海外発リリース

Biel Crystal Wins the World's Preeminent Design Award, Red Dot Product Design of the Year 2026

Biel Crystal Holding Limited — Wed, 08 Jul 2026 18:02:55 +0900

HONG KONG, July 8, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Biel Crystal Holding Limited (Biel Crystal) has been awarded the prestigious honorary title "Red Dot: Product Design of the Year" for 2026 at the internationally renowned Red Dot Design Award competition organized by Design Zentrum Nordrhein Westfalen in Germany. This award is used to recognize outstanding design products that have proved themselves through consistently innovative, top-class design quality and have set the highest standards of design excellence.

BIEL Crystal's Award-Winning Designs

BIEL Crystal's award-winning design is the "Witch Cloak" Ultra-Hard Coating, a smartphone glass cover technology developed in partnership with Honor Device Co., Ltd. This breakthrough cover glass is now featured on Honor's latest Magic V5 foldable smartphone.

"Witch Cloak" Ultra-Hard Coating, by virtue of its exclusive 4,000-layer structure, achieves a comprehensive upgrade across 6 key dimensions (impact resistance/scratch resistance/wear resistance/fingerprint resistance/slimness/smoothness).

Employing ultra-hard layers, the product boasts a Mohs hardness of over 7, offering impact/scratch resistance 10 times greater than that of its traditional counterparts—easily tackling daily impact and wear. It also incorporates multiple anti-reflective layers, improving light transmittance while reducing light reflectivity to minimize glare for high clarity even under strong light. A durable anti-fingerprint layer can withstand 15,000 friction cycles—3 times the industry standard—efficiently resisting fingerprints and oil stains to maintain a clean screen over time. Additionally, the application of nano-level polishing technology results in a friction coefficient of just 0.02, thereby facilitating smooth operation.

Reddot official website screenshot（https://www.red-dot.org/project/witch-cloak-ultra-hard-coating-89285）

Co-Developing Companies: Honor Device Co., Ltd. & BIEL Crystal Holding Limited
Manufacturer: BIEL Crystal Holding Limited
Designers: Dengkui Miao, Qiuqun Chen, Simon Yeung, Jianbiao Wang, Jianxiang Huang, Dongjun Hou, Xiaohua Bian, Kai Ding, Deen He

About BIEL Crystal
As a global leader in exterior structure and module solutions for smart devices, BIEL Crystal serves a wide range of industries. Its advanced components are essential to consumer electronics, smart wearables, AR/VR glasses, and next-generation automotive applications. This trust is reflected in its long-standing partnerships with industry pioneers such as Apple, Samsung, Meta, and Tesla.

With more than 36 years of technological innovation and excellent management, BIEL Crystal has become a large technology innovation group with 9 advanced production bases worldwide, with a total investment of over $70 billion, covering a total area of about 5.08 million square meters, employing more than 100,000 people and with an annual production capacity of 2.5 billion pieces.

About the Red Dot Design Award

The Red Dot Design Award, established in 1955, is one of the world's most prestigious design awards. It recognizes design products that demonstrate outstanding innovation, creativity, and superior design quality, with particular emphasis on comprehensive design achievements realized through exceptional product excellence.

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1954年に設立された世界初の米国広報通信社です。配信ネットワークで全世界をカバーしています。Cision Ltd.の子会社として、Cisionクラウドベースコミュニケーション製品、世界最大のマルチチャネル、多文化コンテンツ普及ネットワークと包括的なワークフローツールおよびプラットフォームを組み合わせることで、様々な組織のストーリーを支えています。www.prnasia.com

Unseenlabs Announces its Second Generation of Satellite for RF Detection Dedicated to Multi-domain Awareness

Unseenlabs — Wed, 08 Jul 2026 17:05:24 +0900

RENNES, France, July 8, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Unseenlabs announces the deployment of its new generation of satellites (Gen 2), scaling up its space-based radio frequency (RF) detection capabilities from focused maritime domain awareness to broader multi-domain awareness including maritime, land and space. This new generation expands Unseenlabs' ability to provide actionable data and intelligence services, supporting customers worldwide to make informed decisions in increasingly complex operational and geopolitical environments.

Learn more

BRO-31 was integrated by the German integrator Exolaunch and launched aboard SpaceX's Falcon 9 as part of the Transporter-17 rideshare mission from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California, U.S.

This first Gen 2 satellite (BRO-31) builds on nearly 10 years of operational experience. It marks a technological and industrial milestone for Unseenlabs, moving from ≃ 15 kg nanosatellites to ≃ 150 kg microsatellites. Gen 2 is still based on the company's monosatellite technology, where each satellite operates independently. It is a distinctive approach for space-based RF detection.

Unseenlabs' constellation now combines two distinct satellite generations:

・Gen 1: focused maritime domain awareness
・Gen 2: broader multi-domain awareness across maritime, land and space

"Our second-generation satellites significantly expand both the breadth and depth of our RF detection capabilities" said Clément Galic, Co-founder and CEO of Unseenlabs. "This unlocks detection, geolocation and characterization a broader range of activities across maritime, land and space domains. This opens new strategic use cases while reinforcing our ability to support our customers across commercial, security and defense markets."

Gen 2 satellites provide the capability to detect to a broader range of frequencies, including L, S, C, X, and Ku-bands, unlocking dual-use RF intelligence use cases across both civilian and defense applications. Examples use cases include enhanced maritime surveillance, spectrum and interferences monitoring or defense systems monitoring.

These expended capabilities strengthen Unseenlabs' ability to detect, geolocate, characterize and identify RF activities across maritime, land, and space domains.

About Unseenlabs:

Founded in 2015, Unseenlabs is a pioneer and global leader in space-based RF commercial services for multi-domain awareness. The company operates 23 satellites and continues to expand its constellation. Based in France with about 140 employees, an office in Singapore and a team in the U.S., the company operates space-based RF detection capability for maritime, land and space monitoring. Its customers include governments, public institutions, and private stakeholders worldwide.

Contact
Gaël P.
Communications Officer | gael.prigent@unseenlabs.fr

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1954年に設立された世界初の米国広報通信社です。配信ネットワークで全世界をカバーしています。Cision Ltd.の子会社として、Cisionクラウドベースコミュニケーション製品、世界最大のマルチチャネル、多文化コンテンツ普及ネットワークと包括的なワークフローツールおよびプラットフォームを組み合わせることで、様々な組織のストーリーを支えています。www.prnasia.com

Xinhua Silk Road: Int'l beer festival kicks off in ice and snow world of Harbin, NE China

Xinhua Silk Road — Wed, 08 Jul 2026 16:31:51 +0900

BEIJING, July 8, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- When the 24th Harbin International Beer Festival opened recently at Harbin Ice-Snow World, the "ice city" in northeast China welcomed visitors with not only a feast on the tip of the tongue, but also delightful festive experiences, reported Harbin Daily.

Photo shows a scene of the 24th Harbin International Beer Festival. (Photo by Liu Yang)

For the city, capital of Heilongjiang Province, the event that has been held for 24 consecutive years is a core component of its "enchanting summer in Harbin"-themed cultural tourism campaign.

Dedicated to showcasing urban landscapes, boosting summer consumption and deepening cultural exchanges between Chinese and foreign friends, this year's festival features eight functional zones to accommodate visitors of all ages.

Specifically, the eight zones include ones for beverage and cuisine, performances, creative cultural products, Chinese-style night tours, ice and snow activities, camping, contests and entertainment.

Compared with past sessions, this year's Harbin International Beer Festival, which will last until late August, boasts broader venues and is more interesting.

For instance, five beer stands, 11 beer gardens, and scattered beer exchanges are rolled out this year to offer citizens and visitors a trendy beer culture experience.

What's more, traditional Chinese lantern fairs, market fairs for creative local cultural products, floral float parades, interactive activities, campgrounds, sports fields and a cute pet amusement zone are also available for the public to experience the summer fun in Harbin.

Original link: https://en.imsilkroad.com/p/351246.html

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1954年に設立された世界初の米国広報通信社です。配信ネットワークで全世界をカバーしています。Cision Ltd.の子会社として、Cisionクラウドベースコミュニケーション製品、世界最大のマルチチャネル、多文化コンテンツ普及ネットワークと包括的なワークフローツールおよびプラットフォームを組み合わせることで、様々な組織のストーリーを支えています。www.prnasia.com

Kinetics, a Karpowership Initiative, Begins Construction of Its First High-Capacity FSRU

Kinetics — Wed, 08 Jul 2026 16:28:08 +0900

LONDON, July 8, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Kinetics has reached a major milestone in the expansion of its floating LNG infrastructure portfolio with the start of construction of LNGT Karadeniz, its first high-capacity Floating Storage and Regasification Unit (FSRU). Officially launched with a steel-cutting ceremony at Seatrium's Tuas Boulevard Yard in Singapore, the vessel will deliver up to 600 million standard cubic feet per day (mmscfd) of regasification capacity, marking a significant step in Kinetics' strategy to expand flexible LNG infrastructure worldwide.

Kinetics' Floating Storage and Regasification Unit (FSRU)

Designed with low, medium and high-pressure send-out systems, LNGT Karadeniz will enable Kinetics to serve a broader range of LNG import projects and downstream gas networks. The project represents a significant expansion of the company's capabilities, allowing Kinetics to deliver larger, more versatile LNG import solutions while strengthening its ability to provide fast, flexible and reliable energy infrastructure to countries seeking to enhance energy security and diversify their energy mix.

The vessel forms part of Kinetics' long-term strategy to expand its fleet of floating LNG assets in response to growing global demand for flexible gas infrastructure. Combining advanced regasification technology with integrated marine and terminal systems, LNGT Karadeniz will provide a complete floating LNG receiving solution capable of rapid deployment and efficient operation.

As the first in a planned series of next-generation FSRUs, LNGT Karadeniz will further strengthen Kinetics' floating LNG portfolio. The vessel will incorporate a high-capacity regasification module, spread mooring system, LNG transfer and cargo handling systems, utilities, electrical distribution, and advanced automation and control technologies, creating a fully integrated floating terminal designed to meet the highest operational and safety standards.

"LNGT Karadeniz is an important milestone in the growth of Kinetics and our long-term vision for floating LNG infrastructure," said Mehmet Katmer, General Manager of Kinetics. "By expanding our fleet with next-generation FSRUs, we are strengthening our ability to help countries enhance energy security while supporting the transition to lower-carbon energy systems. This project significantly expands our capability to deliver larger and more versatile LNG import solutions to customers around the world. We are pleased to continue our partnership with Seatrium, a trusted partner with whom we have successfully delivered numerous projects."

Established as a Karpowership initiative, Kinetics is focused on developing next-generation floating energy infrastructure that complements the group's integrated energy offering. The addition of LNGT Karadeniz marks another important milestone in the company's long-term growth strategy, strengthening its global fleet of floating LNG assets and expanding its ability to support countries in improving energy resilience and enabling a lower-carbon energy future.

About Kinetics

Kinetics, a Karpowership initiative, develops, builds, owns and operates floating LNG infrastructure and next-generation energy solutions together with a growing renewable portfolio. Its portfolio includes Floating Storage and Regasification Units (FSRUs), Floating Storage Units (FSUs), Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS), and other flexible energy platforms designed to help utilities, governments, and industrial customers accelerate access to secure, reliable, and cleaner energy infrastructure. By combining engineering expertise with rapid deployment capabilities, Kinetics delivers innovative solutions that support energy security and the global energy transition.

www.kineticsenergies.com.

About Karpowership

Karpowership is a global energy company with more than 25 years of experience delivering fast, flexible, and reliable power solutions. As the owner and operator of the world's only Powership fleet, the company provides over 8,000 MW of capacity through 45 Powerships, supported by land-based and renewable assets. Karpowership also manages the full LNG value chain with 11 LNG vessels, covering procurement, storage, regasification, and offshore transfer.

www.karpowership.com.

Media inquiries:pr@kineticsenergies.com.

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1954年に設立された世界初の米国広報通信社です。配信ネットワークで全世界をカバーしています。Cision Ltd.の子会社として、Cisionクラウドベースコミュニケーション製品、世界最大のマルチチャネル、多文化コンテンツ普及ネットワークと包括的なワークフローツールおよびプラットフォームを組み合わせることで、様々な組織のストーリーを支えています。www.prnasia.com

Xinhua Silk Road: Chinese baijiu maker Wuliangye's World Cup campaigns spur off-season sales

Xinhua Silk Road — Wed, 08 Jul 2026 15:32:23 +0900

BEIJING, July 8, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Leading Chinese baijiu maker Wuliangye has leveraged the FIFA World Cup to launch a series of themed marketing campaigns that have generated an enthusiastic market response, driving robust sales during what is traditionally the industry's off-season.

The World Cup marketing campaign features a range of interactive initiatives, including a championship prediction game with a prize pool worth a total of 10 million yuan, mystery boxes of eight champion countries, and auctions of World Cup co-branded liquor products.

The initiatives reflect a deeper transformation in Wuliangye's sports-related marketing strategy, shifting from conventional event sponsorship and short-term promotional efforts toward a systematic approach that includes product co-creation and cultural integration.

By combining its millennia-old brewing craftsmanship with the world's premier sporting events, Wuliangye has been exploring new paths for cross-sector marketing between fine liquors and sports.

The campaign has fostered product innovation and expanded consumption scenarios while tapping into growing public enthusiasm for sports. It has also provided an effective pathway for rejuvenating the Chinese baijiu brand and enhancing its global appeal.

According to information disclosed by Wuliangye, the co-branded product portfolio centered on the 8th-generation Wuliangye World Cup Edition has generated cumulative sales of 1.6 billion yuan. The World Cup marketing campaign has attracted four million new users to the liquor brand, with consumers aged under 35 accounting for 40 percent of the total.

"Traditionally, baijiu sales enter the off-season after May, but this year sales have seen continued growth instead," said a liquor distributor in Chengdu.

During the World Cup period, Wuliangye launched a range of World Cup-related official co-branded products, building a multi-tiered product coverage that caters to both high-end collectors and public consumers.

The collaboration between Wuliangye and the World Cup has not only boosted retail sales and helped ease channel inventory pressure, but also helped reshape its brand image beyond business banquets toward younger and more internationalized products with diversified consumption scenarios amid the industrial adjustment cycle, said industry insiders.

Looking ahead, Wuliangye said it will continue to respond to evolving consumer demand by advancing coordinated innovation in both products and brand culture. Through a brand narrative that resonates with contemporary consumers, the company aims to showcase the craftsmanship and cultural confidence of Chinese baijiu to global markets.

Original link: https://en.imsilkroad.com/p/351245.html

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1954年に設立された世界初の米国広報通信社です。配信ネットワークで全世界をカバーしています。Cision Ltd.の子会社として、Cisionクラウドベースコミュニケーション製品、世界最大のマルチチャネル、多文化コンテンツ普及ネットワークと包括的なワークフローツールおよびプラットフォームを組み合わせることで、様々な組織のストーリーを支えています。www.prnasia.com

Juniper Assets Closes Kyushu Battery Energy Storage Investment Backed by Tolling Arrangement, with Two Investment Grade Japanese Companies

Juniper Assets (Hong Kong) Limited — Wed, 08 Jul 2026 14:35:00 +0900

AsiaNet 201646

SINGAPORE and TOKYO, July 08, 2026 / GLOBE NEWSWIRE - AsiaNet / --

Juniper Assets (“Juniper”), an asset specialist investment platform focusing on infrastructure, today announced that it has completed the investment and acquisition of a utility scale battery energy storage system (“BESS”) project located in Kyushu, Japan (the “Project”).

The Project benefits from a long-term tolling arrangement with two investment grade Japanese companies, providing long-term contracted revenues and supporting the commercial bankability of the asset. Juniper served as the equity sponsor and successfully brought the Project to financial close, marking another important milestone in the firm's strategy of investing in high-quality energy flexibility infrastructure across Japan.

The financing was provided by Sumitomo Mitsui Trust Bank (SMTB) as the senior lender. The closing demonstrates strong market appetite to finance BESS projects in Japan and underscores the bankability of well-structured battery storage assets.

The Project is expected to contribute to Japan’s ongoing decarbonization efforts and grid stabilization objectives by enhancing system flexibility and supporting the integration of renewable energy generation. As renewable penetration continues to increase across Japan, battery energy storage systems are expected to play an increasingly important role in balancing electricity supply and demand, reducing curtailment, and strengthening grid reliability.

"Energy flexibility is on the critical path to decarbonization, and this transaction marks another important milestone in Juniper's strategy to build a leading energy flexibility platform across Japan and the broader Asia-Pacific region," said Raymond Law, Partner at Juniper Assets. "This investment demonstrates our ability to originate, finance and execute high-quality battery storage investments alongside leading commercial counterparties. We remain committed to deploying capital into infrastructure that enhances grid resilience and accelerates renewable energy integration."

The Project further expands Juniper's growing energy flexibility portfolio in Japan and reflects the firm's conviction in the country's rapidly evolving battery storage market. Juniper continues to actively pursue additional battery energy storage and energy flexibility investment opportunities across Japan as part of its broader strategy to invest in infrastructure supporting decarbonization and grid modernization.

About Juniper Assets

Juniper Assets is an asset specialist investment platform focused on infrastructure. Backed by GLP Capital Partners, a Singapore-based alternative asset manager with approximately US$80 billion of assets under management, Juniper targets investment opportunities across markets where its deep sector expertise and execution capabilities provide a differentiated advantage.

For enquiries, please contact:
Juniper Assets
Email: info@juniperassets.com

SOURCE: Juniper Assets (Hong Kong) Limited

PropertyGuru Group's 2025 Sustainability Report Reinforces its Commitment to More Resilient and Inclusive Urban Futures Across Southeast Asia

PropertyGuru Group — Wed, 08 Jul 2026 13:31:36 +0900

・Commitment to set Science-Based Targets, while maintaining net-zero Scope 2 emissions through 100% renewable electricity procurement
・Scaled inclusive housing options, with 31% of Singapore rental listings adopting "Everyone Welcome" and expansion into Malaysia
・Made sustainable living options easier to find with feature like Green Score in Singapore and its Sustainable Living filter in Thailand

SINGAPORE, July 8, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- PropertyGuru Group ("PropertyGuru" or "the Group"), Southeast Asia's leading PropTech company, has released its 2025 Sustainability Report, titled Meeting Change with Resilience. The report documents a year of measurable progress, from a 36% reduction in total emissions to the regional expansion of tools that help millions of property seekers find greener, more inclusive homes.

PropertyGuru's sustainability strategy is embedded in its Gurus For Good strategy — three interconnected pillars of Sustainable Living, Thriving Communities and Responsible Business — designed to make the Group's platforms a force for more responsible and informed property decisions across the region.

"At PropertyGuru, we are committed to actively shaping Southeast Asia's urban future using the power of our reach," said Lewis Ng, Chief Executive Officer, PropertyGuru Group. "This report reflects how we put that commitment into action. It shows where we have made real progress and areas where we still have work to do. We are focused on making sustainability and inclusion tangible in the property journey. In the information we surface, the tools we build and the standards we help set across the ecosystem."

Climate action: 36% emissions reduction and a commitment to science-based targets

PropertyGuru achieved a 36% year-on-year reduction in total market-based emissions in 2025, driven primarily by a decline in Scope 3 emissions, which account for the majority of the Group's footprint. The Group also maintained net-zero market-based Scope 2 emissions for the second consecutive year, matching 100% of its office electricity consumption with Renewable Energy Certificates.

Building on this momentum, PropertyGuru has committed to setting Science-Based Targets, a third-party validated framework for corporate decarbonisation, with formal submission planned for 2026.

Sustainable home search: plan to expand tools to more markets in Southeast Asia

PropertyGuru continued to provide sustainability-related features that help property seekers make more informed choices.

・In Singapore, Green Score rates properties based on proximity to public transport and recognised green building certifications. Demand is growing: 70% of property seekers surveyed in Singapore say sustainability features influence their home-buying decisions.
・In Thailand, DDproperty's Sustainable Living filter enables users to search for listings with features such as solar panels and electric vehicle charging stations.
・In Malaysia, PropertyGuru plans to introduce a sustainability-related search feature in 2026, shaped by property seekers' expectations.

These tools translate consumer demand into market signal — helping developers and agents understand the growing value of sustainable features.

Inclusive housing: Everyone Welcome has reached 31% of rental listings in Singapore and has now been rolled out in Malaysia

PropertyGuru's 'Everyone Welcome' feature — which enables landlords to signal that their properties are open to all renters regardless of race, gender, religion or other characteristics — has gained significant traction in Singapore since its 2024 launch.

By end-2025, 31% of Singapore rental listings carried the 'Everyone Welcome' tag, reflecting strong and sustained adoption by landlords and agents. The feature was subsequently introduced in Malaysia, where 4% of listings were tagged within six months, a strong early signal given the shorter time frame.

Platform safeguards supporting inclusive housing practices also include advertisement guidelines, a language moderation tool, and a reporting mechanism to report unfair practices.

People and workplace: Top Employer recognition and a diverse workforce

PropertyGuru was recognised as a Top Employer in Singapore by the Top Employers Institute, reflecting the Group's continued investment in people practices and employee experience.

As of 31 December 2025, women made up 65% of the Group's workforce, with employees representing 28 nationalities. Through Be More, Be a Guru, the Group's employee value proposition, PropertyGuru invested in skills development across communication, resilience, performance and AI, including Learning Fest 2025 and its Management 201 programme.

Community impact also extended beyond the office. Gurus For Good, the Group's employee volunteering programme, delivered initiatives in 2025 that included rebuilding a primary school in Vietnam, restoring mangroves in Thailand, and supporting community outreach in Malaysia and Singapore.

Governance: integrated risk function and responsible AI principles

PropertyGuru strengthened its governance structure in 2025 by integrating its Legal and Risk teams into a single function — enabling closer coordination and a more holistic approach to risk management across its multi-market operations.

The Group also adopted a set of AI principles to guide responsible deployment of artificial intelligence across its platforms and business operations, with plans to explore AI-enabled tools to automate accessibility checks within its HIVE 2.0 design system.

In 2026, PropertyGuru expects to submit its Science-Based Targets, launch a sustainability search feature on its Malaysia platforms, and deepen programmes that advance women's leadership and professional development across its workforce.

PropertyGuru's 2025 Sustainability Report is available at https://www.propertygurugroup.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/PropertyGuru-2025-Sustainability-Report.pdf.

About PropertyGuru Group

PropertyGuru Group is Southeast Asia's leading[1] PropTech company, and the preferred destination for over 30 million property seekers monthly[2] to find their dream home. PropertyGuru empowers property seekers with more than 2 million real estate listings[3], in-depth insights, and solutions that enable them to make confident property decisions.

Launched in Singapore in 2007, the Group has been advancing to make the property journey transparent and efficient for property seekers and sellers in Southeast Asia. In the last 19 years, PropertyGuru has grown into a high-growth PropTech company with a robust portfolio including leading property marketplaces and award-winning mobile apps across its markets in Singapore, Malaysia, Vietnam, Thailand as well as the region's biggest and most respected industry recognition platform – PropertyGuru Asia Property Awards, events and publications across Asia.

For more information about PropertyGuru, please visit
PropertyGuru.com.sg and PropertyGuruGroup.com, or our social media pages on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, YouTube and LinkedIn.

[1]Based on SimilarWeb data between January 2025 and December 2025.

[2]Based on Google Analytics data between January 2025 and December 2025.

[3]Based on data between January 2025 and December 2025.

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1954年に設立された世界初の米国広報通信社です。配信ネットワークで全世界をカバーしています。Cision Ltd.の子会社として、Cisionクラウドベースコミュニケーション製品、世界最大のマルチチャネル、多文化コンテンツ普及ネットワークと包括的なワークフローツールおよびプラットフォームを組み合わせることで、様々な組織のストーリーを支えています。www.prnasia.com

Geely Preface TCR Claims Resounding Victory in France; Race-Honed Technology Drives Dual Breakthroughs Across Geely's French Distribution Network and Product Lineup

Geely Auto — Wed, 08 Jul 2026 11:46:21 +0900

LE CASTELLET, France, July 8, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Geely Group Motorsport and Geely Cyan Racing navigated a highly demanding and dramatic weekend at the third round of the 2026 Kumho FIA TCR World Tour at Circuit Paul Ricard, securing three podium finishes as Santiago Urrutia protected his lead in the standings.

Facing intense summer heat at the renowned FIA Grade 1 layout, the team showcased the underlying pace of the Geely Preface TCR. Local hero Yann Ehrlacher claimed a superb second place in Race 1, while Ma Qinghua and Santiago Urrutia secured a double podium finish in Race 2 to wrap up a hard-fought weekend.

The Geely Preface TCR race car shares the identical CMA architecture with road-going production vehicles, translating race-grade handling performance into tangible, everyday driving value for ordinary consumers.

In June, Geely hosted an exclusive Discovery Tour for French dealers, during which cooperation agreements for 60 retail outlets were signed to build a nationwide sales and service network in partnership with local distributors. Concurrently, the Geely Starray EM-i won the People's Choice PHEV Award bestowed by Les Numériques, a leading authoritative French digital media outlet.

Catering to European market demands, Geely has launched two flagship models: the all-electric E5 (Geely EX5) and the plug-in hybrid Starray EM-i, both of which have been awarded full five-star Euro NCAP safety ratings. Chassis and powertrain systems undergo Europe-specific calibration by R&D teams based in Sweden and Germany. Drawing on an integrated China-Europe R&D framework, Geely continuously transfers technologies validated under extreme track testing to mass-produced passenger vehicles.

Geely operates a three-dimensional operational system integrating global R&D, local after-sales service and region-tailored marketing. A delegation of French dealers previously visited Geely's intelligent manufacturing plants and comprehensive safety laboratories in China, further strengthening mutual confidence in the partnership. Fuelled by well-received products, expanding retail networks and consistent motorsport success, European consumers have undergone a profound shift in brand perception, recognising Geely as a global automotive marque with indigenous European engineering capabilities.

Moving forward, Geely will sustain full-season participation in the TCR series. Parallel efforts will be made to expand European retail footprints and iterate regionally optimised vehicle technologies, continuously reinforcing the brand's core competitiveness within Europe's new energy vehicle sector.

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1954年に設立された世界初の米国広報通信社です。配信ネットワークで全世界をカバーしています。Cision Ltd.の子会社として、Cisionクラウドベースコミュニケーション製品、世界最大のマルチチャネル、多文化コンテンツ普及ネットワークと包括的なワークフローツールおよびプラットフォームを組み合わせることで、様々な組織のストーリーを支えています。www.prnasia.com

Atradius survey reveals rising B2B payment stress beneath stable headlines in Asia

Atradius N.V. — Wed, 08 Jul 2026 11:14:40 +0900

AMSTERDAM, July 8, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Asia shows a resilient but uneven B2B credit environment, where risk is fragmenting rather than deteriorating broadly, finds the Atradius Payment Practices Barometer Asia, published today. The survey analyses feedback from 2145 suppliers across China, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Japan, Singapore, Taiwan, and Vietnam and finds that smaller companies and sectors vulnerable to liquidity pressure, volatile demand and complex supply chains face the greatest challenge.

This dynamic creates a two-speed credit landscape, warns Silvia Ungaro, Senior Advisor on B2B payment trends at Atradius:

"Risk is becoming more concentrated rather than widespread, masking a widening gap in performance. Stronger companies sustain stable payment behaviour, while weaker segments face rising strain that remains less visible in aggregate data."

Exposure varies sharply by sector, reflecting structural differences in operating models:

・Construction and trade face elevated risk due to heavy reliance on trade credit, long payment cycles, and complex supply chains that constrain liquidity
・Manufacturing shows early deterioration, with rising overdue invoices and bad debts linked to demand volatility and supply chain disruption
・Services remain comparatively stable but cautious, reflecting sensitivity to broader economic slowdown rather than immediate liquidity shocks

Company size reinforces the divide. Larger firms sustain stronger payment performance through better financing access and diversified customer bases. Smaller firms face greater exposure to delayed payments and tighten terms to protect liquidity, limiting flexibility and increasing vulnerability to shocks.

This strain is already visible in payment behaviour. Survey data shows a recent rise in late payments, with over 80% of suppliers affected, highlighting the weakening in payment discipline. This trend is primarily driven by customer cash flow stress, which reduces liquidity, weakens cash flow planning and increases reliance on external funding. In response, many firms delay their own payments, transmitting pressure across supply chains and amplifying second order risk beyond the original point of stress.

Business sentiment points to continued uncertainty for the future, says Ungaro:

"Companies are almost evenly split between expecting payment conditions to improve or deteriorate in the months ahead, highlighting an uncertain outlook even as underlying risks continue to build."

This regional view reflects patterns observed across Asia's key trade markets, while underlying risk varies significantly at country and sector level. For more information, visit https://group.atradius.com/knowledge-and-research.

Press contact:
Pavel Gómez del Castillo
pavel.gomezdelcastillo@atradius.com

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1954年に設立された世界初の米国広報通信社です。配信ネットワークで全世界をカバーしています。Cision Ltd.の子会社として、Cisionクラウドベースコミュニケーション製品、世界最大のマルチチャネル、多文化コンテンツ普及ネットワークと包括的なワークフローツールおよびプラットフォームを組み合わせることで、様々な組織のストーリーを支えています。www.prnasia.com

dsm-firmenich awards 2026 Nutrition Research Grant to five projects investigating the role of nutrients and bio-actives in supporting healthy longevity in Asia Pacific

dsm-firmenich — Wed, 08 Jul 2026 11:05:46 +0900

Record number of grant applications reflect growing interest in the emerging issue of healthy aging in Asia Pacific, where one in four people will be over 60 by 2050[1].

SINGAPORE, July 8, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- dsm-firmenich, innovators in nutrition, health, and beauty, today awarded the second round of the Nutrition Research Grant to five projects, each worth EUR50,000, in support of healthy longevity research in the Asia Pacific demographic.

The five 2026 Nutrition Research Grant recipients received their awards at the ‘Age Slower, Age Better: Advancing Healthy Longevity Across Asia Pacific’ scientific symposium.

Following the inaugural round in 2024 which focused on 'Health from the Gut across the Human Lifespan', this year's grant call centered around the theme 'Age Slower, Age Better - Nutrition Solutions for Healthy Longevity'.

"The study of healthy longevity is particularly important in the Asia Pacific region, where populations are aging at an unprecedented pace due to longer life expectancy." said Tina Low, Senior Vice President APAC, Health, Nutrition & Care (HNC), dsm-firmenich. "More worryingly, we see a widening gap between life span – how long we live - and health span – how long we remain healthy, with the average person spending the last 10 years of their lives in ill health.[2]"

Tina added, "Advancing healthy longevity in Asia requires strong public-private partnerships, a principle embedded in dsm-firmenich's Asia-for-Asia Nutrition Research Grant Program."

The impact of Nutrition on Aging

"Today, we know it's possible to slow down the progression of aging with nutritional interventions." said Anneleen Spooren, Senior Vice President, Innovation, R&D & Regulatory, HNC, dsm-firmenich, citing the landmark DO-HEALTH study, Europe's largest clinical trial on healthy aging to date which demonstrated that a combination of algal omega-3, vitamin D and a simple home exercise program can slow biological aging by as much as 3.8 months in a 3-year period[3].

"We were excited to receive a record number of applications for the grant this round, from 13 different countries in Asia Pacific, and we look forward to partnering with our grant recipients to gain more clarity on how nutrition can shape how aging unfolds, allowing us to live our later years in full vitality."

The five 2026 dsm-firmenich Nutrition Research Grant recipients are:

Dr. David Barry, National Ageing Research Institute, Australia
Effect of Postbiotic Supplementation on Inflammation and Physical Function in Pre-Frail Community-Dwelling Older Adults: A Randomized Controlled Pilot Trial

Prof. Hamid Sohrabi, Murdoch University, Australia
Synergistic Effects of Polyphenol- and Omega-3–Rich Dietary Patterns on Mitochondrial Health and Biological Ageing: Translational Insights from the AU-ARROW Cohort

Dr. Jiyun Ahn, Korea Food Research Institute, Republic of Korea
Healthspan Signals in Muscle: Tissue-Resolved Aging Clocks and Vitamin D Associations in Older Adults

Prof. Katherine Black, University of Otago, New Zealand
Omega-3 Supplementation to Support Lean Mass, Body Composition, and Healthy Longevity in Perimenopausal Women: A Randomised Control Trial

Asst. Prof. Vincenzo Sorrentino, National University of Singapore, Singapore
Promoting Cellular Energy Production for Slower Aging Combining Trigonelline and CoQ10

In addition to funding, the grant also offers valuable opportunities for professional recognition and networking with the broader nutrition and scientific community. The grants were presented at the 'Age Slower, Age Better: Advancing Healthy Longevity Across Asia Pacific' scientific symposium today, organized in partnership with A*STAR Institute for Human Development and Potential (IHDP), Singapore.

The symposium attracted over 180 academia and industry partners, including Prof. Johan Eriksson, Executive Director of A*STAR IHDP, and Prof. Kim Ji-Yeon of Seoul National University of Science and Technology, Korea, who served on the expert selection panel of the Nutrition Research Grant this year, and also delivered keynote presentations.

[1] UNFPA Asia-Pacific – Ageing: https://asiapacific.unfpa.org/en/topics/ageing

[2] Garmany A, Terzic A. Global Healthspan-Lifespan Gaps Among 183 World Health Organization Member States. JAMA Network Open. 2024;7(12):e2450241. doi:10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2024.50241.

[3] Bischoff-Ferrari HA, Gängler S, Wieczorek M, et al. Individual and additive effects of vitamin D, omega-3 and exercise on DNA methylation clocks of biological aging in older adults from the DO-HEALTH trial. Nature Aging. 2025;5(3):376–385. doi:10.1038/s43587-024-00793-y

About dsm-firmenich

As innovators in nutrition, health, and beauty, dsm-firmenich reinvents, manufactures, and combines vital nutrients, flavors, and fragrances for the world's growing population to thrive. With our comprehensive range of solutions, with natural and renewable ingredients and renowned science and technology capabilities, we work to create what is essential for life, desirable for consumers, and more sustainable for people and the planet. dsm-firmenich is a Swiss company, listed on the Euronext Amsterdam and SIX Swiss Exchange, with operations in almost 60 countries and revenues of more than €9 billion for its Continuing Operations following the divestment of Animal Nutrition & Health. With a diverse, worldwide team of nearly 21,000 employees, we bring progress to life every day, everywhere, for billions of people. www.dsm-firmenich.com 

About Nutrition Research Grant

The Nutrition Research Grant was established to support innovative, high-quality research that advances knowledge in the field of nutrition and its impact on human health in the Asia Pacific region. It is designed to encourage researchers, academics, and healthcare professionals explore new ideas, develop evidence-based solutions, and contribute meaningful insights that improve dietary practices, clinical outcomes, and public health strategies in the Asia Pacific population. The initiative places strong emphasis on research that addresses current and emerging challenges in nutrition, and the role of nutrition in overall health and wellbeing. Beyond supporting individual research projects, the grant aims to bridge the gap between scientific discovery and real-world application. By prioritizing studies with clear practical relevance, it ensures that findings can be translated into actionable recommendations for healthcare professionals, policymakers, and the wider community.

Forward-looking statements
This press release may contain forward-looking statements with respect to dsm-firmenich's future performance and position. Such statements are based on current expectations, estimates and projections of dsm-firmenich and information currently available to the company. dsm-firmenich cautions readers that such statements involve certain risks and uncertainties that are difficult to predict and therefore it should be understood that many factors can cause actual performance, transaction progress and positions to differ materially from these statements. dsm-firmenich has no obligation to update the statements contained in this press release, unless required by law. This communication contains information that qualifies as inside information within the meaning of Article 7(1) of the EU Market Abuse Regulation. The English language version of this press release prevails over other language versions.

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1954年に設立された世界初の米国広報通信社です。配信ネットワークで全世界をカバーしています。Cision Ltd.の子会社として、Cisionクラウドベースコミュニケーション製品、世界最大のマルチチャネル、多文化コンテンツ普及ネットワークと包括的なワークフローツールおよびプラットフォームを組み合わせることで、様々な組織のストーリーを支えています。www.prnasia.com

Seaspan and Maersk Advance Fleet Efficiency Through Strategic Vessel Upgrade Program

Seaspan Corporation — Wed, 08 Jul 2026 10:52:50 +0900

SINGAPORE, July 8, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Seaspan Corporation Pte. Ltd. (Seaspan), a leading independent maritime asset owner and operator, has announced a deepened strategic collaboration with A.P. Moller - Maersk (Maersk), a global leader in integrated logistics and container shipping, focused on enhancing the efficiency of their time-chartered fleet.

Signing of the Memorandum of Cooperation on Decarbonization

Building on more than 20 years of trusted partnership, the two companies are advancing a comprehensive vessel efficiency programme across 18 vessels on long-term charter to Maersk. The programme is aimed at unlocking measurable gains in fuel efficiency, cargo capacity, operational flexibility, and emissions reduction.

As a cornerstone initiative, the partners have jointly developed high-impact retrofit solutions for four 13,000 TEU vessels, representing one of the most significant upgrade programs for the shared Seaspan – Maersk time charter fleet.

The retrofit solution consists of the installation of a shaft generator to reduce auxiliary engine fuel consumption, a main engine performance optimisation, a new high-efficiency propeller and pre swirl device to improve propulsion efficiency, and carbon capture readiness to prepare the vessel for future emissions regulations. In addition, the lashing bridge will be elevated to increase cargo carrying capacity, and the deadweight will be increased to enhance loading capability. Together, these retrofit measures are expected to improve the vessel's slot cost by approximately 10–13%, while enhancing fuel efficiency, operational performance, and regulatory readiness.

To date, combined investments in fleet upgrades for the 18 vessels, completed and planned, are approximately USD $75 million, with further initiatives under development to support continued decarbonization and performance gains.

Separately, WattSpan—a strategic maritime technology and engineering joint-venture partner to Seaspan focused on vessel performance, energy efficiency, and decarbonization solutions—has joined Maersk and COSCO Shipyard in signing a non-binding Memorandum of Cooperation, establishing a one-year framework for collaboration on vessel upgrades, energy efficiency improvements, and maritime decarbonization technologies. Initiatives include, but are not limited to, joint development, information sharing, and future project execution under separate commercial agreements.

"This partnership reflects the kind of practical, high-impact collaboration needed to advance decarbonization across the maritime industry," said Dimitrios Panagopoulos, Chief Fleet Operations Officer at Seaspan. "By working closely with Maersk, WattSpan, and COSCO Shipyard, we are combining technical expertise, operational insight, and long-term investment to improve vessel performance today while preparing our fleet for the fuels and technologies of the future. It is a strong example of how trusted partnerships can deliver meaningful progress at scale."

Anda Cristescu, Head of Chartering and Newbuilding at Maersk added, "For many years, Seaspan has been a valued partner and significant provider of tonnage to the Maersk fleet. By working closely with Seaspan, we aim to implement vessel upgrades that reduce fuel costs, lower greenhouse gas emissions, and increase cargo capacity – all of which enhance the competitiveness of our fleet."

About Seaspan Corporation Pte. Ltd.
Seaspan is the world's leading maritime asset-owner and operator focused on long-term, fixed-rate leases to the world's most prominent shipping lines. As of March 31, 2026, Seaspan's operating fleet consisted of 247 vessels, pro forma for undelivered newbuilds (including two Very Large Ethane Carriers and four Open Hatch Gantry Crane vessels signed in April 2026), with a total fleet capacity of approximately 2.5 million TEU on a fully delivered basis.

About A.P. Moller Maersk
A.P. Moller - Maersk is an integrated logistics company working to connect and simplify its customers' supply chains. As a global leader in logistics services, the company operates in more than 130 countries and employs around 100,000 people.

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1954年に設立された世界初の米国広報通信社です。配信ネットワークで全世界をカバーしています。Cision Ltd.の子会社として、Cisionクラウドベースコミュニケーション製品、世界最大のマルチチャネル、多文化コンテンツ普及ネットワークと包括的なワークフローツールおよびプラットフォームを組み合わせることで、様々な組織のストーリーを支えています。www.prnasia.com

IAA MOBILITY 2027 Registration Now Open - Record-Breaking Demand - More Than Half of Floor Space Already Accounted For

German Association of the Automotive Industry / IAA MOBILITY — Wed, 08 Jul 2026 10:49:35 +0900

BERLIN and MUNICH, July 8, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Registration for IAA MOBILITY 2027 is officially open. Interest from the international mobility sector hits record-breaking demand even before the regular registration period started. More than 100 companies have pre-registered as rebookers. As a result, over a year ahead of the event (scheduled for September 7–12, 2027), 53 percent of the total space used at IAA 2025 (both downtown and at the exhibition center) has already been reserved.

In line with its strategic focus, IAA MOBILITY 2027 has unveiled a new key visual. The design emphasizes the event's mission to focus not on individual vehicles, but on an interconnected mobility ecosystem.

"The high volume of already registered rebookers shows that our hybrid concept is hitting the mark," says VDA Managing Director Jürgen Mindel. "This lays the groundwork for IAA MOBILITY to further expand its role as the world's leading platform for mobility, sustainability, and tech."

High-Profile Exhibitors Across All Sectors

Pre-registered companies include AUDI, AUMOVIO, BMW, CATL, Changan Automobile, CUPRA, Ford, GAC, Google, Horizon Robotics, Horse Powertrain, Hyundai Motors, Mahle, Mercedes-Benz, Polestar, Porsche, Riese & Müller, SAP, Schaeffler Technologies, smart, Sonatus, VW, XPENG, and ZF.

Mathias Geisen, Member of the Board of Management of Mercedes-Benz AG, emphasizes: "As the inventors of the automobile, we have been shaping mobility for 140 years – so participating in IAA MOBILITY is a core part of our DNA."

"Our greatest success at IAA MOBILITY was proving that premium e-bikes and cargo bikes belong on equal footing at a mobility show – an event traditionally dominated by the automotive industry," says Dr. Sandra Wolf, CEO of bicycle manufacturer Riese & Müller.

"IAA MOBILITY 2025 was a fantastic experience for Schaeffler. Direct dialogue with our customers provided vital insights and solidified the strong partnerships we've built," says Matthias Zink, CEO Powertrain & Chassis at the Schaeffler Group.

High Exhibitor Satisfaction in 2025

The popularity of IAA MOBILITY is also reflected in an increased recommendation rate among exhibitors. Eighty-three percent of surveyed exhibitors stated they would "definitely" or "likely" recommend participating in IAA MOBILITY to other exhibitors (up from 72 percent in 2023).

"As organizers, we see this highly positive trend as a complete validation of our conceptual strategy. In terms of overall satisfaction, IAA MOBILITY 2025 received a 96 percent positive rating from exhibitors. This means our exhibitors rated their participation in Munich as 'excellent,' 'very good,' or 'good,'" says VDA Managing Director Jürgen Mindel.

Strong Performance in 2025 – and Long-Term Stability Until 2031

At IAA MOBILITY 2025, 750 exhibitors from 37 countries showcased their products and innovations, featuring over 350 world premieres and product launches. International exhibitors accounted for 57 percent of the total, with the largest contingents coming from China, South Korea, Austria, Italy, and the US. This strong international presence was also mirrored by the attendees, with international visitors accounting for roughly 24 percent of the total crowd.

Furthermore, IAA MOBILITY is set to remain in Munich until at least 2031. The German Association of the Automotive Industry (VDA) and Messe München have extended their successful partnership until 2031.

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1954年に設立された世界初の米国広報通信社です。配信ネットワークで全世界をカバーしています。Cision Ltd.の子会社として、Cisionクラウドベースコミュニケーション製品、世界最大のマルチチャネル、多文化コンテンツ普及ネットワークと包括的なワークフローツールおよびプラットフォームを組み合わせることで、様々な組織のストーリーを支えています。www.prnasia.com

51Talk Marks 15th Anniversary with Global Curriculum Upgrade to Enhance Children's English Communication Skills

51Talk — Wed, 08 Jul 2026 10:44:49 +0900

TOKYO, July 8, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- 51Talk, a global live 1-on-1 online English learning platform for children, today announced a comprehensive global curriculum upgrade to celebrate its 15th anniversary. More than a product upgrade, this initiative reflects 51Talk's enduring commitment to global education: empowering children to communicate confidently across cultures, connect with the world, and make their voices heard.

Founded in 2011, 51Talk now serves families across more than 50 countries and regions, with a strong presence across Southeast Asia, the Middle East, and East Asia. Through live 1-on-1 English lessons and structured learning pathways, the platform has consistently helped children develop speaking confidence through regular practice and immersive interaction.

An Integrated Curriculum Upgrade

Starting this July, 51Talk will roll out its new online English learning curriculum, Global Communicator. Built on academic excellence and real-world relevance, the upgraded curriculum delivers internationalized content, personalized learning pathways, and a highly interactive learning experience designed to develop confident global communicators.

The curriculum incorporates Oxford University Press-authorized course materials, adapted for young learners and aligned with internationally recognized English proficiency standards. An AI-powered adaptive learning system analyzes student performance and adjusts lesson difficulty in real time, enabling truly personalized learning. Powered by an advanced interactive engine, the curriculum simulates authentic real-life scenarios, helping students develop the confidence and skills to communicate naturally and effectively in English.

"Our goal has always been to help children apply their English communication skills confidently in everyday situations," said Lucy Qu, Vice President of Academics at 51Talk. "This upgrade further enhances how we deliver interactive, responsive, and communication-focused learning."

A student attends a live online 1-on-1 English lesson on the 51Talk app.

Real Voices: From Classroom to Global Stage

Since 2023, 51Talk has supported youth public speaking initiatives at international events such as the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP), empowering students to voice their perspectives on real-world issues.

Le Bao Nhi from Vietnam, who was once hesitant to speak, found her voice through 51Talk lessons and ultimately spoke at COP30. "I used to be shy and afraid of making mistakes," she shared. "Now, I'm proud to connect with people worldwide in English. We must believe that small hands can make a big difference." Sheddi Alharthi from Saudi Arabia also experienced a remarkable transformation after speaking at COP30, noting, "Speaking English with confidence has opened up a much bigger world for me."

One of 51Talk's 5-Star teachers noted that confidence grows through consistent practice in a supportive learning environment, empowering students to express themselves freely in English. "Our mission goes beyond teaching English," the teacher shared. "Through continuous guidance and companionship, we hope every child can speak English confidently in real-life situations."

51Talk student representatives deliver speeches in English at the United Nations COP30.

Looking Ahead to the Next Chapter

Standing at this 15-year milestone, 51Talk remains dedicated to enhancing its live 1-on-1 online English learning experience. Supported by passionate teachers and an AI-powered learning system, the platform will continue to help more children develop communication skills and the confidence to connect with the world. 51Talk looks forward to seeing more young learners find their voices and shine on the global stage.

To learn more, please visit: www.51talk.com

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Stuck on the Sidelines: Carlsberg reveals Three-Quarters of Adults Will Watch Football This Summer, but a Third Haven't Played a Game in Six Months or More

Carlsberg — Wed, 08 Jul 2026 10:43:13 +0900

COPENHAGEN, Denmark, July 8, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- A third of adults (31%) admit that they've not had a kickabout in six months or more*, compared to the whopping 73% who will watch a game this summer.

With the summer of football now in full swing, Carlsberg has sought to change this and get people back out and experiencing the joy of playing football.

According to the research conducted by Carlsberg, most (44%) feel they don't have enough time, the team to play with (39%) or the space (16%) to play. And, so, the role for Carlsberg is simple: bring the joy of playing the game back to people, by making it easy to play again.

As a result, "Goal Posters" have popped up on walls in cities across the country. The simple goal-shaped flyposters are located in spaces where it's easy to start a kick-about with others; all anyone needs is a football and it's game on.

Remaining in place throughout the summer, the "Goal Posters" have already played host to a number of spontaneous kick-abouts, bringing back the joy of playing football to the public. A joy that two-thirds (60%) say they miss.

Lynsey Woods, Carlsberg's Global Brand Director, says: "At a time when football can feel increasingly out of reach for many, we wanted to celebrate the part of the game that belongs to everyone. If Carlsberg did the best of football, more people would be playing it, not just watching it. This is a fun, simple reminder of the joy that made us fall in love with football in the first place: picking up a ball and having a kickabout."

The Carlsberg 'Goal Posters' can currently be found at Sutton Walk and Shoreditch Tunnels (London) and Bridge Street (Manchester) for a limited time only. Players are encouraged to head on down before it's too late, and keep their eyes peeled for the sites and other ways to play.

The activity continues Carlsberg's ambition to provide more access to more of the best experiences – identifying barriers that stand in the way and giving the public access to the best. As part of its sponsorship of UEFA National Team Football and UEFA EURO 2028™, Carlsberg will continue to break down barriers and give fans more access to the best parts of the beautiful game.

Notes to Editors

Research conducted in June 2026 by 3Gem on behalf of Carlsberg using 10,000 respondents across the US, UK, Germany, India and China within the general population aged 18 years old and over.

About Carlsberg Group:

Established in 1847 by brewer J.C. Jacobsen, the Carlsberg Group is one of the leading brewery groups in the world, with an attractive portfolio of beer and other beverage brands. With over 37,000 employees, and with a presence in more than 150 markets, the Group has a purpose of brewing for a better today and tomorrow. Doing business responsibly and sustainably supports that purpose – and drives the efforts to deliver value for shareholders and society. For further information, visit carlsberggroup.com

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1954年に設立された世界初の米国広報通信社です。配信ネットワークで全世界をカバーしています。Cision Ltd.の子会社として、Cisionクラウドベースコミュニケーション製品、世界最大のマルチチャネル、多文化コンテンツ普及ネットワークと包括的なワークフローツールおよびプラットフォームを組み合わせることで、様々な組織のストーリーを支えています。www.prnasia.com

SoftAtHome Brings prpl to Commercial Scale with Orange Wi-Fi 7 Deployments Across Europe

SoftAtHome — Wed, 08 Jul 2026 10:35:44 +0900

SoftAtHome has delivered the world's first Wi-Fi 7 repeater built on a full prpl software stack, with deployments live at Orange in Poland and France and at least three further European markets to follow.

PARIS, July 7, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- SoftAtHome, the leading independent software provider for broadband, video and analytics, and a global leader in Smart Wi-Fi, today announced that its prpl-based Wi-Fi 7 repeater software is now deployed commercially across Orange in Europe.

To view the Multimedia News Release, please click:
https://www.multivu.com/softathome/9408651-en-brings-prpl-commercial-scale-orange-wifi-7-deployments-across-europe

The deployment is a milestone for prpl, the open-source framework designed to provide operators with a common, hardware-independent, and operator-controlled software base for broadband devices. After years as an industry promise, prpl is now running in subscribers' homes at Group scale, with Wi-Fi 7 as the catalyst.

Orange Poland launched the first such device in March 2026 as the Smartbox Wi-Fi 7. Orange France's prpl-based Wi-Fi 7 repeater is now also live, with at least three further Orange European markets expected to follow. The work builds on earlier prpl deployments within Orange, including Orange Jordan, where SoftAtHome delivered prpl-based gateway software around a year ago.

SoftAtHome engineered the prpl stack to support differentiated requirements across Orange markets without building separate software for each country, showing that an open platform can carry operator-specific services and configurations while preserving a common base.

The repeaters run SoftAtHome's Wifi'ON Smart Wi-Fi software on prpl. prpl provides a standardised hardware abstraction layer, allowing the same software stack to run across different chipset generations. SoftAtHome has contributed to prpl since the project's early stages and has deployed prpl-based solutions with multiple operators.

Interoperability is based on prplMesh with EasyMesh inside. These open standards allow the repeaters to operate across Orange's different gateway environments, without locking subscribers into a single vendor ecosystem. The software is compatible with Orange's existing gateway installed base, allowing functioning equipment to remain in service. Where gateways support it, Wi-Fi 7 extends throughout the home; earlier-generation gateways can also benefit from Wi-Fi 7 connectivity.

Wifi'ON manages mesh topology dynamically. When several repeaters are active, the software automatically determines whether each unit should connect to the gateway or to another repeater, selecting the path that delivers the best connectivity quality. No subscriber configuration is required. In Poland, the Smartbox Wi-Fi 7 supports up to three units per household, extending coverage for larger and multi-storey homes.

SoftAtHome's Eyes'ON analytics give Orange continuous visibility into Wi-Fi performance across the installed base. Together, Wifi'ON and Eyes'ON form SoftAtHome's Wi-Fi software stack on the repeater, combining optimisation with observability.

The repeaters add Wi-Fi 7 capabilities, including lower latency, Multi-Link Operation, and seamless operation under a single SSID across Wi-Fi 5, Wi-Fi 6, and Wi-Fi 7 devices.

The hardware was also developed with sustainability in mind, including recycled plastics and a design that supports repair and refurbishment. Because the platform is open and software-based, Orange can continue to improve the subscriber's experience through updates rather than hardware replacements.

"After the first worldwide deployment with Orange Jordan in 2025, a new step has been taken in the prpl journey" said Arnaud Bellivier de Prin, CEO of SoftAtHome. "Delivering the world's first Wi-Fi 7 repeater on a full prpl stack and doing it at Orange scale across several European markets shows that operators can adopt an open platform, bring in new silicon partners and still preserve the seamless experience their subscribers expect. We are proud to reach this point alongside Orange."

Contact:
Marta Twardowska for SoftAtHome - E: press@softathome.com - T: @SoftAtHome

SoftAtHome Brings prpl to Commercial Scale with Orange Wi-Fi 7 Deployments Across Europe

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GIGABYTE Demonstrates AI TOP ATOM Four-Node Clustering on Scientific Computing

GIGABYTE — Wed, 08 Jul 2026 10:34:08 +0900

TAIPEI, July 7, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- GIGABYTE, the world's leading computer brand, demonstrates how AI TOP ATOM four-node clustering scales local AI computing for increasingly complex workloads. As AI models, scientific simulations, and enterprise applications continue to grow in size and complexity, standalone systems are increasingly insufficient to meet rising memory and compute demands. AI TOP ATOM clustering removes that constraint, enabling memory-intensive workloads to run locally without compromising on data security.

GIGABYTE Demonstrates AI TOP ATOM Four-Node Clustering on Scientific Computing

Each AI TOP ATOM node delivers 1 PFLOPS FP4 AI performance and 128 GB unified memory. Through a RoCE-capable 200GbE switch, four interconnected nodes, each with 128 GB of unified memory, enable memory-intensive workloads to scale beyond the limits of a standalone system. The modular architecture allows organizations to scale from one node to four nodes as workload requirements evolve while maintaining local deployment and full data sovereignty, providing a scalable foundation for larger AI and scientific computing workloads.

To demonstrate these capabilities, GIGABYTE collaborated with NVIDIA to showcase an AI-driven scientific computing workflow on AI TOP ATOM clusters. Powered by NVIDIA NemoClaw blueprints, the workflow orchestrates NVIDIA Nemotron-3-Nano-30B-NVFP4 open-source models for research hypothesis generation and dispatches GROMACS to execute simulations across the cluster. By connecting AI reasoning with scientific simulation, the workflow demonstrates how AI-driven research can be executed within a clustered computing environment.

As part of the demonstration, the workflow is applied to thermal interface material (TIM) development for advanced semiconductor packaging, a workload that increasingly relies on large-scale molecular dynamics simulations. While standalone systems are typically limited to simulations of approximately 10 million atoms before encountering memory constraints, a four-node AI TOP ATOM cluster extends simulation capacity beyond 30 million atoms for next-generation IC packaging research.

The demonstration highlights how AI TOP ATOM four-node clustering can support larger-scale scientific simulations that exceed the capabilities of a standalone system, extending its role from AI development to emerging scientific computing applications. For more information, please visit GIGABYTE AI TOP ATOM.

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Asana Partners and Norges Bank Investment Management Launch Strategic Neighborhood Retail Venture

Asana Partners — Wed, 08 Jul 2026 10:33:03 +0900

New partnership will target high-quality neighborhood retail assets in the U.S.

CHARLOTTE, N.C., July 7, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Today Asana Partners announced the firm has closed a partnership with Norges Bank Investment Management ("NBIM") to form Asana Partners Strategic Partners I ("APSP I"). The new venture will invest in and operate high-quality core / core+ neighborhood retail assets throughout the United States, including grocery-anchored centers, unanchored centers, street retail, and mixed-use assets.

APSP I launched with an equity commitment of $500 million from NBIM. The venture will focus on properties located in markets with attractive demographics, durable tenant demand, compelling consumer fundamentals, and opportunities for long-term value creation.

"We are honored to partner with NBIM, one of the world's premier institutional investors," said Reed Kracke, Partner at Asana Partners. "Forming APSP I reflects our shared conviction in the strength and resilience of neighborhood retail real estate and expands our existing capability to capitalize on attractive investment opportunities across the country."

The strategic partnership with NBIM is complementary to the Asana Partners existing core / core+ investment vehicle, Asana Partners Select Fund.

The partnership's initial investment will be a 50 percent interest in a portfolio of premium, grocery-anchored centers in desirable growth markets.

King & Spalding LLP acted as legal advisor to Asana Partners. Clifford Chance acted as legal advisor to NBIM.

About Asana Partners
Asana Partners is a retail real estate investment firm creating value in vibrant neighborhoods by leveraging vertically integrated capabilities and retail expertise. With more than $9 billion of neighborhood assets under management, the firm is active in growth markets throughout the United States and is driven to make a positive impact within communities. Asana Partners champions a strong collaborative culture with offices in Charlotte, Atlanta, Boston, Columbia, Denver, Los Angeles, and New York. For more information, visit www.asanapartners.com or follow @asanapartners.

About Norges Bank Investment Management
Norges Bank Investment Management manages the Norwegian Government Pension Fund Global. With assets worth approximately 22,000 billion Norwegian kroner (around 2,200 billion US dollars), the fund is invested in international equity and fixed-income markets, as well as real estate and renewable energy infrastructure. Its purpose is to ensure responsible, long-term management of revenues from Norway's oil and gas resources so that this wealth benefits both current and future generations. It seeks to achieve the highest possible return in a safe, efficient, responsible and transparent manner, within government guidelines.

Media Contact:
Julie Ducworth, julie@jcdcommunications.com, 803.465.1198

PR Newswire Asia Ltd.

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1954年に設立された世界初の米国広報通信社です。配信ネットワークで全世界をカバーしています。Cision Ltd.の子会社として、Cisionクラウドベースコミュニケーション製品、世界最大のマルチチャネル、多文化コンテンツ普及ネットワークと包括的なワークフローツールおよびプラットフォームを組み合わせることで、様々な組織のストーリーを支えています。www.prnasia.com

LOGICALIS ACHIEVES MICROSOFT FRONTIER PARTNER STATUS TO ACCELERATE ENTERPRISE AI ADOPTION

Logicalis — Wed, 08 Jul 2026 10:28:17 +0900

LONDON, July 7, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Global technology service provider, Logicalis, has achieved Microsoft Frontier Partner status alongside its Microsoft Copilot specialisation, reinforcing its position as a trusted partner for organisations looking to scale AI securely, responsibly, with measurable business impact.

Logicalis achieves Microsoft Frontier Partner Status to accelerate Enterprise AI adoption

The recognition reinforces Logicalis' proven expertise across Microsoft Copilot, data and AI, security and cloud transformation as organisations move beyond AI pilots to enterprise-wide adoption.

Microsoft Frontier Partner status is awarded to partners with advanced expertise in delivering enterprise AI solutions using Microsoft's cloud and AI technologies, recognising organisations with the technical capability and experience to help customers adopt AI securely, responsibly and at scale.

Bob Bailkoski, Global CEO of Logicalis, said, "The next wave of enterprise transformation will be defined by organisations that can turn AI ambition into secure, measurable business impact. Achieving Microsoft Frontier Partner status, alongside our Copilot specialisation, positions Logicalis to help customers globally accelerate that shift with the confidence, governance and scale required to succeed."

As organisations move beyond AI pilots, Logicalis helps customers deploy Microsoft Copilot securely and at scale. Its Microsoft Copilot specialisation validates expertise in designing, deploying and extending Microsoft 365 Copilot through Copilot Studio and agentic AI.

Anita Swann, VP, Global Alliances at Logicalis, commented on the new partner status, "As we begin Microsoft's FY27 financial year, Logicalis is launching from a position of strength: 12 Microsoft Advanced Specialisations, the Microsoft Frontier Partner badge and our continued Azure Expert MSP status. These achievements reflect the depth of technical capability we have built across the Microsoft stack, from secure data foundations and governance to Copilot Studio, agents and enterprise-scale adoption."

"However," Swann continued, "technical capability alone isn't enough. Our 2026 Global CIO Report shows that while 94% of organisations have increased their appetite for AI, more than half believe adoption is already moving too fast. Organisations need a partner that can help them balance innovation with governance, security and measurable business outcomes.

That's exactly where our Microsoft expertise makes the biggest difference, helping customers move confidently from AI experimentation to delivering measurable business outcomes."

About Logicalis

We are Architects of Change™. We help organisations succeed in a digital-first world. At Logicalis, we harness our collective technology expertise to help our clients build a blueprint for success, so they can deliver sustainable outcomes that matter.

PR Newswire Asia Ltd.

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1954年に設立された世界初の米国広報通信社です。配信ネットワークで全世界をカバーしています。Cision Ltd.の子会社として、Cisionクラウドベースコミュニケーション製品、世界最大のマルチチャネル、多文化コンテンツ普及ネットワークと包括的なワークフローツールおよびプラットフォームを組み合わせることで、様々な組織のストーリーを支えています。www.prnasia.com

DXC Opens Flagship AI-first Customer Experience Center in Bengaluru

DXC Technology Company — Wed, 08 Jul 2026 10:24:36 +0900

・Strengthens DXC's India presence with a 200,000-square-foot facility in Bengaluru
・Brings together customer collaboration spaces, a flagship AI Hub, and integrated security and operations capabilities
・Designed to enable direct collaboration with DXC consultants and customers to identify, engineer, and scale AI solutions that can deliver measurable business outcomes

BENGALURU, India, July 7, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- DXC Technology (NYSE: DXC), a leading enterprise technology and innovation partner, today announced the opening of its new Customer Experience Center in Bengaluru. The new facility is one of DXC's largest global delivery hubs and reinforces its role in helping organizations move from AI experimentation to scaled deployment, expanding the company's global network of customer collaboration sites.

DXC Opens Flagship AI-first Customer Experience Center in Bengaluru

Designing the AI Solutions for Enterprise

Located in one of Bengaluru's leading technology corridors, the new 200,000-square-foot facility is purpose-built to deepen customer engagement, strengthen collaboration, and accelerate AI-enabled transformation. As DXC expands opportunities for customer collaboration around AI solutions, the site brings together immersive Customer Experience Zones, Fluid Collaboration Hubs, Ideation Studios, Co-Creation Labs, and Partner Experience Zones in a modern environment where DXC teams, customers, and partners can co-create solutions, accelerate AI adoption, and showcase innovation in real time.

"Our greatest differentiator is our people," said Ramnath Venkataraman, President, Consulting & Engineering Services at DXC Technology. "Our new Customer Experience Center brings together our exceptional engineering talent in a space designed for deeper collaboration with customers and partners, where we can co-create, engineer, and scale AI-powered solutions that address complex business challenges. By working side by side throughout the innovation journey, we're helping customers move faster from ideas to measurable business outcomes."

Where Enterprises Turn AI into Deployable Solutions

As DXC continues to help enterprises move from AI experimentation to execution at scale, it is investing in environments that help customers prioritize high-value use cases, rapidly prototype solutions, and integrate AI into existing technology environments, including the core systems enterprises depend on. The new facility will showcase DXC's capabilities across AI, consulting, engineering, cloud, cybersecurity, and network transformation, with a focus on engineering and running AI capabilities integrated with existing enterprise systems of record and IT operations.

The site includes a central AI Hub, alongside a Cyber Range, Forensics Labs, Security Operations Center, and Network Operations Center, enabling end-to-end scenarios from solution design through real-world deployment and monitoring. At the heart of the facility is DXC's flagship AI Hub, designed to help customers translate AI concepts into deployable solutions through hands-on development and testing. These capabilities are integrated to support full lifecycle delivery, from ideation through to operation and optimization.

"Our new Customer Experience Center represents a powerhouse for AI innovation, engineering excellence, and customer collaboration," said Rob Le Busque, President of Asia Pacific & Japan at DXC Technology. "By bringing together our consulting, engineering, and operations expertise in one environment, we're helping customers accelerate AI adoption and create connected enterprises where people work alongside AI agents to engineer and run the systems of record for our customers."

About DXC Technology

DXC Technology (NYSE: DXC) is a leading enterprise technology and innovation partner delivering software, services, and solutions to global enterprises and public sector organizations — helping them harness AI to drive outcomes at a time of exponential change with speed. With deep expertise in Managed Infrastructure Services, Application Modernization, and Industry-Specific Software Solutions, DXC modernizes, secures, and operates some of the world's most complex technology estates. Learn more on dxc.com.

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1954年に設立された世界初の米国広報通信社です。配信ネットワークで全世界をカバーしています。Cision Ltd.の子会社として、Cisionクラウドベースコミュニケーション製品、世界最大のマルチチャネル、多文化コンテンツ普及ネットワークと包括的なワークフローツールおよびプラットフォームを組み合わせることで、様々な組織のストーリーを支えています。www.prnasia.com

Cambrex, Snapdragon Chemistry, and Q1 Scientific Recognized for Innovation and Sustainability in Pharma

Cambrex — Wed, 08 Jul 2026 10:22:29 +0900

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J., July 7, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Cambrex, a leading global contract development and manufacturing organization (CDMO), proudly announces that Snapdragon Chemistry, a Cambrex company, together with NewAmsterdam Pharma, has received the American Chemical Society's 2026 Green Chemistry Challenge Award for the Greener Synthetic Pathway in the Synthesis of Pharmaceuticals. The award recognizes the companies' successful development of a sustainable organocatalytic process to manufacture the chiral tetrahydroquinoline core for the synthesis of obicetrapib, a late-stage investigational therapy for dyslipidemia.

NewAmsterdam Pharma, in collaboration with Snapdragon Chemistry, developed an industrial-scale synthesis of an organocatalyzed asymmetric Povarov cyclization to manufacture the chiral tetrahydroquinoline core, a key intermediate in the synthesis of obicetrapib. Compared with the previous manufacturing route, the organocatalytic process significantly improved overall efficiency and sustainability, delivering substantial gains in yield, reducing process mass intensity by approximately 80%, eliminating aqueous waste generation, shortening manufacturing cycle time by approximately 70% and lowering manufacturing costs by approximately 50%.

Furthering its sustainability leadership, Cambrex's Milan facility has been awarded the EcoVadis Gold rating, placing it among the top 5% of organizations evaluated for environmental, social and ethical performance. This distinction reflects Cambrex's comprehensive sustainability strategy, including a 20% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions network-wide and a goal to reduce emissions by 50% by 2030.

Additionally, Q1 Scientific, a Cambrex company, has partnered with Flogas through a Corporate Power Purchase Agreement (CPPA) to source renewable electricity from the Cronalaght Wind Farm. This partnership will cover approximately 50% of the Q1 Scientific Waterford site's electricity demand, supporting both client and community environmental goals and reinforcing Cambrex's position as a responsible industry leader.

Thomas Loewald, CEO at Cambrex commented, "At Cambrex, we are dedicated to continually reducing our environmental impact for the benefit of our communities and ensuring long-term, sustainable manufacturing solutions for our customers."

About Cambrex
Cambrex is a leading global contract development and manufacturing organization (CDMO) that provides drug substance development and manufacturing across the entire drug lifecycle, as well as comprehensive analytical services.

With over 45 years of experience and a team of 2,000 experts servicing global clients from North America and Europe, Cambrex offers a range of specialized drug substance technologies and capabilities, including continuous flow, controlled substances, peptide synthesis, solid-state science, biocatalysis, material characterization, complex synthetics, and highly potent APIs.

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1954年に設立された世界初の米国広報通信社です。配信ネットワークで全世界をカバーしています。Cision Ltd.の子会社として、Cisionクラウドベースコミュニケーション製品、世界最大のマルチチャネル、多文化コンテンツ普及ネットワークと包括的なワークフローツールおよびプラットフォームを組み合わせることで、様々な組織のストーリーを支えています。www.prnasia.com

Healome Therapeutics Closes £2 Million Seed Round Led by Empirical Ventures to Advance Eye-Drop Matrix Technology for Ocular Surface Diseases

Healome Therapeutics — Wed, 08 Jul 2026 10:20:52 +0900

BIRMINGHAM, England, July 7, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Healome Therapeutics ("Healome"), a University of Birmingham spinout developing a proprietary eye-drop matrix technology for ocular surface diseases, has closed a GBP£2 million oversubscribed seed financing round led by Empirical Ventures, with participation from DEBRA Research, Cure EB, Oshen Bio and existing investor SFC Capital. Proceeds will support pre-clinical development, manufacturing scale-up, regulatory engagement with the MHRA and FDA, and progression toward first-in-human studies expected in 2027.

The problem: poor retention limits eye-drop effectiveness

Conventional eye drops clear from the ocular surface in minutes, driving dosing regimens of up to 20 times per day and contributing to treatment adherence rates as low as 20% in chronic-use populations. Dry eye, the most well-known ocular surface condition, has an estimated global market size of USD$5 billion and affects over 350 million people. The broader ocular surface disease opportunity exceeds USD$12 billion across multiple indications.

The Healome solution: structured polymers, longer residence time

Healome's eye-drop matrix behaves like a liquid when dropped on the eye, then restructures to form a clear, lubricating and protective matrix. The platform can deliver a range of drugs, from small molecules to complex biologics, and has been used to deliver an anti-scarring biologic drug in a standard pre-clinical model of severely injured and infected corneas, resulting in rapid corneal healing with minimal side-effects.

The platform is being developed for dry eye disease, ocular surface inflammation, corneal injury, rare diseases associated with severe ocular surface damage and chronic drug delivery. Healome holds five patent families covering the underlying matrix architecture, which is built on established pharmaceutical- and food-grade polymers structured into proprietary architectures, avoiding complex chemical modifications that can create manufacturing or regulatory issues.

Rare disease application: Epidermolysis Bullosa (EB)

EB is a rare genetic condition affecting approximately 500,000 people globally, of whom an estimated 5-20% experience ocular complications including chronic pain and recurrent corneal abrasions with a high risk of sight-threatening scarring. The unmet needs of patients and families living with EB were highlighted in the Netflix documentary Matter of Time. Investment from DEBRA Research and Cure EB will support Healome's work on EB-associated ocular complications.

Founding team and origin

Healome was co-founded by Professor Liam Grover, Professor Tony Metcalfe, Dr Richard Moakes and Dr Richard Williams who serves as CEO. The team combines over 80 years' experience across biomaterials, regenerative medicine and drug development, with six peer-reviewed publications underpinning research that originated at the University of Birmingham's Healthcare Technologies Institute.

Richard Williams, CEO of Healome Therapeutics, said:

"Using our matrix to extend residence time of novel and existing therapeutics opens the door to reduced dosing, better adherence and ultimately improved outcomes across a range of indications. This financing lets us drive the platform toward the clinic."

Johnathan Matlock, Co-Founder and General Partner at Empirical Ventures, said:

"Healome targets a quantifiable bottleneck - drug residence time on the ocular surface - with a manufacturing-friendly approach built on well-characterised polymers. The approach and the data, demonstrating how the team are building upon this to unlock further therapeutic value on the eye, is what convinced us this is a category-defining platform rather than an incremental formulation play, with credible read-across from dry eye through to rare ocular diseases."

Dr. Christoph Coch, MD, Managing Director at DEBRA Research, said:

"For many people living with EB, the condition not only affects the skin but also the eyes. Blistering and wounds can occur spontaneously or be triggered by friction, dryness or irritation, often leading to severe pain, impaired vision and a significant impact on daily life. As there are currently no specific treatments for these ocular complications, we look forward to supporting Healome in their effort to develop patient-friendly and effective therapeutic approaches in this area. With this investment, we are continuing our commitment to accelerate the development of treatments that address the urgent unmet needs of people living with EB."

Key facts

・Company: Healome Therapeutics
・Founded: 2021
・Headquarters: Birmingham, United Kingdom
・Sector: Ophthalmology/ocular drug delivery
・Founders: Prof. Liam Grover, Prof. Tony Metcalfe, Dr. Richard Moakes, Dr. Richard Williams
・Amount raised: £2,000,000 (oversubscribed)
・Lead investor: Empirical Ventures
・Participating investors: DEBRA Research, Cure EB, Oshen Bio, SFC Capital
・First-in-human target: 2027
・Intellectual property: Patents granted in Japan and South Korea; pending in all major markets

About Healome Therapeutics

Healome Therapeutics is a UK ophthalmology company developing a platform eye-drop matrix technology aiming to improve retention, lubrication, protection, healing and drug delivery on the ocular surface. www.healometx.com

About Empirical Ventures

Empirical Ventures is a UK venture capital firm investing in science-led companies with the potential for significant societal and commercial impact - from climate change and resource scarcity to accessible healthcare. www.empiricalventures.vc

About DEBRA Research

DEBRA Research funds and accelerates research aimed at delivering effective treatments for Epidermolysis Bullosa, a rare and painful genetic skin condition. www.debra-research.org

About Cure EB

Cure EB supports the development of therapies and technologies aimed at improving the lives of patients living with Epidermolysis Bullosa. www.cure-eb.org

About Oshen Bio

Oshen Holdings SA is a European-based family office investing in medtech and biotech companies with early-stage to market-ready technologies to improve longevity, quality of life and global health outcomes. www.oshenbio.com

About SFC Capital

SFC Capital is a UK early-stage investment firm providing seed capital and support to promising British startups. www.sfccapital.com

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1954年に設立された世界初の米国広報通信社です。配信ネットワークで全世界をカバーしています。Cision Ltd.の子会社として、Cisionクラウドベースコミュニケーション製品、世界最大のマルチチャネル、多文化コンテンツ普及ネットワークと包括的なワークフローツールおよびプラットフォームを組み合わせることで、様々な組織のストーリーを支えています。www.prnasia.com

The Inaugural Michelin Guide New Zealand Reveals 1 Two Michelin Stars, 14 One Michelin Star And 35 Bib Gourmands

Michelin — Wed, 08 Jul 2026 10:18:00 +0900

AsiaNet 201644

AUCKLAND, NZ, July. 8, 2026 / ACCESS Newswire - AsiaNet / --
The inaugural MICHELIN Guide New Zealand 2026 has recognised 110 restaurants across Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch and Queenstown, celebrating exceptional quality, creativity and a strong sense of place.

After months of anonymous inspections, the MICHELIN Guide has awarded one restaurant in Queenstown, Essence, Two MICHELIN Stars. Fourteen restaurants have received One MICHELIN Star, 35 have been recognised with a Bib Gourmand for offering good food at great value, and a further 60 are included in the official MICHELIN Guide selection.

Gwendal Poullennec, International Director of the MICHELIN Guide, said : "It is rare to award such a quantity of Stars in a country's inaugural launch, New Zealand's performance has been genuinely impressive. The destination presents more than a selection of outstanding restaurants; to our Inspectors, it revealed a contemporary culinary map shaped by unique terroir and a food culture in quiet harmony with nature.

From the four regions, every city across New Zealand presents a different side of the country's food culture. Yet they all share one central theme: purity. It is seen in high-quality, seasonal local produce, fresh ingredients gifted by nature and guided by a culinary philosophy that honours their essence, allowing regional character to shine through. It is felt, too, in the sincere, down-to-earth hospitality found everywhere, from bustling cities to remote small towns."

1 RESTAURANT AWARDED TWO MICHELIN STARS
Queenstown: Essence

14 RESTAURANTS RECEIVE ONE MICHELIN STAR
Auckland: Ahi., Mudbrick, Paris Butter, Tala, The Estate
Wellington: Jano Bistro, Logan Brown, Ortega
Christchurch: Inati, Tussock Hill
Queenstown: Amisfield, Kika, Rātā, Sherwood

35 RESTAURANTS AWARDED BIB GOURMAND
Apéro Food & Wine, Atelier, Bianca, Bistro Saine, Boda, Cazador, Gemmayze Street, Goat, Milenta, Osteria Uno, Parro, Pasta & Cuore,Tempero, 1154 Pastaria, Cicio Cacio, Hummingbird, Indian Alley, A'mano, Earl, Fire And Slice, Gatherings, Londo, Odeon, Roca, Soul Quarter, The Athens Yacht Club, The Monday Room, Aosta, Bombay Palace (Wānaka), Francesca, Muttonbird, Paloma Taqueria, Sundays, The Cow (Queenstown), and Treehouse.

60 RESTAURANTS INCLUDED IN THE MICHELIN GUIDE SELECTED
1947 Eatery, Ada, Advieh, Alma, Baduzzi, Bar Magda, Bossi, Cassia, East, Esther, Gilt, Hello Beasty, Jervois Steak House, Ki Māha, Kingi, Kol, Lillius, Metita, Morell, Mr Morris, One Tree Grill, Onslow, Origine, Otto, Ragtag, Rodd & Gunn The Lodge, Sails, The French Café, 50-50, Boulcott Street Bistro, Charley Noble, Damascus, Floriditas, Graze, Highwater, Kisa, Koji, Margot, Napoli, Ombra, Rita, Rosella, Shed 5, Bessie, Cellar Door, Hugo, Miro, Arc, Bianca by Giovi, Billy's, Botswana Butchery, Jervois Steak House, Millhouse, Nest, Rodd & Gunn The Lodge, Soda, The Dining Room, The Woolshed, Toast & Oak, and True South Dining Room.

THREE MICHELIN GUIDE SPECIAL AWARDS
MICHELIN Guide Young Chef Award: Chef Robert Fairs from London
MICHELIN Guide Service Award: Stina Persen from Graze
MICHELIN Guide Sommelier Award: Matthew Aitchison, General Manager and Sommelier of The French Café

To download full selection, high resolution images and other assets, CLICK HERE .
The MICHELIN Guide Worldwide app for iOS and Android devices.

iOS

guide.michelin.com/nz/en
facebook.com/MichelinGuide
instagram.com/michelinguide
youtube.com/MICHELINGuide

About Michelin:

Michelin is building a world-leading manufacturer of life-changing composites and experiences. Pioneering engineered materials for more than 130 years, Michelin is uniquely positioned to make decisive contributions to human progress and to a more sustainable world. Drawing on its deep know-how in polymer composites, Michelin is constantly innovating to manufacture high-quality tires and components for critical applications in demanding fields as varied as mobility, construction, aeronautics, low-carbon energies, and healthcare. The care placed in its products and deep customer knowledge inspire Michelin to offer the finest experiences. This spans from providing data- and AI-based connected solutions for professional fleets to recommending outstanding restaurants and hotels curated by the MICHELIN Guide. Headquartered in Clermont-Ferrand, France, Michelin is present in 175 countries and employs 129,800 people. ( www.michelin.com ).

Press Contact:

Michelin
Alongkorn Srichuen
T:+66 85 905 9632
E: alongkorn.srichuen@michelin.com

Special PR
Julianna Permitin
T: +64 27 937 8559
E : Julianna.permitin@special.group.co.nz

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SOURCE : Michelin

China's UBTECH unveils full-sized ultra-bionic humanoid robot U1 series

UBTECH — Wed, 08 Jul 2026 10:05:00 +0900

AsiaNet 201642

SHENZHEN, China, July 7, 2026 /Xinhua-AsiaNet/--

Chinese humanoid robot developer UBTECH recently hosted its 2026 Global Launch Event in Shenzhen, unveiling its long-term human-machine symbiosis strategy, the new consumer brand "UWORLD," and the full-sized ultra-bionic consumer-grade humanoid robot U1 series. This marks a significant step forward, indicating that domestically produced humanoid robots are entering a new era of large-scale, mass-market consumption.

At the event, UBTECH founder Zhou Jian outlined a three-step "human-machine symbiosis" roadmap: replacing high-risk and repetitive labor to free up the workforce, rolling out home companionship and care services, and achieving deep integration between humans and machines.

He noted that UBTECH is positioning itself not just as a humanoid robot equipment manufacturer, but as a platform enterprise for future productivity, guided by two decade-long plans.

UBTECH's Chief Brand Officer Tan Min unveiled the UWORLD U1 series of ultra-bionic humanoid robots, including the half-body U1 Lite, the premium full-body U1 Pro, and the high-dynamic full-body U1 Ultra, featuring 88 high-degree-of-freedom joints, a battery life of 2 to 4 hours, and Wi-Fi connectivity. The products feature the Resonance-LM empathetic large model designed for sustained companionship, coupled with proprietary systems such as bionic fast-slow brain, bionic expression-driven control, and a cross-time memory bank, allowing them to actively perceive user emotions, while all data is locally encrypted and stored end-to-end.

With the formal launch of the UWORLD U1, UBTECH's three-step strategy for humanoid robots, "industry first, commercial second, and consumer third," has been fully implemented, aligning with China's policy directions. The Walker S series for industrial applications entered mass production and began delivery in 2025.

As AI and embodied intelligence technologies continue to advance, China's domestically produced humanoid robot industry is rapidly upgrading in both quality and scale. Zhou said that the company would continue to ramp up investment in core R&D, aiming to achieve an annual production capacity of 10,000 units by 2026, while promoting technological innovation, scenario-based application, and industry standard development, to help China seize a competitive high ground in the global humanoid robot industry.

Photo Caption: UBTECH recently hosted its 2026 Global Launch Event in Shenzhen.

Source: UBTECH

2026 Beijing · Changping Forum on Life Science to Open on July 11

2026 Beijing · Changping Forum on Life Science — Wed, 08 Jul 2026 09:56:00 +0900

AsiaNet 201641

BEIJING, July 7, 2026 /Xinhua-AsiaNet/ --

The 2026 Beijing · Changping Forum on Life Science will be held from July 11 to 12 at the Petroleum Science & Technology Communication Center in Changping District, Beijing. The forum covers multiple dimensions including industry exchanges, industry-finance collaboration, and policy announcements. Over 100 top industry experts and leaders will gather to offer forward-looking insights and innovative ideas for the advancement of the pharmaceutical and healthcare sectors.

Zhao Shiwei, Deputy Director of the Management Committee of Beijing Future Science Park, Member of the Leading Party Members Group and Deputy Mayor of the People's Government of Changping District, made the above remarks at a press conference on July 2.

Zhao explained that the forum innovatively adopts a "1+9+N+AI" model, comprising one high-level opening ceremony and main forum, nine premier thematic forums, N special brand events, and AI empowerment woven throughout the entire value chain.

This year's forum will feature five major highlights.

First is the deep integration of scientific and industrial innovation. Closely aligned with the strategic direction of industrial upgrading under the 15th Five-Year Plan, the forum focuses on breakthroughs in cutting-edge core technologies in life sciences, driving two-way empowerment and synergy between scientific and industrial innovation, and bridging the entire innovation chain from the earliest stage of basic research to the final stage of industrial deployment.

Second is the full-spectrum expansion of AI applications. Through debut releases and live demonstrations, the forum will showcase the full panorama of AI's disruptive and innovative applications across the entire industry chain from drug discovery to intelligent manufacturing to precision diagnostics and treatment.

Third is synergistic coverage of the industrial ecosystem. The event spans key segments including innovative drugs, high-end medical devices, synthetic biology, brain science and brain-computer interfaces, and AI-powered healthcare, as well as critical areas such as international cooperation, technology research result commercialization, and financial investment. It brings together all essential resources from government, industry, academia, research institutes, medical institutions, and financial sectors, building a full-cycle service system from innovation and R&D to project implementation.

Fourth is upgraded international cooperation. More than 20 top overseas experts and executives from multinational corporations have been invited to showcase world-class innovative technologies and industrial projects in pharmaceuticals and healthcare. The effort aims to build a bridge for regular collaboration between China and foreign countries, and help the region's industries become deeply embedded in the global innovation network.

Fifth is results-oriented translation of outcomes. Guided by the principle of "high-quality events with practical impact first," the forum focuses on precise project matchmaking, effective technology uptake, and deep industry empowerment, driving the forum's evolution from an academic exchange platform to an industry value platform.

Zhao noted that leveraging Beijing's position as the birthplace of original innovation in pharmaceuticals and healthcare, Changping District has focused on building the "Life Valley" to world-leading standards. The district has achieved an industrial scale of RMB 10 billion in fixed asset investment, approximately 67 hectares (1,000 mu) of land supply, and RMB 100 billion in revenue, and has formed a complete industrial chain spanning basic research, pilot-scale R&D, production and distribution, and terminal medical services.

On future plans, Zhao said that in the next phase, Changping District will continue to stay at the forefront of the industry and drive quality upgrades across the entire pharmaceutical and healthcare industrial chain. The district will focus on the "Life Valley" as a core platform, develop industry clusters with distinctive features, and equip them with high-standard public service facilities in education, commerce, culture, and sports to comprehensively enhance the region's appeal to talent and its industrial influence. The district will also intensify financial empowerment by deepening collaboration with private capital and the Beijing Pharmaceutical and Healthcare Industry Investment Fund, with a focus on supporting early-stage, small-scale, long-term, and deep-tech investments. Through "government guidance plus market-driven aggregation," the district will continue to improve its full-chain service system, fostering more "from 0 to 1" breakthroughs in original innovation, "from 1 to 10" transitions in translational research, and "from 10 to 100" leaps in industrial scaling.

Source: 2026 Beijing · Changping Forum on Life Science