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Airlines urge Trump administration not to curb international flights in feud over ‘sanctuary cities’

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Airlines urge Trump administration not to curb international flights in feud over ‘sanctuary cities’

United Airlines planes sit on the tarmac at Newark Liberty International Airport in Newark, New Jersey, on March 18, 2026.

Kena Betancur | AFP | Getty Images

Airline, hotel and other industry groups are urging the White House and top Trump administration officials to abandon a proposal that would cut off immigration processing at major airports, including Newark Liberty International Airport in New Jersey, a United Airlines hub.

United CEO Scott Kirby was set to discuss the proposal with Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin to convey the disruptions the policies could cause to travelers, according to two people familiar with the previously unreported call who spoke on condition of anonymity to talk about a private conversation.

Airlines for America, a trade association whose members include American Airlines, United Airlines and Delta Air Lines told White House officials this week that reducing Customs and Border Protection service at Newark, New Jersey’s airport would “create havoc” for U.S. citizens, which make up the bulk of the 20,000 passengers flying in internationally to the airport, according to a document that was seen by CNBC.

The document also said that if there is a bottleneck at Newark, a major connecting hub, “disproportionate impacts to US citizens will hit heartland America far more than Newark itself.” It also warned against the proposal, which could include impacts to other cities, and said it could curtail air cargo shipments.

Mullin said earlier this week on Fox News that the Trump administration was “drawing up plans” to potentially cut immigration and customs processing for international flights at U.S. airports in so-called “sanctuary cities,” which the government says are more lenient on immigration policies.

Such a plan could be intended to pressure leaders of cities to crack down on undocumented immigrants by threatening to impede air travel.

The White House didn’t immediately comment.

Mullin said in an interview on Fox News’ “Hannity” on Tuesday night said that if “radical left Democrats” aren’t allowing the government to “enforce federal laws … we shouldn’t be processing international flights into their cities either.” He said the administration hasn’t made a final plan or a decision on such a policy.

The Justice Department last August published a list of states and cities it said are impeding U.S. immigration policies, which include major international air hubs New York, Newark, Boston, Chicago, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Seattle and Philadelphia.

The proposal is being floated two weeks before the U.S., Canada and Mexico are set to host the FIFA Men’s World Cup, but it isn’t clear if the plan, if enacted, would take place before or during the tournament, which could derail travel for millions of people.

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XtalPi Receives Second Payment from DoveTree; First Oncology Asset Advances into IND-Enabling Studies

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XtalPi Receives Second Payment from DoveTree; First Oncology Asset Advances into IND-Enabling Studies

BOSTON, May 29, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — XtalPi (2228.HK), an AI- and robotics- powered drug discovery platform, announced that its strategic collaboration with innovative biopharmaceutical company DoveTree Medicines Unus Inc. has achieved substantial progress, and that XtalPi has received the second payment under the agreement.

Since the two parties entered into a collaboration in June 2025 with a total possible aggregate value of up to US $5.99 billion if resulting in an approved product directed to each of the targets of interest to DoveTree, the partnership has made significant progress. All patents related to the pipeline from the initial upfront payment of US$51 million have now been fully transferred to DoveTree. One preclinical candidate (PCC) has advanced into IND-enabling studies. According to the agreement, XtalPi has now received the second payment of US$19 million. The two parties will further deepen discovery collaboration with agreed priorities and continuously accelerate translation from discovery to clinical development.

XtalPi’s proprietary dynamic conformation precision modeling platform uses quantum physics algorithms and AI-driven multiscale molecular simulations as dual engines. Rather than relying on static crystal structures, it simulates more complete processes of a target protein’s conformational dynamics in a physiologically relevant environment at atomic-level precision. This allows the platform to accurately capture transiently exposed allosteric sites and PPI interfaces that traditional methods often miss, providing high-resolution structural insights that guide molecular design with both speed and accuracy.

Meanwhile, XtalPi’s integrated drug discovery platform—combining AI, physics-based design, and automation-driven synthesis and optimization—seamlessly connects molecular virtual screening with physical synthesis, accelerating the feedback loop between design and validation. Based on structural information generated by the dynamic conformation model, XtalPi has established predictive models for protein complexes used in hit compound screening, enabling highly efficient virtual screening. High-potential molecules with superior drug-like properties are then evaluated for synthesizability and synthetic routes by the company’s proprietary SureRXN reaction prediction model, after which a fleet of automated robotic workstations conduct parallel synthesis and activity testing, forming a high-throughput closed-loop iteration of “Design–Make–Test–Analyze” (DMTA).

This system can synthesize and test 3,000–4,000 novel molecules within 2–3 months, with a synthesis success rate consistently above 80%. Even when facing entirely new targets with extremely limited prior data, the platform can rapidly accumulate high-quality empirical data within a very short timeframe, continuously driving algorithm optimization and molecular evolution. This end-to-end capability — from mechanistic insight to physical delivery — brings historically intractable targets onto a significantly de-risked preclinical development trajectory, with the potential to accelerate their transformation into clinically actionable assets.

The momentum of the XtalPi–DoveTree collaboration programs is built on the strengths of both partners: DoveTree brings deep expertise in target biology, translational medicine, and modality innovation, while XtalPi is redefining the efficiency and scalability of molecular discovery through AI and automation.

The combined strengths of the two companies not only enable new drug discovery programs to advance rapidly from initiation to the clinic, but also ensure that these programs address high unmet medical needs by tackling highly validated, difficult-to-drug targets with clear paths to clinical translation and commercialization.

XtalPi is eligible to receive future milestones and royalties, allowing the long-term value of its AI platform to be realized through pipeline expansion and advancement.

Dr. Gregory Verdine, Founder and CEO of DoveTree, stated:

“XtalPi has built an impressive platform operating at the convergence of AI, physics-based molecular design, and automation-driven synthesis and optimization. These integrated capabilities have the potential to improve both the speed and quality of discovery efforts against challenging biological targets. We are pleased with the progress of the collaboration to date and look forward to advancing additional programs toward clinical development.”

Dr. Wen Shuhao, Chairman of XtalPi, stated:

“Our collaboration with DoveTree continues to generate verifiable results. This not only validates the advantages of our technological pathway, but also gives us strong conviction as we scale the pipeline. XtalPi has already established a complete closed loop from target discovery to PCC across multiple real-world R&D projects. Our focus now is on systematically extending this approach to a broader set of high-value targets, delivering innovation with a higher probability of success for the industry, and pushing the boundaries of what can be achieved in drug discovery.”

About DoveTree Medicines

DoveTree is an innovative biopharmaceutical company focused on developing first-in-class therapies for diseases with significant unmet clinical needs. The company was founded and is led by scientist and entrepreneur Dr. Gregory Verdine, and leverages deep insights into biology together with advanced artificial intelligence technologies to explore novel therapeutic approaches and accelerate the development of transformative medicines. DoveTree is named after the Davidia involucrata — also known as the Dove Tree — a rare ancient plant native to Yunnan, China. The company integrates the frontier R&D innovation and mature pharmaceutical market of the United States with China’s rapidly emerging R&D ecosystem and innovative pipeline assets, like the beautiful and flourishing “Dove Tree,” bringing new hope to human health.

About XtalPi

XtalPi Holdings Limited (“XtalPi,” HKEX: 2228) was founded in 2015 by physicists from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). The company is a technology platform focused on quantum physics–based and AI-driven innovation in drug and materials discovery. By integrating quantum physics, artificial intelligence, cloud computing, and large-scale automation, XtalPi provides research and development solutions and services to global pharmaceutical, materials science, consumer products, energy, and advanced chemicals industries.

Source: XtalPi Inc.

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AMTD’s Successful Completion of Acquisition of The Ritz-Carlton, Perth, Valued at A$280 Million

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AMTD’s Successful Completion of Acquisition of The Ritz-Carlton, Perth, Valued at A$280 Million

PARIS and NEW YORK and LONDON, May 29, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — AMTD Group Inc. (“AMTD Group”), AMTD IDEA Group (NYSE: AMTD; SGX: HKB), AMTD Digital Inc. (NYSE: HKD), and The Generation Essentials Group (“TGE”, NYSE: TGE; LSE: TGE), a subsidiary of AMTD Digital Inc., (collectively, “AMTD”) jointly announce the successful completion of TGE’s acquisition of 50% interests in The Ritz-Carlton, Perth, Australia, for a total consideration of US$72 million (A$100 million), with the property valued at US$201 million (A$280 million).

Located in Perth, the vibrant capital of Western Australia, The Ritz-Carlton, Perth is the centrepiece of the Elizabeth Quay development on Perth’s waterfront. Perched on the edge of the Swan River, the hotel offers unobstructed views of the river, the city skyline, and surrounding urban parks through floor-to-ceiling windows. This irreplaceable location underpins the property’s compelling long-term appreciation potential.

The hotel comprises 205 luxury rooms, a restaurant and lounges, a bar, a spa, an infinity pool, a fitness centre, and versatile event spaces. As the 100th Ritz-Carlton hotel globally, the property holds strong symbolic significance within the brand’s portfolio.

Australia is a market of special significance to AMTD. The AMTD Group was founded in 2003 with involvement from the Commonwealth Bank of Australia. Building on this history, AMTD is delighted to further strengthen its presence in Australia through this landmark acquisition.

The completion of this transaction represents another important strategic milestone in the expansion of TGE’s hospitality portfolio. Upon closing, AMTD’s hospitality portfolio now totals nearly 1,000 rooms, further reinforcing its expanding footprint and long-term commitment to the global hospitality space.

About AMTD Group

AMTD Group is a conglomerate with a core business portfolio spanning across media and entertainment, education and training, and premium assets and hospitality sectors.

About AMTD IDEA Group

AMTD IDEA Group (NYSE: AMTD; SGX: HKB) represents a diversified institution and digital solutions conglomerate group, connecting companies and investors with global markets. Its comprehensive one-stop business services plus digital solutions platform addresses different clients’ diverse and inter-connected business needs and digital requirements across all phases of their life cycles. AMTD IDEA Group is uniquely positioned as an active super connector between clients, business partners, investee companies, and investors, connecting the East and the West. For more information, please visit www.amtdinc.com or follow us on X (formerly known as “Twitter”) at @AMTDGroup.

About AMTD Digital Inc.

AMTD Digital Inc. (NYSE: HKD) is a comprehensive digital solutions platform headquartered in France. Its one-stop digital solutions platform operates key business lines including digital media, content and marketing services, investments as well as hospitality and VIP services. For AMTD Digital’s announcements, please visit https://ir.amtdigital.net/investor-news.

About The Generation Essentials Group

The Generation Essentials Group (NYSE: TGE; LSE: TGE), jointly established by AMTD Group, AMTD IDEA Group (NYSE: AMTD; SGX: HKB) and AMTD Digital Inc. (NYSE: HKD), is headquartered in France and focuses on global strategies and developments in multi-media, entertainment, and cultural affairs worldwide as well as hospitality and VIP services. TGE comprises L’Officiel, The Art Newspaper, movie and entertainment projects. Collectively, TGE is a diversified portfolio of media and entertainment businesses, and a global portfolio of premium properties. Also, TGE is a special purpose acquisition company (SPAC) sponsor manager, with its first SPAC successfully raised and priced on December 18, 2025.

Safe Harbor Statement

This press release contains statements that may constitute “forward-looking” statements pursuant to the “safe harbor” provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements can be identified by terminology such as “will,” “expects,” “anticipates,” “aims,” “future,” “intends,” “plans,” “believes,” “estimates,” “likely to,” and similar statements. Statements that are not historical facts, including statements about the beliefs, plans, and expectations of AMTD IDEA Group, AMTD Digital and/or The Generation Essentials Group, are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements involve inherent risks and uncertainties. Further information regarding these and other risks is included in the filings of AMTD IDEA Group, AMTD Digital and The Generation Essentials Group with the SEC. All information provided in this press release is as of the date of this press release, and none of AMTD IDEA Group, AMTD Digital and The Generation Essentials Group undertakes any obligation to update any forward-looking statement, except as required under applicable law.

For more information, please contact:

For AMTD IDEA Group:
IR Office
AMTD IDEA Group
EMAIL: ir@amtdinc.com 

For AMTD Digital Inc.:
IR Office
AMTD Digital Inc.
EMAIL: ir@amtdigital.net 

For The Generation Essentials Group:
IR Office
The Generation Essentials Group
EMAIL: ir@tge.media 

Source:
AMTD IDEA Group
The Generation Essentials Group
AMTD Digital Inc.

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Ancient burial reveals rare jewelry find that archaeologists call ‘highly unusual’

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Ancient burial reveals rare jewelry find that archaeologists call ‘highly unusual’

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Archaeologists in Sweden recently stumbled on a “highly unusual” find — two rare neck rings believed to be more than 2,500 years old, buried inside an ancient grave monument.

Arkeologerna, a Swedish archaeological consultancy, announced the discovery earlier in May.

The jewelry was found by archaeologists in Marby, near the city of Norrköping in eastern Sweden.

‘WELL-PRESERVED’ 5,000-YEAR-OLD DOG BURIED WITH BONE DAGGER UNEARTHED IN ANCIENT BOG

The discovery site “looks like an ordinary wooded hillside in the sun,” officials said.

“Over the past few weeks, archaeologists have investigated parts of a larger archaeological landscape east of Norrköping, containing graves, rock carvings and settlement remains from the Late Bronze Age (c. 1100–500 BC),” Arkeologerna said in a statement.

Split image of wendel rings, archaeologists smiling

Archaeologists have uncovered two rare Bronze Age neck rings buried inside an ancient grave monument near Norrköping, in eastern Sweden. (Arkeologerna)

“At the time, the area was located beside a bay close to the sea. The excavation is being carried out ahead of planned housing development in the area.”

Officials said the rings were likely buried as ritual offerings thousands of years ago.

They’ve been identified as wendel rings, which are a “rare type of bronze ornament dating to the final phase of the Bronze Age,” the statement noted.

LATE BRONZE AGE SETTLEMENT DATING BACK 3,000 YEARS UNCOVERED AMID ROAD WORK: ‘IMPORTANT DISCOVERY’

“They are characterized by their twisted form, where the cast bronze alternates between right- and left-handed twists,” officials said.

Wendel rings are “relatively rare finds,” said excavation leader Alf Ericsson.

“At least in ritual contexts, men have also been able to wear neck rings.”

“They are often discovered in hoards together with other objects, typically in wetlands such as bogs or marshes,” he said in a statement.

“But finding two neck rings placed together inside a grave monument containing burials is extremely unusual — perhaps unique.”

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Both pieces of jewelry are “well preserved,” said Ericsson, though the more ornate ring “is in better condition than the other.”

The excavation leader told Fox News Digital that the better-preserved ring is “broken in half.”

View of neck ring embedded into grave

Experts said neck rings from the Bronze Age were commonly associated with women, though men may have worn them in rituals. (Arkeologerna)

“This break was likely made during the Bronze Age, probably as part of the ritual process,” he said.

He also said that it’s “highly unusual” to find these sorts of neck rings in a burial context in Sweden.

The excavation marks “the first time this has been documented in a modern archaeological context,” he noted.

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Ericsson said the neck rings were typically associated with women, though historical depictions suggest men may have worn them as well.

“At least in ritual contexts, men have also been able to wear neck rings,” he said.

The expert added that archaeologists also found “several deposits of cremated human bones,” which are undergoing analysis.

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“We never expected to find anything like this,” Ericsson said. “We still haven’t fully taken it in.”

Though officials are still learning more about the site, they believe the graves “belonged to a complex and symbolically rich culture.”

Split image of two wendel rings

The bronze ornaments were discovered in a larger archaeological landscape containing graves, settlements and ancient rock carvings. (Arkeologerna)

“Archaeologists also uncovered house remains and investigated two burnt mounds built up from fire-cracked stones,” Arkeologerna’s statement said.

The discoveries are part of a string of major archaeological finds announced in Sweden over the past year.

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Last year, a person digging for fishing worms in Stockholm County found a cauldron filled with medieval rings, pendants and several thousand coins.

At around the same time, archaeologists found the remains of a forgotten 16th-century city beneath modern-day Gothenburg.

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Ollie Dempsey denied clear goal after AFL’s mid-season change to ARC rules

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Ollie Dempsey denied clear goal after AFL’s mid-season change to ARC rules

A mid-season rule-change has already come back to bite the AFL, with Geelong winger Ollie Dempsey denied a clear goal. 

And with the game decided by two points in a major upset victory for Carlton, Dempsey’s score could have been match-defining.

WATCH THE VIDEO ABOVE: AFL score review rule-change backfires

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Dempsey kicked two goals in the first quarter of his side’s clash with Carlton on Friday night, and should’ve had a third if not for the behind that was called when he cleverly shinned a ball from the goal line to register the first score of the game.

The goal umpire — former player and fan favourite David Rodan — was impeded by Carlton’s Blake Acres, who made accidental contact with him from behind, but still made the definitive call that the ball came off hands.

Any contact below the knee is considered a kick, and an ARC review would have found that Dempsey clearly guided the loose ball onto his lower leg and awarded him a goal.

It was a clear miss that should have, at the very least, been sent upstairs to the ARC — particularly given Rodan was off-balance, through no fault of his own, when he made the call.

But the correct outcome would have still been reached if not for a rule-change after Round 7, when almost a minute of play unfolded before the ARC ruled that a St Kilda behind should have been a mark to Rohan Marshall on the goal line.

Ollie Dempsey should have been awarded a goal for this effort.
Ollie Dempsey should have been awarded a goal for this effort. Credit: Channel 7

In the wake of that incident, the AFL changed the rule so that could no longer intervene on an incorrect call once the ball was back in play.

Before Round 7, an incident like Friday night’s would have been stopped at the next stoppage and a goal awarded to Dempsey.

“The AFL justified the (Marshall) decision but said you simply cannot be doing that 55 seconds later and made the rule-change that umpires, once the ball’s back in play, cannot call it back, the ARC can’t call it back, and that the goal umpire must call for the review,” Xander McGuire said at half-time of the Geelong-Carlton clash.

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The Points Guy’s Brian Kelly on summer travel season, 2026 World Cup and top credit cards

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The Points Guy’s Brian Kelly on summer travel season, 2026 World Cup and top credit cards

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Brian Kelly, The Points Guy founder, joins ‘Squawk Box’ to discuss the upcoming summer travel season, impact of higher jet fuel prices, 2026 World Cup, top credit cards, and more.

04:37

3 hours ago

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PLX Asia Summit Introduces Southeast Asia’s First Unified Private Label Platform

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PLX Asia Summit Introduces Southeast Asia’s First Unified Private Label Platform

Industry Leadership Summit at THAIFEX – Anuga Asia 2026 marks the first step toward the full-scale PLX Asia trade event in 2027

BANGKOK, May 29, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — PLX Asia, Southeast Asia’s first unified B2B platform dedicated to private label and contract manufacturing, was introduced today through the Industry Leadership Summit, marking the first step toward its full-scale trade event in 2027. Designed to connect retailers, manufacturers, and solution providers, PLX Asia addresses a critical gap in the region’s retail and manufacturing landscape through a focused, business-driven ecosystem that supports innovation, sourcing efficiency, and sustainable growth across Southeast Asia’s private label value chain.

PLX Asia Private Label Expo
PLX Asia Private Label Expo

Led by the Organisers and Official Partners — the Department of International Trade Promotion (DITP), the Thai Chamber of Commerce (TCC), and Koelnmesse — PLX Asia was introduced to the industry as a concept through the Industry Leadership Summit held during THAIFEX – Anuga Asia 2026 on 29 May 2026, ahead of its full-scale trade event in 2027.

Addressing a Critical Gap in Southeast Asia’s Retail and Manufacturing Landscape

Private label has become a major growth driver in mature retail markets across China, Europe, and North America, where retailers increasingly leverage private brands to strengthen margins, accelerate innovation, and respond more effectively to evolving consumer demands.

In Southeast Asia, the private label market is entering a pivotal growth phase, underpinned by the region’s strong Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) and Original Design Manufacturer (ODM) capabilities, expanding modern retail infrastructure, and a rapidly growing, value-conscious middle class, creating significant headroom for private label expansion across the region.

“PLX Asia responds to a structural shift in global retail,” said Mathias Kuepper, Managing Director and Regional President, APAC, Koelnmesse Pte Ltd. “Private label has moved from a value alternative to a core growth driver for retailers worldwide. Southeast Asia is now reaching that inflection point, but the ecosystem is still fragmented. PLX Asia is being developed to bring focus to the market by connecting retailers and manufacturers, accelerating capability building, and supporting the next phase of private label growth in the region.”

PLX Asia is envisioned as a dedicated, regionally relevant platform that brings together retailers, manufacturers, and solution providers in one focused ecosystem. By doing so, the platform aims to reduce sourcing fragmentation, improve speed-to-market, and enable more strategic collaboration across the private label value chain. The introduction of PLX Asia marks an important step in advancing Thailand’s role as a regional trade and sourcing hub.

“Thailand’s competitive advantage in the Private Label industry extends beyond cost efficiency or production capacity; it lies in the trust and readiness of Thai manufacturers to respond to global market demands in an end-to-end manner, particularly in OEM and ODM production,” said Dr. Poj Aramwattananont, Chairman of the Thai Chamber of Commerce (TCC). “Thai manufacturers integrate product development, design, and manufacturing in compliance with internationally recognised standards, in line with global consumer demand for value for money, quality, safety, and sustainability. Private Label therefore plays a key role in enhancing retailers’ competitiveness while enabling Thai manufacturers to strengthen their position in the global value chain.”

Nowadays, many Thai entrepreneurs demonstrate strong capabilities in high-growth sectors such as food, healthcare, and health-related products, as well as jewellery and fashion. Combined with flexible manufacturing and specialised expertise, Thailand is well positioned to further develop as a hub for Private Label manufacturing and value creation. In this regard, PLX Asia serves as a key platform connecting Thai manufacturers with international retailers not only to create short-term trade opportunities, but also to foster long-term partnerships that support the sustainable growth of Thailand’s economy.

A Dedicated Platform for Private Label Growth

PLX Asia is being introduced as a dedicated platform for private label and contract manufacturing across food and non-food categories, reflecting the broader opportunity for retailers and manufacturers in Southeast Asia. From food and beverage to beauty and personal care, household products, pet care, packaging, branding, and product development, the platform is designed to support private label growth beyond a single category or sector.

Rather than following a traditional exhibition model, PLX Asia is being developed as a curated, outcomes-driven platform that prioritises meaningful business engagement over scale and quantity. This approach reflects the specific needs of private label stakeholders, where efficiency, trust, category expertise, and long-term partnerships are often more critical than conventional trade show visibility.

Industry Leadership Summit at THAIFEX – Anuga Asia 2026

The PLX Asia kick-off event, the Industry Leadership Summit, held during THAIFEX – Anuga Asia 2026 on 29 May 2026, served as the platform concept’s formal industry introduction. Designed as a high-level, closed-door content and networking programme, the Summit convened more than 200 senior decision-makers from retail, manufacturing, product development, packaging, and investment communities across Southeast Asia and beyond to explore the evolving opportunities shaping the region’s private label landscape.

The event was supported by industry associations, including the Thailand Retailer Association, with Daymon participating as the Official Knowledge Partner.

“In Southeast Asia, Private Brand is no longer just a shelf tactic – it is becoming a boardroom growth agenda, won through flawless execution at the shelf. It is about more than price: it is about growth, differentiation, margin, and shopper relevance. The retailers who act now, and execute well, will shape the next chapter of modern retail in the region.” said Nuno Afonso, President of Daymon International.

Early participants for the full-scale PLX Asia trade event in 2027 were also presented during the Industry Leadership Summit, offering the industry a first look at the ecosystem taking shape around the platform. Designed as a thought leadership and relationship-building forum, the Summit established the foundation for deeper engagement and participation in the years ahead.

Building Towards the Full-Scale PLX Asia Trade Event in 2027

Following this first official industry introduction, PLX Asia will continue to evolve as a dedicated platform, expanding exhibitor segmentation, strengthening its regional manufacturer database, and deepening engagement with retailers and industry stakeholders across Southeast Asia.

PLX Asia’s inaugural full-scale trade exhibition is planned for 2027 as a standalone show covering private label and contract manufacturing across food and non-food categories, including areas such as food & beverage, beauty and personal care, and household products. The long-term ambition is to establish the platform as the region’s leading hub for private label innovation, sourcing, and collaboration.

By connecting Southeast Asia’s competitive manufacturing base with the evolving needs of regional and international retailers, PLX Asia aims to play a central role in shaping the future of private label growth across the region.

About PLX Asia

PLX Asia is Southeast Asia’s first B2B platform dedicated exclusively to private label and contract manufacturing. Led by the Organisers and Official Partners — the Department of International Trade Promotion (DITP), the Thai Chamber of Commerce (TCC), and Koelnmesse — the platform connects retailers, manufacturers, and solution providers across the region to drive innovation, sourcing efficiency, and sustainable growth within the private label ecosystem.

Designed specifically for Southeast Asia’s retail and manufacturing landscape, PLX Asia addresses long-standing gaps in private label sourcing through a focused, business-driven engagement model. By prioritising curated interactions, knowledge-led programmes, and commercially relevant outcomes over traditional exhibition scale, the platform enables retailers to identify trusted partners and supports manufacturers in expanding their regional and international market access.

Organisers and Official Partners

Department of International Trade Promotion, Ministry of Commerce, Thailand

The Department of International Trade Promotion is committed to providing excellent service to Thai entrepreneurs in international business, including trade facilities, cost reduction, value creation of goods and services, providing consultation for overseas market access and maintenance, as well as close cooperation with the private sector to promote Thailand as a major gateway of Asia. http://www.ditp.go.th/

Thai Chamber of Commerce

The Thai Chamber of Commerce represents the Thai private sector to facilitate business and trade as well as to serve as the central coordinating agency between the government and private sector, and also helps to promote trade, business and economic cooperation including, build relationships between Thai and partner countries at the bilateral and multilateral level as well as plays a proactive role in representing the interests of the local Thai business community.

https://www.thaichamber.org/

Koelnmesse Asia Pacific – Global Competence in Food and FoodTec

Koelnmesse is an international leader in organising food fairs and events regarding food and beverage processing. Trade fairs such as the ANUGA, ISM and ANUGA FoodTec are established world leaders. Koelnmesse not only organises food and food technology trade fairs in Cologne, Germany but also in further growth markets around the globe, for example, in Brazil, China, Colombia, India, Italy, Japan, Thailand, the United States and the United Arab Emirates, which have different focuses and contents. These global activities enable us to offer our customers a network of events, which in turn grant access to different markets and thus create a basis for sustainable and stable international business. Further information is available at: https://www.koelnmesse.com/current-dates/all-trade-fairs/

From left to right: Mr. Phusit Sasitaranondha, Executive Advisor, Koelnmesse Thailand / Expolink Global Network Ltd; Khun Viboon Supakarnpongkul, Vice Chairman, The Thai Chamber of Commerce; Mr. Mathias Kuepper, Managing Director & Regional President, Asia Pacific, Koelnmesse Pte Ltd; Khun Surinthorn Sunthornsanan, Deputy Director-General, Department of International Trade Promotion (DITP), Ministry of Commerce; Mr. Gerald Böse, CEO, Koelnmesse GmbH; Dr. Poj Aramwattananont, Chairman, The Thai Chamber of Commerce; Khun Kitsana Vacherkrits, Vice Chairman, The Thai Chamber of Commerce; and Khun Chainit Chansataporn, Vice Chairman, The Thai Chamber of Commerce.
From left to right: Mr. Phusit Sasitaranondha, Executive Advisor, Koelnmesse Thailand / Expolink Global Network Ltd; Khun Viboon Supakarnpongkul, Vice Chairman, The Thai Chamber of Commerce; Mr. Mathias Kuepper, Managing Director & Regional President, Asia Pacific, Koelnmesse Pte Ltd; Khun Surinthorn Sunthornsanan, Deputy Director-General, Department of International Trade Promotion (DITP), Ministry of Commerce; Mr. Gerald Böse, CEO, Koelnmesse GmbH; Dr. Poj Aramwattananont, Chairman, The Thai Chamber of Commerce; Khun Kitsana Vacherkrits, Vice Chairman, The Thai Chamber of Commerce; and Khun Chainit Chansataporn, Vice Chairman, The Thai Chamber of Commerce.


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The Iran war is providing an unexpected boost to secondary city travel in Asia-Pacific

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The Iran war is providing an unexpected boost to secondary city travel in Asia-Pacific

PHU QUOC, VIETNAM – MARCH 20: People walk on Ba Keo Beach on March 20, 2026 in Phu Quoc, Vietnam. The country welcomed nearly 21.2 million international visitors in 2025 — a new record.

Allison Joyce | Getty Images News | Getty Images

Trips to smaller “secondary cities” across Asia-Pacific are getting a boost this summer as travelers opt for destinations closer to home amid concerns over geopolitical tensions and rising costs.

Nearly half of global travelers are scaling back their travel plans, with many choosing domestic trips instead, according to Allianz Partners’ Global Travel Confidence Index. The survey of about 11,000 respondents, published in May, found that around 60% of respondents from China and India planned to travel domestically.

The trend is expected to fuel visits to Tier 2 and Tier 3 destinations such as Goa and Xiamen, which are popular with local travelers but remain less familiar to many international visitors.

Some travelers are keeping their international vacation plans but choosing destinations within Asia, Rajeev Menon, Marriott International’s president for APAC ex-China, told “Squawk Box Asia” on May 21.

“People have pivoted and shifted their plans to stay within Asia,” which is driving interest to up-and-coming places such as Phu Quoc, Vietnam, he said..

“A few years ago, it was really all about Phuket, Bali and maybe Langkawi,” he said “Now you’ve got many destinations within Vietnam that are getting hotter.”

Despite Iran war, hotel demand is now back on track, says Marriott APAC President

China’s outbound market is also shifting — into Southeast Asia, he said.

“They may not be going to the Middle East or Europe,” he said. “But when you look at the numbers coming into Vietnam, coming into Malaysia … those numbers are pretty strong. Even Thailand – there’s bounce back from Chinese travelers.”

Menon said revenue per available room at Marriott’s India’s properties dropped after the Iran war began, as travelers with flights routing through the Middle East cancelled trips en masse.

However, as travelers readjusted their plans — choosing domestic and intra-regional trips — growth bounced back, he said.

“From May onwards, we are back to double-digit numbers, and as we look forward the pace remains pretty strong,” he said.

Demand for secondary cities in Japan is also strong, said Menon, adding that Marriott International operates hotels in 30 of Japan’s 47 prefectures.

Bookings beyond Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka have been growing for years, with the online search engine Agoda noting the fastest growth in 2025 in Takamatsu at 63%, Matsuyama at 44%, followed by a 32% increase for Sendai, 27% for Okinawa and 26% for Sapporo.

But other cities — such as Shizuoka, Nara and Nagano — the host city for the 1998 Winter Olympics — are also attracting more visitors, according to Agoda, as Japan remains a top draw in the region.  

A survey by Visa shows among those planning to travel in Asia this summer, 1 in 4 are heading to Japan.

Higher yields, more investment

Rising travel interest in secondary destinations, however, is eroding one of their biggest drawing points: cheaper rates.

Growth in revenue per available room in secondary markets is outpacing some gateway cities, as demand grows faster than room supply, said Menon.

Higher revenue and room margins are encouraging investors to consider opportunities in well-connected secondary cities in Asia-Pacific, according to real estate services company JLL.

This is especially true in Japan and India, as prime assets in cities like Tokyo and Mumbai are increasing harder to come by, Marina Bracciani, vice president and hotels research lead at JLL in Asia-Pacific, said.

“Cities like Fukuoka, Sapporo, and Nagoya are increasingly on investors’ radar,” said Bracciani. “Primary markets in Japan have become relatively yield-compressed, which is naturally pushing capital toward regional cities that offer more attractive return profiles.”

Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities accounted for half of the hotel transactions in India in 2024, with transactions in Amritsar, Kolhapur, Shirdi and Tirupati. That share fell to 40% in 2025, though the quality of deals got a bump, including a luxury resort in Rishikesh and an upper-upscale resort in Goa.

“Across both countries, the underlying drivers are consistent: rising domestic travel, religious and cultural tourism [and] infrastructure development improving accessibility,” said Bracciani.

She added that many secondary destinations also offered untapped demand and a first-mover advantage for investors willing to enter early.

— CNBC’s Matthew Chin contributed to this report.

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HMS Vision Inc. and Wenzhou Medical University Announce the Expansion of Their Simulation-Based Training Center During Vision China 2026

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HMS Vision Inc. and Wenzhou Medical University Announce the Expansion of Their Simulation-Based Training Center During Vision China 2026

TIANJIN, China, May 29, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — HMS Vision Inc. announced this week at Vision China 2026 the expansion of the HelpMeSee Simulation-based Eye Surgery Training Program at the Eye Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University (WMU). Since the collaboration began in 2018, the program has grown significantly, and with this latest expansion, WMU is now the largest operator of the HelpMeSee cataract surgery VR simulation-based training system worldwide. The expanded center features six award-winning HelpMeSee Eye Surgery Simulators, increasing training capacity in Manual Small Incision Cataract Surgery (MSICS) and Phacoemulsification (Phaco), and advancing cataract surgery education across China and the Asia-Pacific region.

With the support of HMS Vision Inc., cataract specialists participate in instructor-led simulation-based cataract surgery training on HelpMeSee Eye Surgery Simulators at the Eye Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, now the largest HelpMeSee training center worldwide with six simulators.
With the support of HMS Vision Inc., cataract specialists participate in instructor-led simulation-based cataract surgery training on HelpMeSee Eye Surgery Simulators at the Eye Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, now the largest HelpMeSee training center worldwide with six simulators.

The expansion strengthens collaboration between HMS Vision Inc., through its wholly owned subsidiary Beijing HMS Vision Technical Consulting Co. Ltd., and WMU, combining local clinical and academic expertise with a standardized, instructor-led, competency-based curriculum. This partnership ensures trainees receive a consistent, high-quality educational experience aligned with international best practices and helps address the surgical backlog, as an estimated 17–20 million people in China live with vision impairment due to cataracts.¹

Powered by advanced haptic virtual reality technology, the HelpMeSee Simulation-based Training Program delivers an immersive, tactile experience that allows trainees to safely practice each step of cataract procedures, such as MSICS and Phaco, without risk to patients.

“This expansion represents a major advancement in surgical training capacity at Wenzhou Medical University,” said Prof. Dr. Xu Xu, Director of the Ophthalmic Surgical Skill Training Center.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Yuan Yimin, Director of Academic Affairs at the Eye Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, added, “By scaling access to six state-of-the-art HelpMeSee Eye Surgery Simulators, we are empowering more trainees to refine their skills through high-volume, simulation-based training—ultimately improving patient outcomes and addressing the growing demand for cataract treatment in China and worldwide.”

The WMU training center is expanding to support large-scale, instructor-led cataract training programs. Trainees perform hundreds of simulated procedures within a short timeframe. This high-repetition approach enhances readiness for live surgical training, builds confidence, shortens training times, and complements traditional training models with objective, data-driven assessment.

As cataract blindness and visual impairment continue to grow worldwide, the need for scalable, high-quality training solutions is urgent. The expanded WMU facility serves as a regional hub for developing highly skilled cataract surgeons.

This milestone supports the broader mission to expand access to cataract surgery training across Asia and beyond. By equipping surgeons with advanced technical skills in a risk-free environment, the program contributes to reducing preventable blindness and improving access to vision-restoring care.

Through this collaboration, HMS Vision Inc. and Wenzhou Medical University reaffirm their commitment to innovation, education, and global health impact—positioning WMU as a leading training center for ophthalmic surgical excellence worldwide.

Sources:
1 Global Burden of Disease Study 2019 (GBD 2019), Vision Loss Expert Group, published in The Lancet Global Health.

Media Contact
Name Amanda Kronberg
Phone 720-220-9882
Email pr@hmsvision.org

About HMS Vision Inc.
HMS Vision Inc. is a US-based organization and the exclusive licensor of the HelpMeSee Simulation-based Eye Surgery Training Program in China through its local entity, Beijing HMS Vision Technical Consulting Co. Ltd. Through technology deployment, strategic partnerships, and collaboration with leading medical institutions, universities, and healthcare systems, HMS Vision advances access to high-quality cataract care and supports modern surgical training and scalable solutions to improve patient outcomes.

In partnership with Eye Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center at Sun Yat-sen University, and He Eye Specialist Hospital, HMS Vision supports innovation in ophthalmology and helps reduce preventable blindness across China. Beijing HMS Vision Technical Consulting Co. Ltd. deploys the HelpMeSee Simulation-based Eye Surgery Program across institutions nationwide to strengthen surgical proficiency, standardize best practices, and expand access to safe, cost-effective cataract procedures.

About Wenzhou Medical University
Wenzhou Medical University (WMU), located in the coastal city of Wenzhou, Zhejiang Province, is a prestigious institution specializing in medical education and research. Founded in 1912, it has grown into a key university in Zhejiang with a strong national reputation.

WMU excels in clinical medicine, with its Ophthalmology and Optometry program ranked among the best in China. The university also boasts outstanding programs in pharmacy, nursing, and biomedical engineering. It is home to over 20,000 full-time students, including a growing community of international students from more than 80 countries.

The university is renowned for its research output, particularly in eye science, where its affiliated Eye Hospital is a leading national center. WMU maintains active collaborations with universities and institutions worldwide, offering English-taught degree programs in clinical medicine and optometry.

With modern campuses, affiliated hospitals providing hands-on clinical training, and a commitment to innovation, WMU serves as a vital hub for cultivating future healthcare professionals and researchers globally.

Source: HMS Vision Inc.

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Atlantis Sanya Readies for Summer Tourism Market

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Atlantis Sanya Readies for Summer Tourism Market

Multi-Dimensional Upgrades Elevate Premium Family Vacations

SANYA, China, May 29, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — As the 2026 summer travel season approaches, Atlantis Sanya is unveiling a series of upgrades designed to elevate premium family vacations and enrich Hainan’s summer tourism market. The resort is expanding its offerings across family entertainment, marine education, nightlife experiences, dining, and wellness, reflecting the growing demand for diverse and immersive travel experiences. Among the highlights are the highly popular 20th Anniversary Octonauts Family Ocean View Rooms, featuring immersive interiors and exclusive animations, alongside a newly upgraded Octonauts Kids Club with seven themed zones and more than 40 interactive activities combining entertainment and marine learning.


The resort has also enhanced its signature “One Ticket, Two Venues, Three Performances” aquarium experience, allowing guests to explore The Lost Chambers Aquarium, Dolphin Cay, and enjoy popular marine-themed performances. Further strengthening its marine conservation initiatives, Atlantis Sanya recently opened the Sea Turtle Shelter, a new ecological conservation facility focused on sea turtle rescue, rehabilitation, breeding, and educational study tours, supported by an international conservation team.

For summer entertainment, the Aquaventure Waterpark Music Festival will return with extended operating hours and a transformed 7,000-square-metre wave pool featuring an innovative “wave pool karaoke” experience. Meanwhile, the resort’s resident production, C Show, will debut refreshed choreography and upgraded stage effects, delivering an immersive performance that combines land, water, and aerial elements. On the culinary front, Saffron Buffet Restaurant will launch an all-you-can-eat seafood and durian festival, featuring fresh seafood and over 100 Chinese and Western dishes.

On the wellness and healthcare front, Atlantis Sanya has partnered with Sanya Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital to launch a Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) wellness centre, offering a range of therapies such as acupuncture, moxibustion, tuina massage, and customised herbal treatments. The resort has also entered into a strategic partnership with the Peking University School and Hospital of Stomatology, Sanya Branch, providing guests with access to premier oral and dental healthcare services while they stay with Atlantis Sanya. Together, these initiatives form a comprehensive “tourism + wellness + medical care” model, designed to meet the rising demand for high-quality health-and-wellness travel experiences while supporting the sustainable growth of Hainan’s cultural tourism industry.

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