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Yiwu Spring Festival Gala Showed the World: More Than Just “Small Commodities”

YIWU, China, Feb. 25, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — As the Yiwu branch venue of the 2026 CCTV Spring Festival Gala successfully concluded, an audio-visual feast blending trade legend with intangible cultural heritage innovation sparked enthusiastic reactions worldwide.

The program A Global New Year in Yiwu achieved an impressive average real-time viewership rating of 39.78%, ranking among the top programs in its timeslot.

It not only showcased the unique charm of Yiwu as the “World’s Supermarket” but also allowed global audiences to witness the city’s remarkable achievements across culture, commerce, technology, and human development.

8 Minutes on the Gala: Spanning History, Bridging East and West

The 8-minute segment from the Yiwu venue was a condensed inspirational narrative of a county-level economy’s rise, illustrating Yiwu’s thousand-year heritage and the transformative changes over 40 years of reform and opening-up.

Using a single feather as a symbolic thread, the program connected the sounds of “trading chicken feathers for sugar” with the lively buzz of today’s marketplace.

Through a blend of light and shadow and  innovative stage effects, both virtual and real, the audience was taken on a journey through time, witnessing Yiwu’s magnificent transformation from a humble local market to a global trade hub.

The virtual duet of We Are the World by Jackie Chan and Lionel Richie conveyed the spirit of a “global family” to viewers eveywhere, highlighting Yiwu’s openness and inclusiveness as a major international trade hub.

These 8 minutes were not just a remarkable showcase for Yiwu, but also a vivid portrayal of the rise of China’s county-level economies.

They spanned history, bridged East and West, and perfectly integrated Yiwu’s trade culture, intangible cultural heritage, modern technology, and global vision, showing the world a dynamic and creative view of the Yiwu city.

A “Two-Way Effort”: The Internationalization of the Gala Meets the Globalization of Yiwu

The success of the Yiwu branch venue exemplifies the mutual reinforcement between the internationalization of the Gala and the globalization of Yiwu.


Just before the Gala, Yiwu simultaneously broadcast its city promotional video and invitations for the Gala branch venue on outdoor screens in core business districts across 20 countries and regions worldwide.

This marked the first time in the 40+ year history of the CCTV Spring Festival Gala that a branch venue achieved such a collective global presence.

This initiative not only boosted Yiwu’s international visibility but also solidified the city’s brand: “Affectionate and Righteous, World Yiwu.”

At the same time, Yiwu’s female business owners, through global New Year greeting videos, extended a warm invitation to friends around the world: “Come to Yiwu, taste global cuisine, buy global goods, make global friends, watch China’s Gala, and do global business.”

This personal, sincere approach to communication conveyed Yiwu’s warmth and invited global curiosity, sparking interest and desire to visit the city.

Global Buzz: Overseas Influencers and Netizens Eager to Visit Yiwu

The outstanding performance of the Yiwu segment of the Spring Festival Gala attracted widespread attention and lively discussion among bloggers and influencers both in China and abroad.

Many international netizens expressed on social media that they were captivated by the spectacular performances at the Yiwu venue of the Gala, expressing strong anticipation and curiosity about the city.

“I want to visit Yiwu!” quickly became a trending topic on overseas social platforms.

A foreign netizen who has been living long-term in Yiwu coined the term “Yiwuise” on social media, which quickly went viral, drawing numerous comments and likes from other international users.

They expressed a desire to experience this fascinating city firsthand and gain a deeper understanding of its culture, commerce, and human warmth.

The Lasting Effect: Gala Activities Boost Yiwu’s Tourism

Although the Gala segment has concluded, the series of related activities surrounding the event continue to gain momentum.

On the third day of the Lunar New Year (February 19), the “Shop Global, Experience the Gala” event officially opened to visitors from around the world, attracting a large influx of tourists to Yiwu.

On the very first day of the event, Yiwu’s tourism figures reached a record high, demonstrating the powerful and lasting impact generated by the Gala appearance.

Furthermore, the New Year opening ceremony of the Yiwu International Trade City on February 20 provides an excellent platform for global buyers to pursue cooperation and achieve win-win outcomes.

Here, they can not only source desired products but also experience the unique charm and vast business opportunities of Yiwu as a global trade center.

Yiwu: A Place Full of Opportunities and Inclusiveness

Through hosting the Spring Festival Gala branch venue, the world has witnessed a different side of Yiwu.

It is not only the “World’s Capital of Small Commodities” but also a dynamic and creative city thriving across culture, commerce, technology, and human connectivity.

The people of Yiwu, with their wisdom and dedication, have written an epic chapter in county-level economic development, showing the world a place brimming with opportunities and inclusiveness.

In an era of deepening globalization, Yiwu, with its unique charm and boundless business potential, is attracting more and more global buyers and entrepreneurs to cooperate and prosper together.

As vividly demonstrated by the Gala segment, Yiwu is embracing the world with an even more open attitude, working hand in hand with global partners to create a brighter shared future.

The Yiwu Gala segment was more than just an audio-visual feast; it was a powerful  global showcase of the city’s brand.

It presented to the world Yiwu’s extraordinary achievements and distinctive strengths across multiple sectors, sparking curiosity and resonance among global buyers.

Looking ahead, Yiwu will continue to welcome friends from all over the world with openness  and innovative, jointly writing a new chapter of mutually beneficial cooperation.

 

Hyundai Motor Group Donates Unmanned Firefighting Robots to Korea National Fire Agency for Safeguarding Firefighters

  • Hyundai Motor Group partners with the Korea National Fire Agency to build a safer society through Unmanned Firefighting Robot development
  • During the donation ceremony, Hyundai Motor Group Executive Chair Euisun Chung highlighted, “Hyundai Motor Group will continue to provide the technologies and support needed to ensure that firefighters can carry out their missions in a safer environment.”
  • Based on Hyundai Rotem’s HR-Sherpa multi-purpose unmanned vehicle, the robot is equipped with key features for remote fire suppression, including a water cannon, self-spraying system, vision-enhancing camera, and remote-control operation
  • Two units already deployed for live operations at the Capital and Yeongnam 119 Special Rescue Units; two additional robots will be delivered to the Gyeonggi and Chungnam Provincial Fire Headquarters
  • Firefighting robots will carry out initial fire suppression and search missions in environments that are inaccessible to firefighters
  • From June, the Group will also provide supplies to the nation’s first National Fire Hospital to support the treatment and rehabilitation of injured firefighters

SEOUL, South Korea, Feb. 25, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Hyundai Motor Group (the Group) is continuing its efforts to protect the public and firefighters through the donation of four Unmanned Firefighting Robots designed for high-risk environments to South Korea’s National Fire Agency.

Hyundai Motor Group Donates Unmanned Firefighting Robots to Korea National Fire Agency for Safeguarding Firefighters
Hyundai Motor Group Donates Unmanned Firefighting Robots to Korea National Fire Agency for Safeguarding Firefighters

A donation ceremony for the remote fire suppression robots was held on February 24 at the National 119 Rescue Headquarters in Namyangju, Gyeonggi Province, South Korea.

The event was attended by key figures including, Euisun Chung, Executive Chair of Hyundai Motor Group; Sung Kim, President and Head of Strategic Planning Division of Hyundai Motor Group; Yongbae Lee, President and CEO of Hyundai Rotem Company; Seung-ryong Kim, Acting Commissioner of the Korea National Fire Agency; and Jin-ho Lee, Director of the Policy Coordination of the Korea National Fire Agency.

“Firefighters who rush into danger without hesitation to save lives remind us of the values our society must uphold. In partnership with the Korea National Fire Agency, we developed the Unmanned Firefighting Robot to help realize the very value of ‘safety’ that firefighters have long protected. The Unmanned Firefighting Robots that we are donating embody Hyundai Motor Group’s core technologies and represent a new form of mobility built on our shared goal of ‘technology that saves lives.’ We hope they will serve as reliable teammates, entering dangerous scenes ahead of others to safeguard the firefighters’ safety. When the National Fire Hospital opens this June, we will support firefighters’ swift recovery by donating vehicles and rehabilitation equipment. Hyundai Motor Group will continue to provide the technologies and support needed to ensure that firefighters can carry out their missions in a safer environment.” – Euisun Chung, Executive Chair, Hyundai Motor Group

“This initiative marks the first step in a paradigm shift that will redefine disaster response. We will continue to actively introduce advanced technology to the field through innovative collaboration with the private sector, including Hyundai Motor Group, a global mobility leader.” – Seung-ryong Kim, Acting Commissioner of the Korea National Fire Agency.

How Does the Unmanned Firefighting Robot Assist Firefighters in High-Risk Environments?

The Unmanned Firefighting Robot was developed in collaboration with the Korea National Fire Agency and is based on Hyundai Rotem’s electrified, multi-purpose unmanned vehicle, the HR-Sherpa. Equipped with remote‑driving capabilities, the HR‑Sherpa can be fitted with a wide range of mission‑specific equipment depending on operational needs.

Key features and functions of the Unmanned Firefighting Robot include:

  • Water Cannon: Mounted on the vehicle’s front, the nozzle allows for both direct and spray-type water control to effectively respond to various fire patterns
  • Self-Spraying System: Continuously sprays coolant from nozzles surrounding the robot, forming a water curtain around its exterior. This system protects the vehicle body from flames and allows it to maintain a temperature of 50-60°C in environments reaching up to 800°C
  • Vision-Enhancing Camera: An infrared sensor-based camera on the front of the robot ensures excellent object detection through flames and smoke, helping to identify a fire’s point of origin or individuals that need rescuing
  • Remote Operation: A remote operator receives real-time video from the unit’s vision-enhancing camera via a wireless connection, allowing for full control of the robot’s driving and firefighting functions
  • All-Terrain Mobility: The robot is equipped with special high-temperature-resistant tires and a six-wheel independent drive in-wheel motor system, allowing for smooth operation on difficult terrain amongst fire debris and obstacles

At the request of the Korea National Fire Agency, two Unmanned Firefighting Robots were deployed to the 119 Special Rescue Units in the Capital and Yeongnam regions and are already in use in live fire operations. Two additional robots will be delivered to the Gyeonggi Provincial Fire Headquarters (Hwaseong) and Chungnam Provincial Fire Headquarters.

More information about Hyundai Motor Group can be found at: http://www.hyundaimotorgroup.com or Newsroom: Media Hub by Hyundai, Kia Global Media Center (kianewscenter.com), Genesis Newsroom

Hyundai Motor Group Donates Unmanned Firefighting Robots to Korea National Fire Agency for Safeguarding Firefighters
Hyundai Motor Group Donates Unmanned Firefighting Robots to Korea National Fire Agency for Safeguarding Firefighters


TECNO Unveils the World’s Thinnest Modular Smartphone Ecosystem Concept

A new ultra-thin magnetic architecture makes a modular smartphone system possible without added bulk.

HONG KONG, Feb. 25, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — AI-driven innovative technology brand TECNO is set to unveil its groundbreaking Modular Magnetic Interconnection Technology at MWC 2026. This concept, embodied by TECNO Modular Phone, represents TECNO’s pioneering exploration of the next-generation form of smartphones, where hardware expansion is instantaneous through magnetic attachment and intelligent connectivity. Designed to bridge the gap between escalating AI computing demands and the spatial constraints of modern smartphones, the platform will allow users to transform their devices into modular powerhouses. Attendees will witness a customizable modular suite, enabling the seamless attachment and removal of slim, high-performance modules tailored to individual needs.

Unlike traditional smartphones locked into fixed feature sets, TECNO’s modular system offers ultra-thin, flexible modules that empower creators and professionals to tailor their devices to any scenario. This reconfigurable vision is embodied in two distinct design interpretations of the Modular Phone. The ATOM edition of TECNO Modular Phone follows the philosophy of “Rational Order with Personal Expression,” featuring a clean silver-aluminum body and signature red accents. The MODA edition of TECNO Modular Phone offers a bold, geek-inspired aesthetic. Both models frame modularity as a platform for lasting personal choice, embodying TECNO’s commitment to technology that grows with its users.


“We believe the ultimate goal of technology is not to create a static masterpiece, but to offer an extension of human freedom. By pioneering this modular architecture, we are breaking the constraints of fixed hardware and returning the power of choice to the user,” said Leo Li, TECNO Product Head of Modular Magnetic Interconnection Technology. “This is more than a leap in connectivity; it is an experiment in mobile liberation, where the device is no longer defined by its factory form, but by the user’s intent in every moment.”

A Moment-To-Moment Modular Ecosystem

Built on TECNO’s Modular Magnetic Interconnection Technology, the ecosystem currently features around ten high-performance modules, designed to meet users wherever they are in life and evolve alongside their shifting needs and surroundings. Whether capturing professional photography, gaming, communicating off-grid, or extending battery life, the modular system offers unmatched freedom to configure a personalized stack.


The ultra-thin POWER BANK effectively doubles usable power, supplying energy seamlessly to both the smartphone and attached accessories. Complementing this is the ACTION CAMERA, which unlocks new creative workflows and shooting angles without compromising the phone’s lightness. For professional imaging demands, TECNO’s TELEPHOTO LENS acts as a standalone system using the phone’s display as a viewfinder, providing low-latency live previews and instant captures. This Customizable Modular Suite is not just a collection of accessories, but a dynamic toolkit, allowing users to carry only what they need, when they need it.

Innovative Design and Effortless Connectivity

Central to TECNO’s modular concept is a breakthrough in ultra-thin industrial design that redefines how expandable hardware feels in daily use. The base smartphone measures just 4.9mm thick, with the POWER BANK at an ultra-slim 4.5mm. Even when combined, the total thickness remains comparable to typical smartphones, ensuring modular expansion feels natural, preserving portability and simplicity.


The smartphone features a high-quality glass back panel with a laminated anti-glare treatment, creating a soft, matte finish, while a polished metal frame adds durability and refined visual contrast. Subtle lines across the phone’s back divide it into eight modular zones, guiding accessory placement and alignment without sacrificing the clean aesthetic.

A hybrid connection architecture supports this design, featuring a precision-engineered rectangular magnetic array for secure, intuitive module attachment, paired with physical pogo-pin connectors for efficient, low-heat power delivery. Data transmission seamlessly switches among Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and millimeter-wave (mmWave) communication, enabling higher bandwidth and lower-latency interaction. This invisible, automatic process allows users to enjoy instant pairing, freeing them from technical complexity to focus on their experience.

Building a Modular Platform for the Future

TECNO’s Modular Magnetic Interconnection Technology is designed as a scalable platform built to evolve with future innovations. By establishing a consistent physical and connectivity foundation, TECNO opens possibilities for expanded modular experiences across AI-powered tools, storage expansion, lifestyle-focused accessories, and beyond. While the interface is proprietary, TECNO envisions the potential for future solutions that extend beyond its ecosystem, enabling broader compatibility and utility across use cases.

Presented as a concept platform at MWC 2026, the modular ecosystem demonstrates TECNO’s long-term design thinking and commitment to technology that is adaptable, personal, and responsive to real-world needs, as technologies, materials, and ecosystems continue to mature.

About TECNO

As a global innovative technology brand with operations in over 70 markets, TECNO has been committed to revolutionizing the digital experience in global emerging markets, relentlessly pushing for the perfect integration of contemporary, aesthetic design with the latest technologies and AI. TECNO offers a wide range of smartphones, smart wearables, laptops and tablets, smart gaming, HiOS operating systems and smart home products. Guided by its brand essence of “Stop At Nothing”, TECNO is committed to unlocking the newest technologies and AI-powered new experiences for forward-looking individuals, inspiring them to never stop pursuing their best selves and their best futures. For more information, please visit TECNO’s official site: www.tecno-mobile.com. 

 

Rising Bad Air Quality Levels Expose Waste Issues, World Bank Funds Major Reform

PM2.5 air pollution levels in southern Laos linked to waste burning and seasonal haze
Trash and burn in Vientiane 2019 to show the problem about burning trash and waste management in Laos before. (Photo by Radio Free Asia)

Air pollution in Laos is worsening, with PM2.5 levels across southern provinces now reaching concentrations that pose risks to public health, according to data from the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment.

In late February, air quality readings from Attapeu, Champasak, and Salavan ranged from 150 to 200 AQI, entering the “starting to affect health” category. In Vientiane Capital, AQI levels ranged from 119 to 147, falling under the “minor impact” category. 

However, prolonged exposure can still increase health risks, especially for vulnerable populations such as children, the elderly, and those with respiratory conditions.

Waste Practices Driving Seasonal Pollution

The seasonal haze that affects Laos each year comes from a growing waste management problem. 

Agricultural burning and vehicle emissions are the primary contributors to the pollution, but uncollected waste and open burning also play a major role. 

In 2025, the Ministry of Public works and Transport estimated that Laos generated 6,900 tonnes of household waste daily, with Vientiane Capital producing 15% of that total.

However, less than half of all waste is collected through formal services, leading many communities to resort to burning or dumping trash, which releases fine particulate matter into the air and worsens PM2.5 levels, the ministry found.

World Bank Supports Reform with USD 37.85 Million G rant

The World Bank has approved a grant of USD 37.85 million for the Lao Pollution and Waste Management Project, aimed at improving waste management practices in Laos from 2025 to 2031. 

The initiative will focus on expanding waste collection services and improving landfill management, particularly in Vientiane Capital, where waste collection coverage will rise from 44% to 70%. The project also promotes waste separation, composting, and recycling to reduce the amount of waste burned or dumped, ultimately improving air quality.

Enforcement and Regional Cooperation to Address Burning

In addition to infrastructure improvements, the Lao government has introduced a nationwide ban on outdoor burning during the dry season, with local authorities granted stronger enforcement powers. 

Laos is also working with Thailand and Myanmar on a plan to monitor cross-border haze using satellite data, part of the ongoing CLEAR Sky Strategy aimed at reducing slash-and-burn farming.

THE ADECCO GROUP Q4 & FULL YEAR 2025 RESULTS

Strong share gains and solid growth; operating leverage and cashflow drive deleveraging

ZURICH, Feb. 25, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — AD HOC ANNOUNCEMENT pursuant to Art. 53 Listing Rules of SIX Swiss Exchange

Q4 HIGHLIGHTS

  • Further market share gains, Group +395 bps and Adecco +240 bps
  • Group revenues further sequentially improved at +3.9% yoy, strongest quarter of the year
  • By GBU, Adecco revenues +4.9% yoy; led by Americas +21% yoy, APAC+7% yoy; Akkodis -1% yoy; LHH +2% yoy
  • Healthy 19.1% gross margin, stable yoy organic, reflecting solutions and client mix, firm pricing
  • 3.8% EBITA margin excl. one-offs, +60 bps yoy, reflecting strong operating leverage, with productivity +11% yoy, firm progress with Akkodis Germany turnaround. Drop-down ratio >80%
  • Operating income €186 million, +34% yoy; Net income €88 million, +31% yoy
  • Basic EPS €0.52; Adjusted EPS €0.76

FULL-YEAR HIGHLIGHTS

  • Strong market share gains, Group +245 basis points
  • Revenues +1.3% yoy. By GBU, Adecco +2.5% yoy; Akkodis -4% yoy; LHH flat yoy
  • Healthy 19.2% gross margin, -20 bps yoy, reflecting mix effects, firm pricing
  • 3.0% EBITA margin excl. one-offs, in line with management’s commitment
  • Operating income €572 million, +8% yoy; Net income €295 million, +2% yoy
  • Basic EPS €1.76; Adjusted EPS €2.37
  • Strong cash generation: operating cash flow +€613 million; free cash flow +€483 million; 102% conversion ratio
  • Improving financial structure: end-25 net debt/EBITDA ratio 2.4x, -0.2x yoy and -0.6x qoq; net debt €186 million lower yoy; targeting ≤ 1.5x net debt/EBITDA ratio by end-27
  • Proposed DPS of CHF 1.00, cash dividend with option to receive as shares

Denis Machuel, Adecco Group CEO, commented:

“We had a strong finish to the year with ongoing positive momentum and a third consecutive quarter of growth, achieving a 3.8% margin in Q4. Rigorous execution through 2025 delivered 245 basis points of market share gains, strong operating leverage and cashflow, driving an improvement in leverage.

“Adecco grew 4.9 percent in Q4, consistently gaining market share across regions. Akkodis saw further sequential improvement including firm progress in its German turnaround. LHH continued to lead strongly in career transition, grew Ezra significantly, and achieved highly profitable growth.

“The Adecco Group is strongly positioned to help our 100,000 plus clients to manage and upskill their workforces with agility – keeping people firmly at the heart. We will continue to pioneer and scale human-centric AI across talent and technology offerings. I look forward to building on this solid performance in 2026.”

Full Press Release

Webcast Details | Investors & Analysts

For further information, please contact:

Investor Relations
investor.relations@adeccogroup.com
+41 (0)44 878 88 88

Press Office
media@adeccogroup.com 
+41 (0) 79 876 09 21

 

Changes to the Adecco Group Board of Directors

AD HOC ANNOUNCEMENT pursuant to Art. 53 Listing Rules of SIX Swiss Exchange

  • Three new Board members to be proposed: Tobias Knechtle, Matthias Rebellius and Jacques Sanche
  • Longstanding members Kathleen Taylor and Didier Lamouche not standing for re-election to the Board
  • Jean-Christophe Deslarzes, Chair of the Board of Directors, standing for re-election for a final term

ZURICH, Feb. 25, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — The Adecco Group (SIX: ADEN), the leading talent and technology consulting company, today announced that the Board of Directors will propose Tobias Knechtle, Matthias Rebellius and Jacques Sanche as new members for election at the Company’s Annual General Meeting (AGM) on April 15, 2026. Longstanding members Kathleen Taylor and Didier Lamouche, who joined the Board in 2015 and 2011 respectively, are not standing for re-election.

Jean-Christophe Deslarzes, Chair of the Board of Directors, the Adecco Group, said: “I thank Katie Taylor and Didier Lamouche on behalf of the Company and the Board of Directors for their significant strategic guidance and support to the Group. They have been outstanding Board members and have substantially contributed to the constructive collaboration with management. I wish them all the best for their future endeavors.

 “As part of our ongoing Board member succession planning, we are delighted to propose Tobias Knechtle, Matthias Rebellius and Jacques Sanche to our Board. Having served as CFO in several publicly listed companies, Tobias Knechtle will further enhance the Board’s financial acumen. Matthias Rebellius and Jacques Sanche have significant CEO experience. All three bring deep technology and digital expertise, which strongly complements the Board’s capabilities and will support the Group’s pioneering AI agenda.”

  • Tobias Knechtle has been CFO and member of the Executive Board of Geberit since 2022 and has had Board and audit committee chair experience at V-Zug since 2020. Prior to Geberit, Tobias served as CFO of the Valora Group as well as their ad interim CEO. Previously, he held senior finance roles at Kudelski Group and was Managing Director Germany for Cinven Private Equity. He started his career as internal auditor at Nestlé and spent seven years as a consultant at the Boston Consulting Group in Switzerland and Brazil. He holds a Master of Business Administration from the University of Bern, Switzerland, and is a Swiss citizen. The Adecco Group will be the only external board mandate for Tobias Knechtle.
  • Matthias Rebellius has been CEO Siemens Smart Infrastructure and a member of the Managing Board of Siemens AG, Chair of the Board of Siemens Switzerland and member of the Board of the publicly listed Siemens India Ltd since 2020. He has also been a member of the Supervisory Board of the publicly listed, independent Siemens Energy AG, since 2020. He joined Siemens in 1990 and has held roles of increasing seniority across the industrial automation, building technologies and smart infrastructure businesses in Germany, the US and Switzerland. He holds a degree in Electrical Engineering from Trier University of Applied Sciences, Germany, and is a German and Swiss citizen. Matthias Rebellius has chosen to step down from his executive roles for Siemens AG at the end of September to concentrate on his non-executive career.
  • Jacques Sanche has been CEO at Bucher Industries AG since 2016. He has also been Chair of the Board of Directors of Burkhardt Compression since December 2025. Previously, he was CEO of Belimo Holding AG for eight years. He started his career as a consultant, amongst others at the Boston Consulting Group in Germany. He then had several general management roles with increasing profit and loss responsibility at WMH – Walter Meier Group in Switzerland and the US. He was a member of the Board and chair of the nomination and compensation committee of Schweiter Technologies for fifteen years. He holds a Master of Business Administration and a PhD in Information Technologies from the University of St. Gallen, Switzerland, and is a Canadian and Swiss citizen. Jacques Sanche has decided to step down from his executive role at the end of April to concentrate on his non-executive career.

Jean-Christophe Deslarzes, the Chair of the Board of Directors, will stand for re-election for a final term that will run until the 2027 AGM, when he plans to step down after twelve years as a board member, including seven as Chair.

The following Board members will also stand for re-election: Rachel Duan, Martine Ferland, Stefano Grassi, Sandhya Venugopal and Regula Wallimann.

For further information please contact:

Benita Barretto

Head External Communications & Investor Relations, The Adecco Group
media@adeccogroup.com / investor.relations@adeccogroup.com
Tel: +41 (0) 75 443 93 24

Jürg Schneider

Group External Communications, The Adecco Group
media@adeccogroup.com
Tel: +41 (0) 79 876 09 21

About the Adecco Group

The Adecco Group is the world’s leading talent and technology expertise company. Our purpose is making the future work for everyone. Through our three global business units – Adecco, Akkodis and LHH – across 60 countries, we enable sustainable and lifelong employability for individuals, deliver digital and engineering consulting solutions to power transformation and empower organisations to optimise their workforces. The Adecco Group leads by example and is committed to fostering sustainable employability and supporting resilient economies and communities. The Adecco Group AG is headquartered in Zurich, Switzerland (ISIN: CH0012138605) and listed on the SIX Swiss Exchange (ADEN).
https://www.adeccogroup.com/

Smartee Delivers Master Class on “Mandibular Repositioning” in Sydney at Invitation of EODO

SYDNEY, Feb. 14, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — At the invitation of the Excellence in Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics (EODO), Smartee Denti-Technology held a specialized Master Class at the Dental Education Centre (DEC) in Sydney on February 7.  This session attracted 80 dental professionals, with 60 attending in person and 20 joining online, to study advanced protocols for treating complex jaw discrepancies using Smartee’s proprietary Mandibular Advancement Repositioning Technology (MART).

Smartee Delivers Master Class on "Mandibular Repositioning" in Sydney
Smartee Delivers Master Class on “Mandibular Repositioning” in Sydney

Since 2019, Smartee has been at the forefront of clear aligner innovation with its proprietary Mandibular Advancement Repositioning Technology (MART). This distinct therapy addresses a critical gap in the industry: while conventional solutions often focus primarily on dental alignment, MART treats the root etiology by repositioning the mandible to its physiological position, restoring both function and facial balance through simultaneous orthopedic and orthodontic correction.

With over 100,000 global cases to date, this technology has demonstrated proven clinical success in treating complex jaw discrepancies. It represents a significant breakthrough in modern clear aligner therapy and stands as a testament to Smartee’s robust R&D capabilities.

The Master Class in Sydney successfully engaged a significant number of first-time participants
The Master Class in Sydney successfully engaged a significant number of first-time participants

The Australian clear aligner market is dynamic and growing. Market observations reveal a strong patient-driven demand: a significant portion of Australian adults are actively seeking to improve their smiles and are open to treatment. This high level of patient awareness, coupled with a preference for aesthetic solutions, is a primary driver behind the expansion of the local clear aligner sector.

The Master Class in Sydney successfully engaged a significant number of first-time participants. Many attendees expressed strong interest in deepening their understanding of MART protocols, recognizing the value of expanding their clinical capabilities to better serve patients with complex jaw discrepancies.

Mr. Garie Zhou, International Business Development Director, commented: “Australia is a strategically important market for Smartee, and we are committed to growing here with a long-term perspective. Our approach is rooted in rigorous academic exchange and genuine clinical education rather than purely commercial expansion. We aim to collectively raise the standard of care in clear aligner treatments alongside local professionals.”

 

IBM 2026 X-Force Threat Index: AI-Driven Attacks are Escalating as Basic Security Gaps Leave Enterprises Exposed

ARMONK, N.Y., Feb. 25, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — IBM (NYSE: IBM) today released the 2026 X-Force Threat Intelligence Index, revealing that cybercriminals are exploiting basic security gaps at dramatically higher rates, now accelerated by AI tools that help attackers identify weaknesses faster than ever. IBM X‑Force observed a 44% increase in attacks that began with the exploitation of public-facing applications, largely driven by missing authentication controls and AI-enabled vulnerability discovery.

IBM X-Force Threat Intelligence Index 2026
IBM X-Force Threat Intelligence Index 2026

Some of the key highlights include:

  • Active ransomware and extortion groups surged (49%) year over year, marking ecosystem fragmentation, while publicly disclosed victim counts rose roughly 12%.
  • Large supply chain and third-party compromises nearly quadrupled since 2020, as attackers increasingly exploit environments where software is built and deployed or SaaS integrations.
  • Vulnerability exploitation became the leading cause of attacks, accounting for 40% of incidents observed by X-Force in 2025.

“Attackers aren’t reinventing playbooks, they’re speeding them up with AI,” said Mark Hughes, Global Managing Partner for Cybersecurity Services, IBM. “The core issue is the same: businesses are overwhelmed by software vulnerabilities. The difference now is speed. With so many vulnerabilities requiring no credentials, attackers can bypass humans and move straight from scanning to impact. Security leaders need to shift to a more proactive approach, using agentic-powered threat detection and response to identify gaps and catch threats before they escalate.”

AI’s Mounting Identity Problem

Infostealer malware led to the exposure of over 300,000 ChatGPT credentials in 2025, signaling that AI platforms have reached the same credential risk as other core enterprise SaaS solutions.

Compromised chatbot credentials create AI-specific risks beyond simple account access. Attackers can manipulate outputs, exfiltrate sensitive data or inject malicious prompts. This underscores the need to assess enterprise-wide AI adoption and enforce strong authentication, and conditional access controls.

AI, Leaked Tooling Lower Barriers to Ransomware Ecosystem

In 2025, X-Force observed a 49% increase in active ransomware groups compared to the prior year, as smaller, transient operators whose low volume campaigns complicate attribution. This trend is accelerated by collapsing barriers to entry as threat actors reuse leaked tooling, rely on established playbooks and increasingly tap AI to automate operations. As multimodal AI models mature, X-Force expects adversaries to automate complex tasks like reconnaissance and advanced ransomware attacks, driving faster-moving, more adaptive threats.

Pressure on Supply Chains Poised to Grow

X-Force identified a nearly 4X increase in large supply chain or third-party compromises since 2020, mainly driven by attackers exploiting trust relationships and CI/CD automation across development workflows and SaaS integrations. With AI-powered coding tools accelerating software creation, and occasionally introducing unvetted code, the pressure on pipelines and open‑source ecosystems is expected to grow in 2026.

This rise is also attributed to the blurring line between nation-state and financially motivated actors. As tactics and techniques spread across underground forums, and AI streamlines reconnaissance and exploitation, techniques once reserved for nation-state actors are now being adopted by financially motivated groups.

Additional findings from the 2026 report include:

  • AI accelerating attacker lifecycle. Attackers are using AI to speed research, analyze large data sets and iterate on attack paths in real time. For example, North Korean IT worker schemes are using AI to scale operations, including AI-driven image manipulation for synthetic identities and translation tools to interact across global marketplaces.
  • Security fundamentals still lacking. X-Force Red penetration tests reveal persistent weaknesses in credential hygiene and software configuration, with misconfigured access controls as the most common entry point for these engagements.
  • Manufacturing tops the target list for the fifth year. The sector accounted for 27.7% of incidents observed by X-Force, with data theft being the most common.
  • North America emerged as the most‑attacked region. Accounting for 29% of total cases observed by X-Force, and up from 24% in 2024, North America became the most attacked region for the first time in 6 years.

Additional resources:

  • Read the full IBM X-Force Threat Intelligence Index 2026.
  • Sign up for the IBM X-Force Threat Intelligence 2026 webinar on March 17 at 11 am ET.
  • Connect with the IBM X-Force team for a tailored review of the findings.
  • Read more about the report’s top findings in this blog.

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Media Contact:
Michele Brancati
IBM Communications
Mbrancati@ibm.com