BEIJING, May 25, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — The brand value of Tanyang Gongfu black tea from Tanyang Village of Fu’an City in southeast China’s Fujian Province, reached 9.545 billion yuan in 2025, ranking among China’s top 50 regional public brands.

The figure reflects strong growth in Tanyang, where the village’s collective income hit 2.9 million yuan in 2025, up 35 percent year-on-year, and per-capita net income reached 39,800 yuan.

Fu’an has expanded the model beyond one village. Seven villages now form the “Greater Tanyang” rural revitalization partnership, with combined collective income exceeding 6.3 million yuan. The alliance has created jobs for over 200 villagers, with per-capita disposable income reaching 29,000 yuan. Tanyang Village was named a Fujian provincial international exchange base in 2025.

Tanyang Gongfu tea dates to the Qing Dynasty. It has been recognized as one of China’s geographical indication products.

Quality control underpins the brand’s value. A tea industry technology hub jointly operated by China Agricultural University and provincial research institutes promotes eco-friendly farming. The village has developed a 58-mu low-carbon tea garden demonstration site and over 6,100 mu of smart tea gardens, improving quality across 14,200 mu of production area.

Cultural tourism now drives secondary growth. Old factory buildings have been converted into a tea museum, craft workshops and a 5G-enabled smart tea garden. Three themed education routes attract over 1,000 trainees annually.

Product innovation targets younger consumers. New offerings include tea-based cocktails, tea-infused coffee, and fruit-flavored tea beer. One tea-liquor blend generates over 5,000 yuan in daily sales at peak times.

The seven villages have pooled resources and capital to establish an eco-agriculture company operating under a four-party business model. It has directly created employment for more than 40 people. Projects within the zone include a digital nomad hub, a black tea craft workshop, and a 15-mu flower base.

Original link: https://en.imsilkroad.com/p/350697.html

Source

New research by SMU highlights a gap in preparedness, socioeconomic disparities and need for stronger public support as Singapore ages

SINGAPORE, May 25, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — A new study by the Singapore Management University (SMU) Centre for Research on Successful Ageing (ROSA) has found that despite relatively high awareness of the Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA), many Singaporeans may be legally unprepared for cognitive decline and medical crises. There is a significant gap between awareness and actual adoption of the LPA, where although close to seven in 10 respondents (69.2%) were aware of the LPA, only around one in three (31.3%) had made one.

The study found that more than half (50.8%) of respondents without an LPA and without intentions to make one mistakenly believed their children would automatically have the legal authority to make decisions on their behalf if they lost mental capacity.

“Many Singaporeans assume their loved ones can automatically step in during a crisis to make decisions about medical treatment and financial matters, but without an LPA, the legal process may not be straightforward,” said Professor Paulin Straughan, Director, SMU ROSA. “When such conversations and decisions are postponed despite our current mental clarity, families can experience added stress and uncertainty if a loved one later faces illness or cognitive decline. It is also important to ensure that appointed donees are properly informed, as they not fully understand the scope and significance of their responsibilities.”

The study examined awareness, attitudes, barriers and adoption of the LPA among older Singaporeans, using responses from 7,910 participants in November 2025 from the Singapore Life Panel.

The study noted that in the absence of an LPA, individuals who lose mental capacity may face delays in accessing medical treatment and care arrangements, while family members may encounter significant administrative and legal hurdles, including the need to apply for deputyship. These processes might result in higher costs, delays in decision-making, disruptions to financial and asset management, and increased emotional and caregiving burdens on families.

The findings underscored the need for public education efforts that move beyond awareness to clearly communicating the real-world consequences of not having an LPA in place, while encouraging earlier conversations and planning. Misconceptions, emotional resistance and practical barriers could leave many families unprepared as Singapore faces rapid population ageing and rising dementia prevalence.

Key Findings

1. More than four in 10 respondents (41.06%) neither had an LPA nor intended to make one.
2. Significant socioeconomic gaps were observed in both awareness and uptake:
   1. While 87.73% of respondents with university education were aware of the LPA, awareness fell to 44.56% among those with primary education or below.
   2. LPA uptake among residents living in 1- to 3-room HDB flats was 23.73%, compared to 46.70% among those living in private housing.
3. Although attitudes towards the LPA were generally positive, respondents cited barriers such as:
   1. perceptions that the process is too complex or time-consuming,
   2. uncertainty about how to apply,
   3. discomfort discussing incapacity planning with family members.
4. Even among respondents who applied online, nearly half required assistance with the process.
5. Peace of mind (81.58%) and reducing burdens on family members (81.15%) were the strongest motivations for making an LPA.

The study also found that family members remain the overwhelmingly preferred choice of donees. However, researchers noted that demographic shifts, including rising singlehood, childlessness and smaller family sizes, may increase future demand for non-family or professional donees.

Policy Recommendations
To close Singapore’s LPA preparedness gap, SMU ROSA recommends:

1. Strengthening nationwide public education efforts to correct misconceptions and normalise LPA planning earlier in adulthood.
2. Expanding targeted outreach through trusted community touchpoints such as ComLink+, family service centres and polyclinics.
3. Simplifying the application process through plain-language guides, visual explainers and assisted application clinics.
4. Providing greater financial support for lower-income individuals, including subsidies for certificate issuer fees.
5. Increasing support, transparency and regulation for professional donees and licensed trust companies as non-family arrangements become more common.

Researchers added that stronger support systems for donees, including clearer guidance, scenario-based training and safeguards against abuse, will also become increasingly important as Singapore’s population ages.

One in four Singaporeans are projected to be aged 65 and above by 2030. In this context, improving awareness, accessibility and preparedness around LPAs would be critical to safeguarding autonomy and reducing stress on families navigating incapacity and long-term care decisions.

Source

The Region’s Premier Pharma Exhibition Returns to Bangkok, Elevating Thailand’s Role in the ASEAN Pharmaceutical Supply Chain

BANGKOK, May 24, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Informa Markets sets to organise CPHI South East Asia from 8–10 July 2026 at Queen Sirikit National Convention Center under the theme “The Gateway to the ASEAN Pharma Industry.” The event is a comprehensive pharmaceutical manufacturing exhibition, technology showcase, and conference for Southeast Asia, featuring innovations from more than 400 companies worldwide.

Highlights include international pavilion zones from eight markets, showcasing innovation trends from Mainland China, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, South Korea, Taiwan, Thailand, Vietnam, and Egypt. The event will also provide business matching opportunities and over 60 academic conference sessions. Organisers expect more than 10,000 visitors from over 70 countries during the three-day event, creating new business opportunities throughout the exhibition.

Ms. Rungphech Chitanuwat, Regional Portfolio Director – ASEAN at Informa Markets said, “The pharmaceutical industry in Thailand continues to show strong growth potential, supported by several factors including the country’s transition into a fully aged society, the increasing prevalence of non-communicable diseases (NCDs), healthcare system expansion, growth in medical tourism, and the use of essential medicines in hospitals under Thailand’s universal healthcare system.

In 2024, Thailand’s pharmaceutical industry was valued at approximately THB 240 billion (around 6.9 billion dollars), and is projected to grow by 6–7% due to these supporting factors. Market research agencies also forecast that by 2030, the industry could reach a value of 480 billion baht or 13.9 billion dollars.

Another key trend to watch is the increasing push from both the public and private sectors toward pharmaceutical development and innovation, including both generic drugs and newly developed medicines. This aligns with government efforts to strengthen pharmaceutical security.

Pharmaceutical and healthcare security has therefore become a national policy priority aimed at raising public healthcare standards and strengthening the country’s economy as Thailand seeks to join the OECD within five years. Policies also focus on reducing reliance on imported medicines, supporting domestic active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) production, and increasing manufacturing capacity for essential medicines in line with actual production costs.

This is the driving force behind the organization of CPHI South East Asia, a technology and innovation exhibition with the important goal of contributing to Thailand’s pharmaceutical security. The event aims to help drive both healthcare and the economy forward, positioning Thailand as a Medical Hub for Southeast Asia through internationally standardized pharmaceutical manufacturing and enhanced competitiveness in global export markets.

Ms. Rungphech added, “Pharmaceutical security is a shared responsibility and a foundation of human security. Government and private sector must work in tandem to ensure Thailand not only has access to medicines, but becomes a country that the world trusts to produce them.”

“CPHI South East Asia is part of International Healthcare Week and will be held at Queen Sirikit National Convention Center from 8–10 July 2026 under the theme “The Gateway to the ASEAN Pharma Industry.” The event will contribute to advancing Thailand’s pharmaceutical industry in line with the country’s strategic development goals.”

Ms. Supatra Boonserm, Secretary-General of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), under the Food and Drug Administration Office (Thai FDA), Ministry of Public Health, stated that in a world where medical technology continues to advance rapidly, we are now entering the era of Advanced Therapy Medicinal Products (ATMPs). These are no longer just “medicines” in the traditional sense, but represent “new hope” for treating diseases once considered incurable — whether through cell therapy, gene therapy, or tissue engineering.

Today, the role of the Thai FDA is no longer limited to being merely a “regulator” responsible for screening product safety. It has evolved into an “Innovation Facilitator,” aiming to position Thailand as a true regional healthcare hub. The FDA’s key mission in supporting ATMPs is built upon three major pillars:

1.Creating a Regulatory “Fast Track” (Regulatory Excellence)

Complex innovations require regulations that are both flexible and rigorous. The FDA has therefore developed legal frameworks aligned with international standards, covering product classification and dedicated GMP standards specifically for ATMPs. This ensures that products developed by Thai innovators meet global standards and can confidently compete in international markets.

2. Serving as a Strategic Partner for Researchers and Entrepreneurs (Proactive Partnership)

The FDA has implemented a Pre-submission Consultation mechanism to provide technical guidance before formal approval applications are submitted. It has also introduced Fast Track pathways for products addressing urgent medical needs, helping reduce unnecessary delays and barriers while maintaining patient safety as the highest priority.

3. Building an “Ecosystem of Trust” (Ecosystem of Trust)

The FDA oversees clinical trials to ensure ethical compliance and maintains long-term post-market safety monitoring systems. This is intended to build confidence among both patients and healthcare professionals that these innovations will remain effective and safe in a sustainable manner.

Mr. Surachai Ruengsuksilp, Honorary Chairman of the Pharmaceutical Industry Group under the Federation of Thai Industries and Vice President of the Thai Pharmaceutical Manufacturers Association (TPMA), stated that the pharmaceutical industry is not merely an economic driver, but also a “critical infrastructure for national security.”

Currently, Thailand’s pharmaceutical market is valued at more than THB 240 billion. Amid these opportunities, the Federation of Thai Industries has established a strategic direction to position Thailand as a full-fledged Regional Pharma Hub through three key strategies:

1.Transforming from an “Importer” to a “Producer for Security”

Reducing dependence on imported medicines by promoting domestic production of Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs), thereby reducing vulnerability to global crises.

2. Upgrading from “Basic Medicines” to “Advanced Innovation”

Supporting Thai pharmaceutical manufacturers in upgrading to internationally recognized PIC/S GMP standards, enabling Thai medicines not only to serve the CLMV market but also to expand exports globally.

3. Building a Strong Pharmaceutical Ecosystem

Driving collaboration with the government and the Board of Investment (BOI) to create an investment environment conducive to research and development, while also reforming procurement regulations to better reflect actual quality-based costs. This is intended to help Thai pharmaceutical companies remain competitive and achieve sustainable growth.

The Federation of Thai Industries aims to make Thailand “a regional production base for high-quality and affordable medicines,” focusing not only on economic growth figures, but also on ensuring that Thai people have sufficient access to safe medicines under all circumstances.

Dr.Ponthip Wirachwong Ph.D. Deputy Managing Director, Government Pharmaceutical Organization (GPO), stated that beyond its primary role in pharmaceutical manufacturing, the organization’s core mission is to ensure confidence in Thailand’s healthcare system by guaranteeing that Thai people will never face medicine shortages during crises or at any time.

In the past, Thailand has experienced epidemics and natural disasters, and the GPO has maintained reserve systems for essential medicines and medical supplies to ensure that hospital operations can continue without disruption caused by delays.

“Even the most advanced medicine fails if it remains out of reach. GPO’s mission is simple: ensure every Thai patient has access to safe, quality medicines — at a price that doesn’t force them to choose between health and survival,” she said.

Pre-registration is now open for visitors and exhibitors. Be part of the future of ASEAN’s pharma industry at www.cphi.com/sea

For media enquiries, please contact:
Gautam Jatwani
Senior Marketing Manager
Gautam.jatwani@informa.com  

Source

ANSHUN, China, May 23, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — On May 21, at the Guizhou Anshun Tourism Development Conference, Mafengwo Travel Group officially launched three flagship “New Mountain Play” benchmark projects — Huangheying Water Cave, Lotus Ancient Cave, and Luoyang Glasswater Gorge — while jointly releasing the 2026 Anshun Mountain Outdoor New Play Playbook with the Anshun Municipal Bureau of Culture, Sports, Radio, TV and Tourism. By redefining mountain outdoor travel experiences through “new play,” the initiative injects fresh momentum into Anshun’s positioning as an international mountain tourism destination. 

“Personalized travel is rising rapidly. Tourism is transitioning from a ‘sightseeing economy’ to an ‘experience economy.’ More than just ‘having been there,’ travelers today seek emotional value from scenic spots and related projects,” said Chen Gang, Founder and CEO of Mafengwo, in a speech titled *Co-creating the Super Play Era of Mountain Tourism*. He noted that leveraging benchmark new-play projects such as Huangheying Water Cave, Lotus Ancient Cave, and Luoyang Glasswater Gorge, Mafengwo will work with Anshun to integrate “new play, new formats, new marketing, and new consumption” into a holistic innovation ecosystem for destination-wide play. Together, they aim to revitalize natural resources, energize industrial momentum, link rural revitalization, and jointly build Anshun into a national hub for new mountain play.

At a time when travelers are increasingly weary of “man-made check-in spots” and homogenized internet-famous projects, the newly launched projects abandon the old path of large-scale construction. Instead, they return to the wild itself, adopting a “light development, heavy experience” approach to create mountain plays that are “wild on the outside, refined on the inside.” Huangheying Water Cave focuses on “natural wonders + interactive adventure,” using its original “water-cave” karst features to create a genuine sense of “underground exploration.” Lotus Ancient Cave, based on a massive natural cave, integrates “light ultimate” activities such as via ferrata, rappelling, and cave drop towers, allowing ordinary visitors to feel adrenaline-pumping “heart-racing moments” in a natural setting. Luoyang Glasswater Gorge follows the original river course, using natural elevation differences to design trails for hiking, canyoning, and waterfall rappelling, with minimal artificial construction, emphasizing the pristine “glass water” and an eco-harmonious, back-to-nature mountain experience.

At the “2026 Anshun Mountain Tourism New Play” sharing session, Mafengwo Travel Group and the Anshun Municipal Bureau of Culture, Sports, Radio, TV and Tourism jointly released the *2026 Anshun Mountain Outdoor New Play Playbook*. Ten selected plays in non-traditional mountain settings were featured, including “Night Tour of Dupo Tang — Immersive Journey into the World of Journey to the West,” “Watch Intangible Cultural Heritage ‘Spider-Man’ Climb Cliffs for Bird’s Nests,” and “370-Meter Free Fall at Balinghe Bridge.” These showcase how Anshun creatively uses its karst landscapes as a natural “amusement park” for mountain experiences.

He Weihong, Vice Mayor of Anshun, stated in his address: “In Anshun, the ‘City of 21°C,’ mountains are no longer just scenery to be viewed. They are living fields to be climbed, immersed in, jumped over, and breathed in. Anshun will take this conference as an opportunity to accelerate the internationalization of its mountain tourism and build a first-class mountain outdoor sports destination.” During the event, Anshun Tourism Group also promoted its mountain outdoor travel routes.

By early 2026, the number of outdoor sports participants in China had exceeded 400 million, with participation in mountain hiking, trail running, rock climbing, and canyoning rising year by year. Driven by the dual trends of “nationwide fitness” and “pan-outdoor” activities, mountain play is moving from niche circles to the general public. Unlike the high barriers of traditional outdoor activities, Anshun’s new plays target the blue ocean market of “light ultimate + strong experience + high shareability.” Whether it’s a “bridge bungee jump,” checking out the natural wonder “Eye of the Great Sage,” or experiencing a “Journey to the West fantasy” at night by Dupo Tang Waterfall — these activities are novel, beginner-friendly, and serve as natural content and social currency.

Anshun’s mountain play innovation has also attracted international attention. Anouar, Chief Representative of the Tunisian National Tourism Office in China, noted in his speech that Anshun’s innovation in integrating mountain tourism and sports is worth learning from for many international peers. He noted that Tunisia has diverse mountain resources across the country, with history embedded in the mountains and culture in the scenery — this is the unique charm of Tunisia’s mountains. He looks forward to China-Tunisia cooperation to explore more mountain tourism opportunities and co-create new partnership models.

An international dialogue session brought together representatives from the Norwegian National Tourist Board, Visit Flanders (Belgium), and the Saudi Tourism Authority to discuss mountain outdoor tourism upgrade from a global perspective. The guests agreed that they were delighted to see that Anshun is not simply replicating a “Switzerland of the East” but is creating an entirely new “universal language of mountain tourism.” The internationalization of mountain tourism is not about imitation but about excavating the unique narratives of local landscapes — with its green mountains and clear waters as the canvas and play innovation as the brush, Anshun is painting a vibrant new picture for the world.

A domestic dialogue session brought together frontier explorers, practitioners, and experts in mountain sports tourism to discuss the future development of mountain sports tourism from the perspectives of communities, products, and operations. Qin Chuan, Founder of Wanan Youth Travel, noted that with technological advancements and equipment iteration, more and more “outdoor novices” without professional training can enjoy the pleasures of the wild. Currently, Wanan Youth Travel is selecting and developing “super single products” and continuously improving service quality to deliver ultimate outdoor experiences to visitors.

After the conference, industry guests conducted on-site inspections of new play projects, including Lotus Ancient Cave, Dupo Tang Night Tour, Anshun Ancient Town, and Getu River. Wang Yu, Chief Representative of the Norwegian National Tourist Board in Greater China, remarked: “Anshun and Norway share many similarities. Anshun’s new mountain plays emphasize ‘light development, heavy experience.’ Take Lotus Ancient Cave — it doesn’t feel like a ‘designed’ scenic spot, but rather an extension of Anshun’s natural mountain charm itself, an experiential field you can fully immerse yourself in. The scale of this ‘light ultimate’ experience is just right — thrilling enough, yet truly authentic.”

Source