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CIBF 2026 Anchors Global Value Chains to Power Next-Gen Energy Storage

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TIANJIN, China, June 10, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — The 18th China International Battery Fair (CIBF 2026) concluded its three-day run at the Shenzhen World Exhibition & Convention Center. As the leading global gathering for the battery industry in the first year of China’s 15th Five-Year Plan period, the event united nearly 3,200 leading companies across a massive 280,000-square-meter showcase. Under the theme “Connecting the World, Empowering Green, and Driving the Future,” CIBF 2026 drew over 400,000 attendees across 14 specialized halls, setting a historic benchmark for the global energy storage and battery sectors.

Expanding Global Reach

The exhibition featured a dedicated international pavilion and attracted exhibitors and buyers from more than 90 countries and regions, providing opportunities for international business engagement and technology exchange. As participation from overseas stakeholders continues to grow, CIBF is increasingly serving as a platform for dialogue and collaboration across the global battery industry. The event also highlighted the role of international cooperation in addressing the opportunities and challenges facing the energy sector during China’s 15th Five-Year Plan period.

At the opening ceremony, Wang Zeshen, Secretary General of the China Industrial Association of Power Sources, highlighted three priorities for the industry: encouraging innovation over price competition, aligning more closely with international standards, and strengthening collaboration across the value chain. Meanwhile, Huatai Securities released a research report projecting continued growth in demand across the lithium battery value chain and identifying sodium-ion and solid-state batteries as promising areas for future development.

Innovation Across the Battery Value Chain

CIBF 2026 showcased the latest developments across the battery industry. In the field of solid-state batteries, attendees explored advances in electrolyte technologies and dry-electrode manufacturing. In the sodium-ion battery segment, exhibitors presented the latest progress in large-scale commercial applications. Meanwhile, innovations in high-nickel ternary cathodes, silicon-based anodes, and other key lithium battery materials highlighted the industry’s pursuit of multiple technology approaches, each advancing toward greater maturity and commercialization.

Industry leaders also drew significant attention with the introduction of their latest products and technologies. CATL presented its Qilin Condensed Battery and Naxtra sodium-ion battery series. The company’s recently announced energy storage supply agreement with HyperStrong—currently the world’s largest sodium-ion battery energy storage order to date—was prominently featured during the exhibition and widely reported as a milestone development for the sector. BYD showcased its second-generation Blade Battery and FLASH Charging Technology, which address two longstanding industry challenges: charging speed and low-temperature charging performance. Across the broader supply chain, SEMCORP unveiled three new products aimed at the premium market segment. Its “Disruptive Technology Experience Zone” became one of the exhibition’s most popular attractions, highlighting emerging technologies under development across the sector.

Energy Storage Emerges as a Key Growth Driver

For the first time, energy storage batteries surpassed power batteries in industry attention, becoming one of the exhibition’s dominant themes. Industry data showed that China’s lithium battery production schedule for May reached a record monthly high, with energy storage cells accounting for a significantly larger share of total output. The segment has become a key contributor to overall production growth, reflecting growing demand for energy storage applications.

International expansion was another key focus of this year’s event. Hall 12, the exhibition’s dedicated international pavilion, brought together leading grid operators, system integrators, and energy developers, providing an effective platform for Chinese battery companies to engage with global partners. The initiative supports the industry’s shift from product exports to the export of technologies and standards. According to reports from xhby.net, several high-profile partnerships were announced during the exhibition. Among them, BYD Energy Storage signed a strategic cooperation agreement with Norway’s Corvus Energy to jointly promote the large-scale deployment of high-rate lithium iron phosphate (LFP) marine battery systems, further extending the global reach of Chinese battery technologies.

Major Partnerships Announced

Partnership formation was among the exhibition’s notable outcomes. On the opening day alone, Cornex New Energy signed agreements with five leading industry partners, securing a combined order volume of 50 GWh. The agreements span applications from residential energy storage to utility-scale projects. Meanwhile, Shandong Huate Magnet entered into strategic partnerships with three battery manufacturers, further strengthening collaboration across the value chain. Beyond domestic deals, exhibitors also reached a broad range of agreements with international customers covering battery supply, technology development, and capacity expansion, demonstrating continued international engagement.

Looking Ahead: Five Trends Shaping the Battery Industry

Drawing on developments showcased throughout the exhibition, CIBF 2026 highlighted five trends shaping the future of the global battery industry. Battery technologies continue to diversify, with solid-state and sodium-ion batteries accelerating toward large-scale commercialization. At the same time, battery applications are expanding into the low-altitude economy, embodied AI robotics, and other emerging sectors, generating new sources of demand. Competitive advantage is also shifting from capacity expansion toward full-lifecycle economics and compliance with increasingly complex global regulatory requirements. Meanwhile, companies are moving beyond product exports toward integrated solutions that combine technology, standards, and manufacturing capabilities. These developments are accompanied by greater collaboration across the value chain, reflecting a growing emphasis on coordinated innovation throughout the industry.

CIBF 2026 was far more than a record-breaking industry gathering. It served as a forum for discussion on the future direction of the global battery sector. One theme emerged consistently throughout the exhibition: technological innovation and deeper integration with real-world applications are becoming increasingly important priorities across the industry. With a more diversified, open, and innovation-driven approach, China’s battery industry is playing an increasingly important role in the global energy transition.

While the exhibition has come to a close, innovation across the battery industry continues. Building on the discussions and partnerships formed at CIBF 2026, stakeholders will continue to push the boundaries of core technologies, deepen international collaboration, and support the global energy transition and carbon neutrality goals. The industry will gather again in Shenzhen in 2027 to explore new opportunities for sustainable, low-carbon development.

 

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COP31 in Focus: How POWERCHINA Projects Bring Clean Power to Grids and Communities Across the Globe

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BEIJING, Nov. 13, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Power Construction Corporation of China (“POWERCHINA” or “the Company”) is advancing the global clean energy transition with solutions tailored to local resources, infrastructure, and electricity needs. With world leaders gathering for the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP31) in Antalya, Turkey, from November 9 to 20, these projects highlight practical approaches to the central challenge facing the energy transition, namely, delivering reliable clean electricity across markets with widely differing energy requirements and infrastructure capabilities.

POWERCHINA’s 2025 sustainability performance demonstrates how the Company continues to develop its international renewable energy business in partnership with local communities while incorporating environmental considerations into project development and construction.

Enhancing clean power availability in South Africa

POWERCHINA’s Total Energies Hydra Storage Project in South Africa’s Northern Cape province combines 216 megawatts of solar photovoltaic capacity with 588 megawatt-hours of battery storage. The system is designed to store electricity generated during daylight hours to help improve grid reliability and extend the availability of renewable power for delivery when solar production declines. The project enabled integrated electrical system commissioning by reaching a key milestone in November 2025 when its 132-kilovolt substation was energized.

Connecting wind resources to the grid in Europe

The Ivovik Wind Power Project in Bosnia and Herzegovina demonstrates the importance of connecting renewable generation to existing electricity networks. The supporting infrastructure, that includes a step-up substation and transmission lines, expands access to renewable power by enabling electricity generated from local wind resources to enter the national grid.

POWERCHINA built wind project delivers clean power from Laos to Vietnam

The 600 MW Monsoon Wind Power Project in Laos demonstrates how cross-border transmission infrastructure can connect renewable energy generation with neighboring markets. Constructed by POWERCHINA, the project achieved commercial operation at full capacity in August 2025 and now supplies wind-generated electricity to Vietnam’s national grid. The project highlights the importance of regional grid interconnection in facilitating cross-border renewable electricity trade.

Providing reliable electricity for remote communities in South America

POWERCHINA’s Suriname Village Microgrid PV Project (Phase II) combines solar generation, battery storage, and backup diesel generators to provide round-the-clock electricity. This shows how decentralized systems offer another approach when conventional grid expansion is impractical. Nine microgrid power stations supply electricity to approximately 5,000 households in 45 communities in remote areas of Suriname, with renewable energy accounting for more than 80% of electricity supply. The systems support essential services such as education, healthcare, and communications in previously underserved communities.

Beyond electricity generation, POWERCHINA also incorporates resource efficiency into construction. In Mauritania, the Company carried out the photovoltaic green energy public welfare initiative;In the Middle East, at an industrial facilities project in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, treated wastewater is reused for landscaping and vegetable cultivation, reducing freshwater consumption.

Together, these projects support the broader clean energy transition highlighted by COP31 by illustrating how renewable generation, storage, transmission infrastructure, and resource management can be adapted to local conditions.

SOURCE POWERCHINA

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iQIYI’s “The Shadow’s Edge” Gains Further Industry Recognition as Tony Ka-fai LEUNG Wins Best Actor at the Golden Rooster Awards

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BEIJING, Nov. 13, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — On November 10, Tony Ka-fai LEUNG won Best Actor at the 39th Golden Rooster Awards for his performance in iQIYI-produced action-crime film “The Shadow’s Edge.” The award was presented at the ceremony in Xiamen, China. Earlier, “The Shadow’s Edge” received three nominations at this year’s Golden Rooster Awards, including Best Actor, Best Actress and Best Supporting Actor.

At the ceremony, the Golden Rooster Awards jury recognized LEUNG’s ability to portray the character’s complexity through both powerful action and subtle emotional expression. In his acceptance speech, LEUNG expressed his gratitude to director Larry YANG, Jackie CHAN, the Jackie Chan Stunt Team and the film’s production companies, including iQIYI, Damai Entertainment and Hairun Pictures, for their collective efforts. This also marked LEUNG’s first Golden Rooster Award in his more than 40-year acting career, following his first nomination.

Established in 1981, the Golden Rooster Awards are among China’s most prestigious film honors, recognizing outstanding achievements in filmmaking. The latest win adds to the track record of iQIYI, China’s leading online entertainment platform, in producing high-quality films, following previous Golden Rooster Awards wins and nominations for titles such as “Let Life Be Beautiful,” “Tough Out” and “Ping Pong: The Triumph.”

A Powerful Performance in a High-Stakes Action Crime Thriller

Directed by Larry YANG and starring global action star Jackie CHAN, Zifeng ZHANG and veteran Hong Kong actor Tony Ka-fai LEUNG, “The Shadow’s Edge” follows an elite law enforcement team drawn into a cat-and-mouse chase through the dynamic streets of Macao as they pursue a sophisticated criminal gang. The film pits old-school human intuition against modern high-tech surveillance.

LEUNG plays Longsheng FU, the calculating mastermind leading a crew of elusive master thieves. His performance captures the character’s contrasting sides, shifting between a sophisticated, composed appearance and ruthless personality, while delivering demanding action scenes, including a memorable one-against-30 fight sequence.

Box Office Success and International Recognition

Released theatrically in 2025, “The Shadow’s Edge” earned RMB 1.265 billion (190 million USD) at the Chinese box office and received strong audience reviews, becoming one of the year’s standout action-crime films.

The film also reached audiences in more than 30 countries and regions, ranking among Malaysia’s top 10 highest-grossing Chinese-language films of all time. It was featured in the Open Cinema section of the Busan International Film Festival and the Limelight programme of the International Film Festival Rotterdam, two major international film festivals. LEUNG also won Best Actor at the 44th Hong Kong Film Awards, one of Asia’s leading film honors, for the same role.

iQIYI Extends the Film’s Value from the Big Screen to Streaming

Beyond its theatrical success, “The Shadow’s Edge” continued its strong performance following its online release on iQIYI in November 2025, topping multiple viewership charts and attracting strong audience engagement. Its performance across both theatrical and streaming releases highlights iQIYI’s ability to extend the value of high-quality theatrical films through its streaming platform.

Building on the success of the first film, the iQIYI-produced sequel “The Shadow’s Edge 2” began filming in Huizhou, Guangdong, in October 2026, extending the story into its next chapter.

Through projects such as “The Shadow’s Edge,” iQIYI remains committed to producing high-quality films, supporting creative talent and bringing compelling Chinese stories to audiences in China and around the world.

Contact:
iQIYI Press
press@qiyi.com 

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Beyond Capital Gains: Why Dividend Investing Matters in Today’s Market

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Amid uneven global growth, persistent inflation and market uncertainty, dividend investing offers another dimension to long-term wealth creation. For Singapore investors, understanding and planning dividend income is becoming increasingly relevant.

SINGAPORE, Nov. 13, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — 

Resilient markets, uncertain outlook

Global equity markets have experienced renewed volatility in recent weeks, as investors reassess the sustainability of AI-driven gains amid concerns over elevated valuations, corporate earnings and the substantial capital being committed to artificial intelligence. The recent sell-off in technology stocks underscores how quickly market sentiment can shift, even as AI investment remains a significant driver of economic activity.

Against this backdrop, an increasingly uneven global growth outlook, persistent inflation and interest-rate uncertainty are prompting investors to reassess how they balance growth opportunities with portfolio resilience and income generation.

According to the International Monetary Fund’s (IMF) October 2026 World Economic Outlook[1], global growth is projected at 3.1% in 2026 and 3.4% in 2027, with economic performance increasingly divergent across markets. Global inflation is expected to reach 4.7% in 2026, while uncertainty surrounding monetary policy and geopolitical developments continues to influence investment sentiment.

Singapore has demonstrated considerable strength, with its economy estimated to be expanding 5.4% year-on-year in the third quarter of 2026, according to the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS)[2]. However, MAS expects the exceptional pace of AI-related growth to moderate in the second half of 2027, highlighting the importance of remaining mindful of economic and market cycles.

“Strong market performance can sometimes mask the underlying uncertainties investors face. With global growth becoming increasingly uneven, investors need to think beyond short-term price movements,” said Gavin Chia, Chief Executive of Longbridge Securities Singapore and Regional CEO, Southeast Asia.

“Building long-term wealth is not just about identifying growth opportunities, but also understanding how different sources of returns can work together within a portfolio.”

Against this backdrop, some investors may consider dividend-paying stocks as one potential component of a broader portfolio, alongside capital appreciation.

Why dividends matter for long-term wealth creation

Dividend investing provides an additional source of potential investment returns through cash distributions from companies and funds.

Historically, dividends have contributed meaningfully to long-term equity performance. Research published by HSBC Asset Management in May 2026 found that reinvested dividends accounted for more than half of cumulative equity gains in many markets since 2000.[3] Separately, Invesco reported that dividend income represented 24% of the S&P 500’s average monthly total return between 1957 and April 2025.[4]

These findings illustrate why investors should consider total returns — combining capital appreciation and dividend income — rather than focusing exclusively on share-price movements.

“Dividend investing is often associated with generating passive income, but its value extends beyond that,” Chia explained.

“For long-term investors, reinvesting dividends can contribute meaningfully to wealth accumulation, while investors seeking cash flow may use dividends as one potential source of income, although both the amount and timing of payments can vary. The key is not to choose between growth and dividends, but to understand how both can contribute towards different financial goals.”

However, dividends are not guaranteed. Companies may reduce or suspend distributions, while high dividend yields can sometimes reflect declining share prices rather than strong fundamentals. Investors should therefore assess dividend sustainability, diversification and long-term total returns.

Why Singapore is increasingly accessible to dividend investors

Singapore offers an established universe of dividend-paying companies, particularly in banking, telecommunications and real estate investment trusts (REITs). Eligible dividends from Singapore-resident companies also generally benefit from tax exemptions for individual investors.

Recent market developments have further lowered barriers to participation.

On 5 October 2026, Singapore Exchange (SGX) reduced the minimum board-lot size for selected securities, including DBS, OCBC and UOB, from 100 shares to 10 shares.[5] For a stock trading at S$40, this reduces the minimum standard-lot investment from approximately S$4,000 to S$400, excluding transaction costs.

Meanwhile, MAS’s S$6.5 billion Equity Market Development Programme aims to deepen liquidity, investment capabilities and participation in Singapore’s equities market.[6]

These developments make it easier for investors to progressively build portfolios, including holdings that generate dividend income.

Yet greater access to dividend-paying securities also raises an important question: How can investors ensure their portfolios are generating income that aligns with their financial goals?

How much capital might be needed to target S$1,000 in average monthly dividends?

For investors seeking dividend income, setting a measurable target is an important starting point.

An investor targeting S$1,000 in average monthly dividends, or S$12,000 annually, would theoretically require different amounts of capital depending on the dividend yield achieved.

The table below is purely hypothetical and for illustration only. Illustrative calculations assume constant yields and exclude applicable taxes, fees and capital fluctuations. Actual payouts are not guaranteed.

Assumed annual yield

Illustrative capital required

3 %

S$400,000

4 %

S$300,000

5 %

S$240,000

6 %

S$200,000

However, achieving a desired dividend yield is only one consideration. Investors must also understand whether distributions are sustainable, when payments are expected and how dependent their income is on individual holdings.

A portfolio generating S$12,000 annually, for example, may not distribute S$1,000 every month, as companies follow different payout schedules.

For investors holding multiple securities across markets, tracking these variables through spreadsheets and dividend announcements can become increasingly cumbersome.

The challenge is therefore shifting from simply recording dividend payments to understanding and planning future income.

From tracking dividends to planning income: Longbridge Dividend Hub

To address this need, Longbridge is introducing Dividend Hub, a feature integrated into the Longbridge investment app to help investors manage their dividend portfolios more effectively.

“For many investors, the challenge is no longer simply identifying dividend-paying stocks. It is knowing how much income their portfolio could generate, when that income might arrive, and whether they are on track to meet their financial goals,” Chia said.

“With Dividend Hub, we want to move the conversation beyond tracking historical payouts towards helping investors plan their dividend income with greater clarity and confidence.”

Dividend Hub brings together several capabilities:

Personalised dividend goals: Set annual income targets and track progress towards them.Next 12 months dividend forecasts: View forward annual dividend income based on current holdings, announced dividends and historical payout patterns.Monthly payout calendar: Understand when dividend payments are expected and identify potential cash-flow gaps – Declared payouts show confirmed amounts as soon as they’re announced, while estimated payouts are clearly labelled as projections.Top-contributor insights: Identify which securities contribute the greatest share of portfolio dividend income.AI-assisted gap analysis: Assess the difference between projected dividend income and financial goals, with insights to support investment planning.Payout Tracker: Track every milestone of the dividend lifecycle, from declaration and ex-dividend date to record date, payment date, and final receipt, in one place so investors can ditch their spreadsheet.

Because Dividend Hub is integrated into the Longbridge brokerage platform, dividend records and projections can update alongside portfolio changes and company announcements, reducing manual tracking.

The feature will be available free to Longbridge account holders and support dividend-paying stocks and ETFs listed in Singapore, the United States and Hong Kong. Future dividend projections are estimates, not guaranteed payments.

Why the time to start is now

Time in market allows reinvested dividends more time to compound, though this does not guarantee a positive outcome. For dividend investors, time matters because dividends that are reinvested have longer to compound.

Singapore equities have pulled back from recent highs[7], yet many established Singapore-listed companies continue to show sound fundamentals and long track records of paying dividends. Lower prices may result in higher dividend yields for new purchases, although investors should assess whether a higher yield reflects sustainable payouts rather than a weakening business, as past dividends do not guarantee future payments.

Getting started has also become more accessible. With SGX’s smaller board lots, recurring buy now available for Singapore stocks on Longbridge Singapore, and Dividend Hub to track progress towards an income target, investors can build dividend positions gradually and track progress towards their income goals.

For many, dividend income is tied to personal milestones: a parent setting aside funds towards a child’s university education, or a working professional building a supplementary income stream for retirement in 15 years. Starting early, even with modest amounts, allows more time for potential compounding effects.

Towards more informed dividend investing

As financial markets evolve, investors need to consider not only how their portfolios may appreciate in value, but also how those investments can contribute towards broader financial objectives.

Dividend investing is neither a substitute for growth investing nor an inherently lower-risk strategy. Instead, it provides another potential source of returns that can complement long-term wealth accumulation.

By bringing dividend tracking, income forecasting and goal-setting into one platform, Longbridge Dividend Hub aims to help investors adopt a more structured, forward-looking approach to managing dividend income.

Ultimately, successful dividend investing is not simply about collecting payouts, but understanding how those payouts contribute towards achieving long-term financial goals.

Access Longbridge Dividend Hub here.

Frequently asked questions

What is dividend investing?

Dividend investing involves owning shares or funds that distribute income to investors. Dividends can be reinvested for potential compounding or used as a source of cash flow.

How can I forecast future dividend income?

Investors can estimate future dividends using declared distributions and historical payout patterns. Longbridge Dividend Hub automates dividend projections for the next 12 months based on portfolio holdings, although estimated payouts are not guaranteed until officially declared by the company.

What is Longbridge Dividend Hub?

Longbridge Dividend Hub is a free, dividend-planning feature directly integrated into the investor’s portfolio page that helps investors set income goals, forecast payouts, track dividend schedules and assess their progress using AI-assisted insights.

“First Dividend Hub” refers to the first MAS-licensed, retail-facing brokerage in Singapore to launch a native, centralised in-app feature that combines historical dividend tracking, forward dividend income projections based on users’ holdings, and dividend income goal-setting with progress tracking in one dedicated experience. This claim is based on our review of 20 in-scope brokerages, assessed through hands-on app testing and official sources, as of 25 September 2026.

This article is for general information only and does not constitute investment advice or a recommendation to buy or sell any security. Investing involves risk, including the possible loss of principal. Projected and past dividends are not indicative of future payouts. Views attributed to Gavin Chia, Chief Executive of Longbridge Securities Singapore and Regional CEO.

[1] International Monetary Fund, World Economic Outlook, October 2026: https://www.imf.org/en/Publications/WEO/Issues/2026/10/13/world-economic-outlook-october-2026

[2] Monetary Authority of Singapore, Monetary Policy Statement, October 2026: https://www.mas.gov.sg/news/monetary-policy-statements/2026/mas-monetary-policy-statement-14oct26

[3] HSBC Asset Management, Equity Insights, April 2026: https://www.assetmanagement.hsbc.com.sg/en/institutional-client/news-and-insights/equity-insights-april-2026

[4] Invesco, “Dividends and Capital Appreciation: Understanding Total Return”: https://www.invesco.com/us/en/insights/dividends-and-capital-appreciation-understanding-total-return.html

[5] Singapore Exchange (SGX), Securities Trading: https://www.sgx.com/stock-exchange/trading

[6] Monetary Authority of Singapore, “MAS Appoints Third Batch of EQDP Asset Managers” (2026): https://www.mas.gov.sg/news/media-releases/2026/mas-appoints-third-batch-of-eqdp-asset-managers

[7] The Straits Times Index crossed the 5,000 mark for the first time in 2026. Source: The Straits Times, “Straits Times Index crosses 5,000 mark for the first time”: https://www.straitstimes.com/business/companies-markets/straits-times-index-crosses-5000-mark-for-the-first-time

 

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