32.1 C
Vientiane
Sunday, August 3, 2025
spot_img
Home Blog Page 116

Innovation Meets Inclusion: EdHeroes Global Forum 2025 Explore the Human-Centered Future of Education Technology

TRIESEN, Liechtenstein, July 22, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — As innovation accelerates and technology redefines every corner of modern life, EdHeroes Global Forum 2025 sets its sights on a crucial frontier: ensuring that the future of education is not only digital, but equitable, inclusive, and human-centered.

EdHeroes Global Forum 2025
EdHeroes Global Forum 2025

This year’s Forum convenes global leaders, educators, technologists, and activists to address the urgent need for responsible and ethical tech integration in education. Set entirely online with rotating time zones, the Forum is designed for worldwide participation—ensuring no region is left behind.

Under the theme “Innovation and Technology in Education”, this Forum examines how digital tools—from artificial intelligence and virtual reality to adaptive learning systems—can empower rather than displace human connection in the classroom. “We are living in a time of great change. Artificial intelligence, digital learning, and global connectivity are opening new doors—but they also bring new challenges,” said Alina Baimen, CEO and Co-Founder of EdHeroes. “Technology can be a powerful tool, but only when guided by human values, equity, and responsibility.”

Mark Sparvell, Director of Education Marketing at Microsoft, emphasized the importance of pairing AI with humanitarian values: “The greatest potential for technology in education is to humanize learning, not merely digitize the experience.” Marni Baker Stein, Chief Content Officer at Coursera, added, “Talent is equally distributed but opportunity is not. Online learning must bridge that gap. Every learner everywhere deserves access to the skills and opportunities they need to thrive.”

Key priorities of this year’s Forum include:

  • Digital Inclusion: Expanding access to digital learning tools for marginalized communities.
  • Ethical Tech: Tackling issues like AI bias, data privacy, and responsible innovation.
  • Human Connection: Leveraging technology to enhance creativity, critical thinking, and personalized learning without replacing educators.
  • Driving Innovation: Highlighting scalable, ethical solutions in EdTech that enhance engagement and accessibility.
  • Global Collaboration: Sharing scalable, ethical education models from across continents.
  • Shaping Policy: Supporting policies that promote secure and inclusive digital education systems.

To learn more visit https://global.edheroes.forum

 

Health In Tech Announces Second Quarter 2025 Financial Results

  • Revenues of $9.3 million, up 86% YoY; The first-half year revenues of $17.3 million, 89% of full year 2024.
  • Adjusted EBITDA of $1.6 million, up 134% YoY; The first-half year adjusted EBITDA of $2.8 million, 1.2 times full year 2024.
  • Cash balance of $8.1 million.

STUART, Fla. , July 22, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Health In Tech (Nasdaq: HIT), an Insurtech platform company backed by third-party AI technology, today announced its financial results for the second quarter ended June 30, 2025.

Financial Highlights for the Second Quarter and First-Half of 2025: 

  • Revenues. Total revenues were $9.3 million, up 86% YoY. The first-half year revenues of $17.3 million, 89% of FY2024 total.
  • Billed Enrolled Employees. The number of billed enrolled employees (EEs) was 24,839, an increase of 5,738 EEs YoY.
  • Distribution. The number of Brokers, Third-party Administrator (“TPAs”) and Agencies expanded to 778 partners, up 87% YoY.
  • Pre-tax income. Pre-tax income was $0.8 million, more than doubled YoY; The first-half year pre-tax income of $1.5 million, 1.7x of FY2024.
  • Adjusted EBITDA. Adjusted EBITDA was $1.6 million, up 134% YoY; The first-half year adjusted EBITDA of $2.8 million, 1.2x of FY2024.
  • Cash. Cash balance was $8.1 million as of June 30, 2025.
  • Accounts receivable, net. Accounts receivable balance was $1.3 million as of June 30, 2025, reduced $0.2 million YoY.

“We delivered another strong quarter of profitable growth, with total revenue reaching $9.3 million—up 86% year over year—and first-half revenues already at 89% of our full-year 2024 total,” said Tim Johnson, CEO of Health In Tech. “Our distribution network has expanded to 778 partners—an 87% increase year over year—reflecting our strategic focus on growing beyond traditional broker channels. We’ve established partnerships with TPAs offering technology-driven solutions, regional healthcare benefit providers, and service platforms that support small businesses. This approach is broadening our market reach and delivering greater value to our customers. The 30% increase in billed enrolled employees and strong adoption across our network underscore the demand for our differentiated services and offering.”

Mr. Johnson added, “What’s particularly exciting is that many of our partners are now using our platform to bundle healthcare insurance with their existing services, enabling them to serve small business employer better by offering integrated, end-to-end solutions. Our AI-powered platform is easy to implement and highly intuitive, making it an ideal tool for partners seeking efficiency and scalability. With a broader distribution footprint and multiple new relationships in place, we’re confident in our ability to maintain strong growth momentum through the rest of the year.”

“We’re pleased with our second quarter results, which reflect strong execution and disciplined financial management across the business,” said Julia Qian, CFO of Health In Tech. “Q2 revenue reached $9.3 million, bringing first-half revenue to $17.3 million—already 89% of our full-year 2024 total—driven by continued strategic expansion of our distribution network and strong customer acquisition. Adjusted EBITDA for the quarter was $1.6 million, up 134% year over year, with first-half adjusted EBITDA reaching $2.8 million—1.2 times our full-year 2024 result. First-half pretax income represented 8.8% of revenue, a nearly 300 basis point improvement year over year, demonstrating our ability to maintain expense discipline and allocate resources effectively to drive top-line growth. Supported by a solid $8.1 million cash position, we remain focused on investing in high-impact initiatives and advanced technology solutions that scale efficiently and sustain profitable growth.”.

Recent Business Developments and Highlights

  • Verdegard Administrators: an integrated, concierge-level TPA, owned by MedImpact, the largest independent pharmacy benefit manager (PBM) in the U.S., managing prescription benefits for over 20 million members and processing tens of billions in annual drug transactions. This partnership will enable us to reduce costs for small businesses.
  • Unified Health Plans: a premier TPA recognized for its extensive provider network across Kansas. It has extensive provider network and focuses on controlling cost drivers and improving care quality. Unified dominates several niche business sectors in Kansas. The partnership with HIT will bring healthcare insurance solutions to the business members.
  • HILB Group, one of Insurance Journal’s Top 25 ranked U.S. insurance brokers with over 2400 employee across more than 125+ branch locations in all 50 States. It partners with HIT to co-develop and distribute smarter, more transparent self-funded health benefit solutions to a much broader base of small and mid-size employers.
  • Baily Insurance, established in 1880, in its fourth -generation ownership. The agency has over 200 years of combined team experience. Licensed advisors partnering with multiple Carriers. Baily is a co-founder and key broker partner in Fusion Health Plans that provides better care services and tech-enabled solution. The collaboration with HIT will deliver faster underwriting, administration, and scalability.

Conference Call Details

Health In Tech will host a conference call to discuss the financial results for the second quarter of 2025 on July 21, 2025, at 5:00 p.m. (ET). To participate in our live conference call and webcast, please dial 1-888-346-8982 or 1-412-902-4272 (for international participants).

A live audio webcast will be available via the Investor Relations page of Health In Tech’s website at https://healthintech.com/. A replay of the webcast will be available for on-demand listening shortly after the completion of the call, at the same web link, and will remain available for approximately 90 days.

Non-GAAP Financial Information

This release presents Adjusted EBITDA, a non-GAAP financial metric, which is provided as a complement to the results provided in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”). A reconciliation of historical non-GAAP financial information to the most directly comparable GAAP financial measure is provided in the accompanying tables found at the end of this release.

Use of ForwardLooking Statements

Certain statements in this press release are forward-looking statements for purposes of the safe harbor provisions under the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements may include estimates or expectations about Health In Tech’s possible or assumed operational results, financial condition, business strategies and plans, market opportunities, competitive position, industry environment, and potential growth opportunities. In some cases, forward-looking statements can be identified by terms such as “may,” “will,” “should,” “design,” “target,” “aim,” “hope,” “expect,” “could,” “intend,” “plan,” “anticipate,” “estimate,” “believe,” “continue,” “predict,” “project,” “potential,” “goal,” or other words that convey the uncertainty of future events or outcomes. These statements relate to future events or to Health In Tech’s future financial performance, and involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause Health In Tech’s actual results, levels of activity, performance, or achievements to be different from any future results, levels of activity, performance or achievements expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. You should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements because they involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which are, in some cases, beyond Health In Tech’s control and which could, and likely will, affect actual results, levels of activity, performance or achievements. Any forward-looking statement reflects Health In Tech’s current views with respect to future events and is subject to these and other risks, uncertainties and assumptions relating to Health In Tech’s operations, results of operations, growth strategy and liquidity.

About Health In Tech 

Health In Tech (Nasdaq: “HIT”) is an Insurtech platform company backed by third-party AI technology, which offers a marketplace that aims to improve processes in the healthcare industry through vertical integration, process simplification, and automation. By removing friction and complexities, we streamline the underwriting, sales and service process for insurance companies, licensed brokers, and TPAs. Learn more at healthintech.com.

 

 

Health In Tech, Inc.

Consolidated Statements of Operations

(Unaudited)

Three Months Ended

June 30,

Six Months Ended

 June 30,

2025

2024

2025

2024

Revenues

Revenues from underwriting modeling (ICE)

$2,090,576

$1,639,105

$4,442,560

$3,423,740

Revenues from fees

7,223,273

3,363,385

12,886,273

6,703,681

    SMR

7,223,273

2,595,545

12,886,273

5,128,467

    HI Card

767,840

1,575,214

Total revenues

9,313,849

5,002,490

17,328,833

10,127,421

Cost of revenues

3,003,979

974,727

5,663,564

1,964,638

Gross profit

6,309,870

4,027,763

11,665,269

8,162,783

Operating expenses

Sales and marketing expenses

1,226,738

974,522

2,316,993

2,017,730

General and administrative expenses        

3,775,453

1,816,679

7,022,218

3,815,873

Research and development expenses

582,609

701,626

1,120,330

1,461,822

Total operating expenses

5,584,800

3,492,827

10,459,541

7,295,425

Other income (expense):

Interest income

108,198

31,339

193,564

55,651

Interest expenses

(165,000)

(330,000)

Other income

118,399

Total other income (expense), net

108,198

(133,661)

311,963

(274,349)

Income before income tax expense

$833,268

$401,275

$1,517,691

$593,009

Provision for income taxes

(202,637)

(63,268)

(388,468)

(154,466)

Net income

$630,631

$338,007

$1,129,223

$438,543

Net income per share

    Basic

$0.01

$0.01

$0.02

$0.01

    Diluted

$0.01

$0.01

$0.02

$0.01

Weighted average common stocks outstanding                                  

    Basic

55,382,395

51,769,358

55,003,233

51,769,358

    Diluted

55,632,357

51,769,358

57,004,070

51,769,358

 

 

Health In Tech, Inc.

Consolidated Balance Sheets

(Unaudited)

June 30, 2025

December 31, 2024

Assets 

Current assets

Cash

$8,138,166

$7,849,248

  Accounts receivable, net

1,281,131

1,647,103

  Other receivables

3,854,834

500,252

  Deferred offering costs

66,500

  Prepaid expenses and other current assets

1,513,017

787,161

Total current assets

14,853,648

10,783,764

Non-current assets

 Software

5,519,110

3,962,461

 Loans receivable, net

847,993

815,995

 Operating lease – right of use assets

173,896

206,269

  Long-term prepaid expenses

783,603

Total non-current assets

7,324,602

4,984,725

Total assets

$22,178,250

$15,768,489

Liabilities and stockholders’ equity

Current liabilities

Accounts payable and accrued expenses

$4,327,475

$1,858,840

Income taxes payable

34,944

205,253

Operating lease liabilities – current

71,418

66,881

   Other current liabilities

955,743

Total current liabilities

5,389,580

2,130,974

Non-current liabilities

Deferred tax liabilities

262,129

328,676

Operating lease liabilities – non-current

102,938

139,811

Total non-current liabilities

365,067

468,487

Total liabilities

5,754,647

2,599,461

Stockholders’ equity

Common stock, $0.001 par value; Class A Common stock 150,000,000 shares authorized, 44,679,664
  and 42,914,870 shares issued and outstanding as of June 30, 2025 and December 31, 2024,
  respectively

44,679

42,915

Common stock, $0.001 par value; Class B Common stock 50,000,000 shares authorized, 11,700,000
  shares issued and outstanding as of June 30, 2025 and December 31, 2024, respectively

11,700

11,700

Additional paid-in capital

11,296,605

9,173,017

Retained earnings

5,070,619

3,941,396

Total stockholders’ equity

16,423,603

13,169,028

Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity

$  22,178,250

$15,768,489

 

 

Health In Tech, Inc.

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

(Unaudited)

Three Months Ended

June 30,

Six Months Ended

June 30,

2025

2024

2025

2024

CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:

Net income

$630,631

$338,007

$1,129,223

$438,543

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:

     Write-off of accounts receivable

5,990

5,990

     Amortization expense

135,983

134,787

271,966

269,574

     Provision for refund liability

175,698

955,743

     Deferred tax expenses (benefits)

(32,074)

754

(66,547)

(59,316)

     Amortization of debt discount

165,000

330,000

    Interest income

(15,999)

(15,999)

(31,998)

(31,998)

    Stock-based compensation expense

707,963

1,201,134

    Changes in operating assets and liabilities:

             Accounts receivable, net

823,480

556,793

359,982

777,895

             Other receivables

134,954

382,279

(3,354,582)

619,372

             Prepaid expenses and other current assets

813,510

(1,737)

(204,241)

(91,725)

             Long-term prepaid expenses

(357,666)

(357,666)

             Operating lease right of use assets and liabilities, net

18

623

37

1,247

             Accounts payable and accrued expenses

(1,150,600)

(70,229)

2,269,897

(1,555,558)

             Income taxes payable

(390,612)

(223,737)

(170,309)

(111,705)

Net cash provided by operating activities

1,481,276

1,266,541

2,008,629

586,329

CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:

Development of software

(909,897)

(93,962)

(1,613,372)

(227,356)

Net cash used in investing activities

(909,897)

(93,962)

(1,613,372)

(227,356)

CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:

Payments of deferred offering costs

(8,250)

(368,910)

(106,339)

(612,120)

Net cash used in financing activities

(8,250)

(368,910)

(106,339)

(612,120)

Increase (decrease) in cash

563,129

803,669

288,918

(253,147)

Cash, beginning of the period

7,575,037

1,359,534

7,849,248

2,416,350

Cash, end of the period

8,138,166

2,163,203

8,138,166

2,163,203

Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information:

Cash paid for interest

$-

$-

$-

$-

Cash paid for income taxes

$625,323

$286,252

$625,323

$325,487

Summary of noncash investing and financing activities:

Accrued deferred offering costs included in accounts payable and accrued expenses

$-

$220,961

$-

$220,961

Accrued development of software included in accounts payable and accrued expenses

$265,243

$25,817

$265,243

$25,817

Issuance of Class A common stock for service 

$1,037,984

$-

$1,037,984

$-

 

Adjusted EBITDA Reconciliation

(Unaudited)

For Three Months Ended June 30,

For Six Months Ended June 30,

2024

2025

2024

2025

Net income

$ 338,007

$ 630,631

$438,543

$1,129,223

Interest (income) expenses

133,661

(108,198)

274,349

(193,564)

Depreciation and amortization

134,787

135,983

269,574

271,966

Income tax expense

63,268

202,637

154,466

388,468

Stock-based compensation expense

707,963

1,201,134

Total net adjustments

331,716

938,385

698,389

1,668,004

Adjusted EBITDA

$ 669,723

$1,569,016

$1,136,932

$2,797,227

 

Components of Operating Results

Revenues

While we generate our revenue primarily from small employers and insurance carriers, we grow our business primarily from offering solutions that streamline sales processes, enhance service delivery, and reduce the sales cycle duration for TPAs, MGUs, and Brokers. We offer our services through our three subsidiaries. Program services provided by SMR and MGU activities provided by ICE (including eDIYBS) are interdependent, as they cannot function effectively without being combined. Services provided by HI Card are an optional add-on to our other services, and cannot be offered on a standalone basis. Brokers that utilize the program services on behalf of the small employer provided by SMR and MGU activities provided by ICE, are not obligated to utilize our HI Card service. Currently ICE does not offer underwriting services as a standalone service. In the future, we may consider offering it as a standalone service.

Cost of revenues

Cost of revenues primarily consists of infrastructure costs to operate our platform such as hosting fees and fees paid to various third-party partners for access to their technology, services and amortization expenses of our capitalized internal-use software related to our platform. We mainly outsource captive management services and data services from the third-party companies. Our internal proprietary system seeks to consistently improve underwriting and services results through machine learning and data feeds. The captive management activities include introducing new carriers, conducting due diligence on carriers, conducting feasibility studies to determine the viability to be a stop-loss carrier on the platform, negotiating terms and contracts, coordinating audit requests, managing relationship with unrelated carriers and their regulators and auditor firms to ensure that our risk associated with our service offerings is minimized.

Sales and marketing expenses

Sales and marketing expenses primarily consist of personnel-related costs including salaries, stock-based compensation expense, benefits and commissions cost for our sales and marketing personnel. Sales and marketing expenses also include the costs for advertising, promotional and other marketing activities, as well as certain fees paid to various third-party for sales and customer acquisition.

General and administrative expenses

General and administrative expenses primarily consist of personnel-related costs and related expenses for our executives, finance, legal, human resources, technical support, and administrative personnel as well as the costs associated with professional fees for external legal, accounting and other consulting services, insurance premiums.

Research and development expenses

Research and development expenses primarily consist of personnel-related costs, including salaries, stock-based compensation expense and benefits for our research and development personnel. Additional expenses include costs related to the software development, quality assurance, and testing of new technology, and enhancement of our existing platform technology.

Adjusted EBITDA

Adjusted EBITDA represents our net income before net interest expense, taxes, and depreciation and amortization expense, adjusted to eliminate stock-based compensation expense. Adjusted EBITDA is not a measure calculated in accordance with United States Generally Accepted Accounting Principles, or GAAP. We exclude certain non-recurring or non-cash items when calculating Adjusted EBITDA, and we believe this approach provides a more meaningful measure by offering a clearer view of our underlying operational performance.

Financial Results Summary

(Unaudited

($ in millions)

Three Months Ended June 30,

Six Months Ended June 30,

2025

2024

% Change

2025

2024

% Change

Total revenues

$

9.3

$

5.0

86.2 %

$

17.3

$

10.1

71.1 %

GAAP gross margin

67.7 %

80.5 %

-12.8 %

$

67.3 %

$

80.6 %

-13.3 %

Income before income
   tax expense

$

0.8

$

0.4

107.7 %

$

1.5

$

0.6

155.9 %

Adjusted EBITDA

$

1.6

$

0.7

134.3 %

$

2.8

$

1.1

146.0 %

 

 

Investor Contact
Investor Relations:
ir@healthintech.com

Trusted by Millions, iClever Makes HS19 a Back-to-School Essential for Safety, Comfort, and Durability

NEW YORK, July 22, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — As the back-to-school season approaches in 2025, iClever, a brand specializing in kids’ headphones, proudly introduces its flagship model, the HS19. This smart and dependable headphone is an essential addition to any family’s back-to-school shopping list. From July 30 to August 15, iClever will launch a promotional campaign targeting key markets in North America and Europe, utilizing major channels such as Amazon and the official brand website.

As school supply shopping peaks, parents prioritize safety and reliability in the devices their children will use daily. HS19 addresses these concerns with key product features. Its two-level volume control caps sound output at 85dB, safeguarding children’s developing hearing. The ultra-soft earmuffs and breathable over-ear design provide lasting comfort during long hours in class or while traveling. Durability is another standout feature: the braided cable resists tangling and damage from frequent handling, making it ideal for school and on-the-go use. Independent SGS certification for folding durability 5000 cycles further enhances its resilience, ensuring it meets the demands of daily life.

iClever HS19 Kids Headphones
iClever HS19 Kids Headphones

Beyond school compatibility, HS19 is tailored for a wide range of scenarios, from remote learning and road trips to shared listening at home. The built-in HD microphone supports hands-free calling, while the sharing jack allows two users to enjoy audio from the same device without the need for additional accessories. With over ten color options and themed designs like dinosaurs, the headphones offer a fun, personalized touch that appeals to both children and parents.

The HS19 headphones have earned consistent praise from parents for both their design and real-world performance. One parent described them as “a great purchase,” noting that a single pair lasted an entire school year and was still in use during summer break. Another user emphasized comfort during long journeys: “He wore them for the bulk of a several-hour road trip and didn’t complain or have to adjust once.” Portability also stands out in daily use. “My favorite feature is that it folds up a bit to fit easily in a travel bag, diaper bag, or airplane bag. We use them nearly once a week and they’re still going strong over nine months in,” a parent shared. These firsthand reviews underscore HS19’s comfort, durability, sound quality, and ability to grow with children across learning stages.

With over 15 years of experience dedicated to children’s audio solutions, iClever has emerged as one of the most recognized names in the category. More than five million families worldwide have chosen its products, and the brand has consistently ranked among the leading kids’ headphone sellers on Amazon. Leading publications such as CNET, Tech Advisor, The Bump, and Good Housekeeping have praised iClever for its commitment to safety, functionality, and child-friendly design.

In addition to commercial success, iClever continues to invest in social impact. To date, the brand has donated more than 12,000 headphones to over 2,000 schools, furthering its mission to support accessible, quality learning environments for children everywhere.

As families prepare for the upcoming academic year, HS19 by iClever offers a dependable solution designed to accompany children from classroom to car seat, from library to airplane cabin, helping them learn, explore, and share, every step of the way.

About iClever

Established in 2010, iClever is dedicated to crafting innovative and safe audio experiences for children. Its high-quality headphones protect young ears while igniting imagination. With a commitment to safety, innovation, and customer care, iClever fosters a sound world where children can explore freely, express themselves, and enjoy endless joy through engaging audio experiences.

For more information, please visit:

Website: www.iclever.com

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@icleverkids_

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/icleverkids/

Media Contact: Media@iclever.com

AV-Comparatives Publishes World’s Largest Independent Enterprise Cybersecurity Solution Test

17 Top-Tier Enterprise EPP, EDR, and XDR Solutions Evaluated in the Most Comprehensive ISO 9001:2015-Certified Public Assessment to Date

INNSBRUCK, Austria, July 22, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — AV-Comparatives, the globally recognised authority in independent cybersecurity testing, has released its Enterprise Security Test 2025 (March to June). This is the most extensive public evaluation to date of enterprise endpoint protection platforms (EPP), endpoint detection and response (EDR), and extended detection and response (XDR) solutions. Seventeen high-performing enterprise-grade cybersecurity products were rigorously evaluated using real-world attack simulations and scientifically sound methodologies, offering a comprehensive view of modern endpoint defence capabilities.

AV-Comparatives is ISO 9001:2015 certified for the Scope of "Independent Test of Cybersecurity Solutions"
AV-Comparatives is ISO 9001:2015 certified for the Scope of “Independent Test of Cybersecurity Solutions”

The report includes individual product descriptions that outline key strengths and capabilities to help IT decision-makers select the most suitable solution based on their organisation’s size, infrastructure, and security priorities.

What Sets This Test Apart?

Unmatched Scope: This is the largest public comparative test of enterprise EPP, EDR, and XDR solutions globally. Only mature, high-performing products were included. These had already demonstrated consistent reliability and strong protection in previous assessments.

Holistic Analysis: Each product was evaluated across four mission-critical dimensions:

  • Real-World Protection: Simulates internet-based threats encountered in active business environments.
  • Malware Protection: Evaluates detection of malicious files introduced via non-web vectors such as USB drives, network shares, or those already present on disk.
  • False Positive Rates: Measures detection accuracy and the ability to avoid blocking legitimate software.
  • Performance Impact: Quantifies system load and slowdowns during typical business operations.

To support enterprise IT leaders, the report includes an extensive feature matrix (page 57) detailing the core and advanced capabilities of each tested solution. This includes management interfaces, deployment models, threat response tools, and third-party integration support, helping organisations make informed side-by-side comparisons.

All evaluated products represent enterprise-ready solutions that meet modern protection standards. Each product received the AV-Comparatives Approved Enterprise Product Seal, recognising their proven security effectiveness, operational reliability, and readiness for large-scale deployment.

Peter Stelzhammer, co-founder of AV-Comparatives, commented:

“CISOs and IT leaders face complex, fast-evolving threats. Independent validation is not a luxury – it is essential. This test series provides evidence-based insights into how EPP, EDR, and XDR solutions perform in the field. We apply strict, scientifically grounded methodologies to help enterprises choose wisely.”

Access the full test report:
https://www.av-comparatives.org/tests/business-security-test-2025-march-june/

AV-Comparatives’ enterprise test series is ISO 9001:2015 certified for the scope of Independent Tests of Cybersecurity Solutions. It is globally trusted by CISOs, analysts, and IT leaders as the benchmark for unbiased, rigorous cybersecurity evaluation.

Cybersecurity and antivirus test results are available at www.av-comparatives.org for leading vendors including:
Avast, AVG, Avira, Bitdefender, Check Point, Cisco, CrowdStrike, Elastic, Fortinet, F-Secure, ESET, G DATA, Gen Digital, Google, Intego, K7 Computing, Kaspersky, Malwarebytes, ManageEngine, McAfee, Microsoft, NetSecurity, Nord Security, Norton, Palo Alto Networks, Rapid7, SenseOn, Sophos, Total Defense, TotalAV, Trellix, Trend Micro, VIPRE, WithSecure, and many more.

Media contact: Peter Stelzhammer, media@av-comparatives.org +43512287788

 

Global Mayors Dialogue took place in Qingdao

QINGDAO, China, July 21, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — On July 19, the Global Mayors Dialogue was held in the coastal Chinese city of Qingdao, where mayors from around the world exchanged views on marine tourism development, the revitalization of historic districts, and closer people-to-people ties.

Under the theme “Wonderful Culture and Tourism, Shared by Sister Cities,” Qingdao Mayor Ren Gang met with mayors and representatives from Minsk (Belarus), Preah Sihanouk (Cambodia), Regensburg (Germany), Piraeus (Greece), Shimonoseki (Japan), Dunedin (New Zealand), Lagos (Nigeria), and Daegu (South Korea) to explore opportunities for cultural and tourism cooperation. Vice mayors from the neighboring cities of Yantai and Weihai also attended the event by invitation.

Ren reviewed Qingdao’s partnerships with its sister cities and the achievements made through international exchanges. He emphasized the importance of fully leveraging exchange mechanisms to deepen practical cooperation, expand people-to-people diplomacy, and make local-level engagement more distinctive and effective in contributing to stronger relations between nations.

Ioannis Moralis, mayor of Piraeus, highlighted the city’s annual “Sea Days” celebration and said Piraeus is building an innovative and sustainable city based on three pillars — innovation, cooperation and digital integration.

Sok Phea, vice governor of Preah Sihanouk, noted that the province holds great potential in cruise tourism, eco-island development, community and cultural integration. “Let’s work together to build a smart, green, inclusive and accessible future for marine tourism,” he said.

Gertrud Maltz-Schwarzfischer, mayor of Regensburg, emphasized the role of integrated urban development in revitalizing historic districts. “We have successfully blended the old town of Regensburg — a UNESCO World Heritage Site — with the vibrant lives of the city’s youth,” she said.

Kukharev Vladimir, chairman of the Minsk City Executive Committee, called for stronger cooperation in the fields of culture and tourism. “This can not only drive economic growth, but also promote peace, friendship and inclusiveness among nations,” he said.

Bimbola Salu-Hundeyin, secretary to the State Government of Lagos, expressed a willingness to cooperate with global cities on green economy innovation, blue economy growth, sustainable cultural and tourism development, creative industries, youth empowerment, and digitalization.

Park Gihwan, mayor’s representative and director general of the Economic Bureau of Daegu Metropolitan City, said the city’s Chimac (fried chicken and beer) Festival is one of its most iconic cultural events. He expressed hope for further exchanges with Qingdao, home to the world-renowned Qingdao International Beer Festival.

Shimazaki Toshiyuki, vice mayor of Shimonoseki, said the city would make full use of its rich culinary traditions and deep cultural heritage to develop more attractive tourism experiences.

Sandy Graham, CEO of the Dunedin City Council, highlighted the Lan Yuan — a classical Chinese garden in Dunedin — as a symbol of cultural diversity. “Dunedin is a city of charm where multiple cultures thrive together,” she said.

At the conclusion of the event, mayors and guests from across the globe jointly issued a “Global Invitation for Culture and Tourism.” The dialogue served not only as a platform for sharing insights and experiences, but also as a journey of friendship and cooperation — planting the seeds for deeper collaboration and a more prosperous future in cultural and tourism development.

Video – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MLb2C6dyAMw

Comfee Officially Launches in Malaysia with Gusto Aircon, Bringing a Smarter Lifestyle to Young Generation

KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia, July 21, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Comfee, as Germany’s No.1 air conditioner brand, specially targeting young generation for local markets, is making its official debut in Malaysia this August with the launch of the Gusto series. A dynamic summer campaign will accompany the launch, inviting younger users to explore smart cooling through interactive experiences and social events.

Comfee, Germany No.1 AC Brand
Comfee, Germany No.1 AC Brand

Comfee is a lifestyle-driven air conditioning brand created especially for the young generation. Built around the concept of “cooling smart with style,” Comfee combines intelligent features with sleek design to deliver air-conditioning solutions that reflect youth values—comfort, modern convenience, emotional enjoyment, and personal freedom. Its brand slogan, “Comfee, is how I Cool Smart,” embodies its mission to provide cooling that’s not just functional, but expressive and enriching. 

The Malaysia launch marks an important milestone in Comfee’s expansion into Southeast Asia. To celebrate, with the theme “Live Joyfully with Comfee”, Comfee will roll out a series of locally tailored brand activities on social media that encourage young consumers to find their colourful moments in life and showcasing their lifestyle with Comfee. Meanwhile, Comfee will connect local consumers through KOL collaboration by focusing on the scenes of personal moments of joy, freedom, and comfort. This initiative not only hopes to deepen emotional ties with young users but also aims to spark vibrant engagement across social platforms.

Smart Choice with Gusto
Smart Choice with Gusto

For the debut, Comfee bring Gusto for Malaysia market, which stands out by combining energy efficiency, smart connectivity, and healthy living features:

  • Control your AC with just a APP on your phone: By automatically turning on/off from 15km away and customize cooling mode by needs, a comfy and cooling summer just at your ease.
  • Powered by ECO+, equipped with AI Algorithm, Gusto achieves over 30% energy savings. With Energy Management Solution and Gear Control on APP, less electricity consumption but more money saved with one click.  
  • The built-in Active Clean+ self-cleaning system performs a 42-minute deep frost-cleaning cycle to maintain a fresh and healthy environment.
  • Engineered for durability, Gusto features a reliable PCB with UV conformal coating that improves anti-corrosion capability and a wide voltage range of 80V–265V to ensure stable performance under power fluctuations. Further with golden coating, it makes Gusto more resistant in oxidation & corrosion and furnish a steadier and long-lasting working environment.

This August, Comfee brings big surprises to Shopee fans! Enjoy vouchers up to MYR130 and free shipping for the first 50 orders. Follow Comfee’s Shopee store, add to cart, and contact customer service to unlock the hidden MYR130 voucher, plus an unlimited MYR100 shop voucher.Place an order and join our giveaway! Post a 5-star review and follow Comfee’s shop for a chance to win 50 giveaway gifts. Shop smart and cool with Comfee this summer!

Comfee Official Shops:

Shopee

 

2025 Inaugural Global Chest Wall Surgery Conference Concludes Successfully: Uniting Expertise, Driving Innovation

GUANGZHOU, China, July 21, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — The inaugural Global Chest Wall Surgery Conference concluded successfully in Guangzhou on July 19, uniting leading medical experts worldwide to share cutting-edge surgical innovations and clinical insights in chest wall surgery.

The conference featured a series of high-level academic lectures focusing on the latest developments, advanced techniques, emerging trends, and key issues in chest wall surgery. 9 distinguished medical experts from the United States, India, Japan, Malaysia, Armenia, Thailand, and China delivered keynote speeches, attracting nearly 50 medical professionals from around the world.

Group photo of the ICWS team with participating experts
Group photo of the ICWS team with participating experts

A Global Dialogue Shaping the Future of Chest Wall Surgery

The event was co-hosted by the Institute of Chest Wall Surgery (ICWS) of Guangdong Second Provincial General Hospital (GD2H) and the International Chest Wall Surgery Organization (ICWSO).

Professor Hongyi Qu, the Director of GD2H, and Professor Wenlin Wang, the president of ICWS, attended the conference. “This is a truly global platform for fostering comprehensive dialogue on chest wall disorders,” said Professor Wang. “It will help shape the future of our discipline.”

From Nuss to Wang: A New Era of Minimally Invasive Chest Wall Surgery and Global Collaboration

The conference centered on the surgical skills and clinical applications of the traditional Nuss procedure and the innovative Wang procedure for pectus excavatum. Notably, experts from Armenia and Thailand are actively studying the Wang procedure, with plans to introduce it into clinical practice in their countries. They highlighted that, compared with the standard Nuss procedure, the Wang procedure is less invasive, safer, and technically simpler—making it more accessible for experienced surgeons to adopt and implement.

Beyond pectus excavatum, experts also shared their surgical approaches and clinical experiences in treating other chest wall disorders, such as asphyxiating thoracic dystrophy, chest wall tumors, and chest wall infections.

The success of the inaugural conference marks a new milestone in international exchange and collaboration in the field of chest wall surgery. ICWS remains committed to advancing the field through continuous innovation, education, and global partnerships.

About ICWS

ICWS is the world’s first independent surgical institution dedicated to chest wall disorders and the largest global center for deformity correction, having performed over 10,000 surgeries for patients worldwide.

Media Contact

Website: https://www.icwsorg.com/
Email: icwsmkt@hotmail.com
Telephone: +86 18988543476
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@icwsorg
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/ICWS/61563376389225/

ICWS Successfully Concludes 2nd Global Program on Cutting-edge Chest Wall Surgery Techniques

GUANGZHOU, China, July 21, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — The 2nd “Latest Chest Wall Surgery Technique Global Training Program”, hosted by the Institute of Chest Wall Surgery (ICWS) of Guangdong Second Provincial General Hospital, was successfully held from July 16 to 18, 2025.

The program brought together 10 thoracic surgeons from the United States, Romania, India, Armenia, Pakistan, Malaysia, Mexico, and other countries. Participants engaged in comprehensive training on the latest diagnostic methods and surgical techniques in chest wall surgery.

A highlight was the innovative surgical approach for pectus excavatum—the Wang procedure. Compared to the traditional Nuss procedure—which corrects chest wall concave deformity by inserting steel bars into the thoracic cavity and flipping them—the Wang procedure achieves correction by placing a bar on the surface of the depressed chest wall, thereby avoiding heart injury and offering a less invasive, and faster recovery option.

Professor Wenlin Wang demonstrates the surgical techniques of the Wang Procedure to participants
Professor Wenlin Wang demonstrates the surgical techniques of the Wang Procedure to participants

The training program featured two main components: theoretical instruction and surgical observation.

The theoretical instruction officially commenced at 9:00 a.m. on July 16. During this session, Professor Wenlin Wang, the Director of ICWS, led his team members in providing theoretical explanations and technical demonstrations of four surgical methods for chest wall deformity developed by ICWS: the Wang procedure, the Wung procedure, the Wenlin procedure, and the Willine procedure. These innovative procedures showcase the cutting-edge advancements in chest wall surgery techniques.

At 3 p.m., the participants began surgical observation and assisted in multiple surgeries, covering various severe chest wall cases such as asymmetric pectus excavatum, asymmetric pectus carinatum, and Wenlin chest. The ICWS team showcased their superb skills and seamless teamwork, completing 83 surgeries within three days and leaving a lasting impression on the international thoracic surgeons.

After three days of intensive learning and discussions, the participants have gained a deep understanding of chest wall surgery techniques and their clinical applications. Professor Wang concluded, “We look forward to seeing these groundbreaking techniques flourish across the globe, bringing hope and improved outcomes to patients with chest wall deformities.”

About ICWS

ICWS is the world’s first independent surgical institution dedicated to chest wall disorders and the largest global center for deformity correction, having performed over 10,000 surgeries for patients worldwide.

Media Contact

Website: https://www.icwsorg.com/
Email: icwsmkt@hotmail.com
Phone: +86 18988543476