Source: Press Release Service
Headline: Inside New Zealand’s Largest Artificial Grass Range with Urban Turf Solutions
Explore New Zealand’s largest artificial grass range with Urban Turf Solutions. 40+ varieties for low-maintenance Kiwi lawns & landscaping.
The post Inside New Zealand’s Largest Artificial Grass Range with Urban Turf Solutions first appeared on PR.co.nz.
Source: New Zealand Police
Whangārei Police are urging the public to be alert to fraudsters targeting trusting members of the community for their money.
An investigation is in the early stages after an elderly couple had tens of thousands of dollars taken from accounts over the weekend.
Detective Senior Sergeant Shane Pilmer, Whangārei Area Investigations Manager, says the couple were contacted about replacing their banking cards.
“The fraudster has managed to convince them into providing pin numbers and leaving their eftpos cards in the mailbox for collection,” he says.
“Sadly, over the weekend tens of thousands of dollars has been taken out of their accounts.”
Police received a report on Monday, which is now under investigation.
Detective Senior Sergeant Pilmer is calling on the community to be extremely vigilant.
“It’s appalling behaviour where trusting members of the community have been deceived to the point their hard-earned money is being taken.
“The last thing we need right now is other people in the community falling victim to this offending.
“I’m asking families and neighbours to check in on each other, please be aware that this happening.”
Police advise anyone who is contacted in these circumstances by potential scammers to not engage.
Hang up and never hand over personal or banking details, Detective Senior Sergeant Pilmer says.
“The authorities and banks will never call you asking to hand over banking details.
“If you’re contacted, hang up immediately and instead contact the bank yourself.”
Police would also like to hear from anyone who may have been contacted in these circumstances, or who has handed over bank cards in these circumstances.
You can make a report online or call 105.
ENDS.
Jarred Williamson/NZ Police
Source: New Zealand Government
Mental Health Minister Matt Doocey today joined MATES in Construction and ASB for World Suicide Prevention Day for the launch of the Construction Industry Wellbeing Survey.
“The theme of today is ‘Changing the narrative on suicide’ this means reducing stigma, reinforcing that it’s okay to not be okay, and encouraging people to ask for help. A simple check-in with a mate can make a real difference,” Mr Doocey says.
“New Zealand continues to face stubbornly high suicide rates. Last year, 617 people died by suspected suicide. Behind that number are grieving families, friends, colleagues, and communities.
“In June, we launched a new Suicide Prevention Action Plan with an increased investment of $16 million per year, bringing the total to $36 million.
“The plan has 21 new health actions and 13 new cross-agency actions to improve access to suicide prevention and postvention supports, grow a workforce that is able to support those at risk of, or affected by suicide, and strengthen our focus on prevention and early intervention.
“We’ve launched Top Up a new wellbeing promotion campaign, begun rollout of crisis recovery cafes and funded peer support workers in emergency departments.
“Whether it’s you, your child, a friend, or a family member, reaching out for support, this Government is committed to ensuring support is there.
“Everyone has a role to play in suicide prevention. New Zealand has come a long way in becoming more open to talking about mental health, and we are backing this up by putting more money into suicide prevention than ever before so Kiwis can be met with timely support.”
Source: NZ Ministry for Primary Industries
From 10 September to 10 November 2025, the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) invites comment on proposed changes to the Vehicles, Machinery and Parts Import Health Standard.
Proposed changes to the requirements in the standard include:
Full details are in the consultation document. Submissions close at 5pm on 10 November 2025.
Draft Import Health Standard: Vehicles, Machinery and Parts [PDF, 599 KB]
WTO notification [PDF, 299 KB]
Risk Management Proposal: Review of the Vehicles, Machinery and Parts Import Health Standard [PDF, 497 KB]
As well as getting your submissions on the proposed requirement changes in the standard, we would welcome your feedback on 3 related topics.
Email your feedback on the draft standard (and the optional extra questions) before 5pm on 10 November 2025 to vmp.consultation@mpi.govt.nz.
Make sure you include in your submission:
While we prefer email, you can send your submission by post to:
Terrestrial and Aquatic Environment Team
Ministry for Primary Industries
PO Box 2526
Wellington 6140
New Zealand.
All submissions received by the closing date will be considered before the amended import health standard (IHS) is issued. MPI may hold late submissions on file for consideration when the issued IHS is next revised or reviewed.
Any subsequent changes to the IHS will be noted in a second review of submissions before the IHS is finalised.
Note that all, part, or a summary of your submission may be published on this website. Most often this happens when we issue a document that reviews the submissions received.
People can also ask for copies of submissions under the Official Information Act 1982 (OIA). The OIA says we must make the content of submissions available unless we have good reason for withholding it. Those reasons are detailed in sections 6 and 9 of the OIA.
If you think there are grounds to withhold specific information from publication, make this clear in your submission or contact us. Reasons may include that it discloses commercially sensitive or personal information. However, any decision MPI makes to withhold details can be reviewed by the Ombudsman, who may direct us to release it.
After consultation on a draft import health standard, MPI publishes a provisional IHS.
If you made a submission during the consultation, you have 10 working days to notify the Director-General of MPI that you intend to request an independent review. Reviews are limited to whether specific scientific evidence was given sufficient consideration.
If no review is requested within 10 working days, then the provisional IHS is confirmed and the final IHS is issued. A 6-month transition period will be implemented during which time either the old or new import requirements can be used. After this period, the new import requirements in the IHS must be followed.
For more information about reviews refer to Section 24 of the Biosecurity Act 1993 – NZ Legislation
Source: Media Outreach
HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 9 September 2025 – Nominations for the “Quality Building Award 2026 (QBA 2026)” is open now. The biennial Quality Building Award, hailed as the “Oscar of the Construction Industry,” is jointly organized by ten top professional institutions and organizations in Hong Kong’s architecture and construction sectors. With a history spanning over two decades, the award aims to recognize outstanding building projects in Hong Kong, mainland, and overseas, as well as teams that have demonstrated exceptional collaboration and teamwork.
QBA 2026 is chaired by The Hong Kong Institute of Housing (HKIH). The theme for this year is “Smartly We Build | Sustainably We Thrive | Inclusively We Lead,” focusing on honoring projects that employ intelligent, sustainable, and inclusive solutions. The goal is to drive industry innovation and green development, promote social collaboration, and collectively build a prosperous and sustainable future. This year, the award categories have been further expanded to encourage greater participation from projects in the Greater Bay Area and overseas regions.
Expanded International and Greater Bay Area Categories to Foster Cross-Regional Collaboration
Hong Kong has the distinctive advantages of enjoying strong support of mainland and being closely connected to the world. As an industry that relies heavily on cross-regional collaboration with both mainland and international partners, the construction sector can benefit from strengthening external connections and technical exchange opportunities. QBA 2026 has expanded the eligibility of two categories: “Building Outside GBA (include International)” and “Building in GBA (Not include Hong Kong).” These categories are open to high-quality projects from mainland and around the world, with no requirement for involvement from Hong Kong-registered companies. Projects only need to submit proof of completion. Whether residential or non-residential, new construction or renovation, all eligible projects are encouraged to participate.
This initiative aims to promote professional interaction among Hong Kong, Greater Bay Area, and the international community. It encourages cross-regional teams to showcase their outstanding work, share experiences and technologies, and further strengthen Hong Kong’s role as an international hub.
Ms CHANG Yuk Kam, Patricia, Chairlady of QBA 2026 Organizing Committee, stated, “We hope the award will inspire the industry to move beyond solely pursuing scale and height, and instead focus on integrating innovative technologies and sustainable practices that truly meet the needs of users and communities. Particularly against the era of Hong Kong’s integration with the Greater Bay Area, cross-disciplinary and cross-regional collaboration has become an inevitable trend. The relaxed eligibility criteria this year are designed to encourage more teams from the Greater Bay Area and internationally to participate and collectively elevate regional building standards.”
Mr HO Chun Hung, JP, Chairman of QBA 2026 Jury Panel and Director of Buildings Department, HKSARG, stated, “Architecture is not merely a fusion of technology and art, but also a vital force driving social progress. We encourage entries to fully embody the spirit of ‘people-oriented’ design, showcase sustainable and inclusive architecture, and apply innovative and smart technologies in design, construction, building management and maintenance, thereby injecting new impetus into making Hong Kong a more livable city.”
Nomination Details and Key Dates
Nominations for the QBA 2026 opens now. The deadline for submissions is 12:00 noon HKT on Friday, 28 November, 2025. Teams from Hong Kong, the Greater Bay Area, and around the world are encouraged to submit entries across multiple categories, including but not limited to residential, commercial, cultural, public facilities, and urban redevelopment projects.
Schedule
| Date | Key Milestone |
| 9 September 2025 | Nominations open |
| 28 Nov 2025 at 12:00 noon (HKT) | Nominations close |
| The Jury / Assessment Process | |
| 2 Dec – 12 Dec 2025 | First Screening |
| Jan-Feb 2026 | Site Visits / Video Judging |
| Feb-Mar 2026 | Finalists Announce |
| 20-21 March 2026 | Finalists Presentation to Jury Panel |
| June 2026 | QBA 2026 Award Presentation Ceremony |
Award Categories
| Categories | Nomination Requirements |
(Single Building) |
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(Multiple Buildings) |
|
(New Building – Government, Institution or Community) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
*Nominated project teams should submit a photo and video documenting their project, to be remotely assessed by the judging panel. |
|
*Nominated project teams should submit a video documenting their project, to be remotely assessed by the judging panel. **Nominated project teams are not entitled for Quality Excellence Award, Sustainable Development Award nor Innovative Project Award |
|
*Nominated project teams should submit a video documenting their project, to be remotely assessed by esteemed team of assessors. In addition, the jury panel will conduct a site visit to the building to further evaluate the project’s merits. **Nominated project teams are not entitled for Quality Excellence Award, Sustainable Development Award nor Innovative Project Award |
#Greater Bay Area (GBA) includes Macao Special Administrative Regions, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Zhuhai, Foshan, Huizhou, Dongguan, Zhongshan, Jiangmen and Zhaoqing.
Award Types
| Award Type | Description |
| Quality Excellence Award | Only one Quality Excellence Award will be presented to a project within the territorial limits of Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, with an outstanding OVERALL quality that is judged to be the BEST among all the Grand Award Winners. |
| Grand Awards* | There will be a Grand Award Winner(s) for each nomination category. This is the highest recognition to projects at the category level. |
| Merits* | There will be recognition of merit(s) for each nomination category. |
| Finalists* | There will be recognition of finalist(s) for each nomination that has passed the first screening, site visits and that has been presented at the Finalist Presentation to Jury Panel .
#Finalist qualification will be usurped if the project team is unable to present at the Finalist Presentation to Jury Panel . |
| Special awards | Description |
| Sustainable Development Award | This will be a recognition for the finalist with an outstanding quality in green and sustainability |
| Innovative Project Award | This will be a recognition for the finalist with an outstanding quality in innovative design and construction technology. |
* QBA 2026 Organizing Committee reserves the right not to bestow an award if the Jury Panel deems that no nomination is worth receiving that particular award. The decision of the Jury Panel shall be final.
** Finalist qualification will be usurped if the project team is unable to present at the Finalist Presentation to Jury Panel.
Honorary Patron and Jury Panel Members
| Honorary Patron | |
| Ms LINN Hon Ho, Bernadette, JP | Secretary for Development,
Development Bureau, HKSARG |
| Chairman of Jury Panel | |
| Mr HO Chun Hung, JP | Director of Building, Buildings Department, HKSARG |
| Vice Chairlady of Jury Panel | |
| Ms CHANG Yuk Kam, Patricia | Chairlady, QBA 2026 Organizing Committee |
| Members of Jury Panel (In alphabetical order of surnames) | |
| Ir CHOW Kin Tak, Alice | President,
The Hong Kong Institution of Engineers |
| Professor CHU Hoi San, Paul | Dean of Faculty of Science and Engineering, and Professor at the Department of Architecture, Hong Kong Chu Hai College |
| Mr HO Kwing-kwong, Alex | Director – Industry Development, Construction Industry Council |
| Sr LAM Kin Wing Eddie, MH | Deputy Chairmen, Hong Kong Quality Assurance Agency |
| Ar LAU Man Kwan, Julia, FHKIA, JP | President, The Hong Kong Institute of Architects |
| Sr LEUNG Chi Tim Robin | President,
The Hong Kong Institute of Surveyors |
| Mr LI Kiu Yin, Michael, JP | Director of Architectural Services,
Architectural Services Department, HKSARG |
| Ir LIU Sing-pang, Simon | President,
Hong Kong Construction Association |
| Mr POON Kwok Ying, Raymond, JP | Director of Electrical & Mechanical Services/Gen Mgr, EMSTF, Electrical & Mechanical Services Department, HKSARG |
| Sr Frankie SO Hung Fai | Chairperson,
BEAM Society Limited |
| Cr TANG Yu Chi, Alfred | President, Hong Kong Institute of Construction Managers |
| Mr Don TSE | President,
The International Facility Management Association – Hong Kong Chapter |
| Mr WU Biqiao | Vice President,
Guangdong Construction |
| Mr YAU Kam Fai, Anthony | President,
The Hong Kong Institute of Housing |
Official category details, the latest updated jury panel, and further information can be found at www.qba.com.hk, or follow Quality Building Award social media as below:
Facebook: QBAHK
LinkedIn: Quality Building Award
Weibo: 优质建筑大奖
WeChat: 优质建筑大奖
Please download the event photos here.
Photo Captions
Photo 1: Quality Building Award 2026 now open for nomination. Ms CHANG Yuk Kam, Patricia, OC Chairlady of QBA 2026 (middle), Mr HO Chun Hung, JP, Director of Building, Buildings Department, HKSARG (right), Ir ZA Wai Gin, Tony, chairman of Jury sub-committee (left) are speakers of QBA 2026 award briefing session, sharing tips and information with potential award participants.
Photo 2: Ms CHANG Yuk Kam, Patricia, OC Chairlady of QBA 2026 welcomes teams from various regions to participate and witness the birth of more high-quality buildings.
Photo 3: Mr HO Chun Hung, JP, Director of Building, Buildings Department, HKSARG encourages prospective teams to join QBA 2026.
Photo 4: Mr ZA Wai Gin, Tony, chairman of Jury sub-committee said the theme of QBA 2026 revolves around creating a sustainable green smart city, encouraging industries to inject technology and green energy into architecture.
https://www.linkedin.com/company/qbahk/
https://www.facebook.com/share/1BH2d1BWu7/
Wechat: 优质建筑大奖
https://weibo.com/u/7876441170
Hashtag: #QualityBuildingAward2026
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
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Source: Media Outreach
BERLIN, GERMANY – Media OutReach Newswire – 9 September 2025 – At IFA 2025, the Deutscher Tennis Bund (DTB) presented CHiQ with an “Honorary Partner” certificate for its support for the German Wheelchair Tennis Open 2025, reflecting the tournament’s official appreciation and endorsement of CHiQ and also serving as a testament to CHiQ’s commitment to ESG values and social responsibility.
CHiQ Presents Human-Centered Innovation and ESG Excellence to IFA 2025
Held in Berlin this July, the Wheelchair Tennis Open united top athletes worldwide, each exemplifying remarkable resilience and determination. As the event’s official sponsor, CHiQ championed the theme “Every Serve Counts. Every Life Shines”, highlighting the spirit of accessible sports and amplifying the tournament’s footprint through its global platforms.
Mr. Feng Zheng, CHiQ’s Europe General Manager, accepted the certificate on behalf of the brand, stating, “Supporting wheelchair tennis is not only a social commitment, but also reflects CHiQ’s care and respect for underrepresented communities. We want to raise awareness and understanding of accessible sports and harness corporate strength to drive positive social change.”
At IFA 2025, CHiQ also unveiled an ESG-themed exhibition zone. The showcase highlighted achievements in public welfare, environmental innovation, and sustainable development, revisiting CHiQ’s journey with the Wheelchair Tennis Open and its progress in green manufacturing, energy-saving technologies, and sustainable materials. Backed by Changhong Group’s robust ESG framework, including consecutive annual ESG reports and an “AA” rating from Wind, the brand’s global responsibility efforts are deeply embedded.
In sustainable product innovation, CHiQ continues to lead with high-efficiency appliances. Its newly launched washing machine in Europe exceeds the EU A-class standard by 10%, while its air conditioners utilize advanced inverter technology to reduce energy consumption without compromising comfort. CHiQ’s refrigerators, certified with 6-star energy ratings, provide energy-efficient solutions for modern households.
Thanks to its ongoing commitment to innovation in smart home appliances, CHiQ received the Global Product Innovation Technology Award – Leading AI Home Appliance Brand at IFA 2025, again underscoring the brand’s technological excellence and growing international influence.
By supporting inclusive sports, advancing energy-efficient products, and continuously strengthening the ESG framework, CHiQ is redefining what it means to be a responsible brand through its philosophy: “Responsibility goes beyond promises; warmth stems from every choice”. ESG is no longer just an abstract concept; it has become a meaningful bridge between the brand and its users to engage in ongoing dialogue and co-create a better life.
Hashtag: #CHiQ
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
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Source: Media Outreach
MUNICH, GERMANY – Media OutReach Newswire – 9 September 2025 – On September 8, Changan unveiled its latest advancements in electrification and intelligent technology at IAA Mobility 2025. The showcase featured models from CHANGAN DEEPAL and AVATR under the theme “Technological Value, Global Mobility, User Empathy”.
In pursuit of its vision to become a world-class auto brand, Changan has invested over 110 billion RMB in new energy and intelligent technologies over the past decade. With a global network spanning ten R&D centers in six countries, the company has achieved breakthroughs in more than 400 key EV technologies and independently developed its SDA platform. The exhibits – including the Golden Shield Battery and SDA Pilot – highlighted its forward-looking technological achievements.
Changan is accelerating its “Global Mobility” strategy through global partnerships. Its overseas operations now span five regions, namely Europe, Eurasia, Southeast Asia, Middle East and Africa, and Central & South America, covering 103 countries and regions. The company plans to establish 20 overseas factories, nine of which are already operational, including its inaugural overseas NEV plant in Rayong, Thailand. It also continues to advance its plans for local manufacturing in Europe, reinforcing its commitment to regional production and supply chain integration.
Changan is expanding its sales and service presence in Europe. Autohaus Guenther, near Hamburg, opened the first Changan showroom in Germany in late August. Meanwhile, the UK will see 20 dealerships begin operations by mid-September, with 30 additional sales and service outlets scheduled to launch by the end of 2025. By year-end, Changan will be present in more than 10 European markets, including Spain and Italy. The company has also established import subsidiaries in Germany, the Netherlands, and the UK. Notably, Bosch and ZF, two of the world’s leading manufacturers of automotive components, showcased their joint work with Changan on electrification and automation at IAA Mobility 2025.
Changan remains committed to addressing user needs, earning global recognition through its empathetic, user-centered philosophy. The E-SUV CHANGAN DEEPAL S05, launched at IAA Mobility 2025, embodies its philosophy of ”European Design, Global Innovation.” Meanwhile, AVATR emphasizes originality and intelligent new luxury, with the globally premiered concept car, Xpectra, showcasing a distinctive design philosophy and advanced technologies.
Changan made history as the only Chinese automaker to exhibit at the IAA in 2011 and 2013. Twelve years later, the company has three separate stands at the IAA, marking its commitment to international expansion, and its dedication to delivering tailored products and services to global users.
Hashtag: #Changan
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
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Source: Media Outreach
MUNICH, GERMANY – Media OutReach Newswire – 9 September 2025 – At IAA Mobility 2025 in Munich, Germany, AVATR and CHANGAN DEEPAL stood out as highlights of the show, drawing strong interest from visitors and media.
At the AVATR stage located on Königsplatz, the AVATR VISION XPECTRA concept car – fresh from its global debut – took center stage alongside the brand’s full vehicle lineup. It showcased AVATR’s “Emotive Luxury” design philosophy and cutting-edge technology, guided by the aesthetic vision of award-winning designer Nader Faghihzadeh.
AVATR currently offers four models: AVATR 11, AVATR 12, AVATR 07, and AVATR 06. It holds nearly 10% of the UAE’s luxury EV market, has become Thailand’s highly recognized luxury EV brand, and earned widespread acclaim in Singapore just weeks after its launch. AVATR’s global community now reaches nearly 190,000 owners.
Coinciding with the European debut of the CHANGAN DEEPAL S05, Changan simultaneously unveiled its latest models in Chongqing, China: the L06 and the S09 six-seat long-range version. This strategic parallel launch underscores Changan’s global ambitions.
CHANGAN DEEPAL’s bold, futuristic design language redefines electric aesthetics. Having already entered over seventy markets across Europe, Eurasia, Southeast Asia, the Middle East, Africa, and Latin America, it will next introduce the CHANGAN DEEPAL S07 in the UK.
To deliver locally tailored products and services, Changan Automobile is investing in local design, engineering, talent, and partnerships. It has established self-operated import subsidiaries in Germany, the Netherlands, and UK. In other European markets, Changan collaborates with regional importers like Autohellas (Greece), Motorgruppen (Norway), Auto-Industrial Group (Portugal), and OMR (Western Balkans), and is actively expanding its network.
Europe remains a cornerstone in Changan’s global strategy, guided by its ”In Europe, for Europe” ethos. Moving forward, Changan will accelerate its localization strategy in Europe, committing to long-term growth and deep local integration to deliver premium products and services to European users.
Hashtag: #CHANGAN
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
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Source: Media Outreach
MUNICH, GERMANY – Media OutReach Newswire – 9 September 2025 – Changan showcased its CHANGAN DEEPAL and AVATR products at IAA Mobility 2025 on Monday. Under the theme “Changan: Sharing the Future,” the company presented its latest electrification and intelligent technologies across three dedicated exhibition areas.
Changan displayed multiple models for European audiences, including the CHANGAN DEEPAL S05, S07, and AVATR 06, 07, 012, as well as unveiling AVATR’s first concept car, the Xpectra. The exhibition also featured cutting-edge technologies such as the Golden Shield solid-state battery, the New BlueCore HE1.5NA hybrid-dedicated engine, the New BlueCore electric drive system, and the SDA Pilot, all representing industry-advancing innovations that attracted significant attention from attendees, industry experts, and media.
Beyond unveiling its latest models and technologies, Changan reinforced its long-term commitment to the European market. “‘In Europe, for Europe’ encapsulates our stance and resolve. Changan is dedicated to long-term growth and deep local integration,” said Zhao Fei, General Manager, China Changan Automobile Group.
With over two decades of presence in Europe, including R&D centers in the UK, Italy, and Germany, Changan boasts the capability to develop products tailored to European consumers’ needs. Changan’s European product lineup will include both BEVs and PHEVs, with the CHANGAN DEEPAL S07 and S05 as the first BEV models entering Europe. Featuring over 150 market-specific adaptations and achieving the highest 5-star Euro NCAP safety rating, the S07 has already been launched in Norway and Germany and is set to debut in the UK. As one of Changan’s strategic models for success in Europe, the CHANGAN DEEPAL S05 made its official European debut at the IAA.
From the establishment of its Turin Design Center in 2001 to its prominent presence at the 2025 Munich IAA motor show, Changan has steadily evolved into a leader through continuous technological innovation and market expansion. As it accelerates globalization, Changan is forging ahead with electrification and intelligent technologies as core competencies, striving to become a globally competitive automotive enterprise.
Hashtag: #Changan
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
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Source: Media Outreach
CHONGQING, CHINA – Media OutReach Newswire – 9 September 2025 – The World Smart Industry Expo 2025 concluded successfully in Chongqing on 8th September. As a highlight event of the Expo, the “2025 Digital Industry Ecology Conference” hosted by Mashang Consumer Finance Co., Ltd. attracted government leaders, over ten academicians and industrial specialists, more than 300 top-notch technology firms, and over 1,500 industrial elites. Focusing on the new industrial opportunities spawned by the technological revolution, particularly advancements in artificial intelligence, the conference became a major highlight during the Expo.
Hu Henghua, Deputy Secretary of the Chongqing Municipal Committee of CPC and Mayor of the Chongqing Municipal Government, attended the 2025 Digital Industry EcologyConference and delivered an opening remarks.
Hu Henghua, Deputy Secretary of the Chongqing Municipal Party Committee and Mayor of the Chongqing Municipal Government, attended the 2025 Digital Industry Ecology Conference held on the afternoon of 5th September and delivered an opening speech. He noted that with the theme of “Embracing Intelligence, Shaping a New Future”, this conference has facilitated the sharing of forward-thinking insights and sparked dynamic intellectual exchanges, , which will undoubtedly pool wisdom and strength while building momentum for the digital industry. Chongqing stands ready to seize this opportunity to work with all parties in shareing new opportunities in Digital Chongqing, advancing breakthroughs in digital technology, creating new landmarks for the digital industry, exploring innovative models of digital governance, and collectively building a brighter future in the intelligent era.
Hu Henghua stated that, as an important strategic pivot for the Western Development in the New Era and a comprehensive hub for inland opening-up as positioned by the central government, Chongqing boasts a well-developed industrial system, prominent geographical advantages, and abundant strategic opportunities, providing vast prospects for the development of its digital economy. In recent years, Chongqing has deeply implemented the spirit of the important speeches and instructions ofPresident Xi , and fully embraced the intelligent era. Led by the construction of Digital Chongqing, it has vigorously carried out the “AI +” initiative, promoted the deep integration of the real economy and the digital economy, and sped up the building of a highland for AI applications and a highland for digital-intelligence technological innovation. Chongqing is strengthening the foundation of digital development by enhancing data aggregation and computing power supply. It is fostering new quality productive forces in the digital sector through advancing digital industrialization and the digitalization of industries. By strengthening scenario-driven applications and AI empowerment, the city is promoting comprehensive digital transformation across urban domains. Additionally, it is optimizing the development environment for the digital industry by focusing on talent cultivation and building an open-source ecosystem.
Miao Wei, a member of the Standing Committee and Deputy Director of the Economic Committee of the 14th National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference, and former Minister of Industry and Information Technology, said in the keynote speech that, China, as the only country in the world with all industrial categories, is rapidly integrating its digital and real economies. He particularly lauded Chongqing as a benchmark for the integration of digital and real economies in the Western China, highlighting its remarkable achievements. Specific examples included the SERES Smart Factory, which has achieved 100% automation in key processes and reduced product delivery cycles by 30%, as well as Mashang Consumer Finance Co., Ltd.’s large language model “Tianjing 3.0″which uses AI to empower financial services so as to boost domestic consumption.
As the host city of the World Smart Industry Expo, Chongqing has also established itself as a major hub for the digital economy. The city is experiencing vigorous growth in this sector, with the scale of its digital economy exceeding the one-trillion-yuan threshold. It has nurtured a group of leading enterprises and formed a virtuous cycle of “innovation and R&D — real-world application — cluster expansion,” providing core driving force for the regional digital economy.
Mashang Consumer Finance Co., Ltd. is a typical example of an enterprise rooted in Chongqing while serving the whole nation. Backed by the excellent business environment in Chongqing, the company has always clung to independent R & D in science and technology. It has formed a research team of over 3,400 people, accounting for over 75% of its total staff, and independently built more than 1,000 core systems covering the whole processes of risk control, customer service, marketing and asset management, making a key leap from a “technology user” to a “technology creator”. In 2023, Mashang Consumer Finance Co., Ltd. pioneered the release of “Tianjing”, a large language model for retail financial services targeting a user base of hundreds of millions. Now it has evolved to Version 3.0 and the model has been fully deployed across eight major application scenarios.
At the 2025 Digital Industry Ecology Conference, Mashang Consumer Finance Co., Ltd. released a number of achievements and cooperation projects, leading the collaborative development of the digital industry ecosystem. It officially launched the first financial blockchain management platform ahead of other national consumer finance companies, and implemented the first-ever “Blockchain + Digital Yuan” ABS transaction, building a reliable, open and shared “digital base” for the industry. It unveiled two Chongqing Municipal Key Laboratories jointly with Chongqing University of Posts and Telecommunications and the Chongqing-Shanghai Artificial Intelligence Research Institute of Shanghai Jiao Tong University, aiming to build an innovative platform for special-purpose quantum computing and enhance the research level of cybersecurity and digital economy governance. Additionally, a strategic cooperation agreement was signed with the Southwestern University of Finance and Economics to jointly build a new paradigm for deep industry-academia-research integration. This initiative integrates basic research, technological breakthroughs, talent development, and results translation into a unified strategy, fostering a fertile environment for Chongqing’s digital economy.
The conference also invited Jiang Xiaojuan, Honorary President of the China Society of Industrial Economics and Former Deputy Secretary- General of the State Council, Lu Jianhua, an academician of the Chinese Academy of Sciences and Deputy Director of the National Natural Science Foundation of China, Liang Tao, Former Vice-Chairman of the China Banking and Insurance Regulatory Commission, Wang Zixiong, a member of the Party Working Committee and Deputy Director of the Administrative Committee of Chongqing Liangjiang New Area, Li Lihui, former President of the Bank of China, Jiang Ning, Executive Deputy General Manager of Mashang Consumer Finance Co., Ltd., Yuan Foyu, Vice-President of Baidu Group, and Liu Yuanxin, Chief Expert of Huawei’s Digital Finance Legion, to jointly discuss key issues like the development trends of the digital industry and the deep integration of the digital economy and the real economy. More than ten government leaders and academicians, over 50 technologyfirms , more than 300 top-notch companies and over 1,500 industrial – chain partners gathered in Chongqing. The event demonstrated nearly 20 billion yuan in potential investment attraction, drove over 30 million yuan in direct and indirect economic benefits, and generated more than 20 million online and offline impressions. These efforts propelled “Chongqing’s Digital Industry” to trend once again, serving as a powerful testament to the city and the industry moving forward together.
At the closing ceremony of the Smart Expo held on the afternoon of 8th September, Cao Jingquan, Secretary of the Party Committee of Mashang Consumer Finance Co., Ltd., stated that under the guidance of the Chongqing Municipal Party Committee and the Municipal Government of Chongqing, the company will continue to leverage the dividends of large language models to create a replicable and scalable “Mashang Solution”, and together with industrial partners, to enhance the accessibility, coverage and satisfaction of financial services , channeling more “financial vitality” into the real economy, and infusing more “intelligent nourishment” into thousands of households across the coutry.
As a national-level exhibition platform, the World Smart Industry Expo and Chongqing have mutually reinforced each other’s growth. The event has converged unprecedented flows of people, goods, capital and information, unleashing a strong “Smart Expo Effect”. Though the Expo concludes, its impact endures. The 2025 Digital Industry Ecology Conference not only enhanced Chongqing’s reputation as a hub of digital industry, but also continues to attract high-end talents, cutting – edge technologies and high – quality resources to Chongqing and Western China, injecting robust momentum into regional high – quality development while offering valuable “Chongqing Model” and “Western Experience” for talent mobility and industrial upgrading across the country.
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