Markets

At Design Shanghai 2025, ASKO, a century-old appliance brand, will unveil its latest collection, emphasizing the blend of technology and aesthetics. The “Breathing with Nature” themed exhibition, inspired by Scandinavian design, showcases sustainable practices and innovative solutions. The display includes an art installation by Chen Min, and forums exploring sustainable living. ASKO’s commitment to environmentally friendly design, evident in its dishwashers and washing machines, will be highlighted along with its accolades, including the Red Dot Design Award.

The Duku Highway in Xinjiang, China, is set to reopen on May 31, 2025, after completion of snow removal and repairs. This scenic 561km route, celebrated for its diverse landscapes and the experience of “four seasons in a single day,” will allow passenger vehicles with under seven seats. Anticipation is high, with tourists and the local tourism industry eagerly awaiting the reopening, evidenced by early arrivals and preparations for a reopening ceremony including fireworks. The highway typically operates from June to October due to heavy snowfall.

Baidu is suing Xiaomi and Shanghai Yiyi Information Technology for unfair competition. The case, scheduled for June 13th in Shanghai, highlights the intensifying competition within China’s tech industry. Baidu, the core entity of Baidu Group, and Xiaomi, a major consumer tech innovator, haven’t issued public comments on the matter.

Heineken embraces football fan superstition ahead of the UEFA Champions League Final. The brand is sending a self-proclaimed “jinx,” Marco Simeone, to a remote bar to watch the game, reflecting the survey that shows widespread superstitious rituals among fans. This quirky campaign highlights fan beliefs and the passionate culture around the sport.

Venture capitalist Zhu Xiaohu, known as a “unicorn hunter,” shared his experience of three missed opportunities to invest in CATL, the battery giant. He instead invested $70 million in Boston Power, which failed to commercialize its advanced technology, resulting in significant losses. Zhu now emphasizes the importance of commercial viability and a holistic investment approach, warning against solely focusing on technological advancement.

A rumor of free roadside parking in Chengdu, China, spurred excitement online. Claims of a regulation taking effect June 1, 2025, generated buzz, but the Chengdu Parking APP swiftly debunked the information. The official response, issued by the city’s transportation investment company, declared the news “false” and affirmed current parking fee collection practices.

Regeneron and Sanofi announced mixed results from their Phase 3 AERIFY trials of itepekimab for COPD. AERIFY-1 met its primary endpoint by reducing moderate or severe exacerbations in former smokers, while AERIFY-2 failed. The trials evaluated itepekimab’s impact on exacerbation frequency. Safety profiles appeared consistent across both trials. The companies are reviewing the full data.

A viral video shows a Baojun SUV in Guizhou, China, struck by a 300-pound boulder dislodged from a hillside. Despite the vehicle being flipped and sustaining significant damage, the driver remarkably escaped with minor injuries. The incident, likely triggered by heavy rain in a landslide-prone area, underscores the unpredictable nature of such events and the importance of vigilance. Authorities have reopened the road and are monitoring for further hazards.

Rumors of new WeChat features like read receipts and visitor logs for Moments have sparked user speculation and concern. Publicly responding to the buzz, Tencent’s PR director, Zhang Jun, denied the features’ potential implementation, citing concerns about social pressure and privacy. He has consistently dismissed the rumors, reiterating WeChat’s commitment against implementing such functionalities, which parallels discussions from previous years.

PesoRama Inc. is expanding its JOi Dollar Plus stores in Mexico, with the 27th store opening on May 31st in Mexico City’s Patio Martin Carrera shopping center. The 481-square-meter store targets a high-income area, offering everyday essentials. A live stream of the grand opening will be on JOi’s Instagram. Since 2019, PesoRama has focused on high-traffic locations, and as of May 31st, will operate 27 stores.