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PR Newswire

Majority of Arab youth say social media addiction is leading to decline in mental well-being: 15th annual ASDA’A BCW Arab Youth Survey

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DUBAI, UAE, Oct. 10, 2023 /PRNewswire/ — While the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) has among the highest levels of per capita adoption of social media networks globally, a majority of Arab youth say they are struggling to disconnect, and that social media addiction is negatively impacting their mental health.

Three-quarters of Arab youth say they struggle to disconnect from social media
Three-quarters of Arab youth say they struggle to disconnect from social media

These are some of the key findings under the theme, ‘My Lifestyle,’ of the 15th annual ASDA’A BCW Arab Youth Survey, the most comprehensive study of its kind of the Arab world’s largest demographic, its over 200 million youth, conducted by ASDA’A BCW, MENA’s leading communications consultancy.

This year’s survey reveals that nearly three-fourths (74%) of young Arabs are struggling to disconnect from social media. Additionally, about two-thirds (61%) agreed that social media addiction negatively impacts their mental health. 

The findings of the survey were launched at a special event organised by blinx, the new digital media hub focused on youth in the Middle East, to mark the World Mental Health Day. Sunil John, President, MENA, BCW and Founder of ASDA’A BCW, and Nakhle Elhage, General Manager of blinx, discussed the findings.

Asked which social channels are most important to them, 18% said of the respondents said Facebook, followed by Instagram (17%), WhatsApp (16%), YouTube (13%), TikTok (12%), SnapChat (11%), X/Twitter (8%) and LinkedIn (4%).

But most Arab youth (92%) also said big tech companies such as Meta, Apple, Netflix and Google have ‘too much power’. Similarly, an overwhelming majority (92%) said social media companies need to do more to stop disinformation on their sites.

Despite their struggle to disconnect, many young Arabs are swayed by the prospect of fame via social media, reflecting their ‘soft career’ choices rather than pursue challenging jobs in technology, medicine or engineering.

Asked which field they would want to achieve fame, the highest percentage (13%) of Arab youth said they would rather be famous as ‘a social media influencer.’ The respondents had the option of naming multiple fields from over 30 options including careers in industry, education, business, healthcare, tourism, and others.

To be known as chefs, food critics or food bloggers was equally popular (12%) while 11% each said they would like to be known for their humanitarian work or for their contribution to technology.

Social media as top source of news

Nearly two-thirds (61%) of the respondents said they get their news from social media, but this is a significant drop from 2019 when almost 80% of young Arabs surveyed said they get their news from social channels. Television, however, continues to be the second most preferred source of news – named by nearly half of young Arabs (45%).

Television is the most trusted source of news for young Arabs – named by 89% followed by online news portals (79%) and print dailies (76%). Social media influencers are not as trusted with 42% saying they are ‘not trustworthy’.

Announcing the findings, Sunil John, said: “The overt dependence on social media appears to have left many young people living in a bubble, unaware of the socioeconomic realities. With the highest levels of youth unemployment in the world, it is important for the MENA region to channel the energies of these young men and women into vocational training and quality education for the jobs of the future.”

“In the face of intriguing revelations by the ASDA’A BCW Arab Youth Survey, blinx, with its focus on Gen Z and Millennials across the Middle East, finds these insights particularly enlightening,” said Nakhle Elhage. “As we learn more about Arab youth media consumption habits and preferences from the recent survey findings, we, at blinx, are committed to keeping it real and genuine, away from fake news, misinformation, and disinformation.”

ASDA’A BCW commissioned SixthFactor Consulting, a leading research company, to conduct the 15th edition of the Arab Youth Survey. Face-to-face interviews were conducted with 3,600 Arab citizens aged 18 to 24 in 53 cities across 18 Arab states, the largest sample in the survey’s history. All the published findings are freely available with expert commentaries at arabyouthsurvey.com

Young Arabs would rather be a famous social media influencer, chef or charity worker
Young Arabs would rather be a famous social media influencer, chef or charity worker
PR Newswire

Rapyd Study: Nearly 50% of Singapore businesses express need for innovative fintech solutions to address financial challenges

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  • Major payment delays and high costs of cross-border transactions were listed as the main drivers for local companies to seek improved fintech solutions
  • Among those surveyed, 38% have listed payment digitization as a top priority, with another 29% listing it as one of the top priorities

SINGAPORE, Oct. 10, 2023 /PRNewswire/ — A recent study on B2B cross-border payments by global fintech leader Rapyd has revealed that nearly 1 in 2 businesses in Singapore expressed a strong need for innovative fintech solutions to tackle business concerns.

Despite the accelerated adoption of digital payments across businesses and consumers in recent years, there is a consensus among local businesses that fintech solutions can be further improved to better serve their specific needs. While innovations have been made within consumer payments, they have not been carried over to B2B transactions. Many Singapore businesses making B2B payments still rely on expensive wire transfers and slow bank transfers to make and receive payments overseas, hindering the efficiency of cross-border transactions.

In the latest report by Rapyd, titled “2023 State of B2B Cross-Border Payments in Singapore“, Rapyd dove into the payment preferences and obstacles of 100 B2B businesses in Singapore. The Singapore report is part of a larger global research study by Rapyd, which gathered insights from 715 business proprietors and payment decision-makers across key markets, including Brazil, Canada, Germany, Mexico, Singapore, the UK, and the US. The overarching objective of this research study was to assess the prevailing sentiments regarding market conditions, the cross-border payment complexities confronting B2B enterprises, and the potential role of fintech solutions in addressing these challenges.

Singapore businesses maintain confidence on global outlook

Singapore businesses have emerged as cautious optimists when it comes to their perceptions of market conditions. Approximately 60% of respondents from Singapore expressed confidence in prevailing market conditions, indicating a measured level of trust in their business environment.

Moreover, while the majority of the markets surveyed have listed inflation, increasing interest rates, and market volatility as top concerns, Singapore businesses have taken a different stance. They have rated market volatility and economic stability as the least troublesome, highlighting their confidence in Singapore’s position as a robust global business hub. Conversely, local enterprises have identified increasing interest rates (53%) and a reduction in incoming work (43%) as their primary concerns. This indicates that Singapore businesses are closely tracking financial developments and their potential impact on the demand for their products and services.

Figure 1: Rapyd: Business Concerns
Figure 1: Rapyd: Business Concerns

Payments take a toll: Singapore businesses reported biggest delays and costlier transactions

One of the ways for companies to increase their profits and tackle financial anxieties is by improving business efficiency and cutting down on operational expenses. Notably, payment delays have surfaced as a substantial operational hurdle experienced by businesses throughout the markets surveyed. Among the seven markets, Germany and Singapore reported the greatest payment delay. Singapore businesses reported a 2 to 10 days delay, and in many cases, even more than 10 days delay in sending or receiving payments (refer to Figure 2 below).

Figure 2: Rapyd - Delay in Cross-border payments
Figure 2: Rapyd – Delay in Cross-border payments

The delays could be attributed to the fact that a significant portion of Singapore enterprises still lean on traditional wire and bank transfers for making and receiving payments. Many businesses have deep-rooted relationships with traditional banking methods and, as a result, gravitate toward these long-standing practices. The resulting delays add complexities to cross-border business operations, impacting cash flow, supplier relationships, and overall business efficiency. Such delays underscore the critical need for efficient and reliable payment solutions to facilitate seamless cross-border transactions.

Further, the Rapyd research also highlighted that 43% of B2B companies in Singapore incur cross-border fees ranging from US$10 to US$25 per transaction. This rate is above the average observed across the surveyed markets, where approximately 36% of businesses face cross-border transaction fees within the same US$10 to US$25 range.

These elevated costs can hinder growth, limit expansion opportunities, and strain resources, posing a direct challenge to firms striving to capitalize on cross-border commerce and highlighting larger inefficiencies in the system.

Figure 3: Rapyd - Cross-border transaction fees
Figure 3: Rapyd – Cross-border transaction fees

48% of Singapore businesses hope innovative payment technology can solve their challenges 

A growing number of businesses in Singapore today realize the imperative for change. Digitization is no longer a luxury but an absolute necessity. Nearly half – 48% – of respondents from Singapore identified ‘Better Fintech Solutions’ as the paramount factor in addressing their most pressing business concerns. This percentage surpasses any other category in Singapore and demonstrates that B2B businesses in the country prioritize fintech as a way to solve business problems more than their counterparts in any other country surveyed.

Despite Singapore being one of the world’s most advanced payment markets, many B2B businesses have yet to adopt digital payments. This presents a valuable opportunity for these enterprises to collaborate with innovative fintech firms and embrace modern payment solutions to harness the full benefits of Real-Time Payment networks and streamline payment processes to enhance their operational efficiency.

Figure 4: Rapyd - Easing payment concerns
Figure 4: Rapyd – Easing payment concerns

Moreover, Singaporean businesses themselves are displaying a strong commitment to digitization, particularly for expediting payment processes. Approximately 38% of these businesses consider it a top priority, with an additional 29% identifying it as one of their primary objectives. This approach aligns with local government initiatives, which have introduced numerous schemes to encourage businesses to digitize and integrate financial technology into their operations.

Arik Shtilman, CEO, and co-founder of Rapyd, shared the company’s commitment to addressing evolving business needs through innovative fintech solutions. He mentioned, “Our latest B2B cross-border payment report highlights Singapore’s strong confidence in its business environment, while also showing a widespread desire for efficient and cost-effective fintech solutions. We understand how important it is to be efficient and adaptable in today’s ever-changing business world. With our recent addition of card acquiring services to our Fintech as a Service platform in Singapore, we’re doubling down on our promise to provide the innovative fintech solutions Singapore businesses are looking for that will empower them on their payment journey and help them handle payment complexities with confidence and ease.”

In September 2023, Rapyd expanded its offerings in Singapore by introducing a card acquiring solution, enhancing its comprehensive Fintech as a Service platform. This addition equips businesses with a unified and efficient platform for accepting a wide array of payment methods, including credit and debit cards, popular e-wallets such as ApplePay, GooglePay, and GrabPay, bank transfers through PayNow, and the ability to conduct international money transfers to over 190 countries via the extensive Rapyd Global Payment Network. Rapyd’s swift onboarding process and strong payment capabilities enable businesses to quickly access the market, enhance cost-effectiveness, and efficiently navigate complex business models.

About the Study (THE STATE OF B2B CROSS-BORDER PAYMENTS)

In 2023, Rapyd conducted a research study to understand the payment preferences and challenges faced by business-to-business cross-border companies in seven markets. The study includes responses from 715 business owners worldwide. The Singapore report focuses on insights from 100 B2B cross-border businesses located in Singapore. The survey, which was administered online, was targeted at individuals responsible for payment-related decisions within medium (50 to 499 employees) and large-scale enterprises (500 employees and over) spanning diverse verticals and industries.

For the Singapore report, please visit here.

For the full global report, please visit here.

About Rapyd

Rapyd lets you build bold. Liberate global commerce with all the tools your business needs to create payment, payout and fintech experiences everywhere. From Fortune 500s to ambitious business and technology upstarts, our payments network and powerful fintech platform make it easy to pay suppliers and get paid by customers – locally or internationally. With offices worldwide, including Tel Aviv, Dubai, London, Iceland, San Francisco, Miami, Hong Kong and Singapore, we know what it takes to make cross-border commerce as easy as being next door. Rapyd simplifies payments so you can focus on building your business. Get the tools to grow globally at www.rapyd.net. Follow: Blog, Insta, LinkedIn, Twitter.

PR Newswire

TRIBIT Launches a New Bluetooth Portable Speaker, StormBox Flow

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Take the beat anywhere thanks to StormBox Flow’s compact size and 30h battery life

NEWARK, Calif., Oct. 10, 2023 /PRNewswire/ — TRIBIT, a global audio brand, drops the latest crop of StormBox Flow Bluetooth Portable Speaker that takes the music experience up a notch. Equipped with TRIBIT’s proprietary XBass® and RunStretch® technology, this brand-new speaker delivers a remarkable 25W output power and up to 30 hours of playtime. The sleek yet robust design makes it perfect for outdoor activities, like hiking, camping and everything in between.

TRIBIT StormBox Flow Portable Bluetooth Speaker, 25W Louder Sound with XBass, 30H Playtime Outdoor Speaker, IP67 Waterproof, Bluetooth 5.3 & TWS, Custom EQ. Indulge in the TRIBIT StormBox Flow audio experience with distinct vocals and powerful bass like no other.
TRIBIT StormBox Flow Portable Bluetooth Speaker, 25W Louder Sound with XBass, 30H Playtime Outdoor Speaker, IP67 Waterproof, Bluetooth 5.3 & TWS, Custom EQ. Indulge in the TRIBIT StormBox Flow audio experience with distinct vocals and powerful bass like no other.

Small yet Mighty

With the TRIBIT’s proprietary XBass® and RunStretch® technology coming in, the 25W StormBox Flow unleashes the pulsating sound like never before. Better still, users can double up the audio experience by pairing two StormBox Flow to create a one-of-a-kind immersive sound experience.

Music Streaming Day and Night

People wouldn’t normally expect an extensive amount of music playtime from such a compact audio device, but the StormBox Flow Bluetooth speaker is sure to be a pleasant surprise. Packing an incredible 30 hours of playtime and cutting-edge Bluetooth 5.3 connectivity, users will be able to go all day and not worry about signal loss or dropouts.

Head out and Jam out

If users are one of those who love music to bits, then the TRIBIT StormBox Flow is an apt companion. The compact size makes the speaker truly portable to wherever they want. Plus, users are sure to make a splash when they are at the pool or at the beach, thanks to the IP67 waterproof design so they don’t have to stop the music when it’s time to get wet.

Between now and October 14, 2023, get a 20% off promo code when users sign up at www.tribit.com. *Product and service specifications and availability may vary from country to country. Please contact media@tribit.com / support@tribit.com for detailed information.

About TRIBIT

Back to 2017, TRIBIT was born with one singular focus: to inspire outdoor exploration while embracing the beauty of nature and the magic of sound. Just like stepping into a journey where melodies of innovation resonate with your soul, TRIBIT decodes the music mystery with the notes of “do re mi” which echos our brand values.

We strive to make high quality audio accessible to all, orchestrating auditory brilliance. So now turn up the volume on your TRIBIT and treat yourself with better beats! For more information, visit www.tribit.com.

PR Newswire

With nearly 70,000 Units Shipped, Pudu Robotics Leads Global Market as China’s No.1 Service Robot Exporter

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SHENZHEN, China, Oct. 9, 2023 /PRNewswire/ — Pudu Robotics, a global leader in the development, production, and sales of commercial service robots and China’s No.1 ranking commercial service robot exporter, has shipped a cumulative number of nearly 70,000 units as of August 2023, according to the “China Service Robot Industry Research” (the “Report”) published in October by EO Intelligence of EqualOcean. The global sales of Pudu Robotics mainly come from Japan, South Korea, the U.S., Germany, and etc. Covering more than 600 cities in 60 countries and regions, the brand has become one of the largest service robot manufacturers in the world.

EO Intelligence is the professional industry research and consulting service platform under EqualOcean with focuses on forward-looking technology research fields such as AI, big data, and mobile internet. The Report offers insight into the development trends of service robot industry, a sector that’s on the rise with unlimited growth potential – the complementary capabilities of service robots and managing staff can effectively help companies optimize costs, while China’s commercial service robot providers are laying out diverse scenarios with advantages in both technology and pricing.

Global Shipments of Major Chinese Service Robot Manufacturers from Report
Global Shipments of Major Chinese Service Robot Manufacturers from Report

The report points out that in the exploration of overseas markets, Chinese service robot manufacturers have begun to form different patterns from the perspective of global shipment volume. Manufacturers with a global shipment volume of less than 40,000 units are mostly in the startup stage. The companies are just beginning to take shape and are still unable to penetrate the entire industry chain.  For manufacturers with a global shipment volume of 40,000 to 60,000 units, they are in the stage of rapid development. The company’s supply chain system is beginning to take effect, and they have a rich product matrix, and the global market is also expanding rapidly. Manufacturers with a global shipment volume of more than 60,000 units are in the stage of leading the market. The companies possess industry-leading technology and have a complete system of research and development, production, sales, and services.

Leading the global industry with integrated advantages of R&D and customized solutions

Pudu Robotics has two main product lines of delivery robots and cleaning robots as the solid foundation, boasting a diverse portfolio that meets various needs. Its delivery robot BellaBot and cleaning robot PUDU CC1 have won recognition from global customers for excellent performance and user-friendly designs.

Successful products are built on technology and innovation. Pudu Robotics has invested heavily in R&D and independently developed four core components and tackled the full algorithm development for mobile robots, including PUDU OS, PUDU Open Platform, PUDU VSLAM+ and more.

Pudu Robotics offers comprehensive solutions to meet the needs of customers from different industries, it not only provides highly efficient service robot products, but also supports software and services that enable customers to achieve automated, intelligent operations. Its solutions are widely used in the industries of food and beverage, hospitality, healthcare, logistics and more.

“Going global is also about going local, we’re not selling the standard products in the international market, but products, brand, and services that are closely related and inseparable from the local markets, accelerating service robot export has always been one of Pudu Robotics’ key strategies, and by deeply cultivating the two main product lines of delivery and cleaning, we aim to fully satisfy the diversified needs of the market,” said Felix Zhang, founder and CEO of Pudu Robotics.

The market size of commercial service robots has grown robustly in the past few years as a solution to the pain points of service industry. Looking ahead, Pudu Robotics will focus on customized services and scenario-based solutions to transform the business models, driven by technological innovation that continually adapts and expands application scope of service robots.

About Pudu Robotics

Pudu Robotics is a global leader in design, R&D, production, and sales of commercial service robots with nearly 70,000 units shipped in over 60 countries worldwide. The company’s robots are currently in use across a wide variety of industries including restaurants, retail, hospitality, healthcare, entertainment, and manufacturing. Founded in 2016 and headquartered in Shenzhen, China, its mission is to use robots to improve the efficiency of human production and living. For more information on business developments and updates, follow PUDU on Facebook, YouTube, LinkedIn, Twitter and Instagram.

PR Newswire

CrossFund Raises Additional $1.5M in Funding at a $47M Valuation, Establishes Itself as Leading Investment Gateway to the Emerging World

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SINGAPORE, Oct. 9, 2023 /PRNewswire/ — Fintech startup, CrossFund, has raised its fourth funding round in two years from family offices in MENA and Asia, BlockBase Ventures, UI Investments, Australian Gulf Capital, BXB Capital, and strategic angels. Founded in 2021 by Ben Cardarelli and Davide Cali, the company has quickly become the equity financing tool of choice for startups in SEA and EMEA with over $40M raised across 80 investments, 15,000 accredited investors, and its first exit to a NASDAQ-listed company. It has also become recognized as a platform for governments to foster innovation and attract FDI through hi-tech startups.

“Having spent nearly 10 years in Asia, we quickly built a strong base of investors and startups here,” says Ben. “These markets we’re in – like Indonesia, India, Vietnam, and Philippines – have large populations, a young, tech-savvy workforce, low labor costs, and an emerging middle class. Our vision has always been to invest early in founders and give people access to valuable startup equity in the economies of the future.”

Ho Chi Minh has become CrossFund‘s strategic base, with the team gaining exclusive access to the most promising startups in Vietnam and SEA. The chance to own equity in international startups with as little as US$5,000, no carry, limited fees, and mentor founders is a value proposition that has resonated with investors.

CrossFund‘s portfolio has grown over 400% in two years and includes an exit, with Edugo’s acquisition. CrossFund‘s portfolio includes high-performers like Clever (APAC), Vulcan (Vietnam), Lipa Later (Kenya), Styched (India), beU (Ethiopia), and Swag Kicks (Pakistan), some of which are raising Series B and backed by leading investors like SOSV, Goodwater, VECTR, i2i, YOLO, YCombinator, and Techstars.

CrossFund‘s success is largely attributed to its use of AI in the vetting, fundraising process, and its Web3 integrations. CrossFund is able to leverage data to rapidly match investors with startups based on sector, stage, geography, areas of expertise, and other granular factors.

“Venture capital is very conservative and traditionally low tech. My background spans over 25 years in IT and I started working with AI in 2002. Our vision was always to leverage technology to disrupt the industry.” says Davide. “The convergence of fundraising with hi-tech is what allows us to scale quickly across different emerging markets.”

With US giants like AngelList, OurCrowd, Republic, and StartEngine having grown into unicorns, backed by VCs like Tiger, SoftBank, and Valor, CrossFund sees similar growth potential in large, emerging markets. US incumbents crave international expansion and are gazing East, seen in Republic’s acquisition of Seedrs and StartEngine’s acquisition of SeedInvest.

“We believe in the rise of Asia and MENA as beacons of innovation,” begins Ben. “Singapore, HK, UAE, and KSA are powerful investment hubs for us. We are leading this vast transition of wealth towards the emerging world and are only at the beginning with what we can accomplish.”

PR Newswire

Monport ONYX 55 Laser The Next Big Threat to Glowforge Dominance

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WASHINGTON , Oct. 8, 2023 /PRNewswire/ — Monport is proud to present the Monport 55W CO2 Laser, also known as the ONYX 55. This state-of-the-art laser engraving machine is designed to meet the needs of creative professionals, whether you’re a beginner or an experienced DIY enthusiast. With its easy-to-use design and array of powerful features, the Monport 55W CO2 Laser is truly a game changer in the world of laser engraving.

Unparalleled Ease of Use
One of the standout features of the Monport 55W CO2 Laser is its user-friendly design. Whether you’re just starting out or already deeply immersed in the world of DIY projects, this desktop laser engraving machine is designed to make the process as smooth as possible. Even if you encounter any issues along the way, our dedicated technical team is available to provide prompt after-sales support.

Versatile and Open Usage
The Monport 55W CO2 Laser offers a wide range of possibilities with its impressive features. The spacious 20″×12″ work area allows you to work on various materials and projects of different sizes. You can even engrave cylindrical objects thanks to the rotary axis attachments. Plus, the 7mm thick pass-through feature enables you to work on longer objects effortlessly.

Advanced HD Camera for Precision
Experience the convenience of the smart HD camera included with the Monport 55W CO2 Laser. With its 5MP high-resolution ultra-wide lens, you can precisely locate the position of the pattern on the material and monitor the machine’s working status in real time. This advanced camera technology simplifies complex engraving tasks and ensures astounding precision in your work.

Compatibility and Longevity
The Monport 55W CO2 Laser is designed to seamlessly integrate with multiple operating systems, including Windows and macOS. You can choose between the provided RDWorks software or opt for LightBurn laser engraver software, which is fully supported. Additionally, the CO2 laser tube boasts a service life of 10,000 hours, ensuring reliability and longevity. Safety is a top priority, as evidenced by the Class I (FDA Certified) safety guard included with the machine.

Top-of-the-Line Configuration
With its top-level configuration, the Monport 55W CO2 Laser sets itself apart from the competition. The powerful 55W output power ensures precise and efficient engraving. The built-in water chiller, air compressor, and air exhaust fan contribute to a quiet and smooth operation. The inclusion of a honeycomb panel and two rotary axis attachments further enhances the versatility and creative potential of this engraving machine.

Safety and Sustainability
At Monport, we prioritize both safety and the environment. The Monport 55W CO2 Laser features a fully enclosed structure design, providing a safe working environment. We have even incorporated an emergency stop button and a built-in limit switch with opening protection to ensure utmost user safety. Additionally, the machine is designed to be eco-friendly, with a Class I (FDA Certified) safety rating and low noise emission.

Exceptional Support and Service
Monport Laser takes pride in providing exceptional support and service to our valued customers. When you order the Monport 55W CO2 Laser, you can expect fast shipping from our US-based warehouses and ultrafast customer service and technical support.

Unlock Your Creativity with the Monport 55W CO2 Laser
The Monport 55W CO2 Laser is the ultimate engraving machine for creative professionals looking to push the boundaries of their artistic endeavors. With its user-friendly design, advanced features, and top-level configuration, this machine empowers you to bring your visions to life. Order your Monport 55W CO2 Laser today and experience the joy of creating personalized and precise engravings like never before.

PR Newswire

JA Solar and Samsung C&T Cement Partnership with Signing of New Strategic Cooperation Agreement

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BEIJING, Oct. 8, 2023 /PRNewswire/ — Seong Kon Kim, Vice President and Renewables ENG Team Leader of Samsung C&T CORPORATION (Engineering and Construction Group), paid a visit to JA Solar’s Beijing Headquarters on August 28th. During the visit, a significant milestone was achieved as JA Solar and Samsung C&T signed a strategic cooperation agreement, spanning from 2023 to 2025. The contracts were signed by Yang Aiqing, the Rotating President of JA Solar, and Kim, Vice President of Samsung C&T, solidifying the partnership between the two organizations.

JA Solar and Samsung C&T Cement Partnership with Signing of New Strategic Cooperation Agreement
JA Solar and Samsung C&T Cement Partnership with Signing of New Strategic Cooperation Agreement

During the meeting, Kim stated that JA Solar, as a leading enterprise in the photovoltaic (PV) industry, has played an important role in promoting the global green energy transformation process. Previously, JA Solar has supplied high-efficiency modules for Samsung C&T’s key PV projects, such as the 88MW PV project in Mangilao of Guam and the Qatar 875MW PV power plant project, which shows that the two parties have yielded fruitful results. Samsung C&T extends heartfelt appreciation to JA Solar for its invaluable support in past collaborations. The company is eager to enhance communication channels, fostering even stronger ties between the two parties. Samsung C&T is committed to exploring additional areas of cooperation, seeking opportunities that promote resource complementarity and mutually beneficial development.

Yang warmly welcomed the visit of Samsung C&T. He stated that at present, low-carbon development and green transformation have become a global consensus, and PV, a key driver of growth in the new energy sector, has great potential for development in the future. Since the signing of the global strategic cooperation agreement in 2019, Samsung C&T and JA Solar have achieved remarkable cooperation results, contributing to the early realization of the global carbon neutrality goal. JA Solar is honored to sign a strategic cooperation agreement with Samsung C&T again, and will continue to serve Samsung C&T with reliable and high-efficiency products and services in the future. Building upon the foundation of past cooperation and a strong bond of friendship, JA Solar is excited about the prospect of collaborating with Samsung C&T to drive the successful realization of additional significant PV projects. By working together, both companies aim to make substantial contributions towards the construction of a zero-carbon world.

Source: JA Solar Technology Co., Ltd.

PR Newswire

vivo Launches Funtouch OS 14: Smoother than Ever

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SHENZHEN, China, Oct. 7, 2023 /PRNewswire/ — vivo today announced the launch of Funtouch OS 14 for vivo users in international markets. The Android-based system comes with all the benefits introduced in the new Android 14 version, with a unique vivo twist to deliver an enhanced, always-smooth user experience. With a focus on improving memory management, multitasking capabilities, personalization, privacy and security, as well as offering new video editing tools to allow for greater creativity and flexibility, Funtouch OS 14 ensures users enjoy every interaction with their device.


Smooth Envision: Smooth, Every Time

Funtouch OS 14 introduces Smooth Envision, an innovative approach that makes the OS experience smoother inside and out. By reducing the number of persistent processes and optimizing RAM usage, Funtouch OS 14 enhances system performance, responsiveness, and the ability to keep more apps active simultaneously. This enhanced RAM Saver feature adds up to 600 MB in available RAM space to devices with RAM configuration of 8 GB and above, making multitasking a breeze. For additional convenience, a new App Retainer feature ensures whitelisted apps that have not been closed manually are always restored to the last interface so users can easily continue where they left off. 

On select smartphone models, smoothness is also achieved visually with Motion Blur, another exciting upgrade that uses advanced algorithms to simulate motion blur when opening and closing apps on the home screen. This software-driven approach enhances the smoothness of displays with a 60 Hz refresh rate by an impressive 18.7%, ensuring silky-smooth visual transitions.

Do More at Once with Enhanced Multitasking Features

Funtouch OS 14 takes multitasking to the next level, introducing an upgraded small window feature. Thanks to the improved visibility of adjustment lines, users will now find it easier to navigate and understand the adjustment range. Users can keep up to 12 small windows active in the background, and the OS offers support for side-swipe suspension, giving users more control. For scenarios such as ride-hailing, watching a video, and chatting at the same time, when users want to focus on one app but still monitor another, a new non-interactive mini small window mode is introduced. Users can easily switch between the small window modes with a single tap.

More Color, More You: Personalize Your Experience

Funtouch OS 14 introduces a range of new personalization options, enabling users to express their unique style. Users can now customize the clock style on the lock screen, with options to choose from three clock layout styles and eight font styles. New always on display stylesi and a new minimalist theme have also been introduced. Based on Material You design, the new monochrome theme, called MY color palette, is simple and elegant and offers a diverse section of colors to choose from. Additionally, this feature contributes to power saving by optimizing the display for grayscale visuals.

Get Creative with New Advanced Video Editing Tools

Funtouch OS 14 comes with enhanced video editing capabilities, making it easier for users to create unique and captivating content without the need to rely on third-party apps. Users can now export videos in their original quality, supporting lossless export. Customizable video quality settings, including resolutions up to 4K at 60FPSii , give users greater creative control. Additionally, 25 filters have been added for easy video editing, all presented in improved thumbnails to better showcase the unique effects and usage scenarios and make it easier to choose. 

Furthermore, Funtouch OS 14 delivers an improved album browsing and viewing experience, allowing users to adjust the video playback speed, loop playback, enjoy full-screen playback, or take screenshots.

Safeguarding User Privacy and Security

Funtouch OS 14 empowers users to share their device while maintaining control over their personal information. A new Smart Mirroring feature allows users to seamlessly share their screen without worrying that the notification bar will pop up, accidentally revealing any personal information. Furthermore, users’ hidden photos are now protected with an additional password verification step.

Availability

Funtouch OS 14 will be available for download starting from mid-October on vivo X90 Pro and iQOO 11. 

About vivo

vivo is a technology company that creates great products based on a design-driven value, with smart devices and intelligent services as its core. The company aims to build a bridge between humans and the digital world. Through unique creativity, vivo provides users with an increasingly convenient mobile and digital life. Following the company’s core values, which include Benfen*, user-orientation, design-driven value, continuous learning and team spirit, vivo has implemented a sustainable development strategy with the vision of developing into a healthier, more sustainable world-class corporation.

While bringing together and developing the best local talents to deliver excellence, vivo is supported by a network of R&D centers in Shenzhen, Dongguan, Nanjing, Beijing, Hangzhou, Shanghai, Xi’an and more cities, focusing on the development of state-of-the-art consumer technologies, including 5G, artificial intelligence, industrial design, imaging system and other up-and-coming technologies. Vivo has also set up an intelligent manufacturing network (including those authorized by vivo), with an annual production capacity of nearly 200 million smartphones. As of now, vivo has branched out its sales network across more than 60 countries and regions, and is loved by more than 500 million users worldwide.

*”Benfen” is a term describing the attitude on doing the right things and doing things right – which is the ideal description of vivo’s mission to create value for society.
Stay informed of latest vivo news at https://www.vivo.com/en/about-vivo/news

i Always on display styles availability varies based on hardware specifications.

ii Available resolution options may vary across smartphone models.
PR Newswire

Tuya Smart to Unveil its Enhanced IoT Technologies and Ecosystem at TUYA Developer Summit in Hong Kong

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NEW YORK, Oct. 7, 2023 /PRNewswire/ — The TUYA Developer Summit will be held on October 14th at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre. At this Summit, Tuya Smart (NYSE: TUYA, HKEX: 2391), a global IoT developer service provider, will discuss the future direction and application trends of IoT technology with developers from all over the world with the theme of “The Future Reimagined: Go Beyond Smart”. The summit aims to promote greener, smarter and highly-efficient development of various industries.

So far, the TUYA Developer Summit has been successfully hosted in Shenzhen and Zhongshan in China. The summit’s first overseas stop in Singapore attracted hundreds of developers. To help developers fully understand the summit in Hong Kong, and to accelerate communication and cooperation on site, Tuya has prepared the following highlights for global developers.

Highlight 1: Based on the advantages of Hong Kong’s IoT industry, Tuya will accelerate the speed of smart upgrading in the Asia-Pacific region

As an international financial center, and one of the largest in Asia, Hong Kong unveiled its Smart City Blueprint in 2017. It proposes to build Hong Kong into a world-leading smart city, to improve the effectiveness of urban management with innovative technologies, and to promote Hong Kong’s sustainable development. In 2020, Hong Kong launched the Smart City Blueprint 2.0, further refining plans to build an upgraded version of Smart Hong Kong.

With the development of cutting-edge technologies such as IoT, AI, and big data, the construction of a smart city in Hong Kong has achieved important results. Digital Market Outlook data shows that the scale of Hong Kong’s IoT consumer market is gradually expanding, and it is estimated that the size of Hong Kong’s smart home market will reach US$ 215 million in 2025.

Hong Kong’s deep industrial heritage and technological advantages will undoubtedly provide a fertile cradle for the development of IoT. Based on Hong Kong’s pivotal role in leading smart transformation of industries in the Asia-Pacific region, the TUYA Developer Summit will efficiently integrate the upstream and downstream resources of Hong Kong’s IoT industry, enable developers to bring forth plentiful smart hardware products and scenario solutions, and then take Hong Kong as the hub to radiate and influence the entire Asia-Pacific region to further promote the sustainable development brought by IoT.

Highlight 2: Tuya will attend the Hong Kong Electronics Fair Autumn Edition (hereinafter called Autumn Electronics Fair) and work with developers to promote smart energy development

During the TUYA Developer Summit, Tuya will also participate in the Autumn Electronics Fair organized by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), with the theme of “Connect the World, Shape the Future of Energy”, bringing Tuya’s latest progress in the field of smart energy to global consumers, enabling customers to create green and low-carbon innovative solutions to help achieve energy conservation and efficiency. Tuya’s booth number is 1F1B-B02.

With a history of 42 years, the Hong Kong Fair is the world’s largest trading platform for electronic products, bringing together thousands of exhibitors from many countries and regions around the world to jointly display various smart technologies, startup products, and cutting-edge electronic components and technologies. It is the best choice to explore new markets and promote brands.

With the bridge built by the Autumn Electronics Fair, Tuya will further work with global developers to jointly build a smart energy ecosystem and accelerate the implementation of global sustainable development.

Highlight 3: Focusing on smart device interaction, Tuya AI assistant will make a blockbuster appearance

Developers are looking forward to the application of AI in smart homes due to the innovation brought by AI technology. At this Summit, Tuya will demonstrate its latest progress in AI interaction.

Tuya is working to build a home AI assistant that can more intelligently help end-users interact in scenarios such as the smart control of home devices. For example, by talking with smart control devices, creating timed tasks, suggesting lighting environment settings based on learning, entertainment, and other scenarios, and calculating energy consumption at home, end-users can fully enjoy the beautiful moments of life.

In addition, in terms of interaction methods, Tuya-enabled smart speakers will also usher in breakthroughs, such as supporting the sending of custom interactive voices to provide end-users with a more convenient and comfortable operation experience.

More interactive experiences and capability upgrades brought by AI will be “unlocked” at the Summit.

Highlight 4: Energy-saving solutions are upgraded, and more new capabilities are expected

As the concept of low-carbon life gradually becomes trendy, coupled with the impact of major trends such as the energy crisis and carbon neutrality in the Asia-Pacific region and the rest of the world, have begun to explore green and low-carbon development paths.

At this Summit, Tuya will introduce some new features for its home energy management system, such as providing the ability to set energy-saving scenarios through one-click on Apps, which has greatly improved the accessibility of energy-saving strategies.

On the other hand, Tuya’s Cube Solution is expected to launch corresponding zero-carbon solutions for the energy-saving needs of vertical industries, enabling customers by industry to establish a circular carbon economy model in the ESG era and achieve zero-carbon transformation.

Highlight 5: Top figures join forces to talk about a sustainable future

At this Summit, Tuya has specially invited several senior executives of leading global technology companies and associations including Alexa, Google Cloud, ABB, CLP Digital, Hong Kong Green Building Council, Momax Hong Kong, German Pool, etc., as well as industry experts, all of whom are confirmed to be present.

Many big names will gather together to discuss the latest trends and future development of the industry through exciting keynote speeches and roundtable forums centered on IoT, AI, and other cutting-edge topics.

In addition, to enhance developers’ experience, each time Tuya will display its enabled hardware products, solutions, etc. for developers and bring the latest technology and products in response to Hong Kong’s IoT market demand, showing consumers the charm of technology.

In the era of the smart connection of all things, IoT technology has become the new engine of the next wave of the industrial revolution. As an IoT industry leader, Tuya is expected to fully stimulate the vitality of the IoT industry and expand more business opportunities through the TUYA Developer Summit in Hong Kong and the Autumn Electronics Fair.

PR Newswire

Trip.com Group Records Soaring International Travel Demand during China’s Golden Week

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  • Outbound travel volume surged by over eight times this year compared to the same period in 2022
  • Long-haul destinations such as Switzerland, Spain, UK, experienced the fastest growth in tourists numbers
  • Cruise tourism a sector poised for growth in 2024

SHANGHAI, Oct. 7, 2023 /PRNewswire/ — Trip.com Group, a leading global travel platform, recorded a significant surge in outbound travel during China’s 8-day Golden Week holiday period, which encompasses both the Mid-Autumn Festival and National Day. Data from Trip.com Group reveals that during the holiday this year, outbound travel volume surged by over eight times compared to the same period in 2022.

The appetite for international travel was particularly evident among younger travellers. Looking at flight booking data, the post-90s remain the dominant group, accounting for nearly 30% of outbound tourists. Meanwhile, the younger post millennium generation, which includes the Gen Zs, exhibited the fastest growth rate, with a 22% share, equal to that of the post-80s generation.

Destinations of choice for Chinese tourists during the Golden Week period continued to include Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia, and South Korea. Notably, long-haul international destinations such as Switzerland, Spain, Turkey, the United Kingdom, and France experienced the fastest growth in tourist numbers compared to the Labour Day holiday in May.

China Travel Guide resource launched for international travellers

The resurgence of international travel has generated a positive ripple effect globally. An increasing number of overseas tourism businesses are gearing up to welcome Chinese tourists. In particular, hotels in more than 15 popular destinations, including Dubai, Paris, and Kuala Lumpur, have offered tailored services such as Chinese language support and payment options exclusively for Chinese travellers.

Additionally, Trip.com recently launched the “China Travel Guide”, a comprehensive guide which includes travel-related information such as hotel reservations, travel advice, transport options, payment methods, insights into popular destinations, and more, enabling international visitors to better explore the beauty of China.

Cruise tourism: A promising growth sector in 2024

Cruise tourism is emerging as a significant growth opportunity in the 2024 tourism market. During the 34th Shanghai Tourism Festival which took place partly during Golden Week, the debut of the first domestically produced large-scale cruise ship, Aida Modu, marked a milestone as being certified all ready to take to the open seas from its Shanghai dock. Domestically, daily ticket sales for its 2024 voyages surpassed 100. The ship’s cruising routes will include ports in Southeast Asia.

International cruise ships returning to Shanghai in 2024, including Royal Carribean’s Spectrum of the Seas and MSC Bellissima, also witnessed a substantial increase in ticket sales.

Jane Sun, CEO of Trip.com Group said, “As international travel makes a strong comeback, we are witnessing a surge in demand from Chinese travellers seeking diverse and enriching experiences abroad. This Golden Week has been a remarkable turning point. The recovery of international flights and the optimisation of visa policies will increase the enthusiasm for travel to overseas destinations. At Trip.com Group, we remain dedicated to providing our customers with seamless travel experiences and helping them discover the beauty and culture of destinations worldwide. At the same time we will continue to collaborate with our partners and promote their offerings to all travellers, including high-spending travellers.”

About Trip.com Group

Trip.com Group is a leading global travel service provider comprising of Trip.com, Ctrip, Skyscanner, and Qunar. Across its platforms, Trip.com Group helps travellers around the world make informed and cost-effective bookings for travel products and services and enables partners to connect their offerings with users through the aggregation of comprehensive travel-related content and resources, and an advanced transaction platform consisting of apps, websites and 24/7 customer service centres. Founded in 1999 and listed on NASDAQ in 2003 and HKEX in 2021, Trip.com Group has become one of the best-known travel groups in the world, with the mission “to pursue the perfect trip for a better world”. Find out more about Trip.com Group here.

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