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CNN’s ‘Tech for Good’ showcases young innovators redefining rescue missions with robotics

HONG KONG, Oct. 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — In the latest episode of ‘Tech For Good’, CNN anchor and correspondent Kristie Lu Stout meets the young innovators designing cutting-edge technology that could one day revolutionize search and rescue missions.

CNN’s ‘Tech for Good’ showcases young innovators redefining rescue missions with robotics
CNN’s ‘Tech for Good’ showcases young innovators redefining rescue missions with robotics

CNN first visits The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, where student Jimmy Wu Chun-Ming and his team have developed AeroRelief, a smart delivery drone system designed to enhance emergency response in remote areas.  What sets this technology apart from others is its SMS locating system and AI-driven dispatch assistance platform which suggests what equipment is needed during an emergency. It aims to close the critical time gap before first responders can arrive in remote areas, where every minute counts.

From emergency services to rescue operations, CNN visits Switzerland for the ARCHE (Advanced Robotic Capabilities for Hazardous Environments) event, where students developing the latest disaster relief robots can test their technologies in a simulated environment. Among this year’s standout creations are Magnecko, a climbing robot with magnetic feet developed by students at ETH Zurich, and Roboa, a snake-like robot designed to search for people trapped under rubble.

Across the globe, similar breakthroughs are taking shape. In the United States, Firebot – developed by University of Texas at Austin graduate Siddharth Thakur – is a cutting-edge fire robot equipped with thermal cameras, sensors, and gas detectors to safely navigate hazardous environments. It delivers real-time data to firefighters before they enter a blaze, enhancing safety and efficiency while minimizing risk.

Finally, as part of the show’s ‘Where Are They Now?’ segment, Max Lee and Josua Chan, creators of LifeSparrow, an AI drone software that’s designed to locate missing hikers in Hong Kong, are catching the world’s attention again. Since their 2023 feature in ‘Tech for Good’, their technology has expanded to perform various other tasks including spotting wildfires, monitoring country parks and assisting with maritime rescue.

Tech for Good trailers: http://bit.ly/4qoLFxn
Tech for Good images: http://bit.ly/4qquDz8
Tech for Good microsite: https://cnn.it/3PB5DSq 

Airtimes for 30-minute special: 

Saturday, 25th October at 12:30pm HKT
Sunday, 26th October at 12.30am and 6pm HKT
Monday, 27th October at 11:00am HKT

– Ends –

About CNN International  

CNN’s portfolio of news and information services is available in seven different languages across all major TV, digital and mobile platforms, reaching more than 379 million households around the globe. CNN International is the number one international TV news channel according to all major media surveys across Europe, the Middle East and Africa, the Asia Pacific region, and Latin America and has a US presence that includes CNNgo. CNN Digital is a leading network for online news, mobile news and social media. CNN is at the forefront of digital innovation and continues to invest heavily in expanding its digital global footprint, with a suite of award-winning digital properties and a range of strategic content partnerships, commercialised through a strong data-driven understanding of audience behaviours. CNN has won multiple prestigious awards around the world for its journalism. Around 1,000 hours of long-form series, documentaries and specials are produced every year by CNNI’s non-news programming division. CNN has 36 editorial offices and more than 1,100 affiliates worldwide through CNN Newsource. CNN International is a Warner Bros. Discovery company.

 

Neolix Raises US$600+ Million in Series D Funding, Setting New Record for Private Financing of China’s Autonomous Driving Industry

BEIJING, Oct. 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Neolix, the world’s largest provider of L4 autonomous delivery (RoboVan) solutions, has raised over US$600 million in its Series D financing. By deal size, it is the largest private fundraising in China’s autonomous driving sector to date and is among the biggest private investments in China this year.

Neolix secures the largest-ever fundraising in China's autonomous driving industry
Neolix secures the largest-ever fundraising in China’s autonomous driving industry

The round was led by UAE-based StoneVenture, joined by Gaocheng Capital, CITIC Capital, CDH, Sparkedge Capital, Beijing AI Fund and one of the largest internet platforms in China. Other key investors include Legend Capital, Gaorong Ventures, Templewater, etc. Existing backer Yunqi Partners also increased its holdings, while Cygnus Equity acted as the exclusive financial advisor for the transaction.

This round marks a new chapter in Neolix’s mission to “make autonomous vehicles accessible worldwide,” underscoring strong investor confidence in the company’s technological edge and commercial momentum. Neolix plans to use the funds to further invest in algorithm and technology R&D, develop new products for diverse commercial scenarios, enhance its service network and user experience, and fuel its global expansion plans.

Neolix’s Founder and CEO, Enyuan Yu, stated that the Series D fundraising will strengthen Neolix’s technological and market leadership in autonomous intra-city logistics, accelerating large-scale commercial deployment to meet growing domestic and international demand. “We believe autonomous delivery is a key part of future urban logistics. Neolix will continue building a robust fleet, advancing visual algorithms and dispatch engines to deliver safe and efficient autonomous solutions. Our goal is to empower urban logistics with autonomous driving, making RoboVans a new productivity tool and driving digital transformation in the industry.”

Leading the RoboVan Industry Into Large-Scale Deployment

Founded by Mr. Enyuan Yu, Neolix has rapidly emerged as a global leader in autonomous delivery vehicles since its launch in 2018. The company has delivered over 10,000 L4 RoboVans, more than any other firm worldwide, and achieved a record-breaking 2,000 vehicle deliveries in a single month. Its vehicles are now deployed in over 300 cities in China, with Qingdao hosting more than 1,200 units. Neolix’s popular X3 and X6 models have each surpassed 4,000 deliveries, demonstrating strong market demand.

On the technology front, Neolix continues to pioneer breakthroughs. Its proprietary “Neolix-VA” vision-action foundation model marks the first large-scale deployment of an end-to-end model in the logistics sector, enabling RoboVans to navigate complex traffic environments through superior spatial intelligence and behavioral reasoning.

Neolix is also the first company to deploy map-free autonomous driving in freight industry , enabling true point-to-point delivery on public roads with full environmental generalization. Its AI-powered Dispatch Center integrates real-time data on vehicles, routes, and orders to optimize fleet performance. Collectively, Neolix’s L4 autonomous vehicles have accumulated over 50 million kilometers of real-world L4 driving, keeping the company far ahead of peers.

Expanding Market Share and Commercial Scenarios

Since obtaining China’s first autonomous delivery license in 2021, Neolix has experienced explosive growth. Vehicle deliveries have increased more than tenfold annually for two consecutive years. Today, the company holds over 60% of cumulative market share, 70% of new monthly shipments, and 80% of monthly revenue in China’s autonomous delivery vehicle segment, serving more than 300,000 clients ranging from large enterprises to small businesses.

In the express delivery sector, Neolix commands a leading position as the only RoboVan supplier serving all major logistics players in China, including SF Express, JD Logistics, China Post, STO, YTO, ZTO, and J&T Express, capturing nearly 70% of key account tenders.

Beyond express logistics, Neolix is rapidly expanding into fresh food, cold chain, supermarket, and urban freight scenarios, driving operational efficiency and service reliability, particularly during nighttime operations, where a single RoboVan can complete over 10 delivery cycles per shift.

Earlier this year, Neolix and Didi Freight jointly launched the world’s first RoboVan-as-a-Service (RaaS) model for on-demand logistics, significantly lowering the barrier to autonomous delivery adoption.

Orders from these diversified urban logistics scenarios now account for more than half of Neolix’s monthly order volume. In the broader urban logistics segment, Neolix currently serves hundreds of top-tier clients and commands over 60% market share.

Accelerating Global Expansion

Neolix’s success extends beyond China. In October 2025, Neolix partnered with K2 Group, an Abu Dhabi–based AI technology firm, to secure the first RoboVan license ever issued in the UAE, paving the way for scaled deployment across the Middle East. The company also joined Japan’s largest autonomous driving association, Autoware, in September 2025, and in July 2025, signed a strategic cooperation agreement with the Incheon Metropolitan Government to promote RoboVan deployment in South Korea.

Industry Outlook: 2025, the Breakout Year for Autonomous Delivery

Analysts anticipate exponential growth in autonomous delivery vehicles over the next three years. Soochow Securities forecasts that more than 30,000 units will be sold in China in 2025 alone.

Neolix estimates that China’s urban logistics market, currently served by about 30 million delivery vehicles valued at over RMB 3 trillion, is poised for large-scale automation. Within three years, major cities such as Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou could each see thousands of autonomous vehicles operating daily. Once fleets reach a certain level, Neolix envisions an intelligent logistics network serving both enterprises and individuals, enabling shared capacity and highly efficient resource allocation.

Investor Endorsements

Hong Jing, Founding Partner and CEO of Gaocheng Capital:

“As an industry leader, Neolix has been at the forefront of exploring the implementation of L4 autonomous driving technology in the logistics sector and achieving Product-Market Fit. It has experienced rapid growth on the path to commercializing unmanned driving technology, serving numerous leading customers within the industry, while also demonstrating highly competitive development potential in overseas markets. As a patient growth-stage fund, we hold a highly optimistic view of China’s world-leading position in integrating hardware and software capabilities. We are committed to continuously supporting and assisting Neolix in creating value for its customers and the broader industry, consolidating its leadership position, and facilitating the global expansion of China’s cutting-edge technologies.”

Wang Lin, Founding Partner at CDH:

“Amid widening labor shortages and surging parcel volumes, Neolix’s autonomous delivery vehicles represent more than just tools, they are keys to breaking through industry bottlenecks. CDH VGC will leverage its extensive industrial resources to help Neolix integrate deeply with China’s robust supply chain ecosystem and diversified logistics scenarios, supporting its evolution from mass deployment to global ecosystem building. We aspire to be an ‘intelligent partner’ of our era, joining hands with true builders to drive industrial transformation.”

Zhao Lei, Partner at CITIC Capital:

“Our investment reflects long-term conviction in the transformative potential of smart logistics. Autonomous driving technology will fundamentally reshape the industry’s cost structure and operations. What sets Neolix apart is its ability to innovate consistently and create enduring value, which could be the strongest competitive moat. As a long-term partner, CITIC Capital will leverage deep industrial expertise to help Neolix expand new applications, accelerate technological iteration and global growth, defining the future paradigm of logistics.”

Chen Yu, Partner at Yunqi Partners:

“Since Neolix’s founding, we’ve been firm believers in its long-term potential in autonomous delivery. From the first vehicle to the ten-thousandth, the team has continuously raised the bar for the industry through solid engineering and relentless innovation in terms of algorithms, systems, and monetization. Yunqi Partners will continue to accompany Neolix on its journey, driving deeper application of autonomous driving across China’s trillion-level logistics market.”

About Neolix

Neolix is a leading provider of L4 autonomous delivery (RoboVan) solutions worldwide. Its self-developed L4 autonomous vehicles are widely deployed across express delivery, urban logistics, and other key scenarios. Guided by our mission to make autonomous vehicles accessible worldwide, Neolix has deployed over 10,000 units in 300 cities across 15 countries, covering more than 50 million kilometers of autonomous operation—among the top in the industry for both deployment scale and operational mileage.

Backed by full-stack capabilities spanning in-house software and hardware development, vehicle manufacturing, and intelligent dispatching, Neolix has filed over 1,500 patents. Designed to help clients reduce costs and enhance efficiency at scale, Neolix vehicles enable 24/7 autonomous operations—running reliably in all weather conditions, at any time of day, and across a wide range of complex road scenarios.

Four Dead in Xieng Khouang Linked to Illegal Gold Mining

Four Dead in Xieng Khouang Linked to Illegal Gold Mining
This image is used only for representational purpose (photo credit: Mindat)

Xieng Khouang Province has reported four deaths in 2025 related to illegal gold mining, highlighting ongoing safety and regulatory issues in the region. The report did not specify the exact date of the incidents.

Registration, Licensing Required for Sound System Use During That Luang Festival

The Department of Culture and Tourism of Vientiane Capital has announced that all individuals, businesses, and organizations planning to use loudspeakers or sound systems during the That Luang Festival and Trade Fair 2025 must register and obtain the required licenses by 30 October.

According to the department, anyone wishing to use sound systems, organize concerts or cultural performances, or display advertisements during the festival must first receive official approval. 

The registration process aims to ensure that all activities comply with festival regulations and contribute to maintaining order, safety, and respect for the cultural and religious significance of the event.

A representative from the tourism department explained that the That Luang Festival is one of the most sacred and important celebrations in Laos, attracting thousands of visitors each year. Proper registration and licensing will help ensure that entertainment and promotional activities are managed responsibly, without disturbing the festival’s atmosphere.

The Department of Culture and Tourism has invited both domestic and international participants to submit their applications as soon as possible. The office has also confirmed that staff are available to assist anyone seeking information or support with the registration process.

Heightened Security at That Luang Festival

Meanwhile, Vientiane authorities have announced the deployment of more than 2,000 police officers to safeguard the festival and maintain public order during the celebrations, which will take place from 1 to 5 November at That Luang and the Lao-ITECC Exhibition Center.

According to the Subcommittee on Security, a total of 2,015 officers will be stationed throughout key areas of the city. Some officers will be positioned at the main festival sites, while others will handle traffic management and monitor major intersections, checkpoints, and police stations to ensure the smooth movement of people and vehicles across the capital.

Police have urged residents and visitors to follow all festival regulations, keep personal belongings safe, and park only in designated areas. 

They also advised the public to take precautions at home by checking electrical systems, avoiding large sums of cash, and labeling children’s bags with contact details.

The use of weapons, fireworks, sky lanterns, and drones without prior permission is strictly prohibited. 

Officials said these measures are part of a coordinated effort to protect the public and preserve the festive yet respectful spirit of the celebrations.

China Daren Group Limited Announces Strategic Foray into Computing Power Industry

HONG KONG, Oct. 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — China Daren Group Limited (“Daren”), a subsidiary of MBV International Limited (01957.HK), announced that it will actively transform towards the advanced technology industry, striving to build the company into a high-quality high-tech enterprise with obvious core business advantages and outstanding profitability. The company is targeting the continuously exploding global computing power industry, actively exploring the computing power industry, and making it the company’s core business in the future.

Daren is a Hong Kong company, and its geographical advantage makes it a key hub connecting mainland China business and international markets. Currently, the company is in talks with multiple partner companies to accelerate the development of its computing power business.

Daren will operate its computing power business according to the following business models starting from December:

  1. AI Computing Centers Targeting enterprises and institutions with sustained high demand for computing power, Daren will collaborate with investors to develop and operate AI computing centers. These centers will provide long-term computing services, balancing investor returns with reliable computational supply.
    Services include full-stack solutions for large-scale model training, model development, fine-tuning, inference, and the implementation of generative AI applications. The company will also engage ecosystem partners and clients to foster a collaborative AI computing community.
  2. AI Models Daren will deliver customized multi-modal enterprise AI assistants by integrating large AI models with clients’ internal data and industry-specific datasets. These tailored solutions are designed for organizations with clear application scenarios seeking intelligent upgrades.
  3. Managed Services For existing AI computing center clients, Daren will offer manufacturer-grade maintenance and operational support. The services aim to reduce total cost of ownership, enhance operational efficiency, and maximize the value of computing infrastructure.

Actively expanding into the computing power industry demonstrates Daren’s determination to practice its global strategy. In the future, Daren will continuously connect with partners to establish an AI computing power industry service ecosystem and jointly launch the most cutting-edge AI intelligent solutions with global partners.

China Brings Connected Vehicles to Life in Shanghai: Advancing C-V2X Deployment including 5G-Advanced

SHANGHAI, Oct. 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — In Jiading, Shanghai, the 5G Automotive Association (5GAA) and Shanghai International Automobile City (SIAC) co-hosted the “C-V2X Implementation in China and International Cooperation” Conference. The full-day event brought together global experts for high-level strategic discussions and live demonstrations, highlighting China’s rapid progress in C-V2X innovation while fostering dialogue across the international connected mobility ecosystem and showcasing the capabilities powered by 5G-Advanced (5G-A)

“The Shanghai conference and demonstrations highlighted China’s proactive role in advancing C-V2X technologies. It is particularly significant as it showcases leadership and innovation that drive progress across the entire global ecosystem,” said 5GAA Director General Christof Schmidt.

Attendees witnessed live demonstrations of cutting-edge C-V2X technologies. China IMT-20205GPromotion Group C-V2X Working Group and SIAC presented the “Four Layers Demonstrations”, which included scenarios such as sudden cut-outs by preceding vehicles, work-zone alerts, and connected-assisted driving. These tests highlighted how advanced onboard units can receive real-time data from multiple vehicles ahead, enabling rapid adjustments and improving safety. Additionally, demonstrations also showcased how C-V2X enhances vehicle awareness under challenging weather conditions.

In parallel, SIAC, AUMOVIO and China Unicom showcased C-V2X vehicle networking applications based on 5G-A network. Leveraging the 5G-A network, cross-operator real-time sensor information sharing between vehicles and on-demand information distribution between vehicles and infrastructure are achieved. The system supports typical application scenarios such as front-object detection, blind spot communication, and emergency collaboration. With end-to-end latency below 30ms, it meets the stringent low latency and high reliability requirements of C-V2X applications.

“We are honoured to co-host this international forum with 5GAA,” said Gang Chen, Chairman of Shanghai International Automobile City. “As China’s first national pilot zone for intelligent and connected vehicles, SIAC is actively contributing China’s practical experience and fostering global industrial synergy through our deep involvement in prestigious international organisations such as 5GAA and VDA. We are committed to building an open, integrated, and globally influential industrial ecosystem, accelerating the alignment and mutual recognition of Chinese solutions with international standards, and sharing ‘China’s Wisdom’ and the ‘Shanghai Model’ with the world. We look forward to joining hands with global partners in pioneering a new chapter for intelligent and connected mobility,” he said.

Full press releases available here.

Myanmar Scam Center Raid Sends Hundreds Fleeing to Thailand

Myanmar Scam Center Raid Sends Hundreds Fleeing to Thailand
This screengrab from Thai PBS video footage taken on October 22, 2025 and received by AFPTV on October 23, 2025 shows Thai soldiers keeping watch as people, believed to have crossed over to Thailand from Myanmar after escaping from scam centres, board a vehicle in Mae Sot. (photo credit: AFP PHOTO / THAI PBS VIA AFPTV)

More than 600 people fled one of Myanmar’s most notorious scam centers and crossed into Thailand, a Thai provincial official told AFP on 24 October, after a military raid on the compound.

LRQA Wraps Up Strategic Roundtable in Vietnam: Unlocking the Future of Food Safety & Sustainability

HO CHI MINH CITY, Vietnam, Oct. 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — LRQA convened key voices from Vietnam’s food industry at its roundtable event, ‘Unlock the Future of Food Safety & Sustainability’, held in Ho Chi Minh City. The event served as a dynamic platform for collaboration, insight-sharing, and strategic thinking around the future of food safety, ESG assurance, and responsible sourcing.

LRQA Wraps Up Strategic Roundtable in Vietnam: Unlocking the Future of Food Safety & Sustainability
LRQA Wraps Up Strategic Roundtable in Vietnam: Unlocking the Future of Food Safety & Sustainability

With a packed room of industry professionals, the roundtable featured expert-led discussions and practical insights that aligned closely with LRQA’s mission to help businesses build trust, manage risk, and drive sustainable transformation.

The event’s core themes included:

  • FSSC 22000 Version 6 – Understanding the latest updates and global certification trends
  • Vietnam CSR Insights – Navigating Audit Trends, Violations & Legal Risks
  • Carbon Footprint – Prioritizing Carbon Footprint in the Food Sector
  • ERSA (Environmental and Responsible Sourcing Assessment) – Building transparency and trust across food supply chains

“It is a privilege to be here in Vietnam, a country that has become one of Asia’s most dynamic growth stories,” said Kit Wong, Business Director, Southeast Asia, LRQA. “At LRQA, our role is to help you manage risk, seize opportunities, and secure competitive advantage. From certification and cyber to sustainability and supply chains, we connect the dots to keep you one step ahead. And in Vietnam, the dots we need to connect are clear: food safety, sustainability, energy transition, and resilient supply chains.

The event also featured contributions from Fotis Kampouris, Executive Vice President – Asia Pacific, LRQA, alongside local experts who shared actionable strategies for advancing food safety and sustainability in Vietnam.

Through this event, LRQA reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Vietnam’s food industry with assurance solutions that enable safer practices, stronger compliance, and long-term sustainable growth.

About LRQA

LRQA is a leading global assurance provider bringing together expertise in brand assurance, certification, cybersecurity, inspection, and training – to help its customers negotiate a rapidly changing world. Operating in more than 120 countries and recognised by over 30 accreditation bodies worldwide, LRQA covers almost every sector, helping customers around the world to manage risk.

For more details, visit https://www.lrqa.com/ 

For further information, please contact:

Hasan Surve
Regional Marketing Manager – APAC, LRQA
hasan.surve@lrqa.com