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Graylog Security and Log Management Solutions Drive Record 564% Growth in APAC Region

Strengthens Regional Support; Opens Office in Singapore

HOUSTON and HONG KONG, April 15, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Graylog, a leader in Threat Detection, Investigation, and Response, is deepening its commitment to the APAC region following a 6.5X increase in sales over the past two years — the fastest growth rate of any market for the company. As demand for modern security and log management solutions continues to rise, Graylog is expanding its footprint with a new office in Singapore, complementing its existing presence in Hong Kong. To further support this growth, Graylog has partnered with RIPEN, a leading IT security consultancy, to deliver dedicated Tier 1 and Tier 2 customer support across the region.

“Our growth in APAC isn’t just about numbers—it’s about ensuring our customers can quickly detect and respond to security threats,” said Adam Abernethy, Vice President of Customer Enablement at Graylog. “With RIPEN’s deep expertise and hands-on experience using Graylog in real-world security operations, customers get direct access to skilled professionals who can help them solve problems fast.

Expanding Graylog’s Global Sales and Support Network

Following the establishment of the company’s regional APAC office in 2022, Graylog is further expanding with the opening of an office in Singapore and the appointment of Gerald Lum as Regional Vice President of Sales. In this role, Mr. Lum will oversee the sales operations and performance in APAC, drive revenue targets, and implement sales strategies.

“As a cyber security evangelist with more than 20 years of sales and leadership experience, we welcome Gerald to the team and look forward to his contributions as we continue to help organizations across the APAC region enhance security operations, improve log management efficiency, and reduce operational costs,” said Joshua Ziel, Chief Sales Officer at Graylog.

The region continues to play an increasingly vital role in the company’s global expansion. As adoption accelerates, Mr. Lum’s arrival and the RIPEN partnership ensures that security teams have the resources, expertise, and support they need to maximize the value of their Graylog deployments.

Localised Support for APAC Security and IT Teams

RIPEN’s team will handle in-region support for Graylog’s Threat Detection, Investigation, and Response (TDIR) and Centralized Log Management solutions, helping customers:

  • Resolve security issues faster with direct access to experienced professionals
  • Get support in local languages for Tier 1 and Tier 2 troubleshooting
  • Streamline security operations by optimizing log management and threat detection workflows

“Having witnessed the transformative power of Graylog first-hand, we are thrilled to join forces to empower security and IT teams across APAC,” stated Raymond CHENG, VP of Operation at RIPEN. “Our collaboration will provide APAC customers with an unmatched advantage – the combined strength of our specialized knowledge and Graylog’s powerful technology – enabling them to detect threats faster, respond more effectively, and ultimately, stay ahead of the evolving threat landscape.”

RIPEN’s credentials include:

  • Accreditation from the Hong Kong Government’s Government IT Products (GITP) Scheme
  • ISO 9001:2015 certification from Accredited Certification International Limited (ACi)
  • AWS Cloud Practitioner and AWS Solutions Architect Associate certifications

APAC regional support is available Monday through Friday, 9:00 to 18:00 HKT, complementing Graylog’s existing global support coverage.

About Graylog

Graylog is the no-nonsense SIEM that cuts through noise and complexity. It delivers what security teams need most: full visibility, faster investigations, and smarter detection—without trade-offs or surprise costs. From automated workflows to correlation and anomaly detection, Graylog helps analysts move faster and stay focused. With a product suite spanning Graylog Enterprise, Security, API Security, and Open, we support everyone from large enterprises to lean teams. Trusted by over 60,000 organizations around the world. Learn more at graylog.com or connect with us on Bluesky and LinkedIn.

 

DuRoBo Debuts First Product: Krono–Your ePaper Focus Hub

NEW YORK, April 15, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — DuRoBo, a Dutch technology company, has introduced its debut product, Krono—an AI-powered ePaper focus hub. This Android-based e-ink device combines the capabilities of an e-reader, note-keeper, and audio player. It has now been pre-launched on Indiegogo.

DuRoBo Krono
DuRoBo Krono

This slab-like device, offered in black and white, features a distinctive axis on the back, adorned with breathing lights and a knob at the left end. The overall design gives a mechanical aesthetic. Krono’s UI, in line with its ePaper focus hub positioning, showcases a clean geometric style, with occasional playful visual elements scattered across various interfaces, creating a refreshing and enduring appeal.

Krono’s crowdfunding campaign highlights three primary functionalities: read, record, and listen, each optimized by AI integration for improved performance and usability.

The reading experience, a key strength of ePaper devices, is enhanced by a lightweight, portable body, suitable for on-the-go readers or those enjoying leisurely reading at home. Spark, a notable feature, serves as a note-taking and memo tool. It supports both voice and text input—voice for quickly capturing spontaneous ideas or to-do items, and text for detailed editing and refining of thoughts. Unlike typical E Ink devices focused on reading, Durobo Krono offers a dedicated Music function, expanding its use beyond text to include audio content.

One important advantage of the device is that it runs on an open Android system, allowing users to download apps for reading, podcasts, music, and communication, ensuring a fully personalized user experience.

Overall, the fusion of ePaper, Android, and AI positions Krono as a unique offering, combining a comfortable display, the flexibility of an open system, and AI-powered reading and audio capabilities. It’s expected that Krono can provide a novel experience previously unseen in ePaper products.

About DuRoBo

DuRoBo is a Dutch tech company specializing in ePaper products, including eReaders, tablets, and monitors. With a robust supply chain, exceptional hardware and software development capabilities, and original design expertise, DuRoBo operates across consumer products, industry solutions, and customized collaborations. More information can be found at https://www.durobo.com/ 

In record time: Octa broker on how speed inspires trust


KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA – Media OutReach Newswire – 15 April 2025 – In online trading, speed is king. Below, the experts at Octa, a regulated and trusted broker since 2011, break down the aspects of trading where speed matters most and offer an accessible way to accelerate trading progress.

Octa Broker

The modern world revolves around speed and solutions that solve problems faster than their predecessors. Speed advantage determines success in many industries and areas of life: information delivery, financial transactions, manufacturing, sports, and many more. This is especially true about all things digital, particularly online trading, where delays are considered a serious red flag by the modern consumer.

Why modern trading is all about speed

For modern traders, the broker’s ability to provide efficient order execution, fast withdrawals, and timely customer service are the key requirements for building trust. Without speed, a broker can hardly expect to establish long-term client relationships. Moreover, in the financial sector, speed comes in many forms.

The e-brokerage industry entirely depends on high-speed data feeds and information transfers executed with millisecond precision. Retail traders who operate from their desktops or mobile devices find navigating the markets proportionately easier if they are fast enough where and when it counts.

In online trading, especially in scalping or intraday trading with lesser timeframes, a breakout, reversal, or reaction to a news release can happen in seconds. Delayed order execution, a stuttering trading platform, or suspended reaction due to incomplete information can easily turn a low-risk, high-probability trade into a risky venture with an uncertain outcome.

Where in trading speed makes the most difference

Traders emphasise the importance of strategy, but it is the execution that often separates a positive outcome from a negative one. Choosing the right price movement direction is ineffective unless the action is taken on time. Fast execution results in less slippage, better prices, tighter spreads, and greater control over trading risks.

Another speed-related factor that determines a positive trading experience and is, therefore, highly valued by traders is withdrawal speed. Octa broker’s recent survey shows that the ability to withdraw their funds without hiccups is one of the main reasons traders choose one broker over another.

Octa broker uses its global reach to establish close cooperation with various payment providers and systems. This way, Octa offers some of the fastest withdrawals on the market while avoiding any hidden charges. All the broker’s fees are reflected in its terms and conditions and can be reviewed in advance.

CFDs: a perfect instrument for modern-day trading

Contracts for difference, or CFDs, are well-known for speed and flexibility. Instead of buying an asset or a futures contract with delivery obligations, CFDs involve trading price movement, and that makes the entire transaction faster and more direct.

CFDs enable traders to profit from upward and downward market movements without restrictions. There is no need to wait for a market surge or borrow from an exchange when going short, as is often the case with crypto trading. This flexibility is especially advantageous in fast-moving markets, where direction can reverse in seconds.

Another advantage of CFDs is tight spreads and direct market access, which ensures that the displayed prices are among the most competitive in the market. Trades are executed without interference, eliminating delays and improving the chances of getting filled at or near the intended price.

Last but not least, CFDs provide multiple leverage options, which, if used wisely, can significantly increase a trader’s potential, albeit at the cost of increased exposure. Leverage allows traders to capitalise on short bursts of volatility instead of waiting for a major directional move to turn a profit.

Modern trading is driven by speed, efficiency, and transparency. Brokers build trust by allowing traders to operate efficiently in a high-frequency environment and act on volatility without delay. By ensuring fast withdrawals and a transparent, clearly communicated fee structure, brokers facilitate a seamless trading journey for their clients, contributing to their success in a vibrant environment where speed reigns supreme.
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Disclaimer: This content is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice, a recommendation, or an offer to engage in any investment activity. It does not take into account your investment objectives, financial situation, or individual needs. Any action you take based on this content is at your sole discretion and risk. Octa and its affiliates accept no liability for any losses or consequences resulting from reliance on this material.

Trading involves risks and may not be suitable for all investors. Use your expertise wisely and evaluate all associated risks before making an investment decision. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future results.

Availability of products and services may vary by jurisdiction. Please ensure compliance with your local laws before accessing them.

Hashtag: #Octa

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

Octa

is an international CFD broker that has been providing online trading services worldwide since 2011. It offers commission-free access to financial markets and various services used by clients from 180 countries who have opened more than 52 million trading accounts. To help its clients reach their investment goals, Octa offers free educational webinars, articles, and analytical tools.

The company is involved in a comprehensive network of charitable and humanitarian initiatives, including the improvement of educational infrastructure and short-notice relief projects supporting local communities.

In Southeast Asia, Octa received the ‘Best Trading Platform Malaysia 2024’ and the ‘Most Reliable Broker Asia 2023’ awards from Brands and Business Magazine and International Global Forex Awards, respectively.

Navigating Robotics Deployment Challenges with SINBON

With expertise in designing and manufacturing the nervous systems of robotics solutions, SINBON focuses on solving implementation challenges with customization.

TAIPEI, April 15, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — In spite of the potential for robotics technology to expand productivity, several implementation challenges continue to stand in the way of more widespread adoption. To help companies navigate these challenges, SINBON Electronics Co., Ltd. (TWSE#:3023), a leading electronic components maker and total solution provider, is highlighting the importance of customizing solutions to the unique characteristics of an industry, business, facility, and process.

To learn more about SINBON’s in-depth robotics expertise, please visit www.sinbon.com or follow on LinkedIn.

Key challenges to implementing robotics

According to the leading robotics review platform QVIRO, project engineers are facing several challenges when implementing automation:

  • Integration with existing systems: Seamlessly incorporating robotic solutions into legacy infrastructures requires flexibility and oftentimes outside expertise.
  • Skilled workforce shortages: Beyond installation, specialized skills are required for maintaining automated equipment.
  • Cost vs. benefit analysis: It is crucial to evaluate the long-term impact of the initial investment instead of focusing on the near term.
  • Safety and compliance: Regulatory standards for robotics usage require meticulous attention to ensure adherence and workplace safety.
  • Technical challenges and maintenance: Operational continuity must be balanced with upkeep of the technology.

Faced with these challenges, unleashing the long-term benefits of automation requires a careful understanding of each company’s unique challenges and its facility’s characteristics. With in-depth expertise in robotics, design for manufacturing, and system integration, SINBON embraces this tailored approach to guide companies in deploying robotics technology.

A decade of innovation in robotics

SINBON specializes in designing and manufacturing the nervous systems of robotics solutions, specifically the wire harnesses, control systems, and printed circuit boards. SINBON particularly excels in making wire harnesses for robotics equipment that are high-performance, lightweight, and ruggedized for various environments, ensuring stability and reliability across applications.

Since entering the robotics sector in 2014, SINBON has expanded its capabilities to encompass various robotics and automation technologies serving many sectors, including:

  • Industrial robots: Mainly for automotive, electronics, and metal processing applications
  • SCARA Robots (Selective Compliance Assembly Robot Arm): For electronics assembly, packaging, and semiconductor manufacturing
  • Humanoid robots: For customer service, education, and healthcare
  • Special-purpose robots: Designed for extreme environments such as military applications, disaster rescue, nuclear processing, and deep-sea exploration
  • Cartesian robots: For high-precision semiconductor packaging, precision instrument assembly, and laboratory automation
  • Service robots: Such as food delivery robots, companion robots, and medical care robots
  • Cobots (collaborative robots): Designed to work alongside humans and enhance workflows
  • Parallel robots (Delta robots): Widely used in food packaging, pharmaceuticals, and automated inspection applications
  • Warehouse robots: Used in smart logistics and warehouse management, including AGVs (Automated Guided Vehicles) and AMRs (Autonomous Mobile Robots)

SINBON’s competitive edge

As a sustainability-first manufacturer and trusted partner across Europe, America, and Asia, SINBON guides customers through their automation journey with tailored robotics solutions that drive efficiency and innovation. With a consultative approach and long-term customer support, the company ensures that automation empowers businesses to continuously grow.

About SINBON Electronics

Established in 1989 in Taiwan, SINBON Electronics is a leading provider of integrated design and production services for bespoke interconnect solutions. Driven by a commitment to customer centricity and the principles of ESG, the company offers a wide range of products and OEM/ODM services that ensure reliability and efficiency, combining extensive engineering expertise, industry knowledge, and leading innovations to customize solutions for long-term customer success. SINBON has a global footprint, with operations in Taiwan, China, Japan, the United Kingdom, Germany, Hungary, and the United States.

For more information: https://www.sinbon.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/company/sinbon-electronics/

Sungrow Redefines Utility-Scale Solar Solutions with Launch of 1+X 2.0 Modular Inverter

HEFEI, China, April 15, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Sungrow, the global leading inverter and energy storage system provider, unveiled its groundbreaking 1+X 2.0 Modular Inverter for utility-scale applications during the Global Renewable Energy Summit 2025, held April 7-9. The 1+X 2.0 Modular Inverter features a more scalable block design (800kW to 9.6MW), stable operation without derating at temperatures up to 52 degrees Celsius, AI-driven fault detection, and pioneering grid-forming capabilities, meeting the high demands for superior performance, maximum availability, and enhanced reliability of the inverter.

Sungrow 1+X Modular Inverter
Sungrow 1+X Modular Inverter

Small Module, Mega Impact
The 1+X 2.0 Modular Inverter provides increased modularity compared to the previous version. With each unit having a power rating of 800kW, the inverter provides flexible scalability from 800kW to 9.6MW (single unit to 12 units in parallel). This results in great flexibility which covers various scenarios.

The product’s split modular design isolates critical components (IGBTs, capacitors) in the upper inverter module for quick field replacement. Operation and Maintenance (O&M) time is slashed to one hour per module swap—the easy O&M enables field engineers to perform quick replacements.

With the AI-powered diagnostics function, the 1+X Modular Inverter provides real-time fault identification, eliminating manual troubleshooting and delays, accelerating repairs, and minimizing reliance on manpower.

Enhanced Durability in Harsh Conditions
Engineered to be robust in harsh conditions such as scorching heat in the Middle East, the 1+X 2.0 Modular Inverter integrates high-power-density semiconductors, a high-efficiency heat exchanger as well as a dual-cycle thermal management system to ensure optimized heat dissipation, maintaining stable operation without derating when the temperature reaches up to 52 degrees Celsius.

Its IP66 protection construction provides resilience to extreme conditions. The sealed module, with internal components fully protected and using advanced heat dissipation techniques as well as self-cleaning air duct functions, will guarantee the high reliability of the inverter.

Holistic AI-Driven DC-Side Safety Management System: Eliminating Fire Risks
Addressing the industry’s top challenge—most PV system faults originate in DC circuits. The DC faults may result in short-circuit, arcing, or even fire. The 1+X 2.0 Modular Inverter is providing a holistic AI-driven DC-side safety management system to solve the issue:

  • Dual DC Arc Protection System
    When an arc fault is detected, the combiner box reliably disconnects the faulty circuit within 40 milliseconds, blocking fire risks at the source. Simultaneously, via inverter cluster control technology, other combiner boxes in the same block are synchronously shut down in tandem to prevent any fault contribution.
  • Terminal Overheating Protection System
    A high-precision temperature sensor network is deployed to monitor inverter terminal temperatures in real-time. Upon detecting abnormal temperatures, the corresponding circuit is immediately disconnected, eliminating fire risks caused by poor electrical contact.

Pioneering Grid-Forming Technology
In addition to installing energy storage systems, the grid-forming capability of the PV system is also critical to the stable operation of projects. Equipped with Sungrow’s solar grid-forming technology, the 1+X 2.0 Modular Inverter can reliably operate in diverse grid conditions. When facing grid fluctuations, the inverter enables equivalent inertia support within five milliseconds, rapidly stabilizing grid frequency. It withstands transient overvoltage up to 1.8 times the rated voltage which meets the highest industry benchmark and automatically adapts to both strong and weak grids, ensuring stable system operation under all grid conditions.

Grid-forming can be used to provide power during plant construction and commissioning by forming a microgrid within or across several inverter blocks. This eliminates the need for diesel generators, accelerates the lead time of grid connection, and maximizes power generation for the lifecycle of the project. This technology was already applied in landmark projects including the Middle East and North America. For example, a 1GW project in the Middle East with this technology achieved grid connection 30 days ahead of schedule, generating 2.9 million USD in additional revenue, significantly reducing the Levelized Cost of Energy (LCOE).

Energy storage is now essential in renewable power plants. Sungrow 1+X Modular Inverter 2.0 is compatible with both DC- and AC-coupled solar-plus-storage solutions, further increasing renewable energy utilization. The DC-coupled solution with this new product is more efficient and cost-effective, enabling an initial investment reduction of over 10% and system conversion efficiency enhanced by 5% compared to traditional AC-coupled solutions. The solution enables 100% grid-forming capability based on AC capacity, making it a solar-plus-storage generator.

Furthermore, the 1+X 2.0 Modular Inverter enables a significant CAPEX and OPEX slash by allowing compliance with more PV modules per string design, MPLC advanced communication technology, larger block designs, intelligent Medium Voltage disconnection, and more flexible O&M. Due to these functions, a 1GW solar plant can have cost savings of approximately 7.41 million USD.

“The 1+X 2.0 represents a paradigm shift for the utility-scale solar market,” said Lee Zhang, Vice President at Sungrow. “From deserts to mountains, it empowers our customers to push boundaries while delivering outstanding returns on investment. We’re proud to drive the energy transition forward with solutions that marry innovation with sustainability,” Zhang added.

About Sungrow

Sungrow, a global leader in renewable energy technology, has pioneered sustainable power solutions for over 28 years. As of December 2024, Sungrow has installed 740 GW of power electronic converters worldwide. The Company is recognized as the world’s No. 1 on PV inverter shipments (S&P Global Commodity Insights) and the world’s most bankable energy storage company (BloombergNEF). Its innovations power clean energy projects in over 180 countries, supported by a network of 520 service outlets guaranteeing excellent customer experience. At Sungrow, we’re committed to bridging to a sustainable future through cutting-edge technology and unparalleled service. For more information, please visit: www.sungrowpower.com.

Rack Centre’s LGS2 12MW Data Centre, gamechanger to revolutionise Nigeria’s Digital Landscape


LAGOS, NIGERIA – EQS Newswire – 15 April 2025 – The newly commissioned LGS2 12MW IT Load Data Centre built by Rack Centre-West Africa’s leading Tier III carrier and cloud neutral data centre, has been described as the best-in-class and a game changer that would revolutionise Nigeria’s digital landscape.

The Chairman, Rack Centre, Maher Jarmakani, disclosed this during the official commissioning of the data centre held at the company’s head office in Lagos on Thursday, April 10, 2025.

Jarmakani noted that the commissioning of the new facility reinforces the company’s commitment to innovation, reliability and security, stating that its goal of providing premium data infrastructure such as the 12MW IT load LGS2 was geared towards ensuring uninterrupted, energy-efficient, world-class services and providing scalable solutions for enterprises, cloud providers, and financial institutions.

He disclosed that the company would continue to lead and play a critical role in powering Nigeria’s digital future.

“It is important to note that Rack Centre is the only data center located on Lagos Mainland, and with its proximity to critical government apparatus, this facility provides the required connectivity that makes Alausa’s day-to-day communication and cloud services efficient and reliable. Rack Centre’s infrastructure ensures that every byte of data moves swiftly and securely, and our role as a digital switch platform will only grow—connecting people, businesses and ideas to build a truly advanced society,” he said.

In his keynote address, the Governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu who was represented by his Deputy Chief of Staff, Sam Egube stated that the unveiling of the new 12MW LGS2 IT Load data centre, marks a pivotal moment in the journey towards a truly digital economy.

While commending the management of Rack Centre for constructing a data centre infrastructure with sustainability and energy efficiency in mind, he noted that investment in such advanced technology would certainly attract investors from across the globe particularly those who see Lagos as a hub of innovation and digital transformation.

He further described the company as a trailblazer in the tech and data infrastructure space adding that this new facility represents a leap in the shared ambition to make Lagos a smart, globally competitive digital hub.

Delivering the vote of thanks, the Chief Executive Officer, Rack Centre, Lars Johannisson expressed profound appreciation to the Lagos State Government for creating an enabling environment and providing the necessary support to deliver this landmark project.

Johannisson explained that the facility offers best-in-class services that meet the highest international standards, offering scalable solutions to hyperscalers, enterprises, and cloud service providers.

He described the newly commissioned facility as a significant milestone that symbolises a new chapter in Nigeria’s digital transformation, shaped by technological advancement, sustainable digitisation and AI.

While acknowledging the company’s transformative journey over the last 12 years, he disclosed that the company had risen from a pioneering entrepreneurial venture into a cornerstone of West Africa’s digital ecosystem, thereby underlining its role in securing and enabling Nigeria’s digital economy.

He further noted that with the facility now being utilised, the data centre capacity of the company would increase by eight-fold as this would consolidate its leadership as the digital infrastructure hub in sub-Saharan Africa.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Rack Centre.

Download Image 1 – https://apo-opa.co/4cwwLP2 (L-R: Chief Executive Officer, Rack Centre, Lars Johannisson; Chief Operating Officer, Rack Centre, Ezekiel Egboye; Deputy Chief of Staff to the Lagos State Governor, Sam Egube; Chairman, Jagal Group, Maher Jarmakani and Sales Director, Rack Centre, Folu Aderibigbe during the official commissioning of 12MW LGS2 IT Load Data centre facility in Lagos)

Download Image 2 – https://apo-opa.co/4j7AbKC

Download Image 3 – https://apo-opa.co/4cwrC9Z

Download Image 4 – https://apo-opa.co/4lzRlT

Hashtag: #RackCentre

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

About Rack Centre:

Rack Centre is the leading Tier III Carrier and cloud-neutral data centre in the West African region. Established in 2012, the company focuses solely on providing best-in-class data centre colocation services and interconnection between carriers and customers. Knowing this gives customers a technically superior, physically more secure, and lower-cost environment for their information systems.

The Carrier and Cloud neutrality advantage allows customers to manage traffic to get better value, lower latency, and higher resilience. It also creates an open market for partnerships between customers, networks, cloud and content providers, the Internet Exchange Point of Nigeria, AF-CIX, a fast-growing IXP and managed service providers.

Rack Centre’s clientele includes 70+ telecommunication carriers, Internet Service Providers (ISPs), global Tier 1 networks, and pan Africa international carriers, including direct interconnections to all undersea cables serving the South Atlantic Coast of Africa, including Equiano and in the foreseeable future 2Africa and every country on the Atlantic coast of Africa.

For more information, visit

Reservations Open for the One-Group-Per-Day Auberge “Né.”

Opening set for August 1, 2025 in Shibata City, Niigata Prefecture.
“Timeless Traditions, Evolving Forward” 
We don’t keep the surplus. We return it to the land that made it possible.

TOKYO, April 15, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Hong Kong– and Tokyo-based Ahead of the curve Inc. (Representative: Motoki Kumagai), which operates a Japanese sake restaurant business that has earned a Michelin one-star rating for three consecutive years in Hong Kong, will begin accepting advance reservations for the one-group-per-day auberge “Né” (located in Shibata City, Niigata Prefecture) starting Tuesday, April 15. The official opening is scheduled for August 1, 2025.

“Né” means “root” in Japanese and “born” in French.

Rather than focusing on a cycle of consumption, “Né” draws attention to the cycle woven by culture and life, where Niigata’s bountiful nature, produce, technology, and the heartfelt passion of its people continue to connect across time.

We don’t keep the surplus. We return it to the land that made it possible.

Auberge “Né.”
Auberge “Né.”

Advance reservations: https://ne-auberge.jp/

“Timeless Traditions, Evolving Forward”

Né evolves timeless traditions and carries them into the future.

Enjoying the blessings nurtured by the land is more than just an economic activity.
It is about protecting local industries, preserving history, and passing culture on to future generations.

Once fertile soil loses its vitality, it cannot be restored.
If people leave, skills, wisdom, and stories will vanish as well.
Tradition is not merely something to be preserved; it must be nurtured, evolved, and handed down to the future.

Né focuses not on the cycle of consumption but on the circulation of culture and life.
It is a place where water, rice, craftsmanship, and the heartfelt aspirations of people come together.
This intersection lies within the flow of time, connecting the past, present, and future.

Each bite you savor here today becomes a gift to the next generation.
It’s not just about safeguarding tradition but evolving and carrying it forward.
That is Né’s mission — and the reason why Né was born in this land.

Experience the cycle of culture and life, enjoying 100% Niigata produce.
One-group-per-day Auberge “Né”(Opening August 1, 2025)

◾️What is ‘Né?
Auberge “Né” is a one-group-per-day accommodation-style restaurant created by Ahead of the curve Inc., the company behind a Japanese sake restaurant business that has been awarded a Michelin one-star rating for three consecutive years.

Heading up the cuisine is Chef Makoto Fuse, a French chef.

After honing his skills under the guidance of three-star Chef Antoine Westermann in France, he has served as executive chef at multiple establishments in Japan, including “IWAI OMOTESANDO.”

From ingredient selection and recipe development to cooking, he handles every step to offer a one-of-a-kind culinary experience.

Additionally, after dinner, guests can savor the lingering delight of their meal and unwind from a long journey in a space themed “ikou (rest),” enjoying a relaxing time.

Special Promotional Videohttps://youtu.be/rQGsD6pWusw

Executive Chef of “Né” Makoto Fuse

After spending five years refining his fundamentals in French cuisine in Japan, he traveled alone to France in 2009. In Paris, he studied the essence of French cooking under Christian Constant, a mentor to many star chefs. He then spent two years as a head chef in a department under three-star Chef Antoine Westermann.

Following his return to Japan, he served as head chef at several restaurants in Tokyo. At the same time, he oversaw recipe development for specialist medical societies focused on dietary therapy, and also supervised dishes for popular gourmet TV programs, expanding his realm of activities.

In 2019, together with members who had experience at “Mirazur,” the French restaurant ranked No.1 in the World’s Best Restaurants, and the two-Michelin-star “Aquavit” in New York, he opened “IWAI OMOTESANDO” as executive chef. He continues to captivate many customers with his refined culinary skills and sophisticated cuisine.

< Comment >

There is a richness and vitality in ingredients that can only be encountered in this land and at this season—qualities that never emerge from transported produce.
Thus, the dishes born from these ingredients are also uniquely special.
However, as our bountiful natural environment is increasingly endangered, we are on the verge of losing these locally nurtured ingredients and cultures along with it.
That is why I aim to capture and convey the beauty unique to this land, through my cooking.

Even in an era where virtually any information can be found on the internet, eating cannot be digitized.

“You must go there, be there, and sense it with all five senses.”

I believe it is in that moment when one’s heart truly resonates.
Visiting Né and savoring its cuisine—that act itself can become the first step toward carrying forward the richness of this place into the future.
Together with the treasures of this land, I will put my heart into every dish and await your visit.

Advance reservations: https://ne-auberge.jp/

◾️”Né” and its Architectural Commitment

“Né” is built under the concept of “architecture that lets you feel Niigata’s nature,” using only Niigata-produced “wood” and “earth.” The foundation supporting the building uses the traditional method of “round log piles,” eliminating concrete altogether and thus reducing environmental impact on the land. Furthermore, inspired by Niigata’s original rural landscapes of “azé (field ridges)” and “uné (furrows),” only “earth” sourced from within the property is used for the building’s walls, aiming for an architecture that takes root in the land.

This fusion of “food” and “architecture,” experienced only here, allows you to fully immerse yourself in Niigata’s harsh yet abundant natural environment and its blessings.

◾️Historical Background of “Né”
The area where Auberge “Né” is located, formerly known as Kawahigashi Village in what is now Shibata City, Niigata Prefecture, has long been nurtured under the stewardship of the Honma family—a prominent lineage of daishoya, or village headmen responsible for governing and supporting the local community during the Edo period and beyond.

Among them, the 11th head of the Honma family, Hyakuzaimon Honma (1876–1938), served as village mayor for an impressive 31 years, spanning the Meiji to early Showa eras. With exceptional leadership and a deep commitment to public welfare, he led numerous initiatives that helped advance local agriculture, infrastructure, and education. His contributions have left a lasting legacy and are still remembered as a cornerstone of the region’s development.

Auberge “Né” now stands on the site of the former Honma estate—a place steeped in history, where generations of people worked the land, shared wisdom, and cultivated community. Through this new endeavor, we aim to inherit the Honma family’s spirit of stewardship and evolve this land’s narrative for the future, connecting the past with what lies ahead.

Rediscovering the Charms of Niigata with “Niigata Re-Find”

◾️Overview

“Niigata Re-Find” is a project aimed at rediscovering the excellence of Niigata’s food, culture, and technology. Through creating new venues and products, it promotes the charms of Niigata nationwide and worldwide under the slogan “Connecting Local Communities with the World.”

“Niigata Re-Find” brings together chefs, local Niigata farmers and hunters, first-class architects, creative directors, creative producers, photographers, art designers, PR experts, and others who share a connection to Niigata or a deep interest in the region.

Following the opening of the barrel sauna “sui” in November 2024, we will open the one-group-per-day accommodation-style restaurant Auberge “Né” in August 2025. Going forward, we plan to develop hands-on programs such as sake brewing and rice cultivation, along with cultural workshops, further expanding this co-creative space in partnership with local residents.

In addition, Né envisions a system in which surplus profits from its operations are utilized to support regional industries and nurture the next generation. As an entity sustained by the blessings of the region, we imagine a future where we gradually give back to the local area, moving forward step by step.

Company Overview

“Ahead of the curve,” which means “leading the times,” is a creative company that operates businesses rooted in Japanese culture and tradition both in Japan and overseas, under the slogan “From Japan to the World.” Our representative Kumagai’s memories of Niigata’s abundant rural landscape inspire our business, which connects deeply with people’s lives and provides value that transcends time.

Our mission—and our promise for the future—is to deliver the “beauty” and “culture” hidden within Japan to the world in forms never before seen.

  • Company Name: Ahead of the curve Inc.
  • Address: G/F, WELLINGTON STREET 182, CENTRAL, HONG KONG
  • CEO: Motoki Kumagai
  • Business Activities: Planning and operation of food and lodging businesses; promotion of Japanese sake sales; planning, selling, and importing/exporting of alcoholic beverages and sake-ware; sauna-related business
  • Corporate Website: https://ahead-of-the-curve.com.hk

RLWRLD Raises $15M to Build ‘GPT for Robots,’ Backed by Asia’s Industrial Giants

As Silicon Valley builds AI for the internet, RLWRLD trains AI to act in the real world—with support from LG, SK, KDDI, ANA, and more

SEOUL, South Korea and TOKYO, April 15, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — RLWRLD, a Physical AI startup building robotics foundation models, today announced a $15 million seed round backed by a powerful alliance of industrial leaders from Korea and Japan.

Team RLWRLD
Team RLWRLD

The round includes investments from LG Electronics, SK Telecom, KDDI, ANA Holdings, Mitsui Chemicals, and Shimadzu Corporation, as well as leading AI-focused VCs from Japan and Korea, including Hashed, Mirae Asset, and Global Brain—marking one of the most significant cross-border bets on the future of real-world AI.

RLWRLD is led by Jung-hee Ryu, whose previous company, Olaworks, was acquired by Intel in its first-ever acquisition of a Korean startup. The founding team includes KAIST Chair Professor Jinwoo Shin, Kurly’s ex-CTO, a Kakao engineering lead, and a former BCG partner, forming a world-class squad to tackle what may be the next trillion-dollar opportunity in AI: machines that can move, think, and adapt in the physical world.

“Silicon Valley is building brains for the internet. We’re building brains for machines.”

— Jung-hee Ryu, Founder & CEO, RLWRLD

From Text to Touch: The Rise of Physical AI

While generative AI leaders race to master text, code, and images, RLWRLD is developing foundation models that learn from real-world sensors, robotics systems, and industrial workflows. These models enable robots to reason and act autonomously in dynamic physical environments—factories, warehouses, logistics hubs, and beyond.

RLWRLD’s platform is built on three strategic pillars:

  • Embodied model architecture optimized for real-world intelligence
  • Industrial-scale data pipelines from East Asia’s manufacturing ecosystem
  • Plug-and-play infrastructure that integrates seamlessly with existing robotics systems

“We’re not just writing papers—we’re training models that solve real-world problems on real production floors.”

Jinwoo Shin, Chief Scientist, RLWRLD & KAIST Chair Professor

Building a Real-World AI Ecosystem

The $15M funding will accelerate RLWRLD’s next phase:

  • Expanding proprietary data pipelines across industrial partner sites
  • Advancing its robotics foundation model stack
  • Deepening integration with robotics and sensor companies in Asia and North America

The company is also building a multi-stakeholder innovation ecosystem through collaborations with KAIST, Seoul National University, and POSTECH, and with robotics manufacturers like WIRobotics, Rainbow Robotics, Wonik Robotics, Robotis and more.

“RLWRLD combines deep AI research with industrial execution at scale. That’s what makes this a rare, high-conviction investment.”

— Simon Seojoon Kim, CEO, Hashed

About RLWRLD

RLWRLD is a Physical AI company developing robotics foundation models trained on real-world data from East Asia’s top manufacturing ecosystems. Founded by serial entrepreneur Jung-hee Ryu, the company brings together world-class AI, robotics, and industrial expertise to power the next generation of embodied intelligence.

Learn more at rlwrld.ai.

Media Contact:

Leehyoung Yang, Team Cookie, leehyoung@teamcookie.kr