News related to
next

Amari, OZO and Shama invite travellers to discover Malaysia through George Town Festival 2026 and Hari Merdeka — from the charm of Penang’s old town and the energy of Kuala Lumpur to the easy-going rhythm of Johor Bahru — with stays that complete the story of every trip.

BANGKOK, THAILAND – Media OutReach Newswire – 21 July 2026 – When people think of Malaysia, many may picture the Petronas Twin Towers, Kuala Lumpur’s shopping destinations or short breaks that are easily accessible from Thailand. Yet, beyond these familiar images, Malaysia offers many more sides waiting to be discovered — from historic towns filled with stories, art and culture woven into everyday life, to diverse local flavours and the distinctive atmosphere of each destination. From the charm of George Town in Penang and the energy of Kuala Lumpur to the relaxed pace of life in Johor Bahru, each city offers its own unique experience.

For today’s travellers, a destination is no longer simply a place to reach, but a collection of moments to experience and remember. Whether strolling through an old town filled with art, tasting local cuisine, listening to music amid the atmosphere of a festival or taking time to relax in one’s own way. Festivals enable travellers to discover another side of a destination through its people, culture and celebrations during special moments, transforming a journey into a story that goes beyond simply visiting somewhere new.

In August 2026, Malaysia will offer two significant moments for travellers planning their next journey: George Town Festival 2026, taking place from 1–9 August 2026 in George Town, Penang, and Hari Merdeka, marking Malaysia’s 69th Independence Day. The national celebration will bring an atmosphere of pride, cultural colour and festive activities to cities across the country.

However, the appeal of a journey does not end when the festival concludes. Memorable experiences continue throughout the entire trip — from exploring the city and discovering new perspectives to tasting local cuisine and enjoying quiet moments after a day of adventure. Choosing the right accommodation is therefore an important part of shaping the overall feeling and experience of a journey. A hotel is not simply a place to rest, but a space to recharge, spend time with loved ones and experience each destination more fully and personally.

Understanding that every traveller has different rhythms and needs, ONYX Hospitality Group offers a diverse portfolio of brands to support a variety of travel experiences through Amari, OZO and Shama. The brands cater to different preferences, from travellers who want to explore a city to the fullest and those looking for a comfortable and relaxing break, to guests who wish to spend a longer period living in a destination.

For travellers looking to begin their discovery of Malaysia through art and culture, Penang is an ideal first destination. It is a city where stories from the past blend naturally with contemporary creativity. During George Town Festival 2026, George Town will come alive with art, performances and creative activities that reveal another side of this UNESCO World Heritage city.

For travellers who want to stay close to the colours of George Town and explore the city independently, OZO George Town Penang is an option that makes every moment of the trip easier. Located close to the UNESCO World Heritage-listed old town, guests can conveniently explore street art, try local restaurants and uncover the city’s hidden corners. Recommendations from the OZO Connector team also help guests discover new perspectives on the surrounding area. At the end of the day, they can return to recharge at EAT restaurant and enjoy a restful night’s sleep through the Quality Sleep concept, ready to experience the city again the following day.

Meanwhile, Amari SPICE Penang reflects the distinctive identity of the Amari brand through contemporary Thai-inspired hospitality, thoughtfully blended with the atmosphere and character of the destination. The hotel offers a full-service experience for travellers seeking comfort, relaxation and convenience. Its location is directly connected to SPICE Convention Centre and SPICE Arena, venues that regularly host international events. After a day spent exploring the festival or discovering the city, guests can recharge at Breeze Spa or enjoy time together over a meal at Amaya Food Gallery, which offers a relaxed, street-food-market-inspired atmosphere.

As Hari Merdeka approaches, Kuala Lumpur reveals another side of Malaysia through its celebratory atmosphere, particularly in the city centre, where history, culture and the rhythm of metropolitan life come together. From iconic landmarks and event spaces to the city’s diverse neighbourhoods, each area reflects the colours and energy of this special occasion.

For travellers looking to experience the energy of the capital, Amari Kuala Lumpur is located in the heart of KL Eco City and is directly connected to the city’s main rail network, making it easy to explore Kuala Lumpur. Whether travelling to experience the celebrations, visit key landmarks or discover the city’s vibrant neighbourhoods, guests can return to a warm and welcoming atmosphere while enjoying the distinctive dining, beverage and service experiences for which Amari is known.

Another side of Malaysia well worth discovering is Johor Bahru, a city that is ideal for travellers who want to combine moments of celebration with a more relaxed holiday experience, including shopping, family activities and onward journeys to nearby destinations.

Amari Johor Bahru is located in the heart of the city on Jalan Wong Ah Fook, surrounded by shopping destinations, restaurants and the colours of urban life. It is well suited to travellers who want to explore the local atmosphere before returning to relax in spacious accommodation and recharge at Breeze Spa.

For families or travellers looking to spend longer in a destination, Shama Suasana Johor Bahru brings “The Joy of Living” concept to life through a serviced apartment experience that gives guests the freedom to live at their own pace. Designed to feel like home, the property features spacious accommodation, living areas and fully equipped kitchens, allowing guests to maintain their familiar routines, enjoy their favourite activities and spend quality time with loved ones, even while staying in a new destination.

The property also offers privacy, flexibility and convenience for both short and extended stays. Located above Zenith Mall, it makes it easy for guests to explore the city, shop or experience the local way of life.

Meanwhile, OZO Medini Malaysia is another option for groups of friends and families looking to add more fun to their journey. Located in the Medini area, close to LEGOLAND Malaysia Resort and with convenient connections to Singapore, the hotel is ideal for trips that combine relaxation, activities for all ages and opportunities to discover new experiences within a single journey.

More than simply a destination close to Thailand and easy to reach, Malaysia is a country that travellers can return to and rediscover at different times of the year — from art in historic towns and national celebrations to local cuisine, cafés, shopping districts and relaxing moments after a day of exploration.

Festivals become more than just a reason to travel; they serve as a gateway to experiences filled with people, stories, culture and memorable moments that unfold throughout the journey, waiting for each traveller to discover in their own way.

On the occasion of its 60th anniversary, ONYX Hospitality Group continues to bring its “More of What You Love” philosophy to life through its portfolio of hotels, restaurants, bars and spas. The Group remains committed to creating memorable travel experiences that respond to the needs of today’s travellers and enhance every journey, regardless of how they choose to travel.

Hashtag: #ONYXHospitalityGroup

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

About ONYX Hospitality Group

ONYX Hospitality Group, a reputable force in the Asia-Pacific hospitality industry, operates a collection of comprehensive yet complementary brands – Amari, OZO, Shama and Oriental Residence – catering to the distinctive needs of discerning business and leisure travellers across the region where it has deep expertise. In addition to its brand portfolio, ONYX Hospitality Group also operates additional hospitality services across spa and food & beverage. With six decades of management experience, the company extends its innovative solutions throughout the region, upholding internationally recognised standards and ensuring optimal operational manoeuvrability. By fostering enduring relationships with like-minded business partners, ONYX Hospitality Group delivers unparalleled experiences in a dynamic and competitive market, meeting the ever-evolving demands of travellers.

More information: www.onyx-hospitality.com

Find us on social media:

Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/onyxhospitalitygroup/

Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/onyx-hospitality-group/

Follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ONYXHospitalityGroup

Milestone reflects Malaysians’ growing demand for quality grab-and-go food and coffee, with KLIA café bringing greater convenience to millions of travellers

KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA – Media OutReach Newswire – 20 July 2026 – As Malaysians increasingly embrace grab-and-go lifestyles and quality coffee on the move, 7-Eleven Malaysia today marked a major milestone with the opening of its 1,000th CAFé by 7-Eleven outlet at Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) Terminal 1, reinforcing its commitment to making quality food and beverages more accessible wherever customers are.

Located at Level 5, next to the Domestic Departure Gate at KLIA Terminal 1, the milestone café places freshly brewed coffee, hot meals and ready-to-eat favourites within easy reach of one of Malaysia’s busiest transport hubs. KLIA Terminal 1 serves approximately 28 to 30 million passengers annually, with around 13,000 to 14,000 departing and arriving travellers each day. During peak operating hours, the terminal can accommodate nearly 6,800 passengers per hour, while festive travel periods see passenger volumes surge significantly.

More than just another store opening, the milestone reflects how CAFé by 7-Eleven has evolved into an integral part of Malaysians’ daily routines, serving everyone from busy professionals grabbing their morning coffee to students on the go, families travelling home, and holidaymakers beginning their next adventure.

With more Malaysians seeking convenient, quality food and coffee throughout the day, CAFé by 7-Eleven has steadily expanded to meet evolving consumer lifestyles. The opening of its 1,000th outlet at KLIA marks another milestone in bringing that convenience to one of Malaysia’s busiest travel gateways.

The choice of KLIA for this milestone reflects 7-Eleven Malaysia’s strategy of expanding into high-traffic locations where convenience matters most. As consumer lifestyles become increasingly mobile, transport hubs have become key destinations for quick, quality food and beverage solutions, allowing CAFé by 7-Eleven to better serve travellers at every stage of their journey.

Commenting on the milestone, Mr. Wong Wai Keong, Co-CEO of 7-Eleven Malaysia Sdn. Bhd., said the opening of the company’s 1,000th CAFé by 7-Eleven represents more than a numerical milestone. It reflects how consumer expectations and lifestyles have evolved over the years.

“Today’s customers expect quality coffee, fresh meals and convenience wherever they are, whether they’re heading to work, commuting across town or catching a flight. Over the years, we’ve transformed CAFé by 7-Eleven into a destination that fits naturally into those everyday moments. Convenience today is no longer just about being nearby. It’s about being exactly where customers need us most, whether that’s in neighbourhoods, commercial districts or one of the country’s busiest airports.”

“There is no better place to celebrate this milestone than KLIA, one of Malaysia’s busiest travel gateways. Millions of passengers pass through the airport every year, making it the ideal location for us to demonstrate how convenience retail can better serve today’s increasingly mobile consumers. Whether they’re catching an early morning flight, returning home or travelling for business, we want CAFé by 7-Eleven to be part of that journey.”

As one of Malaysia’s largest convenience retailers, 7-Eleven continues to evolve beyond traditional retail by expanding CAFé by 7-Eleven across neighbourhoods, commercial districts, hospitals, transport hubs and major travel gateways. Offering an expanding range of food, beverages and ready-to-enjoy meal options, the growing network reflects the company’s commitment to making quality food and beverages more accessible wherever customers need them.

The KLIA outlet represents another step in that strategy, enhancing the travel experience by ensuring customers can conveniently enjoy fresh food and beverages before departure without compromising on quality or speed.

Today, with more than 2,700 stores nationwide and 1,000 CAFé by 7-Eleven outlets, the company continues to strengthen its position as Malaysia’s leading convenience retailer by adapting to evolving consumer expectations through innovation, accessibility and everyday convenience.

As Malaysians continue to embrace increasingly mobile lifestyles and seek greater convenience in their daily routines, 7-Eleven Malaysia remains committed to expanding CAFé by 7-Eleven into locations where quality food and beverages are needed most. Guided by its promise of “Always There For You”, the company will continue bringing greater convenience to customers wherever life takes them.

Hashtag: #7eleven

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

About 7-Eleven Malaysia

7-Eleven Malaysia Holdings Berhad through its subsidiary 7-Eleven Malaysia Sdn. Bhd. is the owner and operator of 7-Eleven stores in Malaysia. Incorporated on 4 June 1984, 7-Eleven Malaysia has made its mark in the retailing scene and has been a prominent icon for over 40 years. 7-Eleven Malaysia is the pioneer and largest 24-hour standalone convenience store operator in Malaysia with over 2,700 outlets nationwide and serves more than 1 million customers daily. 7-Eleven stores can be found across bustling commercial districts to serene suburban residential compounds throughout Malaysia, from petrol stations and LRT stations to shopping malls and medical institutions. My7E loyalty app boasted an impressive membership of 3.7 million users. As we forge ahead, our commitment remains steadfast in enriching the experience for our valued members, offering an array of rewards that enhance their journey as My7E enthusiasts. 7-Eleven is Always There For You. To learn more, please visit our website at www.7eleven.com.my

Nine in ten Malaysians say they’re good homestay guests and the data backs them up

Key takeaways:

• 85% of Malaysians say being a respectful homestay guest is highly important – and 4 in 5 feel a sense of responsibility to surrounding communities
• Many say good guest behaviour is common sense and rooted in Malaysian values of respect and consideration
• Two thirds (66%) treat homestays as their own: washing dishes, taking out rubbish – with some even going the extra mile and leaving thank-you messages for hosts
• Since It’s Durian Season: Nearly 8 in 10 would ask first, step outside, or skip it entirely rather than bring durian into a shared space without permission
• Over 97% of stays made in Malaysia on Airbnb in the past year completed without any complaints or reported issues

KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA – Media OutReach Newswire – 20 July 2026 – Most Malaysians practice the same unspoken rules: take off your shoes at the door, keep the noise down after 10pm, ask for permission if you are bringing durian into someone else’s house, and whatever you do, don’t be the reason the neighbour complains. A new survey by YouGov, commissioned by Airbnb, suggests these habits don’t stay home. For most Malaysians, they travel.

The survey of 1,000 Malaysians who had stayed in a homestay in Malaysia within the past year found that 85% consider being a respectful homestay guest to be highly important, and 9 in 10 describe themselves as good or excellent guests*. But what sets Malaysian travellers apart isn’t just their attitude – it’s the reason behind it. The top motivators for good behaviour are common sense (61%), respect for the host (60%), and personal values (59%)*.

Malaysians also link their behaviour to something larger – seeing considerate guesting as a natural extension of Malaysian values of respect and consideration for others*. 82% say they would genuinely feel bad if their behaviour disturbed a neighbour during a stay, and 4 in 5 feel a sense of responsibility towards the surrounding community*.

Malaysians are not just polite, they go above and beyond

Good intentions, it turns out, translate into action. Around 60% of respondents surveyed stated that they consistently exhibit considerate behaviours during stays – keeping noise down after dark, parking without blocking others, following house rules, and disposing of rubbish properly. Two-thirds of those surveyed treat homestays like how they would treat their own homes, doing things beyond basic house rules. During their recent homestays, the majority of guests surveyed reported that they washed all the dishes before checking out, took out the rubbish, and tidied up the space — with some going even further to leave thank-you notes, water plants, or tidy beyond anything they’d touched. And 77% say they regularly check house rules before or at the start of a stay, not because they have to, but because they want to get it right.

Together, these everyday actions show that many Malaysians see short-term rentals and homestays as more than just one-off accommodations but an invitation into someone else’s home and community.

The durian dilemma

That same care also shows up in sticky, durian-sized situations. Durian season is here, prices are at an all-time low, and so is the age-old question of how to enjoy it without upsetting the neighbours in shared spaces. The report shows that Malaysians are mindful about strong-smelling food in shared buildings. Notably, rather than risk inconveniencing their host, 8 in 10 respondents say they would either ask the host first, eat durian outside or in the car park, or avoid bringing it altogether*. It’s a small gesture, but it captures something real: Malaysians don’t need a rule for every situation. They already know how to read the room.

A familiar way for Malaysians to travel

Short-term rentals are now part of the fabric of how Malaysians travel and of the neighbourhoods they travel through.

Among respondents, 60% say they choose short-term rentals or homestays for better value for money, 46% cited home-like amenities such as kitchens and laundry facilities, and 44% the ability to stay together as a group*. The survey also suggests that home-sharing has become a familiar part of many Malaysian neighborhoods. Among respondents who say that there are short-term rentals or homestays in their neighbourhoods, 96% have no objections – with 71% even expressing that they’re comfortable having one next door – reflecting growing familiarity with home-sharing across communities.

Where host standards meet guest expectations

Airbnb’s internal data reflects the same picture. From March 2025 to March 2026, over 97% of stays made in Malaysia on Airbnb were completed without any complaints or reported issues**. Guest Favourite listings in Malaysia – homes recognised for consistently delivering outstanding guest experiences – grew by over 40% between March 2024 to March 2026***. When guests arrive as good neighbours, the whole ecosystem benefits.

For Airbnb, the data tells a consistent story: a community that takes pride in the experience, on both sides of the door.

Amanpreet Bajaj, Airbnb’s Country Head for Southeast Asia and India, said, “At Airbnb, the most meaningful travel experiences happen when guests feel connected not just to a place, but to the people and communities around them. That comes down to small acts of consideration and kindness — neighbourly traits that come naturally to many Malaysians. As more people choose home-sharing for group trips and shared experiences, we want to continue fostering a culture of respectful travel, helping domestic and inbound travellers understand local customs, community expectations, and what it means to be a thoughtful guest. Together, we can ensure the benefits of travel are felt not just by guests and hosts, but by the neighbourhoods that welcome them.”

Helping travellers stay like good neighbours

As part of its commitment to responsible travel, Airbnb has launched the Good Guest Guide – a practical resource offering tips on how to enjoy Malaysia like a local while being a respectful guest and neighbour. The guide builds on Airbnb’s existing platform measures, including reservation screening technology, a global disruptive party ban, and the Guide to Responsible Hosting in Buildings, which provides hosts, guests, and strata communities with a Code of Conduct, a Neighbourhood Support Line, and reference by-laws for short-term rental activity in Malaysian buildings. From August 2026, the guide will be available for hosts to feature in their listings and will be emailed to all first-time guests booking in Malaysia.

*Based on a survey conducted by YouGov between 22 May – 8 June 2026, commissioned by Airbnb, of 1,000 Malaysian citizens aged 18–45 who had travelled domestically and stayed in a short-term rental or homestay within the past 12 months.

**Based on internal Airbnb data for stays booked in Malaysia from March 2025 to March 2026

***Based on internal Airbnb data for listings in Malaysia from March 2024 to March 2026
Hashtag: #Airbnb

https://news.airbnb.com/ms

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

About Airbnb

Airbnb was born in 2007 when two hosts welcomed three guests to their San Francisco home, and has since grown to over 5.5 million hosts who have welcomed 2.5 billion guest arrivals in almost every country across the globe. Every day, hosts offer unique stays and experiences that make it possible for guests to connect with communities in a more authentic way.

The launch combines a unified, action-oriented world model with Ambient Capture Engine 2.0, three commercial solutions and a new industry benchmark, connecting high-density data with real-world robotic operations.

SHANGHAI, CHINA – Media OutReach Newswire – 19 July 2026 – ACE ROBOTICS today unveiled Kairos 3.1, its latest action-oriented world model, alongside Ambient Capture Engine 2.0 and three commercial solutions spanning instant retail, hospitality and outdoor service scenarios.

The announcements were made at a forum ACE ROBOTICS organized during the 2026 World Artificial Intelligence Conference, convened around the theme of advancing physical AI from “understanding” to “execution.” The event brought together economists, technology executives and embodied AI researchers to examine how general-purpose world models can move from laboratory research to industrial deployment.

The forum also marked the launch of PHYSICAL IQ, a unified benchmark for embodied physical intelligence. It was jointly initiated by the Shanghai Artificial Intelligence Association, the Shenzhen Loop Area Institute and the East China branch of the China Academy of Information and Communications Technology, with participation from more than 20 universities and industry partners.

Thomas J. Sargent, Nobel laureate in Economic Sciences, discussed the limitations of current intelligent systems in rare and previously unseen situations.

A world model built for the physical world

“In the digital world, a model error may result in a flawed image or paragraph. In the physical world, an incorrect action can have real consequences,” said Wang Xiaogang, Chairman of ACE ROBOTICS. “Kairos 3.1 is built around a first-principles approach to embodied world models, helping robots act more reliably in complex and uncertain environments, and accelerating the arrival of physical AI’s Kairos moment.”

Kairos 3.1 is designed as a natively unified model that integrates generative, physical and cognitive intelligence within a single architecture, rather than combining separately developed capabilities.

Built on a hybrid Transformer architecture with a shared mixed-attention mechanism, it brings visual observations, language instructions, force and tactile signals, and policy trajectories into a unified latent space.

This supports an “understand, reason, execute and reflect” loop. The model can break down long-horizon tasks, simulate physical cause and effect across multiple scenarios, rank candidate actions, execute the selected strategy and evaluate the outcome for further adjustment.

At the core of its spatial understanding is ACE-BRAIN-0.5. ACE ROBOTICS said it has achieved state-of-the-art results across 12 public evaluations covering spatial understanding, navigation, manipulation and task-progress assessment, among publicly reported models as of July 2026.

In a household laundry scenario, for example, a robot can identify spatial relationships between objects, divide a task into more than a dozen steps and verify each stage in real time. If a failure occurs, it can identify the affected step and restart from that point rather than repeating the entire task.

For physical generation and reasoning, Kairos-HomeWorld supports whole-home scene generation and object interaction. It is built on 300,000 residential floor plans, 5,000 simulated home environments and 8,700 3D assets covering six categories of physical properties, designed to reflect common residential layouts in China.

The model can simulate multiple action trajectories in parallel and rank them based on predicted success and execution cost before sending instructions to a physical robot.

In internal testing, the Kairos 3.1 8B model achieved an inference latency of 125 milliseconds on the NVIDIA Jetson Thor platform at BF16 precision. Its in-house KairosRT computing engine supports real-time, on-device inference.

Kairos 3.1 also incorporates self-reflective iteration. When an action fails, the robot can evaluate the result and adjust its strategy. In one test, for example, it changed from a three-finger to a four-finger grasp after an unsuccessful attempt and subsequently completed the task.

From high-density data to continuous learning

ACE ROBOTICS also introduced what it calls the “Information-Density Law” for embodied models: the value of data is determined not only by its volume, but by whether it contains information capable of changing the outcome of an agent’s actions.

ACE ROBOTICS classifies embodied data across five information-density levels, from L1 to L5. L1 and L2 data support foundational pre-training; L3 and L4 data remain focused on known tasks; and at L5, data incorporates three-dimensional force and tactile signals, failure-recovery trajectories and variables from open environments. The company says these higher-density forms of interaction data support stronger generalization, reflection and continuous learning.

Built on this principle, Ambient Capture Engine 2.0 is a human-centric system for capturing, processing and reusing high-density physical-interaction data.

ACE Ego Kit is a lightweight wireless wearable comprising head, hand and chest components. It includes the ACE Sense Glove, which offers sensitivity of 0.01 newtons and a joint-angle error of less than two degrees. The system can synchronize data from more than 20 heterogeneous sensors with a timing error of less than one millisecond.

ACE Data Engine is an automated data-production platform for continuous, high-precision annotation of long-horizon tasks. It incorporates ACE-ViDiHand, a generative 4D hand-motion-capture framework designed to track movements despite occlusion and rapid motion, which ACE ROBOTICS reports led across three public benchmarks (ARCTIC, HOT3D and HOI4D) as of July 2026. The company recorded a frame-level accuracy of 0.997 and up to a 4.8-fold improvement in motion smoothness.

ACE Ego Matrix standardizes embodied data across four dimensions: spatial coordinates, embodiment structure, action timing and data quality. It is designed to align data collected by different operators, devices and robot platforms for reuse across systems. ACE ROBOTICS has open-sourced the framework, which it says placed first on the RoboCase and RoboTwin leaderboards.

ACE ROBOTICS also announced the open release of ACE-Data-0, an L5 household-interaction dataset featuring complex physical tasks and high-precision annotations.

Three solutions moving into commercial operation

Building on its data infrastructure and Kairos world-model capabilities, ACE ROBOTICS introduced three standardized industry solutions designed for deployment within existing commercial workflows.

Xiaoman, its integrated fulfillment solution for instant retail, is paired with the new W1 fulfillment robot. The W1 has a robot-to-payload weight ratio of less than 2:1, force-control precision within one newton and a minimum required aisle width of 75 centimeters, making it suitable for high-density shelving environments. It is able to grasp both flexible packaging and rigid goods.

The solution connects robot hardware, world-model capabilities, motion control, product information, warehouse locations and order management. It supports lightweight deployment within days across flash-fulfillment warehouses, small-format stores and integrated warehouse-store setups. It has been deployed with customers including Sense MartGo, Kuaikeda and PetroChina convenience stores, using real order and shelf data to improve fulfillment performance. ACE ROBOTICS plans to deploy the solution across 1,000 retail locations over the next year and expand to approximately 10,000 stores within two years.

Xiaoxin addresses hotel-laundry operations, where ACE ROBOTICS estimates that approximately 80% of demand occurs at night.

The solution enables robots to handle collection, loading, unloading, washing, sorting and folding, with ironing capabilities planned for future versions. It is designed to reduce night-shift staffing pressure and improve operational consistency across non-standard hotel laundry environments.

Xiaotu is designed for autonomous operation in complex outdoor environments. Using a “one brain, many bodies” architecture, it applies a general-purpose intelligent brain (Agentic AI) across multiple quadruped robot platforms.

The system supports indoor and outdoor navigation, dynamic obstacle avoidance, autonomous charging, remote dispatch and multi-robot coordination. It has been deployed in visitor-guidance and interactive experience services at cultural-tourism events, including the Begonia Flower Festival in Tianjin.

Building an open embodied AI ecosystem

ACE ROBOTICS also announced a series of partnerships spanning infrastructure, computing and commercial deployment.

The company entered into a strategic collaboration with the Caohejing Development Zone to develop an embodied AI innovation platform.

In retail and fulfillment, ACE ROBOTICS announced collaborations with PetroChina, Kuaikeda and SenseTime Shanhui covering autonomous warehouse stores, front warehouses and unmanned retail environments.

To support the computing requirements of world-model development, ACE ROBOTICS launched the World Model Cloud Ecosystem initiative with Baidu AI Cloud, Alibaba Cloud, Huawei Cloud, Tencent Cloud and SenseCore AI Cloud.

By connecting high-density data, unified world models, robot platforms, commercial applications and shared evaluation standards, ACE ROBOTICS aims to support the transition of embodied AI from individual technical demonstrations to sustained operations in real-world environments.

Hashtag: #ACEROBOTICS

https://www.linkedin.com/company/acerobotics/posts/?feedView=all&viewAsMember=true%EF%BD%9C
https://x.com/ace_robotics

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

About ACE ROBOTICS – Equipping robots with intelligent “brains” and engaging “souls”

ACE ROBOTICS is a pioneering robotics company dedicated to advancing the field of embodied intelligence. Through breakthrough technological innovations and deep insights into embodied intelligence scenarios, we aim to empower robots with the ability to autonomously understand and explore the physical world, thereby accelerating their commercial implementation.

The company pioneered the ACE R&D paradigm and built a vision-based “environmental data engine, real-world cognition, embodied interaction generalization” technology chain. Using full spatiotemporal and multi-perspective environmental capture as its engine, along with Kairos 3.0 – China’s first open-source and commercially applicable world model – plus the Embodied Foundation Model as its technical backbone, ACE ROBOTICS addresses core industry challenges such as data scarcity, common sense gaps, poor generalization, and limited versatility. Simultaneously, the company unveiled its flagship A1 Embodied Super Brain Module, accelerating the large-scale commercial deployment of embodied intelligence across diverse scenarios.

ACE ROBOTICS is both a technology pioneer and an ecosystem builder. Through strategic cooperation with top hardware manufacturers, cloud service providers, and vertical scenario partners, we have broken through the “model-hardware-scenario” industrial deadlock, providing standardized and customized solutions that are driving the development of China’s embodied intelligence industry.

Under the agreement, Bespoke Logistics will operate an integrated mobility processing center and VinFast-authorized service workshop, responsible for warehousing, vehicle inspection, technical preparation of electric motorcycles prior to delivery, vehicle yard management, and transportation. Located in Carmona City, Cavite Province, the 20,000-square-meter facility has a storage capacity of up to 30,000 vehicles, helping streamline vehicle preparation, improve operational efficiency, and ensure product quality before delivery to customers.

As part of the partnership, VinFast will work closely with Bespoke Logistics to implement technician training and certification programs, transfer standardized operating procedures and quality control processes, and establish a parts supply system to support aftersales operations.

Bespoke Logistics specializes in automotive logistics, offering an end-to-end service portfolio that includes pre-delivery inspection (PDI), warehousing, vehicle yard management, transportation, and vehicle delivery. The company also has extensive experience in warehouse-based technical operations and modern vehicle and inventory management systems, serving as a trusted logistics partner for multiple automotive brands in the Philippines.

Partnering with experienced local companies such as Bespoke Logistics will not only strengthen VinFast’s logistics and service capabilities in the Philippines but also provide a strong operational foundation for the delivery of its first electric motorcycles to customers.

The agreement forms part of VinFast’s long-term strategy to develop a comprehensive, international-standard electric motorcycle ecosystem in the Philippines. Alongside the launch of its diverse lineup of battery-swapping electric motorcycles, VinFast is steadily expanding its distribution network, aftersales services, and battery swapping infrastructure to deliver a seamless, convenient, and reliable ownership experience for customers.

Mr. Bui Viet Hung, VinFast Deputy CEO of Global Aftersales Service, said: “At VinFast, world-class products must be supported by robust infrastructure and exceptional aftersales services. Our partnership with Bespoke Logistics is a key milestone in strengthening our distribution and aftersales capabilities in line with global standards, ensuring that customers in the Philippines enjoy high quality products and services from day one of ownership.”

Mr. Allan A. Mina, President and CEO of Bespoke Logistics said: “We are proud to partner with VinFast as it develops its electric motorcycle ecosystem in the Philippines. We are committed to operating the facility in accordance with VinFast’s international standards while continuously enhancing our team’s capabilities and operational processes to support the brand’s long-term growth in the market.”

Over the past few years, VinFast has steadily built a green mobility ecosystem across the Philippines, Indonesia, India, and other international markets through strategic partnerships with local companies and ecosystem partners such as Green GSM and V-Green. In addition to electric motorcycles, VinFast is expanding its product portfolio to include electric cars, electric bicycles, and electric buses, providing consumers with more sustainable mobility options while accelerating the global transition to greener transportation.

Hashtag: #VinFast

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

About About VinFast

VinFast (NASDAQ: VFS), a subsidiary of Vingroup JSC, one of Vietnam’s largest conglomerates, is a pure-play electric vehicle (“EV”) company with the mission of making EVs accessible to everyone. VinFast’s product lineup today includes a wide range of electric SUVs, e-scooters, and e-buses.

VinFast is currently embarking on its next growth phase through rapid expansion of its distribution and dealership network globally while expanding its production footprint with a focus on key markets across North America, Europe, the Middle East and Asia.

Learn more at: https://vinfastauto.ph/

About Bespoke Logistics

Bespoke Logistics is a Philippine-based automotive logistics, warehousing, and mobility solutions company specializing in vehicle processing, stockyard management, electric vehicle support services, transportation, and distribution.

Through its Mobility Processing Center platform, Bespoke Logistics provides integrated solutions for automotive manufacturers, distributors, and emerging mobility brands operating in the Philippines.

By Nitya Chakraborty Former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s announcement last week to return to her country in December this year ending her exile in India, has created big interests in global diplomatic circles, apart from India and Bangladesh. In an interview to the Reuters, she said that she intends to return to her own […]

The article Decoding Sheikh Hasina’s Announcement On Returning To Dhaka In December appeared first on Latest India news, analysis and reports on Newspack by India Press Agency).

The decision was announced during the discussion “Competition Development in Global Grain Trade: Joint Efforts of BRICS Countries”, organized by the BRICS Competition Law and Policy Centre on the sidelines of the 23rd Session of the UNCTAD Intergovernmental Group of Experts on Competition Law and Policy in Geneva.

The event included a closed meeting of BRICS competition authorities and a public panel featuring researchers, academics and representatives of international organizations.

Discussions focused on competition in global grain markets, the growing influence of financialization and digitalization across agricultural value chains, and policy tools to improve market transparency. Participants also reviewed the findings of a joint report prepared by the BRICS Competition Centre and UNCTAD (link: https://www.bricscompetition.org/ru/grainreport) , first presented at the 9th BRICS International Competition Conference in Cape Town in 2025.

A coordinated market study

The central outcome of the meeting was the establishment of a BRICS task force that will coordinate a joint sector inquiry into global grain trade within the framework of the BRICS Working Group on Food Markets.

The task force will be co-chaired by Diogo Thomson, President of Brazil’s Administrative Council for Economic Defense (CADE), and Mahmoud Momtaz, Chairperson of the Egyptian Competition Authority (ECA).

Thomson welcomed the initiative and proposed making competition in global grain trade a key topic at the next BRICS International Competition Conference, scheduled to take place in Brazil in 2027.

“Brazil is the only jurisdiction that has launched an investigation into digital grain trading platforms such as Covantis. I therefore strongly welcome this sector inquiry, which will help us better understand the impact of digitalization across grain supply chains and the risks it may create for competition. I also support using the BRICS Competition Centre as the coordination platform for this work,” he said.

Momtaz said one of the main conclusions of the BRICS-UNCTAD report was the significant role speculative activity plays in global grain markets.

“One of the key findings of the report presented by the BRICS Competition Centre is the extent to which speculative factors influence global grain trade. The most effective response is greater market transparency. We should not accept a situation where farmers receive only a small share of the value they create while consumers in Egypt pay excessively high prices for bread. Where does this margin accumulate, and who ultimately benefits from it? These are the questions our sector inquiry should answer,” he said.

He also proposed that the task force develop a common AI-powered price monitoring tool covering BRICS grain markets.

“Such a tool would provide the information needed for market analysis and become an important complement to the joint sector inquiry,” Momtaz added.

From analysis to policy recommendations

Hardin Ratshisusu, Deputy Commissioner of the Competition Commission of South Africa, said the study should contribute to the implementation of the BRICS Grain Exchange initiative endorsed by BRICS leaders in the Kazan Declaration (2024) and the Rio de Janeiro Declaration (2025).

“The proposal to establish a BRICS Grain Exchange should become one of the key recommendations of the sector inquiry as an innovative mechanism for restoring competition in global grain trade. Our objective is not merely to identify market problems but to develop practical recommendations that can ultimately be submitted to the leaders of our countries,” he said.

Alexey Ivanov, Director of the BRICS Competition Law and Policy Centre, said competition authorities should play a central role in designing the institutional framework of the future exchange.

“The BRICS Grain Exchange should not become another formal institution. It must serve as a practical mechanism for improving competition and market transparency. Competition authorities are uniquely positioned to identify the institutional features that will allow the exchange to achieve these objectives,” he said.

Growing international role

Frédéric Jenny, Chairmanof the OECD Competition Committee, said the initiative demonstrated the growing international role of BRICS competition authorities.

“This project illustrates how BRICS competition authorities are becoming drivers of the global competition agenda. In the past, they largely followed the lead of developed jurisdictions. That is no longer the case. There are very few examples worldwide of such close cooperation between competition authorities. This applies not only to joint market studies, but also to enforcement cooperation and competition advocacy. Rather than acting individually, you have found both the mechanisms and the political will to work together,” Jenny said.

The task force will now begin developing the methodology and work plan for the joint inquiry. Its findings are expected to provide policy recommendations aimed at strengthening competition, improving transparency in global grain trade, and supporting future BRICS initiatives in agricultural markets.

Hashtag: #BRICSCompetition

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

Empowers Hong Kong’s next generation of innovators to responsibly apply AI to drive social impact

Aveline San, CEO and Head of Banking at Citi Hong Kong said the AI Day was designed to help students translate innovative ideas into real-world applications, with a strong focus on human-centered design and the responsible use of AI, bringing their purpose-driven ideas one step closer to real-world impact.

With the help of Citi AI mentors and David Kwan, Founder and CEO of AI advisory platform JobsTaylor, student teams from six secondary schools worked on concept testing, building app prototypes and applying AI to enhance user experience. The Citi mentors also shared their own experience in using AI to raise productivity and address business pain points at work.

Vicky Kong, Head of Wealth for Asia North and Australia at Citi, who served as a judge at the pitch competition final commended the students for their creativity, energy and passion for driving positive change. She encouraged them to stay curious, embrace feedback and build on their ideas beyond the competition as they continue their innovation journey.

In a fireside chat moderated by Sarah O, Head of Digital Growth & Cards and Unsecured Lending Sales at Citi Hong Kong, the students also had the opportunity to learn from Dr. Miles Wen, Co-Founder and CEO of Fano Labs who shared his entrepreneurial journey, experience in navigating the startup ecosystem, as well as advice on dealing with challenges and setbacks.

Organized by the SEED Foundation, the IdeaPOP! program has engaged over 3,000 students in Hong Kong since its inception in 2022. Participants have developed more than 750 technology-based solutions aimed at addressing local societal needs.

Click HERE to download the photos

Photo 1:Aveline San, Citi Hong Kong’s CEO and Head of Banking(middle in the front row) hosted an AI Day for students at Citi’s office alongside Citi AI mentors, Ken Lo, SEED Foundation CEO (left in the front row) and David Kwan, Founder and CEO of JobsTaylor (right in the front row) guiding students on turning their ideas into real-world social solutions.

Photo 2: Vicky Kong, Head of Wealth for Asia North and Australia at Citi (right), Dr. Miles Wen, Co-Founder and CEO forFano Labs (middle) and Sarah O, Head of Digital Growth & Cards and Unsecured Lending Sales at Citi Hong Kong (left)exchanged ideas on the art of pitching and entrepreneurial mindset with student teams during the workshop. Dr. Wen shared his own entrepreneurial journey as well as advice on navigating the startup ecosystem and mastering investor pitches.

Hashtag: #Citi

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

HKSTP Advances AI Industry with Tech Delegation at WAIC 2026

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 16 July 2026 – To celebrate the 105^th anniversary of the founding of the Communist Party of China, Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation (HKSTP) today held the “Achievements of National Aerospace Endeavours” Thematic Exhibition Kick-off Ceremony cum Aerospace Experts Sharing Forum at Hong Kong Science Park, marking the opening of a seven-day roving exhibition.

At the first stop of the roving exhibition, Hong Kong Science Park will host the exhibition at the Atrium Link from today until 22 July 2026, showcasing the nation’s major achievements in aerospace development, as well as the participation and contributions of Hong Kong’s research community in aerospace technology, space robotics and deep space exploration. It aims to enhance public understanding of the nation’s development and foster a stronger sense of pride, while inspiring young people to develop an interest in innovation and technology (I&T) and aerospace.

The ceremony was officiated by Professor Sun Dong, Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry, together with Ms Cordelia Chung, Chairman of HKSTP, and Ms Connie Wong Wai-ching, Standing Committee Member of the National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), and Vice President of the Friends of Hong Kong Association, alongside other distinguished guests, witnessing a new milestone in the nation’s aerospace achievements.

Professor Sun Dong, Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry, said in his remarks: “The inspiring story of Dr Lai Ka-ying becoming Hong Kong’s first astronaut is a vivid example of Hong Kong’s participation in the nation’s major scientific and technological missions, and a fruitful achievement of the great practice of ‘one country, two systems.’ Hong Kong’s R&D teams have long participated in and made active contributions to the nation’s deep-space exploration missions. For example, a team from the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology independently developed the Multi-Spectral Imaging Carbon Observatory (MUSICO), Hong Kong’s first scientific payload on the national space station to monitor greenhouse gas. Recently, Dr Lai and two other astronauts completed the in-cabin assembly and testing and extravehicular installation of MUSICO, which can accurately monitor greenhouse gases across the mid- and low-latitude regions on the Earth, providing critical data for the nation’s carbon peaking and carbon neutrality strategies. As we embark on a new journey, we must leverage I&T to empower Hong Kong’s social development, enhance governance efficiency, and better integrate into and serve the nation’s development. We will also uphold the spirit of space exploration of perseverance in the face of challenges to accelerate the development of Hong Kong into an international I&T centre.”

Connecting Hong Kong’s Research Strength with National Aerospace Development

In recent years, the nation’s aerospace endeavours have continued to make breakthroughs in areas ranging from deep-space exploration and satellite technology to space science research, opening up new possibilities across multiple scientific disciplines.

Leveraging its world-class universities, outstanding research talent, internationalised innovation ecosystem, and the unique advantage of close ties with the Mainland, Hong Kong is actively contributing to the development of the nation’s aerospace technology.

The exhibition presents the development and landmark achievements of the nation’s aerospace endeavours. It also demonstrates how Hong Kong research teams apply artificial intelligence (AI), robotics, space science and engineering research to support space exploration and related technology applications. Through this exhibition, industry stakeholders and members of the public can gain a deeper understanding of the city’s research capabilities and I&T talent.

Ms Cordelia Chung, Chairman of HKSTP, said, “This year marks the beginning of the nation’s 15th Five-Year Plan, with aerospace technology identified as a key area in building the nation into a leading science and technology power. Dr Lai Ka-ying, Hong Kong’s first payload specialist, travelled into space aboard the Shenzhou-23 spacecraft, realising Hong Kong’s aerospace dream and demonstrating strong recognition of the city’s research capabilities and I&T talent. HKSTP is honoured to serve as the first stop of the ‘Achievements of National Aerospace Endeavours’ roving exhibition. Looking ahead, we will continue to bring together talent and foster interdisciplinary, cross-regional and cross-sector collaboration. By supporting frontier R&D in areas such as aerospace technology, we aim to provide a broader platform for Hong Kong’s research talent and contribute Hong Kong’s strengths to the nation’s aerospace endeavours and pursuit of greater technological self-reliance.”

Ms Connie Wong, Standing Committee Member of the National Committee for the Chinese People‘s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), and Vice-President of Friends of Hong Kong Association, shared in her speech: “We believe that the cultivation of young talent is indispensable to technological innovation. Based on this philosophy, Friends of Hong Kong Association co-organised the Achievements of National Aerospace Endeavours Thematic Exhibition, encouraging the next generation to pursue careers in science and innovation and to be contributors to the nation’s I&T endeavours.”

Three Experts Share Insights on Frontier Trends in Space Technology

An Aerospace Experts Sharing Forum was held alongside the kick-off ceremony. Moderated by The Honourable Mr Duncan Chiu, Legislative Council Member for the Technology & Innovation Functional Constituency, the forum brought together three aerospace and space technology experts from local universities and the InnoHK research and development platform:

• Professor SU Hui: Chair Professor of the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Global STEM Professor, and Co-Director of the Institute for Space Science and Technology at The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, and Founder of Stellerus Technology
• Professor GAO Yang: Director of the Center for Artificial Intelligence and Robotics for Space Sustainability, Co-Director of the Institute for Space Science and Technology at The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, and Director of the Hong Kong Space Robotics and Energy Centre under InnoHK
• Professor WU Bo: Chang Xin Yu Professor of Space Science, Associate Director of the Research Centre for Deep Space Explorations at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, and Associate Director of the InnoHK Hong Kong Centre for Space Robotics and Energy

Drawing on their respective areas of expertise, the three experts shared insights into the application of AI and robotics in space missions, key technologies involved in deep-space exploration, and the experience of Hong Kong research teams participating in national aerospace projects. They also explored space sustainability, the commercialisation of research outcomes and cross-regional collaboration, while encouraging young talent to pursue opportunities in aerospace technology.

HKSTP Leads Hong Kong Tech Firms to the World’s Largest AI Exhibition – WAIC 2026, Strengthening the AI Commercialisation Ecosystem

HKSTP has long supported the accelerated adoption of AI across industries to foster cross-sector collaboration and enhance productivity.

HKSTP, together with the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), Cyberport, and Hong Kong-Shenzhen Innovation and Technology Park Limited (HSITP), will lead a delegation of 18 Hong Kong tech companies to the 2026 World Artificial Intelligence Conference & High-Level Meeting on Global AI Governance (WAIC 2026). Taking place from 17 to 20 July at the Shanghai World Expo Exhibition and Convention Center, the delegation will showcase Hong Kong’s growing role as a global AI innovation hub and support the nation’s AI strategy. Six HKSTP park companies among the delegation will present solutions spanning humanoid robots, smart mobility, climate technology, AI agents, and generative AI.

Stellerus Technology Limited, founded by Professor SU Hui, leading the “MUSICO” (Multi-Spectral Imaging Carbon Observatory) project — Hong Kong’s first payload project deployed on the Tiangong Space Station — will present its latest AI-powered climate and meteorological solutions at WAIC 2026.

SUTPC Digital Technology (Hong Kong) Limited, a leading enterprise in the nation’s smart city and intelligent transport sectors, and NineRay Technology Limited, which specialises in the research, development and production of high-performance, productivity-oriented humanoid robotics, will also showcase their advanced solutions in the exhibition. By demonstrating how AI can empower business operations, urban governance and sustainable development, the Hong Kong delegation aims to promote human-AI collaboration and innovation.

“Achievements of National Aerospace Endeavours” Thematic Exhibition
Date: 16–22 July 2026
Venue: Atrium Link, Hong Kong Science Park

2026 World Artificial Intelligence Conference & High-Level Meeting on Global AI Governance (WAIC)
Date: 17–20 July 2026
Venue: Shanghai World Expo Exhibition and Convention Center, Shanghai, China
Hong Kong Pavilion: Booth E101, Hall 2

Appendix: WAIC 2026 – List of 6 HKSTP tech entities (in alphabetical order)

1. JiHu GitLab Technology Limited
2. KNQ Technology Limited
3. NineRay Technology Limited
4. Robocore Technology Limited
5. Stellerus Technology Limited
6. SUTPC Digital Technology (Hong Kong) Limited

Hashtag: #HKSTP

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

About Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation

Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation (HKSTP), established in 2001, has built a thriving innovation and technology (I&T) ecosystem in Hong Kong, supporting 13 unicorns, nurturing over 17,000 research talents, and hosting more than 2,400 technology companies from 26 countries and regions specializing in biomedicine, AI and robotics, fintech, and smart city development. HKSTP is dedicated to positioning Hong Kong as an international I&T hub.

To align with Hong Kong’s future development, HKSTP is committed to attracting and cultivating I&T talent, accelerating the commercialization of innovative outcomes, and providing comprehensive support for technology companies and professionals on their innovation journey. Its vibrant I&T ecosystem continues to grow, encompassing Hong Kong Science Park in Pak Shek Kok, InnoCentre in Kowloon Tong, and three InnoParks in Tai Po, Yuen Long, and Tseung Kwan O. These facilities drive advancements in applied technology, focusing on industries such as advanced manufacturing, micro- electronics, and biotechnology, steering Hong Kong toward new industrialization.

Hong Kong Science Park Shenzhen Branch, located in Futian, Shenzhen, leverages the strategic advantage of “support of the Motherland, connecting to the world.” It serves as a bridge for “bringing in and going global,” actively fostering cross-border I&T collaboration. The Shenzhen Branch supports global technology companies and professionals by providing research and collaboration spaces, with a focus on enterprises in seven key sectors: Medtech, big data and AI, robotics, new materials, microelectronics, fintech, and sustainable development.

HKSTP is dedicated to advancing Hong Kong’s I&T development by providing research infrastructure, startup and enterprise support services, professional investment and business expertise, fostering partnership networks, and attracting top talent. These efforts drive innovation as a new engine for economic growth for Hong Kong.

More information about HKSTP is available at www.hkstp.org.

By Dr. Gyan Pathak The monsoon session of the parliament beginning next week from July 21 is going to be politically very significant on account of delimitation and women reservation bills, passage of which can alter the political map of the country. Union Minister Ramdas Athawale has said with confidence that the bills will be […]

The article Cracks Taking Place In INDIA Bloc In Meeting Delimitation Bill Challenge appeared first on Latest India news, analysis and reports on Newspack by India Press Agency).

Dr. Benson Wu, CEO and Co-Founder of CyCraft, stated: “We believe, being listed as a Sample Providerin the Gartner report demonstrates that the global market now views AI security as the next battlefield for AI commercialization. From day one, CyCraft has developed proprietary models, simultaneously deploying AI reasoning capabilities across three core pillars: cybersecurity defense, AI governance, and unmanned vehicle reconnaissance. Technical leadership is our starting point, not the destination. Our goal is to translate this leadership into rapid growth driven by strategic deployment and disciplined execution. Launched this year, our AI Red Teaming and AI Guardrail solutions have already been productized and commercially shipped, seeing active deployment in sectors like semiconductors and sovereign AI.”

AI Reasoning Models Drive Up Operating Costs, Restructuring Profit Logic

As AI transitions from “training models” to “reasoning models,” the industry officially moves from the research and development phase into commercial application. Reasoning models possess logical deduction, self-reflection, and complex problem-solving capabilities. However, these advanced capabilities have caused AI operational costs to skyrocket, forcing the tech industry to redefine its expectations of AI as a tool for massive cost reduction and profit maximization.

CyCraft’s XCockpit Threat Exposure Management Platform features built-in AI reasoning models that triage thousands of alerts in real time, automatically providing mitigation recommendations and effectively eliminating alert fatigue. From overall security posture scoring to specific actionable tickets for individual alerts, XCockpit transforms defensive benefits—which were historically difficult to define—into concrete, quantifiable technical metrics. This embodies CyCraft’s pragmatic philosophy: the value of defense must be visible, and it must be measurable.

Standing at the Frontier of AI Security, CyCraft Advances Commercial Implementation with Profound R&D Momentum

Deeply integrating AI with cybersecurity, CyCraft has launched XecGuard and XecART—two major AI security products deployable across both cloud and on-premises environments, both featured on the OWASP AI Security Map. These solutions directly address the core pain points of Agentic AI, LLM, and GenAI applications. XecART utilizes Agentic Red Teaming to run multi-round stress tests on models, identifying risks and generating compliance reports that adhere to international standards. Meanwhile, XecGuard acts as a real-time Guardrail for LLMs and AI Agents, intercepting anomalous inputs and outputs. One solves “how to stress-test AI,” while the other solves “how to protect AI,” providing the fundamental AI governance for enterprises.

CyCraft’s research achievements are equally outstanding. The CyCraft research team recently presented at the International Conference on Machine Learning (ICML), one of the world’s top three prestigious academic conferences for AI and machine learning. The research focused on Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG) Data Poisoning. Utilizing their self-developed “Eyes-on-Me” attack framework, the team proved that attacks can simultaneously breach both the retrieval and generation phases. The end-to-end average attack success rate surged from 21.9% to 57.8%. This breakthrough exposed a long-neglected vulnerable attack surface existing between “attention focus” and “model output.”

In 2025, the CyCraft research team was also selected for NeurIPS, one of the most iconic academic sanctuaries in the AI field. The team proposed an innovative “unified supervision framework” that embeds verifiable checkers into synthesized instruction-conflict instances, enabling self-supervised learning without requiring oracle labels or reasoning traces. This framework not only applies to different models but also significantly enhances both safety robustness and instruction adherence.

CyCraft believes that as AI moves from R&D to commercial deployment, the barrier for enterprises is no longer “whether they can use AI,” but “whether they can use AI responsibly.” Once Agentic AI enters financial transactions, government services, or critical infrastructure, every autonomous decision must leave a traceable path, accept auditing, and allow for real-time human intervention when necessary. This is true AI governance. It is not a compliance document, but a complete control chain stretching from pre-launch to runtime, and onto post-incident traceability.

CyCraft deconstructs this control chain into three actionable phases: XecART stress-tests model risks before deployment; XecGuard safeguards inputs and outputs during runtime; XCockpit quantifies the overall risk posture into traceable metrics. Interlocking these three components ensures that every step AI takes is visible, manageable, and auditable. CyCraft’s objective is clear: make AI behavior measurable before its value can be priced. Ultimate technical leadership must be converted into commercial resilience that is governable, auditable, and open to investor scrutiny.

The technological revolution of AI Reasoning Models and Agentic AI is an undeniable reality. The ultimate challenge lies in whether enterprises can implement “controllable, auditable, and highly transparent” AI governance within real-world commercial environments. From being recognized in international research reports to taking the stage at top-tier academic conferences, CyCraft continues to prove that from visionary R&D to product commercialization, Taiwan’s AI cybersecurity prowess helps herald the future of a secure, trusted, and prosperous AI era.

Reports
Gartner, Emerging Tech: AI Vendor Race: Reasoning Models Reshape Providers’ Approaches to AI Pricing, 5 June 2026.

Disclaimer
Gartner does not endorse any company, vendor, product or service depicted in its publications, and does not advise technology users to select only those vendors with the highest ratings or other designation. Gartner publications consist of the opinions of Gartner’s business and technology insights organization and should not be construed as statements of fact. Gartner disclaims all warranties, expressed or implied, with respect to this publication, including any warranties of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose. GARTNER is a trademark of Gartner, Inc. and its affiliates.

Hashtag: #CyCraftTechnology

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

About CyCraft

Two-day flagship youth to career exploration event unites 30+ corporates and organisations for youth empowerment, officiated by Alice Mak, SBS, JP, Secretary for Home and Youth Affairs

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 14 July 2026 – The Central and Western District Office, Central and Western District Youth Network, and FutureGen Youth Foundation (“the Foundation“) co-organised the two-day Central & Western District Youth-to-Career Explo on 9 and 11 July. This event is funded by the Government of HKSAR, with the Hall of the Sai Ying Pun Community Complex provided as a venue. The event, part of the IGNITE18: Jumpstart Your Career series, brought together over 1,200 participants —including students, parents, teachers, and careers masters —alongside education institutions, prominent industry leaders, and community partners to explore future careers, AI, and the evolving world of work. Committed to expanding the program’s reach across the district, The Council of Central & Western District School Heads served as the event’s education partner.

Hosted at co-organiser and seed school St. Stephen’s Girls’ College, and the Sai Ying Pun Community Complex, the event was officiated by Alice Mak, SBS, JP, Secretary for Home and Youth Affairs, with a rich lineup of keynote sharing sessions on career insights, future trends and opportunities; AI and future skills workshops; youth dialogue sessions; and career exploration company booths.

Building A Future Talent Pipeline Through Early Industry and AI Exposure

Successfully equipping youth with direct access to leading industry representatives and companies, the signature youth event supported students across the Central and Western District in navigating their career and life planning journeys while strengthening Hong Kong’s future talent pipeline across diverse industries. Bringing together education institutions, corporations, government departments, professional organisations, NGOs and community partners, and spanning across more than 20 industries, the event bridged the gap between education and the rapidly evolving world of work, connecting young people with real-world industry insights and equipping them with the access, opportunities, and resources they need to explore future pathways and prepare for tomorrow’s workforce.

The IGNITE18 event series was pioneered by the FutureGen Youth Foundation, which aims to establish a citywide collective impact ecosystem connecting schools, industry, universities, and parents to support students navigating career and life planning. The initiative seeks to provide exposure to diverse industries, future career pathways, and hands-on future skills and AI experiences, while offering valuable workforce market insights and professional development opportunities for teachers and careers masters. By engaging parents in understanding AI and future-ready skills, the program actively strengthens Hong Kong’s future talent pipeline across diverse sectors. The Foundation plans to expand IGNITE18 across all 18 districts in Hong Kong in the next two years.

“In a world where AI, business transformation, and entirely new fields are reshaping career pathways, there is an urgency to create greater access earlier – from secondary age – to better equip and support youth on their career development journey,” said Jennifer Yu Cheng, JP, Founder of FutureGen Youth Foundation.

“At our Foundation, we have created a platform connecting over 140 Supporting Organisations with representation from education institutions, corporations, public institutes, NGOs, entrepreneurs and innovators to support youth career exploration and development in Hong Kong. Through IGNITE18, we aim to open doors earlier and inspire students to explore diverse career opportunities to be better equipped for tomorrow’s world – with the ultimate hope of building a stronger and more diverse talent pipeline for Hong Kong’s future.”

Uniting Corporate and Education Leaders in a Collective Impact Ecosystem

The Central & Western District Youth-to-Career Explo brought together an extensive network of participating and supporting organisations across corporate, tech, education, and public service sectors, including:

Strategic Partner: Hong Kong Cyberport Management Company Limited

Fully Supported By: McDonald’s Hong Kong

Supporting Organisations: DALLOYAU; Deloitte Foundation; DETERMINANT; Hong Kong Hereditary Breast Cancer Family Registry; Hong Kong Institute of Human Resource Management; Police Community Relations Office, Central District,Hong Kong Police Force; Hong Kong Qualifications Framework; HSBC; JEMS Character Academy; L’Oréal Hong Kong; Microsoft Hong Kong; MTR Corporation Limited; Ocean Park Corporation; Pet Space Group Limited; PRISTER Corporation Limited; Project Management Institute; Story Jungle Education; Tencent Wetech Academy; XPENG Hong Kong; XPENG Hong Kong ARIDGE; Y.L.Yang Foundation; iREd Solutions Limited; Plus One Dimension Interactive Company Limited

Education Partners: Center for Global & Community Engagement (GCE), School of Engineering, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology; The University of Hong Kong; Department of Surgery, School of Clinical Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong; Faculty of Science, The University of Hong Kong; Hong Kong Association of Careers Masters and Guidance Masters; Hong Kong Association of the Heads of Secondary Schools; Hong Kong Institute of Vocational Education (Chai Wan), Higher Diploma in Food Technology and Safety; Lingnan University Department of Digital Art and Creative Industries; Pre-incubation Centre, The Chinese University of Hong Kong; School of Business, The Hang Seng University of Hong Kong; The Council of Central & Western District School Heads; The Education University of Hong Kong; The Hong Kong Federation of Youth Groups

Supporting Statutory Body: The Authority of Qianhai SZ-HK Modern Service Industry Cooperation Zone of Shenzhen

The event also featured prominent leaders and experts sharing insights across business, finance, education, technology, innovation, and the public sector:

• Lawrence Hung – Immediate Past President and Executive Council Member, Hong Kong Institute of Human Resource Management
• Gary Wong Chi-him, MH, JP – Chief Hong Kong and Macao Liaison Expert, Authority of Qianhai SZ-HK Modern Service Industry Cooperation Zone of Shenzhen
• Professor Ava Kwong – Chairman, Hong Kong Hereditary Breast Cancer FamilyRegistry; Clinical Professor, Department of Surgery, School of Clinical Medicine, The University of Hong Kong
• Professor Lee Man Hoi – Professor, Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences, The University of Hong Kong
• Serena Tang – Career Development and Training Director, HKU Business School

“We are deeply grateful to our seed schools, education partners, and Supporting Organisations for transforming the Foundation’s vision into action and for joining us in empowering young people,” said Secy Cheung, Founding Board Director of FutureGen Youth Foundation.

“Through our work with students, we have seen how powerful it can be when young people hear directly from industry leaders, professionals, and innovators. Often, a single conversation, sharing unexpected angles, can spark new aspirations and help students see pathways they had never previously imagined. IGNITE18 is about planting those seeds of possibility – inspiring young people to explore, discover, and take their first steps towards shaping their own futures.”

The signature event showcased the boundless possibilities of a strong ecosystem connecting schools, industry, universities, and families in supporting Hong Kong’s future leaders and talents. The IGNITE18 Central & Western District Youth-to-Career Explo generated strong community momentum that will continue to support students in understanding the future world of work, discovering their own pathways, and stepping into the future with confidence.

Hashtag: #FutureGenYouthFoundation

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

The Central and Western District Youth Network

The Central and Western District Youth Network, established under the Central and Western District Office, is a platform for young people aged 12 to 29 providing them with opportunities to develop their potential, cultivate personal interests, enhance self‑confidence, and encourage active participation in community affairs, thereby fostering a stronger sense of social belonging. Each year, the District Youth Network organises a diverse range of activities tailored to meet the interests and needs of its members.

Collaboration Provides Students Access To Xsolla’s Publishing Suite And Launcher, Bridging Academic Learning With Commercial Game Development Practices

KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA – Media OutReach Newswire – 14 July 2026 – Xsolla, a leading global video game commerce company, today announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Management and Science University (MSU), one of Malaysia’s leading private universities, to strengthen collaboration between academia and the video games industry while providing students with access to professional publishing, monetization, and distribution technologies.

The partnership is designed to support knowledge exchange and talent development across game development, digital commerce, and game monetization. Through industry talks, guest lectures, best-practice sharing sessions, and collaborative educational initiatives, Xsolla and MSU will work together to provide students and faculty with direct exposure to current industry practices and commercial opportunities in the global games market.

As part of the collaboration, Xsolla will facilitate access to its end-to-end game commerce ecosystem across its payments, monetization and distribution platforms. Students will be able to integrate professional-grade publishing, monetization, payment, and distribution capabilities into their projects, helping bridge the gap between academic learning and commercial game development.

“Today’s game developers need more than technical skills; they need to understand the complete business of bringing games to market,” said Chris Hewish, President of Xsolla. “Our partnership with MSU gives students access to the technologies, workflows, and commercial infrastructure used throughout the industry, helping prepare the next generation of developers to successfully launch and grow their games on a global scale.”

MSU is recognized as one of Malaysia’s leading private universities and is ranked #597 in the QS World University Rankings 2026. Through strategic industry partnerships and experiential learning programs, the university continues to connect studios with real-world opportunities across Information Sciences, Engineering, Technology, and related disciplines.

In addition to educational initiatives, Xsolla will participate in selected MSU convocation activities by presenting industry awards to recognize outstanding graduates. Both organizations will continue to explore additional collaborative opportunities that support talent development, innovation, and growth within Malaysia’s interactive entertainment ecosystem.

To learn more about the MoU signing between Xsolla and Management and Science University (MSU), visit: https://xsolla.pro/MSU

Hashtag: #Xsolla #ManagementAndScienceUniversity #MSU

https://xsolla.com

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

About Xsolla

Xsolla is a global commerce company that builds and provides all the things developers need to launch, grow, and monetize video games. Headquartered in Los Angeles, California, the company supports studios of every size, from indie to AAA, with solutions across direct-to-consumer commerce, intelligent payments, entertainment-based IP, and player engagement products. Xsolla helps developers fund, distribute, market, and monetize their games at scale. Trusted by more than 60% of the top 100 highest-grossing games, Xsolla operates as the merchant of record across 200+ geographies with access to over 1,000+ local payment methods worldwide. Grounded in a deep belief in the future of gaming, Xsolla is resolute in bringing opportunities together and unlocking growth for creators everywhere.

Through the partnership, T2P will leverage Paymentology’s next-generation issuer processing platform to deliver scalable, secure and flexible card programmes for fintechs, financial institutions, corporates and enterprises looking to launch innovative payment solutions.

The collaboration strengthens T2P’s growing payments ecosystem, enabling businesses to bring new prepaid, corporate and digital wallet-linked card programmes to market more quickly while benefiting from Paymentology’s real-time processing capabilities, global expertise and highly configurable platform.

Thailand has become one of Southeast Asia’s fastest-growing digital payments markets. According to the Bank of Thailand, online payments increased by 13.5% year-on-year in 2025, reflecting growing adoption of digital wallets, QR payments, embedded finance and cashless payment experiences. As businesses look to capitalise on this shift, they increasingly need trusted technology partners that can reduce complexity and accelerate innovation.

By combining Paymentology’s cloud-native issuer processing platform with T2P’s local market expertise, the partnership will help organisations develop payment solutions that meet evolving consumer and business expectations while supporting Thailand’s continued digital transformation.

Minh Ha Truong, Head of Growth APAC at Paymentology, said:“Thailand is one of the most exciting payments markets in Asia. As demand grows for embedded financial services and innovative card programmes, organisations need technology that allows them to launch quickly while remaining flexible enough to evolve with customer expectations.We’re delighted to partner with T2P as they continue expanding their payment capabilities.“

The partnership will initially support a broad range of use cases including:

• Prepaid card programmes
• Corporate and commercial payments
• Employee spend management
• Digital wallet-linked cards
• Embedded finance solutions
• Cross-border payment programmes supporting Thailand’s thriving tourism sector

TaweechaiPureethip, Chief Executive Officer at T2P, said: “Our partnership with Paymentology is an important step in strengthening T2P’s card and payment technology capabilities. Paymentology’s modern issuer processing platform, real-time processing capabilities, flexibility and experience across markets give us confidence as we continue to develop reliable and scalable payment solutions for businesses in Thailand. Together, we aim to make it easier for organisations to bring practical, secure and flexible card-based payment programmes to market.”

As payment services become increasingly embedded into everyday consumer journeys and business operations, the partnership positions both organisations to support the next generation of payment innovation while expanding access to more secure, reliable and practical payment tools for businesses and consumers across Thailand.

Hashtag: #Paymentology #T2P

https://www.paymentology.com/en/

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

Largest Ecosystem Lineup at LEAP East 2026 Achieves Over 1,500 Business Matching Sessions

• MEINONG ROBOT, a company within HKSTP ecosystem, stood out among more than 500 competing startups to win the 2nd Runner-Up in the Rocket Fuel East Startup Competition, securing a US$10,000 equity-free award; another park company, GenEditBio, also advanced to the Top 6 finalists.
• HKSTP joined hands with more than 30 park companies to take the global stage of LEAP East as the event’s exclusive Tech Ecosystem Partner, facilitating over 1,500 business discussions and meetings.
• Under the theme “Gateway to the NEXT”, the HKSTP Pavilion featured innovations from 23 park companies, attracting more than 3,000 visits.

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 14 July 2026 – MEINONG ROBOT, a company from the Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation (HKSTP) ecosystem, won the 2^nd Runner-Up in the Rocket Fuel East Startup Competition at LEAP East 2026, secured a US$10,000 equity-free award and gained exposure to global investors to accelerate its business expansion. Another park company, GenEditBio, also outperformed more than 500 competing startups and made it to the Top 6 Finalists.

Making its debut in the Asia-Pacific region, LEAP East chose Hong Kong as its host city, bringing together technology leaders, investors, policymakers and tech ventures. As the event’s exclusive Tech Ecosystem Partner, HKSTP participated alongside more than 30 park companies, facilitating over 1,500 business discussions and meetings from 8 to 10 July.

Under the theme “Gateway to the NEXT”, the HKSTP Pavilion featured innovations from 23 park companies across four key sectors: Life and Health Tech, GreenTech & Sustainability, Smart Cities & Urban Tech, and AI, Data & Robotics, attracting more than 3,000 visits.

Terry Wong, CEO of HKSTP, said: “LEAP East’s decision to land its first overseas edition in Hong Kong delivers three important messages to the I&T community. First, Hong Kong has become tech companies’ gateway into the global markets, which reflects the development and achievements of Hong Kong’s I&T ecosystem over the years and demonstrates the city’s unique ability to connect Middle Eastern capital, Asia-Pacific markets and supply chains in the Chinese Mainland, positioning Hong Kong as a true I&T hub. Second, the Middle East and other emerging markets represent the next strategic destination for tech companies. Driven by numerous application scenarios in smart cities, green energy and AI infrastructure, together with the ambitious transformation agenda under Saudi Vision 2030, these markets offer unprecedented growth opportunities for Hong Kong tech companies. Third, Hong Kong’s I&T community is demonstrating a growing global impact. From HKSTP executives and park companies contributing to international forums and thought leadership discussions, to HKSTP serving as the exclusive Tech Ecosystem Partner, and two park companies reaching the Top 6 of the Rocket Fuel East Startup Competition, with one securing the 2^nd Runner-Up, all of these achievements underscore Hong Kong’s increasingly prominent position on the global I&T stage.”

In addition, Terry Wong, CEO, Eric Or, Chief Ecosystem Development Officer, Filla Mak, Chief Property and Asset Officer, and Dr Charleston Sin, Head of AI & Data, took part in keynote sessions and panel discussions throughout the event. They shared strategic insights on HKSTP’s I&T ecosystem, biotech, smart cities, and AI, fostering international dialogue, inspiring new breakthroughs and collaborations, and further strengthening HKSTP’s influence within the global I&T ecosystem.

To strengthen connections between park companies and the international innovation community, HKSTP co-organised “Build East: Agentic AI Demo Day and Tour” with Minds by Animoca Brands one day before LEAP East 2026, inviting global investors and startups to gain first-hand insights into Hong Kong’s largest I&T ecosystem and explore cross-border collaboration and investment opportunities.

Hashtag: #HKSTP

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

Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation