Agoda’s global travel inventory now available through Global Redemption Suite, enabling banking to deliver loyalty with instant, personalized travel rewards

SINGAPORE, Jan. 21, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Digital travel platform Agoda and Mastercard have joined forces to launch a modular travel redemption solution that empowers banks to modernize their loyalty programs and offer more meaningful benefits to cardholders. This collaboration integrates Agoda’s extensive global travel inventory into Mastercard’s Global Redemption Suite, giving cardholders direct, real-time access to flexible travel rewards and more ways to redeem points for memorable experiences.

Through this collaboration, banks connected to Mastercard’s rewards ecosystem can embed the Agoda-powered travel redemption solution into their own loyalty programs. This enables banks to quickly deliver a branded experience, where points can be redeemed instantly and applied directly to Agoda’s global inventory of accommodations and flights. For cardholders, the result is a digital-first travel, seamless travel rewards experience tailored to diverse lifestyles.

As loyalty programs evolve toward personalization and partnerships, this launch reflects a growing trend: ecosystems that deliver value beyond traditional rewards. By connecting banks with Agoda’s inventory through Mastercard’s trusted network, the offering delivers flexibility and choice—key drivers of modern loyalty.

“Across the industry, many loyalty points still go unused because customers don’t see enough real value or flexibility in how they redeem. By joining forces with Mastercard, we’re helping banks close that value gap with travel rewards that are immediate, intuitive, and genuinely useful. By embedding Agoda’s interfaces, technology, and global inventory into Mastercard’s solution, cardholders can use their points the way they want, on their timelines, while banks gain a simple, scalable way to modernize loyalty and drive deeper engagement,” said Damien Pfirsch, Chief Commercial Officer at Agoda.

Industry research underscores this shift. According to the Skift State of Travel 2025 report, most travelers join loyalty programs for practical benefits such as discounted travel, easier earning and redemption, and premium access—factors that directly influence booking decisions and reinforce loyalty. Similarly, Arrivia’s 2025 Loyalty Landscape Report reveals that 84% of loyalty programs plan to expand their travel benefits this year, as consumers increasingly prioritize meaningful, experience-led rewards. This collaboration enables banks to meet these evolving expectations with travel rewards that drive measurable engagement including higher redemption frequency and active card rates.

“At Mastercard, we are transforming loyalty into a digital-first, hyper-personalized experience. By enabling effortless redemption with Agoda, we’re creating a connected ecosystem that delivers convenience and meaningful value at every touchpoint. Together, we’re shaping a future where loyalty is dynamic, data-driven, and seamlessly integrated into the moments that matter most,” said Matthew Driver, Executive Vice President, Services, Asia Pacific.

This launch marks a significant step toward the future of loyalty—where flexibility, instant access, and meaningful experiences define value. By connecting banks, cardholders, and travel in one seamless ecosystem, Agoda and Mastercard are setting a new standard for choice and relevance in every journey.

DAVOS, Switzerland, Jan. 21, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — AM Group, the leading energy transition platform backed by the founders of Greenko Group, today announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Invest UP, Government of Uttar Pradesh to establish a 1 GW (Gigawatt) High Performance Compute Hub to serve global AI workloads.

AMG will establish an AI Infrastructure hub in the Greater Noida region in Uttar Pradesh with a total investment of ~ USD 25 Billion. This grand scale project will be developed in a phased manner with first capacity coming up in 2028 and full 1 GW capacity targeted to come up by 2030. This partnership underscores AM Group’s commitment to building a sustainable, carbon-neutral intelligent economy solutions and aligns with Uttar Pradesh’s vision to become India’s premier AI hub.

This project will be a multi-billion investment for the set-up of GW scale infrastructure with ~500,000 latest high-performance chipsets and will be one of the largest investments in country to-date aligned with the Indian Government’s Viksit Bharat 2047 vision to accelerate the expansion of AI-driven services.

Powering the Future of AI and High-Performance Compute

As India’s demand for high-performance computing (HPC) and Artificial Intelligence (AI) workloads surges, this facility will be designed to meet the requirements of global hyperscalers, frontier labs, enterprises and India’s sovereign AI initiatives at scale and in speedy manner using carbon-free energy.

AMG AI labs, with its vision of Democratizing AI, is developing end-to-end value chain from efficient on-demand electron to intelligent token. These intelligent tokens form key inputs for customized models & applications across sectors including energy, healthcare, sovereign clouds, manufacturing, automotive, media & gaming amongst others.

This HPC compute capability will also enable chipset access to wider Indian developer community to fast track and develop AI solution stacks for global and domestic usage.

The AI hub will feature:

• Scalable Infrastructure: Phased rollout with the first capacity being operational by 2028, scaling to the full 1 GW by 2030.
• Strategic Location: Utilizing Uttar Pradesh’s robust industrial corridors and favourable Data Center Policy to provide low-latency and high reliable connectivity to growing digital markets.
• Green Energy Integration: Leveraging AMG’s leadership in renewable energy, the facility will be powered by 24/7 carbon-free energy solutions, including wind, solar, and pumped storage.

A Catalyst for Economic Growth

The MoU was exchanged in the presence of senior government officials and the leadership team of AMG at World Economic Forum at Davos. The project is expected to attract significant foreign direct investment (FDI) and generate thousands of high-skilled jobs in the region, fostering a local ecosystem for hardware manufacturing, software development, and specialized cooling technologies.

“Evolution of global AI ecosystem with intentionality, intelligence and adaptability will be a pivotal tool for current & future generations. AMG AI labs focus on valorising electron agents into intelligent tokens is a natural extension of our technology-first approach to our businesses as the global AI ecosystem races towards Physical AI Solutions,” said Anil Chalamalasetty, Group Chairman, AM Group.

“By combining 1 GW of compute capacity with our 24/7 green power solutions, we are not just building a data center; we are creating a sustainable template for the future of global AI infrastructure with the support from State of Uttar Pradesh,” added Mahesh Kolli, Group President, AM Group.

About AM Group

AMG is promoted by founders of Greenko Group, which is among India’s leading renewable energy conglomerates. AMG is building globally differentiated platforms across molecules, materials and AI technologies to enable industrial decarbonization & competitive tokenization at scale.

Greenko will be a 50 GW Energy Infrastructure platform with presence across 20+ states across solar, wind, hydro and energy storage projects. Greenko is building world’s first interconnected energy storage solution with 100 GWh storage capacity across the country.

AMG is developing low-carbon ammonia projects across multiple locations in India with a goal to reach 5 Mtpa of green ammonia capacity. It’s currently under construction 1 Mtpa green ammonia plant will be one of the world’s largest RFNBO compliant green ammonia facilities, supporting efforts to achieve net zero targets both in India and global markets.

AMG is also developing production capabilities for other net zero molecules and chemicals including green caustic soda, e-methanol, olefins & biofuels including sustainable aviation fuel for decarbonization in hard to abate industries.

AMG Metals & Materials is setting up a 1 MTPA Green Aluminium production plant as part of wider green materials offering.

Media Contact for AM Group: Sheela Panicker, enright@enrightpr.com

LAS VEGAS, Jan. 21, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — ChooChoo, an AI-powered interactive reading companion designed to support early childhood language development, was featured at CES® 2026, where it drew attention for its research-backed approach to helping children learn through conversation—powered by edge AI and ultra-low-power connectivity from RiseLink Technologies.

During CES week, ChooChoo was showcased across multiple media outlets, including KLAS News Now (CBS Las Vegas), WBTS (NBC Boston), KSNV-TV (NBC Las Vegas), and the nationally syndicated Anna & Raven Show, reflecting growing interest in how edge AI can be applied thoughtfully and responsibly to children’s learning products.

A Research-Backed Approach to Early Reading

ChooChoo helps children build language and early reading skills through interactive read-aloud, rather than passive listening. Its design is inspired by interactive (dialogic) reading methods from Yale’s early childhood language development research, which have been shown to significantly improve children’s language abilities in as little as one month when used consistently.

ChooChoo was created by Dr. Diana Zhu (Yale PhD), combining academic research with warm, playful product design for children ages 3–6. Through natural conversation and adaptive storytelling, ChooChoo:

• Engages children in back-and-forth dialogue during stories
• Introduces and reinforces vocabulary in meaningful context
• Supports comprehension, emotional language, and confidence
• Adapts to each child’s pace, interests, and learning progress

An optional parent app allows caregivers to view reading progress, vocabulary learned, and how the system adapts over time.

Powered by RiseLink Edge AI: Low Latency, Ultra-Low Power, and Privacy by Design

ChooChoo is built on RiseLink’s edge AI and wireless connectivity platform, including ultra-low-power AI SoCs such as the BK7259-class chips, designed specifically for always-on, edge-AI devices.

By performing key intelligence directly on the device, RiseLink’s chips enable:

• Low-latency responses, critical for natural, frustration-free child interaction
• Ultra-low power consumption, extending battery life for daily use
• Privacy and security by design, with sensitive interactions processed locally rather than continuously streamed to the cloud

This edge-first architecture allows ChooChoo to feel responsive and “alive,” while giving parents confidence that their child’s data and interactions are handled securely.

Proven Edge AI Technology at Global Scale

RiseLink’s edge AI and connectivity chips are already deployed at massive global scale, powering billions of connected devices worldwide across smart home, consumer electronics, and intelligent hardware categories. The company ships 200M+ units annually in AI-native device scenarios, demonstrating production-grade reliability and maturity.

RiseLink is a long-term silicon partner to leading global brands across consumer electronics and smart devices, including LG, Samsung, Midea, and Hisense, bringing industrial-grade performance, security, and efficiency to next-generation products—including AI-powered toys.

Redefining AI-Powered Toys

ChooChoo represents a new generation of AI-native toys—products that move beyond scripted playback to become responsive, adaptive companions grounded in research, safety, and real-world reliability.

Its debut at CES 2026, combined with national and local media coverage, underscores how edge AI and ultra-low-power chip design can unlock meaningful, child-safe learning experiences—without compromising privacy, responsiveness, or battery life.

• Chairman Chung attends 2026 World Economic Forum Annual Meeting for fourth consecutive year
• Discusses AI-driven transformation and innovation in energy transition at key sessions
• Met with Palantir co-founder and CEO Alex Karp to discuss expansion of strategic partnership

SEOUL, South Korea, Jan. 21, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — HD Hyundai Chairman Chung Kisun attended the 2026 World Economic Forum (WEF) Annual Meeting, also known as the Davos Forum, in Davos, Switzerland, where he discussed the future of artificial intelligence (AI) and the energy industry.

The Davos Forum brings together leaders from government, business and academia from around the world to address global challenges and explore its solutions. This year’s meeting runs from January 19 to 23 under the theme “A Spirit of Dialogue.” Chairman Chung first attended the forum in 2023 and is participating for the fourth consecutive year.

At this year’s forum, Chairman Chung attended key official sessions and held wide-ranging discussions with global leaders on industry transformation driven by AI; the growing importance of accessibility, resilience and AI as core pillars of the energy transition; and the risk of a slowdown in global growth amid geopolitical shifts, along with strategies to address those challenges.

Chairman Chung is also scheduled to attend the Oil & Gas Governors meeting, following his participation last year, to exchange views on changes in the global energy market, the energy transition, energy security and technological innovation.

On the second day of the forum, January 20, local time, he met with Alex Karp, co-founder and CEO of Palantir Technologies, and agreed to expand the strategic partnership between HD Hyundai and the global enterprise AI company.

With the expanded partnership, HD Hyundai plans to further its existing collaboration with Palantir and broaden cooperation across the group, including key affiliates such as HD Hyundai Electric, HD Hyundai Robotics and HD Hyundai Marine Solution, as it accelerates its digital transformation. Since 2021, beginning with HD Hyundai Oilbank, the group has deployed Palantir’s big data solutions and Artificial Intelligence Platform (AIP) across its core businesses, including shipbuilding and offshore operations, energy and construction equipment, establishing a data-driven decision-making framework.

“This expanded strategic partnership marks an important turning point in connecting data and workflows across HD Hyundai into a single, cohesive system—enabling faster and more sophisticated decision-making” said Chung Kisun, Chairman of HD Hyundai. He added, “Palantir is a partner with globally proven capabilities in data integration, operational optimization, and AI-driven analytics, and will add strength in executing HD Hyundai’s digital transformation.”

“HD Hyundai is a pioneering force in global industry, and the significant expansion of our partnership marks an exciting new chapter,” said Dr. Alex Karp, co-founder and CEO of Palantir Technologies. “We are committed to advancing our strategic collaboration and driving the group’s competitiveness, and we look forward to continue building together.”

Looking ahead, HD Hyundai plans to jointly establish a Center of Excellence with Palantir to systematically embed advanced data analytics and artificial intelligence capabilities across the organization, while securing sustainable growth engines to support AI-driven innovation.

TULSA, Okla., Jan. 21, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — T.D. Williamson (TDW), a global leader in pipeline solutions, announced the launch of TDW SHiiELD™, a next-generation pipeline isolation tool creating a new standard of double independent isolation and bleed (DiiB).

Industry-first pipeline isolation solution

SHiiELD technology delivers leak-proof performance, uncompromising safety, and four times the throughput area of traditional double block-and-bleed solutions while protecting the environment from fugitive emissions and reducing operational downtime.

Engineered with two independently anchored modules and energized seals, SHiiELD provides a redundant isolation system that exceeds evolving safety and environmental standards. By achieving a certified, leak-proof seal and enabling remote activation and monitoring, SHiiELD minimizes operational risk, enhances pipeline efficiency, and ensures zero-emission isolation projects.

Watch the SHiiELD™ video at tdw.red/SHiiELD to get up to speed on what the system delivers.

Driving efficiency, safety, and environmental responsibility

“SHiiELD is changing the game of how operators isolate pipelines while meeting their emissions and safety goals,” said TDW Chief Executive Officer Bob McGrew. “By combining true redundancy with best-in-class throughput and remote activation, SHiiELD ensures the safest possible isolation for personnel and the environment. This innovative technology underscores TDW’s commitment to advancing pipeline safety and operational efficiency.”

With SHiiELD, TDW continues to drive the pipeline industry forward with advanced technologies that meet the market’s demand for higher safety, reliability, environmental responsibility, and throughput. Read our blog to learn how DiiB technology works.

Shiield is a trademark of T.D. Williamson, Inc. For more information about the TDW SHiiELD System, visit us online.

About T.D. Williamson

T.D. Williamson (TDW) delivers advanced pipeline integrity, intervention, pigging and repair technologies that keep critical energy systems operating safely and efficiently. For more than a century, TDW has led innovation in pigging and isolation solutions that reduce emissions, extend asset life, and support a more sustainable energy future.

Today, TDW supports the energy industry’s drive toward lower-carbon operations and a sustainable pipeline future. With headquarters in Tulsa, Oklahoma, TDW operates in more than 35 locations across the globe, with channel partners across Europe, Asia, and the Middle East.

BEIJING, Jan. 21, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — For 20 years, Beijing InfoComm China has served as the most professional and influential platform for promoting and expanding China’s global Professional Audio-Visual (Pro-AV) industry. Through decades of bringing together manufacturers, solution providers, IT system integrators, and end users of Pro-AV, Beijing InfoComm China has become Asia’s premier Hub for Pro-AV excellence. Taking place from 15-17 April 2026, at the China National Convention Center (CNCC), the show marks the beginning of a landmark era: the 20^th year of the InfoComm China brand, followed by the 20^th edition of the tradeshow in 2027. From an exhibition floor hosting over 400 companies and welcoming over 26,000 professional visitors, to a world-class conference lineup of Pro-AV industry movers & shakers, to delighting audiences with innovative and immersive themed zones.

To commemorate this milestone era, InfoComm China will host a series of events and initiatives throughout the two years honoring the companies, ideas, and people who have help to shape the Pro-AV industry. Leading up to the 2026 event, members of the InfoComm China community can expect even more innovations, interactive programs, and surprises which spotlights the history of Pro-AV, modern-day successes, and future forward showcases launching us into the 2^nd half of the 21^st century.

A US $98 Billion Market Opportunity
With the APAC Pro-AV market valued at US $123.7 billion and China accounting for nearly 80% of the pie (US $98.4 billion and 4.2% CAGR), InfoComm China provides a critical gateway for global trade and technological exchange.

New International Visitor Initiatives
Making a strategic shift toward global integration, InfoComm China for the first time has launched a suite of international visitor initiatives including tools and resources for overseas visiting professionals to navigate their way to China, through the fair, and efficiently network and conduct business deals. Initiatives include the launch of invited guest program with travel hosting privileges, onsite assistance with dedicated lounges and translation services, and a curated selection of “ready-to-export” companies specifically prepared to meet with overseas guests at the show.

For more information on InfoComm China, the international visitor program benefits, and to pre-register your pass to the future visit infocomm-china.com.

For more information, visit:
infocomm-asia.com | infocomm-china.com | infocomm-india.com 

Global Media Enquiries:
Angie Eng
Director, Marketing, InfoCommAsia Pte Ltd
T: +65 8163 2109
E: media@infocommasia.com; angieeng@infocommasia.com

SINGAPORE, Jan. 21, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — The partnership between NLCS (Singapore) and the Wheelchair Rugby Association Singapore began through the initiative of an NLCS (Singapore) student who, after becoming involved with the association, learned that WRAS was at risk of losing access to its long-standing training venue. Recognising the significance of the programme and the impact it has on its athletes, the student brought a detailed proposal to senior staff, advocating for meaningful, long-term support.

That proposal led to a formal partnership in which NLCS (Singapore) committed both sustained sponsorship and access to its sporting facilities, enabling WRAS athletes to practise, and host matches in a stable and supportive environment. The partnership reflects the school’s belief in student leadership and in education that extends beyond the classroom.

WRAS has since continued to grow as a competitive and inclusive sporting community, providing athletes with opportunities to train at a high level while fostering resilience, teamwork, and a strong sense of belonging.

“Wheelchair rugby fosters community inclusion and belonging by providing a structured, supportive environment where individuals with disabilities can participate in a demanding team sport,” said Clare, Secretary and Volunteer at the Wheelchair Rugby Association Singapore.

The strength of this partnership was evident at a recent ceremony, where WRAS athletes were presented with their national jerseys ahead of their participation in the ASEAN Para Games. The event was a moving occasion, celebrating not only sporting excellence but also the collective effort behind the athletes’ journey.

Paul Friend, Director of NLCS (Singapore), attended the ceremony and reflected on the relationship between the school and WRAS:

“This partnership began because one of our students saw something important at risk and was determined to act. What followed was a thoughtful, well-argued case for how we could help in a way that really mattered. Supporting WRAS has been immensely rewarding, not just because of what it enables for the athletes, but because of what our own students learn through being connected with such inspiring people. It is a relationship from which we have all benefited.”

NLCS (Singapore) looks forward to continuing its partnership with WRAS and to supporting the athletes as they compete on the regional stage, while remaining committed to student-led initiatives that create meaningful impact beyond the school community.

About North London Collegiate School (Singapore)  

Founded in August 2020, North London Collegiate School (Singapore) is a British International School offering the academically ambitious NLCS curriculum, followed by the International Baccalaureate (IB) Middle Years Programme and culminating in the IB Diploma Programme. 

Drawing on 175 years of educational heritage from its founding school in the UK, NLCS (Singapore) nurtures individuals to be intellectually curious, socially confident, and grounded in compassion through a rigorous academic framework, rich co-curricular opportunities, and exceptional pastoral care.

Situated on Depot Road, the School is part of a global family of schools committed to educational excellence and developing global citizens.

To learn more about NLCS (Singapore), please visit our website (https://nlcssingapore.sg/) and follow us on Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, and LinkedIn.

For media enquiries, please contact the NLCS (Singapore) Marketing Team
Email: marketing@nlcssingapore.sg