MONTEREY, Calif., April 18, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — As the world prepares to celebrate Earth Day 2025, DAHON brings a powerful message to California’s iconic Sea Otter Classic: high performance and environmental responsibility can go hand in hand.

At the heart of DAHON’s display is the DAHON-V technology suite — a set of innovations that optimize frame stiffness and improve riding efficiency. By enhancing structural integrity and reducing energy loss, DAHON-V helps riders go farther with less effort, making cycling a smart, sustainable choice for reducing carbon footprints and promoting eco-friendly mobility.

Among the standout models showcased is the Hemingway GR, a rugged folding gravel bike built for multi-terrain exploration. With wide, puncture-resistant tires, reinforced frame technology, and a focus on durability, the Hemingway GR is perfect for outdoor enthusiasts seeking adventure without compromising performance. It’s designed to take on gravel, rocky paths, and off-road challenges, making it an ideal companion for explorers looking to ride wherever their curiosity takes them.

Another key highlight is the K-Feather, DAHON’s lightest-ever e-bike, integrating the innovative DAHON-V technology. This minimalist folding e-bike provides seamless pedal assist with an ultra-light frame and high-density battery tech. It offers up to 40 km of assist, and even when the power runs out, it rides effortlessly like a traditional bike — offering a sustainable, foldable solution for daily journeys.

“Every pedal stroke counts in our fight for a cleaner, greener planet,” said a DAHON representative. “As Earth Day approaches, we’re proud to provide not only high-performance bikes but also smarter alternatives to car travel. Our bikes are designed to help riders reduce their environmental impact while rediscovering the joys of cycling.”

Other featured models at Sea Otter included the Mariner, UNIO E20, and Vélodon A4, each offering innovative features that combine performance and sustainability. Whether it’s for commuting, weekend rides, or performance cycling, DAHON’s lineup is designed with the future in mind — creating bikes that empower riders to make eco-conscious decisions every day.

Though the Sea Otter Classic has come to a close, DAHON’s mission continues. With Earth Day 2025 just around the corner, DAHON invites cyclists, adventurers, and eco-conscious riders to embrace the future of greener, smarter mobility with the DAHON family of folding and e-bikes.

This Earth Month, let’s ride light, ride smart — and ride for the Earth.

Combining Circles’ Full-Stack, Cloud-Native SaaS Platform with Prodapt’s AI-Powered Integration Expertise to Accelerate Telco-to-Techco Transformation at Scale

SINGAPORE and CHENNAI, India, April 18, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Circles, a global telco technology company, today announced a strategic partnership with Prodapt, a Gartner-recognized telecom-native IT services leader, to help telco operators (telcos) worldwide accelerate their transformation into technology companies (techcos) and deliver cutting-edge digital customer experiences. This strategic partnership combines Circles’ full-stack, cloud-native software-as-a-service (SaaS) digital telco platform with Prodapt’s AI-powered integration and consulting expertise, enabling telecom operators to launch and scale digital-first services more rapidly and efficiently. 

Sanjay Kaul (left), Chief Revenue Officer, Circles, and Manish Vyas (right), CEO & MD, Prodapt, after signing a partnership agreement to accelerate global telco transformation and innovation.

Under this partnership, Circles will provide its cloud-native, full-stack digital telco SaaS platform – honed through successful deployments in markets like Singapore, Japan, Middle East and the Americas – while Prodapt will leverage its deep telecom domain experience to integrate and customize these solutions for incumbent operators. 

By uniting Circles’ technology with Prodapt’s delivery capabilities, telcos can accelerate their telco-to-techco transformation, launching new digital brands and services in months rather than years, personalizing customer engagements with AI-driven insights, and streamlining operations to be more agile in a fast-evolving market. For Circles, known for powering leading digital telco brands for partners such as KDDI Corporation in Japan, Telkomsel in Indonesia and AT&T in Mexico, this collaboration marks a pivotal step in extending its global SaaS footprint. For Prodapt, which has helped leading telcos leverage Practical AI solutions to drive operational efficiency and elevate experiences, the partnership enriches its portfolio of solutions aimed at modernizing networks and customer-facing platforms for the next era of connectivity.

Direct Strategic Impact for Tier-1 Telcos

Today’s telecom operators are under pressure to transform outdated infrastructure, reduce operational complexity, and meet rising customer expectations – fast. Circles’ cloud-native SaaS platform, paired with Prodapt’s global integration and transformation expertise, provides a turnkey solution to accelerate legacy modernization and Go to Market with new digital brands and services in just 16 weeks. Through efficient operations and by aligning offerings to customer needs, operators can drive stable revenue growth.

Prodapt’s proprietary GenAI framework automates legacy system data mapping to Circles’ cloud-native stack, reducing manual effort by 70% and ensuring zero service disruption during cutover. Enabling a leading Telco to fast-track their migration to the Circles platform, the solution leverages Natural Language Processing (NLP) to parse unstructured billing/CRM data and enforce TMF-compliant data governance.

Customer-Centric Transformation 

Integrating Circles’ high-performance applications – designed for every customer touchpoint – with Prodapt’s deep understanding of telecom customer journeys, the partnership will enable telcos to deliver digital-first customer experiences, from onboarding to seamless daily interactions. With intuitive, frictionless service, they will drive customer satisfaction and improve retention, translating great experiences into measurable revenue growth.

“We are thrilled to partner with Prodapt, a recognized leader in telecom digital transformation services,” said Sanjay Kaul, Chief Revenue Officer, Circles. “Prodapt’s extensive integration expertise and global reach complement Circles’ innovative SaaS platform perfectly. This collaboration validates our vision of reimagining telcos as technology companies on a global scale and reinforces our commitment to helping operators deliver next-generation experiences. Together, we will empower telcos to achieve techco agility faster – enhancing operational efficiency, unlocking new revenue streams, and delighting customers with digital-first offerings.” 

Speed, Simplicity & Scalability – Without Disruption

One of the biggest hurdles in Telco transformation is complexity. Circles and Prodapt solve this with a streamlined implementation model that enables operators to fully deploy the Circles platform in under 16 weeks – with minimal disruption to existing systems. This dramatically shortens Time to Value and provides a clear path to scalable innovation.

“We are delighted to partner with Circles to bring an innovative offering to market,” said Sumit Grover, Chief Growth Officer, Prodapt. “As they navigate an evolving terrain, telcos must adopt futuristic technology platforms to get ahead of the next disruption to their business. Combining Circles’ NextGen stack and Prodapt’s ability to bring it to speed in customer environments, we are creating a new and powerful strategic partner for telcos,” he added. 

About Circles

Founded in 2014, Circles is a global technology company reimagining the telco industry with its innovative SaaS platform, empowering telco operators worldwide to effortlessly launch innovative digital brands or refresh existing ones, accelerating their transformation into techcos.

Today, Circles partners with leading telco operators across 14 countries and 6 continents, including KDDI Corporation, Etisalat Group (e&), AT&T, and Telkomsel, creating blueprints for future telco and digital experiences enjoyed by millions of consumers globally.

Besides its SaaS business, Circles operates two distinct businesses:

• Circles.Life: A wholly-owned digital lifestyle telco brand based in Singapore, Circles.Life is powered by Circles‘ SaaS platform and pioneering go-to-market strategies. It is the digital market leader in Singapore and has won numerous awards for marketing, customer service, and innovative product offerings beyond connectivity.
• Jetpac: Specializing in travel tech solutions, Jetpac provides seamless eSIM roaming for over 200 destinations and innovative travel lifestyle products, redefining connectivity for digital travelers. Jetpac was awarded Travel eSIM of the Year.

Circles is backed by renowned global investors, including Peak XV Partners (formerly Sequoia), Warburg Pincus, Founders Fund, and EDBI (the investment arm of the Singapore Economic Development Board), with a track record of backing industry challengers.

About Prodapt

Prodapt is the largest specialized player in the Connectedness industry. As an AI-first strategic technology partner, Prodapt provides consulting, business reengineering, and managed services for the largest telecom and tech enterprises building networks and digital experiences of tomorrow. Prodapt has been recognized by Gartner as a Large, Telecom-Native, Regional IT Service Provider.

Connecting 1.1 billion people and 5.4 billion devices across the globe, Prodapt’s clients include Google, Amazon, PayPal, SoftBank, ServiceNow, Ciena, Verizon, Vodafone, Liberty Global, Liberty Latin America, Claro, Lumen, Windstream, Rogers, Telus, KPN, Virgin Media, British Telecom, Deutsche Telekom, Adtran, Samsung, and many more.

A “Great Place To Work® Certified™” company, Prodapt employs over 6,000 technology and domain experts across the Americas, Europe, India, Africa, & Japan. Prodapt is part of the 130-year-old business conglomerate The Jhaver Group, which employs over 32,000 people across 80+ locations globally.

Visit www.prodapt.com for more information. Follow us on LinkedIn. 

HANGZHOU, China, April 18, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — The arch-covered bridges in China’s Zhejiang Province are cultural treasures of the world. Unfortunately, being constructed from wood, they are highly vulnerable to fire hazards. Now, thanks to Hikvision, one of these — the world-famous Lanxi Bridge — is safer than ever before.

Built at the end of the 16^th century, the Lanxi Bridge is the largest single-span ancient covered bridge in China. Like the others, Lanxi Bridge is constructed with zero nails or steel, using traditional Chinese mortise and tenon joints. These designs have been recognized by UNESCO for their global contribution to culture.

A single spark can destroy centuries

At 5:30 a.m., 75-year-old Wang Jiawu begins his daily routine. For three decades, he has patrolled the Lanxi Bridge, tirelessly checking for damage, weathering, and hidden dangers. Sometimes, he does this four times a night.

However, not all bridges are as fortunate as the Lanxi Bridge. In August 2022, the millennial Wan’an Bridge in Fujian was reduced to ashes in a blink. “I was extremely shocked,” recalls Chen Huacheng, head of the Cultural Heritage Protection Institute of Qingyuan County.

After learning cultural heritage protection in college, he returned to his hometown and endeavored to protect these ancient bridges. Here, he faced a stark reality: Qingyuan has over 130 ancient covered bridges, but only a handful of these have guardians like Wang Jiawu. “Wooden bridges are fragile,” he says. “A single spark can easily erase hundreds of years of history.”

Modern innovation preserves ancient legacy

Learning of the situation, Hikvision offered to support this treasured yet fragile bridge with its STAR Program for Social Good. Through this program, Hikvision offers technological support to NGOs dedicated to community, nature and culture. This is how, in 2024, the Lanxi Bridge underwent a ‘digital rebirth’.

Several Hikvision technologies were used to protect the bridge against fires. Multispectral fire detectors are installed at four locations to ensure comprehensive protection of the entire bridge. These detectors enhance visible and thermal imaging technologies with infrared flame detection, enabling them to penetrate darkness and detect even the slightest temperature anomalies. Meanwhile, the fire prevention solution can automatically alert individuals smoking on the bridge to stop and immediately notify conservators to conduct onsite inspections.  

A letter to tomorrow

“The Hikvision technologies provide assurance for our conservation work, and also relieve the pressure on our conservators,” said Chen. “By integrating Hikvision’s fire prevention technology with traditional craftsmanship, we ensure that these treasures are well-preserved and will be passed on to future generations.”

Check out our video to see how Hikvision supports local conservators in preserving the Lanxi bridge.

～New 13-Story Property Offers Comfortable Stays, Scenic Dining, and Signature Japanese Hospitality!～

KAGOSHIMA, Japan  , April 18, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Hotel Oriental Express Kagoshima Tenmonkan officially opened today (April 15, 2025) in the heart of Kagoshima’s largest downtown district. Just a five-minute drive from Kagoshima Chuo Station and 55 minutes by bus from Kagoshima Airport, the hotel offers a convenient and comfortable stay as a base for business travelers, tourists, and leisure guests alike.

The 13-story hotel features 165 guest rooms in a variety of styles with thoughtfully designed amenities for extended stays. Guests can unwind in a spacious public bath infused with artificial carbonated spring water—long valued in Japan for its calming and restorative properties. Additional facilities include a fitness room and a convenient on-site laundry. In the lobby where a lush green wall creates a calming atmosphere, you can find a 24-hour welcome service of freshly ground coffee and a wide variety of teas.

Located on the top floor, BLUE KITCHEN and SOLID BAR offer sweeping views of Sakurajima and Kinko Bay. Inspired by the vibrant blues of Kagoshima’s sky and sea, BLUE KITCHEN serves a breakfast buffet featuring 40 different dishes. The menu blends classic morning staples with local favorites—Chicken Rice, Deep-Fried Sweet Potato, and Sakurajima Chicken—while inventive options like Chicken Rice Pho-Style, Build-Your-Own Pancakes, and Croffle Benedict bring a creative twist to the start of your day.

SOLID BAR offers a warm, inviting atmosphere with natural wood accents and a front-row view of the “Blue Hour,” when the sky and sea merge in soft twilight hues. Guests can unwind as the bartender crafts each drink with care, from local shochu and seasonal fruit cocktails to mocktails and premium whiskeys—setting the stage for an evening of relaxed conversation and connection.

Hotel Oriental Express blends peace of mind, safety, hospitality, quality, and beauty based on its brand concept “Essence of Nippon”. As the fifth Oriental Express brand hotel, the Kagoshima Tenmonkan property aims to be a welcoming hub connecting travelers with the city, its people, and its culture and enriching every stay with a distinctly local touch.

https://tenmonkan.hotelorientalexpress.com/

• About Oriental Hotels & Resorts

Oriental Hotels & Resorts, operated by Hotel Management Japan, is distinguished by its dedication to providing guests with unique and memorable accommodation experiences. The franchise, which includes the sub-brands “Oriental Hotel” and “Hotel Oriental Express”, operates 16 hotels throughout Japan, totaling 4,169 guest rooms. The brand focuses on creating distinctive experiences by establishing hotels that become integral parts of the local community and serve as tourist destinations in their own right.

The CLUB ORIENTAL loyalty program is an added advantage for guests, offering a selection of attractive benefits and exclusive plans without any admission or membership fees, further enhancing the guest experience.

-Home Page: https://www.oriental-hotels.com
-Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100070068335069
-Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/oriental_hotelsandresorts
-YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@orientalhotelsandresorts
-X：https://twitter.com/Oriental_HR
-CLUB ORIENTAL: https://www.oriental-hotels.com/club-oriental/

• About Hotel Management Japan

Hotel Management Japan, Co., Ltd, has a robust portfolio of 24 hotels (7,671 rooms) in Japan and a workforce of 3,370 employees. In addition to their proprietary brands Oriental Hotel and Hotel Oriental Express, they also operate a variety of international brands such as Hilton, Sheraton, and Hotel Nikko. (Information as of April 2025.)

KOBE, Japan, April 18, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — RX Japan is back with its much-anticipated jewellery show, International Jewellery Kobe (IJK) 2025, set to take place from May 15-17 at the prestigious Kobe International Exhibition Hall.

As Western Japan’s largest mid-year jewellery show, IJK 2025 is poised to welcome over 15,000 global visitors, reinforcing its reputation as a must-attend event for aficionados worldwide. This gathering not only highlights the finest in their craftsmanship but also serves as the perfect platform for cultural exchange and innovation within the industry.

Top-Notch Creativity and Craftsmanship

IJK 2025 is set to become a melting pot of cultures and creativity, with exhibitors and visitors from Japan and around the world. This international gathering will feature a diverse array of jewellery offerings, including Japan’s newest and most sophisticated designs, crafted with the country’s renowned delicate and cutting-edge technology.

The event will also showcase a stunning variety of diamonds, from fine coloured diamonds like yellow, pink, and black, to competitively priced diamond jewellery in various sizes and colours. This diversity ensures that there is something for every taste and budget, making it a essential destination for industry professionals and connoisseurs.

Gemstones and Pearls

Gemstone enthusiasts will be delighted by the extensive selection of precious and semi-precious stones, including emeralds, rubies, sapphires, jades, corals, and tourmalines. The show will also feature striking multi-coloured crafted gemstone jewellery, offering a visual feast for attendees.

As Kobe is affectionately known as the “Pearl City,” visitors can expect a wide selection of pearls, with leading Japanese pearl companies presenting akoya, south sea, freshwater, mabe, conch, and keshi pearls. This focus on pearls not only highlights Kobe’s rich heritage but also underscores the city’s pivotal role in the global pearl industry.

Japan: A Jewel in the Global Market

Japan, ranked third globally in jewellery market value is a testament to its rich history and expertise in jewellery making. The country’s commitment to quality and innovation is evident in the exquisite pieces that will be on display at IJK 2025.

RX Japan’s strategic decision to host IJK in May, alongside the International Jewellery Tokyo (IJT) in January and IJT Autumn in October, underscores this commitment.

“By hosting IJK in the mid-year, we provide a unique platform for international and domestic exhibitors to showcase their latest collections and innovations,” said Mr. Yoshihito Waki, IJK Show Director. “This timing allows us to cater to the evolving needs of the global jewellery market and strengthen our position as a respected trade show outside Japan.”

What to Expect at IJK 2025

IJK 2025 will feature over 460 exhibitors and more than 880,000 of the latest jewellery pieces, offering spectacular opportunities for the 14,000 expected buyers to source exquisite jewellery and forge valuable business connections.

Attendees can expect to see a wide range of products, from traditional designs to contemporary pieces that push the boundaries of creativity. The event will also provide a platform for networking and knowledge exchange, with industry experts sharing insights on the latest trends and innovations in the jewellery world.

A Unique Opportunity for Buyers and Collectors

For buyers and collectors, IJK 2025 offers a unique opportunity to discover new trends and source high-quality jewellery from around the world. The event’s diverse range of exhibitors ensures that attendees will have access to a wide variety of products, from classic pieces to avant-garde designs.

This makes IJK 2025 an essential destination for anyone looking to expand their collection or find unique pieces that reflect their personal style.

Join Us in Kobe: A City of Culture and Innovation

Kobe, with its rich history and vibrant culture, provides the perfect backdrop for this prestigious event. Known for its beautiful landscapes and culinary delights, the city offers visitors a unique blend of tradition and modernity. As you explore the wonders of IJK 2025, take the time to discover all that Kobe has to offer, from its stunning architecture to its world-renowned cuisine.

Don’t miss the chance to be part of this extraordinary event. Register now to secure your place at International Jewellery Kobe 2025 and experience the best of the global jewellery industry in the heart of Japan’s Pearl City.

Visit www.ijt.jp/kobe/en-gb.html for more information.

About IJT Series Shows  

IJK is part of the IJT Series, a trio of prestigious events occurring thrice each year (Tokyo in January, Kobe in May, and Yokohama in October). Celebrated for their exquisite assortment of diamonds, gemstones, and pearl jewellery, the IJT Series Shows offer a dynamic platform for industry professionals to connect, discover, and prosper.  www.ijt.jp/hub/en-gb.html

About RX (Reed Exhibitions)   

RX is in the business of building businesses for individuals, communities, and organisations. We elevate the power of face-to-face events by combining data and digital products to help customers learn about markets, source products, and complete transactions at approximately 350+ events in 25 countries across 42 industry sectors. RX is passionate about making a positive impact on society and is fully committed to creating an inclusive work environment for all our people. RX is part of RELX, a global provider of information-based analytics and decision tools for professional and business customers. www.rxglobal.com  

About RX Japan  

RX Japan organises 106 exhibitions, composed of 415 sub-exhibitions, annually at large exhibition halls such as Tokyo Big Sight, Makuhari Messe, and Intext Osaka across a wide variety of 38 fields, including jewellery, fashion, gift items, electronics, energy, IT, cosmetics, and medical. Visit the RX Japan website for more details.  

CONTACT  

Shiraishi, Natsuko 
Email: visitor-eng.ijt.jp@rxglobal.com 
Phone: +81-3-6739-4103