HONG KONG, May 31, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Tencent Cloud, the cloud business of global technology company Tencent, today announced its leading position in the Communications Platform as a Service (CPaaS) Market across the Asia-Pacific region and China. According to the Gartner research titled Market Share: All Software Markets, Worldwide, 2023, Tencent recorded an impressive total revenue of US$559 million, showcasing the highest growth rate globally at an impressive 21.8%. In recent years, with the rapid development of information and communication technology, CPaaS has gradually become a key component of enterprise IT strategies. CPaaS offers remarkable flexibility and robust connectivity, enabling businesses from various industries to adopt cloud communication solutions for scenarios that require reaching end-users, such as contact centers and marketing. This adoption of CPaaS not only enables companies to innovate their operations, but also expedites their journey towards digital transformation. Acceleration of enterprise digitalization through Tencent Cloud's global leading technology and comprehensive CPaaS product portfolio Tencent Cloud has been deeply involved in the CPaaS field for many years and has leveraged its long-standing expertise in instant messaging as well as audio & video technologies. As a result, it has built the most comprehensive CPaaS capability portfolio in the industry, encompassing core products such as Chat, Tencent Real-Time Communication (TRTC), Tencent Cloud Contact Center (TCCC), and more. Tencent Cloud CPaaS product portfolio By harnessing industry-exclusive "Multi-Channel Quic" technology, global acceleration network, and public network quality evaluation center, Tencent Cloud's Chat offers excellent communication quality even in challenging network conditions where packet loss rates reach 70%. Furthermore, Chat provides valuable features such as Chatbot and Agent Dashboard, empowering enterprises to swiftly implement chatbot conversations, FAQs, and seamless transfers to live customer service agents. Currently, Chat has successfully served over 200,000 enterprises, handling a staggering daily peak message volume exceeding 550 billion messages. Its international platform has garnered millions of users worldwide. Tencent Cloud's TRTC offers two major scenario-based solutions: multi-party audio & video calls and low-latency interactive live streaming. In real-world testing, TRTC demonstrates an over 80% packet loss resistance and can tolerate network jitter of over 1000ms. This means that users can maintain high-quality audio & video communication even in weak network conditions. Additionally, TRTC is available to developers through Tencent Cloud's services, enabling them to quickly build low-cost, low-latency, and high-quality audio & video interactive solutions. As of today, TRTC has served over 5,000 customers across various industries, supporting up to 3 billion minutes of upstream duration daily. Tencent Cloud's TCCC serves as a customer contact platform that enables enterprises to quickly set up a unified system for phone calls, online communication, and audio & video calls. With advanced technology, TCCC significantly improves the efficiency and accuracy of intelligent customer service, which results in a reduction of over 90% in operational manpower costs for businesses. Endeavored to expand global presence and empower enterprise innovation and growth in international business It is worth mentioning that in response to the internationalization needs of both domestic and foreign enterprises, Tencent Cloud is continuously enhancing its global service capabilities to assist businesses in exploring new growth opportunities. For example, Tencent Cloud has been continuously strengthening its Chat's capabilities in overseas network transmission, offering exceptional global acceleration services. Serving more than 100 million monthly active users worldwide, Tencent Cloud's Chat not only meets the compliance requirements of enterprises expanding internationally but also aligns closely with the usage habits of overseas users. Additionally, TRTC has established independent sites overseas, providing various products such as Call, Conference, and RTC Engine for different scenarios, enabling enterprises to quickly enter the market. Furthermore, TCCC has significantly enhanced its global access capabilities, connecting to high-quality number resources in over 120 countries and regions globally. It offers an integrated communication platform that combines voice calls, online messaging, and audio & video communication, covering customer service, sales expansion, and office collaboration scenarios. Currently, Tencent Cloud has served numerous industries in the fields of gaming, live streaming, cross-border e-commerce, finance, and more, both for companies expanding overseas and local enterprises in overseas markets. These include Nexon, a gaming giant in the Asia-Pacific region, leading live streaming platform MIXCHANNEL in Japan, streaming service provider BeLive in Singapore, as well as Boomplay, a music streaming platform in Africa. Tencent Cloud has provided comprehensive, user-friendly, and stable audio & video communication solutions, supporting the international business expansion of these enterprises. As an example, the music streaming platform Boomplay has rapidly established interactive live streaming capabilities in Africa with the help of Tencent Cloud's customized Chat solution. This has made it a widely popular application in Africa. On one hand, Chat possesses a comprehensive network scheduling capability, addressing the transmission challenges of lag and latency for Boomplay overseas through node coverage and optimal scheduling strategies. On the other hand, the client-side weak network self-assessment model developed by Chat has effectively resolved message loss issues for Boomplay in weak network conditions overseas. Today, digitalization has become a necessary path for enterprises to enhance their competitiveness, and internationalization has become an increasingly important strategic approach for businesses to expand their markets and achieve sustainable, high-quality development. In this process, the demand for CPaaS from enterprises will continue to grow. As a global leading vendor in the fied of CPaaS, Tencent Cloud will continue to innovate in technology, refine products and solutions, and support businesses from various industries in achieving digital transformation, empowering enterprises across different sectors to step onto the global stage. Gartner, Market Share: All Software Markets, Worldwide, 2023, 22 April 2024 Gartner does not endorse any vendor, product or service depicted in its research publications, and does not advise technology users to select only those vendors with the highest ratings or other designation. Gartner research publications consist of the opinions of Gartner's research organization and should not be construed as statements of fact. Gartner disclaims all warranties, expressed or implied, with respect to this research, including any warranties of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose. GARTNER is a registered trademark and service mark of Gartner, Inc. and/or its affiliates in the U.S. and internationally and is used herein with permission. All rights reserved. About Tencent Cloud Tencent Cloud, one of the world's leading cloud companies, is committed to creating innovative solutions to resolve real-world issues and enabling digital transformation for smart industries. Through our extensive global infrastructure, Tencent Cloud provides businesses across the globe with stable and secure industry-leading cloud products and services, leveraging technological advancements such as cloud computing, Big Data analytics, AI, IoT, and network security. It is our constant mission to meet the needs of industries across the board, including the fields of gaming, media and entertainment, finance, healthcare, property, retail, travel, and transportation.

HONG KONG, May 31, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- GlassWall Syndicate (GWS), the world's largest alternative protein investor network, announces that it is now hosted by Brinc, a global venture capital and accelerator firm headquartered in Hong Kong. GWS will leverage Brinc's extensive resources and network to propel into its next growth phase with a focus on increasing critical funding avenues for companies addressing some of the largest global challenges. This new phase for GWS aligns with Brinc's forward-thinking focus to deliver enhanced offerings and opportunities within impact investment, driving innovation's transformative power across industries and communities globally. With an expansive team across key regions including MENA, India, Singapore, China, and Japan, Brinc brings a decade of expertise in working closely with investors, startups, and industry mentors. By utilizing their strengths, Brinc and GWS will provide valuable resources to investors that strive to align their investment strategy with combating the climate crisis. Since its founding, Brinc has invested in 241 companies across 48 countries and established itself as a crucial supporter of innovators, creating and running accelerator programs across a range of verticals including climate technology, food tech, medtech, and web3. Brinc's successful partnerships span large corporations, government bodies, and academic institutions, emphasizing its ability to scale and adapt to different ecosystems and needs. GWS continues to expand its network and increase focus on other verticals that tackle a host of obstacles as part of its commitment to a climate-friendly bioeconomy, and Brinc's data-driven and holistic approach is a natural fit to accelerate funding for game-changing companies. Brinc will support GWS in a strategic expansion beyond alternative proteins to include essential sub-verticals such as Climate Adaptation, Advanced Materials, Circular Economy, Carbon Capture, Utilization, and Storage (CCUS), Clean Energy, Mobility, and Agriculture. Leveraging Brinc's extensive networks across Asia Pacific, India, and the Middle East will enhance connections with startups, angel investors, and institutional investors outside North America. The strategic move aims to uncover and facilitate new investment opportunities, driving increased capital towards impactful climate technology sectors. Moving forward, vetted GlassWall Members will now be able to participate in climate-friendly syndicated deals with attractive member terms through AngelList, while the EGC initiative within GlassWall Syndicate, which welcomes later-stage investors to the network, continues to expand as prominent firms explore robust opportunities with established potential co-investors to fund urgently needed climate-friendly solutions at Series B and beyond. GWS Members will continue to tap into the Member Benefits they have long enjoyed but the resources, deals, network, and exclusive access opportunities will expand greatly. Macy Marriott, Executive Director of GlassWall Syndicate, commented, "Our team is more aware than ever of the importance and urgency around the challenges our world faces. We must continue building a platform that serves the unique needs of founders, investors, nonprofits, and other collaborators who drive transformational change. Just as the problems we're collectively tackling are ever-evolving, so are the needs of the people at the forefront. GWS has been and will continue to be a vital resource that increases capital availability and deployment through our streamlined, efficient, and community-focused network to drive us toward a more sustainable future. We are proud to have found our new home within the Brinc team, where we can soar to new heights and creatively champion the industry." Manav Gupta, Founder and CEO of Brinc, stated, "We are pleased to welcome GlassWall Syndicate, an organization that reflects our deep commitment to nurturing impact investing. With our proven engagement in sectors like food, agriculture, and climate technology, we have empowered founders to turn ideas into scalable solutions that tackle worldwide challenges. By getting on board with GWS, we hope to amplify these efforts, ensuring critical projects receive the necessary funding and support and reinforcing our ongoing commitment to generate substantial, positive change across various industries." GlassWall Syndicate welcomes individually accredited investors seeking to make investments as low as $1,000 all the way to growth-stage firms looking to invest upwards of US$100M in Series D deals. If you are an investor, prospective nonprofit partner, startup in the space, or wish to sponsor an event or initiative, you are encouraged to get in touch with GWS. About GlassWall Syndicate GlassWall Syndicate (GWS) is a one-of-a-kind nonprofit network in the global impact investing ecosystem that engages and empowers investors in the sustainability space by connecting them with game-changing companies, providing resources, and bringing together key players. This global collective is led by Macy Marriott and has led to millions in additional capital deployed into innovative companies in the landscape. The GWS team works daily with entrepreneurs and investors to build relationships that drive forward sustainable, scalable, disruptive companies. Founded in 2017 and initially spearheaded by Stray Dog Capital, GWS is a nonprofit community of high-net-worth individual investors, leading VC and PE firms, and global partners that provide fit-for-purpose solutions to some of the challenges investors in the industry face by providing deal flow access, early-access industry data, exclusive reports, trend analysis, and insights along with exclusive educational opportunities, meaningful networking, global events, and connections with experts across the value chain. GWS is hyper-focused on partnerships that accelerate initiatives that are critically important to the success of the alternative protein industry and relevant adjacencies. In June of last year, with the leading alternative protein think tank, The Good Food Institute as a Knowledge Partner, GWS launched the Emerging Growth Consortium (EGC) which serves as the first-ever body of later-stage investors in the space and has welcomed leading firms and organizations such as L Catterton, C2 Capital Partners, CSC Leasing, Davis Wright Tremaine, Material Innovation Initiative, BERA Partners, Plant Based Foods Association, Plant Futures, and numerous others leading the effort toward a more sustainable future.www.GlassWallSyndicate.org About Brinc   Headquartered in Hong Kong, Brinc is a leader in global venture acceleration and operates 10 multidisciplinary accelerator programs across seven countries. Brinc accelerates startups focused on climate technology, agrifood technology, blockchain technology, artificial intelligence, connected hardware, robotics, and the Internet of Things (IoT) with a view to creating a more sustainable, equitable, and inclusive future. Brinc also supports corporations with distributed innovation strategies, sourcing of new startups and technologies, as well as venture-building Web3-enabled businesses. Global corporations (Manulife, Huawei, Schneider Electric, Puma, Batelco, Merck, Omantel, Linrun Group, Zhihui Park), government organizations (Hong Kong Science Park, NEOM, MBRIF, Guangdong Soft-tech Park), tertiary institutions (HK City University, National University of Singapore), fast-growing companies (Animoca Brands, The Sandbox), and leading venture funds (Artesian, LeverVC, Tamkeen, EDB, Hatcher+) have all run programs with Brinc. Recently Brinc announced plans to raise a series of venture funds to invest in high-potential early-stage companies through accelerators and provide LPs with a dedicated innovation platform and access to Series A+ co-investment opportunities. https://www.brinc.io/ 

SEOUL, South Korea, May 31, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- P&C Solution will participate in AWE USA 2024 (Augmented World Expo) to showcase its new and improved 'METALENSE 2' to the North American market. P&C Solution to Participate in AWE USA 2024 with XR Glasses Powered by Snapdragon Since its inception in 2010, AWE has become the world's largest virtual convergence technology expo, where companies in the AR, VR, and MR industries gather to share top-of-the-line development expertise and contemporary trends. P&C Solution has taken part in AWE USA every year since 2021, and this year marks its fourth consecutive participation. P&C Solution's METALENSE 2 incorporates high-resolution QHD (2560*1440) and high-luminance level Micro OLED, providing a bright and clear display, in effect solving the distortion of digital content displays and possible dizziness. "METALENSE 2 is the next line-up product which incorporates feedback from users in the field, helping to optimize functionality that is critical to front line workers," a representative from P&C Solution said. The METALENSE 2 is powered by a Snapdragon® XR platform, strengthening the new device's tracking and spatial recognition capabilities, which, in turn, narrows the gap between the physical world and digital spaces. Furthermore, METALENSE 2 has been nominated for the Auggie Awards 'Best Headworn Device' at AWE USA this year. P&C Solution made an internal remark that just the fact it is participating in the expo was an opportunity to publicize the excellence of METALENSE 2 and also a successful step towards penetrating the US market. AWE USA 2024 will take place in Los Angeles, CA, for three days from June 18th to June 20th. Snapdragon is a trademark or registered trademark of Qualcomm Incorporated. Snapdragon is a product of Qualcomm Technologies, Inc. and/or its subsidiaries.

Global Payment Network GLN Launches Mobile International Remittance Service for Laotian Citizens in Partnership with BCEL Enhancing Convenience for Lao People Residing in Korea: Account Verification and Remittance Limit Inquiry Now Available SEOUL, South Korea, May 31, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- GLN International (CEO Kyung-Ho Kim, hereinafter referred to as GLN) has announced the launch of an international remittance service to Laos in partnership with BCEL (Banque Pour Le Commerce Exterieur Lao Public), the largest state-owned commercial bank in Laos.   Established in 1975, BCEL is the largest state-owned commercial bank in Laos by asset size. In 2022, GLN formed a partnership with BCEL, providing services such as QR payments and QR cash withdrawals (ATM). With the launch of this international remittance service, Laotian citizens residing in Korea can now easily transfer funds to their home country using the GLN service integrated into BCEL's mobile app. Notably, by GLN service, users can verify recipient account information in real-time, preventing erroneous transfers. Additionally, users can check the current status of their remittances and review their annual international remittance limits. Kyung-Ho Kim, CEO of GLN, stated, "Laotian workers and students residing in Korea can now use the GLN service to safely and conveniently access mobile international remittance services." He added, "We will continue to expand our service areas and develop our systems to ensure that more customers can enjoy the benefits of our international remittance service." Meanwhile, GLN, a subsidiary of Hana Bank established in July 2021, offers cross-border payment services such as QR payments and QR cash withdrawals (ATM) in major regions worldwide. Notably, the GLN QR payment service can be conveniently used without the need for currency exchange not only through the GLN mobile app but also via various apps like Hana Bank's 'Hana One Q', 'Hana Money', 'Toss', KB Kookmin Bank's 'KB Star Banking', and 'iMBank'.

SHENZHEN, China, May 31, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- By 2040, the burden of colorectal cancer (CRC) is projected to increase to 3.2 million new cases and 1.6 million deaths per year representing a 66% and 71% rise in new cases and deaths respectively relative to 2020. To better address the global burden of CRC and reduce its impact, BGI Genomics has launched the second edition of its global CRC awareness report, covering 1,938 respondents from Brazil (306), China (367), Poland (300), Saudi Arabia (300), Thailand (362), and Uruguay (303):   CRC Screening Gaps Vary Globally: Nearly half (49.3%) of global respondents have never undergone CRC screening, with the highest proportions in Saudi Arabia (62.0%) and Poland (61.0%). Preference for Fecal Testing Over Colonoscopy: Although colonoscopies are more recognized (33.4%), fecal tests at healthcare facilities are preferred (31.8%), reflecting a trend towards non-invasive methods. Cost and Fear are Determinants of Screening Choice: Fear of colonoscopy (18.2%) and screening costs (17.7%) are major barriers to CRC screening. Poland (24.7%) and Uruguay (21.0%) show the highest fear of colonoscopy, while Thailand (24.5%) and Brazil (20%) indicate the most concern about costs. Medical Advice and Family History Drive CRC Screening: Doctor's recommendations are a major driver for CRC screening (30.5% globally), with Uruguay showing the highest adherence (44.1%). Additionally, those with a family history of CRC are more proactive in screening (64.5%), compared to the general population (35.0%). Prof. Varut Lohsiriwat from Mahidol University offers his insights to this report. He suggested: "The essence of effective cancer screening lies in the acceptance and adherence of the patient to the screening method. The best screening method is the one that the patient accepts and adheres to because that's the method that will actually benefit them." Dr. Zhu Shida, BGI Genomics Deputy GM, notes: "At BGI Genomics, we focused our efforts on developing advanced molecular biology testing techniques to close the gap [between acceptance and accessibility]. The ultimate goal is to transform colorectal cancer from a life-threatening disease into a manageable condition through widespread, early screening and intervention." For more region-level comparisons, access the full BGI Genomics 2024 State of CRC Awareness Report. All data involved in this report come from the results of an online survey project conducted by BGI Genomics. It only surveys awareness related to colorectal cancer and does not involve personally identifiable data.

XUZHOU, China, May 30, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- XCMG Excavator , a specialized excavator business unit from XCMG Machinery (SHE:000425, "XCMG"), launched its new international G-series excavators during the sixth International Customer Festival, held at its excavator machinery manufacturing base. The event marks the release of nearly 30 innovative products and included a mass delivery of international G-series excavators to Indonesian customers. The ceremony was attended by nearly 400 clients and global media representatives from various countries who witnessed this significant milestone. Event site The newly released G-series represents XCMG's latest research and development achievements aimed at the overseas market. Building on the success of its C-series and D-series excavators, XCMG continues to push forward with product innovation and R&D improvements. "We are committed to working with our global partners to persist in mutual benefit and collaborative synergy, continuously deepening our full-business ecosystem cooperation to achieve shared value creation and joint development success," said Song Zhike, Vice President of XCMG Machinery and General Manager of XCMG Excavator Business Unit. The international G-series products have achieved breakthroughs in over 50 core technologies, including all-condition power matching and PIC feed-forward control. These advancements significantly enhance the overall performance advantages in optimal energy efficiency ratio, reliability, operability, comfortability, and adaptability. These features not only exceed customer expectations, but also integrate a comprehensive understanding of equipment operation that enhances ease-of-use, safety, and efficiency. Following the launch event, international guests were invited to have a close-up tour with the production line for the international G series products. Customized product zones tailored for different regional customers were set up, along with the tailor demonstrated exhibition area for extensive spare parts, which facilitated deep interactions between guests and onsite technical teams. As a core pillar business for XCMG, it is dedicated to providing integrated scene-plus-product solutions along with full lifecycle value services globally. Looking ahead, it will continue collaborating closely across borders aiming towards leading contributions in constructing world-class advanced manufacturing clusters within construction machinery sectors worldwide. The theme of the G-series launch, Gearing Towards Future, Global Growth Together, encapsulates XCMG's commitment to leading global advancement and innovation in the construction machinery industry. For more information about the international G-Series products, please visit https://www.xcmgglobal.com/ .

The power, intelligence and elegance of Haier on the court at one of the most important international events in the world of tennis PARIS, May 30, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Haier, the number one brand in the household appliances sector*, is lining up alongside the greatest tennis champions as Official Partner at the Roland-Garros tournament, also known as the French Open, which is taking place from 26th of May to 9th June in Paris. Play with the Number Ones: Haier Stars in Paris as Official Partner of Roland-Garros Elegance, precision, and incredible performances are qualities sought by tennis fans, numbering over 1 billion worldwide. These characteristics have made Haier's role as Official Partner a natural fit, as the brand has always been a creator of extraordinary experiences and ecosystems tailored to each desire. For 2024 and 2025, Haier will be a partner of the most prestigious international tennis tournaments, supporting the champions of this sport who share the brand's values: total dedication to achieving the highest levels of excellence and meticulous attention to every detail. To be the best in the world, you need precision, attention to detail and impeccable style, characteristics found both in the greatest athletes and in Haier connected solutions. Roland-Garros will be the occasion to present the new Haier international ambassador in the field of tennis activities: Ana Ivanovic, former world No. 1 tennis player. An ambassador who will be the face of the brand for the entire competition, contributing to its memorability, relevance, and audience engagement. Ana Ivanovic has won fifteen WTA singles tournaments in her career, including Roland-Garros in 2008, when she reached number one in the WTA rankings. "By selecting a tennis athlete as our ambassador, we would grow a sense of authenticity and strengthen the connection with tennis fans," said Gianpiero Morbello, Head of Brand Strategy and IoT Haier Europe. "To be number one, you must believe in your talent, devote attention and commitment, and always seek excellence. Roland-Garros is a wonderful setting to present Ana and the values she shares with Haier and, therefore, with the world of tennis. This is the reason why our presence on the field and in the city of Paris will be massive, with a 360° campaign showcasing the innovation, design and perfection of detail sought by the brand". Haier will enjoy special visibility courtside and will also have a stand in the Fan Village with its hi-tech solutions and unique style on display for an experience created especially for the event. Here visitors will be able to absorb the ambience of special guests, supporters and the international community gathered for the tournament. Visitors will have the unique chance to interact with Haier solutions and have fun with special sports-themed activities. A 360° promotion will make Haier a protagonist online with a digital campaign and dedicated social network activities, but also a central role in Paris with sensational advertisement that will complement the spectacular view from the Pont du Beaugrenelle and domination in the metro station. This partnership with the tennis world is perfectly aligned with Haier's strategy to increasingly connect with the extraordinary and with its target audience: consumers who favor elegant design, customization, and top performance. Besides the Roland-Garros Tournament, Haier will partner with top-tier events for 2024 and 2025, including the Mutua Madrid Open, the Nitto ATP Finals, and Rolex Paris Masters. The ATP 500 Hamburg Open tournament and two ATP 250 tournaments, the Playa Laguna Croatia Open Umag and the European Open (Antwerp), complete Haier's event portfolio in tennis. About Haier Group Founded in 1984, Haier Group is a leading global provider of better life and digital transformation solutions. Based on the purpose of "More Creation, More Possibilities", we've always been user centered, adhered to original technology, and built a landscape of two pillars, Smart Living and Industrial Internet. We have built 10 R&D centers and 143 manufacturing centers around the world. We are the world's only IoT ecosystem brand that has been ranked in the Kantar BrandZ Top 100 Most Valuable Global Brands for five consecutive years, and we have held the No.1 position in Euromonitor's Global Major Appliances Brand for 15 consecutive years. 

KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia, May 30, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- On May 30th, SP Setia Bhd ("Setia" or "the Group") has unveiled its newest app Setia Go in a bid to elevate Setia's smart communities, in collaboration with the cloud-to-end one-stop solution mPaaS (mobile Platform-as-a-Service) under the Ant Digital Technologies. With a rich history from 1974, SP Setia Berhad has established itself as a dominant force in the property development industry. As one of Malaysia's leading listed real estate players, the Group has built an impressive portfolio encompassing a diverse range of projects, including townships, eco-sanctuaries, luxury enclaves, high-rise residences, and commercial developments. Partnering with Ant Digital Technologies and JaGaSolution, Setia Go is designed as a smart communities' app comprising innovative startups. The app aims to redefine property management while improving community engagement, and offering a seamless, integrated experience among the Setia homebuyers. Setia CEO and President Datuk Choong Kai Wai said, "Our purpose to build great communities has driven us for the past 50 years and will remain at the core of everything we do. Setia Go marks our strategic partnership with Ant Digital Technologies and JaGaSolution to enhance our smart communities. These partnerships will uncover more opportunities for all stakeholders to collaborate to introduce the latest innovations and enrich the overall consumer experience for our homebuyers." Ant Digital Technologies General Manager of International Business Derrick Loi concurred, "We are looking forward as this is our first partnership with a foreign, leading property developer, as we strive to deliver an enhanced state-of-the-art digital experience for Setia homebuyers." Loi added, "Setia Go will transform the way homebuyers and commercial tenants interact with their respective living spaces and relevant merchants, hence creating a new standard for a secure, smart community engagement." Ant Digital Technologies products and solutions have been adopted by customers from a variety of industries. In 2023, the revenue from its international business operation has increased by 300%. About SP Setia Setting the bar for excellence, S P Setia is the proud recipient of 17 FIABCI World Gold Prix d'Excellence Awards, making it the only Malaysian developer to achieve such recognition from the esteemed International Real Estate Federation (FIABCI). Additionally, the Group has garnered 17 FIABCI Malaysia Property Awards to date. To date, S P Setia secured the coveted No.1 spot in The Edge Malaysia Top Property Developers Awards for an unprecedented 14th time, a testament to its unwavering commitment to delivering exceptional projects. Harnessing its expertise, S P Setia has cemented its presence in Malaysia's key economic centres, namely the Klang Valley, Johor Bahru, Penang, and Sabah. Moreover, the Group has expanded its international footprint, with notable projects in Vietnam, Australia, Singapore, China, the United Kingdom, and Japan. As of 31 March 2024, the Group boasts a portfolio of 41 ongoing projects, supported by a robust land bank of 5,381 acres valued at a Gross Development Value (GDV) of RM105.28 billion. Furthermore, S P Setia's total unbilled sales stand at a notable RM5.38 billion. With a steadfast commitment to excellence and an unwavering focus on delivering quality developments, S P Setia Berhad continues to lead the industry, driving growth and setting new benchmarks for success. About Ant Digital Technologies Ant Digital Technologies is Ant Group's digital technology subsidiary. Ant Digital Technologies continues to promote the development and application of digital technologies, introducing leading products like ZOLOZ, mPaaS and ZAN based on its expertise in AI, privacy computing, and security technology. Ant Digital Technologies is committed to working with partners across different industries to support small and medium-sized financial institutions in their digital transformation, enable SMEs in the service industry to operate digitally, and facilitate digital collaboration across industries. Revenue from Ant Digital Technologies' international business operation increased by 300% in 2023.

JIAXING, China, May 30, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- LONGi has announced the launch of its latest product, the Hi-MO X6 Max series, at its state-of-the-art Jiaxing factory. For the factory, recognized as the industry's first 'lighthouse' facility, the launch marked its first public event since achieving this status. The Hi-MO X6 Max series represents a significant milestone for the company, following the industry-wide consensus on module size standards reached by nine manufacturers and subsequent agreement on wafer size standards by six manufacturers in July and August 2023 respectively. The launch also marks LONGi's first large-scale transition to rectangular silicon wafers (wafer size: 182.2×191.6mm; module size: 2382×1134mm). Designed specifically to meet the evolving needs of distributed PV customers, the Hi-MO X6 Max incorporates the core values of Hi-MO X6 while additionally being equipped with LONGI's innovative 'TaiRay Inside' and HPBC cell technologies, achieving unprecedented stability, reliability and power generation efficiency. The Hi-MO X6 Max series entered mass production in the current quarter, with a complete transition for all mainstream products expected by Q3 2024. This upgrade, projected to exceed 30GW, will ensure a continuous and stable supply to the market. Revitalized and Upgraded: Beyond Just Size The lack of unification on wafer and module sizes had long been a contentious issue in the PV industry, leading to increased costs and supply chain risks. The ultimate standardization on sizes simplifies the supply chain, reduces material waste and minimizes design errors during installation, facilitating easier maintenance and management. On July 7, 2023, LONGi and eight other companies agreed on new standard dimensions for rectangular silicon wafers and modules. Subsequently, on August 8, 2023, LONGi, along with five other companies, reached a consensus on the standardized dimensions for 72-cell rectangular silicon wafers (rectangular wafer size:182.2mm x191.6mm; rectangular wafer diagonal: 262.5mm). This has allowed for smoother transition in production lines and technological advancements. The Hi-MO X6 Max series exemplifies this progress. LONGi's recently launched TaiRay wafer and the breakthrough in mass-production of its self-developed HPBC technology has led to the creation of the new series, which integrates M11 dimensions (182.2mm×191.6mm) with TaiRay Inside and HPBC cell technologies. According to Lv Yuan, head of the LONGi Product and Solution Centre, the standardized dimensions of Hi-MO X6 Max maximize customer benefits and reduce costs for engineering and material partners. The optimized dimensions also enhance container utilization during transportation, once again saving costs. Taking the 72-cell version as an example, the new product can reduce transportation costs by $0.61/kW compared with the conventional Hi-MO X6 module, improving use of 40HC containers by 4.4% to achieve 98.5% container utilization. Due to power enhancement, the BOS cost on the system installation side is also reduced by 3.57% (about $4.16/kW) when compared with the equivalent mainstream power grade (585W vs. 615W). Customer revenue is also enhanced when compared to using 210R wafer based modules, Hi-MO X6 Max using M11 wafers with lower current, which can effectively reduce loss of current transmission cabling by 9% and increase power generation revenue by 0.1%. The Hi-MO X6 Max product family not only inherits the three core values of the Hi-MO X6 series - High Quality, High Technology and High Reliability - but also represents an upgrade in three dimensions: New Technology, New Size and New Product. New technology refers to the first-time integration of the new TaiRay Inside and innovative HPBC high-efficiency cell technologies, bringing both innovation and reliability. New size is represented by the first transition after the standardization of dimensions, fostering synergy throughout the industry supply chain. New product refers to the Hi-MO X6 Max not only inheriting product design such as Anti-Dust and Anti-Humidity and Heat from the Hi-MO X6 series, but also the introduction of the Artist (Ultra Black) on to the distributed market, showcasing LONGi's commitment to delivering new experiences driven by industry trends and in-depth understanding of user needs. Leading the PV Industry with Intelligent Manufacturing LONGi continues to lead the PV industry through technological innovation and digital transformation. In December 2023, the company's Jiaxing production base was recognized by the World Economic Forum (WEF) as a 'Global Lighthouse' factory, the world's first solar module manufacturing base to become part of the WEF's Global Lighthouse Network (GLN). As a model in "digital manufacturing" and "Industry 4.0," it extensively integrates cutting-edge technologies such as the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT), Big Data, AI and digital twinning, as well as developing and implementing over 30 digital technologies, significantly advancing intelligent manufacturing. These innovations, including flexible automation enabled by artificial intelligence and machine vision, AI-enabled full-process visual inspection, intelligent management of order production delivery cycles and AI-powered solar cell resource matching, underpin the intelligent production of LONGi's HPBC products. As an example, the order tracking system at the Jiaxing production base reduces the delivery cycle of HPBC products by 84%, while optimized processes and automation lower unit energy consumption by 20%. From the introduction of the industry's first Lifecycle Quality Standard in 2021 to pioneering a Digital Quality Management System and an integrated AI inspection system, LONGi remains committed to steady, reliable and technology-driven growth, the company's ongoing innovation supporting the industry's transition to high-quality, sustainable development. About LONGi Founded in 2000, LONGi is committed to being the world's leading solar technology company, focusing on customer-driven value creation for full scenario energy transformation. Under its mission of 'making the best of solar energy to build a green world', LONGi has dedicated itself to technology innovation and established five business sectors, covering mono silicon wafers cells and modules, commercial & industrial distributed solar solutions, green energy solutions and hydrogen equipment. The company has honed its capabilities to provide green energy and has more recently, also embraced green hydrogen products and solutions to support global zero carbon development. www.longi.com

SHANGHAI, May 30, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Trip.com Group set the stage for transformative growth at the Envision 2024 Global Partner Conference, sharing its strategic vision with over 1,600 partners from more than 50 countries and regions. The conference, focused on the forward-looking theme of "Charting the Next Chapter of Our Growth Together", revealed pivotal trends and opportunities that will drive the travel industry forward. The Spirit of Innovation in Travel As the travel industry moves beyond the recovery phase and enters a period of rapid growth, a pressing question arises: "What comes next?" This anticipation was met with enthusiasm at the conference, where future growth areas were a focal point. The sustained investment in innovation and technological advancements emerged as a pivotal strategy, with a particular emphasis on the transformative potential of AI. Mr. James Liang, Co-founder and Chairman of Trip.com Group, highlighted the key role of innovation in staying at the forefront of the travel industry, citing TripGenie, Trip.com's AI travel assistant, as one of the innovative ways technology can revolutionise the travel planning and booking process. "Every industry needs to innovate and so does the travel industry. We are constantly innovating in terms of efficiency, quality, customer service and even marketing. For instance, AI such as TripGenie can enhance customer service and marketing by integrating technology and content, to provide the best value to our customers," he said. Mr Liang also emphasised AI's widespread impact on the travel industry, boosting productivity, enhancing customer service, and providing users with highly personalised travel recommendations. For example, Trip.com's AI-curated lists are able to provide travellers with the top-ranked offerings as well as the best deals. This enables a higher level of personalisation at every stage of the travel journey, with AI as a powerful enabler. Expanding Fast on the World Stage Ms. Jane Sun, CEO of Trip.com Group, highlighted that Trip.com Group has seen unprecedented growth in 2023. The Group's international growth last year has been especially remarkable, with 100% international growth year-on-year. The first quarter of 2024 was also off to a strong start, with global travel provider Trip.com generating revenue with over 80% growth year-on-year. Plans were shared for significant investments in the Asia-Pacific region, and further expansion into the rest of the world, positioning the company to capitalise on global opportunities. Additionally, the Group has forged strategic partnerships with tourism bureaus, major hotel chains, airlines, train operators, and local travel providers worldwide. Currently, the company has over 1.7 million global accommodation listings, flights from over 600 airlines, and a network of over 90,000 ecosystem partners, including group tours, attractions, and car rental providers. At the conference, China's burgeoning potential in the global travel arena was also highlighted, with the further relaxation of visa-free restrictions, payment facilitations, and tourism promotion strategies such as free layover transit tours launched in Shanghai and engaging marketing campaigns that showcase the country's offerings. The Group also reiterated its commitment to quality customer service, revealing that the human touch is key to ensuring travellers enjoy a wonderful trip. Sustainability was also another key theme, with Trip.com Group integrating strong ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) commitments into its business goals. These ESG initiatives include promoting low-carbon travel options, supporting family-friendly policies, and community revitalisation, all to ensure mutual benefits for customers, partners, and the wider community. Sector Highlights Key leaders from the Group also spoke on the breakthroughs and new developments in each sector, showcasing the multi-faceted world of travel. Highlights include: Air Travel: Achieved record domestic travel and strong outbound growth, securing the top OTA position in the Asia-Pacific region. Hotel Bookings: Significant growth with over 8,000 hotels offering Hotel+X products. Preferred Partner Program attracted 2,000+ partners, while Trip.Best expanded to over 20,000 hotels, with new themes: "boutique homestays" and "newly opened hotels". International Train Business: Expanded operations in Europe, and international ticket sales doubled in the latter half of 2023. Shown 122% year-on-year growth in early 2024. Vacation Business: Record sales in vacation packages, and will expand ticketing services globally in the year ahead with 16 new sites and 8 new service languages. Plans to expand car rental services to Thailand, Japan and other markets. Corporate Travel: Trip.Biz showed three-digit growth, with significant increases in hotel and flight bookings. Plans for expansion in Greater China, North Asia, Southeast Asia, Middle East, and site deployment in Europe, North America, and Oceania. FinTech and TripLink: Expanded global presence by supporting 35 payment currencies, all international card schemes, and 25 local alternative payment methods. Expanded global insurance coverage for flights, hotels and rental cars.TripLink offers premium payment solutions to tourism partners. Marketing Innovations: Successful mega-sales events, TV advertising and airport activations. Increased new user registrations and attained high conversion rates. Made strong destination marketing efforts with tourism boards worldwide. Technological Advancements: Investments in technology centres. AI travel assistant TripGenie now supports voice and text conversations in nine languages, with new support for Italian, Dutch and Malay available by end June. Customer Service: Trustpilot rating improved to 4.2 stars. Continuously enhancing AI capabilities in diverse markets and production lines to enhance service efficiency. With diverse new developments launched by the company, Ms Sun took the opportunity to thank the Group's partners for their support. "The travel industry is a vital driver of global GDP and job creation, and at Trip.com Group, we are proud to be at the forefront, using travel as a bridge for peace and prosperity. With the support of our partners, we are ready to turn the page to the next chapter of our journey and embrace fresh opportunities together." About Trip.com Group Trip.com Group is a leading global travel service provider comprising of Trip.com, Ctrip, Skyscanner, and Qunar. Across its platforms, Trip.com Group helps travellers around the world make informed and cost-effective bookings for travel products and services and enables partners to connect their offerings with users through the aggregation of comprehensive travel-related content and resources, and an advanced transaction platform consisting of apps, websites and 24/7 customer service centres. Founded in 1999 and listed on NASDAQ in 2003 and HKEX in 2021, Trip.com Group has become one of the best-known travel groups in the world, with the mission "to pursue the perfect trip for a better world". Find out more about Trip.com Group here: group.trip.com. Follow us on: X, Facebook, LinkedIn, and YouTube.

Singapore also released the finalised Model Governance Framework for GenAI and announced that it is working with fellow small state Rwanda on an AI Governance Playbook for Small States SINGAPORE, May 30, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Mr Heng Swee Keat, Singapore's Deputy Prime Minister and Chairman of the National Research Foundation NRF, outlined an investment of close to S$300 million into Singapore's National Quantum Strategy (NQS) to advance Singapore's growing Quantum industry. This investment will strengthen the nation's position as a leading hub in the development and deployment of quantum technologies over the next five years. DPM Heng also launched the Green Data Centre (DC) Roadmap to guide digital sustainability and chart green growth pathways for DCs, supporting AI and compute developments. For AI, DPM Heng announced the release of the Model AI Governance Framework (Generative AI), as well as the development of the Digital Forum for Small States (DFOSS) AI Governance Playbook with Rwanda to advance AI safety.  The NQS will focus on four funding initiatives, namely:   The Centre for Quantum Technologies (CQT), a research centre of excellence hosted by the National University of Singapore, will be elevated to a flagship national research centre. New National Quantum Sensor Programme established under Quantum Engineering Programme 3.0 (QEP 3.0), while existing national-level quantum programmes will enhance their current suite of capabilities to meet industry needs. New National Quantum Processor Initiative (NQPI) set up to enable Singapore to design and build its own practical quantum processor. The National Quantum Scholarships Scheme (NQSS) will be launched to develop Singapore's talent pipeline in quantum research & development (R&D). Dr Janil Puthucheary, Senior Minister of State for Communications and Information shared how Singapore is taking the lead in ensuring the long-term sustainable growth of DCs with the Green DC Roadmap. The Roadmap aims to provide at least 300 megawatts of additional capacity in the near term, with much more through green energy deployments. The additional capacity is aimed at seeding innovative ways to accelerate energy efficiency, as well as hybrid ways to unlock further capacity through green energy. The Roadmap also outlines IMDA's plans to partner the industry to push boundaries and accelerate DC sustainability on two fronts: Accelerate DC's energy efficiency at hardware and software levels and allow industry and end-users to put in place best-in-class technologies to maximise efficiency, capacity and economic potential. Accelerate DCs' use of green energy to expand capacity, and explore how we can deploy this at scale over time to maximise space for continued DCs' growth Singapore has been actively contributing to global AI safety discussions through initiatives like the Model AI Governance Framework (Generative AI) and the Digital Forum of Small States (DFOSS). The Model AI Governance Framework (Gen AI) is the first comprehensive framework that consolidates global conversation AI governance. Released today, the finalised framework will be mapped to international AI principles such as the G7 Hiroshima Principles for interoperability. atxsg.imda@omnicomprgroup.com

SINGAPORE, May 30, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- AliExpress, an international online retail marketplace under Alibaba International Digital Commerce Group, will give away over 1,000 UEFA EURO 2024™ match tickets along with attractive discounts during its promotional campaigns around the UEFA EURO 2024™ tournament – including its Choice Day and Summer Sales – infusing its shoppers' experience with a vibrant cascade of excitement and summer festivities. This announcement comes on the back of a series of important announcements by AliExpress, including its recent naming as the exclusive global e-commerce sponsor of UEFA EURO 2024™. AliExpress is investing millions of dollars in discounts, deals and engagement to delight shoppers and sports fans during the tournament, while elevating the user experience for its global consumer base. Key highlights of AliExpress' promotional campaigns around UEFA EURO 2024TM include: Choice Day and Summer Sales – AliExpress will host a Choice Day from June 1 to June 7 with the theme 'Summer Carnival,' followed by a Summer Sale from June 17 to June 23, offering up to 90% off on a wide range of products. 'Shake & Win' game for time-limited prizes – During the UEFA EURO 2024TM games from June 14 to July 14, all eligible AliExpress users just need to log on to the AliExpress app and shake their smartphone within 10 minutes after a goal is scored, for the chance to win discounts of up to 50% on selected products. European customers will also stand a chance to win match tickets and discount coupons worth up to $500 each, and purchase selected items at $0.01 only. Fun quiz – From now to 23:59:59 PST on June 12, AliExpress users can take part in an engaging quiz, featuring over 100 questions covering UEFA EURO, football knowledge and AliExpress trivia. Participants who successfully answer a minimum of three questions will qualify to earn points and gain entry into lucky draws. Prizes up for grabs include match tickets (European customers only), official merchandise and T-shirts. Further activities, such as a game for users to support their favorite team, are set to commence on June 13. Additional lucky draws are scheduled to take place on June 1-2 and June 17-18, with two more planned for July. AliExpress Choice, the platform's premium shopping service launched in March 2023, provides fast and free delivery within 5 to 15 days on orders meeting minimum purchase thresholds for major markets across Europe, the Americas and East Asia, with free returns available to selected markets. Please visit www.aliexpress.com/TnC for more details. Anticipation and excitement for the UEFA EURO 2024™ are reaching peak levels, and AliExpress is at the forefront, ensuring that while the teams battle for the championship title, customers too can walk away with wins of their own. Stay tuned for more updates as the tournament's kick-off draws closer and get ready for a summer where every goal promises more than just points—it's shoppers' score for the best deals of the season. About AliExpress Launched in 2010, AliExpress is a business-to-consumer (B2C) e-commerce platform enabling global consumers to buy directly from manufacturers and distributors in China and around the world. In addition to the global English-language version, the AliExpress platform is also available in 15 other languages. AliExpress is part of Alibaba International Digital Commerce Group.

SYDNEY, May 30, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- RewardPay Pty Ltd, a leading Australian Business-to-Business payments & loyalty company, today announced the appointment of Pierric Beckert to its board. Beckert, former President of American Express Global Network Services and Chairman of American Express China, brings extensive experience and leadership in payments and loyalty to the growing company. Pierric Beckert is joining RewardPay to drive expansion Beckert's appointment comes at a pivotal moment for RewardPay, following a period of rapid expansion and strategic partnerships. Recently, RewardPay expanded its operations to New Zealand and forged a significant partnership with Qantas, allowing it's Australian customers to earn Qantas points with every payment processed through RewardPay. With a distinguished career at American Express, including roles such as Global Head of Loyalty, President of Europe, Middle East, and Africa, and Managing Director of American Express Australia & New Zealand, Beckert brings invaluable expertise to RewardPay. His tenure in Australia notably included spearheading American Express's successful foray into the B2B payments sector. "I am delighted to join the talented and experienced team at RewardPay. I have been impressed by the execution excellence of the team, its strong customer values, and its robust growth. Mark has built a tremendous platform and a loyal customer base, with significant opportunities for further expansion," said Beckert. Mark Dawes, CEO of RewardPay, expressed his enthusiasm for Beckert's appointment, stating, "It was crucial for us to find someone with exceptional payments and loyalty experience, both domestically and internationally. Pierric's proven track record of leadership, innovation, and operational excellence makes him an ideal addition to our board. We are thrilled to welcome him to RewardPay." About RewardPay: RewardPay Pty Ltd is a leading Business-to-Business payments and loyalty company based in Australia. RewardPay facilitates convenient, cashflow-friendly payments to suppliers while providing businesses with loyalty benefits. By bridging traditional B2B payment methods with modern technology, RewardPay aims to bring the world of B2B payments into the 21st century.

Retailers' investments in genAI, the rise of online marketplaces, and higher digital literacy will continue to drive global online retail sales growth SINGAPORE, May 30, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Forrester (Nasdaq: FORR) forecasts that total global online retail sales will grow from $4.4 trillion in 2023 to $6.8 trillion by 2028 at an 8.9% compound annual growth rate (CAGR). According to the report Global Retail E-Commerce Forecast, 2024 To 2028, which provides a five-year forecast for total, online, and offline retail sales for 40 countries globally, despite the growth in e-commerce, 76% (or $21.9 trillion) of global retail sales will still occur offline in 2028. As a result, retailers must continue to invest in omnichannel strategies that provide a seamless shopping experience, both online and offline. The report further states that retail e-commerce maturity varies globally. Advanced economies including the US, the UK, and South Korea are more mature due to higher internet penetration and digital literacy. As smartphone adoption and mobile commerce become more widespread, however, emerging markets in Asia Pacific, Eastern Europe, and Latin America are catching up. This rapid adaptation is transforming the global e-commerce landscape, presenting new opportunities for businesses and consumers alike. Looking ahead at 2024 and beyond, Forrester expects continued growth momentum for online retail sales globally. Following are some noteworthy highlights from the report, broken down by global region. Asia -Pacific: In Asia -Pacific, online retail sales for the top five countries — China, South Korea, Japan, India, and Australia — are expected to increase from $2.2 trillion in 2023 to $3.2 trillion in 2028, with China leading the region. China and South Korea are the top two countries globally in terms of e-commerce penetration and will each have online retail penetration of more than 40% by 2028. In Southeast Asia's top six countries — Indonesia, Thailand, Vietnam, Malaysia, the Philippines, and Singapore — retail e-commerce sales reached $93 billion in 2023 and will rise to $193 billion by 2028 to capture 17.4% of total retail sales. Indonesia leads the region in online retail penetration, followed by Malaysia and Singapore. The Philippines and Vietnam will see a CAGR of more than 20% over the next five years, outpacing other countries in the region. The Americas: In the US, online retail sales are expected to reach $1.6 trillion by 2028, accounting for 28% of total US retail sales. E-commerce is more mature in the US compared to Canada, with Canadian online retail sales expected to reach $83 billion by 2028. Canada lags the US in e-commerce penetration due to lower population density, a smaller market size, and slower consumer adoption. In Latin America, online retail sales in the top six countries — Brazil, Mexico, Argentina, Colombia, Peru, and Chile — will grow from $109 billion in 2023 to $192 billion by 2028. Europe: In Western European countries — including Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, the Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, and the UK — online retail sales are expected to grow from $508 billion in 2023 to $773 billion in 2028, with online retail penetration increasing from 15% to 20%. The UK will continue to be the biggest market for retail e-commerce, followed by Germany, France, Italy, and Spain. In Eastern Europe, online retail penetration is half that of Western Europe. Forrester forecasts that online retail sales for the top five Eastern European countries — Russia, Poland, the Czech Republic, Romania, and Hungary — will increase from $72 billion in 2023 to $126 billion in 2028, with Russia and Poland leading the region. "The growth of online marketplaces, social commerce, livestream selling, and direct-to-consumer commerce will accelerate global online retail sales growth over the next five years," said Jitender Miglani, principal forecast analyst at Forrester. "However, e-commerce maturity and growth opportunities vary vastly by region. Retailers and brands must therefore have a thorough understanding of the key drivers of retail and e-commerce growth in their priority markets and tailor their strategies appropriately, to succeed." Resources: Read Forrester's report, Global Retail E-Commerce Forecast, 2024 To 2028 (client access required). Learn more about Forrester's Global Retail E-Commerce Forecast, 2024 To 2028, in this blog. About ForresterForrester (Nasdaq: FORR) is one of the most influential research and advisory firms in the world. We help leaders across technology, customer experience, digital, marketing, sales, and product functions use customer obsession to accelerate growth. Through Forrester's proprietary research, consulting, and events, leaders from around the globe are empowered to be bold at work — to navigate change and put their customers at the center of their leadership, strategy, and operations. Our unique insights are grounded in annual surveys of more than 700,000 consumers, business leaders, and technology leaders worldwide; rigorous and objective research methodologies, including Forrester Wave™ evaluations; more than 100 million real-time feedback votes; and the shared wisdom of our clients. To learn more, visit Forrester.com.

Company Reinforces Industry Leadership with Summit for Technical Consultants from Across Asia SEOUL, South Korea, May 30, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- LG Electronics (LG) is currently hosting the inaugural LG HVAC Consultant Leaders' Summit – LG Alumni Event – in Seoul, South Korea (May 28-31). The summit provides heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) consultants from across Asia, with the valuable opportunity to benefit from LG's extensive industry insight and to learn more about its advanced technologies. The first-of-its-kind event is expected to bolster the company's leadership in the Asia region, which is now the world's most rapidly-expanding HVAC market. James Lee, head of the Air Solution Business Unit at LG Electronics Home Appliance & Air Solution Company is delivering welcome remarks at the LG HVAC Consultant Leader's Summit in Seoul, South Korea to reinforce Industry leadership in the Asia region. Attending the summit were 46 consultants from five Asian countries: Indonesia, Singapore, Thailand, the Philippines and Vietnam. Technical consultants play a vital role in the HVAC business, supporting customers in important areas including system design, installation guidance and maintenance support. By collaborating closely with consultants in each market, LG is able to provide a differentiated customer experience that adds significant value to its industry-leading HVAC solutions. James Lee, head of the Air Solution Business Unit at LG Electronics Home Appliance & Air Solution Company is delivering welcome remarks at the LG HVAC Consultant Leader's Summit in Seoul, South Korea to reinforce Industry leadership in the Asia region. With its high-growth potential, Asia has emerged as a key market for the expansion of LG's HVAC business. Driven by an increase in commercial construction and stricter government energy-saving policies, the region is experiencing escalating demand for smart HVAC systems offering integrated IoT control, building automation and real-time performance monitoring. A respected provider of high-efficiency residential and commercial HVAC solutions based on innovative heat pump technology, LG is working with universities and research institutes to develop the next generation of cutting-edge heat pump systems. LG Electronics is hosting the LG HVAC Consultant Leader's Summit in Seoul, South Korea to reinforce Industry leadership in the Asia region. In 2023, LG announced its plan to more than double the sales volume of its residential and commercial HVAC business by 2030 – an ambitious goal that will secure the company's position as a global top-tier HVAC solutions provider. LG Electronics is hosting the LG HVAC Consultant Leader's Summit in Seoul, South Korea to reinforce Industry leadership in the Asia region. Through a series of engaging seminars being led by industry experts, the consultants participating in the LG HVAC Consultant Leaders' Summit – LG Alumni Event will come away with new insight into the trends and technologies shaping the HVAC landscape in Asia and worldwide. Key topics include zero-carbon buildings and HVAC in the era of Artificial Intelligence. LG Electronics is hosting the LG HVAC Consultant Leader's Summit in Seoul, South Korea to reinforce Industry leadership in the Asia region. With Asia as the starting point, LG aims to strategically expand its consultant network around the globe, extending its outreach efforts to regions with high-growth potential, such as Central and South America. "It's a pleasure to be sharing our cutting-edge technologies and industry insights with professional HVAC consultants from some of Asia's most dynamic markets," said James Lee, head of the Air Solution Business Unit at LG Electronics Home Appliance & Air Solution Company. "We will continue to collaborate closely with our consultant network to ensure the best customer outcomes and to grow our influence throughout the Asia region." About LG Electronics Air Solution Business UnitLG air conditioning provides optimized solutions for every sector and climate with a wide range of cutting-edge systems that bring exceptional heating, ventilation and air conditioning performance to buildings worldwide. Through our unmatched expertise and industry knowledge, we respond directly to the needs of businesses seeking digitalized and eco-conscious HVAC solutions. We are the partner your business has been looking for, and are well prepared to integrate our leading technology into your day-to-day operations, supporting you and your business every step of the way. For more information, please visit www.lg.com/global/business/hvac. 

Consistently high rankings and commitment to achieving goals acknowledged by industry accolade TOKYO, May 30, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Ricoh's commitment to enabling sustainable and responsible print production has achieved industry recognition, with the Buyers Lab (BLI) 2024-2025 Pacesetter Award in Production Print Sustainability from Keypoint Intelligence, a global market research firm and independent evaluator of print and smart technology hardware, software, and services. Koji Miyao, President, Ricoh Graphic Communications & Senior Corporate Officer, was presented with the accolade today by German Sacristan, Director of Keypoint Intelligence's Production Group, at drupa 2024, an international exhibition for the print and media industry. Keypoint Intelligence’s German Sacristan presenting Koji Miyao, President, Ricoh Graphic Communications & Senior Corporate Officer, with the BLI Pacesetter Award at Ricoh’s House of HENKAKU at drupa 2024 Pacesetter Awards from Keypoint Intelligence recognize those document imaging OEMs that have shown market leadership in a variety of categories, including technologies, services, and key vertical markets. Ricoh was recognized for its contributions to sustainability in the production printing area. Keypoint's Sacristan explained that Ricoh received the Pacesetter Award because of its consistently high rankings across a variety of factors related to production sustainability. Important was the fact that Ricoh's corporate responsibility involves collaboration with international environmental standards organizations and educational programs, supported by a large dedicated inhouse team focused on driving sustainability operations and leadership actions. Also achieving recognition was Ricoh's strong commitment to sustainability on the product side, with its focus on reducing environmental impact through recyclable production products, service parts, supplies, and packaging. Keypoint Intelligence also acknowledged Ricoh's steady and consistent company vision toward environmental goals such as achieving net zero carbon emissions and its continuous refinement of its sustainability objectives. Ricoh has a long history of incorporating sustainability into operational strategies. In 1994 Ricoh established the Comet Circle™ to contribute to the development of a sustainable society. Today, it is working towards net zero emissions by 2050. By 2030 it is aiming for 50% of electricity usage to come from renewable sources and by 2040, for the use of 100% renewable electricity at all major sites. Water conservation and reducing the use of hazardous materials is a focus across manufacturing sites, too, while Ricoh's printer remanufacturing service continues to use fewer resources, energy, and raw materials. These initiatives, and others, are why Ricoh recently received a Gold rating from EcoVadis, placing Ricoh among the top 5% of companies assessed, consecutively being recognized since 2014. Ricoh was also named for the fourth consecutive time, as one of the Supplier Engagement Leaders by CDP, a non-profit organization that runs the leading global disclosure system for environmental impacts. Koji Miyao says: "Ricoh has been committed to developing sustainable and responsible practices in the graphic arts industry for decades. We are delighted that our unwavering commitment and dedication has received such prestigious industry recognition. We look forward to continuing the great progress we are making, hitting our targets, and in turn supporting our clients as they develop their own sustainable, efficient, and successful operational environments." For more information visit https://www.ricoh-europe.com/news-events/events/drupa-2024/.  Related Information Ricoh awarded EcoVadis Gold Rating for sustainability performancehttps://www.ricoh.com/info/2024/0405_1 Ricoh recognized as a CDP Supplier Engagement Leader for the fourth consecutive yearhttps://www.ricoh.com/info/2024/0315_1 Ricoh advances zero greenhouse gas emissions Scope 1 and 2 to 2040 and strengthens Scope 3 reduction measureshttps://www.ricoh.com/release/2024/0318_1 About Keypoint IntelligenceFor over 60 years, clients in the digital imaging industry have relied on Keypoint Intelligence for independent hands-on testing, lab data, and extensive market research to drive their product and sales success. Keypoint Intelligence has been recognized as the industry's most trusted resource for unbiased information, analysis, and awards due to decades of analyst experience. Customers have harnessed this mission-critical knowledge for strategic decision-making, daily sales enablement, and operational excellence to improve business goals and increase bottom lines. With a central focus on clients, Keypoint Intelligence continues to evolve as the industry changes by expanding offerings and updating methods, while intimately understanding and serving manufacturers', channels', and their customers' transformation in the digital printing and imaging sector. About BLI Pacesetter AwardsBased on exhaustive questionnaires, in-depth interviews, and a proprietary rating scale, Buyers Lab Pacesetter Awards from Keypoint Intelligence recognize those document imaging OEMs that have shown market leadership in a variety of categories, including technologies, services, and key vertical markets. About Ricoh Ricoh is a leading provider of integrated digital services and print and imaging solutions designed to support the digital transformation of workplaces, workspaces and optimise business performance. Headquartered in Tokyo, Ricoh's global operation reaches customers in approximately 200 countries and regions, supported by cultivated knowledge, technologies, and organisational capabilities nurtured over its 85-year history. In the financial year ended March 2024, Ricoh Group had worldwide sales of 2,348 billion yen (approx. 15.5 billion USD). It is Ricoh's mission and vision to empower individuals to find 'Fulfillment through Work' by understanding and transforming how people work so we can unleash their potential and creativity to realise a sustainable future. For further information, please visit www.ricoh.com CONTACT: James Loginov, james.loginov@jp.ricoh.com 

SINGAPORE, May 30, 2024  /PRNewswire/ -- Senior Minister of State for Communications and Information Tan Kiat How launched the Digital Enterprise Blueprint (DEB) at Asia Tech x Singapore (ATxSG) 2024 today. The Blueprint will enable SMEs to harness technology, optimise the way they work, and strengthen digital resilience and cybersecurity across the ecosystem. 50,000 SMEs are expected to benefit over the next five years through four key focus areas: Empower enterprises to be smarter by adopting AI-enabled solutions Enable enterprises to scale faster through cloud-based and integrated solutions Equip enterprises to be safer through improved cyber resilience Support enterprises to upskill workers to make full use of digital capabilities Seven partners have come onboard to pledge their commitment, including Singapore Business Federation, Singapore Computer Society, SGTech, Amazon Web Services, Google, Microsoft and Salesforce. In collaboration with IMDA and the TechSkills Accelerator for ITE and Polytechnics Alliance, SGTech is launching the Tech Apprenticeship Programme to expand the career pathways of graduates by providing access to industry apprenticeships that offer on-the-job training and development opportunities. Over the next two and a half years, SGTech aims to facilitate the placement of at least 300 apprentices who are fresh or mid-career professionals from polytechnic or ITE backgrounds, and drive the adoption of similar practices that promote more inclusive hiring and career agility. IMDA and the Singapore Academy of Law (SAL) signed an MoU aimed at uplifting the legal sector's productivity through the use of GenAI. As part of this partnership, GPT-Legal, a new large language model which is contextualised for Singapore's legal sector, will be co-developed. The model will be integrated into SAL's research platform LawNet, which is accessible by 75% of Singapore's lawyers. SAL will also be penning an MoU with the National University of Singapore and AI Singapore to develop its AI capabilities and create a certification to recognise AI specialists in the legal profession. Additionally, Tribe and Digital Industry Singapore announced a collaboration with NVIDIA to launch the Ignition AI Accelerator for AI startups to create and bring to market the next wave of advancement in AI solutions. This programme will nurture 15 high-potential startups, equipping them with well-rounded support covering business and technical needs. NVIDIA and Tribe will also collaborate with EnterpriseSG to offer qualified AI startups funding support through the Startup SG Tech scheme, and assist them through the IMDA Accreditation process.  Singapore hosted the final meeting of the UN Secretary-General's Artificial Intelligence Advisory Body (AIAB) from 28-29 May. As part of the agenda, Singapore facilitated an engagement session between AIAB and the Digital Forum of Small States (Digital FOSS). Digital FOSS Fellows exchanged views with AIAB members on the topic of AI governance, particularly on the implications and challenges faced by small states. Through such efforts, Singapore aims to promote a more inclusive approach towards shaping global AI and digital governance. Contact:atxsg.imda@omnicomprgroup.com  

CHANGZHOU, China, May 29, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- A photovoltaic power plant in Shandong province, one of the earliest projects in the field, recently encountered efficiency bottlenecks due to its aging technology. To tackle the growing operational and maintenance issues and the decline in power generation efficiency, TrinaTracker, a leading provider of smart tracker solutions under Trinasolar, drew on its extensive expertise and advanced digital intelligence technology, Smart Control System, to carry out a landmark technological transformation. The Shandong photovoltaic power plant. (Photo: TrinaTracker) The core of the upgrade involved replacing the power station's outdated electronic control system with TrinaTracker's self-developed TCUs and NCUs. This resolved communications barriers and improved the security defense mechanism. TrinaTracker's meticulously crafted stow strategy automatically activates when high winds strike, intelligently adjusting the tracker based on real-time meteorological data to mitigate risks posed by poor weather. In addition, the TCU identifies motor overloads and triggers the stow program, preventing structural damage caused by overcurrent and ensuring long-term stability and safety. To unlock the power generation potential, TrinaTracker integrated its SuperTrack smart algorithms, equipped with the Smart Backtracking Algorithm (SBA) and Smart Tracking Algorithm (STA). SBA uses a patented mini-shading model to construct a 3D map using terrain data, enabling self-learning and self-optimization for real-time sensing of parameters and maximizing tracker advantages. The STA relies on the Bifacial Irradiance Model to determine the optimal tracker angle for cloudy and rainy conditions, minimizing rotation and extending operational hours. The incorporation of Trina Smart Cloud has revolutionized conventional operational and maintenance practices. The platform enables real-time monitoring, prompt fault detection and display, and features such as data sharing, digital maps and health diagnosis to improve overall operational efficiency and ensure the power plant's health. The O&M company overseeing the power station praised TrinaTracker's "comprehensive technical reform strategy" for significantly resolving operational faults and ensuring robust system operations through the integration of digital monitoring and intelligent tracking technology. In the rapidly evolving photovoltaic industry, technological innovation is the driving force propelling the sector forward. TrinaTracker's Smart Control System is deployed globally, with contracts exceeding 6.2GW across 16 countries and regions. The company is committed to a customer-centric approach, continuously refining and innovating its systems through field projects and collaborative effort to drive down costs and boost efficiency for PV power stations, catalyzing the evolution toward a new type of power system.

RIYADH, Saudi Arabia, May 29, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- China Petroleum & Chemical Corporation (HKG: 0386, "Sinopec") publicized reports that shed light on the future of China's petrochemical sector, along with the decarbonization efforts of Chinese companies as they continue to push for a green, low-carbon transition, at the press conference in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on May 29. The conference boasted a turnout of over 70 people, featuring a notable speech by Xie Qinsheng, Minister Counsellor for Economic and Commercial Affairs, Embassy of the People's Republic of China in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Esteemed participants included representatives from the Saudi Energy Ministry, Saudi Aramco, the King Abdullah Petroleum Studies and Research Center, King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals, and various local news agencies. Sinopec Releases Reports Offering Outlooks of China’s Energy, Hydrogen and Chemical Development. Three key reports, namely "China Energy Outlook 2060 (2024 Edition)", "China Hydrogen Energy Industry Outlook", and "2024 China Energy and Chemical Industry Development Report", were presented on the press conference with the theme Green Transition, High-profile Development, Innovative Future, followed by the keynote reports delivered by experts from Saudi Arabia's Center for Research and Intercommunication Knowledge (CRIK) and Wood Mackenzie Ltd. to introduce the development prospects of Saudi Arabia's energy and chemical industries and highlight the research results of the global energy transition. China Energy Outlook 2060 (2024 Edition) shows a downward trend in energy consumption and carbon emissions in China, fueled by the country's green and low-carbon initiatives, with breakdown forecasts below: The outlook forecasts that China's coal consumption, which anchors the country's energy security, will stop growing around 2025. Oil demand will peak before 2027. Natural gas usage is rising and is projected to peak by 2040. Non-fossil energy is projected to dominate China's total energy supply by approximately 2045. China Hydrogen Energy Industry Outlook Report predicts that by 2060, China's hydrogen energy consumption will be nearing 86 million tons, creating an industry worth 4.6 trillion RMB. Non-fossil fuel as an energy source used for making hydrogen will jump to 93% by then, with solar and wind energy to contributing to two-thirds of the production. The 2024 China Energy and Chemical Industry Development Report stresses the need to prioritize the conservation, intensification, and high-efficiency recycling of resources in 2024 of the petrochemical industry, while steadily moving towards achieving carbon peak and carbon neutrality, speeding up energy efficiency improvements, and increasing the use of renewable energy sources. International oil prices will sustain a medium-to-high level, but the possibility of major global events may flatten the market. For more information about the reports, please visit http://www.sinopecgroup.com/group/en/.  

SHANGHAI, May 29, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- With a full recovery within view, the global aviation industry is now navigating toward the future amid evolving traveller preferences, new technological developments, and emerging business models. On 29 May, leading one-stop travel service provider Trip.com hosted its second Airline Global Conference in Shanghai, with more than 170 representatives from the International Air Transport Association (IATA), airlines, airports, and tech companies from more than 40 countries in attendance to discuss the state of the industry and the next chapter of growth. During the conference, Trip.com spotlighted its ongoing efforts in fields like artificial intelligence and product innovation, and discussed with its global partners on a range of topics including next-generation technology and customer-centric solutions. Streamlining Flights with New Technology In his keynote speech "Technology Drives Future Travel", Mr Xing Xiong, COO of Trip.com Group explored the pivotal challenges currently facing the travel industry and demonstrated how technological innovations would offer a clear pathway ahead. "The recent breakthroughs in artificial intelligence are truly eye-opening and are already bringing changes to the travel industry that are previously unthought of," said Mr Xiong. "Trip.com Group has been implementing AI technology in all aspects, ranging from travel planning and customer service to software development and business solutions." In his speech, Mr Xiong highlighted FlightAI, a data visualisation platform for aviation market insights, as an example of Trip.com Group's value-added service to its partners. With more than 3,500 registered users from airlines and airports, FlightAI integrates various data sources to create easy-to-understand dashboards to help airlines and airports monitor emerging trends and adjust strategies based on informed analyses. Having recently joined the IATA Strategic Partner programme, Trip.com has also been transforming the entire booking and travel experience by being the first OTA working with IATA and industry partners on the end-to-end digital identity proof of concept. In October 2023, Trip.com participated in the successful test for the first fully integrated digital identity travel experience, from shopping for flights to arrival, on a journey from London to Rome. This ongoing initiative by IATA aims to provide a fully digital and seamless travel experience for travellers secured with biometric identification. Looking toward the future, Trip.com embraces technology that is driving next-generation retailing in aviation and travel. As Generation-Z travellers crave interaction and instant responses, Trip.com has been making its UX design more intuitive and informative. Its vibrant content marketing ecosystem, including its signature BOSS Live livestream sessions, has enhanced the engagement between partners and travellers and has brought more attractive and cost-effective options to consumers. Moreover, Trip.com's in-app AI travel assistant TripGenie has helped to streamline the air ticket booking process by providing flight recommendations and booking options. Leveraging large language model technologies, TripGenie creates personalised itineraries based on user queries and can direct users to book directly when prompted. TripGenie will soon support shared editing and real-time alerts, and it will continue to revolutionise travel planning and booking and redefining the user experience. "We are excited to hear how our industry partners are putting innovation into practice in all aspects at the Trip.com Airline Global Conference," said Mr Stephan Copart, Head of Digital Transformation at IATA. "From business solutions to customer engagement, exciting opportunities await in the future of aviation as we work together." "We greatly appreciate the Trip.com Airline Global Conference for highlighting the current and future advancements in travel technology," said Mr Sam Abdou, Executive Vice President, Global OTA, Airline Distribution & IT Sales, Amadeus IT Group. "Amadeus shares Trip.com's vision and we have been collaborating to create an end-to-end experience for the traveller by delivering solutions that inspire innovation, partnerships, and value creation." Customer Satisfaction as the Cornerstone of Innovation Technological innovation does not replace the emphasis on the human touch; rather, it holds the promise to enhance customer satisfaction. In his fireside chat, Mr Yudong Tan, CEO of Flight Business Group, Trip.com Group, discussed how the company has been using its tech capabilities to empower its products. "Technological progress has allowed us to expand our product offerings to satisfy our customers' evolving demands," said Mr Tan. "Whether it's providing virtual interlining for long-haul flights or offering more premium cabin choices with rich content, we have developed rapidly in recent years to take care of the needs of our diverse customer base." With customers expecting more personalised service, Trip.com has introduced a wide range of products and functions catering to their needs. For example, customers can easily choose from various upsell options provided by the Trip Agency Fare Family, such as flexible change and cancellation, airline award miles and benefits, and ancillary product bundles. For customers who wish to change their itineraries but cannot find a suitable alternative flight on the same day, Trip.com offers the "cancel to rebook" option for other flights on nearby dates, which is much more efficient and potentially more cost-effective than the traditional revalidation and reissue processes. "Through its all-in-one platform, Trip.com creates synergy across business lines through innovative cross-selling, thus enhancing the travel experience as tourists connect their flights with hotel stays, car rentals, experiences and more," said Mr Schubert Lou, COO of Trip.com, in his keynote titled "Evolution and Growth: Innovating for Competitive Edge". "Besides，getting ahead of the latest trends is important as tourists increasingly seek unique experiences on their travel." Trip.com's world-class customer service has further ensured 24/7 support for its global travellers. Since 2014, Trip.com's Customer Support Centre has expanded to 16 global customer support centres worldwide, with service support provided in 20 languages across 13 product lines. In particular, its AI system has helped optimise response efficiency and resolve the majority of inquiries. For example, the self-service submission rate for flight change has doubled to more than 80%, with an automated processing rate of 80%. Meanwhile, the human teams have been able to tackle the more intricate issues, enhancing the overall customer experience. Additionally, Trip.com has taken proactive measures to support customers who may be impacted by unexpected events worldwide. The forecast accuracy rate has reached an impressive 80%, enabling Trip.com to provide timely and effective support to its valued customers. "In today's world, integrating our infrastructure digitally through the use of big data, biometrics, and IoT is essential to enhancing the passenger experience in our airport business," said Mr Gokhan Dolek, Aviation Development Manager of Istanbul Airport. "We were glad to share our experience at the Trip.com Airline Global Conference and engage in discussions about how to better serve our travellers." With its unwavering commitment to innovation and customer satisfaction, Trip.com is poised to scale new heights in the aviation industry, working closely with its partners to shape the future of flight and bring about a new era of air travel. About Trip.com Trip.com is an international one-stop travel service provider, available in 24 languages across 39 countries and regions in 35 local currencies. Trip.com has an extensive hotel and flight network consisting of more than 1.7 million hotels and flights from over 600 airlines covering 3,400 airports in 220 countries and regions around the globe. Trip.com's world-class 24/7 multilingual customer service, as well as additional centres in Edinburgh, Tokyo and Seoul, help to 'create the best travel experience' for its millions of customers worldwide. To book your next trip, visit trip.com.