TOKYO, Jan 28, 2026 - (JCN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - TANAKA PRECIOUS METAL GROUP Co., Ltd. (Head office: Chuo-ku, Tokyo; Group CEO: Koichiro Tanaka) announces that it has been recognized as a Tokyo Sports Promotion Company for fiscal 2025 under the certification program administered by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government. This marks the 11th consecutive year of recognition for the Group, following its initial certification in fiscal 2015.The Tokyo Sports Promotion Company Certification System was established by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government in fiscal 2015, under which companies and organizations that actively promote employees’ participation in sports and engage in social contribution activities related to sports are certified as Tokyo Sports Promotion Companies. In fiscal 2025, 427 companies in Japan received certification, bringing the total number of certified companies to 656.At TANAKA, in addition to initiatives aimed at promoting employee health and enhancing internal communication, the Group is engaged in supporting the promotion of sports as part of its commitment to contributing to the realization of an inclusive society and the creation of a healthy society.Externally, TANAKA continues its sponsorship activities as an official partner of the Japan Blind Football Association (JBFA). The Group also served as a category sponsor for awards and ceremonies at the LIGA.i Blind Soccer Top League 2025. Through these initiatives, TANAKA supports the wider adoption and development of sports while working to deepen understanding of parasports and to promote a society that respects diversity.In addition, as part of health promotion measures for employees and their families, TANAKA implemented the “TANAKA Health Challenge 2025.” This employee participatory initiative allows participants to select from multiple health and exercise-related challenge items that can be incorporated into daily life according to individual lifestyles, and to work on them over a designated period. The program focuses primarily on activities such as walking and stretching, which help address a lack of physical activity and improve lifestyle habits, thereby encouraging greater health awareness and positive behavioral change. Through these efforts, TANAKA contributes to the prevention of lifestyle-related diseases and the maintenance of both physical and mental health.These ongoing initiatives have been recognized, leading to the Group’s certification for the 11th consecutive year.TANAKA will continue its efforts to promote health through sports and to engage in social contribution activities on an ongoing basis.About TANAKASince its foundation in 1885, TANAKA has built a portfolio of products to support a diversified range of business uses focused on precious metals. TANAKA is a leader in Japan regarding the volume of precious metals it handles. Over many years, TANAKA has manufactured and sold precious metal products for industry and provided precious metals in such forms as jewelry and assets. As precious metals specialists, all Group companies in Japan and worldwide collaborate on manufacturing, sales, and technology development to offer a full range of products and services. With 5,591 employees, the group’s consolidated net sales for the fiscal year ended December 2024 were 846.9 billion yen.TANAKA PRECIOUS METAL GROUP Co., Ltd.TANAKA Corporate Websitehttps://www.tanaka.co.jp/english/Press inquiriesTANAKA PRECIOUS METAL GROUP Co., Ltd.https://www.tanaka.co.jp/support/req/other_contact_e/index.htmlPress release: https://www.acnnewswire.com/docs/doc/20260128.pdf  Copyright 2026 JCN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com. All rights reserved. www.jcnnewswire.com

TOKYO, Japan, Jan 28, 2026 - (JCN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - The NTT Group, comprising NTT, Inc., NTT DOCOMO, INC., and NTT DATA Group Corporation, announced today that they will jointly exhibit at MWC Barcelona 2026, the world's largest connectivity event, to be held in Barcelona, Spain, from March 2 to March 5, 2026. At this event, the NTT Group will showcase its technological capabilities and foster deeper connections with leading global companies. Under the unified concept introduced following the corporate identity (CI) renewal on July 1, 2025, the NTT Group aims to strengthen its global brand presence and expand its business internationally. This will be the NTT Group's first joint exhibition in seven years since 2019.Under the theme, “Photonics Unlocks an Intelligent Power-Optimized Future,” the NTT Group will present its initiatives centered around IOWN*1 optical technologies. These initiatives aim to address the anticipated rise in energy consumption resulting from the expanding use of AI by advancing low-power consumption solutions. The exhibition will also feature a range of AI-powered services, solutions, and applications in digital infrastructure, all aimed at enhancing people's lives and business activities, ultimately fostering a more sustainable society.As part of the event, NTT's President and CEO, Akira Shimada, will deliver a keynote speech on Wednesday, March 4, 2026. His presentation will emphasize the transformative potential of IOWN's optical technologies for reducing power consumption, while introducing key initiatives such as the commercialization of photonics-electronics convergence devices and the development of optical quantum computers.Exhibits will be organized into two main themes: “AI-Resilient Infrastructure with Photonics,” which focuses on leveraging optical technologies to build sustainable and energy-efficient infrastructure for an AI-driven society, and “AI-Powered Services and Solutions,” which highlights how AI is applied in real-world use cases today.Under “AI-Resilient Infrastructure with Photonics,” the NTT Group will showcase its latest initiatives surrounding IOWN, photonics-electronics convergence technology that improves energy efficiency in data centers, and optical quantum computing, which enables large-scale computation with less space, high speed, low power consumption, and lower costs. These innovations represent sustainable infrastructure tailored to support the growing adoption of AI. Additionally, the NTT Group will present advancements in the integration of AI within 6G mobile networks, including Network for AI,*2 a concept envisioning seamless coexistence between humans, AI, and robots.Under “AI-Powered Services and Solutions,” the exhibition will highlight initiatives and solutions that drive global transformation across corporate activities and industries by presenting NTT DATA's Agentic AI solution, as well as a DOCOMO's platform that enables remote robot operation and autonomous control through Physical AI. For individual customers, highlights include DOCOMO's new personal AI agent and AI-driven solutions under development that enable immersive entertainment experiences.For details on the exhibition content and an overview of the event, please refer to the appendix and dedicated special website.*3Through its participation in MWC Barcelona 2026, the NTT Group will showcase and promote initiatives centered around IOWN optical technologies to build infrastructure that supports the low power future. Additionally, it will advance efforts to leverage AI in enhancing people's lives and business activities, driving the transformation toward a more fulfilling society.*1 IOWN (Innovative Optical and Wireless Network) is a concept for a network and information processing infrastructure-including terminals-that leverages innovative, optical-centric technologies to enable ultra-high-speed, high-capacity communications and massive computing resources, while optimizing both individual and overall systems based on diverse data. For more details, please visit: https://group.ntt/en/group/iown/*2 Learn more about DOCOMO's 6G vision and Network for AI here: https://www.youtube.com/watchv=tUCFUEuPIRs*3 For the special site, visit: https://www.global.ntt/mwc/About NTTNTT is a leading global technology innovator, providing a broad range of services to both consumers and businesses. As a mobile operator and provider of infrastructure, networks, and services, NTT is dedicated to promoting a sustainable future through cutting-edge innovations. Our portfolio includes business consulting, AI-powered solutions, application services, global networks, cybersecurity, data center and edge computing, all supported by our deep global industry expertise. Generating over $90 billion in revenue and employing 340,000 professionals, we allocate 30% of our annual profits to fundamental research and development. With operations spanning more than 70 countries and regions, our clients include over 75% of Fortune Global 100 companies, alongside thousands of enterprises, government organizations, and millions of consumers.About NTT DOCOMONTT DOCOMO, Japan's leading mobile operator with over 91 million subscribers, is one of the global leaders in 3G, 4G and 5G mobile network technologies. Under the slogan “Bridging Worlds for Wonder & Happiness,” DOCOMO is actively collaborating with global partners to expand its business scope from mobile services to comprehensive solutions, aiming to deliver unsurpassed value and drive innovation in technology and communications, ultimately to support positive change and advancement in global society. https://www.docomo.ne.jp/english/About NTT DATANTT DATA is a $30+ billion business and technology services leader, serving 75% of the Fortune Global 100. We are committed to accelerating client success and positively impacting society through responsible innovation. We are one of the world's leading AI and digital infrastructure providers, with unmatched capabilities in enterprise-scale AI, cloud, security, connectivity, data centers and application services. Our consulting and industry solutions help organizations and society move confidently and sustainably into the digital future. As a Global Top Employer, we have experts in more than 70 countries. We also offer clients access to a robust ecosystem of innovation centers as well as established and start-up partners. NTT DATA is part of NTT Group, which invests over $3 billion each year in R&D. Visit us at nttdata.com. Copyright 2026 JCN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com. All rights reserved. www.jcnnewswire.com

 The Award Ceremony（Left: MHI Thermal Systems, Right: MHI）TOKYO, Jan 28, 2026 - (JCN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd. (MHI) has been recognized with awards at the 2025 Energy Conservation Grand Prize awards, organized by the Energy Conservation Center, Japan (ECCJ) and sponsored by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI). Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Thermal Systems, Ltd. (MHI Thermal Systems), a part of Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) Group, received the Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry Award, the highest award in the Products and Business Models Category (Business Field), for its JHT-Y/JHT-YI series of large-capacity centrifugal chillers adopting a low-GWP refrigerant. In addition, the Oye Plant at the Nagoya Aerospace Systems Works, part of MHI's Commercial Aviation Systems segment, received the Agency for Natural Resources and Energy Commissioner's Award in the Energy Conservation Case Study Category (Transport Field) for its "Energy Conservation Activities to Achieve MISSION NET ZERO: Endeavors at an Aerospace Parts Factory." The award ceremony was held in Tokyo on January 28th.The Energy Conservation Grand Prize awards are presented to Japanese companies, local governments, and educational institutions, recognizing examples of initiatives for energy savings, as well as highly energy-efficient products and business models. The awards aim to foster greater awareness of energy conservation, promote the widespread adoption of energy-saving products, and contribute to the realization of an energy-efficient world. MHI Thermal Systems has received awards numerous times, including the 2024 Agency for Natural Resources and Energy Commissioner's Award for its TEJ35AM electric-driven transport refrigeration unit for the ELF electric truck.(*1)The JHT-Y (constant-speed type) and JHT-YI (inverter type), which received the Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry Award this time, are large-capacity centrifugal chillers that utilize the refrigerant HFO-1234yf, which has a very low environmental impact with a GWP(*2) of less than 1. Centrifugal chillers are heat source equipment that generate chilled water with high efficiency. The adoption of a newly designed compressor provides a rated COP(*3) of up to 6.4, while the inverter-equipped model achieves high-efficiency operation with an IPLV(*4) of 8.8, and a maximum COP of 24.9 at partial load. In addition, upgrading to this series from existing products using HFC refrigerants (a CFC substitute), which have high GWP ratings, can reduce electricity consumption and CO₂ emissions by approximately 20% per year. As a result, this series is widely adopted in factories and district heating and cooling systems for air-conditioning and industrial process applications.The Oye Plant, which received the Agency for Natural Resources and Energy Commissioner's Award, is a historic production facility that includes buildings that are over 80 years old. Since the main wings and fuselages of commercial aircrafts are manufactured under strict quality control, there are many constraints on energy conservation. Under such conditions, in the wake of MHI Group's declaration to achieve its MISSION NET ZERO plan for carbon neutrality by 2040, MHI began implementing energy-saving initiatives under a new system from fiscal 2021. The first stage focused on eliminating waste by conducting energy-efficiency patrols monitoring all equipment in the plant, while in the second stage, the heat treatment furnaces were repaired and automated to enhance the thermal efficiency rate. For the third stage, cross-functional teams developed novel equipment diagnosis tools, and utilized a scientific approach to achieve overall optimization. As a result, in fiscal 2024, MHI achieved energy savings of 18% per unit of output,(*5) and CO₂ reductions of 4,200 tons, compared to fiscal 2021 levels. This efficiency scheme has been standardized, allowing it to be implemented at other locations. Promoting energy conservation with minimal investment while maintaining productivity and quality, the program was recognized for its sustainability, as well as its versatility and spillover effects.Encouraged by these awards, MHI Thermal Systems and MHI will continue to develop technologies and products that further reduce CO2 emissions and contribute to energy efficiency. In addition, MHI Group will leverage the synergies generated by its broad range of business areas to further focus on providing optimal solutions that meet the diverse needs of customers.(*1) For further information on MHI Thermal Systems' 2024 Energy Conservation Grand Prize, see the following press release. https://www.mhi.com/news/25013002.html(*2) Global Warming Potential (GWP) is a coefficient of the greenhouse effect of a gas relative to carbon dioxide (CO2), which has a fixed GWP of 1.0. Smaller values indicate a lower greenhouse effect, and better environmental performance. For further information on the JHT-Y/JHT-YI series, see the following press release. https://www.mhi.com/news/220405.html(*3) Coefficient of performance (COP) is a performance coefficient calculated based on Japanese Industrial Standards (JIS). Higher values indicate greater energy efficiency.(*4) Integrated part load value (IPLV) is an indicator of the efficiency of air conditioning equipment during partial load operation. Higher values indicate greater energy efficiency.(*5) Oil equivalent reduction of 2,074 kiloliters per year. The standardization of the practices at the Oye Plant and implementation at other MHI Group production facilities in Japan is expected to provide total reductions of up to 12,000 kiloliters per year.About MHI GroupMitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) Group is one of the world’s leading industrial groups, spanning energy, smart infrastructure, industrial machinery, aerospace and defense. MHI Group combines cutting-edge technology with deep experience to deliver innovative, integrated solutions that help to realize a carbon neutral world, improve the quality of life and ensure a safer world. For more information, please visit www.mhi.com or follow our insights and stories on spectra.mhi.com. Copyright 2026 JCN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com. All rights reserved. www.jcnnewswire.com

Damhead Creek Power StationLondon, UK, Jan 28, 2026 - (JCN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - Mitsubishi Power, a power solutions brand of Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd. (MHI), today announced the successful completion of an upgraded reliability package at the 812MW natural gas-fired gas turbine combined cycle (GTCC) power generation plant at Damhead Creek Power Station, which is owned and operated by leading power company VPI.The package for the facility at Damhead Creek consists of different elements which combined will achieve better start up response, increased performance and improved reliability. It also includes an upgrade to the turbine control system.These efficiency and reliability upgrades are vital for gas turbines, given that gas-fired power plants are increasingly being used as essential flexible assets that support intermittent renewable energy. This is especially true in countries like the UK, which have a high degree of renewable penetration and where these plants are required to frequently start and stop generation as and when the system needs it.Javier Cavada, President and CEO for Europe, Middle East and Africa at Mitsubishi Power , commented: "In today’s power grid, GTCCs are crucial - not only for keeping the lights on for homes and businesses - but also for the scale-up of renewable energy, by delivering flexible and reliable power generation. There is no renewable energy without thermal generation providing the reliability, flexibility and security of supply.This evolved role for gas fired generation is critical - but it is also one that places significant stress on GTCC plants generally and on the gas turbines specifically. The completion of the Upgraded Reliability Package at Damhead Creek will ensure that the plant is able to deliver power to homes in a more efficient and more reliable way for years to come, and in doing so, will ensure a more sustainable grid by supporting the integration of more renewable energy sources."The turbines at the GTCC plant were originally delivered to Damhead Creek by Mitsubishi Power in 2000. After purchasing the plant in 2021, VPI signed a service agreement with Mitsubishi Power to deliver a major programme of investment in the site to improve its efficiency and reliability. This included maintenance, management, parts supply and remote monitoring services for the gas turbines at the GTCC plant, and the delivery of the upgraded reliability package.Damhead Creek Power Station is a natural gas-fired power plant located on the Hoo Peninsula in Kent, England. Commissioned in 2001, Damhead Creek is a key source of flexible power for the South-East of England, serving around 1.1 million households. It is owned and operated by VPI.For more information about Mitsubishi Power and its innovations in the energy sector, please visit: https://power.mhi.com/regions/emea/ Copyright 2026 JCN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com. All rights reserved. www.jcnnewswire.com

KAWASAKI, Japan, Jan 28, 2026 - (JCN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - Fujitsu Limited and Tokai National Higher Education and Research System (THERS) today announced the successful development of a new technology to predict solar radiation events [1] and their potential impact. The new technology combines probability estimation and the identification of past similar events based on Fujitsu's Wide Learning explainable AI technology which is part of the Fujitsu Kozuchi XAI service.Solar radiation events have been difficult to predict using simple empirical methods based solely on solar flare magnitude. By leveraging AI, this technology extracts complex causal relationships and presents them in an explainable manner. Furthermore, by presenting past solar radiation events similar to those predicted, based on the extracted conditions, it allows for a comprehensive understanding of the actual impact on daily life and corresponding countermeasures that were implemented during those previous events.With this new technology, Fujitsu and THERS aim to establish an environment for promptly determining future solar radiation risks and countermeasures based on scientific evidence, thereby facilitating optimal operational decisions regarding possible lethal threats to astronauts in activities like extravehicular operations, lunar base planning, and crewed transport for lunar and Martian missions.Moving forward, Fujitsu and THERS will enhance the developed technology to protect vulnerable societal infrastructure including power grids, satellite communications, GPS, and polar flights from space weather impacts, thereby showcasing the efficacy of Fujitsu's Wide Learning and positioning it as a foundational technology for a sustainable and resilient society.Figure: Impacts of solar activity and solar radiation events Overview of the new technology Solar activity, including flares and coronal mass ejections (CMEs) [2], impacts societal infrastructure by causing communication outages, degrading GPS accuracy, and inducing power grid currents. Additionally, solar radiation events, while more likely with larger solar flares, pose unpredictable and serious threats to astronauts and satellites due to a weak correlation between flare size and radiation dosage, meaning that even relatively small flares can potentially deliver lethal doses of radiation in space.To address these challenges, Fujitsu and THERS have developed the following technologies to improve the accuracy of solar eruptive event predictions and provide scientific evidence for risk assessment in operational settings:1. Technology for estimating the probability of solar radiation events using Wide LearningUtilizing conditions identified by Wide Learning, the technology automatically selects past solar radiation events that are most similar to current predictions This enables operators to quickly understand not only event probabilities but also potential radiation levels and impacts by referencing data from analogous previous occurrences2. Technology for presenting past similar events based on prediction evidence Utilizing conditions identified by Wide Learning, the technology automatically selects past solar radiation events that are most similar to current predictionsThis enables operators to quickly understand not only event probabilities but also potential radiation levels and impacts by referencing data from analogous previous occurrencesAbout FujitsuFujitsu’s purpose is to make the world more sustainable by building trust in society through innovation. As the digital transformation partner of choice for customers around the globe, our 113,000 employees work to resolve some of the greatest challenges facing humanity. Our range of services and solutions draw on five key technologies: AI, Computing, Networks, Data & Security, and Converging Technologies, which we bring together to deliver sustainability transformation. Fujitsu Limited (TSE:6702) reported consolidated revenues of 3.6 trillion yen (US$23 billion) for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2025 and remains the top digital services company in Japan by market share. Find out more: global.fujitsuPress ContactsFujitsu LimitedPublic and Investor Relations DivisionInquiries  Copyright 2026 JCN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com. All rights reserved. www.jcnnewswire.com

HONG KONG, January 27, 2026 - (ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) – The 19th Asian Financial Forum (AFF), jointly organised by the Hong Kong SAR (HKSAR) Government and Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), concluded successfully today. The forum attracted an enthusiastic response, drawing over 4,000 leaders from governments and business sectors across over 60 countries and regions. Over the two-day forum, over 150 financial officials, leaders of multilateral organisations, representatives from financial institutions and enterprises took the stages as speakers. The forum also launched the inaugural Global Business Summit to further integrate finance with key industries, driving innovation and economic development, while injecting strong momentum into Hong Kong as it embarks on a new chapter in the year ahead by strengthening its role through financial empowerment.The Asian Financial Forum kicked off International Financial Week 2026, marking the first significant financial event in the region this year. AFF’s various sessions, including Plenary Sessions, Keynote Luncheons, a Breakfast Panel and thematic workshops, were all well attended. Guests engaged actively in exchanges on a wide range of trending topics, offering valuable insights and forward-looking perspectives.At the Keynote Luncheon on the first day of AFF, Dr José Manuel Barroso, Former President of the European Commission, Former Prime Minister of Portugal, and the Chairman of the Advisory Board of Goldman Sachs International, delivered a keynote speech on Hong Kong’s pivotal role in fostering regional cooperation and how Asia can draw on Europe’s experience to deepen economic integration. Dr Barroso said: “What we are seeing now is a technological race. This creates instability. And so, the major companies in the world – American, European, but also in Asia – the leaders want to see how they can position their corporations in a favourable position facing the geopolitical risk and the technological risk.”Furthermore, at the Panel Discussion on Global Economic Outlook, Dr Zhu Min, Member of the Senior Expert Advisory Committee of the China Center for International Economic Exchanges (CCIEE), spoke about the opportunities that renminbi internationalisation will bring to Hong Kong. He said: “I see competition among the three major currencies. RMB internationalisation requires liquidity and a bond market – Hong Kong is perfectly positioned to provide this service.”At the forum yesterday, the Financial Services and the Treasury Bureau signed a cooperation agreement with the Shanghai Gold Exchange, marking a significant milestone in strengthening collaboration between the Hong Kong and Shanghai gold markets. The agreement established a high-level cooperative governance framework for Hong Kong’s central gold clearing system, explored opportunities for coordinated development of physical infrastructure, and enhanced market connectivity. This initiative represented an important step forward in Hong Kong’s development as an international gold trading hub.The inaugural Global Business Summit, co-organised by the Financial Services and the Treasury Bureau of the HKSAR Government, HKTDC and the Office for Attracting Strategic Enterprises (OASES), was held today as part of AFF. The summit opened with welcome remarks delivered by Paul Chan, Financial Secretary of the HKSAR Government, and Prof Frederick Ma, Chairman of the HKTDC.Prof Ma said: “Financial services help industries and investors maximise their investments and their impact. This will have far-reaching benefits, supporting continued technological breakthroughs, as well as closer integration and sustainable development. In this sense, the Global Business Summit reflects the greater emphasis we are placing on co-creation at this year’s AFF.  In these unpredictable times, working together on shared goals adds to the agility and resilience of our economies, our industries and businesses, and our communities. Hong Kong, under the “One Country, Two Systems” arrangement, is perfectly suited to host these conversations and promote cross-sector collaboration, as a superconnector, super value-adder and supercollaborator. Our city is home to businesses from around the world.  It is a bustling two-way gateway between the Chinese Mainland and the rest of the world – helping high-growth enterprises from the Chinese Mainland to go global, while enabling high-growth foreign enterprises to enter China.”A Pledging Ceremony today demonstrated the commitment of HKSAR Government, the HKTDC and AFF Partners in working together to assist Chinese Mainland enterprises in going global via the Hong Kong platform and to integrate into overall national development. AFF Partners included EY, HSBC, Bank of China (Hong Kong), Standard Chartered, UBS, CICC, Huatai Securities, Bank of Communication (Hong Kong) and China CITIC Bank International. During the summit, a series of plenary sessions were held, including Business Plenary I - Chinese Mainland Enterprises Going Global, and Business Plenary II - Strategic Collaboration for Shared Growth, focusing on the latest opportunities in global market expansion and inbound foreign investment.In Business Plenary I - Chinese Mainland Enterprises Going Global, chaired by Victor Chu, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, First Eastern Investment Group, and prominent business leaders from XPENG, Zhejiang Geely Holding Group, LONGi Green Energy, Wusawa Advisory, Alibaba Group, Seres Group, and Shanghai Industrial Investment (Holdings), discussed  how Chinese Mainland enterprises are formulating global expansion strategies amid shifts in the macroeconomic landscape. The speakers explored challenges these companies face and emerging opportunities in their pursuit of international growth.Leading global investment institutions and business executives shared their observations and strategies for entering the Chinese Mainland market in Business Plenary II - Strategic Collaboration for Shared Growth. With national policies promoting stronger domestic demand and high-quality development, the Chinese Mainland offers abundant opportunities for international enterprises to expand cross-border collaboration and deepen their positions along industry value chains. The session featured remarks by Liu Haoling, President, China Investment Corporation and was chaired by Lincoln Pan, Chief Executive Officer, Jardine Matheson. Speakers included representatives from Banking Circle, Infineon AG, Investcorp, JP Morgan, Revolut and Triton Partners. They engaged in an in-depth discussion on how international companies can develop new business roadmaps in the Chinese Mainland through investment, partnerships and joint ventures. They examined Hong Kong’s critical role as a gateway for international enterprises entering the Chinese Mainland market.During the session, Mohammed Alardhi, Executive Chairman, Investcorp, said: “The China-Gulf Cooperation Council corridor is vital. We’re connecting companies throughout the corridor, implementing Chinese technology there, and buying Chinese vehicles for logistics. It bridges the world’s second-largest economy and the Gulf region, which is transforming with vast opportunities and capital. When you compare the valuations of Chinese companies and technologies with those from the West, there’s no comparison. There is a significant appetite in the Gulf region to partner with them.”The summit featured a series of discussion sessions covering high-growth, high-value sectors, including biomedicine and healthcare, green energy, new consumer trends, artificial intelligence and robotics. The speaker lineup was powerful. In the session titled “Biomedicine 2026: Trends, Challenges and Opportunities”, Amgen and Merck highlighted key challenges facing the industry; notably the high cost and lengthy cycles of R&D. They emphasised the need to build diversified and internationalised financing channels, enabling financial services to play an empowering, multiplier role in accelerating technological translation and commercialisation.The sessions “AI Infrastructure: Powering the Intelligent Supply Chain” and “AI Driven Robotics and Autonomous Technologies Revolutionising Industry” featured a who’s who of business leaders with speakers from DexForce Technology, JD.com and Pictet Group discussing scalable application strategies, key investment priorities and growth momentum generated through ecosystem collaboration. The latter session, chaired by Dr Allan Wong, Chairman and Group Chief Executive Officer, VTech Holdings Limited; leaders from AI² Robotics, Galbot and Tencent offered forward looking insights into how AI driven robotics can integrate into the real economy, transforming sectors such as healthcare, manufacturing and services, while creating entirely new investment opportunities.Polling on Future Technology Trends and Asset Allocation StrategiesAFF conducted real-time polling across multiple sessions to gauge participants’ views on the global economic outlook, their expectations for future financial and technological trends, and their asset-allocation strategies. More than 70% of attendees were neutral to optimistic about the global economic outlook for this year. Meanwhile, 51.2% of participants believed that in today’s rapidly evolving international landscape, priority should be given to developing artificial intelligence and AI-driven applications, followed by energy transition and sustainable development (20.3%).Onsite deal-making sessions and online platform extend outcomesThe HKTDC has long positioned AFF as a vital platform for facilitating international investment and driving substantive cooperation, proactively connecting enterprises with potential partners and providing business-matching opportunities. During the forum, HKTDC and the Hong Kong Venture Capital and Private Equity Association continued to co-organise AFF Deal-making. This year, AFF Deal-making attracted over 280 investors and over 600 investment projects, resulting in more than 800 one-on-one meetings that successfully connected global capital with investment opportunities. Among them, a returning participant from Thailand, who joined the event to explore new funding sources and co-investment opportunities, said he was pleased to have met several promising potential partners. An Australian food processing project owner also reported positive outcomes, noting that the platform helped identify potential partners who can provide support beyond financial investment, including practical expertise and technical guidance. The matching services will move online on Wednesday 28 and Thursday 29 January, allowing investors and project owners to continue connecting via the online platform.This year’s Project Investment Sessions highlighted several strategically essential development initiatives in Hong Kong. These included the Northern Metropolis, which drives cross-sector collaboration and industry upgrading; SKYTOPIA, the Airport City development shaping the future international aviation hub at Hong Kong International Airport; and the Hong Kong–Shenzhen Innovation and Technology Park, which accelerates the growth of the I&T ecosystem in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area. Representatives of the respective organisations presented the latest project updates and investment opportunities on-site, offering participants deeper insights into Hong Kong’s long-term plans for regional connectivity, innovation-driven development and infrastructure enhancement, underscoring the city’s unique strengths as a premier international investment destination.In addition, on the first day of this year’s AFF, Hong Kong food-tech company Techvalue International and Australia’s Gryph Holdings signed a Memorandum of Understanding to establish a joint venture that will launch innovative plant-based products that can be prepared instantly with either cold or hot water. The collaboration was facilitated by the HKTDC Sydney Office, building on business connections the two parties developed through previous editions of AFF. The joint venture will first introduce its products in Papua New Guinea before gradually expanding into the Australian and New Zealand markets. It demonstrates Hong Kong’s pivotal role in enabling cross-border collaboration in food-tech innovation.Four zones showcase new opportunities in innovation, sustainability and investmentThis year’s AFF featured four key thematic zones –  the FutureGreen Showcase, FintechHK Start-up Salon, InnoVenture Salon and Global Investment Zone – bringing together some 150 exhibitors, including EY (AFF’s Knowledge Partner), HSBC, Bank of China (Hong Kong), Standard Chartered, CICC and Huatai Securities. The newly introduced FutureGreen Showcase highlighted the latest applications in green finance and green technology, fostering capital matching and collaboration with sustainable development projects. Exhibitors showcased solutions spanning green certification and standards, climate-risk assessment and reporting, carbon-credit trading and management, regulatory compliance and ESG monitoring, demonstrating robust market demand for green transformation across different sectors.Two roundtable meetings were also held during AFF. The Hong Kong International Fundraising Roundtable 2026, held today, brought together senior executives from Chinese Mainland and overseas enterprises, as well as leaders from Hong Kong’s financial and professional services sectors, to discuss how to meet financing needs across various industries. The Attracting Strategic Enterprises: Roundtable on Hong Kong Opportunities held on the first day of the AFF was co-organised for the first time by the HKTDC and the OASES. The session provided a dedicated platform for key Chinese Mainland and international enterprises interested in establishing or expanding their presence in Hong Kong to connect with local financial and professional service providers.2026 International Financial Week kicks off, showcasing Hong Kong as a leading international financial centreInternational Financial Week 2026 officially commenced on 26 January, featuring 14 industry events that span a wide range of globally watched financial and business topics, including ASEAN opportunities, digital finance, green finance, family offices, private equity and alternative investments. Together, these events underscore Hong Kong’s unique role as the region’s most comprehensive and diversified international financial centre.WebsitesAsian Financial Forum: https://www.asianfinancialforum.com/aff/Photos Download: https://bit.ly/3M8fWBlThe 19th Asian Financial Forum, co-organised by the HKSAR Government and the HKTDC, concluded successfully today, attracting more than 4,000 leaders from the financial, political, and business sectors from over 60 countries and regions, including 80 Chinese Mainland and overseas business delegationsAt the Panel Discussion on Global Economic Outlook on the first day of AFF, Dr Zhu Min, Member of the Senior Expert Advisory Committee of the China Center for International Economic Exchanges (CCIEE), spoke about the opportunities that RMB internationalisation will bring to Hong Kong“AFF Partners Supporting GoGlobal” Pledging CeremonyOn the second day Keynote Luncheon, business leader, investor and philanthropist Paul Polman shared his insights as the keynote speakerPaul Chan, Financial Secretary of the HKSAR Government, delivered opening remarks at the inaugural Global Business SummitProf Frederick Ma, HKTDC Chairman, delivered opening remarks at the inaugural Global Business SummitDr Paul Burton (second left), Senior Vice President and Chief Medical Officer, Amgen, and Marc Horn (centre), Executive Vice President, Merck Group; President, Merck China, shared their insights during “Global Business Summit – Biomedicine 2026: Trends, Challenges, and Opportunities”AFF Deal-making this year attracted over 280 investors and over 600 investment projects, resulting in more than 800 one-on-one meetingsMedia enquiriesYuan Tung Financial RelationsLousie SongTel: (852) 3428 5690Email: lsong@yuantung.com.hkTiffany LeungTel: (852) 3428 2361Email: tleung@yuantung.com.hkHKTDC’s Communications & Public Affairs Department:Johnny TsuiTel: (852) 2584 4395Email: johnny.cy.tsui@hktdc.orgJane CheungTel: (852) 2584 4137Email: jane.mh.cheung@hktdc.orgSerena CheungTel: (852) 2584 4272Email: serena.hm.cheung.hktdc.orgAbout HKTDCThe Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) is a statutory body established in 1966 to promote, assist and develop Hong Kong's trade. With over 50 offices globally, including 13 in the Chinese Mainland, the HKTDC promotes Hong Kong as a two-way global investment and business hub. The HKTDC organises international exhibitions, conferences and business missions to create business opportunities for companies, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), in the mainland and international markets. The HKTDC also provides up-to-date market insights and product information via research reports and digital news channels. For more information, please visit: www.hktdc.com/aboutus.  Copyright 2026 JCN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com. All rights reserved. www.jcnnewswire.com

TOKYO, Jan 28, 2026 - (JCN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - NEC Corporation (NEC; TSE: 6701) today announced the development of a high-efficiency, compact Power Amplifier Module (PAM) for the sub-6GHz band, designed for integration into 5G base station Radio Units (RUs).PAMs are electronic components that amplify signals for long-distance radio transmission, and their power consumption accounts for approximately 75% of the total power consumed by an RU (*1). By integrating this high-efficiency PAM into RUs, NEC aims to reduce device power consumption and size, thereby contributing to overall power savings in 5G networks and reduced operational costs for telecommunication carriers.NEC plans to incorporate this PAM into new RUs scheduled for release in the first half of fiscal year 2026 (*2) and also envisions a global deployment of the PAM as a standalone product, including its application in base stations from other manufacturers.New Power Amplifier Module for 5G Base Station Radio Units (Front/Back)This PAM achieves both high efficiency and compactness, which has been challenging until now, by integrating NEC's strengths in high-efficiency circuit design technology using Gallium Nitride (GaN) devices, high-density mounting technology, and simulation expertise related to load modulation methods. Specifically, it achieves a high Power-Added Efficiency (PAE) of 50%, indicating the proportion of supplied DC power that can be used for amplifying radio signals. This results in a 10% reduction in power consumption compared to conventional PAMs (*3). Furthermore, it boasts a compact form factor of 10mm x 6mm.Since 5G networks utilize higher frequency bands compared to 4G, the coverage area of a single RU is relatively narrower. Therefore, to ensure comprehensive coverage across wide areas and even behind buildings, more RUs need to be deployed. By integrating this PAM into RUs, NEC aims to reduce the power consumption of individual RUs, contributing to overall power savings in 5G networks and lowering operational costs for telecommunication carriers.NEC will showcase this PAM at "MWC Barcelona 2026 (MWC2026)," the world's largest mobile-related exhibition, scheduled from March 2 to 5, 2026. At the venue, NEC will highlight the PAM's features, high-efficiency operation, energy-saving effects, and increased design flexibility for equipment.Going forward, NEC will continue to provide technologies that balance energy efficiency and high performance to realize sustainable network infrastructure.Some of the technologies used in the new device were obtained from a grant program (JPJ012368G50801) by the National Institute of Information and Communications Technology (NICT), Japan.(*1) According to NEC research (as of January 28, 2026)(*2) Press release: NEC Develops New 5G Base Station Radio Unit for Enhanced Communication Throughput, Compactness, and Energy Efficiency https://www.nec.com/en/press/202601/global_20260123_01.html(*3) According to NEC research (as of January 28, 2026)About NECThe NEC Group leverages technology to create social value and promote a more sustainable world where everyone has the chance to reach their full potential. NEC Corporation was established in 1899. Today, the NEC Group’s approximately 110,000 employees utilize world-leading AI, security, and communications technologies to solve the most pressing needs of customers and society.For more information, please visit https://www.nec.com, and follow us on LinkedIn and YouTube.  Copyright 2026 JCN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com. All rights reserved. www.jcnnewswire.com