The Creative Class

Sidel drives smart manufacturing innovation at ProPak Asia 2026

Booth AG 28, Hall C2: 10 to 13 June, IMPACT Muang Thong Thani, Bangkok, Thailand. At ProPak Asia 2026, Sidel will spotlight its advanced technologies, complete line expertise and digital solutions that are helping manufacturers improve efficiency, flexibility and sustainability across production operations. From Aseptic Predis X4™️ and EvoBLOW Laser to integrated digital services and multi-format packaging capabilities, visitors will discover how Sidel enables producers in building more agile and future ready operations. Alongside these core technologies, Sidel will also bring its expertise across beverage, food, and home and personal care (FHPC) markets, reinforcing its position as a partner for complete, future-ready production solutions. As Asia’s premier exhibition for processing and packaging moves to the expanded IMPACT Muang Thong Thani venue, ProPak Asia 2026 provides an ideal platform for Sidel to demonstrate its leadership in end-to-end line solutions, advanced engineering and smart services. With more than 40 years’ experience in complete lines for alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, Sidel combines deep category expertise with continuous innovation to support customers in navigating increasing production complexity and evolving consumer demands. Delivering value across the entire line Designed to meet the needs of every stakeholder, from line managers and operators to maintenance teams, Sidel’s solutions address complex production requirements while driving higher equipment availability, line efficiency and operational reliability. Through advanced engineering, comprehensive project management, smart services and customer-focused support, Sidel delivers a seamless end-to-end experience that supports long-term production performance. Showcasing complete line expertise Visitors will gain insights into Sidel’s complete line solutions, from line design, installation, performance optimization to lifecycle support. Tailored to the specific needs of each customer, these integrated systems help streamline operations, maximise performance and minimise downtime. Building deep expertise in managing bottles of any material, shape or resistance, Sidel supports companies across PET, can and glass formats, as […]

Thailand approves $29 billion investment wave as data center demand surges

BANGKOK – Thailand’s Board of Investment (BOI) has approved six major projects worth a combined 958 billion baht, or approximately USD 29 billion, led by a large-scale data infrastructure expansion by TikTok System (Thailand) Co., Ltd., underscoring the country’s growing role as a regional hub for data centers, cloud services and AI-driven digital infrastructure. The approvals were made at a BOI Board meeting chaired by Mr. Ekniti Nitithanprapas, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance. The Board also approved a second batch of projects under the Thailand FastPass mechanism and discussed with energy agencies steps to strengthen electricity readiness and improve access to clean energy — two increasingly important factors in attracting large-scale digital and high-technology investment. Mr. Narit Therdsteerasukdi, Secretary General of the BOI, said the latest approvals reflect growing investor confidence in Thailand at a time when global companies are racing to expand digital infrastructure across Asia. “Amid continuing global volatility, investment in Thailand’s digital and advanced technology sectors continues to grow, reflecting investor confidence in the country’s potential as a regional technology hub,” Mr. Narit said. “For Thailand to capture this new investment cycle, we must be ready not only with investment incentives, but also with sufficient power, clean-energy options, skilled talent, deeper supply chains and a reliable facilitation system that allows projects to move quickly from approval to operation.” Of the six approved projects, three are in data center and data hosting services, with a combined investment value of 913 billion baht, or approximately USD 27 billion. The largest project is by TikTok System (Thailand) Co., Ltd., valued at 842 billion baht, or approximately USD 25 billion. The project will install additional servers and expand data storage and processing infrastructure across Bangkok, Samut Prakan and Chachoengsao Province, supporting rising demand for digital services and strengthening Thailand’s […]

FPT AI Factory partners to launch an agent-native commerce platform

HANOI, Vietnam–FPT AI Factory, in partnership with InFlow and Visa Intelligent Commerce, has launched an agent-native commerce platform, enabling access to frontier AI models that fuel AI agents in action. AI agents can dynamically route between models based on cost, latency, or performance. This collaboration allows seamless AI agent workflows to autonomously research, procure, and pay for services while ensuring security and compliance, pioneering the B2AI economy on a global scale. FPT AI Factory serves as the production inference layer, demonstrating the agent-native commerce platform live where AI agents access compute services, execute high-frequency API calls, and generate sustained, programmatic demand. The Dawn of B2AI Commerce B2AI commerce, where AI agents research, negotiate, and complete purchases autonomously, is rapidly moving from concept to production reality. The new horizon is B2AI: an emerging commercial paradigm in which AI agents are the new customer type executing end-to-end procurement workflows under human-defined intent and outcomes. Just as cloud infrastructure unlocked the SaaS economy, the agent-native commerce platform is now unlocking the B2AI economy, opening an entirely new commerce market. Closing the Loop: The Full B2AI Commerce Stack This three-way partnership assembles every layer required for an end-to-end, agent-native transaction. InFlow provides B2AI commerce infrastructure for both sides of the transaction. AI agents (buyers) onboard, pay, and transact as discrete customers. Businesses (sellers) onboard, transact with, and monetize agent-driven demand at scale. Visa Intelligent Commerce contributes trusted payment credentials and global network access, ensuring every agent-initiated transaction is authenticated, policy-governed, and fully auditable. FPT AI Factory serves as the production inference layer, demonstrating the agent-native commerce platform live where AI agents access compute services, execute high-frequency API calls, and generate sustained, programmatic demand. Together, the three companies cover the complete transaction stack: identity, payment credentials, and AI compute, making B2AI commerce operational today. What This Unlocks for […]

Multi-Year strategic collaboration to accelerate industrial intelligence in the Cloud

AVEVA, a global leader in industrial software, and Amazon Web Services (AWS) have announced a multi-year Strategic Collaboration Agreement (SCA) to accelerate the delivery of industrial intelligence in the cloud. The agreement deepens the companies’ existing relationship and establishes a framework for joint technology development, go-to-market execution, and customer migration support across the global industrial sector. Under the terms of the agreement, AVEVA will expand its CONNECT industrial intelligence platform on AWS, as part of its broader move to a multi-cloud architecture. By using services including Amazon Bedrock, Amazon Bedrock AgentCore, and Amazon Elastic Compute Cloud (Amazon EC2), AVEVA will deliver both public and private SaaS capabilities for industrial customers worldwide, accelerating this multi-cloud strategy and reinforcing AVEVA’s commitment to flexibility and scalability. The collaboration also encompasses listing AVEVA products on AWS Marketplace, joint customer migration programs, and a shared commitment to training and certification across both organisations. By bringing CONNECT and the broader AVEVA portfolio to AWS, the two companies aim to give industrial customers a faster, more scalable path to cloud-native operations, reducing the complexity and cost of managing on-premises infrastructure while enabling new AI-driven capabilities that were previously impractical at scale. “Industrial companies are sitting on decades of operational data that holds enormous, untapped value,” said Rob McGreevy, Chief Product Officer, AVEVA. “As AVEVA advances its multi-cloud strategy, building CONNECT on AWS gives our customers even greater flexibility and scalability, empowering them to turn that data into intelligence that helps them design faster, operate smarter, and optimise continuously. AVEVA’s software sits at the heart of mission-critical operations for more than 20,000 enterprises across 150+ countries. This collaboration accelerates how the industrial world can harness cloud and AI with the freedom of choice they expect.” Key Elements of the collaboration: • CONNECT on AWS: AVEVA will build and […]

TDConnex wins Leading Innovator of the Year award for Electronics at India’s 2026 MSME Awards

TDConnex was one of two recipients in the Electronics category for the prestigious national MSME award in India for 2026. TDConnex, a global leader in micro-precision manufacturing, has been named Leading Innovator of the Year — Electronics at the 2026 India MSME Awards. TDConnex was one of only two recipients of the prestigious national prize for India. The Electronics Innovator of the Year award is among the most selective national recognitions for enterprise innovation in India’s electronics manufacturing sector. The award honours enterprises that have demonstrated distinctive innovation, technical capability, and impact in advancing India’s position in the global electronics value chain. The recognition acknowledges TDConnex’s sustained contribution to building global-scale precision manufacturing capability in India. Since establishing its first Indian manufacturing campus in Tamil Nadu, TDConnex has grown into one of the country’s leading platforms for advanced micro-precision components. TDConnex is an established global leader in producing these high-precision components, used in many of the world’s most advanced electronic products. Today, TDConnex components can be found in over a billion electronic devices around the world. “This recognition is deeply meaningful for TDConnex, and for our global team who have made our ambitious vision for India into a reality today,” said Thanga Venkatachalam, CEO of TDConnex. “When we set out to build TDConnex in India, our ambition was to bring world-class manufacturing capabilities to the country in a way that could help global technology innovators deliver the next generation of electronics to the world. “This award is a testament to the extraordinary engineers, technicians, and leaders on our India team who have turned that ambition into reality. Our fast-growing India team has scaled our business in every dimension: people, capabilities, customers, verticals, capacity, and factory scale.” “We are also grateful to the TDConnex team around the world who have worked unselfishly […]

Hidden Champion of Five-axis Machine Tools Breaks Foreign Monopoly!

TopNC, the ‘First Chinese Commercial Aerospace Stock’ in Hong Kong, Formally Launches IP Shanghai Top Numerical Control Technology Co., Ltd. (“TopNC” or the “Company”) has officially initiated its IPO process, with plans to commence trading on May 20. It is set to become the “First Chinese Commercial Aerospace Stock” in the Hong Kong stock market. This IPO is jointly sponsored by Guotai Junan International and CCB International. RBC, 3W, Boyu, HHLRA, CDH, TT International, Mirae Asset, GSAM etc. serve as a cornerstone investor. The company plans to globally offer approximately 65,330,000 shares. The share price is set at HK$26.39 per share, with total proceeds expected to reach approximately HK$1.7 billion. As an absolute leader in China’s aviation and aerospace five-axis CNC machine tool sector, TopNC has cultivated the high-end industrial machine tool field for twenty years. It is deeply integrated into national strategic projects such as the C919 large aircraft and Long March carrier rockets, marking a milestone in the domestic substitution of high-end manufacturing. Founded in 2007, TopNC was led and established by Dr. Wang Yuhan, an associate professor at the School of Mechanical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University. Headquartered in Shanghai, the Company is a national-level key “Little Giant” enterprise and a “Specialized, Fined, Peculiar and Innovative” SME. The Company focuses on the R&D, production, and sales of high-end intelligent manufacturing equipment, with five-axis CNC machine tools at its core. While its products focus on core aviation and aerospace scenarios, they also extend to general industries such as automotive, energy, medical, shipbuilding, and mould manufacturing. The most iconic breakthrough for TopNC was the successful development of the dual five-axis mirror milling machine tool prototype in 2016. This made China the third country in the world, after France and Spain, to master this technology, breaking the long-term technical blockade […]

Discover the Future of Automotive Manufacturing Technology at AMTS 2026

The Shanghai International Automotive Manufacturing Technology & Materials Exhibition (AMTS) will return to the Shanghai New International Expo Center from July 8 – 10, bringing together global automotive engineering and manufacturing professionals for its 2026 edition. Organised by RX, AMTS 2026 is expected to feature more than 850 exhibitors and attract 70,000 professional visits, including an international delegation of about 2,000 attendees. The event will present technologies and solutions spanning car body stamping, welding and joining, painting, automotive assembly, machining, materials, R&D, intelligent production logistics, testing, and quality control. This year’s exhibition will also highlight innovations in new energy vehicle (NEV) design and manufacturing. A newly expanded TechShow Arena will showcase emerging technologies shaping the next generation of automotive engineering. The exhibition will offer more than 20 specialised zones covering the full automotive manufacturing value chain, including future car development, vehicle design and R&D, lightweight materials, product development, powertrain and battery engineering, gigacasting, interior and exterior manufacturing, mold design, welding, stamping, laser processes, painting, automation, robotics, and smart factory logistics. AMTS 2026 will also introduce an expanded lineup of interactive workshops and technical programs. Led by OEM experts and technology suppliers, the Workshops by AMTS will use case studies and hands-on formats to address real-world engineering challenges across R&D, testing, and production. More than 50 concurrent events will facilitate knowledge exchange, business matching, and industry collaboration. Program highlights include forums on NEV engineering, welding and joining, automotive forming, painting, assembly, solid-state batteries, electric drive systems, battery shell design, and thermal management. Year-round engagement will continue through A+ CONNECT, AMTS’ online and onsite business-matching platform, which supports supplier discovery, technical problem-solving, and long-term partnership development. AMTS 2026 is designed for automotive OEM executives, R&D and manufacturing engineers, procurement specialists, system integrators, Tier 1 and Tier 2 suppliers, technology leaders, investors, business […]

Intersec Shanghai 2026 to accelerate global safety technology innovation

China’s 15th Five-Year Plan (2026 – 2030) has set a decisive course toward high quality, innovation-driven growth, calling for modern industrial systems powered by digital intelligence and advanced manufacturing. Aligned with this direction, Intersec Shanghai will return from 7 – 9 May 2026 at the National Exhibition and Convention Center (NECC), Shanghai, bringing together domestic industry leaders and global exhibitors. A newly introduced International Zone will be a key highlight, featuring overseas brands presenting AI and tech-based security, fire prevention, and integrated safety solutions for industrial facilities, building premises, and public spaces. Empowering the safety market via digital intelligence China’s manufacturing sector has reached a critical turning point, where digitalisation and automation are enhancing overall efficiency and production line safety. In line with the new national plan for innovation-driven industrial upgrading, the government aims to build advanced manufacturing systems with closer integration between industry, services, and technology. The plan’s “AI Plus” initiative expands the use of artificial intelligence in operations, safety management, and emergency response.[1] Investment in fire-safety technology is rising in development zones as enterprises introduce loT and AI-based systems to strengthen detection, prevention, and response.[2] Together, these initiatives reflect the country’s continued approach in backing high-value and predictive and preventive operations. In light of these industry advances, Mr Edward Che, General Manager, Messe Frankfurt (HK) Ltd, revealed that the upcoming fair will demonstrate how AI and connected technologies are linking global expertise with local practice. “Intersec Shanghai 2026 highlights the growing confidence and international reach of China’s safety sector,” said Mr Che. “Leveraging Messe Frankfurt’s extensive global network, we are strengthening our collaboration with organisations such as the German Centre Taicang & Shanghai, which supports overseas companies in connecting with the local market, and VdS Schadenverhütung GmbH, one of the world’s most respected certification and safety‑training authorities whose […]

Evonik and Fuhua complete construction of specialty-grade H2O2 plant in Leshan, China

Evonik Fuhua New Materials has completed construction of its hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) facility in Leshan, Sichuan Province, China. The joint venture between Evonik and Fuhua Tongda Chemicals Company (Fuhua) will purify industrial-grade H2O2 into specialty grades to serve high-growth markets in the region. The plant is now preparing to enter trial production, with the first commercial volumes expected in Q2 2026. Based on technology licensed from Evonik’s Active Oxygens business line, the facility utilizes industrial-grade H2O2 produced by Fuhua as a feedstock. The resulting specialty grades will be offered to meet growing regional demand for high-end applications such as solar cell production, semiconductor manufacturing, food packaging, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals. The plant is designed with an annual production capacity of 20,000 tons. Christian Kullmann, Chairman of the Evonik Executive Board, emphasised the strategic importance of the collaboration: “Evonik’s leading position in the global specialty chemicals industry is built on innovation, strong technology platforms, and a global network. This project showcases our exemplary cooperation model with important partners like Fuhua: By combining Evonik’s technological strengths with Fuhua’s industrial chain and local capabilities, we will jointly provide high-quality solutions for customers in the region and globally.” Dr. Claus Rettig, Interim CFO of Evonik and President of Evonik Asia Pacific, added: “This facility will strengthen Evonik’s supply capability and service efficiency in the Asia-Pacific region, particularly in China. Through local cooperation, Evonik will be better positioned to meet the rapidly growing demand for high-purity specialty-grade hydrogen peroxide products, ensuring reliable and efficient support for our customers.” Fuhua Chairman Zhang Hua underscored the significance of the collaboration: “This partnership with Evonik marks an important milestone in Fuhua’s development toward higher-end and more international operations. The project will further enhance Fuhua’s competitiveness and support national development priorities in new energy, advanced manufacturing, and future-oriented chemical production.” Hydrogen peroxide is […]

Eight global climate tech start-ups shortlisted from 1,500 entries for The Liveability Challenge 2026

The Liveability Challenge 2026 drew over 1,500 submissions across 100 countries, with eight stand-out solutions shortlisted after a rigorous selection process. Image: Eco-Business. Eight high impact start-ups have been shortlisted in The Liveability Challenge (TLC) – a global crowdsourcing platform presented by Temasek Foundation and organised by Eco-Business. Chosen from a record 1,500 submissions across 100 countries, the finalists represent the cutting-edge innovations addressing urgent sustainable development challenges in the urban tropics. These disruptive and technology-driven solutions in the two chosen themes for the year – Decarbonisation and Cool Earth – range from closed-loop systems that reduce buildings’ cooling energy use to advanced textile recycling with significant reductions in energy, water and emissions, and next-generation carbon capture and hydrogen production systems. The 8 finalists for The Liveability Challenge 2026 are: Endo Enterprises (United Kingdom) Closed-loop hydronic additive for the built environment that reduces energy for cooling by up to 15%. FlueVault (Singapore) Low cost, low-purity industrial CO2 capture and storage with critical metal recovery. MacroCycleTechnologies (United States of America) Textile-to-textile polyester recycling technology with 80% lower energy usage, 80% lower CO2 emissions and 99% less water usage, all at price parity. Metha8 (Singapore) Methanol-to-power technology for 24/7 baseload generation with 60% efficiency and integrated CO₂ capture. Power To Hydrogen (United States of America) Low-cost hydrogen production system with five times greater durability, 65% lower capex and a pathway to US$2/kg of hydrogen. SPACECOOL (Japan) Passive radiative cooling that cuts energy use by up to 11% and reduces urban heat island effects. UP Catalyst (Estonia) Utilisation of flue gas to produce battery-grade carbon materials at 26% lower cost than conventional methods. YAMA (France) Electrified carbon capture technology for dilute gas-fired streams, delivering up to 50% lower costs than conventional methods while enabling flexible operation. Two finalists will each receive S$1 million in catalytic grant funding at The Liveability Challenge 2026 Grand Finale, which will be held on 20 May 2026 at Marina Bay Sands Expo and Convention Centre – a flagship partner event of Ecosperity Week 2026 by Temasek. In addition, A*STAR has committed up to S$2 million annually over the next three years to support TLC, marking the platform’s largest funding injection to date, with […]

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