At the event, mayors and city representatives from six international sister cities of Wuhan called for closer cooperation in technology, industry, education and culture.

Representatives from Manchester in Britain, Kemi in Finland, Cape Town in South Africa, Yangon in Myanmar, Rzeszów in Poland and Turkistan in Kazakhstan took part in discussions on urban innovation, industrial cooperation and cultural exchange.

Manchester: a new start after 40 years of friendship

This year marks the 40th anniversary of the sister-city relationship between Wuhan and Manchester.

Shaukat Ali, lord mayor of Manchester, said the city was ready to deepen cooperation with Wuhan in education, culture, youth affairs, innovation and industry.

“Manchester is committed to promoting urban transformation through open cooperation, sharing opportunities, and fostering common development with international sister cities like Wuhan,” he said.

Ali said Manchester had developed from a post-industrial city into an innovation-oriented economy, with a focus on advanced manufacturing, artificial intelligence, life sciences and green technologies.

He said the two cities could share experience in urban transformation, innovation districts, university-industry cooperation and low-carbon development, while encouraging links among universities, businesses and research institutions.

He also highlighted existing educational and cultural links, including cooperation between Hubei University and Manchester Metropolitan University and exchanges between the Royal Northern College of Music and Wuhan Conservatory of Music.

Kemi: balancing growth with environmental protection

Mikko Koivulehto, chairman of the City Council of Kemi, said the Finnish city sought to balance economic growth with environmental protection.

“We believe that protecting nature and building a prosperous city can go hand in hand,” he said.

Kemi, a port city in Finnish Lapland, has developed industries based on renewable raw materials, clean energy and the bioeconomy. The city is also seeking to expand tourism and improve livability.

This year marks the 10th anniversary of the friendly exchange relationship between Wuhan and Kemi. The two cities have cooperated in areas including trade, the circular economy, tourism and youth exchanges.

Cape Town: technology and jobs key to urban transformation

Lungelo Mbandazayo, city manager of Cape Town, said technological innovation, talent development, infrastructure and green renewal were key to Wuhan’s transformation.

Cape Town, a UNESCO City of Design, is seeking to expand its technology and digital sectors while promoting green technology and an inclusive economy.

Mbandazayo said youth unemployment remained a major challenge for Cape Town and that technological development needed to create jobs.

After visiting Wuhan companies and technology facilities, he said Cape Town hoped to deepen exchanges with Wuhan in technology and talent.

Yangon: seeking practical cooperation with Wuhan

Yangon Mayor Myo Myint Aung said the city was looking to Wuhan for experience in smart-city development, digital governance, intelligent transport and urban resilience.

Wuhan and Yangon signed a letter of intent on friendly exchanges and cooperation during the event.

Yangon is developing a long-term plan to accommodate population growth and expand its urban, industrial and transport infrastructure.

During a visit to Wuhan on Sept. 19, Myo toured the Optics Valley “Photon” suspended monorail, HGTECH and a Xiaomi smart home appliance factory.

“We came to Wuhan not just to observe, but to learn and cooperate,” he said, adding that Yangon hoped to develop smart manufacturing and strengthen cooperation in information technology.

Rzeszów: opportunities in aerospace and technology

Rzeszów Mayor Konrad Fijołek said the Polish city hoped to cooperate with Wuhan in aerospace, sensor technology, biodiversity and climate action.

Rzeszów is home to the “Aviation Valley,” a major aerospace cluster in Central Europe.

“Exploring cooperation with Wuhan is the reason I came here,” Fijołek said.

After visiting HGTECH and a Xiaomi smart home appliance factory, he said Wuhan’s automated manufacturing and technologies in sensors and satellite systems had impressed him.

He said cities could help connect universities, businesses and research institutions and promote international cooperation.

Turkistan: five areas for cooperation

Turkestan Mayor Azimbek Pazylbekuly said his city hoped to expand cooperation with Wuhan in tourism and culture, education and science, investment and entrepreneurship, digitalization and innovation, and transport and logistics.

Wuhan and Turkistan signed a memorandum of intent on friendly exchanges and cooperation during the event.

Turkistan, an ancient Silk Road city and a UNESCO World Heritage site, has been developing industries including food processing, textiles, furniture and construction materials.

Pazylbekuly said cooperation between governments, businesses, universities and research institutions could help turn the two cities’ exchanges into concrete projects.

The conference also included friendship-city anniversary celebrations and a signing ceremony for 10 cooperation projects. A digital list of cooperation opportunities and an initiative on international friendship-city cooperation were released.

During their stay, the visiting mayors toured Wuhan’s technology, manufacturing and ecological facilities, including the Optics Valley suspended monorail, a Yangtze finless porpoise conservation center, Xiaomi, HGTECH and Dongfeng Motor facilities.

Hashtag: #wuhan

The Uzbek delegation of 24 members was warmly received by Dr. CHOI Yuk-Lin, Secretary for Education of the HKSAR Government; Prof. Harry SHUM, Council Chairman of HKUST; Prof. Nancy IP, President of HKUST, and senior university leaders.

In a high-level meeting with the University’s leadership, Prime Minister Aripov engaged in in-depth discussions on higher education development, artificial intelligence (AI), technological innovation, talent cultivation, research commercialization, and opportunities for closer collaboration between Uzbekistan and HKUST. The exchange also explored pathways for strengthening academic partnerships, expanding student and faculty mobility, and supporting Uzbekistan’s ambitions in developing a knowledge-based economy and emerging technology sectors.

Prime Minister Aripov said, “We are deeply impressed by HKUST’s achievements and its ability to translate cutting-edge research and innovation into practical industrial applications. With over 7,000 Uzbek students pursuing higher education across China, we see tremendous potential to strengthen our academic ties with Hong Kong and prioritize HKUST as a key destination for our students. As both Uzbekistan and HKUST mark their 35th anniversaries, establishing this partnership presents a symbolic and meaningful opportunity to expand educational excellence and global reach together.”

Prof. Shum said, “We are deeply honored to welcome Prime Minister Aripov and the distinguished Uzbek delegation to HKUST during the Belt and Road Summit. As a young, globally minded university celebrating our 35th anniversary, HKUST serves as a vital super-connector—bringing together diverse talent from over 80 nationalities. Building on our foundation with the El-Yurt Umidi Foundation, this visit marks a pivotal step in deepening ties between Hong Kong and Central Asia, opening up new horizons for collaborative growth and youth development along the Belt and Road.”

President Ip added, “We were delighted to engage in a highly productive and forward-looking dialogue with Prime Minister Aripov and his delegation. Uzbekistan’s strategic priorities in AI, robotics, fintech, and cybersecurity align closely with HKUST’s research strengths and advanced facilities. AI and medical science, in particular, offer promising areas for collaboration and could serve as important starting points for future joint initiatives. Beyond educational exchanges, we see tremendous opportunities to deepen cooperation in research, innovation, talent development, and knowledge transfer. We look forward to visiting Uzbekistan and working closely with our partners to co-create impactful solutions, nurture future-ready talent, and contribute to sustainable economic and technological development.”

HKUST also signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Ministry of Higher Education, Science and Innovation of the Republic of Uzbekistan. The agreement establishes a framework for educational collaboration and promotes excellence and innovation in teaching, learning, and research. Witnessed by Prime Minister Aripov, Dr. Choi, and Prof. Shum, the MOU was signed by President Ip and Mr. Salomov Uktam RAHIMOVICH, Deputy Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation of the Republic of Uzbekistan.

The Prime Minister and his delegation toured the HKUST Von Neumann Institute, where they learned about the University’s world-leading research and innovation capabilities in AI. The delegation was introduced to HKUST’s latest advancements in next-generation multimodal AI systems, robotic intelligence technologies, AI-driven 3D understanding and generation, and large-scale healthcare models, as well as their potential applications in addressing societal and industrial challenges. During the visit, the delegation met with 31 Uzbek students studying in Hong Kong, including 14 undergraduates currently enrolled at HKUST, to learn about their academic experiences and life in the city.

https://hkust.edu.hk/

Hashtag: #HKUST

About The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology

The strengthening of the senior leadership teams at VinFast and GSM comes as Vingroup and companies across its ecosystem accelerate the training and development of in-house talent and transition leadership responsibilities to a younger generation of leaders, in line with the needs and growth trajectory of the system. In particular, both VinFast and GSM are entering a period of strong and decisive growth on a global scale.

Prior to assuming the position of Chief Executive Officer of VinFast Global from Mr. Pham Nhat Vuong, Mr. Pham Nhat Quan Anh was appointed Chairman of VinFast Global in May 2026. With his official assumption of the positions of Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of VinFast Global, as well as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of VinFast Vietnam, Mr. Pham Nhat Quan Anh will hold ultimate and comprehensive responsibility for all of VinFast’s operations as the company enters a new phase of growth.

Following his official appointment, Mr. Pham Nhat Quan Anh commented: “I am deeply honored by the Board of Directors’ trust and confidence in entrusting me with the additional responsibility. Built on a strong foundation established over the years and supported by the growing confidence of customers across our markets, VinFast is well positioned to seize the significant opportunities ahead and further strengthen its role in advancing the global transition to sustainable mobility. I am committed to working closely with our talented team to uphold VinFast’s core values and continue delivering world-class products and the highest standards of service to customers around the world.”

Born in 1993, Mr. Pham Nhat Quan Anh holds a Bachelor’s degree from Singapore Management University and has held several key leadership positions at VinFast and other companies within the Vingroup ecosystem before being appointed Chairman of the Board of Directors of VinFast Auto Ltd. in May 2026. With extensive cross-sector management experience and a strategic operational mindset, he has made significant contributions to VinFast’s development, from building its foundation in the domestic market to expanding its presence internationally.

In addition to his senior leadership responsibilities at VinFast, Mr. Pham Nhat Quan Anh will continue to serve as Chief Executive Officer of VinMetal Trading and Production JSC, a high-quality steel manufacturer within the Vingroup ecosystem.

At GSM, Mr. Nguyen Quoc Tuan, currently Chief Executive Officer of GSM Global, has been appointed Chairman of GSM Global, succeeding Ms. Pham Thu Huong. Mr. Pham Nhat Minh Hoang will succeed Mr. Tuan as Chief Executive Officer of GSM Global and concurrently assume the position of Chief Executive Officer of GSM Vietnam.

Born in 2000, Mr. Pham Nhat Minh Hoang has held senior leadership positions at VinFast, Green Future, VinSmart Future, GSM and other companies. In addition to his management responsibilities, he has directly invested in and serves as a major shareholder of several industrial, technology, energy and infrastructure companies within the Vingroup ecosystem, including VinSpeed, VinEnergo, VinMetal, VinVentures and robotics companies.

VinFast currently has a presence in 16 countries worldwide, including key markets such as Vietnam, India, Indonesia, the Philippines, Europe, the Middle East and North America. VinFast electric cars and electric motorcycles are currently manufactured at four facilities across three countries: Vietnam, Indonesia and India.

Alongside VinFast, GSM operates its green mobility brand, Green SM. The company currently operates in seven countries, including Vietnam, Laos, Indonesia, the Philippines, India, Kazakhstan and Denmark, and plans to expand into at least three additional markets within this year. GSM is also targeting a transition into a globally scaled public company with its shares listed on an international stock exchange.

The appointment of senior leadership is of particular importance, not only in addressing the more demanding requirements of the companies’ next phase of development, but also reflecting positive expectations for the future of VinFast and GSM as they continue their expansion into international markets.

Hashtag: #VinFast #GSM

Among the Top 10 Notable Barbershop Chains Worldwide

From local barber shops, many brands have grown into global chains with hundreds or thousands of locations.

Great Clips, TONI&GUY, QB House, Jawed Habib Hair & Beauty, Yongqi Beauty & Hair and East West Barbershop are among the notable names in the global hair and grooming industry. Their success is built on scalable business models, consistent service quality and strong customer experiences.

Founded in Vietnam in 2018 by Nguyen Hoai Thanh, East West Barbershop has expanded to more than 130 locations across Vietnam, Thailand, China, Uzbekistan and Europe, with over 1,000 barbers serving thousands of customers weekly.

East West Barbershop has developed an “Experience Barbershop” concept, combining grooming services with relaxing spaces featuring children’s play areas, billiards, chess, piano and green spaces.

Beyond haircuts and shampoo, the brand offers hair treatments, styling, massage, nail care, shoe cleaning and smartphone sterilization. Standardized operations and training ensure consistent quality across its network.

The brand also operates convenient-format shops in residential areas and shopping centers, providing fast and affordable services.

Combining Domestic Growth with International Franchising

According to the company, franchising is more than a way to expand a brand. It is also a means of transferring a business model that has already been tested and refined.

For East West Barbershop, the long-term ambition is to “Export Vietnamese Barbering” to international markets.

Nguyen Hoai Thanh, Chairman of East West Barbershop Vietnam JSC, said that in developed markets, building a new service brand often requires substantial investment and involves multiple challenges, including location, staffing, marketing, legal compliance and customer trust.

By adopting a franchise model, partners can shorten the time required to launch a business, reduce initial costs and limit early-stage risks.

“This is an opportunity for Vietnamese service brands like ours to gradually enter global markets through franchising, rather than limiting our growth to the domestic market,” Nguyen Hoai Thanh said.

East West Barbershop does not view franchising simply as a way to increase its store count. Its broader ambition is to create opportunities for Vietnamese barbers to work and build careers internationally.

Standardizing Talent for Global Integration

For international franchising, East West Barbershop considers human resources critical. The company focuses on professional training, standardized skills and service procedures to ensure consistent quality across markets.

The company also supports barbers with training, legal procedures and adaptation to overseas workplaces, while providing housing and education assistance.

Its goal is to build a Vietnamese service brand with a presence in multiple countries, bringing Vietnamese barbering to the global men’s grooming market.

https://dongtaybarbershop.com

Hashtag: #EastWestBarbershop

At the opening ceremony, the Financial Secretary Paul Chan, the Director of Broadcasting Angelina Kwan, the Chairman of HKSTP Cordelia Chung, and the Secretary-General of ABU Ahmed Nadeem, officiated at the event. Hong Kong martial artist Samuel Hui, a children’s martial arts troupe, and Chinese percussionists joined robots, which had performed at CCTV’s Spring Festival Gala, to deliver a spectacular showcase of human-robot collaboration. The Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry (SITI), Prof Sun Dong, and the President of the Hong Kong Institution of Engineers, Ir Prof Frank Chan, serve as award presenters.

Financial Secretary Paul Chan said, “It is a great pleasure to welcome ABU Robocon back to Hong Kong. Hong Kong is Asia’s leading international financial centrer and one of the world’s most active markets for listing and fundraising. We are also moving at full speed to establish ourselves as an international innovation and technology hub, a direction firmly supported by our country in the National 15th Five-Year Plan. Hong Kong’s I&T ecosystem is thriving, bringing together world-class universities, research institutions, start-ups, technology parks, international capital, and a unique connectivity advantage linking the Chinese Mainland and global markets. Complemented by the Greater Bay Area’s vast I&T and advanced manufacturing capabilities, innovations can move swiftly from research and development, design and prototyping, through to testing, production and commercialisation, offering young technology talent and I&T enterprises an exceptionally broad platform on which to grow and succeed.”

Secretary-General of ABU Ahmed Nadeem mentioned in his speech that, ABU Robocon had inspired thousands of students in the past 25 years and had become one of the region’s most respected educational robotics competitions. More importantly, it had fostered collaboration among broadcasters, educational institutions, industry partners, and students, creating opportunities for learning, friendship, and innovation across borders.

Chairman of HKSTP Cordelia Chung, also expressed her pride in welcoming the competition back to Hong Kong. She noted that this year’s theme, “Kung Fu Quest”, is a gruelling test of robotic agility, tactical wisdom, and flawless execution under pressure, showcasing the students’ collective brainpower and teamwork. As the city’s largest I&T ecosystem, Hong Kong Science Park now hosts over 2,600 technology companies, with more than 550 of them specialising in AI. She welcomes all global talents to experience the abundant platforms and opportunities offered by the Park. HKSTP will continue to build on its solid 25-year foundation to create greater possibilities for the next generation of innovators to grow and thrive.

Professor Sun Dong, SITI, delivered in his speech that the robots built by the students showed how technological innovation can bridge culture and modernity, while their passion and teamwork embodied perseverance that defines both martial arts and scientific discovery. The HKSAR Government is enhancing the I&T ecosystem across the full spectrum, from upstream basic research, to midstream and downstream industry development. With innovation hubs like the Hong Kong Science Park, offering comprehensive incubation, mentorship and business-matching support, Hong Kong is an ideal place for global talents to unlock potentials and realise aspirations.

“ABU Robocon 2026” adopted the theme “Kung Fu Quest,” inspired by the spirit of Chinese martial arts. Each team’s two robots were required to cooperate in forging traditional Chinese weapons, collecting martial arts manuals, and engaging in strategic duels that demonstrated precision and tactics, combining martial arts philosophy with advanced robotics and automation technology. The 16 participating teams came from 15 countries and regions, including: Chinese Mainland, Cambodia, Egypt, Fiji, India, Indonesia, Japan, Kazakhstan, Malaysia, Nepal, Thailand, Vietnam, Mongolia, Macao and Hong Kong. The teams competed for 18 awards, including the Champion, First Runner-up, Second Runner-up, and the ABU Robocon Award. Prior to the award presentation ceremony, the Director of Broadcasting Angelina Kwan, and the Chief Executive Officer of HKSTP Terry Wong, took part in a handover ceremony alongside Indonesia’s representative, Ihwan Susila, marking Indonesia as the host of the next ABU Robocon.

“ABU Robocon 2026” was emceed by Joey Leung, Rikko Lee, Alice Yu and Brian Yuen. The lively atmosphere was further enhanced by the participation of cheerleading team CMLN and a lineup of singers including Lagchun, Kacey Chan, Phil Lam, IdG Bubbles, and Hung Kaho.

The Contest attracted about 2,000 spectators, including more than 650 participants, supporters, and media representatives from Chinese Mainland and overseas. The competition was broadcast live on RTHK TV31 and RTHK’s YouTube channel, while ABU member organisations also relayed or will air the event to audiences across the globe, reaching hundreds of millions, showcasing Hong Kong’s innovation and technology strength to the international community. Beyond the competition, the teams will visit Hong Kong Science Park and local enterprises, as well as explore Hong Kong’s tourist attractions to experience the city’s charm. Nearly 100 young participants will also travel to Qianhai, Shenzhen, to gain firsthand insight into the nation’s achievements in innovation and technology.

“ABU Robocon”, established in 2002, aims to foster exchange and collaboration among young people in engineering, technology, and innovation. The competition features a unique theme every year, encouraging teams to demonstrate creativity by designing and building robots to complete various challenges. Team Hong Kong has achieved remarkable results in this international competition, clinching the “ABU Robocon” Grand Prix three times (in 2019, 2022 and 2024), with a cumulative record of 3 championships, 5 first runner-ups, and 2 second runner-ups. This brings the total to 10 international awards that testify to the creativity and strength of Hong Kong’s youth.

Hashtag: #HKSTP

Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation

Platform Launch and Scenario Deployment Accelerate Commercialisation
In June 2026, the Company officially launched its enterprise‑grade intelligent agent development platform “VocSageX”. Built on the “Voicecomm Brain” foundation, the platform integrates large language models and knowledge graphs, and embodies a three‑tier architecture of “multimodal perception, multi‑model reasoning, and multi‑agent collaboration”, enabling enterprises to build customised agents with low entry barriers. It natively incorporates compliance mechanisms including data isolation, permission controls, log auditing, and content review, meeting the stringent requirements of sectors such as finance, government affairs, and healthcare.

Based on this platform, a number of benchmark projects have been delivered across key verticals:

Transportation – Revenue from the transportation segment grew 73.6% year‑on‑year. The Company won the bid for the smart port autonomous driving shuttle project at Ezhou Huahu Airport, Asia’s first dedicated cargo hub airport, which was delivered in April 2026. Previously, at the Mianyang National Autonomous Driving Testing Base, the Company had accumulated over 209,000 km of operation with six regular routes. This project marked the successful expansion of its autonomous driving capabilities from urban roads to airport hubs.

Healthcare – The segment achieved breakthrough growth. The Company secured the nearly RMB 300 million “South Sichuan Smart Valley” Silver Economy project in Neijiang, Sichuan – its first city‑level flagship project in the “AI+elderly care” space. Adopting a closed‑loop model combining “online platforms+offline service networks+in‑home terminals”, it aims to build a “15‑minute elderly care service circle”, laying a foundation for nationwide replication.

Government Affairs – Revenue from the government segment rose 25.7% year‑on‑year. Together with Chongqing Telecom, the Company built the “Yuzhenan” integrated earthquake prevention and disaster mitigation platform, aggregating data from 774 seismic stations and 35 categories of cross‑departmental government information. The platform delivers end‑to‑end intelligent services covering second‑level early warnings, minute‑level rapid reporting, rapid disaster assessment, and emergency command support. To date, the Company’s government agent has been deployed in over 130 prefecture‑level cities, serving more than 170 million people.

Finance – Revenue remained broadly flat year‑on‑year, holding steady. The “Financial Services Agent” operates as a 24/7 “digital employee” across channels such as telephone banking, autonomously handling transaction processing, precision marketing, identity verification, customer notifications, and business consultations. It also provides AI‑powered training by simulating real‑world business scenarios, enhancing service quality and operational efficiency for financial institutions.

Telecommunications – Revenue from the telecom segment jumped 124.1% year‑on‑year, driven by continued deepening of cooperation with telecom operators and partners. The “Telecom Services Agent” serves as an intelligent middle platform that empowers operators by autonomously understanding and predicting users’ multi‑scenario communication and management needs, delivering high‑intelligence services at lower deployment and maintenance costs, while jointly exploring new commercial scenarios with operators.

Energy – The Company delivered a user‑side electricity sales decision support system in Qinghai. Leveraging an intelligent algorithm library, it enables multi‑period spot price and load forecasting, supports diversified trading strategy generation, and forms a closed loop covering data collection, market analysis, volume/price forecasting, trading decisions, and settlement management – demonstrating the ability to build end‑to‑end AI decision systems in complex vertical industries.

Technological Innovation and Ecosystem Partnership Strengthen Industry Position
On the technology front, the Company’s joint lab with Shanghai Jiao Tong University saw its ReSON method accepted at ICASSP 2026, a top international conference on speech signal processing; its proprietary product “Zhitu” obtained Huawei Ascend certification; and it received the First Prize for Scientific and Technological Progress from the Shanghai Computer Society, was named among Wuhan’s first batch of leading AI enterprises, and was listed in Forbes China AI Top 50 for the third consecutive year – the only conversational AI company selected.

In terms of ecosystem, the Company signed a strategic partnership with IT Park Dushanbe in Tajikistan in May 2026 to establish a “Digital Talent Innovation Centre”, expanding into Central Asian markets. It also signed a cooperation agreement with Huawei Cloud to jointly advance the development of a trustworthy AI and industry agent ecosystem.

Strategic Outlook: Platform‑Driven, Focusing on Three Core Leaps
Going forward, the Company remains committed to its positioning as a “full‑stack trustworthy AI operator with city‑scale delivery capabilities”. Driven by the”VocSageX”platform as its core engine, it will pursue three major strategic leaps: embed security and compliance into a standardised “trust foundation” on the technology side; accelerate the transformation from project‑based delivery to platform‑based operations on the product side; and rapidly replicate the end‑to‑end capabilities from benchmark projects to similar cities and industries on the market side, while leveraging Central Asia as a springboard to expand into Belt and Road markets. Through the virtuous cycle of technology and commercialisation, the Company will continue to solidify its competitive advantages and create long‑term value for customers, shareholders, and society.

Hashtag: #VoicecommInternationalLtd.

About Voicecomm International Ltd.

Carbon polygons are a pilot initiative of the Russian Ministry of Science and Higher Education. These specialized testing sites are located in non-urbanized areas and are designed to develop and test technologies for measuring, monitoring and verifying greenhouse gas emissions and carbon sequestration.

Located in Russia’s Kaluga Region, the Pokrovsky Carbon Polygon is unique for the diversity of ecosystems within its territory, including forest, meadow and aquatic ecosystems. Its key focus is the development of measurement, reporting and verification (MRV) systems for rangeland, desert and meadow ecosystems.

The polygon’s main areas of work include measuring the carbon-sequestration capacity of soils under plantations of perennial grasses and developing a digital twin of the territory. The system combines a highly accurate, georeferenced terrain model with mathematical models based on satellite, UAV, LiDAR, multispectral and hyperspectral data, as well as ground-based measurements of soil composition, soil carbon accumulation, soil respiration and CO₂ fluxes. These models already enable forecasts of carbon sequestration across different agroecosystems.

The technologies developed at Pokrovsky are particularly relevant to Mongolia, where natural rangelands occupy around 70% of the country’s territory and underpin livestock production, rural employment and food security. At the same time, rangeland degradation is widespread, with poorly managed grazing contributing to declining vegetation, soil stability, forage quality and drought resilience.

However, many Mongolian rangelands retain significant recovery potential. The 2015 national assessment found that more than half of the country’s rangelands could recover or move toward recovery within ten years if grazing management improved. These findings are reflected in the joint study by IIASA, UNCCD and the BRICS Competition Centre, Feasibility Study on the Prospects for Carbon Farming Solutions in Greater Central Asia, presented at COP17 on August 22.

Alexey Ivanov, Director of the BRICS Competition Centre and Head of the Pokrovsky Carbon Polygon project, said:

“The growing relevance of carbon farming stems from the fact that it is one of the few ways to reduce environmental impact without the need to curtail economic activity and, consequently, without creating socio-economic risks. Within the next few years, carbon projects, including those in Mongolia, will be able to trade on Chinese exchanges, and we need to be prepared for this. The technologies being developed at Pokrovsky are already in high demand among our colleagues in Kazakhstan, and we see significant potential for expanding cooperation with countries across the so-called Asian Drylands Belt.”

He added:

“The underutilized, aggravated endowments of Mongolia’s rangelands can be transformed into a valuable asset as a high-capacity carbon sink through functional carbon farming practices.”

The Pokrovsky Carbon Polygon sees the transfer of its technologies to Mongolia as a potential starting point for long-term cooperation in carbon monitoring, rangeland restoration and carbon farming across the Asian Drylands Belt.

Hashtag: #PokrovskyCarbonPolygon

Central Bank of the Republic of Uzbekistan and Singapore-headquartered GFTN convene more than 6,000 participants from 74 countries in Tashkent to accelerate investment, financial innovation and regional connectivity

TASHKENT, UZBEKISTAN – Media OutReach Newswire – 24 August 2026 – Uzbekistan today put its financial reform agenda before a global audience, bringing together policymakers, regulators, investors and founders to advance its ambition to become a gateway for capital, technology and financial connectivity across Central Asia.

The Silk Road Finance & Technology Forum 2026, convened by the Central Bank of the Republic of Uzbekistan and Singapore-headquartered Global Finance & Technology Network (GFTN), and co-hosted by Ant International, brings together more than 6,000 participants from 74 countries, almost 200 speakers and more than 25 investors representing US$4 billion in assets under management.

Held at CAEx on 24–25 August, the Forum moves to the Islamic Civilisation Centre on 26 August for The Azimuth, a dedicated programme on Islamic finance and entrepreneurship.

Uzbekistan’s Reform Push Opens the Door to Global Investment
Opening the Forum, H.E. Jamshid Kuchkarov, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy and Finance of the Republic of Uzbekistan, set out the next phase of the country’s economic transformation: converting a decade of reform into deeper markets, greater private-sector participation and long-term investment.

“Over the past 10 years, as a result of structural reforms, our economy has demonstrated strong and steady growth. During this period, the size of our economy has tripled. Going forward, we will work to achieve investment-grade credit ratings, complete accession to the World Trade Organization, further reduce the state’s presence in the economy, and continue market-oriented reform. This effort will strengthen the role of the private sector, deepen Uzbekistan’s integration into the global economy and create greater opportunities for domestic and international investors,” said H.E. Jamshid Kuchkarov.

Uzbekistan enters the Forum with strong economic and regulatory momentum. GDP grew 8.5% in the first half of 2026, foreign investment reached US$8.3 billion in the first quarter, and Moody’s upgraded the sovereign rating to Ba2 in June. Presidential Decree PQ-359 and the National FinTech Strategy are advancing open banking, digital payments and financial innovation, with a target of US$1 billion in fintech investment by 2030. Digital-payment adoption rose from 39% in 2021 to 71% in 2025.

In his opening address, The Silk Road Initiative: Turning a Socio-Economic Heritage into Central Asia’s Financial Innovation Corridor, H.E. Timur Ishmetov, Governor, Central Bank of the Republic of Uzbekistan, framed the country’s fintech strategy through five building blocks drawn from the region’s intellectual and commercial heritage: Al-Jabr, restoring what is missing; Al-Muqabala, balancing the elements of a sustainable financial ecosystem; Zarkaynar, creating a marketplace where innovation meets opportunity; Saroy, building shared financial infrastructure; and Madrassa, developing talent.

With 57% of payments now cashless, SMEs accounting for more than half the economy and a target of 5,000 young people trained in financial technology by 2030, the Central Bank is translating these principles into its regulatory sandbox, open-banking APIs, payments infrastructure and innovation framework.

“Scale alone is not sufficient. The objective must be to translate technological adoption and transaction growth into sustainable economic value, competition and broader financial development, while maintaining financial stability, resilience and public trust,” Governor Ishmetov said.

Sopnendu Mohanty, Group CEO, Global Finance & Technology Network added:.

“Uzbekistan has the ingredients to become Central Asia’s digital finance gateway: strong political commitment, bold regulatory reform, growing digital adoption and a clear ambition to attract international investment. The next step is to turn those foundations into investment, partnerships and financial corridors that connect Central Asia to the world. That is what the Silk Road Finance & Technology Forum is designed to accelerate.”

That opportunity comes as fintech moves firmly into the global financial mainstream. In 2025, global fintech revenues reached US$504 billion, growing 22% and more than four times faster than incumbent financial institutions, while 74% of the largest public fintechs were profitable, according to the 2026 Global Fintech Report by BCG and FT Partners.

For Central Asia, the opportunity is to capture more of that growth by combining financial innovation, inclusion and regional connectivity with the regulatory and institutional foundations required to attract long-term capital.

From Domestic Reform to a Financial Silk Road

The Forum is examining how Uzbekistan’s domestic transformation can support a more connected Central Asian financial system, with priorities spanning investable markets, interoperable payments, digital identity, open APIs, tokenisation, digital money, cross-border settlement and long-term institutional capital.

Central Asia’s relatively young financial infrastructure creates an opportunity to build interoperable systems without inheriting all the constraints of legacy architecture. The next step is moving from domestic digitalisation to cross-border connectivity, with faster settlement, lower remittance costs and infrastructure capable of connecting national financial systems.

The wider ambition is to recast the historic Silk Road for the digital economy, extending its role from the movement of goods to the movement of money, capital and data between Central Asia and markets across the Middle East, China, South Asia and Southeast Asia.

Greater connectivity, however, will require more than technology. Predictable regulation, deeper markets, institutional capital, cybersecurity and trusted governance will determine whether new payment rails, AI, tokenisation and digital assets can scale safely across borders.

New Islamic Banking Law Opens Uzbekistan to US$6 Trillion Market

Uzbekistan’s new Islamic banking law, effective from June 2026, creates the country’s first legal framework for Shariah-compliant banking and opens a potential channel to a global Islamic finance market approaching US$6 trillion in assets.

The Forum culminates on 26 August with The Azimuth at the Islamic Civilisation Centre, focused on the standards, Shariah governance, liquidity, digital infrastructure and cross-border capital required to scale the sector. The opportunity extends beyond domestic Islamic banking to positioning Uzbekistan as a bridge between Central Asia and Islamic finance markets across the Gulf, Türkiye, South Asia and Southeast Asia.

Governor Ishmetov issued a direct invitation to international investors and innovators: “Uzbekistan is open to investment, technology, expertise and long-term partnership. Build here. Test new solutions here. Invest here. Develop talent here. With the right partnerships, Central Asia can become a more connected, competitive and internationally integrated financial region.”

Hashtag: #GFTN

From a Vietnamese barbershop to an international network of more than 130 locations

In the global men’s grooming industry, building an international brand requires barbershop chains to solve a fundamental challenge: How can they standardize services, train staff, maintain a consistent customer experience and scale their model without losing their identity?

This is the formula behind many of the world’s leading names in the hair and grooming industry, including Great Clips, Supercuts, Sport Clips Haircuts, TONI&GUY, QB House and Jawed Habib Hair & Beauty. These brands have transformed a service industry traditionally dependent on individual craftsmanship into scalable business systems.

East West Barbershop (Dong Tay Barbershop) is pursuing a similar path. Founded in Vietnam in 2018, the company has grown into a network of more than 130 locations, with over 1,000 barbers, while gradually expanding into international markets. At this scale, East West operates in a different league from independent barbershops.

The value of a barbershop chain with hundreds of locations lies in its ability to deliver a consistent experience across the entire network. This is also why East West Barbershop (Dong Tay Barbershop) has been ranked among the Top 10 large-scale grooming brands in the world.

But as it prepares to enter the U.S. market, the key question is whether this model can be successfully transferred and operated in a completely different market.

Beyond the haircut: When a barbershop becomes an experience

East West Barbershop (Dong Tay Barbershop) seeks to differentiate itself by developing an “Experiential Barbershop” concept, combining grooming with relaxation and entertainment.

From the moment customers walk through the door, they are greeted by a space filled with greenery, along with relaxation areas featuring pool tables, chess, a piano, a bar and bookshelves. The chain, which caters exclusively to men and boys, also features car-themed barber chairs and dedicated play areas for its younger customers.

Its services extend well beyond a haircut, including hair washing, ear cleaning, massage, hair restoration treatments, perming, coloring, nail care, shoe cleaning and phone sanitization.

East West Barbershop (Dong Tay Barbershop) aims to change the way customers perceive a barbershop. Rather than simply purchasing a grooming service, customers can take time to relax, look after themselves or bring their children along to a space designed around the overall experience.

As consumers increasingly value the overall experience alongside service quality, this approach reflects the changing dynamics of the men’s grooming market.

The United States: East West Barbershop’s next major test

The United States is no random choice. It represents the next step in East West Barbershop (Dong Tay Barbershop)’s international strategy, building on a business model that has already been tested in Vietnam and several overseas markets.

The U.S. is home to many major barbershop and salon brands and is one of the world’s most mature markets for franchising in the service sector.

Great Clips is a prime example. With thousands of salons across the United States and Canada, the brand demonstrates the scale a haircut business can achieve when its model is standardized and successfully replicated.

Supercuts, Sport Clips and many other chains have likewise spent years building strong brand recognition and extensive customer networks.

Against this backdrop, the Vietnamese brand must answer a fundamental question: Why would American consumers choose a brand from Vietnam over names they already know and recognize?

East West Barbershop (Dong Tay Barbershop)’s answer is not simply to compete on price. Its goal is to “export” a business model that combines customer experience, workforce training, operating standards and franchising.

This requires the company to turn its operational experience into a transferable system while addressing the many differences between Vietnam and the United States.

East West Barbershop (Dong Tay Barbershop) identifies barber training, skills standardization and the ability to adapt to a new environment as key foundations of this process. International expansion also creates opportunities for Vietnamese barbers to gain exposure to international working environments.

East West Barbershop (Dong Tay Barbershop) has also linked its development with social initiatives, including free vocational training for young people, mobile haircut programs offering free services, and contributions to charitable activities. These efforts contribute to a distinctive brand story: a service business seeking to develop its brand, its profession and its community at the same time.

After nearly a decade of establishment and development, East West Barbershop (Dong Tay Barbershop) is gradually proving that a business model built in Vietnam can be standardized, franchised, and compete on the same playing field as the major players in the global hair industry.

If successful in the U.S., East West Barbershop (Dong Tay Barbershop)’s story will go beyond being a Top 10 brand or a network of more than 130 locations. It will be the story of how a Vietnamese service business transformed capabilities built at home into a model capable of reaching the global stage.

https://dongtaybarbershop.com

Hashtag: #EastWestBarbershop #Dongtaybarbershop

The EUR 7 billion programme was established on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange on 28 May 2026, following approval of its base prospectus by Luxembourg’s Commission de Surveillance du Secteur Financier (CSSF) on 27 May 2026, allowing the issuer to raise debt in multiple tranches, currencies, structures and maturities over time. For OTP – which holds an AAA issuer rating on the China national scale from Lianhe Ratings, the highest available – it establishes a permanent platform for trading with certain OTP bonds, and later for raising capital from Asian institutional investors.

On 16 June 2026, OTP priced the programme’s inaugural issuance: a EUR 1 billion Tier 2 note, listed in Hong Kong and Luxembourg. It is OTP’s largest-ever bond transaction and, as at the issue date, the largest euro-denominated Tier 2 note issued by a bank in the CEE and wider CEMEA region. The offering drew a peak order book of EUR 4.1 billion – the largest in OTP’s history – and priced at a coupon of 4.625%.

The listing builds on OTP’s growing presence in Asian capital markets. In 2025 OTP issued its first Dim Sum green bond, raising CNH 900 million and becoming the first Hungarian institution to issue a public offshore renminbi green bond, following a CNY 300 million bond in 2024. The Bank has operated a representative office in Beijing since 2017, became a full member of the Asian Financial Cooperation Association (AFCA) in 2024, and maintains a strategic partnership with the Industrial and Commercial Bank of China (ICBC).

Sándor Pataki, Director of Investor Relations and Capital Markets Operations of OTP Bank, said: “Listing our EMTN programme in Hong Kong is a clear demonstration of OTP Bank’s long-term vision and strategic commitment to international capital markets. Hong Kong excels itself as one of the world’s leading international financial centres, serving as a vital bridge between East and West. For OTP Bank, this is not only an opportunity to access liquidity, but also to deepen relationships and build lasting trust with investors in this dynamic region. The demand we have seen for OTP’s credit, including the record order book for our inaugural issue off the programme, reflects the growing interest in high-quality European issuers.”

As Asian investors increasingly look to Europe to diversify their portfolios, Central and Eastern Europe offers a distinctive proposition: emerging-market growth rates combined with the low-risk profile of the European Union. The region’s attractiveness is reinforced by its convergence towards the eurozone. Three of the five countries in which OTP is the market leader sit at the heart of Europe’s euro-convergence story – Bulgaria, which adopted the euro on 1 January 2026, Slovenia, which adopted the euro years ago, and Hungary, OTP’s flagship market, where the recently elected government aims to create the conditions for euro adoption around 2030.

OTP combines what rarely comes together in European banking: high growth, strong profitability and an ultraconservative balance sheet built for resilience. OTP Group is one of the largest and fastest-growing banking groups in the region, recently ranked 398^th on the Forbes Global 2000 list, up from 1007^th place in 2022. It pairs an annual organic loan growth of around 15% with a disciplined acquisition record and high profitability – a 2025 return on equity of 21.6% – and with an ultraconservative balance sheet: a leverage ratio well above its European peers, strong capital and liquidity, and one of the most resilient outcomes in the European Banking Authority’s latest stress test. In 2023, OTP became the first European bank to enter Uzbekistan, bringing the total population across OTP’s markets to 110 million.

Sándor Pataki, Director of Investor Relations and Capital Markets Operations of OTP Bank, added: “We believe the combination of growth, profitability and stability is what makes OTP an attractive name for fixed-income investors. This is also reflected in our recent ranking among the world’s top 500 companies by Forbes.These achievements are the result of a consistent strategy: prudent growth, diversified funding sources, and a strong focus on long-term partnerships. Over the decades, OTP Bank has built a solid track record in international debt capital markets, and today’s milestones further strengthen that foundation. Looking ahead, we see significant opportunities to deepen our engagement with Asian investors and institutions. We are confident that this listing will serve as a cornerstone for long-term cooperation, mutual growth, and shared success.”

https://www.otpbank.hu/portal/en/retail
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Hashtag: #OTPBank #Banking #Finance #HongKong #Hungary

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

As part of the programme, Simon Chan, Chairman of Cyberport, met with key innovation and technology stakeholders in both countries. He visited the Astana Hub, a local technology and innovation park in Kazakhstan, including its Artificial Intelligence Supercomputing Centre, to gain deeper insights into the latest developments in artificial intelligence and digital infrastructure in the region. He also visited IT Park Uzbekistan to learn more about the country’s rapidly growing digital economy ecosystem, and to explore opportunities for deeper collaboration in innovation and technology development, talent cultivation and market expansion. These engagements further strengthened Hong Kong’s exchanges with Central Asia and supported the development of closer cross-regional collaboration in innovation and technology.

Simon Chan, Chairman of Cyberport, said, “Central Asia is a strategically important market under the Belt and Road Initiative. Both Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan are actively advancing digital transformation, digital upgrading and technological innovation. From national artificial intelligence development blueprints to large-scale digital infrastructure projects, both countries have demonstrated strong growth momentum, a pressing demand for cutting-edge innovation and technology solutions, and immense market potential.

As Hong Kong’s digital technology hub and AI accelerator, Cyberport is home to over 2,300 companies, including 18 listed companies with a combined market capitalisation of over HK$500 billion, as well as 9 unicorns with a total valuation exceeding HK$150 billion. Its innovation ecosystem spans areas such as AI, data science, fintech, digital assets and blockchain, cybersecurity, smart living, and digital entertainment. This aligns closely with Central Asia’s demand for technological innovation, creating extensive opportunities for collaboration through complementary strengths. Cyberport has also established partnerships with Astana Hub and IT Park Uzbekistan to actively promote bilateral business expansion, deepen ties between Hong Kong and Central Asia in innovation and technology, finance and trade, and support enterprises from Hong Kong and the Mainland in jointly expanding into high-potential emerging markets.

Leveraging Hong Kong’s unique role as a ‘super-connector’ and ‘super value-adder’, Cyberport will continue to support Hong Kong and Mainland enterprises in expanding into Belt and Road and international markets. At the same time, we will actively attract Central Asian companies to establish a presence in Hong Kong, injecting fresh momentum into the development of the digital economy and smart cities across the three regions, and further strengthening Hong Kong’s position as an international innovation and technology centre and a leading AI hub.”

Signs MoUs with the Countries’ Largest Tech Parks Leveraging “Hub-to-Hub” Collaboration Advantages

Among them was a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed on 1 June 2026 between Cyberport and Autonomous Cluster Fund “Astana Hub” (Astana Hub) of Kazakhstan, the largest international innovation cluster in Central Eurasia. Astana Hub is currently home to more than 1,800 IT companies, including over 450 international members, generating a collective income of US$3.9 billion. It has established a comprehensive innovation ecosystem that provides acceleration programmes, supports technological business incubation, offers educational initiatives, and hosts a wide range of industry events. This strategic partnership aims to promote technology transfer, support tech companies in areas such as AI, fintech, smart city solutions and Web 3, and facilitate overseas expansion and global market access for innovation and technology companies from both regions.

Another key highlight of the delegation was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on 4 June 2026 between Cyberport and The Administration of Technology Park of Software and IT (IT Park) of Uzbekistan, a national IT ecosystem operator dedicated to advancing the country’s digital industry development. IT Park Uzbekistan is a government-supported technology hub and one of the largest tech parks in Central Asia, with more than 2,800 member companies spanning IT services, software development, game development, creative industries and education. The MoU focuses on providing mutual soft-landing support, infrastructure access and regulatory incentives to facilitate technology companies’ expansion between Hong Kong and Central Asian markets, while fostering deeper collaboration in innovation and technology development between the two regions.

As an ideal gateway for Central Asian technology companies seeking to expand into East and Southeast Asia, Cyberport leverages Hong Kong’s international business environment and robust regulatory framework, together with its extensive network of enterprises, investors, technology companies, professional service providers and industry partners. This enables Cyberport to serve as a strategic base for Central Asian enterprises looking to access the Mainland, ASEAN, Asia-Pacific and global markets, accelerating their commercialisation journey and transforming innovative solutions into tangible business collaborations and investment opportunities.

At the same time, Cyberport companies can leverage the two leading technology parks in Central Asia as launchpads into emerging markets, bringing technology solutions from Hong Kong such as artificial intelligence, fintech and smart city technologies to support the region’s digital economy and smart city development. These collaborations will further enrich the innovation and technology ecosystems of both regions. Cyberport has been actively supporting local enterprises in establishing and expanding their presence in Central Asian market. Cyberport’s community is also highly international, with founders of one-third of its onsite companies coming from 27 countries and regions, while Cyberport companies have expanded into more than 35 global markets.

Cyberport received delegations from Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan to Cyberport for exchanges in tech innovation and entrepreneurship over the past year, laying foundations for cross-regional partnerships and collaborations. Cyberport will continue to align with the national 15th Five-Year Plan and support the HKSAR Government’s development strategies by strengthening ties with emerging markets and innovation and technology hubs along the Belt and Road. As a vital bridge between Hong Kong and Central Asia, Cyberport facilitates cross-regional exchanges and collaboration, helping local enterprises capture global business opportunities while simultaneously attracting outstanding overseas technology talent and leading enterprises to establish a presence in Hong Kong. These efforts will inject diversified momentum into Hong Kong’s economy and further reinforce the city’s position as an international innovation and technology hub.

Hashtag: #Cyberport

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

Designed in collaboration with Italy’s renowned Pininfarina studio, the VF 8 combines modern styling, spacious interiors, and strong performance. The VF 8 Eco delivers up to 493 km of range (NEDC), while the VF 8 Plus offers up to 402 horsepower and 620 Nm of torque through an all-wheel-drive system. Built for family mobility, the SUV also features advanced driver assistance technologies, over-the-air software updates, and connected smart services.

But for today’s buyers, a vehicle is only part of the story. The experience that comes after the purchase is becoming just as important as the drive itself.

That shift was recently highlighted in an EY report, which found that customers increasingly value convenience, transparency, and digital service experiences throughout the ownership journey[1]. To meet those expectations, the report identified three key priorities for automakers: expanding service networks, improving parts availability and logistics, and strengthening digital customer engagement.

VinFast’s global aftersales strategy closely reflects these priorities.

Earlier this year, the company announced agreements with 29 international aftersales partners across North America, Europe, the Middle East, India, Indonesia, the Philippines, and Kazakhstan. These partnerships will help expand a global network expected to exceed 1,100 service workshops in 2026, supported by standardized technician training, quality control systems, and streamlined parts distribution.

For Middle Eastern customers, these efforts build on the company’s existing partnership with Al Tayer Motors, one of the region’s leading automotive groups. Through such collaborations, VinFast aims to deliver globally consistent service standards while benefiting from local expertise and market knowledge.

Parts availability is another area receiving significant attention. VinFast has established a supply chain system targeting delivery of commonly required spare parts within 24 hours in key markets, helping reduce vehicle downtime and improve customer convenience.

At the same time, digital services are becoming a bigger part of everyday ownership. Through the VF Connect platform, owners can access vehicle health information, remote vehicle controls, roadside assistance, self-diagnostics, driver profile synchronization, and over-the-air software updates. These are exactly the kinds of connected experiences that industry analysts believe will shape the future of vehicle ownership.

The company’s approach is further supported by ownership benefits available in the Middle East, including a 10-year/200,000 km vehicle warranty, a 10-year unlimited-kilometer battery warranty, complimentary service coverage, mobile service support, and 24/7 roadside assistance.

As the automotive industry moves deeper into the electric era, vehicle quality alone is no longer enough. Customers want confidence that support will be there long after they drive off the lot.

That is what makes the VF 8’s story stand out. Its journey from the highways of Vietnam to the rugged roads of Tibet and the demanding conditions of the Middle East is not just proof of durability. It also reflects VinFast’s broader focus on giving customers peace of mind through reliable service, strong support, and an ownership experience designed to last.

https://me.vinfast.com/en

Hashtag: #VinFast

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

The excitement reached peak play on May 30 in the sold-out Galaxy Arena, when China’s Song Yadong faced Brazil’s Deiveson Figueiredo in a thrilling main event that captured the home crowd’s frenzied appreciation. Renowned actor Daniel Wu, Hong Kong action star Philip Ng and other celebrities were in attendance, joining fans in witnessing the high-stakes knockout drama inside the Octagon. In a highly anticipated stylistic clash, Song submitted the ultimate showdown against Figueiredo in a thrilling second-round finish that sparked a crowd frenzy, earning him a “Performance of the Night.”

The co-main event light heavyweight bout between Zhang Mingyang and Alonzo Menifield was a non-stop bout that won “Fight of the Night” honours. Facing the ultimate litmus test; another noteworthy bout saw Japan’s former UFC title challenger – battle-tested Kai Asakura – move up to bantamweight, with a heavy-hitting knockout of highly touted prospect Cameron Smotherman in the first round; earning him a “Performance of the Night.”

ROAD TO UFC Season 5 opening round on May 28 and 29 saw fireworks ignite the Octagon, as Galaxy Macau played host to athletes shifting the UFC landscape from China, India, Indonesia, Japan, Korea, Mongolia, Nepal, the Philippines, Kyrgyzstan, and Australia showcasing the deep talent pool across the region as they advanced to the semi-finals.

A special UFC main event was featured each night. On Day 1, Rongzhu from Sichuan knocked out Victor Martinez in a little over a minute in the explosive first round. On Day 2, “Doctor” Shi Ming captured a highlight-worthy first-round submission victory over Puja Tomar. With the co-main event featuring the flyweight finale of RTU Season 4, where Mongolia’s Namsrai Batbayar secured the win over Yin Shuai by TKO to earn a coveted UFC contract.

Beyond the Octagon, the state-of-the-art Galaxy Macau UFC experience saw a vibrant curated programme throughout Fight Week, including the official opening ceremony and open workouts at East Square, and a series of exclusive meet-and-greet and Q&A sessions with China’s first UFC champion Zhang Weili, three-time UFC women’s flyweight champion Valentina Shevchenko, former UFC interim featherweight champion Yair Rodriguez, and fan favourite UFC welterweight veteran “Leech” Li Jingliang. Plus, an immersive UFC Fan Experience at the Pearl Lobby at Galaxy Promenade featuring a gaming zone with a range of interactive activities.

An Engine for Economic Diversification
This year marked not only the highly anticipated return of UFC FIGHT NIGHT Macau to Galaxy Arena, but also the debut of ROAD TO UFC in the Macau economy. By hosting Asia-Pacific’s premier tournament pathway for the top regional athletes to make it to UFC, Galaxy Macau continues to expand the city’s appeal to a broader and more diverse international audience, while reinforcing its development as the leading sports destination.

By introducing world-class sports and entertainment and bringing world-class combat to the ultimate stage, Galaxy Macau has proven effective in boosting visitor arrivals, extending the length of stay, and injecting vibrant momentum into the local economy. At the same time, hosting UFC events has created meaningful opportunities for Macau’s event management and related industries to benchmark against international standards, further enhancing local expertise in delivering world-class production to scale. Supported by extensive global broadcast coverage, the visceral thrill of UFC at Galaxy Macau has also significantly elevated Macau’s visibility on the international stage.

This marks the inaugural activation under the strategic partnership between Galaxy Macau and UFC where at least two more UFC FIGHT NIGHT Macau events will be staged in the city, delivering global notoriety to showcase Macau in the years ahead.

For more information about Galaxy Macau, please visit www.galaxymacau.com.

Hashtag: #GalaxyMacau #UFC

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

Source: Amnesty International Aotearoa New Zealand

The “Tajikistan-China Digital Business Connect” IT Forum was grandly held in Beijing on May 11, 2026, during the state visit to China by Emomali Rahmon, President and National Leader of the Republic of Tajikistan. Organized by the Innovation and Digital Technologies Agency under the President of the Republic of Tajikistan, the forum brought together core players from the digital industries of both countries, marking a new chapter in Tajikistan-China digital cooperation.

The forum was attended by representatives from 70 ICT companies from Tajikistan and over 120 leading technology companies from China, including Chinese tech giants such as Alibaba, ByteDance, BYD, Huawei, DeepSeek, Kuaishou, Lenovo, and Voicecomm Technology.

Five Pillars: Building a Trustworthy Conversational AI System in Central Asia

Dushanbe IT Park is a national digital technology innovation and industry cluster platform prioritized by the Government of Tajikistan, recognized as an emerging digital economy engine in Central Asia. Voicecomm Technology’s cooperation with the IT Park revolves around five pillars:

• Joint Computing Power Center Construction: Co-build a public computing platform tailored for trustworthy conversational AI R&D, providing foundational support including computing resource scheduling, model training, and data processing.
• Enabling Real-World Scenario: Integrate practical application scenarios from government affairs, urban services, industry, and manufacturing in both China and Tajikistan to provide industrial support for technology R&D and talent training.
• Joint Training of Engineers: Establish training bases for universities in Tajikistan and across Central Asia, offering customized training programs, instructor development, and joint curriculum design.
• International Authority Certification Implementation: Introduce international technical certification systems, offer accredited courses for AI engineers, big data analysts, robotics applications, and issue globally recognized certificates.
• Technology Innovation Transfer & Talent Exchange: Build a collaborative “government-industry-university-research” mechanism to facilitate the implementation of joint R&D results in Tajikistan and establish a platform for two-way digital talent exchange between China and Tajikistan.

Expand Global Ecosystem Footprints and Focus on Long-Term Value Creation

With its core technical framework of “multi-modal perception + multi-model thinking,” Voicecomm Technology has achieved commercial deployment across various verticals, including smart city management, automotive and transportation, telecommunications, finance, healthcare, and energy. By establishing localized computing infrastructure, talent cultivation systems, and technical certification standards in Tajikistan – a key hub in Central Asia – Voicecomm Technology’s globalization strategy is evolving from product export to a comprehensive competitive advantage encompassing talent, standards, and ecosystems.

Christopher Chen, General Manager of Voicecomm Technology for the Middle East and Central Asia region, attended the conference and stated: “I am honored to represent Voicecomm Technology in reaching this strategic cooperation with Dushanbe IT Park at the Tajikistan-China Digital Business Connect Forum. This is not only a crucial milestone in Voicecomm Technology’s globalization but also an export of our ecosystem model. We are committed to deeply integrating trustworthy conversational AI and embodied AI technologies into the local market – empowering local talent, co-creating industry scenarios, and participating in standard setting. This deep-seated localized ecosystem co-creation model will unlock vast long-term growth opportunities for us in markets along the Belt and Road.”

Hashtag: #VoicecommTechnology #聲通科技

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