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ByteFuture Secures $55 Million to Expand Olares One and Olares OS

SINGAPORE, September 11, 2026 — ByteFuture , formerly known as Bytetrade, today announced that it completed a $55 million financing in June 2026, bringing its total funding to more than $100 million. The company did not disclose the participating investors, the structure of the round, or its current valuation. The capital will support production and commercialization of Olares One, accelerate development of Olares OS, and expand the Olares ecosystem for personal AI computing. Funding to Scale the Olares Platform ByteFuture said the funding will be allocated across three areas: scaling production and global commercialization of Olares One , expanding developer and manufacturer adoption of Olares OS , and building infrastructure that allows privately operated AI agents to connect and collaborate securely. A portion of the financing will support marketing and commercial expansion in North America. “This funding will help us expand production of Olares One and bring Olares OS to more developers, businesses, and device manufacturers,” said Peng Peng, founder of ByteFuture. “Our goal is to give users a practical way to run AI models and agents on hardware they control, with less dependence on centralized cloud infrastructure.” Early Market Traction for Olares One The financing follows early traction for Olares One, ByteFuture’s personal AI workstation. Designed to run large language models, AI agents, and AI frameworks locally, Olares One attracted 816 backers and more than $2.3 million in pledges during its 2026 Kickstarter campaign. The company has completed delivery of all Kickstarter orders. Olares One is currently available for purchase and delivery in the United States, with a broader U.S. market launch planned for Q4 2026. An Open-Source Platform for Personal AI At the core of the Olares ecosystem is Olares OS, ByteFuture’s open-source platform for personal AI computing. It is designed for local AI inference and enables AI models, agents, and applications to run directly on users’ own devices rather than relying entirely on remote public cloud infrastructure. Olares OS manages model inference, agent orchestration, application deployment, and perapplication sandboxing at the system level, while remaining open for developers and enterprises to build on and integrate with. Through Olares Market , users can deploy more than 200 applications with one click, with applications isolated from one another to help keep models, prompts, and personal data under the user’s control. Beyond Olares One, the operating system is designed to extend across AI PCs and other personal AI devices, providing a common software layer for locally deployed AI. Expanding the Olares Ecosystem The financing comes as more AI workloads move beyond centralized cloud infrastructure to local and edge devices. As more AI inference runs on personal hardware, the operating system layer must manage models, agents, applications, data, and computing resources across those devices. Through Olares, ByteFuture is building an integrated personal AI computing platform spanning operating system software, hardware, applications, and AI agents. ByteFuture describes its long-term vision through three related concepts: Artificial Intelligence, Artificial Individuality, and the Agent Internet. In this framework, Artificial Individuality refers to AI systems that operate with a user’s context and data on hardware they control. The Agent Internet is intended to help privately operated AI agents connect and collaborate securely. Olares One provides a high-performance personal AI workstation, while Olares OS provides the open-source software layer designed to support a broader range of personal and edge AI devices. ByteFuture is also in discussions with developers and hardware manufacturers in North America about potential collaboration on Olares OS and compatible personal AI devices. ByteFuture calls the infrastructure intended to connect privately operated AI agents the Agent Internet. The company plans to develop it as a secure way for those agents to connect and collaborate. About ByteFuture and Olares Founded in 2018 and headquartered in Singapore, ByteFuture develops Olares, an opensource personal AI computing platform designed to help users run AI models, agents, and applications on privately controlled hardware. The Olares ecosystem includes Olares OS, Olares One, and Olares Market, supporting local AI inference, application deployment, and application-level isolation. For more information, visit: https://one.olares.com/.

September 13, 2026

Asia–US Clinical Data Collaboration Built on IHH's Clinical Data

Mitsui & Co., Ltd. ("Mitsui", Head Office: Tokyo, President and CEO: Kenichi Hori) has entered a service agreement with Oncoshot Pte. Ltd. ("Oncoshot") on the utilization of Oncoshot's proprietary clinical data analysis technology. Oncoshot is a participant in the MSK iHub, a business accelerator program promoting digital healthcare innovation through industry collaborations with Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center ("MSK"), a leading global cancer center. Through its collaboration with MSK iHub and other related projects, Oncoshot and Mitsui aim to draw on real-world data (RWD)* to advance the standardization of oncology clinical data, promote international collaborative research, shorten clinical study timelines, and generate evidence based on diverse patient populations. Participants will include oncology specialists practicing within the IHH Healthcare Berhad ("IHH") network, a leading international healthcare provider whose largest shareholder is Mitsui, as well as other oncology specialists in the Asia-Pacific region. Demand for clinical data is rising across clinical research, drug discovery, and trial design. However, much of this valuable data remains fragmented and unstructured within individual healthcare institutions, while privacy regulations and institution-specific data governance requirements can restrict how data is transferred and used. As a result, access to high-quality clinical data, particularly from Asian patient populations, remains limited, reflecting not only challenges in data quality but also the lack of secure, sustainable, and practical mechanisms for data access. Oncoshot has developed an AI-powered technology that efficiently anonymizes and structures data within healthcare institutions, including electronic medical records and laboratory analysis results, and converts it into research-and drug development-ready datasets without having to move the data out of the institution. This technology has the potential to accelerate the utilization of clinical data while abiding by strict privacy, access and governance constraints. Through this initiative, Mitsui aims to enhance IHH's corporate value by further advancing the sophistication of its healthcare services, while also contributing to greater efficiency and effectiveness in the clinical development of pharmaceuticals through the utilization of clinical data. Under its Medium-term Management Plan 2029, Mitsui has identified "Wellness Ecosystem Creation 2.0" as one of its Key Strategic Initiatives. In line with this strategy, Mitsui is working to expand access to advanced healthcare through IHH and to contribute to pharmaceutical innovation through the utilization of clinical data. By utilizing Oncoshot's advanced clinical data platform, Mitsui aims to create an environment in which healthcare professionals across the IHH network can more readily access opportunities for knowledge exchange with leading international research institutions and participate in clinical research activities. Through these efforts, Mitsui seeks to support the continued development of medical expertise, expand access to innovative treatment opportunities for patients, and contribute to improving the quality of cancer care across the Asia-Pacific region. Yoichiro Endo, Chief Operating Officer, Wellness Business Unit, Mitsui, said, "As progress in pharmaceuticals and other medical technologies continues to drive greater personalization and complexity in healthcare, we are excited by the opportunity to contribute to the advancement of global healthcare by maximizing the value of RWD accumulated in clinical settings, including within IHH, together with technologies such as AI. Through the effective use of data, we aim not only to improve standards of care, but also to accelerate and enhance the efficiency of new drug development. Building on this initiative, Mitsui aims to expand data collaboration among IHH, our affiliated company, and leading medical institutions in Japan and across the Asia-Pacific region. By leveraging these assets and partnerships, we also intend to develop new business opportunities in the United States and other markets at the forefront of pharmaceutical innovation and new drug development. Through these efforts, Mitsui will further strengthen its support for IHH, a leading advanced healthcare platform, while enabling it to play an even greater role in advancing pharmaceutical innovation. We are committed to providing even stronger support for IHH as it expands its significance and role." Dr. Peter Chow, CEO, IHH Healthcare Singapore, said, "IHH Healthcare welcomes this partnership as an important step in advancing complex cancer care across our network. By connecting our specialists with world-leading cancer care institutions such as MSK through this initiative, we will deepen knowledge exchange and strengthen oncology research through the use of clinical data and technologies including AI. Together, and with our relationship with Mitsui, these efforts will enhance clinical excellence and support better outcomes for cancer patients." Neil J. Shah, MBBS, Assistant Attending Physician, MSK, said, "MSK is excited to partner with Oncoshot and its network of affiliated hospitals across the Asia-Pacific region. Cancer is a global disease, and advancing care requires a deeper understanding of treatment outcomes across diverse patient populations and healthcare systems. At MSK, we have developed a standardized pan-cancer data model—the Common Cancer Data Elements (CCDE)—which provides an ontology-driven framework for harmonizing and analyzing oncology outcomes data. This collaboration will help us integrate data across countries, support global oncology research, and generate insights to improve cancer care worldwide." *Real-world data (RWD): Medical data that is accumulated on a daily basis in actual clinical settings. While clinical trial data is used to demonstrate the efficacy of pharmaceutical products, real-world data is used to understand actual treatment practices and outcomes in real-world settings. In recent years, it has attracted increasing attention as an important foundation supporting drug discovery, the improvement of clinical trial efficiency, and other healthcare initiatives. Company Profile Collaboration framework of this initiative Mount Elizabeth Novena Hospital, one of the hospitals within the IHH Network (Singapore) Mitsui’s Materiality “Build brighter futures, everywhere” as our corporate mission, and to gain the trust and expectations of our stakeholders to realize a better tomorrow for earth and for people around the world, we have identified six material issues (“Materiality”) for Mitsui’s sustainable growth. We anticipate this particular project/ business to contribute especially to the realization of “Foster a well-being society” Establish a foundation for sustainable and stable supply Create a community coexisting with nature Foster a well-being society Cultivate societies that respect human rights Empower our people to build brighter futures Build an organization with integrity

Food & Beverage

Dingdian Unveils Industry White Paper, Steering a New Era of Dry Pot Flavor

The “Dingdian Product Strategy Upgrade & Launch Ceremony of the White Paper on the Development of Dry Pot Flavor Seasoning Category” was grandly held in Chengdu on September 3rd under the theme Tracing the Origins of Dry Pot · Forging a New Chapter for the Category . Guided by the China Cuisine Association and hosted by Dingdian Food, with support from universities and local authorities, the event gathered nearly 200 industry, academic, government, and media figures to explore opportunities and map out high‑quality development for dry pot seasonings. Origins: Tracing Flavors through Sand Art, 27 Years of Craftsmanship The ceremony kicked off with an immersive sand art light show, Searching for Dry Pot Origins, Savouring the Craftsmanship of Fire and Smoke . Amid flowing sand and light, the performance traced the culinary roots of dry pot flavors and unfolded the story of Chairman Ren Kang’s dedicated entrepreneurial journey. For 27 years, Dingdian pioneered dry pot seasonings with paste (2004) and sauce (2006). Now celebrating sauce's 20th anniversary, it stands as the category's founder, definer, and leader, having laid a solid industry foundation. Innovation: White Paper Released, Setting New Benchmarks for the Category Following the sand art show, Ren Kang, Chairman of Dingdian Food, delivered a keynote speech titled From One Bottle of Sauce to an Entire Category — Dingdian’s Pioneering Journey , recounting the brand’s extraordinary growth alongside the dry pot industry. Instead of grand rhetoric, he started his story in 1999, outlining the mutually rewarding journey of Dingdian Food and the dry pot category through four key development milestones. His remark, “You may not know me, but you must have tasted the flavor of Dingdian dry pot sauce,” drew warm applause from the audience. At the much-anticipated moment, the White Paper on the Development of Dry Pot Flavor Seasoning Category was officially released. Guided by the China Cuisine Association, compiled under Dingdian’s leadership and co-developed by Xihua University and Sichuan Tourism University, this landmark industry document defines dry pot flavor seasonings as an independent product category for the first time. It clearly demarcates category boundaries, unifies industry understanding of flavor profiles, and fully explores application prospects across catering, household, and industrial scenarios. Yang Liu, President of the China Cuisine Association, and Cai Yu, Member of the Party Working Committee and Deputy Director of the Administrative Committee of Pidu Hi-Tech Industrial Park, delivered speeches in succession. They highly recognized the release of the white paper and expressed high expectations for the future of the dry pot seasoning industry. Xiong Shuangli, Dean of the School of Cuisine and Food Science and Engineering at Sichuan Tourism University, analyzed the contemporary value of the white paper for the dry pot sector from multi-dimensional perspectives, including industry, academia and the market. During the roundtable dialogue, A New Era of Dry Pot Flavors , academic scholars, industry experts and catering leaders engaged in in-depth exchanges. They freely shared insights on product innovation, channel collaboration, and future trends, sparking new ideas for industrial development. After the dialogue, a signing ceremony for the group standard Technical Specifications for Dry Pot Flavors was held on site. This marks the joint establishment of an industrial standard system through university-enterprise cooperation, ushering the dry pot flavor industry into a new phase of standardized, high-quality development. Leading the Trend: Upgraded Product Matrix Empowers New Market Segments The product matrix showcase took the stage, unveiling Dingdian’s full range of dry pot flavor products in five forms: paste, sauce, oil, powder, and concentrate. The display intuitively demonstrated Dingdian’s full-scenario strategic layout covering catering, household, and food manufacturing clients. Zhao Licheng, Assistant to the Chairman and Marketing Director, presented the keynote Flavor and Ingredients from the Same Source — Leading the Dry Pot Era with Full-scenario Product Empowerment . He elaborated on the core logic and industrial empowerment value of this round of product strategy upgrade. “Flavor and ingredients from the same source” is not merely a product philosophy, but a full-cycle quality commitment from raw materials to the dining table. Dingdian sources quality from its 10,000-mu Hanyuan prickly ash farm, works with 30+ chefs for regional dishes, and ensures consistent quality via strict standards and smart production. Subsequently, an awarding ceremony for “Dry Pot Flavor Seasoning Ambassadors” was held. Dozens of catering practitioners were appointed to jointly promote dry pot flavors and drive the category forward. Tasting: Return to Taste Buds, Witness Premium Quality at the Source Grand strategies are ultimately tested on the palate. In the tasting session of the launch event, innovative dry pot dishes were presented one after another, paired with cooking videos to vividly demonstrate the outstanding flavor performance of Dingdian dry pot seasonings and their capability to help restaurants achieve efficient dish output. Great flavors originate not only on the dining table but also in mountain fields. Prior to the conference, media representatives visited Dingdian’s nearly ten-thousand-mu tribute prickly ash planting base and intelligent modern factory to witness quality at the source. A complete quality chain stretches from the tribute prickly ash branches in the mountains of Hanyuan, through the modern factory, to the back kitchens of tens of thousands of catering stores nationwide. Over 20 mainstream media outlets asked Chairman Ren about the white paper's industry significance and Dingdian's future. His replies showcased the company's confidence and responsibility as a category definer. The launch event caps 20+ years of dry pot dedication while marking a new start for industry standardization. Going forward, rooted in premium Sichuan raw materials such as Hanyuan tribute prickly ash, Dingdian Food will uphold its responsibility as the founder and definer of the category. It will connect academic institutions, the catering industry, and channel partners to continuously unlock the unlimited potential of dry pot flavors, spreading the aroma of Sichuan dry pot across China and beyond.

The 6th Forum of Maritime Silk Road Legal Services District Series Successfully Held

From September 7 to 8, a series of events was successfully held in Xiamen for the 6th Forum of Maritime Silk Road Legal Services District. The forum adopted the theme "Innovating Legal Services, Building a Legal Hub – Empowering High-Quality Development of the Maritime Silk Road through High-Standard Legal Services District Construction." It featured a main forum and three sub-forums, bringing together legal experts and scholars, representatives from domestic and international legal and quasi-legal institutions, and corporate representatives to discuss the future development of the Legal Services District. At the main forum, ten experts and scholars delivered keynote speeches. Lin Wei, Vice President of the China Law Society and President of Southwest University of Political Science and Law, proposed empowering the legal services district construction through high-level legal talent cultivation and regional and country studies. Li Zhongyuan, Chief Risk Officer of the Export-Import Bank of China, shared his reflections on strengthening cross-border compliance construction. Yu Weifeng, Vice Chair of the Belt and Road International Legal Services Association, suggested that the Association and the Legal Services District should work in coordinated alignment to jointly cultivate a full-lifecycle legal services ecosystem. Chin Malin, Permanent Secretary of State, Ministry of Justice of Cambodia, advocated for deepening and upgrading international legal cooperation towards legal integration. Liu Xiaohong, Director of the Shanghai Arbitration Commission and Professor at Shanghai University of Political Science and Law, proposed promoting the qualitative leap of legal services supply in the legal services district from quantitative accumulation. Xiao Yongping, a senior Professor at Wuhan University, offered insights on reshaping the institutional competitiveness of the Maritime Silk Road Legal Services District. Shahbaz Khan, Director of UNESCO Regional Office for East Asia, elaborated on the significance of cross-border legal cooperation for regional connectivity and sustainable development in his video speech. Sundra Rajoo, President of the Asian Institute of Alternative Dispute Resolution, discussed via video, from the perspective of international cooperation, the view that physical connectivity cannot be achieved without legal connectivity and interconnection. Liu Jingdong, Director of the Center for Foreign-related Rule of Law Studies at the Institute of International Law Studies of the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, shared views on the new developments in global economic and trade rules and China's solutions. Fan Jiuli, Vice President of the China Law Society and President of Northwest University of Political Science and Law, focused on sharing ideas for cultivating need-oriented, practical foreign-related rule-of-law talent. On September 8, three sub-forums were held: "International Commercial and Maritime Dispute Resolution and High-Quality Development of the Marine Economy," "Integration of Law and Business for Innovative Services to Enterprises Going Global," and "Building an Innovative Ecosystem for Digital Construction of Political and Legal Work." Guests from domestic and international judicial, arbitration, and legal service institutions, universities, and enterprises engaged in discussions on topics such as international dispute resolution, cross-border operational risks for businesses, and digital rule of law. During this period, the Xiamen Maritime Court released two achievements in foreign-related judicial work: the "White Paper on Foreign-related Maritime Trials (1990-2026)" and "Maritime Legal Wisdom, Global Sharing – A Spotlight Tour of Representative Achievements in International Communication of Xiamen Maritime Court's Foreign-related Maritime Trials." Additionally, the "Political and Legal Innovation Joint Laboratory," jointly established by the Fujian Provincial Political and Legal Affairs Commission and Fujian Big Data Group, officially launched. This laboratory aims to become a source of technical innovation, a pilot test base for achievement transformation, and a training base for professional talents in digital political and legal affairs across the province. Scenes from the Sub-forums Following the forum, participating guests also visited the Xiamen International Expo Center to attend the 2026 China (Xiamen) International Public Security & Legal Technology Expo and the Going Global Legal & Business Service Exhibition.

Finance & Loan

BlackRidge Capital launches to fund the “first cheque” for business buyers

BlackRidge Capital , a new acquisition-finance business, has launched to fund the initial consideration: the first and often hardest cheque a buyer must write to acquire a business. BlackRidge has been launched by The Carling Group , a private family office chaired by Graeme Carling, which buys, builds and sells businesses internationally from its base in Dubai. Its principals bring decades of hands-on M&A experience. What sets BlackRidge apart from a traditional lender is that it is run by dealmakers. Its principals have spent decades completing acquisitions of their own and understand a transaction from the inside; how it is structured, where it stalls, and what it takes to reach completion. BlackRidge brings that judgement to the buyers it backs, assessing a deal on its commercial merits rather than against a lending checklist. The business focuses on the initial consideration, the first payment in an acquisition, and the most common point at which a promising deal stalls. A buyer who can commit capital of their own is more credible, more likely to be chosen by a seller, and more likely to complete. By funding that first payment, BlackRidge gives capable buyers the standing to compete for deals that would otherwise pass them by. Graeme Carling, Chairman of The Carling Group, said: “Every day, capable people find a business worth buying and fall at the first hurdle: the money it takes to get the deal moving. We’re not a bank working from a checklist, we’re dealmakers. We’ve spent decades buying, building and selling businesses of our own, so we understand what a good deal looks like and what it takes to complete one. BlackRidge is us putting real capital behind serious people, so they can walk into the room with something in their hand.” BlackRidge is inviting enquiries from buyers who have identified a business to acquire and need finance for the initial consideration. Further information is available at blackridge-capital.co.uk .

New Data From People Insight Reveals Women Leaders Underrate Their Impact More Than Men

People Insight has announced the findings of new research that shows women leaders are more likely to underrate their impact than male leaders. Analysis of 2,120 leadership feedback (360 feedback) assessments across 105 organisations found that women and men rated themselves similarly. However, women received slightly higher ratings from others, creating a wider gap between how they saw themselves and how their leadership was experienced. This pattern appeared across every competency measured, from Strategy and Influencing to Performance and Agility. The findings suggest that many women are already having a strong leadership impact but may not fully recognise it. People Insight is therefore encouraging organisations to provide broader, evidence-based feedback that makes strengths as visible as development needs. Tom Debenham, Managing Director at People Insight, said: “So many women are already having a stronger impact than they realise, but bringing this down to confidence alone isn’t good enough. Organisations need to help leaders recognise their strengths, trust the evidence and use those strengths more deliberately.” People Insight cautions that conservative self-ratings are not necessarily a weakness. They may reflect high standards and a commitment to improvement, but without balanced feedback, they could also cause capable leaders to discount their achievements or hesitate over new opportunities. The full report, The numbers are in: women leaders may have a stronger impact than they realise, explores the findings and how 360 feedback, coaching and action planning can make hidden strengths more visible. Download the full report: https://peopleinsight.co.uk/women-leaders-self-perception-gap/ About People Insight People Insight partners with organisations across sectors to develop effective employee listening strategies and drive meaningful improvements to the employee experience through actionable surveys and 360 feedback. With industry-leading benchmark data spanning every sector, People Insight provides an unparalleled understanding of how employee experience varies across industries. By combining cutting-edge technology, generative AI and expert consultancy, People Insight supports the creation of outstanding workplace cultures rooted in evidence and insight.

Health

CorneaCare Expands Nationwide Retail Footprint to 8,500 Doors and Launches New Product Innovation

CorneaCare, the leading eyecare brand redefining how consumers treat and manage their eye health, announced a series of major milestones: the national retail expansion to over 8,500 stores across Walmart, Target, and Walgreens; the launch of Ripple , a preservative-free artificial tear designed specifically for contact lens users; an upgraded Rescue self cooling eye compress; and a fully redesigned digital experience set to launch in May. Together, these milestones mark a significant step forward in CorneaCare’s mission to make eyecare a part of daily self-care through clean, convenient and effective solutions. Nationwide Retail Expansion to 8,500 Doors CorneaCare products are now available in more than 8,500 retail locations nationwide, including Walmart, Target, and Walgreens. This expansion dramatically increases accessibility for consumers seeking high-quality, doctor-designed eyecare products, meeting consumers where they already shop and accelerating CorneaCare’s vision of making eyecare part of everyday health routines. Introducing Ripple: A New Standard for Contact Lens Comfort CorneaCare introduced Ripple , a preservative-free artificial tear formulated specifically for the needs of contact lens users, a group often underserved by traditional eye drops. Unlike conventional tears that contain preservatives or require contact lens removal before use, Ripple is designed for seamless, on-the-go use, helping maintain hydration, comfort, and ocular surface health throughout the day. Ripple expands CorneaCare’s growing portfolio of preservative-free solutions, continuing the company’s focus on eliminating unnecessary additives while delivering clinically effective care. Enhanced Rescue Self Cooling Eye Compress CorneaCare also announced the launch of an improved version of its Rescue self cooling eye compress, a core product in its eyecare system. The updated compress delivers enhanced cooling performance, improved fit, and greater comfort to provide more effective relief from digital eye strain, dryness, and inflammation. This upgrade reflects CorneaCare’s continued investment in refining core products based on consumer feedback and clinical insight. New Digital Experience Launching in May In May, CorneaCare will debut a fully redesigned website, creating a more seamless and supportive experience for consumers. The new platform will make it easier for consumers to: Understand their conditions and symptoms Discover personalized eye health routines Access educational content grounded in clinical science Integrate products into a daily eyecare system This digital evolution is part of CorneaCare’s broader effort to bridge the gap between eyecare and eye health, bringing education and products into a single, connected experience. Building the Future of eyecare CorneaCare is redefining eyecare by moving beyond single-product solutions toward a comprehensive, routine-based approach—combining products, education, and accessibility. With expanded retail presence, new product innovation, and a modern digital platform, CorneaCare is laying the foundation for a future where eyecare is proactive, personalized, and seamlessly integrated into daily life.

Inside MPMC's Manufacturing Capabilities: A One-Stop OEM Partner With an Expanded Battery Production Base in Yangzhong

MPMC has continued to build out its manufacturing footprint in Jiangsu Province, expanding its capability to independently supply generator sets, battery energy storage systems, and mobile BESS chargers from its own production lines rather than relying on third-party subassemblies — a combination that positions MPMC as a one-stop OEM and private-label partner for distributors, EPC contractors, and international project buyers. A Dedicated Battery Manufacturing Base MPMC Energy Tech Corporation, launched in Yangzhong, Jiangsu, represents a total investment of USD 27 million across a 19,000 square-metre workshop and a 3,300 square-metre research and development centre, housing one semi-automatic and one fully automatic battery pack assembly line alongside two fully automatic BESS and hybrid power station assembly lines. The facility sits within an industrial base with a significant share of China's domestic market in high- and low-voltage switchgear, busbars, and cable trays — supply chain proximity that supports consistent component sourcing for MPMC's containerised product lines. MPMC's Jiangsu manufacturing facility, where generator sets, battery storage systems, and mobile chargers are assembled under one roof. Integrated Manufacturing Across Five Product Lines Separately, MPMC's Haimen, Jiangsu facility operates a 22,000 square-metre smart factory, including 4,000 square metres of dedicated office space, with end-to-end CNC machining, fabrication, and testing capability, integrated with CRM, ERP, PLM, MES, and OA systems to support high-volume, high-consistency production. That Haimen facility carries CNAS certification and salt-spray testing standards comparable to established European production quality benchmarks. Together, the two facilities support MPMC's five core product lines: containerised diesel, gas, methanol, and biofuel generator sets; battery energy storage systems across the HBD-A, HBD-E, and HBD-R series; GSB/GB hybrid power stations; SPK mobile solar arrays; and BCH mobile BESS chargers, plus solar and hybrid lighting towers. Certification Coverage for Cross-Border OEM Programmes MPMC holds company-level certifications including ISO 9001:2015, ISO 45001 Occupational Health and Safety Management System, and ISO 14001 Environmental Management System, alongside a CNAS-accredited testing centre, ARCADIS accreditation, recognition under the ILAC Mutual Recognition Arrangement (ILAC MRA), and a WMI (World Manufacturer Identifier) code. Product-level certifications span CE for Europe, TUV, SGS, and UN38.3 for battery safety, SABER for Saudi Arabia, BV (France's Bureau Veritas), UL, and Russian Customs Union certification, as well as China TLC and Nigeria SONCAP certification for those specific markets — a certification base intended to support OEM and private-label partners delivering into multiple regulatory jurisdictions from a single manufacturing relationship. MPMC is one of a small number of Chinese manufacturers able to independently supply generator sets, battery storage, and mobile BESS chargers as well as hybrid energy solutions, a combination that reduces integration complexity for distributors and EPC contractors who would otherwise need to combine equipment from separate generation and storage suppliers. MPMC works with authorised distributors and agents globally, offering OEM customisation and private-label arrangements, and exclusive distribution territory arrangements in select markets subject to commercial agreement. Bringing battery pack manufacturing in-house alongside its existing generator set and mobile charger production gives MPMC's OEM and distribution partners a single, audited supply chain to stand behind, rather than a set of separately sourced components assembled after the fact. For a distributor or EPC contractor evaluating a Chinese manufacturing partner, that combination of in-house battery assembly, CNAS-accredited testing, and a certification base spanning multiple export markets is a more concrete basis for due diligence than a general claim of manufacturing capability. About MPMC Powertech Corp. MPMC Powertech Corp. is a Chinese manufacturer of containerised diesel, gas, methanol, and biofuel generator sets, battery energy storage systems, hybrid power stations, mobile solar arrays, mobile BESS chargers, and solar lighting towers. MPMC's products have been delivered to more than 120 countries and territories across Asia, Africa, Oceania, the Americas, and Europe. For more information, contact MPMC at [email protected] .

The Thousands of Miles on the Silk Road: Century of Tin Craft – How a Chinese Tinware Brand Witnesses the Cultural Exchange Along the Silk Road

In August 2026, the 2026 “The Thousands of Miles on the Silk Road 2026 ·The Path of Illumination” all-media reporting team arrived in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, to visit Royal Selangor, a national treasure-level craft brand founded by Chinese immigrants that has been passed down for 141 years. Four Generations of Heritage: From a Family Workshop to the World’s Leading Brand In 1885, Yong Koon, a tin and pewter craftsman from Guangdong, crossed the ocean to Kuala Lumpur and opened a small workshop to produce tinware. The Yu He (Jade Peace) mark embodies both the quality commitment and memories of home held by a craftsman who journeyed to Southeast Asia. In 1979, the company was granted the royal warrant by the Sultan of Selangor. In 1992, the company name was changed to Royal Selangor. Through four generations of heritage and a century of dedication, Royal Selangor has grown from a family workshop into the world’s largest producer of pewter. From the “Four Gentlemen” to Dunhuang, Silk Road motifs come to life on tin In Royal Selangor’s showroom, Chinese elements are everywhere. Executive Director Chen Tien Yue showed the press corps a piece titled “The Four Gentlemen,” in which the plum blossom, orchid, bamboo, and chrysanthemum each represent the noble virtues of the Confucian gentleman. "You will see a lot of designs that resonate with Chinese elements," said Chen Tien Yue. At the end of 2025, Royal Selangor unveiled its "Silk Road Collection," with designs directly inspired by classic artistic images such as the Dunhuang flying apsaras. "We hope to tell these stories through our works, reminding people of the Silk Road and the centuries-long trade between East and West," Chen added. Motifs of fortune and longevity, auspicious beasts, and Dunhuang elements – where traditional Chinese craftsmanship meets local Malay flavour, a unique Southeast Asian aesthetic is born. What is even more noteworthy is the cultural transformation behind this fact: over a hundred years ago, the artisans' products were mainly ritual and ceremonial objects for the daily life of the Chinese community; today, the brand has begun to actively seek inspiration from the homeland of Chinese civilisation, creating works with Dunhuang and the Silk Road as their themes. From a "repository of nostalgia" to a "medium of cultural expression", Royal Selangor’s transformation serves as a contemporary footnote to the evolving cultural identity of the overseas Chinese community. As China's rise drives a global cultural renaissance, overseas Chinese enterprises have reaffirmed their role as cultural ambassadors. The beauty of objects transcends language; silent yet profound, it connects diverse civilizations. "China is changing rapidly, and Chinese people take great pride in their culture. We believe we can play a role in helping to further promote that culture," said Chen Tien Yue. 141 years ago, a craftsman from Chaoshan packed the skills of his homeland into his travel bag and struck the first hammer blow in a foreign land. He likely never imagined that this craft would span four generations, taking root and blossoming on a distant land – blending with Malaysian aesthetics, resonating with the murals of Dunhuang, and engaging in a dialogue with memories of the Silk Road. Objects may be silent, yet they allow a culture to endure and thrive, even after traversing mountains and seas. This is precisely what makes the Maritime Silk Road so captivating: it ensures that civilizations are not interrupted by the long journey, but rather enriched through their encounters. Royal Selangor’s century-old legacy of pewter craftsmanship bears witness to the struggles of the Chinese diaspora in Nanyang, while continuing to write a story of cultural fusion that transcends mountains and seas.

Land & Property

Septic Solutions LLC Prepares Washington Homeowners for New Statewide Septic Inspection Requirement Taking Effect February 1, 2027

Septic Solutions LLC Prepares Washington Homeowners for New Statewide Septic Inspection Requirement Taking Effect February 1, 2027 New Washington rules will establish a statewide property-transfer inspection requirement for homes with septic systems, while local health jurisdictions will continue to determine authorized inspectors and whether a recent qualifying inspection can satisfy the requirement. ARLINGTON, Wash., Sep. 11, 2026 — Septic Solutions LLC is preparing Western Washington homeowners for a major change to the state’s on-site sewage system rules that takes effect February 1, 2027. Property owners transferring a property served by an on-site sewage system will be required to obtain a septic inspection by a third-party inspector authorized by the local health officer, as required by WAC 246-272A-0270. The local health jurisdiction may remove the need for a separate property-transfer inspection when it already has evidence that the system is in compliance with applicable routine inspection requirements and was inspected by an authorized third-party inspector. The change creates a statewide property-transfer standard for septic systems while keeping local health departments responsible for implementation. Local jurisdictions may verify inspection results, require additional information or inspections, and establish a compliance schedule when a system failure is discovered. Washington has approximately 950,000 on-site sewage systems, according to the Washington State Department of Health. For homeowners who rely on septic rather than public sewer, the new rule makes system records and inspection history more important well before a property reaches the closing table. “Homeowners should not wait until they have an accepted offer and a closing deadline to start figuring out what septic system they have or when it was last inspected,” said Art Nikolin, Operations Manager at Septic Solutions LLC. “The best preparation is simple. Find the records and make sure the inspection history is current before the transaction becomes time-sensitive.” The state rule also requires property owners to provide buyers with all available septic maintenance and repair records at the time of property transfer, in addition to the applicable residential seller disclosure statement. Inspection results must be submitted to the local health jurisdiction on a form approved by the local health officer. A compliant inspection includes an evaluation of the septic tanks and accessible components, their structural condition and contents, the system and reserve area for signs that could affect performance, and available record drawings and previous reports. Proprietary treatment systems must also be evaluated according to the procedures associated with those products. The 2027 property-transfer requirement does not mean every septic system needs to be replaced when a home is sold, and the age of a system by itself does not establish failure. “An old septic system is not automatically a failed septic system, and a house where everything still drains normally does not automatically have a healthy septic system,” Nikolin said. “The inspection gives the buyer and seller documented information about what is actually on the property and what condition it is in. If there is a problem, that is when you deal with the actual finding instead of guessing.” A 2026 home-sale inspection in Arlington showed why age alone does not define septic failure. The 43-year-old system had significant root growth, but the inspection found no reason to treat the entire system as failed. Washington’s existing operation and maintenance rules also matter for sellers preparing for 2027. Systems consisting solely of a sewage tank and gravity subsurface soil absorption system generally must be inspected at least once every three years unless a local health officer requires more frequent inspections. Other on-site sewage systems generally require annual inspections unless the local jurisdiction establishes a different, more frequent schedule. That existing inspection history could become especially important during a sale because the new property-transfer rule allows a local health officer to remove the requirement for another inspection when the jurisdiction has sufficient evidence of compliance and a qualifying inspection by an authorized third party. “This is why keeping records matters,” Nikolin said. “If you have been maintaining the system properly, you want that history documented. If you have not looked at the system in years, finding that out months before a sale gives you much more room to solve a problem than finding it out days before closing.” Septic Solutions has published How Real Estate Septic Inspections Protect Buyers and Sellers , a homeowner guide explaining how septic conditions can remain hidden even when plumbing appears to work normally, what a professional inspection can uncover, and why understanding the system before ownership changes can reduce surprises during a real estate transaction. Homeowners planning to sell in 2027 are encouraged to check their local health jurisdiction’s requirements before scheduling work because counties may have their own approved inspectors, reporting forms, procedures, and additional requirements within the statewide framework. About Septic Solutions LLC Septic Solutions LLC provides septic pumping, inspections, installation, repair, maintenance, drainfield service, and 24/7 emergency response across King, Snohomish, Skagit, Island, and Whatcom counties. The company is based in Arlington and lists additional contact locations in Mill Creek, Redmond, and Mount Vernon. Septic Solutions advertises same-day septic pumping, free estimates, and extended workmanship and installation warranties. Homeowners can request an estimate through septicsolutionsllc.com . Media Contact: Art Nikolin, Operations Manager Septic Solutions LLC Arlington, Washington Phone: (425) 553-3422 Email: [email protected] Website: septicsolutionsllc.com