DITP, Thai Chamber of Commerce and Koelnmesse Announce Readiness to Grandly Host THAIFEX - ANUGA ASIA World-class Food and Beverage Trade Show Both On Ground and Virtually This 24- 28 May

The Department of International Trade Promotion (DITP), Ministry of Commerce, the Thai Chamber of Commerce (TCC) and Koelnmesse (KM) Germany, announced to organize THAIFEX - ANUGA ASIA on the full scale under the name, THAIFEX-ANUGA ASIA 2022 “The Hybrid Edition.” This Asia’s largest and most comprehensive international food and beverage trade show is ready to be the ultimate connector and world-class trade platform for business operators in the food and beverage industry to meet, establish valuable business networks, create new marketing opportunities, gain new inspirations and insights into the emerging F&B breakthroughs and technology. THAIFEX-ANUGA ASIA 2022 is taking place in the form of both On Ground Trade Show between 24th -28th May2022 at IMPACT Muang Thong Thani and Virtual Trade Show at www.thaifex-vts.com. It is anticipated to generate a total revenue of over 10,000 million baht for the country.

Mr. Phusit Ratanakul Sereroengrit, Director-General of Thailand's Department of International Trade Promotion, revealed that before the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, THAIFEX-ANUGA ASIA has been organized grandly as the annual on-ground trade exhibition. However, with the unprecedented and widespread COVID-19 pandemic last year, the organizers were prompted to adjust the format of the event to the THAIFEX - Virtual Trade Show (VTS) and to hold the Virtual - Online Business Matching (V-OBM) on www.thaifex-vts.com. As the pandemic situation starts to improve this year, leading many countries, including Thailand, to lift the strict measures and reopen to international travelers, all the three organizers have, thus, agreed to grandly host THAIFEX-ANUGA ASIA as the physical trade show, while also organizing the THAIFEX - Virtual Trade Show on the virtual platform, to hybrid all business possibilities under the name, THAIFEX-ANUGA ASIA 2022 “The Hybrid Edition” under the concept Re-imagine the Future of Food & Beverage Industry.

“THAIFEX-ANUGA ASIA 2022 is destined to be Asia’s largest and most comprehensive food and beverage trade exhibition, as well as the ultimate world-class trade platform that brings together international business operators in the food and beverage industry to connect and meet with their potential partners in fruitful business matchings both onsite and virtually. The physical trade exhibition is taking place this 24th -28th May at Challenger Hall 1-3 and IEC Hall 5-10 IMPACT Muang Thong Thani, opening for trade visitors for all 5 days. Public visitors are invited to shop and visit the exhibition booths on the last day of the trade event. To ensure the safety of the exhibitors and visitors, all the precautionary measures will be strictly adhered to and prioritized, affirmed Mr. Phusit.

Mr. Phusit further added that, upon hearing that this year THAIFEX-ANUGA ASIA will be held On the Ground once again, both Thai and international business operators all respond positively to our invitation. Meanwhile, 58 Thailand’s Offices of Commercial Affairs around the world also invited buyers and importers and the number of their attendants is anticipated to climb up considerably. At the same time, Koelnmesse, our co-organizer, has also extended the invitation to a wider list of buyers and importers. Therefore, we are confident that this trade exhibition would achieve the target and bring tremendous success, ultimately enabling to realize the Thai Food, World Food initiative of the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Commerce Jurin Laksanawisit to expand the Thai food products to the global market.

In addition, THAIFEX-ANUGA ASIA 2022 is expected to welcome a total number of 75,000 on-ground visitors and over 3,500 online visitors at www.thaifex-vts.com. It is forecasted that this event will generate a total purchase order of approximately 10,000 million baht, divided into orders from the physical trade event valued at 9,550 million baht and orders made via　www.thaifex-vts.com valued at 450 million baht.

As for the On Ground Trade Show, THAIFEX-ANUGA ASIA 2022 “The Hybrid Edition” presents the 11 following zones, namely, Fine Food, Drinks, Sweets & Confectionery, Seafood, Meat, Frozen food, Rice, Fruits & vegetables, Coffee & Tea, Food Service and Food Technology, as well as Tools/Appliances/Equipment and various services related to the food and beverage industry. The exhibition also features special showcase zones for halal food, organic food, innovative food as well as the top selected food products from various provinces across Thailand, following the initiative of the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Commerce Jurin Laksanawisit for bridging cooperation among the provincial commerce offices as the provincial salesman to become the Nation’s salesman. Many other highlights include the Thai tropical fruits promotion such as durian and mangosteen that visitors can pre-order directly from the farmers at the event, or the Future Food exhibition that presents a showcase of Thai entrepreneurs who are becoming known and internationally recognized across the industry.

As for the Virtual Trade Show, THAIFEX - Virtual Trade Show (VTS) offers a unique virtual trade show experience via www.thaifex-vts.com. This ultimate platform combines Virtual Trade Fair and Virtual - Online Business Matching (V-OBM), enabling real-time virtual business matching for buyers all over the world including China. Visitors can select the product category of their interest, visit exhibition booths, watch videos, view 3D product catalogs, and view 2D products in 360-degree which can be rotated and zoomed in to read the label details. The industry professionals can also make an appointment for an online business matching via Chat, Voice Call, Video Call or watch product presentations of various top exhibitors and innovative product startups via our digital live streaming platform.

Mr.Visit Limlurcha, Vice Chairman of the Thai Chamber of Commerce and Board of Trade of Thailand revealed that the food and beverage industry in Thailand made a contribution to GDP worth, generating approximately 5.5% of the country’s gross domestic product. Thailand is the 13th largest food exporter in the world, accounting for 2.3% of the world market share, and is the 4th in Asia after China, Indonesia and India. This THAIFEX-ANUGA ASIA would enable Thai business operators, both large SMEs and new entrepreneurs to expand their products and services to both the international and domestic market, offering them the opportunities to meet with potential buyers both On Ground and Virtually, while showcasing their innovative and creative products in response to the global demands and future food trends. THAIFEX–ANUGA ASIA is, thus, ready to support the business operators in the F&B industry to succeed and thrive.

“THAIFEX-ANUGA ASIA 2022 is so well responded among both domestic and international F&B business operators who are very much ready to showcase their quality and innovative products to the world over. In addition, new products have been developed in response to the new emerging trends as well as the ever-changing market and consumer demands, such as the eco-friendly packaging that could be handled conveniently to maintain both the product’s quality and hygiene. As of now, over 722 Thai exporters, including over 400 SMEs, have confirmed their presence as the exhibitors, altogether comprising 2,085 exhibition booths. Meanwhile, we are contacted by a large number of trade visitors through various channels travelling from both within Thailand and overseas to join us. All these would make THAIF

For further information, please contact:
Public Relations Department, Integrated Communication Co., Ltd.,
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Ms. Usanee Thavornkarn
Tel.: 081 984 5500
Email: usanee@incom.co.th

StocExpo, the world’s biggest platform for the tank storage industry, made a triumphant return this week with over 150 exhibitors, thousands of visitors and a jam-packed conference.

Thousands of industry professionals, including representatives from the likes of Shell and Vopak, as well as key terminals and storage players from over 100 countries worldwide, gathered at the event to discuss the industry’s hottest trends browse the future-shaping exhibition floor.

Lourda Derry, COO of Easyfairs, hosts of StocExpo, says, “It’s wonderful to be back in-person. The sector is going through an important transition and it’s crucial that we are able to share ideas and tackle these issues together. I’m personally happy to have seen everyone and StocExpo has, once again, enabled discussion, networking and new business in the global tank storage industry.”

Delegate at the event, Sachin Mohanani, Terminal Operations Analyst at Shell, says, “This was my first time attending StocExpo in person, I attended virtually last year. You get a lot more out of it in person, particularly when it comes to networking. There’s been lots of topical information about energy transition and security and it’s been really valuable to be here and get insights from our energy partners directly.”

Exhibitor, Peter Dikkerboom from HMT, says, “We’ve had lots of people we know visit us on our stand, it’s been like two months of new business acquisition in a single afternoon! We spoke to a dozen people we normally have to go and visit individually, and they were here visiting us. There are both decision makers here and operations people – people who actually use the tech – so it’s been really valuable.”

As well as stands, the exhibition floor saw full robotic tech demonstrations from the likes of SPRINT Robotics, PPG, Re-Gen Robotics and ScoutDI, to name just a few.
Catherine Reijans, SPRINT Robotics, said, “The event’s been energising! It’s great to do business again with people, connect and move forward together!”

Peter Postma, Siemens Energy, commented, “From what I’ve experienced here, it’s more intense and more focused. Everyone we’ve seen has an agenda, we’re positively surprised by the amount of homework the delegates have done. We’re here with our new, state-of-the-art robotic inspection product, and our well-established tank management system which has a 25-year track record. This is the kind of tech that needs to be demonstrated face to face!”

And terminal operators were able to learn about digitising their operations from the likes of Smartflow and Maintenance Solutions BV, again to name just a few.
Miranda Moonen, Director, Maintenance Solutions BV, said, “It’s been very busy, it’s been crowded all day. We had a lot of terminal maintenance professionals visit because they want a dashboard that is smart and easy to read, even for non-technical people, so they’re exactly the people we wanted to speak to as we launched our new IAM-Datadriven Maintenance KPI Dashboard here at the show. StocExpo has exceeded our expectations, we’ve been the busiest stand!”

Networking was facilitated at the delegate and networking lounge and the VIP lounge, as well as on StocExpo’s own networking app, SE Connect, which brought face-to-face meetings back which took place throughout the three days.

Stefana Sopco from Smartflow, commented, “Thanks to the app for booking meetings, SE Connect, we’ve had some really valuable conversations that have actually become opportunities for us. It’s made networking targeted and easy!”

Delegate, Ronan Le Diraison, Rubis Energie, says, “It’s been a great event, very interesting conference and exhibition and good stuff on display!”
StocExpo will return in 2023. For more information, visit　www.stocexpo.com now.

ENDS

About StocExpo
StocExpo is a three-day exhibition and conference for the tank storage industry. Industry leaders will meet to stay ahead of the competition, network and gain new business. Find out more at　www.stocexpo.com.

For further information on StocExpo, please contact:
Rikki Bhachu, Head of Marketing, Easyfairs
Rikki.bhachu@easyfairs.com
+44 (0)20 3196 4282

85 key opinion leaders participate in more than 10 scientific sessions
450 healthcare professionals visiting from 20 countries
Live Surgery Broadcasted from Sheikh Khalifa General Hospital, Umm Al Quwain

Dubai, United Arab Emirates, 22 May 2022: The second edition of Interdisciplinary Urology Care Consortium (IUCC) was officially inaugurated this weekend at the Conrad Hotel in Dubai under the theme “Transcending Therapies, Driving Technologies,” with the presence of local and international experts in the field. The yearly event is organized by Arab Association of Urology (AAU) under the initiative of Arab School of Urology (ASU) and in collaboration with Dubai Health Authority (DHA), Emirates Urological Society (EUS), Middle East Society for Sexual Medicine (MESSM), Pan Arab Continence Society (PACS), Human Health Education & Research foundation, and INDEX Conferences and Exhibitions EST. – member of INDEX Holding.

This edition’s importance lies in the variety of topics it holds which confirms the UAE’s leading position in fields that cover quality of life, health services, and the employment of advanced medical technology. This further proves that the UAE strives to move on the path of development and creativity to provide the best services for individuals and quickly facilitates the recovery process for patients with various diseases and health problems by providing them with the best integrated medical care.

IUCC’s agenda included rich and informative medical sessions with a live surgery broadcasted from Sheikh Khalifa General Hospital demonstrating the different skills and techniques to ensuring a successful Penile Implant Insertion. The program also touched on various topics that covered all subspecialties and specializations in the field of urology, diseases related to the urinary system, and the latest technologies in diagnostic and treatment methods with a special highlight on Male Reproductive Medicine.

This year’s edition of the conference is hosting over 450 healthcare professionals visiting from more than 20 different countries and 85 speakers participating in 3 workshops and 10 scientific sessions. IUCC will also showcase 15 professional medical posters displaying breakthrough research explanations.

Although incontinence (loss of bladder control) and urinary tract diseases may not be life-threatening, they can have a major effect on the social, psychological, personal, occupational, and physical aspects of a patients' journey. This may ultimately lower a person’s quality of life and cause social isolation and limitation in their daily activities, making urology diseases turn into a social issue as well.

Dr. Abdulqadir Al-Zarooni, President of the Emirates Urology Society, stated: “Through the Interdisciplinary Urology Care Consortium (IUCC) conference, and in cooperation with a number of fellow doctors specialized in the field, we established an environment that supports efforts to educate patients with urological diseases about the importance and benefits of their treatment journey, and to discuss the latest treatment methods that modern medicine has reached in the evolving sector. "

He continued: “With the presence of more than 450 health specialists, we are showcasing the futuristic developments of the United Arab Emirates in various scientific, technological, and medical sectors, while addressing the accelerating need for healthcare in response to the country's continuous growth and development.”

Dr. Yasser Farahat, Chairman of Arab School of Urology and IUCC Scientific Co-Chair, commented: “This conference gave us the opportunity to fill the gaps that come with urology awareness as we were able to explore the challenges that we must overcome to provide the best prevention, diagnosis, and treatment services. We also take the time to build partnerships and cooperation bridges between various health institutions."

Dr. Ahmed Hammady, Secretary-General of the Arab School of Urology, added: “IUCC highlights the most important and latest developments, treatments, and medical research in the field of urology. This reflects the keenness of doctors to mobilize efforts and unify visions towards contemporary medical challenges and global developments related to urinary tract diseases, urinary tract infections, and all related diseases and health problems.”

The conference remarkably hosted a surgery broadcasted live from Sheikh Khalifa General Hospital which shed light on Erectile Dysfunction with Penile Prosthesis, Uro-Andrology, Men’s Fertility, while the second day of the conference is anticipated to shed more light on Uro-Oncology, Uro-Radiology, Urogynaecology, and Family Medicine.

IUCC 2022 is proudly supported by the some of the most prestigious names in the medical field, regionally and internationally, such as Dubai Health Authority, United Arab Emirates Ministry of Health and Prevention, Arab School of Urology, Emirates Urological Society, Emirates Oncology Society, Middle East Society for Sexual Medicine, Arab Association of Urology, Pan Arab Continence Society, Sheikh Khalifa General Hospital and Human Health Education & Research foundation

-ENDS-

For more information, please contact:
Abdel Rahman Rabie
Public Relations Executive, INDEX Media
Mobile: +971504807187
Email: abdelrahman.rabie@index.ae

The wait for the return of Japan’s biggest interior design trade fair is almost over. After a three year break caused by the pandemic, the landmark 30th edition of Interior Lifestyle Tokyo is set to be held at the Tokyo Big Sight West Halls 1, 2 and the Atrium from 1 – 3 June 2022. An estimated 500 exhibitors from 12 countries and regions will welcome interior industry professionals to conduct their purchasing for the upcoming autumn/winter and year-end sales seasons. The show represents an opportunity to explore new trends and upcoming developments in the market.

Long awaited fair to shape the direction of the interior design industry
Because of the pandemic, Interior Lifestyle Tokyo was forced to cancel its 2020 and 2021 editions. But the time is fast approaching for the doors to open once again. This year’s venue will be classified into 11 product zones: Home, Accent, Kitchen Life, Everyday, Ethical, Japan Style, Movement, Foodist, Talents, Next and Jewellery. Each category will display interior and household goods related to food, clothing, and housing with excellent design and functionality. Sustainable and ethical products made with consideration for human rights, the environment and society, as well as products and materials that inspire new lifestyles and spaces will also feature.

Special showcase ‘Blooming’
This year's special atrium project ‘Blooming’, will be directed by Mr Makoto Tanijiri and Ms Ai Yoshida of the architectural design firm Suppose Design Office. The 28 selected exhibitors will present their products in a decorative showcase area designed by the directors. Visitors will find a wide range of products to help them feel ‘at home’, including frames to decorate walls, flower vases, fragrances, blankets, tableware, coffee and other products to enhance ‘home time’, both in terms of work and daily life.

Other fringe events will also set the stage for buyers to explore seasonal trends in the market. The 2022 Lifestyle Salon is a series of forums featuring expert discussions on the latest developments in the fields of interiors, materials and living space design. 12 forums will be conducted during the show, including:

‘The secret of upcycling materials and its potential for contract business’
There has been a major shift in awareness and consumer values since the introduction of the U.N’s Sustainable Development Goals. In response to this trend, prominent Japanese architect Mr Keiji Ashizawa, Mr Shinji Fujita from KMEW Co Ltd and Mr Hiroshi Kato from Karimoku Furniture Inc., will discuss how to draw out the potential and value of green practices such as upcycling.

‘A way of life with nature close to you’
With gear and furniture that is designed in Japan and guaranteed for life, the brand Snow Peak is renowned for its durable outdoor products. At this year’s Lifestyle Salon the company will showcase new ways to integrate outdoor design elements into clothing, food, housing and living areas, giving inspiration and insights into a new style of living in the post-pandemic world.

Media contact:
Nanako Kaku
Tel +81 3 3262 8453
press@japan.messefrankfurt.com

Uncovering nifty trends in gifting, stationery, homeware, kitchenware and home décor industries, the trade fair trio of Paperworld India, Corporate Gifts Show and Interior Lifestyle India presented by Ambiente India 2022 opened today at Jio World Convention Centre. The trade fair trio was inaugurated today by Shri Aslam Shaikh, Hon'ble Minister of Textile, Fisheries and Port Development, Government of Maharashtra, in Mumbai. With the convergence of more than 200 exhibitors and over 400 brands from multiple sectors, buyers and trade visitors have an exceptional variety of products to explore and the opportunity to build business networks.

Bringing an endless range of products in corporate merchandising, customised gifting, office and school stationery, writing instruments, alongside innovative products in homeware, kitchenware and home décor on the show floor - Paperworld India, Corporate Gifts Show and Interior Lifestyle India presented by Ambiente India 2022 have opened their doors today at Jio World Convention Centre in Bandra Kurla Complex.

Setting the show in motion, the trade fair trio was inaugurated by eminent government and industry figures, including:
• Chief Guest: Shri Aslam Shaikh, Hon'ble Minister of Textile, Fisheries and Port Development, Government of Maharashtra
• Mr Shital Shah, Chairman, Corporate Gifts Association of India (CGAI)
• Mr Bhavesh Manek, President, Suburban Stationery Vyapari Association (SSVA)
• Mr Nitin Nagrale, Founder & General Secretary, Hospitality Purchase Managers Forum (HPMF)
• Mr Stephan Buurma, Member of the Board of Management, Messe Frankfurt Group
• Mr Umesh Modi, CEO, Jupiter Infomedia Ltd
• Mr Rakesh Desai, Director – Exhibitions, Gifts & Accessories
• Mr Abhishek Parihar, CEO, Scott International
• Mr Gaurav Choukhany, Founder & CEO, Techzo, Intiginis Promotions Pvt Ltd
• Mr Makarand Pradhan, Director, Seedeer India Pvt Ltd
• Mr Mansoor Ahmed, Managing Director, Attiitude.com Fashions Pvt Ltd
• Mr Rajat Vohra, General Manager – South Asia, Reynolds Pens India Pvt Ltd
• Mr Vishal Sharma, General Manager – Marketing Luxor Writing Instruments Pvt Ltd
• Mr Kamlesh Sharma, Founder, iGear Tech Pvt Ltd

Organised by Messe Frankfurt India Trade Fairs India Pvt Ltd together with Gifts & Accessories, the Exhibition Division of Netlink Solutions (India) Ltd, the strategic combination of the three exhibitions brings crucial opportunities for businesses from a wide array of sectors at the same time. The event is also being supported by chief industry associations like the Corporate Gifts Association of India (CGAI), the Suburban Stationery Vyapari Association (SSVA) and the Buying Agents Association (BAA).

The Corporate Gifts Show 2022 features products ranging from smart and multi-purpose electronics from Seedeer India, customised apparel and uniforms by Scott International, fashion accessories by Attiitude, handicrafts made by specially-abled artists by The Mouth and Foot Painting Artists Association (MFPA), customisable leather products for gifting from The Messy Corner and Mario Gallery, to fashionable apparels from Kasa Enterprises. Top brands at the Corporate Gifts Show also include: Adidas, Boat, Bombay Shaving Company, I-Gear, Goqii, Happilo, Jack & Jones, Mobitech, Monte Carlo, Only, Reliance Industries, Skechers, Swiss Military, United Colours of Benetton, Vero Moda, Vivo, Xech as well as other companies engaged in corporate merchandising.

Covering the world of school, office and hobby stationery, Paperworld India 2022 brings “one-of-a-kind” products on the show floor, ranging from personalised pens by Luxor, premium office stationery by Kanin India, KGOC Globe LLC and Amigo, smart writing instruments by FCE Lifestyles LAMY, to rich and artistic products for hi-end professional applications by KD Enterprises and Creativehands.

Furthermore, Paperworld India 2022 is also introducing a whole array of ‘back-to-school’ products that feature sophisticated school stationery and writing instruments for pupils returning to the school after a long haul of the pandemic.

Including industry giants - Reynolds and Luxor, top stationery brands exhibiting at the trade fair include Linc Pen & Plastics Pvt Ltd (Linc Pens), Alpha International (Staedtler), Anupam Stationery, Global Writings (Supra), Greatwhite Global Pvt Ltd (Anchor), Kanin India Ltd, Krishna Pens Pvt Ltd, Newell Group (Dymo, Papermate and Sharpie), Pinnacle Enterprises, Ski Plastoware (Disney) and William Penn.

Tending to the growing demand for unique and innovative houseware, kitchenware and home décor products in India, the Interior Lifestyle India presented by Ambiente India 2022 displays an exquisite range of products such as cookware made from recycled metals by The Chef Story, premium products from Wonderchef Home Appliances, Basik Innovation LLP, Mahavir Enterprises (Magnus), RK Plastoware, Vinayak International Housewares Pvt Ltd, Liza Industries, sustainable home décor and kitchenware by Casa Décor, smart electronic kitchen appliances by DLJM Houseware Pvt Ltd (Jaypee), premium tailor-made leather accessories by Lifestyle 360 Degree Pvt. Ltd (Ranvik Export), and sustainable handwovens made by India’s finest artisans by Aadyam Handwoven – An Aditya Birla Brand.

With the perfect mix of smart, sustainable and trendy displays, the co-located exhibitions will display “what’s new” in the world of gifting, stationery, homeware, kitchenware and home décor sectors throughout its three-day exhibition that concludes on 14 May 2022.

Media contact:
Ruhi Shaikh
Tel. 91 22 6144 5914
ruhi.shaikh@india.messefrankfurt.com

National Cheng Kung University has announced its ambition to achieve carbon neutrality by 2041, making it the most aggressive public university in Taiwan in this respect. How have they built buildings with no need for air conditioning, and run experiments without using a single drop of tap water?

The April heat in Tainan is already nearly unbearable. But upon entering the Yun-Suan Sun Green Building Research Center on the campus of National Cheng Kung University (NCKU), the breeze seems to flow from all directions.

The space is actually not outfitted with air conditioning.

Pointing to multiple vents on the first floor, Professor Lin Tzu-ping, deputy director of NCKU’s College of Planning and Design, says “The breeze can come in, and it can go out.”

The building is outfitted with three ventilation towers designed in accordance with the principles of fluid dynamics. Simply stated, it allows warm air to rise and pull cool air into the building from all around it. Despite no air conditioning in the high-ceilinged ground floor lobby, one can feel the coolness.

Green building conserves 86% of energy
The green building, also known as the Magic School of Green Technology, has been in use for over a decade, over which time energy savings has been improved from 65 to 86 percent. From conference rooms to the auditorium, the clever implementation of natural breeze and light sources can be seen all around.

Earlier this year in April, the United Nations’ Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) released its latest report, naming seven exemplary green buildings worldwide. The Yun-Suan Sun Green Building Research Center was one of two buildings in Asia noted on the list.

After a half-hour car ride, I reached the Tainan Hydraulics Laboratory, one of the country’s large-scale marine and hydraulics engineering simulation and experimentation bases.

Huang Kuo-shu, a researcher at the Tainan Hydraulics Laboratory, relates that the lab collects rainwater from the roof, which flows into a basement tank. Following purification they conduct their experiments. And after 22 years of operation, “we haven’t used a drop of tap water in any experiment,” he adds.

Based on an array of 17 SDGs (sustainable development goals) set by the UN, the Thames Higher Education University Rankings ranked National Cheng Kung University the most influential university in Taiwan for the second year in a row.

NCKU also ranked second overall among large public universities in this year’s CommonWealth University Social Responsibility survey.

In line with the global trend toward net zero CO2 emissions, NCKU has announced that in 2031, which marks the university’s 100th anniversary, it will increase the proportion of renewable energy production to 50 percent, on the way to achieving carbon neutrality by 2041. These plans distinguish NCKU’s timetable as the most aggressive among public universities in Taiwan.

This is not just isolated talk. University president, Dr. Huey-Jen Jenny Su, relates that NCKU took a practical inventory and examined various factors before setting its goals, in anticipation of leveraging the school’s centennial celebrations to call on more people to help Chung Kung move forward toward carbon neutrality.

According to a CommonWealth magazine survey, NCKU has performed particularly well against various environmental criteria. The one area in which it could use some improvement is the slightly higher electricity usage per capita among students and faculty.

This can be attributed to the over 60-percent ratio of science and medical department students, as the many experiments conducted in these departments place a great demand on electrical power. “This is a built-in disadvantage of NCKU,” reports director of R&D Lin Tsai-fu.

Further, as NCKU lacks a large forested area to offset carbon emissions, achieving carbon neutrality under current circumstances is certainly a challenge. “We need to adjust professors’ research and experiment methodology to reduce energy consumption and carbon emissions,” says Dr. Su.

Su gives the example of the semiconductor institute established at the university last year. The professors have taught manufacturing processes and critical materials development for their entire professional lives, but now all processes must be organized along the lines of reduced energy consumption. “Energy reduction must be considered from the research end, and despite the considerable challenges it also presents an opportunity for industry’s transition to low carbon.”

With 10 green buildings already on campus, NCKU now wants to take its experience with energy conservation to other venues.

“Going forward, we will be setting stricter guidelines, such as that new campus spaces in the future must have natural ventilation,” stresses Lin Tzu-ping. After all, devoting additional thought to designing approaches to save energy during the initial planning stages is preferable to paying high electricity costs after facilities come on line.

Ample low-carbon power is also connected to industry. The negative carbon emissions demonstration plant, built at a cost of tens of millions of NT dollars on NCKU’s An-Nan campus, was overseen by Chen Chih-yung, director of the Hui-Zhi Green Technology Research Center. Possessing carbon-capturing technology that can be mass produced, it has attracted interest from the likes of major manufacturers such as China Steel, Taiwan Cement, Chang Chun Petrochemical, and TSMC.

“After converting carbon dioxide to methane, we can derive propane. This is a basic raw material of the petrochemical industry, demonstrating the feasibility of making carbon dioxide into a resource,” offers Chen Chih-yung. Thus it follows that whomever can resolve the issue of CO2 in the future will be an economic power and dominant industry player.

“National Cheng Kung University’s negative carbon emissions demonstration plant, the first of its kind in Taiwan, is a key milestone for Taiwan on the way to carbon neutrality by 2050,” said Vice President Lai Ching-te at the unveiling of the facility late last year, while highlighting NCKU’s important role in Taiwan’s progression toward net zero carbon emissions.

“Sustainability is a value around which society can move forward together,” says Dr. Su, adding, “NCKU’s efforts are meant to affirm this value.”

By Li Hsun Tsai
Photo Source / Chien-Ying Chiu

Leaders from around Asia and the Pacific – a region at the forefront of the world’s innovation and economic growth – today pledged to leverage its advantages towards protecting people and the planet.

The Bangkok Declaration, adopted at the conclusion of the 78th session of the Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP), renews the region’s commitment to promoting multilateralism and international cooperation, strengthening partnerships for sustainable development, and upholding the principles of international law and the United Nations Charter.

Asia and the Pacific is currently facing its biggest shared test on the back of cascading socio-economic impacts from the COVID-19 pandemic, raging geopolitical conflicts and the climate crisis. Some 85 million people have been pushed back into extreme poverty by the pandemic alone, millions more losing their jobs or livelihoods and a generation of children missing precious time on education.

The Declaration sets forth a common agenda to advance sustainable development in Asia and the Pacific, drawing upon priority areas identified from country consultations and negotiations. Governments promised to leave no one behind, as well as place women and youth at the heart of development. They further reaffirmed the importance of trade as an engine of inclusive growth, protecting the planet, enhancing regional connectivity and exploiting technological opportunities.

Countries called for a reinvigorated role of ESCAP – observing the 75th anniversary of its establishment – as a regional development platform to respond effectively to the changing and emerging needs of the region. They also underscored the need for governments to create sufficient fiscal space to allow for greater investment in sustainable development.

"This resolution shows an unprecedented commitment and genuine engagement of countries to join forces to overcome current complexities and safeguard the development aspirations of the people - solidarity at its best in Asia and the Pacific,” said Armida Salsiah Alisjahbana, United Nation Under-Secretary-General and Executive Secretary of ESCAP.

Over 740 delegates from 52 member States and associate members, various stakeholder groups and international organizations attended the 78th session held from 23 – 27 May in Bangkok. Three other resolutions on inclusive civil registration and vital statistics, sustainable transport development and changes to the ESCAP conference structure were also adopted at this regional assembly.

Recognizing the growing frequency and intensity of transboundary disasters in the region, countries underlined the crucial need to strengthen disaster risk information management and multi-hazard early warning systems. The Regional Plan of Action on Sand and Dust Storms in Asia and the Pacific was endorsed to scale-up collaborative efforts and minimize the associated risks on communities.

For more information on the 78th session of the Commission:https://www.unescap.org/events/commission78

Watch the CS78 proceedings:www.youtube.com/unescap

For media enquiries or spokesperson interview requests, please contact:
Kavita Sukanandan, Public Information Officer
Communications and Knowledge Management Section, ESCAP
E: escap-scas@un.org

The United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) opened its 78th session in Bangkok today with global and regional leaders calling for strengthened regional cooperation and multilateralism as reverberating impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, climate change and geopolitical conflicts threaten to derail sustainable development.

“To address systemic risks, we should understand, foresee and adapt to future shocks through strategic foresight. No one country can move forward on these development agendas alone,” said Armida Salsiah Alisjahbana, UN Under-Secretary-General and Executive Secretary of ESCAP. “All our resources and energies must be targeted and impactful while promoting rules-based, open, non-discriminatory and equitable principles and approaches.”

Ms. Alisjahbana further called for countries to focus on protecting the most vulnerable and hardest hit groups, creating resilient economic and social foundations, and prioritizing sustainability at the core of all policy initiatives.

Home to two-thirds of the world’s population, the Asia-Pacific region has been the engine of the global economy and home to countless innovations that have bettered the lives of billions. While it has made significant development gains over the past decades, the vast region faces daunting challenges.

In his message, United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres underscored that ESCAP and its member States are uniquely placed to drive progress in Asia and the Pacific. “I count on you to help reinvigorate multilateral action built on solidarity, trust and cooperation to create a greener, more sustainable and prosperous future for all.”

At the opening, Abdulla Shahid, President of the United Nations General Assembly, highlighted the plight of least developed countries, landlocked developing countries and small island developing states in the region, which have been disproportionately affected by crises. “We must do more to support these countries with finances, technology, capacity development and debt relief in their efforts to recover from the pandemic and achieve the Sustainable Development Goals.”

The theme study for the 78th session describes pathways to achieve more inclusive and sustainable post-pandemic recovery and recommends four key action areas: protecting people and the planet, leveraging digital opportunities, trading and investing more together, and raising financial resources and managing debt. It underlines the crucial need to listen to the voices of women and young people, placing them at the centre of development work in the region.

The session coincides with the 75th anniversary of ESCAP. “With its establishment in 1947, the UN regional commission provided governments in Asia and the Pacific - for the first time in history - a platform to meet to discuss common economic problems, establish agreed principles of action and carry out policies determined by mutual agreement,” shared Collen Vixen Kelapile, President of the Economic and Social Council. “The region has come a long way since 1947, but the need for multilateralism and regional cooperation is as great today as it was 75 years ago.”

“ESCAP was founded amid efforts by countries in the region to rise from the ashes of war and pursue their development with the hope of lasting peace. Today, the world and the region are once again confronted with various pressing challenges, which are more diverse and complex. The hard-won peace that we have cherished is on the brink of crumbling if we do not engage in dialogue and work hand-in-hand,” said Prime Minister General Prayut Chan-o-cha (Ret) of Thailand.

“ESCAP has played a critical role in fostering cooperation amidst countries in the region. It also has been instrumental in amplifying the region’s voice in global conversations, especially on sustainable development which should remain the region’s priority,” said Thailand’s Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Vijavat Isarabhakdi, who was elected Chair of the session.

More than 500 participants from 51 member States and associate members as well as other stakeholder groups are attending the session this week. It is expected to culminate on Friday with the endorsement of resolutions on advancing sustainable development and building a more resilient future.

For more information on CS78, visit:https://www.unescap.org/events/commission78
Watch the CS78 proceedings live:www.youtube.com/unescap

For media enquiries or spokesperson interview requests, please contact:
Kavita Sukanandan, Public Information Officer
Communications and Knowledge Management Section, ESCAP
E: escap-scas@un.org

From left to right: Niamey 2000, Rehabilitation of the Manama Post Office, Community Spaces in Rohingya Refugee Response, Issy Valley Improvement. (Photo : Aga Khan Award for Architecture)

20 projects in 16 countries, from Indonesia to Cape Verde

Geneva, Switzerland, 2 June 2022 – The Aga Khan Award for Architecture (AKAA) today announced 20 shortlisted projects for the 2022 Award cycle. The projects will compete for a share of the US$ 1 million prize, one of the largest in architecture.

The 20 shortlisted projects were selected by an independent Master Jury from a pool of 463 projects nominated for the 15th Award Cycle (2020-2022).

The Aga Khan Award for Architecture was established by His Highness the Aga Khan in 1977 to identify and encourage building concepts that successfully address the needs and aspirations of communities in which Muslims have a significant presence. Since it was launched 45 years ago, 122 projects have received the award and nearly 10,000 building projects have been documented. The AKAA’s selection process emphasises architecture that not only provides for people’s physical, social and economic needs, but that also stimulates and responds to their cultural aspirations.

Photographic representations of the 20 shortlisted entries will go on display in an exhibition in King’s Cross, London from 2 June to 30 June, as part of the King’s Cross Outdoor Art Project, coinciding with the London Architecture Festival.

A full on-line press kit, including briefs on each project and high-resolution images, is available on the website of the Award:　https://www.akdn.org/press-release/aga-khan-award-architecture-announces-2022-shortlist

Bahrain
• Rehabilitation of Manama Post Office, Manama, Bahrain, by Studio Anne Holtrop: Built in 1937, the Post Office was rehabilitated to its original form and role as a functioning post office, and added a new wing to the existing building.
Bangladesh

• Community Spaces in Rohingya Refugee Response, Teknaf, Bangladesh, by Rizvi Hassan, Khwaja Fatmi, Saad Ben Mostafa: Sustainably built structures in the world’s largest refugee camps, which occurred collaboratively in the field without drawings or models.

• Urban River Spaces, Jhenaidah, Bangladesh, by Co.Creation.Architects / Khondaker Hasibul Kabir: A community-driven project providing public spaces in a riverine city with 250,000 residents, offering walkways, gardens and cultural facilities, as well as environmental efforts to increase biodiversity along the river.
Cape Verde

• Outros Bairros Rehabilitation Programme, Mindelo, Cape Verde, by OUTROS BAIRROS / Nuno Flores: An urban rehabilitation and redesign of a public space allowed residents to execute works in their own neighbourhoods and enhance their sense of belonging.
India

• Lilavati Lalbhai Library at CEPT University, in Ahmedabad, India, by RMA architects / Rahul Mehrotra: The library, a living case study of passive climate mitigation strategies, integrates seamlessly into the existing campus while forging its own distinct identity.
Indonesia

• Blimbingsari Airport, Banyuwangi, Indonesia, by andramatin: Serving more than 1,100 domestic passengers per day, the airport’s roofs indicate a clear division between departure and arrival halls.

• Expandable House, Batam, Indonesia, by ETH Zurich / Stephen Cairns with Miya Irawati, Azwan Aziz, Dioguna Putra and Sumiadi Rahman: This new sustainable dwelling prototype is designed to be flexibly configured around its residents’ (often) precarious resources over time.
Iran

• Aban House, Isfahan, Iran, by USE Studio / Mohammad Arab, Mina Moeineddini: On a narrow rectangular site in Isfahan’s historic centre, the three-storey house is arranged around three open courtyards.

• Argo Contemporary Art Museum & Cultural Centre, Tehran, Iran, by ASA North / Ahmadreza Schricker: Distinct materials differentiate new additions from the brick-built historic fabric in this contemporary art museum housed in an abandoned 100-year-old brewery.

• Jadgal Elementary School, Seyyed Bar, Iran, by DAAZ Office / Arash Aliabadi: An elementary school, managed by villagers and teachers and funded by tourism and needlework from local women, is a sustainable development centre for surrounding areas.
Lebanon

• Renovation of Niemeyer Guest House, Tripoli, Lebanon, by East Architecture Studio / Nicolas Fayad, Charles Kettaneh: Designed by Oscar Niemeyer but abandoned when civil war erupted in 1975, the guest house has been transformed into a design platform and production facility for the local wood industry.
Kuwait

• Wafra Wind Tower, Kuwait City, Kuwait, by AGi Architects / Joaquín Pérez-Goicoechea, Nasser B. Abulhasan: The 13-storey building conceived as a wind tower features a central, vertical courtyard that provides natural ventilation to each apartment unit.
Morocco

• Issy Valley Improvement, Ait Mansour, Morocco, by Salima Naji: While improving the palm orchards and water reservoirs, trails and facilities for tourists were also upgraded in the first phase of a larger project for the valley.
Niger

• Niamey 2000, Niamey, Niger, by united4design / Yasaman Esmaili, Elizabeth Golden, Mariam Kamara, Philip Straeter: As a response to a housing shortage amid rapid urban expansion, this prototype housing of six family units seeks to increase density while remaining culturally appropriate.
Palestine

• Tulkarm Courthouse, Tulkarm, Palestine, by AAU Anastas: Featuring two buildings, one for administration and the other containing 10 courtrooms, the Courthouse is anchored to its urban context by a public space.
Senegal

• CEM Kamanar Secondary School, Thionck Essyl, Senegal, by Dawoffice: For this secondary school, volunteers, using local techniques, produced vault modules from clay which (with lattices) act as evaporating coolers.
Sri Lanka

• Lanka Learning Centre, Parangiyamadu, Sri Lanka, by feat.collective / Noemi Thiele, Felix Lupatsch, Valentin Ott and Felix Yaparsidi: A multifunctional cultural centre and adult school where locals learn craftsmanship creates a multi-ethnic meeting point.
Tunisia

• Le Jardin d'Afrique, Zarzis, Tunisia, by Rachid Koraïchi: An ecumenical cemetery provides a sanctuary and dignified place of final repose for the hundreds of unburied bodies that had been washing ashore.
Turkey

• Rehabilitation of Tarsus Old Ginnery, Tarsus, Turkey, by Sayka Construction Architecture Engineering Consultancy: Adaptive re-use of an abandoned 19th century ginnery allows the operation of a contemporary centre for archaeological research and public engagement.
United Arab Emirates

• Flying Saucer Rehabilitation, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates, by SpaceContinuum Design Studio / Mona El Mousfy: The Flying Saucer, a 1978 Brutalist-style building that was fully restored as a community art space, contributes to Sharjah’s collective cultural memory.

The shortlisted projects have undergone rigorous reviews, at the site of each project, by independent experts, including architects, conservation specialists, planners and structural engineers. The Master Jury meets again this summer to examine the on-site reviews and determine the final recipients of the Award.

The nine members of the independent Master Jury who selected the 20 shortlisted projects are: Nada Al Hassan, an architect specialising in the conservation of architectural and urban heritage; Amale Andraos, Professor at the Columbia University Graduate School of Architecture, Planning and Preservation; Kader Attia, an artist who explores the wide-ranging effects of western cultural hegemony and colonialism; Kazi Khaleed Ashraf, director-general of Bengal Institute for Architecture, Landscapes and Settlements, in Dhaka, Bangladesh; Sibel Bozdoğan, a Visiting Professor of Modern Architecture and Urbanism at the Department of the History of Art and Architecture, Boston University; Lina Ghotmeh, a French-Lebanese architect who leads a practice where every project learns from a vernacular past to build a new “déjà-là”; Francis Kéré, an AKAA laureate and internationally renowned Burkinabè architect who received the Award in 2004 for his first project, an elementary school in Gando, Burkina Faso ; Anne Lacaton, founder of Lacaton & Vassal in Bordeaux in 1989, who focuses on the generosity of space and economy of means; Nader Tehrani, founding principal of a practice dedicated to design innovation, collaboration and a dialogue with the construction industry. For more information, please see the biographies of the Master Jury　https://www.akdn.org/press-release/aga-khan-award-architecture-announces-2022-master-jury

The Aga Khan Award for Architecture is governed by a Steering Committee chaired by His Highness the Aga Khan. The other members of the Steering Committee are Sheikha Mai Bint Mohammed Al Khalifa, President, Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities, Manama; Emre Arolat, Founder, EAA - Emre Arolat Architecture, Istanbul; Meisa Batayneh, Principal Architect, Founder, maisam architects and engineers, Amman; Sir David Chipperfield, Principal, David Chipperfield Architects, London; Souleymane Bachir Diagne, Director, Institute of African Studies, Columbia University, New York; Nasser Rabbat, Aga Khan Professor, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge; Marina Tabassum, Principal, Marina Tabassum Architects, Dhaka; and Sarah M. Whiting, Dean, Graduate School of Design, Harvard University, Cambridge. Farrokh Derakhshani is the Director of the Award.

Press contact:
Semin Abdulla
E-mail: semin.abdulla@akdn.org
Website:www.akdn.org/architecture

DKSH Business Unit Technology and Microtrac MRB, a leading company in particle characterization and shape analysis, have signed an exclusive distributor agreement in Taiwan. As part of the partnership, DKSH will provide distribution, marketing, sales, and after-sales services for Microtrac MRB’s wide-range of products.

Taipei, Taiwan, May 31, 2022 – DKSH Taiwan Business Unit Technology has been entrusted by Microtrac MRB to promote and distribute its superior solutions for the characterization of disperse systems. This partnership is an extension of the existing collaboration between both companies in China and further solidifies DKSH’s position as the leading integrated solutions provider for the scientific instrumentation market.

Formed in 2020 through the merger of three leading companies for particle characterization – RETSCH Technology, Microtrac, and MicrotracBEL, Microtrac MRB sets standards in high-tech equipment for quality control, research, and development of solid matters and offers an unrivalled range of technologies for particle characterization, including Laser Diffraction, Dynamic Light Scattering, and Surface & Porosity Analysis as well as Dynamic and Static Image Analyzers.

“With DKSH’s extensive capillary distribution network and proven track record in the field of scientific instrumentation, we are confident that our partnership will expand our market to the next level,” said Paul Cloake, Director, Global Sales, Microtrac MRB.

Weilun Tsao, Managing Director, Business Unit Technology, DKSH Taiwan, commented: “We are excited to offer Microtrac MRB’s turnkey solution in particle size and shape analysis. We are convinced that their products will bring versatile application possibilities to the academia, biopharma, biotech, semiconductor, and solar and electronics industries.”

Products under the RETSCH Technology and Microtrac brands are immediately available in DKSH and products under the MicrotracBEL brand will be available starting from August 2022.

About Microtrac MRB
Formed through the merger of three leading companies for particle characterization, RETSCH Technology, Microtrac Inc. and MicrotracBEL in 2020, MICROTRAC MRB is a technology leader, committed to innovation, with an extensive global network and unrivalled offering in particle characterization. The company is part of the Verder Scientific group. This new business segment offers an unrivalled range of technologies for particle characterization and becomes a one-stop, preferred solution provider for customers.https://www.microtrac.com/company/

About DKSH
DKSH’s DKSH’s purpose is to enrich people’s lives. For more than 150 years, we have been delivering growth for companies in Asia and beyond across our Business Units Healthcare, Consumer Goods, Performance Materials, and Technology. As a leading Market Expansion Services provider, we offer sourcing, market insights, marketing and sales, eCommerce, distribution and logistics as well as after-sales services. Listed on the SIX Swiss Exchange, DKSH operates in 36 markets with 33,1000 specialists, generating net sales of CHF 11.1 billion in 2021. The DKSH Business Unit Technology offers complete solutions for specialized industrial applications. With around 1,600 specialists, the Business Unit generated net sales of CHF 430.3 million in 2021.www.dksh.com/tec

For more information please contact:

DKSH Taiwan Ltd.
Stacy Lee
Marketing & Communications Manager
+886 2 8752 7290
stacy.lee@dksh.com

大昌華嘉與澳洲領先再生農業和食物領域的公司Wide Open Agriculture公司簽署獨家代理合約，將引進其旗下品牌Dirty Clean Food的燕麥奶，造福台灣消費者。

台北、台灣，2022年5月24日 – 大昌華嘉消費品事業單位是快速消費品公司尋求在亞洲及其他區域拓展業務的領先合作夥伴，與Wide Open Agriculture公司在台灣簽訂獨家代理合約。促成此次合作的是大昌華嘉消費品在2021年舉辦的「成長動能論壇」， Wide Open Agriculture為該活動嘉賓。創新舉辦的「成長動能論壇」旨在透過互動活動同時向全球各地中小企業介紹DKSH消費品事業單位服務的13個市場，以獨特的參與方式讓貴賓能夠展示他們的公司、產品和策略，同時了解各個市場的消費者、行銷管道和產品分類，從中找到最匹配、具潛力的商機。

根據合約，台灣大昌華嘉將善用多年累積的豐富市場經驗和分銷專業能力，為Dirty Clean Food品牌的全系列四種口味燕麥奶 (原味、咖啡師特調、咖啡風味和巧克力風味)提供包含行銷和銷售、物流和配銷等市場拓展服務。

Dirty Clean Food 的燕麥奶源自澳洲西部的再生農場（世界上優質的燕麥生產地之一），無基因改造、適合素食者，是以植物為基底的奶類替代品。它的營養價值接近於牛奶，適合純素食者，並具無添加糖、乳製品、大豆、堅果、膠或穩定劑等額外優點。Dirty Clean Food燕麥奶具備濃厚綿密質地，非常適合打奶泡搭配咖啡使用以及添加在營養麥片、烘焙和冰沙、果昔等飲品內。

Wide Open Agriculture董事總經理Ben Cole博士表示：「我們很高興與大昌華嘉合作，將Dirty Clean Food引進台灣的植物性飲料市場。大昌華嘉是市場拓展服務的全球領導者，具有廣泛的影響力和一流的實力。我們有信心這將開啟我們之間長期且極具成果的合作關係。」

Dirty Clean Food總裁Jay Albany分享：「我們持續增加的銷售據點為國內製造業的強勁開端奠定了基礎。我們將專注在繼續擴大我們的銷售機會，以支持這被認為是位於西澳洲、世上碳含量最低的植物奶設施。」

DKSH大昌華嘉集團消費品事業單位客戶成長和業務發展副總Jean-Pascal Cayssiols 說：「秉持著『豐富每個人的生活』的企業目標和永持續發展承諾，大昌華嘉很高興與Wide Open Agriculture合作前進台灣。隨著當今消費者對健康和環保意識越來越強，我們相信 Dirty Clean Food 的燕麥奶，將同時滿足他們想要為保護地球貢獻一己之力的期盼以及他們的味蕾。我們很自豪能夠透過己身深廣的分銷網絡和線上線下多元行銷管道，讓台灣的消費者輕鬆方便地取得這營養的新選擇。」

關於Wide Open Agriculture公司
在澳洲證券交易所上市，Wide Open Agriculture (WOA) 是澳洲領先再生食品和再生農業產業的公司。該公司創新成立的 Dirty Clean Food 品牌，行銷和分銷食品予澳洲和東南亞具高環保意識的消費者。產品的選擇基於其市場潛力以及它們對農民、農田和區域社區的積極影響。公司位於西澳的小麥帶，WOA 在「4 Returns (4 回饋)」架構下運作，力求在財務、自然、社會和啟發人心方面提供可衡量的成果。

WOA在澳洲證券交易所（代碼：WOA）和德國法蘭克福證券交易所（代碼：2WO）上市，是全球首家以「4 Returns(4 回饋)」為營運架構的上市公司。

關於大昌華嘉集團
大昌華嘉的企業目標是豐富每個人的生活。150多年來，我們的消費品、醫療保健、特用原料和科技事業單位在亞洲及世界各地為企業和品牌帶來成長。作為市場拓展服務業的領導者，我們提供採購、市場洞察、行銷和銷售、電子商務、配銷和物流，以及售後服務。在全球36個市場營運，聘僱超過33,100名專業人員，大昌華嘉是瑞士證交所公開上市的企業，2021年的銷售淨額為111億瑞士法郎。大昌華嘉消費品事業單位專精於為快速消費品、食品、時尚生活精品、美髮及美容護理用品提供市場拓展服務。擁有19,880專業人員，消費品事業單位在2021年的銷售淨額達38億瑞士法郎。www.dksh.com/cg

新聞稿(PDF)

如有任何問題，請聯繫：

台灣大昌華嘉
李美齡 Stacy Lee
企業行銷和溝通經理
電話 +886 2 8752 7290
stacy.lee@dksh.com

大昌華嘉消費品事業單位
Sheena Flannery
Director, Group Communications
電話 +66 2220 9739
sheena.flannery@dksh.com

Social innovation programme drives diverse tech developments

31 May 2022 – Start-up Express, an entrepreneurship development programme organised annually by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), has returned for its fifth edition. As they face up to issues arising from the ongoing pandemic and adverse global economy, start-up enterprises are in need of support more than ever before. This year’s programme continues to help entrepreneurs develop their businesses by building connections, exploring markets, seeking partners and enhancing brand awareness.

Nurturing a sustainable entrepreneurial ecosystem

Stephen Liang, Assistant Executive Director of HKTDC, said the HKTDC would continue its commitment to supporting entrepreneurs in expanding their businesses, especially during the pandemic, in addition to promoting the city’s capabilities in the areas of innovation and technology.

“Since the first edition of Start-up Express in 2018, the programme has already nurtured 40 start-ups, most of which are still active and have expanded on a considerable scale. Start-up Express has given tremendous support to local start-ups, helping them explore global markets, seal major orders and win international awards. We will continue our quest to spread the spirit of entrepreneurship in Hong Kong, assisting start-ups in growing their businesses to the next level and helping them gain a foothold in the global arena. The HKTDC remains committed to building a sustainable and international entrepreneurial ecosystem that promotes local economic growth and business development,” Mr Liang said.

New ESG Award recognises socially aware projects

Start-up Express is aimed at local tech start-ups that have plans to expand into international markets. As the pandemic situation gradually begins to ease, innovative business models and fresh ideas will provide a new stimulus for the economy in post-pandemic times. The enrolment for Start-up Express 2022 reflects the great enthusiasm of local entrepreneurs, with shortlisted start-ups coming from a broader spectrum of fields than ever before including emerging technologies such as art tech, green tech, health tech, prop tech, fintech, smart city tech, edtech, food tech and more. This year, the ESG Award has been added to reward the most sustainable and socially efficient start-up.

HKTDC offers full support to boost business development

The Pitching Final of this year’s Start-up Express will be held on 15 June. The winning start-ups will be offered access to capability-building workshops, mentoring sessions, exploratory missions to the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, marketing sessions, extensive publicity and investor pitching opportunities. These activities will help the winning entrepreneurs hone their business skills, gain access to the latest market insights and acquire business know-how from experienced industry leaders. The winning start-ups will also be presented with opportunities to interact with buyers and investors at HKTDC-organised local and overseas events. In addition, the HKTDC will arrange business matching meetings, helping the entrepreneurs to connect with potential partners, increase their media exposure and enhance brand awareness.

Taking the pulse of the market and building a global network

Mr Liang added: “Last year’s winning teams stood out because of their innovative and forward-looking ideas. Through Start-up Express they were able to gain more insights into their industries, overseas market trends and investor preferences by participating in different HKTDC-organised events, including the Asia Summit on Global Health, Asian Financial Forum, the Belt and Road Summit, online exhibitions in Mainland China and overseas, and investor meetings in Hong Kong and the mainland. They have also been able to strengthen their business networks and expand their markets and businesses through the exposure they have gained. To help fuel the growth of these start-ups, the HKTDC also leveraged its network of 50 overseas offices worldwide to endorse them in international competitions and connect them to overseas investors through pitching events.”

Professional judging panel to select 10 most outstanding start-ups

In the 2022 Pitching Final, the judging panel will select 10 outstanding teams out of 20 shortlisted start-ups. This year’s panel comprises Raymond Yung, Vice Chairman, AMTD Group; Jason Chiu, Chairman, Hong Kong Start-up Council; Andrew Young, Associate Director (Innovation), Sino Group; Ben Cheng, Managing Partner, C Ventures; and Arshad Chowdhury, Managing Partner, Betatron Venture Group. In addition, AMTD Group is the Strategic Partner of Start-up Express for the fourth consecutive year.

Start-ups selected for the shortlisted top 20 in the Pitching Final have all presented innovative business solutions that help address social and environmental issues. Among them:

Allklear advocates the concept of plant-based, functional and sustainable foods through innovative technology to produce a new generation of future health foods.
i2cool has developed a radiative cooling paint that consumes no energy and does not require any cooling agent, and is able to reduce the surface temperature of buildings.
PONS.ai, an artificial intelligence-powered phygital social marketplace for art and entertainment products, aims to empower creators worldwide with digital ownership.
FlashGreen champions environmental friendliness by recycling stocks of short-dated, best-before-date foods from suppliers and reselling them at lower prices in vending machines.

Start-up Express 2022 Pitching Final

Media enquiries

Please contact the HKTDC’s Communications & Public Affairs Department:

Clayton Lauw
Tel: (852) 2584 4472
Email: clayton.y.lauw@hktdc.org

(Photo : Chien-Tong Wang)

Discarded fishing nets are extremely harmful to marine ecology, but an alliance of fishermen’s associations, fishing net makers and nylon producers in Taiwan are trying to solve the problem by turning waste nets into outdoor clothing. Here’s what they’re up to.

On February 1st, the first day of the new Lunar New Year, Lin Chun (林群) received an urgent message: “There’s a sea turtle entangled in a fishing net on Fulong Beach.”

Lin, who lives on Taiwan’s northeastern coast, is known for disentangling and clearing away fishing nets and often free dives to save coral or sea turtles caught in these potentially lethal traps.

After responding to the call, Lin found the stranded sea turtle wrapped in several layers of gill nets and caked in sand that brought its weight to 80 kilograms; it took four people an hour to cut through the synthetic mesh and free the turtle from its grasp.

Covered with bloodstains, the 139-centimeter-long animal was a leatherback sea turtle, an endangered species and the biggest of the seven major species of sea turtles. In the end, it did not survive.

The netting that took the life of the ill-fated leatherback sea turtle has emerged as an even more lethal form of marine waste than straws, which are notorious for the damage they do to marine wildlife.

The United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization has estimated that 640,000 metric tons of abandoned, lost or discarded fishing gear, known as “ghost gear”, enters the ocean every year, and accounts for approximately 10 percent of all marine litter.

Much of the so-called ghost gear consists of fishing nets that were left behind, whether swept away in inclement weather, caught in reefs at the bottom of the ocean floor, or deliberately abandoned. They are made of synthetic fibers ranging from nylon and polyethylene to polyester and polypropylene and are therefore durable and take forever to decompose.

Even after fishing boats have left, the ghost nets continue to catch sea creatures on the ocean floor, and the algae or rotten fish that get trapped in them only attract more marine life into the nets’ lethal claws.

In fact, the damage caused by these submarine “ghosts” goes beyond trapping fish or drowning sea turtles. They also damage coral by blocking the sunlight needed for photosynthesis to keep coral alive, indirectly destroying the habitats and food sources of marine life.

Even ships are not spared, as the nets get entangled in or block inlet valves and propellers, jeopardizing maritime safety. In other words, they pose serious threats to the marine ecosystem and the ocean economy.

Dealing with these discarded nets has become a priority for governments around the world, including in Taiwan. In recent years, government agencies responsible for Taiwan’s fishing industry have adopted a carrot-and-stick approach to manage the problem at its source and promote recycling.

Fishermen, vendors team up to tackle net waste
Taiwan’s Fisheries Agency started with smaller fishing boats that operate closer to shore by requiring that they mark their gill nets with their fishing boat registration numbers and report when a net is lost. It has also installed collection drops for discarded nets in major harbors around Taiwan.

At the same time, the Ocean Conservation Administration has offered incentives the past two years for recycling discarded fishing nets, offering NT$15 per kilogram of fishing net turned in. The program has led to the recycling of 150,000 kilograms of old nets to date.

In Keelung, the largest distribution center for fish catches, Zhengbin Fishing Harbor has brought in empty containers to temporarily store waste nets, and the larger Badouzi just down the coast is preparing a temporary waste net storage area of its own.

Whether setting up storage areas and managing them or promoting recycling, it is all being done voluntarily.

“Society is progressing, and fishermen are changing with it,” said Chen Wen-chin (陳文欽), the head of the Keelung Fishermen’s Association, who indicated that abandoning a fishing net at sea has become a rarity for Keelung fishermen. Over the past two years, they have even taken to scooping up floating garbage and clearing discarded nets in waters off Taiwan’s northeastern coast, he said.

Making nylon better than new
Of the many different materials used to make fish nets, nylon is the one with the most complete recycling chain.

Once melted and recycled, it can be injection molded to make products as diverse as sunglass frames, casings for consumer electronics gadgets, and suitcases. Downstream users once bought recycled plastics and mixed them with virgin plastics to lower their costs, but times have changed.

“The post-consumer recycled materials derived from waste fishing nets now sell for 10 percent more than new materials,” said Anson Huang, (黃群益), general manager of Rebornplas Composites Co., one of Taiwan’s leading nylon net recyclers.

The reason, he said, is that international brands with environmental commitments want their products to be made of recycled materials, but require that those materials have the same properties as if they were new

Made mainly of nylon, the huge nets used by distant-water fishing boats that surround and trap fish, called seines, and the gill nets used by fishing boats that operate closer to shore are currently hot commodities in the recycling market. Over the past two years, they have had an especially high-value outlet: functional clothing.

One morning in April at a pier in Kaohsiung Harbor, a group of 20 people showed up before 7 a.m. with five pallet jacks. They are from King Chou Marine Technology Co., Taiwan’s biggest commercial fishing net producer, and are there to welcome a distant-water bonito fishing boat that has not been back to Taiwan for three years. One of their main missions is to collect old fishing nets.

The ship’s seine nets weigh roughly 80 metric tons and take a whole day to unload. After being disassembled, they are transported to the Pingnan Industrial Park in Pingtung County where a horde of experienced workers quickly dismantle and sort the nets’ floats, ropes, and metal chains.

The remaining nylon mesh is then sent to Formosa Chemicals & Fibre Corp. (FCFC) and combined with gill nets collected from various ports around Taiwan to be chemically recycled and turned into nylon fibers. Those fibers are made into fabric by FCFC subsidiary Formosa Taffeta Co., which ends up in functional apparel worth thousands of Taiwan dollars sold by outdoor sporting goods chain Patagonia.

The secret of success: chemical recycling
Through the initiative, launched in 2018, waste nets received by FCFC have been turned into 400,000 pieces of clothing. It is the only provider of nylon used in Patagonia’s “NetPlus” line of apparel and accessories.

What sold Patagonia on the proposition was FCFC’s processing technology enabling the recycled nylon to match the quality of virgin nylon.

A major manufacturer of nylon, FCFC had developed a chemical recycling process to handle waste materials when it first began making nylon fiber in the 1970s.

That process was optimized for marine waste in recent years, enabling the nylon in the old nets to be restored to its old glory, then turned into pellets and eventually drawn into the finest of fibers. Not needing any new petroleum inputs, producing the recycled nylon generates 49 percent less carbon emissions compared to new nylon.

The waste nylon has also created high added value because of the technology of upstream material producers and the support of big brands.

“The chemical method is the most thorough when it comes to recycling,” said FCFC Chairman Hung Fu-yuan (洪福源). According to Hung, the physical recycling process through thermolysis (heating) yields recycled nylon of lesser quality and therefore of only limited use.

Only three companies have mastered the chemical process that turns waste nylon into functional fibers – FCFC, Hyosung Corporation of South Korea, and Italian synthetic fibers company Aquafil.

That competency had made it possible for FCFC to transition from a linear economic model of selling virgin nylon to fishing net makers to a closed loop circular model in which it processes and recycles its own fibers.

The one vulnerability in the loop is actually obtaining used nylon to process, but over the past three years FCFC has been building a net recycling ecosystem with fishermen’s associations, the government, and fishing net producers to solidify recycling pipelines.

By the end of 2022, FCFC’s plant in Chiayi County will triple its previous fishing net recycling capacity to 750 metric tons a month, which would make it the world’s biggest fishing net chemical recycling facility.

Yet while recycled nylon can be turned into high-end fabrics and apparel, it is not a high margin business because of the high R&D and processing costs involved in recycling the discarded nets. FCFC views the initiative as a responsibility of manufacturers in the supply chain and intends to explore new chemical recycling processes for other materials.

From Keelung to Pingtung, the fight against discarded and abandoned fishing nets has begun in earnest, driven by corporate citizenship and sustainability values as well as commercial opportunity. Its outcome could determine the fate of many sea creatures already struggling to survive the ravages of plastic waste in ocean waters

By Ching Fang Wu

Winning Entries Push the Boundaries of Creativity and Innovation

Beijing, 29 Apr 2022 — Held from 20-22 April, the PCHi Fountain Awards 2022 celebrated creativity, innovation, and excellence in research and development in the personal care industry. This year’s Awards ceremony was conducted via livestream instead of onsite alongside PCHi 2022, which will take place from 18-20 July. The Awards recognized 11 outstanding winners across both products and personnel categories. Reed Sinopharm Exhibitions received nominations from 91 companies for a record-breaking 152 innovative products and 17 individuals for their contributions to R&D for personal care and cosmetic ingredients.

The PCHi Fountain Awards recognizes and motivates the industry for its efforts toward research advancement and technological development. Today, the Awards has become an influential and authoritative annual industry event.

The winners — nine products and two formulators — were selected after careful and independent evaluation by a panel of 11 judges against a set criteria, including product ingenuity, technical prowess, and market application prospects.

The virtual awards ceremony also featured an engaging series of presentations covering the industry’s hottest topics like regulations, big data, green and sustainability initiatives, and anti-aging concepts. More than 30,000 views were recorded over the three-day event and positive sentiments from the industry again confirmed the Fountain Awards as a prime mover — driving the industry toward pushing the boundaries of creativity and innovation while addressing consumer demands.

The winners of PCHi Fountain Awards 2022 are:

About PCHi
The Personal Care and Homecare Ingredients (PCHi) trade show is China's #1 Sourcing Platform for the Global Personal Care Industry. As an innovation-led event, PCHi provides cosmetics, home and personal care manufacturers, ingredients suppliers, cosmetics packaging, machinery and product testing providers from all over the world with a quality platform for ingredients sourcing, gaining insight into global trends, and networking with world-class experts.

(左起) 科大環境及可持續發展學部客座教授兼基督教靈實協會主席關繼祖教授、科大化學及生物工程學系兼環境及可持續發展學部楊經倫教授、創新及科技局副局長鍾偉强博士及捷和實業首席市務官洪思聰先生，手持不同配方的MOC水凝膠及AMGel(淺藍色瓶)合照。

香港科技大學(科大)研究團隊研發出一種新型水凝膠，有效控制渠務及沖廁系統的氣味及細菌。氣味控制水凝膠(MOC水凝膠)能在香港不同地點包括沙井、明渠、截留器、河道及河流等，透過殺滅產生氣味的微生物抑制異味，效果得到證實。研究團隊近日研發出的新配方，更可以殺滅沖廁系統中的細菌及病毒，包括新型冠狀病毒Omicron變種株。

在創新科技署的資助下，科大與渠務署自2016年起展開合作，把水凝膠應用於不同地點的渠務設施，包括受臭味問題影響的維港海濱周邊社區。MOC水凝膠有效降低99%的硫化氫、80至90%揮發性有機物，以及80至90%的硫酸鹽還原菌(Sulfate reducing bacteria)等被視為常見的臭味來源。

這款多功能水凝膠由科大化學及生物工程學系兼環境及可持續發展學部楊經倫教授領導的團隊研發，其配方可以制定及調教，有效及安全地解決惡劣環境下的不同氣味及微生物污染問題。

創新及科技局副局長鍾偉强博士說：「科大在科研方面的努力有目共睹，我們樂見由本地大學開發的創科發明能夠應用於本地社區，改善民生。創新科技署於2011年推出『公營機構試用計劃』，資助研發成果於公營機構和政府部門內進行試用。計劃同時能夠為試用的公營機構或政府部門配對合適的科技產品或方案，鼓勵它們更廣泛地採用創新科技，創造出雙贏局面。政府會繼續發揮推動者及促進者的角色，透過不同的政策及資助計劃協助研發機構將科研成果商品化。」

楊教授指出，在應對氣味問題上，MOC水凝膠是一個經濟實惠但成效顯著的解決方法。MOC水凝膠安全、環保及具可持續性，可以與傳統清理渠道及清淤工作相輔相成。他說：「MOC水凝膠除了可以殺滅產生氣味的微生物以抑制異味，研究亦證實它可以防止渠道受到侵蝕及抑制耐藥性細菌。另外，水凝膠在釋出消毒劑後會分解成沙，所以不會對環境造成損害。」

楊教授憑這項多功能水凝膠於2022年日內瓦國際發明展奪得銀獎。

楊教授補充指，水凝膠擁有龐大潛力，除了可以於沖廁及渠務系統上使用，更可以應用於其他容易產生異味的地方，例如工業廢料處理設施、堆填區及鮮活街市。

研究團隊研發的水凝膠新配方AMGel現於房委會轄下三座共有超過2,880單位的公共屋邨以及基督教靈實協會轄下的安老院舍試用。這個項目也是「公營機構試用計劃」項目特別徵集下獲批的其中一個項目。在科大的商業夥伴捷和實業有限公司的支持下，AMGel未來亦會應用於中小學校及深水埗的劏房單位。

AMGel能有效殺滅95%沖廁水中的耐藥性細菌，及超過99%的病毒顆粒包括MS2及T3噬菌體(bacteriophage)。MS2及T3噬菌體這兩種病毒是滅活病毒測試的常用指標。另外，英國獨立實驗室進行的測試顯示，AMGel亦可以殺滅近月於香港引起第五波疫情的新型冠狀病毒Omicron變種株，效力高達99%。

傳媒查詢:
林淑媛
電話﹕2358 6313
電郵﹕anitalam@ust.hk

王敬蓮
電話﹕2358 6306/ 5190 7882
電郵﹕lindywong@ust.hk

May 12, 2022: The International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA) has chosen Bangkok as the host city of its annual general meeting next year. The 62nd ICCA Congress will be held from November 12-15, 2023. A major event in the global MICE calendar, the ICCA Congress is attended by members who represent more than 1,000 private and public organisations from over 100 countries.

ICCA’s decision reflects the association meeting industry’s confidence in Bangkok and the interest among ICCA members to get reacquainted with Thailand after a two-year break. Supported by Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB), the 2023 congress also promises to be an especially memorable one as it will take place at a time when Bangkok will be showcasing its achievements from the first half of its 20-year Strategic Development Plan (2013–2032) to transform itself into the “Metropolitan City of Asia”.

By hosting the ICCA Congress, TCEB hopes to impress upon association meeting executives not only Bangkok’s exceptional credentials but also the many MICE destinations to be found throughout Thailand. Having developed their business events infrastructure over the years with input from TCEB, Thailand’s other MICE Cities – Chiang Mai, Phuket, Pattaya, Khon Kaen, Nakhon Ratchasima, Songkhla, Phitsanulok, Udon Thani and Surat Thani – are now more ready than ever to host international meetings.

TCEB President, Mr. Chiruit Isarangkun Na Ayuthaya, said: “We thank ICCA for this great opportunity to host the 62nd ICCA Congress in Bangkok. Thailand has been a member of ICCA since 1974 and we are absolutely confident that it will continue to play an exemplary leadership role in promoting international association meetings. We look forward to welcoming ICCA delegates to the city of Bangkok as we celebrate an important milestone in the city’s transformation to become the “Metropolitan City of Asia” – a safe, green, and economically and culturally vibrant city – under its 20-year Strategic Development Plan (2013-2032).

“Hosting the ICCA Congress 2023 will generate substantial economic returns and uncover countless new business opportunities for our MICE community. With more than 1,000 overseas and 200 Thai delegates expected, we estimate the congress itself will generate 3 million USD in revenue and other positive impacts, such as job creation, tax revenue and added values to the economy.”

Mr. Chiruit pointed out that one segment of the congress programme is particularly important for Thailand’s MICE professionals. The ICCA Business Exchange – the session where ICCA members share commercially important information on the bidding process, selection criteria and budgets of their recent events – can provide essential guidance for Thai MICE players in crafting winning bids. With more than 30 executives of international associations participating in the session, this is also a golden opportunity for local associations and regional stakeholders to form network and drive business development.

The ICCA Congress 2023 will also be a tremendous learning opportunity for Thailand’s MICE Cities and local associations. TCEB has invited the governors of all Thailand’s MICE Cities to participate in dialogue sessions alongside experts on international academic conventions. Their exchange of ideas and experiences will help each city further refine its MICE strategy. TCEB will also invite at least 20 local associations to attend ICCA’s Incredible Impacts Programme meeting where the spotlight will be on how international conventions have helped bring positive change to societies around the world, while leaving behind inspiring legacy for local communities and the next generations. TCEB hopes that the local attendees will be inspired to create similarly impactful programmes following their interaction with at least 30 of their overseas counterparts.

“2023 will be the year of economic revival for Thailand. Our country will open to the world again and we will join hands with the world and ICCA to reimagine a new future for business events,” said Mr. Chiruit.

Mr. Senthil Gopinath, CEO of the International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA) said, “I thank TCEB and Thailand for the ambition to host the ICCA Congress 2023. TCEB clearly demonstrated structured planning, support from crucial partners in the region, and offering a beautiful setting for guests to come together. There is no doubt that the ICCA Congress in Bangkok will showcase how business events can contribute to socio-economic development, enhance the intellectuality of the meetings industry, and be prepared for the future. I am sure ICCA delegates will be able to experience memorable Thai hospitality and professionalism at ICCA Congress 2023.”

####

Thailand: Redefine Your Business Events

Experience the Extraordinary

About TCEB

A LEADING AGENCY AT THE FOREFRONT OF THAILAND’S MICE INDUSTRY

Established in 2004, Thailand Convention & Exhibition Bureau (Public Organization) or TCEB – the government agency under the supervision of the Prime Minister – has been assigned a role to promote, support and develop business events industry – corporate meetings, incentive trips, conventions, exhibitions, mega events and world festivals. Serving as a strategic partner, TCEB helps deliver creative ideas and solutions to bring success and fulfill the requirements of business events. The overarching goal is to drive Thailand to become a global MICE and mega events destination that can drive the country’s strategic industries and national economy.

For further information, please contact:

Corporate Image and Communication Department

Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (Public Organization)

Ms. Parichat Svetasreni Tel: + 662 694 6000 Email: parichat_s@tceb.or.th
Ms. Ananta Leekasem Tel: + 662 694 6000 Email: ananta_l@tceb.or.th
Mr. Chakrapong Pongwecharak Tel: + 662 694 6000 Email: chakrapong_p@tceb.or.th

Photo / TCEB

Bangkok, Thailand, June 2022: Informa Markets, in partnership with IMPACT Exhibition Management Co., Ltd., have confirmed that Medlab Asia and Asia Health will take place in Thailand when the co-located events return live and in-person at hall 5-6 IMPACT Exhibition Centre, Bangkok, from 19 - 21 October 2022.

The exhibitions, the leading events in the ASEAN region for the healthcare and laboratory industry, will showcase the latest techniques and innovations while also welcoming visitors and suppliers from around the world to meet, discuss and do business in the burgeoning healthcare hub of Thailand.

According to government data, sales of clinical laboratory services in Thailand are expected to increase to US$8.3 billion in 2026, from US$4.5 billion in 2016. The healthcare sector in the country has also seen a surge in the number of international patients it welcomes, with current figures standing at 2 million. However, this figure is expected to increase.

Tom Coleman, Exhibition Director for Informa Markets, said: “We are delighted to be relaunching Medlab Asia and Asia Health as a co-located event in Thailand. Both events have been integral to developing the healthcare and laboratory sectors in the ASEAN region over the last decade.

This is something we are committed to continuing, to ensure the latest technology and insights are given a platform in the region and that both events continue to play a pivotal role in connecting those within the healthcare and laboratory industries.”

The co-located events are expected to welcome more than 5,000 attendees, with more than 300 exhibitors from over 20 countries showcasing the latest innovation in product development and new technologies and insights supporting the healthcare and laboratory industries. Both events are once again expected to be supported by a host of government entities, industry leaders and influencers in their respective sectors.

Forming a vital attribute of both events are the CME, CMTE, CNEU & CPD accredited conferences, each designed to provide peer-to-peer networking while fostering knowledge through insights and expert analysis. Medlab Asia will host six conference tracks, including Laboratory Management, Clinical Chemistry, Clinical Microbiology, Molecular Diagnostics & Therapeutics, Hematology and Covid-19 Updates.

The congress focus for Asia Health will look, in detail, at Hospital Procurement, Sterilisation, Decontamination & Patient Safety, Doing Healthcare Business in Thailand and Total Radiology. This will be supported by workshops featuring the latest technologies in the ASEAN healthcare sector.

Loy Joon How, General Manager, IMPACT Exhibition Management Co., Ltd., said: “The healthcare industry has faced unprecedented challenges in recent years; however, the industry should be applauded for its efforts in supporting the recovery of businesses globally while also ensuring economic recovery.”

A host of exhibitors have already committed to attending the three-day showcase. They include, amongst others, Randox laboratories Ltd, Singapore-based GenScript Biotech, College of American Pathologists, Trivitron Healthcare, Sysmex Asia Pacific, BGI Genomics Co, and Sansure Biotech.

As part of Informa's commitment to providing the highest hygiene and safety levels, the event will again take place under the protocols introduced via the company’s Informa AllSecure health and safety mandate. The enhanced measures include 35 guidelines covering all aspects of cleaning and hygiene, social distancing measures, screening, and a track and trace in conjunction with local authorities.

For more information, visit　https://www.medlabasia.com/asiahealth/en/overview/show-information.html.

IMPACT Exhibition Management Co., Ltd.
Ice Damrongsiri
ice.damrongsiri@informa.com

Japan has long been regarded as a global trendsetter in the interior design industry, with Tokyo in particular noted for its minimalist sophistication. At the 30th edition of Interior Lifestyle Tokyo earlier this month, this reputation was further cemented as the fair reached a series of major milestones. Strong results were recorded as 16,441 buyers reconnected with some 515 exhibitors from 10 countries and regions. The fair opened for the first time in three years from 1 – 3 June, after the previous two editions were deferred due to the pandemic.

“This year we looked back on more than three decades serving the interior lifestyle industry in Japan,” says Mr Yasushi Kajiwara, Managing Director of Messe Frankfurt Japan Ltd. “It has been fascinating to see the industry evolve during this time, but in particular, it is encouraging that designers and end users are paying more attention to sustainability. This year’s fair put a spotlight on this issue with a special zone dedicated to upcycling and eco-friendly materials. It was pleasing to hear the positive response from fairgoers, who increasingly recognise the importance of upcycling in the wake of supply chain disruptions caused by the pandemic.”

In collaboration with manufacturers and architects, the ‘What is upcycling?’ showcase was introduced to demonstrate how repurposing waste materials has become a vital piece of the puzzle in the shift towards an eco-friendly future. Furniture manufactured from deadstock was displayed to illustrate how previously unwanted materials can be transformed into high quality home furnishings.

While the fair’s sustainable exhibitors were well received, plenty of attention was also directed at new designers. In particular, this year’s fair gave a platform to up-and-coming creators at the special showcase ‘Blooming’, which doubled as a café. Visitors could find a range of products to help them feel ‘at home’, including wall frames, flower vases, fragrances, blankets and tableware.

Many exhibitors reported a steady flow of new, high quality buyers visiting their booths, with an uptick in demand for locally sourced Japanese materials and design concepts. In this regard, plenty of footfall befell the dedicated zones namely “Bespoke Material Japan” and “Meet Design” displaying versatile, high-end raw materials for the luxury market.

Buyers praised the fair not only for its wide product coverage, but also for the opportunity to discover new trends at the seminar programme. This year’s Lifestyle Salon featured 12 forums covering seasonal trends in living space design, with upcycling in the contract business topping the agenda. In a continuation of the sustainability theme, the programme focused on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and bringing elements of the natural world into living spaces.

Key European exhibitors retain their connection to the Japanese market

Although international exhibitor participation was reduced at this year’s fair due to travel restrictions, many international brands were still queuing up to gain recognition in the local market. This was most evident at two returning European Pavilions from Germany and Finland. “In a difficult climate for international brands who face strict travel restrictions, we are extremely pleased to have hosted two pavilions of high quality European exhibitors. This is a positive sign that demonstrates that many international brands still recognise the importance of the Japanese market. We expect to see an uptick in these exhibitors at future editions when travel conditions are eased,” adds Mr Kajiwara.

Media contact:
Nanako Kaku
Tel: +81 3 3262 8453
press@japan.messefrankfurt.com

Getting back into life after the disruption caused by the pandemic is a shared mission for people worldwide. This objective is also emerging across various lifestyle trends. This year, Intertextile Shanghai Home Textiles again joins forces with NellyRodi™, the renowned French agency for international forecasting, to present the design theme for 2023 – ‘ALIVE’ – together with three trends: HUMAN CAPITAL, ROUSING COMMITMENT and UNREAL REALITIES.

As a leading industry business platform, expectations for the August event are naturally high as the show continues to be a source of information and inspiration for professionals in the home textile industry. With next year’s trends set through an expert panel led by NellyRodi™, a trend forum at the show will reveal how consumers are embracing day-to-day moments and opportunities during these challenging times. This notion of feeling ALIVE will underpin the general spirit of the three new design trends in the coming season, where people are keen to find different ways for reconnecting to the world around them.

Nature is a keyword in HUMAN CAPITAL

This direction reflects how people want to reconnect with the environment by choosing a local approach, short supply chains, raw and natural materials, and traditional techniques. For instance, 100% plant-based materials, as well as metalised fringed jacquards and gold yarns are used to illustrate this concept.

Inspired by everyday basics and daily essentials, the trend uses a soft, luminous white palette mingled with muted and amber shades of vegetal dyes. Designs also incorporate figurative hand-drawings, archaic bestiary, stylised wildflowers and geometric patterns.

ROUSING COMMITMENT celebrates creative self-expression

The trend combines a lively play of mix-matching patterns and colours. This embraces the integration of neutral shades through touches of metallic silver and fluorescent colours to represent the urban life.

Foamback and other fabrics influenced by sports materials, as well as extravagant jacquards, silicon embossing and bouclé fabrics draw out feel-good factor of the theme. Prints using modern twists on traditional patterns, lettering plays, exuberant florals and bold geometrics, also deliver the desire to live freely by sharing joy and happiness with others.

The fantasy of UNREAL REALITIES

In order to push the limits of imagination, science and technology, consumers tap into digital realms to connect with other realities, augmented worlds and futurist utopias that draw out the potential of today’s technology. Metalised rainbow colours highlight the magic and wonder under this virtual reality theme, while surrealistic photoprint shapes, misty landscapes, blurry effects and fantastical nature adds a futuristic touch.

The theme adopts iridescent gleam of semi-transparent voiles, muslins, recycled synthetics and added pearly or glazed aspects. Soft, light meshes, honeycombed or blistered surfaces and cloudy seersuckers elevate the textures in the fabrics.

The full version of the trend guide will be available soon.

The trends are decided by a committee led by the NellyRodi™ Agency (France) and formed by top forecasters including Mr Vincent Grégoire (France), the agency’s Consumer Trends and Insights Director; Mr Shen Lei (China), Founder and Chief of Interior Architects Design; and Ms Tracy Jen (Taiwan, China), the Host of ‘Eremito’; as well as Ms Sakina M’sa, the beloved French fashion designer and entrepreneur.

In order to integrate exhibitor and industry resources more effectively, the organisers of Intertextile Shanghai Home Textiles have announced that the Spring and Autumn editions will be merged this year. The two fairs will now be held concurrently from 15 – 17 August 2022 at the National Exhibition and Convention Center.

The fairs are organised by Messe Frankfurt (HK) Ltd; the Sub-Council of Textile Industry, CCPIT; and the China Home Textile Association (CHTA).

To find out more about these fairs, please visit:www.intertextilehome.com. For more information about Messe Frankfurt textile fairs worldwide, please visit:http://texpertise-network.messefrankfurt.com.

-end-

Media Contact
Ms Betty Fong
Tel: +852 2230 9281
betty.fong@hongkong.messefrankfurt.com

After a two-year hiatus, Automechanika Ho Chi Minh City returned as one of Vietnam’s most resilient automotive industry events. The exhibition took place from 29 June to 1 July 2022 with bolstered online services through V-Connect that successfully connected the wider global community. The show brought 173 exhibitors from 21 countries and regions together that were looking to form business partnerships with 10,112 visitors from 42 countries and regions. Praise also extended to the show’s unique range of events that vibrantly captured opportunities in the local market and offered vital educational touchpoints for aftermarket service providers.

Key figures from Automechanika Ho Chi Minh City 2022:
• 173 exhibitors from 21 countries and regions
• 10,000 sqms of indoor and outdoor exhibition space
• Six country and region pavilions
• 10,112 visitors from 42 countries and regions
• 570,904 impressions on V-Connect from 90 countries and regions
• Seven concurrent fringe programme events

Ms Fiona Chiew, Deputy General Manager of Messe Frankfurt (HK) Ltd, mentioned: “We channelled a lot of our efforts into championing the sustained growth and development of Vietnam’s automotive industry. We geared many of our onsite activities and online solutions to highlight domestic opportunities to global audiences. And so, it was very promising to see a solid response from overseas professionals taking part in the physical show and engaging with services on V-Connect.”

This year, the show hosted 173 exhibitors from 21 countries and regions across 10,000 sqms of space. Key companies included the likes of Benzol, CEPSA, CSG, DTE Systems, DUNLOP TECH, EPICOR, EXEDY, Greatway, INVENTIS, LOGIFORM, LTK Cable, Lubrex, Maxbelt, OBD Vietnam, PIX, REPSOL and Tasotti, to name a few.

During the three-day show, there was a strong sense of optimism about the local and regional market prospects, with many industry players keen to get back to business and interact with onsite activities. “Players can find opportunities in Vietnam's automotive production and aftermarket. Attention from Vinfast and Thaco highlight the ingenuity of local manufacturing, with Vietnamese-made vehicles already circulating the global market. In addition, stronger purchasing power domestically is also boosting local car sales, which in turn, is creating more demand for aftermarket services. Therefore, B2C experiences at Automechanika Ho Chi Minh can help end-users understand the importance of car care and maintenance,” said Mr Nguyen Hoang Khanh, Managing Director of Würth Vietnam.

Echoing the sentiment of participants across the fair, Ms Sandra Chen (Executive Sales) expressed that Shining Blink Enterprises Co Ltd from Taiwan decided to exhibit because: “Automechanika is one of the most well-known trading platforms in the automotive industry. We joined the brand’s show in Vietnam because we were confident about the networks and connections in Southeast Asia. Vietnam is a strong emerging market, and so we are looking to establish wider retail, distribution and wholesale channels for our products both within the country and across the ASEAN region.”

Further feedback also indicated many companies used the show to find new distributors and re-establish networks lost from the pandemic. Mr Nuno Alvarez, Sales and Marketing Manager at REPSOL / United Oil Company Ltd Joint Venture (Singapore), was one such exhibitor believing: “Automechanika Ho Chi Minh City is the right B2B platform to support our objective of expanding REPSOL’s visibility and market presence across the country. We are looking for partners to expand our market reach, covering all possible segments in the lubricants market, both automotive and industrial, with the full range of REPSOL products available. The progress is indeed promising, and we look forward to following up on a good number of engagements from the show. It is definitely a good place to meet business partners in Vietnam.”

In total, the show attracted 10,112 onsite visitors from 42 countries and regions like Australia, Cambodia, China, Germany, India, Indonesia, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, South Africa, Taiwan, Thailand, the UAE, the US and Vietnam.

Attending the show to take advantage of Vietnam’s unique automotive landscape, Mr Vincent Poulain, Export Manager – APAC from IGOL (France), emphasised: “We are here mainly to gather information about the market. It is clear that the local automotive industry is developing very fast, and so we are exploring a number of market entry points to capitalise on the growing opportunities in the passenger, commercial and motorcycle sectors. From speaking to a number of leaders at the show, I believe our lubricants are well-suited to the market’s needs, and I am excited to take our strategic business project further.”

For the first time, V-Connect was a vital part of the Automechanika Ho Chi Minh City’s toolkit, with many appreciating remote gateways to onsite exhibitors, conferences and workshops. Australia, Cambodia, China, Germany, India, Indonesia, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, Pakistan, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand, the UAE, the US and Vietnam took up a large proportion of registered visitors from 90 countries and regions. The networking functions were some of the most popular tools that visitors utilised for onsite and online meetings. “The extension of V-Connect was great because we could share our portfolio to an even wider online audience. Several potential customers reached out via the platform, which we plan to communicate with after the show. The tool is certainly a beneficial value-added service for our business expansion,” explained Mr Mujeeb Ur Reh, the Director of Operations at Global Lubricant Industry LLC (Benzol) from the UAE.

Analytics from online users suggest that the most popular sectors explored included OEMs, passenger vehicles and aftermarket solutions. Importantly, these interest areas lined up with the show’s main highlights in Automotive Manufacturing & Automation, Automotive Services & Maintenance, and Accessories & Customising.

In this regard, Ms Nguyen Thi Kim Dung, the Country Manager of the US-based firm Epicor Software Vietnam Company Ltd, noted: “Since the pandemic, smart factory innovations and Industry 4.0 have rapidly increased, and demand in Vietnam’s automotive parts manufacturing is no different; many companies are looking for intelligent, end-to-end solutions to transform their business operations. I am glad to see this trend promoted at the show as we are here to form business relationships with carmakers and tier one manufacturers in the domestic as well as regional market.”

Events amplified market trends and business opportunities
Across the arena, a collection of educational and experiential events zeroed in on Vietnam’s distinct trends and needs in the automotive industry.

To illustrate, onsite and online audiences received the Automechanika Connected Exchange well. Mr Anurag Sood from Car Amigos (India) applauded the relevance of information shared about the recent advancements in automotive manufacturing and automation, electromobility and digitalisation. He found: “The conference was very informative, especially the topics about electric vehicle charging. Electric vehicles are the future, but the infrastructure needs to grow in order to encourage more car sales. I attended the event as I was hoping to understand how these developments may possibly apply in New Delhi too.”

Elsewhere, the Auto Service Day was one of the most popular activity areas at the Saigon Exhibition and Convention Center. Owing to the co-organiser's strong understanding of the consumer market, Mr Nguyen Thanh Dam, the Founder of OTO-HUI, explained: “Our series and activities were unique because we wanted to help car owners recognise the importance of maintenance and repair. It was, therefore, great to see end-users at the show learning more about car care and accessories, in addition to workshop owners examining the latest product lines and services for their customers.”

Ms Judy Wang, President of Yorkers Exhibition Service Vietnam, said: “I believe our interactive events were an enticing way of attracting a broader range of players from across the supply chain. While speaking to local business owners, it was encouraging to hear many expressing a desire to upskill and upgrade their services and solutions. This feedback perfectly aligns with our ongoing targets and offerings, which we will carry forward during the show’s next edition from 23 to 25 June 2023.”

To access high resolution photographs of Automechanika Ho Chi Minh City 2022, please download from the ‘Press Material’ page at　www.automechanika-hcmc.com.

Automechanika Ho Chi Minh City social media pages #AMHCMC22
　facebook.com/automechanikahochiminhcity
　linkedin.com/showcase/automechanikahochiminhcity
　instagram.com/automechanikahochiminhcity
Play It! Channel VN (YouTube channel)

The fair is co-organised by Messe Frankfurt (HK) Ltd, Chan Chao International Co Ltd and Yorkers Exhibition Service Vietnam. For more information, please visit　www.automechanika-hcmc.com or contact Messe Frankfurt (HK) Ltd, +852 2802 7728 / autoasia@hongkong.messefrankfurt.com.

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Photo Credit / Automechanika Ho Chi Minh City 2022

Press contact
Suzy Heston
Suzanna.Heston@hongkong.messefrankfurt.com

Supporting the resurgence of a covid-dented economy, Messe Frankfurt India hosted a series of live exhibitions in the financial capital across diverse industry verticals; introducing market-leading innovations by over 600 companies and attracting over 50,000 visitors across 28 Indian states and union territories locally and 57 countries and 6 continents internationally.

Making a grand comeback in the financial capital – the Indian subsidiary of the world’s leading German exhibition organiser – Messe Frankfurt hosted nine back-to-back physical exhibitions and conference, this May. This includes the Mumbai debut of Gartex Texprocess India, Denim Show alongside Screen Print India, the successful trade fair trio of Paperworld India, Corporate Gifts Show, Interior Lifestyle India presented by Ambiente India, its flagship Media Expo and LED Expo fairs and the renowned NGV India Summit.

Targeting diverse industry verticals such as textiles, printing, signage, advertising, stationery, corporate gifting, homeware among others, the b2b platforms organised by Messe Frankfurt India facilitated the exchange of the latest sector developments, business, technological breakthroughs, and industry collaborations. “The energy and business enthusiasm among attendees was contagious. The industries are back in action, there is a high-level of commitment to strengthen domestic collaborations and bolster supply chains and exhibition platforms create the perfect business encounters to meet these objectives,” said Mr Stephan Buurma, Member of the Board of Management, Messe Frankfurt Group.

Making its Mumbai debut, Gartex Texprocess India was inaugurated by Smt Darshana Jardosh, Hon'ble Union Minister of State for Textiles and Railways, Government of India, and succeeded in drawing 9,328 visitors. With Denim Show, Screen Print India, Fabrics and Trims Show held under its umbrella, the Mumbai launch of Gartex Texprocess India 2022 displayed the right mix of manufacturing tools and textile products by 120 exhibitors, attracting footfalls from and 253 cities across 28 Indian states and 27 countries. Additionally, the trade fair hosted insightful knowledge sessions on the most unique and intriguing topics for the denim industry.

Alongside the launch, the trade fair trio of Paperworld India, Corporate Gifts Show, Interior Lifestyle India presented by Ambiente India was inaugurated by Shri Aslam Shaikh, Hon'ble Minister of Textile, Fisheries and Port Development, Government of Maharashtra bringing together 215 exhibitors and proved to be a massive success drawing in 14,615 trade visitors from 230 cities across 27 Indian states and 38 countries over its three days.

Held in the same week at Bombay Exhibition Centre, the 48th edition of Media Expo concluded on an equally high note highlighting the transition towards innovative, sustainable and eco-friendly advertising solutions. Bringing the printing, signage and advertising industries under one roof, the event garnered a record-breaking footfall of 13,199 visitors and buyers from 15 countries, and 306 cities across 27 Indian states who were treated to top innovations and technologies from 127 exhibitors, including 17% new participants on its show floors.

Following the successful run of seven trade fairs, India’s premier business event for LED and lighting technologies - LED Expo Mumbai made its grand comeback in the financial capital bringing together 179 exhibitors with over 1,000 products on display. The key business event for the lighting industry attracted 12,934 from 316 cities across 29 states and 21 countries.

Mr Raj Manek, Executive Director and Board Member, Messe Frankfurt Asia Holdings Ltd shared: “Exhibitions have proven to be a highly effective marketing tool and bring sustainable growth. Product presentations, brand awareness, market research, industry collaborations – the commercial benefits of an exhibition are endless. But the highlight will always be ‘connecting people’. The persuasive power of face-to-face marketing builds trust that can create lasting personal relationships.”

As the final business event of the month, the Natural Gas Vehicle (NGV) India Summit garnered an enriching response from 230 industry experts and concluded on a high note with key takeaways for Indian fuel and gas industry. Amid soaring petrol and diesel prices concerning the citizens of India, the NGV India Summit was scheduled at an ideal time, highlighting the importance of natural gas and the way forward in terms of challenges, opportunities and overall acceptance of the clean fuel.

“Messe Frankfurt platforms are known for its international standards, professionalism and are built on trust that has been cultivated over the years of us providing quality services in every aspect of the show. Our exhibitors’ conviction and business confidence in our platforms, the pro-activeness and quality of visitors, the growing confidence of industry associations and government bodies in our vision for industry growth are what keeps us going.” concluded Manek.

Taking this positive momentum forward, Gartex Texprocess India together with Denim Show, Fabrics and Trims Show and Screen Print India will once again welcome businesses back at its base in New Delhi from 4 – 6 August 2022 at Pragati Maidan; Media Expo will introduce the industry to next phase of advertising, print media, and the signage innovations at India Expo Mart, New Delhi from 1 – 3 September 2022; and the 9th edition of the International Elevator and Escalator (IEE) Expo will welcome the industry from 6 – 8 September 2022 at JIO World Convention Centre (JWCC) becoming the first point of industry connect after two years.

Media contact:
Ruhi Shaikh
Tel: 022 61445914
ruhi.shaikh@india.messefrankfurt.com

(Hong Kong, 23 June 2022) The Hong Kong Exhibition & Convention Industry Association (“HKECIA”) successfully held the annual conference on 1 June to update members of the latest industry information and trends.

The physical conference was hosted at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre and was attended by over 130 members and non-members. Aiming to update members and industry players of the latest industry trends and government’s plan to support tourism recovery, the conference opened with speeches from Mr Edward Yau, GBS, JP, the Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development Bureau, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government and Mr Stuart Bailey, the newly re-elected Chairman of HKECIA, followed by a presentation by Mr Dane Cheng, Executive Director of the Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) to share the up-to-date global tourism market outlook, HKTB’s overall strategy for the convention and exhibition industry, and plans for tourism recovery.

Conference participants were interested in the analysis of Hong Kong’s exhibition industry from the global and regional’s perspectives presented by Mr George Leung, CEO of Hong Kong General Chamber of Commerce. Mr Leung also shared insights on how Hong Kong’s exhibition industry could tap into the opportunities in the Greater Bay Area, under the Mainland’s National 14th Five-Year Plan and could work together with local business community to lobby for the roadmap of enabling international business travelers to travel without restrictions.

The conference also covered the hottest topic of what NFTs are and how could NFTs be applied to the convention and exhibition industry.

Another highlight of the conference is the panel discussion among venue operator, event organiser and contractor about the journey to sustainable exhibitions in Hong Kong.
The HKECIA also hosted its Annual General Meeting (“AGM”) on 1 June 2022, from which the new term of the Executive Committee was elected. The Chairman, Executive Vice Chairman, two Vice Chairman, Honorary Treasurer and Honorary Secretary were also appointed in the 1st Executive Committee Meeting following the AGM. Mr Stuart Bailey is pleased to have been re-elected as the Chairman of the HKECIA for the fourth time.

At the AGM, members voted to rename the ‘Operations Subcommittee’ to become the ‘Sustainability and Operations Subcommittee’. This new sub-committee will be tasked with identifying and measuring initiatives which target the reduction of waste and the reusing of materials in stand construction. The new sub-committee will be working on an “HKECIA Sustainable Charter” in the coming year and which will invite members to sign as part of their commitment to being an agent for positive change.

Mr Bailey commented that Hong Kong’s exhibition and convention industry has survived another challenging year, the fact that there are still a hundred companies represented by HKECIA is a testament to the resilience and belief that Hong Kong will continue to play an important role as the super-connector between the Mainland and the rest of the world.

He said, “There is a huge appetite for largescale international events to resume but we need to have a plan that, with reasonable certainty, shows the international business community that they can travel without restriction or disruption. Almost every other city in the region has already done away with mandatory quarantine periods, while Hong Kong, which now has achieved high immunity rates through vaccination and natural immunity, is still effectively isolated. We will continue to join other business associations and chambers of commerce to lobby the HKSAR government to lift these travel barriers.”

About the Hong Kong Exhibition and Convention Industry Association
The Hong Kong Exhibition and Convention Industry Association (HKECIA) was established in 1990 to promote Hong Kong as a world-class exhibition and conference destination and the trade fair capital of Asia Pacific. It works to represent the interests of all members involved in the exhibition and convention industries, and provides a unified voice in dealing with the government, legislative and statutory bodies, the media and public organisations, on all matters associate with the role of the exhibition and convention industry in Hong Kong’s economy. In addition, it offers training and educational programmes, and collects, analyses and distributes information and statistics relating to the industry. Currently, HKECIA has 100 members including exhibition organisers, venue managers and operators, contractors, hotels, and travel agents.

HKECIA is a member of UFI – The Global Association of the Exhibition Industry, and AFECA – The Asian Federation of Exhibition and Convention Associations.

2022-2024 HKECIA EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

For further enquiries, please contact:
Ms Alexandra Seto
Association Manager
Hong Kong Exhibition & Convention Industry Association
Tel: (852) 2558 1238
Fax: (852) 2558 3074
E-mail: enquiry@exhibitions.org.hk
Website:www.exhibitions.org.hk

Formnext + PM South China has become synonymous with promoting the latest trends and providing a whole host of business opportunities to the additive manufacturing and powder metallurgy industries. More than 150 companies including renowned industry brands have already signed up for the upcoming 2022 edition, with an eye to scale up their presence in the Chinese market. Paired with an extensive concurrent event programme, the fair will once again offer a platform for industry players to explore the latest technological trends and innovations.

Formnext + PM South China, jointly organised by Guangzhou Guangya Messe Frankfurt Co Ltd and Uniris Exhibition Shanghai Co Ltd, is a leading event for additive manufacturing, powder metallurgy and advanced ceramics. Opening its doors from 14 – 16 September in Shenzhen, the three-day event will showcase the latest and most innovative forming solutions in South China. The fair will cover advanced technology and equipment categories including additive manufacturing, powder metallurgy and advanced ceramics-related materials, designs, software and processing technologies. First-time participants confirmed for Formnext + PM South China 2022 in their respective industry sectors include:

Additive manufacturing:
ASSAB, BASF Forward AM, Digital Metal, eSUN, Evonik, Feibai 3D, Grinm Additive Manufacturing, Hanbang 3D, Phrozen, Shanghai Rongyue Electronic, Shenzhen Sunshine, Ten Dimensions

Powder metallurgy:
AT&M, JYJ, ChenHua, HuaLiu, Centorr, Co-Nele, DaiSi, Golden Furnace, RuiKe, SXKYYC, YinXuan

Advanced ceramics:
AiPuNuo, ChiShun, Companion, DelphiLaser, DingSheng, DongQi, Excera Tec, Freds, HongChuang, HongJinTai, HongKai, Hoting, Hua Xiang, JingCai, JingXiMao, JunGong, KaiNuo, KeRui, NΛURΛ, Orient Zirconic, PTC, Saceme, SanyuanHuaxin, SAO, ShengHao, Ruideer, YongXiang, YuPai, ZongJi

Concurrent event programme gathers industry leaders to offer key market insights and increase networking opportunities
As an integral part of Formnext + PM South China, a series of concurrent events will be held during the fair with many well-known manufacturing and forming industry experts present to exchange ideas and introduce technologies that will drive the industry forward. These events will cast a spotlight on the latest technologies and applications in additive manufacturing, advanced ceramics and powder metallurgy. The event programme will offer a comprehensive platform for fairgoers to expand their knowledge through learning more about the latest industry trends. Some of the highlighted topics featured at the fair include:

The Binder Jetting Additive Manufacturing Technology Forum
Binder jetting additive manufacturing is one of the most cost effective and efficient solutions for mass producing a wide variety of components and parts. It is a supplementary technology for bridging the additive manufacturing and metal injection moulding processes and is gradually becoming a popular manufacturing method in China, particularly for the automotive industry. Held on 15 September, The Binder Jetting Additive Manufacturing Technology Forum will make its first appearance at Formnext + PM South China led by a strong line-up of industry experts from renowned companies sharing their latest technologies and technical research. Some of the highlighted speakers and corresponding topics include:

• Strengthening the Structural Integrity and Improving Intricacy from Binder Jetting Products
Mr Daosheng Cai, Chairman, Wuhan Easymade Technology
Co Ltd

• Voxeljet’s Latest Binder Jetting Additive Manufacturing Material Development for Mass Production with Inkjet Printing Technology
Mr Tianshi Jin, Managing Director, voxeljet China

• The Current Development of Mass Binder Jetting Metal AM Technology
Mr Chao Zou, General Manager Desktop Metal & Exone Distributor, DEW Additive Manufacturing (Taicang) Co Ltd

• HP MetalJet Technology Global Applications Summary and Outlook
Mr Hua Zhao, Head of China Market Personalization and 3D Printing, HP Inc

• Binder Jetting Metal AM Technology – A Fast and Reliable Solution for Mass Product Production
Mr David Zhao, Business Development Manager, Digital Metal-Höganäs (China) Co Ltd

• The Applications of Binder Jetting Metal AM Technologies within the Manufacturing Industry
Mr Hao Zhao, Chairman, Longyuan AFS Co Ltd
3D Printing Venture Capital Investment Conference
Investments into new technologies and digital manufacturing services are indicative of 3D printing’s impact on the wider manufacturing landscape. To further promote the development of the manufacturing industry, the fair organisers have partnered with the Guangdong Materials Valley and Zhongda Venture Capital to host the 3D Printing Venture Capital Investment Conference. Taking place on 14 September, a group of selected innovative 3D printing startups will have an opportunity to introduce their latest products and services to a panel of investors. The goal is to connect startups with investment firms to further enhance the development and adoption of 3D printing technologies within the manufacturing community.

Shenzhen International Medical Ceramic 3D Printing Application Summit
A strong line-up of speakers from renowned universities and research institutes, as well as key industry specialists representing large firms will share their latest findings, market trends, developments and advancements for ceramic 3D printing within the medical field. Held on 15 September, key speakers from top academic institutions and corresponding topics will include:

• The Latest Research, Development and Application on Ceramic 3D Printing Technologies
Prof Zhangwei Chen, Director of the Additive Manufacturing Institute, Shenzhen University

• How Ceramic 3D Printing Technologies are Applied in the Medical Field and Understanding its Development in Other Manufacturing Sectors
Ms Ling Li, Director, Shandong Advanced Ceramic Technology Innovation Center

Additional interactive programmes at the fair will include:
• New Energy Vehicle Additive Manufacturing Application Industry Summit
• 3D Printing Application Conference – Powered by UNLANDS
• Discover 3D Printing – ACAM
• South China Injection Moulding and Additive Manufacturing Technology and Application Summit
• Shenzhen Industry Development Summit Forum of Ceramic Substrates and Semiconductor Packaging Applications
• 3D Printing Technologies in Mould Making Summit
• Shenzhen International Automotive Materials, Innovative Autopart Manufacutring and Applications Summit
• Shenzhen International Electronic Components Industry-Academia-Research and Development Summit

Formnext + PM South China forms a part of a series of international events including Asiamold and Formnext. The next edition of Formnext will be held from 15 – 18 November 2022. Asiamold will be held from 1 – 3 March 2023.

To find out more about the 2022 show and further details of the summit, please visit　www.formnext-pm.com or email formnext-pm@china.messefrankfurt.com.

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Eric Chan
Senior Public Relations Officer
Messe Frankfurt (HK) Ltd.
35/F China Resources Building, 26 Harbour Road, Wanchai, Hong Kong
Tel: +852 2238 9985
Fax: +852 2598 7919
eric.chan@hongkong.messefrankfurt.com

Rooted in the heart of Southwest China, the Chengdu International Trade Fair for Automotive Parts and Aftermarket Services (CAPAS) has an extensive network within the regional and national automotive industry. Owing to the last seven successful editions, the fair is now an established platform in the surrounding provinces for business promotion, information sharing and education. For the 2022 show, a series of events will energise the industry before and during the physical exhibition from 18 to 20 August at the Chengdu Century City New International Exhibition & Convention Center.

From years of planting strong connections across various automotive industry segments, CAPAS has developed an all-year-round service scheme that backs opportunities in the Southwest market. On this note, the organisers have recently kick-started a set of industry activities, including business matching, repair workshop visits, roadshows and online seminars to boost the value of participating in the show. These events are not only fulfilling the needs of the Southwest aftermarket but are also amplifying the alliance between Chengdu and Chongqing that encourages innovation in new energy vehicles and car connectivity.

Mr James Yu, Deputy General Manager of Messe Frankfurt (Shanghai) Co Ltd, said: “As a prominent trade fair in Southwest China’s automotive industry, CAPAS is a hub that utilises a full range of industry resources to bond businesses together. Through the launch of roadshows and online seminars, we believe our promotional efforts can transcend across every corner of the market. As a result, a broader scope of fairgoers will join the platform, nurturing business exchange and collaboration in a key time of industry upgrade and transformation.”

Extensive exhibition services bridge demand and supply
CAPAS 2022 is organising a number of business services to help exhibitors expand networks. These include the highly recognised online business matching services and the VIP Buyers Programme.

As such, several online business matching meetings will be held from now to the physical show, pairing exhibitors with participating buyers who have specific sourcing requirements. One-on-one meetings will create more fruitful business conversations for both parties. As of today, the programme’s buyer database comprises of top dealer groups in China, as well as players from Asia, Europe, the Middle East, South Africa and South America.

At the same time, roadshows across the country have successfully raised CAPAS’ profile amongst over 20 buyer groups from more than 50 Chinese cities that plan to visit the show in August. The network covers over 10,000 workshops and 5,000 dealers from the commercial and passenger vehicle sectors in the Southwest region. As a result, buyers that have an influence on purchasing decisions can connect with exhibitors in person to discuss cooperation and achieve business goals together.

On the other hand, the VIP Buyers Programme is also returning to offer exclusive services for large-scaled purchasing groups. Furthermore, to facilitate a seamless onsite experience and improve exhibition results, a dedicated team from the organisers will collect sourcing requirements prior to the show and arrange meetings with matched exhibitors accordingly. This year, the programme will welcome distributors, chain stores, purchasing alliances, and 4S groups from Chongqing, Ningxia, Guangdong, Guizhou and Sichuan, a growth of 50 percent from the last edition.

Furthermore, the show will also launch an online platform to cater to international participants who cannot travel to the physical event. The audience can find the broadcasted booth visits to see products first-hand. With this, remote buyers can participate while exhibitors receive more exposure in the international market. More information about accessing the online platform will be announced in due course.

Online seminars and offline events support knowledge sharing
For the first time, CAPAS will collaborate with Magic Cube Auto College, a notable media outlet in China's aftermarket. In the next four weeks, three online seminars will host several industry associations and opinion leaders from leading corporations. Together, they will discuss topics tailored to the Southwest market. This involves an exploration of the synergy between Chengdu and Chongqing that amplifies the automotive industry and the future of workshop services and technical skills.

The first online dialogue scheduled on 26 July will spotlight how the Chengdu-Chongqing collaboration encourages higher levels of development in the regional automotive industry. The Chengdu-Chongqing Economic Rim is one of six automotive manufacturing bases in China. In recent years, the cooperation has strengthened the integration of auto parts manufacturing, research on new energy vehicles and connectivity, and automotive pilot projects. The session will host speakers from the Chengdu New Energy Automotive Industry Promotion Association of Popularization and Application and the Society of Automotive Engineers of Sichuan.

Another two sessions in August will focus heavily on the introduction of the growth-driven brands. Guests from Chongqing Transportation Association, Faret Auto Radiator (Tianjin) Co Ltd, GIGA Automobile Service and Sichuan Royal-Road Investment Management Co Ltd will share best practices and case studies that cover product development, skilled labour and staff development.

These online seminars will help participants better understand the regional automotive market, providing insights for business expansion in the area. In addition, exhibitors can also promote products and services during these sessions to attract more buyers to their booths during the fair.

During the three-day show, a range of concurrent events will cover the latest market information to support players along industry transformation and development. One such activity is the Chinese Listed Companies to Build the Belt and Road International Cooperation Forum 2022. The conference aims to provide an in-depth discussion on the position of the Chengdu-Chongqing Economic Rim in the Belt and Road initiative. Other key events also include:

• China New Energy Vehicle International Cooperation Conference 2022
• China (Chengdu) Commercial Vehicle Aftermarket Summit 2022
• Southwest Automotive Aftermarket Summit 2022
• Case Study and Training for Profitable Repair Workshop

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Press contact
Ken Chung
Tel： +852 2230 9225
Ken.Chung@hongkong.messefrankfurt.com

We were commissioned to design a new Osaka showroom for century-old lighting manufacturer Yamagiwa. Drawing inspiration from the company’s logo, a symbol of radiating light designed by Yusaku Kamekura, we decided to construct the space from assemblages of fine lines. Wooden louvers are used on the ceiling, while vertical louvers reminiscent of paper shoji screens serve as partitions that let in soft light. Polished brass rods embedded in the flooring and stucco walls catch the light from fixtures and glimmer like gold threads in Japanese brocade, representing beams of light. As Yamagiwa expands its reach as a global brand from Japan to the world, this new showroom expresses exquisite craftsmanship and the play of light and shadow in an ambiance that is both neutral and distinctly Japanese.

Because the showroom displays lifestyle products focused on lighting, we used several strategies to create a homelike, human scale. Both the angle of the wooden ceiling louvers and the position of the vertical blinds can be freely adjusted, softly segmenting the space and allowing each area to have a different atmosphere. During events the ceiling can be flattened to create a large public area, and by adjusting the display areas frequently, the showroom can provide a fresh experience to customers each time they visit.

To the rear of the showroom is an office. Because Yamagiwa also sells office lighting and furniture, this office sometimes functions as a showroom. Part of the office ceiling is visible from the main showroom, allowing customers to see the office lighting while also making the showroom feel larger because the ceiling extends past its boundaries. The ambient office lighting is programmed so the color temperature changes according to time of day and is designed to harmonize with the showroom lighting for a pleasant overall light environment. Features such as counter tables that flexibly accommodate shifting staff numbers and booths for video conferencing come together in an office design adaptable to diversifying work styles.

Architect information
Company name : Yuko Nagayama and Associates
Address : 6F, 11-22, Yostsuyasanei-cho, Shinju-ku, Tokyo, Japan
URL : www.yukonagayama.co.jp

Credit information
Architecture : Yuko Nagayama and Associates
Photography : Nobutada Omote

Project outline
Location : Minamisemba3-5-8,Chuo-ku,Osaka-shi,Osaka
Completion : February, 2022
Design period : August 2021 –October,2021
Principal use : Showroom
Designed area : Showroom 257.4m2 / Office 217.8 m2
Client: YAMAGIWA (https://en.yamagiwa.co.jp/)
Architect: Yuko Nagayama and Associates (Yuko Nagayama,Yoko Komori, Hiroki Kondo)
Contractor: WIN WIN CO.,LTD