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ADA AI Pte Ltd Launches Autonomous Virtual Guarding Technology (AVGT), Proven to Cut Guarding Costs by Up to 50%

SINGAPORE, March 25, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — ADA AI Pte Ltd today announced the launch of its Autonomous Virtual Guarding Technology (AVGT) — a breakthrough AI-powered solution that is already helping organizations reduce guarding costs by up to 50% while delivering superior, consistent security outcomes.

Developed in Singapore and deployed across real-world environments, AVGT transforms traditional security operations by replacing manual patrols with fully autonomous, AI-driven guard tours. The solution leverages existing CCTV infrastructure to automate inspection, anomaly detection, and reporting — addressing critical industry challenges including rising labour costs, manpower shortages, and inconsistent patrol performance.

Security is no longer about manpower it is about measurable outcomes. AVGT enables organizations to immediately reduce cost, eliminate operational inefficiencies, and gain full visibility across their security operations without increasing headcount.

Up to 50% Cost Reduction — Immediate ROI

Traditional guarding models require continuous manpower, often exceeding $100,000 annually per site without guaranteeing performance.

AVGT delivers a fundamentally different model:

  • Up to 50% reduction in guarding costs
  • Elimination of repetitive manual patrols
  • Significant reduction in labour dependency
  • Rapid ROI with minimal upfront investment

Organizations can shift from high recurring manpower expenses to a predictable, technology-driven cost structure — unlocking immediate savings and long-term scalability.

24/7 Autonomous Operations — No Fatigue, No Gaps

Unlike human patrols, AVGT operates continuously with zero fatigue and zero inconsistency:

  • Every patrol is executed, every time
  • No missed checkpoints or incomplete reports
  • Standardized inspections across all locations
  • Simultaneous multi-site monitoring

The result is consistent, audit-ready security performance at scale.

Faster Detection. Faster Decisions. Better Outcomes.

AVGT enhances operational response by delivering:

  • Real-time anomaly detection
  • Instant alerts with visual evidence
  • Structured, time-stamped patrol reports
  • Reduced detection-to-response time from minutes to seconds

Each patrol is automatically documented and verified, enabling organizations to meet compliance requirements while improving incident response efficiency.

Built for Immediate Deployment — No Hardware Replacement Required

AVGT runs on existing CCTV infrastructure, allowing organizations to:

  • Deploy quickly without major CAPEX
  • Maximize existing surveillance investments
  • Scale across multiple sites without operational complexity

This makes AVGT one of the fastest ways for enterprises to modernize security while achieving measurable cost savings.

The Shift from Cost Centre to Value Driver

As labour shortages intensify and wages continue to rise across Asia, organizations are rapidly moving away from manpower-heavy security models.

AVGT enables a clear transition:

  • From labour-intensive operations to AI-driven automation
  • From reactive patrols to proactive detection
  • From unpredictable cost to measurable ROI

This is not just a smarter patrol. It is guarding without guards.

About ADA AI Pte Ltd

ADA is a Singapore-based AI technology company specializing in intelligent surveillance, security automation, and operational intelligence. Its solutions transform traditional CCTV systems into autonomous, data-driven security platforms that deliver measurable business outcomes.

Pan Pacific Hotels Group Elevates the Business Events Experience with “Every Meeting Matters” Campaign

Repositioning of MICE follows group-wide AEI of meetings and events spaces to be the trusted partner for meaningful, high performing meetings and events

SINGAPORE, March 25, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Pan Pacific Hotels Group (PPHG) continues its global drive for MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) with the launch of Every Meeting Matters campaign, underscoring its commitment to supporting the evolution of business events in the post-pandemic era.

Newly renovated William Pickering Ballroom at PARKROYAL COLLECTION Pickering, Singapore
Newly renovated William Pickering Ballroom at PARKROYAL COLLECTION Pickering, Singapore

As global business travel continues its robust recovery, the MICE industry is experiencing unprecedented transformation and growth. The global MICE industry market reached a value of approximately USD 783.70 billion in 2023, according to data by Research and Markets[1]. The market is projected to further grow at a CAGR of 6.7% to reach a value of USD 1,407.45 billion by 2032.

The evolution of meetings is also being shaped by a generational shift in the workforce, which is having a direct impact on the attendee profile at business events. Industry research shows that Millennials and Gen Zs now account for more than 40% of conference participants, with the average age of attendees declining in recent years[2]. This new generation of professionals is driving demand for meetings that are more technology-enabled, wellness-focused and environmentally responsible.

“Business events have evolved significantly in recent years, with organisations seeking experiences that inspire collaboration, creativity and meaningful connections. Anticipating this post pandemic shift, we have strengthened our MICE capabilities across our portfolio, from investing in upgraded event spaces to enhancing service delivery and technology. With the launch of Every Meeting Matters, we reaffirm our commitment to being a trusted partner for impactful meetings and events that deliver value for organisers and delegates alike,” said Mr. Choe Peng Sum, Chief Executive Officer of PPHG.

Asia-Pacific: A Region on the Rise

The momentum is equally strong in Asia-Pacific region. Grand View Research estimates the region’s MICE market will grow at a CAGR of 10%, reaching approximately USD 355 billion by 2030[3]. The growth is being driven by infrastructure development, regional business integration, and rising demand for corporate travel experiences. The demand is coming from key markets such as Singapore, India, China and Australia.

PPHG has a strong presence in these markets and is uniquely positioned to serve the evolving needs of MICE travellers with its regional network of properties, delivering high-quality venues in prime city-centre locations with easy access, natural-light ballrooms and versatile configurations suited for a range of event formats.

Redefining the MICE Experience: Wellness, Sustainability and Tech

Across the region, corporates and organisers are seeking more than functional meeting rooms. Today’s MICE travellers demand experiences that are wellness-oriented, technologically advanced and environmentally responsible.

As hybrid and tech-enabled events become the norm, many PPHG properties are equipped with high-speed connectivity, state-of-the-art audiovisual infrastructure and innovative meeting tools that enable seamless collaboration across in-person and virtual audiences. This includes built-in AV systems, immersive LED walls and on-site technical support to deliver seamless events.

A leading trend is the integration of wellness into meetings and conferences. Delegates now expect nutritious menus, movement breaks and event spaces with natural daylight to promote health and engagement. PPHG is responding by embedding signature wellness experiences across its Pan Pacific, PARKROYAL COLLECTION and PARKROYAL properties.

Across the meetings and events industry, organisers are placing greater emphasis on venues that support sustainability, wellbeing and meaningful delegate experiences. Corporate Request for Proposals (RFP) increasingly prioritise partners that can demonstrate responsible sourcing, reduced environmental impact and wellness-focused event design. In response, PPHG has strengthened its meetings offering across its brands, from sustainability-led experiences at PARKROYAL COLLECTION properties, to locally inspired meetings at PARKROYAL hotels, to elevated service and culinary experiences at Pan Pacific Hotels and Resorts. Initiatives such as reducing single-use items, sourcing ingredients and event materials locally, offering bottled water alternatives, and incorporating wellness breaks and eco-themed activities into event programmes are helping organisers deliver meetings that are both impactful and environmentally responsible.

“Today’s meeting planners are looking for more than functional venues. They want spaces that inspire creativity, technology that enables seamless collaboration, and experiences that support wellbeing and sustainability. Our MICE strategy is centred on delivering experiences that combine all these aspects in a seamless manner. Whether it’s wellness-inspired breaks, advanced hybrid meeting capabilities or locally sourced culinary experiences, we aim to help organisers create meetings that are both productive and memorable,” said Celine Du, Chief Commercial and Marketing Officer at PPHG.

Strategic Investments to Drive Excellence

To support the evolving business events landscape, PPHG has invested in Asset Enhancement Initiatives (AEI) across key Asia-Pacific markets. Notable projects include a full revitalisation of Pan Pacific Perth’s 2,500-square-meter convention floor, the city’s largest—offering state-of-the-art infrastructure and flexible layouts for immersive experiences.

Additionally, many of the group’s hotels are in prime city-centre locations, with excellent transport access, making them an even more attractive as MICE venues.

“We see significant long-term growth in the business events sector, particularly in Asia-Pacific. Our continued investments in meeting and event spaces reflect our confidence in the resilience and future growth of the global MICE industry. By enhancing our venues and evolving our offerings across our brands, we are focused on creating environments where organisations can bring people together, exchange ideas and drive meaningful outcomes,” Choe added.

Visit panpacific.com/meetings for more information.
View more hi-res images of some of our MICE spaces here 

Sources:

  1. Research and Markets: MICE Industry Market Report and Forecast 2025-2034
  2. Freeman Trends Report Q1 2023
  3. Grand View Research: Asia Pacific MICE Market (2024 -2030)

About Pan Pacific Hotels Group

Pan Pacific Hotels Group is a global hospitality company that owns and manages over 50 hotels, resorts, and serviced suites comprising three brands – “Pan Pacific”, PARKROYAL COLLECTION, and PARKROYAL in more than 30 cities across Asia Pacific, North America, Africa and Europe. Headquartered in Singapore, it is a member of Singapore-listed UOL Group Limited.

Pan Pacific Hotels and Resorts delivers sincere and graceful service to every guest with a passion for excellence.

PARKROYAL COLLECTION Hotels & Resorts is driven by our passion for life and sustainability. 

PARKROYAL Hotels & Resorts is distinguished by its passion for people and places, immersing every guest into local and authentic cultures.

Visit www.panpacific.com.

Pan Pacific DISCOVERY

Pan Pacific DISCOVERY is a loyalty programme designed to enhance every guest experience. Members can savour the benefits of DISCOVERY Dollars (D$), a user-friendly digital rewards currency, granting exclusive discounts on room rates, dining experiences, and more. With each tier progression, members elevate their status to unlock enhanced privileges and the opportunity to earn and spend D$ on premium hotel amenities and experiences, including Pan Pacific Hotels Group-owned dining outlets worldwide. Pan Pacific DISCOVERY is a member of the Global Hotel Alliance (GHA), the world’s largest alliance of independent hotels with 40 brands and over 800 hotels around the world. To become a member, visit panpacific.com

Trip.com teams up with Checkout.com to simplify payments for global travelers

  • Checkout.com brings local acquiring and digital payments expertise to help Trip.com offer faster, more reliable transactions for travelers around the world.
  • The partnership supports Trip.com’s global expansion, unlocking growth in key markets like Saudi Arabia, Japan, the UK, and North America.
  • Together, the companies are building a more intuitive travel booking experience, supporting the tourism industry as it scales in an increasingly digital economy.

LONDON, March 25, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Checkout.com, a leading global digital payment platform, today announced a strategic partnership with international travel service provider Trip.com. The collaboration supports Trip.com‘s global expansion by enabling high performing payments and an effortless booking experience for its customers around the world as they plan their next adventure online.

Trip.com is a global travel platform offering hotel reservations, flights, trains, car rentals, attractions and more. Part of Trip.com Group, it operates in 24 languages across 39 countries and regions. With a mission to pursue the perfect trip for a better world, Trip.com Group is focused on enhancing travel experiences through innovation and localized service. The partnership with Checkout.com directly supports that goal by streamlining the payment journey across global markets. By leveraging Checkout.com’s flexible infrastructure and localized acquiring capabilities, Trip.com can deliver high performing, smooth transactions, enabling travelers around the world to book with greater ease.

The partnership marks a turning point in Trip.com’s global payment strategy. Through Checkout.com, Trip.com is implementing digital card payment services in key markets such as the UK, Japan, and Saudi Arabia, with plans to expand this offering into new regions including North America, Europe, Australia, and New Zealand. By deploying Checkout.com’s localized acquiring solutions, Trip.com aims to significantly improve payment acceptance rates and reduce operational costs, while providing global travelers with more convenient payment options.

Looking ahead, both parties will explore the integration of diverse local payment methods beyond online card payments, including e-wallets and bank transfers, to meet the varied needs of consumers across different markets and accelerate Trip.com’s global growth. Having adopted Standalone 3DS for authentication to enhance payment performance and security, Trip.com will also explore Vault for secure card storage, Identity Verification (IDV), and issuing solutions. These technologies will help streamline payment flows and offer greater flexibility as Trip.com scales globally.

Wang Zhe, Vice President of Trip.com Group, said: “As a global travel platform, providing a fast and reliable payment experience is essential to meeting the expectations of our users and supporting our international growth. Checkout.com’s global acquiring capabilities and modular technology give us the flexibility to tailor our payment strategy by market – improving success rates, reducing costs, and ultimately delivering a better experience for our customers. This partnership strengthens our ability to innovate at speed and scale as we connect travelers with the world around them.”

Brian Sze, President of Checkout.com Asia Pacific, said: “As one of the fastest-growing travel platforms globally, Trip.com is at the forefront of digital travel, and we’re proud to support its global expansion with the payment infrastructure needed to thrive in today’s digital economy. Our collaboration goes beyond processing transactions – it’s about co-creating a payment strategy that drives performance, reduces friction, and supports the growth of the tourism industry through digital innovation.

Press contact
pr@checkout.com 

About Checkout.com

Checkout.com processes payments for thousands of companies that shape the digital economy. Our global digital payments network supports over 145 currencies and delivers high-performance payment solutions across the world, processing billions of transactions annually. In 2025, Checkout.com processed more than $300bn in ecommerce payments volume.

We help enterprise merchants boost acceptance rates, combat fraud, and turn payments into a major revenue driver. Headquartered in London and with 19 offices worldwide, Checkout.com is trusted by leading brands such as Spotify, HelloFresh, eBay, Uber, Pinterest, Vinted, Klarna, Financial Times, and Sony.

Checkout.com. Where the world checks out.

About Trip.com

Trip.com is an international one-stop travel service provider, available in 24 languages across 39 countries and regions in 35 local currencies. Offering an extensive hotel and flight network of more than 1.5 million hotels and flights from over 640 airlines, along with over 300,000 attraction and tour products, Trip.com covers 3,400 airports in 220 countries and regions. Trip.com’s world-class 24/7 multilingual customer service helps to ‘create the best travel experience’ for its millions of customers worldwide. To book your next trip, visit Trip.com.

Hanwha Power Systems and PSM unite as Hanwha Power, a global compressor and gas turbine business

The combined company will accelerate its expansion into global energy markets, including power plants and data centers.

SEOUL, South Korea, March 25, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Hanwha Impact’s subsidiaries, Hanwha Power Systems and PSM (Power Systems Mfg., LLC), a U.S.-based gas turbine service company, announced that they will integrate their brands and change the company name to ‘Hanwha Power’. The unified brand will seek to proactively address the rapidly evolving demands of the global power generation market.

The creation of Hanwha Power brings together two of the industry’s strongest providers of engineered solutions for the gas turbine power plant market. Through this integration, the company will position itself as a comprehensive energy infrastructure provider, covering main equipment, auxiliary systems, and services. This integration serves as a turning point, propelling the companies beyond their individual, equipment-focused business structures and evolving them into solution providers with integrated response capabilities.

The company envisions enabling customers to use a single partner to optimize across the entire lifecycle and to quickly respond to a changing energy environment, where a stable power supply has become a critical challenge. As demand for capacity has increased sharply due to factors such as electrification and data center installations, Hanwha Power is addressing the growing need by providing power generation solutions. Hanwha Power will support the role of high-efficiency gas turbines and precision fuel supply systems in today’s energy mix.

Additionally, building on their existing LNG gas turbine capabilities, they will consolidate expertise in low-carbon power generation, using fuels such as hydrogen and ammonia, to align with the global trend toward decarbonization. Leveraging their unique combustor technology, they aim to lead the development of a sustainable energy ecosystem by providing solutions to retrofit installed gas turbines into eco-friendly facilities that complement renewable energy sources.

Hanwha Power’s CEO Rafi Balta stated, “At a time when the importance of energy equipment has reached its peak, ‘Hanwha Power’ will consolidate global capabilities based on rotating machinery technology to strengthen the entire power industry value chain,” adding, “We will enhance local responsiveness and service quality to improve the reliability and efficiency of power plants, and leap forward as a global energy solution company leading the decarbonization era.”

Hanwha Power plans to organically integrate and operate its global bases in North America, Europe, the Middle East, and Asia, aiming to optimize operations across technology development, engineering, sales, and services.

 

Hope Medicine Announces First Patient Dosed in the Phase III Clinical Trial for Endometriosis

SHANGHAI, March 25, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Hope Medicine Inc., a science-driven, clinical-stage innovative biopharmaceutical company, announced that the first patient has been dosed in the Phase III clinical trial of HMI-115, its first-in-class monoclonal antibody with global rights, for the treatment of endometriosis. The dosing took place at the leading study site in China, Peking Union Medical College Hospital. This Phase III trial is a multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study designed to confirm the safety and efficacy of HMI-115 in treating moderate-to-severe pain associated with endometriosis, with a treatment period of 24 weeks. HMI-115 is currently the first and only non-hormonal therapy globally to have entered Phase III clinical development.

Previously, HMI-115 was granted Fast Track Designation (FTD) by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of moderate-to-severe pain associated with endometriosis. Additionally, HMI-115 was granted the Breakthrough Therapy Designation (BTD) by the Center for Drug Evaluation (CDE) of China’s National Medical Products Administration (NMPA). These recognitions from global regulatory authorities were primarily based on the results from a previously completed global multicenter Phase II clinical trial for HMI-115 in endometriosis, which demonstrated that HMI-115 achieved statistically significant improvement in moderate-to-severe pain associated with endometriosis, with no significant impact on key female hormones and no menopausal side effects. These findings have been published in The Lancet Obstetrics, Gynaecology, & Women’s Health. Furthermore, Hope Medicine was nominated as “Best Startup” for the prestigious Prix Galien Award.

Regarding this significant clinical milestone, Professor Xiao Ruiping, Founder of Hope Medicine, stated:
“The initiation of the Phase III clinical trial for HMI-115 in endometriosis, marks a milestone achievement in our clinical development. Peking Union Medical College Hospital, as the leading site, is at the forefront of this Phase III study. Hope Medicine remains unwavering in its original commitment to bringing truly differentiated first-in-class medicines to patients worldwide.”

Mr. Chen Xi, Chief Executive Officer of Hope Medicine, also commented:
“The launch of the Phase III trial signifies that the global development of HMI-115 for endometriosis has entered its final stage. Women’s health is a key focus area for Hope Medicine, and we will drive this trial with the best speed and quality to bring this innovative treatment to patients as soon as possible.”

About Endometriosis

Endometriosis is a common gynecological disease characterized by the implantation of endometrial cells outside the uterine cavity, typically presenting as a chronic inflammatory response. The endometrium is the mucosal tissue lining the uterine cavity, which undergoes hormone-dependent changes during the menstrual cycle. Endometriosis is common in women of reproductive age, with symptoms including lower abdominal and pelvic pain, dysmenorrhea, painful intercourse, and infertility. Comprehensive literature reports indicate that approximately 10% of women of reproductive age globally are affected by endometriosis, about 190 million women worldwide; 20%-50% of women with infertility have endometriosis, and 71%-87% of women with chronic pelvic pain have endometriosis. Endometriosis is one of the leading causes of dysmenorrhea, infertility, and chronic pelvic pain. The disease often leads to decreased quality of life, affecting patients’ sexual health, psychological well-being, and social behavior. Globally, the disease represents a potential market size of approximately US$200 billion (according to McKinsey report), with significant unmet medical needs.

About Hope Medicine

Hope Medicine Inc. is a science-driven clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company with research laboratories and offices in Beijing, Shanghai, and Nanjing, China. HopeMed is established on the in-depth expertise in translational medicine and decades of research of Professor Rui-Ping Xiao’s laboratory at the Institute of Molecular Medicine of Peking University. Based on excellent scientific research and to improve the quality of life, HopeMed is committed to the research, development, and commercialization of first-in-class medicines for common and major diseases that threaten human health.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements that are primarily based on the current outlook, expectations, estimates, and projections of the company’s management team. When using “anticipate,” “believe,” “may,” “design,” “effect,” “assess,” “expect,” “predict,” “target,” “aim,” “purpose” and any other similar words and expressions, in references to the company, the intention of the statement is forward-looking. Forward-looking statements are not guarantee of future performance and subject to risks and uncertainties, many of which are difficult to predict and often beyond the company’s control, which could cause actual results to differ materially from the Company’s expectations discussed in the forward-looking statements. These statements are subject to uncertainties and risks including, but not limited to, the following: the Company’s goals and strategies; the Company’s future business development; changes in technology; economic conditions; reputation and brand; the impact of competition and pricing; government regulations; changes in applicable laws or regulations. The company undertakes no public announcement obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statement in this press release, or to publicly announce any such updates or revisions, to reflect changes in our expectations or any events, circumstances or assumptions that affect these statements.

Applications Priorities 2026: AI Momentum Outpaces Application Delivery Readiness, Says Info-Tech Research Group

As AI adoption accelerates across organisations in the Asia-Pacific region, applications teams are under pressure to deliver faster, more personalised, and more automated solutions while contending with rising delivery demands and constrained team capacity. Recent findings from Info-Tech Research Group show that many organisations risk falling short in 2026 due to mounting technical debt, constrained delivery capacity, and growing integration complexity. The firm’s Applications Priorities 2026 report outlines four priorities to help applications leaders strengthen delivery fundamentals, scale AI responsibly, and realign execution with enterprise goals in the year ahead.

SYDNEY, March 25, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Applications teams across the APAC region continue to face a widening gap between AI ambition and delivery reality heading into 2026, according to recent findings from Info-Tech Research Group. As organisations accelerate AI initiatives, many are encountering delivery constraints and capability gaps that limit their ability to translate early momentum into sustained results. The global research and advisory firm’s Applications Priorities 2026 report identifies the most critical execution gaps facing applications leaders and provides a structured set of priorities to help teams stabilise delivery, modernise practices, and support enterprise-wide AI adoption.

The Applications Priorities 2026 report from Info-Tech Research Group outlines four priorities to help applications leaders strengthen delivery fundamentals, scale AI responsibly, and realign execution with enterprise goals in the year ahead.
The Applications Priorities 2026 report from Info-Tech Research Group outlines four priorities to help applications leaders strengthen delivery fundamentals, scale AI responsibly, and realign execution with enterprise goals in the year ahead.

Info-Tech’s report finds that while AI adoption is accelerating, most organisations still lack an up-to-date, enterprise-wide AI strategy, increasing execution risk for applications teams tasked with scaling delivery. At the same time, technical debt continues to constrain throughput and modernisation efforts, limiting organisations’ ability to realise consistent value as AI becomes more deeply embedded in application delivery and operations. These challenges are particularly pronounced across APAC, where organisations are working to scale AI capabilities while addressing talent shortages and uneven delivery maturity.

“AI is accelerating faster than most applications practices are prepared for,” says Andrew Kum-Seun, lead author of the report and research director at Info-Tech Research Group. “Organisations that focus only on pilots or tools will struggle to sustain results. Leaders who strengthen delivery fundamentals and deliberately integrate AI into roles, workflows, and architectures will be far better positioned to deliver consistent value.”

Key Challenges Applications Leaders Face in 2026
Despite growing investment in AI-enabled development and automation, the Applications Priorities 2026 report shows that applications teams across APAC continue to face several structural challenges that constrain execution, especially as organisations work to scale delivery capacity and build the capabilities required to support AI-driven initiatives:

  • Accumulating technical debt that slows throughput, increases costs, and limits modernisation
  • Resource capacity constraints driven by skill shortages, growing backlogs, and unrealistic delivery expectations
  • Integration complexity stemming from expanding SaaS, cloud, and third-party ecosystems
  • Inconsistent governance and data practices that increase risk and limit AI reliability

These pressures are intensifying as applications teams are expected to support more personalised experiences, automate end-to-end processes, and operationalise AI across the delivery lifecycle.

Info-Tech’s Four Applications Priorities for 2026
To help organisations navigate these challenges, Info-Tech’s Applications Priorities 2026 report outlines the following four priorities designed to refocus applications teams on execution readiness and stakeholder value:

  • Boost Solution Delivery With AI by embedding mature, proven AI capabilities into core delivery activities to improve throughput, quality, and predictability.
  • Make AI a Team Member by rethinking team composition, capacity, and skills with AI acting as a collaborator rather than a standalone tool.
  • Generate Contextual and Tailored Digital Experiences by delivering the right content, features, and workflows at the right time through data-informed design and AI-enabled personalisation.
  • Enable End-to-End Business Process Automation by orchestrating deterministic and AI-driven automation across systems, workflows, and teams.

“Now is the time for applications practices to act,” adds Kum-Seun. “Applications leaders need to reset priorities around the problems their stakeholders actually care about. When applications teams move in step with organisational ambition, AI becomes an accelerator instead of a source of risk.”

The Applications Priorities 2026 report is grounded in real-world case examples, industry surveys, and Info-Tech diagnostic benchmarks. It provides practical guidance to help applications leaders reinforce delivery foundations, apply AI intentionally, and move from fragmented improvements to sustainable, enterprise-wide impact in the year ahead.

For exclusive and timely commentary from Info-Tech’s experts, including Andrew Kum-Seun, and access to the complete Applications Priorities 2026 report, please contact pr@infotech.com.

About Info-Tech Research Group
Info-Tech Research Group is one of the world’s leading and fastest-growing research and advisory firms, serving over 30,000 IT, HR, and marketing professionals around the globe. As a trusted product and service leader, the company delivers unbiased, highly relevant research and industry-leading advisory support to help leaders make strategic, timely, and well-informed decisions. For nearly 30 years, Info-Tech has partnered closely with teams to provide everything they need, from actionable tools to expert guidance, ensuring they deliver measurable results for their organisations.

To learn more about Info-Tech’s HR research and advisory services, visit McLean & Company, and for data-driven software buying insights and vendor evaluations, visit the firm’s SoftwareReviews platform.

Media professionals can register for unrestricted access to research across IT, HR, and software, and hundreds of industry analysts through the firm’s Media Insiders program. To gain access, contact pr@infotech.com.  

For information about Info-Tech Research Group or to access the latest research, visit infotech.com and connect via LinkedIn and X.

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TUBORG TELLS GEN Z ‘YOU DON’T HAVE TO’ AS PART OF THEIR NEW CAMPAIGN

COPENHAGEN, Denmark, March 25, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — The new creative campaign stands behind those challenging societal norms, reflecting the spirit and DNA of the brand

Today marks the launch of Tuborg’s new creative campaign which calls time on the hustle culture and social media perfectionism that’s been weighing down Gen Z.

In a world that’s constantly shouting about what you should be doing, from climbing the corporate ladder, hitting the gym at 5 AM, to curating the ‘perfect’ life, Tuborg is stepping in with a much-needed reality check.

The campaign is based on the insight1 that 40% of Gen Zs are feeling constantly anxious due to the pressure to be ‘always on’ or the rigid paths laid out by previous generations, and these expectations are becoming too much for them.

Tuborg’s new ‘You Don’t Have To’ platform directly supports the pursuit of authentic expression, encouraging people to abandon the toxic norms they experience and celebrate their own uniqueness. Rolling out globally, the fully integrated multimedia campaign – which spans TV, video on demand, out-of-home advertising and extensive digital and social media – engages consumers through thought-provoking and rebellious storytelling.

To bring the platform to life, Tuborg is collaborating with influential artists and celebrities globally. This includes partnering with Korean American artist Jay Park, for markets including China, Vietnam and Myanmar, who embodies the campaign’s ethos of self-expression and challenging norms, illustrating that there’s no single path to follow: authenticity is key. 

“Society loves to set unrealistic expectations and it’s exhausting trying to fit ourselves into boxes that don’t represent who we are. We’re championing those bold enough to reject cultural norms and decide for themselves what they want to do and who they want to be” says Anna Katrine Drumm-Hakim, Global Director at Tuborg. 

“Tuborg has always been about celebrating your own voice and authentic connections. With ‘You Don’t Have To,’ we’re championing those moments where people feel they can own their own rhythm, shed those external pressures and truly be themselves.”

For the full lowdown, head to Tuborg.com or catch the vibes on social.

For further information, visit carlsberggroup.com

Tuborg’s new "You Don’t Have To" campaign encourages Gen Z to ditch the hustle and embrace their authentic selves.
Tuborg’s new “You Don’t Have To” campaign encourages Gen Z to ditch the hustle and embrace their authentic selves.

Video – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2940522/Tuborg.mp4

The “Stories of Guangdong” on and off the Court at the Guangdong Basketball Association

GUANGZHOU, China, March 25, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — “To understand Chinese basketball, one must look to Guangdong.” This saying has long circulated widely within China’s basketball community. On March 21, the inaugural 2026 Guangdong Provincial City Basketball Association (Guangdong B.A.) tipped off at the Tianhe Sports Center Gymnasium in Guangzhou, where the Zhongshan team defeated the Guangzhou team to claim the opening win. Off the court, fans rushed to secure tickets the moment they were released, underscoring the enduring passion Guangdong locals have for the sport.

Highlights of Guangdong B.A. Games
Highlights of Guangdong B.A. Games

Historical records show that as early as the late Qing dynasty (1644–1912), female university students in Guangdong were already playing basketball. During the Republic of China era (1912–1949), schools such as Pui Ching and Pui Ying in Guangzhou became key drivers of the sport’s development. From games on dirt courts to the Guangdong Tigers team—the CBA’s eleven-time champions—and now to the Guangdong B.A., the province’s basketball journey has produced countless defining moments, gradually embedding itself in both urban and rural life as part of Guangdong’s shared memory and cultural identity. Ma Shuo, deputy director of the Institute of Cultural Industries at the Guangdong Academy of Social Sciences, noted: “The Guangdong B.A. is not a flash-in-the-pan, traffic-driven event. It is a new IP that has grown organically from Guangdong’s long-standing sporting traditions, broad grassroots base, and strong sense of urban identity.”

In the early 20th century, shortly after basketball was introduced to Guangdong, it spread rapidly across both cities and the countryside. Shaxi Town in Zhongshan won the national “Village B.A.” championship in both 2023 and 2024. Guangzhou also nurtured Li Shaofen, one of the first generation of women’s national basketball players in New China, who helped Guangdong secure the women’s title at the inaugural National Games. Her chance connection with Academician Zhong Nanshan at the Games has since become a well-known story in sports circles. In Dongguan, the country’s first privately run professional basketball club, Guangdong Hongyuan, was established, along with the first township-level arena built to CBA standards. At the inaugural National “Harvest Cup” Farmers’ Basketball Tournament in 1984, the Changping men’s team from Dongguan and the Jun’an women’s team from Shunde swept the men’s and women’s titles, offering many spectators a vivid glimpse of the spirit and vitality of people in regions at the forefront of reform and opening-up through these grassroots players.

This edition of the Guangdong B.A. explicitly bars professional players, giving “slipper-court kings” and “grassroots stars” from across the province a chance to take center stage—one of the tournament’s key draws. According to Du Feng, president of the Guangdong Basketball Association, participants range in age from 16 to 40.

Ma Shuo noted, “A sporting event can become a city’s reception hall, a new engine for consumption, and a window for cultural display, with diverse traditions—from Cantonese, Teochew, Hakka, and hometowns of overseas Chinese—naturally woven into the event.” This approach allows “watching a game” to extend naturally into “exploring a city.”

The Guangdong B.A. will feature 125 games and run through August. The Guangdong Football Super League will kick off in late April, with 123 matches scheduled on weekends through around October. During both competitions, Guangdong plans to roll out dining vouchers and host “Guangdong Products for the World” promotional events, aiming to ignite both the vibrancy of city life and the excitement of the arenas.