Strategic acquisition expands Mentor List’s offerings, helping executives transition from operational leadership to impactful board and non-executive roles.
MELBOURNE, Australia, Nov. 17, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Mentor List, Australia’s leading executive networking and development platform, is proud to announce the strategic acquisition of the Board Coaching Institute (BCI), a recognised leader in preparing senior executives for high-impact non-executive and board roles.
This significantly expands Mentor List’s offerings into board-level development, providing members with tailored pathways to transition from operational leadership to strategic board influence, a growing priority as modern boardrooms face unprecedented complexity.
From AI governance and ESG considerations to cyber risk and heightened stakeholder accountability, the demands on directors are evolving rapidly, and executives need new skills, mindsets, and networks to succeed.
“This acquisition is about meeting the market where it’s going, not where it’s been,” said Mike Smith, Chairman of Mentor List. “We’re equipping executives with the guidance, frameworks, and networks to confidently navigate the full spectrum of leadership – from operational roles to impactful board positions.”
Founded in 2019, BCI has established itself as one of Australia’s most respected board career education providers, winning multiple international awards for innovative programs and tangible client outcomes. Its flagship Board Success programs have helped hundreds of senior leaders secure paid board appointments and enhance their influence at the board table.
Under the acquisition, BCI will continue to operate under its own brand, with founder Sally Parrish remaining as CEO. Together, Mentor List and BCI will launch a Non-Executive and Board-Level Community and Mastermind Program, designed to accelerate readiness and impact for executives stepping into, or deepening their experience in, board roles.
“We’re thrilled to join forces with Mentor List,” said Sally Parrish, CEO of BCI. “By combining BCI’s proven frameworks with Mentor List’s extensive executive network, we can prepare the next generation of directors for a more complex, dynamic world, enabling leaders to transition confidently from executive roles to meaningful board portfolios.”
The combined offering will be rolled out across Mentor List’s national membership base, creating tailored pathways for executives exploring board opportunities, first-time non-executive directors, and experienced directors seeking to sharpen their strategic impact.
This acquisition positions Mentor List at the forefront of modern executive development, not just teaching leadership, but preparing leaders for the future of governance.
About Mentor List
Mentor List is a leadership community and learning network connecting ambitious executives with world-class mentors, programs and peer networks, helping leaders accelerate performance today and design the next phase of their careers. For more information, visit Mentor List.
About BCI (Board Coaching Institute)
Board Coaching Institute (BCI) equips current and aspiring directors with practical, outcome-driven programs that build confidence, capability and influence in the boardroom. BCI has been recognised internationally for excellence in executive education and innovation in board career development. For more information, visit BCI.
BEIJING, Nov. 17, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Beijing HyperStrong Technology Co., Ltd. (“HyperStrong” or “the Company”) and Contemporary Amperex Technology Co., Limited (“CATL”) have signed a Strategic Cooperation Agreement, marking a new milestone in their long-term partnership. According to the agreement, from January 1, 2026, to December 31, 2028, HyperStrong will procure no less than 200 GWh of battery cells from CATL, laying a solid foundation for the large-scale deployment of its global energy storage business.
The cooperation also establishes a long-term cooperation mechanism between the two parties. Under the agreement, during the cooperation period from January 1, 2026, to December 31, 2035, HyperStrong and CATL will review and update their rolling three-year cooperation targets annually before December 1 each year and reach a consensus through corresponding memorandums of understanding.
Leveraging their respective strengths in battery technology, energy storage system integration and global deployment, the bilateral partnership will further expand into broader dimensions. The two companies will jointly explore innovative business models, including but not limited to establishing energy storage industry investment funds, creating an integrated management platform for project development, investment, operation, and maintenance, and pursuing collaborative procurement of components for AC system. These initiatives will enhance supply chain coordination and optimize resource allocation for both parties.
This partnership marks another key milestone in HyperStrong’s global strategy to build a diversified and multi-dimensional energy ecosystem. Through strengthened cooperation, both parties aim to reinforce their competitive advantages, deepen synergy across the industrial chain, and promote efficient resource integration and shared value creation.
Looking ahead, HyperStrong and CATL will continue to deepen their collaboration, jointly tackling core industry challenges, and advancing the technological progress and industrial upgrading of the energy storage sector – empowering global energy transition with advanced energy storage solutions.
About HyperStrong
Beijing HyperStrong Technology Co., Ltd. (HyperStrong, 688411.SH) is a global leading provider of energy storage solutions. Founded in 2011, HyperStrong has over 14 years of R&D experience and a proven track record across more than 300 projects, delivering over 45 GWh of energy storage systems worldwide. The company offers a comprehensive portfolio of products and solutions for utility-scale, commercial, and industrial applications.
With five smart manufacturing bases, three R&D centers, two testing labs, and a global marketing center, HyperStrong supports customers worldwide in advancing their energy transition and carbon neutrality goals.
Contemporary Amperex Technology Co., Limited (CATL) is a global leader in new energy technology innovation, committed to providing premier solutions and services for new energy applications worldwide. In June 2018, the company went public on the Shenzhen Stock Exchange with stock code 300750, and it is also listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange with stock code 03750 in May 2025. In 2024, CATL’s EV battery consumption volume has ranked No.1 in the world for eight consecutive years, and it has ranked first in the market share of global energy storage battery shipments for four straight years. CATL enjoys wide recognition by global EV and energy storage partners.
Committed to making an outstanding contribution to the energy transition of mankind, CATL in 2023 announced its strategic goals of achieving carbon neutrality in core operations by 2025 and across the battery supply chain by 2035.
BEIJING, Nov. 16, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Galbot is proud to announce two major technological advancements in embodied intelligence: DexNDM, a neural dynamics model designed to revolutionize robotic dexterous manipulation, and NavFoM, the world’s first cross-embodiment, cross-task navigation foundation model. Developed in collaboration with Tsinghua University, Peking University, University of Adelaide, and Zhejiang University, these innovations mark a significant leap forward in robotics, enabling robots to autonomously perform complex tasks across diverse environments.
Watch DexNDM empower robots with the precision to perform high-accuracy, in-hand rotations across a wide range of object types. From delicate microelectronics to complex geometries, DexNDM redefines robotic dexterity with its groundbreaking neural dynamics model.
DexNDM: A Game-Changer in Dexterous Manipulation
DexNDM (Dexterous Hand Neural Dynamics Model) is a groundbreaking neural dynamics model that empowers robots to perform high-precision in-hand rotations of objects with varying sizes and geometries. From tiny, delicate parts to large, irregular objects, DexNDM adapts to dynamic forces and varying wrist orientations, solving a longstanding challenge in dexterous manipulation. This innovation pushes the boundaries of what robots can achieve in fine motor skills, offering unparalleled flexibility and adaptability.
Key highlights of DexNDM:
Unprecedented Generalization Across Object Types: Unlike traditional models limited to specific object sizes or shapes, DexNDM can handle a wide range of objects, from microelectronics to larger, more complex geometries (such as books or elongated tools), breaking past limitations in robotic manipulation.
Multi-Axis, Multi-Posture Rotation: DexNDM excels at rotating objects along multiple axes, regardless of the hand’s orientation. Whether the hand is facing up, down, or sideways, the model ensures stable and precise rotations. This capability allows robots to perform complex tasks, such as adjusting the grip and rotating objects for precise insertion or assembly, even in hard-to-reach positions.
Highly Dexterous Teleoperation System: Galbot has integrated DexNDM into a teleoperation system, enabling robots to perform complex tasks such as screw tightening, hammering nails, and long-range assembly. This system allows human operators to issue high-level commands while the robot autonomously handles precise finger movements, ensuring unmatched flexibility and robustness.
Expert-to-Generalist Learning Paradigm: DexNDM uses a unique expert-to-generalist learning approach. The model first trains specialized policies for handling specific tasks and object types and then distills these policies into a unified, adaptable strategy. This approach allows DexNDM to seamlessly perform tasks across various robot types and environments with minimal fine-tuning.
DexNDM represents a significant milestone in the journey from robotic dexterity to real-world productivity, enabling robots to perform tasks like tool use, assembly, and fine-grained manipulation in industries like manufacturing, healthcare, and logistics.
NavFoM: A Leap in Autonomous Navigation
NavFoM (Navigation Foundation Model) is the world’s first cross-embodiment, cross-task navigation foundation model that enables robots to autonomously navigate across a wide range of environments and tasks. Developed by Galbot and its research collaborators, NavFoM consolidates fragmented navigation technologies into a unified system capable of seamlessly integrating perception, understanding, decision-making, and action.
Key highlights of NavFoM:
All Environments: NavFoM supports both indoor and outdoor navigation, enabling zero-shot operation in unseen environments without requiring pre-mapping or additional training data. Robots powered by NavFoM can navigate new environments without prior knowledge, significantly reducing deployment time and effort. Whether navigating a cluttered warehouse, crowded public space, or dynamic outdoor terrain, NavFoM can seamlessly adapt to each scenario.
Cross-Task: NavFoM can perform a wide range of navigation tasks, from target-following (e.g., following a person) to autonomous navigation (e.g., navigating through a busy urban area). It also works with natural language commands, allowing human operators to issue simple instructions, such as “follow that person” or “navigate to the red car.”
Cross-Embodiment: One of NavFoM’s standout features is its ability to adapt to various robot types, including quadrupeds, wheeled humanoids, drones, and even vehicles. This cross-embodiment adaptability ensures that NavFoM can be applied across different robot forms, enhancing scalability and development efficiency. Whether you’re navigating an indoor robot, a drone, or an autonomous vehicle, NavFoM delivers consistent performance.
Unified Navigation Paradigm: NavFoM introduces a novel method for processing video streams and text commands to generate precise action trajectories, unifying traditionally fragmented navigation models. This allows robots to see, understand, and act in real time across tasks and environments. For instance, a quadruped robot’s ability to avoid crowds in a shopping mall can inform a drone’s ability to navigate obstacles in the air, increasing efficiency and accuracy in unfamiliar environments.
With NavFoM, Galbot has redefined the logic of navigation. Robots powered by NavFoM can perceive their surroundings, plan paths, and make real-time decisions in completely unknown environments with minimal human intervention.
Real-World Applications: Unlocking New Possibilities with DexNDM and NavFoM
Both DexNDM and NavFoM represent dual breakthroughs in embodied AI, pushing the boundaries of robotic capabilities in manipulation and navigation. DexNDM enhances robots’ dexterous manipulation abilities, enabling high-precision, multi-step tasks involving tools and fine manipulation, while NavFoM redefines how robots understand and navigate their environments with autonomy and adaptability.
Together, these models provide a comprehensive solution for real-world applications across industries, from assembly and tool use in manufacturing to navigation and autonomous decision-making in dynamic environments.
A Future Powered by Embodied Intelligence
Galbot’s NavFoM and DexNDM bring us closer to a world where robots not only understand their environment but can perform complex tasks with precision and autonomy. These innovations are poised to redefine industries, including manufacturing, logistics, healthcare, retail, and beyond, enabling robots to operate in real-world environments with unprecedented adaptability and efficiency.
Founded in 2023, Beijing Galbot Co., Ltd. is a global leader in embodied AI and general-purpose robotics. Galbot’s flagship product, the Galbot G1, has been widely deployed, achieving over one year of proven, stable real-world operations across industries such as manufacturing, logistics, healthcare, and retail. The Galbot G1 is currently operating more than 20 fully autonomous Galbot Stores across over 20 cities, with plans to expand to 100 stores by the end of the year.
With over $400M in funding, Galbot is transforming industries by setting new benchmarks in automation, delivering solutions that drive operational efficiency, scalability, and productivity across global sectors.
Experience NavFoM’s revolutionary navigation: With real-time adaptability and zero-shot generalization, NavFoM enables robots to autonomously navigate both familiar and unfamiliar environments, transforming how they perceive, understand, and make decisions in dynamic settings.
HONG KONG, Nov. 16, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — HOZO today announced the launch of the NeoBlade Wireless Ultrasonic Cutter, a compact handheld tool designed to enhance precision cutting for professionals and hobbyists. Weighing just 4.4 oz (124 g) without the battery and 6.7 oz (190 g) with the battery, NeoBlade is among the lightest ultrasonic cutters available, offering exceptional portability and flexibility for users engaged in DIY crafts, 3D printed toys, DIY bookcases, DIY bookshelves, DIY headboards, and intricate detail projects.
Handheld Ultrasonic Cutter NeoBlade Designed for Every DIY Makers
Intelligent Performance Meets Lightweight Design NeoBlade features a 40 kHz ultrasonic vibration system that drives precise micro-cuts through various materials, including ABS, PC, PLA, SLA resin, acrylics, wood, plywood, leather, cardboard, PCB boards, carbon fiber, and modeling clays. Its automatic 40 W power adjustment system continuously adapts to the material’s density and cutting condition, ensuring consistent results without overheating or stalling.
Designed for Portability and Versatility HOZO’s engineering emphasizes efficiency and balance. With NeoBlade, users can remove supports from 3D prints, carve fine details on model mods, or streamline woodworking and prototyping tasks. Whether trimming FDM prints or crafting custom furniture pieces like DIY headboards and shelves, NeoBlade provides accuracy and control in every cut.
Cooling System and Blade Options A 13,000 RPM turbo-cooling fan with dual exhaust vents maintains steady airflow for both right- and left-handed use, reducing heat buildup. The interchangeable blade set includes six SK5 steel types: Standard, Long, Chisel, Mini Chisel, Curved, and Double Edge, which last 2–3× longer than standard carbon steel blades, feature tough heat-resilient hardness, and have a safe quick-swap magnetic mount.
Wireless Convenience and Dual Modes NeoBlade’s twist-and-swap 1300 mAh battery charges in 30 minutes and can be quickly replaced. An integrated child-lock feature enhances safety, while the optional TurboDock (sold separately) supports longer sessions. The device offers two cutting modes: Precision Mode for detailed trimming and Continuous Mode for extended carving or splitting.
Availability The HOZO NeoBlade Wireless Ultrasonic Cutter is available for purchase worldwide through the official website and on Amazon, with prices starting at $111 (regular retail price $149).
About HOZO HOZO develops high-precision, portable tools for professionals and DIY enthusiasts. The company’s focus on functionality, durability, and design flexibility supports creators across various disciplines to work with precision and confidence.
DALLAS, Nov. 16, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Fotona, a global leader in high-performing laser systems and energy-based devices for aesthetic, dental and gynecological applications, today announces the appointment of Aimee Desrosiers as Global Chief Marketing Officer. In this role, Desrosiers will lead Fotona’s global marketing organization, guiding brand strategy, digital transformation, and market expansion efforts across more than 70 countries worldwide.
Aimee Desrosiers, Global CMO, Fotona
Desrosiers is a seasoned leader and marketer with experience partnering with high-growth organizations to accelerate brand and commercial performance. Most recently, Desrosiers served as CEO of Apiarium Agency, a creative strategy and brand consultancy, where she partnered with leading healthcare and technology companies to accelerate growth and brand performance.
Prior to that, Desrosiers has also held senior leadership roles including Chief Revenue Officer & President of Medical Aesthetics at The SEES Group, Chief Marketing Officer at Nvision, and Senior Vice President with Masco Coatings. In these roles, she built scalable consumer and professional marketing models, introduced digital and direct-to-consumer programs, and drove sustained revenue and brand growth across competitive healthcare markets.
“With Aimee joining our team, we are gaining a leader with a track record for scaling businesses and creating demand in both B2B and B2C markets,” said Jeff Duchemin, CEO of Fotona. “Her ability to balance brand equity with near-term revenue and impact customer journeys that foster loyalty and advocacy will be instrumental as we expand and strengthen Fotona’s global presence.”
“Fotona is shaping the future of healthcare with innovative, energy-based medical technology,” said Desrosiers. “I’m thrilled to join such a passionate team and look forward to building stronger connections with our customers while expanding the awareness and impact of the Fotona brand worldwide.”
Fotona is a world-leading medical laser and energy-based device company recognized for its innovative, award-winning laser systems for applications in aesthetics & dermatology, dentistry, surgery and gynecology. In addition to its direct presence in the US, China, Japan and the EU, Fotona’s global distribution network spans across more than 70 countries, ensuring comprehensive support and service for Fotona laser users, including clinical training. www.fotona.com
JAKARTA, INDONESIA – Media OutReach Newswire – 16 November 2025 – VinFast has signed a series of Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) with Indonesia’s leading financial institutions to strengthen cooperation in promoting the country’s green mobility transition. The signings mark a significant milestone in VinFast’s market expansion strategy in Indonesia and reaffirm the Company’s strong commitment to enabling Southeast Asian consumers to switch to electric vehicles with ease and confidence.
Representatives of VinFast Indonesia and financial partners at the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signing ceremony.
Specifically, VinFast signed MoUs with some of Indonesia’s leading banking and financial institutions, including PT Adira Dinamika Multi Finance Tbk, PT Bank Woori Saudara Indonesia, PT CIMB Niaga Auto Finance, PT Mandiri Tunas Finance, PT Maybank Indonesia Finance, and PT Sunindo Kookmin Best Finance.
Under the MoU, VinFast and its financial partners will enhance strategic cooperation across multiple areas. Initially, the parties will work closely together on joint communication and marketing initiatives while standardizing operational coordination processes. This will help streamline credit assessment and approval procedures, shorten processing times, and deliver a smoother, more efficient experience for customers.
Another key focus of the collaboration is to remove financial barriers for car buyers, making electric vehicle ownership more accessible to Indonesian consumers. The partner finance companies have committed to developing attractive loan programs offering competitive interest rates, low down payment options, and simplified, fast-track credit approval processes. These initiatives are expected to significantly expand VinFast’s customer base and support sales growth in the coming period.
In particular, the parties have agreed to jointly design tailored financial products for VinFast’s two flexible ownership models: The Battery-Included plan and the Battery Subscription plan. This initiative underscores the partners’ shared commitment to developing financial solutions suited to diverse customer needs, from individual buyers to corporate clients, and enhancing access to sustainable mobility options.
Additionally, VinFast and its partners will explore integrating automotive insurance products, extended warranty packages, and financial aftersales services, thereby creating a comprehensive ecosystem of customer-focused financial solutions.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, Mr. Kariyanto Hardjosoemarto, CEO of VinFast Indonesia, emphasized: “We are honored to collaborate with Indonesia’s most reputable banks and finance partners to bring customers convenient, competitive, and comprehensive financial solutions. This partnership is not only an important step in our business strategy but also a testament to VinFast’s ‘Customer-Centric’ philosophy and our commitment to accelerating the green transition in what we proudly call our ‘second home market.'”
Since entering the Indonesian market, VinFast has quickly established itself as a pioneer in the country’s EV sector. The Company is preparing to launch operations at its Subang assembly plant, a strategic step toward strengthening local production capacity and meeting growing market demand. In parallel, VinFast has introduced a diverse range of smart, modern electric vehicles, from VF 3, VF 5, VF 6, VF e34 to VF 7, designed to meet the mobility needs of urban users.
At the same time, VinFast continues to expand its network of dealers, service centers, and financial partners, offering flexible sales programs, attractive aftersales policies, and convenient financing options, including its breakthrough battery subscription policy and industry-leading 90% resale value guarantee.
Hashtag: #VinFast
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
On November 13, 2025 shows a delegation from the ASEAN Observer Team (AOT) visiting an area where a civilian was killed a day before along the Cambodia-Thailand border in Banteay Meanchey province, as both sides traded accusations of fresh clashes along their shared frontier. Cambodia and Thailand traded accusations of fresh clashes along their border on November 12, with Phnom Penh reporting one civilian shot dead in hostilities flaring after Bangkok paused implementation of a US-backed peace deal. (Photo by AKP / Agence Kampuchea Press (AKP) / AFP)
AFP – US President Donald Trump said he called Thailand and Cambodia on Friday to bolster the peace deal he helped broker, after fresh clashes erupted between the Southeast Asian neighbors.
Japan's Princess Aiko smiles during the spring garden party at the Akasaka Palace imperial garden in Tokyo on April 22, 2025. (Photo by Shuji Kajiyama / POOL / AFP)
Laos and Japan are marking a milestone year in their relationship. Her Imperial Highness Princess Aiko will visit Laos from 17 to 22 November, her first overseas trip since coming of age.
The 23-year-old daughter of Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako will spend several days in Vientiane, make a brief stop in Luang Prabang, and return to Japan on 22 November.
The visit coincides with two anniversaries: 70 years of diplomatic relations and 60 years since the first Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) volunteers arrived in Laos.
Although the Imperial Household Agency has not disclosed full details of her program, a few engagements are already confirmed, and generating buzz in Vientiane.
Martial Art Center
The princess will stop at the Budo Center, the country’s busiest hub for martial arts. Established with Japanese government support in 2008, the center began with judo and karate and has since expanded to kendo and aikido.
Its student base has grown quickly, drawing young people from the capital, other provinces, and neighbouring countries, including many children of foreign workers. Karate now counts around 200 students, while more than 100 train in judo.
Lao Judo Federation official Mayouly Phanouvong said preparations have been underway for weeks.
“We are very excited that the princess chose Laos for her first trip abroad,” she said. “She will come to visit the center, and there will be demonstrations of the sports, about five minutes each.”
Students have also been practicing traditional Japanese performances for the occasion, she said.
The timing is packed. National judo competitions run from 15–18 November, followed by karate from 20–23 November.
Judo at Vientiane’s Budo Center.
Mayouly hopes the royal spotlight brings lasting benefits.
“For sure, the princess’s visit will change things here, and hopefully the support will be more,” she said. “We always appreciate the help from the Japanese government and the people of Japan.”
“Our center was built in 2008, so a lot of the equipment is getting old. Most of it is made in Japan, which makes it hard and expensive to replace,” Mayouly said.
A Quick Visit
On her trip to Laos, Princess Aiko is also expected to meet President Thongloun Sisoulith soon after she arrives, with a formal dinner hosted by Vice President Pany Yathotou also on the schedule.
She’ll visit That Luang Stupa, Patuxai, and the COPE Visitor Center, where Japan has backed UXO clearance and rehabilitation work for years.
She’ll also make a quick trip to Luang Prabang, where she’s set to stop by the National Museum and the Lao Friends Hospital for Children before returning to Vientiane the same day. Local officials say preparations are underway but are keeping the details low-key.
This will only be the fifth imperial family visit to Laos, the last one being Emperor Naruhito’s trip as crown prince in 2012.
