CGTN published an article exploring how the SCO has evolved from a security-focused mechanism into a comprehensive regional cooperation platform covering areas such as economic development and technological innovation and what role China has played in advancing cooperation within the organization.

BEIJING, Sept. 2, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Deep in Uzbekistan’s Jizzakh Region, a vast solar farm is transforming the landscape of the Gobi Desert. Tens of thousands of photovoltaic panels stretch across the barren land, capturing sunlight to generate clean energy.

In March, Phase I of the power plant project, built and operated by a Chinese company, began commercial operations. Once fully completed, the project is expected to generate 1.1 billion kilowatt-hours of clean electricity annually, enough to meet the needs of around 400,000 residents.

The solar plant is one of the latest examples of China-SCO cooperation translating into tangible development outcomes. Over the past 25 years, the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) has expanded from a regional security mechanism into a broad platform for cooperation, with development becoming an increasingly important focus.

Prioritizing development to boost shared prosperity

On Tuesday, Chinese President Xi Jinping attended the 26th Meeting of the Council of Heads of State of the SCO Member States, which coincided with the 25th anniversary of the organization’s founding.

During his speech, Xi put forward four proposals for advancing the SCO’s future development. One key proposal he emphasized was to prioritize development and work toward shared prosperity among SCO member states.

He also highlighted the Shanghai Spirit, featuring mutual trust, mutual benefit, equality, consultation, respect for diversity of civilizations and pursuit of common development, saying the Shanghai Spirit is the organization’s most valuable spiritual asset.

Over the past 25 years, guided by the Shanghai Spirit, the SCO has seen growing trade, deeper investment ties and stronger regional connectivity, creating new opportunities for economic development across the region.

The China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan railway, for instance, shows how infrastructure cooperation is driving regional development. In December 2024, its construction officially began. Once completed, the route will become a major transport corridor linking China with Central Asia and the wider Eurasian continent, greatly improving trade efficiency and creating broader economic opportunities.

Various cooperation platforms are also facilitating closer economic exchanges among SCO states. Last month, a local economic and trade cooperation conference was held in Bishkek, bringing together more than 100 companies. The event resulted in 193 cooperation agreements and trade deals worth around 1.74 billion yuan ($259 million). Meanwhile, the China-SCO Digital Economy Cooperation Platform, launched in Tianjin one year ago, has already facilitated 29 cross-border cooperation projects covering areas such as computing infrastructure, digital trade and commercial aerospace.

Over the past 25 years, the SCO has evolved into a major regional cooperation platform. Its economic cooperation is shifting from individual projects to stronger institutional frameworks and from bilateral efforts to multilateral coordination, paving the way for more integrated, high-quality and sustainable development across the region.

China: A strong promoter of SCO cooperation

At Tuesday’s summit, Xi said China views the SCO as a priority area for high-quality Belt and Road cooperation and for implementing the Global Development Initiative.

He announced that China would continue hosting events such as the SCO Digital Economy Forum and the SCO Agricultural Expo and will develop an international AI application cooperation center with SCO countries, implement 100 technological cooperation projects with other SCO countries in the next three years and nurture more green industry talents through China-SCO cooperation.

As a founding member of the SCO, China has been a key driver of practical cooperation within the organization.

Shortly after the SCO was founded, China proposed advancing trade and investment facilitation among member states. In 2003, the SCO adopted a multilateral economic cooperation program featuring a three-stage roadmap: promoting trade and investment facilitation in the short term, building stable and transparent rules in the medium term and gradually enabling freer flows of goods, capital, services and technology in the long term.

China has also provided financial support for regional cooperation projects. As of July 2025, China’s accumulated investment in other SCO member states had exceeded $84 billion, making it the largest source of investment and financing for Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan and Pakistan.

At last year’s Tianjin Summit, China proposed establishing cooperation platforms in energy, green industries and the digital economy, along with centers for scientific innovation, higher education and vocational education. All six initiatives have since been launched, generating more than 160 cooperation projects covering clean energy, digital applications and joint talent development.

Egor Prokhin, a researcher at Russia’s Higher School of Economics, said China has played a central role in the SCO’s development.

“The Belt and Road Initiative has helped improve transportation and trade connectivity among Eurasian countries, while the Global Development Initiative has contributed to economic growth and improved livelihoods,” he said, adding these initiatives closely align with the development priorities of SCO members, creating opportunities for businesses and bringing tangible benefits to people across the region.

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https://news.cgtn.com/news/2026-09-01/How-SCO-opens-up-opportunities-for-regional-development-as-it-turns-25-1Q5x5WHsoyk/p.html

SOURCE CGTN

TAIPEI, Sept. 2, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Artery Technology recently launched its new AT32F406/F408 mainstream microcontroller (MCU) series. Powered by the Arm® Cortex®-M4F core with a clock speed of up to 216 MHz, the new series features large memory capacity, extensive communication interfaces, and high-speed analog peripherals. It is designed for a wide range of applications, including gaming keyboards, industrial automation, smart control, USB devices, IoT, and consumer electronics.

As smart devices demand greater real-time computing performance, faster data exchange, and higher system integration, the AT32F406/F408 series builds on the AT32F402/F405 series with enhanced computing, data transmission, and control capabilities. It provides robust performance for high-speed data acquisition, real-time control, and multi-interface applications, enabling developers to build more efficient and flexible embedded systems.

High-Performance Computing and Flexible Memory for Fast Response

The AT32F406/F408 series is based on the high-performance Arm® Cortex®-M4F core running at up to 216 MHz, with DSP instructions and a floating-point unit (FPU) for enhanced computational and real-time control performance. It integrates up to 512 KB Flash and 192 KB SRAM, along with 26 KB of Bootloader system memory that can be flexibly configured for user programs or data storage, maximizing available memory and resource utilization.

The series also integrates 4 KB OTP memory for permanent storage of critical data and parameters. A QSPI interface enables external Flash or RAM expansion, further extending system memory and functionality. In addition, sLib provides protection for designated program areas, creating a secure code execution region and enhancing overall code security.

Extensive Peripheral Resources for Enhanced System Integration

The AT32F406/F408 series integrates three 12-bit high-speed ADCs with sampling rates of up to 5.33 Msps and support for external expansion. It also provides eight SPI, three I2C, six USART, and two UART interfaces, together with multiple high-performance timers and high-speed GPIOs to support diverse peripheral connectivity and high-speed data transmission requirements.

In addition, nearly all GPIOs support 5 V-tolerant inputs, reducing hardware interface constraints and simplifying the integration of sensors and peripheral modules.

Two Series Options for Diverse Application Requirements

The AT32F406 and AT32F408 share the same core architecture and development environment, allowing developers to select the most suitable device for different product requirements while maintaining flexibility for future upgrades.

AT32F406 Series: Integrates three 12-bit high-speed ADCs with sampling rates of up to 5.33 Msps and support for external expansion. With a balance of control performance and cost efficiency, the series is well suited for mainstream embedded control, industrial automation, and IoT applications.

AT32F408 Series: Building on the AT32F406, the AT32F408 further integrates USB OTG HS with a dedicated 4 KB FIFO buffer. Without requiring an external USB High-Speed PHY, it delivers high-speed USB connectivity for gaming keyboards and game controllers, enabling lower latency and faster response. Its high-speed data transmission capabilities also make it well suited for industrial data loggers, measurement equipment, medical electronics, and high-speed USB devices.

Industrial-Grade Reliability and Comprehensive Development Ecosystem

The AT32F406/F408 series supports an industrial operating temperature range of -40°C to +105°C and is available in QFN48 (6 × 6 mm) and LQFP64 (7 × 7 mm) packages, providing flexible options for compact designs and diverse application requirements.

The AT32F406/F408 series is supported by Artery’s comprehensive development ecosystem, including AT32 IDE, AT32 VSCode IDE Extension, AT32 Workbench, AT32 AI Studio, AT32 development boards, AT-Link debugging and programming tools, and comprehensive technical documentation. These resources provide developers with end-to-end support from product development and debugging to validation and mass production.

Looking ahead, Artery Technology will continue to expand its AT32 MCU portfolio, extending from mainstream control to high-performance Edge AI applications. With a broader range of MCU solutions, Artery aims to empower developers to create next-generation smart control products for emerging AI, IoT, and intelligent edge device applications.

The AT32F406/F408 series is now available for sample requests and mass production.

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SOURCE Artery Technology

SINGAPORE, Sept. 2, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — OCBC, Visa and Doxa have deployed Singapore’s first deep-tier financing solution through the Doxa Connex platform, expanding access to working capital for subcontractors and suppliers operating deeper within the construction supply chain.

Designed to address a long-standing challenge in the built environment sector, where multiple layers of subcontractors and suppliers often face cash flow pressures while waiting for payment to flow through the supply chain, sometimes up to 100 days, the solution enables faster access to working capital and reduces delays arising from processing cycles and administrative inefficiencies.

Through Doxa Connex, eligible subcontractors can access digital financing workflows linked to approved project transactions. Once a main contractor or developer digitally approves a work claim, subcontractors can receive payment ahead of the invoice due date. Funds are disbursed via OCBC virtual purchasing cards, allowing subcontractors to transfer proceeds to their bank accounts or make payments directly to their own suppliers.

The solution went live in August, with the first subcontractor already benefitting from early access to their funds. Among the early adopters is Kimly Construction, which is deploying the solution across two existing projects. Selected subcontractors are currently being onboarded, enabling smaller firms to better manage cashflows while supporting smoother project delivery across the supply chain.

The solution combines OCBC’s financing capabilities, Visa’s digital payments and ecosystem expertise, and Doxa’s procurement and payments infrastructure. By embedding financing into existing digital project workflows, the partners aim to make working capital access more seamless, transparent and practical for businesses deeper within the construction value chain.

This initial rollout will serve as a foundation for scaling deep-tier financing across Singapore’s built environment sector. Feedback from participating subcontractors will help refine the financing workflow and support wider adoption across the construction ecosystem.

“Businesses further down the supply chain play a critical role in delivering construction projects, yet they are often the most affected by payment delays and cash flow constraints. Through this collaboration with Visa and Doxa, we have deployed Singapore’s first deep-tier financing solution for the construction sector enabled by virtual purchasing cards. The innovative solution enables subcontractors and suppliers to access funds earlier, improve cash flow certainty and reduce administrative friction. Together, we are helping to build a more connected, resilient and efficient construction ecosystem,” said Carmen Chan, Deputy Head of Global Transaction Banking, OCBC.

“Cash flow remains one of the biggest challenges facing construction businesses today, particularly for subcontractors and suppliers operating deeper within the value chain. Our research shows that while nearly three-quarters of construction SMBs are still in the earlier stages of digitalisation, more than two-thirds of these SMBs already report positive impacts from digital tools across key business functions, highlighting both the momentum for digital transformation and the significant opportunity to modernise business payments. Through our collaboration with OCBC and Doxa, we are embedding financing directly into trusted project workflows, helping businesses address working capital challenges by gaining faster and more transparent access to funds. This demonstrates how digital payments can go beyond facilitating transactions to unlock greater efficiency, resilience and growth across Singapore’s construction ecosystem,” said Adeline Kim, Group Country Manager for Regional Southeast Asia & SVP, Global Clients, Asia Pacific, Visa.

“Doxa Deep-Tier Financing was built to address one of the construction sector’s most persistent challenges: cash flow across multiple layers of the supply chain. By connecting earlier access to funds with approved project claims, the initiative helps shorten payment-timing gaps while preserving traceability and accountability within the construction ecosystem,” Edmund Ng, Founder and CEO of Doxa Holdings.

Roy Khoo, Director at Kimly Construction, stated: “We are proud to support the live deployment of this Deep-Tier Financing platform across two of our projects. We are already seeing stakeholders benefit from its core features: allowing subcontractors and suppliers to access funds ahead of due dates. By providing the option to unlock the working capital earlier, it eases cash flow constraints and improves capital efficiency for our partners, thus ensuring a healthier supply chain and smoother, more efficient project delivery.”

About OCBC

OCBC is the longest established Singapore bank, formed in 1932 from the merger of three local banks, the oldest of which was founded in 1912. It is one of the world’s most highly-rated banks, with Aa1 by Moody’s and AA- by both Fitch and S&P. Recognised for its financial strength and stability, OCBC is consistently ranked among the World’s Top 50 Safest Banks by Global Finance and has been named Best Managed Bank in Singapore by The Asian Banker.

OCBC is the second largest financial services group in Southeast Asia by assets. The Group offers a broad array of commercial banking, specialist financial and wealth management services, ranging from consumer, corporate, investment, private and transaction banking to treasury, insurance, asset management and stockbroking services.

OCBC’s private banking services are provided by its wholly-owned subsidiary Bank of Singapore, which operates on a unique open-architecture product platform to source for the best-in-class products to meet its clients’ goals. Its insurance subsidiary, Great Eastern Holdings, is the oldest and most established life insurance group in Singapore and Malaysia. Its asset management subsidiary, Lion Global Investors, is one of the leading asset management companies in Southeast Asia. Its brokerage subsidiary, OCBC Securities, is one of the leading securities firms in Singapore.

The Group’s key markets are Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia and Greater China. It has close to 390 branches and representative offices in 19 countries and regions.

For more information, please visit www.ocbc.com.

About Visa

Visa (NYSE: V) is a world leader in digital payments, facilitating transactions between consumers, sellers, financial institutions and government entities across more than 200 countries and territories. Our mission is to connect the world through the most innovative, convenient, reliable and secure payments network, enabling individuals, businesses and economies to thrive. We believe that economies that include everyone everywhere, uplift everyone everywhere and see access as foundational to the future of money movement. Learn more at Visa.com.

About Doxa Holdings

Doxa is a Singapore-based fintech company that digitalises procurement, payment and financing workflows for the built environment sector. Through its Doxa Connex platform, Doxa connects developers, main contractors, subcontractors, suppliers and financiers through shared, approved commercial data across the construction value chain.

Doxa Connex supports workflows including procurement, claims, invoice approvals, payments and financing. Its Deep-Tier Financing solution builds on this connected data infrastructure to enable eligible subcontractors and suppliers to access earlier financing options based on approved invoice and project information.

By connecting commercial data with financing workflows, Doxa helps construction stakeholders improve visibility, address cashflow timing gaps, and act earlier on cost and delivery risks.

For more information, please visit www.doxa-holdings.com.

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SOURCE Visa