LOS ANGELES, Nov. 10, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Fresh from being named one of TIME’s Best Inventions of 2025, iGarden is proud to announce the official launch of its AI-powered iGarden Swim Jet P Series, marking a significant leap in smart pool technology. Engineered with proprietary AI-driven systems, the product redefines home aquatic experiences through intelligent flow control and energy optimization. This launch solidifies iGarden’s position as the leader in the global AI garden revolution, bringing dynamic, sustainable innovation to outdoor living worldwide.

Inspired by jet-engine aerodynamics, the Ramjet-Profile nozzle and smart fluid dynamics create a powerful, fan-shaped current that delivers a wider wave area and natural resistance across the entire body. Powered by InverTurbo Tech, the Swim Jet P Series delivers class-leading water flow up to 1,100 GPM and peak speeds of 4m/s, while the next-generation PMSM motor (up to 1,200 W / 1.6 HP) ensures exceptional energy efficiency and ultra-smooth propulsion. Together with iGarden’s Patented Flow Channel, it produces balanced, even waves that feel as close to open-water swimming as possible—right at home.

The Inverter Drive seamlessly adjusts current strength to match your rhythm, with 5 finely tuned wave modes for everything from calm recovery to playful family moments. Whether it’s an early-morning fitness routine, low-impact rehabilitation, or weekend games with friends, iGarden Swim Jet P Series turns any pool into a multifunctional aquatic hub. Its wider coverage allows multiple users to swim, train, or play together comfortably, bringing energy and connection into every moment spent outdoors.

Built from marine-grade stainless steel, iGarden Swim Jet P Series combines enduring strength with minimalist beauty. Its robust stainless-steel brushless motor is engineered for long-term reliability, and iGarden backs the system with a 3-Year-Warranty, offering premium confidence and worry-free ownership for every household.

In August 2025, iGarden formalized a partnership with USA Artistic Swimming (USAAS). National-level athletes and coaches have incorporated iGarden Swim Jet P Series into their training, validating its professional performance and versatility. “We just upgraded our backyard experience with the Swim Jet. We love it,” said Adam Andrasko, CEO of USA Artistic Swimming.

Getting started is simple. Installation is fast, flexible, and worry-free: iGarden Swim Jet P Series supports both deck and wall mounting and adapts easily to new builds or existing pools, while iGarden’s turnkey deck-drilling solution streamlines setup so you can be swimming “before your first coffee cools.” iGarden Swim Jet P Series is now officially available for purchase; pre-order by Dec 31, 2025 to receive free professional installation (a $600+ value; US only), plus up to $1,000 in introductory savings for early buyers at igarden website.

About iGarden

As the innovative sub–brand of Fairland Group, iGarden is leading the global AI Garden revolution. By fusing advanced AI with eco–smart design, we create outdoor spaces that think, adapt, and self–manage. Our curated portfolio—from AI–enhanced pool cleaners and swim jets to smart lawn mowers, AI–driven pumps, and AIoT systems—delivers a seamless lifestyle that is quiet, sustainable, and beautifully intelligent.

With iGarden, outdoor living becomes a feeling—of ease, of connection, of art in everyday motion.

Always Intelligent. Always Inspiring. Always Sustainable

Media contact
Mengru Li
Media Relations, Fairland Group / iGarden
mengruli@fairlandgroup.com 

NEW YORK, Nov. 10, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — The New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) provides a daily pre-market update directly from the NYSE Trading Floor. Access today’s NYSE Pre-market update for market insights before trading begins. 

Kristen Scholer delivers the pre-market update on November 10th

• Global equities are rallying Monday morning on hopes that the U.S government shutdown is nearing an end. On Sunday, the U.S. Senate advanced a bill that would reopen government after its longest shut down in history.
• Intercontinental Exchange’s monthly mortgage monitor was released, showing home prices rose 0.9% annually in October, bucking nine straight months of contraction. Purchase demand held steady despite headwinds.
• The 60th annual EEI Financial Conference kicked off in Florida yesterday, designed to connect leadership from investor-owned electric companies and the financial community.

Opening Bell
Eni (NYSE: E) celebrates 30^th anniversary of listing

Closing Bell
Blackstone (NYSE: BX) celebrates its 40^th anniversary of founding

Click here to download the NYSE TV App

 ABU DHABI, UAE, Nov. 10, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO) has announced 29 commercial deployment agreements for autonomous mobility technologies on the sidelines of Abu Dhabi Autonomous Summit, held as part of the inaugural Abu Dhabi Autonomous Week (ADAW).

Abu Dhabi Autonomous Week

Marking a decisive moment in global smart mobility, the landmark deals, secured by ADIO with partnerships involving K2, LODD Autonomous (LODD), Autologix, Sinaha, TractEasy, MLG and Space42, establish the capital as among the first cities globally to introduce an integrated,  multi-modal autonomous regulatory and infrastructure environment that enables companies to transition from the pilot phase to commercial deployment. Attracting inward investment and partnerships, and with testing grounds to take technology to full-scale commercialisation, Abu Dhabi has become a global destination for next-generation companies in the autonomous sector seeking to set up, innovate, test and scale their technologies.

The 29 commercial agreements span critical sectors, from e-commerce, food and goods delivery with partners such as Integrated Transport Centre (AD Mobility), Talabat, Noon, and Aramex, to healthcare delivery and logistics with PureLab, and industrial logistics automation.

Proven autonomous solutions for air and ground delivery, alongside specialised industrial applications, have commenced real-world operations across Abu Dhabi. This integrated approach, regulated and enabled across the entire range of transportation modes  by SASC, is changing  how consumers and companies send and receive goods .

A focus on autonomous innovation and sustainable, safe  and efficient adoption bring s  a customer-centric future logistics network a step closer to being fully operational. SASC has created an enabling environment across infrastructure, regulation and security to allow for the assessment of commercial viability as well as extensive real-world testing of autonomous solutions in Abu Dhabi.

His Excellency Badr Al-Olama, Director General of the Abu Dhabi Investment Office, said: “Abu Dhabi is leading the transformation in smart mobility and logistics, with these 29 commercial pilot agreements marking a decisive step toward a future where autonomous technologies set new standards for transportation and trade. Anchored by the Smart and Autonomous Vehicle Industries (SAVI) cluster, these agreements translate decades of R&D into tangible commercial deployment. Together, they represent a defining moment, where technology begins to function as a viable and vital part of the global economy.

“This shift is enabled by the Smart and Autonomous Systems Council’s vision for a coordinated approach in which regulation, infrastructure and industry development advance together, creating a clear path for deployment, commercialisation and wider adoption. By advancing solutions that support e-commerce, healthcare and critical logistics, we are reinforcing Abu Dhabi’s position as a place where emerging industries can grow faster, scale further and deliver lasting impact to businesses and communities worldwide.”

Sinaha Technology, an Abu Dhabi-based company specialising in AI-driven automation, robotics and drone solutions is developing logistics innovations that are transforming the movement of goods. These include autonomous ground vehicles (AGVs) operating continuously to reduce emissions and costs, to intelligent warehouses powered by robotics and AI, and a digital Fleet Management System delivering real-time visibility and predictive efficiency.

The new approach to logistics management also extends to Abu Dhabi’s aerial logistics network through several pioneering drone delivery pilots led by LODD, working alongside PureLab, EMX, Noon and Aramex. The pilots will demonstrate the commercial, operational and environmental potential of unmanned aerial systems, from the secure, cold-chain transport of medical samples to scalable parcel and mail delivery between sorting hubs and community drop-off zones.

Abu Dhabi is further scaling autonomous logistics through a series of partnerships led by K2, in collaboration with Talabat, EMX, ENEC, Noon and the Department of Municipalities and Transport. These pilots, which span both air and land applications, will demonstrate how AI-enabled electric vehicles and aerial drones can transform last- and middle-mile delivery. From autonomous drones flying parcels between Talabat hubs and drop-off stations, to ground vehicles servicing logistics routes across Abu Dhabi, the projects combine innovation, sustainability, and operational efficiency. The introduction of fully electric Robosweepers and autonomous ground fleets for major logistics partners further underscores Abu Dhabi’s leadership in deploying real-world, city-wide autonomy that enhances productivity, supports net-zero targets, and strengthens the emirate’s position as a global hub for smart mobility and intelligent logistics.

Ground delivery pilots have also been extended to heavy goodswith the launch of a partnership between Autologix (a joint venture of 7X and Zelostech) and Emirates Post. The pilot will deploy Level 4 autonomous cargo vehicles in Abu Dhabi. Designed without a driver’s cab or steering wheel, the purpose-built vehicles represent a new generation of urban logistics that is safer, more efficient, and fully electric.

Collectively, these initiatives reflect Abu Dhabi’s integrated approach to mobility, aligning infrastructure, regulation and innovation under SASC to advance sustainable, next-generation freight and logistics. Together, they demonstrate how autonomy and innovation are redefining efficiency, safety and environmental performance, while positioning Abu Dhabi as a global leader in smart mobility and regulatory excellence, charting the course for autonomous economies of the future.

About the Smart and Autonomous Systems Council (SASC)

Established in 2024, the Smart and Autonomous Systems Council (SASC) is responsible for setting the strategic direction of Abu Dhabi’s smart and autonomous technologies sector. Driving policy, regulation, investment and innovation through collaboration with government entities, global innovators and industry stakeholders, SASC is shaping a world-class ecosystem that positions Abu Dhabi at the forefront of future technologies and as a leading global hub for intelligent mobility and autonomous systems.

About Abu Dhabi Autonomous Week

Abu Dhabi Autonomous Week (ADAW) is the emirate’s flagship platform for advancing smart mobility and autonomous systems across land, sea, air, robotics and industry. Organised by the Smart and Autonomous Systems Council (SASC), the inaugural edition brings together global sector leaders, policymakers, innovators and investors to connect, collaborate and accelerate the future of autonomous technology. Commencing with the Abu Dhabi Autonomous Summit, the week’s flagship event for high-level dialogue and partnerships, the programme is further strengthened by initiatives such as DRIFTx, RoboCup Asia-Pacific 2025 (RCAP 2025) and Abu Dhabi Autonomous Racing League (A2RL), reinforcing Abu Dhabi’s role as a global hub for innovation, investment and the safe, sustainable deployment of autonomous technologies.

• Cohort 4 follow-up confirms durable hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) loss at 24 weeks post end of treatment (EOT) in BRII-179 anti-HBs responders treated with elebsiran plus pegylated interferon alfa (PEG-IFNα)
• Data suggest the potential to shorten PEG-IFNα treatment duration for BRII-179 anti-HBs responders showing faster and greater HBsAg reduction

DURHAM, N.C. and BEIJING, Nov. 10, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Brii Biosciences Limited (“Brii Bio,” or the “Company”, stock code: 2137.HK), a biotechnology company developing therapies to improve patient health and choice across diseases with high unmet medical needs, announced 24-week post end of treatment (EOT) follow-up results from Cohort 4 of its ongoing Phase 2 ENSURE study. These late-breaking data were presented at the American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases (AASLD) The Liver Meeting®, held in Washington D.C. from November 7-11, 2025, and were simultaneously published in Nature Medicine (link).

ENSURE (NCT05970289) is a multicenter, open-label Phase 2 study in the Asia-Pacific region. Cohort 4 evaluates a novel sequential combination treatment strategy for hepatitis B virus (HBV), utilizing Brii Bio’s therapeutic vaccine, BRII-179, to prime and enrich patients, with a goal to improve responsiveness to therapies potentially offering a functional cure. Participants previously treated with nine doses of elebsiran and BRII-179 treatment in a prior Phase 2 study BRII-179-835-001 (NCT04749368) were enrolled to this cohort to receive 48 weeks of combination treatment with elebsiran and PEG-IFNα. These participants were categorized as BRII-179 anti-HBs responders or non-responders based on their peak hepatitis B surface antibody (anti-HBs) levels during the prior study (≥10 IU/L or <10 IU/L, respectively). 

EOT data from Cohort 4 were previously presented at the European Association for the Study of the Liver (EASL) Congress 2025. The newly reported data confirm that the HBsAg loss benefit in the BRII-179 responder group was sustained over time. At EOT, 58% (11/19) HBsAg loss was observed in BRII-179 anti-HBs responders. In anti-HBs non-responders, only 17% (2/12) achieved HBsAg loss. At 24 weeks post EOT, 42% (8/19) of anti-HBs responders maintained HBsAg loss compared to 8% (1/12) of anti-HBs non-responders. 50% (4/8) of anti-HBs responders with sustained HBsAg loss at 24 weeks post EOT had baseline HBsAg levels between 1,514-3,086 IU/mL when enrolled in the previous BRII-179-835-001 study suggesting BRII-179 may elicit anti-HBs responses even in patients with higher baseline surface antigen levels. This supports BRII-179’s potential to improve functional cure outcomes and broaden its applicability across diverse patient populations. 

To further define BRII-179’s role in treatment of HBV infection and optimize combination regimens for pivotal studies, Brii Bio is conducting two additional Phase 2b trials. The ENRICH study evaluates the role of BRII-179 in priming HBV-specific immunity and/or identifying immuno-responsive patients with a higher likelihood of achieving functional cure. The ENHANCE study includes two parts: one to evaluate the triple combination of BRII-179, elebsiran and PEG-IFNα given concurrently for 48 weeks, and another exploring a sequential approach of BRII-179 and elebsiran for 24 weeks followed by triple combination for 24 weeks, and a 48-week PEG-IFNα control arm. Both studies are fully enrolled, and EOT data are expected to be presented in 2026.

“We are encouraged to see that the difference in HBsAg seroclearance rates observed at EOT was maintained through 24 weeks of follow-up.” said David Margolis, MD, Chief Medical Officer of Brii Bio. “These results support BRII-179’s potential to deliver more rapid and durable HBsAg loss and potentially enable a shorter treatment duration of PEG-IFNα. We look forward to validating these findings in our ongoing confirmatory studies.”

Publication Number: 5036

Title: Chronic hepatitis B virus infected participants responding to prior BRII-179 treatment achieved higher rate of sustained hepatitis B virus surface antigen loss on elebsiran plus pegylated interferon alfa: follow-up data from ENSURE study

Presenter: Grace Lai-Hung Wong, MBChB (CUHK), MD (CUHK), FRCP (Lond, Edin), FHKCP, FHKAM (Medicine), Professor of Gastroenterology and Hepatology at CUHK Medical Data Analytics Centre (MDAC) and Department of Medicine and Therapeutics in Hong Kong SAR, China

• A total of 31 participants were analyzed, with 19 BRII-179-induced anti-HBs responders and 12 non-responders.
• Median [range] HBsAg at baseline of this ENSURE study was numerically higher in anti-HBs responders (520 [34-2165] IU/mL) than in non-responders (185 [51-672] IU/mL).
• At 24 weeks post EOT, a notably higher rate of HBsAg loss was achieved in BRII-179-induced anti-HBs responders (8/19, 42.1%) compared to non-responders (1/12, 8.3%).
• Although all participants with sustained HBsAg loss had HBsAg < 1,500 IU/mL at baseline of this ENSURE study, 4/8 (50.0%) from anti-HBs responders had baseline HBsAg ranging from 1,514-3,086 IU/mL when enrolled in the previous study, suggesting that BRII-179 may induce anti-HBs responses regardless of baseline HBsAg level.
• The elebsiran and PEG-IFNα combination was generally safe and well-tolerated.

About Hepatitis B

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is one of the world’s most significant infectious disease threats with more than 254 million people infected globally.^[1] Chronic HBV infection is the leading cause of liver disease and an estimated 820,000 people die of complications from chronic HBV infection each year.^[1] HBV is of exceptional concern in China, where 87 million people are chronically infected.^[2]

About BRII-179

BRII-179 is a novel recombinant protein-based HBV immunotherapeutic candidate that expresses the Pre-S1, Pre-S2, and S HBV surface antigens, and is designed to induce enhanced and broad B-cell and T-cell immunity. In November 2023, the Center for Drug Evaluation (the “CDE”) of the National Medical Products Administration (the “NMPA”) granted BRII-179 Breakthrough Therapy Designation.

About Elebsiran

Elebsiran is an investigational subcutaneously administered HBV-targeting siRNA designed to degrade hepatitis B virus RNA transcripts and limit the production of hepatitis B surface antigen. It has the potential to have direct antiviral activity against HBV and HDV. It is the first siRNA in the clinic to include Enhanced Stabilization Chemistry Plus technology to enhance stability and minimize off-target activity, which potentially can result in an increased therapeutic index. Brii Bio licensed exclusive rights to develop and commercialize elebsiran for the Greater China territory from Vir Biotechnology, Inc. in 2020. In May 2024, the CDE of the NMPA granted elebsiran Breakthrough Therapy Designation.

About Brii Bio

Brii Biosciences Limited (“Brii Bio“, stock code: 2137.HK) is a biotechnology company developing therapies to address major public health challenges where patients experience high unmet medical needs, limited choice and significant social stigmas. With a focus on infectious diseases, the Company is advancing a broad pipeline of unique therapeutic candidates with lead programs against hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. The Company is led by a visionary and experienced leadership team and has operations in key biotech hubs, including Raleigh-Durham, the San Francisco Bay Area, Beijing and Shanghai. For more information, visit www.briibio.com.

– Data demonstrates ofirnoflast’s efficacy in myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) with robust and sustained hematologic responses –

– A novel mechanism targeting NEK7 and NLRP3 inflammasomes shows promise across multiple myeloid neoplasms –

– Preclinical data reveal potential applications in hemolytic anemias and obesity-induced inflammatory anemia –

LEHI, Utah, Nov. 10, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Halia Therapeutics, a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company developing first-in-class anti-inflammatory therapies, today announced six poster presentations and one oral presentation at the 67^th American Society of Hematology (ASH) Annual Meeting & Exposition taking place in Orlando, Florida, from December 6-9, 2025.

Ofirnoflast is a novel, oral, allosteric NEK7 inhibitor designed to block the formation and promote disassembly of the NLRP3 inflammasome complex. The NLRP3 inflammasome is a key driver of inflammation and plays a critical role in the pathogenesis of anemia and disease progression in myelodysplastic syndrome and other hematologic conditions. By selectively targeting NEK7, an essential component required for inflammasome assembly, ofirnoflast provides a precise mechanism to interrupt inflammatory cascades while potentially avoiding broader immunosuppressive effects. The safety and efficacy of ofirnoflast is currently being evaluated in clinical studies for patients with myelodysplastic syndrome and other inflammatory conditions.

“The comprehensive data we’re presenting at ASH 2025 represents a significant milestone for Halia Therapeutics and, more importantly, for patients with myelodysplastic syndrome and other inflammatory hematologic conditions who have limited therapeutic options,” said David Bearss, Chief Executive Officer of Halia Therapeutics. “Ofirnoflast’s unique mechanism of targeting the NEK7-NLRP3 inflammasome axis offers a fundamentally different approach to treating these challenging conditions. The robust and sustained hematologic responses we’re observing in MDS patients, combined with the favorable safety profile, reinforce our commitment to advancing this innovative therapy through clinical development.”

ASH Presentations:

Ofirnoflast, a Novel Inflammasome Inhibitor, Rewires Transcriptional Programs and Shows Clinical and Preclinical Efficacy and Myeloid Neoplasms
Saturday, December 6, 2025; 4:00 P.M. – 5:30 P.M. EST

Ofirnoflast Suppresses Heme-induced Inflammation, Representing a Novel Therapeutic Strategy for Hemolytic Anemias
Saturday, December 6, 2025; 5:30 P.M. – 7:30 P.M. EST

Targeting NLRP3 with Ofirnoflast, Alone or in Combination with Semaglutide, Ameliorates Inflammatory Anemia Associated with Obesity-Induced Inflammation in Rodent Models
Saturday, December 6, 2025; 5:30 P.M. – 7:30 P.M. EST

Ofirnoflast The Novel Allosteric NEK7 Inhibitor Ofirnoflast (HT-6184) Suppresses IL-8 and Other Pro-Inflammatory Cytokines in Patients with Low-Risk Myelodysplastic Syndrome and Symptomatic Anemia
Saturday, December 6, 2025; 5:30 P.M. – 7:30 P.M. EST

The Novel Allosteric NEK7 Inhibitor Ofirnoflast (HT-6184) Reduces Oxidized Mitochondrial DNA in Patients with Low-Risk Myelodysplastic Syndrome
Saturday, December 6, 2025; 5:30 P.M. – 7:30 P.M. EST

The Novel Allosteric NEK7 Inhibitor Ofirnoflast (HT-6184) Demonstrates Robust and Sustained Hematologic Response in Subjects with IPSS-R Very Low, Low or Intermediate Risk Myelodysplastic Syndrome (MDS) and Symptomatic Anemia
Monday, December 8, 2025; 6:00 P.M. – 8:00 P.M. EST

Monoclonal Antibodies Against Pathogenic S100A8/9 Alarmins can Restore Hematopoiesis and Result in Immunomodulation in Myelodysplasia and Leukemia Models
Monday, December 8, 2025; 6:00 P.M. – 8:00 P.M. EST

The presentations will feature comprehensive clinical and preclinical data on orfinoflast (HT-6184), a novel allosteric NEK7 inhibitor targeting the NLRP3 inflammasome, demonstrating its potential across multiple hematologic conditions, including myelodysplastic syndrome, hemolytic anemias, and inflammatory conditions.

Clinical data from the ongoing study of orfinoflast demonstrate robust and sustained hematologic responses in patients with IPSS-R very low, low, or intermediate risk myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) and symptomatic anemia. Ofirnoflast represents a breakthrough therapeutic approach through its innovative mechanism of action, selectively targeting NEK7 to inhibit NLRP3 inflammasome activation, addressing the underlying inflammatory pathways that drive anemia and disease progression in MDS patients.

Additional clinical findings reveal that ofirnoflast showed a trend toward reducing oxidized mitochondrial DNA levels, IL-8, and other pro-inflammatory cytokines in patients with low-risk MDS and symptomatic anemia. Furthermore, comprehensive analyses demonstrate that ofirnoflast rewires transcriptional programs in myeloid neoplasms, providing mechanistic insights into its therapeutic efficacy across multiple hematologic malignancies.

Preclinical studies presented at ASH showcase ofirnoflast’s broader therapeutic potential, including its ability to suppress heme-induced inflammation, representing a novel therapeutic strategy for hemolytic anemias. Additional research demonstrates that targeting NLRP3 with ofirnoflast, alone or in combination with semaglutide, ameliorates inflammatory anemia associated with obesity-induced inflammation in rodent models. Collaborative research also highlights the therapeutic potential of targeting pathogenic S100A8/9 alarmins to restore hematopoiesis in models of myelodysplasia and leukemia.

About Halia Therapeutics

Halia Therapeutics is an innovative biotechnology company focused on developing first-in-class inflammasome inhibitors for inflammatory diseases and hematologic malignancies. The company is committed to addressing significant unmet medical needs through novel mechanisms of action that target the root causes of inflammation-driven diseases. Halia’s lead program, ofirnoflast, represents a breakthrough approach to treating conditions where the NLRP3 inflammasome drives disease pathology. With a focus on precision medicine and patient-centric drug development, Halia Therapeutics aims to bring transformative therapies to patients suffering from serious inflammatory and hematologic conditions.

Contact Information

Taylor Avei
Director of Business Development
Halia Therapeutics
info@haliatx.com
+1 (385) 355-4315

Leigh Salvo
New Street Investor Relations
leigh@newstreetir.com

GUANGZHOU, China, Nov. 10, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — On the evening of November 9, the 15th National Games of the People’s Republic of China were inaugurated at the Guangdong Olympic Sports Center in Guangzhou. President Xi Jinping attended the opening ceremony and declared the Games open. This is the first National Games jointly hosted by Guangdong, Hong Kong and Macao.

The opening ceremony of China’s 15th National Games

The 37 delegations taking part come from all of China’s provinces, autonomous regions and centrally administered municipalities, the Hong Kong and Macao Special Administrative Regions, the Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps, and three industrial sports associations. Speeches were delivered by Huang Kunming, secretary of the CPC Guangdong Committee; John Lee Ka-chiu, chief executive of the Hong Kong SAR; Sam Hou Fai, chief executive of the Macao SAR; and Gao Zhidan, director of the General Administration of Sport of China. Chen Aisen, Iao Chon-in and Ken Yuen took the oaths on behalf of the athletes, coaches and referees, respectively.

The opening ceremony began with a cultural and sports performance titled “Dreaming of the Future.” The show unfolded in three chapters—”Shared Roots, Shared Origin,” “Shared Hearts, Shared Bonds,” and “Shared Dreams, Shared Fulfillment”—and creatively blended sports elements, artistic performance and cutting–edge technology to bring the Games’ theme, “Passionate National Games, Vibrant Greater Bay Area,” to life. Lingnan cultural elements were prominent: beyond the motif of “prosperity from water,” and the program featured Cantonese opera, Cantonese pop, dragon and lion dances, and Yingge Dance, highlighting Lingnan’s local character, the Greater Bay Area’s appeal, China’s grandeur and a world–class standard.

The thrilling in-stadium torch relay and cauldron-lighting ceremony followed. Beginning on November 2, the torch for the 15th National Games was relayed simultaneously across Guangdong, Hong Kong and Macao, culminating in its arrival at the Guangdong Olympic Sports Center. Amid great anticipation, 12 torchbearers—Ma Lin, Chen Ruolin, Wong Kam-po, Fang Wenhao, Guo Jingjing, Wang Xinyu, Wang Liuyi, Wang Qianyi, Liang Weikeng, Lai Xuanzhi, Xian Dongmei and Rong Zhixing—relayed the flame. The final torchbearers Su Bingtian, Cheung Ka Long and Li Yi jointly lit the Games’ cauldron.

At 9:27 p.m., the opening ceremony concluded amid the fervor generated by the theme song “Hearts as One.”

The ceremony was attended by International Olympic Committee (IOC) President Kirsty Coventry, IOC honorary president for life Thomas Bach, and other overseas guests invited to observe the Games.

The 15th National Games of China are scheduled to conclude on November 21. More than 14,000 athletes are competing in the sporting events, while roughly 11,000 participants are taking part in mass-participation events.

Parade of delegations at China’s 15th National Games

The study also shows 8 out of 10 employees use unauthorized AI, eroding corporate trust

MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif., Nov. 10, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — UpGuard, a leader in cybersecurity and risk management, today released its new “State of Shadow AI” report. The report details the widespread use of unapproved generative AI tools, or “Shadow AI,” by employees in the workplace. Data shows that employees worldwide are actively bypassing corporate governance at all levels, with a staggering 8 out of 10 employees using unauthorized AI tools. This widespread non-compliance extends all the way to the top—68% of security leaders, including CISOs, admit to incorporating unauthorized AI into their daily workflows. This is of increasing concern for organizations as employees expose their companies to greater security risks.

The report also highlights a critical AI security paradox. Despite 40% of employees reporting that they received AI safety training and have a better understanding of the risks, they are also the ones who use unapproved tools most frequently. This correlation suggests that compliance and security awareness campaigns need to evolve to accommodate employees’ increasing drive for productivity and confidence in new technology.

“Shadow AI has triggered a challenge in maintaining trust between employer and employee,” said Greg Pollock, head of Research and Insights at UpGuard. “Our data shows that increased security training and literacy does not curtail increased shadow AI usage; in fact, it increases it. Organizations need to better engage with their employees about AI to channel that curiosity appropriately.”

Who Is Bypassing Controls and at What Level?

UpGuard’s research indicates that traditional security awareness methods are not effective against curtailing unapproved AI usage, and instead, are enabling “AI power users.” The paradox is further aggravated by seniority, with Shadow AI usage increasing alongside managerial authority; senior leadership across the organization is 50% more likely to use shadow AI.

The report finds that:

• A surprising 90% of security leaders themselves report using unapproved AI tools at work, with 69% of CISOs incorporating them into their daily workflows.
• 27% of workers trust AI more than their managers or colleagues for reliable information, further highlighting the growing divide of non-compliance between employees and corporate authority.
• 23% of CISOs know that passwords and other credentials are being shared with AI tools within their company, indicating that organizations are becoming increasingly exposed by the minute.
• Furthermore, while 52% of employees are familiar with their company’s AI usage policy, 70% know of sensitive data shared with AI tools at their workplace

Guiding Enablement into the Future

Unauthorized AI usage in the workplace will continue to rise unless reinforced governance is implemented. It is clear that the problem cannot be solved by blocking applications, as 41% of employees find a way around it.

For companies keen on creating a transparent environment, a strategic necessity is a shift from a fear-based approach of restriction to one of guided enablement. This new pivot must address the next steps: providing visibility, implementing intelligent guardrails, and offering vetted tools to make the secure path the path of least resistance.

Read the full report, including additional stats and insights on Shadow AI prevalence in the workplace at https://www.upguard.com/resources/the-state-of-shadow-ai

Methodology

• Data for this report were sourced from two separate methods. The survey of security leaders was conducted by Dynata between August 18-31, 2025. The 542 respondents were security professionals in leadership positions at companies with more than 200 employees located in the US, Canada, the APAC region (comprising Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, and Malaysia), and India.
• The survey of employees was conducted using the Prolific platform between July 30 – August 11, 2025. The respondents were comprised of 1020 people in the US and UK who reported being currently employed and could provide the employee count and industry classification of their employer.

About UpGuard

Founded in 2012, UpGuard is a leader in cybersecurity and risk management. The company’s AI-powered platform for cyber risk posture management (CRPM), provides a centralized, actionable view of cyber risk across an organization’s vendors, attack surface, and workforce. Trusted by thousands of companies, UpGuard’s platform is designed to help security teams manage cyber risk with confidence and efficiency. To learn more, visit www.upguard.com.