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Fast-Acting Covalent Protein Drugs From a New High-Throughput Platform
HANGZHOU, China , April 3, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- A team led by principal investigators Bobo Dang and Ting Zhou at Westlake University/Westlake Laboratory reported in Science a high-throughput platform for engineering fast-acting covalent protein therapeutics. Their work, titled "A high-throughput selection system for fast-acting covalent protein drugs," opens new avenues for next-generation biologics. Covalent small-molecule drugs have shown great success in cancer therapy by forming irreversible bonds with their targets. This has inspired efforts to extend covalent strategies to protein therapeutics, especially engineered miniproteins. However, their development is limited by a kinetic mismatch: Miniproteins are rapidly cleared in vivo, whereas covalent bond formation is typically slow. In addition, high-throughput platforms for systematically optimizing covalent protein reactivity have been lacking. To address this challenge, the researchers proposed that precise spatial positioning of chemical warheads within protein scaffolds could enable molecular preorganization, thereby accelerating covalent bond formation without increasing intrinsic reactivity (Fig. 1). Fig. 1. The principle for developing fast-acting covalent proteins via comprehensive crosslinker and protein sequence engineering. Based on this concept, the team developed a high-throughput platform that combines yeast surface display with chemoselective protein modification to screen diverse crosslinkers and millions of protein variants. By optimizing warhead placement and the local chemical environment, the platform enables rapid and irreversible target eng agement. Using this platform, the researchers developed a covalent antagonist targeting PD-L1, termed IB101. Structural analysis revealed that IB101 forms a defined binding pocket that precisely positions the warhead in a reactive conformation, greatly accelerating covalent bond formation. Functionally, IB101 effectively blocks the PD-1/PD-L1 immune checkpoint pathway and demonstrates strong antitumor activity in mouse models. Notably, despite its short in vivo half-life, IB101 achieves durable target engagement and tumor suppression, outperforming conventional antibody-based therapies under comparable conditions. The platform was further applied to cytokine engineering, leading to the development of a covalent IL-18 variant, IB201. This engineered cytokine rapidly forms a covalent interaction with its receptor, enhancing signaling strength and duration. In vivo studies showed that IB201 induces potent antitumor immune responses without detectable systemic toxicity. These results highlight the potential of covalent engineering to improve the efficacy and safety of cytokine-based therapies. Beyond immunotherapy targets, the platform was also applied to develop a covalent inhibitor targeting the receptor-binding domain (RBD) of SARS-CoV-2. This molecule achieves durable viral neutralization, demonstrating the versatility of the approach across different therapeutic modalities. This study establishes a general strategy for engineering fast-acting covalent protein therapeutics. By enabling covalent bond formation on timescales compatible with rapid in vivo clearance, the platform overcomes a fundamental limitation in the field. These findings provide a new framework for designing biologics with both rapid kinetics and sustained target engagement, with broad implications for cancer immunotherapy, antiviral therapy, and beyond. Media Contact: Chi Zhang media@westlake.edu.cn +86-15659837873
2026-04-03 14:44:00

EVEANDBOY' Organizes 'T-BEAUTY FEST' to Bring Thai Beauty Brands to the Global Stage, Highlighting the Potential of 'T-Beauty' Products of Thailand with 100 Million Units Sold
BANGKOK , April 2, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- As the 'T-Beauty' trend continues its unstoppable growth, 'EVEANDBOY' , Thailand's number one beauty store, is seizing this opportunity by organizing the 'EVEANDBOY T-BEAUTY FEST' . This event is designed to strengthen and elevate Thai brands to the global stage, as well as to support Thai entrepreneurs in sustainably expanding their markets internationally, firmly establishing Thailand as an outstanding beauty hub that is second to none in the world. Mr. Hiran Tanmit, CEO of EVEANDBOY Co., Ltd. The overall market for Thai beauty brands, commonly known as 'T-Beauty' Products of Thailand , continues to maintain significant growth. It is not merely a brief trend that comes and goes. In fact, over the past four to five years, Thai skincare and cosmetics brands have seen exponential growth in both revenue and their customer base, alongside the emergence of dozens of new brands. According to data from the President of the Thai Cosmetic Cluster Trade Association, the Thai cosmetics industry has been expanding continuously. Its market value has surged from approximately 70 billion baht 20 years ago to 400 billion baht in 2025. This steady growth rate of 6 to 7 percent reflects that Thai brands have strong potential to compete in both domestic and international markets. 'EVEANDBOY', the first Thai beauty store with nearly 20 years of industry expertise, recognized the opportunity to support and bring together the outstanding qualities of Thai brands in a single location. Thus, the 'EVEANDBOY T-BEAUTY FEST' was created to serve as 'The World's T-Beauty Destination' , allowing both Thai and international visitors to fully experience and discover Thai brands in depth. The event also proclaims the magnitude of Thai brands, ensuring they are not just products favored by locals, but that they also achieve a 'T-Beauty Must Buy' status, making these cosmetics essential iconic national souvenirs for foreign tourists to take home. Mr. Hiran Tanmit , CEO of EVEANDBOY Co., Ltd., stated that this event aims to bring Thai brands together in a single location and ensure both Thai and international customers can test products, take advantage of shopping promotions, and discover a diverse array of Thai brands. The ultimate goal is to create a platform that strengthens the image of 'T-Beauty' Products of Thailand. He believes that this event will play a crucial role in elevating the overall 'T-Beauty' industry. Today, Thai brands are truly outstanding, boasting world-class quality and their own unique potential. Therefore, this is the perfect time to unite Thai brands to generate 'T-Beauty Power'. "As EVEANDBOY is the pioneer Thai beauty store with a long-standing presence in the market, and the first beauty retailer to assemble the largest collection of Thai brands, we recognize that 'T-Beauty' Products of Thailand, has shown clear advancement in terms of quality, innovation, and consumer understanding. Today, T-Beauty covers a diverse range of categories, including cosmetics, skincare, fragrances, dietary supplements, and beauty accessories. EVEANDBOY carries 600 T-Beauty brands with over 30,000 items. From 2022 to 2025, EVEANDBOY sold over 100 million T-Beauty items, achieving a growth rate 2.5 times higher than in 2022. This reflects that T-Beauty is not just a short-term trend, but is actually experiencing strong growth. In the future, T-Beauty still has significant room to grow, driven by both domestic consumer demand and its expansion into tourist groups and international markets that are increasingly taking an interest in Thai brands." Even though this is the golden era for 'T-Beauty' Products of Thailand, foreign brands are entering our domestic market with equal intensity. Mr. Hiran believes that the key factors helping Thai entrepreneurs stand out amidst this fierce competition are innovation and a quick response to consumer needs, as well as brand image, product quality, ingredients, creativity, and reasonable pricing. All of these are inherent strengths that Thai brands can leverage to further develop their products to perfectly match consumer demands. At the same time, the strategy of selecting Asian or global brand presenters, together with compelling 'brand storytelling', serves as another crucial tactic for expanding the customer base. This approach is particularly effective for reaching both Asian and international fan bases. All of these factors play a significant role in seamlessly helping 'T-Beauty' Products of Thailand, grow to rival foreign brands. The objective of the 'EVEANDBOY T-BEAUTY FEST' is to elevate the image of Thai brands, reinforce the high quality of 'T-Beauty' Products of Thailand, and generate the widest possible word of mouth and discussion among both Thai and international consumers. According to the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) regarding foreign tourist arrivals in 2025, Malaysia ranked first with an impressive 4.8 million visitors, followed by China with 4.6 million, India with 2.1 million, Russia with 1.8 million, and South Korea with 1.6 million. This is a great opportunity to transform 'T-Beauty' into a 'T-Beauty Must Buy' status, ensuring that anyone who visits Thailand will purchase Thai cosmetics to take home with them. The CEO added that, based on the database of international shoppers at 'EVEANDBOY', there is a clear shift in purchasing behavior, particularly in actively seeking out 'T-Beauty' Products of Thailand, viewing them as items that reflect a distinct Thai identity with highly unique characteristics. Thai brands have achieved standards comparable to their foreign counterparts and are widely praised as products of excellent quality that feature contemporary innovation and come at reasonable prices, leading to significant word of mouth among international consumers. He believes that Thai brands possess a clear opportunity to easily grow into global brands in the future. "While numerous foreign brands have previously entered the market, we were the first to assemble the most extensive collection of Thai brands. We have a long history of understanding and championing them, and we firmly believe that Thai cosmetics offer quality comparable to international brands at reasonable prices. We want to see positive word of mouth spread among both Thai and international consumers, leading to repeat purchases. Our goal is to ensure that anyone who visits Thailand will buy products from EVEANDBOY to take home, driven by their confidence in the quality of Thai brands. This reflects the true potential of 'T-Beauty' Products of Thailand, to achieve strong and sustainable growth on a global scale. Anyone interested in 'T-Beauty' Products of Thailand must come to EVEANDBOY. We are fully prepared to elevate Thai brands to the global stage." Stay updated on special activities from EVEANDBOY by following us on Facebook: EVEANDBOY, Instagram: EVEANDBOY, TikTok: EVEANDBOY, X: EVEANDBOY, Lemon 8: EVEANDBOY, Xiaohongshu: EVEANDBOY, Weibo: EVEANDBOY, and Douyin: EVEANDBOY. #EVEANDBOYTBEAUTY #EVEANDBOY #ILoveTBeauty #THAILAND #Tbeauty #thaibeauty
2026-04-02 05:30:00

THIS BEER BRAND DIDN'T FILM COMMERCIALS, IT PRINTED THEM
SINGAPORE , April 2, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- For decades, beer ads have belonged to the big guys, million-dollar productions, glossy beaches and celebrity cameos that cost more than a craft brewery makes in a year. For independent brewers like Brewlander, it was never a fair fight. Until now. Brewlander Ads With the rise of text-to-video AI like Sora and Qwen 2.5, the rules have changed. Today, anyone with a keyboard can make an epic film without spending a cent. So Brewlander decided to do just that. To show how Brewlander is the beer that invests in the beer, the brand didn't film commercials, it printed them. Posters, billboards, magazines, all featuring detailed AI prompts that anyone could type in to instantly generate over-the-top beer ads. The kind of ads independent brewers were never supposed to afford. Examples included: "Surfers ride black sea horses through an underwater world of neon coral reefs, past glowing jellyfish, raising their ice-cold Brewlanders." "A colossal Brewlander bottle floats in a galaxy of bubble-planets and star-balls." To make it even more rewarding, fans who generated their own Brewlander ads received exclusive discounts on the beer. At the end of the day, the message was a brilliant move: Brewlander doesn't invest in million-dollar commercials, it invests in what matters: the beer itself. About Brewlander Brewlander was born out of John's passion for homebrewing (and his online moniker on brewing forums), and we've kept that homebrew tradition of having fun and pushing the envelope well alive. Back in 2016, John and a few friends came up with a wild idea: to make his award-winning brews available to the wider public. Taking a leap of faith, he gave up his day job and plunged headfirst into the project with the mission to challenge the status quo of Asia's beer scene, while putting Singaporean brews on the world beer map. Brewlander splashed onto Singapore's craft beer scene on 14 March 2017, launching to glowing response from the local beer community and the media as Singapore's first gypsy brewer. About BLKJ Havas BLKJ Havas is a creative company that engineers marketing moments for brands in culture, entertainment and media. It prides itself as the un-advertising agency - because people hate advertising, and we love people. Now more than 8 years in business, the agency is amongst the most awarded and successful in the region. It is currently ranked the #1 Agency in Singapore, #8 in Asia by Campaign Brief THE WORK 2024. It is Spikes Asia 2024's Singapore Agency of the Year, and Top 10 APAC Agency of the Year. Its strong regional and Singapore client roster includes Reckitt, JLL, JBL Harman, Great Eastern, Land Transport Authority of Singapore, Republic of Singapore Air Force, Singapore Tourism Board, Ministry of Education Singapore, IMDA and more. For more, check out: blkjhavas.agency
2026-04-02 04:25:00

Lucy Martin Named President of Bechtel's Mining & Metals Business
RESTON, Va. , April 1, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Bechtel today announced the appointment of Lucy Martin as president of its Mining & Metals (M&M) business , effective April 6, 2026. She succeeds Ailie MacAdam, who will retire in May after an exceptional 41-year career with the company. Lucy Martin, President of Bechtel’s Mining & Metals Business "Lucy is a proven leader with the strategic vision, deep mining sector knowledge, operational discipline, and customer focus to advance our Mining & Metals business," said Craig Albert, Bechtel President and COO . "Over more than two decades, she has built diverse, creative, high-performing global teams focused on solving our customer's most important challenges and is exceptionally well positioned to lead this business into its next phase of growth. We are also deeply grateful to Ailie for her remarkable leadership and lasting contributions to Bechtel." Martin brings more than 24 years of experience with Bechtel, with a track record of driving growth, strengthening performance, and delivering results by meeting customers' expectations across global markets. Her leadership roles have included: General Manager, South America — Accountable for all aspects of the mining business in South America, including profit and loss, talent management, operations and business development, advancing major copper and water infrastructure projects while strengthening long-term partnerships in critical minerals markets. Operations Manager, Americas — Led operational performance across projects in the Americas, with responsibility for execution discipline, delivery outcomes, and operational risk management. Chief Financial Officer, M&M — Oversaw commercial strategy, financial forecasting, and portfolio‐level risk management, strengthening financial discipline and improving portfolio performance globally. General Manager, Asia Pacific — Drove regional growth and expanded our iron ore offering, including opening the Perth office and establishing our bulk material handling Centre of Excellence, deepening customer relationships across Australia and the broader region. "Our Mining & Metals business has strong momentum and a clear strategy," said Martin . "My focus is to build on that foundation while sharpening how we support our customers in a rapidly evolving global market. We will continue to enhance how we deliver — helping customers solve their most complex challenges, from cost-effective development and productivity to safety, reliability, and certainty of outcomes." MacAdam, who has served as president since 2020, leaves behind a legacy of strengthened execution, improved financial performance, and sustained growth. Under her leadership, the business advanced major projects in key global markets and achieved its strongest new work bookings in 15 years in 2025. For more information about Bechtel's Mining & Metals capabilities and solutions, visit bechtel.com. About Bechtel Bechtel is a trusted engineering, construction and project management partner to industry and government. Differentiated by the quality of our people and our relentless drive to deliver the most successful outcomes, we align our capabilities to our customers' objectives to create a lasting positive impact. Since 1898, we have helped customers complete more than 25,000 projects in 160 countries on all seven continents that have created jobs, grown economies, improved the resiliency of the world's infrastructure, increased access to energy, resources, and vital services, and made the world a safer, cleaner place. Bechtel serves the Energy; Infrastructure; Manufacturing & Technology; Mining & Metals; and Nuclear, Security & Environmental markets. Our services span from initial planning and investment, through start-up and operations. www.bechtel.com Contact: Ashley Accardo | aaccardo@bechtel.com Photo - https://mma.prnasia.com/media2/2946977/Lucy_Martin.jpg?p=medium600 Logo - https://mma.prnasia.com/media2/326556/New_BECHTEL_LOGO.jpg?p=medium600
2026-03-31 18:35:00

13 Degrees Wine Cellar Accelerates Growth Through Partnership with Scottish Auction House Whisky Hammer
HONG KONG , March 30, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Hong Kong-based 13 Degrees Wine Cellar has announced a new partnership with Scottish online whisky auctioneer Whisky Hammer, supporting the company's continued diversification and strengthening its position as a leading climate-controlled storage provider in Asia. 13 Degrees Through the collaboration, 13 Degrees will act as Whisky Hammer's official operational hub in Hong Kong, providing a seamless, locally supported service for collectors and sellers across the region. Joseph Luk, Managing Director of 13 Degrees , said: "We are delighted to partner with Whisky Hammer as they expand into Asia. Their reputation in the global whisky auction market aligns strongly with our commitment to providing world-class storage and client services. This collaboration brings added convenience and confidence to collectors across the region." The partnership enables 13 Degrees to expand its service offering, supporting whisky enthusiasts with bottle consignments, valuations and client consultations, while enhancing access to Whisky Hammer's global online auction platform. Founded in 2015 in Aberdeenshire, near Scotland's Speyside whisky region, Whisky Hammer has grown into one of the world's top-rated online whisky auction platforms. The business hosts monthly global auctions featuring rare and collectible bottles, serving thousands of customers worldwide. The Hong Kong hub marks Whisky Hammer's second international expansion in under a year, following the launch of its European operational base in the Netherlands. The move reflects growing demand across Asia and highlights Hong Kong's long-standing reputation as a key market for whisky collecting and investment. Daniel Milne, Co-founder and CEO of Whisky Hammer , said: "Opening in Hong Kong is a natural next step for the business following our expansion into Europe last year. Partnering with 13 Degrees allows us to offer a seamless, locally supported service to clients across Asia and to continue building on the service we offer globally. The expansion comes ahead of the planned launch of our new iOS and Android app, where we will further streamline the customer experience and connect our growing network of operational hubs." About 13 Degrees Wine Cellar 13 Degrees Wine Cellar is a leading Hong Kong-based, climate-controlled wine and spirits storage provider, offering a full suite of services including professional storage, logistics and client support. The business is known for its state-of-the-art facilities and commitment to delivering secure, reliable and high-quality service to collectors across the region. About Whisky Hammer Whisky Hammer is an Aberdeenshire-based online whisky auctioneer founded in 2015. Hosting monthly global auctions, the platform specialises in rare and collectible bottles and serves a growing international audience through its expanding network of operational hubs.
2026-03-30 09:10:00

It All Started with a Chinese Candy Wrapper: A Sweet Story in Milan
BEIJING , March 27, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- A news report from China.org.cn on a story sparked by a Chinese Candy Wrapper in Milan:   It All Started with a Chinese Candy Wrapper: A Sweet Story in Milan Karem, a front desk clerk at a hotel in Milan, probably never expected to cross paths with a rather "special" group of Chinese visitors, who approached him not to check in, but handed him brightly wrapped candies with knowing smiles. The story began a few weeks ago, when Ms. Sun, a Chinese visitor, was leaving her hotel in Milan. Karem suddenly stopped her at the front desk and asked if she was Chinese. After she said yes, Karem politely asked her to wait. Puzzled at first, Sun then saw Karem pull out a flattened, slightly torn candy wrapper and ask if she could help him find this kind of candy — he would, of course, pay for it. Sun immediately recognized it — Hsu Fu Chi crispy candies, a familiar treat found in many Chinese households during the Spring Festival. Amused by the encounter, Sun shared her story on social media, along with the hotel's location for anyone who wanted to help. To everyone's surprise, the post quickly went viral. In the comments, some Chinese netizens realized that they were the very ones who left the Chinese crispy candies for the front desk staff earlier. Others, in Milan or planning to visit, began "signing up" to deliver more. Some even brought the candies all the way from China. Some thoughtful users added notes about potential allergens in different flavors, while others jokingly suggested giving Karem just one piece at a time, so their Italian friend could "keep looking forward to more." Meanwhile, users from other countries chimed in, sharing their own fondness for the crispy candies... Soon, social media was filled with clips of "candy drop-offs." Chinese visitors brought Karem all kinds of flavors, sometimes a few pieces, sometimes whole bags. Some even introduced Karem to other popular Chinese snacks, trying to win him over with those too. On camera, Karem's excitement was unmistakable. Perhaps it wasn't just about the crispy candies he had been craving. There was more to it: strangers speaking a different language, coming together simply over a piece of candy wrapper and a single post, and showering him with a stream of thoughtful surprises. At the heart of those sweets are gestures of pure kindness – the whole story resembles the Chinese sense of romance, subtle and inclusive, which resonates beyond language and culture. The heartwarming story somehow brings to mind the recent "Becoming Chinese" trend on TikTok. Many international users may have limited knowledge about the Chinese philosophy of Yangsheng (wellness practices), but still, they have embraced habits like drinking warm water and practicing traditional exercise routines, and have gained fresh experiences along the way. Much like Karem, who took the initiative to ask Chinese tourists about the crispy candies and unlocked one surprise after another, these international friends also approached differences and "the unknown" with curiosity, openness and sincerity, and in doing so, discovered unexpected joy. The most touching connections come without planning. All it takes is a single candy wrapper. China Mosaic http://www.china.org.cn/video/node_7230027.htm It All Started with a Chinese Candy Wrapper: A Sweet Story in Milan http://www.china.org.cn/video/2026-03/27/content_118405719.shtml
2026-03-27 13:00:00

DEEPX Secures 27 Commercial Orders Across 8 Countries Within 7 Months of Mass Production
Global adoption of Physical AI chips accelerates as industry demand expands across robotics, smart factories, and edge AI — backed by a growing partner ecosystem and an early global supply chain spanning Asia, North America, and Europe. SEOUL, South Korea , March 27, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- DEEPX, a Seoul-based fabless semiconductor company developing ultra-low-power AI inference chips for physical AI applications, has secured 27 commercial purchase orders across eight countries within seven months of starting mass production of its first-generation AI chip — a pace that industry observers describe as highly unusual for an emerging fabless company at such an early stage of commercialization. DEEPX Secures 27 Commercial Orders Across 8 Countries Within 7 Months of Mass Production The orders span seven major Physical AI application domains, including robotics, smart factories, edge AI servers, industrial AI, surveillance, AI IT services, and smart cities, with deployments now active across Asia, North America, and Europe. Global Expansion at Unusual Speed The ramp-up was slow at first: only two orders came in during the first five months after production began. But the company added 25 additional orders in less than three months in 2026, indicating rapidly accelerating commercial adoption. While some semiconductor startups have achieved limited international shipments, DEEPX's simultaneous expansion across multiple countries and application domains at this pace is highly unusual, according to industry observers. The company's chips are now being deployed across eight countries spanning Asia, North America, and Europe. Early Global Supply Chain Execution DEEPX established a global distribution network early in its commercialization phase through partnerships with Avnet, DigiKey, and WPG. Industry analysts note that it is rare for an emerging fabless semiconductor company to secure a global supply chain at such an early stage of mass production. In Europe, DEEPX signed a distribution agreement with Avnet Silica — the European arm of Avnet — establishing a regional supply chain ahead of broader market entry. Avnet Silica has already identified more than 30 prospective customers across high-performance embedded segments including smart city infrastructure, autonomous mobile robots (AMR), machine vision, and smart factories. Both companies are actively expanding purchase contracts as European industrial demand for edge AI inference accelerates. Partner Ecosystem: From Silicon Vendors to AI Software Leaders A key driver of DEEPX's commercial momentum is a cross-industry partner ecosystem spanning semiconductor vendors, industrial computing platforms, and open-source AI software leaders — reflecting a deliberate strategy to position its silicon as an embedded AI standard rather than a point solution. Renesas Electronics: Has integrated DEEPX NPUs into more than three types of industrial boards combining Renesas application processors, delivering solutions applicable to smart factory deployments. The collaboration between a tier-one AP semiconductor company and an AI chip startup has been widely noted as an uncommon signal of hardware ecosystem maturity. Sixfab and Raspberry Pi: Have jointly developed and released an AI HAT module built around the DX-M1, alongside a real-time smart traffic analysis solution using the CES 2026 Best of Innovation-winning 'ALPON X5' AI PC that integrates DEEPX products. AAEON (ASUS subsidiary), IEI, WeLink, Endrich, Toradex, and Lanner: Industrial system developers have deployed customized AI hardware solutions for smart cities, automated logistics, and security systems powered by DEEPX chips, extending the company's reach across diverse embedded application segments. Ultralytics & Network Optix: Ultralytics, developer of the widely-adopted YOLO vision AI model family, has demonstrated 'Open-Source Physical AI Alliance' workloads running on the DEEPX NPU with a one-click deployment flow. Network Optix has validated an intelligent Video Management System capable of managing thousands of camera feeds simultaneously using DEEPX inference. New Products: DX-M1M and DX-AIPlayer Alongside its commercial order momentum, DEEPX has launched two mass-production product lines designed to reduce integration friction for industrial developers across its key markets: DX-M1M (M.2 Module): A standard M.2 form factor module embedding the DX-M1 AI chip, designed to drop into existing industrial PCs and edge servers. The format allows customers to add powerful AI inference capability without redesigning hardware, significantly lowering the barrier to deployment. DX-AIPlayer: An edge AI acceleration solution integrating the DEEPX NPU with a high-efficiency CPU board. Positioned as a 'one-stop' platform covering the full workflow from model development to industrial deployment, the product enables developers to implement vision AI applications without complex integration overhead. Large-Scale Global PoC Strategy The company attributes its rapid adoption to a large-scale pre-production engagement strategy. In the semiconductor industry, it typically takes 9 to 18 months from PoC initiation to full production deployment in customer applications. To shorten this cycle, DEEPX began working with customers well before mass production began. Over more than one year prior to production, the company collaborated with approximately 350 global companies, supporting proof-of-concept testing and system integration. This approach created a large pipeline of customers already familiar with the silicon and ready to transition into commercial orders once production began. Physical AI Moving from Concept to Reality CEO Lokwon Kim pointed to the growing volume of PoC activity as the clearest signal that physical AI is no longer a forward-looking concept. "Many people still view Physical AI as a concept for the future. But when we look at the growing number of PoC projects with global companies today, it becomes clear that Physical AI is already becoming a reality," he said. On the commercial order milestone, Kim was direct. "Securing 27 commercial orders within seven months is one of the early signs that this transition is already happening in the industry." With distribution in place across Asia, North America, and Europe, and a partner ecosystem spanning silicon vendors, industrial platform makers, and open-source AI software leaders, DEEPX appears positioned to expand its commercial footprint across multiple regions simultaneously. If the current order velocity holds, the company's ambition to establish its NPU as the default physical AI inference chip for embedded developers worldwide may be closer to reality than the industry expected.
2026-03-27 13:00:00

GROWNSY Launches New TV Commercial Following Major Brand Refresh Centered on "Space to Grow" Philosophy
NEW YORK , March 27, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- GROWNSY, a baby care innovator trusted by over 3 million households worldwide, today announced the launch of its new TV commercial, marking a major milestone in the company's evolution and signaling the debut of its newly refreshed brand identity. The campaign is rooted in GROWNSY's new core philosophy, "Space to Grow," which embraces a more human view of family life. Rather than expecting parents to have everything figured out from day one, GROWNSY recognizes parenting as a process of learning, adjusting, and growing together. The TV commercial brings this philosophy to life by portraying modern parenting as a dynamic, evolving experience. It highlights the reality that parenting is an ongoing adjustment and that support should feel practical, human, and easy to live with. Through an emotional narrative, the campaign reinforces the brand's commitment to empowering families every step of the way. By launching its first TV commercial, GROWNSY aims to connect with a new generation of parents who are navigating constant change and information overload. The message is clear: parents don't need to be perfect, they need space, support, and confidence to grow. It's about growing alongside a child, finding the "Space to Grow." "This commercial is a reflection of real parenting, not a perfect version of it," said Yvonne, CEO of GROWNSY. "We wanted to create something that feels honest and relatable, and that shows parents they don't have to have everything figured out. 'Space to Grow' is about embracing that journey." The new TV commercial launches March —-- and can be viewed on Grow Smart.Make Easy | Our Story & Misson – GROWNSY as well as — --. Click here to watch the commercial and experience GROWNSY's 'Space to Grow' philosophy in action. About GROWNSY GROWNSY designs thoughtful baby care solutions that fit naturally into modern family life. We believe parenting does not need more noise; it needs clarity, trust, and smart-designed support. Guided by evidence and shaped by real family routines, our products simplify everyday essentials across feeding, hygiene, and early childhood care. From smart feeding tools to intuitive hygiene systems, every detail is created with one purpose: to reduce friction and create space for families to grow. At GROWNSY, growth is not about doing more. It is about growing smart and making it easier along the way. Grow smart, made easy. Learn more at www.GROWNSY.com
2026-03-27 13:00:00

Mastering the Ground: MAMMOTION Redefines Precision in Modern Outdoor Living
World's No.1 Wire-free Robotic Mower Brand Announces Official Sponsorship of Three Premier European Tennis Tournaments (ATP 500 & WTA 500) MUNICH , March 27, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- In world-class tennis, the ground defines the game. Whether it's the slide on red clay or the fast bounce on grass, everything depends on a surface maintained with absolute precision. Today, MAMMOTION is bringing that same level of elite "court mastery" to personal outdoor spaces. Mastering the Ground: MAMMOTION Redefines Precision in Modern Outdoor Living MAMMOTION, the world's No.1 wire-free robotic lawn mower brand [i] , has officially announced its partnership with three premier European tournaments: the BMW Open in Munich (ATP 500), the Internationaux de Strasbourg (WTA 500), and the Berlin Tennis Open (WTA 500). Under the theme "Ace Your Ground," MAMMOTION will showcase how its technology is bridging the gap between professional sports turf and everyday outdoor living. From Pro Circuits to Personal Spaces This partnership is about a shared obsession: perfection on the ground. While MAMMOTION's robots are built for modern landscapes, the logic remains the same—precision matters. From expansive commercial greens to private gardens, the brand believes everyone should have access to the same meticulous care and consistency once reserved for professional athletes. Living in Motion: Reclaiming Your Time MAMMOTION is moving beyond simple lawn care to champion a lifestyle of freedom. By eliminating the manual labor of traditional mowing, the brand is empowering a Life in Motion—allowing users to actually enjoy their outdoor sanctuary instead of working on it. It's a shift from managing a chore to mastering a space. Tech that Works, Regardless of Terrain At the heart of this experience is the LUBA 3 AWD , featuring the world's first Tri-Fusion Positioning System. By integrating 360° LiDAR, RTK, and AI-vision, the system offers a true "set-and-forget" experience across all-weather and all-terrain conditions—no manual intervention, cables, or antennas required. Engineered with professional-grade All-Wheel Drive (AWD), the LUBA 3 AWD tackles steep 80% (38.6°) slopes with the stability of a performance vehicle, running silently to preserve the peace of premium environments. Innovation for a Greener Future Reflecting a commitment to the environment, the LUBA 3 AWD recently won the 2026 SEAL Sustainable Product Award . This honor highlights MAMMOTION's focus on high-performance tools that don't compromise on eco-friendly values, proving that the future of smart living is both high-tech and low-carbon. Throughout the tournament season, fans will get a first-hand look at MAMMOTION's latest tech through interactive on-site experiences, seeing how intelligent robotics can turn a high-maintenance yard into a premium, hands-free retreat. "Partnering with these prestigious tournaments is a natural fit for us," said Jayden Wei, CEO of MAMMOTION. "Tennis demands the highest standards of precision—a value that is in our DNA. We want to inspire people to take back control of their space and discover a more effortless way of Lifestyle in Motion." About MAMMOTION MAMMOTION is a world-leading outdoor robotics company dedicated to creating intelligent, eco-friendly solutions for autonomous outdoor living. Recognized by Frost & Sullivan as the world's No.1 best-selling wire-free robotic lawn mower brand, MAMMOTION offers a comprehensive portfolio spanning automated lawn care, pool maintenance, and intelligent landscaping solutions. Honored by TIME as one of the Best Inventions in both 2024 and 2025 for its LUBA 2 AWD and YUKA mini Series, MAMMOTION continues to set new benchmarks for homeowners and professionals alike, delivering breakthroughs in intelligence, precision, and power to make outdoor spaces effortlessly perfect. [i]Source: Frost & Sullivan; Based on the research on the global perimeter wire-free robotic lawn mowers market; Measured by the global sales revenue of perimeter wire-free robotic lawn mowers from July 2024 to June 2025; Perimeter wire-free robotic lawn mowers refer to autonomous robotic lawn mowers without guidance cables or infrastructure, utilizing onboard technologies for lawn mapping and navigation; Research completion date: December 2025.
2026-03-27 13:00:00

Hyundai Motor Group Earns 16 IIHS 2026 Top Safety Awards
Hyundai Motor Group received 15 TOP SAFETY PICK + (TSP+) awards and one TOP SAFETY PICK (TSP) award from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety for 2026 Hyundai brand earned seven awards, including six TSP+ and one TSP Genesis brand secured five 2026 awards, all earning TSP+, while Kia brand earned four TSP+ awards Results achieved under more stringent IIHS testing criteria for 2026 SEOUL, South Korea , March 27, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Hyundai Motor Group announced today that its Hyundai , Genesis and Kia brands have received a combined 16 awards from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) for the 2026 calendar year. Award applies to U.S. models only. Hyundai IONIQ 9 The results include 15 TOP SAFETY PICK + (TSP+) awards and one TOP SAFETY PICK (TSP) rating, underscoring the Group's commitment to vehicle safety amid IIHS's more rigorous testing standards. "Hyundai Motor Group is an industry leader in the 2026 IIHS Top Safety Pick program, with 16 awards across the Hyundai, Genesis, and Kia brands. This tremendous accomplishment reflects our continued focus on developing and producing safe vehicles. These results demonstrate the dedicated safety focus of our engineering teams and our commitment to achieving top safety performance across our portfolio." – Brian Latouf, President and Global Chief Safety and Quality Officer at Hyundai Motor Group Which Hyundai Models Earned IIHS Awards? Hyundai Motor secured seven 2026 IIHS Top Safety awards. Six models earned the highest TSP+ designation and one received a TSP rating, highlighting the brand's focus on crashworthiness and occupant protection. Award applies to U.S. models only. 2026 TSP + Winners: TUCSON IONIQ 5 IONIQ 9 KONA SANTA FE SONATA 2026 TSP Winner: ELANTRA All 2026 Hyundai Motor vehicles offer seven standard SmartSense safety features including Lane Departure Warning, Lane Keeping Assist (LKA), Driver Attention Warning, Forward Collision Assist (FCA), Forward Collision Assist with Pedestrian Detection and Rear Occupant Alert and High Beam Assist. The SmartSense suite of optional safety and convenience technologies help drivers look ahead, anticipate driving situations, and provide alerts for enhanced safety for all occupants. Which Genesis Models Were Recognized by IIHS? Genesis received five 2026 IIHS Top Safety awards, all earning the TSP+ designation, demonstrating the brand's excellence in both occupant protection and crashworthiness. Award applies to U.S. models only. 2026 TSP+ Winners: GV70 Electrified GV70 GV60 G80 (Built after June 2025) GV80 The result of all this testing is a comprehensive suite of preventative technologies that work together to reduce the likelihood of accidents. Some of the notable safety technologies found in Genesis models include FCA, Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist (BCA) and advanced airbags. Which Kia Models Were Recognized by IIHS? Kia earned four TSP + awards for 2026. The recognition for the all-new K4 sedan and EV9 three-row all-electric SUV brings the brand's total to four TSP+ rated vehicles for the year. Award applies to U.S. models only. 2026 TSP + Winners: EV9 K4 SORENTO (models built after September 2025) SPORTAGE (models built after May 2025) Kia models offer standard advanced driver assistance systems, including LKA and FCA, which are designed to help detect and prevent collisions from occurring in certain circumstances and detect vehicles, pedestrians and cyclists in front of the vehicle while driving, as well as oncoming vehicles while turning left at an intersection. More information about Hyundai Motor Group can be found at: http://www.hyundaimotorgroup.com or Newsroom: Media Hub by Hyundai , Kia Global Media Center (kianewscenter.com) , Genesis Newsroom Kia K4
2026-03-27 13:00:00

SMARTIESTM Awards 2026 Call for Entries, Setting the Global Benchmark for Marketing Impact
NEW YORK , March 25, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- The Marketing + Media Alliance (MMA) has opened entries for the SMARTIESTM Awards 2026 , recognizing marketing campaigns that deliver measurable business impact through the integration of creativity, media, data, and technology. Now in its next evolution, SMARTIESTM continues to spotlight brands, agencies, publishers, and technology companies that are redefining marketing effectiveness in a rapidly transforming industry. SMARTIESTM Awards 2026 Call for Entries, Setting the Global Benchmark for Marketing Impact As marketing becomes increasingly driven by the intersection of technology, creativity, data, and media , the SMARTIESTM framework has been updated for 2026 to reflect how modern marketing organizations operate and how high-impact work is delivered today. The updated structure introduces a unified set of channels and categories that will be available across all SMARTIESTM programs worldwide , from national to regional and global. The goal: create a consistent benchmark for marketing excellence while allowing markets to showcase the work that best reflects their local dynamics. The 2026 SMARTIESTM Channels Purpose Driven Marketing Campaigns that leverage the power of brands to drive meaningful societal and cultural impact, advancing causes such as sustainability, diversity, and inclusion. Impact Marketing Campaigns that deliver measurable business outcomes by strengthening brand relationships, enhancing customer experiences, and driving growth. Media & Growth Excellence in media strategy and execution, demonstrating how integrated media ecosystems effectively reach, engage, and grow audiences. Creative & Innovation Impact Breakthrough marketing powered by creativity, data, and emerging technologies to create new forms of brand engagement. "SMARTIESTM is the world's only innovation award that sits at the intersection of technology, creativity, and business impact and every year, it holds up a mirror to where marketing is heading. In 2026, that reflection spans every corner of the globe from the performance-driven ecosystems of North America to the culturally rich markets of APAC, the creative sophistication of Europe, the fast-growing ambition of Hispanic LATAM, and the bold innovations emerging from the Middle East and Africa. This is where great marketing, across any channel and any industry, proves its worth and where the industry comes to learn from the best," says Rohit Dadwal, CEO of MMA APAC & Global Head of SMARTIESTM Worldwide. Beyond Awards: Industry-Wide Recognition Winning a SMARTIESTM Award extends beyond the trophy. Awarded campaigns contribute to global industry benchmarks including MMA SMARTIES Business Impact Index , RECMA , and the WARC Media 100 Ranking, reinforcing their credibility across the marketing ecosystem. Key Details for 2026 SMARTIESTM Entries On time Deadline: Jul 23, 2026 Awards & Honors: Gold, Silver, and Bronze winners in each category; top honors include Best in Show, Juror's Choice Award of the Year, Most Resilient Brand of the Year, Advertiser of the Year, Brand of the Year, Publisher of the Year, Enabling Technology Company of the Year, Media Agency of the Year, Creative Agency of the Year, Independent Agency of the Year, Holding Agency Company of the Year, Agency Network of the Year (Regional /Global award) and Specialist Agency of the Year. Judging Panel: Senior brand marketers and industry leaders will evaluate campaigns based on innovation, creativity, and measurable impact. Entry Levels: SMARTIESTM X Global : The pinnacle of marketing achievement, recognizing the best campaigns on a worldwide scale. Regional SMARTIESTM Awards – Honoring the top marketing talent and innovations across North America . About the Marketing + Media Alliance (MMA) The Marketing + Media Alliance (MMA) is the global, non-profit community of Chief Marketing Officers and senior marketing leaders advancing marketers' ability to create value. Led by CMOs and supported by the entire ecosystem at the governance level — including brands, media, agencies, consultancies, AdTech, and MarTech — MMA develops evidence-based models, frameworks, and tools validated through multi-year, multi-million-dollar Think Tanks and Labs. Headquartered in New York City, with operations in 16 countries across APAC, Europe, MEA, LATAM, and North America, MMA has more than 825 corporate members who gather at 62+ MMA conferences worldwide, and flagship gatherings in the APAC, including MMA Innovate, CEO&CMO Summit, MMA Executive Dialogues, SMARTIES Unplugged, MMA IMPACT and MMA SMARTIES. Learn more at https://mmaglobal.com/ The Marketing + Media includes the world's most influential marketers and partners, including Unilever, P&G, Grab, McDonalds, Coca Cola, Google, TikTok, Facebook, Diageo, Mondelez, Heineken, Pepsi, Perfetti, Affle, Emtek Group Indonesia, GoTo Gojek Tokopedia, Mayora, Godrej, Reliance – and many more. About SMARTIESTM SMARTIESTM is the prestigious marketing awards program hosted by MMA, recognizing excellence in marketing effectiveness and innovation. The SMARTIES Awards celebrate campaigns that push creative boundaries while delivering measurable business impact. With programs spanning local, regional, and global markets, SMARTIES has become the industry's most respected benchmark for marketing that drives real growth.
2026-03-24 17:00:00

Banyan Group Enters the United States with Banyan Tree Residences West Palm Beach
Developed in collaboration with Mast Capital and Curated JCZM Development, the project marks the U.S. debut of Banyan Group's flagship Banyan Tree brand through its first residential offering in one of the country's fastest-evolving real estate markets. Banyan Tree Residences West Palm Beach WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. , March 25, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Banyan Group ("Banyan Tree Holdings Limited" or the "Group" - SGX: B58), an independent, global hospitality company, in collaboration with Mast Capital and Curated JCZM Development, announces the launch of sales for Banyan Tree Residences West Palm Beach , marking the Group's entry into the United States with the debut of its flagship Banyan Tree brand and its first residential offering in the market. Banyan Tree Residences West Palm Beach Since its first Banyan Tree resort pioneering naturally luxurious and ecologically sensitive hospitality more than three decades ago, the Group's flagship brand is renowned for its award-winning resorts and branded residences in some of the world's most distinctive destinations – sanctuaries crafted for intimacy and infused with nature, nurturing wellbeing, meaningful connections and deep presence for purposeful travellers. Banyan Tree Residences West Palm Beach brings this same approach to residential living, introducing a private sanctuary for the senses in the heart of downtown West Palm Beach. "The United States represents an important market for Banyan Group, and American travellers have long been among our most valued guests across our resorts worldwide," said Ho Kwon Ping, Founder and Executive Chairman of Banyan Group. "We are pleased to make our debut through Banyan Tree Residences West Palm Beach. The city's cultural energy, strong sense of place, and growing appreciation for purposeful living align closely with our values, and we look forward to introducing our distinctive approach to branded residential living while contributing thoughtfully to its evolving residential landscape." A Landmark Collaboration in Global Design The project brings together a distinguished collective of global visionaries, with architecture by Pritzker Prize-winning Rem Koolhaas' firm OMA, interiors by renowned design studio Yabu Pushelberg, and celebrated landscape architect Enzo Enea, marking the first collaboration of its kind between these four internationally acclaimed icons. The sculpted residential tower comprises 88 private residences, ranging from one- to four-bedroom layouts, along with a limited collection of penthouses. With every home conceived as a corner residence, the development's architecture intentionally delivers multi-directional exposure from each home, allowing the residences to engage light, air, and views from multiple vantage points. Expansive sightlines unfold across the city skyline and surrounding waterways, while wraparound terraces in every residence extend living spaces outward and reinforce a seamless connection between indoors and out. Direct private elevator entry in most residences further defines an experience marked by a heightened sense of arrival discretion, and privacy. Architecture & interiors are grounded in natural materials, tactile restraint, and environmental responsibility, with carbon-conscious operations and long-term sustainability principles reflecting Banyan Group's ethos of environmental stewardship while supporting a more considered approach to residential living. "Introducing the first Banyan Tree branded residences in the United States represents a defining moment for this partnership," said Camilo Miguel, Founder and CEO of Mast Capital. "West Palm Beach is emerging as a global residential destination – one defined by permanence, cultural depth, and long-term vision. This residential project reflects a highly deliberate collaboration with an unprecedented group of visionaries aligned around a singular ambition and shared pursuit of design excellence, enduring quality, and a deeply considered approach to living, developed to resonate for generations and contribute meaningfully to the future of West Palm Beach." A Private Sanctuary for the Senses in the Heart of West Palm Beach Set within one of South Florida's most walkable districts, the neighbourhood places CityPlace, Royal Poinciana Plaza, Palm Beach Island, Worth Avenue, and the Intracoastal Waterway within easy reach, offering residents a rare balance between the serenity of a private retreat and the energy of the city, with access to upscale dining, a vibrant cultural scene, shopping, entertainment, and waterfront leisure at its doorstep. "Banyan Tree Residences represents a pivotal moment for West Palm Beach, pairing an exceptional downtown address with the renowned legacy of the Banyan Tree brand," said Josh Simon, Co-Founder and Partner of Curated JCZM Development. "The brand's expansion into this market underscores the city's emergence on the world stage, offering residents an experience that is both deeply connected to place and unmistakably international in character." Shared Spaces for Community, Connection, and Wellbeing The residential amenities extend the Banyan Tree brand experience into everyday living, where wellbeing, privacy, and hospitality shape a lifestyle of quiet restoration and connection. Spanning multiple levels, the expansive amenity offering includes a private porte cochère, a fully serviced resort-style pool, curated social and recreation spaces designed to foster meaningful connection, and many more acting as a direct extension from the home. Complementing these experiences is a comprehensive wellbeing ecosystem dedicated to balance and renewal, anchored by a wellness center and spa featuring deluxe treatment rooms, cryotherapy, a hammam, and tranquil spaces for meditation, creating a daily ritual of restoration and calm. Through The Sanctuary Club , owners will enjoy preferred access to Banyan Group's global ecosystem of more than 100 hotels and resorts and over 140 spas and galleries across more than 20 countries, with exclusive privileges and bespoke experiences that extend the West Palm Beach lifestyle onto the global stage. For more information, please visit BanyanTreeResidencesWPB.com . For high-resolution images, please download here . ABOUT BANYAN GROUP Banyan Group ("Banyan Tree Holdings Limited" or the "Group" - SGX: B58) is an independent, global hospitality company with purpose. The Group prides itself on its pioneering spirit, design-led experiences and commitment to responsible stewardship. Its extensive portfolio spans 100 hotels and resorts, over 140 spas and galleries, and 20 plus branded residences in over 20 countries. Comprising 13 global brands, including the flagship brand Banyan Tree, each distinct yet united under the experiential membership programme withBanyan. The founding ethos of "Embracing the Environment, Empowering People" is embodied through the Banyan Global Foundation and Banyan Academy. Banyan Group is committed to remaining the leading advocate of sustainable travel, with a focus on regenerative tourism and innovative programmes that elevate the guest experience. ABOUT MAST CAPITAL Established in 2006, Mast Capital is a value-oriented real estate investment company with integrated development and asset management teams. Mast Capital has made successful acquisitions in the residential, hospitality, office, retail and land sectors, and targets opportunistic and value-add investments in existing property, ground-up development, distressed real estate, and note purchases. The firm employs a sophisticated approach to structuring its acquisitions, maximizing value to its investors while providing creativity and flexibility to sellers and other third parties to execute highly complex transactions. Mast Capital is led by a senior management team with over 75 years of combined real estate experience and transactions totaling more than $5 billion. For more information on Mast Capital's portfolio, visit www.mastcapital.com . ABOUT CURATED JCZM DEVELOPMENT Curated JCZM is a premier South Florida real estate firm specializing in elevated residential and mixed-use environments. A strategic partnership between Josh Simon (Curated Development) and Josh Smith (JCZM Family Investments), the firm brings a distinguished track record of design excellence and meticulous execution to the regional market. The partnership leverages Mr. Simon's 20-year legacy as a foundational Palm Beach County developer alongside Mr. Smith's background as a sophisticated entrepreneur and former principal of one of South Florida largest multi-disciplinary medical enterprises. This synergy allows Curated JCZM to merge institutional-grade investment strategies with a design-forward approach. By prioritizing architectural integrity and superior market positioning, the firm creates high-value assets that elevate the South Florida landscape.
2026-03-24 17:00:00

MarketingPulse and eTailingPulse attract more than 1,700 industry professionals
Global e-commerce and brand experts explore growth opportunities HONG KONG , March 20, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), MarketingPulse and eTailingPulse successfully concluded at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC). The premier annual e-commerce and brand marketing events drew a vibrant crowd of more than 1,700 industry professionals from 22 countries and regions, who gathered in Hong Kong to navigate the ever-evolving marketing landscape and redefine the blueprint for business growth. Driving brand evolution through innovation Welcoming delegates to the conferences, Sophia Chong , Executive Director of the HKTDC, said: "Rapid advances in digital technologies are allowing e-commerce to reshape the market landscape, transforming how businesses reach consumers, transact and scale. From AI-driven personalisation to social commerce, the pace of change is unprecedented, and with this change comes significant opportunity. The theme for this year's events, " Generate New Growth ", challenges us to seize these opportunities by exploring how fresh ideas, new technologies and bold strategies can power the next wave of momentum." E-commerce experts unpack the latest AI trends This year's MarketingPulse and eTailingPulse staged 30 thematic sessions, with a comprehensive agenda exploring topics including "Growth leaders", "E-commerce new horizons", "Cutting edge marketing dynamics/new market potential", " Social media best practices", the "Meet the celebrity dialogue series", and "PR disasters and opportunities", complemented by a series of digital marketing and e-commerce workshops. More than 85 esteemed e-commerce pioneers, brand leaders, marketing experts and innovative entrepreneurs from around the globe were invited to dissect the latest e-commerce innovations, global marketing trends and consumer opportunities, exploring how to cultivate new growth in a rapidly shifting marketing ecosystem. When discussing the development and outlook for e-commerce, multiple industry experts at the conferences highlighted the importance of artificial intelligence (AI) applications and its latest trends. Terry Li , Vertical General Manager of Smart Retail, Tencent, noted that "AI is redefining digital commerce, and integrating AI into enterprise architecture properly is key to success. It will not destroy creativity; instead, it can inspire creativity and enable personalised customer experiences." Bruce Pan , Cross-border Industry Operations Manager of TikTok Shop US, added that the real competitive edge will lie not in generating more content faster, but in combining creative direction, understanding the competitive edges of products and emotional storytelling. Quick commerce charts a new course for e-commerce Today's consumers have an insatiable appetite for convenience and personalisation, compelling brands to accelerate the transformation of their e-marketing strategies. Precision data and AI are fundamentally rewiring consumer experiences. Patrick Zhang , Senior BD Manager of Amazon Global Selling, pointed out that the next phase of globalisation will be defined by how quickly and accurately brands can understand local consumer needs and translate data insights into high-quality growth. Yatong Qiu , Vice President of Taobao & Tmall Group, Alibaba, highlighted how brands and merchants can deploy agile merchandising strategies, real-time digital marketing and speed-oriented approaches to upgrade supply chains and streamline order fulfilment, catering to the modern consumer's desire for "everything, instantly". And the "Decoding the Gateway to ASEAN: Cross Border Growth and Market Entry Strategies" session explored tactics for entering the ASEAN market. Speakers including Luca Barni , SVP, Commercial at Lazada Group, shared battle-tested experiences, providing a practical compass for enterprises eyeing ASEAN e-tailing expansion. Visionary insights from distinguished brand leaders As the consumer market pivots towards experience-driven models, "taste" and "perception" have become the ultimate battlegrounds for brand competitiveness. Brands are no longer merely delivering product value; they are curating a lifestyle. The "Growth leaders" series at MarketingPulse was inaugurated by Pauline Brown, former Chairman of LVMH North America, who delivered a presentation address on "Aesthetic Intelligence", illustrating how sensory management and design thinking can elevate brand value and customer experience. "Economic inequality, environmental threats, and the rise of AI make the pursuit of aesthetic intelligence more important than ever," Ms Brown said. "While AI enhances efficiency, consumers care about brands creating authentic sensory pleasure. Only people can truly convey a clear, well-articulated vision that resonates with customers." Haijun Wang, Founder, Chief Executive Officer & Chief Experience Officer of Atour Lifestyle Holdings, shared his philosophy on weaving lifestyle experiences into hotel and lifestyle brand management. By extending the "accommodation experience" into new retail, he demonstrated how to forge brand identity through lifestyle sensibilities and customer resonance. Mr Wang believes that when both service and space strike an emotional chord, the resulting customer loyalty offers an enduring competitive edge. "In the experience economy, emotional value and authentic customer advocacy are becoming more important, making experience not only a point of differentiation, but also a source of sustainable brand growth and long-term development potential," he said. As younger generations emerge as the dominant consumer force, the dynamic between brands and youth demographics is being entirely redefined. JinHee Lee , Chief Operating Officer of South Korea's Olive Young, shared the brand's triumphant journey from local flagship to a global powerhouse. He showcased how this Korean beauty titan leverages seamless omnichannel operations and data-driven marketing strategies, using technology as a compass to build international competitiveness. "In order for a beauty brand to go global, it's essential to develop a marketing platform that combines digital promotion and offline data," he explained. "By integrating physical stores with online apps, we have built a seamless omnichannel ecosystem that continuously adapts to our customers' lifestyles and needs. providing real time updates on product stock and promotions." Crafting an immersive and unforgettable shopping experience to amplify marketing efficacy and fortify long-term brand influence has always been the golden rule for major international brands. Krzysztof Andrzej Kowal , Global Retail Design Director at YSL Beauty, L'Oréal Luxe, took the stage in the session "The Poetics of Branding: Weaving Story, Design, and Emotion into Iconic Narratives". He shared how to transform physical retail spaces into the ultimate storytelling canvas through the alchemy of "Design × Story × Emotion". He said that to build emotional connections with customers, "physical stores should transcend showcase roles to become temples of experience and content factories that generate authentic and multi-sensory moments. By blending current trends like Y2K and nostalgia, we build up our persona based on new trends while maintaining our brand culture. At the same time, we maintain a cohesive global identity while adapting to local cultures." Creative social content ignites brand resonance In an era saturated with content and dictated by algorithms, brands and creators must rebuild emotional bridges through authenticity and the power of storytelling. This year's conferences approached the subject through the lenses of film, television, social media and content creation, exploring how culturally resonant content can captivate audiences and amplify brand value. Actor and "Threads Admin" Ng Siu-hin joined forces with Kenie Kwok , Creative Strategy Lead at Meta, in the dialogue "Threads for Consumer and Audience Engagement", comprehensively decoding the "traffic matrix" for the platform. Continuing the creative thread, the "Meet the celebrity dialogue series" invited actor and singer-songwriter Louis Cheung to share his creative odyssey and breakthrough moments. Spanning music to on-screen performances, Louis underscored the importance of staying true to one's original aspirations and authentic expression, inspiring brands and creators to co-create content with genuine warmth. Meanwhile, content creator and MUSE TV founder Mayao shared his ingenious use of disruptive social media promotional tactics to market music and content, leaving an indelible mark on the public consciousness. As AI permeates every aspect of the marketing and design sectors, creative thinking faces an unprecedented paradigm shift. Award-winning creative minds, including Stephen Rogers , Group Creative Director at Droga5 from Ireland, explored this dynamic in the session " Creativity & AI: Human vs Artificial Mind ". The speakers revealed that human imagination and intelligent technology are engaged in a symbiotic dance rather than a zero-sum game, with industry pioneers sharing how to masterfully navigate the shifting boundaries between human intuition and AI. Practical insights and business matchmaking foster cross-sector synergy Beyond the main forums and InnoTalks series, the events introduced a new feature, "e-Commerce Connect", that brought together nearly 30 local and international exhibitors to showcase the latest one-stop e-commerce solutions. A series of digital marketing and e-tailing workshops was also held, at which industry experts imparted strategies for AI integration, cross-border market navigation, and brand influence elevation, arming participating brands with actionable intelligence. The organiser curated multiple networking events and arranged more than 170 one-on-one business matchmaking sessions for attendees and exhibitors. In addition, singer James Ng graced the event with a live performance during the conferences' Happy Hour session. Widespread industry support drives sector advancement This year's MarketingPulse and eTailingPulse received robust support from numerous organisations and industry bodies, including the Association of Accredited Advertising Agencies of Hong Kong (HK4As), the Hong Kong Internet & Ecommerce Association, the Hong Kong Federation of E-Commerce (HKFEC), the Hong Kong Live E-Commerce Association, the Hong Kong Public Relations Professionals' Association, IAB Hong Kong and PRHK, providing attendees with invaluable market intelligence and unique perspectives. Forum highlights available via Video on Demand for one month The Video on Demand pass for MarketingPulse and eTailingPulse is available from today, 20 March, until 19 April. Industry professionals are encouraged to leverage the platform's versatile features during this period to revisit the wealth of insights shared across the events. Related websites MarketingPulse website: https://marketingpulse.hktdc.com/conference/mp/en eTailingPulse website: https://etailingpulse.hktdc.com/conference/etp/en Hong Kong International Film & TV Market (FILMART) and EntertainmentPulse: https://hkfilmart.hktdc.com/conference/hkfilmart/en Photo download: https://bit.ly/4sVaOAg HKTDC Executive Director Sophia Chong delivered the welcome remarks. She said the theme for this year’s events, "Generate New Growth", challenged us to seize these opportunities by exploring how fresh ideas, new technologies and bold strategies can power the next wave of momentum HKTDC Newsroom: http://mediaroom.hktdc.com/en About HKTDC The 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 . Follow us o n @hktdc and LinkedIn PR Newswire is the official news release distribution partner of MarketingPulse and eTailingPulse.
2026-03-20 10:04:00

Axcelis Announces Participation in SEMICON China 2026
President and CEO Russell Low will Present Keynote Speech at CS Asia BEVERLY, Mass. , March 19, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Axcelis Technologies , Inc. (Nasdaq: ACLS), a leading supplier of enabling ion implantation solutions for the semiconductor industry, announced today that it will be the Diamond Sponsor for the Compound Semiconductor Asia Conference (CS Asia) 2026, held in conjunction with SEMICON China 2026 on March 24-27, 2026, at the Kerry Hotel in Pudong, Shanghai. Axcelis' President and CEO, Russell Low, PhD, will present an opening Keynote Speech at the event. Hongchen Zhao, PhD, Axcelis' Worldwide Applications Director, will present in Session 2: SiC, GaN and Related WBG Materials, Equipment and Devices-1. Advancing Power and Compound Semiconductor Performance Through Ion Implantation Innovation Russell Low, PhD President & CEO, Axcelis Technologies March 24, 14:30-15:00 Shanghai Ballroom 3, Kerry Hotel Innovative Implant Solutions Empower SiC Super Junction Cost Reduction Hongchen Zhao, PhD Worldwide Applications Director Axcelis Technologies, Inc. March 25, 14:00 – 14:25 Pudong Ballroom 1, Kerry Hotel President and CEO Russell Low, said, "We're excited to participate in SEMICON China and especially pleased to sponsor the CS Asia Conference, one of the most important technology forums in the Asia Pacific region. Global demand for clean, efficient energy solutions is rising, and power and compound semiconductor solutions are becoming increasingly critical. We are proud to be an innovation and market leader in ion implantation solutions in this market. We look forward to introducing our next generation Purion Power Series+ Platform to chipmakers in China." About Axcelis: Axcelis (Nasdaq: ACLS), headquartered in Beverly, Mass., has been providing innovative, high-productivity solutions for the semiconductor industry for over 45 years. Axcelis is dedicated to developing enabling process applications through the design, manufacture and complete life cycle support of ion implantation systems, one of the most critical and enabling steps in the IC manufacturing process. Learn more about Axcelis at www.axcelis.com . CONTACTS: Press/Media Relations Contact: Maureen Hart Senior Director, Corporate & Marketing Communications Telephone: (978) 787-4266 Email: Maureen.Hart@axcelis.com Axcelis Investor Relations Contact: David Ryzhik Senior Vice President, Investor Relations and Corporate Strategy Telephone: (978) 787-2352 Email: David.Ryzhik@axcelis.com
2026-03-19 00:41:00

TGE's Latest Film "Scare Out" Surpasses US$190 Million at the Global Box Office
PARIS, NEW YORK and LONDON , March 17, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- AMTD Group Inc. ("AMTD Group"), AMTD IDEA Group (NYSE: AMTD; SGX: HKB), AMTD Digital Inc. (NYSE: HKD) and The Generation Essentials Group ("TGE", NYSE: TGE; LSE: TGE), a subsidiary of AMTD Digital Inc., jointly announce that "Scare Out" (the "Movie") has achieved remarkable box office success. The Movie has surpassed US$190 million at the global box office, with total admissions exceeding 28.28 million viewers. One month after its release, the Movie continues to perform strongly, achieving the highest daily seat-occupancy rate for six consecutive days. It has also become the eighth highest-grossing domestic Chinese crime film in Chinese film history, as well as the highest-grossing crime story movie released during the Chinese New Year Holiday period in the past five years. AMTD is a co-production company of the Movie, with Dr. Calvin Choi, founder of AMTD IDEA, AMTD Digital, and TGE, serving as a co-producer. About AMTD Group AMTD Group is a conglomerate with a core business portfolio spanning across media and entertainment, education and training, and premium assets and hospitality sectors. About AMTD IDEA Group AMTD IDEA Group (NYSE: AMTD; SGX: HKB) represents a diversified institution and digital solutions group connecting companies and investors with global markets. Its comprehensive one-stop business services plus digital solutions platform addresses different clients' diverse and inter-connected business needs and digital requirements across all phases of their life cycles. AMTD IDEA Group is uniquely positioned as an active super connector between clients, business partners, investee companies, and investors, connecting the East and the West. For more information, please visit www.amtdinc.com or follow us on X (formerly known as "Twitter") at @AMTDGroup. About AMTD Digital Inc. AMTD Digital Inc. (NYSE: HKD) is a comprehensive digital solutions platform headquartered in France. Its one-stop digital solutions platform operates key business lines including digital media, content and marketing services, investments as well as hospitality and VIP services. For AMTD Digital's announcements, please visit https://ir.amtdigital.net/investor-news . About The Generation Essentials Group The Generation Essentials Group (NYSE: TGE; LSE: TGE), jointly established by AMTD Group, AMTD IDEA Group (NYSE: AMTD; SGX: HKB) and AMTD Digital Inc. (NYSE: HKD), is headquartered in France and focuses on global strategies and developments in multi-media, entertainment, and cultural affairs worldwide as well as hospitality and VIP services. TGE comprises L'Officiel, The Art Newspaper, movie and entertainment projects. Collectively, TGE is a diversified portfolio of media and entertainment businesses, and a global portfolio of premium properties. Also, TGE is a special purpose acquisition company (SPAC) sponsor manager, with its first SPAC successfully raised and priced on December 18, 2025. Safe Harbor Statement This press release contains statements that may constitute "forward-looking" statements pursuant to the "safe harbor"provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements can be identified by terminology such as "will," "expects,""anticipates," "aims," "future," "intends," "plans," "believes,""estimates," "likely to," and similar statements. Statements that are not historical facts, including statements about the beliefs, plans, and expectations of AMTD IDEA Group, AMTD Digital and/or The Generation Essentials Group, are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements involve inherent risks and uncertainties. Further information regarding these and other risks is included in the filings of AMTD IDEA Group, AMTD Digital and The Generation Essentials Group with the SEC. All information provided in this press release is as of the date of this press release, and none of AMTD IDEA Group, AMTD Digital and The Generation Essentials Group undertakes any obligation to update any forward-looking statement, except as required under applicable law. For more information, please contact: For AMTD IDEA Group: IR Office AMTD IDEA Group EMAIL: ir@amtdinc.com For AMTD Digital Inc.: IR Office AMTD Digital Inc. EMAIL: ir@amtdigital.net For The Generation Essentials Group: IR Office The Generation Essentials Group EMAIL: ir@tge.media
2026-03-17 14:02:00

Agoda Unveils Top Hari Raya Destinations for 2026
SINGAPORE, March 16, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Digital travel platform Agoda's latest accommodation search data reveals the top locales where travelers from Indonesia, Malaysia, and Singapore are heading for the upcoming Hari Raya holiday period. Indonesian destinations take the lead, with Bali, Yogyakarta, and Bandung emerging as the top three most popular destinations during this festive period. Rounding out the top ten destinations for Hari Raya travel are Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia), Tokyo (Japan), Jakarta (Indonesia), Bangkok (Thailand), Singapore (Singapore), Penang (Malaysia), and Malang (Indonesia). Hari Raya, also known as Eid al-Fitr, marks the end of Ramadan and is a time of celebration and gratitude. It holds cultural significance as families come together to celebrate, reconnect, and strengthen bonds after a month of fasting. Agoda's accommodation search data reveals that, during this period, travelers often seek short-haul destinations that offer a mix of sunny island getaways, urban hubs, and nature escapes. The holiday is an ideal time for families to travel together, allowing them to celebrate with loved ones and create lasting memories. The preference for destinations like Bali and Yogyakarta highlights the desire for both relaxation and cultural exploration, while urban centers like Kuala Lumpur and Tokyo cater to those looking for exciting city adventures. Krishna Rathi, Associate Vice President at Agoda, shared, "Hari Raya is a special time for many. As the holiday approaches, we are seeing travelers expressing interest in short-haul destinations that offer a chance for meaningful connection and reunion with loved ones, or a brief escape to unwind after a month of spiritual reflection. It's especially exciting to see travelers embracing the diverse offerings of Indonesia and throughout Asia. From the beaches of Bali to the cultural sites of Yogyakarta, Agoda is thrilled to support these meaningful journeys with great deals across accommodations, flights and activities." Travelers planning their upcoming holidays can find over 6 million holiday properties, more than 130,000 flight routes, and over 300,000 activities on Agoda, all of which can be combined in the same booking. Discover the best deals on Agoda's mobile app or visit Agoda.com for more.
2026-03-16 04:30:00

XCMG From Going Global to Taking Root at CONEXPO 2026
LAS VEGAS, March 16, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- XCMG Group, one of China's foremost construction machinery enterprises, concluded a landmark appearance at CONEXPO-CON/AGG 2026 in Las Vegas, marking the company's 11th consecutive participation in the world's largest construction trade exhibition. Competing alongside nearly 3,000 exhibitors from across the globe, XCMG used this year's show to demonstrate a pivotal strategic evolution: the transition from simply exporting products to establishing genuine, lasting roots in North America's premium market. XCMG Highlights from CONEXPO 2026 North America has long held a reputation as a high-bar market where performance, reliability, and innovation are non-negotiable. XCMG rose to that challenge by presenting 35 machine models specially engineered for North American operating conditions, covering core construction scenarios including earth-moving, lifting, aerial work platforms, and mining applications. The highlight of XCMG's exhibit was the global launch of the PRO Series. The next-generation product line built for the North American professional. PRO Series machines feature deep integration of intelligent interaction and precision control technologies, offering operators fully customizable parameters, intuitive visual interfaces, and advanced self-diagnostic capabilities. The result is a machine that transforms complex operations into clear, controllable tasks — raising both operator confidence and overall job-site productivity. "This reflects a broader transformation in Chinese construction machinery — moving from scale advantage to technology edge. We are no longer simply offering cost-effective tools; we are exporting advanced engineering solutions, earning the respect and trust of premium global markets through innovation." — Zhai Kun, General Manager, XCMG Global Business Headquarters & XCMG Import & Export Co., Ltd. XCMG's North American strategy reflects this philosophy in tangible terms. The company has built a sophisticated local support infrastructure to back up its technology ambitions. Millions of dollars in spare parts are now stocked at XCMG's North American warehouses, enabling rapid response and minimal machine downtime. Over 95% of XCMG's North American workforce is locally hired. This is the testament to the company's commitment to embedding itself into the fabric of the regional market rather than operating as a foreign vendor. "Our North American parts inventory has been fully optimized to ensure the highest possible uptime for every machine we put in the field," said Liu Quan, XCMG's North America Director. "Regardless of equipment type, our local team is ready to provide around-the-clock support." This operational depth is central to XCMG's pitch to North American customers: the company provides comprehensive, intelligent, and scenario-specific construction solutions backed by a local team that understands the demands of the market. XCMG's presence at CONEXPO-CON/AGG 2026 is part of a broader global growth trajectory. The company's products now reach more than 190 countries and regions worldwide. Along the markets of the Belt and Road Initiative, XCMG commands a coverage rate exceeding 95%. International revenue now accounts for nearly half of XCMG's total business, reinforcing the company's standing as one of China's most prominent ambassadors for advanced manufacturing on the world stage. With its combination of purpose-built technology, deep local investment, and expanding global reach, XCMG leaves CONEXPO 2026 not merely as a participant, but as a formidable long-term contender in the world's most demanding construction machinery market.
2026-03-16 04:28:00

GameChange Solar wins 258 MWp tracker order for Benban Solar Project in Egypt
DUBAI, UAE, March 16, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- GameChange Solar, a leading global supplier of solar tracker and fixed-tilt racking technology, announced that it has signed a contract with Hassan Allam Constructions to supply its Genius TrackerTM system for a 258 MWp solar project in Benban, Egypt. The project is being developed by Infinity Power, with Hassan Allam serving as the EPC partner. This order marks GameChange Solar's fourth project in Egypt, bringing our total capacity in the country to over 3 GWp. GameChange Solar - Hassam Allam Benban Project Signing Benban is one of the largest solar hubs in the region and demands systems that perform reliably in high-heat and high-dust conditions. GameChange Solar was selected based on its experience delivering projects in Egypt, its regional support structure, and its ability to meet accelerated delivery timelines. This project will deploy the company's 1R × 4 string tracker architecture, engineered for the site's terrain and civil requirements. "Working with Infinity Power and Hassan Allam on this project is an important milestone in our regional journey. Our systems are engineered for the high-heat and high-dust conditions common across the Middle East and North Africa, and our teams have steadily expanded their on-ground capability to support fast-moving utility-scale programmes," said Anirudha Sharma, Vice President – Business Development (India, MENA and CIS), GameChange Solar. "The MENA region is a strategic priority for GameChange Solar, and with this order, our cumulative capacity in the region rises to 6.7 GWp, reflecting the trust placed in our technology and our execution." The Benban Solar Plant will integrate 200 MW of solar generation capacity with 120 MWh of battery energy storage, creating a hybrid renewable energy hub. The project supports Egypt's national energy strategy, which aims to increase the share of renewables in the country to 42% by 2030 and 65% by 2040. "Benban continues to be one of the most strategic solar developments in the region, and projects of this scale require disciplined planning, predictable timelines and strong coordination across all partners. Our focus is on ensuring seamless execution, and we value partners who match that pace with the right technical inputs. GameChange Solar has demonstrated the responsiveness and technical engagement needed for this project, and we look forward to steady progress as we enter the next stage of construction," said Engg Hany Fayed, Managing Director, Hassan Allam Constructions. About GameChange Solar GameChange Solar is one of the top three global providers of solar tracker solutions used in utility-scale and ground-mounted distributed generation solar projects around the world. We have delivered over 58 GW of solar tracker and fixed tilt systems that combine fast installation, bankable quality, and unbeatable value through superior engineering, innovative design, and high-volume manufacturing. Our products enable solar panels at power plants to follow the sun's movement across the sky and optimize plant performance while protecting the array from damaging weather conditions. For more information about GameChange Solar and its solar tracking solutions, visit www.gamechangesolar.com. Media Contact Nisha Wadhwani Lead – Marketing, GameChange Solar nisha.wadhwani@gamechangesolar.com
2026-03-16 04:15:00

Alibaba's MAISEAT Secures Primary Ticketing Role for GAI EVOLUTION 2026 World Tour in Malaysia
KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia, March 13, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- MAISEAT, the global events ticketing platform of Damai Entertainment (HKEX: 1060), an Alibaba Group subsidiary, has secured its first primary ticketing role, becoming the official primary ticketing partner for Chinese rapper GAI's upcoming concert in Malaysia. The GAI EVOLUTION 2026 World Tour in Malaysia is scheduled for May 10 at the Arena of Stars, Resorts World Genting, in Kuala Lumpur. Under the partnership, MAISEAT will manage ticket distribution and sales channels for the show, and will also serve as a co-organizer for the Malaysia stop of the tour. Users can purchase tickets on the MAISEAT website or app, among other platforms. The concert, GAI EVOLUTION 2026 World Tour – Malaysia, is scheduled for May 10 at the Arena of Stars, Resorts World Genting, in Kuala Lumpur. Exclusive presales on MAISEAT began on March 10, with official ticket sales starting on March 13. All presale tickets have sold out. As the primary ticketing partner, MAISEAT will use Damai Entertainment's technology infrastructure and service capabilities to ensure a seamless and secure ticket‐purchasing experience. "Securing the primary ticketing role for GAI's Malaysia show marks an important milestone for MAISEAT and strongly validates our capabilities in international live event ticketing," said Walter Zheng, Head of MAISEAT. "From ticket distribution to customer service, we have implemented a localized end-to-end model that meets the standards of international markets. We plan to bring this model to more markets, helping Chinese artists connect with fans worldwide, and build MAISEAT into a trusted platform for international event organizers and cross‐border audiences." The MAISEAT platform supports multiple languages, including Simplified Chinese, Traditional Chinese, English, Japanese, and Korean. It is fully integrated with Alipay's global payment network and offers multiple payment methods and multi-currency settlement options. A dedicated MAISEAT mobile app was also launched in December last year. GAI, whose real name is Zhou Yan, is one of China's best-known rappers, singers, and songwriters. His 2026 world tour opened in Singapore on March 7, with subsequent stops scheduled for Las Vegas and Sydney. About Damai EntertainmentDamai Entertainment is a technology-driven company delivering immersive, real-world entertainment experiences. Its diverse ecosystem spans film production, live events, IP commercialization, TV series, artist management, and ticketing platforms. Anchored in its dual strategic pillars of entertainment and AI, Damai is committed to creating unparalleled live, interactive, and immersive experiences for audiences around the world. Media Contactsmaiseat.press@member.alibaba.com
2026-03-13 05:38:00

iQIYI Leads AI Storytelling as Original Micro-Animations Gain Strong Traction
BEIJING, March 13, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Recently, iQIYI, China's leading online entertainment platform, released two original AI-powered micro-animations on its Chinese mainland platform — "My Mecha is a Bit OP" and "Imperial Exorcist Guards" — which have quickly captured audience attention with fresh narratives and distinctive AI-driven visual design. The strong reception highlights iQIYI's continued efforts to push the boundaries of storytelling through AI integration and premium content development. "My Mecha is a Bit OP," a futuristic rebirth story set in a post-apocalyptic world, was among the most-watched micro-animations during the 2026 Chinese New Year, ranking sixth in total viewing time on iQIYI's micro-animation category. More than 80 percent of the views came from big-screen devices, showing that premium AI micro-animation is resonating with audiences beyond mobile platforms and thriving across diverse viewing scenarios. "Imperial Exorcist Guards" combines Chinese supernatural elements with suspense in a narrative centered on a secret organization protecting the Ming Dynasty's dragon veins. The series has topped multiple iQIYI charts and secured a product placement partnership, demonstrating how AI micro-animation can deliver both audience engagement and commercial value. Both series benefited from significant production efficiency gains through AIGC technology. According to iQIYI's Huihuo Studio, AI has compressed production cycles that traditionally took months or even years into a matter of weeks. "My Mecha is a Bit OP" went from project approval to final delivery in approximately 40 days, with "Imperial Exorcist Guards" produced at a similar speed, showing how AIGC enables both rapid output and consistent quality standards. These successes reflect iQIYI's broader momentum in AI-powered content. AIGC technology is driving micro-animations and other content categories into a new development phase, and iQIYI took an early lead in this space last year by launching a dedicated micro-animation category, increasing investment in original productions, and continuously refining its collaboration framework. The platform's micro-animation library now exceeds 10,000 titles, with both the viewership and total viewing time growing rapidly. Moving forward, iQIYI will continue deepening its application of AIGC across the entire content production pipeline while expanding its catalog of premium AI micro-animation works. Contact: iQIYI Press, press@qiyi.com
2026-03-13 05:35:00

Wuzhong Power Grid Spatial Layout Plan Finalized to Solidify Foundation for Energy Development
WUZHONG, China, March 13, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- The Power Facility Spatial Layout Plan of State Grid Wuzhong Power Supply Company has been officially reviewed and approved, setting a clear medium- and long-term development blueprint for Wuzhong's power grid from 2025 to 2035. The plan marks a new stage of standardized and regulated power grid spatial planning, effectively resolving long-standing conflicts between land use for power grid construction and ecological protection, and laying a solid energy foundation for high-quality economic and social development in Wuzhong. To address challenges including difficult project implementation and strained corridor resources, Wuzhong Power Supply Company adopted the core planning philosophy of "multi-plan integration". Leveraging digital platforms such as the "Online Power Grid" and GIS geographic information systems, the company integrated key spatial data including ecological protection redlines and permanent basic farmland boundaries. It conducted a comprehensive census and precise assessment of the city's power facilities and spatial resources, culminating in a complete planning system consisting of 1 general report, 4 load forecasting maps, 8 geographic wiring and corridor maps, and 39 substation site selection maps. In parallel, State Grid Wuzhong Power Supply Company established a cross-departmental collaboration mechanism. Its staff carried out more than 60 on-site surveys in conjunction with county and district branches and power supply stations, and conducted 12 joint surveys with municipal departments including the Bureau of Natural Resources. These efforts minimized the impact of substations and transmission corridors on ecologically sensitive areas and basic farmland, embedding the concept of "green infrastructure" throughout the entire planning process. As a benchmark plan completed in strict accordance with State Grid's in-depth regulations for the first time, the planning team finished site selection and route surveys for 39 planned substations of 330kV and below within three months, with 55 supporting power lines planned. 330kV projects: 6 substations planned, with an additional transformation capacity of 4,320 MVA and planned line length of 196 kilometers; 110kV to 35kV projects: 33 substations planned, with an additional transformation capacity of 2,772.3 MVA and planned line length of 646.67 kilometers. Implementation of the plan will fully meet future electricity demand driven by population growth and key industrial projects, while providing a reliable grid framework for large-scale integration of new energy sources including distributed photovoltaic and wind power. Moving forward, Wuzhong Power Supply Company will actively coordinate with municipal and county-level governments to integrate all planned projects into Wuzhong's territorial spatial planning. It will steadily advance the construction of planned substations and transmission lines, continuously enhance the reliability, intelligence and green development of the power grid, and deliver safer, more stable and eco-friendly power support for high-quality development in Wuzhong.
2026-03-13 05:33:00

AgentBox Emerges as Tiiny AI Pocket Lab Hits $1M in 5 Hours on Kickstarter, a Shift from Cloud AI to Edge-Cloud Synergy
Pocket-size device supports up to 120B models locally with 0 token fees, without requiring cloud or high-end GPU DOVER, Del. , March 12, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Tiiny AI Inc. ( www.tiiny.ai ), a U.S. AI Infra startup, today announced that its Tiiny AI Pocket Lab surpassed US$1 million in Kickstarter pledges within five hours of its March 11 launch. Tiiny AI Hits 1 Million in 5-hours. Tiiny AI Pocket Lab is a pocket-size personal AI supercomputer that plugs into a laptop or PC and turns it into a local AI terminal. Built as a dedicated backend for always-on AI, it is designed to support up to 120B -parameter models locally without requiring internet, cloud services, separate servers, or a high-end GPU. It also offers one-click deployment, 0 token fees, and an always-on operating profile within a 65W power envelope. The milestone signals early demand for what Tiiny AI calls "AgentBox" — a new class of dedicated local devices designed to run always-on AI models and agent workflows privately and persistently, including OpenClaw-based agents. It also reflects a broader shift from cloud-based AI toward edge-cloud synergy, where routine agent tasks run locally for privacy, reliability, and greater cost control, while the cloud is used selectively when needed. In the first five hours, the campaign reached US$1,009,664 in pledges from 728 backers. The backer base was led by the United States (about 70% of backers, by backer count), followed by Germany and Canada , with additional backers from the United Kingdom and Spain , as of 3:00 pm EDT on March 11 . "We are in a broader shift from cloud-based AI to edge-cloud synergy, with a new hardware layer emerging: agent-native devices built to run always-on workflows locally," said Samar Bhoj , GTM Director at Tiiny AI. "Our focus is to make that experience accessible with one-click deployment, local-first operation, 0 token fees, stronger privacy controls, and a practical edge-cloud synergy model that uses the cloud only when needed." Pricing and Availability Kickstarter campaign page: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/tiinyai/tiiny-ai-pocket-lab Kickstarter super early-bird price: US$1,399 Website-only deposit program: Tiiny AI offers a US$9.90 deposit on its website to lock in a US$1,299 price ( US$100 lower than the super early-bird price). Estimated delivery: August 2026 (final schedule and regional availability detailed on Kickstarter) AgentBox: A New Category Built for Always-On AI Workflows As AI adoption accelerates, cloud-based AI is encountering friction for many everyday workflows: recurring usage costs, privacy and data-sovereignty concerns, reliability risks from network or cloud outages, and long-context capabilities. At the same time, agent frameworks are pushing AI beyond chat and into multi-step workflows, such as organizing files, building local knowledge bases, generating reports, and executing tasks over time. Against this backdrop, Tiiny AI sees the emergence of "AgentBox" — a new class of compact local AI devices designed to support always-on agent workflows. Tiiny AI Pocket Lab is built to support up to 120B -parameter models locally, while offering privacy, reliability, and greater control as a persistent local AI engine that works alongside users' existing devices. This "AgentBox" is powered by Tiiny AI's proprietary optimization technologies, including TurboSparse and PowerInfer, designed to improve throughput and efficiency for local inference on compact hardware. The company offers a ready-to-use open-source ecosystem. Tiiny AI Pocket Lab supports one-click installation of more than 50 leading open-source models including OpenAI GPT-OSS, Llama, Qwen, GLM, Mistral, and Phi, and enables seamless deployment of over 100 popular open-source AI agen t s such as OpenClaw, OpenCode, Flowise, Presenton, Libra, Bella, and SillyTavern. Users receive continuous updates, including official OTA hardware upgrades. To further strengthen ecosystem openness, Tiiny AI said the product will also support user-imported .gguf models from Hugging Face beyond the officially adapted mainstream models. The company plans to launch a corresponding model conversion tool in July 2026 . SOTA open-source LLMs will receive priority support from Tiiny AI, while longer-tail models can be converted and imported by users based on their own needs. This is intended to make the product not only a local AI device, but also a more controllable local AI runtime environment with greater transparency and user oversight. Built for Local-First Security and Control As AI agents become more capable and more autonomous, security concerns are expanding beyond the model itself into broader areas such as permission management, behavior auditing, and execution control. In response, Tiiny AI emphasizes three design principles: local-first operation, least privilege, and human-in-the-loop control. The company says sensitive workflows should remain locally processed whenever possible; agent access to tools, files, and APIs should be limited to only what is necessary for a given task; and human confirmation or audit mechanisms should remain in place for actions involving sensitive data, external systems, or critical operations. According to Tiiny AI, this is part of what distinguishes AgentBox from a generic local AI setup and cloud-based AI: it is meant to provide a more transparent and controllable environment for running AI continuously in everyday workflows. In December 2025 , Tiiny AI Pocket Lab was verified by Guinness World Records under the category "The Smallest MiniPC ( 100B LLM Locally)", recognizing its form factor and ability to run a 100B -parameter LLM locally. Formed in 2024, the team brings together global engineers from MIT , Stanford , HKUST, SJTU, Intel, and Meta, with deep expertise in systems engineering, AI inference optimization, and hardware–software co-design. Their research has been published in premier academic conferences including SOSP, OSDI, ASPLOS, and EuroSys. In 2025, Tiiny AI secured a multi-million dollar seed round from leading global investors. Headline specs (configuration dependent): Memory: 80GB LPDDR5X Storage: 1TB PCIe 4.0 SSD Performance: ~18–40 tokens/second (config dependent) Power: 30W TDP (65W adapter required); designed within a 65W power envelope Dimensions/weight: 142 × 80 × 22 mm; 300g Compatibility: macOS & Windows (Note: performance figures are configuration dependent; Tiiny AI can provide test conditions upon request.) Press kit: Photo: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1tKjR0GlV827FTm15Fso5lmimtgFZNy2x?usp=sharing Demo videos: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1B9s7veRCiedIIdFeec7YiN8i4_78fhnM?usp=drive_link Corporate video: https://drive.google.com/file/d/168GlrOr2iC1zVWmbjGFuQhf0htrqOa48/view?usp=sharing ### About Tiiny AI Inc. Tiiny AI Inc. is a U.S. AI Infra startup. The company's mission is to make advanced AI personal, private, and accessible, bringing powerful model and agent workflows to local devices with simplified deployment and predictable costs. With its founding team formed in 2024 by engineers from MIT , Stanford , HKUST, SJTU, Intel, and Meta, the company develops breakthrough technologies such as TurboSparse and PowerInfer that enable up-to-120B LLMs to run on pocket-sized consumer devices for the first time. Tiiny AI's mission is to make advanced AI accessible, private, and personal.
2026-03-11 19:35:00

Banyan Tree Deepens Wellbeing Experiences with Expansion of its Signature Connections Programme, New Retreats, Visiting Practitioners and Global Partnership with Manduka
SINGAPORE, March 10, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Banyan Tree, the flagship brand of Banyan Group ("Banyan Tree Holdings Limited" or the "Group" – SGX: B58) is expanding its global spa & wellbeing offerings with the next evolution of its signature Banyan Tree Connections programme. Following its successful launch in 2025, the programme now introduces Connections Retreats, immersive small-group wellbeing journeys designed to deepen personal reflection and shared experiences. The initiative will also expand the signature private programme to eight additional Banyan Tree destinations worldwide, alongside new visiting practitioner residencies and a global partnership with Manduka. Connections Retreat at Mamula Island by Banyan Tree in Banyan Tree "For more than three decades, Banyan Tree has pioneered a holistic approach to wellbeing, where environments, rituals and traditions come together to nurture presence and personal renewal," said Paul Hawco, Executive Director, Integrated Wellbeing, Banyan Group. "Banyan Tree Connections was created in response to a growing longing for deeper human connection, and as the programme evolves, we are also enriching our spa and wellbeing experiences through thoughtfully curated gatherings, from immersive retreats and seasonal celebrations to expert-led workshops and meaningful collaborations. Guided by our 8 Pillars of Wellbeing philosophy, these programmes unfold across our Sanctuaries for the Senses worldwide, inviting guests to move, reflect, learn, and reconnect." Introducing Connections Retreats At the heart of the next phase of the brand's enhanced spa and wellbeing offerings is the launch of Connections Retreats, immersive multi-day wellbeing journeys designed for small groups seeking deeper personal reflection and shared experiences. Each retreat is shaped by the natural rhythms and cultural context of its destination, inviting guests to slow down and reconnect through guided practices such as mindfulness, movement, meditation and local rituals. Featured retreats in 2026 include: Connections Retreat with Manduka ambassador Nicole Marty (21st to 25th May; Mamula Island by Banyan Tree in Montenegro) - A restorative retreat centred on deep connection with oneself, others, and nature. Set overlooking the tranquil waters of Boka Bay, the programme features grounding yoga, mindful movement, and moments of stillness guided by Paris-based Manduka ambassador Nicole Marty, whose teaching blends Hatha and Vinyasa with restorative practices, creating space for rest, renewal, and reflection. Connections Retreat with Nadya Hutagalung (29th Oct to 2nd Nov 2026; Buahan, A Banyan Tree Escape in Bali) - Set within a lush jungle landscape and inspired by the Balinese philosophy of Tri Hita Karana, this retreat combines meditation, sound healing, mindful movement and reflective dialogue. Led by sustainability advocate Nadya Hutagalung, the experience explores reconnection with self, community and nature. Global Expansion of Banyan Tree Connections Private Immersions for Two The introduction of Connections Retreats follows the successful launch of Banyan Tree Connections, which was introduced in 2025 as a private holistic wellbeing immersion for two. Available at Banyan Tree Anji in China, Banyan Tree Mayakoba in Mexico, Banyan Tree Phuket in Thailand, and Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru in the Maldives, the programme integrates movement, mindfulness and shared rituals to nurture both inner balance and relational harmony between partners, friends or family members. The private immersion will expand to eight additional Banyan Tree destinations from May 2026, including Banyan Tree AlUla in Saudi Arabia, Banyan Tree Dubai in the United Arab Emirates, Banyan Tree Lang Co in Vietnam, Banyan Tree Nanjing Garden Expo in China, Banyan Tree Samui in Thailand, and in Indonesia, Banyan Tree Bintan and Buahan, A Banyan Tree Escape. It will also be available at Banyan Tree Guangzhou Jiulong Lake in China when the resort opens later this year. Visiting Practitioner Residencies Alongside these initiatives, Banyan Tree continues to expand its Visiting Practitioner Programme, welcoming internationally recognised wellbeing experts for limited-time residencies across selected destinations. These intimate sessions range from workshops and day retreats to bespoke private consultations, offering guests opportunities to engage with diverse healing modalities and global wellbeing expertise. Upcoming programmes include: Wellbeing with Vitality by Yuttana Poncharoen (Jimmy) (11th to 13th March; Banyan Tree Krabi) - Set amidst Krabi's tranquil natural surroundings, this residency draws on Jimmy's decades of teaching experience in Vinyasa yoga. Rooted in the philosophy of conscious flow, the sessions guide guests through thoughtfully sequenced practices that integrate movement, breath and awareness, cultivating resilience, clarity and a deeper connection with the restorative rhythms of nature. Visiting Residency with Manduka ambassador Florence Piers (3rd to 24th August; Mamula Island by Banyan Tree) - A certified kinesiologist and yoga teacher trained in India, Florence Piers will lead a series of curated sessions designed to cultivate stillness, emotional resilience, and mindful self-awareness. Through Vinyasa, Gentle and Yin Yoga, alongside personalised private sessions, guests are invited to move, breathe and reconnect. Set against the serene rhythms of Mamula Island, each practice encourages presence, balance, and a gentle return to one's natural state of wellbeing. Extending Banyan Tree's Wellbeing Ecosystem Complementing these experiences, Banyan Tree has entered a global partnership with Manduka, the world's leading brand of performance yoga mats and accessories. Manduka's performance yoga equipment will be integrated across selected destinations, while Manduka-affiliated practitioners will lead selected retreats and Visiting Practitioner residencies, creating wellbeing journeys rooted in purpose, presence and meaningful connection. Guests can also immerse themselves in restorative travel through Banyan Tree's Wellbeing Sanctuaries, dedicated room categories introduced across the brand's resorts around the world. These signature sanctuaries offer curated sleep rituals, nourishing cuisine and destination-inspired daily practices, alongside thoughtfully designed in-room amenities that encourage mindfulness and gentle movement. For more information on upcoming retreats, visiting practitioner residencies and other spa & wellbeing experiences across Banyan Tree destinations, please visit www.banyantree.com/wellbeing-events For high-resolution images, please download here ABOUT BANYAN GROUP Banyan Group ("Banyan Tree Holdings Limited" or the "Group" - SGX: B58) is an independent, global hospitality company with purpose. The Group prides itself on its pioneering spirit, design-led experiences and commitment to responsible stewardship. Its extensive portfolio spans 100 hotels and resorts, more than 140 spas and galleries, and 20 plus branded residences in over 20 countries. Comprising 12 global brands, including the flagship brand Banyan Tree, each distinct yet united under the experiential membership programme withBanyan. The founding ethos of "Embracing the Environment, Empowering People" is embodied through the Banyan Global Foundation and Banyan Academy. Banyan Group is committed to remaining the leading advocate of sustainable travel, with a focus on regenerative tourism and innovative programmes that elevate the guest experience.
2026-03-10 09:37:00

Atradius warns of rising risks for fuel-importing economies
AMSTERDAM, March 10, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Atradius has released its Energy Outlook, highlighting a structural slowdown in the global energy transition that is set to increase macroeconomic vulnerability for fuel-importing countries. The report shows that oil and gas demand will peak later than previously expected, with fossil‐fuel prices remaining higher for longer. This shift represents a growing economic risk for nations dependent on imported energy. According to Atradius, fuel-importing economies can no longer rely on the long-assumed downward trend in global oil and gas prices to ease pressure on their external balances. Recent price spikes linked to geopolitical tensions, including the conflict in the Middle East, have already exposed this vulnerability. The report identifies 63 countries with net fuel-import bills exceeding 4% of GDP, many of which are emerging markets already running sizeable current‐account deficits. Niels de Hoog, Senior Economist at Atradius, notes: "With the energy transition slowing and the Middle East war unfolding, many emerging economies are once again at the mercy of global oil price swings. And when we break down what drives their fuel import bills, it's clear the structural decline in fuel dependence is still far too modest to shield them." Improvements in energy efficiency have historically been the main factor reducing dependence on fossil-fuel imports. However, these gains are expected to weaken, leaving countries increasingly exposed to higher fuel prices. Progress in renewable energy remains too modest to materially reduce fossil-fuel demand, because electrification in heavy transport, industry and heating is advancing too slowly. The scenarios outlined in the report indicate that more than half of the fuel-importing countries analysed may experience a deterioration in their current-account positions by 2035. The impact is likely to be even more pronounced in already vulnerable economies such as Tunisia, Pakistan, and Lebanon. Atradius concludes that fuel-importing economies urgently need a broader resilience strategy. Alongside accelerating investment in domestic renewable energy and expanding electrification, countries must strengthen export capacity, improve competitiveness, and reduce reliance on nonenergy imports. "The slowdown in the global energy transition should be seen as a clear warning. Fuel-importing economies face rising external vulnerabilities as energy prices remain higher for longer, making it essential to strengthen their overall economic resilience in the years ahead," de Hoog concludes. For further insights read the full article. Atradius More information at https://group.atradius.com.
2026-03-10 09:22:00

The 15th Five-Year Plan featuring opening up: China and the world sharing the future
BEIJING, March 7, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- A news report from China.org.cn on China's new efforts on further opening up: The 15th Five-Year Plan featuring opening up: China and the world sharing the future The year 2026 marks the beginning of China's 15th Five-Year Plan period (2026-2030). At the "two sessions," China announced its target GDP growth rate of 4.5 to 5 percent for this year. To achieve this goal anchored in high-quality development, China will no doubt continue expanding high-standard opening up, and pursue positive interactions with the international community toward a shared future. For years, China has been the largest contributor to world economic growth. Take 2025 as an example. Against a backdrop of sluggish economic recovery and mounting uncertainties, China's GDP still grew by 5%, with its volume surpassing 140 trillion yuan (about 20 trillion U.S. dollars) for the first time. These figures underscore China's role as a stabilizing anchor and a growth engine for the world economy. Such "stability" and "growth" mean resilience and certainty for foreign investors and international companies. Sharing opportunities and pursuing common development has long been China's approach. During the 14th Five-Year Plan period, China's total foreign trade volume exceeded 200 trillion yuan, a 40 percent increase compared with that of the 13th Five-Year Plan period. China has become a major trading partner for over 160 countries and regions, and in 2025, trade between China and at least 60 percent of the countries across the five continents recorded growth, which testifies to an ever-expanding global trade "circle of friends". Besides the increase in scale, "green development" and "innovation" are adding new dimensions to China's high-standard opening-up. In recent years, Chinese battery manufacturers like CATL and Sunwoda have established plants in European countries like Germany and Hungary, expanding their own markets while helping build localized supply chains for European automakers such as BMW and Volkswagen, achieving win-win results. Multinational corporations like AstraZeneca and Schneider Electric have also established major strategic R&D centers in China. These attest to the fact that through more profound opening-up, China is deepening integration with other countries across the industrial and innovation chains for mutual benefit. At a time when global economic growth is slowing, geopolitical tensions persist, policy uncertainty lingers, and trade costs continue to rise, China is responding with institutional opening up, creating a secure and reliable destination for foreign investment. From the continued shortening of the negative list for foreign investment, to the complete removal of market access restrictions in the manufacturing sector, and the ongoing independent customs operation of the Hainan Free Trade Port, the appeal of "invest in China" is becoming increasingly evident. At this year's "two sessions," a fresh round of signals on expanding opening-up was released in quick succession: China will expand market access and open more sectors, particularly the service industry. Pilot opening-up programs will be broadened in fields such as value-added telecom services, biotechnology and wholly foreign-owned hospitals. The negative list for cross-border trade in services will be further shortened. National treatment for foreign-invested companies will be better ensured, and a new version of the Catalogue of Encouraged Industries for Foreign Investment will be implemented... This series of concrete policy measures has set a more defined direction and clearer roadmap forward for China's high-standard opening up. China's development has never been a solo performance, but rather a symphony with the rest of the world — one that stresses win-win outcomes and shared growth. Looking ahead, the world can expect China to continue embracing greater openness, advance institutional opening-up, and create a steady stream of opportunities, working with other countries to sail toward a vast ocean of shared prosperity. China Mosaic http://www.china.org.cn/video/node_7230027.htm The 15th Five-Year Plan featuring opening up: China and the world sharing the futurehttp://www.china.org.cn/video/2026-03/07/content_118368489.shtml
2026-03-07 14:00:00

Global Times: Deliver for real, and turn every policy into smiles on people's faces
BEIJING, March 7, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- "33 million families have received child-rearing subsidies" and "an integrated elderly care service network covering urban and rural areas has taken initial shape"... At the press conference for the fourth session of the 14th National People's Congress (NPC) on people's livelihood, the performance sheets from multiple departments were filled with meticulous care for "the elderly and children." The "elderly" are our treasure, and the "children" embody our future. "The elderly and children" are the softest spot of every family - and they are also a key concern for the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee. Xi Jinping, General Secretary of the CPC Central Committee, has always kept them close to his heart. In communities, schools, and ordinary people's homes, he has repeatedly chatted with seniors about family life and held hands with children. We should "create better conditions" for the elderly "to enjoy happy and fulfilling twilight years." "We need to strengthen efforts in the nurturing and education of children"... These earnest instructions warm the heart, reflecting the values of a major Party and a great nation, and mirroring the warm journey of improving people's livelihood. At this year's "two sessions," policies have been further strengthened. "Upgrade elderly care, childcare" has been written into the Government Work Report, while announcements at press conferences - such as "upgrading and renovating 2,000 public elderly care institutions" and "supporting the establishment of at least one comprehensive child care service center in each prefecture-level city" - turn every policy into smiles on the faces of ordinary people. How can this be achieved? It all comes down to execution. Good policies paired with solid implementation are the key code to China's governance - seizing the present while winning the future. In recent years, rural areas in Southwest China's Yunnan Province have faced new challenges and difficulties in caring for left-behind elderly and children, particularly in daily life support, healthcare access, and emotional companionship. How to address them? Yunnan has approached caring for "the elderly and children" with the same intensity as poverty alleviation, making it a major livelihood priority under the joint responsibility of "five levels of Party secretaries" province-wide. This has created a normalized working mechanism with clear leadership, dedicated implementation, and accountability follow-up, continuously yielding substantial results for people's livelihood. A hot meal, a medical visit, a moment of companionship, a class session... From policies that "touch the heart" to implementation that "reaches the heart," the approaches have become more detailed, the requirements more concrete, and the focus more precise. By persistently tackling the livelihood challenges of "the elderly and children," we can transform the worries weighing on hundreds of millions of families into sources of warmth. It relies on innovation. By optimizing resource allocation and fostering coordinated reforms, sustained innovation has transformed "dilemmas" into "win-wins." In Shenzhen's Dapeng New District "elderly and children" service center, on one side, seniors are trying out smart mobility aids; on the other, toddlers in daycare are enjoying outdoor play. A sharp-eyed little granddaughter spots her grandmother across the way and breaks into a smile. This heartwarming moment, captured in the tender intergenerational bond, showcases the innovative effects of "intergenerational integration, spatial consolidation, service bundling, and multi-role staffing." Across the country, new models benefiting "the elderly and children" are emerging one after another. This inspires us that by adapting to local conditions and implementing creatively, we can unlock greater livelihood dividends with smaller resource inputs. It relies on tapping potential. The process of improving people's well-being is also one of uncovering drivers for economic growth and new dynamics. At the livelihood-themed press conference, several fresh terms and figures caught attention: the inclusion of "elderly care service specialists" as a new occupation; during the Spring Festival holiday, the number of passengers aged 60 and above buying their "first-ever flight ticket" on certain platforms rose by more than 20 percent... These show that elderly care is not just a livelihood issue - it can also become a growth point for new jobs and new consumption, injecting "silver-haired vitality" into economic expansion. "The elderly and children" represent both a social issue and a topic for economic growth. By promoting integrated "property management + domestic services" models, "temporary children" and "stand-in parents" have become highly popular; smart caregiving robots are easing the burden of caring for disabled seniors... By leveraging the livelihood needs of "the elderly and children" to open up new spaces for industrial development, while using industrial innovations to effectively address their urgent difficulties and concerns, we can achieve the virtuous cycle of developing industries to improve people's well-being and advancing development through better livelihoods. "The elderly and children" concern the well-being of millions of families. When we take good care of the elderly and nurture children with dedication, the superiority of the socialist system will be further demonstrated, and China's socioeconomic development will continue to brighten its foundation of people's livelihood.
2026-03-07 13:52:00

Aiper Experts Duo Makes Pool Maintenance Truly Carefree with 24/7 Cognitive AI Powered Cleaning
An Intelligent, Solar-Powered Cleaning Ecosystem Designed to Keep Pools Swim-Ready with Minimal Effort ATLANTA, Feb. 25, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Aiper, the world's No.1 smart robotic pool cleaner brand[1] and leader in smart yard innovation, introduces the Aiper Experts Duo, an intelligent two-robot system designed to deliver hands-free, expert-level pool care with minimal effort. Combining the cognitive AI powered Scuba V3 with the solar-driven, pool skimmer EcoSurfer S2, the Aiper Experts Duo provides complete top-to-bottom pool coverage that all day, every day. Together the two robots create a seamless ecosystem that keeps water clear, surfaces debris-free, and maintenance demands low, giving homeowners a 24/7 carefree cleaning experience. Aiper Experts Duo. AI Elevated. Truly Carefree. "Pool ownership should feel effortless," said Richard, Founder and CEO of Aiper. "The Aiper Experts Duo combines two specialized robots, each leveraging its cleaning strengths with cognitive AI and solar technology, to deliver a continuous, intelligent cleaning experience without constant oversight." 24/7 Carefree Experience with Eco-Conscious Operation Managing any size pool, the Aiper Experts Duo is designed to deliver 24/7 hands-free care so homeowners can enjoy their pools without constant upkeep. Working together, the Scuba V3 and EcoSurfer S2 create a seamless, around-the-clock cleaning system that keeps water clear with minimal homeowner intervention. Powered by Cognitive AI NaviumTM Mode, Scuba V3 analyzes pool size, shape, cleaning history, and even weather conditions to automatically optimize cleaning paths, frequency, and intensity. Featuring enhanced solar panel technology, the EcoSurfer S2 delivers extended performance while minimizing the need for manual charging. With SolarSeekerTM technology, EcoSurfer S2 follows the sun when its battery levels drop, recharging itself to maintain consistent surface cleaning throughout the day. Together, the Aiper Experts Duo enhances efficiency, conserves energy, and extends the product's overall lifespan. Expert-Level Cleaning, From Top to Bottom Beyond convenience, the Aiper Experts Duo delivers professional-grade performance through true top-to-bottom, 360° coverage. By dividing and conquering the pool, Scuba V3 and EcoSurfer S2 address debris on the floor, walls, waterline, and surface for a comprehensive clean. The Scuba V3 handles the heavy lifting beneath the surface. With AI Patrol Cleaning, Scuba V3 identifies and targets debris in real time, adjusting its route for faster, more efficient cleanups. Adaptive VisionPathTM planning applies AI vision to enhances navigation while simplifying deployment, ensuring thorough coverage beneath the surface. At the same time, EcoSurfer S2 maintains surface care, removing leaves, insects, pollen and floating debris before they sink. Its industry-first DebrisGuardTM leak-proof baffle design helps prevent debris from re-entering the pool, delivering reliable, uninterrupted skimming that complements the deeper cleaning below. EcoSurfer S2 also features a built-in adjustable chlorine tablet chamber, helping distribute chlorine while it cleans and supporting balanced water quality maintenance with less hands-on effort. Together, the Duo supports a more stable, energy-conscious approach to everyday pool ownership. By combining intelligent automation with energy-conscious design, the Aiper Experts Duo delivers complete cleaning coverage and a truly carefree ownership experience all season long. Engineered for Real-World Reliability The Aiper Experts Duo is built with durable materials designed to withstand long-term outdoor exposure to sun, water, and daily operation. By dividing responsibilities between the two robots, the Aiper Experts Duo minimizes wear on each device and enhances long-term durability, delivering a more intelligent, dependable system that keeps pools pristine and weekends uninterrupted. The Aiper Expert Duo is available starting today for a special launch price of $1,299.99 (MSRP $1,499.98) on Aiper.com and with Amazon availability to follow. For additional information about Aiper, visit Aiper.com or follow the company on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and X. About AiperAiper is the No.1 smart robotic pool cleaner brand and a leader in reliable, intelligent solutions for the smart yard ecosystem. From crystal-clear pools to balanced water and smarter irrigation, Aiper's ecosystem simplifies care across your entire yard. Trusted by more than 3 million users worldwide, Aiper is available in over 7,000 stores across 50+ countries and regions. Renowned for excellence, Aiper products have earned prestigious honors including the Red Dot Design Award, the iF Design Award, and editorial awards from USA Today and TWICE, and have been recognized as a CES Innovation Awards Honoree from 2023 through 2026. Driven by smart automation, adaptive AI, and sustainable design, Aiper delivers a truly carefree experience, giving you more time to enjoy life's best moments. [1]Euromonitor International Co., Ltd., in terms of 2025 manufacturer sales volume (units) in the world. Smart robotic pool cleaner is defined as: intelligent service robots integrating mechanical, electronic, software algorithm and sensor technologies. They autonomously or with minimal human intervention perform pool cleaning and maintenance tasks, typically featuring smart navigation, path planning, and multiple cleaning modes. Research completed in 2025/12
2026-02-25 14:04:00

The Mauritius Commercial Bank Limited successfully closes its USD 450 million Syndicated Term Loan Facility
PORT LOUIS, Mauritius, Feb. 25, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- The Mauritius Commercial Bank Limited ("MCB") has successfully closed its inaugural GCC and India-focused Syndicated Term Loan Facility, raising USD 450 million. The transaction marks a key milestone in MCB's funding strategy, further diversifying its international lender base and strengthening relationships across priority markets. Originally launched at USD 300 million, the facility attracted strong demand, securing commitments from 25 banks, including five new lenders alongside existing relationship banks. Oversubscribed by approximately 2.1 times, the transaction was upsized to USD 450 million, reflecting sustained confidence in MCB's credit fundamentals. Structured as a two-year term loan with a one-year extension option at the borrower's discretion (2+1), the facility enhances funding flexibility and optimises MCB's maturity profile. Strong market support also enabled improved pricing, reducing the overall cost of funding. Proceeds will be used for general corporate purposes, supporting MCB's continued growth in Mauritius and across the African region. Anbar Jowaheer, Group Head of Strategic Funding, MCB: "The successful completion of this syndication, with the participation of new lenders, reinforces the momentum of MCB's funding programme and underscores the bank's continued attractiveness to international lenders. This transaction is consistent with our strong pipeline and further strengthens funding flexibility through a well-structured tenor profile, supporting disciplined balance sheet management.'' Thierry Hebraud, Chief Executive Officer of MCB Ltd, commented: "The strong oversubscription of this facility by GCC and Indian banks clearly reflects the sustained confidence investors place in MCB's strategy and long-term growth ambitions. Building on our solid credit rating, we have achieved meaningful progress in further broadening and diversifying our funding base." Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank PJSC, Emirates NBD Capital Ltd, First Abu Dhabi Bank PJSC, Mashreqbank PSC, Mizuho Bank, Ltd., SMBC Bank International PLC, Standard Chartered and State Bank of India, London Branch acted as Coordinators and Bookrunners. About MCB Established over 187 years ago, MCB is the leading bank in Mauritius and the main entity of MCB Group, offering retail, corporate and investment banking, wealth management and global business solutions. The Group operates in Mauritius and internationally through subsidiaries, associates and representative offices across Africa, Europe and the Middle East. Contact: Nicolas Teisserenc International Press Relations nicolas@poinciana.co
2026-02-25 14:01:00

KLN Wins Two Accolades at ESG Achievement Awards 2024/2025
Earns Recognition at 2025 HKMA Best Annual Reports Awards andIR Impact Awards – Greater China 2025 HONG KONG, Feb. 24, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- KLN Logistics Group Limited ('KLN'; Stock Code 0636.HK) has won the ESG Benchmark Award - Silver Award and the Outstanding Sustainable Dividend Award at the ESG Achievement Awards (the 'ESG Awards') 2024/2025 for the second year in a row. This marks the fourth consecutive year that KLN has been recognised at the ESG Awards for its long-term commitment to sustainability. In addition, KLN also welcomed two other accolades, namely the Certificate of Excellence in Environmental, Social and Governance Reporting at 2025 Hong Kong Management Association ('HKMA'), Best Annual Reports Awards (the 'HKMA Awards') and the Best in Industrials & Materials Sector at the IR Impact Awards – Greater China (the 'IR Impact Awards') 2025. The ESG Awards and the HKMA Awards commend KLN's robust governance, transparent disclosures, effective risk management and commitment to sustainable practices in logistics, praising KLN's exceptional ESG reporting, dedication to transparency, accountability, and leadership in sustainable logistics. Meanwhile, the IR Impact Awards highlight KLN's outstanding investor relations practices in the Industrials & Materials sector, acknowledging its well-orchestrated investor relations strategy and execution. Ellis Cheng, Executive Director and Chairman of the Sustainability Committee of KLN, said, "We are deeply honoured by these recognitions, which validate our commitment to sustainable business growth and stakeholder value. Last year, we further advanced our climate risk assessment framework, deepened our emissions analysis and expanded our social and community engagement initiatives. Looking ahead, we will continue to uphold transparency, accountability and resilience in our operations, and proactively seek improvement in our ESG strategies and execution, contributing to a greener, low-carbon future." The ESG Awards, organised annually by the Institute of ESG & Benchmark, recognise organisations with outstanding ESG practices. The HKMA Awards, hosted by The Hong Kong Management Association, promote the publication of timely, accurate, informative and well-presented annual reports, honouring exemplary achievement in reporting. The IR Impact Awards, organised by IR Impact, highlight companies that excel in investor engagement, transparency and value creation across Greater China. About KLN Logistics Group Limited (Stock Code 0636.HK)KLN is an Asia-based, global 3PL with a highly diversified business portfolio and extensive coverage in Asia. It offers a broad range of supply chain solutions from integrated logistics, international freight forwarding (air, ocean, road, rail and multimodal) and e-commerce to industrial project logistics and infrastructure investment. With a global presence across 59 countries and territories, KLN has established a solid foothold in half of the world's emerging markets. Its diverse infrastructure, extensive coverage in international gateways and local expertise span across the Chinese Mainland, India, Southeast Asia, the CIS, Middle East, LATAM and other locations. KLN generated a revenue* of close to HK$60 billion in 2024. It is listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange and is a constituent of the Hang Seng Corporate Sustainability Benchmark Index. * For continuing operations only About The Institute of ESG & BenchmarkThe Institute of ESG & Benchmark is a non-profit organisation. Its endeavour is to elevate stakeholder's awareness and knowledge towards Environmental, Social and Governance in all industry sectors. By organising ESG relevant trainings and events, IESGB hopes to lead and strengthen the ESG standards and development across Hong Kong and Asia. About the Hong Kong Management AssociationThe Hong Kong Management Association is a leading professional organisation which was established in 1960 for the purpose of advancing management excellence in Hong Kong and the region. Services provided by HKMA can be categorised into three major areas, namely education and training, management services and membership services. About IR ImpactIR Impact is the global leader in investor relations intelligence, providing IR professionals with the insights, data and connections they need to navigate the evolving capital markets.
2026-02-24 04:20:00

HUMAIN Backs xAI with $3 Billion Series E Investment Ahead of Historic SpaceX Merger
HUMAIN invested $3 billion in xAI's Series E round just prior to its acquisition by SpaceX, positioning itself at a pivotal moment of platform-scale expansion and integration As a result of the transaction, HUMAIN became a significant minority shareholder, with its xAI holdings converted into SpaceX shares The investment builds on HUMAIN and xAI's 500MW AI infrastructure partnership in Saudi Arabia, reinforcing HUMAIN's role as both a strategic development partner and a leading global investor in frontier AI technologies RIYADH, Saudi Arabia, Feb. 18, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- HUMAIN, a PIF company delivering full-stack artificial intelligence capabilities globally, today announced a $3 billion strategic investment in xAI as part of the company's Series E financing round. The transaction represents a significant, end-to-end capital deployment for HUMAIN, reflecting continued momentum in its long-term investment strategy focused on category-defining technology platforms. HUMAIN Backs xAI with $3 Billion Series E Investment Ahead of Historic SpaceX Merger The investment comes at a highly compelling inflection point for xAI, preceding its acquisition by SpaceX in early February. The combination of xAI's advanced artificial intelligence capabilities with SpaceX's scale, infrastructure, and mission-driven engineering creates a uniquely positioned platform for accelerated growth, deep technological integration, and long-term value creation. As a result of the Series E transaction, HUMAIN became a significant minority shareholder in xAI, with its holdings subsequently converted into shares in SpaceX. The transaction creates a solid platform for HUMAIN's exposure to long-term equity upside, reflecting participation in xAI's final financing round ahead of the merger. "This investment reflects HUMAIN's conviction in transformational AI and our ability to deploy meaningful capital behind exceptional opportunities where long-term vision, technical excellence, and execution converge," said Tareq Amin, CEO of HUMAIN. "xAI's trajectory, further strengthened by its acquisition by SpaceX, one of the largest technology mergers on record, represents the kind of high-impact platform we seek to support with significant capital." HUMAIN's participation in the Series E round reinforces its role as a scaled, long-term strategic investor capable of supporting companies across multiple stages of growth, while delivering full-stack AI capabilities across four core areas: next-generation data centers; high-performance infrastructure and cloud platforms; advanced AI models; and transformative AI solutions. The investment builds on the large-scale partnership announced in November 2025 at the U.S.-Saudi Investment Forum, under which HUMAIN and xAI committed to jointly develop more than 500MW of next-generation AI data center and compute infrastructure and to deploy xAI's Grok models in Saudi Arabia. Together, these initiatives deepen long-term alignment and extend HUMAIN's role from strategic partner to leading global shareholder in xAI. Looking ahead, HUMAIN's strategy includes the pursuit of additional investments across artificial intelligence, frontier technologies, and critical infrastructure. About HUMAIN HUMAIN, a PIF company, is a global artificial intelligence company delivering full-stack AI capabilities across four core areas: next-generation data centers; hyper-performance infrastructure and cloud platforms; advanced AI models, including some of the world's most advanced Arabic large language models developed in the Arab world; and transformative AI solutions that combine deep sector insight with real-world execution. HUMAIN's end-to-end model serves both public and private sector organizations, unlocking value across industries, driving digital transformation, and strengthening capabilities through human–AI collaboration. With a growing portfolio of sector-specific AI products and a core mission focused on intellectual property development and global talent leadership, HUMAIN is engineered for international competitiveness and technological excellence. Forward-Looking Statement: This press release may contain forward-looking statements based on current expectations and assumptions. Actual results may differ materially due to various risks and uncertainties. HUMAIN undertakes no obligation to update these statements. Media Inquiries:For further details about HUMAIN, please visit humain.com.For Media inquiries, please contact:Hana Nemec, Head of Communications & PRpr@humain.com Follow HUMAIN on: X | LinkedIn
2026-02-18 12:39:00

"Experiencing China through the Greater Bay Area: Nansha Greetings to the World"
GUANGZHOU, China, Feb. 14, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Located at the geometric heart of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, Nansha in Guangzhou is a state-level new area, the largest section of the Guangdong Pilot Free Trade Zone, and a demonstration zone for comprehensive cooperation between Guangdong, Hong Kong, and Macao. It not only carries the earnest expectations of national, provincial, and municipal governments but also consistently draws the attention of global investors, scientists, travelers, innovators, and entrepreneurs. Currently, Nansha continues to unleash the "three driving forces" of reform, opening up, and innovation, and is advancing the "five-port synergy" development strategy, which integrates seaport, airport, digital port, financial port, and talent port. It is dedicated to building itself into a hub for openness, technological innovation, industry, talent, and livability—its "five major highlands"—while striving to become a model zone of Chinese-style modernization. Nansha is accelerating its strategic leap from from "keeping a foothold in the Bay Area" to "spanning and leading the Bay Area," while collaborating with Hong Kong and Macao to progress from "engaging with the world" to "going global" and "integrating into the world." Since February 5, the six-episode short video series Nansha Greetings the World: Five-Port Synergy Celebrates the New Spring, produced by the Greater Bay Area (Nansha) International Communication Centre, has officially been launched. It has been successively released across multiple platforms, including the "Guangzhou Nansha Release" WeChat Channel, Southern Plus, Nansha in GBA Facebook account, and Nansha Look's X and TikTok accounts. The series presents a comprehensive, multi-dimensional view of the latest developments, strategic directions, and achievements in Nansha's economic and social progress—offering the world a glimpse of China through the Greater Bay Area, while bringing Nansha, the heart of the Bay Area, closer to the world. "Nansha Greetings to the World" Seaport Chapter “Nansha Greetings to the World” Seaport Chapter Thousand of ships berth here, millions of containers set sail. This is Nansha Sea Port—a gateway not only for "MadeinChina" to reach the globe, but also for "Chinese Enterprises" to step onto the world stage. Your journey begins here. "Nansha Greetings to the World" Digital Port Chapter “Nansha Greetings to the World” Digital Port Chapter Heart of the Greater Bay Area, Leading with Digital Intelligence; With the Digital Port as our wings, we enable global data connectivity and universal computing power. Together, we march toward a boundless digital future. "Nansha Greetings to the World" Airport Chapter “Nansha Greetings to the World” Airport Chapter Soaring through the clouds, connecting the world. High-end factors flow efficiently across this golden aerial bridge. From fresh cold chain logistics to precision instruments, from cross-border e-commerce to aviation finance, Nansha Airport is taking off as an accelerator connecting global opportunities. Here, dreams of innovation and entrepreneurship are taking flight. "Nansha Greetings to the World" Financial Port Chapter “Nansha Greetings to the World” Financial Port Chapter (https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1CqoJynH8k/) Tides surge in the Pearl River; financial vitality flows. Nansha, with an open embrace, builds a golden bridge connecting global wealth, provides full-cycle service support for the real economy, and creates a future of shared global opportunities. Nansha greets the world—together, we build a new financial high ground in the Greater Bay Area. "Nansha Greetings to the World" Talent Port Chapter “Nansha Greetings to the World” Talent Port Chapter (https://x.com/NanshaLook/status/2022119280175878590?s=20) Come to Nansha – where talent takes center stage! Minds gather, dreams unfold. Innovation teams and global educational resources from around the world intertwine and thrive here. No matter where you come from, Nansha offers vast horizons for your talents to soar. Wishing dream-chasers worldwide a Happy New Year and Swift success.
2026-02-14 06:38:00

Adyen Launches 'Personalize' to Tailor Checkout Experiences in Real-Time
The all-new Personalize, a product of Adyen Uplift, uses AI to adapt checkouts to shopper behavior, helping businesses increase conversion rates and lower transaction costs. In 2025, Adyen Uplift helped 6,500+ businesses average 1.19% higher conversions than industry baselines, with some reaching 6%. AMSTERDAM, Feb. 11, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Adyen, the global financial technology platform of choice for leading businesses, today announced the launch of Personalize, a new product within its Adyen Uplift payment optimization suite. Personalize allows businesses to adjust their checkout pages in real-time based on individual shopper preferences, making it easier for customers to pay while reducing processing costs for the merchant. The addition of Personalize builds on the overall success of Adyen Uplift, which launched in January 2025. In its first year, Adyen Uplift helped businesses lower payment costs by 9.4% on eligible traffic while reducing false positives (blocking legitimate transactions) by 42% on average. Additionally the 6,500+ businesses that are using Adyen Uplift saw an average increase of 1.19% in payment conversion rates above standard industry baselines, reaching up to 6% for some customers. These results stem from optimized routing and the prevention of unnecessary blocks triggered by inefficient risk configurations. The new Personalize product goes a step further, focusing on the early customer journey, routing shoppers to optimal payment methods to maximize both merchant savings and conversion rates. Addressing checkout friction Traditional online checkouts are often rigid, showing the same payment options and security steps to every shopper regardless of their history or preferences. This lack of flexibility is a leading cause of lost sales, with Adyen's research showing that 37% of shoppers abandon a purchase if the process takes too long. Additionally, 72% of businesses report that high transaction fees continue to put significant pressure on their profit margins. Personalize addresses these challenges by adding a Dynamic Identification layer to the checkout experience. By leveraging insights from trillions of dollars in transaction data and Adyen's global banking infrastructure, businesses can now recognize shoppers and adapt the payment experience before they click 'pay.' This allows businesses to automatically order payment methods based on what a specific customer is most likely to use, creating a faster, more user-friendly experience that reduces abandoned carts. "At checkout, the goal is to minimize friction without increasing risk," said Carlo Bruno, Adyen's VP of Product. "Personalize achieves this balance by using Dynamic Identification to recognize shoppers instantly. This allows us to tailor the journey from the very first step, ensuring a smooth, secure experience before the customer even begins typing." Improving efficiency and security Beyond speed, Personalize improves margins and security by highlighting cost-effective payment methods and identifying risk signals before a payment is even attempted. These optimizations, supported by detailed reporting, A/B testing capabilities, and configurable UI components, allow merchants to pinpoint friction and validate performance in real-time. As a result, early data shows businesses can improve conversion rates by up to 6% and lower transaction costs by up to 3%. Turning payments into a strategic advantage Results from initial pilots demonstrate how Personalize helps businesses manage transaction costs while improving the shopper experience. Hospitality tech platform, Tebi, saw a 4.26% saving alongside a 0.8% lift in checkout conversions. These results show that real-time checkout customization can protect margins without adding friction to the customer journey. "Working with Adyen to implement Personalize has let us create a checkout that actually adapts to our customers' preferences in real-time," said Marc Hoynck, Integrations & Payments Product Manager at Tebi. "In hospitality, the final step of the journey should be the easiest. By adapting to how guests prefer to pay in the moment, we're capturing sales that used to be lost to friction while driving down transaction costs for our merchants." The Personalize module is available now to Adyen customers as part of Adyen Uplift. For more information, read more here. About Adyen Adyen (ADYEN:AMS) is the financial technology platform of choice for leading companies. By providing end-to-end payments capabilities, data-driven insights, and financial products in a single global solution, Adyen helps businesses achieve their ambitions faster. With offices around the world, Adyen works with the likes of Meta, Uber, H&M, eBay, and Microsoft. Adyen continuously improves and expands its product offering as part of its ordinary course of business. New products and features are announced via press releases and product updates on the company's website.
2026-02-11 11:00:00

FORBES TRAVEL GUIDE REVEALS 2026 STAR AWARDS
Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection Earns Firsts Five-Star Cruise Ship; Celebrity Snags First Five-Star Restaurant at Sea ATLANTA, Feb. 11, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Forbes Travel Guide ("FTG")—the only independent, global rating system for luxury hotels, restaurants, spas and ocean cruises—today unveiled its 2026 Star Awards. See the full list of honorees on ForbesTravelGuide.com. The 68th annual list hits a major milestone: it spans more than 100 countries, including new destinations like Bhutan, Croatia, Georgia, Grenada, Laos, Poland, Sri Lanka, Tanzania and Uzbekistan. The list also features more new award winners than ever before and many inaugural distinctions, signaling that luxury travel is moving into a new era: The world's first Five-Star cruise accolades. As cruising's popularity soars, The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection's Ilma becomes the first Five-Star cruise in FTG's history. And Celebrity Xcel's Le Voyage from master chef Daniel Boulud is the first Five-Star cruise ship restaurant. Smaller destinations make big strides. As luxury travelers look beyond big capitals in favor of smaller cities that have sophisticated offerings without the crowds, hotels are rising to the occasion. Inaugural Five-Stars arrive in Turks and Caicos (Wymara Villas); Nikko, Japan (The Ritz-Carlton, Nikko); and Montenegro (One&Only Portonovi). The Charleston Place in Charleston and 100 Princes Street in Edinburgh earn Four-Stars, elevating their cities' hospitality offerings and the continued tourism rise of some less-explored markets. Marriott International Luxury hotels shine. Atlanta receives its first double Five-Star: The St. Regis Atlanta and its Atlas Buckhead restaurant. The Ritz-Carlton Orlando, Grande Lakes obtains the city's first top hotel accolade. And Nujuma, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve is the first Five-Star from Saudi Arabia's Red Sea giga-project. Luxury pivots from prescribed to personal. By leaning into customized, local immersion, hotels are moving away from one-size-fits-all hospitality toward a bespoke model that's deeply rooted in its destination. Sedona's first Five-Star, Mii amo, tailors wellness journeys to the red rock setting. And the Ritz-Carlton Reserve portfolio prioritizes local experiences that allow guests to explore at their own pace. Hospitality leans into intimacy and privacy. For the fourth year, Macau continues to outpace the world's top destinations in Five-Star hotels (28). The city's newest winners show a shift toward a more intimate luxury tier: Capella at Galaxy Macau, Paiza Grand and Palazzo Versace Macau offer hotel-within-a-hotel experiences that favor privacy over scale. Other highlights: Totaling 2,422 properties, the winners include 343 Five-Star, 708 Four-Star and 679 Recommended hotels; 82 Five-Star, 138 Four-Star and 80 Recommended restaurants; 118 Five-Star and 241 Four-Star spas; one Five-Star, nine Four-Star and nine Recommended cruise ships; and one Five-Star, eight Four-Star and five Recommended cruise ship restaurants. The U.S. gained five new Five-Star hotels (The Chateau at Nemacolin, Farmington, Pennsylvania; Mii amo, Sedona; The Ritz-Carlton Orlando, Grande Lakes; The St. Regis Atlanta; and Yacht Club at The Boca Raton) and three new Five-Star restaurants (Atlas Buckhead, Atlanta; Aurelia at Castle Hill, Newport, Rhode Island; Flybridge, Boca Raton). Europe sees new Five-Stars in France (The Maybourne Riviera), Montenegro (One&Only Portonovi), Spain (Mandarin Oriental, Barcelona) and Switzerland (Mandarin Oriental Savoy, Zurich). Asia Pacific is emerging as the next luxury epicenter, landing 40% of all new Five-Star hotels: Bvlgari Hotel Tokyo; Capella at Galaxy Macau; Capella Shanghai, Jian Ye Li; Mandarin Oriental Qianmen, Beijing; Paiza Grand, Macau; Palazzo Versace Macau; Regent Hong Kong; ROKU KYOTO, LXR Hotels & Resorts; The Ritz-Carlton, Nikko, Japan; and The St. Regis Macao. The Middle East welcomes four new Five-Star hotels: Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental, Abu Dhabi; Grosvenor House, A Luxury Collection Hotel, Dubai; Nujuma, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve, Saudi Arabia; and Rosewood Doha. New Five-Star hotels also come to the Caribbean (Wymara Villas, Turks and Caicos) and Mexico (Grand Velas Los Cabos). "Forbes Travel Guide's newest Star Award winners showcase an exciting evolution in luxury," says Amanda Frasier, FTG's President of Standards & Ratings. "As guests navigate the increasingly complex travel landscape for the best places to stay, sail, dine and spa, we are proud to provide them with the trusted, integrity-based guidance they need. The 2026 list showcases properties deeply committed to delivering consistent and reliable world-class experiences." For images, click here. Learn how FTG compiles its Star Ratings here. View the complete 2026 winners list here. Connect with FTG:Instagram: www.instagram.com/ForbesTravelGuideX: www.twitter.com/ForbesInspectorFacebook: www.facebook.com/ForbesTravelGuide About FTG: Forbes Travel Guide is the only global rating system for luxury hotels, restaurants, spas and ocean cruises and their restaurants. Our anonymous inspectors evaluate hundreds of exacting standards, with an emphasis on exceptional service, to help discerning travelers select the world's best experiences. The only way to get a Five-Star, Four-Star or Recommended rating is by earning it through our inspection process. Visit us at ForbesTravelGuide.com.
2026-02-11 11:00:00

SK Innovation E&S Nurtures Young Entrepreneurs in Indonesia's Energy and Environment Sectors
- Supports young entrepreneurs in Indonesia across the entire startup lifecycle - Held 'MAJU:ON Networking Day' in Jakarta on February 11, connecting startups with government officials and investors - Plans to expand Korea-Indonesia cooperation through joint funds and global networking initiatives SEOUL, South Korea and JAKARTA, Indonesia, Feb. 11, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- SK Innovation E&S, an energy affiliate of South Korea's SK group, is taking the lead in nurturing young entrepreneurs in Indonesia to build an innovative ecosystem in energy and environment industries. On February 11, key participants of the ‘MAJU:ON Networking Day’ - held by SK Innovation E&S - pose for a commemorative photo at the Embassy of the Republic of Korea in Jakarta, Indonesia (Dong-Geun Son, President Director of SK Innovation E&S (Fourth from left in the front row); Umar Ali Lessy, Special Advisor to the Minister (Fifth from left in the front row); Soo-Deok Park, Deputy Chief of The Embassy of the Republic of Korea (Fifth from right in the front row)) On February 11, SK Innovation E&S hosted the 'MAJU:ON Networking Day' at the Embassy of the Republic of Korea in Jakarta, Indonesia. The 'MAJU:ON' project, launched last year by SK Innovation E&S in partnership with Korean ESG solution company 'UD Impact', has been supporting youth entrepreneurship in Indonesia's energy and environment sectors. Through the project, SK Innovation E&S provides end-to-end entrepreneurship support – from idea development and training to networking and investment connections. The program recruits young entrepreneurs to offer specialized business and technical education, and organizes a hackathon competition to select and reward promising teams. Winners proceed to advanced management training, participate in the 'Networking Day' event to meet policymakers and investors, and receive mentoring opportunities. Among them, two to three outstanding teams will receive business funding and participate in a 'Final Demo Day' event in May 2026, where they will have the chance to pitch their ideas to venture capital firms. The project drew significant response in its first year, attracting applicants from over 220 teams, reaching capacity earlier than expected. Among them, 127 teams were selected to participate in a four-week training program, culminating in a hackathon held in November, where 10 top-performing teams were chosen to attend this 'Networking Day'. The event brought together around 60 participants, including hackathon awardees, key officials from Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources of Indonesia (ESDM), Indonesia Investment Coordinating Board (BKPM), Ministry of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises of Indonesia (UMKM), representatives from eight leading universities, and private-sector investors. The program featured a mentor and ambassador appointment ceremony, presentations by the hackathon winners, and a panel discussion. During the panel discussion, experts held in-depth discussions on Indonesia's policy directions in alignment with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the importance of nurturing young entrepreneurs, and strategies to address community and environmental challenges. Notably, the grand prize-winning team of hackathon, 'GISACT', presented a solution platform that leverages AI technology to analyze satellite data and propose optimal land-use strategies. Building on the success of this event, SK Innovation E&S plans to further strengthen the foundation of Korea-Indonesia cooperation. Follow-up initiatives include creation of a joint investment fund, networking programs between young entrepreneurs from both countries, and co-hosting bilateral conferences. A representative from SK Innovation E&S stated, "The MAJU:ON project provides new opportunities for Indonesian youth and contributes to the country's sustainable growth by fostering an innovation ecosystem in the energy and environment sectors. We will continue to create future growth engines and take the lead in realizing global social value through close collaboration with Korean and Indonesian governments, universities, and industry." [EOD] About SK Innovation SK Innovation is a total energy and solution company affiliated with the SK Group, which is Korea's second-largest conglomerate with about 200 subsidiaries. SK Innovation is the largest private energy company in the Asia-Pacific region, with total assets exceeding KRW 100 trillion. Based on its diverse business portfolio, SK Innovation has maintained strong partnerships with Indonesia. In 2025, SK Earthon (Oil Exploration & Production business subsidiary of SK Innovation) secured three oil and gas blocks—Serpang, Binaiya, and North Ketapang—to accelerate its resource development business in Indonesia. In addition, SK Innovation is committed to creating social value in Indonesia through various activities such as education and scholarship programs, blood donation campaigns, support for local festivals, and vocational training. SK Innovation E&S specializes in LNG, hydrogen, and energy solutions within the SK Innovation group. Since its establishment as a city gas holding company in 1999, SK Innovation E&S has completed the global LNG value chain, growing into Korea's No.1 private LNG business operator. Through continuous networking with countries including Indonesia, SK Innovation E&S strives to expand its global business portfolio.
2026-02-11 10:50:00

PharmaCare Streamlines ANZ Operations and Strengthens Compliance with Manhattan Associates
SYDNEY, Feb. 10, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Manhattan Associates (NASDAQ: MANH), the global leader in supply chain commerce with unmatched AI capabilities, today announced that PharmaCare, one of Australia's largest health and wellness companies, has transformed its ANZ distribution network with Manhattan SCALE. The implementation has streamlined receiving workflows by 25%, delivering a 20% increase in daily pick rates, along with automating key TGA-licensed compliance processes. PharmaCare manages more than 25 iconic brands, including Nature's Way and Bioglan, and distributes over 1,000 products across pharmacy, grocery and export channels. As the business has expanded from 2009 to six times its size now in 2026, its legacy warehouse environment had become increasingly fragmented, with multiple systems managing radio frequency (RF) networks, voice picking, conveyor control and SSCC labelling. "We were dealing with multiple systems that didn't talk to each other, manual data entry for hundreds of pallets a day, and outdated workflows that made even simple tasks complex," said Craig Dunlop, Head of Distribution and Logistics at PharmaCare. "As we grew, it became harder to manage compliance, throughput and accuracy. We knew we needed a single WMS that could bring everything together and prepare us for the next phase of automation." A Unified Platform for Compliance and Growth Following an evaluation of multiple providers, PharmaCare selected Manhattan SCALE to deliver real-time inventory visibility, full batch and expiry traceability, integrated SSCC labelling and electronic invoicing – all within a single scalable SaaS environment. The move eliminates on-premise maintenance, reduces integration complexity and ensures PharmaCare always receives the latest functionality via continuous updates. Working closely with Manhattan, PharmaCare also transformed key processes within its Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA)-licensed DC network. What was previously a two-step receiving and quality-release workflow has now been consolidated into a single electronic process, reducing receiving and equipment time by close to 25% and freeing up warehouse staff for higher-value tasks. Additionally, the implementation included a new Minimum Life on Receipt (MLOR) allocation program, ensuring all outbound orders meet strict customer shelf-life requirements. This change has eliminated rejected shipments and the costly loop of returns, credits, and re-shipment, while freeing up the equivalent of 1.5 full-time employees from manual checking across office and warehouse teams. "The MLOR functionality has been a game-changer," said Dunlop. "Before Manhattan, we were manually managing expiry and shelf-life windows, which was open to human error. Now, the system automatically prevents non-compliant stock from leaving the DC. It's reduced returns, improved customer confidence, and given us complete peace of mind." Measurable Improvements Within six months of go-live, PharmaCare's Warriewood distribution centre increased daily pick rates in its pharmacy voice-picking conveyor system by 20%, rising from 10,000 to 12,000 picks per shift with the same staffing levels. The transition to automated SSCC labelling and electronic invoicing has improved accuracy, removed manual keying, and ensured smoother conveyor flow. "With Manhattan, processes like receiving, quality assurance, and labelling now flow seamlessly, giving teams real-time visibility and freeing them to focus on higher-value tasks rather than repetitive administration," said Raghav Sibal, Vice President APAC, Manhattan Associates. "PharmaCare's journey is a great example of how technology and people can evolve together." By consolidating three legacy labelling systems into one platform, PharmaCare eliminated manual entry of batch and expiry information and gained true First-Expiry, First-Out (FEFO) capability across all customers and channels. "We see Manhattan Associates as a long-term partner," Dunlop concluded. "The system has already exceeded expectations, but more importantly, it's given us a foundation to keep improving. We're operating faster, with greater accuracy and confidence than ever before." -ends- ABOUT MANHATTAN ASSOCIATES Manhattan Associates is a global technology leader, providing supply chain and omnichannel commerce solutions with unmatched AI capabilities. We design, build and offer best-in-class, AI-powered, cloud-based solutions that drive resilience and efficiency for businesses. We enable enterprises to uniquely unify front-end sales with back-end supply chain execution. Our commitment to innovation, cloud-native platform and API-first architecture create simpler experiences and faster paths to value for our customers. We empower them to preempt and react to emerging trends and global disruptions with technical expertise and operational confidence, transforming challenges into competitive advantage. For more information, please visit www.manh.com.au
2026-02-10 00:34:00

ZTO Announces Certain Preliminary Estimated Full Year 2025 Financial Results
SHANGHAI, Feb. 4, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- ZTO Express (Cayman) Inc. (NYSE: ZTO and SEHK: 2057), a leading and fast-growing express delivery company in China ("ZTO" or the "Company"), today announced certain preliminary estimated financial results for the full year of 2025. Based on currently available information, the Company estimates that: its total revenues to range from RMB48,500.0 million to RMB50,000.0 million in 2025, an increase of approximately 9.5% to 12.9% from RMB44,280.7 million in 2024; and its gross profit to range from RMB12,150.0 million to RMB12,550.0 million in 2025, a decrease of approximately 8.5% to 11.4% from RMB13,717.1 million in 2024. The estimated growth in total revenues is primarily driven by the increase in parcel volumes from 34.01 billion in 2024 to 38.52 billion in 2025, representing a year-over-year increase of 13.3%. The estimates presented above are preliminary and subject to revision based upon the completion of the Company's year-end financial closing process and its consolidated financial statements and are not meant to be comprehensive for the relevant periods. These preliminary estimates have been prepared by the Company's management based upon the most current information available to them. Such preliminary estimates have not been subject to any audit procedures, review procedures, or any procedures by the Company's independent registered public accounting firm, who has not expressed any opinion or any other form of assurance on such information and assumes no responsibility for, and disclaims any association with, the preliminary estimates. The actual results for the fourth quarter and full year ended December 31, 2025 will not be available until a later time. These estimates involve risks and uncertainties and are subject to change based on the Company's ongoing review. The information presented herein should not be considered a substitute for the financial information to be filed with the SEC in the Company's earnings release for the fourth quarter and full year 2025 financial results (the "Q4 and Full Year 2025 Earnings Release") once it becomes available. The Company has no intention or obligation to update the preliminary estimated financial results in this press release prior to issuing the Q4 and Full Year 2025 Earnings Release. About ZTO ZTO Express (Cayman) Inc. (NYSE: ZTO and SEHK: 2057) ("ZTO" or the "Company") is a leading and fast-growing express delivery company in China. ZTO provides express delivery service as well as other value-added logistics services through its extensive and reliable nationwide network coverage in China. ZTO operates a highly scalable network partner model, which the Company believes is best suited to support the significant growth of e-commerce in China. The Company leverages its network partners to provide pickup and last-mile delivery services, while controlling the mission-critical line-haul transportation and sorting network within the express delivery service value chain. For more information, please visit http://zto.investorroom.com. Safe Harbor Statement This press release contains statements that may constitute "forward-looking" statements pursuant to the "safe harbor" provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. ZTO may also make forward-looking statements in the Company's periodic reports to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC"), in its interim and annual reports to shareholders, in announcements, circulars or other publications made on the website of The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited (the "Hong Kong Stock Exchange"), in press releases and other written materials and in oral statements made by its officers, directors or employees to third parties. Statements that are not historical facts, including statements about the Company's beliefs and expectations, are forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements can be identified by terminology, such as "will," "expects," "anticipates," "future," "intends," "plans," "believes," "confidence," "estimates," "likely to" and similar statements. Forward-looking statements involve inherent risks and uncertainties. Among other things, the terms of the Notes, and whether the Company will complete the Notes Offering, are forward-looking statements. A number of important factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statement. Potential risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, the development of the e-commerce industry in China, its significant reliance on the Alibaba ecosystem, risks associated with its network partners and their employees and personnel, intense competition which could adversely affect the Company's results of operations and market share, any service disruption of the Company's sorting hubs or the outlets operated by its network partners or its technology system. Further information regarding these and other risks is included in ZTO's annual report on Form 20-Fs and other filings with the SEC and the Hong Kong Stock Exchange. All information provided in this press release is current as of the date hereof, and ZTO assumes no obligation to update such information, except as required under applicable law. For investor and media inquiries, please contact: ZTO Express (Cayman) Inc.Investor RelationsE-mail: ir@zto.comPhone: +86 21 5980 4508
2026-02-04 08:30:00

ZTO Announces Proposed Offering of US$1.5 Billion Convertible Senior Notes
SHANGHAI, Feb. 4, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- ZTO Express (Cayman) Inc. (NYSE: ZTO and SEHK: 2057), a leading and fast-growing express delivery company in China ("ZTO" or the "Company"), today announced a proposed offering (the "Notes Offering") of US$1.5 billion in aggregate principal amount of convertible senior notes due 2031 (the "Notes") in offshore transactions outside the United States to non-U.S. persons that are "qualified institutional buyers" (as defined in Rule 144A under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act")) in reliance on Regulation S under the Securities Act, subject to market conditions and other factors. The Company plans to use the net proceeds from the Notes Offering (i) for refinancing to fund near-term on-market repurchases (from time to time) of Class A ordinary shares and/or American depositary shares ("ADSs") of the Company pursuant to its share repurchase program(s), subject to prevailing market conditions, as well as applicable laws and regulations, (ii) to fund the Concurrent Share Repurchase (as defined below) and the premium of the capped call transactions as described below, and (iii) for other general corporate purposes. When issued, the Notes will be general senior unsecured obligations of ZTO. The Notes will mature on March 1, 2031, unless earlier redeemed, repurchased or converted in accordance with their terms prior to such date. Holders may not convert the Notes at any time prior to the 40th day following the last date of the original issuance of the Notes (such date, the "Compliance Period End Date"). After the Compliance Period End Date, holders may convert their Notes at their option at any time prior to the close of business on the fifth scheduled trading day immediately preceding the maturity date. Upon conversion, the Company will pay or deliver, as the case may be, cash, Class A ordinary shares, or a combination of cash and Class A ordinary shares, at the Company's election. The interest rate, initial conversion rate and other terms of the Notes will be determined at the time of pricing of the Notes. The Company may redeem for cash all but not part of the Notes (i) if less than 10% of the aggregate principal amount of Notes originally issued remains outstanding at such time (the "Cleanup Redemption") and (ii) in the event of certain tax law changes (the "Tax Redemption"). The Notes will not be redeemable before March 6, 2029, except in connection with a Tax Redemption or Cleanup Redemption. On or after March 6, 2029 and on or prior to the 44th scheduled trading day immediately prior to the maturity date, the Notes will be redeemable, in whole or in part, for cash at the Company's option at any time, and from time to time, if the last reported sale price of the Class A ordinary shares has been at least 130% of the conversion price then in effect for at least 20 trading days (whether or not consecutive) during any 30 consecutive trading day period (including the last trading day of such period) ending on, and including, the trading day immediately preceding the date the Company provides notice of redemption (such redemption, an "Optional Redemption"). The redemption price in the case of a Tax Redemption, Cleanup Redemption or an Optional Redemption will equal 100% of the principal amount of the Notes to be redeemed, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to, but excluding, the related redemption date. Holders of the Notes have the option, subject to certain conditions, to require the Company to repurchase any Notes held in the event of a "fundamental change" (as will be defined in the indenture for the Notes). In addition, holders have the right to require the Company to repurchase for cash all or part of their Notes on March 1, 2029. The repurchase price, in each case, will be equal to 100% of the principal amount of the Notes to be repurchased, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to, but excluding, the applicable repurchase date. In connection with the pricing of the Notes, the Company expects to enter into capped call transactions with one or more of the initial purchasers and/or their affiliates and/or other financial institutions (the "Option Counterparties"). The capped call transactions are generally expected to reduce potential dilution to the Class A ordinary shares of the Company upon conversion of the Notes, and/or offset any cash payments the Company is required to make in excess of the principal amount of converted Notes, with such reduction of potential dilution and/or offset of cash payments, as the case may be, subject to a cap, and subject to the Company's ability to elect, subject to certain conditions, to settle the capped call transactions in cash, in whole or in part (in which case the Company would not receive any Class A ordinary shares from the Option Counterparties upon settlement of the capped call transactions). In connection with establishing their initial hedge positions of the capped call transactions, the Option Counterparties or their respective affiliates expect to purchase their hedges in privately negotiated transactions and/or enter into various derivative transactions with respect to the Class A ordinary shares concurrently with, or shortly after, the pricing of the Notes. This activity could have the effect of increasing (or reducing the size of any decrease in) the market price of the Class A ordinary shares, ADSs, other securities of the Company or the Notes at that time. In addition, the Option Counterparties or their respective affiliates may modify their hedge positions by entering into or unwinding various derivative transactions with respect to the Class A ordinary shares, ADSs, the Notes or other securities of the Company and/or purchasing or selling the Class A ordinary shares, ADSs, the Notes or other securities of the Company in secondary market transactions following the pricing of the Notes and prior to the maturity of the Notes (and are likely to do so following any conversion of the Notes or repurchase of the Notes by the Company on any fundamental change repurchase date, the repurchase date or otherwise, in each case, if the Company elects to unwind the relevant portion of the capped call transactions early). The effect, if any, of this activity, including the direction or magnitude, on the market price of the Class A ordinary shares or ADSs or the price of the Notes will depend on a variety of factors, including market conditions, and cannot be ascertained at this time. Any of this activity could cause or avoid an increase or a decrease in the market price of the Class A ordinary shares, ADSs, other securities of the Company or the price of the Notes, which could affect whether the holders convert their Notes and the value of the consideration that holders will receive upon conversion of their Notes. In addition, any of the Option Counterparties may choose to engage in, or to discontinue engaging in, any of these transactions and activities with or without notice at any time, and their decisions will be in their sole discretion and not within the Company's control. Concurrently with the pricing of the Notes, the Company plans to repurchase a number of its Class A ordinary shares to be determined at the time of pricing of the Notes from certain purchasers of the Notes in off-market privately negotiated transactions effected through one of the initial purchasers or its affiliates, as the Company's agent (such transactions, the "Concurrent Share Repurchase"). The Concurrent Share Repurchase is expected to facilitate the initial hedging by purchasers of the Notes who desire to hedge their investments in the Notes, as the Company intends to repurchase the available portion of the initial delta of the transaction, after taking into account the Option Counterparties' initial hedges of the capped call transactions. This will allow such purchasers of the Notes to establish short positions that generally correspond to commercially reasonable initial hedges of their investments in the Notes. The Concurrent Share Repurchase will be made pursuant to the Company's existing share repurchase program that is effective through June 30, 2026. The Company expects the purchase price in the Concurrent Share Repurchase to be the closing price of the Class A ordinary share on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange on February 4, 2026. In addition to the Concurrent Share Repurchase, the Company may also repurchase additional Class A ordinary shares and/or ADSs on the open market after the closing of the Notes and from time to time. The Concurrent Share Repurchase and future repurchases pursuant to the Company's share repurchase program(s) will be funded by the net proceeds of the Notes Offering, and, in the aggregate, are generally expected to offset potential dilution to the holders of the Company's ordinary shares (including in the form of ADSs) upon conversion of the Notes. The Notes and the Class A ordinary shares deliverable upon conversion of the Notes (if any) have not been and will not be registered under the Securities Act or any state securities laws. They may not be offered or sold in the United States or to, or for the account or benefits of, U.S. persons (as defined in Regulation S under the Securities Act) except pursuant to an exemption from, or in a transaction not subject to, the registration requirements of the Securities Act and subject to the transfer restrictions set forth in the Notes. No public offering of the Notes and the Class A ordinary shares deliverable upon conversion of the Notes (if any) is being made into the United States. This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to purchase any securities, nor shall there be a sale of the securities in any state or jurisdiction in which such an offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful. This press release contains information about the pending Notes Offering, and there can be no assurance that the Notes Offering will be completed. About ZTO ZTO Express (Cayman) Inc. (NYSE: ZTO and SEHK: 2057) ("ZTO" or the "Company") is a leading and fast-growing express delivery company in China. ZTO provides express delivery service as well as other value-added logistics services through its extensive and reliable nationwide network coverage in China. ZTO operates a highly scalable network partner model, which the Company believes is best suited to support the significant growth of e-commerce in China. The Company leverages its network partners to provide pickup and last-mile delivery services, while controlling the mission-critical line-haul transportation and sorting network within the express delivery service value chain. For more information, please visit http://zto.investorroom.com. Safe Harbor Statement This press release contains statements that may constitute "forward-looking" statements pursuant to the "safe harbor" provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. ZTO may also make forward-looking statements in the Company's periodic reports to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC"), in its interim and annual reports to shareholders, in announcements, circulars or other publications made on the website of The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited (the "Hong Kong Stock Exchange"), in press releases and other written materials and in oral statements made by its officers, directors or employees to third parties. Statements that are not historical facts, including statements about the Company's beliefs and expectations, are forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements can be identified by terminology, such as "will," "expects," "anticipates," "future," "intends," "plans," "believes," "confidence," "estimates," "likely to" and similar statements. Forward-looking statements involve inherent risks and uncertainties. Among other things, the terms of the Notes, and whether the Company will complete the Notes Offering, are forward-looking statements. A number of important factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statement. Potential risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, the development of the e-commerce industry in China, its significant reliance on the Alibaba ecosystem, risks associated with its network partners and their employees and personnel, intense competition which could adversely affect the Company's results of operations and market share, any service disruption of the Company's sorting hubs or the outlets operated by its network partners or its technology system. Further information regarding these and other risks is included in ZTO's annual report on Form 20-Fs and other filings with the SEC and the Hong Kong Stock Exchange. All information provided in this press release is current as of the date hereof, and ZTO assumes no obligation to update such information, except as required under applicable law. For investor and media inquiries, please contact: ZTO Express (Cayman) Inc.Investor RelationsE-mail: ir@zto.comPhone: +86 21 5980 4508
2026-02-04 08:30:00

Agoda Supports Tourism Authority of Thailand in Promoting Trusted Thailand Initiative
BANGKOK, Feb. 4, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Digital travel platform Agoda is partnering with the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) to advance the Trusted Thailand initiative. The collaboration showcases both Agoda's and the Thai government's dedication to prioritizing safety and quality standards in tourism. Agoda and TAT promote Trusted Thailand initiative. The initiative by TAT is designed to enhance traveler confidence by certifying accommodations that meet TAT-defined standards in safety measures, secure payment systems, multilingual communication, and accessible transport. Agoda showcases these accommodations by providing special discounts through a dedicated landing page, adding safety updates to its city guides, and displaying the Trusted Thailand logo on certified property pages to promote the initiative. Agoda will also offer special discounts to encourage more short-haul travel to Thailand. Damien Pfirsch, Chief Commercial Officer at Agoda: "We are thrilled to partner with the Tourism Authority of Thailand on the Trusted Thailand initiative. By highlighting these certified partners in a number of ways and with special discounts to boot, Agoda is promoting travel to Thailand with added peace of mind and at great value. This reflects our ongoing commitment to supporting tourism in Thailand." Thapanee Kiatphaibool, TAT governor, added, "Trusted Thailand brings our vision under the Sustainable Tourism Goals (STG 16) program to life by helping travelers feel more confident and inspired when choosing Thailand. Agoda's support in promoting Trusted Thailand is instrumental in realizing our mission to elevate tourism standards to inbound travelers. Through Agoda's channels, millions of travelers will see the Trusted Thailand badge, boosting their confidence when choosing Thailand. This collaboration highlights how public and private partners can work together to elevate travel experiences and deliver meaningful, high-quality journeys across Thailand." With its extensive network of accommodation, flights, and activities, Agoda offers value-driven experiences, reinforcing Thailand as a key market for tourism. For more information on the campaign, visit www.agoda.com/trustedThailand.
2026-02-04 08:26:00

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