SHANGHAI, Aug. 4, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — As Southeast Asia continues to strengthen its position as one of the world’s fastest-growing manufacturing and consumer markets, the packaging industry is undergoing rapid transformation driven by digitalisation, sustainability and supply chain diversification. Against this backdrop, WEPSEA 2026 (World Expo of Packaging Industry Southeast Asia), organised by RX (China) in strategic cooperation with the World Packaging Organisation (WPO), will take place from 27–29 August 2026 at Jakarta International Expo (JIExpo), Indonesia.

Bringing together the complete packaging value chain, WEPSEA 2026 will showcase the latest innovations in corrugated packaging, folding cartons, digital printing, specialty paper, food packaging, converting technologies and packaging applications. More importantly, the event will feature 20+ conferences, workshops and networking activities, providing industry professionals with valuable market intelligence, technical insights and business development opportunities across Southeast Asia.

Opening Conference to Explore Southeast Asia’s Packaging Future

The exhibition will officially open with the Southeast Asia Packaging Industry Conference 2026, the flagship forum bringing together leaders from industry associations, market research organisations and leading enterprises across the region.

The conference will examine how paper and packaging companies can strengthen competitiveness amid growing sustainability requirements while identifying new growth opportunities across Southeast Asia. Discussions will also explore regional collaboration, evolving supply chain dynamics and investment prospects, offering strategic guidance for businesses seeking to expand in one of the world’s most promising packaging markets.

Additional sessions will focus on emerging industry trends, including digital printing for short-run production and packaging innovation driven by ESG initiatives in the food and beverage sector.

AI and Smart Manufacturing Take Centre Stage

Artificial intelligence and automation are reshaping packaging manufacturing, and WEPSEA 2026 will place these technologies at the heart of its conference programme.

The Next-Generation Smart Packaging Solutions Forum, taking place on 28 August, will showcase how AI-powered automation is improving productivity throughout the printing and packaging workflow.

Industry experts will present practical applications covering intelligent prepress automation, workflow optimisation and automated imposition technologies, demonstrating how digital solutions can improve operational efficiency while reducing production costs.

The forum will also feature a dedicated session led by Indonesian experts on Halal packaging labelling, helping international companies better understand certification requirements and branding opportunities in one of the world’s largest halal consumer markets.

Complementing the technical programme, the Printerpreneur Talk Show will bring together experienced business leaders to discuss practical cost-optimisation strategies through lightweight packaging materials—including corrugated and honeycomb paper—as well as print-on-demand production models.

Addressing Industry Challenges Through Innovation

As manufacturers face increasing pressure from rising raw material costs, geopolitical uncertainty and changing customer expectations, innovation has become essential for maintaining competitiveness.

The afternoon forum, “Navigating Challenges and Innovations in the Packaging Industry,” will explore how packaging companies can adapt to evolving market conditions through flexible manufacturing, advanced materials and sustainable business practices.

Experts will discuss the transition towards short-run production, innovative packaging materials, Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR), and strategies for building resilient supply chains, providing valuable insights for companies pursuing long-term growth.

Hands-on Workshop Delivers Practical Packaging Expertise

Beyond keynote presentations, WEPSEA 2026 will offer an interactive workshop dedicated to solving the Top Ten Printing Challenges in FMCG Packaging.

Designed as a practical learning experience, the workshop will analyse real production cases covering common printing defects from artwork preparation through post-press finishing.

Participants will also join immersive “Packaging Detective” exercises, learning how to identify hidden prepress risks, inspect print registration, evaluate die-cutting quality and improve on-site quality control. The workshop is expected to deliver immediate value for production managers, quality engineers and packaging professionals seeking to enhance manufacturing performance.

Business Networking Beyond the Exhibition Floor

Creating meaningful business connections remains one of the defining features of WEPSEA 2026.

On 29 August, the exhibition will host an exclusive Business Networking Cocktail Reception, bringing together exhibitors, buyers, technology providers, converters, brand owners and industry associations in a relaxed setting designed to encourage cross-border collaboration and business matching.

Additional networking activities, including the PACT Alliance Indonesia Golf Invitational, will provide senior executives with further opportunities to strengthen industry relationships and explore new partnerships beyond the exhibition halls.

To enhance the overall visitor experience, organisers will also provide digital visitor tools, VIP hospitality services and comprehensive on-site support, enabling attendees to maximise both learning and business outcomes throughout the three-day event.

A Gateway to Southeast Asia’s Expanding Packaging Market

Southeast Asia continues to attract global investment in manufacturing, consumer goods, logistics and industrial production, creating strong demand for advanced packaging technologies and innovative solutions.

Positioned at the centre of this rapidly growing market, WEPSEA 2026 offers international suppliers, converters, packaging manufacturers, brand owners and buyers a unique opportunity to connect with the region’s expanding packaging ecosystem, discover cutting-edge technologies and establish long-term business partnerships.

From strategic market intelligence and technology sharing to hands-on workshops and high-value networking, WEPSEA 2026 is set to become one of Southeast Asia’s most influential gatherings for the global packaging industry, empowering businesses to unlock new opportunities and accelerate growth across the ASEAN market.

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SOURCE RX (China)

SOHAG, Egypt, Aug. 4, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — A news report from Science and Technology Daily‌:

On Karaman Island in Sohag, southern Egypt, rows of photovoltaic (PV) panels cover the roofs of the PV R&D base of Egypt’s Academy of Scientific Research and Technology (ASRT). The PV modules absorb sunlight, converting it into green electricity.

This is the work of the China-Egypt Belt and Road Joint Laboratory on Renewable Energy. Speaking of the major achievements made by the joint lab so far, Mohamed Zahran, a professor at the ASRT, listed several “firsts.”

In October 2023, Egypt produced its first locally made half-cut solar cell. One month later, Egypt fabricated its first locally made high-efficiency half-cell solar module.

“The joint lab is the core driver behind these achievements, providing comprehensive support for our technological breakthroughs and independent production,” Zahran said.

Building an R&D and production system

“Before the joint lab was launched for establishment, Egypt’s PV sector faced numerous constraints,” Zahran noted. There was a lack of standardized R&D facilities, complete sets of production equipment, and mature fabrication processes or technical systems. Since all solar cells relied on imports, local research teams had no means to conduct hands-on R&D or test trial-mass production.

The joint lab changed all of that.

“It established a complete PV cell R&D and production system for Egypt,” Zahran said. The system covers core processes of PV cell manufacturing, a complete set of professional production and testing equipment, and a standardized, clean R&D and production facility tailored for desert climates.

“Over the years, the joint lab has truly become a standout ‘Chinese business card’ locally,” said Zhou Meng, deputy director of the research department at the 48th Research Institute of China Electronics Technology Group Corporation (CETC). Moving forward, the two sides will further promote joint R&D and transformation of advanced PV technologies, enabling local residents to enjoy more technological dividends from renewable energy.

Broadening the scope of collaboration

“Egypt is rich in solar resources, with an average of 3,000 hours of full sunshine per year, giving it uniquely gifted natural conditions for developing renewable energy like solar power. China possesses the world’s most mature PV technologies, equipment, and supply chains,” Zhou said. The cooperation between China and Egypt in the renewable energy sector represents a textbook case of complementary advantages, making the partnership “a perfect match right from the start.”

During the initial construction phase of the joint lab on Karaman Island, the site faced constraints in local power supply and water access.

“In response to these challenges, the joint lab has established a series of PV demonstration systems, including an on/off-grid PV system, a PV water pumping system, and a PV water purification system,” said Lu Yunzhang, a research fellow at the 48th Research Institute of CETC. These “small and beautiful” livelihood projects have effectively mitigated local power and water scarcity, serving as a practical model for regional energy security.

In the eyes of Aref Eliwa, a professor at the ASRT, there is immense potential for China-Egypt cooperation in the renewable energy sector, and the joint lab has a promising future in driving Egypt’s energy transition.

“Through the invaluable platform of the joint lab, scientists from China and Egypt can carry out deep cooperation and drive joint innovation,” Eliwa noted, citing an example. With collaborative research efforts, the joint lab overcame technical bottlenecks in high-resistance dense-grid solar cell technology. The milestone significantly enhanced PV cell efficiency and laid a solid technological foundation for developing PV products tailored to Egypt’s local solar environment.

Forging a deep friendship

In building and running the joint lab side by side, the two sides have shared thick and thin, leading to a steady deepening of their friendship and collaboration.

“In our day-to-day work, despite differences in language, culture, and habits, we have always been completely aligned, moving forward with a single mind and a shared purpose,” Lu said. One memory remains particularly vivid for him. On one occasion, the joint lab urgently needed an industrial component that could not be found locally. Upon hearing this, an Egyptian contractor immediately dispatched a courier to drive more than 600 kilometers through the night from Cairo to deliver it. “This kind of ‘we’re in this together’ solidarity is truly moving.”

What remains especially unforgettable for Zahran is that at the initial construction phase of the joint lab, the temperature inside the joint lab soared past 40 degrees Celsius during the testing and commissioning of the diffusion furnace. Yet, the Chinese staff still worked tirelessly for long hours to ensure the project stayed on schedule.

“It is moments like these that make me say with certainty: we have never been two separate teams, but rather one family tightly bound by a shared mission,” Zahran said. This shared mission is to jointly tackle breakthroughs in renewable energy technologies, steering Egypt and the entire African continent toward success in the green energy sector.

“In the future, we plan to upgrade the joint lab into a regional renewable energy innovation center,” stated Zhou. Through collaborative R&D, technology demonstration and promotion, as well as technical training, the joint lab will amplify its spillover and driving effects across the region.

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SOURCE Science and Technology Daily

MUMBAI, India, Aug. 4, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — FinX, India’s leading platform for BFSI learning and certification programmes, has announced the launch of the Franklin Templeton National Mutual Fund Olympiad (FTNMFO) 2026, a nationwide initiative aimed at strengthening financial literacy and investment awareness among students. Undergraduate and postgraduate students across academic disciplines are invited to participate, with the Olympiad expected to engage over 50,000 students from more than 1,000 colleges across India. Groww, India’s leading investment platform, has been onboarded as the education partner while the programme is also supported by the BFSI Sector Skill Council of India (BFSI SSC).

India’s financial literacy landscape has evolved significantly over the last decade, and the participation from youth has been remarkable. In fact, SEBI’s Investor Survey 2025 found that 66% of Gen Zs were aware of at least one market-linked investment product, signalling a growing interest in investing among young Indians. The Olympiad seeks to build on this foundation by helping young learners with a real-world experience to understand, access and engage with investment products such as mutual funds, ETFs, PMS, AIFs and SIFs, enabling them to participate more confidently in India’s expanding investment ecosystem.

Speaking on the launch, Avinash Satwalekar, President, Franklin Templeton Asset Management (India) Pvt., said, “The enthusiastic response to the inaugural Franklin Templeton National Mutual Fund Olympiad reaffirmed the growing interest among young Indians to build practical financial knowledge beyond the classroom. At Franklin Templeton, we believe financial literacy is an essential life skill, and initiatives like the Olympiad help equip students with the confidence to make informed financial decisions while improving their understanding of the evolving investment landscape. As we launch Season 2, we look forward to reaching many more students and continuing to promote investment awareness and financial capability across the country.”

Himanshu Vyapak, MD & CEO, FinX, said, “The Franklin Templeton National Mutual Fund Olympiad has evolved into a unique platform that brings together academia and industry to make financial education more engaging, accessible and relevant for students. The response to the first edition demonstrated a strong appetite among young learners to understand investing and personal finance in a practical manner. With Season 2, we aim to significantly expand our reach, deepen engagement across campuses and continue building a financially aware generation that is better prepared for the opportunities and responsibilities of India’s evolving financial ecosystem. This programme is also supported by the BFSI Sector Skill Council of India (BFSI SSC).”

Harsh Jain, Co-founder & COO, Groww, said, “Despite all the growth, very few Indians invest in mutual funds today. Most people haven’t even taken the first step. What we have realised over the years is that access is no longer the problem – understanding is. The best time to build that understanding is when someone is still a student, before they invest their first rupee. If young people learn how markets and mutual funds actually work early on, they carry those habits for life. That is why as part of our larger commitment to investor education, we are supporting this Olympiad, which takes this learning to college campuses across the country.”

Building on the success of its inaugural edition, which attracted more than 10,000 students from over 400 colleges, the 2026 edition aims to significantly expand its reach and impact. Within a structured, multi-level competition, participants will be assessed on their understanding of mutual funds, investment fundamentals, financial planning, market concepts and long-term wealth creation. Registrations are now open through the official Olympiad platform, while participating colleges can enrol at no cost.

Through the Olympiad, Franklin Templeton, FinX and Groww seek to strengthen financial literacy among young Indians by bringing together academic institutions and industry expertise.

About Franklin Templeton

Franklin Templeton is a global investment management organization with over 75 years of experience helping individual and institutional investors achieve their financial goals. Operating in more than 30 countries with offices across over 80 financial centres, the firm offers expertise across equity, fixed income, alternatives, multi-asset and customized investment solutions. In India, Franklin Templeton has been serving investors for more than 30 years, providing a broad range of mutual fund solutions while remaining committed to investor education, financial literacy and long-term wealth creation. The firm combines global investment capabilities with local market insights to help investors navigate evolving financial markets and pursue their long-term investment objectives.

About FinX

FinX is a leading financial education, skilling and employability platform dedicated to developing industry-ready talent for the BFSI sector. Through its career-focused certifications, industry-integrated learning programmes, national competitions and institutional partnerships, FinX equips students and young professionals with practical knowledge across banking, financial markets, wealth management, mutual funds and allied financial services. By bridging the gap between academia and industry, FinX works closely with educational institutions and leading financial organisations to promote financial literacy, enhance employability and build a future-ready workforce for India’s evolving financial ecosystem.

About Groww

Groww is India’s largest investment platform by active users. Founded in 2016, Groww’s mission is to make financial services simple, accessible and transparent for every Indian. Through its platform, customers can access a wide range of financial products including stocks, MTF, wealth advisory, mutual funds, ETFs, IPOs, commodities, derivatives, bonds, among others. With a strong focus on user experience, technology and investor education, Groww is helping build greater participation in India’s financial markets and empowering individuals to take charge of their financial futures.

About BFSI Sector Skill Council of India

Established in 2011 under the National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC), the BFSI Sector Skill Council of India (BFSI SSC) is responsible for skill development in the Banking, Financial Services, and Insurance sector. Working in collaboration with the RBI, IRDAI, SEBI, PFRDA, leading banks, insurance companies and financial institutions, the Council designs industry-led qualifications and certification programs to enhance employability and productivity. BFSI SSC actively supports national skilling initiatives to build a future-ready workforce and strengthen India’s financial ecosystem.

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