SHENZHEN, China, Oct. 29, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — In a move reflecting the growing collaboration between joint venture automakers and Chinese AI technology providers, smart announced its first plug-in hybrid model, the smart #5 EHD, featuring DeepRoute.ai’s assisted driving technology, selected specifically for its safety, human-like driving behavior, and mass-production scalability. A joint test drive conducted by Maxwell Zhou, CEO of DeepRoute.ai, and Yang Jun, Global CTO of smart, achieved zero takeovers across 30.9 kilometers of complex urban driving—demonstrating the technology’s maturity and smart’s vision for the future of intelligent mobility.

This road test shows the assisted driving system navigating real-world urban conditions and challenging scenarios including unprotected left turns, construction zones, dense traffic, and sections without lane markings. The system demonstrated precise recognition of pedestrians, cyclists, emergency vehicles, and dynamic obstacles whilst maintaining smooth, confident driving behavior that mirrored human-like decision making.

“We believe the future of autonomous driving must prioritize both safety and an intuitive, human-like driving style—qualities we see embodied in DeepRoute.ai’s technology,” said Yang Jun, Global CTO of smart. “That is why smart specifically selected DeepRoute.ai as our partner. When the industry was debating whether map-free technology could work, we saw the future and chose to lead. This test drive demonstrated exceptional stability and intelligence. Safety is the greatest luxury.”

“smart chose a partner with proven ability to deliver at scale,” said Maxwell Zhou, CEO of DeepRoute.ai. “We have now delivered approximately 150,000 production vehicles globally, fully demonstrating our engineering maturity and manufacturing capability. This provides partners like smart with highly reliable, adaptable solutions while establishing a robust data foundation for continuous technology iteration. When others remained uncertain about map-free solutions, smart trusted our vision. This partnership demonstrates what is possible when luxury brands embrace technological leadership.”

The smart #5 EHD represents the latest milestone in the collaboration between smart and DeepRoute.ai, extending proven technology capabilities from pure electric platforms to plug-in hybrid vehicles. DeepRoute.ai‘s approach addresses core challenges facing autonomous driving deployment at scale, including operating in varied urban environments and providing users with a more comprehensive and technologically advanced driving experience.

Looking ahead, DeepRoute.ai is advancing the convergence of intelligent driving and in-cabin large models, moving toward an integrated agent-based architecture. This next phase of development will further enhance contextual understanding and enable vehicles to interact naturally with drivers.

The collaboration between smart and DeepRoute.ai exemplifies how technological maturity and human-centric design can coexist. By uniting luxury brand DNA with proven production-scale technology, the two companies are redefining the assisted driving experience for today’s drivers and tomorrow’s intelligent mobility.

About DeepRoute.ai

DeepRoute.ai is an Artificial Intelligence company dedicated to the research, development, and application of smart driving solutions. Being the first to develop production-ready smart driving solutions and a pioneer in deploying end-to-end and VLA models on mass-produced passenger vehicles, DeepRoute.ai aims to create artificial general intelligence in the physical world.

For more information, visit DeepRoute.ai, follow DeepRoute.ai on LinkedIn, and X, and subscribe to DeepRoute.ai on YouTube.

ISHRS Hosts Live Surgery Workshop in Bucharest, Romania, November 7-9, 2025, focusing on hair repair

CHICAGO, Oct. 29, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — According to a recent member survey conducted by the International Society of Hair Restoration Surgery (ISHRS), the impact of black-market hair transplant clinics continues to reverberate around the world – with more clinics opening and more complications for the countless victims of these unscrupulous practices.

Case in point: earlier this month, Dubai police arrested a man running an illegal hair transplant clinic from an apartment.

“These fraudulent, illicit hair transplant clinics operate under the guise of an established medical practice, luring unsuspecting patients with false or misleading advertising, rock-bottom prices and tempting travel packages,” said Conradin von Albertini, MD, FISHRS, president of the ISHRS. “The results can be devastating, leaving victims with little recourse for the oftentimes permanent damage imposed by those who are not authorized to perform this highly skilled surgery.”

The ISHRS receives numerous emails from young men who have fallen victim. In late-September 2025, the ISHRS received the following message from a man in the United Kingdom, “Hi, I got a botched hair transplant and my donor area has been over harvested badly. I am in a deep shock loss. How long do I need to wait and get repair surgery? I didn’t know that people who are pretending to be fake surgeon are doing this and snatching people’s life.” He went on to explain that he now has low self-esteem and is feeling suicidal.

To combat this alarming trend, the ISHRS is hosting its fifth annual “World Hair Transplant Repair Day” on November 11, 2025 (11/11). This worldwide event is part of the ISHRS’s Fight the FIGHT (an acronym for Fight the Fraudulent, Illicit, and Global Hair Transplants) global consumer awareness campaign designed to educate and help people who have been victims of this widespread practice.

Consequences of hair transplants performed illegally can include permanent visible scarring, infection, thin patches of hair, bald spots, and over-harvested donor areas that can be very difficult to correct. In cases where damage can be fixed, patients will often require more than one corrective procedure.

In an effort to help victims of black-market hair transplant clinics around the world, the ISHRS encourages people in need of corrective surgeries to connect individually with participating volunteer ISHRS physicians through the campaign’s website, HairTransplantRepairDay.org, for a chance to receive a pro bono corrective hair transplant procedure. Since its launch in 2020, the number of ISHRS participating physician members has increased to dozens of members in all corners of the world.

Dr. von Albertini noted that the latest ISHRS member survey found that in 2024, 59% of ISHRS members reported that there are black-market hair transplant clinics in their cities – up from 51% in 2021. In addition, ISHRS members reported that the average percentage of repair cases due to a previous black-market hair transplant in 2024 was 10%, up from 6% in 2021.

As part of the ISHRS’s commitment to educating the public about the real dangers of these black-market hair transplant clinics, the Fight the FIGHT website offers numerous educational materials in 10 languages, including patient educational live streams from various countries in different languages that patients can access as archived replays to educate themselves on how to avoid being a victim of a black-market hair transplant. In addition, numerous patient case studies document victims’ real-world experience in the hands of fraudulent, illicit hair transplant clinics and the lasting ramifications of their deforming surgeries.

“Giving people the tools to make educated decisions about the health of their hair is the cornerstone of the Fight the FIGHT campaign and has helped countless hair loss patients make educated, informed decisions about who is qualified to perform hair transplants,” said Paul T. Rose, MD, JD, FISHRS, chair of the ISHRS Fight the FIGHT Subcommittee. “Our goal is to continue to raise awareness of the widespread problem of black-market hair transplant clinics and spare hair loss patients the pain and devastation inflicted by these fraudulent practices that often require multiple corrective procedures.”

The ISHRS is committed to patient safety and continually strives for the best outcomes for all patients, offering members superior education and training to improve their techniques. To ensure patients have the information needed to make informed decisions about who performs their hair restoration surgery, the ISHRS urges potential patients to understand the difference between what procedures only a surgeon should perform vs. the procedures that technicians can only perform.

Only the surgeon should:

• Perform medical history & examinations to assure graft success
• Rule out hair diseases that could affect hair growth & failure
• Draw the hairline
• Make incisions in recipient area (blades, needles, implanters)
• Make incisions in the donor area (scoring grafts)
• Place grafts with sharp implanters

Technicians can only:

• Pull grafts scored by the surgeon
• Load sharp implanters and deliver to the surgeon
• Place grafts either with forceps or with dull implanters (after surgeon makes all incisions)

Dr. Rose added that each country has its own laws and regulations pertaining to the pulling and placement of grafts by technicians. In some countries, technicians are not allowed to perform these procedures, and their actions can be viewed as illegal and lead to criminal charges.

For more information or to take part in this worldwide educational campaign and event, contact fightthefight@ishrs.org and visit www.HairTransplantRepairDay.org.

#HairTransplantRepairDay

ISHRS Live Surgery Workshop Spotlights Intricacies of Hair Repair Surgery
Hair restoration surgeons interested in honing their skills in complex repair cases due to black-market hair transplants or as a result of injury to the scalp or face are encouraged to attend the ISHRS’s Masterclass in Hair Reconstructive Surgery in Bucharest, Romania, November 7-9, 2025.

Hosted by ISHRS members Felix Popescu, MD, PhD, chair, and Marco Barusco, MD, FISHRS, co-chair, this three-day live surgery workshop is designed for seasoned and newer practitioners alike interested in the latest advances and surgical techniques to correct hair transplantation results impacted by operators of fraudulent, illicit hair transplant clinics or as a result of injury or trauma.

“From optimizing the placement of anesthesia to managing patient expectations, repairing difficult cases is a multi-step process that requires a delicate balance of skill and science,” said Dr. Barusco. “Attendees will observe multiple live surgeries and have the opportunity to interact with faculty and patients to further enhance their understanding of complex repair cases.”

For more information on this ISHRS live surgery workshop, interested attendees can reach out to the workshop chairs at contact@ishrs-bucharest.com.

About the ISHRS
The International Society of Hair Restoration Surgery (ISHRS) is a global non-profit medical association and the leading authority on hair loss treatment and restoration with 1,200 members throughout 80 countries worldwide. Above all, the ISHRS is dedicated to achieving excellence in patient outcomes by promoting the highest standards of medical practice, medical ethics, and research in the medical hair restoration industry. The ISHRS also provides continuing medical education to physicians specializing in hair transplant surgery and is committed to delivering the latest information on medical and surgical treatments to consumers suffering from hair loss, and most commonly from androgenetic alopecia – male pattern baldness and female pattern hair loss. It was founded in 1993 as the first international society to promote continuing quality improvement and education for professionals in the field of hair restoration surgery. For more information and to locate a physician, visit www.ishrs.org. 

About the Survey
Conducted by Relevant Research Consulting of Evanston, IL, USA, the ISHRS 2025 Practice Census is a compilation of information provided solely by participating physicians. The information published in this survey was developed from actual historical information and does not include any projected information. The margin of error for the sample is within plus or minus 5.4 percent at the 95 percent confidence level. For a full reprint of the ISHRS 2025 Practice Census Report, visit Hair Restoration Statistics. 

The International Society of Hair Restoration Surgery hosts its fifth annual “World Hair Transplant Repair Day” on 11.11 to raise awareness of the dangers of black-market hair transplant clinics around the world.

Logo – https://laotiantimes.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/ishrs_logo_blue_no_oval_cmyk_logo.jpg
Photo – https://laotiantimes.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/hair_transplant_repair_day.jpg

Manpower Solutions Contract Expands YY Circle SG’s Strategic Food & Beverage Sector Presence

SINGAPORE, Oct. 29, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — YY Group Holding Limited (NASDAQ: YYGH) (“YY Group” or the “Company”), a global leader in on-demand workforce solutions and integrated facilities management (IFM), and its subsidiary, YY Circle SG, today announced a strategic partnership with Chagee, a leading global premium tea drinks brand. Through its flagship YY Circle platform, YY Group will provide on-demand staffing for Chagee’s six teahouses in Singapore, advancing YY Group’s global growth strategy while elevating Chagee’s operational excellence nationwide.

This partnership builds on the success of YY Circle SG’s recent collaboration with iconic fast-food brand KFC, highlighting the Company’s trusted technology, scalability, and operational value in the food and beverage sector. YY Circle’s advanced scheduling and workforce management tools will connect Chagee with a pre-vetted pool of skilled casual workers, empowering the brand to seamlessly adjust staffing levels and optimize performance, reinforcing both parties’ commitment to superior service through technology.

“YY Circle continues to revolutionize how businesses manage labor and operations,” said Mike Fu, Chief Executive Officer and Executive Director of YY Group Holding Limited. “This partnership with the internationally renowned Chagee brand not only strengthens our position in Singapore’s competitive food and beverage sector, it also serves as a potent driver for YY Group’s global growth. We view this as an important step in accelerating our strategy for scaling sustainably across verticals while enhancing stakeholder value.”

Will Yeo, Country Director of YY Circle SG, added, “We are excited to supply Chagee’s daily workforce needs and support their continued success in Singapore. By improving the brand’s operational resilience and agility, we’re confident YY Circle SG will strengthen its market leadership and unlock new expansion opportunities in the region.”

Chagee is a leading international premium tea drinks brand, serving freshly-made tea drinks to customers throughout Asia and the United States through a network of over 7,000 stores. Founded in China in 2017, Chagee has transformed traditional tea culture into a modern lifestyle experience, leveraging cutting-edge technology and innovative branding.

About YY Holdings Limited

YY Group Holding Limited (Nasdaq: YYGH) is a Singapore-headquartered, technology-enabled platform providing flexible, scalable workforce solutions and integrated facility management (IFM) services across Asia and beyond. The Group operates through two core verticals: on-demand staffing and IFM, delivering agile, reliable support to industries such as hospitality, logistics, retail, and healthcare.

Leveraging proprietary digital platforms and IoT-driven systems, YY Group enables clients to meet fluctuating labor demands and maintain high-performance environments. In addition to its core operations in Singapore and Malaysia, the Group maintains a growing presence in Asia, Europe, Africa, Oceania and the Middle East.

Listed on the Nasdaq Capital Market, YY Group is committed to service excellence, operational innovation, and long-term value creation for clients and shareholders.

For more information on the Company, please visit https://yygroupholding.com/.

Safe Harbor Statement
This press release contains forward-looking statements. These statements are made under the “safe harbor” provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Statements that are not historical facts, including statements about the YY Group Holding Limited’s beliefs and expectations, are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements involve inherent risks and uncertainties, and a number of factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statement. These factors include, but are not limited to, (i) growth of the hospitality market in Hong Kong, (ii) capital and credit market volatility, (iii) local and global economic conditions, (iv) our anticipated growth strategies, (v) governmental approvals and regulations, and (vi) our future business development, results of operations and financial condition. In some cases, forward-looking statements can be identified by words or phrases such as “may,” “will,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “target,” “aim,” “estimate,” “intend,” “plan,” “believe,” “potential,” “continue,” “is/are likely to” or other similar expressions. All information provided in this press release is as of the date of this press release, and YY Group Holding Limited undertakes no duty to update such information, except as required under applicable law.

Investor Contact
Jason Phua, Chief Financial Officer
YY Group
enquiries@yygroupholding.com 

Mark Niu, Chief Strategy Officer,
YY Group
mark.niu@yygroupholding.com 

Acer Chromebook Plus Enterprise 514 line also shipping now

Editor’s Summary:

• New Acer Chromebook Plus Enterprise models deliver best-in-class management and security features coupled with the power, speed, and AI capabilities that cloud-based organizations need, including Google AI and Gemini.
• Acer Chromebook Plus Enterprise 714 has a premium, thin-and-light design with the technology and extras that maximize efficiency, including a Gigabit Ethernet port and responsive Intel^® Core™ Ultra processors that provide long battery life, all encased in a military-grade durable aluminum chassis.
• Additionally, the new Acer Chromebook Plus Enterprise 514 line is available now with Intel Core processors, durable MIL-STD 810H compliant design and ample connectivity.
• Both new Chromebook Plus Enterprise lines support Cameyo, a virtual app delivery platform that enables the secure delivery of business-critical applications.

SANTA CLARA, Calif., Oct. 29, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Acer America today debuted the premium Acer Chromebook Plus Enterprise 714 laptop line designed for businesses and organizations that need the latest technology to work in the cloud more efficiently and securely. In addition, the new Acer Chromebook Plus Enterprise 514 is now shipping in North America.

The new Chromebook Plus Enterprise models come with the business capabilities of ChromeOS unlocked, ensuring best-in-class security, simple management, flexible access, and enhanced administrative support. ChromeOS has built-in Google AI features that help employees do their best work, whether it’s creating compelling content, leading meetings, and more. In addition, the new Chromebooks feature a Quick Insert key that encourages creativity and efficiency by providing one-touch access to tools, menus, and other applications.

In addition, the new models support Cameyo’s virtual app delivery platform, which enables organizations to embrace ChromeOS while continuing to utilize new and existing applications – whether they are Windows, Linux, internal web and SaaS applications – on Acer Chromebook Plus Enterprise devices. As a result, businesses using Cameyo can experience enhanced security and simplified setup, while employees enjoy faster access to native applications whether they’re working in the office, remotely, or have implemented a hybrid schedule.

The new Acer Chromebook Plus Enterprise 714 (CBE794-1/T) is a premium Chromebook powered by Intel^® Core^™ Ultra processors to provide exceptional performance for demanding multitasking, as well as up to 20.5 hours of battery life^[1] for extended productivity. The robust yet thin-and-light, sub-3 lb. aluminum chassis is MIL-STD 810H certified, ensuring durability and reliability even in demanding conditions. The gorgeous 14-inch WUXGA (1920×1200) display showcases visuals vibrantly and has optional multi-touch capabilities for intuitive and flexible controls, note-taking and more. Plus, it features important extras like a Gigabit Ethernet port for a reliable network connection, dual Thunderbolt ports, HDMI port, as well as a fingerprint reader for secure biometric logins.

In addition, the previously announced Acer Chromebook Plus Enterprise 514 (CBE594-2/T) is now shipping in North America. Built for multitasking, the new Chromebook utilizes up to an Intel Core 7 processor and features a WUXGA display with anti-glare coating to boost productivity. It helps employees stay focused with long battery life up to 17 hours.^[1]

Google AI-powered Call Controls Maximize Video Conferencing Hardware

Employees will look and sound professional when conferencing on the new Acer Chromebook Plus Enterprise models’ QHD or Full HD webcam with Acer’s Temporal Noise Reduction (TNR) for noise cancellation and integrated Google AI-powered video call controls, which enhance clarity and lighting, further cancel noise, and blur backgrounds. The triple-microphone array on both new Chromebooks supports AI noise cancellation, while first-rate audio is enjoyed when conferencing or enjoying entertainment via the dual upward-firing speakers and DTS^® Audio.

Durable, Sustainable Designs

Both Acer Chromebook Plus Enterprise models feature a MIL-STD 810H-compliant and durable chassis that are impact-resistant and can handle drops from as high as 122 cm (48 inches), all while looking professional in a range of environments. The Chromebook Plus Enterprise 714 also includes unique extras such as reinforced I/O ports for stabilization during repeated use, as well as hinges designed for up to 20,000 open/close cycles. Employees can stay connected with fast and reliable Wi-Fi 7 and can connect and charge devices via a wide selection of ports.

The new Acer Chromebook Plus Enterprise lines support the company’s Earthion mission, boasting EPEAT registration^[2] as well as eco-friendly features such as the OceanGlass™ touchpad made of ocean-bound plastic waste. They both contain recycled materials, sustainable packaging, and energy-efficient designs that meet Energy Star certification.

Acer Chromebook Plus Enterprise Laptops Ready for Business

The new Acer Chromebooks come with ChromeOS device management through Chrome Enterprise Upgrade, which has the built-in business capabilities of ChromeOS already unlocked, enabling streamlined deployment, granular oversight, seamless integrations with existing infrastructure, useful modes, and 24/7 IT admin support. 

Pricing and Availability

The Acer Chromebook Plus Enterprise 714 (CBE794-1/T) will be available in North America in Q4, starting at $1,499.99, priced in quantities for commercial customers.

The Acer Chromebook Plus Enterprise 514 (CBE594-2/T) is available in North America now, starting at $1,099.99, priced in quantities for commercial customers.

Exact specifications, prices, and availability will vary by region. To learn more about availability, product specifications and prices in specific markets, please contact your nearest Acer office via www.acer.com.

Specifications

About Acer

Founded in 1976, Acer is one of the world’s top technology companies with a presence in more than 160 countries. The company continues to evolve by embracing innovation across its offerings, which include computers and displays, while branching out to new businesses. Acer is also committed to sustainable growth, exploring new opportunities that align with its environmental and social responsibilities. The Acer Group employs over 9,000 employees that contribute to the research, design, marketing, sales and support of products, solutions, and services that break barriers between people and technology. Visit www.acer.com for more information.

© 2025 Acer Inc. All rights reserved. Acer and the Acer logo are registered trademarks of Acer Inc. Other trademarks, registered trademarks, and/or service marks, indicated or otherwise, are the property of their respective owners. All offers subject to change without notice or obligation and may not be available through all sales channels. Prices listed are manufacturer suggested retail prices and may vary by location. Applicable sales tax extra.

1 Actual battery life may be lower and will vary significantly based on factors like network conditions, location, settings, and usage. Actual results may vary depending on the environment and system configuration. Learn more at g.co/chromebook/battery

2 EPEAT® registration varies by country. See http://www.epeat.net/ for the registration status for each country.

MELBOURNE, Australia, Oct. 29, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — At booth A101 All Energy Australia 2025 at MCEC, StarCharge made a remarkable appearance, unveiling its complete portfolio of innovative charging and energy products. Centered around its cutting-edge Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) solutions, the exhibition presented a holistic vision of the future of sustainable energy systems across commercial & industrial, residential, and grid-scale applications.

As the highlight of the showcase, StarCharge prominently featured its IEC_7.4/11kW bi-directional V2G charger. It supports grid interaction, peak shaving, and renewable energy optimization, offering an output voltage range of 200–920Vdc for full compatibility with mainstream 400V and 800V EV platforms. Delivering a peak efficiency of ≥96% and operating at <45dB in silent mode, the product garnered strong interest from industry professionals for its superior performance and reliability.

At the exhibition, StarCharge also unveiled its full-scenario product matrix, covering diverse charging and energy needs:

• Utility-scale Scenario: The 5MWh containerized ESS enables high-efficiency, reliable energy management for source-grid applications through minimal space use, maximum safety, and smart dispatch, providing a turnkey solution for large-scale renewable integration and grid support.
• C&I Scenario: Featured multiple DC fast-chargers including Jupiter V3, Hyperion, and Hydrus, paired with energy storage eBox-261, meeting varying power requirements.
• Residential Scenario: Showcased the Ve518 (IEC) AC wallbox and the VBO (IEC) energy storage charging system, providing smart home charging and integrated energy management solutions. Meanwhile, the ARC high-power charger showcased StarCharge’s advanced technology and strong capabilities in ultra-fast charging applications.

StarCharge once again reinforced its technological leadership in the Asia-Pacific clean energy market. The company continues to provide scalable & sustainable solutions to accelerate clean energy transition in the APAC markets.

GUANGZHOU, China, Oct. 29, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — On October 26th, Wanglaoji, a leading Chinese natural plant beverage brand, premiered its WALOVI International Cans in Saudi Arabia during the Fortune Global Forum held in Riyadh. This debut marks the international can series’ inaugural entry into the Middle Eastern market since its initial launch in August, representing a pivotal step in Wanglaoji’s global expansion strategy within the region.

In February of this year, Guangzhou Pharmaceutical Holdings Limited conducted a market survey in Saudi Arabia, and Guangzhou Wang Lao Ji Great Health Industry Co., Ltd., entered into a partnership with Aiduk Transportation and Storage Company, unveiling the “WALOVI” logo and Arabic packaging. Over the past eight months, they have collaborated closely on legal compliance, market development, and brand promotion, actively facilitating the product’s entry into the Middle East.

Now, leveraging the high-potential platform of the Fortune Global Forum, Wanglaoji officially launched WALOVI’s International Cans in Saudi Arabia, hosting a tasting and roundtable discussion. The launch fully conveyed the brand’s core values of “natural health” and its unique oriental aesthetic design, earning high praise from attendees.

The WALOVI’s international cans showcase a unique oriental aesthetic. Four varieties are available: Classic (Ruby Roselle can), No-sugar (Dawn Orange can), Plain (Golden Glaze can), and Bubble (Misty Blue can), balancing taste diversity with cultural identity.

“We look forward to working with more partners in the Middle East to bring healthy beverages originating from the East to a wider world,” said Cheng Hongjin, Vice General Manager of Guangzhou Pharmaceutical Holdings Limited, at the event, expressing confidence in WALOVI ‘s development prospects in Saudi Arabia and the Middle East.

According to Frost & Sullivan, WALOVI has ranked first in global plant beverage sales for five consecutive years. Domestically, it holds nearly 50% of the plant drink market share. Over the past decade, the brand’s overseas market presence has expanded 6.5-fold, with an annual compound growth rate exceeding 25%.

It is reported that WALOVI will leverage Saudi Arabia’s strong consumer power and advantageous geographical location as a hub in the Gulf region to fully leverage its influence and continue to advance its strategic layout in the Middle East market. Through each can of its beverage, WALOVI will integrate its oriental health philosophy into the daily lives of local consumers, providing sustainable health options for the world.