News related to
global health emergency

Showcasing Smart Lighting, Innovative Display Technologies and Outdoor Lighting Solutions that Shape the Future of Smart and Sustainable Lighting

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 12 October 2026 – Organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), the 28^th Hong Kong International Lighting Fair (Autumn Edition) and the 11^th Hong Kong International Outdoor and Tech Light Expo will be held in late October. The Autumn Lighting Fair will take place at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC) from 27 to 30 October, while the Outdoor and Tech Light Expo will be held at AsiaWorld-Expo from 26 to 29 October.

Renowned as two of the world’s premier lighting trade fairs, this year’s twin lighting fairs will be held under the theme “Beyond Illumination“. Bringing together some 3,000 exhibitors from more than 20 countries and regions, the fairs will showcase a diverse range of innovative lighting products and solutions that blend smart connectivity, healthy living, immersive spatial experiences and sustainability.

Register for FREE buyer badge: https://tinyurl.com/4hfpupfe

Share your bright moments at the twin Autumn Lighting Fairs with #HKLIGHTINGFAIR and @HKTDCLIFESTYLE, and capture your shot at the AI immersive photo experience next to booth GH-D02, Hall of Connected Lighting.

Hong Kong International Lighting Fair (Autumn Edition) – HKCEC
A highlight zone of the Autumn Lighting Fair, the Hall of Connected Lighting makes a return this year with a line-up of some 70 leading global brands, including local brands Dimon and Viliya; Inventronics and TUYA from Chinese Mainland, as well as international names such as Viso Systems from Denmark; Casambi from Finland; and Signify from the Netherlands, etc. The zone will also feature global major industry alliances, including the Connectivity Standards Alliance, the DALI Alliance, the SILA-EMN Alliance and the Zhaga Consortium, alongside KNX, the global standard for smart building and home automation, which will make its debut at the fair.

Exhibitors will showcase an array of award-winning designs, design aesthetics and lighting solutions featured in landmark projects. Combined with diverse themed scenarios and immersive lighting installations, visitors will gain first-hand experience of the latest smart lighting products and solutions.

Leading lighting brand Signify will collaborate with the Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team to present a racing simulator experience that extends the excitement of motorsport beyond the screen into a physical environment through innovative lighting technologies. Two professional racing simulators will allow visitors to experience the thrill of high-speed driving and sharp cornering in a highly immersive setting. Also, Philips Sky professional lighting solutions will be showcased, featuring the light formula, VitaUp and BioUp technologies. VitaUp uses low-dose UVB light to mimic natural sunlight and support natural vitamin D production, while BioUp adjusts lighting to the body’s circadian rhythm, delivering a healthier and more comfortable indoor lighting experience.

Expanding the event’s product scope, the Autumn Lighting Fair will launch the new LED Display Solution Zone to foster the development of a commercial LED display ecosystem. The zone will feature LED video walls, commercial displays, transparent and flexible LED panels, immersive audio-visual systems and integrated display solutions, covering applications ranging from retail environments and corporate presentations to exhibitions, virtual production and major commercial projects.

First-time exhibitor Ledman Hong Kong will present the QS Series IceScreen LED Display, which was deployed at the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic Games. Featuring large-scale 8K display technology, the solution delivers highly realistic and impactful visual experiences. The company will also introduce the LEDHUB Smart Conference Solution, which integrates large-format display, video conferencing and collaboration functions into a single platform. Winner of the 2025 TITAN Innovation Awards Gold Award, the solution has been adopted by leading institutions including The University of Hong Kong, the University of Warwick and Fudan University.

Another fair spotlight, the Hall of Aurora, will feature some 500 renowned brands, presenting lighting fixtures and products that blend creativity, design aesthetics, and superior craftsmanship. Exhibitors include local pioneers Prosperity Group and Profiled Group, major players from Chinese Mainland such as Eaglerise, FSL, LEEDARSON and OPPLE, as well as international brands like Lival from Finland, Cupower from Germany, and Beghelli from Italy.

Hong Kong exhibitor Sunricher will present the award-winning Desktop Wizard, a portable smart home controller that offers a flexible and space-saving alternative to conventional remote controls and fixed wall switches. Featuring modular buttons and multiple control modes, it delivers an intuitive, user-friendly experience tailored to diverse needs. The product has earned international recognition, including the Red Dot Design Award, iF Design Award and German Design Award.

Another highlighted zone, the Residential Lighting, will showcase an array of functional and decorative household lighting products. Chinese Mainland exhibitor Yndlux Lighting will display its self-developed 5272 modular linear light, combining a flexible modular design and intelligent controls to meet diverse lighting and interior design needs.

Other zones include:

• The Commercial Lighting zone will showcase a wide range of commercial lighting products designed to meet the diverse needs of buyers across various industries, addressing the distinct lighting needs of retail, office, and other commercial spaces;
• The LED Essentials zone will feature a diverse collection of lighting accessories and components;
• The LED Lighting zone will display a diverse range of LED light sources, including LED tube, panel light, bulb etc., providing the fundamentals for energy-efficient solutions;
• The Testing, Certification & Inspection zone with companies providing professional light quality testing and certification services;
• The Trade Service & Publications zone with companies offering market intelligence, industry publications, as well as business support services for the lighting industry.

Hong Kong International Outdoor and Tech Light Expo– Hall 6, 8 @AsiaWorld-Expo)
The Hong Kong International Outdoor and Tech Light Expo will be held from 26 to 29 October at AsiaWorld-Expo, showcasing a comprehensive range of outdoor, commercial and industrial lighting products and solutions to drive smart city development. The expo will feature three thematic zones, including: the Smart Pole and Solution zone will showcase technologies and integrated solutions to optimise energy efficiency, improve urban management and elevate the quality of life for city residents; the Landscape and Architectural Lighting zone will present advanced lighting solutions that enrich urban ambience while enhancing safety, functionality and aesthetic appeal across public and commercial spaces; the Outdoor, Industrial and Technical Lighting zone will feature a wide spectrum of professional-grade lighting products designed for outdoor environments, industrial applications and technical settings such as warehouses, factories and infrastructure projects.

The expo will present newly introduced photovoltaic (PV) and energy storage solutions to help cities enhance energy efficiency, alongside lighting applications for smart city development, industrial environments, professional settings, landscape projects and architectural illumination. Among the highlights, Lansine Intelligent (Zhongshan) will present t he LX‑LC01 energy storage power station and foldable solar panel series, providing green power solutions specially designed for off‑grid applications, outdoor camping, emergency backup power, as well as small‑scale and residential energy storage.

A Rich Programme to Stay Ahead of Innovative High-End Design and the Latest Market Trends
The twin lighting fairs will collaborate with prestigious international lighting organisations to feature a series of thematic seminars, product launches and networking events. The Innovative Lighting Design Forum will take place on 27 October at the HKCEC under the theme “Treasures of Light: Artistic Brilliance Beyond Exhibitions“. Award-winning lighting designers renowned for their work on museums, exhibitions and art galleries will share the latest market trends through case studies. Featured speakers include Dr Yan Liu, Design Director, China at AT Design & Consulting Co. Ltd., who has contributed to the lighting design of the Louvre Museum in Paris and the Palace Museum in Beijing; Adam Meredith, Lighting Designer at MEGS Lighting from Australia, who led the lighting design projects for the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York and M+ in Hong Kong; and Omar Elkerm, Lighting Design Manager (Africa) at Signify, who led the lighting design for several major pyramid illumination projects in Egypt.

Following this forum is “Award-Winning Illumination: Highlights from the IES Illumination Awards“, a new event co-organised with the Illuminating Engineering Society (IES). Winners of one of the industry’s highest honours—the “IES Illumination Awards”—will analyse the artistic and technological developments in different lighting design categories. Featured speakers include Hiroyasu Shoji, Representative and Lighting Designer at Lightdesign Inc., who led the lighting design for the Grand Ring at Expo 2025 Osaka, and Kelly Jones, Principal at Lighting Design Alliance, a Salas O’Brien Company, whose portfolio includes numerous projects for Disney and Universal Studios.

Another debut event, “Circularity in Lighting Design“, will be co-organised with Women in Lighting (WIL) on 28 October. Influential female designers, including Sophie O’Rourke, Principal Lighting Designer at AECOM and Co-Founding Member of the Green Light Alliance, who is working on the ongoing Gilston Park Estate project, a new mixed-use community ; Pavlina Akritas, Founder of Akritas Lighting Design, known for her work on lighting projects for some of the world’s most prestigious luxury brands; Yah Li Toh, Founder and Principal of Light Collab, who designed the lighting for the Singapore Pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai; Jinkie de Jesus, Founder of Light Plan Inc., who led the lighting design of Mactan-Cebu International Airport and some of Manila’s most prestigious hotels; and Kael Gillam, Principal Lighting Designer at Buro Happold, who designed the lighting f or Bromley Old Town Hall, will discuss relevant topics in detail.

Another key event, the Connected Lighting Forum, co-organised with the Shanghai Pudong Intelligent Lighting Association (SILA), will be held under the theme “Healing Light for the Future: Illuminating Emotional Well-being“, exploring the development of intelligent and human-centric lighting technologies for psychological wellness and sharing case studies on light healing and therapy.

In addition, numerous exhibitor and buyer activities will be held at AsiaWorld-Expo, including a seminar titled “Smart Tech Integration in Outdoor Lighting” on 27 October, which will bring together experts from the Alliance of Smart Pole Industry and another industry organisation to examine how AI is driving the next generation of smart pole applications.

Providing Buyers with a Seamless Sourcing Journey
The events will adopt the EXHIBITION+ hybrid model, enhanced by the Click2Match online smart business matching platform, which will be available from 19 October to 6 November. Additionally, the Scan2Match feature in the HKTDC Marketplace App will be accessible onsite for buyers to scan dedicated QR codes from exhibitors to:

• Bookmark favorite booths and products
• Instantly access detailed product information
• View interactive electronic floor plans
• Continue conversations with exhibitors after the fair

The seamless experience ensures a smoother, more connected sourcing journey—before, during, and after the fair.

Hashtag: #HKTDC #HKLIGHTINGFAIR

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

The campus at Koregaon Park Annexe is being designed around artificial intelligence and Internet of Things systems that will monitor environmental conditions, occupancy and infrastructure and adjust building operations in real time. Bajaj Finserv describes the project as its first “sentient” corporate campus.

Fadnavis unveiled a commemorative plaque at the September 4 ceremony, which was attended by Deputy Chief Minister Sunetra Pawar, Pune Mayor Manjusha Nagpure, Bajaj Finserv Chairman and Managing Director Sanjiv Bajaj and other officials.

The company said the project would consolidate its diversified financial services businesses at a common address for the first time, bringing together operations spanning lending, deposits, payments, insurance and investments. The complex is also planned to include what Bajaj Finserv says will be Pune’s tallest steel tower.

Fadnavis said Bajaj Finserv had built a significant position in the state’s fintech ecosystem by using technology to widen access to loans, insurance and other financial services. He said the new campus would strengthen Pune’s role as a financial-technology centre and described the project as a major addition to Maharashtra’s business infrastructure.

The development is intended to use AI and IoT systems across energy management, water consumption, air quality, crowd density, movement and safety. Sensors and analytics are expected to help the campus respond to changes in weather and occupancy, while predictive maintenance systems will monitor critical infrastructure. Automation and robotics are also planned for some campus operations.

Bajaj Finserv said sustainability, environmental design and employee wellbeing would be the three main design pillars. The buildings are being planned to global LEED and Indian Green Building Council standards, with renewable energy intended to power the campus.

The company has set a target of recycling 80 per cent of water used at the site, alongside rainwater harvesting and zero-waste measures. Those features form part of Bajaj Finserv’s stated goal of achieving carbon neutrality for Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions by the 2031-32 financial year.

Sanjiv Bajaj said the project was intended to combine environmental responsibility with the group’s financial inclusion goals. He said the campus would use eco-efficient and biophilic design, AI-driven systems and renewable energy while placing employee health and wellbeing at the centre of the workplace plan.

Green zones are expected to include Ayurvedic gardens, Miyawaki forests and replanted native forests, with species from Maharashtra selected to support biodiversity. The design will seek to increase natural daylight and ventilation and reduce cooling requirements, according to the company.

Indoor environmental monitoring is planned at floor and cluster level, covering air quality and temperature. Employees are also expected to use an integrated Bajaj One application for services such as navigation, parking and facility bookings.

The project includes plans for a medical centre with telemedicine and emergency-response facilities as well as dedicated wellness support. Bajaj Finserv said these services would be integrated with the wider digital infrastructure of the campus.

The company also plans to incorporate art, craft and heritage traditions from across the country into the development, including lesser-known and lost art forms. Elements of Bajaj Finserv’s corporate social responsibility programmes and work produced by programme beneficiaries are expected to feature within the campus design.

Fadnavis used the ceremony to highlight the Bajaj group’s long association with Maharashtra and its role in the state’s industrial development. He also referred to the legacy of Jamnalal Bajaj, the industrialist and freedom movement figure associated with the group’s early history.

Bajaj Finserv already has several corporate and group offices in Pune. The new site is intended to serve as the company’s principal corporate office and create a single large workplace for businesses that are now spread across different locations.

The latest response followed the magnitude 7.4 earthquake that struck Colombia on August 10, 2026. The support from 1win Charity reached nearly 2,000 people, who received drinking water, food and hygiene kits, warm meals, blankets, sleeping mats, and first-aid supplies. A member of the 1win VIP community, Valentina Gómez, and Colombian creator Yeferson Cossio visited the affected communities to deliver relief.

Earlier in the year, 1win Charity supported more than 8,000 families after the June earthquakes in Venezuela. Working alongside local emergency organizations, hospitals, and community leaders, 1win delivered food, water, hygiene products, medicines, and medical supplies across affected communities in Caracas, La Guaira, and Miranda.

In Chile, 1win Charity carried out two major relief initiatives. Following extreme rainfall, winds, and storm surges in July, 1win Charity volunteers joined cleanup and debris-removal efforts in Quillón and Bulnes, while the organization provided rescue boats, drinking water, tools, protective equipment, and other provisions to communities and emergency teams.

The response followed an earlier initiative in the wake of devastating wildfires in Biobío and Ñuble, which burned more than 34,000 hectares. At the beginning of 2026, together with professional boxer Andrés Campos and the Chilean National Content Creators, 1win Charity supplied drinking water and emergency kits. Combined, the two Chilean initiatives supported approximately 20,000 families.

“For us, a long-term commitment to Latin America means being present all the time — during the happy celebrations and when communities face their most difficult moments. Our approach is to listen to local needs, work with trusted partners, and provide practical support where it can make a real difference,” 1win Charity representatives mentioned.

Hashtag: #1winCharity

https://1win.charity/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/1win-global/
https://www.instagram.com/1win.charity/
https://www.youtube.com/@1winCharity

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

About 1win Charity

1win Charity is the philanthropic branch of 1win, dedicated to advancing sustainability, community development, and humanitarian assistance. Guided by its mission, “We Care. We Share”, the organization supports vulnerable communities worldwide through programs focused on emergency relief, healthcare, education, and sustainable development. Working in partnership with nonprofit organizations, local institutions, and community leaders, 1win Charity develops initiatives that create lasting social impact.

Autonomous AI Attack-and-Defence Demonstrates Next-Generation Cybersecurity Talent and Advance Regional Digital Security Talent Development

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 23 August 2026 – The AI x Cybersecurity Challenge, jointly organised by the Digital Policy Office of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government, the Chinese Academy of Cyberspace Studies, the Hong Kong Cybersecurity Professional Association, and China Mobile Hong Kong Company Limited, and co-organised by Hong Kong Cyberport Management Company Limited, the Cyber Security and Technology Crime Bureau of the Hong Kong Police Force, the Hong Kong Productivity Council, Venustech Group Inc., and Hong Kong Cloud Peak Technology Co., Limited, held the Finals today.

Following a 12-hour online qualifying round, a total of 40 teams advanced to the Final Competition, including 20 teams from the Chinese Mainland, 18 from Hong Kong, and two from overseas regions. The Challenge adopts an innovative AI-Driven Dual (AID) competition format, in which artificial intelligence (AI) executes the competition and enables autonomous defence by AI agents. Teams of up to three members showcase their capabilities in leveraging AI technologies for automated vulnerability discovery and exploitation, competing for total prize money of HK$180,000.

The event brings together representatives from Government, industry, academia and research organisations to witness the latest developments in AI-powered cybersecurity innovation. Officiating guests at the Opening Ceremony included Professor SUN Dong, JP, Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry, Mr LI Shuguang, Director-General of the General Office of the Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in the HKSAR, Mr WANG Jiang, Director-General of the Chinese Academy of Cyberspace Studies, Mr Daniel CHEUNG, JP, Acting Commissioner for Digital Policy, Mr WANG Minwei, Deputy Director of the Cyberspace Administration of Guangdong Province, Dr Rocky CHENG, JP, President of the Hong Kong Cybersecurity Professional Association, and Ms SHI Xiaoping, Director and Chief Executive Officer of China Mobile Hong Kong Company Limited.

In his opening remarks, the Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry, Professor Sun Dong, said that AI is reshaping every aspect of people’s life at a breathtaking speed. He noted that although innovation may at times bring new threats, these same technologies can also spur defensive capabilities. As such, the Government champions an “AI versus AI” strategy, leveraging AI to forge the strongest shields to effectively manage risks associated with the use of AI.

Professor Sun added that the Government is continuously strengthening related policies, guidelines and ethical frameworks, as well as conducting regular cyber-attack-and-defence drills to better prepare for cybersecurity readiness. Through multi-pronged efforts, the Government hopes to guide society to apply AI responsibly, foster a healthy ecosystem, and strengthen city-wide resilience in face of cyber attacks.

Addressing AI-Era Cybersecurity Challenges Through Talent Development

The rapid advancement of AI is reshaping the global cybersecurity landscape. AI has evolved from a supporting tool for security analysis and threat monitoring into a technology capable of autonomously constructing attack chains and bypassing existing defence mechanisms. This has significantly lowered the technical barriers to cyberattacks, making sophisticated attack techniques more automated and accessible. Threat actors can leverage AI for intelligent vulnerability discovery, automated penetration testing, and even the creation of highly convincing deepfake content, enabling stealthier and more persistent cyberattacks.

As emerging threats such as model security risks, data poisoning, model theft, phishing attacks, supply chain vulnerabilities and automated exploitation continue to evolve, the demand for interdisciplinary talent with expertise in both AI and cybersecurity is becoming increasingly urgent. In response, the organisers aim to promote the practical application of AI technologies through this hands-on competition while cultivating a new generation of cybersecurity professionals equipped with cross-disciplinary expertise.

AI-Driven Attack-and-Defence Competition Platform

Unlike traditional Capture the Flag (CTF) competitions, this year’s Challenge adopts an innovative AI-Driven (AID) competition format. Participating teams leverage AI-powered automated systems to analyse the competition environment provided by the organisers, identify vulnerabilities and exploit them. The automated capabilities of the AI agents include information gathering, vulnerability discovery and flag submission. The competition environment incorporates both vulnerabilities found in real-world scenarios and simulated zero-day vulnerabilities that may exist in software systems.

The challenge design draws on concepts from international cybersecurity competitions and incorporates practical operating scenarios as well as simulated zero-day attack-and-defence environments, testing participants’ ability to apply AI technologies to real-world cybersecurity challenges. The Challenge aims to enhance participants’ practical attack-and-defence experience and innovation capabilities, promote the research and application of AI security technologies, and nurture a new generation of cybersecurity talent equipped with both strategic vision and practical expertise. Through these efforts, the competition seeks to strengthen capabilities in addressing AI-driven cyber threats.

Government, Industry, Academia and Research Communities Join Forces to Advance AI Security

This year’s Challenge brings together stakeholders from government, industry and research institutions to drive innovation in AI security technologies, strengthen cybersecurity capabilities and cultivate future talent.

Mr Wang Jiang, Director-General of the Chinese Academy of Cyberspace Studies, said, “AI technologies are reshaping the global cyber attack-and-defence landscape. While they lower the barriers to cyberattacks, they also drive the evolution of security protection from reactive response to proactive and intelligent defence. In this technological contest, using technology to counter technology has become an inevitable trend. By focusing on practical AI attack-and-defence capabilities, this competition aims to identify emerging talent and contribute to building a more trustworthy and intelligent cyberspace.”

Ms Shi Xiaoping, Director and Chief Executive Officer of China Mobile Hong Kong Company Limited, said, “As one of the organisers of this competition, China Mobile Hong Kong has devoted substantial resources to building an innovative AI attack-and-defence competition platform. Through continuous technology investment and ecosystem development, we actively fulfil our corporate social responsibility while showcasing Hong Kong’s innovation and leadership in AI cybersecurity to the world.”

Dr Rocky CHENG, JP, President of the Hong Kong Cybersecurity Professional Association, concluded, “AI-driven cyberattacks and agentic AI-related risks have emerged as some of the most significant cybersecurity threats today. Against this backdrop, cultivating interdisciplinary talent with expertise in AI system design, development and practical attack-and-defence capabilities has become an important pillar in strengthening Hong Kong’s overall cyber resilience.”

The Awards Presentation Ceremony will be held in late September 2026 during the China Cybersecurity Week to recognise teams that have demonstrated outstanding performance in the competition. The organisers encourage enterprises and organisations to continuously strengthen their cybersecurity governance, regularly review information system risks, enhance data protection measures and improve cyber incident response capabilities. Young talents are also encouraged to pursue opportunities in artificial intelligence and cybersecurity, developing their expertise through training, professional certifications and hands-on competitions. Members of the public and organisations may also make use of the cybersecurity information, training programmes and support services provided by the Hong Kong Computer Emergency Response Team Coordination Centre (HKCERT) and other relevant organisations, helping to foster a safer, more secure and trustworthy digital ecosystem.

Please download the high-res photos HERE.

Photo Captions:

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

About Hong Kong Computer Emergency Response Team Coordination Centre

Managed by the Hong Kong Productivity Council (HKPC), Hong Kong Computer Emergency Response Team Coordination Centre (HKCERT) is the centre for coordination of computer security incident response for local enterprises and Internet Users. Its missions are to facilitate information disseminating, provide advices on preventive measures against security threats and to promote information security awareness.

HKCERT collaborates with local bodies to collect and disseminate information, and coordinate response actions. HKCERT is also a member of the Forum of Incident Response and Security Teams (FIRST) and the Asia Pacific Computer Emergency Response Team (APCERT). We exchange information with other CERTs and act as a point of contact on cross-border security incidents.

About the Hong Kong Productivity Council

The Hong Kong Productivity Council (HKPC) is a statutory body established in 1967, dedicated to enhancing the productivity and competitiveness of Hong Kong enterprises through world-class applied R&D, innovative technology services, and integrated manufacturing solutions. As a market-oriented, international R&D organisation, HKPC leverages its deep expertise and extensive industry experience in key areas such as AI, advanced manufacturing, life and health technology, green technology and new energy to drive new industrialisation and support the growth of emerging and future industries.

HKPC focuses on addressing businesses challenges and industrial technology needs, promoting the full integration between technological and industrial innovation. Through technology transfer, product innovation, intellectual property protection and commercialisation of R&D outcomes, the Council fosters collaboration with the local business community as well as top global R&D institutions, delivering added value to industries and advancing the development of new productive forces. HKPC’s world-class R&D achievements have been widely recognised over the years, winning an array of local and overseas accolades, reinforcing Hong Kong’s role as an international innovation and technology centre and a smart city.

To help enterprises capitalise on Hong Kong’s strengths in international connectivity to expand into global markets, HKPC offers comprehensive overseas expansion services tailored to critical areas including product development, technology, manufacturing, and management, enabling businesses to successfully go global from Hong Kong.

HKPC is also committed to providing timely and practical support to SMEs and startups with timely and practical , assisting them in accessing Government funding programmes. Through its FutureSkills training initiatives, HKPC helps both industry and academia stay ahead in latest digital and STEM technologies, nurturing a future-ready talent pool for Hong Kong.

For more information, please visit HKPC’s website: www.hkpc.org/en.

Powerful Performance from Just Four AA Batteries

Powered by only four AA batteries, the controller delivers over two years of operation when driving a 12VDC latch, dramatically reducing maintenance compared to typical battery-powered systems. Its high-efficiency internal buck/boost technology ensures optimal power delivery while using fewer batteries than conventional approaches.

Redundant Power for Critical Access

When batteries eventually require replacement, Southco has designed built-in redundancy to avoid downtime. A power override port—compatible today with a 9V battery and adaptable for future power inputs—provides temporary power so users can unlock the enclosure, replace batteries, and restore full operation quickly.

Smart Monitoring Through the Keypanion® App

Battery health is continuously monitored through Southco’s Keypanion® App, which alerts users well before battery replacement is needed, reducing the likelihood of emergency access situations.

For Original Equipment Manufacturers building their own mobile apps, Southco also offers a Software Development Kit (SDK), enabling seamless integration between the controller and customers’ existing digital ecosystems.

Designed for Real-World Enclosures

A removable battery pod allows fast, frustration-free battery changes—especially valuable in tight, hard-to-reach installations. Users can slide out the cartridge, load all batteries at once, and reinsert it without navigating cramped enclosure spaces.

The controller also features true plug-and-play installation. Simply insert the four AA batteries, plug in the latch, and the system is ready to operate—no wire splicing, no external power, and no additional electronics required.

Mobile Access Without Security Infrastructure

With the Keypanion® App, users can activate, manage, and share access directly from a mobile device. There is no server setup, no IT overhead, and no wiring required. Permissions can be granted or revoked instantly, replacing physical keys with secure digital control.

New Possibilities for Remote and Unpowered Applications

This combination of self-contained power, Bluetooth® connectivity, and mobile access expands what designers can do in environments once considered too challenging for electronic access. Ideal applications include:

• Remote and public installations without external power
• Retrofit upgrades for existing unpowered enclosures
• Critical infrastructure such as fiber optic boxes requiring secure, monitored access

By eliminating the need for solar panels, power drops, or complex security systems, Southco’s Battery-Operated Bluetooth® Controller reduces material costs and gives OEMs far greater design freedom.

A Flexible, Future-Ready Solution

Beyond immediate use cases, the power override port helps engineers address mechanical override considerations by providing a reliable method to restore power and gain entry when traditional power sources fail—a major benefit noted by early customer feedback.

The Battery-Operated Single Output Bluetooth® Controller provides a strong foundation for the next generation of remote access solutions, delivering convenience, efficiency, and security in one streamlined device.

For more information, please visit www.southco.com or email Southco’s 24/7 customer service team at info@southco.com.

Hashtag: #Southco

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

About Southco

Southco, Inc. is the leading global designer and manufacturer of engineered access solutions. From quality and performance to aesthetics and ergonomics, we understand that first impressions are lasting impressions in product design. For over 80 years, Southco has helped the world’s most recognized brands create value for their customers with innovative access solutions designed to enhance the touch points of their products in transportation and industrial applications, medical equipment, data centers and more. With unrivalled engineering resources, innovative products and a dedicated global team, Southco delivers the broadest portfolio of premium access solutions available to equipment designers throughout the world.

Southco Asia Limited
2401, Tower 2, Ever Gain Plaza
88 Container Port Road, Kwai Chung
Hong Kong

Jean-Jacques Muyembe and Peter Piot are being honored with the international award of €500,000 for exceptional life-long leadership spanning five decades since the first outbreak of Ebola

BERLIN, GERMANY – Newsaktuell – 2 June 2026 – The Virchow Prize 2026 has been jointly awarded to Jean‑Jacques Muyembe and Peter Piot for their pioneering and enduring leadership in the discovery, control, and understanding of epidemic threats, and for advancing equitable, multilateral cooperation and governance that have fundamentally strengthened global preparedness and solidarity in the face of infectious disease outbreaks.

The announcement was made today by the Virchow Foundation which is granting the annual award. The selection of the laureates by the independent Virchow Prize Committee was preceded by a nomination period that ended on February 28, followed by a three-month deliberation period.

This moment resonates with particular historical gravity: 2026 marks both fifty years since the emergence of Ebola and a renewed confrontation with the virus through the current outbreak and unpreparedness.

According to the committee, the careers of Jean‑Jacques Muyembe and Peter Piot are anchored in a defining moment of modern infectious disease history: the first identified Ebola outbreak in 1976. Their collaboration demonstrated the necessity of crossing contextual, disciplinary and geographic boundaries, highlighting both the potential and the inequities inherent in global health partnerships. Over the decades, both Muyembe and Piot have worked – partly closely together, partly independent from each other in complementary ways – to transform epidemic research in an exemplary manner, firmly rooted in equity, reciprocity, and shared leadership.

Taken together, the laureates’ contributions illustrate a continuum that is central to advancing health for all: from discovery to delivery, from local response to global coordination, from emergency action to long-term system strengthening. Their work has directly improved the ability to detect, understand, and control deadly outbreaks, while also influencing broader frameworks for addressing global health challenges in a manner that is equitable and inclusive.

By awarding the Virchow Prize 2026 equally to Muyembe and Piot, their scientific achievements and their commitment to strengthening health systems and fostering global solidarity are honored. The laureates’ work embodies Rudolf Virchow’s legacy that health is inseparable from social organisation, governance, and collective responsibility.

Full Article and detailed Virchow Prize Committee jury rationale at www.virchowprize.org/vp2026

Contact: Virchow Foundation | Dorotheenstr. 83 | DE-10117 Berlin, Germany | press@virchow.foundation

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

By Nantoo Banerjee India’s economy is navigating severe stress. The impact of Persian Gulf war, high cost of imported crude oil, frequent upward adjustment of retail oil prices, rising commodity rates, soaring transportation costs, weakening Rupee and continuous exit of foreign portfolio investors (FPI) are posing a big challenge to the economy. The government appears […]

The article Rising Prices, Falling Rupee And FPI Exit Pose Big Challenge To Economy appeared first on Latest India news, analysis and reports on Newspack by India Press Agency).