28 C
Vientiane
Tuesday, October 21, 2025
spot_img
Home Blog Page 525

CNN’s ‘Tech for Good’ spotlights young innovators shaping the future with nature-inspired robotics

HONG KONG, Aug. 29, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — As technology advances, researchers are increasingly turning to the natural world for inspiration. In the sixth season premiere of ‘Tech for Good’, CNN anchor and correspondent Kristie Lu Stout meets the young innovators using the movement and behaviour of animals to inspire the future of robot design.

CNN first visits students at DGIST, one of Korea’s leading robotic universities, who are creating robots that mimic animal locomotion. Their bio-inspired robots derive inspiration from animals inhabiting land, sea, and air – including a robotic snake for search and rescue operations, a soft robotic fish to monitor underwater ecosystems, and a remote-controlled bird that could one day carry out aerial surveys. And, after coming up short against the world’s fastest quadruped robot last year, Kristie tries her luck again by challenging a robotic tortoise to another foot race!

CNN then visits the UK, where students at the University of Oxford are building tech to study the ‘natural algorithms’ that govern how hawks move and make decisions while flying at high speeds. CNN spoke with PhD candidate Henry Cerbone from the Oxford Flight Group – a world-leading research team dedicated to the study of winged creatures – to find out how studying birds of prey could one day make robots more efficient. CNN also met with PhD candidate, Davina Thandi, who is exploring how the shape of birds’ wings change during flight, aiming to apply these insights to the development of advanced aerial robotics.

Finally, as the world faces growing environmental challenges, students at MIT are developing robotic insects that could one day assist with tasks such as artificial pollination, infrastructure inspection, and environmental monitoring. CNN met with PhD student, Yi-Hsuan “Nemo” Hsiao, who wrote the computer algorithm that controls how each robot flaps its wings, enabling them to hover, fly swiftly, or hop along the ground, allowing them to mimic insect behaviour.

This season also introduces an all-new segment, ‘Where Are They Now?’, which revisits groundbreaking inventions and technologies featured in previous seasons. CNN takes a fresh look at the ‘miller-spinner’ technology by Stanford University assistant professor Renee Zhao, originally highlighted in ‘Tech for Good’ in 2022. Researchers believe this micro robotic spinning device has the potential to significantly improve the treatment of strokes, heart attacks, pulmonary embolisms, and other clot-related conditions.

Tech for Good trailers: http://bit.ly/4g20EZF
Tech for Good images: http://bit.ly/45XbeML
Tech for Good microsite: https://cnn.it/3PB5DSq 

Airtimes for 30-minute special:
Saturday, 30th August at 12:30pm and 6:30pm HKT
Sunday, 31st August at 3:00am and 3:30pm HKT
Monday, 1st September at 11:00am HKT

About CNN International  
CNN’s portfolio of news and information services is available in seven different languages across all major TV, digital and mobile platforms, reaching more than 379 million households around the globe. CNN International is the number one international TV news channel according to all major media surveys across Europe, the Middle East and Africa, the Asia Pacific region, and Latin America and has a US presence that includes CNNgo. CNN Digital is a leading network for online news, mobile news and social media. CNN is at the forefront of digital innovation and continues to invest heavily in expanding its digital global footprint, with a suite of award-winning digital properties and a range of strategic content partnerships, commercialised through a strong data-driven understanding of audience behaviours. CNN has won multiple prestigious awards around the world for its journalism. Around 1,000 hours of long-form series, documentaries and specials are produced every year by CNNI’s non-news programming division. CNN has 36 editorial offices and more than 1,100 affiliates worldwide through CNN Newsource. CNN International is a Warner Bros. Discovery company.

Toki AI Launches Groundbreaking AI Avatar Generator That Turns Any Photo into a Lifelike Avatar Video

SINGAPORE, Aug. 29, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Toki AI has launched its breakthrough AI avatar generator, a revolutionary platform that transforms any single photo into lifelike, talking video avatars without requiring pre-training or additional footage.

With this launch, Toki AI aims to overcome traditional challenges in avatar creation. The platform generates highly realistic AI talking avatars with natural facial expressions, smooth lip-syncing, and genuine emotions, all in lengths up to two minutes.

Users can either upload their own avatar photos or pick from a wide range of public avatars. They also have the freedom to choose from a diverse voice library or upload their own audio, giving each avatar a personalized touch.

“Our technology is changing the way avatars are made,” said Elena Rodriguez, CEO and co-founder of Toki AI. “Unlike older platforms, we don’t need hours of video or complicated training. A single photo is all it takes to bring an avatar to life, with professional-level quality and expressiveness.”

Beyond talking avatars, Toki AI plans to soon introduce singing avatars, enabling users to create captivating singing videos from any uploaded photo. The platform will also let users build avatar images from text. Each avatar can be customized with different looks, outfits, accessories, and styles for various scenarios and storytelling needs.

Toki AI avatar generator meets a wide variety of creative and business needs, from creating baby podcasts, producing user-generated content (UGC) ads to developing AI influencers for social media engagement.

Rodriguez adds, “We constantly hear from creators who are able to finish projects in minutes instead of weeks. They save time and money, but the biggest impact is the new possibilities for creative storytelling.”

Toki AI is available now, with a free plan for new users. For more details, please check out https://toki.ai

Media Contact

Elena Rodriguez, CEO
support@toki.ai 

World Beach Day: Agoda’s Guide to Asia’s Best-Kept Beach Secrets

SINGAPORE, Aug. 29, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — With World Beach Day coming up on 1 September 2025, digital travel platform Agoda invites travelers to dive into some of Asia’s most stunning yet lesser-known beach destinations. From soaking up the sun, splashing into adventure, or simply enjoying the calming rhythm of the waves, these hidden paradises offer something for everyone—from solo wanderers to couples and families.

Beaches remain among the most sought-after travel destinations, offering an irresistible combination of tranquility and excitement. Whether it’s unwinding on soft sands, exploring vibrant marine ecosystems, enjoying thrilling water sports or sampling fresh coastal cuisine, these sandy havens cater to a wide range of interests that promise unforgettable experiences.

Agoda has curated a list of six hidden beach gems across Asia that are sure to make waves on any traveler’s bucket list:

1. Con Dao Islands, Vietnam

Tucked away off Vietnam’s southern coast, the Con Dao Islands are a treasure trove of pristine beaches, lush forests, and rich history. Known for their crystal-clear waters and vibrant coral reefs, these islands are a diver’s dream. Visitors can also explore the islands’ national park, home to rare wildlife, or learn about their fascinating past at the Con Dao Museum.

2. Ko Lipe, Thailand

Dubbed the “Maldives of Thailand,” Ko Lipe is a small island with big charm. Its powdery white sands and turquoise waters are perfect for snorkeling, kayaking, or simply lounging with a coconut in hand. Don’t miss the vibrant Walking Street, where you can sample local delicacies and shop for handmade souvenirs.

3. Amami Oshima, Japan

For those seeking a unique blend of beach and culture, Amami Oshima is a must-visit. This Japanese island boasts secluded beaches framed by lush mangroves and dramatic cliffs. Visitors can try their hand at traditional crafts, explore the island’s rich music heritage, or indulge in local specialties like keihan (chicken rice).

4. Langkawi, Malaysia

Langkawi, an archipelago of 99 islands, is a paradise for nature lovers. Beyond its stunning beaches, visitors can explore lush rainforests, take a cable car ride for panoramic views, or visit the iconic Sky Bridge. Langkawi’s duty-free status also makes it a shopper’s delight.

5. Siquijor Island, Philippines

Known as the “Island of Fire,” Siquijor is shrouded in mystique and natural beauty. Its beaches are perfect for snorkeling and diving, with vibrant marine life just beneath the surface. Travelers can also explore waterfalls, caves, and learn about the island’s folklore and healing traditions.

6. Gokarna, India

A quieter alternative to Goa, Gokarna is a haven for those seeking a serene escape. Its unspoiled beaches, like Om Beach and Kudle Beach, are ideal for yoga, meditation, or simply unwinding. The town also offers a glimpse into India’s spiritual side, with ancient temples and vibrant local festivals.

Krishna Rathi, Associate Vice President at Agoda shared, “Beaches are the ultimate crowd-pleasers. Whether you’re looking to relax on sandy shores or take a refreshing dip in turquoise waters, Asia is home to so many lesser-known beaches offering the perfect mix of sun, sand and sea. Agoda’s recommendations this World Beach Day are all about helping travelers find their perfect slice of paradise. “

Agoda’s extensive offerings make it easy to plan a dream beach holiday, over 6 million 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 and start planning the next beach escape. Visit Agoda.com for more information.

City achieves leapfrog growth via blueprint

BEIJING, Aug. 29, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — A report from China Daily:

20-Year Economic and Social Development Strategic Vision sparks enormous increase in GDP and proliferation in tech businesses, and as a pioneer of the Digital China strategy, Fuzhou achieves 790 billion yuan in digital economy in 2024

After in-depth investigation, extensive consultations and multiple revisions, Fuzhou, capital of East China’s Fujian province, rolled out the 20-Year Economic and Social Development Strategic Vision in 1992.

Also known as the “3820 strategic project”, it outlined the goals, steps and priorities for the city’s economic and social development over three, eight and 20 years.

During the Fuzhou congress of the Communist Party of China in August 1995, the goal of “building a modern international city” was officially proposed, which established the general framework and strategy for the medium- and long term development of the city.

Following this blueprint, Fuzhou has made efforts over three decades and achieved leapfrog growth. Its GDP surged to 1.42 trillion yuan ($197.5 billion) in 2024, from 46.4 billion yuan in 1995, ranking it eighth among China’s provincial capitals.

As the pioneer of the “Digital China” strategy, Fuzhou has made great strides in high-tech industries.

In 1999 when Fuzhou Software Park was established at the foothills of Wufeng Mountain, there was only one building and some 100 enterprises. Today it consists of seven zones and 173 buildings, attracting three industries of the digital economy — software and information technology service, photoelectric chips and next-generation IT.

Rockchip Electronics, founded in the park in 2001, has become one of China’s leading integrated circuit design companies focused on the internet of things. Its products are widely recognized in the machine vision and automotive electronics industries.

The scale of Fuzhou’s digital economy reached 790 billion yuan in 2024, representing 56 percent of GDP.

The city’s traditional industries have also undergone transformation and upgrading, driven by scientific and technological innovation.

In Changle district, the city’s textile center, nearly 700 businesses and more than 10,000 machines have been connected to the Fujian (Changle) textile industrial internet platform.

“The platform utilizes artificial intelligence-driven terminal devices to monitor our tricot machines and automatically adjust parameters. Compared with the past, it has reduced downtime by 10 percent and lowered operating costs by 15 percent by optimizing material consumption and working-hour allocation,” said Liu Tianzhen, general manager of Fujian Jiegao Textile.

As a national marine economy development demonstration zone, Fuzhou has led the country in fishery output value for 30 years. It is also China’s second-largest producer of aquatic products.

Lianjiang county, known as China’s hometown of abalone, contributes one third of the nation’s total abalone farming output.

The county has opened 11 deep-sea aquaculture facilities, accelerating its shift toward “smart fishing”. Of them, Fubao No 1, equipped with smart monitoring systems and a windproof structure, can produce 45 metric tons of abalone annually.

As a key city on the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road, Fuzhou has actively integrated into China’s new development paradigm, expanding its opening-up and international cooperation.

Focused on reform and innovation, the Fuzhou Area of China (Fujian) Pilot Free Trade Zone has released 114 pioneering measures since it was founded in 2015, 25 of which have been replicated and promoted nationwide.

Under the framework of the Belt and Road Initiative, the China-Indonesia “Two Countries, Twin Parks” project has played a vital role in promoting bilateral economic and trade exchanges, based on the Fuzhou Yuanhong Investment Zone in the county-level city of Fuqing, as well as industrial parks in Bintan, Aviarna, and Badung, Indonesia.

By 2024, the investment zone had attracted 73 collaborative projects, with total investment of 93 billion yuan.

In partnership with Salim Group, Saneheld (Fuqing) Food is developing a marine fisheries center in Indonesia. So far, two production bases have been built in Tuban city.

Zhaohua Aquatic Food has invested in a 400-hectare Pacific white shrimp farm, ensuring a stable supply of frozen shrimps from Indonesia to Fuzhou for deep processing, cutting production costs.

The investment zone is now constructing a food industry park covering 4.53 hectares, which is expected to start operations in 2026 and inject impetus into its food industry.

The "Global Fuzhou" eight-page spread released by China Daily on Aug 29.
The “Global Fuzhou” eight-page spread released by China Daily on Aug 29.

Dataplugs launches Tokyo Dedicated Servers to power low‑latency workloads across Japan and Asia-Pacific


HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 29 August 2025 – Dataplugs announced the launch of its Tokyo Dedicated Server platform, bringing enterprise‑grade bare metal performance, low‑latency connectivity, and 24/7 onsite technical support to customers targeting Japan and the wider Asia‑Pacific region. The new location is engineered for latency‑sensitive workloads and compliance‑focused deployments, with a default 250Mbps BGP International bandwidth and an optional upgrade to CN2 Direct China routing for optimized access to Mainland China.

Low‑Latency Performance Across APAC

Built in state‑of‑the‑art Tokyo data centers, the platform delivers fast, consistent reach across Japan, China, South Korea, and Southeast Asia. Dataplugs’ BGP‑optimized multi‑carrier backbone and 99.9% network uptime help ensure responsive user experiences for real‑time applications.

High‑Speed Connectivity and Stability

  • Default 250Mbps BGP International Bandwidth, unmetered traffic
  • Optional CN2 Direct China routing for reduced latency to Mainland China
  • BGP multi‑carrier architecture for resilience and route optimization
  • 99.9% network uptime backed by redundant power and network infrastructure

Enterprise Hardware and Rapid Provisioning

  • Latest‑generation Intel Xeon and AMD EPYC CPUs
  • NVMe SSD storage and ECC DDR4/DDR5 memory
  • Dedicated IPMI out‑of‑band management
  • Preconfigured servers deploy within 1 hour

Security, Management, and Add‑ons

  • Anti‑DDoS protection
  • Acronis Backup Service
  • Web Application Firewall (WAF)
  • Bandwidth Upgrades and Managed Services

Designed for Demanding Use Cases

Ideal for e-commerce, gaming, financial trading, RTC/communications, AI/ML pipelines, video streaming, and other mission‑critical workloads that require consistent throughput and predictable performance in Japan and across APAC.

Executive Statement

“With our Tokyo Dedicated Servers, customers gain strategic access to Japan and the broader Asia‑Pacific region,” said a Dataplugs spokesperson. “The combination of default 250Mbps BGP International connectivity, an optional CN2 Direct China upgrade, and enterprise hardware gives teams the performance headroom and routing flexibility they need to scale with confidence.”

Availability and Links

Tokyo Dedicated Servers are available now. For configurations and deployment options, please visit:
Dataplugs Homepage: https://www.dataplugs.com/en/
Japan Dedicated Server: https://www.dataplugs.com/en/product/japan-dedicated-server/
Hashtag: #Dataplugs #DedicatedServers




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

About Dataplugs

Dataplugs is a leading dedicated server and web hosting provider serving businesses globally from Hong Kong, Japan and the United States. Our global BGP network is backed by multiple Tier‑1 ISPs and engineered for resilience, redundancy, and low latency. We deliver enterprise‑grade hardware, top‑tier data centers, and 24/7 professional support to power secure and reliable infrastructures.

Additional Information: Los Angeles Dedicated Servers

West Coast Performance and Global Reach
Located in a highly connected Los Angeles data center near One Wilshire, Dataplugs’ LA Dedicated Servers deliver low‑latency access across North America, South America, and trans‑Pacific routes. The platform combines a 99.9% network uptime guarantee with BGP‑optimized connectivity, enterprise‑class hardware, NVMe storage, and round‑the‑clock onsite support for stable, high‑performance operations.

Flexible China‑Optimized Routing and Security Add‑ons
Dataplugs’ LA platform supports multiple routing profiles, including Direct China and CN2 Direct China options to align with traffic patterns. Customers can enhance protection and operability with add‑ons such as Anti‑DDoS, WAF, Acronis Backup, bandwidth upgrades, and managed services.

Explore Los Angeles Dedicated Servers:

Young Taiwanese Entrepreneurs Bring Fresh Vision to Fraser Residence Sudirman Jakarta

JAKARTA, Indonesia, Aug. 29, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Fraser Residence Sudirman Jakarta marks a new chapter with the entry of its new shareholders—Mr. Michael Song and Mr. Thomas Song, visionary brothers and founders of Hung Kuang Pte. Ltd., a Singapore-based investment firm. With over a decade of experience in Taiwan’s real estate market, the Song brothers bring youthful energy and proven expertise to this iconic serviced apartment.

New Shareholders Fraser Residence Sudirman- Michael Song and Thomas Song.
New Shareholders Fraser Residence Sudirman- Michael Song and Thomas Song.

A warm blessing ceremony was held to commemorate the ownership transition, attended by employees, guests, and representatives from both Fraser Hospitality and Hung Kuang. General Manager Mrs. Wita Junifah opened the event with a heartfelt welcome, followed by a speech from Mr. Michael Song, who expressed his deep emotional connection to Indonesia and his ambition to elevate the property into a top-tier residence.

A traditional tumpeng-cutting ceremony symbolizing the handover, between Mr. Vernon Lee on behalf of Fraser Hospitality, presenting the rice cone piece to Mr. Song. The celebration also featured Indonesian folk performances and West Javanese dishes, reflecting Mr. Song’s family ties to Bandung.

Now operating under PT Hung Kuang International Hospitality, the property will continue to be managed by Fraser Hospitality to maintain its high service standards. The Song brothers’ vision for Fraser Residence Sudirman reflects their broader mission: to blend local culture with international hospitality excellence through their brand, Hung Kuang.

Young Taiwanese Entrepreneurs Bring Fresh Vision to Fraser Residence Sudirman Jakarta

JAKARTA, Indonesia, Aug. 29, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Fraser Residence Sudirman Jakarta marks a new chapter with the entry of its new shareholders—Mr. Michael Song and Mr. Thomas Song, visionary brothers and founders of Hung Kuang Pte. Ltd., a Singapore-based investment firm. With over a decade of experience in Taiwan’s real estate market, the Song brothers bring youthful energy and proven expertise to this iconic serviced apartment.

New Shareholders Fraser Residence Sudirman- Michael Song and Thomas Song.
New Shareholders Fraser Residence Sudirman- Michael Song and Thomas Song.

A warm blessing ceremony was held to commemorate the ownership transition, attended by employees, guests, and representatives from both Fraser Hospitality and Hung Kuang. General Manager Mrs. Wita Junifah opened the event with a heartfelt welcome, followed by a speech from Mr. Michael Song, who expressed his deep emotional connection to Indonesia and his ambition to elevate the property into a top-tier residence.

A traditional tumpeng-cutting ceremony symbolizing the handover, between Mr. Vernon Lee on behalf of Fraser Hospitality, presenting the rice cone piece to Mr. Song. The celebration also featured Indonesian folk performances and West Javanese dishes, reflecting Mr. Song’s family ties to Bandung.

Now operating under PT Hung Kuang International Hospitality, the property will continue to be managed by Fraser Hospitality to maintain its high service standards. The Song brothers’ vision for Fraser Residence Sudirman reflects their broader mission: to blend local culture with international hospitality excellence through their brand, Hung Kuang.

Laos Moves Toward Large-Scale Rice Fortification to Fight Malnutrition

The Lao government has partnered with the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) and the Indian Government to prepare for the large-scale fortification of rice in a bid to reduce high rates of malnutrition and micronutrient deficiencies.