- Fair attracts participation of more than 260 brands from 25 countries and regions, achieving its largest-ever scale and level of internationalisation- Over the four-day period, CENTRESTAGE welcomed over 10,000 trade buyers from 91 countries and regions, with the number of buyers from the UK, Mainland China, India and Indonesia showing significant growth- Internationally acclaimed couturier Guo Pei and world-renowned fashion legend Professor Jimmy Choo OBE hosted talks at the fair; Guo Pei also staged her solo couture show themed “Gilternity: An Everlasting Radiance”, at CENTRESTAGE ELITES- Survey findings reveal that over 55% of respondents expect sales to increase in the coming 12 to 24 months- 38% of respondents believe that rising demand from emerging markets is the major opportunity for business, while 36% believe that fashion accessories hold the greatest growth potential for the industryHONG KONG, Sep 6, 2025 - (ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) – CENTRESTAGE, organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) and sponsored by the Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency (CCIDA) of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, drew to a successful close today. Celebrating its 10th edition, this year’s event ran on an unprecedented scale. Over 260 brands from 25 countries and regions participated in the four-day event, attracting over 10,000 buyers from 91 countries and regions. Buyer participation from the UK, Mainland China, India and Indonesia recorded a significant increase, further strengthening Hong Kong’s role as Asia’s fashion hub and a centre for East-West cultural exchange.CENTRESTAGE and Salon de TIME, the HKTDC’s concurrent fashion event, were fully open to the public free of charge. The public count for the events exceeded 19,000 visits, successfully assisting exhibitors in expanding their customer base and helping to promote the development of the creative sector.Sophia Chong, Deputy Executive Director of the HKTDC, said: “Over the past decade, CENTRESTAGE has become an essential trade and exchange platform for local, Asian and international fashion brands. This year’s fair set records in terms of scale and internationalisation, bringing together a wide range of globally renowned design brands which participated for the first time, including Saul Nash from the UK, HENRIK VIBSKOV from Denmark and THE NERDYS from Japan. Internationally acclaimed couturier Guo Pei and world-renowned fashion legend Professor Jimmy Choo OBE also appeared at CENTRESTAGE to host inspiring sharing sessions. The event successfully attracted prominent local and overseas buyers, including leading retailers and procurement groups such as Machine-A from the UK, Sugar Srl from Italy, Daimaru Matsuzakaya Department Stores from Japan, Zalora from Indonesia and ESSX. from the United States, as well as helping local brands expand internationally and highlighting Hong Kong’s unique appeal as Asia’s fashion hub.”Over 55% respondents expect sales growth; emerging markets seen as keyThe HKTDC conducted a survey during the fair, interviewing more than 400 exhibitors and buyers to gauge their views on product trends and the outlook for the fashion industry. The survey revealed that 56% of respondents expect sales to increase over the next 12 to 24 months, while 40% anticipate that sales will remain unchanged, reflecting an optimistic stance towards the industry’s sales landscape.Respondents also identified key challenges such as fluctuations in the global economy (44%) and keen competition within the industry (40%). In terms of opportunities. 38% said their greatest opportunities lay in rising demand from emerging markets.Global designers explore market frontiers; cross-cultural craftsmanship shinesFor the first time, the United Kingdom joined CENTRESTAGE as Partner Country, presenting 16 highly creative fashion brands and emerging designers. The UK pavilion highlighted diverse styles and sustainable concepts, partnering with the JCA-London Fashion Academy founded by Professor Jimmy Choo OBE to showcase works by a new generation of designers. On the first day of the fair, a UK fashion show celebrated the craftsmanship and forward‑looking vision of British fashion.This year’s CENTRESTAGE featured six themed zones showcasing the latest fashion trends and creative forces. The newly launched Accessories zone highlighted functional yet stylish accessory ranges in response to market demand. The survey revealed that, same as last year, fashion accessories were seen by respondents as having the greatest growth potential among fashion product categories in major sales markets (36%).Cross-cultural craftsmanship has also emerged as a rising design trend. This year’s fair not only presented selected pieces from internationally acclaimed couturier Guo Pei’s entirely hand‑crafted collection “Gilternity: An Everlasting Radiance”, but also brought together brands from diverse cultural backgrounds, showcasing fashion works that blend traditional techniques such as embroidery, weaving and tie-dyeing. They included Hong Kong brand Yue Hwa Chinese Products Emporium Limited which showcased designs utilising Gambier Canton Silk, a national intangible cultural heritage fabric.Other highlights included Hong Kong brand Isabelle.C, which incorporates the Chinese intangible heritage technique of Kesi (silk tapestry weaving) into its designs; Thai brand Lava Laweng, which showcases Thai ethnic culture and weaving craftsmanship; and Macao brand Yu Kwa, founded by Lin Yingwen, the fifth-generation inheritor of the intangible cultural heritage production of gold-embroidered skirt jackets. These works not only showcase exquisite craftsmanship and rich cultural depth, but also breathe new life into traditional techniques within the modern fashion landscape.As a first-time exhibitor at CENTRESTAGE, Vald Showroom from Denmark brought a curated selection of brands, including Danish label HENRIK VIBSKOV which is known for its runway appearances in Copenhagen and Paris. The showroom is planning to expand into new markets across Asia. “We are very excited to learn about local customers’ preferences and see how buyers respond to our collections in terms of quality, price, fit and style,” said Jacob Jensen, the company’s CEO.Hong Kong brand Imellda Ho Millinery specialises in handmade custom hats and headpieces. Designer Imellda Ho said this year marks her first participation at CENTRESTAGE under her own brand name, and that the fair reflected the HKTDC's international vision. “The team even anticipated needs I hadn't considered. This 'thinking beyond the designer' support is exactly what independent brands need most,” she said. Ms Ho added that although the custom headwear market is relatively small, the fair offers opportunities for brands to expand into overseas markets. She commended the HKTDC for equipping designers with hands-on styling workshops and expert-led brand development support, representing “irreplaceable value for independent designers”.Buyers from around the world were drawn to the fair, praising its global brand appeal and diverse product offerings. Many expressed strong interest in the distinctive creativity of Hong Kong designers. Marianna Kuvvet, Brand Director of Tomorrow Ltd, a brand accelerator, said: “This was my first time attending CENTRESTAGE. What stood out to me most was the calibre of local talent.” Stavros Karelis, Founder and Buying Director at Machine-A, a UK-based concept store, said that CENTRESTAGE is proven to be an exciting platform for new talent, while providing international buyers with a valuable gateway to explore the pulse of Asia’s vibrant and diverse market. “I was particularly impressed by local Hong Kong designers and brands, such as WEN PAN and Kinyan Lam from Genau Studio. The fair beautifully captured the fusion of local and global design talents,” he said. Despite it being his inaugural visit to CENTRESTAGE, Mr Karelis allocated a specific budget to acquire standout designs discovered at the fair, underscoring its importance as an influential global fashion platform.Spectacular fashion shows with international designers dazzle audiencesSome 50 fashion shows and events were staged during the fair. The opening gala show, CENTRESTAGE ELITES, was in the spotlight on 1 September at M+ in the West Kowloon Cultural District, with celebrated couturier Guo Pei unveiled her collection themed “Gilternity: An Everlasting Radiance”, featuring more than 30 handcrafted masterpieces that transformed fleeting moments into timeless brilliance. On 4 September, Guo Pei also hosted a masterclass to share her design journey and philosophy with an enthusiastic full house.Marking the 10th anniversary of the Fashion Hong Kong overseas promotion campaign series, Fashion Hong Kong presented a show under the theme “A Decade in Design: What Is Seen' What Is Felt'”. Four Hong Kong brands – ANGUS TSUI, ARTY:ACTIVE, IP AXIS INDUSTRIAL STUDIO and selfFab. – unveiled creative collections reflecting the journeys of Hong Kong designers, blending vision with emotion. The show received enthusiastic acclaim from a multitude of industry professionals, celebrities and fashion enthusiast in a packed venue. The public can revisit the show’s highlights on the CENTRESTAGE and Fashion Hong Kong websites, the Fashion Hong Kong Instagram, and HKTDC Facebook and YouTube channels.The FASHIONALLY platform also showcased four emerging brands – phenotypsetter, MARCCH, Oplus2 and OUS – in its FASHIONALLY Collection #25, highlighting the creativity and energy of Hong Kong’s new generation of designers. FASHIONALLY Presentation featured LAPEEWEE, MOODLABBYLORRAINE and KOWLOON CITY BOY, who used immersive stage installations to bring their latest works vividly to life.Several other Hong Kong brands launched new collections at CENTRESTAGE. DORISKATH collaborated with bridal label Vincci to mark its 10th anniversary, 112 mountainyam presented its Spring/Summer 2026 collection, while other participants included NATACHA VAN and more. LOCAL POWER 2025, a cross-cultural project curated by the Asian New Generation Creativity Design Association, was officially launched during CENTRESTAGE. Dorian Ho, Chairman of the Association said: “CENTRESTAGE is a key fashion platform in Asia, and launching the project here helps attract greater attention. We also invited five Korean designers to participate, and the project successfully attracted more than 30 buyers from various markets including Europe, Southeast Asia, Japan and Mainland China, to connect with us for just first two days, opening up opportunities for international collaboration.”The finals of the Redress Design Award 2025 – a competition dedicated to advancing circular fashion and now in its 15th year – were successfully staged at CENTRESTAGE. Multiple awards were presented during the event, with the championship title jointly awarded to designers Carla Zhang and Hugo Dumas. Nathan Moy was awarded the “Hong Kong Best”, while other contestants also showcased their unique sustainable fashion designs.Photo download: http://bit.ly/482vCywThe 10th edition of CENTRESTAGE attracted over 10,000 trade buyers from 91 countries and regionsThe annual fashion extravaganza gathered over 260 brands from 25 countries and regions – the largest number of participating brands in the fair’s history. The participation in the Thai pavilion reached a record high this year, bringing together over 40 brands.Internationally acclaimed couturier Guo Pei joined CENTRESTAGE for a masterclass, sharing her design philosophy and creative journey. The event drew a full house of industry professionals, fashion lovers and design students eager to learn and exchange ideas.Several fashion design competitions were held during the fair, including the Young Knitwear Designer Contest organised by the Knitwear Innovation and Design Society. Designer Jason Ying claimed the championship title.Several local fashion labels staged shows during CENTRESTAGE, including the latest collection by DORISKATH.Cross-cultural craftsmanship emerged as a growing trend. The fair brought together design brands from diverse cultural backgrounds, showcasing fashion pieces that incorporate traditional techniques such as embroidery.For the first time, the United Kingdom joined CENTRESTAGE as Partner Country, presenting 16 highly creative fashion brands and emerging designers.The Asia New Generation Cultural Creative Design Association officially launched LOCAL POWER 2025 Hong Kong Fashion in Seoul at CENTRESTAGE.Websites- CENTRESTAGE: www.centrestage.com.hk- Fashion Hong Kong:  https://www.fashionhongkong.com/en- Hong Kong Young Fashion Designers' Contest (YDC): www.fashionally.com/enRevisit CENTRESTAGE ELITES:- CENTRESTAGE website: https://www.hktdc.com/event/centrestage/en/livestream- CENTRESTAGE Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/centrestage_hktdc- HKTDC Exhibition Channel Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1AAMjms6eB/'mibextid=wwXIfr- HKTDC YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/live/dsECvOgiYNE'si=0OLm1S_9hXhjLiYIMedia enquiriesBest Crew Public Relations & MarketingDiana TangTel: (852) 3594 6443     Email: diana.tang@bestcrewpr.comReni KwokTel: (852) 3594 6443     Email: reni.kwok@bestcrewpr.comHKTDC Communication and Public Affairs Department:Sharon Ha      Tel: (852) 2584 4575Email: sharon.mt.ha@hktdc.orgKaty Wong     Tel: (852) 2584 4524Email: katy.ky.wong@hktdc.orgHKTDC Newsroom: http://mediaroom.hktdc.com/enAbout the HKTDCThe Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) is a statutory body established in 1966 to promote, assist and develop Hong Kong's trade. With over 50 offices globally, including 13 in Mainland China, the HKTDC promotes Hong Kong as a two-way global investment and business hub. The HKTDC organises international exhibitions, conferences and business missions to create business opportunities for companies, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), in the mainland and international markets. The HKTDC also provides up-to-date market insights and product information via research reports and digital news channels. For more information, please visit: www.hktdc.com/aboutus. About Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency (CCIDA)The Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency (CCIDA) established in June 2024, formerly known as Create Hong Kong (CreateHK), is a dedicated office set up by the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR Government) under the Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau to provide one-stop services and support to the cultural and creative industries with a mission to foster a conducive environment in Hong Kong to facilitate the development of arts, culture and creative sectors as industries. Its strategic foci are nurturing talent and facilitating start-ups, exploring markets, promoting cross-sectoral and cross-genre collaboration, promoting the development of arts, culture and creative sectors as industries under the industry-oriented principle, and promoting Hong Kong as Asia’s creative capital and fostering a creative atmosphere in the community to implement Hong Kong’s positioning as the East-meets-West centre for international cultural exchange under the National 14th Five-Year Plan.CCIDA’s website: http://mediaroom.hktdc.com/enDisclaimer: The Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region provides funding support to the project only, and does not otherwise take part in the project. Any opinions, findings, conclusions or recommendations expressed in these materials/events (or by members of the project team) are those of the project organisers only and do not reflect the views of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, the Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau, the Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency, the CreateSmart Initiative Secretariat or the CreateSmart Initiative Vetting Committee. Copyright 2025 JCN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com. All rights reserved. www.jcnnewswire.com

Contract for five units received jointly with local firm CTCI, following a similar contract for three units in 2013, aiming to increase output and reduce environmental impact by upgrading existing facilitiesScheduled to start operation sequentially from 2030 to 2031, with successive orders with the same partner based on high degree of trust and solid track recordConceptual rendering of the completed Tung Hsiao Power PlantTOKYO, September 5, 2025 - (JCN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - Mitsubishi Power, a power solutions brand of Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd. (MHI), has received a contract for a gas turbine combined cycle (GTCC) power plant project with total generation capacity of 2,800 megawatts (MW) for the Tung Hsiao Power Plant operated by Taiwan Power Company, Taiwan's state-owned electric power industry, in Tung Hsiao, Miaoli County.The project is a full turnkey solution led by Mitsubishi Power, conducted jointly with CTCI Corporation (CTCI), a major engineering and construction company in Taiwan, comprising five units with state-of-the-art M501JAC (J-Series Air-Cooled) gas turbines as the core components. The total contract value, including CTCI's share, for engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) is approximately 760 billion yen (5.2 billion U.S. dollars).Tung Hsiao Power Plant is located in Tung Hsiao, Miaoli County, approximately 130 km southwest of Taipei. Based on Taiwan's long-term power supply development plan, renewal work is being conducted at the facility to replace existing power plants with new plants. The main focus of the renovation is to increase power generation capacity while at the same time reducing the environmental impact, meeting the rapidly increasing demand for industrial and household electricity in the surrounding regions, as well as contributing to Taiwan's net-zero goals.The five new power plant units are scheduled to start operation sequentially from 2030 to 2031. Mitsubishi Power will supply the M501JAC gas turbines, steam turbines, and auxiliary equipment, while CTCI will be responsible for the construction and BOP (Balance of Plant). The generators will be supplied by Mitsubishi Generator Co., Ltd.Next to the new facility are the GTCC power plants updated in the first phase of the renewal plan, comprising three units with M501J gas turbines supplied by Mitsubishi Power as the core components, which have been in operation since 2018. These units were from a contract received by Mitsubishi Power and CTCI jointly in 2013. This latest contract, with the same partner for the second phase of five units, is underpinned by the high degree of trust from Taiwan Power, backed by an extensive record of successful past performance.Going forward, MHI Group will continue to focus on the widespread adoption of GTCC power plants and other types of highly efficient and reliable gas turbine power generation equipment, contributing to the stable supply of electricity essential for economic development around the world, and the conservation of the global environment through energy decarbonization.About MHI GroupMitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) Group is one of the world’s leading industrial groups, spanning energy, smart infrastructure, industrial machinery, aerospace and defense. MHI Group combines cutting-edge technology with deep experience to deliver innovative, integrated solutions that help to realize a carbon neutral world, improve the quality of life and ensure a safer world. For more information, please visit www.mhi.com or follow our insights and stories on spectra.mhi.com  Copyright 2025 JCN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com.

Raleigh, North Carolina and Zurich, September 4, 2025 - (JCN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - Hitachi Energy, a wholly owned subsidiary of Hitachi, Ltd., and global leader in electrification, today announced a historic investment of more than $1 billion USD to expand the production of critical electrical grid infrastructure in the United States. These investments, among the largest seen in the electrical industry in the U.S., include approximately $457 million USD for a new large power transformer facility in South Boston, Virginia, along with significant expansions of existing facilities throughout the country.Aeiral photo of Hitachi Energy’s South Boston, VA campusThe investments will help meet skyrocketing energy demand driven by AI data centers in line with the Trump Administration’s White House AI Action Plan and promote domestic access to these critical grid technologies. This move also supports the power needs of American manufacturing and other sectors and much-needed grid expansion and modernization efforts. Collectively, these investments will create thousands of jobs, bolster electrical equipment supply chains in the U.S., and contribute to the development of innovative technologies to enhance the security and resilience of the U.S. grid.“If we are going to win the AI race, reindustrialize, and keep the lights on, America is going to need a lot more reliable energy,” said Energy Secretary Chris Wright. “Thankfully, Hitachi is delivering. The Trump administration looks forward to continuing to partner with private industry to ensure the American people access to affordable, reliable, and secure energy and thousands of high-paying jobs."“To lead in AI, America must lead in energy, and this investment proves we’re doing just that,” said Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum. “Hitachi Energy’s historic investment in U.S. grid infrastructure is more than a single partnership, it signals a growing wave of investment in American energy. This momentum is driven by President Donald Trump's bold, pro-energy policies that are reigniting the American economy and powering the next generation of critical AI data centers with reliable, American-made energy."“Prioritizing domestic production of transformers accelerates President Trump’s energy dominance agenda by fortifying critical supply chains, strengthening U.S. energy security, and ensuring our nation can meet the growing energy demand. Investments like this are essential to powering AI infrastructure and advancing President Trump’s leadership in the global AI race,” said Jarrod Agen, Executive Director of the White House National Energy Dominance Council.“Thank you, Hitachi Energy, for trusting Virginia, again! Hard-working Virginians and a business friendly environment are what first brought Hitachi Energy to the Commonwealth. Now, after years of success here, they are doubling down on that decision with this landmark investment in South Boston,” said Governor Glenn Youngkin. “Eight-hundred and twenty-five new jobs will be transformational for Southside Virginia, as will the power transformers those new hires are set to build. These transformers are critical to our Nation’s electrical grid and will be built right there in Virginia.” Governor Youngkin continued: “We are also proud to announce a major workforce housing project to support Hitachi’s new employees. We are partnering with Halifax County and Virginia Housing to build 96 new homes supported by a grant from the Virginia Workforce Housing Investment Program.”“Particularly at this critical moment for our growing energy demands, I’m excited to see Hitachi Energy expand their Virginia footprint, create hundreds of good-paying jobs in South Boston, and promote American energy security,” said U.S. Senator Mark Warner. “At the local level, this is a great investment in Southside Virginia’s economy and manufacturing industry. At the state and national level, this is an important strategic step to ensure we have the power needed to service our communities, businesses, and growing AI industry. I’m thrilled to see Hitachi Energy bring this important project home to South Boston.” “In August, I visited Hitachi’s facility in Bland to learn about the company’s cutting-edge work. I’m thrilled that Hitachi Energy is expanding its footprint in Virginia by investing $457 million to build a state-of-the-art power transformer facility in South Boston – creating more than 800 jobs and boosting the region’s economy,” said U.S. Senator Tim Kaine. “Virginia’s workforce, educational opportunities, and innovative spirit have made it a great place to do business, and I look forward to continuing to partner with Hitachi to boost domestic manufacturing in the Commonwealth.”“A vigorous and reliable electric grid is critical for the American economy and American energy dominance. Bringing power transformer production to the U.S. is vital as energy demand skyrockets,” said Congressman John McGuire (VA-05). “I am thankful that this investment will establish a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in South Boston, to produce necessary large power transformers. This $457 million investment and facility will create more than 800 new high-paying jobs in Virginia’s Fifth Congressional District. I would like to thank Hitachi, President Trump, and Governor Youngkin for working with me to make this a success.”"The United States is a key market for Hitachi, and this investment reflects our commitment to powering America's energy future to meet the accelerating demands for reliable and sustainable solutions to benefit the nation. Leveraging our expertise in IT, operational technology, and advanced products, we are supporting American manufacturing, the development of critical infrastructure, and the rapid expansion of data centers driven by AI adoption," said Toshiaki Tokunaga, President & CEO of Hitachi.“Power transformers are a linchpin technology for a robust and reliable electric grid and winning the AI race. Bringing production of large power transformers to the U.S. is critical to building a strong domestic supply chain for the U.S. economy and reducing production bottlenecks, which is essential as demand for these transformers across the economy is surging. As the global leader in electrification Hitachi Energy is uniquely positioned to deliver critical power solutions for the American market,” said Andreas Schierenbeck, CEO of Hitachi Energy. “Our investments in expanding U.S. transformer manufacturing capacity—including at our new South Boston facility—are already creating good-paying American jobs, strengthening local communities, and reinforcing economic independence. At Hitachi Energy, we are deeply grateful for the leadership and support of the Trump administration, Governor Youngkin, Virginia’s General Assembly, and the Commonwealth’s congressional delegation, who came together to make this critical production capacity possible to power our energy future.”Central to this investment plan is the establishment of a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in South Boston, Virginia, to produce large power transformers, which support applications like high-voltage transmission, power generation, AI data centers, and large-scale industrial applications. This facility will be built alongside Hitachi Energy’s existing campus and will be the largest manufacturing site for large power transformers in the United States. This facility alone will create more than 825 new jobs in Southside Virginia, offering long-term employment opportunities in engineering, advanced manufacturing, and operations roles. These projects are part of a more than $9 billion USD global investment program, the largest in the industry, under which Hitachi Energy is expanding its manufacturing capacity, R&D, engineering, and partnerships to power the world’s energy system to be more reliable, secure, and resilient.About Hitachi, Ltd.Through its Social Innovation Business (SIB) that brings together IT, OT (Operational Technology) and products, Hitachi contributes to a harmonized society where the environment, wellbeing, and economic growth are in balance. Hitachi operates globally in four sectors – Digital Systems & Services, Energy, Mobility, and Connective Industries – and the Strategic SIB Business Unit for new growth businesses. With Lumada at its core, Hitachi generates value from integrating data, technology and domain knowledge to solve customer and social challenges. Revenues for FY2024(ended March 31, 2025) totaled 9,783.3 billion yen, with 618 consolidated subsidiaries and approximately 280,000 employees worldwide. Visit us at https://www.hitachi.com.About Hitachi EnergyHitachi Energy is a global technology leader in electrification, powering a sustainable energy future with innovative power grid technologies with digital at the core. Over three billion people depend on our technologies to power their daily lives. With over a century in pioneering mission-critical technologies like high-voltage, transformers, automation, and power electronics, we are addressing the most urgent energy challenge of our time – balancing soaring electricity demand, while decarbonizing the power system. With an unparalleled installed base in over 140 countries, we cocreate and build long-term partnerships across the utility, industry, transportation, data centers, and infrastructure sectors. Headquartered in Switzerland, we employ over 50,000 people in 60 countries and generate revenues of around $16 billion USD.  https://www.hitachienergy.comhttps://www.linkedin.com/company/hitachienergyhttps://x.com/HitachiEnergy Copyright 2025 JCN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com.