Howard Marks, Co-founder of Oaktree Capital, wrote in a blog warning that the market assumes a productivity boom from AI, yet overlooks issues such as millions of people becoming unemployed and who will purchase the additional goods produced.

He is concerned that a small group of billionaires living on the US East and West coasts, who are highly educated, are creating technologies that could lead to massive unemployment.

Some companies, in order not to fall behind in this 'winner-takes-all' AI arms race, are forced to take on 'aggressive' amounts of debt, Marks added.

Marks also believed that investors' current behavior has a 'speculative' nature, as the actual demand growth for AI technology is completely unpredictable. He suggested that it is too early to judge whether the current enthusiasm for AI is excessive, and it will take years to determine if the craze is rational.
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AASTOCKS Financial News
Website: www.aastocks.com

SAN FRANCISCO and SUZHOU, China, Dec. 10, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Innovent Biologics, Inc. (Innovent) (HKEX: 01801), a world-class biopharmaceutical company that develops, manufactures and commercializes high-quality medicines for the treatment of oncology, cardiovascular and metabolic, autoimmune, ophthalmology and other major disease areas, announced that the first participant has been successfully dosed in a Phase 1 clinical trial of IBI3011, an anti-human Interleukin 1 receptor accessory protein (IL-1RAP) monoclonal antibody developed by Innovent.

This study is a single ascending dose (SAD) study to evaluate the safety, tolerability, and pharmacokinetics of IBI3011 for the first-in-human administration, so as to support the subsequent clinical development of IBI3011. A total of 40 healthy volunteers and 24 patients with gout flares are planned to be enrolled.

With economic development and rising living standards, the number of gout patients in China is increasing. By 2019, the estimated number of patients had exceeded 3 million.^[1],[2] When serum uric acid rises above its saturation point, urate crystals can deposit in joints, triggering local inflammation and tissue damage and causing gout flares.^[3] Recurrent flares can lead to joint destruction and functional impairment, limiting patients' social roles and seriously reducing quality of life.

At present, first-line pharmacologic treatments for gout flare mainly consist of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and colchicine, to which certain patients have contraindications or cannot tolerate, lacking targeted therapies. Second-line therapies as glucocorticoids are also associated with numerous adverse effects. In addition, only one IL‑1β–targeted agent has been approved in China for the treatment of gout flare, and there remains a large unmet need in clinical practice.

IL-1RAP, a member of the IL-1 family, serves as a co-receptor that forms receptor complexes with IL-1R1, ST2, and IL-36R and mediates downstream signaling pathways triggered by IL1α/β, IL33 and IL36, respectively. These cytokines are implicated in a broad spectrum of autoimmune and inflammatory diseases including acute gouty arthritis, hidradenitis suppurativa, etc. Compared with anti‑IL‑1β antibodies, targeting IL‑1RAP can simultaneously block multiple IL‑1 family inflammatory pathways, with the potential to rapidly control inflammation, relieve gout symptoms, and enable earlier initiation of urate‑lowering therapy.

IBI3011 is the first anti-IL‑1RAP monoclonal antibody in China aimed to address inflammatory and autoimmune diseases. Preclinical data show that IBI3011 can significantly suppress gout flares in models of acute gouty arthritis, highlighting its clinical potential for the treatment of gout flares. In this therapeutic area, Innovent plans to initiate a Phase 3 trial of IBI128 (tigulixostat) in gout patients with hyperuricemia. Previously, the Phase 2 clinical results of IBI128 were presented at APLAR 2025 showing strong efficacy in reducing serum uric acid in patients with gout. On top of that, IBI3011 has the potential to further suppress gout flares, complementing tigulixostat's uric acid-lowering effect to provide a more comprehensive treatment approach for patients with hyperuricemia and gout. Additionally, Mazdutide could also provide the benefit of reducing blood uric acid in the obesity population. Together, these assets provide more personalized treatment options for patients with gout and hyperuricemia. With IBI3011 now entering the clinical stage, Innovent will further strengthen its pipeline in metabolic and autoimmune diseases.

Dr. Lei Qian, Chief R&D Officer of General Biomedicine of Innovent Biologics, stated, "I am very pleased that the first participant has been dosed in the Phase 1 clinical study of IBI3011, and I look forward to its result supporting the development of treatments for gout flares and other indications. Innovent Biologics' general biomedicine pipeline reflects a well-structured, echeloned and matrix-like strategy across the fields of cardiovascular and metabolic diseases (CVM), autoimmune diseases, and ophthalmology. For gout, a metabolic and immune-related condition, IB3011 complements the promising Phase 2 clinical results of IBI128 (tigulixostat), which demonstrated excellent efficacy in targeting XOI and is now advancing to Phase 3. By focusing on next-generation global innovations, Innovent is accelerating the development of high-potential molecules and the synergy of these products is expected to bring more innovative therapies that improve the quality of life to patients around the world."

About IBI3011

IBI3011 is a monoclonal antibody targeting IL‑1RAP. As a co‑receptor, IL‑1RAP forms receptor complex with IL‑1R1, ST2, and IL‑36R, hence mediating activation of the IL‑1α/β, IL‑33, and IL‑36α/β/γ signaling pathways and contributing to the development of multiple autoimmune and inflammatory diseases. Consequently, targeting IL‑1RAP can simultaneously block several IL‑1 family inflammatory pathways, with the potential to rapidly control inflammation, alleviate gout symptoms, and allow earlier initiation of urate‑lowering therapy. Preclinical data indicate that IBI3011 can significantly suppress gout flares in models of acute gouty arthritis, underscoring the clinical potential of IBI3011.

About Innovent Biologics

Innovent is a leading biopharmaceutical company founded in 2011 with the mission to empower patients worldwide with affordable, high-quality biopharmaceuticals. The company discovers, develops, manufactures and commercializes innovative medicines that target some of the most intractable diseases. Its pioneering therapies treat cancer, cardiovascular and metabolic, autoimmune and eye diseases. Innovent has launched 17 products in the market. It has 1 new drug applications under regulatory review, 4 assets in Phase 3 or pivotal clinical trials and 15 more molecules in early clinical stage. Innovent partners with over 30 global healthcare companies, including Eli Lilly, Roche, Takeda, Sanofi, Incyte, LG Chem and MD Anderson Cancer Center.

Guided by the motto, "Start with Integrity, Succeed through Action" Innovent maintains the highest standard of industry practices and works collaboratively to advance the biopharmaceutical industry so that first-rate pharmaceutical drugs can become widely accessible. For more information, visit www.innoventbio.com, or follow Innovent on Facebook and LinkedIn.

Statement: Innovent Biologics does not recommend the use of unapproved drugs/indications.

Forward-Looking Statement

This news release may contain certain forward-looking statements that are, by their nature, subject to significant risks and uncertainties. The words "anticipate", "believe", "estimate", "expect", "intend" and similar expressions, as they relate to Innovent, are intended to identify certain of such forward-looking statements. Innovent does not intend to update these forward-looking statements regularly.

These forward-looking statements are based on the existing beliefs, assumptions, expectations, estimates, projections and understandings of the management of Innovent with respect to future events at the time these statements are made. These statements are not a guarantee of future developments and are subject to risks, uncertainties and other factors, some of which are beyond Innovent's control and are difficult to predict. Consequently, actual results may differ materially from information contained in the forward-looking statements as a result of future changes or developments in our business, Innovent's competitive environment and political, economic, legal and social conditions.

Innovent, the Directors and the employees of Innovent assume (a) no obligation to correct or update the forward-looking statements contained in this site; and (b) no liability in the event that any of the forward-looking statements does not materialize or turn out to be incorrect.

SpaceX, founded by Tesla (TSLA.US)'s founder Elon Musk, is planning to push forward with an IPO raising over USD30 billion, which, if achieved, will surpass Saudi Aramco to become the largest IPO of all time, Bloomberg reported, citing sources.

It is understood that SpaceX's management and advisors are actively seeking to list as early as mid to late next year, with a target valuation of around USD1.5 trillion.
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AAStocks Financial News
Web Site: www.aastocks.com

US stocks rattled narrowly on Tuesday, as Wall Street awaited the Fed's decision on interest rate. The S&P 500 edged down 6 points to 6,840 at close. The Nasdaq was the only index among the three major indices that recorded upswing, increasing by 30 points or 0.1% to end at 23,576. The DJIA shed 179 points or 0.4% to 47,560.

JPMorgan (JPM.US) anticipated spending US$105 billion next year, more than street consensus. The stock closed down 4.7%, weighing the DJIA down.

The US allows NVIDIA (NVDA.US) to sell AI chips H200 to China, with NVIDIA slightly down 0.3%. Alphabet's (GOOG.US) subsidiary Google plans to launch its first AI smart glasses next year, shoring up its stock by 1%. Meta (META.US), which had previously collaborated with Ray-Ban to launch smart glasses, fell 1.5%.
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AASTOCKS Financial News
Website: www.aastocks.com

Apple (AAPL.US) was previously blasted for its unclear AI strategy, Bloomberg reported. However, as AI trading is being reassessed by the market, Apple's cautious approach to AI plans has turned from a disadvantage into an advantage.

In the first half of this year, Apple was the second worst-performing tech stock among the "Magnificent Seven", with a total decline of 18% by the end of June. However, the situation briskly improved, and Apple's current market cap reached US$4.1 trillion, making it the second-largest component of the S&P 500 by weight, surpassing Microsoft (MSFT.US) and approaching Nvidia (NVDA.US).

Bill Stone, Chief Investment Officer of Glenview Trust Company, one of Apple's shareholders, stated that Apple will certainly add more AI features to its phones in the future but is avoiding the AI arms race and the substantial capex it requires.
~



AASTOCKS Financial News
Website: www.aastocks.com

Anniversary publication marks long-term SME support for diversified development

MACAO, Dec. 9, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Sands China celebrated the 10th anniversary of its Local Small, Medium and Micro Suppliers Support Programme with a ceremony Tuesday at The Londoner Macao^®, together with the launch of a 10th anniversary booklet showcasing the programme's success stories. The event also featured the 2025 Sands Supplier Excellence Awards to honour outstanding suppliers, appreciation certificates to recognise long-term suppliers, and a cocktail and business networking session to further connect local businesses and company representatives for future cooperation opportunities.

The Local SME Suppliers Support Programme: A Decade of SME Empowerment

As the largest integrated tourism and leisure enterprise in Macao, Sands China has long championed a development model that enables large and small businesses to thrive together, introducing a variety of effective measures to foster the steady growth of SMEs. The Local Small, Medium and Micro Suppliers Support Programme, co-launched in 2015 with the Macao Chamber of Commerce, is a landmark programme under this vision.

The programme launched as Macao's first SME-focused initiative led by a tourism and leisure enterprise, and targets three types of local businesses: small and micro suppliers, "Made in Macao" companies and Macao young entrepreneurs. It aims to support the Macao SAR government's SME policies while further strengthening Sands China's commitment to local business development. Its key projects include the F.I.T. programme, introduced in 2017, which provides financial support, invitational matching, as well as training and development to help local SME suppliers upskill and expand their business opportunities.

Since its inception, the programme has successfully deepened collaboration with local SMEs, generating remarkable results: a total of MOP 119.4 billion in procurement, with local procurement accounting for 83 percent, involving 4,700 SMEs.

Tuesday's event unveiled the programme's 10th anniversary booklet – outlining a decade of development and success stories – intended to inspire the city's SMEs to attain greater achievements.

"SMEs are a vital pillar of Macao's economy, securing the foundation of the city's diversified industries," said Grant Chum, chief executive officer and executive director of Sands China Ltd. "For more than 20 years, Sands China has remained committed to supporting the growth of local SMEs by leading the industry in prioritising local procurement, building promotional platforms for local businesses, and sharing our business expertise and experience to help them achieve independent development.

"In addition to recognising outstanding suppliers, we would also like to take this opportunity to honour and extend our heartfelt gratitude to our 40 long-term business partners. We sincerely thank the Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in the Macao SAR, the Macao SAR Government, and all sectors of society for their longstanding guidance and support. We are likewise grateful for the enduring collaboration of the Macao Chamber of Commerce, whose dedication has helped numerous local SMEs grow from seedlings into flourishing enterprises. We look forward to continuing our partnership and achieving even greater shared successes in the years to come."

Ma Chi Ngai, president of the board of directors of the Macao Chamber of Commerce, said: "Ten years ago, the Macao Chamber of Commerce partnered with Sands China to launch the local SME support programme, applying the philosophy of supporting the development of local SME suppliers and prioritising local procurement, opening a new chapter of symbiotic growth between integrated tourism and leisure enterprise and local SMEs. Through a series of innovative support measures, including large-scale exhibition platforms, professional training, and technical guidance, we have built a comprehensive support system to help SMEs enhance their capabilities. Together, we have faced market changes and challenges side by side, forming a cooperative ecosystem of complementary strengths and mutual benefit. Looking ahead, we will continue to support Macao SAR government in helping local SMEs explore new pathways in digital transformation, brand upgrading, and international expansion, contributing our efforts toward Macao's economic diversification."

At the event, Sands China executives presented certificates of appreciation to 40 SME partners – many of whom have worked with the company for over two decades. The certificates were presented by Dr. Wilfred Wong, executive vice chairman of Sands China Ltd.; Grant Chum; Dave Sun, executive vice president and chief financial officer of Sands China Ltd. and managing director of Venetian Macau Limited; and Norbert Riezler, senior vice president and chief procurement officer of Las Vegas Sands Corp.

2025 Sands Supplier Excellence Awards

The Sands Supplier Excellence Awards are an annual initiative of Las Vegas Sands Corp., acknowledging the cooperation and services of some of Sands' most noteworthy suppliers worldwide. A judging committee composed of Sands China executive management selects Macao's award recipients each year. At Tuesday's ceremony, Sands China awarded seven winners:

• Corporate Culture & Sustainability:
  China Travel Service (Macao) Ltd

• Innovation:
  Tech (Macau) Limited

• Cost Management:
  Companhia de Obras de Decoracoes Wai Yun Lda.

• Quality Management:
  Anglo-East Trading Co. (HK) Limited

• Project Management:
  Vodatel Holdings Ltd

• Service Excellence:
  Express Marine Electronics Company Limited

• Small/Medium Enterprise (SME):
  Hight Tea International Development Company Limited

Guests at the event included: Sun Yaohua, director of the Economic Affairs Department of the Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in the Macao SAR; Yau Yun Wah, director of the Economic and Technological Development Bureau of the Macao SAR government; Ma Chi Ngai; Victoria Kuan, director-general of the Macau Productivity and Technology Centre; Sam Lei, acting president of the Commerce and Investment Promotion Institute of the Macao Special Administrative Region; Paulo Coutinho, director and editor-in-chief of Macau Daily Times; and Lam Io Meng, deputy general manager of Macao Daily News.

Following the ceremony, a group of local enterprises joined a cocktail and business networking session to connect with representatives from various Sands China departments, including procurement and supply chain. Sessions like these over the years have enabled Sands China and local suppliers to explore and develop new mutually beneficial partnerships.

Sands China remains committed to prioritising local procurement and supporting the long-term growth of Macao's SMEs, as an integral part of the company's corporate social responsibility.

###

About Sands China Ltd.

Sands China Ltd. (Sands China or the Company) is incorporated in the Cayman Islands with limited liability and is listed on The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited (HKEx: 1928). Sands China is the largest operator of integrated resorts in Macao. The Company's integrated resorts on the Cotai Strip comprise The Venetian^® Macao, The Plaza^® Macao, The Parisian^® Macao and The Londoner Macao^®. The Company also owns and operates Sands^® Macao on the Macao peninsula. The Company's portfolio features a diversified mix of leisure and business attractions and transportation operations, including large meeting and convention facilities; a wide range of restaurants; shopping malls; world-class entertainment at The Venetian Arena, The Londoner Arena, The Venetian Theatre, The Parisian Theatre, the Londoner Theatre and the Sands Theatre; and a high-speed Cotai Water Jet ferry service between Hong Kong and Macao. The Company's Cotai Strip portfolio has the goal of contributing to Macao's transformation into a world centre of tourism and leisure. Sands China is a subsidiary of global resort developer Las Vegas Sands Corp. (NYSE: LVS).

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

Media contacts:
Corporate Communications, Sands China Ltd.
Mabel Wu
Tel: +853 8118 2268
Email: [email protected] 

Jesse Chiang
Tel: +853 8118 2054
Email: [email protected]

發布紀念特刊載錄十年碩果 「以大帶小」共促本澳多元發展

澳門2025年12月9日 /美通社/ -- 金沙中國周二假澳門倫敦人^®舉行「金沙中國本地中小微企採購合作計劃」成立10周年慶典，匯聚計劃的中小企，回顧相互協作十載的進程與建樹，並於當天發布合作計劃十周年紀念特刊，為這段共勉共進之路留下珍貴紀錄。同場亦舉行年度「2025金沙卓越供應商頒獎禮」，以表揚七家供應商的傑出表現，並向40家長期合作的中小企授予感謝狀。會場亦設商務聯誼環節，讓本地企業與公司部門代表會面，藉此促進更多互惠共贏的合作機遇。

「本地中小微企採購合作計劃」十載惠商

作為澳門最大規模的綜合旅遊休閒企業，金沙中國秉持「以大帶小」的理念，二十多年來，持續開創多元且精準的中小企支援舉措，助本澳企業穩步發展。「金沙中國本地中小微企採購合作計劃」正是其中的標誌性項目。計劃由金沙中國與澳門中華總商會於2015年聯手創辦，成為首個由本澳旅遊休閒企業牽頭、以中小企合作為核心的項目，重點扶持三類本地企業，包括小微企、澳門製造企業及澳門青創企業，旨在配合澳門特區政府扶持中小微企的政策，並履行公司致力推動中小企發展的承諾。重點項目包括於2017年推出、由財務支持、推廣平台及培訓與發展三部分組成的F.I.T. 「飛騰」本地中小微企支援計劃，全方位助本澳企業拓展商機、轉型升級。

「金沙中國本地中小微企採購合作計劃」自推出以來成效顯著，成功促進行業與中小微企的深度協作。時至今日，金沙中國採購總金額達1,194億澳門元，其中本地採購佔比高達83%、合作的中小企達4,700家。當日更發布合作計劃十周年紀念特刊，闡述計劃十年發展進程，以及合作成果的故事，以此與中小企相互砥礪，穩步前行。  

金沙中國有限公司行政總裁兼執行董事鄭君諾表示：「中小企是澳門經濟的重要支柱，守護著澳門產業多元的根基。為此，金沙中國始終秉持『以大帶小』理念，二十多年來積極牽頭業界支持本地採購，並主動為本地企業搭建推廣平台，並把營商智慧和經驗分享給中小微企，助它們自主成長。除了表現卓越的供應商外，我們亦特意藉本次活動的機會嘉許40 家多年來與我們長期合作的中小企，向商業夥伴致以誠摯敬意。在此衷心感謝中聯辦、澳門特區政府及社會各界長期的指導與支持，也感激我們長期合作夥伴澳門中華總商會的竭誠協作，讓我們能助力一批批澳門中小企，從幼苗茁壯成長為參天巨木。展望未來，期待繼續與大家攜手前行，再創高峰。」

澳門中華總商會理事長馬志毅表示：「十年前，澳門中華總商會與金沙中國攜手推出本地中小微企採購合作計劃，以『以大帶小』、優先本地採購為核心理念，開啟了大型綜合休閒企業與中小微企共生共榮的新征程。通過推出一系列創新支援舉措，創設大型展銷平台、提供專業培訓、技術指導等形式，為本澳中小微企實現自身能力躍升搭建了完善的支持體系，共同應對市場變化與挑戰，形成了優勢互補、互利共贏的良好合作生態；展望未來，我們將繼續積極響應特區政府，推動本地中小微企數字化轉型、品牌化升級、國際化拓展等方面探索更多路徑，為澳門經濟適度多元發展作出貢獻。」

活動期間，一眾金沙中國管理層向來自本澳各行業的40家長期合作的中小企頒發感謝狀，答謝他們多年來的貢獻，當中不少已與金沙中國超過二十年。頒授嘉許的管理層包括：金沙中國有限公司行政副主席王英偉博士；鄭君諾；金沙中國有限公司行政副總裁兼財務總裁、威尼斯人澳門股份有限公司常務董事孫敏其；以及拉斯維加斯金沙集團高級副總裁及首席採購總裁Norbert Riezler等。

「金沙卓越供應商頒獎禮」

當天亦舉行「2025金沙卓越供應商頒獎禮」，此項獎項是金沙中國母公司發起的年度活動，旨在表揚供應商的出色表現及周全服務。每年由金沙中國高級管理層組成的評審委員會選出來自不同界別的得獎企業。

於周二的頒獎禮上，金沙中國向一共七家表現傑出的供應商頒發獎項，包括：

• 企業文化及可持續性：澳門中國旅行社股份有限公司
• 最佳創意：匯科（澳門）股份有限公司
• 成本管理：偉原裝修工程有限公司
• 質量管理：英東貿易（香港）有限公司
• 項目管理：愛達利控股有限公司
• 優質服務：快捷航海儀器有限公司
• 中小型企業：茶冠國際發展有限公司

出席周二活動的嘉賓包括：中央人民政府駐澳門特別行政區聯絡辦公室經濟部處長孫耀華、澳門特別行政區政府經濟及科技發展局局長邱潤華、馬志毅、澳門生産力暨科技轉移中心理事長關治平、澳門招商投資促進局代主席李藻森、《澳門每日時報》社長兼總編輯Paulo Coutinho，以及澳門日報副總經理林耀明等。

活動結束後，一眾本地企業代表參與商務聯誼環節，與金沙中國各部門交流接洽，當中包括採購團隊，藉此讓中小企更好對接公司的營運需求，共同促進更多互惠共贏的合作機遇。

金沙中國持續支持優先本地採購，積極扶持本地中小企業發展，並視之為履行社會企業責任的重要一環。

關於金沙中國有限公司

金沙中國有限公司（香港聯交所：1928，「金沙中國」或「公司」）是一所於開曼群島註冊成立的有限公司及在香港聯合交易所有限公司上市的公司。金沙中國是澳門最大的綜合度假村經營商，於路氹金光大道上設有澳門威尼斯人^®、澳門百利宮^®、澳門巴黎人，以及澳門倫敦人^® 等物業項目，同時擁有及經營位於澳門半島的澳門金沙酒店。公司旗下的各綜合度假村集合多樣化的娛樂消閒、商務設施及客運業務，包括大型會議及展覽場地、各式餐廳食肆、購物中心、於威尼斯人綜藝館、倫敦人綜藝館、威尼斯人劇場、巴黎人劇場、倫敦人劇場及金沙劇場舉行的世界級娛樂表演，以及來往港澳的金光飛航高速渡輪服務。公司在路氹金光大道的各物業發展項目，堅定並持續地為建設澳門成為世界旅遊休閒中心貢獻力量。金沙中國是全球度假村發展商拉斯維加斯金沙集團股份有限公司（紐約證券交易所：LVS）的附屬公司。

如欲索取更多相關資訊，請瀏覽網頁https://hk.sandschina.com/index.html。

傳媒查詢：

金沙中國有限公司 – 企業傳訊部
胡美寶                                                                       
電話：+853 8118 2268                                             
電郵：[email protected]                

鄭文軒
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NAIROBI, Kenya, Dec. 9, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Zoomlion Heavy Industry Science & Technology Co., Ltd. ("Zoomlion"; 1157.HK) is helping Kenyan farmers navigate the country's shifting seasons, where heavy rains turn fields to mud and the dry months leave soil unworkable. In Nakuru, Zoomlion's agricultural machinery is increasing land productivity and giving farmers tools suited to local field conditions. Around 70 percent of Kenya's population depends on farming but progress has been stymied by limited mechanization. Extreme weather strains traditional labor, and used equipment often falls short of demand. Reliable, efficient machines have become essential.

At a Zoomlion warehouse, engineer Solomon inspects a tractor before delivery. Every unit undergoes a strict check. That day's shipment includes RC110 tractors heading to Angata Sugar Mills. March to May and September to November mark the country's busiest seasons. John, head of logistics at the sugar mills, prepares fleets of machines to move into the fields. Sugarcane is a vital cash crop, and the mill has planted 1,000 hectares with support from around 60 Zoomlion machines. Output and efficiency, he said, have climbed sharply.

Farmers and operators have embraced the tractors for their power, low fuel use, and simple controls, said Kenneth, a local Zoomlion service engineer. One storage site now holds almost 300 pieces of equipment including tractors, harvesters, and transplanting machines. Zoomlion's technology has also cut transportation costs. "After our tractors were deployed, operating costs for short-distance hauling dropped about 30 percent," said Zhu Wenxi, Zoomlion's Deputy General Manager for East Africa. For operators such as Malala, the change is personal, sharing: "We used to carry everything manually. Now the work is easier."

To keep equipment running smoothly, Zoomlion stations Kenyan engineers in the sugar factory for immediate support. John said their constant presence has been invaluable. Service teams also train local technicians, preparing them to handle issues independently. Climate challenges have pushed further innovation. Frequent braking on muddy roads caused early wear, prompting Zoomlion to upgrade brake pads on later models. Service engineer Ken Gang recently returned from a technical training trip in China. The experience, he said, helps him teach Kenyan operators safer and more efficient practices.

As machinery spreads through Kenya's fields, farmers are seeing higher yields and lighter workloads. And as cooperation deepens, Zoomlion is helping shape a modern agricultural path for the region, one rooted in shared innovation and growing opportunity.

A Medal Haul: Xtep Athletes Secure 6 Golds, 2 Silver, 2 Bronzes

HO CHI MINH CITY, Vietnam, Dec. 9, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Attracting 23,000 runners globally, the 8th Edition of the Techcombank Ho Chi Minh City International Marathon successfully launched on December 7. After an intense competition, Xtep-sponsored elite athletes delivered a dominant performance. In the men's full marathon, Ethiopian international elites swept the podium: Ayalew Seleshi Simaneh claimed victory with an impressive time of 02:23:12, followed by Wondale Melsew Baye (02:23:23) and Kebede Leta Girma (02:23:32). In the women's race, Xtep's local brand ambassador Phạm Thị Hồng Lệ secured first place with 02:48:07, while Ethiopian athletes Mohamed Yenework Husen (02:48:45) and Zega Mestu Sirabzu (02:50:52) took second and fourth places respectively. Additionally, Vietnamese runner Bá Văn Hân, representing the local Xtep team, achieved third place in the men's category with 02:33:01. As a long-standing and committed partner of the event, technical footwear and apparel brand Xtep marked its 4th consecutive year as the Exclusive Apparel Sponsor, further underscoring the brand's professional spirit and enduring dedication to high-performance running and athlete-focused innovation.

Ho Chi Minh City is rapidly emerging as a leading running hub in Southeast Asia. According to data from the event organizers, registrations for this year's race increased by approximately 28% compared with last year, continuing a multi-year trend of strong growth. This momentum reflects the city's improving running environment and its increasingly dynamic sports culture. Mr. Le Truong Hien Hoa, Deputy Director of the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Tourism, highlighted the event's broader significance, stating, "This is one of the city's most distinctive sports-tourism events, attracting international visitors while inspiring and uniting the community." Echoing this view, Mr. Nguyen Nam Nhan, Deputy Director of the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Culture and Sports, added, "The race also helps position Ho Chi Minh City as an attractive international destination for regional sporting events. Moving forward, we remain committed to supporting the growth of the marathon, so it becomes one of the region's leading community marathons, contributing meaningfully to the city's sustainable development and international reputation." Ho Chi Minh City has been systematically accelerating the development of urban green spaces and public areas to provide better conditions for residents and running enthusiasts. These initiatives are translating into consistently rising public enthusiasm and participation across the community.

At the pre-race Marathon Expo which opened on December 5, Xtep's lineup of high-performance running products drew significant attention from participants. Ms. Đào Thị Thu Hương, Deputy General Director of Xtep Vietnam, highlighted the philosophy behind these innovations at the race opening ceremony: "Guided by our mission to become a top global sports brand that blends performance with style, Xtep is committed to continuous innovation. We are dedicated to providing athletes with the best possible equipment, empowering them to perform at their peak." This commitment was on full display with products like the championship-caliber 160X 7.0, designed to help runners feel comfortable, confident, and at ease on every stretch of the course. The brand's professional proposition was further evidenced through its sponsorship of elite athletes, backing a local team of 6 and an international team of 6 competitors. This strategic blend of top-tier international talent and dedicated local runners does more than secure victories; it actively elevates the competitive landscape for all participants, setting a new benchmark for the event and accelerating its journey toward becoming a world-class race. Furthermore, Xtep's running club, X-Run, demonstrated its strength, with many of its members achieving outstanding results across various race distances and leaving a remarkable impression. These achievements not only highlight the individual prowess of the runners but also reflect the effective support system and community that Xtep has cultivated.

Building on this successful track record of empowering runners, Xtep is committed to further deepening its engagement with the running community in Vietnam. Looking ahead, Xtep is committed to deepening its support for the runners of the Ho Chi Minh City Marathon. This commitment will be realized through continuous product innovation, including introducing advanced footwear like the 160X series adapted to local conditions, and through community initiatives such as organizing running clinics and training workshops. These multifaceted efforts embody Xtep's core philosophy of "Influencing the Masses through Professionalism"—aiming to elevate the running experience for athletes at all levels, promote a scientific approach to the sport, and contribute to a lasting, vibrant running culture in Vietnam.

About XTEP

XTEP Group, one of the leading sports brands in China, was founded in 1987 and officially established as the brand XTEP in 2001. The Group was listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange on June 3, 2008 (01368.hk). In 2019, the Group launched its global strategy, incorporating Saucony, Merrell, K•SWISS, and Palladium to become a leading international sports group with multiple sports brands. For more about XTEP, please visit https://www.globalxtep.com/

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