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Pony.ai Kicks Off 24/7 Robotaxi Operation in Major Chinese Cities

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GUANGZHOU, China, July 25, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Pony.ai (NASDAQ: PONY), a global leader in autonomous driving technology, today starts around-the-clock Robotaxi operation in the Chinese megacities of Guangzhou and Shenzhen, two of southern China’s dynamic economic engines. This move marks a major step forward in the company’s China development, expanding its Robotaxi operation window from 15 hours a day to full 24/7 availability. In the meantime, Pony.ai also extended its Robotaxi testing window in the Chinese capital city of Beijing to 24 hours daily.

The initiative builds on Pony.ai’s extensive operational foundation, with over 50 million kilometers of global autonomous testing. These efforts cover a wide range of traffic and lighting conditions — from midday congestion to late-night driving — providing robust validation of system performance under real-world scenarios.

The company’s proprietary autonomous driving system — its “virtual driver” — has logged more than 500,000 hours of driverless operation. According to internal metrics, the system has achieved a safety record up to ten times safer than that of human drivers. This continuous validation has sharpened the system’s ability to respond to complex road environments and changing weather conditions.

At the heart of Pony.ai’s sensing and perception capabilities is a multi-sensor fusion architecture that integrates high-performance 128-beam LiDAR, 8-megapixel cameras, and 4D imaging millimeter-wave radar. Together, these components deliver real-time, 360-degree perception — even in low-light or nighttime settings.

Unlike vision-only systems that rely heavily on ambient light, Pony.ai’s use of active sensing technologies such as LiDAR and radar adds critical redundancy. This enables the detection of low-contrast objects like pedestrians in dark clothing, reduces the impact of headlight glare, and supports safe navigation on poorly lit or unlit roads.

This level of capability is made possible by the company’s advanced autonomous driving software stack, built on its “PonyWorld foundation model and virtual driver” architecture. Deployed in its seventh-generation Robotaxi fleet, the system enables stable, high-precision detection of road features, signage, vehicles, and pedestrians — from nearby blind spots to distances of up to 650 meters. To ensure reliability in harsh conditions, the vehicles are also equipped with a proprietary sensor self-cleaning system that mitigates the impact of rain, fog, dusts and road debris.

As Pony.ai continues to scale its seventh-generation Robotaxi fleet across Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Shenzhen, the company is positioning its always-on trials to help reshape urban transportation. The 24/7 operation initiative underscores Pony.ai’s commitment to accelerating the commercial viability of Robotaxi services — improving late-night mobility while setting new standards in safety and availability.

As cities grow quieter after dark, late-night commuters may find a new kind of travel companion: a safe, reliable Robotaxi — always on, always ready.

Envision Energy Powers the World’s First Green Marine Ammonia Bunkering, Pioneering Net Zero Shipping Fuel

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DALIAN, China, July 25, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Envision Energy, a global leader in green technology, is proud to announce that green ammonia fuel produced from its world’s largest green hydrogen and ammonia plant in Chifeng has successfully powered the world’s first green marine ammonia bunkering operation. The milestone event took place at COSCO Shipping Heavy Industry’s terminal in Dalian, where China Shipping & Sinopec Suppliers Co., Limited completed the inaugural bunkering of green ammonia fuel for a 5,500 HP ammonia-fueled port vessel. This historic achievement demonstrates that the entire value chain, from green ammonia production to transportation, bunkering, and operation of ammonia-powered vessels, is now fully established and marks a concrete step by Envision in pioneering the “New Oil” era, showcasing Envision’s leadership in advancing net zero fuels for the global shipping industry.

Envision Energy Powers the World’s First Green Marine Ammonia Bunkering
Envision Energy Powers the World’s First Green Marine Ammonia Bunkering

“This successful bunkering demonstrates how net zero fuels can scale from renewable power generation to hard-to-abate sectors like maritime shipping – a true breakthrough for green ammonia,” said Frank Yu, Senior Vice President of Envision Energy, “We are proud that our green ammonia powered the world’s first bunkering of its kind. It’s a testament to Envision’s ability to deliver end-to-end net zero solutions that accelerate the replacement of fossil fuels with green energy in shipping and redefine what’s possible for the broader industrial transition.”

The green ammonia fuel supplied for this bunkering is a direct result of Envision’s cutting-edge innovation at the Chifeng Green Hydrogen-Ammonia Project – the world’s largest and most cost-effective facility of its kind. Powered entirely by the world’s largest independent renewable energy system, the project integrates wind, solar, and energy storage with proprietary hydrogen and ammonia production technologies to achieve dynamic coupling of power generation and green molecule production. The project has been awarded the ISCC Plus certification, becoming the world’s first project certified for green ammonia with a verified GHG (greenhouse gas) footprint. Additionally, the green ammonia produced has received renewable ammonia certification from Bureau Veritas, further confirming its environmental integrity and sustainability credentials.

The port tugboat that received the green ammonia fuel is equipped with key technologies including an independently developed ammonia dual-fuel engine and a dedicated fuel supply system. The vessel achieves an ammonia substitution rate of up to 91%, significantly reducing reliance on traditional fossil fuels and effectively cutting carbon emissions during operations. This vessel has obtained the “Ammonia Fuel Tug” classification from China Classification Society, setting a benchmark for the future of green shipping technology.

The success of this operation positions Dalian Port as the world’s first port capable of offering biofuel, green methanol, LNG, and green ammonia bunkering services, reinforcing its status as a green energy hub in Northeast Asia. It also fills a critical gap in the supply chain for green ammonia marine fuel for international trade vessels.

This pioneering achievement marks a critical step in the decarbonization of global shipping and sets a scalable blueprint for green fuel ecosystems worldwide. By enabling the full value chain of green ammonia, from production to application, Envision reinforces its leadership in providing practical, scalable solutions for a sustainable energy future, accelerating the green transformation of global shipping and beyond.

 

State Grid Xinjiang Data Network Upgrade Bolsters Digital Foundation for Power System

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URUMQI, China, July 25, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — The State Grid Xinjiang Information and Telecommunication Company has successfully completed a major overhaul of State Grid Xinjiang Electric Power’s data communication network, marking a significant step toward a smarter, more resilient digital infrastructure. This ambitious project, finalized on July 3, establishes an integrated “cloud-network convergence” management system, enhancing support for digitized grid operations and enabling efficient connectivity for a vast array of IoT terminals. The technological leap fundamentally transforms data flow management across Xinjiang’s power infrastructure, laying a robust foundation for the development of a new-generation power system that meets evolving energy demands.

The State Grid Xinjiang serves as a critical hub for China’s “West-to-East” and “North-to-South” energy transmission initiatives, with its renewable energy installed capacity ranking among the nation’s highest. In recent years, the rapid expansion of renewable energy stations and substations has driven an exponential surge in data collection, significantly increasing bandwidth demands. This data explosion intensified pressure on legacy systems, where the data communication network struggled with insufficient bandwidth and congested pathways, prompting urgent action to prevent operational bottlenecks.

Since September 2024, the State Grid Xinjiang Information and Telecommunication Company has spearheaded a comprehensive network transformation. The project upgraded data communication networks across more than 1,600 substations of various levels and over 600 grassroots power supply offices and business halls throughout Xinjiang. Over 2,000 key network devices, including routers and switches, were replaced or upgraded to address limitations such as manual configuration and fixed transmission paths. These hardware advancements directly enable the initiative’s aim to transition the grid’s data network toward “intelligent dynamic regulation,” boosting network capacity, reliability, and operational efficiency in real-world scenarios.

The revamped network now boasts fully localized, self-developed core equipment at the chip level, ensuring greater autonomy and control. Performance metrics validate the transformation: The number of aggregation sites has increased from 91 to 199, with total aggregation layer bandwidth soaring from 36.56 Gbps to 153.78 Gbps. This upgrade has significantly reduced latency and packet loss, ensuring network stability during peak usage. Pilot applications of IPv6+ and Software-Defined Networking (SDN) technologies have enabled a “cloud-network convergence” system, allowing dynamic resource allocation, full-link visualization, and automated operations. As a result, grid data is transmitted faster, and customer services such as inquiries, bill payments, and repairs now see drastically reduced response times across urban and rural service zones.

A standout feature of the project was the formation of a “Youth Commando Team,” composed of technical experts and young employees who played a pivotal role in driving the transformation. The team tackled critical tasks, including centralized testing, on-site construction, and real-time inspections, overcoming complex technical challenges in extreme environments, earning praise for their dedication and expertise from industry stakeholders.

Post-upgrade, the network automatically prioritizes critical operations like dispatching instructions and renewable energy data during peak demand, achieving an 80% improvement in response times. This intelligent traffic management ensures uninterrupted core functionality. The enhanced data transmission efficiency has also elevated the customer service experience, enabling faster resolution of power supply issues, solidifying the digital backbone for Xinjiang’s modernized power system amid rapid energy transition.

Smilegate to Launch New MMORPG “LORDNINE: INFINITE CLASS” on July 31 – Pre-download Begins July 29

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Advertorial Desk
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  • Pre-download available for PC and mobile on the 29th, with official launch on the 31st 
  • Proven success in Korea, LORDNINE stands out for its extensive freedom and strategic combat.

SEOUL, South Korea, July 25, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Global game developer and publisher Smilegate announced today (Friday) that its new MMORPG “LORDNINE: INFINITE CLASS” (developed by NX3GAMES) will officially launch on July 31st, with pre-download available starting on July 29th for both PC and mobile platforms.

Smilegate to Launch New MMORPG “LORDNINE INFINITE CLASS” on July 31 – Pre-download Begins July 29
Smilegate to Launch New MMORPG “LORDNINE INFINITE CLASS” on July 31 – Pre-download Begins July 29

Mobile users can pre-download LORDNINE via the App Store and Google Play, while PC users can do so through the STOVE platform. Players who pre-download the game will be able to start playing on the official launch day, the 31st, through their mobile devices or the STOVE launcher. Details such as launch time will be announced later through official channels.

Following the early closure of the Character Name Reservation event, which began on the 14th, Smilegate extended the event period and expanded its servers, further heightening anticipation. On the 20th, a live showcase was held in Thailand, where key game systems and development philosophy were introduced. Popular Thai actor Peach Pachara was also revealed as the game’s official global model, generating an enthusiastic response. The live showcase video is available on LORDNINE’s official YouTube channel. 

LORDNINE features an “Infinite Class” system that allows players to freely combine over 60 classes and more than 50 abilities to design their own characters. Players can define their own combat style and character progression, enjoying a high level of freedom and strategic depth.

To enrich player interaction across global servers, Smilegate has partnered with LINE’s C2C trading platform, Next Market, integrating a global marketplace system into LORDNINE. This enables players worldwide to safely trade items and engage in cross-server economic activities.

Since its release in Korea and Taiwan region in July last year, LORDNINE has continued to gain popularity. In Korea, the game topped revenue charts in the RPG category across both major marketplaces and was awarded “Best Immersive MMORPG” at the SensorTower APAC Awards 2024, earning recognition for both its quality and commercial success.

More information about the event and the game can be found on the official LORDNINE website (https://l9asia.onstove.com/) and YouTube channel (https://www.youtube.com/@LORDNINE_GLOBAL).

About Smilegate

Smilegate is a global game development and publishing company headquartered in South Korea, with regional offices in the United States and China. Its flagship franchise ‘CROSSFIRE,’ is one of the largest and most successful franchises in gaming history. It has more than 1 billion registered players to date in PC and mobile platforms and over 8 million concurrent players globally. Its acclaimed MMORPG Lost Ark was released in South Korea in 2019 and launched in North America and Europe in February 2021. Learn more by visiting Smilegate.com.

 

Thailand Warns of War with Cambodia as 138,000 Flee Fighting

By
Thongsavanh Souvannasane
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People who fled their homes near the Cambodia-Thailand border rest on the grounds of a pagoda in Oddar Meanchey province on 25 July 2025. The UN Security Council was set to hold an emergency meeting on July 25 after a long-running border dispute between Thailand and Cambodia erupted into intense fighting with jets, artillery, tanks and ground troops. (Photo by TANG CHHIN Sothy / AFP)

By Chayanit Itthipongmaetee, Montira Rungjirajittranon, and Suy Se/AFP – Thailand’s acting Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai warned Friday that cross-border clashes with Cambodia that have uprooted more than 130,000 people “could develop into war”, as the countries traded deadly strikes for a second day.

A long-running border dispute erupted into intense fighting with jets, artillery, tanks and ground troops on 24 July, and the UN Security Council is set to hold an emergency meeting on the crisis later 25 July.

A steady thump of artillery strikes could be heard from the Cambodian side of the border, where the province of Oddar Meanchey reported one civilian, a 70-year-old man, had been killed and five more wounded.

More than 138,000 people have been evacuated from Thailand’s border regions, its health ministry said, reporting 15 fatalities, 14 civilians and a soldier, with a further 46 wounded, including 15 troops.

“We have tried to compromise as we are neighbours, but we have now instructed the Thai military to act immediately in case of urgency,” said Wechayachai.

“If the situation escalates, it could develop into war, though for now, it remains limited to clashes,” he told reporters in Bangkok.

In the Cambodian town of Samraong, 20 kilometres (12 miles) from the border, AFP journalists saw families speeding away in vehicles with their children and belongings as gunfire erupted.

“I live very close to the border. We are scared because they began shooting again at about 6:00 am,” Pro Bak, 41, told AFP.

He was taking his wife and children to a Buddhist temple to seek refuge.

“I don’t know when we could return home,” he said.

AFP journalists also saw soldiers rushing to man rocket launchers and speeding off towards the frontier.

Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, whose country currently holds the chair of regional bloc ASEAN, said he held talks with both countries leaders on Thursday and called for a ceasefire and dialogue.

“I welcome the positive signals and willingness shown by both Bangkok and Phnom Penh to consider this path forward,” he said in a Facebook post late on Thursday.

But despite Anwar’s optimism, fighting resumed in three areas around 4:00 am on 25 July (2100 GMT 24 July), the Thai army said.

Cambodian forces carried out bombardments with heavy weapons, field artillery, and BM-21 rocket systems, the army said, and Thai troops responded “with appropriate supporting fire”.

Calls for calm

The fighting marks a dramatic escalation in a long-running dispute between the neighbours, both popular destinations for millions of foreign tourists, over their shared 800-kilometre (500-mile) frontier.

Dozens of kilometres in several areas are contested and fighting broke out between 2008 and 2011, leaving at least 28 people dead and tens of thousands displaced.

A UN court ruling in 2013 settled the matter for over a decade, but the current crisis erupted in May when a Cambodian soldier was killed in a new clash.

Fighting on 24 July was focused on six locations, according to the Thai army, including around two ancient temples.

Ground troops backed up by tanks battled for control of territory, while Cambodia fired rockets and shells into Thailand and the Thais scrambled F-16 jets to hit military targets across the border.

Both sides blamed each other for firing first, while Thailand accused Cambodia of targeting civilian infrastructure, including a hospital hit by shells and a petrol station hit by at least one rocket.

24 July clashes came hours after Thailand expelled the Cambodian ambassador and recalled its own envoy after five members of a Thai military patrol were wounded by a landmine.

Cambodia downgraded ties to “the lowest level” on Thursday, pulling out all but one of its diplomats and expelling their Thai equivalents from Phnom Penh.

At the request of Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet, the UN Security Council will hold an emergency meeting on 25 July to discuss the deadly clashes, diplomatic sources told AFP.

The United States urged an “immediate” end to the conflict, while Cambodia’s former colonial ruler France made a similar call.

The EU and China, a close ally of Phnom Penh, said they were “deeply concerned” about the clashes, calling for dialogue.

© Agence France-Presse

VinFast joins the Association of Indonesia Automotive Industries

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Advertorial Desk
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JAKARTA, INDONESIA – Media OutReach Newswire – 25 July 2025 – VinFast officially announced its membership in the Association of Indonesia Automotive Industries (GAIKINDO), marking a significant milestone in its journey to strengthen its position in the local market and demonstrate its long-term commitment to accompanying Indonesia on its path toward greener mobility. GAIKINDO membership provides VinFast with the opportunity to accelerate electric vehicle (EV) adoption, get closer to local consumers, and contribute to the sustainable growth of Indonesia’s automotive industry.

VinFast unveils the VF 7 at the GAIKINDO Indonesia International Auto Show 2025, attracting significant attention from the media and visitors alike.
VinFast unveils the VF 7 at the GAIKINDO Indonesia International Auto Show 2025, attracting significant attention from the media and visitors alike.

Founded in 1969, GAIKINDO has served as an important bridge between automotive businesses and the Indonesian government. Amid the global shift toward environmentally friendly transportation, GAIKINDO is actively promoting the development of the “green vehicle” manufacturing sector. Becoming a member offers VinFast a valuable opportunity to take part in shaping policies and contribute to the long-term growth of the automotive industry.

Since entering the Indonesian market, VinFast has been accelerating the development of its “For a Green Future” EV ecosystem through its modern assembly plant project in Subang, strategic partnerships with Green SM, Indonesia’s pioneering all-electric taxi service, and V-GREEN, a global EV charging infrastructure developer, supporting the growth of Indonesia’s EV industry.

In just over a year, VinFast has launched a diverse lineup of five electric vehicles, from the mini-SUV VF 3 to the C-SUV VF 7, meeting a wide range of consumer needs. The company continues to expand its business network, now with 24 showrooms across Jakarta, Bandung, Surabaya, and Bali, alongside an authorized service network operated by Otoklix and BOS, expected to grow to hundreds of locations nationwide this year. VinFast also offers attractive sales programs, including free charging via V-GREEN’s network, 0% interest financing, and a guaranteed buyback value of up to 90%, making its EVs more accessible to customers.

Mr. Kariyanto Hardjosoemarto, CEO of VinFast Indonesia, shared: “Becoming a GAIKINDO member is a milestone of special significance for us. This not only represents recognition of VinFast but also reaffirms our long-term commitment to building a sustainable electric mobility ecosystem here. As a GAIKINDO member, VinFast will actively collaborate with industry partners, regulators, and stakeholders to drive the green transition and support Indonesia in realizing its sustainable transportation goals.”

Mr. Yohanes Nangoi – Chairman of GAIKINDO, stated: “GAIKINDO warmly welcomes VinFast – a pioneering EV brand from Vietnam – as the newest member of the association. VinFast’s participation will bring fresh energy to Indonesia’s automotive industry, accelerating the transition to cleaner and more sustainable mobility solutions. We look forward to VinFast’s positive contributions to expanding EV infrastructure and promoting wider EV adoption in Indonesia.”./.

Hashtag: #VinFast

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

Laos Highlights Challenges, Aspirations at 2025 Belt and Road Journalists Forum

By
Phontham Visapra
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Laos Highlights Challenges, Aspirations at 2025 Belt and Road Journalists Forum
Savankhone Razmountry, President of the Lao Journalists Association at the the 2025 Belt and Road Journalists Forum held in Ganzhou, Jiangxi Province, China (photo supplied)

At the 2025 Belt and Road Journalists Forum held in Ganzhou, Jiangxi Province, representatives from Laos emphasized the country’s determination to modernize its media landscape while preserving its cultural diversity and ensuring fair representation on global platforms.

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Humanoid Robot Industry Chain Matchmaking Event Held at 3rd CISCE

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Advertorial Desk
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BEIJING, July 25, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — The Hubei Humanoid Robotics Industry Chain Matchmaking Conference was held during the 3rd China International Supply Chain Expo (CISCE) in Beijing, with the theme Synergizing Cutting-Edge Innovations, Empowering New Quality Productive Forces.

The joint exhibition booth of Hubei humanoid robotics enterprises during the 3rd CISCE in Beijing.
The joint exhibition booth of Hubei humanoid robotics enterprises during the 3rd CISCE in Beijing.

The event brought together over 400 participants, including ambassadors, experts, industry leaders, and financial executives. Featuring speeches, project promotions, and cooperation signings, it highlighted Hubei’s strengths in humanoid robotics and fostered global collaboration across the industry.

Yu Jianlong, Vice Chairman of China Council for the Promotion of International Trade (CCPIT), highlighted Hubei’s strategic location, rich sci-tech resources, innovation ecosystem, and openness. He noted the province’s rapid progress in humanoid robotics, spanning smart manufacturing, core component R&D, application scenarios, and ecosystem development.

“At this year’s CISCE, Hubei launched a humanoid robotics exhibition zone with 22 enterprises showcasing over 80 exhibits, including 20 fully-integrated humanoid robots, highlighting the province’s complete robotics industry ecosystem,” Yu noted.

He stated that CCPIT will enhance its service network and global partnerships, supporting Hubei in building platforms for international cooperation and establishing its humanoid robotics industry as a leading brand.

Hu Zhonghai, Director of CCPIT Hubei, called humanoid robotics a key driver of tech innovation and industrial upgrading. He noted Hubei’s advantages in geography, industry, and policies, with 325 Fortune Global 500 firms present, and outlined its robotics roadmap for milestones in one, three, and five years.

Zhao Xingwei, JCBot’s legal representative and professor at HUST, shared that JCBot has industrialized its technologies with support from HUST academicians. Its products serve over 10 fields, including industrial production, tourism, firefighting, and warehousing. He pledged to enhance R&D for higher-value applications and industrial upgrades.

At the product launch, Lou Kaiqi, Deputy General M anager of Hubei Optics Valley Dongzhi Embodied Intelligence Technology Co. Ltd., introduced the company’s new humanoid robot. Already used in roles like exhibition guidance, retail, reception, and performances, the robot is set to expand into government services, industrial operations, elderly care, and more.

At the matchmaking conference, the Hubei Humanoid Robotics Industry Alliance signed strategic agreements with three partners—the Zhejiang Robot Industry Association, the Humanoid Robotics Innovation Center, and the Zhongguancun Rongzhi Specialized Robotics Alliance. The collaboration will focus on R&D, market expansion, and talent exchange, aiming to build a stronger robotics ecosystem through resource sharing and complementary strengths.

Please visit https://en.cisce.org.cn/ for more details.

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