Analysis

China Import and Export Fair Complex, Guangzhou, 4 – 6 March 2026

SPS – Smart Production Solutions Guangzhou 2026 to showcase global innovations supporting the Greater Bay Area’s industrial transformation. Smart Production Solutions Guangzhou 2026, the leading smart manufacturing exhibition in China’s Greater Bay Area (GBA), a major economic and manufacturing zone in Southern China, will take place from 4 – 6 March 2026 at the China Import and Export Fair Complex. The event connects Chinese industry with leading global suppliers, supporting the region’s shift towards industrial modernisation and digital transformation. By pairing international technology showcases with business matchmaking, it enables manufacturers to progress from standalone equipment upgrades to fully integrated, factory-wide automation systems. Government investment and partnerships between industry, academia and research institutions are driving significant growth in the GBA’s intelligent manufacturing sector. The region combines the R&D strengths of Hong Kong and Macao with the extensive industrial base of the nine Pearl River Delta cities, creating an environment where the entire industrial value chain is locally accessible, from foundational research to production, financing and talent support. To advance this expansion, Guangdong has allocated RMB 26.2 billion (USD 3.6 billion) to its ‘manufacturing-first’ strategy. In addition, state-owned enterprises will invest more than RMB 20 billion (USD 2.8 billion) in artificial intelligence by 2027, with the goal of establishing an industry worth over RMB 100 billion (USD 14 billion). Aligning with these initiatives, SPS – Smart Production Solutions Guangzhou 2026 will bring together leading automation suppliers and manufacturers across more than 30 application sectors, including automotive engineering, 3C electronics, home appliances, food and beverage and new energy. At the fair, manufacturers will find the hardware, software and customised systems needed to improve product quality, enhance efficiency and modernise their operations. The event also draws on the international SPS network to link global technology providers with regional manufacturers, helping Chinese companies find international […]

Veolia expands mobile water services fleet to address growing needs in Oceania

Veolia expands its mobile water services fleet in Oceania to support municipalities, mining operations, and other industrial customers with advanced treatment technologies including clarification, filtration, reverse osmosis and ion exchange systems. New additions include Hydrotech™ disc filters for enhanced solids removal and Actiflo® clarification units to improve water clarity and minimise pollutants in both discharged and recycled water, delivering greater efficiency in a compact footprint. Expansion strengthens Veolia’s ability to provide rapid-response water treatment solutions while supporting its GreenUp strategic programme for ecological transformation. Veolia is expanding its mobile water services fleet in Oceania, reinforcing its long-term commitment to helping mining, municipal, and other industrial customers to meet diverse and evolving water treatment needs. As part of the company’s GreenUp strategic programme — Veolia’s global initiative to accelerate ecological transformation — the expanded fleet will help organisations enhance water efficiency and reduce environmental impact through rapidly deployable, high-performance water treatment solutions. Veolia’s mobile water treatment portfolio in Oceania now offers one of the most comprehensive ranges of solutions available in the market. This includes clarification, filtration, reverse osmosis, and ion exchange technologies through a diverse fleet of mobile Actiflo® clarifiers, Hydrotech™ disc filters, and ZeeWeed™ ultrafiltration membranes. These flexible, modular mobile assets are designed to address a wide range of water treatment challenges, from emergency response and planned maintenance to long-term augmentation of existing plant capacity. Recent investments to expand the fleet have allowed the addition of the following high-performance technologies: The newly introduced mobile Hydrotech disc filter technology provides enhanced solids removal, reducing fine suspended solids with its 10-micron filtration system. Treatment capacity ranges from 90 to 360 cubic metres per hour (m3/h), delivering greater efficiency without increasing the system’s footprint. Veolia’s Actiflo clarification system uses microsand ballast to accelerate the settling of suspended solids and precipitation of dissolved metals. This process improves water clarity and minimises pollutants in both discharged and […]

Valmet to supply automation for hydrogen fuel cell power facility in Naepo New Town, South Korea

Valmet has been selected to supply mission-critical automation solutions for a 20-megawatt (MW) hydrogen fuel cell power facility in Naepo New Town, South Korea, supporting Naepo City’s vision of becoming a clean energy hub. “We have previously partnered with Valmet on a biomass power plant and are now pleased to continue our collaboration on this pioneering hydrogen fuel cell project. Their automation expertise gives us confidence in achieving the clean energy goals for Naepo City,” says Changhyun Jung, Manager, Power Green Energy Department, Plant Business Division, Lotte Engineering & Construction. Lotte Engineering & Construction is acting as the EPC (Engineering, Procurement and Construction) contractor for the project. The end user, Naepo Green Energy Company, aims to transform Naepo City into a clean energy hub by complementing its existing 500 MW LNG combined heat and power (CHP) plant with hydrogen-based power generation. “Valmet is committed to supporting the global clean energy transition with advanced automation solutions. We are pleased to receive this new order from Lotte Engineering & Construction, reflecting the mutual trust built through our previous collaboration. This project further strengthens our position and opens new opportunities for energy transition applications in the region,” says Wanmo Yoon, Sales Manager, Asia-Pacific and China, Energy and Process Systems, Automation Solutions, Valmet. The order is included in Valmet’s orders received of the third quarter of 2025. The value of the order will not be disclosed. Delivery is scheduled for January 2026. Details about Valmet’s delivery The scope of delivery includes a Distributed Control System and User Interface. The automation system will manage and optimize operations across 48 hydrogen fuel cells, enabling high-efficiency, low-emission power generation through electrochemical reactions between hydrogen and oxygen. It is designed to ensure operational reliability, lifecycle efficiency and seamless integration with future energy infrastructure. About the customer Lotte Engineering & Construction […]

Hitachi Hi-Tech announces SU96000 electron microscope

Accelerating the expansion of digitalised assets and the deployment of Lumada 3.0 with a focus on the semiconductor field through the launch of a flagship model. Ultrahigh-Resolution Scanning Electron Microscope SU9600 Hitachi High-Tech Corporation has launched the Ultrahigh-Resolution Scanning Electron Microscope SU9600, which allows for highly accurate and precise observation of substances down to the sub-nano level(*1). The SU9600 retains the world-leading high resolution. It also incorporates efficient and automated functions to provide improved throughput of data acquisition, thereby helping users with highly precise and highly efficient observation. In response to the growing demand for large-scale data analysis driven by the rise of AI, Hitachi High-Tech supports the research and development of next-generation semiconductors and advanced materials. Hitachi Group is advancing Lumada 3.0, providing digital services that combines data generated from digitalized assets with domain knowledge and advanced AI. Through the SU9600 as a digitalized asset that acquires and generates data, Hitachi High-Tech is realizing the digital service “HMAX for Industry” that embodies Lumada 3.0, aiming to deliver greater value to our customers. By focusing on “Integrated Industry Automation” which aims to expand “HMAX for Industry” into growth industries horizontally such as semiconductors, we will contribute to drive innovation for frontline workers. (*1) Sub-nano level: Less than one nanometer (one millionth of a millimeter) in size. SU9600 Development Background Scanning Electron Microscopes (“SEM”) are used in a wide range of fields, including semiconductor devices, electronics and advanced materials. They have become indispensable in cases requiring high-precision observation of microstructures, including everything from research and development to process control at production sites. In particular, the recent surge in AI-driven demand within the semiconductor market has accelerated development cycles and created a growing need for high-precision, high-throughput analysis using SEMs. This is driven by the requirement for faster innovation and precise […]

Secutech Thailand spotlights key additions and solution categories set to define country’s safer, smarter cities

With safe, secure smart city initiatives central to Thailand’s economic ambitions, Secutech Thailand – the country’s leading platform for security and fire safety technologies – returns from 5 – 7 November 2025 at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Center (QSNCC). Security and fire safety are inseparably paired with Thailand’s smart city ambitions. Safety enables the functionality of smarter urban systems, reinforcing the fair’s role as a catalyst for innovation and improved quality of life. Ms Regina Tsai, General Manager of Messe Frankfurt (HK) Ltd – Taiwan Branch, elaborated: “Our vision is simple: you cannot build a truly smart city without first building a safe city. Secutech Thailand 2025 will showcase critical security and fire safety solutions that ensure future cities are both intelligent and protected.” Backed by key public and private partners, Secutech Thailand 2025 will leverage the rapid growth of the nation’s smart city sector, which continues to receive strong support from the Thai government[1] as part of its Thailand 4.0 and Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC) initiatives. The industry’s continued development is directly reflected in increased interest surrounding the upcoming fair, which is set to host over 400 exhibitors from 10 countries and regions including Australia, China, India, Korea, Malaysia, the Netherlands, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand, and the UAE, alongside an anticipated 14,000 visitors – with both figures more than double last year’s totals. This year marks an exciting new collaboration with N.C.C. Management and Development, who not only manage the 11,600 sqm fairground, but also organise the co-located Thailand Smart City Expo. The synergy between both shows promises to enhance the visitor and exhibitor experience, delivering a business environment that brings the key players of both industries under one roof. In addition, the concurrent Fire & Safety Thailand and co-located EdTEX, allow for even deeper cross-sector synergies, opening up new business possibilities across all […]

Vingroup establishes VinMetal steel manufacturing company, enters Metallurgy Industry

HANOI. Vingroup has established the VinMetal Joint Stock Company for Manufacturing and Trading, officially entering the metallurgy industry and expanding its existing Industrials & Technology pillar. The new company aims to meet the internal material needs of Vingroup’s ecosystem while contributing to the development of Vietnam’s heavy industry. VinMetal is launching with an initial investment of VND 10 trillion (approx. USD 380 million), with plans to build a high-tech industrial steel production complex in Vũng Áng, Hà Tĩnh. Phase 1 will have a capacity of around 5 million tons per year. The company will focus on producing steel products for civil construction, including hot-rolled steel, high-strength steel, and specialised alloy steels for electric vehicles and high-speed transportation infrastructure. Its flagship products will include high-quality sheet steel and stamped automotive body steel, as well as international-standard rails and structural steel for bridges, ports, and railways, targeting import substitution and future exports to regional markets. VinMetal will initially prioritise supplying materials for Vingroup’s core sectors such as Vinhomes real estate and VinFast electric vehicles. In addition, the company seeks to secure high-quality steel supply for major projects in industry, energy, and transportation currently under research and proposal, including the North-South high-speed railway, the HCMC-Cần Giờ line, and the Hà Nội-Quảng Ninh route. In the long term, VinMetal aspires to become a leader in green steel production in Vietnam, applying carbon-reducing technologies and reusing energy from renewable sources. This will not only advance the domestic metallurgy industry but also promote the growth of Vietnam’s heavy industry as a whole. Nguyễn Việt Quang, Vice Chairman and CEO of Vingroup and concurrently CEO of VinMetal, stated: “VinMetal is not just a steel plant. It represents a strategic preparation for a modern, green, and sustainable infrastructure future for Vietnam. At Vingroup, we believe that proactively developing foundational industries […]

Kaynes and DigiLens launch India’s first advanced waveguide manufacturing line

Launching India’s future in advanced optics and mobile computing. Kaynes Technology, a pioneer in next-generation electronics manufacturing, is advancing India’s position as a global hub for innovation with the launch of the country’s first advanced augmented reality (AR) waveguide manufacturing line, powered by DigiLens Inc.’s cutting-edge nanotechnology for Crystal waveguide displays used for smartglasses and various headworn devices. This launch adds India to the list of the select few nations able to master this critical technology for XR smartglasses and heads-up displays (HUDs), enabling them to power tomorrow’s connected world. Powered by DigiLens’ proprietary CrystalClear® photopolymer material and advanced inkjet printing with holographic contact-copy manufacturing, Crystal waveguides seamlessly overlay digital content onto the real world with unmatched transparency, efficiency, and minimal eye glow. Designed for scalability and cost-efficiency, they deliver superior image quality, clarity, and brightness—making them ideal for integration into headworn XR devices across consumer, enterprise, and defense markets. “India has the talent, scale, and ambition to lead the XR revolution,” said Brian Hamilton, VP of Sales and Marketing at DigiLens. “By uniting DigiLens’ optics expertise with Kaynes’ manufacturing excellence, we’re not only building an ecosystem that extends beyond individual components but also transferring critical optics knowledge to power the next generation of mobile compute—with India positioned to lead this category on the global stage.” With over 37 years of expertise, Kaynes has made significant investments to build global capabilities in India, starting from a small assembly business to a leader serving automotive, aerospace, defense, and medical electronics. Located in Mysore, the new facility features a 3,000 sq. ft., state-of-the-art Class 1000 cleanroom. This milestone aligns with the “Make in India” initiative of establishing India as a manufacturing hub for the world, by creating jobs in domestic manufacturing and enhancing local technical skills. Together, Kaynes and DigiLens will revolutionise mobile computing by […]

Tapway partners with Thai firms to expand vision AI presence

Tapway Sdn. Bhd., Malaysia’s developer of Vision AI software, has announced the appointment of Advantech Co., Ltd., Appomax Co., Ltd., and S I Media Co., Ltd., as its official channel partners in Thailand. This announcement builds on Tapway’s recent expansion in Indonesia, highlighting the growing regional demand for Vision AI technology. With the addition of these Thai partners, Tapway now has a channel network spanning Singapore, Indonesia, and Thailand, reinforcing its position as an emerging Vision AI player in Southeast Asia. Lim Chee How, CEO of Tapway, said, “Following our successful partnerships in Indonesia, we are now expanding into Thailand to meet the increasing need for intelligent automation. These partnerships mark another important step toward making Vision AI accessible, scalable, and locally relevant for businesses across Southeast Asia.” Under these partnerships, the Thai companies will distribute Tapway’s SamurAI Vision AI licenses, provide localized technical expertise, and deliver implementation and support services to customers in key industries, including retail, manufacturing, logistics, and smart city infrastructure. Matrix Choong, General Manager, Advantech Corporation (Thailand) Co., Ltd., said, “We are committed to developing a strong partnership with Tapway to drive growth together through the development of applications for smart cities and smart factories. Tapway’s powerful platform enables us to create Vision AI solutions for inspection, analytics, and advanced business intelligence (BI), enhancing our capability to deliver targeted, problem-solving services for our VIP customers. With Tapway’s technology and close support from their developer team, as stated in our MOU, we are confident in our ability to grow together, address critical customer challenges, and build a smarter future.” Vikan Chirawatpongsa, CEO of Appomax, commented, “Our collaboration with Tapway delivers AI Vision that is truly accessible — quick to deploy, intuitive to operate, and flexible enough for customers to train additional models on their own. Combined with […]

Rust prevention in manufacturing

The shop floor and assembly line can be vulnerable places for in-process metal goods. Freshly machined metal is a magnet for flash corrosion—when going in and out of air-conditioned QC areas or enduring hot, humid days in parts of the shop that are not climate controlled. The key advantage of VpCI® packaging is that it is fast and easy to use with little mess—unlike the hassle and cleanup associated with greasy rust preventatives. It is also highly effective. VpCI® packaging comes in many shapes and sizes, all based on Vapor phase Corrosion Inhibitor chemistry, which only requires an enclosed space and a bare metal surface in order to be effective. Vapor phase corrosion Inhibitors emit out of their foundational VpCI® packaging material, diffuse throughout an enclosure, and adsorb (i.e., lightly adhere) on the metal, creating a protective molecular barrier that blocks corrosive reactions with moisture, oxygen, chlorides, or other harsh elements. When the enclosure is opened, VpCI® molecules begin to float away, typically requiring no further cleaning before the component can be used. Get Creative: Mix-and-Match packaging for rust defense VpCI® packaging comes in many forms, allowing manufacturers to create a tailored solution that best fits their corrosion protection needs. These materials include VpCI®-126 film and bags in many styles, CorShield® VpCI®-146 paper, and VpCI® emitting materials such as BioPad® and Cor-Pak® 8-MUL Pouches. Some examples of how parts can be protected between manufacturing stages are as follows: Line a production bin with a VpCI®-126 gusseted bag, fill with machined parts, and close the bag after each addition. Add a BioPad® if extra protection is needed. Sandwich layers of brake disks or flywheels between pieces of CorShield® VpCI®-146 Paper inside a bin Cover racks/carts of gears with CorrCap™ VpCI® Protective Covers (customized shower-cap style versions of VpCI®-126 for easy removal […]

Dr. Indra Pradana Singawinata begins Second Term as APO’s 13th Secretary‑General

16 September 2025, marked the start of Dr. Indra Pradana Singawinata’s second term as the 13th Secretary‑General of the Asian Productivity Organisation (APO). He was reelected by the APO Governing Body at its 67th Session in May 2025 in Jakarta, Indonesia. His new term runs until 15 September 2028. APO Secretary-General Dr. Indra Pradana Singawinata Dr. Singawinata says, “Productivity is not merely output, but it is quality growth, dignified work, and sustainable progress.” In his second term, he aims to invest deliberately in productivity as a driver of competitiveness, resilience, and long‑term sustainability, helping APO members keep pace with rapid global change. During his first term (2022–25), Dr. Singawinata strengthened institutional governance and transparency and sharpened the APO’s strategic focus across member economies, positioning the organisation to be more responsive, agile, and future ready. Building on that platform, his second‑term priorities include the following: Governance and performance: Continuously improving institutional effectiveness and accountability across the Secretariat and APO programs. Member value: Positioning the APO as the premier productivity partner for national productivity organisations. Green Productivity (GP) 2.0: Scaling the GP 2.0 journey to pursue inclusive, innovation‑led, sustainable growth. AI for productivity: Expanding AI‑enabled solutions and capacity building across sectors. Future industries and skills: Supporting member economies in anticipating and building capabilities for emerging industries and the future of work. Dr. Indra Pradana Singawinata has served as the APO’s 13th Secretary‑General since 16 September 2022. Prior to joining the APO, he was Senior Vice President at the Indonesia Infrastructure Guarantee Fund (IIGF). He holds a PhD in philosophy from Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University (APU), Japan; a master’s degree in accounting from the University of Indonesia; and a bachelor’s degree in economics from Trisakti University, Indonesia. The APO is an intergovernmental organisation established in 1961 to increase productivity in the Asia-Pacific region […]

1 2 3 4 ›»

News Ticker

Analysis