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JD.com Delivers iPhone 18 Pro Series to Over 30,000 Customers Within First Hour of Launch
Within the first hour of the iPhone 18 Pro series officially going on sale in China, more than 30,000 customers nationwide received their new devices from JD.com, with some deliveries completed just minutes after the 8 a.m. launch. In Beijing’s Fengtai District, Mr. Wang received a call from a JD Now delivery rider shortly after 8 a.m., informing him that his new iPhone had arrived. Having secured a 512GB iPhone 18 Pro through JD.com’s early-bird pre-order programme on September 12, he had expected his device to be dispatched on launch day, but was surprised by just how quickly it arrived. “I knew it was going to be shipped today, but I never expected it to arrive this quickly. My alarm hadn’t even gone off yet!” he said. Ms. Liu, a customer in Shanghai’s Pudong District, was equally impressed after receiving her pre-ordered iPhone, remarking that buying a new phone felt even faster than ordering takeaway. Customers in dozens of cities across China, including Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Shenzhen and Wuhan, were among the first to receive their new devices on launch morning. To prepare for the launch, JD.com forecast consumer demand in different regions and planned inventory allocation in advance, positioning stock across its nationwide network of warehouses, local fulfilment centres and service stations, bringing products closer to customers before the official release. Once sales began, its warehousing, inventory management, retail and delivery operations worked together to process and fulfil a large volume of orders within a short period. JD.com also leveraged its network of more than 10,000 front warehouses and stations, alongside tens of thousands of offline retail stores across China, to bring the new iPhones closer to customers. This extensive network allows popular new products including iPhone to reach customers within minutes in major cities, while also supporting deliveries to more remote areas. Alongside fast delivery, JD.com introduced a range of services for customers purchasing the new iPhone 18 Pro series including trade-in. JD.com’s nationwide network of more than 3,000 Apple product service stations also provided support including trade-in, device activation, data transfer, screen protector installation and assistance with eSIM services. More than 20,000 service appointments had been booked ahead of the official launch. According to the 2026 iPhone Consumer Survey by Nanfang Metropolis Daily, more than 60% of respondents identified JD.com as their preferred channel for purchasing new Apple products. Product authenticity, availability at launch, delivery speed and reliable delivery times were among the key factors influencing their purchasing decisions. ( yuchuan.wang@jd.com )
JD.com Opens Its First 101HOME in Shanghai, Bringing the Art of Living to an Innovative Retail Experience
CATL Partners with BME to Advance Battery Pack Manufacturing in Egypt Through Technology Licensing
CATL Debrecen Kicks Off Trial Operations in its New Cell Building
- September 29, 2026Business
Kuehne+Nagel and CATL partner to advance battery logistics and fleet electrification
Kuehne+Nagel and CATL, a global leader in new energy technologies, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to establish a strategic collaboration in battery logistics, transport electrification and emissions reduction initiatives. The partnership will initially focus on practical initiatives including the electrification of CATL transport flows in Europe and a battery-swapping pilot for heavy-duty trucks provided by Qiji, which is set to launch in China this year. Additional areas of collaboration include battery recycling and aftersales support, as well as energy storage and charging solutions for logistics sites. Together, these activities support both companies' Scope 3 emissions reduction ambitions across their logistics and transportation value chains. "As global leaders in our respective industries, CATL and Kuehne+Nagel share a commitment to accelerating the energy transition and achieving a net-zero emissions future," said Akin Li, Executive President of CATL Overseas Business. "Our elevated partnership will not only contribute to both parties' sustainability targets, but also help advance a greener future." "Battery-electric vehicles are essential to decarbonising road freight," said Søren Schmidt, Executive Vice President Road Logistics at Kuehne+Nagel. "Accelerating the transition requires solutions that are both high-performing and operationally viable. By combining CATL's battery expertise with our logistics knowhow, we can advance initiatives that help reduce our own emissions and those of our customers." The partnership comes at a time of rapidly growing demand for electric vehicles and energy storage solutions. In 2024, demand for EV batteries increased by more than 75%, while battery manufacturing capacity continues to expand through a growing network of gigafactories worldwide.
- September 29, 2026Business
AWC in Partnership with BMA and Generali, Launches GIVE GREEN CBD Bangkok Marathon 2027, the First CBD Festive Marathon in Bangkok A Landmark Urban Running Experience Celebrating Wellness, Lifestyle and the Energy of the City
Asset World Corp Public Company Limited (AWC) , Thailand's leading integrated lifestyle real estate group, and the Asset World Foundation for Charity (AWFC) , together with the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) and Generali today announced GIVE GREEN CBD Bangkok Marathon 2027, presented by the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration, AWC and Generali. The event was announced at a press conference held at The Empire in Sathorn, presided over by Mr. Chadchart Sittipunt, Governor of Bangkok. Taking place on Sunday, 31 January 2027, the event will be Bangkok’s first certified full marathon to run through the heart of the capital’s central business district. Starting and finishing at The Empire in Sathorn, runners will take a 42.195-kilometers course through Bangkok’s CBD and the Chao Phraya riverside before returning to The Empire. Building on the legacy of CBD WE RUN , the community run organized by AWFC and its partners since 2014 with support from the BMA, the event marks its evolution into a full marathon for the first time. Alongside the flagship 42.195-kilometer, the event will also feature half-marathon, 10-kilometer and 5-kilometer categories. It aims to establish a new annual international-standard marathon that brings together running, lifestyle, wellness and community engagement in the heart of Bangkok. Generali Thailand supports the wellbeing of Bangkok’s CBD community beyond traditional protection by encouraging healthier lifestyles through movement, balance and wellness. Its partnership with GIVE GREEN CBD Bangkok Marathon 2027 reflects this commitment, supporting participants throughout their journey—from preparation and training to race day and beyond. Globally Certified Course Through the Heart of the Bangkok The race will start and finish at The Empire, taking runners through Bangkok’s CBD and along the Chao Phraya riverside before returning to Sathorn. The 42.195-kilometer course will be measured and certified in accordance with AIMS and World Athletics standards by Kim Vivian, AIMS International Course Measurer (Grade A), World Athletics Representative and Official Measurer of the Bangkok Marathon 2023. Official finishing times will therefore be recognized in accordance with internationally accepted marathon standards. The final route is being developed in consultation with the Metropolitan Police Bureau and will be announced later. A Marathon That Feels Like a Festival GIVE GREEN CBD Bangkok Marathon is designed as a city-wide celebration. Along the route, runners and spectators will enjoy live music, entertainment and creative activities, transforming the race into a festival experience from start to finish. The event invites people to participate in different ways—from competitive runners pursuing personal bests and families joining the 5-kilometer category to spectators enjoying the festivities and office workers and residents experiencing Bangkok’s streets from a new perspective. By combining sport with music, lifestyle and social experiences, the marathon aims to become a distinctive annual event that Bangkok residents and visitors look forward to each year. In partnership with Tinder Thailand , the 10-kilometer and 5-kilometer categories will also feature social experiences, including “intent wristbands” and seven days of Tinder Gold for registered participants, subject to applicable terms and conditions. These elements will create additional opportunities for participants to connect while enjoying the event. The Empire: Home of the Marathon The marathon will start and finish at The Empire , a mixed-use destination serving approximately 25,000 people daily and holding internationally recognized certifications including WELL Core Certified™ Platinum, Fitwel 2-Star, LEED Gold, WiredScore Platinum and SmartScore Gold . The Empire is home to The Empire Co-Living Space; the newly launched EA Wellness Club, Thailand’s first integrated wellness and lifestyle destination bringing together longevity, movement, recovery, spa and dining experiences; and EA Rooftop at The Empire, Bangkok’s largest rooftop destination. Together, these experiences reflect AWC’s vision of integrating wellness into everyday urban life. Mrs. Wallapa Traisorat, Chief Executive Officer and President of Asset World Corp Public Company Limited (AWC), stated: “At AWC, we believe in fun, festive and wellness experiences as an important part of how destinations create value for people and the wider community. GIVE GREEN CBD Bangkok Marathon 2027 brings this belief to life by encouraging healthier lifestyles, creating a celebration of happiness, connecting people through a shared experience, and giving back to Bangkok. The opening of EA Wellness Club in Q4 2026, the largest integrated wellness facility, further demonstrates our commitment and passion for promoting wellbeing at The Empire and across Bangkok. The event also reflects our 3BETTERs approach — Better People through wellbeing and community participation, Better Planet through support for environmental initiatives, and Better Prosperity by strengthening Bangkok’s appeal as an active, vibrant and sustainable global destination. We are grateful to the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration, Generali and all our partners for working together to create a world-class event that delivers meaningful experiences to the community and contributes positively to the city and its people.” Mr. Chadchart Sittipunt, Governor of Bangkok, stated: “A city is made of people, not just concrete, and its true measure is the quality of life it gives them every day. The GIVE GREEN CBD Bangkok Marathon 2027 shows what happens when running, music, food, wellness and community come together as one ecosystem in The heart of the city, turning the CBD's streets into a place where office workers, families and runners from around the world can move, connect and enjoy Bangkok together. A good city isn't just smart; it has to be sensible for the people living in it and sustainable for the generations who come next. By supporting green initiatives through this event, we are building a Bangkok that is livable for everyone and proving that Bangkok can rise to the top tier and compete globally.” Mr. Arsh Kaumi, Country Manager & CEO of Generali Thailand stated: “At Generali, we believe that building a sustainable future begins with healthier and more resilient communities. This marathon serves as a powerful platform to inspire healthier lifestyles and bring people together through a shared pursuit of wellbeing. Together with AWC, the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration, and our partners across the ecosystem, Generali supports a movement that promotes wellness, resilience, and social connection. As the Title Sponsor, we look forward to supporting this growing community of runners and helping more people embrace healthier lives through the power of sport and community.” Green by Name, Green by Intent A portion of the event proceeds will support environmental initiatives of the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration , while the remaining proceeds will be donated to the Asset World Foundation for Charity (AWFC) to support programs that contribute to a healthier, more inclusive and more sustainable Bangkok. More than a marathon, GIVE GREEN CBD Bangkok Marathon 2027 is designed to create lasting value for the city, its communities and future generations. For more race details, please follow for update at Facebook/CBDWeRun or Line ID: @theempire #AWC #GIVEGREENCBDBANGKOKMARATHON#TheEmpire #EAWellnessClub #Generali #AWCLifestyleDestinations
- September 29, 2026Business
AWC and Meliá Hotels International Scale Strategic Partnership to Expand Luxury and Lifestyle Portfolio with Over 3,000 Keys Across Destinations
Asset World Corp Public Company Limited (AWC) , Thailand's leading integrated lifestyle real estate group, and Meliá Hotels International (MHI) , one of Europe's leading hospitality companies, announced the expansion of their long-standing strategic partnership to develop luxury and lifestyle hotels and resorts across Thailand's most iconic destinations. As part of AWC's long-term development pipeline in Thailand through 2036, AWC and Meliá Hotels International will expand their collaboration to grow the portfolio to more than 3,000 keys across key destinations under multiple luxury and lifestyle brands, including Meliá Hotels & Resorts, ME by Meliá, Paradisus by Meliá, INNSiDE by Meliá, and Gran Meliá Hotels & Resorts. The collaboration includes a pipeline of landmark developments across Thailand, highlighted by Paradisus Jomtien Resort, which will introduce the Paradisus by Meliá brand to Thailand. Scheduled to open in 2031 on Pattaya's Jomtien beachfront, the luxury all-inclusive resort will redefine the all-inclusive hospitality experience for a new generation of luxury travelers in Asia. This long-term vision is built on a strong foundation of partnership and shared experience. With approximately 1,900 keys across its operating and pipeline portfolio, AWC is the largest owner of Meliá Hotels International in Thailand, reflecting the longstanding confidence between the two companies and their shared commitment to Thailand’s tourism growth. Together, AWC and Meliá will continue to bring globally recognized brands to Thailand’s most sought-after destinations while creating long-term value for travelers, local communities, and the country’s tourism industry. The strengthened partnership will also bring two Meliá’s hotels to Sukhumvit 24 and 26, with both properties scheduled to welcome guests in Q4 2026, initially under their conversion label before transitioning to ME by Meliá & Meliá Hotels & Resorts in Q4 2027. While Meliá Hotels & Resorts will build on the brand’s established presence within AWC’s portfolio, which already includes Meliá Chiang Mai, Meliá Koh Samui and Meliá Pattaya Hotel. Together, the two hotels will bring distinct hospitality experiences to Phrom Phong, one of Bangkok’s most vibrant districts. The strength of the partnership is reflected in the recognition earned across AWC’s Meliá portfolio. INNSiDE by Meliá Bangkok Sukhumvit was named among Bangkok’s top hotels in the Condé Nast Traveler 2025 Readers’ Choice Awards and received the Thailand Tourism Awards in the Design Hotel category. Meliá Chiang Mai, Thailand received the Thailand Tourism Excellence Award in the City Hotel category and was recognized among Thailand’s Top Upcountry Hotels in the Travel + Leisure Luxury Awards Asia Pacific 2023. Meliá Koh Samui was honored by TTG Travel Asia as the Best 5-Star Hotel in Koh Samui and received World Travel & Hotel Awards for Best Family Hotel and Best Luxury Hotel. Meliá Pattaya Hotel, Thailand was also recognized among Smart Travel Asia’s Top 10 New Hotels. Sustainability and quality remain central to the partnership. Across AWC’s existing Meliá-operated portfolio, including Meliá Pattaya Hotel, Thailand, Meliá Koh Samui, Meliá Chiang Mai, Thailand and INNSiDE by Meliá Bangkok Sukhumvit, properties have earned internationally recognized sustainability and wellness certifications, including LEED, WELL, and ECOSTARS, reflecting a shared commitment to responsible hospitality and future-ready guest experiences. Meliá Pattaya Hotel, Thailand Meliá Koh Samui INNSiDE by Meliá Bangkok Sukhumvit Meliá Chiang Mai, Thailand Mrs. Wallapa Traisorat, Chief Executive Officer and President of Asset World Corp Public Company Limited (AWC), stated: “AWC and Meliá share a strong belief in Thailand’s potential as one of the world’s leading sustainable tourism destinations. We greatly value Meliá as one of our key long-term partners, with internationally respected hospitality expertise, a diverse portfolio of luxury and family lifestyle brands, and values that strengthen our own commitment to creating meaningful experiences for guests, communities and the country. Our partnership is built not only on the hotels we develop together, but also on a shared vision of how tourism can create broader value. Together, we are embedding sustainability into every part of the guest journey - from wellbeing and responsible hotel operations to local sourcing, local ingredients, community products and support for Thai farmers and artisans. Through initiatives such as The Gallery, we can also connect travelers with the creativity and craftsmanship of local communities, enabling every stay to contribute to sustainable livelihoods. We sincerely appreciate the trust, commitment and shared values Meliá has brought to our partnership over the years. With the strength of AWC’s destinations and Meliá’s global hospitality expertise, we look forward to growing together, introducing distinctive experiences across Thailand and strengthening both Thailand’s tourism industry and its sustainable development.” Meanwhile, Mr. Gabriel Escarrer Jaume, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Meliá Hotels International, said: “Thailand is one of Meliá Hotels International’s most strategic markets in Asia Pacific, with global appeal and a remarkable diversity of destinations that continue to attract travelers from around the world. We are delighted to deepen our partnership with AWC, with whom we share our core corporate values, and whose understanding of Thailand’s hospitality landscape and long-term destination vision make them a valued partner in our growth journey. This agreement creates exciting opportunities to introduce distinctive luxury and lifestyle brands to some of Thailand’s most iconic destinations, while building on the success of our existing collaboration. Together, we look forward to creating hospitality experiences that celebrate Thailand’s rich cultural character while meeting the evolving expectations of global travelers.” Founded in 1956, Meliá Hotels International is one of the world’s leading hospitality companies, with a portfolio of more than 400 hotels across over 40 countries. Renowned for its expertise in luxury and leisure hospitality, the company continues to expand globally, supported by its MeliáRewards loyalty platform serving travelers around the world. AWC and Meliá Hotels International currently operate several properties in Thailand, including Meliá Chiang Mai, Thailand, INNSiDE by Meliá Bangkok Sukhumvit, Meliá Koh Samui, and Meliá Pattaya Hotel, Thailand. This expanded framework builds on a strong existing partnership and sets the stage for the next chapter of growth across Thailand’s leading destinations. The strengthened collaboration reflects AWC’s hospitality strategy of creating long-term value through trusted global partnerships, while contributing to Thailand’s continued growth as a leading tourism destination.
- September 29, 2026Business
Lunit Expands AI-Powered Breast Cancer Screening Across the Stockholm Region
Lunit (KRX:328130), a leading provider of AI for cancer diagnostics and precision oncology, today announced that its AI-powered mammography solution, Lunit INSIGHT MMG, will be implemented as an independent second reader across the entire Stockholm Region in Sweden, building on years of successful clinical validation and real-world use at Capio Saint Göran Hospital. The deployment, carried out in collaboration with Sectra, will span three institutions: Capio Saint Göran Hospital, Karolinska University Hospital, and Södersjukhuset (Sös). Once fully implemented, the deployment is expected to support between 200,000 and 250,000 examinations annually. The Stockholm deployment follows Lunit’s earlier regional deployment in Dalarna, marking the company’s second region-level deployment in Sweden. It builds on several years of clinical and operational experience at Saint Göran, where the solution progressed from prospective clinical evaluation to routine breast cancer screening. Since its adoption in 2023, Lunit’s AI solution has supported approximately 200,000 examinations over the past three years and has continued to support the screening workflow through changes in mammography systems, demonstrating its ability to operate at scale in a real-world screening environment. That track record began with ScreenTrustCAD, a prospective population-based study at Saint Göran that evaluated the solution in the real-world screening of more than 55,000 women. One-year real-world results presented at the Radiological Society of North America (RSNA) 2024 Annual Meeting later showed a 15% increase in cancer detection and more than a 36% reduction in radiologists’ reading time, with strong Normal Flagging performance contributing to improved reading efficiency. “Building on this progression from clinical research to routine implementation and real-world validation, the expansion across Stockholm Region represents an important next step,” said Karin Dembrower of Capio Saint Göran Hospital. “It brings an approach first evaluated and implemented at a single hospital to a broader regional breast cancer screening environment.” "Stockholm is a powerful example of how rigorous clinical evidence can translate into real-world adoption and ultimately broader healthcare implementation," said Brandon Suh, CEO of Lunit. "What began as a prospective clinical study has grown into routine clinical use and is now expanding to a regional scale. We believe this evidence-to-adoption journey demonstrates the role clinically validated AI can play in building more effective and sustainable cancer screening programs worldwide." The Stockholm Region deployment marks another important milestone in Lunit’s expansion across Europe, demonstrating how clinical evidence, real-world validation, and routine implementation can translate into large-scale adoption of AI in population-based breast cancer screening. ### About Lunit Founded in 2013, Lunit (KRX:328130) is a global leader on a mission to conquer cancer through AI. Our clinically validated solutions span medical imaging, breast health, and biomarker analysis—empowering earlier detection, smarter treatment decisions, and more precise outcomes across the cancer care continuum. Lunit offers a comprehensive suite spanning from risk prediction and early detection to precision oncology. Our FDA-cleared Lunit INSIGHT Breast Suite and breast health solutions support cancer screening in thousands of medical institutions worldwide, while the Lunit SCOPE platform is used in research partnership with global pharma and laboratory leaders for biomarker research and companion diagnostic development. Trusted by over 10,000 sites in more than 65 countries, Lunit combines deep medical expertise with continuously evolving datasets to deliver measurable impact—for patients, clinicians, and researchers alike. Headquartered in Seoul with global offices, Lunit is driving the worldwide fight against cancer. Learn more at lunit.io . About Sectra Sectra’s enterprise imaging solution provides a unified strategy for all imaging needs while lowering operational costs. The scalable and modular solution, with a VNA at its core, allows healthcare providers to grow from ology to ology and from enterprise to enterprise. Visit Sectra’s website to read more about Sectra and why it’s top-ranked in “ Best in KLAS ”
- September 29, 2026Business
Weathernews for business to Reach 40,000 Users as Official App of the Aichi-Nagoya 2026 Asian Games
Weathernews Inc. (Headquarters: Chiba, Japan; President and Representative Director: Tomohiro Ishibashi), the official supplier for the 20th Asian Games and the 5th Asian Para Games Aichi-Nagoya 2026, announced that its corporate service Weathernews for business has been selected for use in Games operations. From August to October, Weathernews for business user accounts will be distributed to roughly 40,000 people, including members of the Organizing Committee, operations staff, volunteers, and team leaders from the 45 participating countries and regions, and will be used to support safety measures at all 53 competition venues. Providing direct weather information to every participating delegation is an extremely rare measure for host countries at the Asian Games and Asian Para Games. For the Games, Weathernews tailoredvenue forecasts and push notifications to align with competition schedules, integrating its operational expertise from past international sporting events directly into its AI Agent. Available in multiple languages, the AI Agent eliminates language barriers to provide instant answers for delegates across the 45 participating countries and regions, such as predicting typhoon impacts or pinpointing when rain will clear. It also includes a Safety Confirmation feature for major disasters, doubling as a safety management and communication platform for roughly 40,000 people in the event of an emergency. Leveraging its industry-leading weather forecasting accuracy and AI technology, Weathernews will help create a safe, seamless environment where athletes, spectators, and staff from across Asia can focus on the competition. Inquiries about this service: /contact/inquiries-about-our-services/ See here for this service: https://wxtech.weathernews.com/en/industries/sports/ Points １. Real-Time, Pinpoint Weather Data for All 53 Venues ２. A Multilingual AI Agent, Always Ready to Help with Weather-Related Concerns ３. Track Cancellation Risk Due to Rain and Wind on the Competition Calendar and Take Precautions Days in Advance with AI Typhoon Forecasts ４. A Built-In Safety Confirmation Feature for Games Personnel in the Event of a Disaster Addressing Severe Weather Challenges Across a Wide-Area, Multi-Venue Event to Enable Rapid, On-Site Decision Making Spanning from the August torch relay through the Asian Games (September 19 to October 4), and Asian Para Games (October 18 to October 24), the events coincide with a peak period for weather risks — typhoons, sudden localized thunderstorms, and severe summer heat. Managing these conditions is vital to ensure participant safety and keep competitions on schedule. With 53 venues distributed across a wide region, this is one of the most geographically dispersed multi-venue events in history. Such scale demands sophisticated weather-risk management, ranging from real-time decisions on pausing outdoor competition to monitoring safety for the cruise ship docked at the Port of Nagoya to house athletes. Based on its experience with past events, Weathernews recognized that traditional support through via directphone calls and video meetings had reached its limits in simultaneously responding to rapidly changing weather across so many widespread venues. To enable rapid and optimal on-the-ground decision-making, the company customized Weathernews for business, specifically for the Games, including English-language support. Already proven across professional sports leagues, the platform provides local organizers with the real-time data needed to manage weather risks efficiently. Weathernews for business Customized for the Asian Games/Asian Para Games to Be Used by Approximately 40,000 People Weathernews will roll out Weathernews for business to approximately 40,000 key personnel, delivering hyper-local venue forecasts, AI-driven multilingual assistance, and a Safety Confirmation system for use in emergencies, among other services. At previous Games, participating delegations had to gather weather information independently. For these Games, however, Weathernews for business will be provided directly to all participating teams. With the service also available in English, Weathernews can provide its industry-leading, highly accurate weather information to a wide range of stakeholders. Weathernews believes this centralized approach by the Organizing Committee will set a new benchmark for safety management at international sporting events. The dedicated page for the Games, with buttons to switch between weather information, the Schedule feature, and safety reporting Rain and wind risk shown alongside the competition schedule Detailed weather information for each of the 53 venues Safety reports can be submitted in an emergency (AINAGOC stands for the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games Organizing Committee) 1. Real-Time, Pinpoint Weather Data for All 53 Venues Beginning in August, Weathernews will gradually roll out approximately 40,000 Weathernews for business accounts, starting with approximately 4,000 Organizing Committee staff before expanding to venue operations personnel and international team leaders. Through a mobile app or dedicated web platform, users can access real-time, pinpoint forecasts across all 53 venues in and around Aichi Prefecture. The platform delivers instant data on rain radar, lightning risk, heatstroke indices, wind speed, and direction. Automated push notifications alert users to incoming storm clouds, typhoons, linear rainbands, and heavy rainfall that might exceed operational thresholds—ensuring critical weather shifts are never missed. 2. A Multilingual AI Agent, Always Ready to Help with Weather-Related Concerns Recognizing the limits of managing multiple venues through direct meetings and calls, Weathernews turned to automation. The company upgraded the AI Agent within Weathernews for business with multilingual capabilities, training it on meteorological expertise it has accumulated from past major sporting events. This enables international team leaders and staff members to check weather conditions and ask questions in their native language at any time. The AI provides expert, meteorologist-level responses to queries—such as typhoon timelines or rain forecasts—alleviating operational concerns and supporting swift, informed decision-making on the ground. A response from the AI Agent (right side of the screen). The question asked: “Please tell me what the weather will be like tomorrow at Mizuho Stadium in English. Are there any times of day when the weather might affect outdoor events?” 3. Track Cancellation Risk Due to Rain and Wind on the Competition Calendar and Take Precautions Days in Advance with AI Typhoon Forecasts A built-in Schedule feature (competition calendar) allows users to register event timetables and track weather risks in both Japanese and English. By displaying wind and rain impacts along with cancellation probabilities, the feature enables organizers to plan safety measures and schedule adjustments several days ahead. 10-day forecasts are color-coded across three threat levels (Normal, Caution, and Warning), allowing users to instantly gauge risk. Competition schedule and shown in the Schedule feature (*For illustration purposes only) To help organizers anticipate worst-case scenarios, the Tropical Cyclone Track and Tropical Storm Force Wind Radius Forecast feature aggregates 22 distinct forecast models. This combines physical models from global meteorological agencies with cutting-edge AI systems—including Google’s WeatherNext (FNV3)—giving users a comprehensive view of potential storm paths.If a tropical cyclone is predicted to approach during the Games, measures are expected to be taken several days in advance, including decisions on whether to hold outdoor events, advance preparations, and safety management for the large cruise ship serving as athlete accommodation. A total of 22 AI and physical models from around the world are shown in the typhoon forecast(*For illustration purposes only) 4. A Built-In Safety Confirmation Feature for Games Personnel in the Event of a Disaster Weathernews for business will also support Business Continuity Planning (BCP) for approximately 4,000 Organizing Committee staff members and key staff. In the event of an earthquake, the platform automatically issues Earthquake Early Warnings, tsunami warnings, and other emergency alerts. Using location data, Safety Confirmation requests are triggered specifically for personnel in affected areas (*1) (*2). he service acts as a centralized crisis-management platform, allowing administrators to instantly evaluate staff safety alongside live seismic data, radar maps, and weather overlays. *1: If location services are turned off, notifications are based on weather information for a pre-registered work location. *2: While Safety Confirmation is not part of the core weather support contract with the Organizing Committee, Weathernews is offering this supplementary feature through Weathernews for business to further assist Games operations.
- September 29, 2026Business
TOPPAN Group Inaugurates New BOPP Film Manufacturing Line at Irplast in Italy
TOPPAN Inc. (TOPPAN), a TOPPAN Group company and wholly owned subsidiary of TOPPAN Holdings Inc. (TYO: 7911), and its Italy-based film manufacturing subsidiary Irplast S.p.A. (Irplast), today announced the inauguration of a new manufacturing line for high-performance biaxially oriented polypropylene (BOPP) films, marking the occasion with a ceremony on September 15, 2026. An overview of this development will be included at the TOPPAN booth (East Hall 2, Booth No. 2R10) during TOKYO PACK 2026, to be held at Tokyo Big Sight from Wednesday, October 14 to Friday, October 16, 2026. Background and Objectives In its packaging business, the TOPPAN Group is accelerating the establishment of its global supply network for recycle-ready mono-material packaging to meet tightening environmental regulations - such as the EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) - and to drive the transition toward a circular economy. Irplast, a TOPPAN Group company, is a premium film manufacturer equipped with advanced simultaneous biaxial orientation technology. Its unique expertise in minimizing thermal shrinkage provides BOPP films with exceptional heat resistance, mechanical strength, and superior transparency. Through the operation of this line, together with existing capabilities, the plant will be able to establish an overall supply infrastructure of up to 30,000 tonnes per year for high-performance BOPP films. This deployment expands the TOPPAN Group’s production capabilities and enhances manufacturing efficiency, ensuring a stable, local supply to meet the surging demand for sustainable packaging in Europe and beyond. Features of the New Manufacturing Line ・Developing High-Value Applications through Simultaneous Orientation Technology: The films produced on this line offer uniform physical properties and high dimensional stability achieved through the LISIM1 simultaneous stretching process. Leveraging this robustness, TOPPAN and Irplast will actively develop high-end packaging applications that require durability even under demanding conditions, such as retort sterilization. ・Reducing Environmental Impact through Package Down Gauging: Utilizing the film’s superior mechanical strength, development will be focused toward "down gauging" (reducing film thickness). This enables a steady and continuous reduction in plastic consumption while maintaining essential packaging functions, directly supporting resource conservation goals. Future Activities The new line is expected to commence full commercial operations by late 2026, supplying high-performance BOPP films to packaging converters and global brand owners. The combination of Irplast’s BOPP film manufacturing expertise and the TOPPAN Group’s broad base of technologies and solutions will expand sustainable solutions worldwide by driving use as a next-generation substrate in transparent GL BARRIER2 films as well as unlocking new possibilities for high-performance, sustainable packaging solutions that contribute to a circular economy. 1 LISIM is Bruckner’s simultaneous stretching technology utilized by Irplast. URL: https://www.irplast.com/bopp-film-division/ 2 GL BARRIER is TOPPAN’s proprietary brand of transparent film products that deliver world-class barrier performance. Stable performance is enabled by a multi-layer structure combining a unique coating layer with a high-quality vapor-deposited layer. In recognition of their numerous outstanding features, GL BARRIER products are used in a wide variety of fields, including the food, healthcare/pharmaceutical, and industrial materials sectors. Combining the functions of the printing and barrier substrate layers into a single layer provides an alternative to aluminum foil with a streamlined layer structure. https://www.toppan.com/en/living-industry/packaging/products/barrier_film/ About the TOPPAN Group Established in Tokyo in 1900, the TOPPAN Group is a leading and diversified global provider committed to delivering sustainable, integrated solutions in fields including printing, communications, security, packaging, décor materials, electronics, and digital transformation. The TOPPAN Group’s global team of more than 50,000 employees offers optimal solutions enabled by industry-leading expertise and technologies to address the diverse challenges of every business sector and society and contribute to the achievement of shared sustainability goals. https://www.holdings.toppan.com/en/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/toppan/
- September 29, 2026Business
Jetstar extends Cairns to Sunshine Coast flights through to October 2027
Jetstar will extend its Sunshine Coast (Maroochydore) to Cairns service through to October 2027, maintaining the only direct air link between the two Queensland destinations. The seasonal service was previously due to end in March 2027, but will will now continue through to October. The extension reflects steady demand in both directions, from holidaymakers as well as people visiting friends and family, and will add more than 34,000 seats The seasonal route gives travellers in Tropical North Queensland and on the Sunshine Coast a direct low-fares connection. Flights pause for a short break over February and early March, returning three times a week from 30 March, 2027 Fares start from $94^ one way. Jetstar Executive Manager Commercial Planning, Scott Zeglin said Queensland is one of the airline's biggest markets. "Connecting Queensland is a core part of our network, and we're proud to work with Sunshine Coast and Cairns airports to help more people takeoff more for less. "Keeping these flights going through means more Jetstar customers can get home to family and friends, or lock in a Queensland holiday, on a low fare." Sunshine Coast Airport CEO, Chris Mills said the extended service would give locals and visitors greater choice when travelling between two of Queensland’s leading tourism destinations. "Direct flights like this are incredibly valuable to our region, making it easier for people to travel for holidays, visit friends and family, and connect with other parts of Queensland. “The Sunshine Coast and Tropical North Queensland are both major tourism destinations, and having a direct link between them means travellers can spend less time connecting through other airports and more time enjoying their destination."
- September 29, 2026Business
Cagamas and Monash University Chart the Path to Scaling Green Affordable Housing Supply in Malaysia
Cagamas Berhad (“Cagamas”), the National Mortgage Corporation of Malaysia, and Monash University Malaysia (“Monash”) today launched a joint research report entitled, Unlocking Scale: Challenges and Policy Pathways for Green Affordable Housing Supply in Malaysia , which examines the challenges and opportunities in scaling Green Affordable Housing (“GAH”) in Malaysia. Encik Kameel Abdul Halim, President/Chief Executive Officer of Cagamas Berhad, said: “Through this collaboration with Monash University Malaysia, we aim to identify practical solutions to address key barriers and strengthen Malaysia’s GAH ecosystem. We found that the right combination of financing, supportive policies and industry collaboration will be critical to accelerating adoption and expanding access to sustainable home ownership for Malaysian home buyers. There has to be a solution to address the trade-offs between affordability and sustainability.” Professor Dato’ Ir Faisal Rafiq Mahamd Adikan FASc, Vice President (Research and Development) Monash University Malaysia, said, "The report highlights that scaling Green Affordable Housing requires more than financing solutions alone. A coordinated ecosystem involving policymakers, developers, financial institutions and industry stakeholders will be essential to ensure sustainable housing remains accessible and affordable for Malaysian home buyers. We hope the findings will support informed policy discussions and contribute to better outcomes for future home owners." The report concludes that advancing GAH requires more than individual initiatives. Success depends on aligning financial incentives, policy frameworks, industry capability and market awareness within a coordinated housing ecosystem. Through targeted interventions and stronger stakeholder collaboration, Malaysia can scale GAH while balancing both affordability and sustainability objectives. The full report can be accessed at this LINK . From left to right: Professor Avvari V. Mohan, Deputy Head (Research and Engagement & Impact) at the School of Business, Monash University Malaysia and Encik Kameel Abdul Halim, President/Chief Executive Officer, Cagamas Berhad
- September 29, 2026Business
Mandarin Oriental The Landmark, Hong Kong Awarded Two MICHELIN Keys
Mandarin Oriental The Landmark, Hong Kong has been awarded Two MICHELIN Keys by the MICHELIN Guide, recognising the hotel as one of the world's most exceptional places to stay and marking a significant milestone in its newly reimagined chapter. The recognition comes just months after the hotel's reopening, following an extensive transformation that has reshaped the property into a contemporary luxury destination in the heart of Central. Through personalised service, thoughtful design shaped by the reimagined interiors of Joyce Wang and the hotel's distinctive façade by acclaimed design practice Neri&Hu, and a curated collection of immersive experiences, the hotel has cultivated a distinctive sense of place that defines its next chapter. Introduced by the MICHELIN Guide as the hotel equivalent of its renowned restaurant stars, MICHELIN Keys celebrate properties that deliver truly outstanding guest experiences through exceptional architecture and design, service, personality, value and contribution to their destination. Two MICHELIN Keys are awarded to hotels offering an exceptional stay and a memorable experience worthy of a special journey. "This recognition is an extraordinary validation of the vision behind our transformation," said Michael Groll, General Manager of Mandarin Oriental The Landmark, Hong Kong. "To receive Two MICHELIN Keys so soon after reopening reflects the dedication, passion and craftsmanship of our colleagues, who have reimagined every aspect of the guest journey. From our redesigned rooms and suites to our wellness offering and world-class dining, every detail has been thoughtfully curated to create a modern luxury experience that is distinctive to Hong Kong. We are deeply honoured by this recognition and grateful to our guests for their continued trust and support." Located in the heart of Central, Mandarin Oriental The Landmark, Hong Kong continues to evolve its role within the city's luxury landscape, bringing together visitors, local residents and tastemakers through distinctive dining, wellness and cultural experiences. The hotel's vision extends beyond accommodation, creating a destination that reflects the energy and creativity of the surrounding community. The award further reinforces the hotel's unique position as one of Asia's most compelling culinary destinations. The seventh floor of Mandarin Oriental The Landmark, Hong Kong is home to an extraordinary collection of restaurants and bars, including seven MICHELIN Stars and one MICHELIN Green Star under one roof. Culinary highlights include the three-MICHELIN-Starred and Green-Starred Amber, the three-MICHELIN-Starred Sushi Shikon, and the one-MICHELIN-Starred Rin. As the latest chapter in the hotel's evolution unfolds, Mandarin Oriental The Landmark, Hong Kong continues to shape a new expression of luxury hospitality in Hong Kong, bringing together exceptional design, award-winning dining, personalised service and meaningful wellness experiences in the heart of Central. About Mandarin Oriental The Landmark, Hong Kong Intimate, contemporary and stylishly placed in Hong Kong's financial and fashion address, Mandarin Oriental The Landmark, Hong Kong sets the standard for luxury lifestyle sophistication, offering tranquil retreat for business and leisure travellers alike with its 111 spacious rooms and suites designed by Joyce Wang. Recognised as one of the city's most premium dining destinations with the triumph of eight Michelin stars on the 7th floor, the Hotel is currently partaking in a transformative project of the LANDMARK complex and poised to elevate exceptional lifestyle experiences in 2026.
- September 29, 2026Business
Ally Logistic Property and CapitaLand Investment advance Singapore’s logistics transformation with scalable, automation-ready OMEGA logistics infrastructure
Ally Logistic Property (ALP), an integrated logistics infrastructure company, and leading global real asset manager CapitaLand Investment Limited (CLI) today broke ground on OMEGA 1 Singapore, a S$260 million development designed to support Singapore’s next generation of smart logistics infrastructure. (L-R) Mr Tomoaki Ichida, Senior Managing Executive Officer, Mitsui O.S.K. Lines Ltd; Ms Patricia Goh, CEO, Southeast Asia & Global Head, Logistics & Self-Storage, CapitaLand Investment; Dr Tung Chen-Yuan, Representative, Taipei Representative Office in the Republic of Singapore; Mr Charlie Chang, Co-Founder & CEO, Ally Logistic Property; Ms Jacqueline Poh, CEO, JTC Corporation; Ms Ho Weng Si, Executive Vice President, Services and Global Enterprises, EDB; Ms Keren Liu, COO of Southeast Asia, Ally Logistic Property; Mr Harry Yan, Managing Director, Head of Southeast Asia Logistics, CapitaLand Investment. An asset under CLI’s CapitaLand Southeast Asia Logistics Fund (CSLF), OMEGA 1 Singapore is ALP’s first deployment of its integrated OMEGA logistics infrastructure platform in Singapore. Developed and proven in Taiwan, OMEGA integrates industrial real estate, shared automation, proprietary software and AI-enabled operational tools within a single platform that helps businesses improve fulfilment speed, operational visibility and supply chain resilience. OMEGA enables businesses to scale their operations more efficiently without having to bear the significant upfront investment required to develop separate infrastructure and integrate multiple systems. This supports higher logistics throughput, reduces reliance on labour-intensive processes and allows businesses to expand more flexibly in line with demand. Charlie Chang, Chief Executive Officer and Co-Founder of ALP , said: Logistics infrastructure can no longer be defined by space alone. As supply chains are restructured, labour becomes scarcer, and AI reshapes operations, businesses need infrastructure that connects physical assets, automation, software and intelligence as one system. OMEGA is ALP’s response to that shift. Developed in Taiwan and designed for international deployment, it gives companies a more scalable path towards automation, operational resilience and digital transformation. OMEGA 1 Singapore is our first deployment of the platform in Singapore and an important step in ALP’s long-term commitment to the country’s logistics transformation. Patricia Goh, CEO, Southeast Asia and Global Head, Logistics & Self-Storage, CapitaLand Investment , said: Demand from institutional investors and occupiers for technology-enabled logistics infrastructure continues to grow across Asia Pacific. This is driven by structural trends such as labour shortages arising from an ageing population, ecommerce growth, and the AI-driven transformation of business processes and supply chains. As we continue to expand our logistics footprint across key Asia Pacific markets, we remain focused on developing future-ready assets through selective development and asset enhancement opportunities. These investments will strengthen CLI’s differentiated logistics operating capabilities and support the growth of our listed and private funds management platform. Ms Patricia Goh OMEGA 1 Singapore: Supporting Singapore’s industrial and logistics transformation Targeted for completion in the second half of 2028, OMEGA 1 Singapore will be located at 19 Gul Lane within Singapore’s western industrial and logistics cluster. Situated near Tuas Port, Tuas Checkpoint and Jurong Port, OMEGA 1 Singapore will support domestic distribution, regional fulfilment and cross-border logistics flows. As fulfilment volumes continue to grow, Singapore’s logistics sector faces persistent land and labour constraints, alongside the increasing complexity of integrating physical infrastructure, automation, software and systems. OMEGA 1 Singapore is designed to address these challenges through shared and standardised infrastructure that can help businesses adopt advanced logistics capabilities more efficiently and scale their operations over time. More broadly, OMEGA 1 Singapore aims to introduce a scalable logistics infrastructure model that supports Singapore’s position as a critical regional and global trade hub, while helping businesses automate, expand and respond more effectively to evolving supply-chain needs. OMEGA 1 Singapore Jacqueline Poh, Chief Executive Officer of JTC Corporation , said: Optimising land use and adopting technology at scale will be critical to Singapore's next phase of logistics growth. OMEGA 1 Singapore demonstrates how innovative infrastructure partnerships can support a more competitive and future-ready logistics ecosystem, reinforcing Singapore’s role as a leading global trade and logistics hub. Ho Weng Si, Executive Vice President, Economic Development Board (EDB) , said: OMEGA 1 Singapore delivers integrated, automation-ready infrastructure to support companies’ regional distribution operations. This investment highlights continued confidence in Singapore’s logistics ecosystem and reinforces our ongoing efforts to scale automation and build digital capabilities across the sector, creating good job opportunities for locals. Mr Charlie Chang, Co-Founder & CEO, Ally Logistic Property Mr Tung Chen-Yuan, Representative, Taipei Representative Office in the Republic of Singapore Ms Jacqueline Poh, CEO, JTC Corporation Building a scalable international OMEGA network OMEGA reflects ALP’s vision to reshape how logistics infrastructure is designed, delivered and operated. OMEGA 1 Singapore marks an important step in ALP’s broader ambition to expand the OMEGA platform across major regional and international markets. In Southeast Asia, ALP already has OMEGA facilities operating or under development in Malaysia and Thailand. Under CSLF, OMEGA 1 Bang Na , a built-to-suit smart logistics campus, is being developed in the Greater Bangkok Metropolitan Area. It will be Thailand’s largest standalone logistics campus, with phase 1 of the facility expected to be completed by the end of September 2026. Through OMEGA, ALP is moving beyond the conventional logistics property model to establish a new generation of integrated infrastructure for the industry. The OMEGA platform’s core infrastructure can be replicated across markets and adapted to local regulatory, sustainability and operational requirements. This allows ALP to apply a consistent model while responding to the needs of different industries and supply chains.
- September 29, 2026Business
Towngas contributes to the flagship APEC Urban Energy Report, exploring urban energy resilience and low-carbon transition under “AI + energy”
The energy consumption of artificial intelligence (AI) has become a focal topic worldwide. At the recent 2026 Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Beijing Energy Week meetings, The Hong Kong and China Gas Company Limited (Towngas) was awarded the title of expert at the certificate presentation ceremony for its part in compiling the APEC Urban Energy Report, recognising its active engagement in the urban energy domain. Its hydrogen application case study was also featured in the “Hong Kong, China” chapter of the report, exploring how hydrogen energy can support AI computing power infrastructure and bolster the resilience of urban energy systems. The APEC Urban Energy Report is a flagship publication spearheaded by the APEC Sustainable Energy Center (APSEC), with the 2026 edition centred on the theme of “AI + Energy”. Towngas and its renewable energy business arm (Towngas Energy Company Limited) were invited to serve as contributing organisations for the report, focusing on developing application cases in distributed energy storage, smart microgrids, and virtual power plants (VPPs) as representative models demonstrating how AI empowers urban energy systems. Towngas’s renewable energy arm had already passed expert evaluation organised by the National Energy Administration (NEA) last year, providing research support for the NEA’s initiative on virtual power plants. Since last year, the company has also participated deeply in hydrogen research commissioned by the NEA and led by APSEC, which was published in Hydrogen Energy Development and Application under Carbon Neutrality Goals in APEC Economies and Practices in China, highlighting Hong Kong’s proactive efforts in hydrogen energy applications. The hydrogen application cases of Towngas in Hong Kong were incorporated as research case studies within the report’s “Hong Kong, China” chapter, exploring how hydrogen can support AI computing infrastructure and enhance urban energy system resilience. Town gas distributed across Hong Kong has consistently contained around 50% hydrogen. Capitalising on its extensive underground pipeline network spanning over 3,700 kilometres across the territory, Towngas is exploring a supply model of hydrogen extraction from pipelines, progressively expanding an end-to-end hydrogen value chain from production and distribution to diverse applications. In recent years, the company has advanced multiple hydrogen projects, including extracting green hydrogen from landfill biogas, as well as deploying hydrogen power generation and electric vehicle (EV) charging systems in commercial complexes and construction sites, delivering practical and viable solutions for the Asia-Pacific region. Furthermore, Towngas’s Combined Heat and Power (CHP) projects in Hong Kong and Shenzhen were incorporated as case studies in the APEC Urban Energy Report 2025, demonstrating high-efficiency solutions in clean heating and cooling. Towngas is actively integrating into and serving the overall national energy development landscape. During Beijing Energy Week in early September this year, the country unveiled the Cooperation Framework for Jointly Building APEC Zero-Carbon / Near-Zero-Carbon Cities. The framework encourages the deployment of VPPs across the Asia-Pacific region as one of five host deliverables, aiming to turn China’s energy transition practices into shared public goods for the region. The year 2026 marks the beginning of the country’s 15th Five-Year Plan (2026–2030); concurrently, Hong Kong’s First Five-Year Plan and the Policy Address have been released to align with national development strategies. Towngas will continue advancing initiatives such as zero-carbon industrial parks, smart microgrids, virtual power plants, and hydrogen energy. In step with Hong Kong’s First Five-Year Plan and national energy transition strategies, the Group will explore replicable and scalable urban energy solutions, contributing further practical experience to the low-carbon transformation of the Greater Bay Area and the wider Asia-Pacific region. - END - Press photo: Photo 1: Towngas’s hydrogen energy project case study will be included in the flagship APEC Urban Energy Report 2026, illustrating how hydrogen enhances the power supply resilience of AI computing power infrastructure. Photo 2: Towngas’s smart microgrid and virtual power plant projects in Shenzhen have been selected as case studies in the APEC Urban Energy Flagship Report. Photo 3: Towngas was invited to be one of the contributing organisations for the flagship APEC Urban Energy Report and received a commendation certificate alongside industry peers at the expert presentation ceremony. Photo 4: Towngas’s hydrogen energy research outcomes were published in Hydrogen Energy Development and Application under Carbon Neutrality Goals in APEC Economies and Practices in China, showcasing Hong Kong’s active implementation of hydrogen energy solutions. For media enquiries, please contact: The Hong Kong and China Gas Company Limited Mr Julius Chow Senior Corporate Affairs Officer Tel: 2963 3471 / 6969 1360 Email: julius.chow@towngas.com
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