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Smart Mobility, Seamless Journeys: APAS Leads a New Era for “Northbound Travel for Hong Kong Vehicles”

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HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 16 January 2025 – The Transport Department of the HKSAR Government recently announced an increase in the daily processing capacity for “Northbound Travel for Hong Kong Vehicles”, raising the limit from 400 to 500 applications per working day, reflecting a growing demand in the market. Automotive Platforms and Application Systems (APAS) R&D Centre has been actively working with professional institutions, industry stakeholders, and technical organisations in Mainland to enhance cooperation regarding the “Northbound Travel for Hong Kong Vehicles” initiative. APAS is also exploring the standardisation of electric vehicles (EV) adapters for use in Mainland, aiming to establish a series of safety guidelines for manufacturers and users to ensure that the charging adapters on the market in the market meet safety requirements.

Urgent Demand for EV Charging Adapters

As electric vehicles become more prevalent in Hong Kong, one of the main concerns for car owners driving their EVs to the Mainland is the compatibility of charging equipment. Since most electric vehicles in Hong Kong use Combined Charging System 2 (CCS2), while Mainland uses the GB/T Charging Standard. This results in differences in charging interfaces and communication systems, necessitating the use of additional charging adapters when charging abroad. Suitable charging adaptors are scarce, as there is only a limited number of suppliers offering fast-charging adapters, with prices ranging from several thousand to tens of thousands of Hong Kong dollars. However, the specifications of charging adapters in Mainland vary, and even with a fast-charging adapter, it may not provide the proper charging power for the vehicle.

Safety Hazards of Uncertified EV Charging Adapters

APAS has repeatedly alerted car owners about the safety risks associated with uncertified charging facilities. The high DC power, voltage, and current involved in fast-charging electric vehicles present significant hazards. Using non-compliant adapters may cause malfunctions or fire risks. In response to these issues, APAS has been dedicated to research and development in the fields of intelligent connected vehicles and new energy vehicles. Through collaboration and communication with professional organisations, industry stakeholders, and technical institutions, APAS aims to provide higher-quality service and support to car owners in both Mainland and Hong Kong.

Mr Yonghai DU, Chief Executive Officer of APAS, remarked, “In recent years, significant improvements in infrastructure have made cross-border travel for ‘Northbound Travel for Hong Kong Vehicles’ more convenient. The HKSAR Government’s recent decision to increase the daily processing capacity of applications to 500 demonstrates the growing demand. As the number of electric vehicles continues to rise, drivers need to understand and adapt to the traffic regulations and charging interface standards of both Hong Kong and the Mainland. To address this, APAS has developed specialised charging adapters to ensure a seamless charging experience for drivers. We look forward to using this initiative to promote innovative technology and sustainable development, contributing to Hong Kong’s efforts in building a smart city.”

Industry Experts’ Insights

As the Lunar New Year approaches, many Hong Kong residents may plan to drive to Mainland to celebrate the festive season. In response, APAS’ experts are providing a comprehensive analysis of the latest “Northbound Travel for Hong Kong Vehicles” policy and important guidelines. Additionally, industry specialists from the automotive and insurance sectors have been invited to share their professional insights.

Mr Paul LAW, MH, Chairman of Olympic (Motor) Group, noted, “With the growing presence of electric vehicles in the market, the variety of charging connectors and adapter options has significantly expanded. We are delighted to see APAS taking the lead as an industry pioneer, focusing on the development of EV charging adapters. I look forward to seeing more groundbreaking research from APAS in the future, contributing to the advancement of the industry and enhancing the consumer experience.”

Moreover, Mr Harley KWAN, President of Hong Kong Insurance Intermediaries Association shared that there are significant differences between the automotive insurance systems in Mainland and Hong Kong. In Hong Kong, car insurance typically focuses on third-party liability coverage, with a wide range of insurance products available, allowing consumers to choose based on their individual needs. In contrast, the insurance system in Mainland is more standardised, with a greater emphasis on comprehensiveness, and differing regulations regarding coverage amounts and claims procedures. He stated, ” With the increasing prevalence of electric vehicles and autonomous driving technologies, the insurance industry must adapt to new challenges. We are committed to working closely with relevant organisations to ensure that electric vehicle owners receive comprehensive coverage, supporting the healthy growth of the market.” As such, Hong Kong residents should prepare ahead of time before driving to Mainland, familiarising themselves with the differences in insurance policies between the two places to ensure they are fully protected while also safeguarding others.

Future Regulations for Charging Adapters

In response to the regulations surrounding charging adapters, APAS plans to establish a set of guidelines aimed at enhancing the safety and convenience of charging systems, ensuring that vehicle owners enjoy the best possible experience. APAS is committed to more standardised management of charging adapters in the future to safeguard the safety of car owners. The goal is to further improve the driving experience and enable more private car owners to enjoy convenient and safe cross-border travel services.

Download High-Resolution Photos HERE

Photo 1:
In his welcome speech, Mr Yonghai DU, Chief Executive Officer of APAS, highlighted that with the continuous increase in the number of electric vehicles, it is important for owners to understand the differences in traffic regulations and charging interface standards between the Mainland and Hong Kong. To address this, APAS has developed a specialised charging adapter to ensure that vehicle owners can seamlessly use charging facilities. APAS looks forward to promoting innovative technology and sustainable development through this event and contributing to the development of a smart city in Hong Kong.

Photo 2:
Mr Ralph Xu, Head of Green Transportation of APAS discusses the regulations and requirements for electric vehicle charging adapters and demonstrates the electric vehicle charging adapter equipment.

Photo 3:
Mr Paul LAW, MH, Chairman of Olympic (Motor) Group and Mr Harley KWAN, President of the Hong Kong Insurance Intermediaries Association, shares insights on the impact of “Northbound Travel for Hong Kong Vehicles”. They discussed the claims procedures for Hong Kong vehicle owners involved in accidents in the Mainland and offered valuable suggestions for future collaboration between the industry and APAS.

Photo 4:
(From Left) Mr Harley KWAN, President of the Hong Kong Insurance Intermediaries Association, Mr Yonghai DU, Chief Executive Officer of APAS and Mr Paul LAW, MH, Chairman of Olympic (Motor) Group shared the latest policy and the insurance about the “Northbound Travel for Hong Kong Vehicles”.

Photo 5:
(From Left) Mr Harley KWAN, President of the Hong Kong Insurance Intermediaries Association, Mr Yonghai DU, Chief Executive Officer of APAS, Mr Paul LAW, MH, Chairman of Olympic (Motor) Group and Mr Ralph Xu, Head of Green Transportation of APAS.

About APAS Electric Vehicle Charging Adapters Specifications:

Model Specifications
System Parameters
Rated Power 150Kw
Rated Voltage 1000V
Voltage Range 200-1000V
Current 250A
Protection Rating IP54
Input Interface GB/T 20234.3-2015
Output Interface CCS Type 2 (IEC 62196-3 Combo)
Environmental Conditions
Operating Temperature -10°C to 40°C
Storage Temperature -40°C to 70°C
Relative Humidity 0-95%
Other
Dimensions 306X92X122 mm
Net Weight < 1.5kg

Hashtag: #APAS

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

About Automotive Platforms and Application Systems R&D Centre (APAS)

The Automotive Platforms and Application Systems R&D Centre (APAS) was established under the R&D Centre Programme of the Innovation and Technology Commission and is hosted by the Hong Kong Productivity Council (HKPC). APAS will be fully integrated under HKPC on 1 April 2025. The Centre continues to undertake market-led R&D programmes spanning green transportation, smart mobility, and intelligent systems, as well as commercialises R&D results in collaboration with industry, universities and technology institutes to enhance the competitiveness of Hong Kong’s automotive and other transportation sectors in new energy and smart driving.

About Hong Kong Productivity Council

The Hong Kong Productivity Council (HKPC) is a multi-disciplinary organisation established by statute in 1967, to promote productivity excellence through relentless drive of world-class advanced technologies and innovative service offerings to support Hong Kong enterprises. As a nationwide leader in innovative, market-driven research and development (R&D) internationally, specialising in leading technologies and all-rounded manufacturing services, HKPC promotes new industrialisation in Hong Kong and the Greater Bay Area and facilitates the development of new productive forces, leveraging innovation and technology (I&T), as well as bolstering Hong Kong to be an international innovation and technology centre and a smart city. The Council offers comprehensive innovative solutions for Hong Kong industries and enterprises, enabling them to achieve resources and productivity utilisation, effectiveness and cost reduction, and enhance competitiveness in both local and overseas marketplace. The Council partners and collaborates with local industries and enterprises and world-class R&D institutes to develop applied technology solutions for value creation. It also benefits a variety of sectors through product innovation, technology transfer, and commercialisation, bringing enormous business opportunities ahead. HKPC’s world-class R&D achievements have been widely recognised over the years, winning an array of local and overseas accolades.

In addition, HKPC offers SMEs and startups immediate and timely assistance in coping with the ever-changing business environment, and strengthens talent nurturing and Hong Kong’s competitiveness with FutureSkills training for enterprises and academia to enhance digital capabilities and STEM competencies.

For more information, please visit HKPC’s website: .

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Global Wellness Forum 2026 Set for June 23 in Kuala Lumpur as Malaysia’s Nutraceutical Industry Embarks on Next-Gen Transformation

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KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA – Media OutReach Newswire – 16 June 2026 – Malaysia’s wellness market is moving beyond traditional competition over ingredients, dosage, and pricing toward product-format experience, sustained use, and differentiated innovation. The Global Wellness Consumer & Product Trends Forum 2026 will hold a forum on June 23, 2026, in Kuala Lumpur. Under the theme “Defining the Next Generation of Health Industry,” the event will bring together Malaysian trade associations, leading distribution channels, and Taiwanese R&D teams to jointly explore market opportunities.

As a core component, James Pereira, general manager of MADSA, will share insights on Malaysian health industry regulations. Adrian Toh, CEO & Executive Director of R Pharmacy, will provide frontline retail channel observations regarding shifting consumer demands. Alex Liao, General Manager of Welbloom Bio-Tech, will represent Taiwan to share how format innovation effectively responds to brand differentiation, consumption experiences, and market compliance needs.

Faced with brands’ attention toward differentiated experiences, Welbloom Bio-Tech will showcase its proprietary, Halal-certified FRESH-Jelly® technology on-site, demonstrating the innovative application to make supplements more food-like. Through ingredient payload capacities, zero- or low-sugar designs, and customized flavor development, FRESH-Jelly® allows supplements to maintain functionality while becoming more enjoyable to consume regularly, providing Malaysian brands with a distinctive option beyond capsules and tablets.

With the rapid rise of Malaysia’s wellness consumer market, its mature distribution channels and exceptional potential for regional expansion are accelerating the country’s growth as a critical hub for the Southeast Asian health industry. Welbloom Bio-Tech states that this forum is a bridging platform connecting Taiwan’s manufacturing capabilities with Malaysian market insights, aiming to unlock commercially viable partnerships for both regions.

The event is organized by The PAGE, co-organized by Welbloom Bio-Tech and SEAbizs, and supported by NTBSA, MATRADE, R Pharmacy, and MADSA.

Event Information】
Time: June 23, 2026, 09:30 – 14:00
Venue: The Zenith – Connexion Conference & Event Centre, Kuala Lumpur

Hashtag: #WelbloomBioTech

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

About Welbloom Bio-Tech

Welbloom Bio-Tech focuses on health supplement R&D, manufacturing, and dosage form innovation. Through forward-looking market foresight and robust R&D technologies, it provides one-stop services from formulation design and flavor development to manufacturing, assisting clients in Malaysia and Singapore to build highly competitive health supplements.

To learn more, please search “Welbloom” or click the link:

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Doing Good Index 2026: Asia’s US$753 Billion Philanthropic Potential Remains Unrealized

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In the 2026 edition of its flagship policy report the Doing Good Index, the Centre for Asian Philanthropy and Society (CAPS) finds that Asia’s capacity to deploy private capital for social good is not keeping pace with its potential.

  • Asia’s social sector is under strain: 78% of the 2,166 social delivery organizations (SDOs) surveyed report insufficient domestic funding.
  • Asia is one of the fastest-growing regions for wealth creation, yet the policies and incentives needed to channel it toward social good are not keeping pace.
  • Singapore has become the first economy to enter the “Doing Excellent” category, demonstrating what alignment across regulations, tax incentives, government partnerships and efforts to create a culture of giving can achieve.
  • 84% of Asian SDOs surveyed apply the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in their operations, pointing to their enduring value as a shared framework for coordination and collective action beyond 2030.

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 16 June 2026 – Asia’s social needs are intensifying, and official development assistance is declining. Yet, while the region’s wealth is growing dramatically, the policies, incentives and partnerships needed to channel private capital toward social good are not keeping pace. That is a key finding of the Doing Good Index 2026, the fifth edition of CAPS’s flagship policy report, which assesses the enabling environment for private social investment across 17 Asian economies.

The report finds that while the enabling environment for private social investment is in place across much of the region, its effectiveness remains uneven. Improvements in registration processes and accountability mechanisms have been accompanied by persistent barriers, including restrictions on foreign funding, regulatory complexity, and inconsistent government engagement. In many cases, policies exist on paper but are not fully implemented in practice, limiting their impact.

At the same time, although trust in SDOs remains high across the region, broader ecosystem conditions, such as media sentiment, talent pipelines, and institutional support, are showing signs of strain. 81% of SDOs struggle to secure unrestricted funds for their work, while 73% report difficulty recruiting staff, constraining the sector’s ability to turn trust into impact.

“Asia has the wealth, the will, and in many economies, the foundations of a strong enabling environment. What is needed now is concerted, aligned effort to bring them together. The potential is enormous,” said Ruth Shapiro, Co-Founder and CEO, Centre for Asian Philanthropy and Society.

Unlocking Asia’s US$753 Billion Philanthropic Potential

Even as Asia’s wealth continues to grow, the region faces significant and intensifying challenges across climate, education and health. Official development assistance is declining, and there is increasing pressure on domestic resources at precisely the moment demand for social services is rising.

If Asian economies were to contribute just 2% of GDP to philanthropy, as the United States does, it could generate an estimated US$753 billion annually for social good. That represents 15 times the official development assistance flowing into the region, and almost half the financing needed to hit the UN’s SDGs in Asia. But realizing that potential depends on strengthening the policies, incentives and partnerships that enable private capital to flow toward social good. The Doing Good Index 2026 finds that across much of Asia, those conditions are not yet in place.

“The world has changed dramatically, and Asia can no longer rely on others to address its social challenges. The Doing Good Index 2026 shows the region has the potential to meet this moment, but only if governments and philanthropists act together to build the conditions that make it possible,” said Ronnie Chan, Chairman, Centre for Asian Philanthropy and Society.

Singapore Shows What Alignment Can Achieve
Singapore has, for the first time, entered the top “Doing Excellent” category in the Doing Good Index 2026, reflecting years of deliberate effort to build a strong culture of philanthropy and civic engagement. Clear regulations, generous tax incentives, openness to foreign funding, and close collaboration between government and the social sector have created a strong enabling environment.

Singapore’s achievement demonstrates that when regulations, fiscal policy, ecosystem conditions and procurement work in concert, the outcomes are stronger. While no two economies will follow the same path, Singapore’s experience highlights the conditions that matter, such as the active promotion and alignment of philanthropy and giving across the whole of society.

The SDGs: Falling Short but Still Relevant in Asia
In the run-up to 2030, global progress toward the SDGs has fallen short of ambition, and Asia is no exception. Yet the Doing Good Index 2026 finds that 84% of SDOs continue to apply the SDGs in their work. Further, the rise of Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) reporting has not displaced them, because most SDOs see the two frameworks as complementary rather than competing.

As the deadline approaches, the Index points to their enduring value not as a target but as a shared framework for strategy, coordination and collective action in the years ahead.

Other Findings from the Report

  • Talent shortages persist for Asia’s social sector: more than 70% of SDOs face difficulty recruiting and retaining staff across Asia.
  • AI adoption is happening, but usage remains limited: only 13% of surveyed SDOs report using AI regularly.
  • 39% of SDOs say claiming tax benefits is difficult, suggesting administrative barriers may be limiting the impact of existing incentives for giving.

Hashtag: #CAPS #DoingGood #PrivateCapital #PublicGood #Philanthropy #Impact

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

About the Doing Good Index

Released biennially and now in its fifth edition, the Doing Good Index is CAPS’s flagship policy research that assesses the enabling environment for doing good in Asia: the systems, policies and practices that facilitate or constrain philanthropic giving and the deployment of this capital.

CAPS’s research team surveyed 2,166 social delivery organizations (SDOs) and conducted 132 interviews with sector experts across 17 Asian economies to provide a comparative, evidence-based view of where environments are supportive, where gaps persist, and how systems can be strengthened to better mobilize private resources for public good.

The Index looks at indicators under four sub-indexes: regulations, tax and fiscal policy, ecosystem, and government procurement, which provide an understanding of the specific measures economies have taken to catalyze philanthropic giving and promote social sector development.

Since its inception, the Index has been an essential resource for policymakers, philanthropists, and nonprofit leaders seeking to understand and improve the conditions for giving across the region.

For more information, and visit .

About the Centre for Asian Philanthropy and Society (CAPS)

Established in 2013 and working across more than 17 economies in Asia, the Centre for Asian Philanthropy and Society (CAPS) is a nonprofit organization committed to improving the quantity and quality of philanthropic and private giving throughout Asia. Our mission is to maximize private capital for public good, conducting research, advisory, convening and capacity building to engage philanthropists, foundations, family offices, corporates, government bodies, social sector organizations and experts on best practices, models, policies and strategies to facilitate private giving and social investment in the region. For more information, visit and .

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Frost & Sullivan White Paper Names Phancy Rise vGPU a Tier 1 Leading Platform

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Rise vGPU + ModelHub Power China’s AI into the Heterogeneous Orchestration Era

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 15 June 2026 – Frost & Sullivan, a globally renowned growth consulting firm, has released its “2026 AI Infrastructure Orchestration Platform White Paper”. The report recognizes Phancy Group’s Rise vGPU as a Tier 1 Leading Platform, the highest maturity tier in heterogeneous GPU orchestration. Phancy’s ModelHub also achieved the highest Overall Score in the enterprise-grade model management platform evaluation. This marks a significant endorsement of Phancy’s technological capability in heterogeneous AI infrastructure.

According to the white paper, as large model applications scale rapidly, China’s AI industry is facing structural challenges stemming from multi-chip coexistence. These include hardware heterogeneity, fragmented software stacks, persistently low GPU utilization (generally below 30%), and rising model adaptation complexity — all of which have become major bottlenecks for enterprise-scale AI deployment.

The report highlights a fundamental shift in AI infrastructure competitiveness – moving away from “single-chip performance” toward “cluster-scale system coordination.” At this critical juncture, Phancy has positioned itself as a leader in advanced orchestration through its full-stack AI infrastructure platform, offering a proven solution to heterogeneous compute challenges and helping drive China’s AI industry from “compute accumulation” into a new era of “compute orchestration.”

Phancy Rise vGPU: Tier 1 Leading Platform

In its assessment of mainstream AI infrastructure platforms, Frost & Sullivan defined Tier 1 criteria across three core dimensions: heterogeneous support, fine-grained control, and production-grade execution. Phancy Rise vGPU meets all three standards and has been recognized as a Tier 1 Leading Platform.

Rise vGPU transforms AI infrastructure from fragmented, low-efficiency device-level management to a unified software-defined control plane. Its key technology breakthroughs include:

  • Comprehensive Heterogeneous Management: Unified onboarding and management across more than 10 mainstream GPU/NPU vendors, including NVIDIA, Ascend, Cambricon, Hygon, and others.
  • Ultra-Fine Resource Partitioning: Industry-leading sub-GPU level compute and MB-level memory granularity slicing.
  • Significant Utilization Improvement: Through safe oversubscription and time/space multiplexing, GPU utilization is increased from industry averages below 30% to 70%-90%.
  • Intelligent Precision Scheduling: Multi-dimensional scheduling algorithms based on priority, topology, load, and resource awareness to achieve optimal compute allocation.
  • Production-Grade SLA Assurance: The Deterministic Execution Layer delivers committed and auditable SLA guarantees for critical inference workloads.
  • Full Lifecycle Operability: Comprehensive monitoring, metering, and cost allocation capabilities that turn GPU resources into truly operable digital assets.

Model Hub: Highest Overall Score in Model Management Platform Evaluation

Beyond compute orchestration, the report underscores the strategic importance of enterprise-grade model management platforms. As a powerful complement to Rise vGPU, Phancy ModelHub enables enterprises to build a complete full-stack AI infrastructure — from compute to models and from resource scheduling to business delivery.

The white paper notes that Phancy ModelHub delivers leading performance in key areas such as Model & Chip Compatibility, Execution Stability & Performance, and Model-GPU Coordination & Scheduling, achieving the highest Overall Score. Through its unified model management and execution platform, ModelHub creates a seamless closed-loop process covering model onboarding, deployment optimization, inference services, and version governance — significantly lowering the barrier to model deployment and accelerating AI innovation.

Dr. Dai Wenyuan, Founder & CEO of Phancy, said: “The Frost & Sullivan white paper accurately captures the inflection point in AI infrastructure development. The recognition of Rise vGPU as a Tier 1 Leading Platform and ModelHub’s top Overall Score provide important authoritative validation of Phancy’s technology strategy and product strength. As a full-stack AI cloud service platform, Phancy believes the next wave of competitiveness in the AI industry will come from systematic improvements in compute orchestration efficiency. We will continue to focus on heterogeneous compute unified scheduling and model ecosystem operations, working closely with customers and industry partners to advance China’s AI industry from ‘compute accumulation’ to a true ‘compute orchestration’ era.”

Hashtag: #PhancyGroup

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

About Phancy Group

Phancy Group (6682.HK) is a leading full-stack AI cloud services platform, providing comprehensive solutions for the AI 2.0 era. Our offerings include Rise vGPU, ModelHub and SageAIOS, delivering efficient and scalable AI infrastructure with end-to-end capabilities. We provide a complete solution from heterogeneous compute resource management and optimization to the deployment of intelligent agent models. These solutions empower digital transformation across a wide range of industries, supporting our vision of building a large-scale and efficient “Token Factory.”

Guided by the mission of “AI for Everyone” and positioned as the “Navigator of AI,” Phancy Group is committed to becoming a global leader in Artificial General Intelligence.

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