HEFEI, China, Sept. 25, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — The 2025 World Manufacturing Convention opened on September 20, bringing together a broad international audience in Hefei, Anhui province. Participants from around the world, representing a wide spectrum of industries and backgrounds, were united by a shared goal: to advance the global manufacturing sector through open collaboration.

A key takeaway from the event was the strong consensus on a dual foundation for the industry’s future: relentless technological progress and deepened international cooperation. Christian Wulff, Honorary Chairman of the Global Alliance of SMEs, emphasized this theme, stating, “The remarkable ascent of Anhui province serves as a powerful testament to how openness, innovation, and deeper collaboration remain timeless drivers of success in industrial development.” 

Collaboration is not only becoming easier but also more essential. Christoph Ahlhaus, President of the German Federal Association of SMEs, offered a vivid example: a precision parts maker based in rural Germany can now connect directly with electric vehicle manufacturers in Hefei. Using augmented reality (AR), German engineers can perform real-time equipment debugging “on-site” at factories thousands of miles away. “Companies in Germany and Anhui—and across China—are no longer just buyers and sellers; they have become innovation partners,” Ahlhaus noted, highlighting the deepening integration of global industrial and supply chains.

Chinese firms are actively embracing this shift. In a keynote address, Yin Tongyue, Chairman of Chery Holding Group, shared the automaker’s global expansion experience. Chery’s evolution from a local company in Wuhu to a global player mirrors the broader narrative of Chinese manufacturing: steadily transcending borders and integrating worldwide resources through open cooperation. 

The convention delivered a clear message for navigating this era of technological revolution and industrial transformation: success hinges on practical cooperation. To seize the opportunities for sustainable growth, stakeholders must strengthen collaboration in key manufacturing sectors and dismantle barriers to the flow of technology, talent, and data, promoting deeper integration of industry, academia, research, and application.

As the event came to a close, the spirit of open cooperation—forged through handshakes and dialogue—is poised to remain a driving force, steering global manufacturing toward a more integrated and prosperous future. 

BELO HORIZONTE, Brazil, Sept. 25, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — As planting season begins across Brazil, farmers are facing the dual challenge of unpredictable weather and tight labor. Irregular rainfall, sudden heatwaves and heavy storms are making the timing of seeding and crop protection more critical than ever, reinforcing the need for innovative tools that deliver both efficiency and accuracy.

For a growing number of producers, agricultural drones are now part of daily life in the field. This technology offers practical solutions to long-standing problems by saving time, reducing waste, and giving producers the flexibility to act within shrinking windows.

Bruno Oliveira manages his family’s farm in Minas Gerais, which includes 50 hectares of coffee and 250 hectares of grapes, and produces coffee, soybeans, and corn. He clearly remembers when his operation relied heavily on tractors for fertilizing and spraying. “When it used to rain, we’d sometimes have to wait two or three days before we could get the tractors in,” Bruno says. “Now with the drones from XAG, if it stops raining, we can sometimes get back out there in half an hour.” This ability to quickly adjust to changing weather conditions is becoming even more valuable as climate unpredictability grows.

Bruno first took an interest in agricultural drones during a visit to Agrishow in 2022. The precision atomization technology of the XAG P100 Pro stood out, especially after he had issues with nozzles in other equipment. “The main point was the quality, because with other options, I had problems with nozzles,” he says. The result has been more uniform droplet size and consistent crop coverage, which has allowed him to reduce water use in his spray operations from about 15 liters to 10 liters per hectare. This greater efficiency directly supports improved crop health and yields.

The drone’s design has proven ideal for Bruno’s landscape. Its autonomous operation is smart and efficient, and the foldable arms make transportation much simpler. He can now move the drone from field to field with ease and access hard-to-reach plots that would have been a challenge for heavier machinery. “What used to take a day, we now do in an hour,” he explains. This flexibility brings savings in both time and labor.

Another benefit is the reduced risk of crop damage. Bruno points out that during the harvest, “when the corns is already grown, we used to lose a little bit because the tractor would run over some of it. But with the drone, there’s no harm done to the crop.” Having the ability to apply crop protection products late in the production cycle, without risking physical loss, has led to healthier stands and better harvests.

Bruno has also started to use the XAG P100 Pro for spreading fertilizer and cover-crop grass seed. Equipped with an 80-liter granule container and the RevoCast system, the P100 Pro enables his team to finish these tasks in just minutes. This approach not only boosts operational efficiency but also prevents erosion between harvests. Protecting soil quality remains central to his approach, reflecting the multi-faceted benefits of using drones on his farm.

Switching to drone technology required Bruno to invest in new skills and new ways of working with his brother and an additional pilot. Ongoing local support, particularly from Timber, the regional XAG partner, has made the transition smooth. Bruno praised the drone’s control system, highlighting how its sophistication and ease of operation have contributed to the team’s overall satisfaction.

These changes reflect broader research from Embrapa, Brazil’s leading agricultural institute. Studies there have shown that drones can generate real savings in water usage, inputs, and labor while also improving the precision of crop applications. This is a critical advantage as Brazil moves toward more sustainable and resilient agricultural systems.

Bruno Oliveira’s story shows how embracing innovation can unlock more from every hectare. And building on the success of the P100 Pro, XAG has introduced the P150 model to the Brazilian market earlier this year. As farmers adopt the XAG P150 at scale, with its 70 kg payload and higher efficiency, they are better equipped than ever to farm smarter, adapt faster, and thrive in a changing world.

SINGAPORE, Sept. 25, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — In honor of World Rivers Day on September 25, digital travel platform Agoda unveils a curated list of must-visit river destinations across Asia. These unique waterways offer travelers unforgettable backdrops that transform with the seasons, offering ever-changing vistas and a multitude of Instagrammable photo opportunities.

More than just scenic landscapes, rivers serve as unique gateways to local life and nature. They typically host unique attractions such as night markets, festivals, and riverside cafés, offering an authentic taste of the regional culture and traditions. 

Agoda has curated a guide to breathtaking yet lesser-known river destinations sure to sail onto every traveler’s bucket list:

1. Perfume River, Hue (Vietnam)
   The Perfume River streams past Hue’s historic monuments and lush green landscapes. Its name comes from the fragrant flowers that drift into its waters, contributing to a peaceful and romantic mood. Visitors can explore the ancient citadel, royal tombs, and pagodas that line the riverbanks, experiencing the rich history and culture of Vietnam.
2. Pamba River, Alleppey (India): 
   Dubbed the “Venice of the East,” Alleppey is famed for its intricate network of backwaters and houseboat cruises. The landscape is adorned with coconut groves and paddy fields, offering a peaceful escape into nature. Nearby, the town of Kumarakom is home to Vembanad Lake, where travelers can observe diverse birdlife, including many migratory species, making it a haven for bird watchers.
3. Kali Biru, Raja Ampat (Indonesia)
   In the heart of Raja Ampat, Kali Biru, meaning “Blue River,” flows through dense rainforests and is distinguished by its remarkably clear, blue waters. The surrounding region is celebrated for its rich marine biodiversity, making it a paradise for nature lovers who can enjoy breathtaking views and unique wildlife encounters.
4. Kiso River, Gifu (Japan)
   Gliding through the scenic landscapes of Gifu, the Kiso River is renowned for its traditional cormorant fishing and picturesque boat rides. The river is bordered by forests and historic towns, including the charming former post town of Magome, part of the Nakasendo Trail. The region offers fascinating cultural immersion and resplendent seasonal displays of cherry blossoms and autumn leaves.
5. Malacca River (Malaysia)
   The Malacca River curves through the historic city of Melaka, a UNESCO World Heritage site. The river is lined with colorful buildings and lively street art, offering a glimpse into the city’s colonial past. Travelers can enjoy a leisurely river cruise, exploring the blend of Portuguese, Dutch, and British influences that define this cultural melting pot.
6. Nan River, Phitsanulok (Thailand)
   The Nan River passes through the heart of Phitsanulok, a city known for its historical and cultural significance. The riverbanks are home to bustling night markets and traditional Thai temples, including the renowned Wat Phra Si Rattana Mahathat, home to the revered golden Phra Buddha Chinnarat—one of Thailand’s most exquisite Buddha images.

Krishna Rathi, Associate Vice President of Supply at Agoda, said, “Rivers have a way of connecting us to the heart of a destination. From Vietnam’s fragrant and romantic Perfume River to Indonesia’s brilliantly blue Kali Biru, each river tells its own story of culture, history, and natural beauty. Whether you’re seeking adventure or tranquility, Agoda makes it easy to explore Asia’s most wonderful river destinations with unbeatable offers.”

Agoda offers over 6 million holiday properties, more than 130,000 flight routes, and over 300,000 activities, all of which can be combined in the same booking. Discover the best deals on Agoda’s mobile app to start planning an unforgettable river escape. Visit Agoda.com for more information.

Taboola Bolsters Realize with New Generative AI Technology to Turn Static Images into Motion Ads, Driving 20% Increase in Conversion Rates for Select Advertisers

HONG KONG, Sept. 25, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Taboola , a global leader in delivering performance at scale for advertisers, today announced continued adoption for Realize, its industry-first platform that specializes only in performance outcomes at scale beyond search and social. Taboola continues to bolster Realize with new Generative AI features that are driving clear results for advertisers as well.

Realize is a technology platform that delivers outcomes at scale for advertisers, leveraging Taboola’s unique supply, first party data and AI technology. It delivers simplicity and efficiency for advertisers to run performance-based campaigns on many of the world’s largest and most trusted publishers across all ad inventory, OEMs and apps.

Advertisers across verticals including Homes.com, Tripadvisor, Philips Home Appliances, NerdWallet and Motley Fool continue to turn to Realize to achieve their performance goals. In addition, since launch, more than 650 advertisers have tested display and social features in Realize and advertisers are seeing positive results. An aviation brand was able to beat their performance goal by 34% and maximize travel bookings on their platform, leading to increased spend with Realize, for example.

Client and Partner Feedback

“Taboola’s performance advertising platform, Realize, has become an essential part of our media mix. Its extensive reach and ability to leverage unique audience signals allow us to effectively target high-intent users on the open web, making it a competitive choice for marketers. Realize is an effective tool for increasing visibility and driving traffic to specific landing pages, which for our clients, translates directly into measurable outcomes that enhance campaign goals and help us scale beyond the confines of traditional search and social platforms,” said Tammii Pang, Managing Director, Publicis APX.

“Working with Realize has been a game-changer for our performance marketing efforts. Their platform and strategic insights have directly translated into a significant increase in our new user activity and allowing us to scale our campaigns effectively. We’re meeting and exceeding our advertising objectives, thanks to their dedicated support and innovative technology,” said Brian Comeau, Homes.com.

“Realize has been an essential part of new customer prospecting and consideration marketing. The on-site engagement objective is a real game-changer in terms of bringing in new and qualified users to engage with our site and drive them down the funnel,” said Morley Quatroche, Sr. Marketing Manager, Performance & Acquisition, Cruise Critic, a Tripadvisor company.

“Leveraging Realize’s high-intent user targeting, we achieved optimal engagement and conversion rates, making Realize an indispensable part of our media mix,” said marketing team representatives from Philips Home Appliances.

“Realize is proving to be a great addition to our marketing mix. The technology is helping us drive strong efficiency and post-click engagement, through tapping into a large audience that lives across brand-safe inventory,” said Stephanie Lindstrom, Director, Revenue Marketing & Operations, McClatchy.

“Realize continues to help businesses of all sizes get leads and grow sales,” said Adam Singolda, CEO and Founder, Taboola. “We’re helping advertisers reach and engage with 600 million people every day across the open web, on trusted publisher sites, driving those people to action. Advertisers continue to trust Realize because it is built to deliver incremental growth beyond search and social. With predictive AI trained on a decade of user behavior and data from thousands of direct publisher integrations, Realize is delivering measurable performance at scale that matters.”

Taboola continues to bolster Realize with new Generative AI features as well. Most recently, it added the ability for advertisers to launch highly effective campaigns, using Generative AI to transform static images into motion ads. In testing, select advertisers have seen a 20% increase in conversion rates when using AI-generated Motion Ads versus static images. This adds to Taboola’s Generative AI suite for advertisers which also includes Abby.

About Taboola 

Taboola empowers businesses to grow through performance advertising technology that goes beyond search and social and delivers measurable outcomes at scale. Taboola works with thousands of businesses who advertise directly on Realize, Taboola’s powerful ad platform, reaching approximately 600M daily active users across some of the best publishers in the world. Publishers like NBC News, Yahoo, and OEMs such as Samsung, Xiaomi and others use Taboola’s technology to grow audience and revenue, enabling Realize to offer unique data, specialized algorithms, and unmatched scale.

SINGAPORE, Sept. 25, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — MetaComp Pte Ltd (MetaComp), a leading licensed cross-border FX and digital assets infrastructure provider headquartered in Singapore and regulated by the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS), today released its latest whitepaper, Cross-Border Payments for SMEs: Voices in ASEAN and the Rise of Stablecoins. The paper reveals systemic inefficiencies preventing small and medium enterprises (SMEs) from accessing efficient cross-border payment solutions.

Commissioned as part of MetaComp’s mission to simplify and streamline global fund flows, the research underscores how misaligned payment infrastructure disadvantages SMEs despite their central role in regional trade. The study also points to the growing role of stablecoins in global markets, noting that their flows already carry systemic financial implications and could be harnessed as practical settlement infrastructure for SMEs.

The report identifies five structural and systemic inefficiencies that are costing SMEs and reshaping global markets:

• A US$6.2 trillion opportunity gap: The study identifies a disconnect between daily global FX trading volumes of more than US$7.5 trillion and blockchain-based cross-border payments and settlements that accounts for less than 5% annually. This imbalance represents a US$6.2 trillion opportunity gap, underscoring how far SMEs remain excluded from faster and more efficient settlement infrastructure.
• Delays that erase value: Each day of settlement delay costs SMEs 0.6% to 2.1% of transaction value. SMEs profiled in the study reported lost contracts and revenue drops of up to 50% when funds failed to arrive on time.
• SMEs pay up to 30 per cent more: Smaller firms routinely pay 15 to 30 per cent in fees on cross-border transactions, while large corporates negotiate preferential pricing. These disproportionate costs cut directly into SME margins and limit their ability to expand into new markets.
• Stablecoins now move bond markets: Stablecoin flows are no longer marginal. They are already influencing US Treasury yields by 2 to 8 basis points, underscoring that new payment rails carry systemic implications for financial markets worldwide.

The study finds that timing costs often outweigh fees, with delayed settlements compounding into lost opportunities, performance degradation, and working capital stress. Scale barriers and fragmented Travel Rule regulations, from €0 in the EU to SGD 1,500 in Singapore and USD 3,000 in the US, further exclude SMEs from efficient participation.

Beyond these inefficiencies, the whitepaper frames the evolution of cross-border payments in three distinct stages:

1. Stage One – Traditional (SWIFT): A USD-centric model with settlement delays of 2–7 days.
2. Stage Two – Web 2.5 (Today): The transition phase that begins with the emergence of stablecoins. This is where MetaComp operates today — building hybrid infrastructure that blends regulatory compliance with blockchain-enabled programmability to deliver faster, fairer settlement.
3. Stage Three – Sovereign Stablecoins (Future): A future ecosystem of national stablecoins exchanging directly powered by blockchain, which allows point-to-point direct exchange in a multi-polar world while maintaining regulatory oversight.

StableX is MetaComp’s flagship platform for Stage Two, enabling Web 2.5 settlement now while laying the foundation for Stage Three.

Author Perspectives

Dr. Bo Bai, Executive Chairman and Co-Founder of Alpha Ladder Group and Chairman of MetaComp shared, “The journey of cross-border payments is evolving in phases. Stage one was SWIFT era; stage two is today’s Web 2.5, where compliance meets programmability; and stage three will be sovereign stablecoins exchanging value directly. At MetaComp, we are already building toward this vision, with StableX as a critical step on that journey.”

Dr. Ben Charoenwong, Associate Professor of Finance, INSEAD said, “SMEs face challenges that go beyond transaction fees. Settlement delays erode working capital, regulatory fragmentation creates uncertainty, and volume-based barriers exclude growing businesses from efficient infrastructure. These structural issues must be addressed if SMEs are to participate fully in global trade.”

Tin Pei Ling, Co-President of MetaComp, said, “SMEs remain at the heart of ASEAN’s economies, yet too often they face barriers that slow growth and limit opportunity. What they need is confidence that payments will be fast, compliant, and reliable across borders. At MetaComp, our focus is on closing this gap with solutions such as StableX that combine innovation and regulation to deliver faster, fairer settlement.”

Eddie Hui, Co-President and COO of MetaComp, added, “Every day of delay erodes SME value. This is not about marginal cost savings, it is about survival and growth. Our study shows that adoption depends on business model realities, which is why the next generation of infrastructure must deliver instant settlement that SMEs can actually use in practice.”

StableX, developed and operated by MetaComp, bridges the gap between digital and traditional finance. Designed as an institutional-grade cross-border FX and liquidity routing platform, StableX delivers same-day (T+0) settlement across 30 currencies and six major stablecoins. By combining blockchain speed with a strong focus on compliance, it provides SMEs with faster, more reliable, and more transparent cross-border settlement.

The full study Cross-Border Payments for SMEs: Voices in ASEAN can be downloaded here: https://www.mce.sg/metacomp-whitepaper-cross-border-payments-for-smes-voices-in-asean-and-the-rise-of-stablecoins/

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About MetaComp

MetaComp is a leading licensed cross-border FX and digital assets infrastructure provider headquartered in Singapore and licensed by the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) under the Payment Services Act 2019. Operating on a P2B2C (platform-to-business/partners-to-clients) model, MetaComp empowers institutions, payment service providers, fintechs, and global enterprises to navigate the evolving cross-border payments and the digital asset economy with confidence.

With a strong emphasis on compliance, security, and institutional-grade infrastructure, MetaComp delivers an end-to-end suite of digital finance solutions — including OTC and exchange trading, fiat payment rails, regulated digital asset custody, and prime brokerage services. MetaComp is a subsidiary of Alpha Ladder Finance Pte. Ltd., a MAS-licensed Capital Markets Services (CMS) licensee and Recognised Market Operator (RMO).

Through its proprietary Client Asset Management Platform (CAMP), MetaComp provides a secure, integrated environment that bridges traditional finance with digital assets.

MetaComp’s latest innovation, StableX, is a next-generation cross-border FX and liquidity routing infrastructure designed to simplify and accelerate global fund flows. Powered by stablecoins and USD, StableX intelligently optimises multi-currency conversions and settlements, enabling faster, more cost-effective, and highly competitive cross-border transactions. As the FX layer within CAMP, StableX combines the programmability of digital assets with the reliability of regulated infrastructure, delivering a scalable, compliant and seamless ecosystem for the future of global finance.

To learn more about MetaComp and its regulated infrastructure and solutions, visit www.mce.sg

DUBAI, UAE, Sept. 25, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — CG Developers, the real estate arm of multinational conglomerate CG Corp Global, announced the launch of the first JW Marriott Residence in Dubai. The milestone event saw the formal signing, the unveiling of JW Marriott Residences at Dubai Islands, Central, and the reveal of CG Developers’ new Global logo.  The Chaudhary family’s roots began in Nepal. Over the decades, they built CG Corp Global into Nepal’s first multi-billion-dollar multinational conglomerate, with a 100-year legacy.

L to R: Erden Kendigelen, Marriott International Regional Vice President, Rahul Chaudhary, MD, CG Corp Global & CGDevelopers Global, Jaidev Menezes, Regional Vice President, Mixed-Use Development (EMEA) Marriott International, Varun Chaudhary, MD, Corp Global, Jismon Thomas, Development Manager & CFO, CG Developers Global

CG Developers Global, established in 1995 with a record of developing over 2 million square feet and sales value exceeding $1 billion, is setting a new benchmark for ultra-luxury living while expanding its global presence.

This luxury residential project in the heart of Dubai Islands combines CG Developers Global’s proven real estate expertise with Marriott International’s renowned service and global presence. Featuring 115 exclusive ocean-view residences, it offers seamless ownership with signature services, premium lifestyle privileges, and refined architectural design.

Rahul Chaudhary, Managing Director, CG Corp Global & CG Developers Global, said “Our upcoming development on the Dubai Islands is a milestone we are truly excited about, as it reflects and aligns with the vision of Dubai. Each step has been about raising standards and pushing boundaries, and this new project is another testament to our commitment.

CG Corp Global’s broader collaboration with Marriott also includes converting the globally renowned Wellness Resort, The Farm at San Benito, into the first Autograph Collection in Philippines. Another landmark agreement between the two companies includes the founding deal for Marriott’s new global collection brand Series by Marriott™, with plans to affiliate Fern Hotels (A Member of CG Hospitality) with the brand.”

Sandeep Walia, Chief Operating Officer – Middle East & Luxury – Europe, Middle East & Africa at Marriott International, said, “Dubai remains one of the most dynamic residential markets globally, and we are proud to expand our relationship with CG Hospitality to bring our first JW Marriott Residences to the city. JW Marriott Residences at Dubai Islands, Central will enhance luxury living in Dubai by offering owners thoughtfully designed living spaces that foster mindfulness and elevate everyday living.”

The event drew corporate leaders, including Stella Li, Executive Vice President of BYD Group, and Omar Al Futtaim, CEO of Al-Futtaim Group, alongside Bollywood stars Sonakshi Sinha and Zaheer Iqbal.

Media contact- pankaj.u@cgcorpglobal.com or media@cg-developers.com

Legal disclaimer: JW Marriott Residences at Dubai Islands, Central is not owned, developed, or sold by Marriott International, Inc. or its affiliates (“Marriott”). Mars Estates Limited, the project company and a subsidiary of CG Gulf Real Estate Development LLC use the JW Marriott trademarks under a license from Marriott, which has not confirmed the accuracy of any of the statements or representations made herein.