Media OutReach
The World Smart Industry Expo 2025 Concludes Successfully, and the 2025 Digital Industry Ecology Conference Bears Abundant Fruits
Hu Henghua, Deputy Secretary of the Chongqing Municipal Party Committee and Mayor of the Chongqing Municipal Government, attended the 2025 Digital Industry Ecology Conference held on the afternoon of 5th September and delivered an opening speech. He noted that with the theme of “Embracing Intelligence, Shaping a New Future”, this conference has facilitated the sharing of forward-thinking insights and sparked dynamic intellectual exchanges, , which will undoubtedly pool wisdom and strength while building momentum for the digital industry. Chongqing stands ready to seize this opportunity to work with all parties in shareing new opportunities in Digital Chongqing, advancing breakthroughs in digital technology, creating new landmarks for the digital industry, exploring innovative models of digital governance, and collectively building a brighter future in the intelligent era.
Hu Henghua stated that, as an important strategic pivot for the Western Development in the New Era and a comprehensive hub for inland opening-up as positioned by the central government, Chongqing boasts a well-developed industrial system, prominent geographical advantages, and abundant strategic opportunities, providing vast prospects for the development of its digital economy. In recent years, Chongqing has deeply implemented the spirit of the important speeches and instructions ofPresident Xi , and fully embraced the intelligent era. Led by the construction of Digital Chongqing, it has vigorously carried out the “AI +” initiative, promoted the deep integration of the real economy and the digital economy, and sped up the building of a highland for AI applications and a highland for digital-intelligence technological innovation. Chongqing is strengthening the foundation of digital development by enhancing data aggregation and computing power supply. It is fostering new quality productive forces in the digital sector through advancing digital industrialization and the digitalization of industries. By strengthening scenario-driven applications and AI empowerment, the city is promoting comprehensive digital transformation across urban domains. Additionally, it is optimizing the development environment for the digital industry by focusing on talent cultivation and building an open-source ecosystem.
Miao Wei, a member of the Standing Committee and Deputy Director of the Economic Committee of the 14th National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference, and former Minister of Industry and Information Technology, said in the keynote speech that, China, as the only country in the world with all industrial categories, is rapidly integrating its digital and real economies. He particularly lauded Chongqing as a benchmark for the integration of digital and real economies in the Western China, highlighting its remarkable achievements. Specific examples included the SERES Smart Factory, which has achieved 100% automation in key processes and reduced product delivery cycles by 30%, as well as Mashang Consumer Finance Co., Ltd.’s large language model “Tianjing 3.0″which uses AI to empower financial services so as to boost domestic consumption.
As the host city of the World Smart Industry Expo, Chongqing has also established itself as a major hub for the digital economy. The city is experiencing vigorous growth in this sector, with the scale of its digital economy exceeding the one-trillion-yuan threshold. It has nurtured a group of leading enterprises and formed a virtuous cycle of “innovation and R&D — real-world application — cluster expansion,” providing core driving force for the regional digital economy.
Mashang Consumer Finance Co., Ltd. is a typical example of an enterprise rooted in Chongqing while serving the whole nation. Backed by the excellent business environment in Chongqing, the company has always clung to independent R & D in science and technology. It has formed a research team of over 3,400 people, accounting for over 75% of its total staff, and independently built more than 1,000 core systems covering the whole processes of risk control, customer service, marketing and asset management, making a key leap from a “technology user” to a “technology creator”. In 2023, Mashang Consumer Finance Co., Ltd. pioneered the release of “Tianjing”, a large language model for retail financial services targeting a user base of hundreds of millions. Now it has evolved to Version 3.0 and the model has been fully deployed across eight major application scenarios.
At the 2025 Digital Industry Ecology Conference, Mashang Consumer Finance Co., Ltd. released a number of achievements and cooperation projects, leading the collaborative development of the digital industry ecosystem. It officially launched the first financial blockchain management platform ahead of other national consumer finance companies, and implemented the first-ever “Blockchain + Digital Yuan” ABS transaction, building a reliable, open and shared “digital base” for the industry. It unveiled two Chongqing Municipal Key Laboratories jointly with Chongqing University of Posts and Telecommunications and the Chongqing-Shanghai Artificial Intelligence Research Institute of Shanghai Jiao Tong University, aiming to build an innovative platform for special-purpose quantum computing and enhance the research level of cybersecurity and digital economy governance. Additionally, a strategic cooperation agreement was signed with the Southwestern University of Finance and Economics to jointly build a new paradigm for deep industry-academia-research integration. This initiative integrates basic research, technological breakthroughs, talent development, and results translation into a unified strategy, fostering a fertile environment for Chongqing’s digital economy.
The conference also invited Jiang Xiaojuan, Honorary President of the China Society of Industrial Economics and Former Deputy Secretary- General of the State Council, Lu Jianhua, an academician of the Chinese Academy of Sciences and Deputy Director of the National Natural Science Foundation of China, Liang Tao, Former Vice-Chairman of the China Banking and Insurance Regulatory Commission, Wang Zixiong, a member of the Party Working Committee and Deputy Director of the Administrative Committee of Chongqing Liangjiang New Area, Li Lihui, former President of the Bank of China, Jiang Ning, Executive Deputy General Manager of Mashang Consumer Finance Co., Ltd., Yuan Foyu, Vice-President of Baidu Group, and Liu Yuanxin, Chief Expert of Huawei’s Digital Finance Legion, to jointly discuss key issues like the development trends of the digital industry and the deep integration of the digital economy and the real economy. More than ten government leaders and academicians, over 50 technologyfirms , more than 300 top-notch companies and over 1,500 industrial – chain partners gathered in Chongqing. The event demonstrated nearly 20 billion yuan in potential investment attraction, drove over 30 million yuan in direct and indirect economic benefits, and generated more than 20 million online and offline impressions. These efforts propelled “Chongqing’s Digital Industry” to trend once again, serving as a powerful testament to the city and the industry moving forward together.
At the closing ceremony of the Smart Expo held on the afternoon of 8th September, Cao Jingquan, Secretary of the Party Committee of Mashang Consumer Finance Co., Ltd., stated that under the guidance of the Chongqing Municipal Party Committee and the Municipal Government of Chongqing, the company will continue to leverage the dividends of large language models to create a replicable and scalable “Mashang Solution”, and together with industrial partners, to enhance the accessibility, coverage and satisfaction of financial services , channeling more “financial vitality” into the real economy, and infusing more “intelligent nourishment” into thousands of households across the coutry.
As a national-level exhibition platform, the World Smart Industry Expo and Chongqing have mutually reinforced each other’s growth. The event has converged unprecedented flows of people, goods, capital and information, unleashing a strong “Smart Expo Effect”. Though the Expo concludes, its impact endures. The 2025 Digital Industry Ecology Conference not only enhanced Chongqing’s reputation as a hub of digital industry, but also continues to attract high-end talents, cutting – edge technologies and high – quality resources to Chongqing and Western China, injecting robust momentum into regional high – quality development while offering valuable “Chongqing Model” and “Western Experience” for talent mobility and industrial upgrading across the country.
Hashtag: #TheWorldSmartIndustryExpo2025
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Hardware Built for Local Conditions
The company isn’t just showing off standard gear; they’ve brought systems specifically designed to handle the challenges of the local energy landscape.
- PowerX1 Hybrid Inverters: Intelligent energy management, seamlessly switching between solar, battery, and grid for stable, uninterrupted power. Supports multi-source integration and rapid power transition.
- Powerinfi All-in-one ESS: ISO 13849 PL-d and IEC 62443 certified for functional safety and cybersecurity. Features a multi-layer battery safety system within a compact design.
- Advanced Solar & System Protection: Incorporates N-type HOT3.0 solar cell technology for enhanced low-light performance. The system boasts an IP66 rating for superior dust and water resistance.
A New Partnership with MIA Group
The big news from the show floor is the new Annual Channel Distribution Strategic Partnership with MIA Group. MIA Group is already a household name in Pakistan for HVAC and energy, and this deal means they’ll be the main bridge for Midea Hiconics’ tech to reach the local market.
“We’re excited to get to work with MIA Group,” a Midea Hiconics spokesperson said. “They have the reach and the local knowledge we need. By putting our hardware in their hands, we’re making it much easier for people here to switch to reliable, clean energy without the usual headaches.”
Media Contact:
Midea Hiconics Press Office
Website: https://www.hiconics-global.com/
Location: Solar Pakistan 2026, Booth A-3-8
Hashtag: #MideaHiconics
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About Midea Hiconics
Midea Hiconics (SHE: 300048) has been around since 2003 and joined the Midea Group in 2020. They focus on green energy, home storage, and industrial tech, building smart tools that help people take control of their own power.
Check out https://www.hiconics-global.com/ for more info.
Media OutReach
Green SM And Umoney Partner To Build An Integrated Mobility And Digital Finance Ecosystem In Laos
Under the agreement, Umoney will be integrated as a direct payment method within the Green SM app. The two parties will also implement an embedded integration model enabling Umoney users to seamlessly access Green SM’s mobility services directly within the Umoney platform.
For the first time in Laos, customers will experience a fully seamless ride-hailing journey with fares processed instantly via the Umoney e-wallet upon trip completion, replacing the previously common manual bank transfer method. Users simply link their Umoney wallet to the Green SM app for fast, convenient, and fully cashless transactions. Additionally, customers using partner banking applications can pay drivers through Umoney’s QR system, delivering a flexible, fast, and secure payment experience that enhances user convenience and broadens customer reach across both platforms.
As part of the collaboration, Green SM Laos will provide comprehensive mobility solutions for Umoney’s enterprise partners and individual customers, including Green SM Car electric ride-hailing, Green SM Limo, Green SM Airport transfer services, as well as corporate travel packages and flexible, customized mobility plans. Umoney, in turn, will collaborate with Green SM to develop digital financial and payment solutions tailored for drivers within the Green SM ecosystem, encompassing e-wallet services, direct income disbursement, operational expense payments, and cash flow management tools. This synergy is designed to optimize operational efficiency while enhancing the experience for businesses, drivers, and end-users alike.
Beyond mobility and payment solutions, both parties plan to expand their shared digital services ecosystem by integrating Umoney and Unitel’s telecommunications and digital utilities into the Green SM platform, including SIM card registration, mobile top-ups, data package purchases, and other digital services, thereby enhancing the value proposition for users across both platforms.
The two companies will also jointly roll out customer benefit programs targeting Umoney users in Laos, with a particular focus on airports, transaction points, and key high-traffic locations. Through integrated service offerings and incentives promoting electric mobility, Green SM and Umoney aim to foster environmentally responsible travel habits while delivering greater value to customers within their shared ecosystem.
Mr. Ha Chien Thang, Director of Star Fintech Sole Co., Ltd, shared:”Our partnership with Green SM marks a significant milestone in Umoney’s strategy to develop a comprehensive digital finance ecosystem in Laos. The integration of payment capabilities and digital services not only enhances user convenience but also contributes to the advancement of cashless payments and the broader digital transformation of the economy.”
Ms. Tran Hanh An, Director of Mobility Services Sales at Green SM Vietnam & Laos, stated: “The partnership between Umoney and Green SM reflects a shared commitment to connecting the essential infrastructures of modern urban life, from digital finance and telecommunications to a green mobility ecosystem. Through this collaboration, we aim to expand benefits for our customers and driver community while driving meaningful green transformation that is firmly grounded in everyday mobility and consumption needs.”
Furthermore, Green SM and Umoney will collaborate on multi-channel communications initiatives to strengthen brand awareness and expand their combined customer base. Planned activities include co-branded campaigns, promotional programs for new users, digital platform communications, and on-ground experiential activations in key markets.
The partnership between Green SM and Umoney marks a significant convergence of two leading ecosystems in green mobility and digital finance in Laos, united in their pursuit of integrated service solutions that meet the increasingly diverse demands of modern urban life. This collaboration also represents a pivotal step toward fostering innovation, elevating the user experience, and contributing to the sustainable growth of the digital economy in Laos.
Hashtag: #GreenSM
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Global Leaders Converge to Shape the Future of Higher Education in Asia
HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 24 April 2026 – The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) and Times Higher Education (THE) co-hosted the Asia Universities Summit 2026 from April 22 to 24. Under the theme “Igniting Global Transformation: Asia’s Leadership,” the three-day premier event explores Asia’s pivotal role in reshaping global innovation and addressing pressing societal challenges through higher education.
The Summit holds particular significance as it coincides with HKUST’s 35th anniversary and marks a decade of partnership between the University and THE since the inaugural summit. This year’s event has attracted over 600 university presidents, policymakers, and industry titans from 25 countries and regions, underscoring a collective commitment to advancing the academic landscape across the continent.
The Summit officially commenced on April 22 at HKUST’s Shaw Auditorium, with the opening ceremony officiated by Dr. SZE Chun-Fai, Jeff, Acting Secretary for Education of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government; Prof. Nancy IP, President of HKUST; Phil BATY, Chief Global Affairs Officer, and Mei Mei LIM, President, Asia Pacific, from THE.
In her opening remarks, President Ip underscored the need for cross-border collaboration and the evolving role of universities in a rapidly changing world. She said, “As HKUST celebrates its anniversary and a decade of partnership with Times Higher Education, we gather at a defining moment for our region. Asia is increasingly shaping the direction of global innovation, talent development, and societal transformation. In this era of rapid technological advancement and constant change—from artificial intelligence to climate resilience—the challenge of progress lies in anticipating needs and shaping solutions, which calls for a fundamental rethinking of how universities lead. At HKUST, we firmly believe that no single institution can address these global challenges alone; progress will come through openness, partnership, and shared responsibility.
Hong Kong is unique in being the only city in the world with five universities ranked among the global top 100, underscoring its role as a leading international hub for exchange and innovation. Building on this strength, HKUST has initiated dialogues with the world’s leading universities and invited them to Hong Kong to explore opportunities for a university town. This Summit reflects our long‑standing commitment to bringing institutions together to exchange ideas, build meaningful collaborations, and take collective action. By convening leaders from across Asia and beyond, we aim to turn thoughtful dialogue into real impact for our communities and for society at large.”
Dr. SZE Chun-Fai, Jeff, highlighted Hong Kong’s unique position as an international education hub, stating, “Universities today are not only centers of knowledge creation but also powerful drivers of innovation, resilience, and societal impact. In an era of rapid technological advancement, higher education must translate cutting-edge research into real-world solutions that address global challenges. HKUST exemplifies this excellence and achieves remarkable rankings, with its entrepreneurial story equally unmatched, demonstrating the worldwide impact of its research discoveries. Hong Kong has long served as the world’s super-connector and super-value adder, bridging East and West. Our highly internationalized and diversified post-secondary education system positions us ideally to facilitate this convergence between global academic networks and the opportunities of the Chinese Mainland and the wider region. Education, technology, and talent form a foundational triad for success. By fostering talent attraction, interdisciplinary education, industry-academic partnerships, and research collaborations with our counterparts elsewhere, we are building a vibrant ecosystem that strengthens Hong Kong’s innovation edge, contributing to Asia as well as national development.”
Phil Baty reaffirmed THE’s enduring partnership of trust with HKUST and celebrated Asia’s rising global influence, stating, “A decade ago, right here on this stunning campus, THE launched its first-ever Asia Universities Summit. Today, we are witnessing a tilt in the balance of power in global higher education and research from the West to the East. This extraordinary trajectory is driven by Asia’s booming research productivity and global ambitions. Hong Kong, with five universities now ranked among the world’s top 100, stands at the heart of this transformation—a city which we believe will remain the flagship atop the rising tide across Asia, cementing its position as a world-leading powerhouse. New knowledge creation is not a zero-sum game, as we all gain from the leapfrogging Asian university sector. This Summit is a celebration of your excellence and the glorious diversity of our academic community.”
Following the opening ceremony, President Ip joined Prof. Martin O. BERGÖ, Vice-President of Karolinska Institutet, in a keynote fireside chat on longevity science. The discussion explored how advances in biomedicine, neuroscience, and translational research can extend both lifespan and healthspan, while contributing to resilient and equitable societies. President Ip shared insights from her pioneering neuroscience research, including the University’s efforts to decode the biological basis of healthy aging. She said, “Healthy aging is not just about adding years to life, but adding life to our years. We need a paradigm shift from reactive to proactive care. At HKUST, we are focused on monitoring risks for any diseases early and implementing preventive measures. Longevity science is about extending the ‘healthspan’ and as a university, we have much to offer through our research and collaborations. We are uniquely positioned to contribute to this field.”
A spotlight on the first day was a fireside chat between Prof. Harry SHUM, Chairman of the HKUST Council, and Judson ALTHOFF, CEO of Microsoft’s Commercial Business. The dialogue delved into the transformative power of AI across both industry and academia, discussing how universities can collaborate with global technology leaders to prepare students for an AI‑pervasive world. Emphasis was placed not only on technological capability, but also on trust, critical thinking and mindset change within institutions.
Prof. Shum underscored the importance of embracing AI across disciplines, “For our university, at this time, the number one priority is really a mindset change—to focus on AI for science, engineering, business, humanities, and medicine. AI is already here. We do not have to be afraid of this technology. It is a powerful new tool for us and a wonderful thing that we must learn and master to drive growth and innovation.”
Throughout the Summit, President Ip participated in two leadership meetings with over 15 university presidents and senior leaders from institutions across Asia, engaging in candid, strategy‑focused exchanges on shared regional challenges. One session examined how Asia’s emerging innovation corridors—from the Greater Bay Area to other fast‑growing technology belts—can redefine global technology leadership, with discussions centered on governance models and cross‑border collaboration. Another session focused on shaping next‑generation cities, exploring how universities can align research, talent development and policy engagement to support sustainable urban transformation amid rapid technological and societal change. These high-level dialogues emphasized the need for strategic alignment between academic research and regional development, reinforcing the Summit’s mission to leverage Asian leadership for global transformation through collaborative institutional design and shared expertise.
Across a series of high‑level sessions, HKUST senior leadership played an active role in shaping discussions on inclusive leadership, trusted AI in higher education, research commercialization, climate resilience, and global research collaboration. The sessions examined how universities can strengthen governance frameworks to ensure the responsible and ethical use of AI, while cultivating innovation ecosystems that translate research outcomes into socio-economic impact.
The dialogue also addressed strategies for nurturing entrepreneurship, climate‑proofing rapidly growing cities through interdisciplinary engineering approaches, and sustaining borderless research collaboration amid rising geopolitical and regulatory pressures. Collectively, these contributions highlighted HKUST’s commitment to advancing responsible innovation, international partnership, and university leadership attuned to Asia’s evolving challenges and global responsibilities.
The three-day event concluded with a closing ceremony, cementing new strategic partnerships and a shared vision for the future of higher education in the region.
Download photos here: https://hkust.edu.hk/news/hkust-and-times-higher-education-co-host-asia-universities-summit-2026
Hashtag: #HKUST
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
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