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.

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/

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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.

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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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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