Markets

Allison Worldwide and Stagwell are bolstering their Asia Pacific presence by appointing Margaret Key as CEO of Allison Asia and Executive Director for Stagwell in APAC, effective October 1st. Key, formerly CEO of Publicis’ MSL Group in APAC, brings over 20 years of experience and a proven track record in driving growth and transformation. She will focus on expanding Allison’s APAC strategy and enhancing Stagwell’s regional market development. The move signifies a strategic effort to strengthen communications capabilities and better serve clients in the dynamic APAC market.

Shenyang has reinstated consumer electronics subsidies to boost local spending, running from August 22nd to October 8th. The program targets new smartphone, tablet, and smartwatch/band purchases via platforms like UnionPay and JD.com. Subsidies offer a 15% discount, capped at 500 yuan, on eligible products priced under 6,000 yuan. Consumers can claim subsidies daily on a first-come, first-served basis between 9:30 AM and 6:00 PM, with qualifications expiring at midnight.

Woodside’s Scarborough Energy Project has overcome its final Commonwealth environmental hurdle with the Federal Court upholding NOPSEMA’s approval of the Scarborough Operations Environment Plan. This allows Woodside to proceed with connecting and operating the Scarborough floating production unit. CEO Meg O’Neill emphasized the project’s economic benefits and role in providing low-carbon LNG to Asian markets and bolstering domestic gas supply. The project, 86% complete as of June 30, 2025, is expected to produce 8 million tonnes of LNG per year and contribute to Western Australia’s domestic gas supply. First LNG cargo is anticipated in H2 2026.

Dangdang founder Li Guoqing, 59, married Zhang Danhong in Beijing on August 16th, 2025. Zhang shared the wedding news on social media, expressing her love and gratitude. The event was attended by prominent figures like Sohu’s Charles Zhang and New Oriental’s Yu Minhong. Li revealed Zhang was his “unattainable dream” from university. He’d unsuccessfully courted her in the 90s, even offering material wealth, which she rejected. Their eventual marriage highlights resilience and a connection beyond material pursuits.

KT&G reported strong first-half results with revenue exceeding KRW 3 trillion, marking three consecutive quarters of growth. The global cigarette segment saw significant growth in revenue, profit, and sales volume. Reflecting a commitment to shareholder value, KT&G increased its interim dividend by 200 KRW to 1,400 KRW per share. The company has a history of consistent dividend growth and intends to actively manage shareholder returns through dividends, share repurchases and cancelations, and profit performance.

Avnet (AVT) announced a 6% increase in its quarterly cash dividend, raising it to $0.35 per share. Payable on September 26, 2025, to shareholders of record on September 17, 2025, this decision reflects confidence in Avnet’s financial health and robust cash flow, enabling shareholder rewards and simultaneous investment in strategic growth. CEO Phil Gallagher emphasized the company’s commitment to balancing shareholder returns with long-term investments amidst a dynamic technology landscape, including IoT, AI, and electric vehicles.

Power Integrations (POWI) is providing student teams in the Bridgestone World Solar Challenge with the RDK-85SLR reference design kit, featuring InnoSwitch3-AQ IC with PowiGaN technology. This allows for a highly efficient (95% across loads) and compact 46-watt power supply, eliminating the need for heat sinks. The kit, inspired by ETH Zurich’s aCentauri team, helps students leverage energy-efficient technologies for sustainable designs. Solar car teams can receive the kit for free by registering online.

Avcon Industries, a subsidiary of Butler National Corporation, received FAA approval for non-halon fire extinguisher replacements in Learjets (models 24-75). This STC (No. ST12087CH) allows for Halotron BrX-filled extinguisher installation, complying with EASA regulations as the deadline for halon replacement approaches. Avcon is seeking EASA validation and aims to expand the STC to other aircraft, providing cost-effective, compliant solutions for legacy aircraft operators facing evolving environmental regulations. The move strategically positions Avcon in the aircraft maintenance and retrofit market.

Following the trailer release of “Black Myth: Zhong Kui,” media speculation surrounding Game Science’s anticipated “Black Myth: Wukong” backfired. An article framing a hypothetical low completion rate (46.5%) as negative drew online ridicule. The criticism stemmed from a misunderstanding of typical game completion rates, where 50% is considered respectable, even exceeding rates for titles like “Elden Ring” and “Dark Souls.” The incident highlights the importance of understanding gaming culture when reporting on the industry.

Entegris is investing an additional $700 million in U.S. semiconductor R&D, bringing its total investment to $1.4 billion. This investment will support R&D projects within its Materials Solutions and Advanced Purity Solutions divisions including transforming the Aurora, Illinois site into a U.S. Technology Center. This investment aims to strengthen the domestic semiconductor ecosystem and boost Entegris’ product performance and time-to-market. These investments also allow for continued leadership in advanced materials solutions.