海外発リリース

China Porcelain • Global Journey: Grand Launch of Chinese Contemporary Ceramic Art World Tour

Jingdezhen Ceramic University — Tue, 16 Jun 2026 13:03:00 +0900

AsiaNet 201592

JINGDEZHEN, China, June 16, 2026 /Xinhua-AsiaNet/--

From June 12 to August 30, 2026, "China Porcelain • Global Journey: Chinese Contemporary Ceramic Art International Touring Exhibition" (hereinafter referred to as the "Touring Exhibition") will successively debut at Türkan Saylan Cultural Center in Istanbul (Türkiye), China Cultural Center in Luxembourg, and Galerie Oriental.Paris. It will subsequently be exhibited in Beijing and Shenzhen, China, creating a grand ceramic cultural feast that bridges China and the world.

Jointly organized by institutions including Jingdezhen Ceramic University and China Arts and Entertainment Group (CAEG), the exhibition harnesses the rich resources of China's seven core ceramic-producing regions: Jingdezhen, Yixing, Luoyang, Longquan, Yaozhou, Liling, and Dehua. It features a curated collection of 92 exceptional pieces (sets) of contemporary Chinese ceramics, systematically presenting the creative ecosystem of modern Chinese ceramic art. During the tour, supporting events such as roundtable forums will be held in countries like Türkye and France. Furthermore,Tang Ying Ceramic Workshop Overseas Ceramic Culture Center of Jingdezhen Ceramic University will visit Türkiye, Luxembourg, and France to conduct cultural exchanges, ceramic art exhibitions, and international study tours.

The exhibits span diverse categories, including blue-and-white porcelain, famille rose, celadon, purple clay (Zisha), and white porcelain, comprehensively showcasing the profound cultural heritage and artistic value of Chinese ceramics. These works embody the Eastern philosophy of "harmony between humanity and nature," while also reflecting mankind's shared aspirations for a better life. Born of the earth and tempered by kiln fire, they ultimately transcend regions and eras to become cultural treasures belonging to the entire world.

Using porcelain as a medium and art as a bridge to connect hearts, this initiative smoothens the channels for international cultural communication. It helps the world better understand China's porcelain culture, allowing civilizations to shine even brighter through exchange and to advance further through mutual learning.

Photo Caption: "China Porcelain • Global Journey" Poster

Source: Jingdezhen Ceramic University

Rediscover the Art of Gathering with the Luxury Group by Marriott International

Marriott International — Tue, 16 Jun 2026 12:25:59 +0900

The third edition of the Luxury Dining Series celebrates the joy of connection through shared dining and beverage experiences

SINGAPORE, June 16, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- The Luxury Group by Marriott International is launching the third edition of its Luxury Dining Series, offering curated culinary journeys under the theme "Across the Table". From August to October, the series will take place at luxury hotels including JW Marriott Phu Quoc Emerald Bay Resort & Spa, The Naka Island, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa, Phuket, The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort, Mandapa, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve, The Ritz-Carlton, Kyoto, and will conclude with an experience at sea with Luminara, The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection.

Each experience is thoughtfully curated to celebrate curiosity and connection, as chefs step beyond the kitchen to engage with guests. This year, key program moments have been identified across the series to facilitate authentic connections with the destinations, ingredients, and each other:

・Chefs [At The] Table, an intimate evening where renowned chefs sit among the guests and share personal stories
・The Grand Banquet, an immersive dinner celebration at iconic local sites celebrating heritage, culture and local rituals
・Heirloom AM/PM, highlights a single heirloom ingredient or technique through collaborative menus
・Page to Plate extends the journey with a curated collection of favorite recipes selected to deepen guests' experiences beyond the table
・The Shared Memory Menu invites guests to explore mixology through flavors tied to memory and place
・Spirited Social brings the art of mixology to life with dynamic bar takeovers led by expert bartenders
・Journey To Exceptional Taste comprises chef-guided tours or masterclasses that uncover cultural exchanges and techniques, culminating in an intimate meal that brings those connections to life

"This year, the focus of the Luxury Dining Series is to highlight the emotional heart of dining, exploring how stories unfold, flavors linger, and connections deepen when meals are shared," says Oriol Montal, Regional Vice President of Luxury, Marriott International Asia Pacific excluding China, and Regional Vice President of Singapore. "Each destination in this year's series is truly unique, with an incredible lineup of talent eager to create experiences that celebrate not only what is served, but what is shared. Our hope is that discerning travelers will be inspired to discover somewhere new, and in doing so, rediscover the art of gathering."

In collaboration with Moët Hennessy across participating destinations[1], this year's "Across the Table" culinary experiences will unfold as follows:

Vietnam, August 5th to 9th – JW Marriott Phu Quoc Emerald Bay Resort & Spa

Chefs [At The] Table

・Rémy Gaulé's Afternoon Tea at French & Co: a
reimagination of French pastry through a distinctive
Vietnamese lens
・Vietnamese Heritage Dinner with Madam Anh Tuyet &
Chef Nguyen Hai Hung: a homage to Vietnamese
home cooking
・Pink Pearl by Olivier Elzer & Summer Le: eight-course
French and Vietnamese experience shaped by
creativity, cultural exchange, and a shared respect for
craftsmanship and place

The Grand Banquet

・Vietnam in Celebration with Chef Olivier Elzer, Chef
Summer Le & Chef Cuong Nguyen, complemented by
a drinks program curated by Marco Dongi

Heirloom AM

・Vietnamese Heritage Breakfast at Tempus Fugit with
Madam Anh Tuyet: an exploration of Vietnamese
breakfast traditions

Heirloom PM

・Phu Quoc Seafood Lunch at Red Rum with Chef
Cuong Nguyen & Chef Hai Hung celebrating the
richness of Phu Quoc's coastal waters

The Shared Memory
Menu

・Champagne with a Sommelier: uncovers the stories,
terroir, and craftsmanship behind one of the world's
most celebrated wine regions
・Sunday Champagne Brunch by Olivier Elzer: a curated
menu inspired by Phu Quoc's seasonal produce, fresh
seafood, and the balance of classical European
technique with contemporary Asian influences

Spirited Social

・Marco Dongi Bar Takeover at Department of
Chemistry: an exploration of the island's tropical fruits,
artisan flavors, and local botanicals through a menu of
inventive cocktails

Journey To
Exceptional Taste

・Bittersweet Chocolate Masterclass: explore a different
side of Phu Quoc's culinary identity through an intimate
masterclass dedicated to the island's emerging cacao
culture

Thailand, August 12th to 15th – The Naka Island, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa, Phuket

Chefs [At The] Table

・The Art of Omakase & Craft Brew Experience with
Chef Agustin Balbi & Chef Joseph Talbot: an intimate
culinary experience guided by seasonality and local
ingredients
・Six-Hands Dinner at Veranda with Chef Arnaud
Sauthier, Chef Joseph Talbot & Pastry Chef Sylvain
Constans celebrating craftsmanship, seasonality, and
the flavors of the Andaman coastline
・Eight-Hands Culinary Journey at Aiyara with Chef
Duangporn "Bo" Songvisava, Chef Laongdao "Aong"
Tohkhot, Chef Ratchanee "Kob" Nu-On, and bespoke
cocktail pairings by Jane Kaew-Yod

The Grand Banquet

・Eight-Hands Dinner at The Beach Lawn with Chef
Agustin Balbi, Chef Arnaud Sauthier, Chef Joseph
Talbot & Pastry Chef Sylvain Constans

The Shared Memory
Menu

・Sunset at Zbar with Bar Us bringing the signature
philosophy of Bangkok's celebrated bar to the shores
of Naka Yai Island

Spirited Social

・Golden Hour Stories at Sea: handcrafted cocktails
experience prepared by Adi Sukasta reflecting the
aroma, colors and rhythm of the evening
・Golden Hour Cocktails at Zbar with Adi Sukasta, and
Fransiska Siregar

Journey To
Exceptional Taste

・Local Spirit, Refined Taste: a curated lunch pairing
highlighting the natural abundance of Southern
Thailand with selected craft spirits in collaboration with
The Distillery Phuket – Home of Chalong Bay
・Natural Dye Textile Workshop: a hands-on workshop
with Bang Wan Phatthana Women Farmers
Community Enterprise to understand transformation of
locally sourced botanicals into vibrant natural pigments
・Artisan Gin Blending with Kilo Spirits: an immersive gin
workshop set against the secluded surroundings of The
Naka Island and create your personalized bottle

Maldives, August 26th to 30th – The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort

Chefs [At The] Table

・An Evening with Chef Chan & Chef Abdo: a refined
dialogue between elevated Cantonese cuisine and
sophisticated pan-Asian flavors
・An Atelier with Chef Emmanuel Stroobant & Chef
Ahmet: an intimate four-hands cooking atelier featuring
creativity, craftsmanship, and conversation
・Curated Omakase Lunch at T.Pan with Chef Takato
Kitano: a contemporary Japanese culinary journey
・ALBA Dining Experience with Chef Emmanuel
Stroobant: a showcase of contemporary Mediterranean
cuisine

The Shared Memory
Menu

・Wine at Sunset with Master Sommeliers Thomas Ling
and Kuday: an intimate wine tasting experience by the
sea
・An Evening with Chef Taj & Brian Gonzalez: a curated
menu with cocktail pairings exploring the connection
between Indian culinary heritage and the local character
of island ingredients

Heirloom AM

・A Farewell with Flavor at ALBA: Mediterranean
breakfast experience highlighting vibrant flavors, fresh
seasonal ingredients, and comforting Mediterranean
classics

Spirited Social

・Sunset at The Whale Bar with Brian Gonzales: an
exclusive one-night-only cocktail experience shaped by
contemporary mixology, island living, and the spirit of
tropical evenings in the Maldives

Journey To
Exceptional Taste

・The Dine Around Experience: an immersive dining
journey across the signature venues of the resort

Indonesia, September 9th to 11th – Mandapa, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve

Chefs [At The] Table

・Where Indonesia's Culinary Stories Come Alive with
Chef Ketut Sartika, Chef Agung Ardiawan & Chef Wira
Hardiyansyah: a menu rooted in time-honored recipes
reflecting the evolving voice of Indonesian gastronomy

The Grand Banquet

・Two Chefs, One Story of Indonesian Heritage with Chef
Syrco Bakker & Chef Bayu Timur: an exploration of
evolving identity with evocative live performances

Heirloom PM

・A Four-Hands Dialogue of Land and Fermentation with
Chef Eka Sunarya & Chef Lee Daejin: a refined,
fermentation-led dinner menu that celebrates Bali's
biodiversity while weaving in global perspective

Spirited Social

・Ambar x Gold Bar with Andrei Marcu: Japanese
precision and minimalist craft's takeover at Mandapa's
sophisticated jungle bar overlooking the Ayung River

Journey To Exceptional Taste

・Forage, Feast & Unwind: a guided foraging journey
and a jungle lunch featuring locally inspired specialties
served in an extraordinary natural setting with Chef
Eka Sunarya & Chef Adi San, complemented by a 90-
minute massage at Mandapa Spa and dinner at Kubu

Japan, September 23rd to 26th – The Ritz-Carlton, Kyoto

Chefs [At The] Table

・The Harmony of Japanese and European Traditions
with Katsuhito Inoue & Valentin Fouache: a showcase
of European and Japanese artistic experience. Choice
of lunch or dinner experience
・The Flow of Kaiseki with Chef Ryo Okamoto & Chef
Shuichi Yamashita: a multi-course culinary narrative
rooted in traditional Japanese hospitality
・Preserving Perfection Edomae-style with Chef
Tomohiro Goda: a celebration of sushi through an
intimate omakase journey

Heirloom PM

・Kyoto's Seasons at Mizuki with Chef Shuichi
Yamashita, Chef Takuji Fujisawa & Chef Ryuta Iizuka:
an exclusive, walk-around journey translates Kyoto's
changing landscapes into an immersive culinary
celebration
・A Symphony of Tempura x Sushi with Chef Taiseki
Kojima & Chef Takuji Fujisawa: a four-hands menu
pairing Edomae sushi precision with light, seasonal
tempura
・Fire and Flair with Chef Mizuki Goro Koide & Chef
Ryuta Iizuka: the artistry and energy of teppanyaki

Page to Plate

・Chef Angelo's Italian Expressions at La Locanda:
celebrate Mediterranean principles and Japan's micro-
seasons through a contemporary expression of
regional Italian cuisine
・An Afternoon with PIERRE HERMÉ PARIS reimagining
afternoon tea as a sensory journey blending timeless
elegance with Kyoto's contemporary serenity

The Shared Memory
Menu

・Where Kyoto's Heritage Meets Fukuoka's Gateway
Spirit with Yosuke Asano & Shuto Yamanaka for a
sensory dialogue between Japan's historic maritime
gateway and vibrant merchant hub

Spirited Social

・A Celebration of Japanese Craftsmanship with Yosuke
Asano, Yasuhiro Kawakubo & Hajime Oshima: a
masterclass in monozukuri to bridge Kyoto's
understated elegance with the sleek, contemporary
energy of Tokyo's cocktail culture

Japan, October 9th to 18th – Luminara, The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection

Chefs [At The] Table

・A Kyoto Culinary Journey with Chef Katsuhito Inoue:
an elegant 4-course menu shaped by the philosophy of
shichijuni-kou, accompanied by curated cocktail
pairings
・Chef Kenji Yamanaka's Seasonal Expression: a
traditional Kyushu experience guided by the rhythm of
the season

Spirited Social

・An Evening with Kentaro Wada: featuring refined,
seasonal cocktails that reflect his precise, understated
style

Journey To
Exceptional Taste

・The Pastry Edit with Richard Long: a series of refined
pastry experiences across multiple moments
throughout the voyage, including a live demonstration

Exclusive hotel stay packages are available across destinations, whilst the Luxury Dining Series onboard Luminara, The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection is exclusively available for guests booked on the Japan voyage. Marriott Bonvoy members can also bid on these exceptional dining events using their Marriott Bonvoy Moments loyalty points. Visit Luxury Dining Series for more information.

High-resolution images available here.

-END-

About Luxury Group by Marriott International

With an unrivaled portfolio of dynamic luxury brands, Marriott International is creating authentic, rare, and enriching experiences sought by today's global luxurian. Spanning all corners of the world, Marriott International's Luxury Group offers a boundless network of more than 560 landmark hotels, resorts, and yachts in over 70 countries and territories through The Ritz-Carlton, Ritz-Carlton Reserve, The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection, Bvlgari Hotels & Resorts, St. Regis Hotels & Resorts, EDITION, The Luxury Collection, JW Marriott, and W Hotels. From the world's most iconic destinations to the ultimate undiscovered gems, the international hospitality leader's collection of luxury brands is focused on elevating travel with highly contextualized, nuanced brand experiences that signal the future of luxury by allowing guests to indulge their passions while sparking personal growth. For more information, please visit Luxury.Marriott.com.

About Marriott Bonvoy®

Marriott Bonvoy's extraordinary portfolio offers renowned hospitality in the most memorable destinations in the world, with more than 30 brands that are tailored to every type of journey. From The Ritz-Carlton and St. Regis to W Hotels and more, Marriott Bonvoy has more luxury offerings than any other travel program. Members can earn points for stays at hotels and resorts, including all-inclusive resorts and premium home rentals, and through everyday purchases with co-branded credit cards. Members can redeem their points for experiences including future stays, Marriott Bonvoy Moments™, or through partners for luxurious products from Marriott Bonvoy Boutiques®. To enroll for free or for more information about Marriott Bonvoy, visit marriottbonvoy.com.

[1] Excluding in the Maldives

PR Newswire Asia Ltd.

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"Made in China" Light Rail Vehicles Support Transit Upgrades Ahead of Global Soccer Tournament in Mexico

CRRC — Tue, 16 Jun 2026 12:13:56 +0900

Providing Direct Access to the Opening Match Venue and Major Match Venues in Host Cities

MEXICO CITY, June 16, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- A fleet of 115 light rail vehicles, developed by CRRC Corporation Limited ("CRRC"), serving the tournament's three host cities in Mexico, is expected to carry more than 1.25 million passengers each day. The vehicles provide fans with a visible example of China's advanced rail transit technology during one of the world's largest sporting events.

"Made in China" Light Rail Vehicles Support Transit Upgrades Ahead of Global Soccer Tournament in Mexico

On June 11, Mexico hosted the tournament's opening match. CRRC light rail vehicles operating in Mexico City, Monterrey, and Guadalajara are helping fans and local residents travel to major venues during the tournament.

For the direct line serving Estadio Azteca, CRRC's light rail vehicles are engineered for high-altitude conditions and seasonal rainfall. Equipped with regenerative braking, low-noise ventilation, and enhanced accessibility features, the trains provide a quiet, energy-efficient, and comfortable ride. Monterrey Line 1 connects directly to Arena Monterrey with upgrades in control systems, energy efficiency, and overall performance, providing a more efficient, environmentally friendly, and intelligent travel experience for both residents and visiting fans. In Guadalajara, Line 4 extends into densely populated southern neighborhoods with bus transfers to Estadio Akron to reduce congestion during match days.

To address Mexico City's high altitude, rainy-season humidity, and surging passenger demand during match days, the CRRC team launched an all-weather operation support program. A three-tier coordinated response mechanism has been implemented, with additional senior service engineers deployed on site in Mexico and a 24/7 emergency and technical support team established to ensure reliable operations throughout the tournament.

In addition, CRRC will launch a "Green Energy Station" fan engagement initiative, offering fans guidance on low-carbon mobility options and encouraging more eco-friendly travel choices during the tournament period.

CRRC is committed to providing reliable products and dedicated services to support mobility at major international sporting events with experience in Brazil, Rio and China. This latest project marks another milestone in the company's role in bringing rail transit solutions to world-class sport events, while also reflecting the practical cooperation between China and Mexico. Looking ahead, CRRC remains committed to working with global partners to deliver advanced rail transit solutions, contributing to the future of sustainable mobility worldwide.

For more information, please visit https://www.crrcgc.cc/en/.

"Made in China" Light Rail Vehicles Support Transit Upgrades Ahead of Global Soccer Tournament in Mexico

PR Newswire Asia Ltd.

PR Newswire
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Shanghai Electric Presents Full-Chain Collaborative Solutions for Zero-Carbon Transition at Carbon Neutrality Expo 2026

Shanghai Electric — Tue, 16 Jun 2026 12:09:13 +0900

SHANGHAI, June 16, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Shanghai Electric ("the Company") (SEHK: 02727, SSE: 601727) has successfully concluded its exhibition at the 2026 Shanghai International Carbon Neutrality Expo in Technologies, Products and Achievements (Carbon Neutrality Expo 2026) held from June 10 to 12 in Shanghai under the theme of "Engineering the Optimal Zero-Carbon Solution."

By presenting zero-carbon park construction achievements, low-carbon technology innovations and green product solutions, Shanghai Electric showcased its core capabilities in full-chain synergy, on-demand customization and project execution. Its integrated energy equipment value chain enables tailored solutions for diverse scenarios and supports green, low-carbon development.

Industrial parks are vital platforms for green and low-carbon development. At the expo, Shanghai Electric released the "White Paper on Technical Measures for Zero-Carbon Park Planning and Construction," offering systematic and actionable guidance for green and low-carbon park development. Centered on energy efficiency, energy substitution and resource circulation, Shanghai Electric offers end-to-end services from planning and construction to operations. Its full-chain solutions cover clean energy supply, low-carbon infrastructure, resource recycling and smart O&M.

In recent years, the Company has advanced several demonstration projects for green and low-carbon park development, including the "Zero-Carbon Bay" project in Shanghai's Lin-gang Special Area and a smart energy park in Shantou, Guangdong Province. Selected as one of China's first 52 national zero-carbon parks and the only project in Shanghai to receive the designation, the Lin-gang project highlights Shanghai Electric's role in planning, construction and operational deployment, as well as its ability to build integrated zero-carbon systems for advanced manufacturing industries. The Shantou project integrates wind, solar, storage, charging and intelligent energy management, and has received Guangdong's first carbon neutrality certificate.

With full-category new energy capabilities across wind, solar, storage, hydrogen and nuclear, Shanghai Electric covers the zero-carbon chain from generation to smart platforms and energy-saving equipment. The full-chain synergy provides robust technological and industrial foundation for building zero-carbon scenarios.

Shanghai Electric also released social carbon reduction contribution data for the second consecutive year. In 2025, the Company achieved a reduction of approximately 389 million tons of CO₂ equivalent, continuing to apply its green technologies and industrial capabilities to drive low-carbon transition.

Meanwhile, Shanghai Electric unveiled its next-phase ESG development strategy, reaffirming its commitment to clean technology innovation, low-carbon management and sustainability governance as it works with global partners to support the global zero-carbon transition.

PR Newswire Asia Ltd.

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Asia Pacific Travellers Seek Familiarity, Practicality, Flexibility Amid Shifting Global Dynamics: Visa Report

Visa Worldwide Pte Ltd — Tue, 16 Jun 2026 11:30:56 +0900

Visa's 2026 Global Travel Intentions study shows how Asia Pacific travellers seek trusted destinations, plan with greater intent, and seek flexibility to navigate global uncertainties

SINGAPORE, June 16, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Visa, a global leader in payments, unveils key findings from the 2026 Global Travel Intentions (GTI) study, the latest edition of its flagship global study that has captured global travel patterns and preferences for over 20 years.

Infographic covering key insights from the 2026 Global Travel Intentions study

The study was conducted among over 47,000 respondents worldwide, including more than 17,000 in Asia Pacific markets. This year's edition reveals an important finding: Travellers in the region are responding to global shifts not by travelling less but with greater intentionality – focusing on familiarity, practicality, and flexibility.

Asia Pacific travellers seek familiar favourites, but passions guide them

In a global environment shaped by rising costs and uncertainty, Asia Pacific travellers are reconfiguring their travel footprints – choosing to visit destinations closer to home that offer familiarity, ease of access, and confidence in planning.

According to the GTI study:

・63 percent of respondents surveyed travelled to destinations within Asia Pacific, dwarfing planned travel to Central Europe, Middle East, and Africa (16%), Europe (13%), and North America (6%).
・Japan was the top destination for nearly one in five respondents (19%), followed by Australia (7%). Thailand, South Korea, and Hong Kong SAR round out the top five at about 5 percent each.
・When asked about planned travel destinations in the coming 12 months, more than one in four (28%) still cite Japan as a destination, followed by 16% for Australia, and 13% for Hong Kong SAR and South Korea.

While Asia Pacific travellers turn to familiar destinations, many are still lining up travel plans to discover unique experiences and pursue their passions:

・37 percent of Asia Pacific respondents plan their trips around unique local experiences, especially those related to food and culture – exceeding the global average of 29 percent.
・One in four respondents said they would travel for major live entertainment and sporting events such as the FIFA World Cup 2026™, Formula 1™*, and K-Pop.

AI enables practical planning, due diligence

Travellers in Asia Pacific are also becoming methodical when planning for their trips, at a time when conditions at their travel destinations are fluid. According to the GTI study, travellers in Asia Pacific actively "sense-check" various aspects before their trips, from core needs like accommodations to blind spots like insurance, visa requirements, to monitoring local current events.

AI simplifies pre-trip preparations and complements travel websites and social media as key research channels. Nearly half (49%) of respondents use AI tools to discover destinations and ideas – making it the most frequent use case. Other top uses include:

・Gather and curate travel reviews and recommendations (41%)
・Discover local tours and experiences (35%)

Payments are an essential part of pre-trip due diligence. Payment security is top of mind for respondents (33%), followed by card acceptance at 27 percent. These echo how digital payments are a staple for Asia Pacific travellers, with 73 percent bringing along cards or mobile wallets on their trips.

Travellers lock in essentials early, but leave space for flexibility

While travel planning has become more strategic and deliberate, travel experiences do not become rigid and predictable. Instead, travellers lock in essential bookings early and value spontaneity and are open to changing their plans once they arrive:

・Almost four in five (79%) booked accommodations in advance of the trip
・But only half of respondents (51%) booked experiences in advance, suggesting that travellers keep their options open until they reach their travel destinations
・72 percent of dining decisions are made after reaching their destinations, while 65 percent of transport choices are made during this stage

Danielle Jin, Chief Marketing Officer at Visa Asia Pacific said: "The latest Global Travel Intentions study affirms the importance of travel to Asia Pacific. Travel is not slowing – it is becoming more planned, purposeful, and intentional. As digital-first travellers seek familiar sights and plan more practically, what matters is how destinations, businesses, and issuers enable every traveller to explore the places they love in their own way, from using AI to help travellers pursue their passions, values, and aspirations to delivering secure and seamless payment experiences at every stage of their journeys."

To access the full Global Travel Intentions study or learn how to work with Visa, speak to your Visa representative or contact Visa's Asia Pacific Strategy, Insights, and Analytics team at APInsights&Analytics@visa.com.

*Formula 1 is a registered trademark owned by Formula One Licensing B.V., a subsidiary of the Formula One Group

About Visa

Visa (NYSE: V) is a world leader in digital payments, facilitating transactions between consumers, merchants, financial institutions and government entities across more than 200 countries and territories. Our mission is to connect the world through the most innovative, convenient, reliable and secure payments network, enabling individuals, businesses and economies to thrive. We believe that economies that include everyone everywhere, uplift everyone everywhere and see access as foundational to the future of money movement. Learn more at Visa.com.

Visa supports global events that inspire people worldwide, from sports and music to fashion and entertainment. As the official payment technology partner of the FIFA World Cup™ since 2007 and through partnerships with the Olympic and Paralympic Games, Formula 1, and Shanghai Fashion Week, Visa enables effortless participation for fans of all ages through seamless and secure transaction experiences, shaping cultural conversations, and driving cross-border commerce.

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From Ancient Delicacy to Global Trend: The Industrial Upgrade and Global Journey of Ningxia Goji Berries

Goji Industry Development Center of the Ningxia Forestry and Grassland Admin — Tue, 16 Jun 2026 10:43:00 +0900

AsiaNet 201589

ZHONGWEI, China, June 15, 2026 /Xinhua-AsiaNet/--

Lush plantations glitter across the sun-drenched Yellow River alluvial plain at an elevation of 1,100 meters on the eastern flank of the Helan Mountains. This is Zhongning County in the Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, located in northwestern China. As the opening ceremony of the 9th Goji Berry Industry Expo officially kicks off here, farmers are busy harvesting the first goji berries of 2026.

While goji berries are widely cultivated across China, Ningxia goji berries stand out for their exceptional quality and have become the region's most iconic specialty. As the core producing area of authentic Ningxia goji berries, also known as wolfberries, Zhongning enjoys over 3,000 hours of annual sunlight. The weakly alkaline soil, formed by the convergence of the Yellow River and Qingshui River, is rich in essential minerals and trace elements. These unique natural conditions have given birth to this distinctive "Magic Fruit."

"Every single goji berry is hand-picked," said Pan Tai'an, chairman of Ningxia Wolfberry Goji Industry Co., Ltd., a leading regional goji producer. "The goji trees blossom and bear fruit simultaneously, which means all berries must be harvested manually."

"Thanks to Ningxia's cool climate, pests and diseases are rare here. Still, we never use chemical fertilizers or pesticides. We only apply organic compost to guarantee the pure, natural quality of our goji berries," he added.

From a Local Specialty to a Health and Lifestyle Trend

In China, Ningxia goji berries have been treasured as a medicinal and edible delicacy. It is the only goji variety officially listed for medicinal use in the Pharmacopoeia of the People's Republic of China. The ancient Chinese medical masterpiece, the Shennong Ben Cao Jing (Classic of Materia Medica), documents their anti-aging properties. This profound cultural heritage has laid a solid foundation for Ningxia goji berries to enter international markets.

Today, this ancient red berry has gained unprecedented global popularity. Boasting powerful anti-aging benefits, high vitamin C content, and abundant antioxidants, Ningxia goji berries have become a trending "superfood" on international social media. Overseas consumers are willing to pay a premium for authentic Ningxia products, freeing the berry from its former identity as a niche, rustic specialty.

"Western researchers have long been studying the health benefits of goji berries, including immune enhancement, anti-tumor effects, and anti-aging properties. They call it a 'superfood' and extract its active ingredients for use in health supplements and cosmetics," Pan Tai'an explains. "This inspired me to focus on deep processing, because that's where the real value lies."

For decades, the industry was held back by two major bottlenecks: the extreme perishability of fresh berries and underdeveloped deep-processing technology. To address these issues, the company invested six years in intensive R&D and successfully developed ambient-temperature preservation technology for goji puree. This pioneering breakthrough fills a technical gap and sets world-leading standards for the global goji industry.

To retain precious nutrients, fresh goji berries go through cleaning, pulping, sterilization and canning within two hours after harvest. This rigorous workflow best preserves key nutrients including goji polysaccharides, betaine and zeaxanthin to the greatest extent possible.

Powered by this core innovation, the company has produced over 100,000 tons of goji puree, with total sales exceeding 2 billion yuan (about 293 million U.S. dollars). More importantly, the technology has driven the construction of 50 high-standard production lines across Ningxia, marking a decisive shift - transforming the regional industry from raw material sales to high-value product manufacturing.

According to the latest data provided by the Goji Industry Development Center of the Ningxia Forestry and Grassland Administration, Ningxia's goji marketing network covers more than 50 countries and regions spanning Southeast Asia, Europe, and the Americas. In 2025, Ningxia's fresh goji berry output reached 200,000 tons, with the full industrial chain output value exceeding 21.3 billion yuan.

From Product Upgrade to a Global Cultural Brand

While technology-driven companies like Ningxia Wolfberry are deepening their presence in international supply chains, emerging players in the goji industry are reshaping the consumer perception of goji berries as "just a traditional medicinal herb." As a leader in e-commerce, Ningxia Qilixiang Goji Co., Ltd. is dedicated to promoting this traditional tonic to the younger generation. Founded in 2009 by three university students with a startup fund of just 700 yuan from their living allowances, the company has now grown into a top-tier brand with annual sales exceeding 1 billion yuan.

To transform traditional wellness into a trendy lifestyle, Qilixiang has developed a variety of blended purees - such as goji-ginseng, red date-goji, and mulberry-goji - all paired with eye-catching packaging. Operating about 200 online stores, the company has consistently ranked first in e-commerce sales for goji products.

These Innovative, high-value-added products derived from goji berries - including goji puree, goji seed oil, and goji juice - are now enjoying immense global demand. Once viewed as a mysterious Chinese herbal remedy, Ningxia goji berries have now become part of daily life for middle-class families from New York to London, a favorite among Hollywood celebrities, and a common ingredient in premium restaurants worldwide.

The international reputation is built on rigorous quality control. To meet the highest global food safety standards for organic products, Ningxia goji companies adhere to the world's most stringent regulations. For instance, Ningxia Wolfberry has held organic certifications from North America, the European Union and Japan for 21 consecutive years, earning a "green pass" to the global market. To date, its products have been exported to 33 countries and regions worldwide.

Today, Ningxia's goji industry is no longer confined to production and sales; it is gradually embracing a diversified development model. With the establishment of goji art galleries, history museums, and experience centers, the industry is shifting from merely "selling products" to "selling scenery" and "selling culture," growing into a multi-faceted and integrated economic driver.

The transformation of Ningxia goji berries reflects the progress and the rise of Chinese products and brands. It has evolved from a little-known northwest specialty and low-end raw material exporter into a global health trend and a modern, diversified industry fueled by technology, creativity, and culture. This journey mirrors the broader transformation of China's traditional agriculture and the innovative drive of its real economy.

Source: Goji Industry Development Center of the Ningxia Forestry and Grassland Administration

Take to the Pitch, Feel GAC's Power: Where Cars and Football Create the Perfect Synergy

GAC — Tue, 16 Jun 2026 10:37:30 +0900

GUANGZHOU, China, June 15, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- The world's most anticipated football spectacle is now in full swing. On the pitch, players sprint, turn and score with everything they have, constantly pushing the limits of athletic performance. This relentless competitive spirit perfectly mirrors the core of a great automobile. Riding the wave of this global celebration, Chinese automaker GAC has made a distinctive deep dive. We partner with top clubs including Australia's Sydney FC, Mexico's Toluca FC, Brazil's CR Flamengo and Colombia's Millonarios FC, bringing the pace of the game and a champion's mentality to every model, and creating a powerful resonance between football passion and product strength.

In terms of speed and power, the GAC EMPOW is powered by the Mega Wave 2.0TGDI engine, accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h in just 6.95 seconds — like a striker's lightning burst, bringing the excitement of the pitch to everyday driving. For precise control, the AION i60 comes standard with an electric power steering system, L2 driver assistance and full-speed adaptive cruise control, delivering effortless handling and midfield maestro-like command.

On range and reliability, the AION V features Magazine Battery 2.0 technology and a CLTC combined range of over 600 km, eliminating range anxiety. Its rigorously tested dependability ensures steady performance, just like a player running nonstop throughout the match.

For safety, the GAC S7 is equipped with 10 airbags and whole-vehicle torsional rigidity of 35,000 N•m/deg, mirroring a team's coordinated defense to provide 360° protection for all occupants. Meanwhile, the HYPTEC HT is equipped with Bosch's latest-generation Intelligent Integrated Brake System (IPB), inheriting the calm resilience of a core player under pressure to master complex road conditions and emergencies.

As the football festival reaches its climax, GAC invites you to share this passionate journey through automobiles. This summer of football, let the game reveal GAC's commitment to quality and unshakable confidence.

For further information about GAC, please visit: https://www.gacgroup.com/en or follow us on social.

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APEC China CEO Forum to Open Alongside China International Supply Chain Expo, Boosting Asia-Pacific Cooperation

China International Supply Chain Expo — Tue, 16 Jun 2026 10:33:45 +0900

BEIJING, June 15, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- The APEC China CEO Forum, hosted by China Council for Promotion of International Trade (CCPIT), a flagship business event during APEC China Year, will take place in Beijing on June 21, one day before the opening of the Fourth China International Supply Chain Expo (CISCE).

APEC CHINA CEO FORUM 2026

Under the theme "Openness, Connectivity, Synergy: Linking the Asia-Pacific for a Shared Future," the forum will feature an opening ceremony and three panel discussions. Senior figures from the APEC Business Advisory Council (ABAC), the APEC Secretariat, Chinese government agencies, and Fortune Global 500 companies will address key issues including regional economic integration, connectivity, and digital innovation.

The forum will also serve as a showcase and mid-year review of the business community's achievements during APEC China Year. It will highlight key outcomes from the recent ABAC meeting in Mexico, including the ABAC Statement on Free Trade Area of the Asia-Pacific and the ABAC Statement on Connectivity, laying the groundwork for policy recommendations to be submitted to the APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting.

The forum will be closely coordinated with the Fourth China International Supply Chain Expo. Business representatives attending the forum will visit the exhibition, engage with exhibitors, participate in business matchmaking activities, and hold discussions focused on global supply chain cooperation. The arrangement will further amplify the outcomes achieved by the APEC business community and highlight the role of China's business sector in advancing Asia-Pacific economic integration, supporting an open regional economy, and strengthening industrial and supply chain collaboration.

For more information on the upcoming APEC China CEO Forum, please visit https://en.ccpit.org/.

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The Shanghai Museum to Present "On Top of the World Tree: Ancient Civilizations of the Americas"

The Shanghai Museum — Tue, 16 Jun 2026 10:28:29 +0900

Major international exhibition brings together nearly 3,000 objects from Mexico and Peru

SHANGHAI, June 15, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- The Shanghai Museum will present "On Top of the World Tree: Ancient Civilizations of the Americas" (July 9, 2026 – Nov. 14, 2027 at the Shanghai Museum on People's Square), a major exhibition exploring the artistic, cultural, and spiritual traditions of ancient civilizations across Central and South America. Following the success of 'On Top of the Pyramid,' this exhibition features exceptional objects from Mexico and Peru, showcasing the ancient Americas' greatest achievements. Organized in partnership with museums and cultural institutions in Mexico and Peru, the exhibition features 1,129 groups of objects, nearly 3,000 pieces. Through an expansive presentation of archaeological and artistic material, it examines the development of ancient civilizations across Central and South America and their enduring cultural legacies.

Occupying more than 7,000 square meters of gallery space, the exhibition is organized into two complementary sections focused on the histories, artistic traditions, and material cultures of Mexico and Peru.

The first section, "Sacred Spaces: Civilizations of Ancient Mexico". Examining the relationship between belief systems, political authority, and artistic production, the presentation explores the cosmological frameworks that shaped ancient Mesoamerican societies. Through monumental works, ritual objects, and everyday artifacts, visitors are introduced to the intellectual and cultural worlds of these civilizations.

The second section, "Machu Picchu and the Golden Empires of Peru". As the largest exhibition on Andean civilizations ever presented in China, it is also among the most significant international touring exhibitions of Peruvian gold and silver artifacts. Tracing the development of societies across the Andes, the exhibition highlights the region's artistic achievements while examining the social, political, and spiritual systems that shaped its civilizations.

During the exhibition period, the Shanghai Museum on People's Square will be dedicated exclusively to the presentation. Inspired by the symbolic concept of the World Tree, exhibition design throughout the museum incorporates visual references drawn from the ancient Americas, including maize, jaguars, feathered serpents, and pyramids. To create an authentic ancient American ambiance, the venue becomes a 10,000 square meters immersive space, where visitors enter through a cornfield directly into the ancient landscape. Interpretive installations before the galleries introduce ancient America's landscapes, beliefs, and traditions. Starting June 1, 2026, international visitors can buy timed-entry tickets on Trip.com (ID required) or on-site at the Shanghai Museum on People's Square.

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Real-World Threats Demand Real Results

AV-Comparatives — Tue, 16 Jun 2026 10:24:49 +0900

AV-Comparatives releases Real-World Protection Test results for February to May 2026, as home users face malware from increasingly unexpected sources

INNSBRUCK, Austria, June 15, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- AV-Comparatives, the world's leading independent cybersecurity testing organization, has published the results of its Real-World Protection Test covering the period from February to May 2026. The evaluation assessed 20 consumer security products under conditions that reflect the threats home users encounter daily, including malicious URLs.

Putting consumer security to the test: AV-Comparatives evaluates 20 products in its Real-World Protection Test, February to May 2026.

Key findings at a glance:

・20 home-user security products evaluated against real-world internet threats under controlled test conditions
・Seven products achieved the highest award level, ADVANCED+, demonstrating consistent and reliable protection
・The complete test report is freely available at av-comparatives.org, without registration or fees

Why is independent consumer security testing more relevant than ever?

The threat landscape facing home users has shifted considerably. Earlier in 2026, researchers at AV-Comparatives found MEL/Vacphage.A, a Python-based worm embedded in Autodesk Maya Binary files distributed through Epic Games' Fab.com, a widely used creative asset marketplace trusted by professionals and hobbyists alike. The finding was disclosed responsibly to the Epic Games security team before publication.

This discovery reflects a broader and increasingly common pattern: attackers are embedding malware in files shared through platforms that users have every reason to trust.

"Our Fab.com discovery is a reminder that malware does not always arrive via suspicious links or shady downloads," said Andreas Clementi, Founder and CEO of AV-Comparatives. "It can come from a platform a professional or enthusiast visits every day. The Real-World Protection Test is designed precisely to evaluate how security software performs when the unexpected happens."

How was the Real-World Protection Test conducted?

The test ran from February to May 2026 and covered 20 widely used home security products. Each product was evaluated against a curated set of real-world internet threats, with the primary criterion being whether a given threat was able to alter the test system. All products also underwent a false-positives test, assessing their ability to correctly identify legitimate files without generating unnecessary alerts. Products with elevated false alarm rates had their award levels adjusted accordingly.

The 20 products evaluated were: Avast One Free Antivirus, AVG AntiVirus Free, Bitdefender Total Security, ESET HOME Security Essential, F-Secure Internet Security, Fortect PC Suite, G DATA Total Security, K7 Total Security, Kaspersky Premium, Malwarebytes Premium, McAfee Total Protection, Microsoft Defender Antivirus, Norton Antivirus Plus, Panda Free Antivirus, Quick Heal Total Security, Sophos Home Premium, Total Defense Essential Anti-Virus, TotalAV Premium, Trend Micro Internet Security, and VIPRE Advanced Security.

Which products achieved the highest award level?

Seven products earned the ADVANCED+ award, the highest designation in the AV-Comparatives consumer testing framework. Listed alphabetically by vendor, these are: Avast, AVG, Bitdefender, Kaspersky, Microsoft, Norton, and TotalAV.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the test report available to the public?
Yes. AV-Comparatives provides open access to all test reports without requiring registration or payment. The full Real-World Protection Test report for February to May 2026 is available at av-comparatives.org.

What does the ADVANCED+ award indicate?
ADVANCED+ is the highest award level in the AV-Comparatives consumer testing framework. It is awarded to products that demonstrate consistently high protection against real-world threats while maintaining low false alarm rates.

How often does AV-Comparatives publish Real-World Protection Test results?
The Real-World Protection Test is part of the ongoing Consumer Main-Test Series and runs throughout the year. This report covers the first half of 2026.

Read the Full Report

The complete Real-World Protection Test report for February to May 2026 is available free of charge, without registration:
https://www.av-comparatives.org/tests/real-world-protection-test-february-may-2026/

About AV-Comparatives

AV-Comparatives is the leading independent cybersecurity testing organization, evaluating security solutions that have evolved far beyond traditional antivirus software. Our systematic testing assesses modern endpoint protection, threat detection, and mobile security across PC, Mac, Android, and IoT devices. Using one of the world's most relevant and sophisticated threat collections, we create real-world testing environments for comprehensive evaluation. Test results are freely accessible worldwide, and AV-Comparatives certification provides a globally recognized seal of approval for proven cybersecurity performance.

Press Contact
AV-Comparatives
Grabenweg 68, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria
www.av-comparatives.org

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GEEKOM Launches Biggest Summer Sale of 2026 with Storewide Discounts and Prices Lower Than Prime Day

GEEKOM — Tue, 16 Jun 2026 10:21:08 +0900

TAIPEI, June 15, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- GEEKOM is set to launch its biggest Summer Sale of 2026 on June 15, bringing storewide discounts to its lineup of mini PCs. Every product will be available with at least 15% off, while selected models will receive discounts of 20%, 25%, or more. Several of the promotion's headline deals are also expected to beat this year's Prime Day pricing.

With more than 23 years of experience in computer manufacturing and product development, GEEKOM specializes in high-performance mini PCs and laptops for home users, professionals, creators, and businesses. The company's products are backed by rigorous quality testing and a three-year warranty, helping establish GEEKOM as a trusted name in compact computing.

The promotion covers some of GEEKOM's most popular mini PCs, ranging from affordable everyday systems to AI-ready flagship models. The GEEKOM A5 Pro combines strong performance, energy efficiency, and value, making it well suited for home office work, entertainment, and daily productivity. Meanwhile, the bestselling GEEKOM A6, powered by an AMD Ryzen™ 7 6800 processor, has earned a reputation as the all-rounder of the lineup thanks to its ability to handle work, entertainment, and multitasking with ease.

Users looking for more performance can take advantage of discounts on the GEEKOM A7 Max and flagship A9 Max. Featuring AMD Ryzen™ 9 processors and Radeon™ 780M graphics, the A7 Max is designed for content creation, multitasking, and light gaming. The A9 Max pushes performance even further with AMD Ryzen™ AI 9 HX 470 technology and up to 86 TOPS of AI performance, making it an ideal choice for AI workloads, creative applications, and demanding professional tasks — all within GEEKOM's signature compact form factor.

The Summer Sale also includes GEEKOM's laptops, the GeekBook X16 Pro. Powered by Intel® Core™ Ultra 9 processors, the X16 Pro pair strong performance with lightweight, portable designs, giving students, professionals, and remote workers a capable solution for productivity, content creation, and everyday computing on the go.

From everyday PCs to AI-ready workstations and premium laptops, GEEKOM's 2026 Summer Sale offers some of the company's most competitive prices of the year.

The promotion begins on June 15 and will be available for a limited time through the GEEKOM Official Store. For more information about the Summer Sale, visit the GEEKOM Official Store.

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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

African Media Professionals Visit Yangliuqing Ancient Town in north China's Tianjin

The Publicity Department of Xiqing District — Tue, 16 Jun 2026 10:20:00 +0900

AsiaNet 201590

TIANJIN, China, Jun. 15, 2026 /Xinhua-AsiaNet/--

Recently, a group of journalists from mainstream media outlets across 22 African countries took part in a media tour across north China's Tianjin Municipality, paying a visit to the district's world-renowned Yangliuqing Ancient Town to experience the charm of this time-honored ancient settlement, according to the event's organizer, the publicity department of city's Xiqing District.

The group first toured the Shi Family Grand Courtyard. First built in 1875, the complex consists of 18 courtyards and was once hailed as the "No.1 Mansion in north China."

Featuring well-arranged grey tiles and black bricks, the entire compound is adorned with exquisite brick, wood and stone carvings on corridors, eaves, doors and windows. With courtyards unfolding one after another, the place exudes a classic ancient charm. Wandering through the age-old yards, the journalists stopped frequently, capturing the exquisite craftsmanship and aesthetic charm of traditional Chinese architecture with their cameras.

Walking along Qingyuan Road, the group came across a lively folk custom parade. The team performing the traditional "big-head doll dance," a unique local folk art of Yangliuqing, danced in a lively and cheerful manner. Performers dressed as traditional deities representing fortune, prosperity, longevity, joy and wealth interacted warmly with visitors. Journalists and tourists alike joined in the fun, making the parade even more bustling.

Nearby, a Yangliuqing paper-cutting studio displayed a rich array of works featuring flowers, birds, insects, fish, auspicious patterns and historical stories. Under the guidance of intangible cultural heritage inheritors, visitors experienced the magic of this handcraft. Works included cute giant pandas and vivid blooming flowers.

Next door stands Yucheng Chinese New Year woodblock painting workshop. Zhang Hong, an inheritor of Yangliuqing woodblock Chinese New Year paintings - a national intangible cultural heritage - demonstrated the traditional printing process. In one smooth sequence of inking, laying paper and pressing, a classic Chinese New Year painting "Surplus Year after Year" took shape on the paper.

This cross-cultural tour allowed African journalists to get a close feel of the warmth of traditional Chinese crafts. It also helped spread the unique culture of Yangliuqing to every corner of the globe.

Source: The Publicity Department of Xiqing District

Six Regional Organisations Sign MoU to Strengthen Asia's Dengue Response as Cases Rise

Asia Dengue Voice and Action — Tue, 16 Jun 2026 10:18:27 +0900

Announced at the 9th Asia Dengue Summit in conjunction with ASEAN Dengue Day and the first WHO-recognised World Dengue Day, the MoU establishes a regional framework for knowledge-sharing, advocacy and coordinated dengue action.

SINGAPORE, June 15, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- The Asia Dengue Voice and Action Group (ADVA) and partner organisations from across Asia have signed a new regional Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen regional cooperation on dengue prevention and control. The partnership comes at a critical time as countries face growing mosquito populations, rising dengue risks and increasing case numbers, driven in part by climate change and urbanisation in the region.

The MoU establishes a regional framework for ongoing knowledge exchange, coordination and collaboration among advocacy groups, community organisations and public health stakeholders working to address dengue across Asia. Participating organisations will collaborate on public education, regional advocacy and the exchange of outbreak insights and community-based approaches, while exploring joint publications, policy recommendations, regional awareness campaigns, educational resources and digital knowledge-sharing platforms to support more coordinated dengue action across the region.

Signatories to the MoU include ADVA, the Philippines Empowering Networks to Defeat Dengue Coalition (END Dengue), Dengue Prevention Advocacy Malaysia (DPAM), Indonesia's Kobar Lawan Dengue, the Singapore Dengue Alliance, and the International Society for Neglected Tropical Diseases (ISNTD). As the convening organisation, ADVA will facilitate engagement on emerging insights, common challenges and explore opportunities for collective action.

Professor Tikki Pangestu, Advisor, ADVA and Visiting Professor, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, said, "There is no single solution to dengue. Sustainable progress requires a holistic approach that brings together effective surveillance, vector control, clinical management, community education and vaccination. As countries across Asia continue to face a growing dengue burden, it is essential that we learn from one another's experiences and work together to accelerate the adoption of evidence-based strategies. This partnership reflects a shared commitment to strengthening regional collaboration and advancing practical solutions that can help move us closer to the goal of zero dengue deaths."

The MoU was signed on ASEAN Dengue Day and the first World Health Organisation (WHO)-recognised World Dengue Day in the presence of Guest of Honour Dr Janil Puthucheary, Senior Minister of State, Ministry of Sustainability and the Environment and Ministry of Education, Singapore, as well as ambassadors and diplomatic representatives representing countries across Asia, Europe, Latin America, Africa and the Middle East. The ceremony was part of the 9th Asia Dengue Summit – a regional platform that brings together policymakers, scientists, clinicians, public health experts and advocacy groups to advance dengue prevention and response across Asia.

Professor Ooi Eng Eong, from the Emerging Infectious Diseases Signature Research Programme at Duke-NUS Medical School, said, "We are at a very different point in the dengue response today compared with a decade ago. Advances in surveillance, vector control and vaccination have expanded what countries can do, but progress remains uneven. The next challenge is implementation: ensuring that these advances are used consistently, sustained beyond outbreak periods and translated into measurable public health impact. That will be critical if the region is to move closer to Zero Dengue Deaths by 2030."

Associate Professor Ng Lee Ching, Group Director of Environmental Health Institute (EHI), National Environment Agency (NEA) Singapore, said, "Dengue control cannot rely on a single intervention or a single agency alone. Singapore's experience has shown that sustained surveillance, clinical management, vector control, public awareness and community participation all play an important role in managing dengue risks. Maintaining a multi-sectoral effort consistently over time remains critical, even outside major outbreak periods."

Running from 15–17 June, the Summit brings together stakeholders from across the dengue control ecosystem to bridge the gap between scientific progress and real-world impact. Through discussions on dengue policy, scientific innovation, vector control, vaccine implementation and youth engagement initiatives such as the Dengue Slayers Challenge, participants will explore how progress in dengue prevention and control can be translated into greater public health impact across the region.

For more information about the 9th Asia Dengue Summit or to access resources on dengue prevention and advocacy, visit https://www.asiadenguesummit.org/ or https://www.adva.asia/.

About ADVA
Asia Dengue Voice and Action (ADVA) is a scientific working group dedicated to dengue vaccine advocacy in Asia, with the aim of disseminating information and making recommendations on dengue vaccine introduction strategies in Asia. The group has formulated recommendations with an ultimate aim of translating the science of dengue vaccination into messages for policy makers, general public and health care workers. For more information, visit https://www.adva.asia/

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ONLYOFFICE DocSpace 3.7 released: AI file generation, smarter forms, and updated editors

ONLYOFFICE — Tue, 16 Jun 2026 10:11:29 +0900

SINGAPORE, June 15, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- ONLYOFFICE releases DocSpace 3.7, the newest version of its room-based collaboration platform. A major update adds new AI capabilities, a redesigned form filling experience, updated editors, and stronger security controls. The release touches nearly every part of the platform and is already available for users.

ONLYOFFICE DocSpace 3.7 released.

The update expands how AI agents work inside DocSpace. Users can now generate DOCX files, PDF forms, and PPTX presentations directly from the AI chat and open them right away for editing. The release also adds support for new providers, including DeepSeek, Google AI, and xAI, alongside existing options such as Anthropic, OpenAI, and OpenRouter.

AI setup gets more flexible. A default provider and model selected in DocSpace can sync automatically to the editors, removing the need for separate configuration. Users can upload images into the AI chat to give agents visual context, while an optional extended thinking section appears for more complex requests. Moreover, administrators can turn AI features on or off across DocSpace and the editors, with chat history preserved when disabled.

Form Filling rooms received one of the largest updates in this release. Beyond collecting responses in a spreadsheet, teams can export results to an external database. Users can create and edit PDF forms directly in the room, switch forms into a dedicated filling mode, and refresh collected data.

DocSpace 3.7 also includes editors powered by ONLYOFFICE Docs 9.4. Enhancements comprise horizontal lines for clearer document structure, Dark Document mode in spreadsheets, 25 new slide themes, 20 new transitions, a dedicated Chart Design tab, and Croatian interface support.

File and room management improvements give users more control over their space. Teams can replace default document templates, combine rooms into groups, delete multiple rooms at once, and manage room tags more quickly.

On the security side, administrators are able to prohibit the creation of external links to protect sensitive content. Invite links can now be limited by the number of users who join and by how long the link stays valid. A new Billing section unifies tariff plans, the Wallet, payment methods, and additional services such as extra storage and backup.

This release updates ONLYOFFICE licensing terms for added clarity and compliance. The software code is licensed under the GNU Affero General Public License v3.0 (AGPLv3), with additional terms covering attribution and modified versions. The license does not grant rights to ONLYOFFICE trademarks, which remain governed by a separate Trademark Policy.

About ONLYOFFICE

ONLYOFFICE is a provider of secure online office and collaboration tools, including document editors, the DocSpace collaboration platform, and a range of integrations. Trusted by organizations and individuals worldwide, ONLYOFFICE focuses on data privacy, format compatibility, and flexible deployment across cloud and on-premises environments.

Media contact: marketing@onlyoffice.com +37163399867

Official website: www.onlyoffice.com

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Phygital Contenders Astana 2026 Wraps Up with New Champions and Games of the Future 2026 Qualifiers Confirmed

Phygital International — Tue, 16 Jun 2026 10:09:22 +0900

More than 60 athletes earned qualification to the Games of the Future 2026 after five days of high-stakes phygital competition in Astana, where physical performance and gaming skill combined across three disciplines

ASTANA, Kazakhstan, June 15, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Phygital Contenders Astana 2026 concluded in dramatic fashion, crowning champions across three disciplines while determining the latest clubs and athletes to secure their places at the Games of the Future 2026. Over five days of competition in Astana, more than 200 participants from over 20 countries competed across Phygital Football, Phygital Basketball and Phygital Dancing, battling for qualification to the Games of the Future 2026.

ACF x Allur celebrating after their win at Phygital Contenders Astana 2026.

Taking place in world-class venues across the city, the tournament brought together some of the strongest competitors from Europe, Africa, Asia and South America as the season-long qualification pathway reached its decisive stage.

ACF x Allur, claimed their qualification place in Phygital Football after a strong run through the group stage and knockout rounds at the Zhaksylyk Ushkempirov Martial Arts Palace. They masterfully demonstrated the combination of digital precision and physical execution that defines competition at this level. NS team, KMF Titograd, and FC OLYMPIC PHYGITAL also secured their spots, having produced strong performances across five heated days of competition.

Phygital Basketball saw ZM NITUI crowned champions after an unbeaten tournament run, combining digital precision and on-court excellence to claim the title at the Alau Ice Palace. MINSK, Valencia Basket and Triada also secured qualification to the Games of the Future 2026, emerging from a highly competitive field to guarantee their places back in Astana later this summer.

Reflecting on the achievement, ZM NITUI's Jan Kroflin said: "We faced a strong team and knew we would have to be at our best. We stayed focused, executed our game plan and got the result we wanted. Now our attention turns to the Games of the Future."

For Phygital Dancing, Andres Guardo claimed the title with a series of performances that showcased the rhythm, precision and consistency required to compete at the highest level of phygital sport. Runner-up Sagdi, alongside third-placed Susan Huertas and fourth-placed Sergio Mayta, also secured qualification after emerging from a highly competitive field. Reflecting on his victory, Andres Guardo said: "When I step onto the stage, I become a completely different person. I feel that transformation is what made the difference in my performance. I hope my performance strengthens at the Games of the Future 2026."

John Hewitt, International Marketing & Communications Director at Phygital International, said: "Phygital Contenders Astana 2026 has showcased the extraordinary talent, determination and competitive spirit that define phygital sport. Bringing together athletes and clubs from across the world, the tournament highlighted both the global appeal of this format and the strength and diversity of the phygital movement. As we look ahead to the Games of the Future 2026, the performances we have witnessed here in Astana offer an exciting glimpse of what fans can expect when the world's best phygital competitors come together later this summer."

With four qualification places confirmed in each discipline through placement at Phygital Contenders Astana 2026, the final two qualification slots for all three disciplines will be allocated in the coming weeks based on overall season rankings. These places will complete the line-up from the Phygital Contenders for GOTF 2026, recognizing the clubs and athletes who have consistently performed throughout the 2025/26 competitive season.

As the sun sets on Phygital Contenders Astana 2026, attention turns to the Games of the Future 2026, taking place in Astana from 29 July to 9 August. The pinnacle event of the global phygital calendar, the competition will bring together more than 800 participants from over 50 countries across Phygital Football, Phygital Basketball, Phygital Dancing, Phygital Shooter, Phygital Fighting, MOBA PC, MOBA Mobile and Battle Royale, competing for a prize pool of more than US$4 million as they showcase the future of sport on the world's biggest phygital stage.

To keep up to date with the latest news on the Games of the Future 2026, visit the official website. Fans can catch all the action from Phygital Contenders Astana 2026 (and relive the action from GOTF 2025) via Phygital+.

Accreditation for media wishing to attend the Games of the Future 2026 is now open and can be requested here.

About Phygital International (PI):

Phygital International is the promoter of phygital sports globally and is focused on innovating and redefining sports. It is the custodian and rights holder of the Games of the Future and oversees the bidding process for each host city.

For further information please visit https://Phygitalinternational.com or contact us at: press@phygitalinternational.com

About the Games of the Future (GOTF):

The Games of the Future is an annual international event that fuses the worlds of physical and digital and is the pinnacle of phygital sport. The tournament brings together the next generation of phygital sporting heroes from all over the world to compete in a diverse range of phygital disciplines and challenges. The Games of the Future 2025 were held in Abu Dhabi while the Games of the Future 2026, will be held in Astana.

For more information please visit: https://gofuture.games/

Phygital Contenders: Astana - Football

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Cultural Relics from Five Ming Dynasty Imperial Mausoleums to Be Showcased at Ming Dynasty Culture Forum 2026

Ming Dynasty Culture Forum 2026 — Tue, 16 Jun 2026 10:06:00 +0900

AsiaNet 201588

BEIJING, June 15, 2026 /Xinhua-AsiaNet/ --

The Ming Dynasty Culture Forum 2026 will be held on July 4 at the Ming Tombs scenic area in Changping District, Beijing, where cultural relics from five major Ming Dynasty imperial mausoleums - the Ming Ancestors' Mausoleum, the Ming Imperial Mausoleum, the Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum, the Ming Tombs (Shisanling), and the Xianling Mausoleum - will be jointly exhibited, according to a press release.

Themed "World Heritage Splendor, Cultural Renaissance," the Ming Dynasty Culture Forum 2026 consists of an opening ceremony, four parallel forums, one academic symposium, and a thematic exhibition of Ming Dynasty artifacts. The opening ceremony will be held at the visitor center of the Ming Tombs scenic area, where "Chang Xiaoming," a holographic AI virtual figure, will make its debut. The parallel forums will focus on four topics: "Technology Empowerment: Digitally Driven Heritage Protection and Adaptive Reuse," "Integration of Culture and Tourism: Innovation in Cultural Tourism Models and Enhancement of Urban Quality," "Legacy of Traditional Chinese Medicine: Academic Achievements and Contemporary Value of Ming Dynasty TCM," and "Great Wall Salon: Innovative Practices and Adaptive Reuse of the Great Wall."

This year marks the 70th anniversary of the excavation of Dingling Mausoleum. In celebration, the forum will join hands with the Chinese Society on Ming Dynasty History to host an academic symposium on Ming culture, featuring in-depth discussions on topics such as Ming material culture, Ming sites and relics, artifacts unearthed from Dingling, and the development of Ming culture theme parks. Additionally, in collaboration with cultural and museum institutions including the Palace Museum and the Capital Museum, the forum will present the thematic exhibition "World Heritage Splendor, Cultural Renaissance - Ming Dynasty Cultural Relics," bringing together treasures from the five aforementioned Ming imperial mausoleums in Changping.

Lin Yu, Deputy Head of Changping District, noted that the Ming Dynasty Culture Forum has been held annually since 2022. Building on Changping's profound cultural heritage, this year's forum will focus on "World Heritage Protection and the Revitalization of Ming Culture." Adhering to the principles of preserving authenticity while fostering innovation, the forum will emphasize academic rigor, public engagement, and technological empowerment, promoting the integration of ancient and modern elements as well as the synergy between culture and tourism.

Liu Hongchang, a second-level inspector of the Beijing Municipal Cultural Heritage Bureau, announced at the press conference that the "Master Plan for the Protection of the Ming Tombs (2022-2035)" has been largely completed and has gone through the public consultation phase. It is scheduled to be officially released within the year.

Source: Ming Dynasty Culture Forum 2026

Hisense RGB MiniLED Supports FIFA World Cup 2026™ VAR Operations at the International Broadcast Centre

Hisense — Tue, 16 Jun 2026 10:01:59 +0900

QINGDAO, China, June 15, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Hisense, a leading brand in global consumer electronics and home appliances, is strengthening its role at FIFA World Cup 2026TM as the tournament's Official Video Assistant Referee (VAR) Review TV Provider. With FIFA's VAR operations now fully operational at the International Broadcast Centre (IBC) in Dallas, Hisense RGB MiniLED TVs are supporting match officials with high-performance display technology designed for accurate and reliable decision-making.

The milestone highlights FIFA's confidence in Hisense's display innovation. Deployed within the VAR operations center, Hisense RGB MiniLED TVs deliver exceptional native color performance and picture precision, helping officials review key match incidents with greater clarity and confidence throughout the tournament.

The importance of display technology in modern football officiating was recently highlighted when FIFA President Gianni Infantino visited the VAR center at the IBC and experienced the review process using a Hisense RGB MiniLED TV.

Powered by independently controlled red, green, and blue light sources, Hisense RGB MiniLED technology delivers exceptional native color performance, enhanced contrast, and outstanding image accuracy. These capabilities make it particularly suited for officiating environments, where visual precision can play a critical role in reviewing decisive moments on the pitch.

Commenting on the partnership, Nick Brown, FIFA Director Commercial Partnerships, said: "This is a step forward towards delivering exceptional picture quality and accuracy. It is a testament to how technology can actively support and enhance aspects of the game during the tournament."

Beyond the VAR operations center, Hisense RGB MiniLED technology also reflects a broader evolution in how football is experienced and delivered worldwide. From officiating to global broadcast production and fan viewing at home, advanced display innovation is helping ensure that every moment of the FIFA World Cup 2026TM is seen with greater clarity, accuracy, and emotional impact.

About Hisense
Hisense, founded in 1969, is a globally recognized leader in home appliances and consumer electronics with operations in over 160 countries, specializing in delivering high-quality multimedia products, home appliances, and intelligent IT solutions. According to Omdia, Hisense ranks No. 1 globally in the 100-inch and over TV segment (2023-2026Q1). As The Origin of RGB MiniLED, Hisense continues to lead the next-generation RGB MiniLED innovation. As the official sponsor of the FIFA World Cup 2026TM, Hisense is committed to global sports partnerships as a way to connect with audiences worldwide.

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Manz Asia Successfully Delivers World's First 310mm × 310mm Panel-Level Packaging ECD Production System

Manz Asia — Mon, 15 Jun 2026 17:50:55 +0900

・World's first 310mm × 310mm panel-level packaging (PLP) Electrochemical Deposition (ECD) production system delivered to customer line
・Omni x-series covering 310mm, 510mm, and 700mm platforms, enabling a broad range of panel-level manufacturing applications.
・Supports FOPLP, CoPoS, and TGV applications for AI, HPC, and advanced memory markets

TAOYUAN, June 15, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- A leading semiconductor advanced packaging equipment manufacturer, Manz Asia, has successfully delivered the world's first 310mm × 310mm panel-level packaging (PLP) Electrochemical Deposition (ECD) mass production system. The system expands Manz Asia's advanced packaging portfolio and showcases its integrated in-house expertise in process innovation, equipment engineering, and high-volume manufacturing.

Manz Asia World’s First 310mm × 310mm Panel-Level Packaging ECD Production System

The new ECD platform is designed with high flexibility to support both glass and metal square carriers and integrates wet chemical process modules for Redistribution Layer (RDL) fabrication. It is engineered for FOPLP-, CoPoS-, and TGV-based advanced packaging architectures. The 310mm × 310mm format offers advantages in scalability, panel utilization, and production yield, positioning it as a key enabling technology for panel-level packaging to support AI, high-performance computing (HPC), high-bandwidth memory (HBM), and high-speed interconnect applications.

Advanced packaging is increasingly converging with leading-edge semiconductor process technologies, with manufacturing capacity progressively concentrated in Taiwan. This shift is accelerating integration across process nodes and packaging architectures in the global semiconductor supply chain. Leveraging strong in-house R&D capabilities and close collaboration with leading IDM and packaging customers, Manz Asia continues to accelerate technology iteration and volume production deployment, strengthening its position in the global panel-level packaging equipment ecosystem.

The ECD system seamlessly integrates a full suite of wet chemical process modules, including cleaning, developing, etching, and stripping, and supports both spin and spray processing modes, creating a comprehensive 310mm × 310mm panel-level RDL manufacturing solution under the "Omni 310x" platform.

The Omni x-series now spans Omni 310x (310mm × 310mm), Omni 510x (510mm × 515mm), and Omni 700x (700mm × 700mm), forming a scalable platform architecture for panel-level mass production. The modular system design enables flexible configuration across different device architectures, process flows, and production capacity requirements, supporting development, qualification, pilot production, and high-volume manufacturing. It strengthens Manz Asia's competitiveness in the global advanced packaging equipment market.

Robert Lin, CEO of Manz Asia, said the successful deployment of the Omni 310x into customer production lines reflects growing market demand for advanced packaging platforms that combine flexibility with production readiness. "As advanced packaging becomes increasingly central to AI and high-performance computing (HPC) architectures, capabilities such as process control, scalability, and seamless integration into high-volume manufacturing environments have become key competitive differentiators," he said.

He added that Manz Asia will continue to advance its technology roadmap as a global-class equipment supplier, further strengthening its integration of ECD and wet chemical process technologies to improve manufacturing efficiency, yield stability, and production ramp-up. "We aim to accelerate the deployment of next-generation packaging technologies in FOPLP, CoPoS, and TGV, while reinforcing supply chain resilience across the semiconductor ecosystem," he said. "Through a multi-platform strategy spanning 310mm, 510mm, and 700mm, we provide a consistent technology pathway from process development to high-volume manufacturing, enabling customers to scale efficiently and predictably. The Omni x-series roadmap is designed to support sustainable and scalable capacity expansion for next-generation semiconductor packaging applications."

About Manz Asia

Manz Asia delivers semiconductor equipment and solutions built on core technologies in Electrochemical Deposition (ECD), wet chemistry, digital printing, automation, and software integration. Our expertise covers advanced packaging (FOPLP / CoPoS) and IC substrate processing (glass and organic core), supporting customers from R&D to high-volume manufacturing. Through system solutions, contract manufacturing, and sales representation, we help customers accelerate time-to-market, boost yield, and stay competitive in the fast-evolving semiconductor industry.

www.manz.com.tw/en

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Midea Launches "Agentic Factory Overseas Expansion Solution," Marking a New Stage for Chinese Enterprises Going Global

Midea Group Co., Ltd — Mon, 15 Jun 2026 17:27:52 +0900

FOSHAN, China, June 15, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- On June 9, 2026, Midea Group launched its "Agentic Factory Overseas Expansion Solution".Building on the transformation of its Jingzhou washing machine factory, which received the world's first WRCA Agentic Factory certification in August 2025, Midea has launched a modular, standardized, and field-validated solution. It includes cross-cultural employee training and cross-border supply chain traceability, and has been deconstructed into 12 rapidly replicable modules for global factory deployment.

Full PV coverage at Midea Thailand Factory

According to Deloitte, 55% of Chinese enterprises hope to seek growth through overseas expansion. Midea has identified three persistent challenges: long-distance cross-border supply chains, inconsistent quality standards across export markets, and multinational workforce management difficulties caused by differences in language, culture, and labor regulations.

The solution has been validated at Midea Thailand Refrigeration Plant. Through 72 AI applications and 13 major agents across 25 scenarios, the factory reduced end-to-end order lead time by 43%, lowered customer complaint rates by 32%, and shortened employee training and certification cycles by 62%, demonstrating that China's intelligent manufacturing capabilities can be replicated globally.

For workforce training, Midea introduced an AIGC + VR multilingual training system, reducing new employee training from eight days to three days. For quality control, Midea launched a VOC-to-VOP seven-step quality solution powered by an expert knowledge base of more than 12 million quality-related cases, enabling customer complaints to be traced to production lines and root causes within seconds.

For supply chain resilience, Midea developed a cross-border supply chain AI agent that monitors 35 core nodes in real time, reducing exception-handling response time from 48 hours to within 12 hours and keeping raw material on-time arrival rates above 96%. Together with Annto's integrated KD logistics solution, the material kitting rate can exceed 99%.

At the Thailand factory, the finished product defect rate has been reduced by 50%. Midea Cloud,KUKA, Annto, Hiconics, CLOU Electronics, and Midea Building Technologies further support cost reduction and efficiency improvement through automated production, reusable packaging, and integrated energy-saving solutions.

Midea also introduced the "Midea Go-Global Partner Program." According to Simon Zhang, Vice President and Chief Digital Officer of Midea Group, the program is not merely about standardized equipment, but about turning Midea's accumulated experience into practical guidance and implementation support.

This co-building model has already delivered results. Wuhan Honghai Technology completed its 2024 Thailand capacity expansion from infrastructure construction to production launch in five months with Midea's support, and its Thailand business volume increased by 1.6 times in 2025. Xiamen Hexing Packaging, an 18-year Midea partner, has expanded from a domestic supplier into a global partner, establishing factories in Southeast Asia and North America and joining Midea's global strategic partner whitelist in 2025.

Full automation powered by KUKA robots at Midea Thailand Factory

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Atmospheric Chemist Susan Solomon Awarded the 2026 Tang Prize in Sustainable Development

The Tang Prize Foundation — Mon, 15 Jun 2026 17:23:05 +0900

Unraveling the Mystery of the Ozone Hole and Advancing Global Environmental Governance

TAIPEI, June 15, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- The Tang Prize, one of the world's leading academic awards established to address the critical needs of the 21st century, recognizes achievements in four major fields: Sustainable Development, Biopharmaceutical Science, Sinology, and Rule of Law. Beginning today, the Tang Prize Foundation will announce the 2026 laureates over four consecutive days, with each prize carrying a cash award of NT$50 million. The first award to be announced today, June 15, is the Tang Prize in Sustainable Development, which has been awarded to American atmospheric chemist Professor Susan Solomon. Professor Solomon is recognized "for groundbreaking advances and leadership in atmospheric and climate sciences that shaped global policy for Sustainable Development."

Atmospheric Chemist Susan Solomon Awarded the 2026 Tang Prize in Sustainable Development

Climate change is one of the most urgent issues facing global sustainable development today. Professor Solomon is world-acclaimed for her seminal work on ozone layer depletion and climate change. By combining Antarctic field research, modeling innovations, and deep engagement with policy and the public, she has played a pivotal role in both the success of the Montreal Protocol and global climate negotiations. Her major contributions include proving that chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) were indeed the cause of the widening ozone hole in Antarctica; proposing the heterogeneous chemical reactions that explain ozone hole formation; demonstrating that the impacts of CO₂ emissions are largely irreversible for more than 1000 years; and co-leading the production of the United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC)'s Fourth Assessment Report on the Physical Science Basis of Climate Change, which comprehensively synthesized key knowledge in climate science.

Professor Solomon is currently the Lee and Geraldine Martin Professor of Environmental Studies in the Department of Earth, Atmospheric and Planetary Sciences at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). She began her scientific career at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), where she served for 30 years before joining MIT in 2012. Over the course of her career, she has received nearly 70 international awards and honors, including the U.S. National Medal of Science, the U.S. National Academy of Sciences Award for Chemistry in Service to Society, and the Blue Planet Prize. Her receipt of the Tang Prize comes exactly forty years after she first led expeditions to Antarctica in 1986.

About the Tang Prize

Since the advent of globalization, humanity has enjoyed unprecedented benefits from advances in civilization and science. Yet a multitude of challenges, such as climate change, the emergence of new infectious diseases, the widening wealth gap, and moral degradation, have surfaced along the way. Against this backdrop, Dr. Samuel Yin established the Tang Prize in December 2012. It consists of four award categories: Sustainable Development, Biopharmaceutical Science, Sinology, and Rule of Law. Every two years, four independent and professional selection committees, comprising many internationally renowned experts, scholars, and Nobel laureates, choose Tang Prize laureates who have made substantive contributions and generated a far-reaching impact on the world, regardless of race, nationality, gender, or religion. A cash prize of NT$50 million (approximately US$1.6 million) is allocated to each category, with NT$10 million (approximately US$320,000) of it being a grant intended for research or educational outreach programs to encourage professionals in every field to examine mankind's most urgent needs in the 21st century, and become leading forces in the sustainable development of human society through their outstanding research outcomes and active civic engagement.

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SUNRATE Highlights Enhanced Strategic Collaboration with Sabre to Deliver End-to-End Payment Capabilities for the Travel Industry

Sunrate — Mon, 15 Jun 2026 17:20:27 +0900

BARCELONA, Spain, June 15, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- SUNRATE, the global payment and treasury management platform, today announced at Phocuswright Europe its enhanced collaboration with Sabre, an AI‑native technology leader powering travel retailing at global scale, to deliver more comprehensive and seamless global payment capabilities for travel businesses worldwide.

Building on a broader payments ecosystem, SUNRATE supports Sabre's travel payments ecosystem with a full suite of solutions spanning both issuing and non-issuing capabilities. This includes commercial card solutions alongside international payments, foreign exchange (FX), and global collection services—enabling travel businesses operating on Sabre's platform to manage the full lifecycle of payments more efficiently.

By extending beyond issuing into non-issuing capabilities, the collaboration allows travel sellers connected through Sabre to streamline cross-border transactions, optimise working capital, and reduce operational complexity across multiple markets.

"Travel is inherently global, and so are the payment challenges that come with it," said Paul Meng, Co-founder and CEO of SUNRATE. "Our collaboration with Sabre reflects a shared vision to deliver more holistic payment capabilities—bringing together a wide array of global payment solutions to better support the evolving needs of travel businesses worldwide."

"Modern travel commerce is increasingly intelligent and global, and payments need to operate at the same scale," said Patricio Boccardo, Managing Director, Sabre Payments. "Expanding our collaboration with SUNRATE broadens the payment capabilities available through Sabre, helping travel businesses manage payments across borders, currencies, and transaction types with the agility and control required to operate confidently worldwide."

Sabre will support the initiative by amplifying the collaboration across its global communications channels, extending awareness to its network of airlines, hotels, agencies, and travel partners worldwide.

About SUNRATE

SUNRATE is a leading global payment and treasury management platform for businesses worldwide. Founded in 2016, SUNRATE has enabled companies to operate and scale both locally and globally in 190+ countries and regions with its cutting-edge infrastructure, global network, and unified solutions.

SUNRATE operates through offices across key markets, including Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Jakarta, Hong Kong, Shanghai, and London. The company partners with the top global financial institutions, such as Citibank, Standard Chartered, Barclays, J.P. Morgan. SUNRATE is also the principal member of Mastercard and Visa. To learn more about SUNRATE, visit https://www.sunrate.com/.

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BONHAMS HONG KONG SETS NEW WORLD AUCTION RECORD FOR A BOTTLE OF JAPANESE WHISKY

Bonhams — Mon, 15 Jun 2026 15:20:57 +0900

Holding Top Three Prices for a Bottle of Japanese Whisky at International Auction

・A Unique Yamazaki 50-Year-Old, Created for Nagoya's Club Natsume, Achieves HK$8,250,000 (JP¥168,480,000)
・Karuizawa 52-Year-Old Cask #5627, 1960 – Treasure Ship Realises HK$6,250,000 (JP¥127,640,000)

HONG KONG, June 15, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- On 30 May 2026, Bonhams set a new world auction record for a bottle of Japanese whisky at The Legendary Japanese Whisky sale, where a unique Yamazaki 50-Year-Old created exclusively for Club Natsume soared to HK$8,250,000, nearly doubling its high estimate.

Sharon Chan hammering down the Yamazaki 50-Year-Old – Exclusively Created for Club Natsume to set a new world auction record for a bottle of Japanese whisky

The sale also saw the Karuizawa 52–Year–Old Cask #5627, 1960 – Treasure Ship realise HK$6,250,000.

Fierce bidding drove both lots past the previous record of HK$6,200,000 (JP¥126,620,000), set by Bonhams Hong Kong in 2020 for a Yamazaki 55-Year-Old. The two rarities achieved a combined total of HK$14.5 million, underscoring strong demand for ultra-aged Japanese whiskies. Bonhams now holds the top three prices ever achieved at international auction for a bottle of Japanese whisky, cementing its leadership in the category.

Among the rarest Japanese whiskies in existence, the Yamazaki 50-Year-Old is the distillery's second–oldest expression, released in 2005, 2007 and 2011. This example stands apart for its exceptional provenance: it was created exclusively for Club Natsume in Nagoya to commemorate the club's 50th anniversary, distinguished by a washi label and signed by Suntory's Chief Blender Shinji Fukuyo.

Amayès Aouli, Global Head of Wine & Spirits, Bonhams, comments: "Breaking the world record for Japanese whisky is an important milestone. We are not simply responding to demand; we are defining the market through expertise, authenticity, and an international platform. This record underscores our ambition to be the trusted global reference and keep elevating the category to new heights."

Terrence Tang, Bonhams' Head of Wine & Spirits, Asia, adds: "Bonhams has a strong track record in rare and ultra-premium Japanese whisky, having set multiple records over the past decade in our Hong Kong saleroom. These stellar results highlight Asia's position as the premier market for the category, uniting an international community of collectors at the highest level."

Founded in 1793, Bonhams is one of the world's leading auction houses, operating a global network of trusted specialists across 24 countries, including flagship salerooms in London, New York, Paris and Hong Kong across more than 60 categories. www.bonhams.com

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AI reshapes global labour market into two distinct paths, rewarding human skills: PwC 2026 Global AI Jobs Barometer

PwC — Mon, 15 Jun 2026 14:25:14 +0900

・AI is creating a 'two-track' labour market: 'professionalised' roles (in which AI acts like a force multiplier for experts, requiring more human-intensive skills) see greater growth across headcount and wages than 'democratised' roles (in which AI makes the role itself easier for non-experts to perform)
・Companies most able to use AI are seeing faster headcount growth than the least AI-exposed companies (52% vs 36%) and higher wage growth (24% vs 17%)
・"Super-star companies" most exposed to AI achieved labour productivity gains of 163%, significantly outpacing other businesses
・Jobs requiring specific AI skills are growing almost eight times (69%) faster than the total jobs market (9%), with the average wage premium for AI skills rising to 62%
・Entry-level outlook diverges: Analysis of US data shows AI-exposed entry-level roles are seven times more likely to require traditionally senior-level skills such as judgement and leadership. These roles grew 35% since 2019, while other entry-level roles declined by 10%

LONDON, 15 June 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- AI is rapidly reshaping the skills employers want most from workers – increasing the emphasis on human skills such as judgement, creativity and leadership – as companies most able to use AI continue to expand hiring faster than their peers, according to PwC's 2026 Global AI Jobs Barometer, released today.

The Barometer, which analysed more than one billion job ads across six continents, also finds that AI is driving a 'two-track' global labour market in which 'professionalised' roles – in which AI automates routine tasks so human judgement and expertise are emphasized – are growing faster than roles 'democratised' by AI – in which AI makes the role itself easier for non-experts to perform.

'Professionalised' roles (such as radiologists or recruiters) are seeing twice the growth in available jobs and 42% faster salary growth than those categorised as 'democratised' (such as IT service managers or medical secretaries).

At the entry level, AI appears to be increasing demand for more 'senior' skills from junior workers. Based on 2.4 million entry-level jobs analysed in the US, entry-level roles most exposed to AI are now seven times more likely to require traditionally senior-level 'human-intensive' skills like leadership, creativity or face-to-face interactions.

Job openings for these 'seniorised' entry-level roles have grown 35% since 2019, while other entry-level roles shrank 10%.

Joe Atkinson, Global Chief AI Officer, PwC, said:

"Across the global economy, we're beginning to see a new divide emerge between different models for talent and value creation. The companies seeing the greatest returns on AI are using it to amplify human expertise, accelerate innovation and create entirely new sources of value. As a result, they are pulling further ahead on productivity and growth than companies that focus primarily on automation."

AI is driving a productivity boom – and "super-star" companies most able to use AI are pulling ahead significantly

The report finds widening divergence between companies most and least exposed to AI. Companies operating in the most AI-exposed sectors recorded 34% productivity growth in 2025 relative to 2018, compared to 24% for the companies least able to use AI.

Within this group, a pronounced "super-star" effect is emerging. The top 20% of the most AI-exposed companies achieved average labour productivity growth of 163% relative to 2018 – nearly five times higher than the most AI-exposed companies overall.

Perhaps most surprisingly, headcount growth at the most AI-exposed companies is outpacing growth at the least AI-exposed companies – 52% relative to 36% in 2025, based on 2018 baseline levels.

Average wage premium for AI skills hits 62% as AI job postings eclipse broader labour market growth

As companies continue to boost productivity with AI, the average wage premium for workers with AI skills continued to surge higher – hitting 62%, up from 57% last year.

The wage premium varies by industry: as high as 118% in some sectors, such as consumer markets, and 16% in government and public sector work.

Jobs requiring specific AI skills – such as prompt engineering or machine learning – have also soared, growing roughly eight times (69%) as fast as the overall jobs market, at 9%. The number of AI jobs is almost twice as high as 2024, with growth in AI jobs outpacing all jobs since 2015.

Sectors including technology, media and telecommunications (11%) and professional services (6%) sectors saw the highest share in AI job growth – with health at the lowest end (less than 1%)

Pete Brown, Global Workforce Leader, PwC, said:

"The traditional relationship between experience and expertise is changing. AI is removing some of the routine work that once acted as an apprenticeship, while increasing demand for judgement, leadership and adaptability much earlier in careers. Organisations need to rethink how they develop talent if they want people to thrive in this new environment."

Notes to Editors

About PwC 2026 Global AI Jobs Barometer

PwC's 2026 AI Jobs Barometer analysed more than one billion jobs advertisements in 27 countries and territories. The Barometer combines large-scale labour market, company financial and occupational task data to understand how AI is reshaping jobs, skills, wages and productivity across the global economy. Additionally, this year's Barometer includes targeted analysis of entry-level roles, including how the skill requirements of early-career jobs are changing in highly AI-exposed occupations. You can read the full report and learn more about the methodology and key takeaways at www.pwc.com.

About PwC

At PwC, we help clients build trust and reinvent so they can turn complexity into competitive advantage. We're a tech-forward, people-empowered network with more than 364,000 people in 136 countries and 137 territories. Across audit and assurance, tax and legal, deals and consulting, we help clients build, accelerate, and sustain momentum. Find out more at www.pwc.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

We Mean Business Coalition: New polling shows overwhelming global business support for clean electrification amid fossil fuel volatility

We Mean Business Coalition — Mon, 15 Jun 2026 14:22:02 +0900

LONDON, June 15, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- A landmark global survey of business executives across 18 countries shows overwhelming support for a rapid transition to electrified economies run predominantly on renewables-based electricity.

The findings suggest geopolitical instability is accelerating an existing business shift toward clean electrification, but that power systems, grids and policy frameworks are not keeping pace.

As geopolitical tensions continue in the Middle East, and G7 leaders gather in Evian amid growing concern over economic resilience and global vulnerabilities, 91% of business leaders say electrification would improve energy security, and 79% say instability has made their own business shift to electrification more urgent.

Collected during late April as the Strait of Hormuz remained closed, the data indicates business executives across all polled countries support a rapid move away from fossil fuel systems, with 90% expecting their operations to be electrified by 2035.

The polling comes after an International Energy Agency (IEA) report found repeated energy shocks are reshaping government and company investment priorities, while the Turkish and Australian COP31 hosts and the International Renewables Agency (IRENA) have called for a stronger global push to run vehicles, industry and buildings on electricity rather than fossil fuels.

The data shows that 90% of business leaders surveyed say transitioning to a renewables-based electricity system in their country is likely to boost economic growth and 88% say electrifying their operations will make their business more competitive.

However, 72% of those surveyed say government policies are lagging behind.

Powering Up: Business Perspectives on Electrification warns that countries failing to electrify risk losing out to more electrified economies, with 62% saying they would consider moving operations if their government did not offer sufficient support to electrify.

The polling, conducted across key economies and emerging markets, was commissioned by E3G, We Mean Business Coalition and the Global Renewables Alliance, and underscores growing business demand for clean electrification as a strategy for energy security, competitiveness and economic growth, as well as tackling climate change.

Business leaders of medium-sized and large organisations were surveyed in Australia, Brazil, China, Colombia, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Japan, Kenya, Nigeria, Philippines, Poland, South Africa, South Korea, Turkey, United Kingdom and United States.

Find the full press release and report here.

PR Newswire Asia Ltd.

PR Newswire
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