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DFI Retail Group Partners with Toumi Foods to Bring Award-Winning Low-Carbon Rice to Hong Kong and Macau, Advancing Sustainability Goals for 2026

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HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 22 September 2025 – DFI Retail Group (“DFI” or “the Group”) is pleased to announce a five-year partnership with Toumi Foods and Product Co., Ltd. (“Toumi”), one of Thailand’s leading rice exporters. This collaboration will see the production and delivery of 1,000 metric tons low-carbon rice to Hong Kong and Macau markets in 2026.

Curtis Liu, Chief Executive Officer, Food, at DFI Retail Group (Right) and Mr. Chaikun Tepkasetkul, President of Toumi Foods and Product Co., Ltd. (Left) attended the signing ceremony to announce the strategic partnership.

The rice is sourced from DFI’s award-winning low-carbon rice cultivation programme which was recently recognised at the UNSDG Achievement Awards Hong Kong 2025 for its outstanding contribution to Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 13: Climate Action. The rice cultivation programme champions sustainable agriculture practices and improves climate resilience, making it a global example of innovation in sustainable food production.

This collaboration highlights DFI’s commitment to enable customers to make more sustainable choices, while driving meaningful change for both people and the planet.

Ambitious 2026 Production Goal

Building on the success of the 2025 launch of low-carbon rice — which saw a remarkable 25% increase in sales — DFI and Toumi are scaling up their efforts, targeting an increase in low-carbon rice production to 1,000 metric tons in 2026, five times the 2025 goal. This reflects both robust consumer demand and DFI’s leadership in sustainable sourcing, showcasing its commitment to driving positive change in the food industry.

Expanding product range

To better meet the needs of customers and families of all sizes, DFI will integrate the application of low-carbon rice cultivation programme in 2026 to other products. In addition to the popular Own Brand Yu Pin King Thai Jasmine Fragrant Rice (5kg), new pack sizes—2kg, 8kg, and 9kg—will be progressively introduced, alongside Yu Pin King Healthy Mixed Rice in 2kg and 5kg.

These products will be available at Wellcome and Market Place in Hong Kong, and San Miu Supermarket in Macau, making sustainable choices more accessible and convenient than ever before. By diversifying its offerings, DFI aims to empower more customers to make greener choices that align with their lifestyles and values.

Reducing on-farm greenhouse gas emissions by 30%

This partnership highlights DFI’s unwavering commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and advancing sustainability. In 2024, DFI collaborated with Toumi, Thai government, local farmers, academics and sustainable agricultural experts on a pilot low-carbon rice cultivation programme. Monitoring and verification of rice fields participating revealed that the programme achieved at least a 30% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions compared to conventional farming methods.

In the programme, DFI and Toumi actively support farmers by promoting green practices such as:

  • Alternate wetting and drying irrigation to conserve water and to reduce methane emissions.
  • Prohibition of straw burning to reduce air pollution.
  • Optimised soil and fertiliser management to increase efficiency and lower emissions.

These efforts not only reduce Scope 3 emissions across the value chain but also empower farmers to adopt sustainable practices that benefit both the environment and their livelihoods.

Leadership Perspectives

Curtis Liu, Chief Executive Officer, Food, DFI Retail Group added, “DFI is committed to sustainable sourcing while keeping our customers’ needs at the forefront. We are keenly aware of the growing demand for products that are both sustainable and affordable, especially as the cost of living rises. Our pilot programme with Toumi has been a resounding success, overcoming challenges on the ground while receiving positive feedback from customers. Through this five-year partnership, we aim to make sustainable, affordable products a reality for our customers while creating a positive impact on the Thai farming community.”

Erica Chan, Group Chief Legal, Sustainability and Corporate Affairs Officer, DFI Retail Group commented, “Sustainability is a collective responsibility. With DFI’s extensive retail network, we actively partner with our stakeholders to drive meaningful impact. Rice is a key focus in our journey to reduce Scope 3 emissions. From supporting farmers with green practices to optimising procurement and logistics, and providing customers with sustainable options, we are committed to decarbonisation across our value chain. Together, we are building a more sustainable future for all.”

Mr. Chaikun Tepkasetkul, President, Toumi Foods and Product Co., Ltd. said, “We are thrilled to embark on a long-term partnership with DFI. We are committed to providing training to local farmers and educating them to reduce greenhouse gas emission at source. Through the collaboration, we hope to inspire greener farming practices while stabilising farmers’ incomes. It’s a win-win for people and the planet.”

Customer Promotions

To celebrate the partnership, a special promotion will be available at Wellcome and Market Place from now until 25 September. Customers can enjoy the Yu Pin King Thai Jasmine Fragrant Rice (5kg) at HK$52 for yuu members (standard price: HK$62).

For high resolution photos, please download HERE

Hashtag: #DFIRetailGroup #YuPinKing #ToumiFoodsandProduct #low-carbonrice #Wellcome #MarketPlace #Sustainability

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

DFI Retail Group

DFI Retail Group (the “Group”) is a leading Asian retailer, driven by its purpose to “Sustainably Serve Asia for Generations with Everyday Moments”. As at 30 June 2025, the Group, its associates and joint ventures operated over 7,500 outlets, and employed over 83,000 people. The Group is dedicated to delivering quality, value and service to Asian consumers through a compelling retail experience, supported by an extensive store network and highly efficient supply chains. The Group, including associates, operates a portfolio of well-known brands across five key divisions: health and beauty, convenience, food, home furnishings and restaurants.

About Yu Pin King

Yu Pin King is your reliable partner when it comes to preparing Chinese meals. We promise honest, dependable quality for convenient and affordable food options. With Yu Pin King, we are committed to put honest quality first in everything we do, through our “triple-tested” promise:

  • “Quality-tested” to ensure great product quality and food safety
  • “Taste-tested” so all our products are taste-approved and endorsed before they go on the shelves
  • “Price-tested” because we check our prices regularly for you

About Toumi Foods and Product Co., Ltd.

Toumi Foods and Product Co., Ltd. (“Toumi”) is a family owned Thai company with long tradition in the rice milling industry in Sisaket province, North East of Thailand. From our humble start, through collaboration with local farmers, we have secured the best quality Thai Hom Mali paddy and processed high-quality rice for local consumption. In 2004, we went global, positioning ourselves as one of Thailand’s leading rice exporters known for both quality and trust.

Today, our advanced facilities in Pathumthani province supported with high technology and are accredited with major international food safety standards which are BRCGS and SEDEX. Such state of the art functions can serve as the foundation for our ability to manufacture and ship out all types of rice, from Thai Hom Mali Rice and White Rice, to Jasmine Rice, matching the various requirements of customers for its consistent quality and high dependability all around the world.

Looking ahead, at Toumi, through the harmonious blend of heritage and innovation, we remain dedicated to offering not only the finest rice but also ensuring the well-being and prosperity of generations to come.

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Sun Group debuts at SITF 2026 with exclusive Phu Quoc flight deals and a fresh vision for Vietnam tourism

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SEOUL, SOUTH KOREA – Media OutReach Newswire – 6 June 2026 – Making its first-ever appearance at the Seoul International Travel Fair (SITF) 2026, one of South Korea’s largest international travel fairs, held from June 4–7, Sun Group has delivered a meaningful message: “Visit Vietnam: Beloved Destinations – Extraordinary Experiences.” The group has showcased iconic destinations including Da Nang, Phu Quoc, Sa Pa, and Ha Long, while telling the story of a Vietnam that is constantly innovating to create unique experiences for global travelers.

The Sun Group booth attracts a large number of visitors with its interactive activities, destination ecosystem, and promotions.

A special highlight is Sun Group’s unveiling of its new development vision for Phu Quoc in the lead‑up to APEC 2027, presented directly to Korean partners and visitors.

From the first day of the fair, Sun Group’s booth has welcomed a steady stream of visitors. Throughout the four-day event, the booth has organized B2B and B2C networking activities, customer consultations, and introductions to tourism, resort, and aviation products. Interactive programs, including mini-games, souvenir giveaways, and tailored offers for the Korean market, have kept the atmosphere lively for hours, with a continuous flow of engaged visitors.

During SITF (June 4–7), travelers have the opportunity to receive a 20% discount on the base fare when booking Sun PhuQuoc Airways tickets via the airline’s website or app. The offer applies to the Korean market for one‑way or round‑trip journeys from Korea to Phu Quoc. Limited to 200 Economy Class discount codes, it is valid for flights from June 15 to October 24, 2026 (excluding peak periods as defined by the airline).

Visitors also have the chance to win attractive prizes through booth activities, including free round‑trip air tickets on the Seoul–Phu Quoc route (ICN–PQC) and resort vouchers at hotels within Sun Group’s ecosystem.

By combining destination promotion with airline incentives, Sun Group aims to further encourage South Korean tourists to choose Vietnam for their upcoming holidays, especially Phu Quoc, which is entering a new era of large‑scale investments in projects, products, and experiences all aimed at APEC 2027.

Hashtag: #SunGroup

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

About Sun Group

Vietnam’s leading private economic group, Sun Group operates an integrated ecosystem spanning tourism, entertainment, hospitality, real estate, infrastructure, and aviation. Guided by the mission “Enhancing the beauty of the lands,” the Group shapes iconic destinations nationwide through its Sun World entertainment brand. In the aviation sector, Sun Group develops a hub-and-spoke model anchored by Phu Quoc, driven by strategic airport investments and Sun PhuQuoc Airways.

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Technology + Scenario + Supply Chain = A New Benchmark for Regional Zero-Carbon Smart Transportation

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Wing Kai New Energy X QIJI Energy X C&D Hi-Tech

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 5 June 2026 – The 19th (2026) International Photovoltaic Power Generation and Smart Energy Exhibition & Conference (SNEC 2026) was grandly held from June 3 to 5, 2026, at the National Exhibition and Convention Center (Shanghai). Attracting over 3,000 exhibitors from 95 countries worldwide, the event stands as the largest and most influential professional grand gathering for the photovoltaic and energy storage sectors across Asia and globally.

During the exhibition, Mr. Yiu Wang Lee, Chairman of the Board of Wing Lee Development Construction Holdings Limited (“Wing Lee” or the “Group”, stock code: 9639.HK); Mr. Cai Huihui, General Manager of Wing Kai New Energy Technology Co., Limited (“Wing Kai New Energy”); Mr. Wang Yi, Key Account Manager of QIJI Energy; Mr. Xu Jun, Overseas Energy Storage Commercial Director of Contemporary Amperex Technology Co., Limited (CATL); and Mr. You Yuxian, ASEAN Regional Energy Storage Sales Director of CATL, jointly visited the exhibition booth of C&D Hi-Tech. The delegation engaged in in-depth discussions with the team led by General Manager Mr. Zhan Shengli, focusing on battery swapping station projects in Hong Kong and Southeast Asia. By integrating multi-party resources, the teams successfully finalized and signed a Strategic Cooperation Agreement.

Through this signing, the three parties will join forces to address and resolve the industry pain points of overseas markets regarding regulatory compliance, engineering infrastructure, and supply chain coordination. The collaboration represents a deep integration of QIJI Energy’s cutting-edge battery swapping solutions, Wing Kai New Energy’s localized infrastructure and operational capabilities across Hong Kong and Shenzhen, and C&D Hi-Tech’s robust global resource allocation strengths. Moving from single-project development to an ecosystem of mutual win-win, this partnership will significantly enhance the delivery efficiency of green energy across Hong Kong, Macau, and the Southeast Asian region, setting a brand-new benchmark for regional zero-carbon smart transportation.

As a subsidiary of Wing Lee, Wing Kai New Energy has been rooted in Hong Kong since its inception while radiating its presence globally, deeply cultivating sustainable clean energy solutions. Addressing the acute pain points in the Greater Bay Area and Southeast Asian markets, where rapid fluctuations in energy prices have led to surging cost pressures for logistics distribution enterprises, Wing Kai New Energy will focus on urban distribution logistics battery swapping businesses in the future. The company plans to integrate site resources, infrastructure, and operations to fill the gap in regional infrastructure. We firmly believe that this cooperation will effectively bridge the cross-border green energy eco-link, accelerate the construction of a green energy service network, and contribute solidly to the realization of the “dual carbon” goals. Meanwhile, we sincerely invite more partners to join the Zero-Carbon Smart Alliance to jointly advance sustainable development.

Hashtag: #WingLee

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

About Wing Lee Development Construction Holdings Limited

Deeply rooted in Hong Kong, Wing Lee is an established contractor engaged in civil engineering, electrical and mechanical engineering, and new energy businesses, and has participated in various large-scale landmark projects in Hong Kong. The Group’s civil engineering business specialized in site formation waterworks as well as road and drainage works, while its electrical and mechanical engineering business specializes in power system-related projects and emergency maintenance works. In recent years, the Group has actively expanded into the new energy sector, undertaking solar photovoltaic projects, distributing various electric commercial vehicles and electric construction machinery, and engaging in the construction and subsequent maintenance of charging piles, battery swapping, recycling, and energy storage businesses. In 2025, Wing Lee Construction, together with SANY Group Co., Ltd. and CATL, among other industry giants, founded the “Zero-Carbon Smart Alliance” to develop full-industry-chain solutions for photovoltaics, energy storage, charging and battery swapping, and smart applications in green transportation.

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Hong Kong wraps up successful mission to deepen ties with Central Asia

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HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 5 June 2026 – A large high-level business delegation led by John Lee, Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR), today (June 5) wrapped up its five-day visit to Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan respectively, achieving fruitful results of strengthening bilateral relations and deepening ties with Central Asia.

The delegation of over 70 business and institutional leaders from Hong Kong and the Chinese Mainland is the largest and most diverse overseas mission led by the current term of the HKSAR Government so far.

Hong Kong SAR’s Chief Executive, John Lee (fifth right) and the Advisor to the President of Uzbekistan on Strategic Development, Sardor Umurzakov (fourth right) witness the exchange of memoranda of understanding and co-operation agreements between government departments, enterprises and organisations from Hong Kong and Uzbekistan.

Speaking to the media in Uzbekistan yesterday (June 4), Mr Lee set out the three main objectives of the visit: further explore emerging markets and lay the foundation for long-term economic and trade development; strengthen government-to-government (G2G) relationships and promote closer bilateral co-operation; and build a “hub-to-hub” model of co-operation.

He said the visit had been successful, yielding achievements in eight areas, including:

  • Establishing high-level contacts and ties between the HKSAR Government and the Governments of Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan, and reaching consensus on co-operation in multiple areas;
  • A total of 96 co-operation agreements and memoranda of understanding (MoUs) were reached during the visit (61 with Kazakhstan, 35 with Uzbekistan), involving specific amounts exceeding US$1.65 billion in total;
  • The governments agreed to commence bilateral discussions on agreements in various areas;
  • Deepening project matching and research collaboration between Hong Kong and Central Asian region in areas including finance, innovation and technology (I&T), and aviation;
  • Demonstrating Hong Kong’s effective role as a platform for going global and achieving substantial results, with Hong Kong and Mainland enterprises joining forces in tapping new markets and bringing synergistic advantages into full play;
  • Facilitating more convenient people-to-people exchanges by promoting direct flights, aviation and transport co-operation, and extensions to the mutual visa-free period;
  • Promoting exchanges in education, talent and culture to further deepen people-to-people bonds; and
  • Advancing a hub-to-hub co-operation model to open up broader room for co-operation between Hong Kong and the Central Asian region.

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While in Tashkent (June 3-5), Mr Lee met with local leaders, government officials and business representatives to deepen co-operation between Hong Kong and Uzbekistan in areas including trade, investment, finance, I&T, and people-to-people exchanges.

Mr Lee held meetings with the President of Uzbekistan, Shavkat Miromonovich Mirziyoyev, his Advisor on Strategic Development, Sardor Umurzakov, the Prime Minister, Abdulla Nigmatovich Aripov, as well as the Deputy Prime Minister, Jamshid Khodjayev, to exchange views on furthering mutual co-operation.

Mr Lee highlighted that under the “one country, two systems” principle, Hong Kong enjoys both the China advantage and the global advantage. He said that Hong Kong would continue to play its roles as a “super connector” and a “super value-adder” to further deepen co-operation and exchanges with Uzbekistan on various fronts in line with Uzbekistan’s goal of achieving high-quality development.

Hong Kong SAR's Chief Executive, John Lee (left) meets with the President of Uzbekistan, Shavkat Miromonovich Mirziyoyev.
Hong Kong SAR’s Chief Executive, John Lee (left) meets with the President of Uzbekistan, Shavkat Miromonovich Mirziyoyev.

Earlier (June 3), Mr Lee met with the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Uzbekistan, Bakhtiyor Saidov, after which they jointly witnessed an exchange of notes between the two places on a mutual visa-free arrangement, which would allow a visa-free period of 30 days for visitors from both sides.

“Moreover, we are glad to have initialed the Air Services Agreement with Uzbekistan, and look forward to launching direct passenger flights between the two places soon,” Mr Lee said, during a high-level business dinner (June 4). The Chief Executive pointed out that Hong Kong and Uzbekistan are important trade and investment gateways to their respective regions – the Asia-Pacific and Central Asia.

“It helps that we are all believers in the Belt and Road (B&R) Initiative, a modern expression of the ancient Silk Road spirit,” Mr Lee said. “Today, China is Uzbekistan’s largest trading partner, and the two countries work closely on major infrastructure and connectivity projects that are revitalising the Silk Road. Hong Kong is a pivotal player in the B&R Initiative, thanks to our world-class professional and financial services expertise.”

The delegation also toured the IT Park Uzbekistan and the Center for Islamic Civilization before concluding its visit in Tashkent.

Hashtag: #HongKong #BrandHongKong #CentralAsia #Kazakhstan #Uzbekistan





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

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