MELBOURNE, Australia, Sept. 14, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Sorbent Paper Company Pty Ltd (“Sorbent”) has signed an agreement with Kenvue’s Singaporean subsidiary to acquire its Stayfree and Carefree feminine care business in Australia and New Zealand. Following completion of the transaction, the business in New Zealand will be managed by Sorbent’s affiliate, Cottonsoft.

The acquisition marks Sorbent and Cottonsoft’s entry into the feminine hygiene category and represents a further step in their strategy to strengthen their positions in the consumer tissue category while expanding their portfolios through established consumer brands in adjacent categories.

Stayfree and Carefree are well-established feminine hygiene brands with strong consumer recognition and longstanding retail presence across Australia and New Zealand.

Following completion of the transaction, Sorbent and Cottonsoft intend to leverage their respective local market expertise, customer relationships, commercial capabilities and integrated supply chain to support the continued development of the Stayfree and Carefree businesses in Australia and New Zealand.

The transaction is subject to regulatory approval in Australia and New Zealand and other customary closing conditions, as well as the completion of the Kimberly-Clark and Kenvue transaction. Financial terms of the transaction have not been disclosed.

“We are pleased to have reached an agreement with Kenvue to add Stayfree and Carefree to our growing consumer portfolio in Australia and New Zealand. This acquisition reflects our focus on investing in established consumer brands with strong local positions and deep consumer recognition.

Stayfree and Carefree would be great additions to our heritage brands Sorbent and Handee in Australia, as well as Paseo, Cottonsoft and KiwiSoft in New Zealand. As we continue to strengthen our product offering and bring the best of the world to discerning consumers across ANZ, we will also be able to serve our customers even more closely through our expanded portfolio.”

– Nishant Grover, Co-Chair, Investments

About Stayfree and Carefree

Stayfree and Carefree are established feminine hygiene brands serving consumers across Australia and New Zealand. Their product portfolios include pantyliners, pads and tampons.

Carefree has a long history as a pioneer in the pantyliner category, while Stayfree is recognised for its range of ultra-thin pads and rapid absorption technology. Together, the brands have built strong consumer awareness and longstanding retail presence in the Australian and New Zealand feminine care markets.

About Sorbent Paper Company

Sorbent Paper Company is an Australian consumer tissue business with a heritage dating back to 1952. Sorbent manufactures (in Melbourne & Sydney) and distributes bathroom and facial tissues under the Sorbent brand, while kitchen towels are sold under the Handee brand. Sorbent Professional and Livi branded products are sold to Away From Home customers. Sorbent is focused on building trusted consumer and professional brands and serving customers across Australia through its local manufacturing, commercial and distribution capabilities.

About Cottonsoft

Cottonsoft is a New Zealand-operated and managed tissue converting company with a heritage dating back to 1986. The company manufactures and distributes tissue and hygiene products for consumers and businesses across New Zealand, with operations in Auckland and Christchurch. Cottonsoft’s consumer portfolio includes established brands such as CottonSofts, Paseo, Tuffy, EarthSmart and KiwiSoft, alongside its professional and Away From Home product offerings. The company has built longstanding relationships with customers across the New Zealand retail, wholesale and commercial markets, supported by local manufacturing and distribution capabilities.

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/apac/news-releases/sorbent-to-acquire-kenvues-stayfree-and-carefree-business-in-australia-and-new-zealand-302877199.html

SOURCE Cottonsoft

CHUZHOU, China, Sept. 14, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Trina Storage, the energy storage business unit of Trinasolar, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with AMP-lify, a Japanese clean energy platform, to supply approximately 1 GWh of grid-connected battery energy storage system (BESS) equipment for AMP-lify’s projects. AMP-lify develops, constructs and operates grid-connected BESS, utility-scale solar, and onshore wind projects across Japan.

Under the MoU, Trina Storage will supply its Elementa 3 series BESS and provide related technical support for approximately 1 GWh of AMP-lify’s BESS projects. Trina Storage’s Japan team will support system configuration, technical consultation, delivery coordination and after-sales service.

Trina Storage’s Elementa 3 is equipped with Trina Storage in-house 587Ah high-capacity cell, providing up to 6.25 MWh per container for larger utility-scale sites. For projects affected by transport access, limited land or proximity to communities, the 1.56 MWh Elementa 3 Flex offers an approximately five-square-metre footprint, a weight of about 13 tonnes for standard-truck transport, operating noise of 65 dB or less and modular expansion.

Japan’s Seventh Strategic Energy Plan projects renewable energy at approximately 40–50% of power generation in fiscal year 2040 and calls for storage batteries to help balance renewable output. As variable renewable generation increases, developers need storage projects that combine appropriate system design with local execution and long-term support. Trina Storage’s BESS technology and Japan-based support are backed by its recognition as a BloombergNEF Tier 1 energy storage supplier for 11 consecutive quarters.

“Japan’s storage market needs projects that are technically sound and executable under local conditions. Working with Trina Storage’s technology and local support gives us a strong basis to move the projects from site evaluation through construction and into reliable operation,” said Martin Stein, Representative Director and CEO of AMP-lify.

“Japan’s storage market has distinct engineering and delivery requirements. Road weight limits and narrow site access affect transport, while mountainous terrain, limited land, community noise expectations, seismic design and coastal conditions influence system configuration. This MoU allows us to address those factors with AMP-lify from the earliest stages of development. By combining its local execution capabilities with our Elementa 3 portfolio and Japan-based technical support, we can configure each project around its site requirements while building toward the scale envisaged under this cooperation,” said Dr Leo Zhao, Head of Energy Storage, Trinasolar Asia Pacific.

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SOURCE Trina Solar Energy Development Pte. Ltd.

New joint venture establishes LINC’s operating presence in Japan

SINGAPORE, Sept. 14, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — On September 11, 2026, LINC, the publisher licensing network operated by IntentBridges Pte. Ltd., has expanded into Japan through the establishment of LINC K.K., a joint venture between Singapore-based IntentBridges and Japan-based Globalive K.K.

LINC K.K., led by Representative Director Kosuke Umeno, will help Japanese publishers turn growing AI access to their content into new licensing revenue streams.

The expansion comes as machine traffic becomes a growing part of the internet. Cloudflare has reported that automated bot traffic now accounts for more than half of web requests globally. LINC’s review of data from 30 Japanese publisher domains found that AI bot traffic increased by approximately 50% between February and August 2026.

LINC helps publishers proactively turn AI access into revenue by defining licensable rights and creating commercial pathways for content use. Its services include mapping AI access, packaging licensable content and rights, commercializing opportunities across collective licensing, marketplaces and direct AI buyers, and managing licensing revenue.

IntentBridges has been developing LINC as a publisher licensing network across Asia and has worked with publishers including Mediagene Inc. in Japan, ETtoday in Taiwan region and Philstar in the Philippines.

LINC K.K. combines IntentBridges’ regional licensing network and commercial framework with Globalive’s relationships with Japanese publishers and local market expertise.

Kosuke Umeno, Representative Director of LINC K.K., said:

“Japan has a large and diverse publishing market, but many publishers are still determining how emerging AI licensing models apply to their businesses. The key is to understand how their content is being used and be in a position to set commercial terms around that use.”

Wei Hsueh, Director of LINC K.K. and Founder of IntentBridges Pte. Ltd., said:

“Licensing frameworks developed in Western markets need a way to work effectively in Asia. LINC is being built so Asian publishers can participate in this opportunity on their own terms. Japan is an important step in building that regional network.”

About IntentBridges

Based in Singapore, IntentBridges operates LINC, a publisher licensing network across Asia that turns publisher content and rights into AI licensing revenue.

Website: https://intentbridges.com/

About Globalive

Globalive supports international adtech and media technology companies entering the Japanese market and works with Japanese publishers across monetization and new revenue opportunities.

Website: https://globaliver.com/

Media Contact

LINC
Email: [email protected]
Website: https://linc.intentbridges.com/

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/apac/news-releases/linc-expands-into-japan-with-establishment-of-linc-kk-302877168.html

SOURCE IntentBridges Pte. Ltd.; LINC

• Singapore will be the exhibition’s world premiere, bringing 12 life-sized worlds inspired by iconic Studio Ghibli films and featuring multiple world-first immersive exhibition experiences.
• Explore nearly 3,500 square metres of immersive experiences inspired by My Neighbor Totoro, Spirited Away, The Boy and the Heron, and more.

SINGAPORE, Sept. 14, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Tickets are now available for The Story of Studio Ghibli, the immersive exhibition featuring world premiere experiences in Singapore. Opening on 18 December 2026 at Gardens by the Bay, the Singapore edition will span nearly 3,500 square metres, making it the largest presentation of The Story of Studio Ghibli to date. The exhibition invites visitors to journey through unforgettable moments from beloved films including Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind, My Neighbor Totoro, Kiki’s Delivery Service, Princess Mononoke, Spirited Away, Howl’s Moving Castle, The Boy and the Heron, and more.

Founded in 1985 by Isao Takahata, Hayao Miyazaki and Toshio Suzuki, Studio Ghibli has become one of the world’s most influential animation studios. Its films have captivated audiences worldwide through timeless storytelling, memorable characters and themes of kindness, courage, respect for nature, and hope, which continue to resonate across generations.

Produced by TSUKURU, INC. and M Experience, and supported by the Singapore Tourism Board, The Story of Studio Ghibli transforms these celebrated films into an immersive, walk-through experience featuring 12 life-sized recreated worlds. Visitors can encounter the majestic Ohmu from Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind, stand beside Totoro while waiting for the Catbus from My Neighbor Totoro, wander through the mysterious streets of Spirited Away, and experience the world’s first eight-metre-tall three-dimensional recreation of its iconic bathhouse. Interactive multimedia installations throughout the exhibition place visitors at the centre of each story, transforming familiar scenes into experiences best encountered in person.

The Story of Studio Ghibli offers both longtime fans and a new generation of audiences an opportunity to explore these stories in a new way. Beyond recreating scenes from the films, visitors are invited to journey beyond the artwork and production materials, engage more deeply with the stories themselves and rediscover the ideas and values that continue to resonate across cultures and generations.

“The Story of Studio Ghibli is not simply an exhibition to be viewed. It is an experience to be felt. Through 12 recreated immersive scenes inspired by iconic Studio Ghibli films, visitors will be invited to step into the stories themselves and connect with the emotions, values and imagination that continue to resonate across cultures and generations,” said Sean Lim, CEO, M Experience.

“We are delighted to welcome the world premiere of The Story of Studio Ghibli to Singapore. The expanded, immersive experience will bring beloved stories to life for fans and create unforgettable moments for visitors. Events of this calibre contribute to Singapore’s vibrancy, adding to our line-up of world-class experiences and reinforcing our appeal as the region’s premier lifestyle destination,” said Ms Guo Teyi, Director, Leisure Events, Singapore Tourism Board. 

Designed for fans of all ages, the exhibition will also explore themes such as creativity, resilience and environmental stewardship. Educational initiatives and learning opportunities are currently being developed to encourage deeper engagement with these themes, with further details to be announced closer to the exhibition opening.

Early Bird Tickets Now Available

Tickets are now available here on Klook, the official ticketing partner for The Story of Studio Ghibli in Singapore.

To celebrate the launch of ticket sales, each adult ticket purchased during the Early Bird period from 12 September 2026 to 17 December 2026 will include an exclusive limited-edition gift, while stocks last.

The Story of Studio Ghibli opens at Gardens by the Bay on 18 December 2026.

Plan your visit

Venue: Gardens by the Bay, West Lawn, 18 Marina Gardens Drive, Singapore 018953
Duration: 18 December 2026 to 4 July 2027
Opening hours: 10am – 7pm daily

Ticket Prices:

Singapore Citizens and Permanent Residents

• Adult: S$39
• Concession*: S$29

Standard Admission

• Off-Peak:
  • Adult: S$49
  • Concession*: S$43
• Peak:
  • Adults: S$55
  • Concession*: S$49

* Concession tickets are available for seniors aged 65 and above and children aged 3 to 12.

-END-

About Studio Ghibli

Studio Ghibli was founded in 1985 by animated film directors Isao Takahata, Hayao Miyazaki and Toshio Suzuki, and has produced twenty-five feature-length films.  Most Studio Ghibli films ranked number one at the box office in Japan in the year in which they were released.  Studio Ghibli films have garnered numerous awards and critical acclaim from film critics and animation specialists around the world.  Spirited Away was awarded the Golden Bear as the Best Feature Film at the 52nd Berlin International Film Festival and won the 75th Academy Award® for Best Animated Feature Film.  The Wind Rises (2013), The Tale of The Princess Kaguya (2013), When Marnie Was There (2014) and The Red Turtle (2016) earned the studio four consecutive nominations for the Academy Awards® for Best Animated Feature Film, and Earwig and the Witch (2020) was an official selection for the 73rd Cannes Film Festival.  The studio’s latest film, The Boy and the Heron (2023) was awarded the Golden Globe® Award, the BAFTA® Film Award and the Academy Award® for Best Animated Feature Film in 2024.  The studio received Honorary Palme d’Or at the 77th Cannes Film Festival.

About TSUKURU, INC.

TSUKURU, INC. was founded in 2023 and operates as a global group with entities in Tokyo, Japan; Hong Kong, China; and Shanghai, China.

The company is strategically positioned around IP Management as its core business, with a strong focus on global operations. Its activities include the introduction of international IP and content, IP management, commercial development, and marketing. By integrating creative design, technical production, execution, and promotional strategies, it provides comprehensive support for Intellectual Property (IP) assets worldwide.

About M Experience

M Experience has delivered a range of immersive IP exhibitions and cultural experiences across Asia, including collaborations with global partners such as Neon Global and Tencent. Its portfolio spans large-scale installations, interactive environments, and digital immersive formats, with experience in delivering Studio Ghibli exhibitions as well as other IP-led experiences across entertainment, cultural heritage, and technology-driven formats.

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SOURCE M Experience

SHANGHAI, Sept. 14, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Qunabox Group’s “99 Quna Festival” drew to a close on the evening of Sept. 13, when the last AI interactive terminal in Shanghai shut down its experience channel for the day. Over the five-day event, the focus fell not only on the group’s already-proven multi-sensory interactive marketing business but also on the physical AI entertainment segment it opened to the public for the first time. Consumer queues and spontaneous approaches from brands, cultural tourism operators, game companies, intellectual property owners and offline venue operators all pointed to one signal: the consumer-facing entertainment second curve that Hong Kong-listed Qunabox Group Limited (00917.HK) is trying to build with physical AI technology has won early recognition from the market.

On site: long lines at the motion-sensing game zone, digital avatars as “social currency”

Around dusk on the closing day, reporters saw that while foot traffic had thinned at most brand interaction areas, the physical AI entertainment experience zone stayed busy. More than a dozen people lined up at the wearable-free motion-sensing game zone built on the Q-Sense engine. Experience-seekers wore no equipment at all, standing in front of a naked-eye 3D screen and controlling game characters with body movements alone, drawing gasps from onlookers. This is the “Game Reality” that Qunabox has brought to life ahead of others — using physical AI to bring virtual gaming into the real world, so that consumers can interact in real time with virtual imagery in physical space for an immersive gaming experience, with nothing worn on their bodies.

On the other side of the venue, a large real-time digital human runway display built on the Q-Gen engine likewise drew heavy interest. Visitors took a single photo and got a personalized 3D digital avatar soon, then joined the runway interaction on the big screen. Reporters noted that many young women posted the short videos straight to social platforms after trying the service, making it a form of “social currency” at the event. Staff said the service’s interaction conversion rate far exceeded expectations during the festival, with many users not only trying runway looks in different themes themselves but also recommending the experience to friends who came with them.

Brands: several partners move to lock in next year’s campaigns

For the group’s core multi-sensory interactive marketing business, the festival extended the growth trend seen in previous periods. During the event, AI terminals equipped with the Q-Sense engine rolled out brand-customized interactive campaigns spanning fast-moving consumer goods, tea drinks and other industries. Through the combined engagement of sight, hearing, smell and touch, participating users spent significantly longer and posted significantly higher interaction conversion rates than with traditional offline display formats.

“We used to run trial campaigns at traditional counters, where consumers stayed for only a minute or two on average,” a marketing executive at a leading brand that took part in the festival told reporters. “This time, with Qunabox’s AI interactive terminals, the average stay topped five minutes, and the trial conversion rate was much higher than what our own campaigns delivered.” Several partner brands have already begun discussing marketing plans for the coming year, according to reporters at the event, with results exceeding expectations.

Industry: dozens of game companies and IP owners seek partnerships

Even more noteworthy than the brands’ renewal interest was the enthusiasm from industry players drawn to the physical AI entertainment business. During the festival, dozens of leading cultural tourism attractions, game companies and well-known IP owners approached Qunabox staff on their own initiative, expressing intent to jointly develop offline experience projects based on the group’s physical AI technology base.

“We’ve been looking for the right offline scenario to bring our game’s world to life,” an executive at a leading game company who visited the event told reporters. “Traditional VR arcades don’t deliver a good experience, and escape rooms are too operation-heavy. Qunabox’s wearable-free approach stood out immediately. If we can turn our game IP into an offline immersive experience space, that would be very valuable for user acquisition and brand exposure.”

Venues: major commercial districts extend overtures

Beyond consumers and industry players, feedback from offline venue operators also stood out. Multiple operators of major commercial districts have offered to bring in Qunabox’s physical AI entertainment equipment to build permanent, regularly operated experience points, according to reporters at the event.

“What offline commercial properties lack most is experience content that keeps drawing traffic,” a commercial real estate operator involved in the talks told reporters. “Traditional arcades and escape rooms no longer bring young people back. Qunabox’s devices don’t take up much space, their content can be updated continuously and they can connect with our membership system — they’re well suited to regular operations in atriums or at key points along customer flows.”

Investor view: second-curve logic gets early validation; execution pace is the key

Industry observers noted that the closing feedback from this year’s “99 Quna Festival” validated the feasibility of Qunabox’s dual-engine logic — a B2B marketing base plus a consumer entertainment second curve — across several dimensions. Continued renewals by brands confirmed the stability of the base business; unsolicited approaches from industry players confirmed the cross-scenario reusability of the physical AI technology base; and positive feedback from venue operators has cleared some obstacles for subsequent scale-up.

Qunabox has obtained a business license in Singapore and is advancing the first physical AI entertainment space project, while Dubai, Australia and other high-value overseas markets are also included in its strategic deployment. Still, some analysts cautioned that large-scale commercialization of the consumer entertainment business will take time to prove out, and that the pace at which IP partnerships and gaming tie-ups move from concept to reality, along with the group’s ability to operate overseas markets locally, remain core variables to watch.

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SOURCE Qunabox Group Limited

SINGAPORE, Sept. 14, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Digital travel platform Agoda has shared a curated guide blending astrology and travel that gives zodiac enthusiasts the opportunity to explore the destinations in Asia that align with their star signs. Moving beyond mainstream destinations, this astrological travel trend offers a personalized journey through Asia’s lesser-known yet charming locales that are perfectly suited for every personality.

Aries (March 21 – April 19) – Niseko, Japan

For Aries, Niseko provides the perfect rush with its renowned winter sports scene. This snowy paradise allows Aries to channel their adventurous spirit through thrilling skiing and snowboarding opportunities.

Taurus (April 20 – May 20) – Pondicherry, India

Taurus finds a haven in Pondicherry, where a harmonious blend of French heritage charm and relaxing beach atmosphere meets their love for beauty and comfort. The art and cultural experiences offer a serene escape for the grounded Taurean.

Gemini (May 21 – June 20) – Kaohsiung, Taiwan

In Kaohsiung, Gemini can indulge in a lively arts scene, bustling night markets, and exciting international and local music acts, making it ideal for their curious and communicative nature. This city’s dynamic atmosphere caters to Gemini’s desire for exploration and social engagement.

Cancer (June 21 – July 22) – Kochi, India

Cancer, with its nurturing nature, finds solace in the historical yet tranquil ambiance of Kochi, India. The city’s welcoming community and peaceful environment provide a comforting space for Cancers to retreat and rejuvenate.

Leo (July 23 – August 22) – Da Nang, Vietnam

Da Nang, Vietnam is a playground for Leo’s vibrant and energetic personality. With beautiful beaches and thriving nightlife, this destination allows Leos to bask in the limelight while embracing excitement, adventure, and delicious cuisine.

Virgo (August 23 – September 22) – Kanazawa, Japan

Virgo, known for their meticulous attention to detail, will appreciate Kanazawa, Japan, with its beautifully preserved Edo-period districts. The city’s well-kept gardens and rich traditions cater perfectly to Virgo’s love for organization and historical depth.

Libra (September 23 – October 22) – Chiang Rai, Thailand

Libra discovers balance and peace in Chiang Rai, where stunning temples and majestic landscapes abound. The harmonious settings align with Libra’s desire for beauty and equilibrium in their surroundings.

Scorpio (October 23 – November 21) – Gyeongju, South Korea

Scorpio, intrigued by mysteries and history, will find Gyeongju, an ideal place rich with archaeological sites and ancient tales. This city satisfies Scorpio’s quest for deeper meaning and exploration of time-honored secrets.

Sagittarius (November 22 – December 21) – Pai, Thailand

Sagittarius, the adventurous traveler, will feel at home in Pai, where outdoor escapades and a bohemian vibe await amidst scenic mountain landscapes. This laid-back town mirrors their open-minded spirit and love for wanderlust.

Capricorn (December 22 – January 19) – Taichung, Taiwan

Capricorn, with an affinity for discipline and ambition, resonates with the blend of urban life and natural beauty found in Taichung. The city’s structured environment coupled with serene nature fits the practical and high-achieving Capricorn.

Aquarius (January 20 – February 18) – Daejeon, South Korea

Aquarius, the innovative thinker, thrives in Daejeon, known for its technological advancements and lively student scene. This city’s progressive atmosphere appeals to Aquarius’s forward-thinking and intellectual pursuits.

Pisces (February 19 – March 20) – Ninh Binh, Vietnam

Pisces, the dreamer, discovers a true escape in Ninh Binh, Vietnam’s serene river landscapes and beautiful limestone karsts. This ethereal setting aligns with Pisces’s spiritual and imaginative tendencies, offering a tranquil retreat.

Jay Lee, Regional Director, North Asia at Agoda shared, “Asia’s vast and diverse landscape offers a wealth of hidden gems perfectly suited for every zodiac sign. Whether you’re an Aries in pursuit of adventure or a Libra seeking an aesthetic retreat, Agoda’s platform is the perfect place to find accommodation and activities that align with your interests.”

Travelers can browse over 6 million holiday properties, along with more than 300,000 activities and over 130,000 flight routes, all of which can be combined in the same booking. Discover the best deals on Agoda’s mobile app or visit Agoda.com for more.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/apac/news-releases/agoda-astrological-travel-guide-hidden-gems-in-asia-for-every-star-sign-302866005.html

SOURCE Agoda

Join Asia’s shared services and GBS community for AI insights, sponsor-led sessions and networking, 20–23 October 2026.

SINGAPORE, Sept. 14, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — With five weeks to go, the 29th Asian Shared Services & Outsourcing Week (SSOW) will bring shared services and Global Business Services (GBS) leaders to One Farrer Hotel, Singapore, from 20–23 October 2026 to explore AI adoption, workforce transformation and the future of GBS operating models.

Organised by the Shared Services and Outsourcing Network (SSON), the conference will bring together industry insights, practical learning and peer networking to explore how GBS organisations can scale AI adoption, prepare their workforce and deliver value beyond cost savings.

Explore the SSOW Asia 2026 Agenda here.

From AI Adoption to Workforce Transformation

This year’s programme will feature perspectives from industry leaders on putting AI into practice and preparing GBS teams for change. Highlights include:

Kris Kabasinskas, Partner and Asia Pacific Operate Center of Excellence Lead at Deloitte, will present “AI as the GBS Value Engine,” examining how AI-driven operating models can support enterprise transformation.

Annie Wong, Vice President of Quote to Cash Operations APAC & Japan at IBM, will lead a session within the SSON Bootcamp: Agentic AI in Shared Services, addressing implementation at scale and the redesign of roles for human–AI collaboration.

In the opening keynote, “Transforming a 30,000-Person GBS Workforce into a Skills-Powered Global Capability Centre,” Daniel Blackburn, Global Head of HR, Workforce Transformation at Standard Chartered, will share approaches to reskilling, internal mobility and aligning workforce capabilities with business needs.

Raghavendra Reddy, Co-Founder & Chief Operating Officer of Bluecopa, will lead the interactive roundtable “Finance 2030: The Future of Automated, AI-Powered Finance Functions,” inviting delegates to discuss how AI and automation could reshape finance operations.

Shared Services Networking in Singapore

Dedicated networking sessions and informal networking breaks will connect delegates with GBS practitioners, speakers and solution providers. Attendees can exchange transformation experiences, forge partnerships and turn fresh insights into action within their organisations.

Register for the 29th Asian Shared Services & Outsourcing Week.

About SSON

Established in 1999, the Shared Services and Outsourcing Network (SSON) is a global community of shared services, GBS and outsourcing professionals. Part of IQPC, SSON provides news, research, benchmarking, events and professional development through SSON Digital, SSON Research & Analytics, SSON Events, and GBS Training & Certification.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/apac/news-releases/singapore-to-host-shared-services-leaders-at-29th-asian-shared-services–outsourcing-week-2026-this-october-302875400.html

SOURCE Shared Services and Outsourcing Network (SSON)

Sustained profitability, industry leading performance, and tech driven automation position Hong Kong’s digital trade finance leader for its next phase of expansion.

HONG KONG, Sept. 13, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Qupital, Asia’s leading AI-driven fintech platform specializing in cross border e-commerce trade finance, today announced US$300 million in combined new capital commitments, anchored by its Series C funding round. The financing is led by prominent Asia-headquartered asset manager M Capital, alongside additional ABS commitments from Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group (MUFG) and Quester Capital.

With tens of thousands of enterprises served, cumulative loans processed by Qupital have surpassed US$9.5 billion. The new capital will expand Qupital’s financing capabilities across China, the US, Japan, and Southeast Asia, while further scaling its proprietary AI risk engine and maintaining exceptional credit performance.

Profitable Growth Driven by Tech Automation

The financing comes on the heels of continuous operational excellence, with Qupital compounding profitability over the past two years. By leveraging real-time sales and operational data from merchants selling on leading global marketplaces including Amazon, TikTok Shop, TMall, and JD.com, Qupital’s automated risk engine drives agile underwriting, delivering high operational leverage and rapidly expanding profit margins.

“Double digit year-on-year growth in cross-border e-commerce drives an unprecedented trillion-dollar liquidity gap, and this Series C round puts Qupital in prime position to bridge it. We are capturing this massive wave head on to build the core financial infrastructure for global e-commerce to support underserved SMEs.”
— Andy Chan, Co-Founder & President of Qupital

“Agentic commerce and social e-commerce are redefining the speed of global trade. AI automation addresses traditional underwriting time lags to deliver higher efficiency and flexibility, and processes massive datasets, which are beyond human capability, to refine credit decisions. Converting live transactional data into instant trade credit is no longer just an advantage, it is the baseline for the future of digital commerce.”
— Winston Wong, Co-Founder & CEO of Qupital

Strategic Roadmap Toward Capital Market Milestones

Proceeds from this milestone capital raise will be deployed to expand Qupital’s loan pool to serve high growth e-commerce businesses globally, while simultaneously accelerating AI R&D and proprietary technology development. By harnessing its AI risk engine and credit automation, Qupital expects its profit margins to expand to over 45% within the next twelve months. The company is now actively exploring capital market opportunities including IPO, fundraising and strategic acquisition to scale operations and optimize capital structure.

About Qupital

Qupital is Asia’s leading fintech platform specializing in data driven financing solutions for digital businesses. Headquartered in Hong Kong, Qupital empowers e-commerce businesses trading on platforms including Amazon, JD.com, Tmall, TikTok Shop, and Pinduoduo, with working capital. As the first platform in Asia to securitize e-commerce merchant loans, Qupital pairs industry leading credit performance and sustained profitability with backing from global financial institutions and strategic investors, including Alibaba, MindWorks Capital, Greater Bay Area Homeland Development Fund, and Innovation and Technology Ventures Fund of the Hong Kong SAR Government.

About M Capital

Based in Hong Kong, M Capital Group (“M Capital”) is a financial services group with global reach. Driven by the firm’s philosophy to excellence, M Capital is committed to serve its clients to its highest standards. M Capital strives to be a leading alternative asset management company in Hong Kong, helping professional investors, including but not limited to, high net worth individuals, family offices, financial institutions, corporations, and offshore funds to generate long-term sustainable risk-adjusted returns.

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SOURCE Qupital

SHANGHAI, Sept. 14, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Shanghai Electric (SEHK: 02727, SSE: 601727) has achieved a milestone in the high-end overseas energy sector by securing the contract for Unit 3 of the Sarawak Samalaju Combined Cycle Gas Turbine (CCGT) Project in Malaysia. The win represents significant international recognition of Shanghai Electric’s heavy-duty gas turbine technology, underscoring the company’s growing competitiveness in the global gas turbine market.

Under the agreement, Shanghai Electric will deliver a full EPC turnkey solution for the gas-fired power plant, coupled with a 25-year long-term service agreement (LTSA) covering all major equipment. Notably, every core component—from gas turbines and steam turbines to generators, heat recovery steam generators, and air-cooled systems—will be manufactured in-house by Shanghai Electric, which will also serve as the sole provider of the long-term maintenance and service program. This integrated, end-to-end capability gives Shanghai Electric full life-cycle coverage, spanning equipment manufacturing, systems integration, and multi-decade operational support—a vertical model that brings the company on par with the established global leaders in the heavy-duty gas turbine sector.

Shanghai Electric’s current heavy-duty gas turbine lineup features two principal models, with output ratings of 300 MW and 78 MW, respectively. To date, the company has delivered 103 units, with total installed capacity from commissioned projects exceeding 21,000 MW. The units covered by Shanghai Electric’s long-term service and maintenance programs have accumulated more than 1.3 million operating hours. With robust production capacity available across both turbine classes, Shanghai Electric is positioned to offer new units for delivery as early as 2028. Beyond the Malaysian energy developer that awarded the current contract, project developers in Indonesia, Thailand, the Philippines, and Vietnam have also expressed strong interest in placing orders.

SOURCE Shanghai Electric