HONG KONG, April 1, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- The Hong Kong Applied Science and Technology Research Institute (ASTRI) today announced the successful completion of its merger with the Nano and Advanced Materials Institute (NAMI), creating Hong Kong's largest government-funded research and development (R&D) centre.
The integration combines ASTRI's expertise in information and communication technologies (ICT) with NAMI's advanced materials capabilities, forming a comprehensive applied R&D platform comprising 800 research professionals. The newly merged research institute will deliver end-to-end solutions across smart city, fintech, digital health and life sciences, new industrialisation and intelligent manufacturing, application-specific integrated circuits and advanced electronics, new energy and storage, as well as green and ESG technologies.
Under the new structure, ASTRI's expanded research portfolio spans AI platforms and solutions, communications technologies, advanced electronic components and systems, intelligent sensing and control solutions, alongside electronic materials, battery materials, construction materials, biomaterials, and functional polymer materials.
Prof Sun Dong, Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry, stated, "My sincere congratulations to ASTRI and NAMI on their successful merger! The HKSAR Government is implementing the development plans set out in the Hong Kong Innovation and Technology Development Blueprint. By optimising and integrating the research strengths of Hong Kong's R&D institutes, we aim to enhance their complementary capabilities in applied research and increase overall synergy. Following the merger of the two R&D institutes, Hong Kong's core framework for driving I&T development—centred on 'three major I&T parks and five key R&D institutions'—will be further strengthened. I look forward to ASTRI continuing to leverage Hong Kong's unique research advantages, proactively aligning with the national '15th Five‑Year Plan', thereby supporting Hong Kong to accelerate the development of 'new quality productive forces', and making important contributions to the nation's pursuit of high‑level self-reliance and strength in science and technology."
"I warmly congratulate ASTRI and NAMI on their successful merger, which marks a significant milestone in Hong Kong's innovation and technology (I&T) development. The merged institution will become Hong Kong's largest government-funded R&D centre, strengthening the city's position as a global I&T hub, foster greater synergy across R&D disciplines, and drive impactful innovations for the Greater Bay Area and beyond," said Mr Ivan Lee, Commissioner for Innovation and Technology.
Leading Innovations • Breaking Boundaries
Ir Prof Sunny Lee, Board Chairman of ASTRI, said: "The merger of ASTRI and NAMI marks a significant step forward in Hong Kong's innovation landscape. We will continue to promote collaborations among government, industry, academia, research and investment sector, expediting the journey from laboratory to market. The cross-disciplinary synergies will accelerate innovation, fuel economic growth, and bolster Hong Kong's global competitiveness."
"The merger injects fresh impetus to Hong Kong's I&T ecosystem. In this historical juncture, I'm honoured to lead a talented and professional R&D team committed to developing advanced practical technological solutions that shape the future. We shall focus on impactful applied research, particularly "AI Plus" initiatives that integrate artificial intelligence with diverse technologies, advancing Hong Kong's vision of becoming a smarter, greener and more resilient city," Ir Dr Ted Suen, Chief Executive Officer of ASTRI, added.
ASTRI, established by the HKSAR Government in 2000, was designated as the R&D centre for ICT in 2006. NAMI was established and designated as the R&D centre for nanotechnology and new materials in 2006.
About ASTRI
Founded in 2000 by the HKSAR Government, Hong Kong Applied Science and Technology Research Institute (ASTRI) is the city's largest government-funded R&D center. Committed to transforming high-impact research into practical innovations, ASTRI drives market-driven, interdisciplinary advancements across sectors, including Smart City, Financial Technologies, Digital Health and Life Sciences, New Industrialisation and Intelligent Manufacturing, Application-Specific Integrated Circuits (ASIC) and Advanced Electronics, New Energy and Energy Storage, and Green and ESG Technologies. Following its merger with the Nano and Advanced Materials Institute, ASTRI has further strengthened its capabilities, with over 1,500 global patents and 2,200 successful cases of technology transfer. Recognised with numerous international awards, ASTRI continues to nurture top I&T talent and foster collaborations among the I&T ecosystem, contributing to Hong Kong's high-value economic development.
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ASTRI and NAMI Complete Strategic Merger to Propel Hong Kong's Innovation Leadership
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On April 24, Wynn will host an official awards ceremony
to present 36 trophies to China's top-tier wineries
MACAO, April 1, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Following an intense judging week in early March, the 2026 Wynn Signature Chinese Wine Awards, a "Wynn Signature" lifestyle brand creation, is pleased to now unveil its list of the Gold, Silver, and Bronze medal winners. This announcement marks the final stage of the competition, setting the stage for the official awards ceremony at Wynn Palace on April 24, where 36 coveted trophies will be bestowed upon China's leading wineries.
Wynn reveals the winners of the Gold, Silver, and Bronze Medals
An expert judging panel comprising 23 of the world's leading authorities on wine conducted rigorous blind tastings to determine this year's Gold, Silver, and Bronze medal winners. The 2026 panel featured 11 Masters of Wine (MW), 2 Master Sommeliers (MS), and one industry expert with dual MW and MS certifications, as well as industry professionals from around the world, including renowned winemakers, educators, wine buyers, and members of the media.
In keeping with international judging protocols, the panel meticulously evaluated more than 800 wine entries from close to 180 Chinese wineries. The evaluations were conducted blind, and wines were appraised according to the internationally recognized 100-point system. Medals have been awarded to wines based on a tiered scoring system: Bronze (85-89 points), Silver (90-94 points), and Gold (95-100 points).
This year, 74 Chinese wines achieved Gold Medal status – more than doubling the 35 Gold Medals awarded in last year's edition. This surge in high-scoring entries reflects a remarkable leap in the quality of Chinese wines.
All Gold Medal winners will now advance to the final tier of the competition, vying for the 36 trophies to be presented at the awards ceremony in April. These include the highly prized "Best Wine of China Trophy"; trophies across three divisions: "Wynn Signature Trophies", "Varietals Champion Trophies", and "Regional Champion Trophies"; as well as trophies for the winners of the "Wynn Sommelier's Choice" and "Best Young Winemaker" categories.
For the complete list of 2026 Gold, Silver, and Bronze medal winners, please visit Wynn's official website.
The Wynn Signature Chinese Wine Awards ceremony and upcoming events
Macao will once again be in the global spotlight on April 24, when the 2026 Wynn Signature Chinese Wine Awards ceremony presents 36 trophies to China's top wineries at Wynn Palace. On April 25, Wynn will host an engaging forum and walkaround tastings to shine a light on this year's award-winning wines.
Chinese Wine Forum — "Wynn Signature Dialogue: Beyond the Awards – Charting the Future"
- Moderator: Xing Wei MW
- Topic: Xing Wei, a member of the judging panel and as a next-generation Master of Wine in China, will host an engaging discussion with representatives from several of China's award-winning wineries. Participants will share their perspectives on the road ahead and possibilities for the long-term development of the nation's wine industry. They will also share insights on participating in this year's Wynn Signature Chinese Wine Awards.
- Date and Time: April 25, 2:00 pm to 3:30 pm
- Venue: Wynn Palace Meeting Room
2026 Wynn Signature Chinese Wine Awards Walkaround Tasting
- Representatives from the Gold Medal-winning wineries from this year's competition will gather with industry professionals and wine enthusiasts for a walkaround tasting. This is a unique opportunity to savor the high-quality and diverse flavor profiles of Chinese wines in a relaxed ambience.
- Date and Time: April 25, 2:30 pm to 4:30 pm
- Venue: Wynn Palace Meeting Room
Industry recognition catapults Chinese wines onto the global marketplace
In just two years, the Wynn Signature Chinese Wine Awards has received a number of prestigious industry accolades, and has recently added two more new awards to its growing portfolio. At the "JD Cup" WBO 2025 China Wine Market Annual Awards, jointly hosted by leading wine-focused Chinese media Wine Business Observation and JD Supermarket, Wynn Resorts Macau was named "Top 10 Promotion Organization" for its visionary role as the creator and organizer of the Wynn Signature Chinese Wine Awards. Simultaneously, the competition was also recognized among the "Top 10 Marketing Case Studies". These recognitions are a testament to Wynn's achievements in boosting awareness around high-quality Chinese wines and expanding their reach in the global marketplace.
Further cementing its influence, Wynn also received the "2025 Industry Service" honor from the China Alcoholic Drinks Huaxia Awards. This distinction reflects Wynn's commitment to building a world-class exchange platform that promotes China's diverse wine regions and amplifies the country's viticultural impact worldwide.
To boost exposure even further, Wynn has partnered with Cathay Pacific to display and serve award-winning wines from the Wynn Signature Chinese Wine Awards at its Hong Kong International Airport VIP lounges. Wynn also continues to host a series of exclusive overseas wine-tasting events and is boosting online and offline retail channels by working closely with globally renowned authorities such as Christie's, 67 Pall Mall, and Watson's Wine to give Chinese wines greater prominence on the global stage.
Key highlights from the judging week
From March 6 to 10, Wynn hosted a successful judging week of meticulous evaluations. The five-day event featured intensive blind tastings, masterclasses and wine dinners designed to bridge the dialogue between the Chinese and international wine communities.
Wynn invited Professor Li Demei, an expert on Chinese wines; Andrew Caillard MW, an Australian wine master; Jasper Morris MW, an expert on French Burgundy wines; and Denise Cosentino, a leading Italian winemaker, to host four engaging masterclasses. The industry professionals shared their profound insights into the diverse terroirs and unique flavor profiles of wines from China, Australia, France, and Italy, offering attendees a deeper understanding of global wine landscapes.
The executive chefs from Wynn's award-winning restaurants – Chef Tam's Seasons, SW Steakhouse, Lakeview Palace, and Drunken Fish – partnered with globally renowned wine experts including Jasper Morris MW, Andrew Caillard MW, Gus Zhu MW, Christy Canterbury MW, and Yohann Jousselin MS to present three themed dinners, showcasing the infinite possibilities of pairing food and wine, and also gave the industry an opportunity to savor the very best of China's wines.
On April 24, Wynn will host an official awards ceremony
to present 36 trophies to China's top-tier wineries
MACAO, April 1, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Following an intense judging week in early March, the 2026 Wynn Signature Chinese Wine Awards, a "Wynn Signature" lifestyle brand creation, is pleased to now unveil its list of the Gold, Silver, and Bronze medal winners. This announcement marks the final stage of the competition, setting the stage for the official awards ceremony at Wynn Palace on April 24, where 36 coveted trophies will be bestowed upon China's leading wineries.
Wynn reveals the winners of the Gold, Silver, and Bronze Medals
An expert judging panel comprising 23 of the world's leading authorities on wine conducted rigorous blind tastings to determine this year's Gold, Silver, and Bronze medal winners. The 2026 panel featured 11 Masters of Wine (MW), 2 Master Sommeliers (MS), and one industry expert with dual MW and MS certifications, as well as industry professionals from around the world, including renowned winemakers, educators, wine buyers, and members of the media.
In keeping with international judging protocols, the panel meticulously evaluated more than 800 wine entries from close to 180 Chinese wineries. The evaluations were conducted blind, and wines were appraised according to the internationally recognized 100-point system. Medals have been awarded to wines based on a tiered scoring system: Bronze (85-89 points), Silver (90-94 points), and Gold (95-100 points).
This year, 74 Chinese wines achieved Gold Medal status – more than doubling the 35 Gold Medals awarded in last year's edition. This surge in high-scoring entries reflects a remarkable leap in the quality of Chinese wines.
All Gold Medal winners will now advance to the final tier of the competition, vying for the 36 trophies to be presented at the awards ceremony in April. These include the highly prized "Best Wine of China Trophy"; trophies across three divisions: "Wynn Signature Trophies", "Varietals Champion Trophies", and "Regional Champion Trophies"; as well as trophies for the winners of the "Wynn Sommelier's Choice" and "Best Young Winemaker" categories.
For the complete list of 2026 Gold, Silver, and Bronze medal winners, please visit Wynn's official website.
The Wynn Signature Chinese Wine Awards ceremony and upcoming events
Macao will once again be in the global spotlight on April 24, when the 2026 Wynn Signature Chinese Wine Awards ceremony presents 36 trophies to China's top wineries at Wynn Palace. On April 25, Wynn will host an engaging forum and walkaround tastings to shine a light on this year's award-winning wines.
Chinese Wine Forum — "Wynn Signature Dialogue: Beyond the Awards – Charting the Future"
- Moderator: Xing Wei MW
- Topic: Xing Wei, a member of the judging panel and as a next-generation Master of Wine in China, will host an engaging discussion with representatives from several of China's award-winning wineries. Participants will share their perspectives on the road ahead and possibilities for the long-term development of the nation's wine industry. They will also share insights on participating in this year's Wynn Signature Chinese Wine Awards.
- Date and Time: April 25, 2:00 pm to 3:30 pm
- Venue: Wynn Palace Meeting Room
2026 Wynn Signature Chinese Wine Awards Walkaround Tasting
- Representatives from the Gold Medal-winning wineries from this year's competition will gather with industry professionals and wine enthusiasts for a walkaround tasting. This is a unique opportunity to savor the high-quality and diverse flavor profiles of Chinese wines in a relaxed ambience.
- Date and Time: April 25, 2:30 pm to 4:30 pm
- Venue: Wynn Palace Meeting Room
Industry recognition catapults Chinese wines onto the global marketplace
In just two years, the Wynn Signature Chinese Wine Awards has received a number of prestigious industry accolades, and has recently added two more new awards to its growing portfolio. At the "JD Cup" WBO 2025 China Wine Market Annual Awards, jointly hosted by leading wine-focused Chinese media Wine Business Observation and JD Supermarket, Wynn Resorts Macau was named "Top 10 Promotion Organization" for its visionary role as the creator and organizer of the Wynn Signature Chinese Wine Awards. Simultaneously, the competition was also recognized among the "Top 10 Marketing Case Studies". These recognitions are a testament to Wynn's achievements in boosting awareness around high-quality Chinese wines and expanding their reach in the global marketplace.
Further cementing its influence, Wynn also received the "2025 Industry Service" honor from the China Alcoholic Drinks Huaxia Awards. This distinction reflects Wynn's commitment to building a world-class exchange platform that promotes China's diverse wine regions and amplifies the country's viticultural impact worldwide.
To boost exposure even further, Wynn has partnered with Cathay Pacific to display and serve award-winning wines from the Wynn Signature Chinese Wine Awards at its Hong Kong International Airport VIP lounges. Wynn also continues to host a series of exclusive overseas wine-tasting events and is boosting online and offline retail channels by working closely with globally renowned authorities such as Christie's, 67 Pall Mall, and Watson's Wine to give Chinese wines greater prominence on the global stage.
Key highlights from the judging week
From March 6 to 10, Wynn hosted a successful judging week of meticulous evaluations. The five-day event featured intensive blind tastings, masterclasses and wine dinners designed to bridge the dialogue between the Chinese and international wine communities.
Wynn invited Professor Li Demei, an expert on Chinese wines; Andrew Caillard MW, an Australian wine master; Jasper Morris MW, an expert on French Burgundy wines; and Denise Cosentino, a leading Italian winemaker, to host four engaging masterclasses. The industry professionals shared their profound insights into the diverse terroirs and unique flavor profiles of wines from China, Australia, France, and Italy, offering attendees a deeper understanding of global wine landscapes.
The executive chefs from Wynn's award-winning restaurants – Chef Tam's Seasons, SW Steakhouse, Lakeview Palace, and Drunken Fish – partnered with globally renowned wine experts including Jasper Morris MW, Andrew Caillard MW, Gus Zhu MW, Christy Canterbury MW, and Yohann Jousselin MS to present three themed dinners, showcasing the infinite possibilities of pairing food and wine, and also gave the industry an opportunity to savor the very best of China's wines.
** This press release is distributed by PR Newswire through automated distribution system, for which the client assumes full responsibility. **
The 2026 Wynn Signature Chinese Wine Awards Announces Gold, Silver, and Bronze Medal Winners
The 2026 Wynn Signature Chinese Wine Awards Announces Gold, Silver, and Bronze Medal Winners