-Views Exchanged on NX Group's Global Growth Strategy and Digitalization of Logistics- TOKYO, Sept. 18, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- NIPPON EXPRESS HOLDINGS, INC. welcomed Ms. Ho Weng Si, executive vice president of the Singapore Economic Development Board (hereinafter &quot;EDB&quot;), and Mr. Hsuan Te Phua, EDB regional director for Japan, at the NX Group Building on Thursday, August 20. Logo: <a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1dqm0cxpYamnvMUra1AGXMuGlX932Z353/view?usp=drive_link" target="_blank" rel="nofollow" style="color: #0000FF">https://drive.google.com/file/d/1dqm0cxpYamnvMUra1AGXMuGlX932Z353/view?usp=drive_link</a>&nbsp; Group photo: <a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1LTfq7OrCaD2Qj_YAec3R1KvCB78diyvZ/view?usp=drive_link" target="_blank" rel="nofollow" style="color: #0000FF">https://drive.google.com/file/d/1LTfq7OrCaD2Qj_YAec3R1KvCB78diyvZ/view?usp=drive_link</a>&nbsp; The NX Group first set up its operations in Singapore in 1973 and has grown its presence from local market operations into a regional hub leveraging Singapore's world-class connectivity across air, sea and land to support complex supply chains across Asia. Today, Singapore houses the NX Group's regional headquarters, Nippon Express (South Asia &amp; Oceania) Pte. Ltd., which oversees 15 countries across Southeast Asia, South Asia and Oceania, as well as several local subsidiaries. Through these companies, the Group offers a broad base of capabilities including air and ocean freight forwarding, logistics support services and heavy haulage. The Group views Singapore and the broader Southeast Asia region as key growth markets, given their strong growth potential and diverse industrial base. Its Singapore base serves as both a regional management center and an important gateway supporting the Group's business expansion into Southeast Asia. The purpose of EDB's visit was to discuss the NX Group's global growth strategy and explore how Singapore can support by serving as a potential base for key global functions to drive business expansion in Asia. Representing the NX Group were NIPPON EXPRESS HOLDINGS President Satoshi Horikiri, NIPPON EXPRESS HOLDINGS Senior Managing Executive Officer Satoshi Otsuji and Nippon Express (South Asia &amp; Oceania) President Katsuhito Kobayashi. The NX Group's global growth strategy seeks to capitalize on Asia's growth potential and Singapore's international business-friendly environment against the backdrop of a multipolar global logistics market and ongoing efforts to restructure supply chains and diversify sourcing. They also examined the use of AI and automation technologies in the logistics industry, exploring the possibility of utilizing Singapore as a hub for incorporating AI and other digital technologies into logistics services while strengthening the NX Group's IT solutions capabilities and developing functions such as logistics operations design and launch, warehouse automation verification and human resource development. As one of these initiatives, the Singapore operations have already introduced AI-enabled forklifts and robotic sorting systems, using these technologies to improve safety and productivity at logistics sites. The meeting reaffirmed the commitment of EDB and the NX Group to further deepening the partnership and expanding areas of cooperation to support the NX Group's continued growth in Singapore. The NX Group remains committed to further expanding its global network and providing high-quality logistics services to ever more customers around the world. About the NX Group: <a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1mbvBL6C8THZNrR5LREgGeafNkEdaAmV-/view?usp=drive_link" target="_blank" rel="nofollow" style="color: #0000FF">https://drive.google.com/file/d/1mbvBL6C8THZNrR5LREgGeafNkEdaAmV-/view?usp=drive_link</a>&nbsp; NX Group official website: <a href="https://www.nipponexpress.com/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow" style="color: #0000FF">https://www.nipponexpress.com/</a>&nbsp; NX Group's official LinkedIn account: <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/nippon-express-group/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow" style="color: #0000FF">https://www.linkedin.com/company/nippon-express-group/</a>&nbsp;

Executive Vice President of Singapore Economic Development Board Visits NX Group Building

Ant International Launches Industry's First Full-Stack AI-Native Solutions for Payment, Account, FX, Treasury and Growth Operations for Global Businesses

New Swift Solutions programme gives hospitality and commercial businesses greater access to premium customised outdoor branding without traditional volume constraints SINGAPORE, Sept. 18, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Premium outdoor branding has traditionally come with a significant challenge: high minimum order quantities, lengthy production timelines and limited flexibility for smaller businesses. For hospitality venues, event operators and commercial brands looking to strengthen their visual presence, accessing fully customised outdoor products has often required committing to large-volume orders that may not align with operational needs or budgets. As a result, many businesses have been left choosing between generic outdoor furnishings and costly bulk purchases simply to achieve a professional branded environment. Swift Shades is addressing this challenge through its newly launched Swift Solutions programme, a service-led initiative designed to make premium outdoor branding more accessible, flexible and efficient. Rather than introducing a new product range, Swift Solutions represents a logistics and fulfilment innovation aimed at simplifying the customisation process while significantly reducing lead times for customers. Built around the philosophy of &quot;You choose, we deliver. From here, it's on us.&quot;, the programme allows customers to focus on selecting products, colours and branding requirements while Swift Shades manages the production and delivery process from start to finish. Backed by more than 70 years of umbrella manufacturing expertise, Swift Shades combines commercial-grade product quality, responsive customer service and operational flexibility to help businesses create impactful branded environments without the complexity typically associated with custom manufacturing. Making Premium Branding More Accessible As competition for customer attention continues to intensify, branded outdoor environments have become increasingly important for hospitality, retail and commercial businesses seeking to strengthen brand recognition and enhance customer experiences. However, traditional manufacturing models often prioritise high-volume production runs, creating barriers for businesses that require lower order quantities. The Swift Solutions programme was developed to bridge this gap by providing a more accessible pathway to customised branding solutions while maintaining the quality standards expected of commercial-grade products. The programme is designed to support a broad range of customers, including caf&eacute;s, restaurants, bars, breweries, wineries, hotels, event organisers and commercial property operators. A Fulfilment Model Designed for Speed Speed is another key focus of Swift Solutions. Custom covers are manufactured and printed according to customer requirements in China before being couriered to Australia for final preparation and dispatch. By structuring production and fulfilment around the different stages of an order, Swift Shades is able to offer customised products within six weeks or earlier. This allows businesses to plan customised branding projects around operational requirements, seasonal campaigns, events or venue openings without the longer timelines traditionally associated with made-to-order manufacturing. The streamlined approach is intended to give customers greater flexibility while retaining the customisation options required to reflect individual brand identities. Commercial-Grade Quality Remains the Priority While Swift Solutions focuses on speed and flexibility, product quality remains central to the company's offering. Swift Shades' manufacturing philosophy is built on superior quality, craftsmanship, thorough testing and continuous improvement, ensuring products are designed to withstand demanding commercial environments. The company also positions itself as a trusted partner, helping customers navigate branding requirements while providing responsive support and dependable delivery outcomes. Rather than requiring customers to choose between quality and convenience, Swift Solutions aims to deliver both through a streamlined operational model. One Solution for Complete Outdoor Branding Beyond market umbrellas, Swift Solutions extends across a broader ecosystem of branded outdoor products designed to create a consistent visual identity across customer-facing spaces. The programme currently includes: <ul type="disc"> <li>Market umbrellas</li> <li>Breeze barriers</li> <li>Barrier sleeves</li> <li>Deck chairs</li> <li>Cushions and pillows</li> <li>Bean bags</li> <li>Bar mats</li> <li>Feather banners</li> </ul> The six-week-or-earlier turnaround applies across all of the product categories listed under the programme. By providing these products through a single programme, Swift Shades aims to simplify procurement, customisation and fulfilment for businesses seeking a more coordinated approach to outdoor branding. For hospitality operators, this could mean coordinating branded umbrellas, barriers and other outdoor furnishings across a caf&eacute;, restaurant or hotel space. For events and commercial brands, it provides a way to develop customised assets across multiple touchpoints while working with a single supplier. Responding to More Flexible Business Needs The launch of Swift Solutions reflects changing expectations among businesses seeking greater flexibility from suppliers. Companies may require customised products for a single location, seasonal promotion, new venue, event or limited campaign without needing the quantities traditionally associated with custom manufacturing. By supporting orders from as few as one to three units and providing turnaround within six weeks or earlier, Swift Shades is positioning Swift Solutions as an alternative for businesses that require professional customisation without large-volume commitments. The programme also allows businesses to scale their requirements over time, whether starting with selected branded products or developing a more complete outdoor environment. Through Swift Solutions, Swift Shades aims to remove some of the traditional barriers surrounding customised outdoor branding, giving hospitality, event and commercial businesses greater flexibility in how they bring their brands into physical spaces. About Swift Shades Swift Shades provides commercial-grade outdoor shelter and branding solutions for hospitality, corporate, advertising and commercial environments. Born from the legacy of MS1947, the company draws on more than 70 years of umbrella manufacturing expertise to provide customised outdoor products combining craftsmanship, design and commercial functionality. Swift Shades operates internationally, with a presence in Singapore, Australia and New Zealand, and offers a range of outdoor shelter and branding solutions for businesses across different markets. Its product portfolio includes umbrellas, parasols and complementary customised outdoor branding products. For more information, visit <a href="https://www.swiftshades.com" target="_blank" rel="nofollow" style="color: #0000FF">www.swiftshades.com</a>.

Swift Shades Removes Bulk-Order Barriers with New Swift Solutions Programme

The three-day learning event brings together soy industry professionals from across Asia for practical learning spanning processing technology, product development and consumer insights. BANGKOK, Sept. 18, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Tetra Pak, in collaboration with the Soy Excellence Center Asia, a U.S. Soybean Export Council (USSEC) initiative, hosted the Soy Food &amp; Beverage Intermediate learning track from 15-17 September 2026 at Tetra Pak's Product Development Centre (PDC) in Rayong and Customer Innovation Centre (CIC) in Bangkok. The learning track brought together soy industry professionals from across Asia to strengthen their knowledge of soy beverage processing, formulation and consumer-led product development. <div class="PRN_ImbeddedAssetReference" id="DivAssetPlaceHolder1" style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; WIDTH: 100%"> <a href="https://mmx.prnasia.com/media/MS1991300/20260917225917EDT_image_1.jpg?id=OA2956859&amp;p=medium600" target="_blank" style="color: #0000FF"><img src="https://mmx.prnasia.com/media/MS1991300/20260917225917EDT_image_1.jpg?id=OA2956859&amp;p=medium600" title="Soy Ingredients" alt="Soy Ingredients" /></a> Soy Ingredients </div> Asia Pacific accounts for 75% of the global plant-based beverage volume.[1] In many Western markets, plant-based beverages are commonly positioned as alternatives to dairy. Across many Asian markets, however soy has long been an established part of the beverage category alongside other plant-based drinks. As consumer preferences evolve and the range of plant-based products expands, the challenge for soy beverage manufacturers is to bring new value to a familiar category. This can mean exploring and developing new taste and texture profiles, addressing different nutritional needs and creating products for new consumption occasions and formats. Over three days, the learning track explored opportunities across the soy beverage value chain, from soybean variety and supplier selection to formulation, processing technology, sensory evaluation and consumer understanding. Technical sessions were combined with hands-on learning and an ideation workshop, where participants developed soy beverage concepts tailored to specific consumer groups. Sherry Chen, Center Lead, Soy Excellence Center Asia, said: &quot;Growing the soy food and beverage category starts with understanding how decisions across the value chain, from soybean selection to processing and formulation, shape product quality and the consumer experience. The Soy Excellence Center Asia gives participants a practical learning environment to strengthen their technical skills and apply that knowledge directly to product development. Our collaboration with Tetra Pak brings this learning to life with hands-on experience, giving learners deeper insights into processing, formulation and consumer needs. By combining technical expertise with real-world application, we are equipping participants with practical insights they can use to innovate, improve products, and drive growth in their markets.&quot; Across Tetra Pak's innovation ecosystem, participants worked across both the Customer Innovation Centre (CIC) in Bangkok and the Product Development Centre (PDC) in Rayong to gain end-to-end insights into soy beverage innovation and production. At the CIC, sessions focused on product and consumer-led innovation, exploring plant-based trends across Asia Pacific, Tetra Pak's customer innovation ecosystem, functional ingredients, fermentation technologies and the utilisation of okara. At the PDC, participants took part in hands-on demonstrations across key stages of aseptic soy beverage production, including extraction, blending and UHT processing, aseptic filling, and food development. Tetra Pak specialists also shared expertise in production technologies, operational efficiency, troubleshooting, soy waste management and beverage formulation. Sutthinun Taechathayanon, Customer Experience Manager APAC, Tetra Pak, said: &quot;Soy is already familiar to consumers across many Asian markets, creating a strong foundation for further innovation. By combining consumer insights with formulation and processing expertise, producers can identify opportunities to enhance taste, texture, nutrition, and convenience while developing products that respond to changing consumer needs and consumption occasions. Through Tetra Pak's CIC Bangkok and PDC Rayong, soy manufacturers can explore new product ideas, conduct trials, and accelerate the journey from concept to commercialization with greater confidence and reduced risk. Our continued collaboration with USSEC helps translate knowledge from across the soy value chain into practical product development opportunities for the industry.&quot; The Soy Food &amp; Beverage Intermediate learning track course builds on the long-standing partnership between Tetra Pak and USSEC, combining USSEC's expertise across the soy value chain with Tetra Pak's expertise in processing and product development to support continued innovation across Asia Pacific's soy food and beverage industry. To learn more about Tetra Pak's soy beverage processing solutions, visit our website <a href="https://www.tetrapak.com/en-th/solutions/categories/plant-based/soy?utm_source=pressrelease_medium=earnedmedia&amp;utm_campaign=Plantbased23&amp;utm_content=SECcourse" target="_blank" rel="nofollow" style="color: #0000FF">here</a>. ABOUT TETRA PAK We're here to make food safe and available. It's why we provide advanced food production systems. In collaboration with our customers and suppliers, driven by more than 24,000 dedicated employees worldwide, we protect food sustainably every day for hundreds of millions of people in more than 160 countries. Because we're here to fulfil a purpose: We commit to making food safe and available, everywhere, and we promise to protect what's good: food, people and the planet. More information about Tetra Pak is available at <a href="https://www.tetrapak.com/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow" style="color: #0000FF">tetrapak.com</a>. ABOUT SOY EXCELLENCE CENTER The Soy Excellence Centers (SEC), an initiative by the U.S. Soybean Export Council (USSEC), focuses on skills-building for early- to mid-career protein professionals in growing markets through world-class workforce training and professional development to meet local nutrition and food security needs and support sustainable economic growth. USSEC is collaborating with diverse partners, including local food and agriculture universities and organizations, to deliver training in five core subject areas – aquaculture, feed, food, poultry, and swine. USSEC operates Soy Excellence Centers in four regional hubs – Americas, Asia, Middle East and North Africa, and Sub-Saharan Africa. <div> <table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="1" class="prnbcc"> <tbody> <tr> <td class="prnpr2 prnpl2 prnsbtb1 prnrbrb1 prnsbbb1 prnsblb1" colspan="1" rowspan="1"> [1] Tetra Pak Compass, Dairy Alternatives, 2025. </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> </div> &nbsp;

Tetra Pak and Soy Excellence Center Asia Host Regional Soy Food and Beverage Programme in Thailand

<table name="logo_release" border="0" cellspacing="10" cellpadding="5" align="right"> <tbody> <tr> <td><img src="https://mmx.prnasia.com/media/MS608184/iQIYI-New-Logo-Logo.jpg?id=OA2956874&amp;p=medium600" border="0" alt="" title="logo" hspace="0" vspace="0" width="118" /></td> </tr> </tbody> </table> BEIJING, Sept. 18, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- iQIYI, China's leading online entertainment platform, is well positioned to capitalize on the growing trend toward big-screen viewing, as the big screen increasingly becomes a key destination for long-form video consumption. <div class="PRN_ImbeddedAssetReference" id="DivAssetPlaceHolder1"> </div> Behind this trend is a rising bar for viewing experience. The big screen's natural advantages — audio-visual quality, immersion, and shared family viewing — make it a more fitting home for premium long-form content. As big-screen viewing continues to gain momentum, iQIYI's big-screen business has become an increasingly important driver of user scale, engagement, and monetization. A Global Trend Toward the Big-Screen This shift is part of a broader global trend toward big-screen streaming. The worldwide Connected TV (CTV) market is projected to reach USD 260.56 billion in 2026 and expand at a 6.03% CAGR through 2032, with the Asia-Pacific region accounting for approximately 45% of total demand, according to MarkNtel Advisors. In the United States, streaming accounted for 48.6% of total TV watch time in May 2026, with YouTube representing 13.8% and Netflix at 8.0%, according to Nielsen's monthly &quot;The Gauge&quot; report. The shift is also visible across other markets. In Poland, for example, Nielsen found that Netflix's share of viewing on TV screens rose from 83% in May to 86% in June 2026, reflecting what Nielsen described as a broader trend of digital platforms strengthening their presence on the household's largest screen. Together, these developments point to the growing role of the big screen as a key destination for streaming, particularly for premium and long-form content. A Growing Audience According to China's leading big data intelligence services provider QuestMobile, active smart TV devices reached 302 million in June 2026, up 12.04 million year-over-year, with OTT monthly active devices continuing to grow. iQIYI's smart TV application, QIYIGuo TV, led the market with 141 million monthly active devices. The scale of big-screen viewership extends well beyond what mobile numbers capture. QIYIGuo TV recorded 50.42 million daily active devices in June, slightly ahead of the 45.14 million daily active users on the iQIYI mobile app. But television is not a single-user device. According to Gozen Data, a leading cross-screen big data provider in China, each smart TV averages 2.6 viewers, implying iQIYI's big-screen content reaches approximately 130 million individual viewers daily — nearly three times its mobile daily active users (DAU). Deeper Engagement Scale only tells part of the story. What sets the big screen apart is how long audiences stay. Gozen Data shows that iQIYI TV users averaged 256 minutes of daily viewing in August, up 13 minutes from the prior month and growing for three consecutive months. That engagement translates into willingness to pay. According to iiMedia Research, a leading new-economy research and data analytics firm in China, QIYIGuo TV ranked first among consumers' preferred TV video subscription services in 2026, with a 32.45% share. Paying habits on the big screen are well established, providing a solid foundation for monetization. Television viewing is also behaviorally different from mobile: sessions run longer, consumption is shared across the household, and immersion runs deeper. That makes the big screen a more natural home for long-form content and a more durable platform for subscription retention and advertising. Stronger Content, Smarter Production Big-screen engagement is built on content. This year, iQIYI has produced three dramas surpassing its content popularity index of 10,000 — a measure of audience engagement on the platform and a milestone typically associated with nationwide hit titles, including &quot;The Punishment,&quot; &quot;Born with Luck&quot; and &quot;Pursuit of Jade.&quot; Among this summer's new releases, iQIYI accounted for seven of the 15 dramas rated S+ across all platforms by Enlightent, a leading Chinese entertainment data provider, with all seven exclusively streamed on the platform. Beyond content investment, iQIYI is driving efficiency through AI while expanding the possibilities of AI-powered storytelling. In July, iQIYI exclusively premiered &quot;Mystic Tales: The Spider Lady's Vendetta&quot; on iQIYI and iQIYI International, making it China's first AIGC internet feature film released under an Internet Drama and Film Distribution License. This was followed by the first two films in &quot;The Ferry Man&quot; AIGC series, &quot;The Ferry Man: Butterfly Dream&quot; and &quot;The Ferry Man: The Dream of the Celestial Maiden,&quot; which generated over RMB 6 million in revenue-sharing box office within their first 10 days following their August 22 debut—an early signal that audiences are receptive to AI-produced premium content. From a strong content slate to AI-driven efficiency, iQIYI is amplifying user value on the big screen through streamlined production and a more open, diverse content supply. As big-screen viewing continues its resurgence, iQIYI is well-positioned to capture the trend and reinforce its standing as a leading destination for long-form video in China. Contact: iQIYI Press, <a href="mailto:press@qiyi.com" target="_blank" rel="nofollow" style="color: #0000FF">press@qiyi.com</a>&nbsp; &nbsp;

iQIYI Capitalizes on China's Big-Screen Viewing Trend as Long-Form Video Enters Next Chapter

SINGAPORE, Sept. 18, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Synology today launched ActiveProtect Manager 2.0 (APM 2.0), the latest software update for its ActiveProtect data protection appliances. This release introduces expanded platform coverage, cross-platform recovery, and enhanced security, with future updates bringing AI-driven threat mitigation. <div class="PRN_ImbeddedAssetReference" id="DivAssetPlaceHolder8616" style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; WIDTH: 100%"> <a href="https://mmx.prnasia.com/media/MS1990647/20260917042239EDT_image_1.jpg?id=OA2955191&amp;p=medium600" target="_blank" style="color: #0000FF"><img src="https://mmx.prnasia.com/media/MS1990647/20260917042239EDT_image_1.jpg?id=OA2955191&amp;p=medium600" title="ActiveProtect Manager 2.0" alt="ActiveProtect Manager 2.0" /></a> ActiveProtect Manager 2.0 </div> &quot;Managing fragmented backup infrastructure drives up costs and slows recovery. The ActiveProtect appliance unites purpose-built storage with powerful data management software into a single, predictable investment,&quot; said Jia-Yu Liu, Executive Vice President of the Synology Data Protection Group. &quot;APM 2.0 builds on that value, enabling organizations to safeguard their entire hybrid infrastructure through one centralized, scalable solution.&quot; Expanded platform coverage APM 2.0 extends protection to Amazon EC2, Azure VM, Proxmox VE, Nutanix AHV, and Google Workspace. Cross-platform recovery allows workloads to be backed up and restored across different environments, supporting both disaster recovery and seamless workload migration. Backup destinations have also expanded. ActiveProtect Vault now supports a wider range of Synology NAS models, while Azure Blob Storage joins the list of supported copy and tiering targets. Backups stored in Amazon S3 Storage or Azure Blob Storage can be restored directly into either Amazon EC2 and Azure VM as a cloud disaster recovery strategy without routing through on-premises hardware, significantly reducing recovery times. AI-driven proactive resiliency ActiveProtect Manager 2.0 adds software-based storage encryption at the volume level to secure data at rest. Backup data and system configurations remain inaccessible in the event of drive theft or hardware loss. The upcoming APM 2.1 update will add AI/ML anomaly detection, tracking each backup version for shifts in change rate, file modifications, mass deletions, and entropy. Suspicious backup copies will be moved to quarantine for administrators to investigate, limiting the risk of backup contamination. The model learns from those outcomes to improve accuracy and reduce false positives. APM 2.1 will also scan backups for malware before restoration, using integrated third-party antivirus software such as Microsoft Defender, Bitdefender, and ESET. If malware is detected in the most recent backup, Auto Fallback restores the latest clean version instead. Availability ActiveProtect Manager 2.0 is available for all DP-Series appliances at no additional cost. For details, please refer to the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.synology.com/en-sg/products/ActiveProtectAppliance" target="_blank" rel="nofollow" style="color: #0000FF">product page</a>. About Synology Founded in Taiwan in 2000, Synology is a technology company specializing in network-attached storage (NAS), data backup and recovery, video surveillance, and networking solutions for businesses and individuals worldwide. Over the past two decades, Synology has continuously expanded its ecosystem to help users manage, protect, and unlock the value of data more effectively in the era of cloud, AI, and big data. Synology's core philosophy is to build a comprehensive hybrid-cloud ecosystem that enables businesses to protect, synchronize, and manage data through a centralized, intuitive, and easy-to-operate platform. From enterprise storage, data backup, file sharing, and collaboration to video surveillance and network infrastructure, Synology's solutions are designed to simplify IT management and accelerate digital transformation. Alongside ongoing technology innovation, Synology also focuses strongly on long-term stability, security, and scalability for data infrastructure. More than half of Fortune 500 companies use Synology solutions, reflecting the brand's credibility and ability to support large-scale data operations worldwide. Website: <a href="https://www.synology.com/en-sg" target="_blank" rel="nofollow" style="color: #0000FF">https://www.synology.com/en-sg</a> <div class="PRN_ImbeddedAssetReference" id="DivAssetPlaceHolder0"> </div>

Synology® launches ActiveProtect Manager 2.0, bringing expanded platform support and advancing AI-driven security

<table name="logo_release" border="0" cellspacing="10" cellpadding="5" align="right"> <tbody> <tr> <td><img src="https://mmx.prnasia.com/media/MS1984746/Singapore_Management_University_Logo.jpg?id=OA2940608&amp;p=medium600" border="0" alt="" title="logo" hspace="0" vspace="0" width="118" /></td> </tr> </tbody> </table> Highest Asian ranking to-date underscores growing employer recognition and academic strength SMU Master of Science in Applied Finance also ranks 3rd in Asia SINGAPORE, Sept. 18, 2026 /PRNewswire/ --&nbsp;Singapore Management University's (SMU) Master of Business Administration (MBA) has reached a new high in the 2027 QS Global MBA Rankings, rising to 3rd in Asia, its highest regional position to date, and ranking 41st globally. <div class="PRN_ImbeddedAssetReference" id="DivAssetPlaceHolder1" style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; WIDTH: 100%"> <a href="https://mmx.prnasia.com/media/MS1984738/20260909085735EDT_image_1.jpg?id=OA2940607&amp;p=medium600" target="_blank" style="color: #0000FF"><img src="https://mmx.prnasia.com/media/MS1984738/20260909085735EDT_image_1.jpg?id=OA2940607&amp;p=medium600" title="SMU Lee Kong Chian School of Business" alt="SMU Lee Kong Chian School of Business" /></a> SMU Lee Kong Chian School of Business </div> The result marks the third consecutive year that the SMU MBA has risen in Asia, climbing from 6th in 2024 to 5th in 2025, 4th in 2026 and now 3rd in 2027. It is the second highest ranked MBA programme in Singapore and remains within the top 10 per cent of more than 400 MBA programmes assessed worldwide. The strong showing is underpinned by gains in employer recognition and graduate employment, alongside a 4th-place ranking in Asia for Thought Leadership, highlighting the combination of strong career outcomes and academic excellence that defines the SMU MBA experience. SMU Master of Science in Applied Finance also ranks 3rd in Asia SMU's strong performance also extends to the 2027 QS Master's in Finance Rankings, where its Master of Science in Applied Finance (MAF) ranks 3rd in Asia and 39th globally. It remains the only finance master's programme in Singapore included in the rankings, as the field expanded significantly from 248 programmes last year to 319 this year. Academic strength with impact Thought Leadership was another area of strength, with both programmes ranking among the world's Top 40, with the MBA at 33rd and the MAF at 19th. These results underscore SMU's Lee Kong Chian School of Business (LKCSB)'s growing standing as a source of influential research and ideas that contribute to business and management thinking. Almost all teaching faculty at SMU's LKCSB hold doctorates, bringing deep academic expertise and research insights into the classroom. The growing influence of their research is also reflected in this year's rankings, with research impact improving for both the MBA and MAF. Students across the MBA and MAF learn from well-qualified faculty in their areas of expertise, giving them access to current thinking and research that can be applied to real-world business challenges. Professor Shantanu Bhattacharya, Deputy Dean (Education) at SMU's Lee Kong Chian School of Business, said: &quot;Our MBA and MAF both ranking 3rd in Asia is a strong affirmation of the quality of an SMU business education and the progress we have made over several years. This recognition&nbsp;reflects the calibre of our faculty, the relevance and impact of their research, and the value employers place on our graduates. We are particularly encouraged by the growing recognition from employers, which speaks to the capabilities and perspectives our graduates bring to the workplace. In the latest graduate employment survey,&nbsp;86% and 78%&nbsp;of our MBA and MAF postgraduate students secured employment within six months of graduation respectively. Our focus remains on delivering an education that equips our students to advance their careers, seize new opportunities and lead with confidence in a dynamic and rapidly evolving Asia.&quot; Both the MBA and the MAF are offered by the University's Lee Kong Chian School of Business (LKCSB). The 2027 QS Global MBA and Master's in Finance rankings assessed more than 400 MBA programmes and 319 Master's in Finance programmes globally, respectively. Both rankings draw on extensive feedback from employers and academics worldwide and assess programmes across five areas: Employability, Alumni Outcomes, Thought Leadership, Value for Money and Diversity. About Singapore Management University (SMU) Established in 2000, Singapore Management University (SMU) is recognised for its high-impact, multi-disciplinary research that addresses Asian issues of global relevance, and for its interactive, collaborative and project-based approach to learning. Home to over 13,000 students across six schools and two colleges, SMU offers bachelors, masters and PhD programmes across Accountancy, Business, Economics, Information Systems, Integrative Studies, Law and Social Sciences, as well as executive development and continuing education programmes. SMU graduates are consistently ranked among the most employable in Singapore, and command one of the highest mean starting salaries. Through its city campus, SMU enjoys strategic linkages with business, government and the wider community in Singapore and beyond. <a href="http://www.smu.edu.sg/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow" style="color: #0000FF">www.smu.edu.sg</a> <div class="PRN_ImbeddedAssetReference" id="DivAssetPlaceHolder2"> </div>

SMU MBA rises to 3rd in Asia in 2027 QS Global MBA Rankings

<table name="logo_release" border="0" cellspacing="10" cellpadding="5" align="right"> <tbody> <tr> <td><img src="https://mmx.prnasia.com/media/MS1990858/20260917100551EDT_image_1.jpg?id=OA2955971&amp;p=medium600" border="0" alt="" title="logo" hspace="0" vspace="0" width="118" /></td> </tr> </tbody> </table> -&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Trip.Biz launches Agent&nbsp;ONE,&nbsp;at&nbsp;Transform&nbsp;2026 -&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Agent&nbsp;ONE&nbsp;is&nbsp;four&nbsp;connected,&nbsp;specialised agents supporting the end-to-end business travel lifecycle -&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Improves&nbsp;OBT&nbsp;adoption&nbsp;and&nbsp;reduces&nbsp;travel program&nbsp;leakage&nbsp;worldwide SINGAPORE, Sept. 18, 2026 /PRNewswire/ --&nbsp;Trip.Biz, the business travel brand of Trip.com Group, welcomed&nbsp;200&nbsp;senior&nbsp;leaders&nbsp;from&nbsp;travel,&nbsp;procurement,&nbsp;finance,&nbsp;and&nbsp;HR&nbsp;to&nbsp;Transform 2026,&nbsp;held at the Mandarin Oriental, Singapore. The&nbsp;half-day&nbsp;summit set&nbsp;out&nbsp;to&nbsp;challenge&nbsp;one&nbsp;of&nbsp;the&nbsp;most&nbsp;persistent&nbsp;assumptions&nbsp;in&nbsp;global travel management - that Asia Pacific is intrinsically too complex to manage consistently - while unveiling its new Agent ONE AI tool. Transform&nbsp;2026&nbsp;opened with&nbsp;an&nbsp;address from&nbsp;Trip.Biz&nbsp;CEO&nbsp;Tao&nbsp;Song, titled&nbsp;&quot;A&nbsp;New&nbsp;Day&nbsp;One&nbsp;for Business Travel&quot;. Song set the tone for the afternoon by framing Trip.Biz's next chapter around simplicity and trust, describing a company built on local depth across Asia Pacific and continuing to grow in Europe and around the world. <div class="PRN_ImbeddedAssetReference" id="DivAssetPlaceHolder8983" style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; WIDTH: 100%"> <a href="https://mmx.prnasia.com/media/MS1990887/Picture1.jpg?id=OA2955976&amp;p=medium600" target="_blank" style="color: #0000FF"><img src="https://mmx.prnasia.com/media/MS1990887/Picture1.jpg?id=OA2955976&amp;p=medium600" title="" alt="" /></a> </div> &quot;Trip.Biz&nbsp;aims&nbsp;to&nbsp;become&nbsp;a&nbsp;leading&nbsp;global AI-powered&nbsp;travel&nbsp;management&nbsp;company&nbsp;(TMC) rooted in APAC and built for the complexity of global business travel&quot;, said Tao Song. &quot;We are building for the new world, in which digital adoption pushes the boundaries of what's possible, and gives way to innovative tech solutions that help fix real-world challenges&quot;, he added. Complexity&nbsp;Isn't&nbsp;the&nbsp;Region,&nbsp;It's&nbsp;the&nbsp;Model For multinational travel, procurement and finance teams, APAC has long been treated as the exception that breaks the global travel program - a patchwork of markets with different regulations, payment standards, languages and supplier ecosystems. <div class="PRN_ImbeddedAssetReference" id="DivAssetPlaceHolder2963" style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; WIDTH: 100%"> <a href="https://mmx.prnasia.com/media/MS1990890/Picture2.jpg?id=OA2955975&amp;p=medium600" target="_blank" style="color: #0000FF"><img src="https://mmx.prnasia.com/media/MS1990890/Picture2.jpg?id=OA2955975&amp;p=medium600" title="" alt="" /></a> </div> Trip.Biz's&nbsp;position,&nbsp;delivered&nbsp;in&nbsp;the&nbsp;event's keynote&nbsp;by&nbsp;General Manager,&nbsp;Southeast&nbsp;Asia&nbsp;Eugene Tan, is that this diagnosis is wrong. &quot;The complexity isn't the APAC region, it's the model&quot;, Tan explained during his &quot;Rethinking APAC as ONE&quot; keynote. &quot;Every model on the market today breaks somewhere, because none of them delivers consistency and depth at the same time.&quot; The&nbsp;company points&nbsp;to&nbsp;three&nbsp;structural&nbsp;gaps&nbsp;that&nbsp;persist: <ul type="disc"> <li>Legacy TMCs offer deep local expertise, but execution depends on the local office involved, resulting in different standards in every market.</li> <li>Digital-only platforms are fast and familiar for routine bookings, but go silent the moment something isn't routine.</li> <li>In-house, self-managed programs offer full policy control, but no system to catch it when that control breaks down.</li> </ul> Each model delivers one piece of the puzzle, but gaps remain, costing global travel programs time, money, and control. Trip.Biz's answer is a single, digital-first, full-service platform, designed to give global programs consistency across markets while absorbing the complexities of APAC - from contracting and settlement to entities and supplier ecosystems - rather than passing them on to the traveller or the program owner. In practice, this means a single enforced service standard across every market, one consolidated view spanning booking, approvals, and reporting, and a consistent end-to-end experience. This&nbsp;consistency has delivered a 90% SLA compliance rate and an 80%+ satisfaction score across the region Trip.Biz serves. <div class="PRN_ImbeddedAssetReference" id="DivAssetPlaceHolder1323" style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; WIDTH: 100%"> <a href="https://mmx.prnasia.com/media/MS1990891/Picture3.jpg?id=OA2955974&amp;p=medium600" target="_blank" style="color: #0000FF"><img src="https://mmx.prnasia.com/media/MS1990891/Picture3.jpg?id=OA2955974&amp;p=medium600" title="" alt="" /></a> </div> Product Director Terence Eng built on this during his &quot;Closing Leakage with One Platform&quot; keynote, stating that the model alone doesn't fully solve the problem, a challenge that extends across global&nbsp;travel&nbsp;programs.&nbsp;&quot;Even&nbsp;with&nbsp;one&nbsp;platform,&nbsp;leakage doesn't&nbsp;disappear&nbsp;automatically,&quot; Eng said. &quot;To actually reduce it, that platform needs the right content and genuinely good usability. Without both, travellers will still book off platform, even with the right model in place.&quot; Getting this right,&nbsp;Eng noted, is what ultimately increases adoption. Launching&nbsp;Agent&nbsp;One:&nbsp;Built&nbsp;to&nbsp;Improve&nbsp;OBT&nbsp;Adoption&nbsp;and&nbsp;Fix&nbsp;Leakage Trip.Biz CEO Tao Song took the stage to launch <a href="https://www.trip.biz/platform-ai-agent?utm_source=pr&amp;utm_medium=press&amp;utm_campaign=transform" target="_blank" rel="nofollow" style="color: #0000FF">Agent ONE</a> during his &quot;Building Trust through Simplicity with Agent ONE&quot; keynote, positioning it as the next step in closing the leakage gap. &quot;A platform with the right content and usability gets you most of the way there&quot;, Song said. &quot;AI is how we go further; by continuing to improve the user experience itself, we can drive an even higher adoption rate.&quot; Agent ONE is a team of four connected, specialised agents supporting the end-to-end business travel lifecycle: <div class="PRN_ImbeddedAssetReference" id="DivAssetPlaceHolder5254" style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; WIDTH: 100%"> <a href="https://mmx.prnasia.com/media/MS1990892/Picture4.jpg?id=OA2955973&amp;p=medium600" target="_blank" style="color: #0000FF"><img src="https://mmx.prnasia.com/media/MS1990892/Picture4.jpg?id=OA2955973&amp;p=medium600" title="" alt="" /></a> </div> <ul type="disc"> <li>Planning Agent: ends the multi-site search struggle. Drawing on a broader, multi-source range of content, it converts natural-language requests into personalised, policy-compliant recommendations, understanding traveller preferences, trip purpose, and itinerary logic to simplify search and boost online adoption.</li> <li>Booking Agent: replaces friction-heavy TMC booking flows with guided, conversational booking, keeping more trips inside the OBT. Early performance targets show average booking time dropping from around 45 minutes to 2 minutes, a +90% efficiency improvement, while keeping bookings natively connected to Trip.Biz inventory, pricing, approval, and payment.</li> <li>Approval Agent: auto-approves low-risk requests and routes only exceptions to human review, cutting approval wait times from over an hour to under 3 seconds.</li> <li>Insight Agent: goes beyond static dashboards to proactively surface hidden data patterns and actionable cost-saving opportunities, often missed due to rigid, fixed-view reporting. Insight Agent generates a full travel analysis report, complete with leakage patterns and savings opportunities, in under 7 minutes, a process that previously took analysts up to a week using legacy tools.</li> </ul> <div class="PRN_ImbeddedAssetReference" id="DivAssetPlaceHolder1066" style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; WIDTH: 100%"> <a href="https://mmx.prnasia.com/media/MS1990888/Picture5.jpg?id=OA2955972&amp;p=medium600" target="_blank" style="color: #0000FF"><img src="https://mmx.prnasia.com/media/MS1990888/Picture5.jpg?id=OA2955972&amp;p=medium600" title="" alt="" /></a> </div> The real opportunity for AI is to remove the complexity travellers experience. When AI can understand&nbsp;what&nbsp;a&nbsp;traveller&nbsp;needs,&nbsp;find&nbsp;the&nbsp;right&nbsp;content, and&nbsp;automatically&nbsp;apply&nbsp;company&nbsp;policy, the&nbsp;managed&nbsp;program&nbsp;becomes simpler&nbsp;and&nbsp;more&nbsp;trusted.&nbsp;This&nbsp;helps&nbsp;drive&nbsp;greater&nbsp;adoption and reduce leakage, removing the complexity that has stood in the way of managed travel's original promise: one place for every trip. &quot;Unlike generic AI assistants, Trip.Biz positions Agent ONE as a purpose-built AI solution&quot;, Song said. &quot;We drive greater business efficiency across each stage of the business travel lifecycle, and help solve the practical challenge faced by our industry.&quot; Trip.Biz positions the Agent ONE launch not as an incremental product update, but as a marker of&nbsp;how&nbsp;it&nbsp;intends&nbsp;to&nbsp;compete&nbsp;globally:&nbsp;combining&nbsp;the&nbsp;local depth&nbsp;required&nbsp;in&nbsp;complex&nbsp;markets with the consistency, simplicity and intelligence multinational travel programs increasingly expect worldwide. Agent ONE is now available globally across all Trip.Biz-supported markets. END About Trip.Biz <a href="https://www.trip.biz/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow" style="color: #0000FF">Trip.Biz</a>, a digital-first full-service travel management company (TMC) powered by <a href="https://group.trip.com/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow" style="color: #0000FF">Trip.com</a>&nbsp;<a href="https://group.trip.com/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow" style="color: #0000FF">Group</a>, provides an all-in-one solution that streamlines business travel with human-centric technology and a people-first approach, offering extensive global content, exceptional service, and ESG solutions. As the fastest-growing TMC in the last few years, we have been trusted by&nbsp;over 15,000 multinational corporations and more than 1,000,000 small to medium-sized enterprises globally. At Trip.Biz, we are dedicated to providing cost-effective and time-efficient travel solutions, empowering businesses to focus on what truly matters – growth and success. By saving on travel costs and time, our clients can invest more in their core operations and achieve their business outcomes. <div class="PRN_ImbeddedAssetReference" id="DivAssetPlaceHolder0"> </div>

Trip.Biz Launches Agent ONE, an AI Suite Transforming Business Travel -- Cutting Booking Time by 90% for Travellers and Simplifying Oversight for Travel Managers

<table name="logo_release" border="0" cellspacing="10" cellpadding="5" align="right"> <tbody> <tr> <td><img src="https://mmx.prnasia.com/media/MS1116021/Banyan-Group-Shorthand-black-Logo.jpg?id=OA2955716&amp;p=medium600" border="0" alt="" title="logo" hspace="0" vspace="0" width="118" /></td> </tr> </tbody> </table> Newmark's deep regional expertise across urban, nature and wildlife hospitality will expand Banyan Group's scale and nature-based hospitality platform in one of the world's fastest-growing tourism regions. SINGAPORE and CAPE TOWN, South Africa, Sept. 17, 2026 /PRNewswire/ --&nbsp;<a href="https://www.groupbanyan.com/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow" style="color: #0000FF">Banyan Group</a> (&quot;Banyan Tree Holdings Limited&quot; or the &quot;Group&quot; – SGX: B58), an independent global hospitality company, today announced a strategic partnership with <a href="https://newmarkhotels.com/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow" style="color: #0000FF">Newmark Hotels &amp; Reserves</a> (&quot;Newmark&quot;), a Cape Town-headquartered hospitality management company, and the acquisition of a majority stake in Newmark under a phased ownership structure leading to full ownership over time. <div class="PRN_ImbeddedAssetReference" id="DivAssetPlaceHolder1" style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; WIDTH: 100%"> <a href="https://mmx.prnasia.com/media/MS1990742/20260917065723EDT_image_1.jpg?id=OA2955715&amp;p=medium600" target="_blank" style="color: #0000FF"><img src="https://mmx.prnasia.com/media/MS1990742/20260917065723EDT_image_1.jpg?id=OA2955715&amp;p=medium600" title="From Left: Banyan Group Founder and Executive Chairman Ho Kwon Ping, Newmark Hotels &amp; Reserves Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Neil Markovitz" alt="From Left: Banyan Group Founder and Executive Chairman Ho Kwon Ping, Newmark Hotels &amp; Reserves Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Neil Markovitz" /></a> From Left: Banyan Group Founder and Executive Chairman Ho Kwon Ping, Newmark Hotels &amp; Reserves Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Neil Markovitz </div> As part of the partnership, Newmark joins Banyan Group as a collection brand, bringing its managed portfolio of 26 hotels, lodges and reserves across seven countries including Mauritius, Namibia, Nigeria, South Africa, Tanzania, Uganda and Zimbabwe, while retaining its existing brand, teams and local operating approach to preserve the deep market knowledge and long-standing relationships that have contributed to its success.&nbsp; With the addition of Newmark Collection, Banyan Group's portfolio will comprise nearly 130 hotels, resorts and reserves, more than 30 branded residences, and over 140 spas and galleries across 14 hospitality and residential brands in 28 countries. The partnership brings together Newmark's regional expertise and established hospitality management platform across urban, nature-based and wildlife hospitality with Banyan Group's international distribution, development and commercial capabilities, supporting Newmark's continued growth across Africa and greater international reach. &quot;We welcome Newmark to Banyan Group with confidence in the strength of the business it has built in Africa and the entrepreneurial spirit that has shaped it,&quot; said Ho Kwon Ping, Founder and Executive Chairman of Banyan Group. &quot;We see in Newmark many of the qualities that shaped Banyan Group from the beginning: independence of thought, a long-term view and the conviction to build something distinctive. We look forward to what we can build together across Africa.&quot; &quot;Over nearly two decades, Newmark has built its business through strong teams, trusted owner and partner relationships and a portfolio where each property retains its own identity,&quot; said Neil Markovitz, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Newmark Hotels &amp; Reserves. &quot;Joining Banyan Group gives us greater international reach and access to a wider network of expertise while retaining what has made Newmark successful. It also gives us greater scope to introduce travellers around the world to the destinations and experiences across our portfolio.&quot; From Cape Town to Africa's Wild Heart Newmark was founded in 2007 by Neil Markovitz, whose career in Cape Town hospitality dates to 1990 and includes serving as General Manager of the Victoria &amp; Alfred Hotel. Housed in a converted 1904 warehouse overlooking Cape Town's harbour and Table Mountain, the hotel was the first to open at the V&amp;A Waterfront and later became one of the first properties in Newmark's portfolio. Today, Newmark's collection stretches from Cape Town, beneath iconic Table Mountain, and Victoria Falls, two of the world's most celebrated natural wonders, to some of Africa's most remarkable landscapes and destinations. Its curated portfolio spans heritage and city hotels, nature and country lodges, island retreats and private game reserves, offering a diverse mix of urban, nature-based, wellbeing and wildlife experiences. In South Africa's Waterberg, QWABI Private Game Reserve spans 11,000 hectares within a UNESCO-designated biosphere, combining a Big Five safari experience with the regeneration of land previously used for agriculture. In the Greater Kruger ecosystem, Motswari Private Game Reserve celebrates its 50th anniversary in 2026, shaped by a long history of conservation. Motswari has been part of the Newmark portfolio since 2013. Further north, Gorilla Heights Lodge sits on the edge of Uganda's UNESCO-listed Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, home to endangered mountain gorillas. Future Found Sanctuary, set on the slopes of Table Mountain, brings a regenerative wellness dimension through experiences rooted in nature and restoration, while Newmark's presence in Zanzibar and Mauritius adds Indian Ocean island experiences to the portfolio. From One Vision to a Wider World of Discovery From its first flagship Banyan Tree resort in Phuket, developed following the rehabilitation of a former tin-mining site and recognised for pioneering naturally luxurious and ecologically sensitive hospitality, Banyan Group has expanded over more than three decades into a global, multi-brand hospitality business. Its pioneering spirit, design-led experiences and commitment to responsible stewardship continue to shape its growth. In 2025, the Group marked its 100th resort globally with the opening of Mandai Rainforest Resort by Banyan Tree, a symbolic homecoming to Singapore. Africa has been a growing part of that expansion. Banyan Group's existing footprint in the region comprises four hotels and four spas across Morocco, Mauritius, South Africa and Tanzania, including Banyan Tree Tamouda Bay, Marrakech Riads, Angsana Heritage Collection and Ubuyu, a Banyan Tree Escape, its first safari lodge. The Group is also set to enter West Africa with the upcoming Dhawa Ouidah in Benin. Newmark broadens Banyan Group's regional network, extending its presence into Namibia, Nigeria, Uganda and Zimbabwe, while adding specialist expertise in wildlife and nature-based hospitality. The partnership comes amid strong travel demand across Africa. The continent welcomed 81 million international tourist arrivals in 2025, up 8% year on year, the strongest growth among global regions, according to UN Tourism. WTTC expects the region's Travel &amp; Tourism economy to grow a further 5.4% in 2026, placing Africa among the world's fastest-growing tourism regions. Eddy See, President and Chief Executive Officer of Banyan Group, said: &quot;Africa is a long-term growth market for Banyan Group. Newmark brings an established management business, long-standing owner relationships and strong operating capabilities that deepen our presence in the region and strengthen our asset-right model. Its local market knowledge and development pipeline, combined with Banyan Group's international sales, distribution and development network, give us a stronger platform to pursue the right opportunities across Africa.&quot; Continuity and the Next Stage of Growth Newmark will continue to operate under its existing brand and leadership, led by Neil Markovitz and the current management team. Day-to-day operations, property branding, owner relationships and existing commercial arrangements will remain unchanged, with Newmark's local teams continuing to lead relationships with owners, guests, partners and communities. &quot;Newmark's hotels, lodges and reserves are closely connected to the places in which they operate,&quot; said Ho Ren Yung, Deputy Chief Executive Officer of Banyan Group. &quot;We want to preserve that local approach, particularly in nature-based and wildlife hospitality, where culture, communities and the natural environment are integral to the guest experience. As we grow together, we want each property to retain the character and sense of place that have shaped its success.&quot; Newmark will retain its own brand presence and direct channels, including the Newmark website. Guests can continue to book through existing channels, with all confirmed reservations honoured under their existing terms. Over time, Newmark properties will also become available through Banyan Group's booking platforms and participate in <a href="https://www.withbanyan.com/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow" style="color: #0000FF">withBanyan</a>, its guest recognition programme, giving members access to rates and benefits at participating properties while extending Newmark's reach to Banyan Group's global audience. As integration progresses, guests will have a more connected way to discover, book and be recognised across both portfolios, united by a shared commitment to sustainability, conservation and meaningful travel. Discover more at <a href="https://www.groupbanyan.com/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow" style="color: #0000FF">www.groupbanyan.com</a> and <a href="https://www.newmarkhotels.com/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow" style="color: #0000FF">www.newmarkhotels.com</a>. For high-resolution images, please download <a href="https://bit.ly/BGNM-PR" target="_blank" rel="nofollow" style="color: #0000FF">here</a>. ABOUT BANYAN GROUP <a href="http://www.groupbanyan.com/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow" style="color: #0000FF">Banyan Group</a> (&quot;Banyan Tree Holdings Limited&quot; or the &quot;Group&quot; - 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 nearly 130 hotels, resorts and reserves, over 30 branded residences and more than 140 spas and galleries in 28 countries. Comprising&nbsp;14 hospitality and residential brands, including the flagship brand Banyan Tree, each distinct yet united under the experiential membership programme withBanyan. The founding ethos of &quot;Embracing the Environment, Empowering People&quot; 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&nbsp;NEWMARK HOTELS &amp; RESERVES Founded in 2007 and headquartered in Cape Town, <a href="https://newmarkhotels.com/about/who-we-are" target="_blank" rel="nofollow" style="color: #0000FF">Newmark Hotels &amp; Reserves</a> is an African hospitality management company and part of <a href="http://www.groupbanyan.com/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow" style="color: #0000FF">Banyan Group</a> where it operates a collection brand of nearly 30 properties across Mauritius, Namibia, Nigeria, South Africa, Tanzania, Uganda and Zimbabwe. Newmark lives by the promise of &quot;Experience Authentic&quot;, creating distinctive experiences rooted in the location, culture, natural setting and people of each property. Its portfolio ranges from heritage and city hotels, nature and country lodges, island retreats and private game reserves, offering a diverse mix of urban, nature-based, wellbeing and wildlife experiences. Across South Africa, Newmark's presence extends from Cape Town's V&amp;A Waterfront and the Karoo to the UNESCO Waterberg Biosphere, Greater Kruger and the Greater Makalali Private Game Reserve. Further afield, guests can experience gorilla trekking in Uganda, island retreats in Mauritius and Zanzibar, golf in West Africa, and nature and wildlife destinations in Zimbabwe and Namibia. ABOUT ADVISORS Moelis &amp; Company UK LLP serves as exclusive financial advisor and White &amp; Case LLP serves legal counsel to Newmark Hotels. WongPartnership LLP serves as legal counsel to Banyan. <div class="PRN_ImbeddedAssetReference" id="DivAssetPlaceHolder2"> </div>

Banyan Group Announces Acquisition of Newmark Hotels & Reserves, Adding 26 Hotels, Lodges, and Reserves Across Seven African Countries

SHANGHAI, Sept. 17, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- At HUAWEI CONNECT 2026, Huawei Cloud Stack Summit, themed &quot;Agentic Hybrid Cloud: Powering a New Era of Intelligence,&quot; brought together leading enterprises from around the world to explore emerging trends in digital infrastructure and AI and share insights from real-world deployments, highlighting how AI can unlock new levels of productivity across industries. A deterministic hybrid cloud architecture offers enterprises a clear path forward in the agentic AI era Antonony Gu, President of Huawei Hybrid Cloud, delivered a keynote speech at the summit, highlighting three fundamental changes in the agentic AI era: <ul type="disc"> <li>The actors driving business execution are changing: from humans using applications to human-agent collaboration and agent-to-agent (A2A) collaboration. AI agents are emerging at scale as a new class of digital employees.</li> <li>Resource provisioning is changing: AI agents are task-oriented, relying on compute, data, and models that are packaged and readily available for invocation. Resource delivery is shifting from layer-by-layer assembly to integrated capabilities organized around agent-driven tasks.</li> <li>What's being managed is changing: The focus is shifting from traditional IT resources, such as compute, storage, and networking, to AI compute, data, and models. Managing these resources through separate systems can create new IT silos.</li> </ul> <div class="PRN_ImbeddedAssetReference" id="DivAssetPlaceHolder9500" style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; WIDTH: 100%"> <a href="https://mmx.prnasia.com/media/MS1990748/20260917080856EDT_image_1.jpg?id=OA2955607&amp;p=medium600" target="_blank" style="color: #0000FF"><img src="https://mmx.prnasia.com/media/MS1990748/20260917080856EDT_image_1.jpg?id=OA2955607&amp;p=medium600" title="Antonony Gu, President of Huawei Hybrid Cloud" alt="Antonony Gu, President of Huawei Hybrid Cloud" /></a> Antonony Gu, President of Huawei Hybrid Cloud </div> Addressing these changes, Huawei Cloud has introduced an AI agent-ready hybrid cloud architectureNext, comprising four key capabilities: an agile, elastic cloud infrastructure designed for continuous evolution and unified general-purpose and AI compute; an AI-native capability hub that connects data, compute, and tokens; an agent-native enablement platform for developing and running AI agents at scale; and intelligent operations and end-to-end security capabilities covering the entire AI agent lifecycle. Antonony Gu emphasized, &quot;As AI agent adoption continues to accelerate over the next three to five years, a deterministic hybrid cloud architecture is a clear path forward for enterprises in the agentic world.&quot; All for AI: Huawei Cloud Stack evolves for the agentic AI era As the agentic AI era approaches, Huawei Cloud Stack is evolving across four key areas: infrastructure, data, AI, and ecosystem. <ul type="disc"> <li>Infrastructure evolution, building the foundation for AI: Huawei Cloud Stack builds Agentic Infra as the foundation for the AI era. This infrastructure supports the latest A5 SuperPoDs. With technologies like NPU pooling and memory snapshots, compute utilization can increase from 30% to 70%. Huawei Cloud Stack also provides an observable, measurable, and governable operations and management framework for AI agents, turning cloud management platforms into intelligent management hubs. It further provides end-to-end protection for infrastructure, models, and AI agents.</li> <li>Unleashing data value, turning enterprise data into intelligent productivity: Huawei Cloud Stack provides end-to-end data lifecycle capabilities for reliable data management, efficient data delivery, intelligent data use, and trusted data circulation. With a decoupled storage and compute architecture, AI DataLake for multimodal data management, and DataArts for intelligent, data-driven decision-making, Huawei Cloud Stack helps turn data from a resource into a source of productivity while laying a solid data foundation for the agentic AI era.</li> <li>AI-driven industry, bringing AI into production across industries: Huawei Cloud is increasing its investment in foundation models and integrating such models with industry know-how to drive automated model iteration and continuous evolution. It offers leading domain-specific foundation models, such as Vision-Language Model (VLM), Scientific Computing Model, and Prediction Model, as well as OptVerse AI Solver for optimization and decision-making. Meanwhile, Huawei Cloud Stack leverages its model training and inference platform to deliver high-performance inference and a reliable supply of high-quality tokens, ensuring uninterrupted execution of agent tasks.</li> <li>Partner co-creation, building an open AI ecosystem together: Huawei Cloud remains committed to open collaboration on AI, backed by targeted incentives and dedicated AI and service capability improvement programs. Together with partners and developers, Huawei Cloud is building an Industry AI Foundry. By bringing together reference solutions and practices from areas such as Smart Finance and Smart Government, it aims to accelerate the replication of proven AI solutions across enterprise scenarios.</li> </ul> Bridging the last mile of production-grade AI: Success stories across industries As Africa's largest bank by assets, Standard Bank operates across more than 20 countries and serves over one-fifth of Africa's population. The bank has chosen Huawei Cloud Stack to build a new, cloud-based banking core. Khomotso Molabe, CIO for Personal &amp; Private Banking and Group Deputy CIO at Standard Bank Group, said that Huawei Cloud Stack meets the bank's evolving needs for modernizing its core banking systems while ensuring zero data loss and zero errors. This marks a critical step in Standard Bank's transition to a cloud-native architecture, laying a solid foundation for greater business agility in the future. Hassan Abbas, CEO of Sky47, shared how Pakistan is rapidly advancing from cloud to AI-driven transformation. He explained that Sky47 has built a national AI cloud platform on Huawei Cloud Stack, integrating locally deployed cloud infrastructure, AI compute, and model development and management capabilities powered by Huawei Cloud ModelArts. The platform provides unified management of compute, storage, networking, and AI resources, and supports the full model lifecycle, from development and deployment to inference and operations. It currently supports a wide range of AI applications, including intelligent Q&amp;A, AI assistants, and generative AI, across key sectors such as finance, manufacturing, energy, and high-tech. By delivering secure, easy-to-use, and scalable cloud and AI services, the platform is helping drive intelligent transformation and injecting new momentum into Pakistan's digital economy and AI industry. The agentic AI era is opening up new possibilities for enterprises. Looking ahead, Huawei Cloud Stack, guided by the principle of &quot;All for AI,&quot; will continue to invest heavily in Agentic Infra, data, and AI. Together with partners, Huawei Cloud Stack will foster an open ecosystem, helping enterprises build, use, and manage cloud environments efficiently and bring AI into production across industries. <div class="PRN_ImbeddedAssetReference" id="DivAssetPlaceHolder0"> </div>

Huawei Cloud Stack: All for AI, Powering a New Era of Intelligence

SHANGHAI, Sept. 17, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- At HUAWEI CONNECT 2026, David Wang, Deputy Chairman of the Board and Rotating Chairman at Huawei, officially introduced OceanStor M900 Context Memory Storage during his keynote. Designed for AI inference in hyperscale data centers, the product provides SuperPoDs with a fully shared memory space that offers PB-scale capacity and TB/s-level performance. This marks a shift in AI infrastructure from a compute-centric model to deep collaboration among compute, network, and storage. This will help unleash the computing power of SuperPoDs. 2026 has seen the accelerated transition of AI from technological breakthroughs to large-scale implementation. AI applications have evolved from chatbots to agents capable of autonomously completing complex tasks. These agents are widely adopted in critical sectors, marking the beginning of the agentic AI era. As large models grow to 10 trillion-scale parameters, SuperPoDs are becoming the optimal choice for AI infrastructure. Mainstream large models already support context windows exceeding one million tokens, multi-turn inference and complex tasks have become the norm, and KV cache data generated during inference continues to grow. These trends have pushed on-chip memory and DRAM beyond their limits in capacity and cost-effectiveness. It has become an industry consensus to build a multi-tier storage system that coordinates on-chip memory, DRAM, and SSDs to create a fully shared memory space with massive capacity. Huawei introduced OceanStor M900 Context Memory Storage to overcome the memory capacity bottlenecks in ultra-long context and multi-turn inference. OceanStor M900 uses the UnifiedBus network to build PB-scale, global multi-tier KV cache with one-hop connections. This fully unleashes the computing power potential of SuperPoDs and accelerates AI inference in hyperscale data centers. OceanStor M900 Context Memory Storage has three key capabilities: Breaking Capacity Boundaries to Empower Large-Scale AI with Massive Memory Powered by the high-speed UnifiedBus interconnect network, the KV cache achieves global pooling and sharing with tiered storage. The KV cache of SuperPoDs is expanded from on-chip memory and DRAM to SSDs, enabling a single cluster to deliver 64 PB of capacity. The available KV cache capacity per NPU is upgraded from gigabytes to terabytes, allowing more context to be stored, shared, and reused. This significantly boosts the KV cache hit ratio. Boosting Inference Performance to Fully Unleash Computing Power OceanStor M900 is the industry's first architecture to integrate the CPU, network controller unit, and NAND controller unit. It provides native KV semantics to enable one-hop connection from the SuperPoD's NPU to SSDs. This eliminates the need for protocol conversion and CPU forwarding, slashing access latency from milliseconds to 60 microseconds, a 90% reduction. A single cluster delivers 40 TB/s of aggregate access bandwidth, 1.5 times higher than peer solutions. In typical AI programming scenarios, this architecture doubles the inference cluster's token throughput and halves the time to first token, converting computing power into productivity. Lowering Token Costs to Enable &nbsp;Economical Large-Scale AI Adoption OceanStor M900 uses the industry's first KV-aware adaptive storage technology, which predicts KV cache lifecycles based on data value and intelligently distributes data across storage media. This technology enables up to 24 drive writes per day (DWPD), extending SSD endurance&nbsp;by 16 times and ensuring stability&nbsp;for three years. By reducing media replacement and O&amp;M costs, it lowers the long-term costs of large-scale AI inference infrastructure and enables faster AI adoption. As AI expands into major production systems in all manner of industries, AI infrastructure is&nbsp;evolving from a compute-centric model toward tighter compute-network-storage collaboration. Context memory storage will be essential for continually enhancing the capacity and access efficiency of hyperscale inference KV caches.

Huawei Introduces OceanStor M900 Context Memory Storage to Accelerate AI Inference in Hyperscale Data Centers

<table name="logo_release" border="0" cellspacing="10" cellpadding="5" align="right"> <tbody> <tr> <td><img src="https://mmx.prnasia.com/media/MS1561299/GSCF-Logo.jpg?id=OA2938656&amp;p=medium600" border="0" alt="" title="logo" hspace="0" vspace="0" width="118" /></td> </tr> </tbody> </table> &nbsp;New Automation and Integration Capabilities for Working Capital Portfolios NEW YORK, Sept. 17, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- GSCF, a leading global provider of working capital solutions, today announced significant enhancements to C4: Connected Capital Control Center, its integrated working capital servicing platform. The new capabilities – expanded data integration, an end-to-end dispute management module and automated credit limit management via direct insurer API connectivity – are designed to reduce manual effort, accelerate decision-making, and give corporates, banks and asset managers greater control across their working capital portfolios. <div class="PRN_ImbeddedAssetReference" id="DivAssetPlaceHolder1"> </div> &quot;These enhancements reflect client priorities for – less manual intervention, faster issue resolution and tighter integration across their programs. C4 is the operational layer that achieves these objectives at scale,&quot; said Doug Morgan, Chief Executive Officer of&nbsp;GSCF. Seamless Data Integration C4 now offers flexible integration paths that connect clients' existing systems directly to the platform to eliminate manual steps and enable straight-through processing across the working capital lifecycle. Clients can choose the integration approach that fits their current infrastructure, including APIs, with GSCF providing the expertise and managed services to implement it. The result is a program that operates with greater automation and less operational strain. End-to-End Dispute Management GSCF has introduced a purpose-built dispute management module within C4, bringing the full dispute lifecycle under one governed, transparent framework. Suppliers, buyers, funders and operations teams each gain the visibility and workflow tools needed to resolve disputes faster with increased accountability and without the friction of fragmented, manual processes. Automated Credit Limit Management For organizations operating insured working capital programs, C4 now automates the synchronization of buyer credit limit decisions with a leading global insurer in near-real time. A process that previously required days of manual replication across systems now happens automatically to reduce operational risk and accelerate the speed at which credit decisions can be executed. &quot;C4 was built to absorb program complexity so our clients don't have to. These three capabilities extend that principle to give clients seamless integration, structured dispute resolution and automated credit management reducing operational friction and risk,&quot; said Shannon Dolan, Chief Product Officer of GSCF. About GSCF GSCF is the leading global provider of working capital solutions. The Company enables corporates and financial partners to accelerate growth, unlock liquidity and manage the risk and complexity of the end-to-end working capital cycle. We originate, manage and analyze working capital programs through our innovative Working Capital as a Service offering, combining the power of C4, a configurable and comprehensive technology platform, expert services and a Connected Capital ecosystem of alternative capital solutions and bank capital. GSCF's team of working capital experts operates in over 75 countries to solve global working capital efficiency challenges. Visit <a href="https://edge.prnewswire.com/c/link/?t=0&amp;l=en&amp;o=4769318-1&amp;h=2656124715&amp;u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.gscf.com%2F&amp;a=www.gscf.com" target="_blank" rel="nofollow" style="color: #0000FF">www.gscf.com</a> to learn more. Natalie Silverman Chief Marketing Officer&nbsp; <a href="mailto:natalie.silverman@gscf.com" target="_blank" rel="nofollow" style="color: #0000FF">natalie.silverman@gscf.com</a>&nbsp;

GSCF Expands C4: Connected Capital Control Center

<table name="logo_release" border="0" cellspacing="10" cellpadding="5" align="right"> <tbody> <tr> <td><img src="https://mmx.prnasia.com/media/MS1791615/Stevie-logo-2026-large-Logo-Logo.jpg?id=OA2955085&amp;p=medium600" border="0" alt="" title="logo" hspace="0" vspace="0" width="118" /></td> </tr> </tbody> </table> World's Top Honors for Women Professionals to Be Presented in New York City on November 16 FAIRFAX, Va., Sept. 17, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Finalists were announced today in the 23rd&nbsp;annual <a href="https://edge.prnewswire.com/c/link/?t=0&amp;l=en&amp;o=4776619-1&amp;h=1413168803&amp;u=http%3A%2F%2Fwomen.stevieawards.com%2F&amp;a=Stevie%C2%AE+Awards+for+Women+in+Business" target="_blank" rel="nofollow" style="color: #0000FF">Stevie&reg; Awards for Women in Business</a>, the world's top honors for women entrepreneurs, executives, employees, and the organizations they run. Visit <a href="https://edge.prnewswire.com/c/link/?t=0&amp;l=en&amp;o=4776619-1&amp;h=189378143&amp;u=http%3A%2F%2Fwomen.stevieawards.com%2F&amp;a=http%3A%2F%2FWomen.StevieAwards.com" target="_blank" rel="nofollow" style="color: #0000FF">http://Women.StevieAwards.com</a>&nbsp;for a complete list of Finalists by category. <div class="PRN_ImbeddedAssetReference" id="DivAssetPlaceHolder3271" style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; WIDTH: 100%"> <a href="https://mmx.prnasia.com/media/MS1990441/The-Stevie-Awards-Winners.jpg?id=OA2955084&amp;p=medium600" target="_blank" style="color: #0000FF"><img src="https://mmx.prnasia.com/media/MS1990441/The-Stevie-Awards-Winners.jpg?id=OA2955084&amp;p=medium600" title="Finalists were announced today in the 23rd annual Stevie&reg; Awards for Women in Business, the world's top honors for women entrepreneurs, executives, employees, and the organizations they run." alt="Finalists were announced today in the 23rd annual Stevie&reg; Awards for Women in Business, the world's top honors for women entrepreneurs, executives, employees, and the organizations they run." /></a> Finalists were announced today in the 23rd annual Stevie&reg; Awards for Women in Business, the world's top honors for women entrepreneurs, executives, employees, and the organizations they run. </div> The&nbsp;Stevie Awards for Women in Business are produced by the Stevie Awards, creators of The American Business Awards&reg; and The International Business Awards&reg;, among other business awards programs. The Stevies are widely regarded as the world's premier honors for achievement in the workplace. This year's Gold, Silver, and Bronze Stevie Award placements from among the Finalists will be revealed during an awards banquet at the Marriott Marquis Hotel in New York City on Monday, November 16. More than 400 winners, guests, and Stevie Awards judges from around the world are expected&nbsp;to attend the presentations, which will be broadcast live. More than 1,500 nominations were submitted this year by organizations and individuals for consideration in categories including Executive of the Year, Entrepreneur of the Year, Startup of the Year, Women Helping Women, and Women-run Workplace of the Year, among many others. Nominations were submitted by organizations in 56 nations including Argentina, Armenia, Australia, Azerbaijan, Brazil, Bulgaria, Canada, China, Colombia, Croatia, Cyprus, Czechia, Denmark, Dominican Republic, Egypt, Estonia, Eswatini, France, Germany, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Iraq, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Jordan, Latvia, Lithuania, Mexico, Morocco, Myanmar, Netherlands, New Zealand, Nigeria, Oman, Pakistan, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Qatar, Romania, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, South Africa, Spain, Switzerland, Thailand, T&uuml;rkiye, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, United States, United States Minor Outlying Islands, and Zimbabwe. Among the many extraordinary organizations and women who have been recognized as Finalists, the following stand out as those with six or more Finalist nominations: Cherishers 811 CIC, Rugeley, Staffordshire, United Kingdom&nbsp;— 23 awards IBM, various locations&nbsp;— 20 awards Purpol Marketing Ltd, Chippenham, Wiltshire, UK&nbsp;— 16 awards The Dr Z Functional Medicine Academy LLC, Sheridan, WY, USA&nbsp;— 14 awards UnitedHealthcare Consumer Services, Eden Prairie, MN, USA&nbsp;— 12 awards Jared Dunscombe Foundation, Mount Eliza, VIC, Australia&nbsp;— 9 awards Supernal World Creations, Naples, FL, USA&nbsp;— 9 awards 4 Voices, Queensland, Australia&nbsp;— 8 awards Adele M Anthony, Kearneys Spring, Australia&nbsp;— 8 awards Blue Diamond Property Group, New South Wales, Australia&nbsp;— 8 awards BELBİM, İstanbul, T&uuml;rkiye&nbsp;— 7 awards BRYGE AI, New York, NY, USA&nbsp;— 7 awards Dream Culture, Sydney, NSW, Australia&nbsp;— 7 awards Empowered Living Care, Sydney, Australia&nbsp;— 7 awards Epique Realty, Houston, TX, USA&nbsp;— 7 awards National Talents Company, Khobar, Saudi Arabia&nbsp;— 7 awards Nikki Langman, Melbourne, Australia&nbsp;— 7 awards The Audacious Agency, Maroochydore, QLD, Australia&nbsp;— 7 awards Access Offshoring, Brisbane, Australia&nbsp;— 6 awards Avahi Inc., San Francisco, CA, USA&nbsp;— 6 awards Award Writing Services, Bali, Indonesia&nbsp;— 6 awards Expand Your Empire, Fort Collins, CA, USA&nbsp;— 6 awards Innovative Leadership Institute, Columbus, OH, USA&nbsp;— 6 awards Katrina Wurm, Gisborne, Victoria, Australia&nbsp;— 6 awards Lead &amp; Empower Her, Coronado, CA, USA&nbsp;— 6 awards Syzygy - Life Directionist, Lake Munmorah, NSW, Australia&nbsp;— 6 awards Finalists were determined by the average scores of more than 200 professionals around the world, working on<a href="https://edge.prnewswire.com/c/link/?t=0&amp;l=en&amp;o=4776619-1&amp;h=3551959149&amp;u=https%3A%2F%2Fstevieawards.com%2Fwomen%2F2024-judging-committees&amp;a=%C2%A0" target="_blank" rel="nofollow" style="color: #0000FF">&nbsp;</a><a href="https://edge.prnewswire.com/c/link/?t=0&amp;l=en&amp;o=4776619-1&amp;h=2319743880&amp;u=https%3A%2F%2Fwomen.stevieawards.com%2Fjudges%2Fjudging-committees&amp;a=seven+juries" target="_blank" rel="nofollow" style="color: #0000FF">seven juries</a>. Their scores will also determine the Gold, Silver, and Bronze Stevie placements from among the Finalists, to be announced on November 16 during the ceremony. About the Stevie Awards Since 2002, the Stevie Awards have been among the world's premier business awards programs, recognizing outstanding achievements in the workplace worldwide. The name &quot;Stevie&quot; is derived from the Greek word stephanos, meaning &quot;crowned.&quot; The Stevie Awards include nine business awards programs: <ul type="disc"> <li>Asia-Pacific Stevie Awards</li> <li>German Stevie Awards</li> <li>Middle East &amp; North Africa Stevie Awards</li> <li>The American Business Awards&reg;</li> <li>The International Business Awards&reg;</li> <li>Stevie Awards for Great Employers</li> <li>Stevie Awards for Women in Business</li> <li>Stevie Awards for Technology Excellence</li> <li>Stevie Awards for Sales &amp; Customer Service</li> </ul> Each year, the Stevie Awards receive more than 12,000 nominations&nbsp;from organizations in more than 70 nations and territories, recognizing organizations of every size and the professionals behind their success. Learn more at<a href="https://edge.prnewswire.com/c/link/?t=0&amp;l=en&amp;o=4776619-1&amp;h=2436053798&amp;u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.stevieawards.com%2F&amp;a=%C2%A0" target="_blank" rel="nofollow" style="color: #0000FF">&nbsp;</a><a href="https://edge.prnewswire.com/c/link/?t=0&amp;l=en&amp;o=4776619-1&amp;h=3047573250&amp;u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.stevieawards.com%2F&amp;a=www.StevieAwards.com" target="_blank" rel="nofollow" style="color: #0000FF">www.StevieAwards.com</a>. Media Contact: Nina Moore +1 703 547 8389 <a href="mailto:Nina@stevieawards.com" target="_blank" rel="nofollow" style="color: #0000FF">Nina@stevieawards.com</a>&nbsp; <div class="PRN_ImbeddedAssetReference" id="DivAssetPlaceHolder2264"> </div> <div class="PRN_ImbeddedAssetReference" id="DivAssetPlaceHolder0"> </div>

Finalists in the 23rd Stevie® Awards for Women in Business Announced

BEIJING, Sept. 17, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- After eight years of branding, the&nbsp;Shenyang Open Regatta, a yearly rowing event held on the Hunhe River in the capital of Liaoning Province in northeast China, was under the spotlight again recently. <div class="PRN_ImbeddedAssetReference" id="DivAssetPlaceHolder1" style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; WIDTH: 100%"> <a href="https://mmx.prnasia.com/media/MS1990680/20260917052630EDT_image_1.jpg?id=OA2955300&amp;p=medium600" target="_blank" style="color: #0000FF"><img src="https://mmx.prnasia.com/media/MS1990680/20260917052630EDT_image_1.jpg?id=OA2955300&amp;p=medium600" title="" alt="" /></a> </div> On September 13, the 9th Shenyang Open Regatta concluded on the beautiful still-water course of the Hunhe River and one day later, the 7th Shenyang Youth Rowing Invitational, tailored for young players, also closed in cheers and excitement. With the goal of building a &quot;rowing capital&quot; already included in Shenyang's development plan for the 15th Five-Year Plan period, the open regatta, aimed at further expanding Shenyang's influence in the rowing field, drew widespread attention. Competing on the 1,000-meter straight course and the 4,500-meter course around an island on the Hunhe River, dozens of teams from home and abroad showed their vigor in contests in rowing, paddle boarding and recreational kayaking. Among them, there were teams from renowned universities such as Peking University, Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia, University of Otago, and Tongji University, as well as major firms and brands including BMW, CR Land, Kingdee, and Jianlibao. To broaden the participant base, the 2026 Shenyang Open Regatta added new contests in paddle boarding and recreational kayaking, encouraging amateur and young players from near and far to experience the charm of water sports. Apart from traditional rowing races, the open regatta introduced globally popular physical strength challenges for the first time, combining aquatic and on-land physical strength competitions to further ignite the passion of participants. During this year's open regatta, which began on September 11, riverside nighttime activities such as sunset parties where sightseeing, music and sports well intertwined, and nearby market fairs largely boosted the &quot;sports plus night economy&quot; along the Hunhe River. Original link: <a href="https://en.imsilkroad.com/p/352228.html" target="_blank" rel="nofollow" style="color: #0000FF">https://en.imsilkroad.com/p/352228.html</a>

Xinhua Silk Road: 9th Shenyang Open Regatta breathes new life into "rowing capital" in NE China

<table name="logo_release" border="0" cellspacing="10" cellpadding="5" align="right"> <tbody> <tr> <td><img src="https://mmx.prnasia.com/media/MS1846197/CKGSB-Logo-Full-color-landscape-Logo.jpg?id=OA2955063&amp;p=medium600" border="0" alt="" title="logo" hspace="0" vspace="0" width="118" /></td> </tr> </tbody> </table> BEIJING, Sept. 17, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- The latest&nbsp;<a href="https://english.ckgsb.edu.cn/knowledge/the-ckgsb-investor-sentiment-survey/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow" style="color: #0000FF">CKGSB Investor Sentiment Survey</a> points to cautious investor sentiment in China's A-share market in Q3 2026, even as earnings at listed companies have begun to recover. During the May to September 2026 survey period, respondents lowered their expectations for A-share market gains, reduced expected returns and showed less willingness to invest. <div class="PRN_ImbeddedAssetReference" id="DivAssetPlaceHolder1" style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; WIDTH: 100%"> <a href="https://mmx.prnasia.com/media/MS1990654/20260917044325EDT_image_1.jpg?id=OA2955226&amp;p=medium600" target="_blank" style="color: #0000FF"><img src="https://mmx.prnasia.com/media/MS1990654/20260917044325EDT_image_1.jpg?id=OA2955226&amp;p=medium600" title="Liu Jing, Professor of Accounting and Finance, CKGSB" alt="Liu Jing, Professor of Accounting and Finance, CKGSB" /></a> Liu Jing, Professor of Accounting and Finance, CKGSB </div> 58.6% expected A-share prices to rise, down 5.2 percentage points from April 2026.&nbsp;The expected rate of return fell 1.8 percentage points to negative 0.7%. The pullback was sharpest for direct stock investment: the net proportion seeking to increase stock holdings fell 7.3 percentage points to 10.7%; the corresponding figure for equity funds declined 1.2 percentage points to 13.4%. Trading activity in China's A-share market continued to rise. From December 2024 to August 2026, turnover ratios rose from 2.39 to 4.2 for the Shanghai Composite Index and from 5.84 to 8.5 for the Shenzhen Composite Index. Price-to-book ratios, however, rose only modestly—from 1.13 to 1.25 in Shanghai and from 1.93 to 2.4 in Shenzhen. <a href="https://english.ckgsb.edu.cn/faculty/liu-jing/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow" style="color: #0000FF">Liu Jing</a>, CKGSB Professor of Accounting and Finance and leader of the survey, interprets this mix as evidence of sharp divergence among investors rather than broad-based optimism, with investors divided over whether current prices represent value or risk. That restraint contrasts with a recovery in corporate profits. Year-on-year trailing twelve-month net profit growth among A-share listed companies reached 5.9% in June 2026, after remaining negative from June 2022 through March 2026. Private enterprises recorded 36.7% net profit growth in Q2 2026, while strategic emerging industries reached 36%. Confidence remains fragile beyond equities. The survey indicates softer household consumption and a prolonged property adjustment. It also reflects a structural imbalance: although China needs private enterprises and consumers to generate demand, financial capital continues to flow disproportionately to the government and state-owned enterprises. Directing even more capital toward the public sector is unlikely to address China's insufficient demand and consumption, as government bodies and SOEs primarily support the investment side of the economy. The CKGSB Investor Sentiment Survey is an academically grounded, high-frequency, large-sample barometer of sentiment in China's capital markets. Combining behavioral insights with fundamental data, it tracks sentiment alongside macroeconomic and equity-market conditions, offering global investors context for assessing changes in China's markets. <div class="PRN_ImbeddedAssetReference" id="DivAssetPlaceHolder2"> </div>

CKGSB Survey Finds Cautious Investor Sentiment in China's Stock Market in Q3 2026

SEOUL, South Korea, Sept. 17, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- The Supreme Court of Singapore and the Supreme Court of Korea signed two new instruments aimed at supporting the effective resolution of cross-border civil and commercial disputes on 16 September 2026. <div class="PRN_ImbeddedAssetReference" id="DivAssetPlaceHolder1" style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; WIDTH: 100%"> <a href="https://mmx.prnasia.com/media/MS1990550/20260917021323EDT_image_1.jpg?id=OA2955274&amp;p=medium600" target="_blank" style="color: #0000FF"><img src="https://mmx.prnasia.com/media/MS1990550/20260917021323EDT_image_1.jpg?id=OA2955274&amp;p=medium600" title="Chief Justice Sundaresh Menon of the Supreme Court of Singapore and Chief Justice Jo Hee-de of the Supreme Court of Korea signed two new agreements aimed at supporting the effective resolution of cross-border civil and commercial disputes in Seoul. (Photo: Singapore Courts)" alt="Chief Justice Sundaresh Menon of the Supreme Court of Singapore and Chief Justice Jo Hee-de of the Supreme Court of Korea signed two new agreements aimed at supporting the effective resolution of cross-border civil and commercial disputes in Seoul. (Photo: Singapore Courts)" /></a> Chief Justice Sundaresh Menon of the Supreme Court of Singapore and Chief Justice Jo Hee-de of the Supreme Court of Korea signed two new agreements aimed at supporting the effective resolution of cross-border civil and commercial disputes in Seoul. (Photo: Singapore Courts) </div> The Memorandum of Guidance as to the Enforcement of Money Judgments (MOG) and the Memorandum of Understanding on Cooperation Regarding Information on Foreign Law (MOU) were signed by The Honourable the Chief Justice Sundaresh Menon and Chief Justice Jo Hee-de of the Supreme Court of Korea. The signing took place in Seoul on the sidelines of the 20th Conference of Chief Justices of Asia and the Pacific, following a courtesy call between the two Chief Justices. The MOG sets out the Singapore and Korean courts' understanding of the procedures and requirements for the recognition and enforcement of money judgments of one jurisdiction in the other. It covers judgments requiring payment of a sum of money and does not cover non-monetary relief or criminal orders, fines or penalties. The MOG will serve as a practical reference for litigants and practitioners in cross-border cases by setting out the applicable legal requirements and procedures in both jurisdictions. This will provide greater clarity and understanding for parties seeking to a Singapore money judgment recognised and enforced in Korea, or a Korean money judgment recognised and enforced in Singapore. Chief Justice Menon said: &quot;A judgment may offer little real relief if it cannot be enforced where the judgment debtor or its assets are located. By explaining how our respective courts approach the recognition and enforcement of money judgments, the Memorandum will promote greater clarity, certainty and confidence for litigants.&quot; The MOU establishes a mechanism for the Singapore and Korean courts to exchange information on their respective domestic laws and judicial practices in civil and commercial matters. It applies where a court is required to consider the law of the other jurisdiction in an ongoing international civil or commercial case. Through the MOU, the Singapore and Korea courts will have a clearer and more efficient channel for obtaining reliable information on each other's laws and judicial practices in cross-border civil and commercial cases. Information exchanged may include relevant legislation, judicial precedents, decisions, interpretations and court orders. This will support the courts in determining questions of foreign law more accurately and efficiently. For more details, visit <a href="https://www.judiciary.gov.sg/news-and-resources/news/news-details/media-release--supreme-courts-of-singapore-and-korea-sign-new-arrangements-to-support-cross-border-civil-and-commercial-disputes" target="_blank" rel="nofollow" style="color: #0000FF">News and speeches (judiciary.gov.sg)</a>

Supreme Courts of Singapore and Korea Sign New Arrangements to Support Cross-Border Civil and Commercial Disputes

BEIJING, Sept. 17, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Following the successful conclusion of the&nbsp;UIPM 2026 Obstacle World Championships in Beijing, Chinese specialist outdoor footwear brand CGX is bringing the story of its CGX&amp;OCR professional obstacle racing shoes to international audiences. The two models made their global debut on the opening day of the championships, held from 2 to 6 September, and launched in China on 7 September at RMB 1,099 per pair. The Beijing event brought together leading obstacle racers from around the world. Throughout the championship, professional athletes from multiple countries visited the CGX booth to try the new shoes and exchange feedback. Their strong interest highlighted the growing attention around obstacle racing and the demand for equipment designed for its distinctive mix of running, climbing, jumping, braking and rapid transitions. CGX&amp;OCR includes two purpose-built models: R1020 for the explosive 100-metre format, and R1010 for 400-metre and 3-kilometre racing. Both were developed around the demands of obstacle movement, with a Vibram outsole using Megagrip compound, Traction Lug technology and Litebase construction. A dual-zone midsole, heel-lock structure and performance-woven upper support traction, cushioning, rearfoot security and controlled movement across changing surfaces. The Chinese Modern Pentathlon Obstacle Race Team competed in Beijing wearing the new CGX&amp;OCR shoes. CGX participates in the event as a partner of the Chinese Modern Pentathlon Association, a sponsor of the Chinese Modern Pentathlon Obstacle Race Team and a sponsor of the UIPM 2026 Obstacle World Championships. Building on its Beijing debut, CGX is also beginning to explore international markets, bringing CGX&amp;OCR to the attention of more professional athletes and taking measured steps toward establishing the brand in the global obstacle racing community. &quot;I wanted to develop a shoe that responds to what obstacle racing actually asks of an athlete,&quot; said Nan Liu, CEO of CGX. &quot;After more than 30 years in footwear and apparel, I saw an opportunity to combine manufacturing experience with direct athlete feedback. The Beijing debut gives CGX&amp;OCR a meaningful starting point as we continue building professional equipment for the sport.&quot; CGX&amp;OCR is available through CGX flagship stores on Tmall, Douyin and Xiaohongshu, with selected offline retail locations in China. CGX will continue to develop its obstacle racing footwear portfolio through competition, athlete collaboration and the sport's expanding international community.

CGX&OCR Builds Momentum for Obstacle Racing After UIPM 2026 Beijing

SHANGHAI, Sept. 17, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Sept 16, 2026, at the 2026 HUAWEI&nbsp;eKit Launch Event in Shanghai, Leon Wang, President of Huawei's Data Communication Product Line, delivered a keynote unveiling the upgraded HUAWEI eKit Intelligent Office Solution 2.0, which targets digital transformation pain points for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). <div class="PRN_ImbeddedAssetReference" id="DivAssetPlaceHolder1" style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; WIDTH: 100%"> <a href="https://mmx.prnasia.com/media/MS1990595/20260917025829EDT_image_1.jpg?id=OA2955072&amp;p=medium600" target="_blank" style="color: #0000FF"><img src="https://mmx.prnasia.com/media/MS1990595/20260917025829EDT_image_1.jpg?id=OA2955072&amp;p=medium600" title="Leon Wang, President of Huawei's Data Communication Product Line, unveiled the HUAWEI eKit Intelligent Office Solution" alt="Leon Wang, President of Huawei's Data Communication Product Line, unveiled the HUAWEI eKit Intelligent Office Solution" /></a> Leon Wang, President of Huawei's Data Communication Product Line, unveiled the HUAWEI eKit Intelligent Office Solution </div> &quot;Digital and intelligent transformation is essential for the high-quality growth of SMEs,&quot; said Leon Wang. &quot;Featuring superior quality, simplicity, and full-scope security, the lightweight, highly adaptable, and secure solution lowers the barrier to intelligence for SMEs—bringing the intelligent world within reach and making intelligent office accessible to all.&quot; For startups, Huawei introduced a minimalist solution in 2025, which required only one device and one screen. This year, HUAWEI eKit has upgraded its aesthetics and performance. <ul type="disc"> <li>Aura10: Featuring three-color ambient lighting, four proprietary folding antennas, and an industry-first dual-polarization desktop design, the router doubles signal strength and boosts Wi-Fi speeds by 40%.</li> <li>IdeaHub B3 Base Smart Screen: Powered by a decoupled screen-compute architecture, it supports one-click switching between Android and Windows. Integrated with the DeepSeek LLM, its smart search and generation capabilities quickly organize fragmented information to enhance workplace productivity and decision-making efficiency.</li> </ul> For SMEs, Huawei introduced a Wi-Fi 7 + 2.5GE high-performance networking solution with comprehensive security protection in 2025. This year, HUAWEI eKit AR281 was launched to simplify networking and O&amp;M. A single device does the work of five by integrating routing, NVR, WAC, private line access, and online behavior management. SuperCoding 3.0 achieves up to 85% video storage compression (one disk, six times the capacity), significantly cutting enterprise storage costs. In addition, the solution supports one-stop unified deployment and O&amp;M, minimizing deployment cycles and costs. In office security, HUAWEI eKit applies its full-scope security philosophy to protect business secrets from hidden recording. The new DF10 premium handheld spycam detector features a new meeting guard mode. Paired with the iGuard mobile app, it enables one-touch automated scanning with a 1.5-hour battery life for silent, continuous meeting protection. With the multi-dimensional AI identification model, false alarms are reduced to 5%. Long committed to SME intelligence, HUAWEI eKit continues to address real enterprise pain points and lowers the barrier to digital transformation—making intelligent office accessible to all SMEs.

HUAWEI eKit Launches Intelligent Office Solution 2.0, Making Intelligent Office Accessible to All

SHENZHEN, China, Sept. 17, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- On September 15, 2026, the 2026 Global Low-Carbon Industry Forum was held in Shenzhen, with the theme &quot;Making the Most of Every Ray, Powering the Unpowered.&quot; The event was co-hosted by the Global Solar Council, China Energy Research Society, World Alliance for Low Carbon Cities, Tsinghua Shenzhen International Graduate School, and Huawei Digital Power. Industry leaders, top scholars, grid operators, and enterprise representatives from around the world gathered to explore how integrating grid-forming and AI technologies can reshape the global energy landscape. Mr.&nbsp;Hou Jinlong, Director of the Board of Huawei and President of Huawei Digital Power, stated in the opening speech that decarbonization, electrification, digitalization, and intelligence have become the long-term trends of global energy transition. However, there is no one-size-fits-all solution to the energy transition. Different regions and economies face varying and structural complex challenges. In regions with high renewable energy penetration, the focus is on system safety. In emerging economies, the focus is on ensuring power supply and reducing costs. In underdeveloped regions, the focus is on inclusive access to electricity. The integration of grid-forming technology with AI enables renewable energy to achieve low cost, high reliability, sustainability, and supply security. This provides a brand-new, replicable, and feasible solution for energy transition. Huawei Digital Power is committed to working with all partners to promote the vision of &quot;grid forming everywhere and AI for everywhere&quot; and build a healthy, prosperous, and sustainable digital power industry ecosystem. <div class="PRN_ImbeddedAssetReference" id="DivAssetPlaceHolder6674" style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; WIDTH: 100%"> <a href="https://mmx.prnasia.com/media/MS1990485/20260916233335EDT_image_1.jpg?id=OA2955157&amp;p=medium600" target="_blank" style="color: #0000FF"><img src="https://mmx.prnasia.com/media/MS1990485/20260916233335EDT_image_1.jpg?id=OA2955157&amp;p=medium600" title="Launch ceremony for the Global Joint Initiative on Grid Forming &amp; AI" alt="Launch ceremony for the Global Joint Initiative on Grid Forming &amp; AI" /></a> Launch ceremony for the Global Joint Initiative on Grid Forming &amp; AI </div> Trend Outlook: Integrating Grid Forming and AI to Address Major Challenges in Global Energy Transition The global energy landscape is undergoing a profound paradigm shift. The representative of Global Solar Council shared insights in his keynote speech: The world is moving from energy dependence on fossil fuels to energy independence based on local solar and energy storage resources, as uncertainties become increasingly frequent. He emphasized that technological revolution has made this transformation possible, and the deep integration of solar PV and energy storage will be the key to building a more resilient and sustainable power system. Wang Xiongfei, IEEE Fellow and Xinghua Chair Professor of Tsinghua University, analyzed the new challenges posed by GW level artificial intelligence data centers (AIDC) in his speech. He pointed out that future data centers should not only be large power consumers, but also become friendly loads that can sense the grid status, proactively support the grid and possess a certain level of fault ride-through capability. He proposed a chip-to-grid collaborative design concept, emphasizing that key technologies such as grid-forming energy storage, optimization of UPS control, and Coordinated workload shaping can be used to enable friendly interaction between data centers and power grids, ensuring the stable operation of future computing infrastructure. Patrick Clerens, Secretary-General of Energy Storage Europe, delivered a keynote speech titled &quot;European Energy Storage Markets: Market Mechanisms and the Development of GFM Services.&quot; He introduced the evolution of the energy storage market mechanism in the EU, driven by security of supply needs and the reform of electricity market design. He pointed out that as the share of renewable energy continues to rise, the system inertia decreases, making grid-forming capability a rigid demand. He elaborated on Europe's market-oriented exploration in grid-forming services such as synthetic inertia and fast frequency support. He also noted that countries like Germany have started to auction grid-forming capability, opening up new business models and valuable opportunities for energy storage. Dr. Liu Yunfeng, Chief Scientist of Huawei Digital Power, delivered a speech titled &quot;Grid Forming + AI: Powering the Energy Internet's Silicon Evolution.&quot; In his speech, he said that power systems are transitioning from &quot;electromagnetic-mechanical systems&quot; to &quot;silicon-based programmable systems,&quot; and the stability of systems is shifting from a &quot;natural attribute&quot; to a &quot;designed capability.&quot; He introduced Huawei's end-to-end verification system in the grid-forming technology field and emphasized that AI is not an optional feature for the Internet of Energy, but rather an essential capability for complex systems to achieve autonomy. Huawei's FusionSolar Agent, with its four-layer AI architecture comprising computing foundation, electric power models, intelligent equipment, and agents, redefines the intelligent management of power plants throughout their lifecycle, advancing the comprehensive intelligence of solar PV, wind, and energy storage systems. Practice Leads the Way: From Standard Certification to Large-Scale Verification of the World's Largest PV+ESS Project Pouya Mostashar, Research Associate of Fraunhofer IWES, shared the results of Europe's first megawatt-level grid forming test, which was conducted in collaboration with Huawei. The test strictly followed the world's first comprehensive grid-forming test guideline released by VDE FNN in Germany. The test results showed that the energy storage systems performed excellently in key scenarios such as inertia response, overload capacity, and islanded operation. He noted that this test not only proved the excellent applicability of grid-forming technology in battery energy storage systems, but also laid a solid foundation for the standard certification and commercial trading of grid-forming capability. Antonio M. Abuel Jr., Chief Project Officer of Terra Solar Philippines Inc., introduced the world's largest project integrating solar PV and energy storage. The MTerra Solar Grid-Forming PV+ESS project includes a 3.5 GW PV system and a 4.5 GWh grid-forming energy storage system. On August 26th of 2026, the Phase 1 - 2.5GWp PV and 3.3GWh of the BESS has been completed, commissioned, and now doing commercial operations. The project will deliver stable and clean power for about 2.4 million households and reduce carbon emissions by more than 4.3 million tons each year. He emphasized that the value of this project lies in proving that large-capacity PV+ESS systems can be considered reliable and dependable stable source of power to the Philippine grid, creating a replicable model to accelerate the global clean energy transition. Industry Collaboration: Global Joint Initiative on Grid Forming &amp; AI to Bridge the Electricity Gap To conclude the event, the Global Solar Council, China Energy Research Society, World Alliance for Low Carbon Cities, Tsinghua University Shenzhen International Graduate School, Huawei Digital Power, and industry partners and major enterprise representatives from around the world jointly launched the Global Joint Initiative on Grid Forming &amp; AI. This initiative unites the entire industry to accelerate the large-scale application and standardization of grid-forming and AI technologies. Technological innovations will be leveraged to address energy imbalances and deliver green, stable, and affordable electricity to everyone, especially the nearly 700 million people worldwide without access to electricity. Concrete actions will be taken to fulfill the mission of bridging the global electricity gap. Driven by grid-forming and AI technologies, a green, stable, and intelligent energy system powered by renewables such as solar, wind, and storage is taking shape rapidly. <div class="PRN_ImbeddedAssetReference" id="DivAssetPlaceHolder0"> </div>

Making the Most of Every Ray, Powering the Unpowered: 2026 Global Low-Carbon Industry Forum Explores Pathways to Bridge the Electricity Gap

BEIJING, Sept. 17, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- China opened the&nbsp;Pinglu Canal on Wednesday, giving its landlocked southwest a shortcut to the coast and overseas markets, particularly those in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), the country's largest trading partner. <div class="PRN_ImbeddedAssetReference" id="DivAssetPlaceHolder1" style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; WIDTH: 100%"> <a href="https://mmx.prnasia.com/media/MS1990616/20260917034124EDT_image_1.jpg?id=OA2955125&amp;p=medium600" target="_blank" style="color: #0000FF"><img src="https://mmx.prnasia.com/media/MS1990616/20260917034124EDT_image_1.jpg?id=OA2955125&amp;p=medium600" title="A cargo vessel prepares to depart for Yangpu Port in south China's Hainan Province along the Pinglu Canal at an operation area in Nanning Port, south China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Sept. 16, 2026. China opened a major new canal on Wednesday, giving its landlocked southwest a shortcut to the coast and overseas markets, particularly those in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), the country's largest trading partner. Built at a cost of 72.7 billion yuan (about 10.75 billion U.S. dollars), the 134.2-kilometer Pinglu Canal runs from Nanning, capital of south China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, to the Beibu Gulf, the closest maritime outlet for much of southwest China. (Xinhua/Cao Yiming)" alt="A cargo vessel prepares to depart for Yangpu Port in south China's Hainan Province along the Pinglu Canal at an operation area in Nanning Port, south China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Sept. 16, 2026. China opened a major new canal on Wednesday, giving its landlocked southwest a shortcut to the coast and overseas markets, particularly those in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), the country's largest trading partner. Built at a cost of 72.7 billion yuan (about 10.75 billion U.S. dollars), the 134.2-kilometer Pinglu Canal runs from Nanning, capital of south China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, to the Beibu Gulf, the closest maritime outlet for much of southwest China. (Xinhua/Cao Yiming)" /></a> A cargo vessel prepares to depart for Yangpu Port in south China's Hainan Province along the Pinglu Canal at an operation area in Nanning Port, south China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Sept. 16, 2026. China opened a major new canal on Wednesday, giving its landlocked southwest a shortcut to the coast and overseas markets, particularly those in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), the country's largest trading partner. Built at a cost of 72.7 billion yuan (about 10.75 billion U.S. dollars), the 134.2-kilometer Pinglu Canal runs from Nanning, capital of south China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, to the Beibu Gulf, the closest maritime outlet for much of southwest China. (Xinhua/Cao Yiming) </div> Built at a cost of 72.7 billion yuan (about 10.75 billion U.S. dollars), the 134.2-kilometer canal runs from Nanning, capital of south China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, to the Beibu Gulf, the closest maritime outlet for much of southwest China. The canal stretches along the New International Land-Sea Trade Corridor, a strategic trade route connecting China's inland regions with ASEAN and other global markets. It is the first river-to-sea canal project planned and coordinated at the national level since the founding of the People's Republic of China in 1949. Designed for vessels of up to 5,000 tonnes, the canal shortens the inland waterway journey for goods from southwest China to the sea by more than 560 kilometers compared with traditional routes through ports in Guangdong Province. It is expected to reduce overall logistics costs by 18 to 30 percent and save more than 5 billion yuan in transportation costs each year. Lu Xinning, vice chairperson of the regional government of Guangxi, said the canal creates a new link between China's market of 1.4 billion people and ASEAN's nearly 700 million consumers. Its impact, Lu said, could extend beyond the movement of goods, spurring new cross-border investment and deepening regional supply-chain integration. The canal took over four years to build. Most of it was created by widening, deepening and straightening existing waterways, while a small section had to be excavated through dry land and mountainous terrain. One of the biggest engineering challenges was a 65-meter difference in water level, roughly the height of a 20-plus-story building. Three navigation hubs, all featuring twin-line ship locks, were built to raise and lower vessels along the canal. Environmental protection was another priority during construction. More than 98 percent of the roughly 315 million cubic meters of earth and rock excavated during construction was reused. The canal also includes a fish passage more than 480 meters long and a dedicated wildlife crossing for land animals including leopard cats and squirrels. Original link: <a href="https://en.imsilkroad.com/p/352225.html" target="_blank" rel="nofollow" style="color: #0000FF">https://en.imsilkroad.com/p/352225.html</a>

Xinhua Silk Road: China opens major river-to-sea canal, creating trade shortcut to Southeast Asia

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