At the opening ceremony of the 2026 World AI Conference (WAIC) and High-Level Meeting on Global AI Governance, Chinese President Xi Jinping pointed out that we should always guide AI development with human wisdom and international consensus, so that AI can truly become a mighty force that increases the well-being of humanity and advances human civilization.

In the intelligent era, we share the same planet and must pull together. Standing at the forefront of the times and shouldering the responsibilities of a major country, China is advancing global AI governance in an all-round way, making it deeper and more substantive. From laying down the opening strokes through its own development, to the "broad-brush freehand" of top-level design, and then to the "fine-brush painting" of detailed implementation, China is working to make the dividends of technology benefit the world and to make the bottom line of security clearly visible. This is China's commitment to the world, and also humanity's answer to the future.

Building a solid foundation for governance through strength at home

Not long ago, Kimi K3, a new-generation large AI model developed in China, was released as open source and was made available for anyone to download. With 2.8 trillion parameters, it is currently the world's largest open-source model in terms of parameter count.

Kimi K3 is one member of the "China team" in the AI field that have attracted global attention. Six of the world's top 10 applicants for generative AI patents are headquartered in China. The Financial Times has noted that Chinese companies are joining the global front ranks in AI innovation while outperforming their peers in cost efficiency.

Since the 18th National Congress of the Communist Party of China (CPC), the Party Central Committee with Comrade Xi Jinping at its core has attached great importance to AI development, improving top-level design, strengthening work arrangements, and promoting an overall and systematic leap in China's comprehensive AI strength.

Data show that the adoption rate of AI technology among China's manufacturing enterprises above designated size has exceeded 30 percent, the core industries of the intelligent economy have grown to more than 1 trillion yuan (about $139 billion), the number of generative AI users has surpassed 600 million, and China has become the world's largest holder of AI patents. China has achieved notable results in AI technological innovation and industrial applications, with its overall strength significantly enhanced.

Standing at the new starting point of the 15th Five-Year Plan period (2026-30), China is consolidating the foundation for innovation through greater self-reliance and strength in science and technology and embracing the global opportunities through the "AI Plus" initiative. China is entering a prime opportunity to develop its AI.

This confidence comes from continuous breakthroughs in core technologies in key fields.

Zhangjiang Science City, where the Zhangjiang Science Hall exhibition area of the 2026 World AI Conference is located, is home to hundreds of companies for chip designing, manufacturing, packaging and testing, with the scale of the industry accounting for about one-fifth of the national total. In the chip sector, which has been affected by external shocks, China has not only blazed a new path through independent innovation and self-reliance, but has also firmly kept the initiative in AI development in its own hands.

"Computing power is the cornerstone of AI development and governance. It concerns not only technological breakthroughs, but also strategic initiative. Only by basing development on independence and controllability, while ensuring inclusiveness and accessibility, can we continuously strengthen the foundation for AI development," Moore Threads founder Zhang Jianzhong said.

This confidence comes from an increasingly vibrant innovation ecosystem.

With strong support from scientific and technological innovation, AI is being integrated across all areas of China's economy and society, entering ordinary households and bringing tangible benefits to people's livelihoods, making "Intelligent Manufacturing in China" another shining calling card of Chinese modernization.

In Shunde, South China's Guangdong Province, and Wuhan, Central China's Hubei Province, after Midea's "AI agent factories" introduced SmartMore's AI visual reasoning platform, the pace of inspection came fully in line with the production rhythm. AI now directly participates in production decision-making, rapidly turning large models into productive capacity.

In Nanchong, Southwest China's Sichuan Province, and Bozhou, East China's Anhui Province, iFLYTEK Healthcare's "AI Medical Assistant" has significantly improved the efficiency and standardization of medical record writing through functions such as structured consultations and intelligent prompts.

A number of terminal device companies are relying on a well-developed industrial chain support system to accelerate the launch of new-generation products such as smartphones, intelligent robots and smart glasses, enriching market choices and creating new hot spots in information consumption.

On August 12, Chinese smartphone brand Honor launched the world's first Robot Phone.

"China has rich and diverse production and everyday-life scenarios as well as integrated software-hardware engineering capabilities, so this has provided excellent conditions for AI to be efficiently translated from needs into actual experience," Honor CEO Li Jian said.

This confidence comes from institutional guarantee that coordinates development and security.

Recently, Dongbi Tech Data, together with the School of Digital Economy at Shanghai University of Finance and Economics, released the Global Large Language Model Safety Evaluation Report (2026). Using 313 high-risk science and technology questions as the test set, the report assessed the security prevention capabilities of 38 large language models from China and abroad while helping users obtain, understand and use scientific and technological knowledge.

"Currently, society as a whole is paying close attention to issues such as content security and data security arising from the large-scale applications of AI. Balancing development and security, and advancing scientific and technological innovation in parallel with the rule of law in science and technology and the building of ethics and integrity, will further guide large models and the entire AI industry toward positive and beneficial development and sustainable growth," said Zhu Xufeng, dean of the School of Public Policy and Management of Tsinghua University.

In recent years, the State Council's Guidelines on Further Implementing the "AI Plus" Initiative have explicitly called for establishing and improving systems for AI technology monitoring, risk early warning and emergency response. The Implementation Guidelines on the Standardized Application and Innovative Development of AI Agents have also made clear that the development of AI agents should adhere to the basic principles of safety and controllability, orderliness and standardization, innovation-driven growth and application-oriented traction. China is accelerating efforts to build laws and regulations, policies and institutions, application standards and ethical guidelines that are suited to the evolving trends of AI, strengthening the security foundation for Chinese modernization and contributing Chinese wisdom and Chinese approaches to global science and technology governance.

Guiding AI governance with a global vision

A recent commentary from The New York Times likened the development of cutting-edge AI models to two divergent paths.

"The United States is behaving as though frontier A.I. models could be the equivalent of nuclear weapons, offering an immensely destructive form of power that requires a careful and jealous watch… Meanwhile, China treats the models that its companies produce as the equivalent of nuclear energy, a lower-risk technology to be shared and commercialized to win friends," read the NYT article.

At the heart of these two approaches lies a fundamental difference in how AI is perceived: Is it a strategic asset to be monopolized in a race for dominance, or a public good that should serve humanity?

China's answer is clear and unwavering: Put people first, ensure AI is used for good, and make it a powerful force for shared prosperity and common security.

Xi called for joint efforts to build a just and equitable system for global AI governance, the Xinhua News Agency reported.

This reflects a deeper understanding of technological and historical trends, promoting shared benefits through consultation and wisdom through good governance. It also demonstrates China's commitment to global AI governance, ultimately serving the vision of a community with a shared future for humanity.

Embracing openness and win-win cooperation to drive innovation and empower industries.

China has emerged as one of the world's most active and fastest-growing hubs for open-source AI models. Chinese open-source AI models have been downloaded more than 10 billion times worldwide, while open-source communities such as AtomGit have brought together more than 11 million registered users.

From topping global large-model leaderboards in certain performance metrics, to steadily advancing multimodal capabilities, and to evolving from single intelligent agents into agent clusters, China's large-model innovation and iteration have been accelerating at an unprecedented pace. This has not only given rise to a diverse array of intelligent application scenarios and unlocked new potential for domestic economic growth, but has also driven technological inclusiveness through advantages such as high performance and low cost. Chinese large models have become "productivity tools" favored by developers and users worldwide, as well as benchmarks in global model evaluations and important reference cases for overseas research institutions.

Openness and open source are more than just a technological development model. They embody a broader philosophy of collaboration and coexistence, as well as a commitment to sharing the fruits of development.

China has launched the AI+ International Cooperation Initiative, calling upon all countries to proactively carry out AI+ campaigns in light of their national conditions, enhance policy exchanges and practical cooperation, and share best practices and solutions on the basis of mutual respect and mutual benefit.

The Action Plan for AI Cooperation and Development sets out eight areas of action, including sharing open-source ecosystems, jointly developing rules and standards, strengthening cooperation on safety governance, and ensuring AI is used for good.

China has launched "Fenghe," a large language model for AI-powered meteorological services, and initiated a global open-source program.

Strengthening risk awareness to ensure AI remains safe, controllable and trustworthy.

With a deep understanding of the trends and logic of AI development, we are continuously improving laws, regulations, policies, mechanisms, application norms, as well as ethical principles to make sure that AI is safe, secure and controllable, and that this fine steed of AI gallops with both speed and stability, Xi said, according to Xinhua.

China has put forward the Global AI Governance Initiative, advocating risk-based assessment, stronger laws and regulations, and the development of ethical guidelines. It has called on countries to jointly prevent risks and continuously improve the safety, reliability, controllability and fairness of AI technologies.

China has also released versions 1.0 and 2.0 of its AI Safety Governance Framework, embedding safety requirements throughout the entire process of model development, deployment and application.

The Global AI Governance Action Plan has identified "safety and controllability" as one of its core principles; An international action plan on AI ethics governance has contributed a framework that is both principled and actionable to global AI governance... From defining directions to charting pathways, China continues to provide international public goods, ensuring that the "swift horse" of AI runs both fast and steadily.

Fostering inclusiveness and mutual learning to build a diverse and harmonious global civilization.

Dujiangyan tamed the Minjiang River without dams, nourishing the Chengdu Plain for over 2,000 years. Confucius taught that "Gentlemen seek harmony but not uniformity." Civilizations have their own paths, best pursued through mutual respect and coexistence.

Drawing on such Eastern wisdom, Lu Zilong, deputy chair of the World Intellectual Property Organization supervision committee, interprets China's coherent approach to AI governance.

Today, the Eastern wisdom is being translated into concrete initiatives. The "cultural interaction engine," developed by the institute for Long-term AI Research Center and the Institute of Automation of Chinese Academy of Sciences, uses AI to uncover links between world cultural heritage sites, presenting the shared values and diversity of human civilization to users in more than 170 countries and regions.

The Milan Winter Olympics has launched the first official LLM in Olympic history, powered by Qwen, a Chinese large model, serving both professional operations and public services, a new era of smart winter sports experiences.

Chinese and Malaysian companies have jointly established a multilingual AI translation center for ASEAN, supporting translations across more than 130 languages and enabling film and television content to be translated in as little as 30 minutes.

From cultural dialogue to sports, from language to human connections, Chinese AI is bridging distances, allowing civilizations to flourish through inclusivity and be revitalized through exchanges.

Promoting solidarity and improving global governance to prevent new historical injustices in the AI era.

During the 2026 WAIC and High-Level Meeting on Global AI Governance, the World Artificial Intelligence Cooperation Organization (WAICO) was established, with 38 countries becoming its founding members.

The blueprint laid out a year ago has now borne fruit. As the world's first intergovernmental international organization on artificial intelligence, WAICO is committed to AI for good and inclusive benefits, adheres to the purposes and principles of the UN Charter, and is open to all countries, charting a new course and coordinates for global governance in the age of intelligence.

China has sought to translate its sense of responsibility into concrete action. By upholding multilateralism, bringing the international community together and continuously seeking the broadest possible common ground on global AI governance, China is working to ensure that AI can truly become a valuable common asset of all humanity.

Looking to the future, fulfilling the responsibility of governance through action

Looking back at the summer of 1956, the spark of "artificial intelligence" was quietly kindled at a workshop at Dartmouth College in the US.

Over the past 70 years, AI scientists and researchers around the world have explored the unknown, moved forward through twists and turns, and achieved breakthroughs through perseverance, continuously expanding the boundaries of technology.

History has witnessed Chinese science and technology carving furrows out of barren ground and setting off from a faint glimmer of light. China has progressed from following behind to running alongside others and then to gaining the initiative on more tracks. Every rut and every milestone along the way has deepened its understanding of the power of technology, while also prompting clearer reflection on where the road ahead will lead and how far it can go.

Inclusive development for the benefit of all is the right path forward, and it is a path that grows broader as we travel further.

Remote control of pond aeration, round-the-clock online monitoring of water-quality parameters, precise feeding by drones... In Takeo Province in southern Cambodia, with support from an integrated smart farm development program implemented by China, an intelligent rice-fish farming model has significantly improved the survival rate and quality of local giant freshwater prawn seedlings. Annual income per hectare has increased from about $1,000 to more than $3,000, bringing real increases to the incomes of local farmers.

In Saraburi Province, Thailand, the Chinese-developed "YUKON" system has equipped a traditional mining area with a "digital brain." From excavators to mining trucks, and from power monitoring to transport routes, this parallel mining operating system, based on an AI large model, can make the optimal allocation of equipment across the entire mine within milliseconds. Efficiency has risen by 16 percent and electricity consumption has fallen by 20 percent.

SCG International General Manager Jirapat Janjerdsak said, "China's AI technology has shown us the possibility of achieving a mine with 'zero casualty, high efficiency and low emissions.'"

Along the Red Sea coast, as the tide recedes, sediment samples are collected into containers. Through China's AI-powered marine drug intelligent screening platform, they become a "seed bank" for new antibacterial agents.

At Djibouti's Doraleh Multi-Purpose Port, extreme weather such as high temperatures, short bursts of heavy rain and sudden strong winds frequently causes disruptions. MAZU, an AI-powered meteorological early-warning solution from China, has helped establish a full-chain early-warning system covering "monitoring, forecasting, warning, services."

Helping safeguard countless homes and protect peace and safety far and wide, Mohamed Ismail Nour, director general of the Djibouti National Meteorological Agency, said, "Djibouti hopes to steadily advance its economic and social development by drawing on Chinese technologies."

To bridge the digital and intelligent divide, it is better to teach people how to fish than simply give them fish.

Data from the International Telecommunication Union show that about one-third of the world's population still has no access to the internet. The World Bank's Digital Progress and Trends Report 2025: Strengthening AI Foundations shows that low- and middle-income countries lag far behind high-income economies in both the number of AI systems and available computing capacity; a survey by the African Data Centres Association has found that most of the world's data center capacity is concentrated in developed economies, with Africa accounting for less than 1 percent.

Without coordinated intervention, disparities in AI development may further evolve into a digital and intelligent divide, or even a North-South divide, posing new challenges to global development.

China has held AI capacity-building workshops, launched a special cooperation program on AI science and technology innovation under the China-proposed Belt and Road Initiative, developed the "Digital South" brand under the Global Development Project Pool and established the China-ASEAN AI Industry Innovation Center… A series of pragmatic measures have crossed mountains and seas, using Chinese expertise to help countries, particularly those of the Global South, strengthen their capacity building.

The great road takes us far when traveled together; working together, we embark on a new journey. China has announced that over the next five years, it will provide developing countries with 5,000 opportunities in AI training and seminar programs; develop international AI application cooperation centers with the ASEAN, the League of Arab States, the African Union, the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States, the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation and BRICS; and promote the applications of the MAZU AI-powered meteorological early-warning solution in 30 countries.

Standing at a new historical starting point, China is willing to work with all parties with a more open approach, more pragmatic action and a longer-term vision, to seize the opportunities and address the challenges brought by AI development, creating a better future for human society.

This was compiled and translated by the Global Times based on an article originally published on Page 1 of the People's Daily on August 13, 2026.

SINGAPORE, Aug. 14, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- In the heart of Singapore's Marina Bay, a 13-metre green wall opens onto a lush indoor atrium, welcoming guests into a stay shaped by nature, wellness and genuine care. That vision at PARKROYAL COLLECTION Marina Bay, Singapore has now earned recognition from two leading travel and hospitality names, Travel + Leisure and 50 Best. The hotel has placed No. 8 on the Top 10 Best Hotels in Singapore at the Travel + Leisure Luxury Awards Asia Pacific 2026, marking its third consecutive year on the list. It has also been featured for the first time on 50 Best Discovery, a curated global platform spotlighting the world's most exceptional restaurants, bars, hotels and vineyards, as one of only nine hotels representing Singapore on the platform.

"This recognition reflects the vision that has guided us from the very beginning: bringing together nature, design and luxury lifestyle hospitality to create meaningful experiences for our guests," said Phil Smith, General Manager of PARKROYAL COLLECTION Marina Bay, Singapore. "We are deeply honoured to be recognised as an award-winning hotel and we celebrate this achievement with our guests, community and the environment we all share."

As Singapore's first Garden-in-a-Hotel, PARKROYAL COLLECTION Marina Bay, Singapore is known for its focus on biophilic design, sustainability, restorative wellness and exceptional dining, built on a farm-to-table, farm-to-bar and farm-to-spa philosophy that runs through the property.

The Travel + Leisure Luxury Awards Asia Pacific 2026 results are decided by readers of Travel + Leisure Southeast Asia, Hong Kong and Macau. Launched in 2024, the awards cover 17 countries and span categories from hotels and resorts to spas, airlines, cruise lines and luxury travel services. Nominees are shortlisted by the Travel + Leisure editorial team and industry experts, then put to a public vote. For PARKROYAL COLLECTION Marina Bay, Singapore, the achievement reflects the trust, satisfaction and memorable experiences that travellers from around the world associate with the hotel.

50 Best Discovery is an in-depth collection of city guides spotlighting exceptional restaurants, bars, hotels and vineyards around the world. Venues are selected after receiving votes from more than 3,000 Academy members, local experts across the restaurant, bar, hotel and vineyard scenes, and 50 Best Discovery operates as an extension of the annual 50 Best rankings, though it is not a ranking in itself. A place on the platform speaks to the same qualities guests already associate with PARKROYAL COLLECTION Marina Bay, Singapore: distinctive design, genuine hospitality and dining worth travelling for.

High resolution images for publication may be downloaded here.

PARKROYAL COLLECTION Marina Bay, Singapore

Sitting in the heart of the central business district and Marina Bay, with panoramic views of the Singapore city skyline, the 583-room PARKROYAL COLLECTION Marina Bay, Singapore is the country's first Garden-in-a-Hotel.

A champion of sustainability and environmental responsibility in the hospitality industry, the hotel is home to one of Southeast Asia's largest indoor sky-lit atriums, designed by the late Architect John Portman, containing over 2,400 plants, trees, shrubs and groundcovers from more than 60 varieties of flora spread across 1,400 square metres of interior space.

A rooftop Urban Farm spanning 150 square metres houses over 60 varieties of fruits, vegetables, herbs and edible flowers, forming the backbone of the hotel's farm-to-table, farm-to-bar and farm-to-spa concepts.

Distinctive dining options are available for every palate and occasion, with botanical-inspired cocktails and afternoon tea at Portman's Bar, to outdoor relaxation and poolside drinks and dining at the rooftop Skyline Bar, rotating international culinary creations at Peppermint with halal-certified buffet stations and kitchen, and modern Chinese cuisine at Peach Blossoms, which has won numerous recognitions. These include the prestigious One-Diamond Restaurant Award in the 2026 and 2025 Black Pearl Restaurant Guide, Tatler's Singapore Best 20 Restaurants 2026 and Tatler Best's 2025 100 Restaurants in Asia Pacific, Singapore's Top 10 Fine Dining Restaurants in Tripadvisor's Best-of-the-Best Travellers' Choice Awards and attaining #78 in the coveted Asia's 50 Best Restaurants 51-100 Extended List 2026.

The hotel is located a stone's throw away from well-loved Singapore landmarks, world-class attractions and dynamic art scene - hallmarks of a destination hotel for travellers seeking unique experiences. Catering to environmentally conscious travellers, the award-winning PARKROYAL COLLECTION Marina Bay, Singapore focuses on contemporary vibes brought to life through biophilic design, iconic architecture, eco-friendliness and lifestyle experiences.

PARKROYAL COLLECTION Marina Bay, Singapore holds several internationally recognised sustainability certifications, reflecting the hotel's enduring commitment to responsible tourism and environmental stewardship. These include the GSTC (Global Sustainable Tourism Council) certification, the global benchmark for sustainable travel and tourism that evaluates hotels across four key pillars — sustainable planning, social and economic benefits for the local community, cultural heritage preservation, and environmental impact reduction. The hotel also holds the BCA Green Mark Super Low Energy (SLE) Certification, awarded by the Building and Construction Authority of Singapore to buildings that achieve at least 60% energy savings through energy-efficient measures and on-site renewable energy generation. Further underscoring this commitment, the hotel is also ISO 14001 and ISO 45001 certified, both internationally recognised standards that affirms our robust environmental management and occupational health and safety practices.

Click here to view PARKROYAL COLLECTION Marina Bay, Singapore's digital brochure.

Please click here to access our hotel, rooms, ballrooms, restaurants, and bars virtual videos.

PARKROYAL COLLECTION Hotels & Resorts

Operated by Pan Pacific Hotels Group, PARKROYAL COLLECTION Hotels & Resorts has an expanding footprint of sustainable hotels, with a current network comprising PARKROYAL COLLECTION Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia; PARKROYAL COLLECTION Marina Bay, Singapore; and PARKROYAL COLLECTION Pickering, Singapore. Driven by a passion for life, PARKROYAL COLLECTION's iconic properties rejuvenate the wellbeing through nature-driven design, eco-wellness and refreshing lifestyle luxury.

About Pan Pacific Hotels Group

Pan Pacific Hotels Group is a global hospitality company that owns and/or manages more than 50 hotels, resorts and serviced suites across three brands – "Pan Pacific", PARKROYAL COLLECTION, and PARKROYAL – encompassing more than 30 cities across Asia Pacific, North America and Europe. Headquartered in Singapore, it is a member of Singapore-listed UOL Group Limited.

HANGZHOU, China, Aug. 14, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- FastGPT, an open-source enterprise AI application platform, has published the commercial terms enterprise buyers evaluate alongside production deployments in regulated Chinese industries.

Enterprise AI in China has moved past the question of whether an application can be built. As the first wave reached production, security, procurement and audit teams began asking different questions: where data is stored, how permissions map to the organization chart, whether actions are logged, and who is accountable when something breaks.

Three deployments illustrate the shift. At a financial data provider, analysis of a single research report fell from three hours to 10 minutes, and daily output per editor rose from three-to-five report summaries to 50. At an automotive components manufacturer, 70 percent of repeat IT support requests are now handled automatically and response time moved from hours to seconds; its shared finance center, which processes over 520,000 documents a year, runs first-pass invoice checks in seconds, with exceptions still reviewed by staff. At a road-and-bridge infrastructure group in eastern China, a multi-agent inspection workflow cut full bridge inspection from days to hours.

FastGPT also published its purchasing terms. Private deployment is licensed per server in three tiers, selected in a fixed order based on tenant count, integration needs and billing requirements. Technical support has four tiers, from weekday ticket support to 7x24 coverage with a one-hour first-response target. Scope is set by the current commercial plan.

On reliability, FastGPT states that retrieval cannot guarantee complete recall under limited conditions, and that in some scenarios, after data-cleaning work, accuracy can come close to complete. Generated content still requires human review.

"Buyers evaluate these terms item by item, so we publish them up front," a FastGPT spokesperson said.

About FastGPT

FastGPT is an open-source enterprise AI application platform offering RAG knowledge bases, visual workflows, agent orchestration, Skills, MCP and multi-channel publishing, available as a cloud service, community self-hosting or a commercially licensed private deployment. As of Aug. 13, 2026, its GitHub repository, labring/FastGPT, had 29,348 stars and 268 releases. The company reports more than 1,000 enterprise customers. More: github.com/labring/FastGPT

Media Contact
Carson Yang
carson@fastgpt.io 

TOKYO, Aug. 14, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- TIER IV, the pioneering force behind open-source software for autonomous driving, has joined the Next-Generation Edge AI Semiconductor Research and Development Program led by the Japan Science and Technology Agency (JST) to advance research and development of a software-defined system-on-chip (SoC) for Level 4 autonomous driving. Under the JST program, a research team led by Professor Yoshihiro Kawahara of Graduate School of Engineering, The University of Tokyo, will advance research into use-case-driven, functionally differentiated physical AI chip design. Meanwhile, TIER IV is developing the logic design of an AI chip designed to efficiently process inference for end-to-end (E2E) autonomous driving AI, with the goal of open-sourcing the design assets and associated toolchain.

High-performance computing technologies, including graphics processing units (GPUs), have played a central role in accelerating the rapid evolution of AI. Level 4 autonomous driving, however, requires AI models to operate continuously under real-world and real-time constraints. This calls for a new approach that complements existing high-performance computing technologies while further advancing not only power efficiency, but also adaptability, transparency, and verifiability.

Through this initiative, TIER IV will independently design an AI chip for autonomous driving that supports Autoware, the world's leading open-source software for autonomous driving, and evaluate its effectiveness as part of an SoC. In addition to the chip's logic design, TIER IV will open-source the compiler and related toolchain. By making these technologies available, TIER IV aims to establish an open ecosystem in which semiconductor manufacturers can leverage its platform technologies to accelerate the commercialization of SoCs for Level 4 autonomous driving.

Power efficiency

Autonomous driving AI increasingly relies on large-scale Transformer models that process sensor inputs, such as camera images and point cloud data, in an integrated manner from perception through motion planning. This initiative will focus on Transformer inference and develop a dedicated architecture that simplifies the complex control mechanisms required for general-purpose computing.

Data required for AI model execution will be efficiently placed in advance and repeatedly reused within the chip, reducing the power consumed by external memory transfers and computation control. The architecture will also incorporate dedicated compute circuits for operations frequently used in Transformers, including matrix multiplication and attention mechanisms.

Rather than optimizing only the chip's peak performance, TIER IV will seek to improve performance per watt across the entire autonomous driving system, including Autoware. The design will support flexible deployment across a broad range of applications, from embedded devices operating at several watts to in-vehicle electronic control units operating at several tens of watts.

Adaptability

The technology landscape surrounding autonomous driving AI is evolving rapidly, making it difficult for architectures designed around a specific model or hardware configuration to adapt continuously to change. To address this challenge, TIER IV will introduce the Tensor Operator Set Architecture (TOSA), a standardized intermediate representation, between AI models and the AI chip.

Operations from AI models developed in frameworks such as PyTorch will be converted into a common TOSA representation. Optimization and code generation will then be performed through TOSA before execution on the AI chip, enabling loose coupling between AI frameworks and hardware.

As a result, changes in AI model architectures or computational methods can be accommodated primarily through software updates to components such as the compiler and runtime, without requiring the entire chip to be redesigned from scratch. TIER IV aims to realize a software-defined SoC whose performance and power efficiency can be continuously optimized through software.

Transparency

In safety-critical applications such as Level 4 autonomous driving, it is important to understand not only the AI model itself, but also the internal architecture and processing flow of the computing system on which it runs. Under this initiative, TIER IV will open-source the logic design of its autonomous driving AI chip, together with the compiler and related toolchain.

By making the design information publicly available, TIER IV will enable semiconductor manufacturers and developers to inspect the chip's internal architecture and software behavior, and to modify, extend, and reuse the technologies according to their vehicle platforms, AI models, performance requirements, and power constraints.

Just as Autoware has enabled collaborative development of autonomous driving software, TIER IV will extend the same open-source philosophy to AI chip design and related toolchains. This will support an ecosystem in which autonomous driving AI technologies can be continuously improved and advanced without dependence on specific semiconductor products or closed development environments.

Verifiability

The process of executing an AI model on a chip involves model-format conversion, computational optimization, quantization, rounding, and other transformations. These processes are essential to improving performance and power efficiency, but they may also introduce numerical differences that affect the final computation results. A mechanism is therefore needed to assess the impact of such differences.

Using TOSA and its clearly defined operator specifications as a foundation, TIER IV will structure the compilation transformation process and introduce formal verification techniques. For selected transformations and operations, the initiative will establish mechanisms to mathematically verify numerical consistency before and after transformation, as well as compliance with predefined error tolerances.

Through this approach, TIER IV will pursue not only high processing performance, but also an execution environment in which the transformations applied to an AI model before chip execution can be traced and the correctness of the resulting processing can be verified. This will contribute to a more reliable execution environment for autonomous driving AI.

Supporting quotes

"Advances in AI have been accelerated by powerful computing platforms, including GPUs, which have enabled rapid progress across the industry," said Shinpei Kato, founder and CEO of TIER IV. "As Level 4 autonomous driving moves toward broader deployment, we believe the next step is to complement these platforms with computing architectures designed for real-world and real-time requirements. Through this initiative, we are introducing a software-defined and open approach to AI chip design that combines power efficiency, adaptability, transparency and verifiability. In particular, the ability to understand how an AI model is transformed for execution and to verify the correctness of that processing will be increasingly important as autonomous driving systems are deployed in safety-critical environments. By extending the open-source philosophy behind Autoware from software to AI chip design and related toolchains, we aim to create an open ecosystem in which automakers, semiconductor manufacturers and developers can build upon the technology and continue advancing their own systems. This represents an important step toward a scalable, adaptable and reliable computing foundation for Level 4 autonomous driving."

"In physical AI applications such as robotics and autonomous driving, GPU power consumption has long been a major bottleneck for deployment on battery-powered devices," said Professor Yoshihiro Kawahara of Graduate School of Engineering, The University of Tokyo. "This project aims to fundamentally overcome this constraint through a functionally differentiated chip design backward-mapped from specific use cases. I look forward to TIER IV developing chips responsible for high-level decision-making – specifically, the high-level behavioral layer that handles the thinking process essential for end-to-end physical AI and autonomous driving. As the leading force behind Autoware, the global standard open-source software for autonomous driving, TIER IV is democratizing design, with an approach spanning application requirements to hardware. This enables applied researchers to shape their ideal semiconductors. This initiative, supported by an open ecosystem, has the potential to lay the foundations for a steady stream of Japanese startups creating high-value semiconductors."

About TIER IV

TIER IV stands at the forefront of deep tech innovation, pioneering Autoware, open-source software for autonomous driving. With a comprehensive suite of platforms and services built around Autoware, TIER IV provides everything from software development and vehicle procurement to operational support. Through the Autoware ecosystem, TIER IV works with partners worldwide to shape the future of intelligent vehicles with open-source software, aiming to create mobility that is safer, more sustainable, and accessible to all.

Media contact
pr@tier4.jp 

The word marks and logos of TIER IV are trademarks or registered trademarks of TIER IV, Inc. in Japan and other countries. All other company names, product names, service names, and logos referenced herein are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective owners.

Autoware is a registered trademark of the Autoware Foundation.

On behalf of Tsinghua University, Li Luming welcomed the Chinese and international scientists attending the event and emphasized the important role that leading research universities should play in advancing basic research in the era of AI. In recent years, Tsinghua has deepened its commitment to fundamental disciplines by increasing investment, attracting world-class researchers, harnessing AI to accelerate scientific discovery, and enhancing its capacity for independent talent cultivation. Looking ahead, Tsinghua will strengthen its capacity for original innovation, cultivate future talent for basic research, and make greater contributions to expanding the frontiers of human knowledge and advancing human civilization.

In his remarks, ICBS President Yau noted that China has expanded its support for basic research through increased funding, policy initiatives, talent development and investments in research infrastructure. While AI can dramatically accelerate mathematical deduction and theorem proving, it does not replace the human capacity for creativity, intuition and the timeless pursuit of questions whose answers are not yet known. Major leaps in basic science always emerge at the intersection of disciplines and the willingness to venture into uncharted territory.

Two major honors were conferred during the ceremony: the ICBS Medal and the Frontiers of Science Award.

Nine scientists received the inaugural ICBS Medal for contributions spanning mathematics, physics and engineering: Claire Voisin, Horng-Tzer Yau, Shouwu Zhang, Andrea J. Liu, Yifang Wang, Xiao-gang Wen, Zhenan Bao, Xiaowei Zhuang and Feng Zhang. Four of this year's medalists are women.

The Frontiers of Science Awards recognized 111 high-impact original research papers from more than 20 countries and regions. Nineteen of the recognized papers were authored by researchers from 17 Chinese institutions, including two papers featuring five scholars from Tsinghua University, spanning fields such as geometric analysis, quantum theory, large AI models, and computer vision.

The brand has partnered with j-hope – famous for his world renowned "Sunshine Smile", high energy and vibrant personality – as the official ambassador for its new oral beauty range.

Samir Singh, President, Enterprise Oral Care, Colgate-Palmolive and previously, EVP Marketing, Asia Pacific, said: "Vitamin C transformed the skincare industry by helping people's skin look brighter and more radiant. Based on pioneering oral science work at Colgate-Palmolive, we have unlocked a clinically effective Vitamin C formula for teeth whitening.^[1]

"The launch of Colgate® Optic White™ Vitamin C represents a major leap forward in oral beauty innovation. Consumers no longer separate beauty from oral care and this product reflects that shift."

j-hope & Colgate® Optic White™ Vitamin C

j-hope will headline Colgate's major new launch campaign across APAC to inspire consumers to unlock their most confident self. Fans can look forward to seeing j-hope bring the power of Vitamin C brightening to life across exclusive campaign drops, behind-the-scenes content and interactive challenges on Colgate's official social media channels.

Samir Singh, added: "j-hope's optimism and famous sunshine smile has inspired millions around the world. He is the perfect partner for us to take this product to millions of people".

Breakthrough Whitening Innovation

For the first time, Colgate® Optic White™ Vitamin C incorporates 95 percent pure stabilised Vitamin C*. This unique formulation delivers high-impact brightening to reduce yellowing and helps you remove 7 years of stains in as little as 7 days^[3] – all while keeping your enamel protected and healthy.^[2]

Created by experts to fit seamlessly into your daily beauty and self-care routine, the new toothpaste combines high-impact whitening power with daily care you can trust:

• Removes 7 years of stains in as little as 7 days^[3]: Targets deep discoloration to wipe away coffee, tea, and food stains, restoring your teeth's natural glow fast.
• Powered by 95% Pure Stabilised Vitamin C^[2]: Uses a specialised form of Vitamin C designed for effective, high-impact brightening.
• Safe, Gentle & Fluoride-Protected: Non-acidic, gentle on tooth enamel, and fortified with fluoride so you can brush safely twice a day, every day.

See the full content series featuring j-hope on social media now (campaign film) (c-hope teaser) (campaign teaser).

SEOUL, South Korea, Aug. 14, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- LG today announced they're developing a next-generation bipedal humanoid robot built using NVIDIA Isaac GR00T, NVIDIA's open reasoning humanoid foundation model, for a public unveiling in the first quarter of next year.

 LG and NVIDIA signed a memorandum of understanding on August 13 at NVIDIA's headquarters in Santa Clara, California, with Chairman and CEO of LG Corp Kwang Mo Koo and NVIDIA Founder and CEO Jensen Huang in attendance, marking a shift from strategic blueprints into full execution across robotics, AI factories and mobility.

Under the agreement, LG also plans to validate LG CLOiD wheel-based robots at LG Electronics' washing machine manufacturing line in Tennessee, build AI factory reference sites using NVIDIA DSX and NVIDIA Vera Rubin, and develop a next-generation AI-defined vehicle platform using NVIDIA DRIVE Hyperion.

Kwang Mo Koo, Chairman and CEO of LG Corp., said, "As our discussions have moved fast, our tasks and goals in AI Factory and Physical AI have become clear. We will accelerate the spread of AI by building industry-leading references."

"The defining opportunity of physical AI is to give every machine the ability to understand the real world, reason and act safely alongside people — reshaping everyday life from the home and factory floor to the road," said Jensen Huang, founder and CEO of NVIDIA. "Building on years of collaboration, LG and NVIDIA are combining LG's leadership in product engineering and manufacturing with NVIDIA technology to accelerate the next era of robots, AI factories and autonomous vehicles."

1. Robotics:

Validating Wheel-Based Robots at LG's Tennessee Washing Machine Plant

LG and NVIDIA are expanding their collaboration to accelerate physical AI, from development to real-world deployment, spanning humanoids, wheel-based robots and the data systems needed to train and improve them.

LG is developing its next-generation bipedal humanoid targeting a public unveiling in the first quarter. The humanoid is powered by NVIDIA Jetson Thor for onboard compute, advanced reasoning and control and is being built using NVIDIA Isaac GR00T, NVIDIA's open humanoid foundation model, and NVIDIA Halos for Robotics, the industry's first full-stack comprehensive safety system for robotics. LG plans to bring together "One LG" capabilities across LG Electronics, LG Innotek and LG Energy Solution, including actuators, sensors and batteries. 

Additionally, within this year, LG will deploy LG CLOiD—a wheel-based robot— to LG Electronics' washing machine manufacturing line in Tennessee for validation in a real-world production environment. Based on the validation results, LG will refine the robots' performance and utility, while expanding deployment to global production facilities, homes, and commercial spaces.

The collaboration also includes technical work to build a robot data factory powered by LG CNS PhysicalWorks, LG's robot data platform. PhysicalWorks will be developed to support an on-site physical AI data factory for continuous data collection, synthetic data generation, training and verification for robotics.

The robot data and manufacturing-site validation experience gained through this collaboration will also strengthen the competitiveness of LG's in-house Robot Foundation Model (RFM), currently under development. LG plans to actively use NVIDIA Isaac GR00T while continuing to advance its own AI model capabilities, building technology competitiveness in robotics.

To drive execution, LG and NVIDIA will operate a joint Task Force (TF) comprising technical and business experts. The TF will collaborate closely across R&D, site validation, and commercialization.

2. AI Factory:

LG Taps NVIDIA DSX^T platform to Establish Reference Sites Leading the Global AI Factory Market

LG is using the NVIDIA DSX AI factory architecture paired with "One LG" capabilities across AI infrastructure (AIDC)—including thermal management, power, design, and operations.

In the first half of 2027, LG plans to build an AI factory reference site powered by NVIDIA Vera Rubin. Building on these results, LG plans to construct an 80 MW scale LG AI Factory in Cheonan, Chungcheongnam-do, by the first half of 2028 to advance physical AI and robot foundation models (RFMs).

Through these initiatives, LG plans to validate a One LG end-to-end AI factory solution based on the NVIDIA DSX platform, spanning design, construction and operations.

LG also expects to expand business opportunities in the global AI infrastructure market by offering validated, turnkey "One LG" package solutions to global big tech customers.

3. Future Mobility:

LG Builds Next-Generation AI-Defined Vehicle Platform with NVIDIA DRIVE

LG plans to develop a high-performance computing (HPC) platform for next-generation AI-Defined Vehicles (AIDVs) built on NVIDIA DRIVE Hyperion and integrating LG's in-vehicle infotainment and automotive software capabilities.

By leveraging NVIDIA's AI-based autonomous driving technologies and vehicle computing platforms, LG will expand its existing vehicle component capability—centered on IVI—into the autonomous driving domain.

Through this strategy, LG plans to provide global OEMs with next-generation automotive solutions that integrate autonomous driving features with in-cabin AI services, unlocking new growth opportunities in the future mobility market.

About LG

LG is a technology innovator and global leader in consumer electronics, advanced materials, and automotive components. Founded in 1947, LG was a driving force behind South Korea's modernization. The company produced South Korea's first radio and television sets and today is a global leader in organic light-emitting displays (OLED), electric car batteries, and advanced industrial plastics. The LG group of companies operates in more than 60 countries that together generate USD 140 billion in annual revenue. LG Corporation (LG Corp.) is the holding company for industry-leading LG subsidiaries, such as LG Electronics, LG Display, LG Energy Solution, LG Chem, to name a few. For more information about the LG group of companies, visit lgcorp.com.

If once together with the wind the roc could rise, he would fly ninety thousand miles up to the skies.

The quote comes from To Li Yong, a poem by famous Tang Dynasty (618-907) poet Li Bai. It means that there will come a day when the roc rises with the wind and soars straight up into the highest heavens. The Great Roc, a legendary giant bird from ancient Chinese mythology, is famous for soaring to immense heights and traveling vast distances, long serving as a symbol of lofty aspirations and expansive vision. Here, the poet used the roc as a metaphor for great ambition and a promising future.

On February 10, 2021, Chinese President Xi Jinping quoted this line in his speech at a Spring Festival reception. He noted that the CPC has stayed true to its original aspiration and mission of seeking happiness for the Chinese people and rejuvenation for the Chinese nation.

Undaunted by hardships and unafraid of sacrifice, the CPC has united and led Chinese people of all ethnic groups in revolution, the building of a stronger nation, and reform and opening up. The Chinese nation has achieved a tremendous transformation: It has stood up and grown well-off and is becoming strong.

Achieving national rejuvenation is the CPC's lofty ambition. Like the soaring roc, China is making every effort to turn this ambition into reality under the Party's leadership.

During the 14th Five-Year Plan period (2021-25), the country made great strides and delivered achievements across many fronts. China's self-developed large passenger aircraft, the C919, entered commercial service in May 2023. Its high-speed rail network stretched beyond 50,000 km by the end of 2025.

During this period, China led the world in new-energy vehicle production and sales. In its pursuit of a greener future, the country has built the world's largest clean energy system.

Over these five years, China's economy continued to break new ground. Its GDP grew more than 36 trillion yuan ($5.3 trillion), equivalent to the yearly economic output of the world's third largest economy. Average life expectancy rose to 79.25 years in 2025, and basic pension insurance now covers more than 1 billion people.

This year is the beginning of the 15th Five-Year Plan (2026-30), China's development blueprint for the next five years. The outline of the 15th Five-Year Plan focuses on key areas including employment, education, healthcare and elderly care. It marks a shift toward greater investment in people, so that all can enjoy the benefits of development more fully and more fairly.

Today, the CPC, the world's largest Marxist governing party, is moving forward with vitality and confidence as it leads the Chinese people in rejuvenating and strengthening their nation, once weakened by internal conflicts and foreign aggression. Its next goal is to build China into a great modern socialist country that is prosperous, strong, democratic, culturally advanced, harmonious and beautiful by the mid-21st century.  

X:
https://x.com/BeijingReview/status/2072152064558612963?s=20

Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/share/v/17gC2KCA8f/?mibextid=wwXIfr 

Website:
https://www.bjreview.com/China/202607/t20260707_800441469.html   

Comments to lixiaoyang@cicgamericas.com

Kota Kinabalu, Langkawi and Kuantan lead accommodation searches, while Kota Bharu emerges as the destination getting a fresh look

SINGAPORE, Aug. 14, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Ahead of the Merdeka and school holiday period, new search data from digital travel platform Agoda shows that Malaysians are looking closer to home for quick getaways, with stays averaging approximately two days across the destinations studied. The trend suggests travellers are making smaller windows of time count, choosing shorter escapes that are easier to plan while still offering a meaningful break.

Kota Kinabalu, Langkawi and Kuantan saw the highest overall accommodation search interest for stays between 22 August and 7 September 2026. At the same time, several destinations are seeing renewed interest, led by Kota Bharu, where accommodation searches reached approximately 3.6x compared with the same period in 2025.

Familiar favourites continue to lead the way

When time is limited, Malaysians appear to be choosing destinations that make it easy to switch into holiday mode.

Based on Agoda's accommodation searches, Kota Kinabalu was the most searched, followed by Langkawi and Kuantan. Whether the plan is seafood and sunsets in Kota Kinabalu, an unhurried island break in Langkawi or a weekend of beach time and local food in Kuantan, each offers an easy escape without requiring extensive planning.

Kuantan saw especially notable search growth. Alongside being one of the three most searched destinations, searches grew 2.8x in 2026 compared with the same period last year. Langkawi and Kota Kinabalu also recorded further growth, with searches rising by 69% and 53% respectively, showing that Malaysia's best-known holiday spots continue to appeal to travellers looking for a convenient and familiar getaway.

More destinations are catching travellers' attention

While familiar favourites remain among the most searched destinations, others are gaining interest. Kota Bharu recorded the largest increase, with accommodation searches reaching around 3.6x compared with the same period in 2025, followed by Miri at 2.4x, Johor Bahru at 2.3x, Ipoh at 2.1x and Kuching at 2x. The findings suggest Malaysians are exploring a wider range of local getaways this Merdeka season, from food-focused weekends and cultural escapes to lively city breaks and slower-paced trips.

Fabian Teja, Country Director, Malaysia and Brunei at Agoda, said, "Travellers are becoming more intentional with the time they have. Rather than waiting for a longer holiday, many Malaysians are planning trips around long weekends and school breaks while still seeking rewarding experiences. It is encouraging to see continued interest in familiar favourites alongside destinations attracting renewed attention, showing that travellers are balancing comfort with curiosity. Whether it is a beach escape, food-focused weekend or cultural getaway, Agoda helps travellers find accommodation, flights and activities that make every trip worthwhile."

With over 6 million holiday properties, more than 130,000 flight routes and over 300,000 activities, Agoda offers travellers access to a wide range of options for every travel style and budget. Travelers can find the best deals on Agoda's mobile app or visit Agoda.com to plan their next holiday.

SINGAPORE, Aug. 14, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Qixi Fest 2026 (七夕乞巧嘉年华), Singapore's largest contemporary celebration of the Qixi Festival, returns to Kreta Ayer Square in Chinatown for two weekends from August 15 to 23, 2026, inviting visitors to rediscover the people, traditions, and craftsmanship behind the flavours that have shaped Singapore's rich culinary history.

Organised by Bridging Generations, a Singapore-based heritage and experience design social enterprise, and supported by the Singapore Tourism Board (STB), the fourth edition of Qixi Fest is themed "匠味传愿 Crafting Flavours That Inspire" in celebration of the artisans and culinary practitioners who have preserved Singapore's food traditions across generations, from Nanyang kopi brewing to Chinese culinary mastery.

Reviving a Timeless Tradition

Celebrated across China, Japan, South Korea and Vietnam, the Qixi Festival (七夕节) falls on the seventh day of the seventh lunar month. Rooted in the legend of the Weaver Girl (织女) and the Cowherd (牛郎), the festival celebrates craftsmanship and artistry, where it is traditionally believed that wishes made upon the stars are more likely to come true when one demonstrates skillfulness through the arts and handicrafts.

Inspired by this heritage, Qixi Fest 2026 reimagines the centuries-old celebration through the universal language of food. Set in one of Asia's most celebrated culinary destinations, the festival invites visitors to look beyond every dish and discover the stories, techniques and dedication behind every handcrafted culinary creation.

"We are delighted to support Qixi Fest as part of Singapore's vibrant events calendar, offering both visitors and locals the opportunity to experience the richness of our cultural traditions," said Ms Guo Teyi, Director, Leisure Events, Singapore Tourism Board. "This year's edition of Qixi Fest, themed around culinary craftsmanship, brings together heritage, creativity and community. Presenting our traditions in fresh and imaginative ways, the celebration reinforces Singapore as a compelling destination for arts, culture and heritage, and encourages further exploration of the historic district of Chinatown."

Celebrating Singapore's Culinary Heritage

Qixi Fest 2026 places Singapore's culinary heritage in the spotlight through a landmark collaboration with the 150-year-old Ku So F&B Association Singapore and the 105-year-old Foochow Coffee Restaurant & Bar Merchants Association.

Together, the associations represent more than 250 years of collective culinary expertise, bringing generations of kopi brewers, chefs and culinary practitioners together through immersive exhibitions, live showcases and masterclasses.

The collaboration celebrates not only the techniques behind Singapore's favourite dishes, but also the people who have quietly preserved these traditions and continue to shape the nation's food culture today.

Experience Qixi Fest 2026

Visitors can look forward to a line-up of immersive experiences celebrating the artistry behind Singapore's culinary traditions.

Highlights include Become 食神 (God of Culinary), an interactive culinary exhibition exploring traditional knife skills, wok mastery, hand-pulled noodles, sugar sculpting, flavour pairing, and the secrets behind authentic Nanyang kopi.

The inaugural Nanyang Breakfast Challenge will also make its debut, with five finalists competing live on August 22 for the title of Nanyang Breakfast Champion and over S$1,000 cash prizes.

Scheduled to be held on August 19, Qixi Banquet Under the Stars is an exclusive, one-night-only dining experience available exclusively through advance reservation. Curated by renowned master chefs, the specially curated menu brings together the artistry of Chinese culinary traditions with Singapore's distinctive Nanyang flavours for an unforgettable evening of food and culture.

"Behind every iconic Singapore flavour is a story of craftsmanship passed down through generations," said Lynn Wong, Founder of Bridging Generations. "Qixi Fest celebrates the people who have preserved these culinary traditions and practices for generations. We hope visitors leave inspired to look beyond every dish, and gain a deeper appreciation for the heritage and passion behind the flavours that continue to shape Singapore's rich culinary identity."

Experience the stories, traditions and flavours shaping Singapore's culinary heritage at Qixi Fest 2026. Register for your complimentary festival ticket at eventbrite.sg/qixi-fest-2026. For more information on Qixi Fest 2026, visit qixifest.com.

About Bridging Generations
Bridging Generations is a Singapore-based heritage social enterprise that uncovers, documents, and reimagines long-forgotten cultural assets in innovative ways that engage the young and old. Bridging Generations offers research and curatorial services across diverse mediums including workshops, exhibitions, talks, festivals, films, digital transformation solutions, and new product development.

SINGAPORE, Aug. 14, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Digital travel platform Agoda and the Singapore Tourism Board (STB) have renewed and broadened their strategic partnership through a three-year Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), extending collaboration beyond joint destination marketing into new areas of data, technology, and AI-powered travel innovation.

The MOU was signed in the presence of Mr. Omri Morgenshtern, Chief Executive Officer of Agoda, and Ms. Melissa Ow, Chief Executive of STB. This latest agreement entails a three-year commitment focused on promoting Singapore as a destination, deepening data and technology collaboration, and advancing industry development.

First established in 2022 and renewed in 2024, the partnership has evolved with each iteration to address shifting traveller behaviours and the increasingly central role of digital tools across the traveller journey. This latest expansion broadens the scope across four pillars: joint marketing, data strategy and insights, thought leadership and innovation, and a tech collaboration exploring the use of artificial intelligence (AI) to provide travellers with travel recommendations for experiencing Singapore. The partnership will also support Singapore's tourism industry stakeholders through capability-building initiatives aligned with the sector's digital priorities in areas such as data science, AI upskilling and experience development.

The signing builds on momentum established earlier this year. In May 2026, Agoda and STB launched a joint marketing campaign to support demand for Singapore amid global disruptions, while tapping into growing interest in short-haul regional travel. With strong participation from Singapore hotel partners, the campaign delivered encouraging results across target markets — a promising sign of what the partnership can achieve.

Ms Ow said: "STB is pleased to deepen its partnership with Agoda, amidst evolving traveller expectations and the role of technology in travel. The renewed collaboration presents the opportunity to tap on Agoda's platform reach, traveller insights and technology capabilities to strengthen Singapore's destination appeal in the digital space. The partnership also supports STB's Tourism 2040 ambitions, with a mutual commitment to harness technology and raise industry capabilities for Singapore tourism."

Mr Morgenshtern added, "Agoda shares a unique bond with Singapore, and this expanded collaboration reflects our investment in the market's digital future. We're excited to bring our AI and analytics capabilities to this partnership, enabling STB to reach travellers more precisely while supporting the innovation priorities that benefit the entire Singapore tourism ecosystem."

With this MOU, Agoda and STB will combine their respective strengths to offer travelers more relevant and engaging ways to experience Singapore, while supporting the long-term growth and development of the wider tourism industry.

--- ENDS ---

TOKYO, Aug. 14, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Propelis, the global brand services group formed through the merger of SGK and SGS & Co, is strengthening its presence in Japan, giving its local teams access to a broader range of global capabilities and resources, as businesses increasingly seek more connected ways to manage creative, packaging, content and market execution without compromising the quality and precision expected by Japanese consumers.

Propelis connects Marks' package design capabilities with SGX's packaging production expertise, giving brands greater control from concept to market. By reducing duplicated work, fragmented approvals and gaps between creative and production, the model allows packaging and content assets to be developed in parallel and delivered consistently across physical and digital channels.

With more than 100 years of combined experience, the wider Propelis network adds content production and workflow technology through Collide and 5Flow. Following the integration of Marks and SGK Global Creative Operations, Marks now includes more than 2,100 creative specialists across 25 global hubs, providing the scale to support complex, multi-market brand programmes.

The deal, first announced in January 2025, gave the new entity combining SGK and SGS & Co an initial enterprise value of approximately US$900 million (approximately JPY 1,460 billion) and projected more than US$50 million (approximately JPY 80.6 billion) in annual run-rate cost synergies over a 30-month expected integration period. Following the finalisation of the merger in May 2025, Propelis commenced operations with 10,000 employees across more than 30 countries, nearly US$1 billion (approximately JPY 1,622 billion) in annual sales, and over 2,000 clients.

Japan's mature FMCG market gives Propelis a clear opportunity to support brands where speed must be balanced with precision. Retail food and beverage sales in Japan reached US$193 billion (approximately JPY 31.247 trillion) in 2024, while packaging formats across food, beverage, beauty, home care and other categories continue to evolve in response to convenience and waste-reduction expectations. Packaging for global brands operating in Japan has to more than carry a strong creative idea. It must translate accurately across artwork, print production, colour consistency, product information and local labelling requirements, where Japanese-language food labelling remains mandatory and directly supports consumer safety and informed choice.

"Regional growth does not come from making every market look and sound the same," said Kathryn Sloane, Executive Managing Director, APAC MEA, Marks & SGX.

"In Japan, consumers here are highly attuned to quality, consistency and credibility, and packaging is often one of the most visible signals of that trust. Strong design matters, but for brands operating at scale, the real challenge is ensuring every pack, format and production run reflects the same level of quality. Marks and SGX give clients a connected route from package design through production, reducing avoidable rework and protecting the brand at the point of purchase. As we expand into content, the same system can carry a consistent identity from the pack into e-commerce and digital channels."

The expansion into content is a deliberate extension of Propelis' package design business. The brand systems and visual assets developed for packaging can be applied across e-commerce, campaigns and digital content without rebuilding the brand for each channel. This allows clients to use the package as the foundation for wider brand communication, creating stronger alignment between what consumers see online and what they encounter in-store.

"Success in Japan depends on understanding that execution is just as important as creative ideas," said Reiko Nakamura, Managing Director, Marks & SGX, Japan and Korea.

"In Japan, as part of the Propelis Group, we operate through the Marks and SGX brands, bringing together complementary capabilities across the brand lifecycle. Marks builds brand value through strategy, design and content, while SGX provides the artwork management, prepress and print management, and packaging production expertise needed to execute that value consistently, even across large numbers of SKUs and complex market rollouts."

"The ability to bring creative and execution together in this way is a particular strength in Japan. We combine globally standardised, efficient processes with a deep understanding of the attention to detail and depth of information Japanese consumers expect. This helps brands maintain consistency while strengthening their competitiveness in the local market. Clients do not simply need another branding, design or content supplier. They need a partner that can create brand value and carry it consistently across products, packaging, e-commerce and marketing channels. By combining Marks' creative capabilities with SGX's execution expertise, we can deliver stronger and more consistent brand experiences for Japanese companies and global brands alike."

Propelis' integrated model is already delivering results globally. In 2026, Marks received multiple honours at the Vertex Awards for its creative and brand execution capabilities. In Japan and across APAC, Propelis will apply this model to help multi-market brands coordinate creative adaptation, packaging production and content localisation, supported by controlled AI for quality checks, approval tracking and content testing.

The legal entity in Japan remains Schawk Japan K.K., and no changes to existing contracts are required.

-END-

About Propelis

Propelis is a global brand services group formed by the merger of SGK and SGS & Co. It helps brands move from idea to shelf through creative, packaging graphics, content production, branded environments, and workflow technology. Its family of specialist brands includes SGX, Marks, Collide, and 5Flow. Propelis operates in more than 30 countries, serving clients across CPG, food and beverage, personal care, beauty, retail, technology, sports, entertainment, travel, and hospitality. For more information, visit propelis.com.

KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia, Aug. 14, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Hilton [NYSE: HLT], as the Mid-Autumn Festival approaches, Hilton hotels across Malaysia welcome the season with a collection of handcrafted mooncakes and festive gift sets that celebrate one of Asia's most treasured traditions. Rooted in the spirit of reunion and togetherness, Hilton's 2026 Mid-Autumn campaign brings together elegant designs, time-honoured recipes and distinctive culinary experiences, offering guests meaningful ways to celebrate with loved ones and business associates alike. Together, the collections reflect the spirit of hospitality at the heart of Mid-Autumn, where every gathering becomes an occasion to reconnect, reflect and celebrate.

Leading this year's celebration is The Hilton Mooncake Collection, available across Hilton Kuala Lumpur, Hilton Petaling Jaya, Hilton Kuching, Hilton Kota Kinabalu, DoubleTree by Hilton Kuala Lumpur, DoubleTree Resort by Hilton Penang, DoubleTree by Hilton Johor Bahru and Hilton Garden Inn Kota Kinabalu Tuaran. Inspired by the graceful silhouette of the traditional Chinese fan and adorned with Malaysian batik motifs, the collection reflects the country's rich cultural heritage through an elegant keepsake designed to be treasured beyond the festive season. Featuring a selection of traditional baked and artisanal snow skin mooncakes, The Hilton Mooncake Collection serves as the unifying offering across participating hotels while celebrating the unique character of each destination, with collections available from RM178 nett.

Alongside The Hilton Mooncake Collection, participating hotels also present signature creations that offer their own interpretation of the Mid-Autumn Festival, celebrating local culinary traditions and the individuality of each destination.

Chynna, Hilton Kuala Lumpur

Continuing its tradition of unveiling an annual collectible, Chynna introduces the Moonlit Carousel Premium Collection, available from RM358 nett, with its design taking cues from Claude Debussy's Clair de Lune ("Moonlight"). Presented in an elegant keepsake music box, the collection features eight premium handcrafted mooncakes created by Executive Chinese Chef Lam Hock Hin, Dim Sum Chef Wong Wai Yuan and the culinary team. Returning favourite Heavenly Gold, crafted with premium Musang King durian, is joined by two new artisanal snow skin creations; Ocean Pearl, featuring cod fish, black pepper, macadamia nuts and pumpkin seeds, and Amber Moonlight, where red bean, lotus paste and fragrant orange come together in a refreshing interpretation of a festive classic. Guests may also enjoy Hilton Kuala Lumpur's signature Supermoon Snow Skin, available at RM478 nett, designed to serve up to 10 persons, making it a memorable centrepiece for festive reunions.

Toh Yuen, Hilton Petaling Jaya

At Toh Yuen, The Phoenix Prestige takes inspiration from the enduring symbolism of the phoenix, representing renewal, harmony and prosperity. Priced at RM159 nett, the collection is presented in a striking red keepsake accompanied by a commemorative tote bag, and features four handcrafted traditional baked mooncakes that honour familiar flavours while reflecting Toh Yuen's longstanding dedication to authentic Chinese cuisine. Elegant in presentation and rooted in tradition, The Phoenix Prestige offers a distinctive way to mark the Mid-Autumn Festival with family, friends and valued guests.

Beyond Hilton Kuala Lumpur and Hilton Petaling Jaya, the Mid-Autumn celebration continues across the country. In East Malaysia, Hilton Kuching and Hilton Kota Kinabalu present The Hilton Mooncake Collection, welcoming guests with the warmth and generosity synonymous with Bornean hospitality. DoubleTree by Hilton Kuala Lumpur complements the collection with its exclusive Lunar Radiance Collection, while DoubleTree Resort by Hilton Penang and DoubleTree by Hilton Johor Bahru continue the celebration with the national collection. This year also marks a special milestone for Hilton Garden Inn Kota Kinabalu Tuaran, which celebrates its first Mid-Autumn Festival as part of Hilton's 2026 Mid-Autumn campaign, extending the celebration to even more guests across Sabah.

Available from 15 July to 25 September 2026, Hilton's Mid-Autumn collections are available across participating hotels in Malaysia. Hilton Honors members enjoy an exclusive 10% savings, while selected bulk purchases are eligible for discounts of up to 25% during the campaign period. For orders and more information, guests may visit the respective participating hotel's website or contact the hotel directly.

As one of the most established and respected organizations in the global pet industry, the World Pet Association (WPA) is widely recognized for the standards it sets and the values it champions. Its reach extends across major markets worldwide through a broad network of industry partners. Each year, the WPA International Excellence Award recognizes brands that distinguish themselves in product quality, innovation, and meaningful contributions to the industry. Candidates are evaluated on product excellence, R&D capability, quality control systems and international market performance. WANPY^®'s selection within this framework represents a first for any Chinese pet food brand.

Global Expansion Backed by Quality as a Market Passport

Founded in 1998, with 29 years of global industry experience, WANPY^® operates under the publicly listed Yantai China Pet Foods Co., Ltd., WANPY^® today serves pet families across 77 countries and regions. It leads all Chinese pet food brands in export volume globally. Gaining access to even a single overseas market is a challenge for Chinese pet food manufacturers, given widely varying regulatory requirements; WANPY^®'s ability to establish a broad global footprint signals that its products have earned approval from regulatory authorities across multiple markets and meet internationally recognized standards.

To deliver consistent, dependable products amid varying global regulatory rules, supply chains and consumer demands, WANPY^® operates 28 modern production hubs across China, the United States, Canada, New Zealand, and Mexico. All sites are backed by a full-chain quality assurance system spanning R&D, manufacturing, third-party testing and traceability. This is how WANPY^® delivers on its brand promise of "Global Sharing, Same Quality," ensuring that every product meets the same rigorous standards wherever it is sold.

WANPY^® partnered with SGS, a leading global testing, inspection, and certification company, to establish the first globally aligned unified quality standard in China's pet food industry. The standard integrates requirements from four major regulatory frameworks — China, the European Union, the United States, and Japan — covering 171 key indicators spanning ingredient safety, production processes, quality control, and testing protocols. Following on-site audits and product sampling by SGS, WANPY^®'s entire "XIAOJINDUN" product line met the requirements of the standard and received an "Excellent" rating.

R&D That Earns a Place on the Global Stage

Commenting on the award, Chenlong Hao, Director & Vice President of Yantai China Pet Foods and CEO of WANPY^®, said, "Through our global R&D and innovation service center, WANPY^® has built a collaborative R&D network that draws on research resources from China, the United States, Canada, and New Zealand. To date, we have secured 399 national patents. Earlier this year, scientific findings related to our XIAOJINDUN line were published in a peer-reviewed top international SCI-indexed journal, a milestone that signals WANPY^®'s R&D is now part of the open, peer-reviewed scientific conversation."

In addition to the WPA award, WANPY^® earned a 2026 Pet Innovation Award, marking another industry first for a Chinese pet food brand. Together, these honors affirm WANPY^®'s ability to compete with the world's leading names in the industry and earn recognition from respected international industry organizations.

Behind this international breakthrough lies WANPY^®'s capabilities in meeting and exceeding the world's most stringent standards, supported by a global production footprint, end-to-end quality control, and cutting-edge R&D. At its core, however, is something more fundamental: the brand has always tied its sustained, deep investment in quality directly to what matters most to consumers. By building a world-class standards system, WANPY^® turns complex, science-driven quality control into stable, reliable, and safe products that pet families around the world can trust.

Beyond a milestone for the WANPY^® brand, the recognition also reflects a broader shift taking place across China's pet food industry — a landmark value-chain upgrade for China's pet food sector, where enterprises now prioritize science-driven R&D and proprietary standard formulation as their core competitive edges. By combining global manufacturing, rigorous quality systems, and scientific research, WANPY^® provides a benchmark for Chinese companies seeking to expand internationally and illustrates the growing contribution Chinese brands are making to the global pet food industry.

• Partnership combines Quantinuum's quantum computing leadership with Quanta Computer's expertise in industrializing advanced computing systems at a global scale
• Companies plan to co-develop the infrastructure, systems engineering, and manufacturing capabilities required for future generations of quantum computers
• Collaboration aims to support Quantinuum's technology roadmap toward commercially-deployable, large-scale, fault-tolerant quantum systems

BROOMFIELD, Colo., and TAIPEI, Aug. 14, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Quanta Computer ("Quanta"), a Fortune Global 500 manufacturer of advanced computing and cloud infrastructure, and Quantinuum (Nasdaq: QNT), a leading quantum computing company, today announced a collaborative development agreement to help establish an industrial foundation for the next era of quantum computing.

Under the terms of the agreement, the companies plan to jointly develop critical hardware infrastructure supporting future generations of Quantinuum's quantum systems, combining Quantinuum's quantum technology leadership with Quanta's expertise in scaling sophisticated computing platforms.

Quanta and Quantinuum aim to create a practical pathway from today's quantum systems to commercially deployable quantum computers capable of supporting broad enterprise and scientific adoption. The collaboration is aiming to accelerate the path toward scalable quantum computing infrastructure. With joint engineering work already underway, the companies are designing the next generation of hardware infrastructure with the objective of making future quantum computers more modular, manufacturable, and scalable.

"It is time for quantum computing to transition from breakthroughs in physics achieved in the lab to breakthroughs in system manufacturing that can be deployed and operated at scale," said Dr. Rajeeb Hazra, President and CEO of Quantinuum. "Quanta has earned a global reputation for industrializing some of the most advanced computing technologies in the world. By working together, we can help ensure the manufacturing ecosystem, engineering expertise, and supply chains required for large-scale quantum computing evolve in parallel with the technology itself."

About Quantinuum

Quantinuum is a leading quantum computing company offering a full-stack platform designed to make quantum computing deployable in real-world environments. The company has commercially deployed multiple generations of trapped-ion based quantum systems built on the well-established QCCD architecture, which it has implemented with novel designs and capabilities to achieve the industry's highest accuracy levels based on average two-qubit gate fidelity.^[1] Quantinuum has active engagements with market leaders across pharmaceuticals, material science, financial services, and government and industrial markets, as well as academic and research institutions globally. The company has a global workforce of approximately 700 employees, including top scientists and researchers. Over 70% of its technology team holds PhDs or Master's degrees. Quantinuum's headquarters is in Broomfield, Colorado, with additional facilities across the United States, United Kingdom, Germany, Japan, Qatar, and Singapore. For more information, please visit www.quantinuum.com.

Cautionary Statement Concerning Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains certain statements that may be deemed "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements include all statements that are not historical facts. The words "anticipate," "assume," "believe," "continue," "could," "estimate," "expect," "intend," "may," "plan," "potential," "predict," "project," "future," "will," "seek," "foreseeable," the negative version of these words, or similar terms and phrases are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Such statements are based on certain assumptions and assessments made by our management in light of their experience and their perception of historical trends, current economic and industry conditions, expected future developments and other factors they believe to be appropriate. The forward-looking statements included in this release are also subject to a number of material risks and uncertainties, including but not limited to economic, competitive, governmental, and technological factors affecting our operations, markets, products, services and prices. New factors emerge from time to time, and it is not possible for Quantinuum to predict all such factors. For additional information on these and other risks that could affect Quantinuum's forward-looking statements, see Quantinuum's risk factors discussed in its filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, including its Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended June 30, 2026, as such risk factors may be updated from time to time. Any forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date on which it is made, and, except as required by law, Quantinuum does not undertake any obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

^[1] As of December 31, 2025.

Organized by the Latin Expo Group, the event is widely recognized as the premier tire and auto parts trade fair in Latin America and the Caribbean in terms of scale and influence. Each edition attracts over 6,000 global industry professionals and professional buyers, making it a key platform for Chinese tire and auto parts enterprises to connect with the Latin American market and expand cross-border trade channels.

For the 2026 edition, the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade (CCPIT) Qingdao Sub-council organized ten local premium tire and auto parts enterprises to present a unified "Superior Products of Qingdao" pavilion at the fair. The pavilion showcases Qingdao's high-quality tires, auto components and other competitive products, offering a comprehensive display of the city's industrial cluster strength in the sector.

On the opening day, Ms. Zhou Quan, Economic and Commercial Counselor of the Chinese Embassy in Panama, visited the "Superior Products of Qingdao" pavilion. Counselor Zhou highly commended the CCPIT Qingdao Sub-council for its proactive "Superior Products of Qingdao" overseas pavilion group-exhibition model, and affirmed the strong competitiveness of Qingdao's tire and auto parts products. She noted that Latin America, with its large vehicle parc and sustained robust aftermarket demand, offers vast growth opportunities. With its solid industrial foundation, extensive product range and compelling cost-performance ratio, Qingdao's tire and auto parts sector is well-positioned to meet the region's needs and holds significant growth potential.

The "Superior Products of Qingdao" overseas pavilion project at the Panama International Tire & Auto Parts Expo is a key component of the CCPIT Qingdao Sub-council's 2026 "Superior Products of Qingdao" overseas pavilion series. Through this upgraded exhibition model, the initiative amplifies the regional public brand effect of "Superior Products of Qingdao," effectively enhancing the international visibility and market influence of Qingdao-manufactured products.

• Partnership combines Quantinuum's quantum computing leadership with Quanta Computer's expertise in industrializing advanced computing systems at a global scale
• Companies plan to co-develop the infrastructure, systems engineering, and manufacturing capabilities required for future generations of quantum computers
• Collaboration aims to support Quantinuum's technology roadmap toward commercially-deployable, large-scale, fault-tolerant quantum systems

BROOMFIELD, Colo., and TAIPEI, Aug. 14, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Quanta Computer ("Quanta"), a Fortune Global 500 manufacturer of advanced computing and cloud infrastructure, and Quantinuum (Nasdaq: QNT), a leading quantum computing company, today announced a collaborative development agreement to help establish an industrial foundation for the next era of quantum computing.

Under the terms of the agreement, the companies plan to jointly develop critical hardware infrastructure supporting future generations of Quantinuum's quantum systems, combining Quantinuum's quantum technology leadership with Quanta's expertise in scaling sophisticated computing platforms.

Quanta and Quantinuum aim to create a practical pathway from today's quantum systems to commercially deployable quantum computers capable of supporting broad enterprise and scientific adoption. The collaboration is aiming to accelerate the path toward scalable quantum computing infrastructure. With joint engineering work already underway, the companies are designing the next generation of hardware infrastructure with the objective of making future quantum computers more modular, manufacturable, and scalable.

"It is time for quantum computing to transition from breakthroughs in physics achieved in the lab to breakthroughs in system manufacturing that can be deployed and operated at scale," said Dr. Rajeeb Hazra, President and CEO of Quantinuum. "Quanta has earned a global reputation for industrializing some of the most advanced computing technologies in the world. By working together, we can help ensure the manufacturing ecosystem, engineering expertise, and supply chains required for large-scale quantum computing evolve in parallel with the technology itself."

About Quantinuum

Quantinuum is a leading quantum computing company offering a full-stack platform designed to make quantum computing deployable in real-world environments. The company has commercially deployed multiple generations of trapped-ion based quantum systems built on the well-established QCCD architecture, which it has implemented with novel designs and capabilities to achieve the industry's highest accuracy levels based on average two-qubit gate fidelity.^[1] Quantinuum has active engagements with market leaders across pharmaceuticals, material science, financial services, and government and industrial markets, as well as academic and research institutions globally. The company has a global workforce of approximately 700 employees, including top scientists and researchers. Over 70% of its technology team holds PhDs or Master's degrees. Quantinuum's headquarters is in Broomfield, Colorado, with additional facilities across the United States, United Kingdom, Germany, Japan, Qatar, and Singapore. For more information, please visit www.quantinuum.com.

Cautionary Statement Concerning Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains certain statements that may be deemed "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements include all statements that are not historical facts. The words "anticipate," "assume," "believe," "continue," "could," "estimate," "expect," "intend," "may," "plan," "potential," "predict," "project," "future," "will," "seek," "foreseeable," the negative version of these words, or similar terms and phrases are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Such statements are based on certain assumptions and assessments made by our management in light of their experience and their perception of historical trends, current economic and industry conditions, expected future developments and other factors they believe to be appropriate. The forward-looking statements included in this release are also subject to a number of material risks and uncertainties, including but not limited to economic, competitive, governmental, and technological factors affecting our operations, markets, products, services and prices. New factors emerge from time to time, and it is not possible for Quantinuum to predict all such factors. For additional information on these and other risks that could affect Quantinuum's forward-looking statements, see Quantinuum's risk factors discussed in its filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, including its Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended June 30, 2026, as such risk factors may be updated from time to time. Any forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date on which it is made, and, except as required by law, Quantinuum does not undertake any obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

^[1] As of December 31, 2025.

Over 40 Top-Tier Educational Institutions Gathered – Multiple Promotions During Open Day, Select Courses Up to 50% Off
Kornhill Learnscape is dedicated to creating a vibrant learning environment for children and adolescents – a flourishing "forest" where young minds can explore and unleash their potential. With over 40 renowned educational institutions, the course offerings are extensive, covering languages and academic enrichment, music and performing arts, visual arts, STEM and cognitive training, as well as sports and dance. Featured institutions include Hong Kong Fencing School; Dunn's Education; the renowned English education group ABC Pathways School; STEM education provider The Genius Workshop; Hong Kong China Chess Academy; and the well-known music education brand Parsons Music, among many others – comprehensively addressing the learning needs of children and teenagers across different age groups. Parents are welcome to visit each educational institution during the Open Day to enquire about course details, and on-the-spot enrolments will enjoy exclusive offers.

Over the two-day Open Day, multiple educational institutions and learning centres will offer free or specially-priced trial classes covering creative writing, sports, music and arts, allowing children to experience class atmospheres first-hand. On-the-spot course enrolments will also come with exclusive discounts and exquisite gifts, with select courses offered at up to 50% off. Meanwhile, several institutions will present captivating performances, including a music recital by Parsons Music, a taekwondo demonstration by YD Taekwondo, and a fencing match exhibition by Hong Kong Fencing School – giving parents and children the chance to experience the appeal of different learning fields and gain deeper insight into each centre's teaching characteristics and class operations.

Two Spending Reward Missions – Abundant Perks Galore
To encourage families to experience the diverse learning atmosphere of Kornhill Learnscape first-hand, this year's Open Day specially introduces two spending reward missions. Participants can register for free as members of the hello Hang Lung Malls Reward Programme, and complete designated spending tasks during the event period to redeem generous rewards. Mission 1: Enrol in any course at a Kornhill Learnscape educational institution for a designated amount, and receive Hang Lung e-dining vouchers, Commercial Press vouchers, and XVENTURE indoor sports arena entry discount vouchers. Mission 2: After completing Mission 1, spend a designated amount via electronic payment at hello programme participating merchants in Kornhill Plaza, and enjoy an additional three hours of free parking at Kornhill Plaza. The first 30 redeemers will also receive The Kensington Pickleball e-vouchers or free pickleball paddle redemption vouchers. Each hello member may redeem the rewards for Mission 1 and Mission 2 once each, while stocks last.

Kornhill Learnscape Open Day 2026 Details     
Date: 29–30 August 2026 (Saturday & Sunday)
Time: 10:30 am – 6:00 pm
10:30 am – 9:00 pm (Spending Reward Redemption Hours)
Venue: Kornhill Plaza Office Tower (Take Exit A2 of Tai Koo MTR Station to the Office Tower Lift Lobby at M/F, Kornhill Plaza North Tower)
Reception Desk G/F, Kornhill Plaza North Tower

Kornhill Learnscape Open Day 2026 Spending Reward Campaign Details

SAN FRANCISCO and GUANGZHOU, China, Aug. 14, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Pony AI Inc. ("Pony.ai") (NASDAQ: PONY; HKEX: 2026), a global leader in the large-scale commercialization of autonomous driving technology, and Uber Technologies, Inc. ("Uber") (NYSE: UBER), today announced an expansion of their strategic partnership, with plans to collaborate on the deployment of more than 2,000 Pony.ai Robotaxis across Europe.     

The partnership will expand from the existing commercial service in Zagreb, coming soon to the Uber platform, to four additional cities in Europe. Additional details about the rollout will be announced in phases and the expanded partnership also includes plans to deploy in the Middle East.     

The expanded agreement gives Pony.ai's joint-deployment model a clearer path to commercial scale. The model brings together three core functions required to operate Robotaxi services at scale: Level 4 (L4) autonomous driving technology, a leading mobility platform, and day-to-day fleet operations. It allows technology, platform, and fleet partners to work together in the same market, while individual partners may also take on more than one role. Vehicle funding and ownership can sit with different partners depending on the market.

Under the expanded partnership, Pony.ai will provide its L4 autonomous driving technology, rider-experience and operational expertise developed through multiple large-scale Robotaxi deployments while Uber will provide customer access through its leading global mobility platform, including booking, payment, and customer service capabilities, alongside its growing network of human drivers. Day-to-day fleet operations may be carried out by established local fleet partners selected for each market.

Pony.ai operates paid, fully driverless Robotaxi services in China's four tier-one cities, where it has achieved city-wide breakeven unit economics in multiple markets, validating its commercially sustainable model for operating Robotaxis at scale.

For Pony.ai, the expanded partnership with Uber marks a further evolution of its growth strategy, complementing continued expansion into new markets with fleet deployments at regional scale. The collaboration dates back to May 2025, when Pony.ai and Uber first announced plans to bring Pony.ai Robotaxis onto the Uber platform in international markets. In 2026, the companies worked with Croatian mobility company Verne to launch Europe's first commercial Robotaxi service in Zagreb, with Verne serving as the local fleet owner and operator.

"This expanded agreement marks an important new phase in the partnership between Pony.ai and Uber. It reflects our shared commitment to bringing safe, reliable Robotaxi services to more European cities," said Dr. James Peng, Founder and CEO of Pony.ai. "By combining Pony.ai's proven autonomous driving technology and operational know-how with Uber's global mobility platform and extensive market reach, we aim to build sustained commercial operations at scale across Europe and beyond."

"The next chapter for autonomous mobility is about moving from individual launches to repeatable commercial scale," said Sarfraz Maredia, Global Head of Autonomous Mobility & Delivery at Uber. "Together with Pony.ai, we're combining advanced autonomous technology with Uber's hybrid platform, on-the-ground experience, and operational excellence, to build a model that can quickly and reliably expand across cities."    

About Pony AI Inc.

Pony AI Inc. is a global leader in achieving large-scale commercialization of autonomous mobility. Leveraging its vehicle-agnostic Virtual Driver technology, a full-stack autonomous driving technology that seamlessly integrates Pony.ai's proprietary software, hardware and services, Pony.ai is developing a commercially viable and sustainable business model that enables the mass production and deployment of vehicles across transportation use cases. Founded in 2016, Pony.ai has expanded its presence across China, Europe, Asia, the Middle East and other regions, ensuring widespread access to its advanced technology.

About Uber Technologies, Inc.

Uber's mission is to create opportunity through movement. We started in 2010 to solve a simple problem: how do you get access to a ride at the touch of a button? More than 79 billion trips later, we're building products to get people closer to where they want to be. By changing how people, food, and things move through cities, Uber is a platform that opens up the world to new possibilities.

Safe Harbor Statement

This press release contains statements that may constitute "forward-looking" statements pursuant to the "safe harbor" provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements can be identified by terminology such as "will," "expects," "anticipates," "aims," "future," "intends," "plans," "believes," "estimates," "likely to," and similar statements. Statements that are not historical facts, including statements about Pony.ai's beliefs, plans, and expectations are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements involve inherent risks and uncertainties. Further information regarding these and other risks is included in Pony.ai's filings with the SEC and the Hong Kong Stock Exchange. All information provided in this press release is as of the date of this press release, and Pony.ai does not undertake any obligation to update any forward-looking statement, except as required under applicable law.