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HKSTP Leads Largest-Ever Hong Kong Delegation to BIO 2026 Showcasing Life and Health Tech Strength

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2 months ago

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Hong Kong

41 local tech firms, institutes and university spin-offs head to San Diego to forge global partnerships, reinforcing the city’s status as international healthcare innovation hub
HONG KONG SAR/SAN DIEGO, UNITED STATES – Media OutReach Newswire – 24 June 2026 – Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation (HKSTP), in collaboration with InvestHK as co-organiser, the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) as supporting organisation, and five renowned local universities – The University of Hong Kong, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University and City University of Hong Kong – to form the city’s largest-ever delegation of life and health technology innovators to the BIO International Convention 2026 (BIO 2026) in San Diego, from June 22 to 25.

Building on last year’s momentum, the 2026 Hong Kong delegation doubled the size of the Hong Kong Pavilion, expanding to a record of 41 organisations from HKSTP, including partner companies, research institutes, and for the first time with top five universities spin-offs. This landmark presence showcased Hong Kong’s deep strength across AI-enabled biotech, therapeutics, diagnostics, and pharma innovation, with potential outstanding “First-in-Class” and “Best-in-Class” assets. The delegation underscores the city’s leading role as Asia’s largest and the world’s second largest fundraising hub for the biotechnology sector.

Mr. Terry Wong, CEO of HKSTP, said, “BIO 2026 is a premier platform to showcase Hong Kong’s groundbreaking innovation, deepen partnerships, and open new pathways into global healthcare markets. As a super-connector, Hong Kong is uniquely positioned to bridge global innovators with opportunities across Asia and beyond. With strong R&D capabilities backed by world-class universities—five ranked among the QS Top 100, including two with medical schools now placed in the global top 20—Hong Kong’s biotech and medical research excellence is increasingly recognised worldwide. As the city’s innovation ecosystem orchestrator, HKSTP brings together talent, capital, research institutions, clinical partners, and industry leaders to accelerate the journey from discovery to impact. We will continue to empower life and health technology ventures, translating innovation breakthroughs into life-changing solutions that benefit communities around the world.”

HKSTP and Park Companies Advanced in Cross-border Innovation and Market Expansion

A key highlight of BIO 2026 is witnessing the signing of three major strategic partnerships:

LabCentral — HKSTP signed an MOU with one of the largest global non-profit biotech incubators, supporting life sciences startups with high-impact lab infrastructure and scientific community programmes. The collaboration will deepen ties between the U.S. and Hong Kong life sciences ecosystems through startup support, ecosystem engagement, and co-developed programmes, events and strategic initiatives. It will also help connect startups, investors, corporate partners and research institutions, creating stronger pathways for cross-border innovation and commercialisation.

Immuno Cure – the developer of the first-in-human novel therapeutic HIV vaccine ICVAX – announced its collaboration with OPIS, an international Contract Research Organization (CRO), at BIO 2026. Leveraging OPIS’s full-service, multi-country clinical trial expertise and regulatory knowledge, the partnership will support overseas clinical trial execution and establish a global framework to prepare for international expansion.

Zhaoke Ophthalmology signed an MOU with Laboratório Teuto, the first company to produce generic medicines and OTCs (Over the Counter – Prescription Exempt Medicines) in Brazil, to explore cross-border cooperation in ophthalmology. This is Zhaoke’s first strategic MOU in Brazil market. Leveraging its innovative pipeline and Teuto’s commercial network in Brazil, the partnership aims to bring advanced eye care treatments to Latin American patients while demonstrating the globalisation of Hong Kong-born biotech innovation.

Beyond the BIO 2026 Hong Kong Pavilion, HKSTP CEO Mr Terry Wong attended the “Translating Innovation Across Borders: Creating Global Gateways for Biotech Startups” panel sharing session. Mr. Wong shared his insights on cutting-edge biotech trends, Hong Kong’s strengths on life and health tech development, and HKSTP’s role in building a global bridge for nurturing global startup expansion, sustainable innovation and collaboration.

Furthermore, HKSTP and five Hong Kong university delegates visited the Salk Institute, home to six Nobel Laureates during BIO 2026 to explore partnerships and shape global biotech momentum through collaborative platforms. HKSTP, in collaboration with InvestHK as co-organiser, HKTDC as the supporting organisation, and powered by the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in San Francisco, hosted a Global Mixer during the exhibition. Industry leaders, incubators, and venture capital firms – including Bayer Pharmaceuticals, Johnson & Johnson Innovation, LabCentral, Roche, Simcere Pharmaceutical, and T.Rx Capital – were invited to join the judging panel for startup pitching sessions. The Pavilion also featured executive sharing and curated networking events for commercialisation, licensing, partnerships, investment and international market expansion.

Global recognition at Biomedical Pitch Competition

In the lead-up to BIO 2026, HKSTP actively drove engagement across the biotech sector and co-organised the 2026 Biomedical Pitch Competition with the Boston Capital Investment Club in Boston on May 23 and 24. Competing against around 170 biotechnology companies worldwide, HKSTP park company Meta Pharmaceuticals (HK) Limited won Third Place for its next-generation autoimmune therapeutics. The recognition underscores the strength of Hong Kong’s biotech pipeline and HKSTP’s commitment to translational medicine, commercialisation and globally scalable healthcare solutions.

HK’s biotech ecosystem rises to another level

Hong Kong continues to expand its global healthcare footprint as the world’s second-largest biotech fundraising hub. As Hong Kong’s flagship innovation and technology ecosystem, HKSTP is home to more than 300 life and health technology companies and helps innovators turn pioneering ideas into real-world impact. Its ecosystem connects capital, talent, infrastructure and market access across the biotech innovation journey.

Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation
Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation (HKSTP) was established in 2001 to create a thriving I&T ecosystem grooming 13 unicorns, more than 17,000 research professionals and over 2,500 technology companies from 26 countries and regions focused on developing healthtech, AI and robotics, fintech and smart city technologies, etc.

Our growing innovation ecosystem offers comprehensive support to attract and nurture talent, accelerate and commercialise innovation for technology ventures, with the I&T journey built around our key locations of Hong Kong Science Park in Pak Shek Kok, InnoCentre in Kowloon Tong and three modern InnoParks in Tai Po, Tseung Kwan O and Yuen Long realising a vision of new industrialisation for Hong Kong, where sectors including advanced manufacturing, micro-electronics and biotechnology are being reimagined.

Hong Kong Science Park Shenzhen Branch in Futian, Shenzhen plays positive roles in connecting the world and the mainland with our proximity, strengthening cross-border exchange to bring advantages in attracting global talent and allowing possibilities for the development of technology companies in seven key areas: Medtech, big data and AI, robotics, new materials, microelectronics, fintech and sustainability, with both dry and wet laboratories, co-working space, conference and exhibition facilities, and more.

Through our R&D infrastructure, startup support and enterprise services, commercialisation and investment expertise, partnership networks and talent traction, HKSTP continues to contribute in establishing I&T as a pillar of growth for Hong Kong.

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Energy

Transnet Freight Rail Chief Executive Officer (CEO) to Spotlight South Africa’s Rail Reform at African Mining Week (AMW) 2026

Published

7 days ago

on

August 20, 2026

By

Etu Energias

As South Africa accelerates freight rail reforms and private sector participation to unlock mining investment, Transnet Freight Rail CEO Russell Baatjies will outline the company’s infrastructure modernization strategy and opportunities for investors at African Mining Week 2026

CAPE TOWN, South Africa, August 20, 2026/APO Group/ –Russell Baatjies, Group Chief Executive of Transnet Freight Rail, has been confirmed as a speaker at African Mining Week (AMW) 2026 – Africa’s premier gathering for the mining industry – taking place October 14-16 in Cape Town.

 

Baatjies will participate in the Regional Connectivity: Financing Africa’s Mineral Infrastructure panel, where he is expected to discuss Transnet’s strategy to modernize South Africa’s freight rail network, expand private sector participation and strengthen regional logistics corridors to support mining growth and cross-border trade.

His participation comes as South Africa accelerates sweeping logistics reforms aimed at removing infrastructure bottlenecks and unlocking greater investment across its mining sector. As the country seeks to mobilize R2 trillion to develop its critical minerals industry – including an estimated R40 trillion in untapped iron ore resources – expanding rail and port capacity has become central to increasing exports of coal, platinum group metals, manganese, chrome and iron ore while improving regional trade connectivity.

In May 2026, Transnet signed rail access agreements with 11 Train Operating Companies (TOCs) serving the coal, manganese, container, fuel and general freight sectors, marking a major step toward opening the national freight rail network to private operators. The agreements are expected to add 24 million tons of annual freight capacity, with the potential to increase to 52 million tons over the next five years, supporting South Africa’s goal of increasing annual rail volumes from approximately 180 million tons to 250 million tons by 2030.

Building on these reforms, Transnet launched the procurement process in June 2026 for The Leasing Company, a rolling stock leasing platform designed to improve access to locomotives and wagons for both established and emerging TOCs. The initiative is expected to increase asset utilization, strengthen freight capacity and attract greater private investment into Southern Africa’s rail sector.

The company is also reinforcing its financial position to accelerate infrastructure modernization through major financing agreements, including a €300 million loan from Agence Française de Développement, a €350 million loan from the European Investment Bank, a $278 million facility from the New Development Bank, a $1 billion loan from the African Development Bank and a R94.8 billion government guarantee package supporting its long-term recovery and investment program.

Alongside infrastructure investment, Transnet is strengthening collaboration with the mining industry to improve export capacity through strategic agreements with Exxaro Resources, United Manganese of Kalahari, Hotazel Manganese Mines and Tshipi é Ntle Manganese Mining, reinforcing efforts to support higher mining production through more efficient logistics.

At AMW 2026, Baatjies is expected to examine how rail modernization, private sector participation and regional logistics integration can unlock new mining investment while strengthening Africa’s mineral value chains and improving access to global markets.

 

 

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Energy Capital & Power.

 

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Energy

Energy Intensive Users Group of Southern Africa (EIUG) and VUKA Group announce joint EIUG Conference and C&I Energy + Storage Summit

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1 week ago

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August 18, 2026

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Energy

The EIUG Conference will provide a platform for open dialogue on electricity industry challenges and opportunities

JOHANNESBURG, South Africa, August 18, 2026/APO Group/ –The Energy Intensive Users Group of Southern Africa (EIUG), together with VUKA Group (https://WeAreVUKA.com/), will co‑host the EIUG Conference alongside the C&I Energy + Storage Summit, created by VUKA Group, on 28–29 October 2026 at The Maslow Hotel, Sandton.

The EIUG Conference is more than a gathering – it is a platform to shape South Africa’s industrial energy future

The EIUG Conference will provide a platform for open dialogue on electricity industry challenges and opportunities. It will bring together government, industry leaders, energy‑intensive consumers, and service providers to exchange perspectives, strengthen industrial competitiveness, and explore solutions for South Africa’s energy future.

The two‑day programme features ministerial and industry keynotes, panel discussions on tariff escalation, carbon tax, CBAM, and electricity market reforms, as well as masterclasses on financing, digitalisation, grid security, and hydrogen development.

Delegates will also benefit from networking functions, case study presentations, and practical workshops designed to accelerate the just energy transition.

“The EIUG Conference is more than a gathering – it is a platform to shape South Africa’s industrial energy future,” says Fanele Mondi, EIUG CEO. “ By bringing together government, industry, and service providers, we aim to foster open dialogue and practical solutions that support competitiveness, sustainability, and resilience.”

For more information, visit EIUG Conference (https://apo-opa.co/4x0Wzwd).

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of VUKA Group.

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Business

JSCCIB Joins Forces with Public Sector and World Bank to Launch “The Bangkok Business Summit 2026: Reinvent Thailand, Resilient ASEAN”

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1 week ago

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August 18, 2026

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Bangkok Business Summit

Driving the Thai Economy and Charting New Strategic Pathways for the Future of ASEAN
BANGKOK, THAILAND – Media OutReach Newswire – 18 August 2026 – The Joint Standing Committee on Commerce, Industry, and Banking (JSCCIB), comprising the Thai Bankers’ Association, the Board of Trade of Thailand, and the Federation of Thai Industries, in collaboration with the Ministry of Finance, the Bank of Thailand, the National Economic and Social Development Council (NESDC), and the World Bank, has announced its readiness to convene a high-level leadership conference, ‘The Bangkok Business Summit 2026,’ under the theme ‘Reinvent Thailand, Resilient ASEAN.’

To be held at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Center (QSNCC), the summit will showcase the vision of public-private sector collaboration aimed at restructuring Thailand’s economy. This event serves as a milestone paving the way toward the IMF-World Bank Group Annual Meetings 2026, which Thailand will proudly host in Bangkok in October 2026, as well as Thailand’s upcoming ASEAN Chairmanship in 2028.

A key highlight of The Bangkok Business Summit 2026 includes a keynote address entitled ‘Thailand’s Offer to the World’ by Mr. Anutin Charnvirakul, Prime Minister of Thailand. The address will declare Thailand’s readiness as a global investment hub, shifting the nation from cost-based competition to enhancing capabilities, innovation, and digital infrastructure. Furthermore, Dr. Ekniti Nitithanprapas, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, will deliver a policy address on ‘Unlocking the Next Growth Engines for Thailand & ASEAN,’ revealing policy reform steps designed to unlock private sector investment and drive the country’s new economic engines. Professor Dr. Yodchanan Wongsawat, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation, will address positioning Thailand as a regional investment platform for high-tech industries.

Mr. Payong Srivanich, Chairman of the Joint Standing Committee on Commerce, Industry, and Banking (JSCCIB), stated that this event aims to answer a critical question: How can Thailand transform global shifts and its central location in ASEAN into new opportunities for investment, job creation, and sustainable growth?

“The Bangkok Business Summit 2026 is not merely a platform for exchanging perspectives, but a venue where Thailand presents its concrete strengths, opportunities, and development directions to the global business community—bridging the government’s vision, recommendations from international organizations, and the practical expertise of the private sector,” Mr. Payong stated.”Thailand’s challenge today is not just growth, but building competitive growth in a rapidly changing world. We need a platform for collaborative efforts to ‘Reinvent Thailand’ by creating new economic engines and elevating our competitiveness so Thailand can capture new opportunities and become an integral part of a ‘Resilient ASEAN’ capable of adapting to global dynamics.”

Key Highlights & Session Overview

Special Keynote: Mr. Vitai Ratanakorn, Governor of the Bank of Thailand, will present on ‘Thailand’s New Horizons: From Ambition to Delivery.’
Global Insights Panel: Featuring in-depth discussions with Mr. Carlos Felipe Jaramillo, World Bank Vice President for East Asia and Pacific, Mr. Sarvesh Suri, Regional Vice President for Asia and Pacific, The International Finance Corporation (IFC), and Mr. John W.H. Denton, Secretary General of the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) exchanging views on economic trends, investments, and business opportunities.
Report Launch: Launch of the World Bank’s latest report, ‘Building Thailand’s Future Today: The Investment and Growth Playbook.’ The report proposes a roadmap for Thailand to achieve high-income country status through investment and reforms that create jobs, boost productivity, and lay the foundation for long-term growth, highlighting potential industries such as advanced manufacturing, sustainable & wellness tourism, digital services, agriculture & food, and the creative economy.
Luncheon Discussion: Thai Beverage Public Company Limited will host a special session entitled ‘Growth Reaches Communities: Sufficiency Economy Philosophy,’ presenting the Sufficiency Economy Philosophy as a framework that creates balance, strength, and sustainability from local communities to the business sector and macroeconomy.
Afternoon Tracks

Track 1: Building Resilience (Infrastructure, Energy, and Digital Finance): Led by Mr. Piti Disyatat, Deputy Governor for Monetary Stability, Bank of Thailand, in building competitiveness and the ability to attract future industries to the country. The session will include discussions on the topics of ‘Efficient Energy & Low-Carbon Infrastructure’ and ‘Policy Architecture and Low-Carbon Cities in Action’ focusing on investing in key infrastructure that will drive the industrial transition to a low-carbon society, with leaders from various sectors, including the Ministry of Energy, the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, PTT Public Company Limited, Gulf Energy Development Public Company Limited, Siam Cement Public Company Limited, Thai Airways Public Company Limited, and Google LLC and the topic of ‘Building Thailand’s Trusted Economy: Digital Public Infrastructure for Inclusive Growth,’ focusing on digital public infrastructure in the financial sector for sustainable growth, and safe and inclusive digital finance, with senior executives from Bangkok Bank, Krungsri Bank, TMBThanachart Bank, and Ascend Money.
Track 2: New Horizons (Future Industries, Agri-Food, and Human-Centric Economy): Led by Professor Dr. Yodchanan Wongsawat, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation, focusing on developing high-potential talent within organizations and positioning Thailand as a regional investment platform for high-tech industries, semiconductors, AI infrastructure, and advanced R&D.
Additionally, the Bangkok Business Summit 2026 will feature a panel discussion titled ‘The Future of Agrifood Business.’ Under the concept of Elevating to a Regional Strategic Asset, leaders from top companies including Sea Value PCL and Olam Agri (Singapore) will share their perspectives on how Thailand’s agrifood industry is evolving beyond its traditional role as the ‘Kitchen of the World’ to become a vital strategic asset for regional food security, and another discussion on ‘The Future of the Human-Centric Economy,’ integrating health, wellness, tourism, and the creative economy centered around people rather than isolated sectors. Panelists include Minor International, Bangkok Dusit Medical Services (BDMS), and Cerecin.

Closing & Actions

To conclude the summit, leaders from the three JSCCIB member organizations will summarize actionable proposals to transform insights into concrete practices. These encompass enhancing competitiveness, building investment ecosystems, and developing future industries. The event will culminate in the signing of a Letter of Intent for Cooperation on the Digital & AI Compact between Thailand’s economic agencies and the World Bank.

 

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