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Laos Inflation Eases to 5.1 Percent in January 2026 as Utility Costs Drive Price Pressures

The Sunday community market near the Laos–Vietnam border in Xieng Khouang Province, Laos. (Photo credit: Thoidai)

Laos recorded an inflation rate of 5.1 percent in January 2026, down from 5.6 percent in December 2025, as the country continues to grapple with elevated price pressures driven primarily by utility costs, according to official data.

The consumer price index (CPI) stood at 256.8 in January 2026, slightly lower than 257.2 of December 2025 but significantly higher than the 244.2 recorded in January 2025, indicating sustained year-on-year price growth.

Utilities Remain Primary Driver

The housing, water, electricity, and cooking fuel category emerged as the primary driver of inflation, surging 24.2 percent year-on-year. This sharp increase was fueled by a dramatic 169.1 percent spike in electricity prices and a 42.7 percent rise in water supply costs, placing significant pressure on household budgets.

Other categories also experienced substantial price increases. Healthcare and medicine climbed 13.6 percent, education rose 11.5 percent, and miscellaneous goods and services surged 32.1 percent. Alcohol and tobacco products increased 8.3 percent, while clothing and footwear advanced 7.6 percent.

On a month-on-month basis, overall prices declined 0.2 percent in January. Food and non-alcoholic beverages fell 1.2 percent due to lower vegetable prices, while fuel prices decreased 3.2 percent.

Laos’ overall inflation rate for 2025 stood at 7.7 percent, down from 23.13 percent in 2024. Under its 10th Five-Year National Socio-Economic Development Plan (2026-2030), the government has set a target to maintain inflation at around 5 percent annually.

Nokia Strengthens Edge AI Capabilities Through Strategic Collaboration with Blaize on Hybrid Inference Solutions Across Asia Pacific Regions

EL DORADO HILLS, Calif. and SINGAPORE, Jan. 27, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Blaize Holdings, Inc. (Nasdaq: BZAI, Nasdaq: BZAIW) (“Blaize”), a global leader in programmable, energy efficient AI computing, today announced a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Nokia Solutions and Networks Singapore Pte. Ltd. (“Nokia”), a company duly incorporated and validly existing under the laws of Singapore.

AI-generated aerial view of a data centre
AI-generated aerial view of a data centre

Targeting the Asia Pacific markets, the MOU establishes a framework for joint exploration, development, and deployment of Practical AI and Physical AI systems designed for real world operation, combining Nokia’s leadership in networking, automation, and cloud infrastructure with Blaize’s programmable AI inference platform. Together, the companies aim to enable Real World AI that operates reliably at the edge and across hybrid environments where latency, power efficiency, and operational resilience are critical.

Under the MOU, Blaize and Nokia intend to collaborate on:

  • Edge and hybrid AI inference use cases, integrating Blaize’s Hybrid AI platform with Nokia’s IP networking, data center networking, and automation systems
  • Reference architectures and solution blueprints that position Blaize as a complementary AI inference layer alongside Nokia’s AI networking infrastructure
  • Joint validation of AI inference deployments for telecom, industrial, and smart infrastructure environments
  • Go to market and ecosystem initiatives, including customer workshops, pilot programs, and solution demonstrations focused on production ready AI

The collaboration reflects a shared belief that the next phase of AI adoption will be driven by inference at scale, not just model training. By pairing energy efficient AI inference at the edge with centralized GPU resources in the cloud, Blaize and Nokia are addressing the growing demand for Hybrid AI architectures that balance performance, cost, and operational efficiency.

“Our collaboration with Nokia marks an important step forward in delivering Practical AI and Physical AI at scale,” said Dinakar Munagala, Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Blaize. “By combining Nokia’s leadership in connectivity and automation with the Blaize AI inference platform, we are enabling Real World AI that runs efficiently at the edge while integrating seamlessly with cloud and GPU infrastructure. This Hybrid AI approach allows organizations to deploy inference where it matters most and turn intelligence into real operational outcomes.”

Nokia intends to contribute its expertise in networking, automation, and cloud infrastructure, including leadership in IP networking, industrial connectivity, and intelligent network operations. Blaize intends to provide its AI inference hardware and software platform, designed to complement GPU based systems by enabling scalable, low power inference closer to where data is generated, and actions are taken.

“Our work with Blaize is accelerating, and we are excited to build on this momentum into the coming year,” said Sang Xulei, Senior Vice President and Head of Network Infrastructure, Asia Pacific at Nokia. “As demand grows for Practical AI and Physical AI systems that operate in real world environments, Blaize’s energy efficient AI inference platform gives us the flexibility to extend Hybrid AI architectures across networks, edge systems, and cloud infrastructure. Together, we are enabling scalable, production ready intelligence that brings AI closer to where data is generated and actions are taken in the region.”

The collaboration leverages Blaize’s specialized AI inference platform, chosen for its ability to support real world AI deployment across edge, cloud, and data center environments.

The MOU is non-binding and outlines a cooperative framework under which the parties may pursue specific projects through future definitive agreements in the Asia Pacific region. The collaboration will focus on enabling secure, scalable, and energy efficient AI inference deployments that integrate seamlessly into existing network, cloud, and industrial environments.

About Blaize

Blaize delivers a programmable AI platform, purpose-built for inference in real world environments. Its Hybrid AI architecture enables Practical AI and Physical AI workloads to run efficiently at the edge while integrating seamlessly with cloud and GPU based infrastructure. Blaize solutions support computer vision, multimodal AI, and sensor driven applications across smart cities, industrial automation, telecommunications, retail, logistics, and defense. Blaize is headquartered in El Dorado Hills, California, with a global presence across North America, Europe, the Middle East, and Asia.

About Nokia

Nokia is a global leader in connectivity for the AI era. With expertise across fixed, mobile, and transport networks, we’re advancing connectivity to secure a brighter world.

Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), and Section 21E of the U.S. Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”) that are based on beliefs and assumptions and on information currently available to Blaize, including statements regarding the the expected scope of the engagement with Nokia and any potential definitive agreements related thereto; the industry in which Blaize operates, market opportunities, and product offerings. In some cases, you can identify forward-looking statements by the following words: “may,” “will,” “could,” “would,” “should,” “expect,” “intend,” “plan,” “anticipate,” “believe,” “estimate,” “predict,” “project,” “potential,” “continue,” “ongoing,” “target,” “seek” or the negative or plural of these words, or other similar expressions that are predictions or indicate future events or prospects, although not all forward-looking statements contain these words. Forward-looking statements are predictions, projections, and other statements about future events that are based on current expectations and assumptions and, as a result, are subject to risks and uncertainties. Many factors could cause actual future events to differ materially from the forward-looking statements in this document, including but not limited to: (i) changes in domestic and foreign business, market, financial, political and legal conditions; (ii) failure to realize the anticipated benefits of Blaize’s business combination with BurTech Acquisition Corp., which may be affected by, among other things, competition, the ability of the combined company to grow and manage growth profitably, maintain relationships with customers and suppliers and retain its management and key employees; and (iii) those factors discussed under the heading “Risk Factors” in our Annual Report on Form 10-Q filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) on April 15, 2025, our and other documents filed by Blaize from time to time with the SEC. These filings identify and address other important risks and uncertainties that could cause actual events and results to differ materially from those contained in the forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made. Readers are cautioned not to put undue reliance on forward-looking statements, and Blaize assumes no obligation to update or revise these forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise, except as required by law, including the securities laws of the United States and the rules and regulations of the SEC. Blaize does not give any assurance that it will achieve its expectations.

For media inquiries:

press@blaize.com

www.blaize.com

KuCoin Web3 Launches the Decentralized Web3 Wallet with Native In-Wallet Perpetual Trading, Empowering Global Users with Self-Custody

PROVIDENCIALES, Turks and Caicos Islands, Jan. 27, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — KuCoin Web3 today announced a major functional upgrade and the official launch of the KuCoin Web3 Wallet. This self-custodial solution is engineered to simplify the transition between centralized and decentralized finance. Currently supporting 20 major blockchain networks, the wallet is available across mobile apps, browser extensions, and web platforms and offers a unified experience that combines asset management, token swaps, yield opportunities, airdrop access, smart money insights, and a built-in DApp browser.

The core enhancement of this upgrade is the integration of native perpetual futures trading, powered by Hyperliquid’s low-latency infrastructure. This allows users to execute trades with real-time price updates and performance levels comparable to centralized exchanges, all while maintaining full custody of their private keys. The integration supports more than 190 perpetual trading pairs and multiple leverage options. Designed to lower the learning curve for new users by streamlining the trading experience, the features remain robust for advanced traders who can manage complex functions, such as take-profit and stop-loss orders, through an interface specifically optimized for professional mobile use.

Addressing the growing challenge of Web3 fragmentation, the wallet consolidates core decentralized functionalities into a single interface, eliminating the need for users to navigate multiple external applications. By bridging centralized exchange liquidity with decentralized execution, the platform provides a seamless flow between asset management and active on-chain trading.

The wallet provides multi-chain support to over 1,000 digital assets, with additional networks to be added in the future. KuCoin Web3 Wallet integrated with the CEX ecosystem to enable effortless asset transfers, while biometric authentication and encrypted cloud backup technology ensure robust security without compromising the principles of self-sovereignty.

KuCoin Web3 committed to simplify the Web3 experience without compromising on the standards of trust and liquidity that global users expect. By providing a high-performance gateway to decentralized markets, KuCoin Web3 continues to build the necessary infrastructure for a transparent and user-centric financial future.

About KuCoin Web3 Wallet

KuCoin Web3 Wallet is a decentralized, non-custodial wallet that supports multiple blockchains. Designed with security and on-chain alpha at its core, it features a built-in cross-chain swap aggregator DEX for seamless trading across networks, along with Smart Money tools to help you spot early opportunities. With access to over 1,000 DApps and a dedicated airdrop hub featuring trending and newly listed tokens, KuCoin Web3 Wallet serves as your ultimate all-in-one gateway to the Web3 world.

Learn more: X | Telegram

Blockchain for Good Alliance (BGA) and FLock.io Enter Strategic Partnership to Advance “Blockchain and AI for Good”

DUBAI, UAE, Jan. 27, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Blockchain for Good Alliance (BGA), a global non-profit initiative founded by Bybit dedicated to leveraging blockchain for societal impact, and FLock.io, a privacy-first decentralised AI pioneer, have announced the signing of a partnership to explore collaboration focused on decentralised AI, blockchain, and public-good initiatives. This marks an expansion from “Blockchain for Good” to “Blockchain and AI for Good.”

Blockchain for Good Alliance (BGA) and FLock.io Enter Strategic Partnership to Advance “Blockchain and AI for Good”
Blockchain for Good Alliance (BGA) and FLock.io Enter Strategic Partnership to Advance “Blockchain and AI for Good”

FLock.io is now BGA’s Strategic AI Partner within its network. The role involves close engagement with projects within BGA’s ecosystem, providing advisory and technical support where relevant. The parties will also explore opportunities to introduce FLock.io’s API platform and its FOMO AI marketplace to relevant projects.

“This partnership reflects our commitment to ensuring decentralised AI is developed in service of real-world impact,” said Jiahao Sun, Founder and CEO of FLock.io. “By working with Blockchain for Good Alliance and its global ecosystem, we aim to support builders and institutions with open, privacy-preserving AI solutions that aligns incentives and expands access to responsible AI technologies.”

The collaboration will explore opportunities for joint initiatives with academic institutions, research organisations, and public-sector bodies across the globe. Such collaborations may include joint workshops, lectures, webinars, pilot projects, or research initiatives at the intersection of AI, blockchain and public good.

One of the first joint initiatives of the partnership is Blockchain and AI for Good Impact Germany Tour in early 2026. This non-profit, education-driven national university program is designed to foster Web3 & AI innovation for social good across leading German academic institutions. It will include on-campus meetups, mentoring and advisory support, culminating in student teams building Web3/AI projects for social impact. The program will also feature a panel discussion with politicians, founders, and professors. Selected teams will have the opportunity to pitch their innovations to a jury of industry leaders and partners at German Blockchain & AI Week 2026, with winning teams earning awards and support to further their development.

“We are incredibly excited to partner with FLock.io, signaling our intent to champion blockchain-powered AI initiatives that drive positive global change,” said Glenn Tan, Director of Global Affairs of BGA. “With FLock.io’s focus on using blockchain and federated learning to make AI safer, better and more accessible, it is a key partner for us to advance this vision”. 

In addition, FLock.io and BGA also plan to collaborate on events and community initiatives designed to engage developers, researchers, and industry stakeholders working on AI-for-Good and Blockchain-for-Good use cases.

#Bybit / #TheCryptoArk / #BGA

About Blockchain for Good Alliance (BGA)

Blockchain for Good Alliance (BGA) is a global nonprofit initiative founded by Bybit, dedicated to advancing blockchain as a tool to address real-world problems. By convening leaders, innovators, and organisations from across the blockchain industry, BGA seeks to drive innovation, collaboration and action toward a more sustainable and equitable world.
For more information:

Email: hello@chainforgood.org
Website: www.chainforgood.org 
Twitter: www.x.com/chainforgood
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/blockchainforgoodalliance/

About FLock.io

FLock.io is a privacy-first AI pioneer building decentralised AI models and platforms. Its incentive-aligned architecture allows data owners, compute providers, and AI engineers to collaborate securely without exposing raw data, ushering in a new era of privacy-preserving, democratised AI.

Email: hello@flock.io
Website:https://www.flock.io/
Twitter: https://x.com/flock_io
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/flock-io

EasySMX Launches S10 Lite: The Top Budget Switch 2 Controller with Native Support & 9-Axis Precision


COLORADO, USA- Media OutReach Newswire – 27 January 2026 – EasySMX officially unveils the S10 Lite, the definitive “Top Switch 2 Controller at $40.” Designed as the essential “Player 2” or travel companion, it brings pro-level reliability to budget-conscious gamers without the premium price tag.

The S-Series Ecosystem: A Solution for Switch Gamer
EasySMX now offers a clear two-tier solution for the Switch 2 ecosystem:

  • The Advanced S10 ($59.99): The powerhouse for enthusiasts, featuring TMR Sticks and ALPS HD Rumble, and Switch 2 Compatibility.
  • The Essential S10 Lite ($39.99): The perfect “Player 2” or travel controller. It retains pro-level essentials—Hall Effect Sticks, 9-Axis Motion Control, and Native Wireless Protocol—without the premium price tag.

“Our users needed a solid, drift-free backup controller for friends and family that didn’t cost a fortune,” said Kiin, User Research Specialist at EasySMX. “The S10 Lite is our answer—high performance without the compromise of cheap knockoffs.

This native integration delivers three breakthrough features:

  • One-Touch Instant Wake-Up: Eliminate the need to manually power on the console from the dock. A single press of the Home button on the S10 Lite wakes the Switch 2 remotely via native signal commands—a rarity in budget alternatives.
  • Dedicated C-Button Voice Chat: As multiplayer gaming evolves, the S10 Lite features a native C-Button. This allows for instant, seamless team communication without complex third-party apps or wired setups.
  • System-Level Button Remapping: Unlike competitors that require external phone apps to adjust settings, the S10 Lite allows users to map its 2 back buttons directly within the Switch 2 system interface. It offers a completely friction-free, “official” customization experience.

Essential S-Series Performance

  • Hall Effect & Glide™ Tech: Equipped with magnetic sensors and a proprietary low-friction structure, the sticks are immune to “stick drift,” ensuring long-term durability.
  • 9-Axis Motion Control: Surpassing the standard 6-axis gyro, the S10 Lite’s 9-axis system actively corrects spatial drift, providing the stability needed for motion-heavy titles like Splatoon or Zelda.

Pricing & Availability
The EasySMX S10 Lite is available now for pre-order.

Hashtag: #EasySMX

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

About EasySMX

With over 9 years of expertise, EasySMX operates its own R&D and Manufacturing Centers to deliver top-tier gaming peripherals to a global audience.

Lao Food Festival 2026 Showcases the Flavors of Laos at Chao Anouvong Park

The festival highlights the role of women in Lao cuisine and promoting local ingredients. (Picture by Lao Brewery Company )

On 26 to 30 January, the 21st Lao Food Festival celebrates the richness of Lao cuisine at Chao Anouvong Park under the theme “Discover Laos Through Its Taste.” 

One of the country’s most anticipated cultural events, the festival brings together more than 180 shops featuring regional specialties, local products, and traditional culinary practices from across Laos. 

Visitors can experience the diversity of Lao food, local agricultural products, handicrafts, and community brands from north to south while enjoying the lively atmosphere along the Mekong River.

Lao Brewery Company (LBC) continues its long-standing role as a main strategic partner, sponsoring this year’s festival and reaffirming its commitment to Lao food culture and local communities. LBC’s flagship drink, deeply rooted in Lao dining culture, complements a wide range of dishes and enhances the shared experience around the table, making it a central feature of the festival.

The festival highlights the role of women in Lao cuisine, promoting local ingredients, and encouraging new businesses, making it a celebration of national and cultural identity.

Yili Retains Position in World’s 500 Most Valuable Brands

DAVOS, Switzerland, Jan. 27, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — On January 20, 2026, the Brand Finance Global 500 2026 was released in Davos, Switzerland. Yili Group, Asia’s leading dairy producer, secured the third spot among global food brands with a brand value of USD14.5 billion.

Yili Retains Position in World’s 500 Most Valuable Brands
Yili Retains Position in World’s 500 Most Valuable Brands

By continuously optimizing its supply chain management, diversifying its product portfolio, and deepening collaborations with micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises, Yili attracted a vast number of new consumers, driving a significant 29.2% increase in brand value, the fastest growth in the food sector.

In recent years, Yili has pursued international growth by adhering to the principle of “global mindsets, local operations”. Globally, Yili continuously optimizes the allocation of its production capacity and the setup of supply chains. In terms of resources, it sources premium raw materials worldwide to underpin high-quality products. On the innovation front, it taps into global cutting-edge R&D resources to turn technological advantages into lasting product competitiveness. In the marketplace, Yili continuously enhances its overseas market penetration and brand recognition by leveraging localized operations and coordinating global channels to swiftly respond to diverse consumer demands.

To date, Yili has established 15 R&D and innovation centers and 81 production bases worldwide. Its diverse products, including liquid milk, milk powder, yogurt, cheese, and ice cream, are sold in more than 60 countries and regions, reflecting the brand’s growing global influence.

Brand Finance is a world-renowned independent consultancy in brand valuation and strategy. Its Brand Finance Global 500 2026, based on systematic research and evaluation across 193 countries and regions, is released annually during the World Economic Forum in Davos. The report is recognized for its extensive international influence and credibility.

TÜV Rheinland Awards Zero Waste to Landfill Management System Certificate to 15 SHEIN Sites

HONG KONG, Jan. 27, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Recently, TÜV Rheinland Greater China, an international independent third-party testing, inspection and certification organization, awarded the Zero Waste to Landfill (ZWTL) Management System Certificate to SHEIN. Representatives from both parties attended the certificate presentation ceremony, including Lucas Liu Warehousing Operations Director of SHEIN and Vincent Chen, General Manager of Customized Solutions and Corporate Sustainability Services, TÜV Rheinland Greater China.

TÜV Rheinland Awards Zero Waste to Landfill Management System Certificate to 15 SHEIN Sites
TÜV Rheinland Awards Zero Waste to Landfill Management System Certificate to 15 SHEIN Sites

Against the backdrop of global sustainable development, zero waste to landfill has become an important topic for enterprises to fulfill environmental responsibilities and promote green transformation. An increasing number of organizations are setting waste reduction and zero landfill as key sustainability objectives. The assessment covered SHEIN’s implementation of waste management measures across the waste life cycle, including source reduction, reuse and recycling.

The Zero Waste to Landfill Management System evaluates an organization’s waste management performance from two dimensions: management processes and quantitative performance indicators. Based on an existing ISO 14001 Environmental Management System, enterprises can further optimize waste management modules and promote the development of “zero-waste Unit.” This approach may support cost optimization while enhancing ESG (Environmental, Social and Governance) performance and long-term sustainability competitiveness.

During this project, TÜV Rheinland conducted an assessment through a combination of document review, personnel interviews and on-site inspections, covering 15 sites operated by SHEIN. The assessment focused on verifying the adequacy, conformity and effectiveness of the management system implementation, reviewing the completeness and accuracy of waste data, and calculating the waste diversion rate. Following a comprehensive evaluation, all 15 sites were meeting the requirements of the Zero Waste to Landfill Management System under a group assessment approach.

Lucas Liu stated “Sustainability is one of SHEIN’s core strategic priorities. As the global fashion industry accelerates toward sustainable development, waste and pollution reduction, the low-carbon and intelligent upgrading of supply chains has become both an industry consensus and a source of core competitiveness. As a global online retailer of fashion and lifestyle products, SHEIN has achieved notable improvements in energy efficiency and carbon reduction across key hubs such as warehousing and logistics. This certification represents professional recognition of our sustainability practices. Going forward, we look forward to further deepening cooperation with TÜV Rheinland to jointly explore innovative pathways for sustainable development in the fashion industry.”

Vincent Chen commented:
“This certification reflects the outcome of the assessment conducted in accordance with the Zero Waste to Landfill Management System requirements. TÜV Rheinland is committed to supporting green transformation across industries and has developed the Zero Waste to Landfill Management System to provide enterprises with a scientific, rigorous and practical framework. In the future, TÜV Rheinland will continue to work closely with more enterprises to promote carbon reduction through improved waste management and advance resource recovery, supporting enterprises in improving waste management practices in line with pollution reduction and carbon mitigation objectives.”

The Zero Waste to Landfill Management System developed by TÜV Rheinland in alignment with China’s national ‘Zero-Waste City’ initiative, follows a management system framework and the PDCA (Plan-Do-Check-Act) methodology. To date, more than 80 factories across industries including beverages, food, pharmaceuticals, sportswear, electronics, automotive and home appliances have successfully completed this assessment.