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The Future is Here: Visa Asia Pacific Announces New Era of AI-Driven Commerce

  • World leader in digital payment technology announces new innovation and partnerships in Asia Pacific
  • Launches new products and partnerships to drive flexibility, security, and acceptance for the region

SINGAPORE, May 30, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — The future of commerce in Asia Pacific is on display at the Visa Asia Pacific Media Showcase, where the company announced a suite of product innovations and strategic partnerships to enable a new era of commerce for the region.

Entrance of the Visa Innovation Center in Singapore
Entrance of the Visa Innovation Center in Singapore

Jack Forestell, Visa’s Chief Product and Strategy Officer said, “Combining the strength of our global network with our leadership in payment innovation here in Asia Pacific, we are bringing new products and solutions that will transform commerce and deliver trust and security to AI-enabled payments across the region.”

The Visa Asia Pacific media showcase highlighted how AI-enabled digital commerce will significantly change the way consumers across the region discover and purchase products and services. In the near future, AI agents will browse, select, purchase, and manage transactions on behalf of users, making trust in payments more important than ever. Visa’s new AI-enabled solutions offer regional partners including AI platforms, fintechs, banks, and merchants a seamless way to connect to the Visa network to deliver secure, frictionless payment experiences.

Headlining today’s announcement, the company introduced Visa Intelligent Commerce, a new initiative that opens Visa’s payments network to developers and engineers building the first generation of AI-powered commerce in Asia Pacific.

Visa Intelligent Commerce: A New Era for Asia Pacific

Visa Intelligent Commerce brings a suite of integrated APIs and a commercial partner program to AI platforms, enabling developers to deploy Visa’s AI commerce capabilities securely and at scale. Visa announced today that it is in explorations with Ant International, Grab and Tencent to grow AI commerce by enabling a secure and seamless checkout experience.

Ant International is a leading global digital payment, digitisation, and financial technology provider. Grab is Southeast Asia’s leading super app offering ride-hailing, food delivery, digital payments, and financial services across eight markets. Tencent is a multinational technology leader that develops a wide range of digital products and services, including Weixin/WeChat, China’s super app.

Over the past 25 years, Visa’s global network has handled 3.3 trillion transactions. Today, Visa is advancing its infrastructure, standards, and capabilities to power AI-driven commerce, opening new opportunities for consumers across Asia Pacific. Soon, AI agents integrated into familiar platforms will be able to transact using Visa’s 4.8 billion credentials at millions of merchant locations worldwide.

T.R. Ramachandran, Head of Products and Solutions, Asia Pacific, Visa, said, “As global commerce continues to evolve rapidly, Visa remains at the forefront of delivering innovations that will enable the future of commerce across Asia Pacific.”

“We believe AI agents will play a growing role in commerce, from handling routine purchases such as ordering food, to more complex purchases such as securing event tickets or making travel reservations,” added Ramachandran. “By combining AI capabilities with Visa’s trusted payment infrastructure, we are enabling a seamless, secure, and more enjoyable experience for consumers, merchants, and businesses alike.”

New Products and Capabilities for Asia Pacific

Visa continues to expand its product portfolio with solutions designed to support the evolving payment needs of consumers and businesses across Asia Pacific.

Stablecoins: Visa has been facilitating cryptocurrency transactions for over five years and is now expanding its offering to include stablecoin-backed cards, settlement, and programmable money. On and off-ramps via stablecoin-backed cards allow consumers to use their Visa credentials to buy stablecoins with fiat currency and pay with stablecoin across Visa-accepting merchant locations. In Asia Pacific, Visa is partnering with DCS Singapore, DTC Pay and StraitsX on stablecoin-backed cards that support conversion through regulated infrastructure.

Enabling seven-day-a-week settlement for stablecoins: Visa has settled more than $225 million to date in stablecoin volume that has been settled through Visa across participating clients. In Asia Pacific, Visa is working with StraitsX for stablecoin settlement.

Through the Visa Tokenized Asset Platform (VTAP), Visa provides a platform for our partners to issue and manage fiat-backed tokens, offering interconnectivity to public and private blockchains, enabling programmable financing, trading of tokenized assets and facilitating cross-border money movement. Visa is looking to expand the availability of VTAP to more partners later this year and into 2026.

Flex Credential: Visa’s Flex Credential, a next-generation card that allows users to toggle between debit, credit, and reward points, continues to gain traction in Asia Pacific. Visa first launched Flex in partnership with Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation (SMBC) and Sumitomo Mitsui Card Company (SMCC), known as Olive, two years ago in Japan. Today, more than 5 million Olive account holders are benefitting from the Visa Flex Credential. The Olive card continues to outperform, with cardholder transactions averaging 40% higher than the national average in Japan over the past year.

Visa and SMCC have expanded the Visa Flex Credential to support small businesses with the flexibility to switch between business and personal accounts using the same Olive card, enhancing access to credit and cash flow management. Visa is also collaborating with local banks to launch Flex Credential in Vietnam in the next few months.

New Strategic Partnerships to Enable More Ways to Pay and Get Paid

Visa is launching new services and partnerships to make it easier for consumers, merchants, and businesses in Asia Pacific to pay and get paid.

Visa Pay: A service designed to connect any participating wallet to any Visa-accepting merchant, local or international, in-store or online, launches across Asia Pacific, home to the largest number of digital wallet users. Through partnerships with leading players including LINE Pay in Taiwan, Maya in the Philippines, OpenRice in Hong Kong, and Woori Card in South Korea, Visa is expanding access to its global network, giving consumers more ways to pay globally by tapping, scanning or online.

Digital Identity:  This suite of solutions includes Passkeys, Tap to Confirm, and enhanced data which are meant to identify and authenticate digital users. These solutions will reduce friction for consumers by being digitally native while improving payment security and authorisation rates with enhanced transaction data and state-of-the-art fraud prevention techniques. New partners in the region include Coles, a supermarket chain in Australia and Maybank, a leading financial services provider in Malaysia and Southeast Asia.

Visa Accept is a new solution that allows micro-sellers to receive payments directly to their eligible Visa debit card using any NFC-enabled smartphone. Launching in Vietnam, the service supports micro-entrepreneurs and informal sellers such as street vendors, freelancers, and rural service providers. Participating issuers will enable cardholders to accept contactless payments through their bank’s mobile app.

About Visa

Visa (NYSE: V) is a world leader in digital payments, facilitating transactions between consumers, merchants, financial institutions and government entities across more than 200 countries and territories. Our mission is to connect the world through the most innovative, convenient, reliable and secure payments network, enabling individuals, businesses and economies to thrive. We believe that economies that include everyone everywhere, uplift everyone everywhere and see access as foundational to the future of money movement. Learn more at www.visa.com.sg

Jack Forestell, Chief Product and Strategy Officer, Visa
Jack Forestell, Chief Product and Strategy Officer, Visa

Stephen Karpin, Regional President, Visa Asia Pacific
Stephen Karpin, Regional President, Visa Asia Pacific

T.R. Ramachandran, Head of Products and Solutions, Visa Asia Pacific
T.R. Ramachandran, Head of Products and Solutions, Visa Asia Pacific

Energy Storage MoU Signed Between REPT BATTRO and Hyosung Heavy Industries

SHANGHAI, May 30, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — On May 27, 2025, REPT BATTERO and Hyosung Heavy Industries formally signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in Seoul, South Korea, focusing on battery energy storage systems. REPT BATTERO will supply 2.5GWh of energy storage products, jointly promoting the application and popularization of energy storage technology in the global market.

Centered on establishing a global strategic framework for energy storage, REPT BATTERO will deliver energy storage cells, modules, and DC containers to Hyosung Heavy Industries, while providing technical support for system design integration and quality control. Hyosung Heavy Industries will assume responsibilities for global marketing, regional localization, and regulatory certification. Through the 2.5GWh supply partnership, both entities seek to progressively establish a dominant position in the global energy storage market, underpinning their commitment to advancing scalable and sustainable energy solutions worldwide.

Woo Tae-hee, the CEO & President of Hyosung Heavy Industries stated, “Hyosung Heavy Industries is dedicated to becoming a global leader in energy solutions, and this collaboration will further solidify our market positions in the energy storage sector. We will closely collaborate with REPT BATTERO to deliver innovative products and services to global customers.”

Feng Ting, the CEO & President of REPT BATTERO remarked, “This signing marks a significant breakthrough in market synergy between Chinese and South Korean energy storage enterprises. As a global leading battery technology supplier, REPT BATTERO’s high-efficiency energy storage batteries complement Hyosung Heavy Industries’ deep expertise in the global power industry. Through deep cooperation, the two sides will provide professional products and services to more overseas customers.”

REPT BATTRO and Hyosung Heavy Industries affirmed their commitment to building upon this strategic partnership to strengthen collaboration in international markets, collectively tackle climate change challenges, and contribute Chinese and Korean insights and solutions to the global energy transition.

About Hyosung Heavy Industries

Hyosung Heavy Industries, founded in 1977, is a leading Korean company recognized for its global competitiveness in high- and ultra-high-voltage power equipment and energy infrastructure. 

Hyosung commands the No.1 market share for power transformers in Korea, holds approximately 40% share in the domestic low-voltage motor market, and has accumulated more than KRW 10 trillion in circuit breaker salesboth locally and globally. In Europe, Hyosung leads the 400kV transformer market, especially in Norway with over 80% market share.

With decades of EPC experience and strong system engineering capabilities, Hyosung Heavy Industries supplies high-reliability power systems to the Middle East, Southeast Asia, the Americas, and Europe. 

By addressing global trends toward decarbonization, decentralization, and digitalization in the energy sector, the company is positioning itself as a key enabler of sustainable, global energy transformation.

The CIC Launches “Centre for Future Construction”

Drive Innovation and Empower the Next Generation Workforce

HONG KONG, May 30, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — The Construction Industry Council (CIC) yesterday celebrated the official opening of the “Centre for Future Construction” (CFC), marking a significant milestone in Hong Kong’s construction industry development. The ceremony took place at the Hong Kong Institute of Construction – Kowloon Bay Campus, officiated by Ir Joseph LO, Head of Project Strategy and Governance Office, Development Bureau, together with Ir Prof. Thomas HO, Chairman of the CIC, Ir Albert CHENG, Executive Director of the CIC, Prof. Jack CHENG, Chairperson of Centre for Future Construction Project Steering Committee, and Mrs. LO LEE Oi-lin, Chairperson of the Hong Kong Institute of Construction Management Board, bringing over 2,000 experts, leaders, government officials, and industry professionals to support the event both online and offline and to celebrate this historic moment.

Ir Joseph LO (middle), Head of the Project Strategy and Governance Office, Development Bureau, officiates the Opening Ceremony together with Ir Prof. Thomas HO (2nd right), Chairman of the CIC, Ir Albert CHENG (2nd left), Executive Director of the CIC, Prof. Jack CHENG (1st right), Chairperson of the Centre for Future Construction Project Steering Committee, and Mrs. LO LEE Oi-lin (1st left), Chairperson of HKIC Management Board
Ir Joseph LO (middle), Head of the Project Strategy and Governance Office, Development Bureau, officiates the Opening Ceremony together with Ir Prof. Thomas HO (2nd right), Chairman of the CIC, Ir Albert CHENG (2nd left), Executive Director of the CIC, Prof. Jack CHENG (1st right), Chairperson of the Centre for Future Construction Project Steering Committee, and Mrs. LO LEE Oi-lin (1st left), Chairperson of HKIC Management Board

Spanning over 10,000 square feet, the CFC features five interconnected zones, including the Digital Twin Hub, 4S Hub, AI Hub, Robotic Hub, and Immersive Cave. Each zone showcases advanced construction technologies such as digital twin applications, AI-powered safety solutions, robotics, and Virtual Reality (VR) / Augmented Reality (AR) immersive training tools. By fostering collaboration and providing hands-on learning opportunities, the CFC aims to equip young talents with the skills and knowledge needed to excel in the evolving construction sector.

The opening ceremony commenced with welcome remarks from Ir Prof. Thomas HO, Chairman of the CIC. He emphasised the importance of embracing the AI era and developing a new quality productive force. “Today marks a significant milestone in our journey to revolutionise the construction industry and prepare our future generations to embrace cutting-edge technologies,” he stated. “We hope that the Centre for Future Construction will be the beacon of innovation for the construction industry in Hong Kong, guiding the way for the talents of the construction industry.”

Ir Joseph LO, Head of the Project Strategy and Governance Office at the Development Bureau, delivered the opening address, “The Government is fully committed to spearheading transformative changes within our industry. In this transformative journey, the CIC has always been our closest partner. The CFC will nurture our new generation and will foster a culture of professionalism for the HK construction industry. So, I call upon everyone to unite our expertise and collaborative efforts to lead our industry into a new era of future construction.” Prof. Jack CHENG, Chairperson of Centre for Future Construction Project Steering Committee, introduced the CFC’s mission to serve as an industry-wide collaborative and learning platform.

The event featured keynote presentations from four industry pioneers, Mr. Kevin O’BRIEN, Chief Executive of Gammon Construction Limited, Mr. Alex KWAN, Chief Executive Officer, Asia of Global Infrastructure Solutions Inc., Mr. Peter LEE, Head of Commercial Business of Microsoft Hong Kong, and Mr. Raymond JIAN, Director and Partner of RoboticPlus. Their insightful sharing reveals how AI can be leveraged to explore the transformative potential of technology by thinking out of the traditional mindsets, building smarter infrastructure, and propelling industry success.

Ir Albert CHENG, Executive Director of the CIC, concluded the event with closing remarks, reaffirming the CIC’s commitment to fostering a digitally advanced and safe construction sector. “We anticipate that the Centre for Future Construction will attract over 24,000 visits annually. These facilities will be utilised in more than 100 of our existing courses, including master classes, advanced diplomas, diplomas, and various short-term courses, providing them with a dynamic environment to explore the future of construction,” he added.

The ceremony was followed by an exhibition, allowing attendees to explore the CFC’s innovative facilities and how the industry can collaborate with the centre and the opportunities for training initiatives.

The CFC aims to empower the workforce of tomorrow by providing hands-on training and fostering partnerships with industry leaders. By integrating advanced technologies and innovative training programmes, the CFC is poised to shape the future of the construction industry, driving productivity and safety.

An Overview of the Centre for Future Construction

The Centre for Future Construction is located on the 3/F of the Hong Kong Institute of Construction – Kowloon Bay Campus, covering over 10,000 square feet and divided into five zones.

4S Hub

Displays Smart Site Safety System (4S) – related equipment, such as Central Management Platform, AI alert system, and offers visitors to try on the smart wearable devices, including safety helmets and smart watches.

AI Hub

Hosts technology-related workshops and showcases the Safety Large Language Model developed in collaboration with the industry, allowing participants to experience the latest AI applications that being used in construction projects.

Digital Twin Hub

Brings the concept of Building Information Modelling (BIM) to City Information Modelling (CIM) and showcases successful projects and technologies including BIM, Geographic Information System (GIS), IoTs and connectivity technologies to help the industry understand the development of smart cities.

Immersive Cave

Utilises Reality Capture and Mixed Reality technologies including Virtual Reality (VR) Cave and AR mobile app for interactive learning, deepening the understanding of how BIM can integrate with physical environment.

Robotic Hub

Features advanced construction robots, such as automated drilling robots and wall finishing robots, allowing trainees to operate and experience their efficiency and safety benefits.

 

– End –

About the Construction Industry Council

The Construction Industry Council (CIC) was formed in 2007 under the Construction Industry Council Ordinance (Cap. 587). The CIC consists of a chairman and 24 members representing various sectors of the industry including employers, professionals, academics, contractors, workers, independent persons and Government officials.

The main functions of the CIC are to forge consensus on long-term strategic issues, convey the industry’s needs and aspirations to the Government, provide professional training and registration services, and serve as a communication channel between the Government and the construction industry.

Please visit www.cic.hk for further details.

Guests at the guided tour of the CFC
Guests at the guided tour of the CFC

SIBUR Develops New Polymer Grades for Medical and Packaging Applications


MOSCOW, RUSSIA – Media OutReach Newswire – 30 May 2025 – SIBUR, Russia’s largest producer of polymers and rubbers, has developed new product grades tailored for the medical industry and e-commerce packaging.

A new grade of polypropylene resistant to radiation exposure can be used in the production of test tubes, containers, and other medical items that undergo radiation sterilisation. These products retain their original strength, transparency, and colour after sterilisation.

To confirm its radiation resistance, the material was subjected to a dose 40% higher than standard. The results demonstrated the material’s high reliability: it maintained its properties and met customer requirements even under increased exposure. This grade of polypropylene has excellent export potential.

SIBUR Polylab, the company’s R&D centre, has also developed a new material formula for e-commerce courier bags that combines low- and high-density polyethylene. This innovation reduced the bags’ weight by up to 30% without compromising their strength.

The courier bags feature tamper-evident seals, protect against moisture and contaminants, and allow for direct printing of unique QR codes on the surface without labels. Compared with cardboard boxes, this type of packaging lowers delivery costs due to its smaller size and lighter weight.

In 2024, SIBUR enhanced its corporate structure by transitioning to industry-specific divisions. Each division focuses on the development and implementation of polymer solutions for specific sectors, including healthcare, packaging, construction, automotive, and others. This approach fosters both sales growth and innovation.

The Russian market remains SIBUR’s top priority, though the company also exports products to China, Vietnam, and other Asian countries. In 2026, SIBUR plans to launch the Amur Gas Chemical Complex, with a production capacity of 2.7 million tonnes of polyethylene and polypropylene per year, which will help expand exports to Southeast Asia.

Hashtag: #SIBUR

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

CUHK Faculty of Law: Pioneering Legal Education with Global Impact and Research Excellence


HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 30 May 2025 – The Chinese University of Hong Kong’s Faculty of Law (CUHK LAW) continues to strengthen its position as a leading international legal education institution, offering innovative programmes and conducting impactful research that shapes the future of legal practice across Asia and beyond.

Distinguished Academic Excellence

Since its establishment in 2004, CUHK LAW has emerged as a truly international faculty, with academic staff from over 20 jurisdictions. The Faculty’s research excellence has been consistently recognised, leading Hong Kong’s law domain in the UGC’s Research Assessment Exercises of 2014 and 2020. Its global standing was further cemented in the latest QS World University Rankings by Subject 2025, achieving the 48th position worldwide.

Innovative Programme Portfolio

The Faculty offers a comprehensive range of postgraduate programmes, including the specialised Master of Laws (LLM) degrees that respond to evolving global legal challenges. The LLM in Energy and Environmental Law (LEL), launched in 2018-2019, stands as Hong Kong’s pioneer programme in energy security and sustainability law. The newest addition, the LLM in Legal History (LLH), introduced in 2022-2023, represents as one of the few global programmes dedicated to transnational legal history research.

Research Impact and Global Collaboration

The Faculty’s commitment to research excellence is exemplified through its specialised research centres. The Centre for Comparative and Transnational Law (CCTL) supports collaborative research through eight specialised clusters, while the Centre for Legal Innovation and Digital Society (CLINDS) drives innovative research in law and technology.

The Faculty’s global reach extends to prestigious partnerships, including dual programmes with The Dickson Poon School of Law, King’s College London, offering students the opportunity to earn two degrees from world-class institutions in four years.

Nurturing Global Legal Talent

The Faculty’s international outlook is reflected in its diverse student body, representing over 60 countries and regions. It also offers students valuable opportunities and resources to collaborate with scholars across various fields, deepening their understanding and opening new avenues for their work. PhD candidate Tajra Smajic, a Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme (HKPFS) awardee from Bosnia and Herzegovina, expressed her appreciation for her experience at CUHK Faculty of Law: “CUHK’s dynamic research environment and HKPFS support have enriched my academic journey immensely. The programme enables global engagement through international conferences and summer schools, fostering valuable professional connections.” Tajra is currently interning at the United Nations Legal Office, Division for Ocean Affairs and the Law of the Sea (DOALOS), applying her knowledge in real-world contexts.

Tajra's postgraduate student life at CUHK has been remarkable: (left) participating in summer school in Genova, (centre) graduating with a Master of Laws in International Economic Law, and (right) having a summer internship at the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea
Tajra’s postgraduate student life at CUHK has been remarkable: (left) participating in summer school in Genova, (centre) graduating with a Master of Laws in International Economic Law, and (right) having a summer internship at the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea

Faculty experts like Professor Anatole Boute continue to shape global legal discourse. Professor Boute, specialising in energy, environmental, and investment law, received the prestigious Richard Macrory Prize for Best Article 2021 from the Journal of Environmental Law, Oxford University Press. His research has provided national energy authorities evidence-based suggestions which contributed to shape better energy market regulation in Central Asia while improving the cost of clean energy supply.

Professor Anatole Boute’s research has greatly contributed to the energy market regulation in Central Asia
Professor Anatole Boute’s research has greatly contributed to the energy market regulation in Central Asia

Looking ahead, CUHK LAW remains committed to advancing legal education and research while fostering global partnerships that prepare the next generation of legal professionals for an increasingly interconnected world.

For more information about CUHK LAW’s postgraduate programmes, visit: https://www.gs.cuhk.edu.hk/admissions/programme/law.

Hashtag: #CUHK

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

About CUHK

Founded in 1963, CUHK combines tradition with innovation in teaching and research, maintaining strong global partnerships to address real-world challenges.

UnionPay and Tourism Malaysia Seal Strategic Partnership at ITB Shanghai to Power Visit Malaysia 2026 (VM2026)

SHANGHAI, May 30, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — UnionPay International and Tourism Malaysia officially exchanged a Memorandum of Collaboration (MoC) today at ITB Shanghai 2025, marking the start of an exciting new journey to enhance travel and payment experiences between China and Malaysia moving towards Visit Malaysia 2026 (VM2026) Campaign.

The ceremony was held at the Tourism Malaysia Pavilion between Ms. Zhuang Bei, Vice President of UnionPay International, and YBhg. Datuk Manoharan Periasamy, Director General of Tourism Malaysia, underscoring a shared commitment in strengthening tourism cooperation and enhancing the travel experience for Chinese visitors. Part of this collaboration is an extension of its broader, ongoing efforts to make overseas spending more seamless and familiar for Chinese visitors.

In Malaysia, over 90% of merchants accept UnionPay cards, making it more convenient for travellers to pay for both large and small purchases. For bigger ticket items, UnionPay cards are widely accepted, meanwhile for smaller purchases, Chinese visitors can easily use the UnionPay app to make QR code payments. This blend of card acceptance for larger transactions and QR code interoperability for everyday purchases ensures UnionPay cardholders to feel at home while traveling in Malaysia.

Both parties are agreed on joint marketing and branding efforts to promote a wider acceptance of digital payments among tourism-related merchants in Malaysia, as well as introducing exclusive travel benefits for UnionPay cardholders. This partnership also supports the objectives of Visit Malaysia 2026 (VM2026), a national campaign focused on revitalizing international tourism by improving the travel experience and making Malaysia more appealing alongside accessible to Chinese travellers.

 “We are truly excited to be part of this meaningful collaboration, especially as Malaysia prepares to welcome the world for Visit Malaysia 2026 (VM2026). Malaysia continues to be one of the most preferred destinations among Chinese travellers—not only because of its rich cultural heritage and natural beauty, but also due to the deep historical and people-to-people ties between our countries. With this partnership, we’re proud to contribute to making travelling more seamless and enjoyable for UnionPay cardholders, while supporting Malaysia’s broader efforts to boost tourism and economic recovery,” said Zhuang Bei, Vice President of UnionPay International. 

Tourism Malaysia emphasized the importance of strategic partnerships in achieving its 2026 tourism goals. The agency noted that providing trusted and widely accepted payment solutions is a key enabler for increasing tourist satisfaction and encouraging repeat visits.

About UnionPay International

UnionPay International (UPI) is a subsidiary of China UnionPay focused on the growth and support of UnionPay’s global business. Working with over 2,600 partners worldwide, UPI enables card acceptance in 183 countries and regions with issuance in 84 countries and regions. UnionPay International provides high quality, cost effective and secure cross-border payment services to the world’s largest cardholder base and ensures convenient local services to a growing number of global UnionPay cardholders and merchants.

About Tourism Malaysia

Malaysia Tourism Promotion Board, also known as Tourism Malaysia, is an agency under the Ministry of Tourism, Arts & Culture Malaysia. It focuses on the specific task of promoting Malaysia as a preferred tourism destination. Since its inception, it has emerged as a major player in the international tourism scene. The next Visit Malaysia, set to take place in 2026, will commemorate the sustainability of the nation’s tourism industry, which is also in line with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDG).For more information, visit Tourism Malaysia’s social media accounts on Facebook, Instagram, X, YouTube, and TikTok.

Xinhua Silk Road: Chinese martial arts promote cultural exchange in Spain

BEIJING, May 30, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — During a recently-held event featuring martial arts, Zhang Daojin, the seventh-generation inheritor of the Six-harmony Mantis Boxing, left audience in awe with the charm of eastern martial arts at the Confucius Institute of Granada University, Spain.

Zhang, from Longkou City of east China’s Shandong Province, eloquently explained the historical origins and unique characteristics of the traditional Chinese boxing, noting that the Six-harmony Mantis Boxing embodies traditional philosophical concepts and integrates the agility and power of the praying mantis into its techniques.

At the event, Zhang also demonstrated his exquisite techniques, attracting other martial arts experts to study his movements on site. The audience, from children to seniors, with their focused attentions on the charm of the Chinese martial arts, were brought together regardless of their different ages and cultural backgrounds.

For years, Zhang has dedicated himself to preserving and promoting the Six-harmony Mantis Boxing, with his footprint extending across China and abroad. He has taught over 10,000 students and has hundreds of disciples, some among which are from the United States, Japan, Canada, Italy, Spain, and other countries. During this trip to Spain, Zhang exchanged insights and explored the essence of martial arts with his European disciples.

People are thrilled by Zhang’s visit, as he has deeply moved many people in Granada with his personality, his knowledge, and his mastery of traditional Chinese martial arts, said a Spanish student.

In 2024, a total of about 100 foreign students traveled to Longkou in five batches to experience the charm of the Six-harmony Mantis Boxing and learn authentic Chinese martial arts firsthand.

The Mantis Boxing was included in the fourth representative list of state-level intangible cultural heritage items in the year 2014, infusing new vitality into this ancient art.

Original link: https://en.imsilkroad.com/p/345866.html

 

Aiper Launches Global Strategic Hub in Singapore Following USD 100 Million Strategic Investment from Fluidra

SINGAPORE, May 30, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Aiper, a global leading player in cordless robotic pool cleaning, is celebrating the strategic partnership with Fluidra, a global leader in pool equipment and connected solutions in the pool and wellness sector. The USD 100 million investment marks the largest single funding deal in the global robotic pool cleaners to date and was commemorated at a signing ceremony held at Sofitel Singapore Sentosa Resort & Spa. Additionally, Singapore has been designated as Aiper’s Global Strategic Hub, playing a central role in coordinating the company’s international resources and operations. 

Already present in 45 countries and stocked in over 7,000 retail stores globally — Aiper has reached 2 million consumers worldwide. As the demand for smart, sustainable home living solutions grows, Aiper’s vision to “Bring Vacation Home” is resonating with pool owners and homeowners alike. 

Leading the Way in AI Driven, Cordless Robotic Cleaning Globally

This partnership launches Singapore as the key anchor of Aiper’s Global Strategic Hub, from which the company will coordinate international operations and accelerate “Singapore+1” regional expansion strategy. By tapping into Singapore’s strengths in geographic advantages, robust industrial infrastructure, and business-friendly environment, Aiper aims to scale its operations globally.

Aiper’s strategic investment of USD 100 million from Fluidra reflects a shared confidence in the company’s vision and innovation capabilities. Amid ongoing strategic alignment, operational independence will be preserved and respective core strengths fully leveraged. The investment will further support Aiper’s advancement in core technologies and accelerate the development of its smart backyard ecosystem.

By leveraging their respective strengths, the two companies will work in close synergy across technology, brand development, and global service networks—advancing the pool cleaning industry and delivering enhanced value to customers worldwide.

While continuing to deepen its presence in the pool cleaning sector and key markets such as North America and Europe, Aiper is accelerating its global expansion into high-potential regions including Asia-Pacific, the Middle East, and Latin America. In the Asia-Pacific region, Aiper has established a comprehensive operational ecosystem—including supply chain, customer service and branding. This ecosystem provides a strong platform for global growth and regional collaboration.

At the signing ceremony, Richard Wang, Founder and CEO of Aiper, remarked: “The partnership between Aiper and Fluidra marks a win-win collaboration and a key milestone in Aiper’s global expansion journey. Looking ahead, we will continue to drive progress in product innovation, brand influence, and global service capabilities—always placing user needs at the center. Our goal is to solve real-world cleaning challenges and empower customers to enjoy a truly smart, worry-free, and effortless outdoor living experience by leaving the hard work to Aiper.”

For more information about Aiper visit aiper.com and follow Aiper on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and X.

About Aiper

Aiper is the global pioneer of cordless robotic pool cleaning technology and a leader in smart yard product solutions. Through its “Bring Vacation Home” campaign, Aiper empowers homeowners to transform their backyards into a personal vacation retreat with the help of innovative, smarter, and greener product solutions that effortlessly handle pool and lawn maintenance to save time, money, and energy. From state-of-the-art pool cleaners to intelligent irrigation systems, Aiper delivers a comprehensive backyard ecosystem of products that simplify outdoor maintenance so users can enjoy more leisure and fun. Renowned for excellence, Aiper products have garnered prestigious awards, including the Red Dot Design Award, the iF Design Award, and editorial awards from USA Today and TWICE. Additionally, Aiper has been recognized as a CES Innovation Awards honoree in 2023, 2024, and 2025, underscoring its commitment to pioneering smart yard solutions.