Apple has opened an internal lottery for United States retail employees to help manage its September product unveiling, signalling that preparations are advancing for the company’s most important hardware event of the year. The programme will bring selected store workers to Apple Park in Cupertino, California, where they will assist with the in-person gathering expected during the first half of September. Their duties will include organising queues, […]
Arabian Post Staff -Dubai The global oil market has lost more than 2.6 billion barrels since the US-Israeli war with Iran began on February 28, Saudi Aramco chief executive Amin Nasser has said, warning that depleted inventories will take more than a year to rebuild. The cumulative loss is equivalent to nearly one month of worldwide oil consumption and reflects the prolonged disruption of shipping through the […]
HANOI, VIETNAM – Media OutReach Newswire – 5 August 2026 – The World Council on City Data (WCCD) has officially awarded Vinhomes Green Paradise – Can Gio the InterimCustom ISO 37122Smart CityCertification. This milestone marks another significant step in Vinhomes Green Paradise’s journey toward becoming the first mega urban development in Vietnam to achieve an internationally recognized smart city certification, setting new benchmarks for sustainable urban development on a global scale.
The certification recognizes the substantial progress Vinhomes Green Paradise has made in advancing its smart city development in alignment with international standards. WCCD acknowledged that the project has achieved remarkable progress in its design, planning, and development strategy. This WCCD Certification serves as an important foundation for the project as it advances toward Full Certification upon commencement of operations.
The award of the WCCD Interim Custom ISO 37122 Smart City Certification follows a comprehensive assessment conducted by the WCCD and based upon the customized indicators framework WCCD specifically developed for greenfield development projects. The framework incorporates the core principles of ISO 37122, one of the world’s most respected international standards for measuring and evaluating smart city performance.
Dr. Patricia McCarney, President & CEO of the World Council on City Data (WCCD) and Director of Standardized Urban Metrics (SUM), stated: “This WCCD InterimCustom ISO 37122 Smart City Certification recognizes Vinhomes’ long-term vision and commitment to developing a smart, sustainable, and future-ready urban model. The Vinhomes Green Paradise – Can Gio urban development project is now equipped with a powerful baseline of data designed to propel success, providing a strong foundation for year-over-year monitoring of development goals in smart urban governance, infrastructure development, technology adoption and sustainability, ensuring Full ISO 37122 Certification once operations commence. We congratulate Vinhomes on this important certification milestone, a global first, setting a new precedent for greenfield developments in cities worldwide.“
Mr. Chulse Oh, Head of AX Group at Korea Management Association Consultants (KMAC), commented: “The award of the WCCD Interim Custom ISO 37122 Smart City Certification marks an important milestone in realizing the vision of a world-class smart city in Vietnam. KMAC will continue to support the project in developing smart city solutions and implementation strategies and refining the criteria for a comprehensive smart city model during the operational phase.”
In March 2026, Vinhomes Green Paradise officially launched its Smart City Certification Project in partnership with WCCD, SUM, and KMAC. Under the agreed roadmap, the Interim Custom Certification represents the first major milestone in the process of assessing and refining the criteria for a comprehensive smart city model aligned with international standards.
Vinhomes Green Paradise benefits from a unique geographical setting, overlooking the Can Gio Sea and adjacent to the UNESCO-recognized Can Gio Mangrove Biosphere Reserve, which spans over 75,000 hectares. The development features a total area of 2,870 hectares, and a construction density of only 16%. Vinhomes is pioneering the project under its enhanced ESG++ model, structured around five pillars: Environment, Social, Governance, Regeneration, and Climate Adaptation.
Upon full operation, the entire urban management system will be greened, with the goal of utilizing 100% clean electricity generated from renewable energy sources and achieving 100% net-zero emission transportation. In addition to strict compliance with environmental protection standards, the project places a strong emphasis on biodiversity conservation and ecosystem regeneration, aligned with Ho Chi Minh City’s climate adaptation strategy.
To support these efforts, a Forest Regeneration and Climate Adaptation Fund will be established to finance research, restoration, and long-term resilience initiatives. A key focus of the fund is the regeneration of the Can Gio mangrove ecosystem, helping to create a protective green belt for the entire development.
With its pioneering ESG++ vision, Vinhomes Green Paradise has become the first Official Participant in the “7 Wonders of the Future Cities” campaign initiated by New7Wonders.
The award of the WCCD Interim Custom ISO 37122 Smart City Certification further reinforces Vinhomes Green Paradise’s pioneering vision in advancing a smart and sustainable urban model that meets international standards, while progressing toward becoming a benchmark future city for the region and the world.
Hashtag: #Vinhomes
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About Vinhomes
Vinhomes is Vietnam’s leading real estate investment, development, and management company. It currently operates 32 urban developments while expanding its portfolio of flagship projects across strategically important provinces and cities nationwide. By integrating Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles with modern, highly connected infrastructure, Vinhomes is creating world-class integrated townships and megacities that are redefining Vietnam’s real estate market, driving sustainable development, and elevating the country’s urban landscape to international standards.
About the World Council on City Data (WCCD):
Established in Canada in 2014, the World Council on City Data (WCCD) is committed to helping cities and communities of all sizes globally embrace ISO standardized, independently verified, and globally comparable city data. The organization facilitates data-driven decision-making processes in management, planning, and investment, enabling cities to become more sustainable, safe, resilient, prosperous, inclusive, and smart.
The WCCD team of professionals spearheaded the development and implementation of three international standards on city data, which have been published by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) in Geneva. These standards, referred to as the WCCD ISO 37120 Series on City Data, encompass ISO 37120 (Indicators for Sustainable Cities), ISO 37122 (Indicators for Smart Cities), and ISO 37123 (Indicators for Resilient Cities).
Since its inception, the WCCD has been expanding its global network of cities dedicated to high-caliber data. The WCCD collaborates with more than 125 cities across 40 different countries.
About Standardized Urban Metrics (SUM):
Cities worldwide are taking centre stage in the drive toward sustainable development and the prosperity of nations. Standardized Urban Metrics (SUM) is designed to build on the strengths of its rapidly expanding global network of city leaders, senior levels of government officials, private capital market professionals and key international organizations and industry innovators dedicated to securing a better future for cities.
SUM’s service provision spans services connected to the ISO 37120 Series (ISO 37120 – Indicators for City Services and Quality of Life, ISO 37122 – Indicators for Smart Cities and ISO 37123 – Indicators for Resilient Cities) in partnership with the World Council on City Data (WCCD). The SUM team work with city leaders and private developers to customize these ISO certifications for new greenfield developments – new cities, new business districts and new communities.
SUM houses a new global first – the ISO 37125 International Standard on Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) Indicators for Cities and Regions. The SUM ISO 37125 certification protocol supports cities to report ESG city level data in conformity with the ISO globally standardized definitions and methodologies. SUM’s third-party verification process ensures the highest calibre data for cities across the globe. This Standard provides city leaders, governments, and the private sector with a robust, data-driven framework to guide ESG initiatives, drive infrastructure investment, attract investment, create and implement strategic planning decisions, propel innovation, and ensure socially inclusive planning and management. SUM is welcoming cities to join an exciting global cohort of World Premiere Cities – the first ISO 37125-certified cities.
SUM establishes a global hub for innovative learning partnerships among leaders of cities and private capital markets. Together, SUM and its partners foster innovation, imagine alternative futures, and create more livable cities. Certification by SUM underscores a collective commitment to a sustainable and prosperous future for cities and regions.
For more information, please contact:
Dr. Patricia McCarney President & CEO, World Council on City Data (WCCD) and Director, Standardized Urban Metrics (SUM) [email protected]
About KMAC
Korea Management Association Consultants (KMAC) is one of Asia’s leading management consulting firms, delivering end-to-end capabilities from strategy formulation and transformation design to operational implementation and performance improvement. For decades, KMAC has served as a trusted innovation partner to the Korean government, public institutions, and leading private-sector enterprises, helping shape and execute initiatives that strengthen national competitiveness, modernize industries, and advance digital and AI transformation, sustainability, and organizational excellence. By combining deep sector expertise, rigorous strategic insight, and proven execution capabilities with an extensive regional network, KMAC enables clients to convert ambitious visions into actionable roadmaps, measurable operational outcomes, and sustainable growth across Asia and global markets.
For more information, please contact:
Mr. Young Hwan Park Team Lead of Asia Business Center, Korea Management Association Consultants (KMAC) [email protected]
Etihad Rail will open passenger stations in Dubai and Al Dhaid on September 30 as the UAE’s national railway operator accelerates a phased expansion supported by strong early demand.The two openings will mark the formal launch of the wider passenger network, three months after introductory services began between Mohamed bin Zayed City in Abu Dhabi and Fujairah on June 30. More than 70,000 tickets have been sold […]
Chemically defined medium removes animal serum and human platelet supplements as Malaysia and Singapore strengthen advanced therapy capabilities
SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 4 August 2026 –Singapore is estimated to record approximately 19,290 new cancer cases in 2024, underscoring the growing demand for advanced treatment options and the manufacturing systems needed to produce them consistently. As cell therapies move from research towards clinical use, the reliability of every raw material used in production becomes increasingly important.
AuctuCel Pte Ltd, a Singapore biotechnology company specialising in AI-powered bioprocess technologies, today announced the launch of AuctuPrime, a next-generation chemically defined cell culture medium developed in collaboration with Sperikon. The formulation is designed to remove dependence on both animal serum and donor-derived human platelet supplements during cell therapy manufacturing.
The launch comes as both markets continue to deepen their advanced therapy ecosystems. The Singapore Economic Development Board reported that the country saw a fourfold increase in locally incorporated biotechnology companies since 2015. In Malaysia, the National Pharmaceutical Regulatory Agency issued updated cell and gene therapy product guidance in September 2025, including revised Good Manufacturing Practice requirements. As more research moves towards clinical translation, the reliability and traceability of manufacturing inputs are receiving greater attention.
A less visible bottleneck in cell therapy
Cell therapies are advancing across cancer, autoimmune disease and regenerative medicine, but manufacturing remains one of the major barriers to wider clinical and commercial adoption. Many conventional culture processes still use animal serum or platelet-derived supplements from human donors. These biological materials can vary between batches and may introduce additional sourcing, testing and documentation requirements.
AuctuPrime replaces these supplements with a fully chemically defined formulation. By giving researchers and manufacturers clearer control over what enters the process, it is intended to provide a more reproducible foundation for scale-up from laboratory research to clinical and commercial manufacturing.
The formulation is designed to support:
* Elimination of animal serum and human platelet supplements
* Reduced batch-to-batch variability in the culture process
* Lower dependence on donor-derived biological raw materials
* Greater supply chain resilience through chemically defined inputs
* More consistent scale-up and technology transfer across manufacturing stages
* A xeno-free approach for regenerative medicine and cell therapy workflowsWhy the manufacturing medium matters to patients
“Culture medium is not the therapy itself, but it can influence how reliably cells are produced. By removing animal serum and human platelet supplements, AuctuPrime gives researchers and manufacturers greater control over the process, helping to reduce variability and prepare for larger-scale production.” said Dr Zach Pang, Co-founder and Chief Scientific Officer of AuctuCel.
Supporting Singapore’s advanced therapy ecosystem
Singapore is strengthening its position as a regional hub for advanced therapies, supported by its universities, hospitals, research institutions and biotechnology companies. These organisations are building capabilities that connect early-stage research with regulated manufacturing and future clinical applications. Chemically defined media can support this progress by reducing reliance on variable biological inputs and enabling processes to be reproduced more consistently across local research and manufacturing facilities.
“Singapore’s continued progress in regenerative medicine will depend not only on scientific breakthroughs, but also on the ability to manufacture therapies safely, consistently and at scale. AuctuPrime represents an important step towards building a more reproducible manufacturing platform and can support local research and industry teams as they prepare for future clinical and commercial demand,” said Dr Chee Wai Fhu, Chief Executive Officer of AuctuCel.
For the wider region, stronger manufacturing foundations also matter for healthcare resilience. Cell therapies are complex products with demanding quality requirements, and the ability to manufacture them consistently will shape how quickly promising research can progress towards clinical use.
“The future of regenerative medicine depends not only on scientific breakthroughs, but on our ability to manufacture these therapies safely, consistently and at scale,” said Dr Chee Wai Fhu, Chief Executive Officer of AuctuCel. “AuctuPrime is an important step towards a more reproducible manufacturing platform. By removing dependence on animal serum and human platelet supplements, we hope to help researchers and manufacturers build processes that are better prepared for future clinical and commercial demand.”
Regional collaboration behind the launch
AuctuPrime was developed through a collaboration between AuctuCel and Sperikon, combining AuctuCel’s bioprocess and culture media expertise with Sperikon’s experience in regenerative medicine and cell therapy development.
Behind every cell therapy breakthrough is a production process that must work repeatedly, not only once. Improving that process is one of the practical steps needed to bring the next generation of therapies closer to the patients who may benefit from them.
Notes to editors
A chemically defined medium is a formulation in which the components and their concentrations are known and controlled. In this context, xeno-free means the formulation does not rely on animal-derived materials. AuctuPrime is a manufacturing input used during cell culture and is not itself a cell therapy product.
Hashtag: #AuctuCel
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About AuctuCel
AuctuCel is a Singapore-based biotechnology company spun out of A*STAR’s Bioprocessing Technology Institute. The company develops AI-powered bioprocess technologies and ready-to-use culture media solutions that help biotechnology and cell therapy companies improve manufacturing consistency, productivity and scalability. By combining advanced modelling, scientific expertise and bioprocess innovation, AuctuCel supports the translation of research into commercially viable biomanufacturing. The company has active operations and partnerships across Singapore, Malaysia and the wider Asian region.
About Sperikon
Sperikon is a biotechnology company focused on regenerative medicine, cell culture technologies and translational research. The company works with academic institutions and industry partners to develop scalable solutions that support the clinical and commercial adoption of advanced cell therapies. Through its collaboration with AuctuCel, Sperikon contributes to the development of next-generation chemically defined manufacturing platforms.
A tracked firefighting robot developed at Northeastern University is using liquid nitrogen to extinguish small fires, offering a potential new tool for containing wildfire hotspots before they grow beyond firefighters’ control. The prototype sprays the cryogenic liquid directly on burning vegetation. Liquid nitrogen rapidly vaporises when exposed to heat, cooling the fuel while displacing oxygen around the flames. Laboratory tests have shown that the combined effect can […]
A newly identified malware operation has used a counterfeit Python component to bypass security scrutiny, disable parts of Microsoft Defender and establish persistent remote access inside a law firm’s network. The intrusion compromised two endpoints after employees received spear-phishing emails directing them to an encrypted archive hosted on the Mega file-sharing service. The archive contained a malicious Windows shortcut named “Case Documents”, designed to resemble material connected […]
CareCloud has begun notifying about 345,000 people that hackers accessed and removed sensitive medical, financial and identity information from an electronic health record environment operated by its CareCloud Health division. The compromised information may include names, residential addresses, dates of birth, Social Security numbers, driving licence and passport details, medical record numbers and health insurance information. Clinical data such as diagnoses, treatment details, prescription information, laboratory results […]
Oil prices fell sharply on Monday as traders responded to renewed diplomatic efforts between Washington and Tehran aimed at reopening the Strait of Hormuz and easing threats to energy supplies from the Gulf. Brent crude, the benchmark for about two-thirds of internationally traded oil, dropped more than 7 per cent during early trading before trimming its losses. It was down 5.09 per cent at $83.51 a barrel […]
XRP entered August trading near $1.06, with investors weighing strong institutional demand against fading expectations that US lawmakers will pass landmark cryptocurrency legislation before the congressional recess. The token remains about 71% below the record of roughly $3.66 reached in July 2025, when regulatory optimism and expectations of exchange-traded fund approvals drove a sharp market advance. Its subdued price has prompted debate over whether institutional accumulation is […]
HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 2 August 2026 – The Eugene BB Expo, Hong Kong’s largest annual maternity and baby grand event, grandly opened at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre. XINGZISHAN, an original Chinese functional kids’ loungewear brand from mainland China, staged its highly anticipated debut at the exhibition. Blending Eastern and Western aesthetics with premium craftsmanship, the brand leverages the Greater Bay Area as a strategic gateway to complete its landmark Hong Kong & Macau market premiere, officially kicking off its overseas expansion journey.
Mainland Original Base Layer Specialist Debuts at Hong Kong’s Top Baby Expo
Founded to solve real parenting pain points, XINGZISHAN focuses on essential close-fitting apparel for children. The brand independently develops high-performance fabrics featuring seamless skin-friendly construction, anti-allergy skincare protection, breathability and quick-dry properties. It has built a full matrix of kids’ base layers tailored to tropical subtropical Hong Kong parenting needs, addressing common challenges including kids’ excessive sweating, sensitive skin, temperature fluctuations between day and night, and multi-scenario indoor & outdoor wear.
Long dominated by overseas and Hong Kong maternity brands, the Eugene BB Expo delivers dual value for end-consumer retail traffic and cross-border business matching, with few mainland original kids’ base layer brands participating in previous editions. Bringing its complete lineup of functional children’s base layers to the expo, XINGZISHAN stood out as a distinctive representative of original mainland brands. Through differentiated original design and robust product performance, the brand showcased the premium quality and humanistic warmth of Chinese independent kids’ wear labels.
Original Mission: One Base Layer, Endless Comfort for Kids’ Unrestrained Growth
XINGZISHAN adheres to its core brand ethos — “From Base Layer to Life Backing, Safely is Basic”. Beyond crafting soft inner layers, the brand creates safe, professional, well-fitted and stylish functional apparel to safeguard children’s freedom to explore, while easing parents’ stress over daily kids’ outfit selection.
Speaking at the booth, Zhang Yangzhi, Founder of XINGZISHAN, shared the brand’s founding vision: “Base layers stay close to children’s skin every single day, forming the most fundamental layer of protection as they grow. We aim to perfect this intimate daily essential, using professional fabrics and tailored cuts to support kids’ unrestrained childhood.”
Throughout the exhibition run, the brand’s booth drew steady crowds of Hong Kong expectant mothers, local parents, cross-border families and maternity retail procurement buyers. Many mums commented that XINGZISHAN’s sweat-wicking, non-chafing seamless fabrics perfectly fit Hong Kong’s humid climate and kids’ active daily routines. The versatile loungewear pieces that transition effortlessly from bedroom to outdoor outings greatly simplify parents’ daily childcare routines.
The brand also addresses a key consumer pain point for fathers, who often struggle to find kids’ clothing balancing appealing aesthetics and reliable quality. With premium fabric texture and child-centric aesthetic design, XINGZISHAN earns consistent family approval, cementing its position as a top household apparel choice.
Cultural Exchange: Oriental Inspirations Meet Minimalist Western Design
This debut at the Eugene BB Expo marks a critical milestone in XINGZISHAN’s global expansion, as well as a vivid showcase of Chinese kids’ wear cultural export. The booth space integrates brand storytelling, natural fabric displays and parenting philosophies, paired with local Hong Kong touches such as tram elements to boost visitor engagement.
Breaking away from the cluttered heavy prints typical of traditional Chinese-style children’s clothing, XINGZISHAN harmoniously fuses Eastern culture with Western minimalism. Drawing visual motifs from ginkgo leaves, wheat ears and auspicious cloud patterns, the brand pairs them with clean, streamlined silhouettes iconic to Western kids’ fashion, alongside soft, low-saturation natural tones that strike an ideal balance between practicality and gentle aesthetic charm.
Global Expansion Roadmap: Hong Kong as the Springboard for Overseas Growth
Capitalizing on Hong Kong’s unique geographical advantage as “backed by Mainland China, connected to the world” and its role as a super connector, XINGZISHAN seizes the Eugene BB Expo platform to connect deeply with Hong Kong & Macau maternity retail channels, chain stores and procurement resources. The brand will rapidly penetrate local Hong Kong and Macau markets, establishing a direct supply chain from mainland original kids’ wear brands to regional families.
Moving forward, XINGZISHAN plans to steadily expand into Southeast Asian markets. It will bring Chinese kids’ apparel R&D expertise and Eastern parenting aesthetics to the Greater Bay Area and international audiences, paving the way for original domestic children’s wear brands to shine on a broader global stage.
Hashtag: #XINGZISHAN
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
The UAE Youth Kickboxing Championship has opened in Abu Dhabi with 607 male and female athletes competing in one of the country’s largest domestic events for emerging combat-sport talent. The championship began on Friday at Mubadala Dome at Al Jazira Club and will run until Sunday. Organised by the UAE Muay Thai and Kickboxing Federation, it brings together competitors from 51 clubs across the country. Athletes are […]
The Democratic Republic of the Congo’s Ebola outbreak has become the second largest recorded worldwide, with confirmed infections surpassing the total from the country’s devastating 2018-2020 epidemic. Health ministry data issued on Friday showed 3,532 confirmed cases and 1,556 deaths. The outbreak has expanded rapidly across five eastern provinces since it was formally declared on May 15, placing immense pressure on an already fragile health system affected […]
The UK Games Fund has selected 29 independent studios for grants of up to £100,000, marking the largest funding cohort since the programme began in 2015. The companies will use the Prototype Fund awards to develop original intellectual property, test projects with players and strengthen their ability to attract publishers or private investment. The grants will primarily cover employment costs for UK-based staff and contractors involved in […]
Scientists have developed a specialised computing chip capable of completing complex neural-dynamics calculations within milliseconds, opening a potential route towards faster brain modelling, medical imaging and real-time artificial intelligence systems. The processor, created by a research team led by Peking University in collaboration with the Shanghai Institute of Microsystem and Information Technology under the Chinese Academy of Sciences, uses phase-change memristors to perform calculations at speeds comparable […]
Torrential rain battered Kerala on Saturday, killing at least four people in landslides and flooding homes, roads and commercial centres as authorities placed nine districts under the highest weather warning.
The most severe damage was reported from Idukki, Kottayam and Pathanamthitta, where saturated hillsides collapsed, rivers crossed warning levels and rescue teams moved families from vulnerable areas. The state government directed district administrations to prepare for emergencies and assigned ministers to coordinate relief operations in badly affected areas.
Sumathi, a resident of Kudayathoor near Thodupuzha, was killed when a landslide struck her house at Adurmala around 2 am. Her husband Ravi and son Ratheesh were pulled from the debris with injuries. The building was destroyed, and rescuers recovered Sumathi’s body after a search lasting several hours.
Another landslide at Kolahalamedu in Vagamon killed 72-year-old Prabhakaran Nair. A mass of earth crashed through a window and buried the room where he was sleeping. Fire and Rescue Services personnel, police and residents used an earthmover to clear the wreckage before recovering his body.
Joseph Johnny and his mother Regina Johnny were also killed after a landslide buried a house near Poonjar in Kottayam district. Search and rescue teams were deployed to the area as heavy rain continued to restrict access through hilly roads.
The weather department issued red warnings for Thrissur, Malappuram, Kozhikode, Wayanad, Kannur and Kasaragod, where isolated rainfall exceeding 20 centimetres within 24 hours was considered possible. Pathanamthitta, Kottayam and Idukki were also placed under red warnings for rainfall ranging between 12 and 20 centimetres.
Orange warnings covering Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Alappuzha, Ernakulam and Palakkad indicated the likelihood of very heavy rainfall. The warnings covered nearly the entire state and reflected the possibility of flash floods, landslides, uprooted trees, power disruption and damage to weak structures.
An offshore trough extending from south Gujarat to Kerala, combined with strong lower-level westerly winds, intensified the rainfall. Rain or thundershowers were forecast across most parts of Kerala through the weekend, although the heaviest phase was expected on Saturday.
Flooding spread across central districts as rivers and streams overflowed. Erattupetta was inundated after the Meenachil River breached its banks, while the Mundakkayam causeway went under water. Sections of the Pala-Poonjar road became impassable, affecting movement between several towns and villages.
Ranni in Pathanamthitta faced extensive flooding, with water entering the Ittiyappara bus stand, shops and houses. Landslides were reported from surrounding highland areas, while the Pamba and other rivers rose rapidly following overnight rainfall.
Thodupuzha town and nearby settlements experienced waterlogging after streams spilled into residential colonies. The Thodupuzha River crossed the danger mark, while the Muvattupuzha River moved above its warning level. Residents along riverbanks and in low-lying areas were told to prepare for evacuation.
Authorities increased controlled releases from the Malankara Dam as inflows surged. Four shutters that had been opened by 1.5 metres were scheduled to be raised in stages to 2.5 metres. Officials warned that the release could further increase levels in the Thodupuzha and Muvattupuzha rivers.
Road travel was disrupted across Idukki after landslips blocked the Moolamattom-Vagamon, Vagamon-Ettumanoor, Vagamon-Upputhara and Kattappana-Vazhavara routes. Debris also halted traffic near Machiplavu on the Kochi-Dhanushkodi National Highway, where a car and a heavy vehicle were caught in a landslide.
Arabian Post Staff -Dubai GEMS School of Research and Innovation will launch a Motorsport Academy in September, giving pupils structured access to racing, engineering, simulation technology and the wider business of competitive motorsport. The programme will be introduced for the 2026-27 academic year and will initially accept students from Years 4 to 9. Applications are open, with enrolment numbers expected to be limited to maintain personalised coaching […]
Spinneys will raise its ownership of its Saudi Arabian subsidiary to 70 per cent by acquiring an additional 20 per cent stake from Abdul Mohsen AbdulAziz Al Hokair Holding Group for SAR18 million. The Dubai-listed premium grocery retailer said the transaction covers shares in Al-Ma’kulat Al-Fakhirah for Food Products, known as Spinneys KSA. Completion remains subject to regulatory approvals, including clearance from Saudi Arabia’s General Authority for […]
Anthropic’s artificial intelligence models gained unauthorised access to systems belonging to three organisations during cybersecurity evaluations after supposedly isolated test environments were left connected to the public internet. The AI developer said the incidents involved Claude Opus 4.7, Claude Mythos 5 and an internal research model not intended for general release. The models used weak passwords, exposed interfaces and other basic techniques to compromise real-world infrastructure while […]
OpenMatter Network has urged corporate leaders to overhaul the architecture protecting artificial intelligence systems, warning that conventional cybersecurity controls may not contain increasingly autonomous agents capable of acting beyond their intended boundaries. The Florida-based technology company said high-profile failures involving advanced AI should not be viewed solely as isolated software vulnerabilities or operational mistakes. Renee Davis, its co-founder and chief executive, argued that organisations must address how […]
France, Spain and Greece battled destructive wildfires on Thursday as extreme heat, dry vegetation and strong winds forced hundreds of thousands of people from homes, holiday resorts and threatened communities. Firefighters gained ground against some of the largest blazes in France and Spain, but authorities warned that unstable weather and exhausted emergency crews left wide areas vulnerable to fresh outbreaks. Greece faced a worsening emergency after fires […]
Danube Properties is preparing to deliver 11 developments across Dubai as the privately owned developer moves to convert a large off-plan construction pipeline into completed homes amid more selective buyer demand. The planned handovers span several of Dubai’s established and expanding residential districts, strengthening the company’s emphasis on timely completion as competition intensifies among developers. Founder and Chairman Rizwan Sajan said the delivery programme reflected Danube’s focus […]
TAIPEI, TAIWAN – Media OutReach Newswire – 30 July 2026 – The Sagrada Família in Barcelona reached a historic milestone last month with the blessing and inauguration of the Tower of Jesus Christ. The ceremony completed the central spire of architect Antoni Gaudí’s masterwork after 144 years of construction. TVBS partnered with Japan’s NHK to provide live coverage, becoming the only Taiwanese media organization granted access to report from inside the basilica.
TVBS, NHK, HTC together documented a defining milestone in the Sagrada Família’s history. TVBS cultural ambassador Lin Chi-ling joined the reporting team in Barcelona.
The collaboration marks a significant moment for Taiwan’s international media presence, as the completion of Gaudí’s vision draws global attention to one of the world’s most visited cultural landmarks. NHK has documented the construction of the Sagrada Família for decades, building a relationship of trust with the basilica’s team that enabled joint coverage.
TVBS crews filmed in areas rarely accessible to media, including the crypt where Gaudí is buried, architectural workshops, and key structural sections of the basilica. The team conducted interviews with architects and experts involved in the project during preparations for the inauguration ceremony. Construction on the church began in 1882, one year before Gaudí took over as chief architect.
Taiwanese actress Lin Chi-ling joined the reporting team in Barcelona as a cultural ambassador for the project. Lin met with architects and experts to explore the basilica through the perspectives of architecture, aesthetics, and cultural heritage. Her involvement added a cultural dimension to the coverage beyond conventional architectural reporting.
The coverage brought together partners from Taiwan’s technology and financial sectors. HTC, through its VIVE Arts initiative, contributed its immersive experience “Gaudí, the Atelier of the Divine.” The virtual reality program allows audiences to explore Gaudí’s architectural world in new ways, transcending geographical and physical boundaries.
TS Financial Holding Co., Ltd., which has long supported arts and cultural exchange, sponsored the live broadcast. The company cited values of integrity, innovation, and sustainability in joining the project. The cross-sector collaboration extended Taiwan’s cultural advocacy onto the international stage, connecting the 144-year architectural endeavor to audiences in Taiwan and Chinese-speaking communities worldwide.
TVBS integrated AI-powered real-time translation technology throughout the live coverage, facilitating multilingual communication across international production teams. The project showcased Taiwan’s ability to connect industries and communities across borders. TVBS, NHK, HTC, and TS Financial Holding Co., Ltd., together documented a defining milestone in the Sagrada Família’s history.
Hashtag: #TVBS
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
Largest category marketing investment in 15 years supports Desert diamonds’ debut in Asia, opening a brilliant new chapter for natural diamonds
SHANGHAI, CHINA – Media OutReach Newswire – 30 July 2026 – De Beers Group hosted the Desert diamonds Asia launch event in Shanghai on 29th July, marking the official arrival of the Desert diamonds beacon in China, embodying the spirit of “authenticity, individuality and inner radiance”. This is the first new beacon launched by the Group in over a decade. Backed by its largest category marketing investment in 15 years, the campaign champions a renewed perspective for natural diamonds and aims to unite the industry, further underscoring the strategic role of China in shaping future demand for natural diamonds and supporting the industry’s long-term growth.
De Beers Group Desert diamonds Asia launch event in Shanghai.; Lynn Serfaty, General Manager of Natural Diamonds at De Beers Group, delivers an inspiring address in an interactive session with wellness coach Lear Tsui.
First unveiled in 2025 at the JCK Las Vegas Show, the Desert diamonds beacon marks a new chapter in the celebration of natural diamonds. Drawing inspiration from the desert landscapes that echo the ancient desert routes of Dunhuang and the lingering charm of the Silk Road, Desert diamonds pays tribute to the untamed authenticity of natural diamonds, celebrating a spectrum of colours from warm whites to champagne tones and amber hues. Desert diamonds jewellery has been seen on international stages – worn by celebrities such as Taylor Swift, Rihanna, Bad Bunny, Doja Cat, and Aryna Sabalenka. By bringing the beacon to China, De Beers Group aims to meet the growing consumer demand for self-reward, emotional gifting, and milestone celebrations — reaffirming the enduring desirability of natural diamonds for a new generation of consumers.
Departing from traditional jewellery marketing, De Beers Group has creatively invited “Real People” to interpret the unique allure of Desert diamonds. These “Real People” are not celebrities or professional models, but pioneering individuals from diverse fields who dare to pursue authenticity and illuminate their individuality through their own stories. They vividly embody the authenticity, individuality and inner radiance that Desert diamonds represent, through their personal journeys. This groundbreaking approach forges a deeper resonance between natural diamonds and genuine emotions, echoing today’s consumer desire for sincere and diverse narratives.
Lynn Serfaty, General Manager, Natural Diamonds, De Beers Group, said, “From red carpets to everyday life, consumers want a natural diamond that tells their personal story – a unique symbol for life’s most precious moments. Following its global success, we are confident in bringing Desert diamonds, a natural inspiration from the desert to China.”
She added: “Our research shows that Desert diamonds resonate strongly with Chinese consumers: 95% desire to own them, 94% find them distinctive, and 96% consider them innovative. Consumers increasingly see jewellery as a key expression of emotional connection and self-affirmation. The authenticity, individuality and inner radiance they seek are the soul of Desert diamonds. I’m delighted to see the industry is uniting to reignite passion for natural diamonds and shape a brilliant future.”
Desert diamond “Real People” features stand-up comedian Liu Yang, Peking Opera performer Guo Yu’ang, racing driver Shi Wei, and wellness coach Lear Tsui.
Departing from conventional advertising fronted by celebrities, De Beers Group has for the first time selected four “Real People” through authentic storytelling, breaking away from the traditional celebrity endorsement model. Each of them interprets the campaign’s theme — “Authenticity” — through their unique life stories: embracing every mark of life with truth, the singular stance of being born one of a kind, and the brilliant light that shines from deep within.
In China, consumers are increasingly drawn to jewellery that is authentic, rare, and everlasting — a clear shift toward self-expression through pieces that reflect authenticity, individuality, and inner radiance. De Beers Group observes that today’s consumers seek not only the timelessness of natural diamonds but also designs that are distinctive, personal, and value-driven — Desert diamonds perfectly embodies this exceptional realm of effortless refinement.
Chow Tai Fook, Chow Sang Sang and TSL | Tse Sui Luen present exquisite jewellery designs inspired by the colours and spirit of the desert landscape.
Leading retailers Chow Tai Fook, Chow Sang Sang and TSL | Tse Sui Luen, which are the strategic partners of the Desert diamonds campaign, have been developing collections that showcase the desert-inspired palette, underscoring the industry’s strong confidence in the campaign. The retailers will debut their Desert diamonds jewellery collections at the launch and lend their firm support to the campaign in future marketing initiatives.
Created to resonate with a new generation, this campaign targets young consumers through a holistic media and digital strategy. Today’s young consumers are proudly embracing tradition, finding meaning in their cultural roots. The creative storytelling parallels each diamond’s natural journey with the wearer’s own path, allowing the authenticity, individuality and inner radiance of Desert diamonds to strike a chord, and reinforcing that every Desert diamond and every individual is one of a kind. This narrative also echoes a timeless legacy of diamonds as the indestructible stone, a symbol of resilience and everlasting brilliance, and qualities this generation deeply admires. The campaign will steadily ramp up marketing investment, harnessing robust media and social influence to establish Desert Diamonds as the preferred choice of discerning consumers.
Beyond engaging consumers and retailers, the Desert diamonds campaign supports national efforts to drive quality consumption and product innovation. It aligns with the Shopping in China initiative, which promotes high-quality goods with strong provenance, traceability and sustainability. De Beers Group is leveraging the launch to drive natural diamond category education in China and champion premium natural diamond jewellery. With a focus on brand building, quality assurance, product innovation and sustainable development, Desert diamonds provides Chinese consumers with a trustworthy, high-quality choice, supporting the high-quality development of China’s consumer market and the initiative’s goal of stimulating domestic consumption.
Building on its global momentum, Desert diamonds has become a powerful cultural phenomenon. In the U.S., it has captured attention on red carpets and through high-profile celebrity engagements, with warm-toned diamonds growing increasingly visible across fashion, music, and entertainment. Retailers who took part in the initial U.S. campaign reported higher foot traffic and a surge in enquiries tied to life milestones – clear signs of growing consumer desire for these naturally warm diamonds at life’s defining moments. By drawing a parallel to the wearer’s own journey, the campaign positions Desert diamonds not just as gems, but as emotional keepsakes rooted in the earth and elegant symbols of true individuality and enduring meaning.
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About De Beers Group
Established in 1888, De Beers Group is the world’s leading diamond company with expertise in the exploration, mining, marketing and retailing of diamonds. Together with its joint venture partners, De Beers Group employs more than 20,000 people across the diamond pipeline and is the world’s largest diamond producer by value, with diamond mining operations in Botswana, Canada, Namibia and South Africa. Innovation sits at the heart of De Beers Group’s strategy as it develops a portfolio of offers that span the diamond value chain, including its jewellery houses, De Beers London and Forevermark, and other pioneering solutions such as diamond sourcing and traceability initiatives Tracr and GemFair. De Beers Group also provides leading services and technology to the diamond industry in the form of education and laboratory services and a wide range of diamond sorting, detection and classification technology services. De Beers Group is committed to ‘Building Forever,’ a holistic and integrated approach to sustainability that underpins our efforts to create meaningful impact for the people and places where our diamonds are discovered. Building Forever focuses on three key areas where, through collaborations and partnerships around the globe, we have an enhanced ability to drive positive impact; Livelihoods, Climate and Nature. De Beers Group is a member of the Anglo American plc group. For further information, visit www.debeersgroup.com.
Building Forever
