of Technology (SAIT), the company's premier advanced research organization. Together, their strengths are expected to help CLASSYS redefine the global medical aesthetics industry and establish itself as a top-tier global company."

View Full Article: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/classys-appoints-former-samsung-electronics-and-vuno-executive-dr-taek-soo-kim-as-chief-technology-officer-accelerating-its-evolution-into-a-global-medical-aesthetics-technology-company-302844406.html

Unikeyic Electronics Ranked No. 19 on Supply Chain Connect’s 2026 Top 50 Global Electronics Distributors List

For us, this is more than a ranking. It is a strong signal that the capabilities we continue to build for engineers, purchasers, and manufacturers around the world are creating real value in a fast-changing supply environment.

The full ranking was published by Supply Chain Connect on May 15 2026. See: https://www.supplychainconnect.com/rankings-research/article/55376775/2026-top-50-global-electronics-distributors-list . Supply Chain Connect is a publication of Endeavor Business Media covering the global electronics supply chain.

As a Singapore-headquartered electronic components online distributor, Unikeyic serves global engineering and procurement teams through unikeyic.com. We effectively support high-mix, low-volume sourcing requirements. Our core capabilities include:

• Scale & Breadth: Offering 300,000+ SKUs and working directly with 200+ authorized brands.
• Uncompromising Quality: Our in-house testing laboratory is CNAS-accredited and ILAC MRA-recognized, with test reports recognized in 100+ economies, helping customers source authentic, quality-assured components with confidence.
• Agile Fulfillment: Providing same-business-day dispatch for in-stock items, helping customers shorten lead times and reduce supply risks.
• Digital Integration: Offering BOM tools, RFQ support, and enterprise API integration for real-time inventory access, pricing visibility, and seamless ERP connectivity.

Unikeyic is backed by a listed parent company with more than 20 years of supply chain infrastructure, giving us a strong foundation in procurement reliability, transaction security, and operational stability. Today, we serve customers across 100+ countries and regions, offering flexible payment options and dedicated support to R&D teams and manufacturers worldwide.

We would like to thank our customers, suppliers, and partners for the trust and support they have shown us over the past year. This recognition would not have been possible without your continued collaboration.

Looking ahead, we will keep investing in inventory depth, brand coverage, quality assurance, digital procurement capabilities, and global service efficiency. Entering the global top 20 is an important milestone, but more importantly, it strengthens our commitment to helping customers source with greater speed, confidence, and flexibility.

More Stock. More Brands. Trusted by More. That's the Unikeyic standard.

Commencing operations in 2023, Attovia develops next‑generation biotherapeutics for immune‑mediated diseases with high unmet medical needs. All of Attovia's product candidates are discovered on its ATTOBODY biologics platform, which is licensed under an exclusive worldwide license from Alamar Biosciences, also a portfolio company of Qiming Venture Partners. Leveraging an evolution‑based high‑throughput workflow, the platform enables rapid discovery of highly diverse candidates that can be assembled into monospecific, bispecific and trispecific biologics.

Leveraging the ATTOBODY platform, Attovia has nominated three product candidates: ATTO‑1310, ATTO‑2306 and ATTO‑1091. As disclosed in the prospectus, proceeds from this IPO will mainly be used to advance the clinical development of ATTO‑1310, ATTO‑2306 and the research pipeline including ATTO‑1091, among other purposes.

Dr. Kan Chen, Partner and Healthcare Co-Lead at Qiming Venture Partners, commented: "Immune‑mediated diseases affect large patient populations worldwide and substantial unmet clinical needs persist with current standard‑of‑care therapies. Attovia's differentiated ATTOBODY platform, in‑licensed from Alamar Biosciences, provides a powerful engine for engineering complex multi‑specific biologics. Qiming Venture Partners maintains a long‑term focus on investing in pioneering‑innovation biotech companies. We backed Attovia at its early stage and witnessed the team advance platform technology into clinical‑stage assets. Proceeds from this Nasdaq IPO will strongly support further advancement of its core pipeline. We look forward to Attovia delivering novel therapeutics to benefit patients globally."

Qiming Venture Partners

Qiming Venture Partners was founded in 2006. Currently, Qiming Venture Partners manages eleven US Dollar funds and seven RMB funds with $9.5 billion in capital raised. Since our establishment, we have invested in outstanding companies in the Technology and Healthcare industries at the early and growth stages.

Since our debut, we have backed over 580 fast-growing and innovative companies. Over 210 of our portfolio companies have achieved exits through IPOs at the NYSE, NASDAQ, HKEX, Shanghai Stock Exchange, or Shenzhen Stock Exchange, or through M&A or other means. There are also over 80 portfolio companies that have achieved unicorn or super unicorn status.

Many of our portfolio companies are today's most influential firms in their respective sectors, including Xiaomi, Meituan, Bilibili, Zhihu, Roborock, Hesai Technology, UBTech, WeRide, HyperStrong, Insta360, Unisound, Biren Technology, Z.ai, Gan & Lee Pharmaceuticals, Tigermed, Zai Lab, CanSino Biologics, Schrödinger, APT Medical, Sanyou Medical, AmoyDx, SinocellTech, Insilico Medicine, AusperBio, Yuanxin Technology, Medilink Therapeutics, LaNova Medicines, StepFun, among many others.

The three-year private placement note was issued on July 15, 2026, with a coupon rate of 2.50% per annum. The offering was oversubscribed by Chinese onshore and international investors with a book coverage ratio of 2.3 times.

The transaction is a significant milestone for Seaspan as the first international ship owner and operator to successfully access the Panda Bond market.

Beyond establishing a new funding channel, the transaction supports Seaspan's strategy to diversify its sources of capital and broaden its access to unsecured debt, strengthening the company's ability to invest in its fleet, pursue growth opportunities, and create long-term value for customers and stakeholders.

"The issuance demonstrates the confidence that investors have in Seaspan's credit quality, business model, strong financial profile, and sustainable growth strategy," said Andreas Brauch, Chief Financial Officer. "Expanding our access to China's domestic capital markets further diversifies our funding sources and improves our access to cost-efficient capital, enhancing our long-term growth objectives to support our customers with one of the world's largest and most modern fleets."

The Panda Bond issuance marks an important highpoint in Seaspan's participation in Chinese capital markets, where the company has strategic partnerships across the maritime ecosystem, including chartering, shipbuilding, financing, and maritime services.

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

A Growing Secondary Market and the Case for Regulated Dealers

The Bloomberg Subdial Watch Index, which tracks the 50 most-traded references by transaction value, recorded its best half-year performance since early 2022 in the first half of 2025, reflecting a broader shift in buyer preference towards the secondary channel.

The growth of the pre-owned segment has been driven by a combination of factors, including tighter supply of popular references at authorised dealers, record gold prices lifting new watch retail costs, and a shift among buyers towards immediate availability and market-reflective pricing.

Founded in 2020, Times Avenue has grown alongside this trend, transacting more than 3,000 authenticated timepieces from its Beach Road boutique over its first five years of operation. The boutique's inventory is weighted towards luxury Swiss timepieces including Rolex, Patek Philippe, Audemars Piguet, Tudor and Cartier, with a focus on sought-after references that are typically subject to long waiting lists in the primary market.

At the same time, authentication and fraud risks in the secondary channel have drawn public attention, including the recent prosecution of an Italian national who attempted to trade a "fake" Rolex GMT Saru at a Singapore retailer. Both developments underline the importance of sourcing from licensed, regulated dealers.

Licensed secondhand goods dealers like Times Avenue operate under frameworks that impose customer due diligence, transaction reporting, record-keeping, and stock movement obligations. Exempted by the Singapore Police Force and a fully regulated dealer under the Ministry of Law, Times Avenue ensures that every watch sold undergoes rigorous in-house authentication before it reaches the client, and each piece is covered by an in-house warranty, giving buyers assurance of authenticity for every transaction.

Times Avenue also offers in-person buying from the public, trade-ins, consignment, and authentication, alongside retail, covering both the acquisition and resale ends of the secondary market.

Clients and prospective buyers can view current inventory, arrange private viewings, or request a sourcing consultation at https://horologymaison.com/contact-us/.

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

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

“Its rapid industrialisation, growing manufacturing capabilities, and investment in high-value industries make it one of the most exciting growth markets in Asia-Pacific,” Lee said.

LAPP Vietnam launched on August 6 in Ho Chi Minh City. Photo: LAPP

"As Vietnam moves towards more advanced manufacturing, greater automation, and sustainable industrial development, reliable connectivity becomes increasingly important. Behind every automated production line, every robotic system, and every piece of critical equipment is dependable connection technology. That is where LAPP brings value, delivering the German-engineered reliability needed to power the region's next wave of sustainable growth," Lee added.

Although he did not directly answer whether LAPP plans to establish a manufacturing facility in Vietnam, he said any such decision would ultimately depend on the market's long-term growth potential.

"Vietnam is home to more than 400 industrial parks nationwide. Assuming each industrial park accommodates around 100 factories, there are roughly 40,000 manufacturing facilities currently in operation. When evaluating an investment opportunity, we look beyond market size. We closely monitor the number of active customers, the frequency of repeat purchases, and the long-term growth prospects of key industrial sectors," he said.

According to Danny Lai, managing director of LAPP Asia-Pacific, Vietnam has been one of the company's fastest-growing markets in the region over the past five years. "Sustained double-digit growth, coupled with rising foreign investment, has made Vietnam a strategic market for us," Lai said.

He added that another key advantage is that many of LAPP's customers from Europe, Japan, South Korea, and China are investing in or expanding their manufacturing operations in Vietnam.

"Through our global presence, we can support customers seamlessly across multiple markets, enabling them to maintain consistent technical standards when implementing projects in Vietnam," he said.

Looking ahead, LAPP plans to further expand its presence in Vietnam's key industrial hubs.

"Bac Ninh is a particularly important market due to its high concentration of manufacturing facilities and foreign-invested enterprises. Central Vietnam is also an area of strategic interest as we pursue our next phase of expansion," Lai said.

LAPP currently operates six manufacturing facilities across Asia, producing a wide range of products. In addition to industrial cables, the company manufactures connectivity components such as industrial connectors, USB connectors, plugs, and integrated connectivity solutions for customers in the manufacturing, industrial automation, and high-tech sectors.

Globally, LAPP is focusing on several high-growth industries with strong demand for advanced connectivity solutions, including semiconductors and high-tech electronics, data centres, intralogistics (smart warehousing), and the automotive industry.

JJ-LAPP was an equal-share joint venture originally founded in 2004 with Jebsen & Jessen Group. Following its acquisition of JJ-LAPP in 2025, the German family-owned company is now bringing its regional operations under the unified LAPP brand.

The acquisition comes at a time when Vietnam is seeing significant investment in AI-driven data centres, automated manufacturing facilities, and renewable energy infrastructure. These developments are creating growing demand for specialised cable and connection solutions that can support high-performance applications while withstanding the region’s challenging tropical environments.

Asia-Pacific is already LAPP’s fastest growing region, with a strong double-digit growth rate in fiscal year 2025. To drive this growth, LAPP will leverage Indonesia as a core regional manufacturing hub to shorten lead times, alongside Vietnam as a key commercial hub.

Thai Stark Corporation PCL swallows Vietnamese cable manufacturers for $240 million Stark Corporation PCL of Thailand has completed the purchase of 100 per cent equity in Thinh Phat Cables JSC (Thipha) and Dong Viet Non-Ferrous & Plastic JSC for $240 million.

The 2026 Sustainable Development Dialogue took place on August 6 at Nestlé Vietnam's Bong Sen Factory in Hung Yen province, discussing how stronger collaboration between enterprises, local governments, and the state can accelerate Vietnam's transition towards a greener, more resilient economy.

Nguyen Quang Vinh, vice chairman of the Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry, said 2026 marks a turning point in the country's development journey.

"In the past, discussions on sustainable development often began with environmental protection, social responsibility, or corporate governance. Today, the more important question is how sustainable development can become an integral part of competitiveness and a new engine of growth," he said.

"Sustainability is no longer solely the responsibility of ESG or sustainability departments. It has become a shared agenda for business leaders, investors, employees, supply chains, local governments and the entire economy," he added.

He noted that global uncertainties have made resilience an essential business capability. Companies today must manage costs and markets alongside their ability to withstand disruptions. Meanwhile, the green transition has evolved beyond an environmental programme into a competition for technology, capital, energy, markets, and production capabilities.

Vinh said Vietnam is entering a new development phase with increasingly coherent policy directions. Recent major policy resolutions collectively promote growth driven by science, technology and innovation, improve the quality of investment attraction, and encourage a greener, smarter and more resilient growth model.

He called on businesses to lead innovation, digital and green transformation, responsible investment and workforce development. Local governments, he said, should create transparent, efficient and predictable investment environments while strengthening infrastructure, talent and innovation ecosystems. At the national level, continued institutional reforms, fair competition and more effective resource allocation will be critical to enhancing Vietnam's competitiveness.

"If these four forces move in the same direction, I believe rapid growth and sustainable development will not conflict with each other. They can become two complementary pillars of Vietnam's new development model," he said.

Photo: Quoc Tuan

Nguyen Hoa Cuong, vice president of the Institute of Policy and Strategy Studies, cited the UOB Business Outlook 2025 survey, which found that 90 per cent of Vietnamese businesses recognise the importance of sustainable development, while 75 per cent have already begun implementing sustainability initiatives.

He said integrating sustainability into product development, supply chain management and customer engagement can create long-term strategic advantages. "Sustainability reporting is no longer just a communications document – it is a management tool. Environmental, social, and governance standards are not the final destination but the starting point of a data-driven governance model," Cuong said.

To maximise the value of sustainability reporting, he recommended that businesses integrate reporting into their governance systems rather than treating it as a standalone exercise, build reliable datasets, particularly emissions data, and use those data to support strategic decision-making instead of simply meeting disclosure requirements.

Photo: Nestlé

Nestlé Vietnam's Bong Sen Factory manager Dau Van Hoan shared how the company is combining digital transformation with sustainability, shifting from smart factory operations to broader local development.

According to Hoan, the factory is pursuing Nestlé's vision of becoming a globally connected company with strong local roots through three strategic pillars: digital transformation and consumer-focused operations, sustainable development, and innovation centred on people.

The factory has adopted advanced technologies including AI-powered quality inspection systems, real-time data monitoring and automated process controls to improve efficiency and minimise waste. Between 2018 and 2025, these initiatives reduced paper consumption by 80 per cent, increased labour productivity per hour by 52 per cent, saved 11,800 gigajoules of energy and conserved 38,700 cubic metres of water.

Automation has also expanded through the deployment of robots for spare-parts delivery and cleaning, smart ventilation systems, automated sampling, 3D printing, CNC machining, automated warehouses and robotic palletising systems.

As a result, the factory has generated 3,000 hours for continuous improvement activities, achieved annual savings of VND22 billion ($850,000), added 6,000 pallet storage positions and shortened spare-parts procurement time from seven days to just eight hours, while improving employee engagement.

Hoan stressed that sustainable growth begins with investing in people. "Technology does not replace people; it empowers people, many factory operators have developed into multi-skilled specialists, technical experts and managers within Nestlé's global network."

The company has also partnered with Hung Yen University of Technology and Education to develop a workforce equipped for digital transformation.

Drawing from the factory's experience, Nestlé identified four key lessons: digital transformation is the foundation rather than the destination; digitalisation accelerates the green transition; people must lead technology adoption; and sustainable value is created by extending innovation to local communities.

"Technology can be acquired, but an empowered digital mindset with human-centric creates lasting value," Hoan said.

Photo: Nestlé

Binu Jacob, CEO of Nestlé Vietnam and co-chair of the Vietnam Business Council for Sustainable Development, said Bong Sen Factory demonstrates how digital and green transformation can be implemented simultaneously with people at the centre.

"Bong Sen is more than a factory. It is one of Nestlé's most modern, technology-driven sites, a place where digital and green transformation come to life every single day. When we talk about 'human-centric dual transformation', this is where those words become machines, processes, and most importantly - people," he said.

Jacob believes Nestlé deliberately chose Hung Yen for its investment because of the province's remarkable improvements in the business environment. Between 2020 and 2024, Hung Yen's Provincial Competitiveness Index ranking rose from 53rd place to the country's top 10, reflecting strong cooperation between local authorities and businesses.

"Nestlé's investment in Hung Yen demonstrates the value that can be created when businesses and local governments build trust and grow together," he added.

Vietnam key to Nestlé’s vision and strategy Geopolitical tensions and market volatility are reshaping global business strategies, yet for long-established multinational companies, short-term fluctuations rarely dictate long-term direction.

Asia-Pacific countries convene to advance green agricultural value chains and forest protection Governments, industry representatives, smallholder organisations, development partners and technical experts from across Asia-Pacific are gathering this week in Vietnam to strengthen regional collaboration on traceable agricultural value chains that are decoupled from deforestation.

Regenerative agriculture helps Vietnamese coffee tackle green barriers In light of stricter requirements on sustainability, traceability, and carbon emissions, regenerative agriculture could enhance the competitiveness of Vietnam’s coffee industry while improving livelihoods.

Champions unveiled for National U11 Football Championship 2026 The 2026 National U11 Football Championship – Nestlé MILO Cup concluded at the Dak Lak Indoor Sports Arena on August 5.

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

The "TIGER" action framework of CUHK 2026–2030 forms five interconnected strategic directions. It reflects a united, well-coordinated and actionable commitment from the entire University to progressively realise our vision of "Leaping to Greatness" that symbolises CUHK's continued evolution to pursue purpose-driven excellence, impact-oriented outcomes and lasting societal contributions with innovation, rigour and responsibility.

The five interconnected strategic pillars in CUHK 2026–2030 include:

• T – Talent Attraction and Development
• I – Institutional Development
• G – Global and Alumni Engagement
• E – Education and Student Experience
• R – Research and Innovation

Embracing the new vision with agility characterised in the spirit of a tiger

In his remarks, Professor Dennis Lo Yuk-ming, Vice-Chancellor and President of CUHK, said: "The five key areas of the Strategic Plan form the 'TIGER' action framework that embodies courage, agility and drive, underscoring CUHK's development vision which will be realised through precise planning and rigorous execution. CUHK will continue to drive breakthroughs in life and health sciences, artificial intelligence (AI), quantum science and other frontier fields, and participate in national scientific research initiatives, leveraging Hong Kong's unique advantages and position as China's most international city, with an aim of cultivating world-class talent and new knowledge that benefit the world."

Aligning with the strategic planning of China and the Hong Kong SAR

Professor Lo said: "CUHK 2026-2030is the first five-year strategic plan formulated since I assumed office in 2025. It marks a major milestone in the University's development in timely alignment with the five-year planning of China and the Hong Kong SAR. At a time of profound global transformation, technological advances are reshaping the world and redefining the role of universities in society. CUHK has joined the world's top 20 for the first time in the latest Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) World University Rankings, rising to the 18^th place. This is a testament to the University's progress in the past 63 years signifying our global academic influence."

Professor John Chai Yat-chiu, Chairman of the CUHK Council; Professor Dennis Lo Yuk-ming, Vice-Chancellor and President of CUHK, Professor Isabella Poon Wai-yin, Provost of CUHK, Professor Anthony Chan Tak-cheung, Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Alumni / Community Engagement & Institutional Advancement), Professor Jiang Liwen, Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Research & External Affairs) and Mr Albert Chow Hing-pong, Vice-President (Administration), together with other members of the University's senior management, attended the media luncheon today to mark the official launch.

Creating value to benefit humanity

Professor Isabella Poon Wai-yin, Provost of CUHK, introduced the University's priority areas and said: "In face of global challenges such as the AI revolution, sustainable development and climate change, universities carry an unprecedentedly vital mission. A truly impactful university does not merely respond to the present needs of the era, but will also actively shape the direction of our future. Through interdisciplinary, cross-regional and cross-sector collaborations, we aim to translate CUHK's deep academic foundation, unique collegiate system and global network into a driving force for social progress and innovation."

Team spirit of CUHK leadership in co-creating the development blueprint

The formulation of CUHK 2026-2030 was a year-long collaborative effort overseen by the Strategic Plan Steering Committee chaired by Professor Lo with support from the senior management team and consultation from the broad CUHK community, from conceptualisation, drafting to visual design. This multi-faceted collaboration fully demonstrates the team spirit of the CUHK community in propelling the University toward a new chapter. The visual design of the Strategic Plan agenda features circular lines and patterns representing the letters "C" and "U" for CUHK. The concentric-circle motif also symbolises CUHK members coming together like concentric circles, uniting their strengths to work towards common goals. The visual palette centres on the university colours of purple and gold, representing passion and loyalty (purple), alongside perseverance and resolve (gold). For details of the Strategic Plan, please refer to https://www.cuhk2030.cuhk.edu.hk.

Key Initiatives

Establishing the 10th College for postgraduates

CUHK will establish a postgraduate college as its 10th college. This initiative will extend the University's long-standing collegiate system to the postgraduate community, creating a vibrant, international environment for cross-disciplinary dialogue, holistic development and lifelong networking.

In addition, CUHK will develop flagship international undergraduate programmes and signature schemes embedding innovation, entrepreneurship and concepts of sustainability into the curriculum. It will also strengthen industry-academia collaboration and knowledge transfer to attract and nurture outstanding local and international innovative talents. CUHK will also revitalise its General Education curriculum with national and global perspectives. Moreover, the University will strengthen collaboration with CUHK-Shenzhen and other institutions in the GBA and expand opportunities for exchange and internships abroad to support students' holistic development and lifelong learning.

Attracting global talent and expanding international impact

CUHK will leverage its strengths as an international research university to attract outstanding students, scholars and researchers from around the world, fostering a diverse and inclusive academic community. Currently, approximately 56% of CUHK's professors come from outside Hong Kong while the University achieved a perfect score in the QS international faculty ratio indicator, demonstrating its success in attracting top academic talent globally.

This year, applications from non-local students increased by about 20% compared with last year. Applications from regions outside the Chinese Mainland rose even more significantly, by 75%, with most applicants coming from Southeast Asia and the Middle East, reflecting CUHK's growing international appeal. To attract exceptional students, CUHK launched the Fenghuang Scholarship this year. The scholarship offers outstanding students who achieve excellent results in local and overseas public examinations financial support, together with overseas exchange opportunities. Through this initiative, the University aims to attract high-calibre young talent and nurture future leaders with a global vision, innovative capabilities and a strong sense of social responsibility.

Driving interdisciplinary research to address global challenges

CUHK will seize opportunities arising from the Northern Metropolis, the Hetao Cooperation Zone and the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, while focusing on frontier fields including life and health technologies, AI, quantum science and green technology. The University will further integrate into the national research and innovation ecosystem and actively participate in major scientific initiatives spanning space, polar research and deep-sea studies, fostering comprehensive development from Antarctic expeditions and space missions to the translation of world-class innovations.

In recent years, CUHK has been actively demonstrating its research excellence. Notable achievements include the successful launch of CUHK Sat-1, the world's first AI satellite dedicated to urban sustainable development, and leading the development of the laser heterodyne spectrometer selected for the nation's Tianwen-3 Mars exploration mission. These accomplishments underscore the University's pivotal role in supporting national strategic science and technology development. Furthermore, the Hong Kong Centre for Logistics Robotics, an InnoHK centre established by CUHK, founded Hong Kong's first full-stack embodied intelligence laboratory in 2026 to drive frontier technologies in embodied AI and robotics, further consolidating Hong Kong's position as an international innovation and technology hub.

https://www.cuhk.edu.hk/

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

The model was put to its first real-world test at Dr Cipto Mangunkusumo National Central General Hospital (RSCM) in Jakarta. HeartSpan.ai, the heart longevity division of Borderless Healthcare Group (BHG), connected RSCM with the world's smallest and lightest LVAD, an intensive training programme at Fuwai Hospital in Beijing and support from Fuwai specialists during the first procedure.

On 1 August 2026, RSCM's cardiovascular team completed Indonesia's first successful implantation of the device, also marking its first successful use in Southeast Asia. The recipient was a 45-year-old woman with advanced heart failure and a left ventricular ejection fraction of 14%. Beyond the clinical milestone, the programme tests whether a hospital can establish the multidisciplinary systems needed to sustain the therapy after visiting specialists leave.

That capability question is also relevant to Singapore, where the National Heart Centre estimates that heart failure affects 4-5% of the population, compared with 1-2% globally. HeartSpan.ai's proposition is that Singapore can use its specialist expertise to organise regional networks through which technology, training and clinical knowledge travel together. The initiative comes as the country begins implementing its S$37 billion RIE2030 plan, focusing on advancing biomedtech and biomanufacturing, and translating research and innovation into practical healthcare solutions.

Led by Singaporean founder Dr Wei Siang Yu, HeartSpan.ai is positioning this as a new model for cross-border healthcare innovation. Its approach combines physical implementation and specialist training on the ground with a medical knowledge-sharing cloud and agentic AI, allowing clinical expertise and care models to be transferred, retained and replicated beyond an individual procedure. The Indonesia programme provides the first real-world demonstration of how this model can work.

As HeartSpan.ai expands the model into other markets, the company aims to establish Singapore as the base from which its healthcare technologies, clinical models and intellectual property can be deployed across the region. This comes as Singapore begins implementing its S$37 billion RIE2030 plan, with biomedtech and biomanufacturing among its priorities and an emphasis on translating research and innovation into practical applications. HeartSpan.ai's regional expansion demonstrates how Singapore-based healthcare companies can contribute to that position by taking locally led innovation and new healthcare business models into international markets.

"What we are building is not a traditional medical services model. We are creating an IP-led healthcare model that brings together medical technology, clinical protocols and procedures, specialist know-how, training, agentic AI and a medical knowledge-sharing cloud into one scalable platform. By converging the online and offline elements of healthcare delivery, that intellectual property and capability can be deployed into different markets rather than remaining tied to one hospital or geography. Indonesia is the first demonstration of how this model can work in practice, and our ambition is to scale it across the region," said Dr Wei Siang Yu, Founder and Chairman of BHG and Founder of HeartSpan.ai.

"The successful implantation of the LVAD is a significant achievement, not only for RSCM but also for the advancement of healthcare services regionally. This accomplishment demonstrates that Indonesia is capable of providing advanced cardiovascular therapies that meet international standards through collaboration with global partners, strengthening the competencies of healthcare professionals, and leveraging the latest healthcare technologies. Most importantly, this milestone brings new hope to patients with advanced heart failure, who previously had very limited treatment options," said Dr. Supriyanto Dharmoredjo, President Director of RSCM.

The introduction of LVAD implantation expands access to highly specialized cardiovascular care, reduces the need for eligible patients to seek complex treatment overseas, and strengthens Indonesia's national capabilities in advanced heart failure management.

"Successful LVAD therapy extends far beyond the operating theatre. It requires rigorous patient selection, seamless coordination between cardiologists, surgeons, intensivists, nurses and LVAD coordinators, as well as structured long-term follow-up. Through our collaboration with HeartSpan.ai and Fuwai Hospital, RSCM has established the multidisciplinary care model, clinical protocols and specialist capabilities needed to build a sustainable advanced heart failure program for Indonesia," said Dr. Birry Karim, Head of the Cardiovascular Department at RSCM.

"Our patient's recovery has been encouraging. She has successfully weaned from mechanical ventilation and extubated at post-op day 1. Her condition has stabilized, and rehabilitation has already begun. While the post-operative period remains critical and requires close monitoring, these early clinical outcomes are very encouraging. This successful implantation demonstrates what can be achieved through meticulous surgical planning and multidisciplinary teamwork. We look forward to offering this life-saving therapy to more eligible patients in Indonesia," said Dr. M. Arza Putra, Lead Cardiovascular and Thoracic Surgeon at RSCM.

Building on this milestone, HeartSpan.ai envisions a future where artificial intelligence, regenerative medicine and advanced mechanical circulatory support converge within an integrated ecosystem to extend life, optimise healthspan and transform the management of advanced heart failure. Beyond advancing patient care, this initiative led by HeartSpan.ai and implemented locally through Indonesia.md, BHG's Indonesia-focused subsidiary and the exclusive distributor of the LVAD in Indonesia, aims to accelerate the transfer of advanced medical technologies from China and other countries to Indonesia, strengthening local capabilities through specialist education, knowledge transfer, research collaboration and, ultimately, an introduction of advanced medical device manufacturing in Indonesia.

https://www.heartspan.ai/

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

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

Vietnam is approaching a defining infrastructure decision. The proposed north–south high-speed railway is a test of how the country wants to grow over the next several decades: how it connects its major cities, how it opens up new economic corridors, and how it supports a more efficient and lower-carbon model of development. If delivered well, it could reshape national mobility and become one of the country’s most important long-term growth platforms.

But projects of this scale do not succeed on ambition alone. Based on Arup’s international experience on projects such as the California High-Speed Rail, and High Speed 1 in the United Kingdom, we see that high-speed rail works best when it is treated not as a prestige project, but as a long-term national development strategy.

That means being realistic about funding, disciplined about delivery and clear about how rail investment will shape cities, communities and the wider economy. For Vietnam, the question is not only whether high-speed rail is worth pursuing. It is whether the right foundations are being put in place now to make the project effective, affordable and valuable over time.

The California High-Speed Rail project illustrates how high-speed rail succeeds as a long-term national strategy

As a starting point in making decisions about major infrastructure, it’s important to be clear about the problem that it is meant to solve. The case for high-speed rail goes beyond faster journey times. A line linking Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City through key provincial centres has the potential to improve access to jobs, bolster tourism, reduce travel friction across the nation, and support a more balanced pattern of development.

For Vietnam, this matters because transport infrastructure influences business investment, population growth, and how economic opportunity is shared across regions. The success of Vietnam’s rail ambitions will depend less on speed, and more on how cities grow around it.

That wider strategic case should also shape how funding is discussed. The upfront cost will be significant, but the long-term value of high-speed rail cannot be judged by ticket revenue alone. As economic drivers, these projects can lift land values, attract investment, reshape station districts and widen access to employment and services.

That is why transit-oriented development should be planned from the beginning with stations designed as vibrant hubs where housing, commerce, public space and mobility come together. Done well, this can improve both project economics and urban quality. Done badly, it can fuel speculation without delivering public benefit.

Transit-oriented development is considered a key factor in improving a project's financial performance, enhancing urban quality, and strengthening connectivity

A high-speed rail line is only as useful as the journeys it connects to, so integration needs to be factored into precinct planning. If passengers arrive at stations and then face congestion, weak public transport links or long last-mile travel times, much of the benefit is lost.

This is particularly relevant in fast-growing cities, where transport systems are still catching up with urban expansion. In Vietnam, station planning should be closely tied to metro networks, buses, airports and surrounding precinct development. The goal should be a seamless end-to-end journey, not simply a faster trip between two major cities.

Achieving this requires delivery capability as much as engineering ambition. Large rail programmes depend on governance, procurement and execution. Decisions on packaging, risk allocation, approvals and sequencing will shape whether the project can be delivered efficiently over many years.

Vietnam is pursuing a broader wave of infrastructure expansion, which makes institutional capability even more important. A successful high-speed rail programme will need a clear delivery model, realistic phasing and strong coordination across agencies and local authorities. Early contractor involvement, leveraging international expertise early, can also yield benefits by improving cost certainty and optimising sequencing, methodology, and enabling innovation in design.

Interestingly, major infrastructure projects also enable nations to build up domestic capability. High-speed rail can help strengthen engineering capability, digital systems knowledge, operations management, specialist construction skills and local supply chains, and that requires long-term workforce planning, partnerships with universities and industry, and contracts that genuinely support knowledge transfer. If approached this way, infrastructure projects can help build a stronger national transport and infrastructure ecosystem, in addition to creating a valuable asset for the country.

None of this will be easy without public confidence. Projects of this scale extend over many years and need consistent public support. That means being transparent about route choices, land acquisition, resettlement, cost, timing and expected benefits. People need to understand not just what is being built, but how it will improve mobility, access and economic opportunity. Clear communication and credible governance are essential to building the trust required for delivery.

Vietnam has a major opportunity in front of it. A well-planned high-speed rail programme could improve national connectivity, support more balanced regional growth, and strengthen the country’s long-term competitiveness. It could also offer a model for how Southeast Asian countries think about large-scale rail investment: not just as a way to move faster, but as a way to build better-connected, more resilient and more productive places.

High-speed rail should not be pursued for symbolism, but when the strategic case is strong, the delivery model is credible, and the wider public value is clear. If Vietnam can align those fundamentals, high-speed rail could become a transformative piece of infrastructure and a platform for long-term national development.

Arup honoured with multiple awards at HKIE 50th Anniversary Arup, has been recognised with eight awards at The Hong Kong Institution of Engineers (HKIE) 50th Anniversary Legacy Award, including five Grand Awards and three Merit Awards.

Smart cities, factories critical to national competitiveness Smart cities and smart factories are emerging as critical foundations for national competitiveness as global competition increasingly hinges on control of data, digital infrastructure, and core technologies.

Arup and YJK launch AI Designer for structural engineering Arup and YJK, a leading engineering software solutions company in mainland China, launched AI Designer in Hong Kong, integrating design optimisation and artificial intelligence to improve engineering efficiency and decarbonisation.

The signing ceremony took place during the Vietnam Green Finance Summit in Ho Chi Minh City on August 6. The signing was witnessed by representatives from regulatory bodies, financial institutions, investors, international organisations, and the business community, notably including the representative from the Consulate General of Switzerland in Ho Chi Minh City.

This initiative marks a significant milestone in Nam A Bank’s journey to elevate its international standing and expand the scale of its sustainable capital flows.

The summit attracted over 200 delegates, including leaders from regulatory bodies, financial institutions, as well as foreign investors and business communities. Photo courtesy of Nam A Bank

The Vietnam Green Finance Summit 2026 is an annual forum held by Nam A Bank in collaboration with FiinGroup, the Vietnam International Financial Centre in Ho Chi Minh City, and GGGI. As a co-organiser, Nam A Bank aims to build a gateway connecting mechanisms, policies, and international capital sources with the needs of the domestic business community.

The summit holds strategic significance in resolving technical impediments, standardising ESG criteria, and enhancing the bankability of green projects, thereby facilitating the effective connection and disbursement of global financial resources in Vietnam.

The summit saw the participation of the high-ranking Swiss diplomatic representative and the receipt of funding from SIFEM. This underscores Nam A Bank's prestige, financial strength, and transparent governance standards according to international partners.

To unlock this source of long-term financing, Nam A Bank met the rigorous standards of Swiss partners' in-depth assessment systems regarding risk management capabilities, operational transparency, and the effectiveness of its sustainable development portfolio.

Nam A Bank will allocate these international funds to its green credit portfolio, directly financing small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) as well as renewable energy, energy efficiency, and climate change response initiatives in Vietnam towards the Net Zero 2050 goal.

Vo Hoang Hai, deputy CEO of Nam A Bank, said, “The partnership with SIFEM and responsAbility underscores Nam A Bank’s transparent operational standards and ESG governance capabilities in line with stringent global benchmarks. We are committed to make efficient use of the resources to implement the financial inclusion strategy, facilitating SME access to green capital and driving sustainable development for the economy.”

The partnership with SIFEM and responsAbility builds upon Nam A Bank’s success in diversifying its international funding sources. Notably, Nam A Bank has continuously strengthened collaboration with leading global financial institutions and development organisations such as J.P. Morgan, IFC, ADB, FMO, SIFEM, Proparco, Symbiotics, BlueOrchard, and responsAbility. Thus, the bank can successfully mobilise substantial international capital, contributing to the diversification of the bank’s funding structure.

Since the beginning of 2026, Nam A Bank has successfully secured nearly $300 million in international funding from reputable partners. The partnership between Nam A Bank and prestigious international financial institutions is built on a solid foundation of financial strength and sustainable governance standards.

As the Swiss Development Finance Institution, SIFEM is managing an investment portfolio exceeding $1 billion, focusing on supporting the private sector through investments in SMEs, financial inclusion, sustainable agriculture, renewable energy, healthcare, and other high-impact sectors.

SIFEM adheres to rigorous international ESG standards and frequently co-invests with leading global development finance institutions, including IFC, EIB, FMO and British International Investment. This reflects its stringent investment selection and due diligence process in line with international standards.

responsAbility Investments AG is a leading Swiss asset manager in impact investing, specialising in managing investments for sustainable development and financial inclusion in emerging markets.

Banks ramp up plans to establish VIFC subsidiaries Banks are accelerating plans to set up subsidiary banks at the Vietnam International Financial Centre to expand the ecosystem and enhance international competitiveness.

Nam A Bank adopts SIMO fraud monitoring system Nam A Bank has become one of the early adopters of the SIMO system, a new fraud monitoring service for payment accounts and e-wallets.

Nam A Bank partners with ADB to promote trade finance Nam A Bank has joined the Asian Development Bank's Trade and Supply Chain Finance Programme (TSCFP), strengthening its trade finance capabilities and expanding its international reach.

In this role, Ha will lead Sandoz’s business in Vietnam, focusing on accelerating sustainable growth and expanding access to high-quality, affordable medicines for patients across the country.

Vo Thi Thuy Ha, new country head of Sandoz Vietnam. Photo: Sandoz

Ha brings more than 20 years of leadership experience across healthcare and consumer sectors, including over 15 years in the pharmaceutical industry. She has extensive experience in general management, commercial operations, market access, policy engagement and business transformation across Vietnam and the Asia-Pacific region.

Most recently, Ha served as executive director and country lead for Organon Vietnam, where she successfully led the company through a period of transformation and growth. Before this, she held senior leadership positions with MSD across Vietnam, Taiwan and Asia-Pacific, with responsibility for market access and multiple therapeutic areas.

Boon Huey Ee, head of Sandoz Asia Cluster, said, “Ha is an accomplished leader with deep experience across Vietnam's healthcare sector and a proven track record of building high-performing organisations, driving business transformation and delivering sustainable growth. Her leadership, strategic perspective and commitment to improving patient access make her well positioned to lead our business in Vietnam.”

“As we continue expanding access to high-quality, affordable medicines for patients across the country, I am confident that Ha will build on our strong foundation and lead the next chapter of growth for Sandoz Vietnam. I look forward to working with Ha and the team as we continue delivering on our purpose of pioneering access for patients.”

Ha said, “I am honoured to join Sandoz and lead the Vietnam business. Sandoz has a strong heritage of expanding access to high-quality, affordable medicines, and I look forward to building on that foundation in Vietnam. By working closely with healthcare professionals, policymakers and our partners, we can help improve access to treatment across key therapeutic areas, supporting better outcomes for patients while contributing to a more sustainable healthcare system.”

Sandoz launches scheme to combat antimicrobial resistance Sandoz, a global player in generic and biosimilar medicines, announced the launch of its inaugural community programme on Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) at a press conference in Hanoi on November 22

Sandoz Specialty Summit 2024: Advancing patient access to quality treatments 500 healthcare professionals, 11 chairpersons, and 15 distinguished speakers for in-depth discussions on advancements in patient care came together in the Specialty Summit 2024 held by Sandoz Vietnam, the wholly owned subsidiary of the global leader in generic and biosimilar medicines, on December 7 in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City.

Sandoz Vietnam doubles down to combat AMR in second year of campaign Sandoz, the global leader in affordable medicines, on November 18 signed a collaboration agreement with the Vietnam Medical Association (VMA) to launch a national Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) Awareness Campaign, reinforcing its commitment to responsible antibiotic use and sustainable healthcare in Vietnam.

Grade A office supply within Hanoi’s CBD is limited

Hanoi’s office market enters a polycentric growth phase

According to Savills Vietnam, Hanoi's office market reached 2.3 million square metres of gross floor area in the first quarter of 2026. Between now and 2028, an additional 403,000 sq.m of office space is expected to enter the market, with most new supply concentrated in areas such as Starlake, West Hanoi and Southeast Hanoi, where larger land holdings and integrated urban developments continue to support new projects.

This reflects the ongoing expansion of Hanoi's office market beyond the city centre, with emerging business districts accommodating a growing share of future supply. In contrast, Hoan Kiem and Ba Dinh wards, the capital's traditional administrative, financial and commercial centre, are expected to see limited new Grade A office development.

William Gramond, director of Commercial Leasing, Savills Hanoi, said,“New business districts are expanding the market rather than competing directly with the traditional CBD. While larger occupiers are increasingly considering these locations, the city centre continues to attract companies that value corporate visibility, connectivity and established business networks. With limited future Grade A supply, high-quality office buildings within the CBD are expected to remain in demand.”

According to Savills Vietnam, Grade A office buildings within Hanoi’s CBD recorded an occupancy of 95 per cent in Q2/2026, compared with 81 per cent outside the CBD.

Despite commanding significantly higher average rents, Grade A office developments in the CBD (Hoan Kiem and Ba Dinh areas) have maintained stable occupancy on-year, demonstrating that demand remains resilient.

For many businesses, particularly in finance, consulting, professional services and multinational corporations, a city-centre location continues to offer advantages that are difficult to replicate.

Beyond proximity to clients, business partners and government agencies, the CBD benefits from an established ecosystem of commercial facilities, hotels, services and transport infrastructure.

These strengths continue to support demand for CBD office space, while creating opportunities for new Grade A developments in Ba Dinh area, where modern specifications are combined with a central location.

The Office – Tien Bo Plaza, 175 Nguyen Thai Hoc Street – Strategically positioned within Hanoi's administrative and commercial core

Against a backdrop of limited new Grade A supply in the CBD, newly launched projects are attracting growing attention from occupiers. One example is The Office – Tien Bo Plaza, located at 175 Nguyen Thai Hoc street on the strategic corridor connecting Ba Dinh and Hoan Kiem areas.

The mixed-use development integrates premium office space, retail, and an internationally managed hotel and serviced residences, while offering direct access to key government institutions, future metro lines and the well-established commercial ecosystem of the city centre.

This strategic location enables occupiers to connect efficiently with clients, business partners and the mature business network that has long defined Hanoi’s CBD.

CBD retains competitive advantage

Overall, the expansion of office development beyond the city centre is broadening occupier choice and reshaping Hanoi's office market. However, this evolution does not diminish the importance of the CBD.

On the contrary, as new grade A supply within the city centre becomes increasingly scarce, the value of premium CBD office development is becoming even more pronounced.

Their appeal extends beyond location to encompass an established business ecosystem, connectivity and long-term corporate image. In this context, developments such as The Office - Tien Bo Plaza are responding to demand for modern office space in a central location.

For more information on The Office – Tien Bo Plaza:

Hotline: 0888 188 175

Email: office.leasing@tidgroup.com.vn

Website: tienboplaza.vn/theoffice

Tay Ho Tay: Hanoi's Grade A international office hub Hanoi's office-space market is experiencing a significant surge in demand from both domestic and international businesses from one area in particular.

Starlake Tay Ho Tay - premium Grade A office hub Starlake Tay Ho Tay is emerging as the premier destination for multinational corporations and domestic enterprises in Hanoi, thanks to its well-planned development, strategic location, and integrated infrastructure.

The new home of modern business at Hanoi's Starlake Located in Starlake, Hanoi’s rising administrative and economic centre, Oriental Square by OSI is quickly becoming a standout among the capital’s top-tier Grade A office developments.

Topping out Parc Hanoi - a Grade A office building in Starlake Tay Ho Tay Indochina Kajima and partners celebrated the topping out of Parc Hanoi, a 23-story Grade A office building in Starlake Tay Ho Tay on July 8.