TOKYO, April 8, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Osaka is one of Japan’s most popular destinations for international travelers. Historically a thriving merchant city, Osaka is famous for its vibrant atmosphere, the warmth of its people, and a rich, diverse culinary scene. From local favorites like “takoyaki” and “okonomiyaki” to world-class shopping and entertainment, the city offers an accessible and exciting experience that draws visitors from across the globe. Of course, being home to the world-renowned theme park, Universal Studios Japan, is another major reason travelers flock to this city.

Japan itself is highly regarded worldwide for its safety, well-organized society, and the spirit of omotenashi (heartfelt hospitality). Visitors can enjoy a unique blend of traditional culture, modern aesthetics, and beautiful cityscapes. Furthermore, the recent trend of the weaker yen has made Japan an even more attractive and economical choice for international tourists.

For those looking for the perfect base to explore Osaka in May (Golden Week) or during the summer holidays, Oriental Hotel Universal City is highly recommended. Located just steps away from Universal Studios Japan, this official hotel offers the ideal location and a comfortable environment for travelers looking to make the most of their theme park adventure and their stay in Osaka.

Official Hotel of Universal Studios Japan

As an official hotel of Universal Studios Japan, Oriental Hotel Universal City offers a special stay tailored specifically for park guests. Located just a stone’s throw from the gates, the hotel boasts an unbeatable location as a hub for sightseeing and leisure. After a full day of excitement at the theme park, you can return to the comfort of your room in no time.

The Welcome Lounge: A Colorful Start to Your Journey

Upon arrival, guests have exclusive access to our Welcome Lounge. This relaxing space allows you to kick off your trip in style while enjoying a selection of soft drinks and light snacks. This service is highly rated by our guests as the perfect way to unwind and recharge after a long journey, ensuring your stay in Osaka starts on a high note.

Details: https://universalcity.oriental-hotels.com/concept/5/

A Signature Breakfast Experience

Osaka is famously known as “Japan’s Kitchen,” celebrated for its incredible culinary depth. At Oriental Hotel Universal City, our breakfast is a highlight of the guest experience, designed to let you savor Japan’s unique food culture from the moment you wake up. We offer a diverse buffet featuring both Japanese and Western specialties, providing the perfect energy boost for a day of exploring Osaka or a thrilling adventure at Universal Studios Japan. Our breakfast is a hit with international travelers and consistently ranks as a top reason for guest satisfaction.

Details: https://universalcity.oriental-hotels.com/restaurant/

For those looking to make the most of their Osaka trip and Universal Studios Japan, we highly recommend our Breakfast Included Plan. 

https://bookings.oriental-hotels.com/?chain=32041&hotel=45684&&Filter=FXBF

Your Safe and Secure Base for an Unforgettable Osaka Journey

Japan is globally renowned as one of the safest countries to visit, offering travelers true peace of mind. From its unique cultural heritage and picturesque streetscapes to the world-famous spirit of omotenashi, Japan offers endless captivating experiences for visitors from around the world. When you visit Osaka, we invite you to make Oriental Hotel Universal City your home away from home. Together with the excitement of Universal Studios Japan, we look forward to providing you with a truly special stay.

Oriental Hotel Universal City

Opened in 2021 as an official hotel of Universal Studios Japan, Oriental Hotel Universal City was designed around the concept of “Charge from Nature.” We offer a diverse range of accommodations to suit every travel style and group size, from standard double and twin rooms accommodating up to four guests to triple rooms that can house up to six. For larger families or groups, we provide connecting rooms for up to eight guests, as well as our flagship 54-square-meter Premier Twin rooms for those seeking extra space and luxury. Each room features a functional layout with a calming design rooted in earth tones, and every guest can enjoy a superior night’s sleep on a premium Simmons bed.

Our buffet restaurant, GREEN WALL DINING, brings to life the concept of “A Refreshing Morning” within an airy, open space inspired by lush greenery. The menu is carefully crafted to revitalize both mind and body, providing the perfect energy boost for the day ahead. Guests can enjoy a wide variety of hearty and delicious options, including our signature juicy, thick-patty burgers and the Croffle Benedict—an innovative twist on Eggs Benedict that combines a crispy, buttery croissant-waffle texture with classic flavors. Paired with our freshly squeezed orange juice, our breakfast offers everything you need to kick-start your adventure in Osaka.

Hotel Information and Location

Location: 6-2-78 Shimaya, Konohana-ku, Osaka City, Osaka 554-0024
Number of Rooms: 330
Facilities: Parking, Luggage Storage, Restaurant, Banquet Rooms
Access: 1-minute walk from Universal Studios Japan, 1-minute walk from JR Universal City Station
Operator & Management Company: Hotel Management Japan Co., Ltd.
Official Website: https://www.universalcity.oriental-hotels.com 
Oriental Hotel Universal City is an official hotel of Universal Studios Japan.
Universal elements and all related indicia TM & © 2026 Universal Studios. All rights reserved. CR26-1350

SINGAPORE, April 8, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Global AI communication company Timekettle will make its debut at GITEX Asia 2026, held at Marina Bay Sands from April 9 to 10, showcasing its latest innovation — the W4 AI Interpreter Earbuds, recently recognized with the iF Design Award for product design excellence.

Following strong visibility at global technology events such as CES and IFA, Timekettle’s participation in GITEX Asia marks a strategic step into one of the world’s most dynamic and multilingual innovation regions. The company aims to demonstrate how AI-powered translation can better support real-world communication across business, technology, and cultural exchange scenarios.

Built for Real-World Communication

The W4 AI Interpreter Earbuds are designed to address two long-standing challenges in translation devices: clear voice capture in noisy environments and context-aware translation accuracy.

Powered by Babel OS 2.0, W4 integrates two key technologies into a unified system:

• AI Bone-Conduction Voice Pickup — capturing speech directly from vocal vibrations to reduce environmental noise interference

• SOTA Engine Selector — dynamically selecting the most suitable translation engine based on language pair and context

Together, these technologies form a closed-loop system of clean input, adaptive processing, and reliable output, enabling more stable performance in environments such as exhibitions, meetings, and cross-border business conversations.

Designed for Global Business Scenarios

Unlike traditional translation earbuds that rely solely on air-conduction microphones, W4 is optimized for high-noise, high-density environments like trade shows and conferences — making it particularly relevant for events like GITEX.

The system is designed to deliver:

• More consistent speech recognition in dynamic environments

• More natural and context-aware translation output

• Hands-free communication for real-time interaction

From startup pitching and technical discussions to informal networking, W4 supports more fluid multilingual communication across diverse scenarios.

Recognition by iF Design Award

The W4 has also been honored with the iF Design Award, one of the world’s most prestigious design awards, recognizing its innovation in both industrial design and user experience.

This recognition highlights Timekettle’s approach of combining advanced AI technology with human-centered design, ensuring that translation devices are not only functional but also intuitive and comfortable for real-world use.

Executive Comment

“Asia represents one of the most linguistically diverse and innovation-driven regions in the world,” said a spokesperson from Timekettle.
“By bringing W4 to GITEX Asia, we hope to demonstrate how AI translation can move beyond basic functionality and become a reliable communication infrastructure for global collaboration.”

Expanding in Asia’s Innovation Ecosystem

Timekettle’s debut at GITEX Asia underscores its commitment to expanding in international markets, particularly in regions where cross-language communication is essential for business growth.

By focusing on real-world usability rather than lab-only performance, the company continues to evolve its products toward more reliable, natural, and scalable communication experiences.

About Timekettle

Timekettle is a global AI communication technology company dedicated to breaking language barriers through innovative hardware and software solutions. Its product lineup includes AI interpreter earbuds and translation devices designed for travel, business, and everyday communication. Website: www.timekettle.co

SEOUL, South Korea, April 8, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Taiwan is set to make a strong return to SIMTOS 2026, showcasing its “Taiwan Smart Manufacturing” initiative—bringing advanced technologies and actively seeking strategic collaboration with Korean industry partners to unlock global market opportunities together.

The showcase brings together six leading Taiwanese companies, alongside a broader Taiwan Pavilion of 20 enterprises, highlighting innovations in automation, precision engineering, and digital transformation. More than a technology display, the initiative reflects Taiwan’s commitment to working closely with Korean partners to co-develop solutions, expand global market reach, and create new business value.

A key highlight will be the Press Conference & Exhibitor Presentation on April 14 at 11:00 AM, held at the Taiwan Smart Manufacturing booth (04B240, KINTEX 1 Hall 4). The event will provide Korean media and industry professionals with direct access to Taiwan’s latest technologies and real-world collaboration opportunities.

Among the featured innovations, Kao Ming Machinery will present its advanced Friction Stir Welding (FSW) integration technology applied to machine tools. JAINNHER will showcase its high-precision grinding solutions, while CAMPOWER will demonstrate high-performance automation powered by its proprietary roller cam technology. SunUs will introduce a new planetary gear design that effectively eliminates backlash. HIWIN will present its UR ultra-load roller guideway featuring advanced dustproof and self-lubrication systems. Meanwhile, Walrus Pump will highlight innovative pump solutions designed for both machine tools and data center applications.

Taiwan and Korea share strong industrial complementarities. Taiwan’s strengths in flexible manufacturing, precision components, and system integration make it an ideal partner for Korean companies seeking to enhance competitiveness and expand into global markets. Taiwanese companies are not only showcasing technology—they are actively looking for the right partners in Korea to collaborate, innovate, and win in the global market together.

This initiative is guided by Taiwan’s International Trade Administration (TITA), implemented by the Precision Machinery Research & Development Center (PMC) and TAITRA, and jointly organized by TAMI and TMBA.

BEIJING, April 8, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — The 20^th Beijing InfoComm China will open its doors next week 15-17 April 2026 at the China National Convention Center (CNCC), marking the beginning of a landmark era: the 20^th year of the InfoComm China brand, followed by the 20^th edition of the tradeshow in 2027. This year’s event makes significant strides with internationalizing the event through its international and invited guest programs, promotion of 100+ export-ready exhibitors, and alignment with China’s 15^th Five-Year Plan with conference content topics and Pro AV technology surrounding the future of AI, collaborative environments, and IoT ecosystems.

The event commences with a high-level opening panel on 15 April, 10:30am: “Beyond Connectivity, Strategic Leap 2030: Setting the Course for Business & Technology in the 15th Five-Year Plan.” As China enters the 15^th Five-Year Plan, this session convenes leading think tanks and industry leaders to decode the commercial realities of digital economy mandates and AI proliferation. Moving beyond theory, the panel explores how technological convergence will translate into scalable business models and new revenue streams for the Pro AV industry.

Over 400 brands and companies will participate at Beijing InfoComm China including renowned and leading technology companies such as BARCO, Christie, CREATOR, Hisense, and MUXWAVE.  The Export-Ready and Partner Spotlight at InfoComm China 2026 showcases a diverse mix of Pro AV innovators actively seeking international distributors and collaborators, underscoring the show’s role as a gateway to China’s rapidly evolving technology ecosystem. Companies such as AISpeech are advancing intelligent human-machine interaction, while Bolin Technology and Colorlight highlight strengths in imaging and visual processing. Established audio and conferencing leaders like DSPPA, Relacart, and TAIDEN demonstrate deep expertise in integrated communications, while display and immersive solution providers including Seemile and Samplex reflect cutting-edge advancements in visual experiences. Alongside globally recognized brands such as Shure and fast-growing innovators like Kiloview, these companies collectively represent a strong pipeline of export-ready solutions spanning AI, AV-over-IP, LED displays, and smart collaboration technologies—many already delivering projects across sectors from education and government to immersive entertainment and commercial environments.

The 2026 Summit at InfoComm China 2026 will deliver a compelling three-day program that brings together global technology leaders, visionary speakers, and real-world case studies to explore the rapid convergence of AI and Pro AV. Headline sessions feature insights from industry pioneers including those who will share how accelerated computing and AI are redefining visual processing, simulation, and immersive experiences across industries. Complementing this are forward-looking discussions led by experts from organizations such as Shure and Deloitte, alongside innovators in digital signage, control systems, and collaboration technologies. Standout sessions like “From Signals to Intelligence” and “The AI Agentic Enterprise” dive into next-generation AV architectures and autonomous operations, while “AI in Sports” and “The Pulse of Digital Signage” showcase practical deployments of AI at scale. The program also explores immersive storytelling and experience design through contributions from leaders in cultural tourism and themed entertainment, reinforcing the show’s cross-industry relevance. Spanning smart workplaces, education, and spatial computing, the Summit combines strategic thought leadership with hands-on insights, positioning it as a must-attend platform for understanding the future direction of the global AV industry. tours and curated networking events, ensuring attendees gain both strategic insights and practical exposure to the technologies shaping the future of AV.

Strengthening its position as Asia’s premier hub for Pro AV excellence, InfoComm China and DISCIEN will co-publish a strategic white paper on 16 April (day 2 of show) during the session, “Resonance • Reshaping • New Growth: The Evolution of Audiovisual Industry under the Emotional Economy in 2026.” Titled “Innovation in New Consumption Formats and Industry Growth Driven by the Emotional Economy,” this report explores how emotional engagement and evolving consumer behaviors are reshaping the Pro AV landscape, providing attendees with a roadmap for navigating industry growth in 2026 and beyond. 

For 20 years, Beijing InfoComm China has served as the most professional and influential platform for promoting and expanding China’s global Professional Audio-Visual (Pro AV) industry. Through decades of bringing together manufacturers, solution providers, IT system integrators, and end users of Pro AV, Beijing InfoComm China has become Asia’s premier Hub for Pro AV excellence. Taking place from 15-17 April 2026, at the China National Convention Center (CNCC), the show marks the beginning of a landmark era: the 20^th year of the InfoComm China brand, followed by the 20^th edition of the tradeshow in 2027. From an exhibition floor hosting over 400 companies, with over 100 companies ready to export,  and welcoming over 24,000 professional visitors, to a world-class conference lineup of Pro AV industry movers & shakers, InfoComm China is where China is shaping the digital-forward future.

About InfoCommAsia
InfoCommAsia Pte Ltd. extends its influence through three marquee shows: InfoComm Asia; InfoComm China, Beijing; and InfoComm India. Each show features an exhibition that showcases the world’s most cutting-edge and in-demand professional audiovisual and integrated experience technology solutions and a summit that presents learning opportunities. The shows bring together professional audiovisual industry players and top-level decision-makers from across different markets to tap into the vast potential presented by pro AV solutions.

For more information, visit:
infocomm-asia.com | infocomm-china.com | infocomm-india.com 

Global Media Enquiries:
Angie Eng
Director, Marketing, InfoCommAsia Pte Ltd
T: +65 8163 2109
E: media@infocommasia.com; angieeng@infocommasia.com

Multimillion-dollar alliance to deploy sovereign-ready AI infrastructure across key global markets, with Australia, Japan, Malaysia and Singapore among the first

BRISBANE, Australia, April 8, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — OneQode, in collaboration with Hitachi Vantara, the data storage, infrastructure and hybrid cloud management subsidiary of Hitachi Ltd. (TSE: 6501), and Cylix Applied Intelligence, today announced a Sovereign AI Factory initiative, a strategic alliance to deploy sovereign AI infrastructure across key global markets.

Australia, Japan, Malaysia and Singapore are among the first markets selected for the initial phase, while the United States is targeted for future expansion. The initiative will enable governments and enterprises to deploy advanced AI capabilities while maintaining full control over data, infrastructure, and regulatory compliance.

Each partner contributes a key capability to this architecture:

• OneQode delivers energy, facilities, telecoms and compute infrastructure – performance GPU compute, connected by their low-latency global backbone.
• Hitachi Vantara brings Hitachi iQ, a validated AI infrastructure platform that integrates accelerated compute, networking and storage to keep data close to where it’s processed.
• Cylix Applied Intelligence architects and operates the AI layer on top, from readiness assessments and RAG deployments through to fully managed production AI services.

What the partners are saying

“We’re genuinely excited to be working with Hitachi Vantara and Cylix on this,” said Matt Shearing, CEO, OneQode. “We cut our teeth on gaming and financial services, building infrastructure for firms where microseconds matter. It’s given us a particular way of thinking about compute, networking and data centre operations, and there’s real demand across the Global South for sovereign AI infrastructure built to that standard, and this alliance lets us deliver it.”

“More than half of the enterprise tenders we’re seeing in Australia now specify sovereign-capable solutions,” said Nathan Knight, Vice President and Managing Director, Australia and New Zealand, Hitachi Vantara. “Boards and management teams are now treating data sovereignty as a critical requirement alongside operational resilience and security. In the event of foreign ownership, control and intervention, the impact on critical infrastructure and intellectual property would be catastrophic. We applaud OneQode’s decision to make Australia one of the first locations for its Sovereign AI Factory network, and we’re committed to supporting that ambition with infrastructure that meets the standard these workloads demand.”

“Sovereign AI requires more than infrastructure; it requires the ability to operationalize AI at scale. At Cylix, we design and deploy Sovereign AI Factory architectures and deliver fully managed AI services on top of OneQode’s sovereign infrastructure and Hitachi iQ platforms. This allows organizations to move from concept to production quickly, while maintaining full control over their data, compliance, and operational environment. Our role is to ensure AI workloads are not just deployed, but continuously optimized, governed, and delivering real business value,” said Ross DiStefano, Senior Vice President, HPC&AI, Cylix Applied Intelligence.

Together, the three companies are building a turnkey sovereign AI platform — one that lets organisations train and deploy AI models securely, keep sensitive data within their own jurisdiction, and scale with confidence.

About OneQode

OneQode is a global provider of mission-critical digital infrastructure. The company operates an integrated technology stack spanning energy, facilities, network, and high-performance compute – enabling governments, enterprises, and financial institutions to run AI and latency-critical workloads at scale across Asia-Pacific and key global markets. Learn more at oneqode.com.

About Cylix Applied Intelligence

Cylix Applied Intelligence (Cylix Solutions) is a global AI solutions firm that helps organizations move from concept to deployment. Through structured AI use case assessments and workshops, Cylix identifies high-impact opportunities that deliver measurable ROI. Cylix provides end-to-end AI strategy, development, infrastructure expertise, and managed AI services to accelerate enterprise AI adoption worldwide. Learn more at cylixsolutions.com or contact info@cylixsolutions.com.

About Hitachi Vantara

Hitachi Vantara is transforming the way data fuels innovation. A wholly owned subsidiary of Hitachi Ltd., Hitachi Vantara provides the data foundation the world’s leading innovators rely on. Through data storage, infrastructure systems, cloud management and digital expertise, the company helps customers build the foundation for sustainable business growth. To learn more, visit hitachivantara.com.

About Hitachi, Ltd.

Through its Social Innovation Business (SIB) that brings together IT, OT (Operational Technology) and products, Hitachi contributes to a harmonized society where the environment, wellbeing, and economic growth are in balance. Hitachi operates globally in four sectors — Digital Systems & Services, Energy, Mobility, and Connective Industries — and the Strategic SIB Business Unit for new growth businesses. With Lumada at its core, Hitachi generates value from integrating data, technology and domain knowledge to solve customer and social challenges.

HITACHI is a trademark or registered trademark of Hitachi, Ltd. All other trademarks, service marks, and company names are properties of their respective owners.

SYDNEY, April 8, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Argon & Co, the global management consultancy specialising in operations strategy and transformation, is evolving its delivery model to embed data, digital capability and AI into end-to-end transformation, as organisations face increasing pressure to drive productivity, resilience and operational performance.

As organisations face increasing complexity, disruption and pressure to do more with less, there is a shift away from prioritising standalone digital initiatives towards more integrated transformation across operations. In response, Argon & Co is advancing its new unified approach, which combines deep operational expertise with cutting-edge technology, data and digital capability, along with a new model of partner to deliver faster, smarter, more sustainable outcomes that support long-term business growth.

Paul Eastwood, Managing Partner at Argon & Co, said the shift reflects a fundamental change in how transformation is being delivered across industries.

“We’re seeing a clear shift in what clients expect from transformation. It’s no longer about strategy or technology in isolation. Today, it’s about how you bring those together to deliver measurable operational outcomes. Increasingly, AI is acting as a fourth dimension, augmenting people, process and systems to drive better decisions and performance,” Eastwood said.

“Our focus is on embedding, data, digital capability and advanced technologies into the heart of operations, whether that’s in manufacturing, procurement or capital investment. That’s what enables organisations to unlock productivity, build resilience and create lasting value.”

As part of its continued expansion and increasing client demand, Argon & Co has promoted Oliver North, Warren Proctor, Evert Westerhof and Felix Kong to Partner, recognising their roles in delivering digitally enabled end-to-end transformation. This new generation of partner sits at the forefront of the delivery model shift, leading the digitisation of Argon & Co’s core service offerings and applying new capabilities for clients.

A key example of the shift is MODE (Manufacturing Operations Design & Excellence), Argon & Co’s proprietary optimsation framework, digitally enabled with RedZone’s connect workforce app. Led by Warren Proctor, MODE brings together operational excellence, enhanced front-line capabilities and digital enablement to deliver real-time performance improvement on the factory floor. With growing demand, the solution is now being scaled across clients, unlocking significant productivity gains that are measurable and sustainable.

In manufacturing and capital investment, Evert Westerhof is strengthening Argon & Co’s capability to link operational performance with capital strategy, ensuring organisations take a disciplined, value-driven approach to investment. This helps clients balance cost, risk, and long-term value in increasingly complex production environments, where capital decisions must be closely aligned to operational outcomes.

One of Argon & Co’s fastest growing service offerings is in procurement, where Felix Kong is driving a new wave of AI-enabled transformation. Working closely with Argon & Co’s IRIS product team, he has helped develop and deploy intelligent procurement solutions that move beyond traditional cost reduction. These innovations leverage advanced analytics and AI to optimise spend, strengthen supplier strategies, and build resilience, enabling procurement to operate as a strategic engine for growth and value creation and competitive advantage.

Bringing these capabilities together, Oliver North is leading end-to-end transformation programs that connect strategy, technology and operations across the value chain. His work ensures AI decisions are Business led and the value understood, allowing organisations to move from isolated improvements to long-term enterprise-wide impact.

“Our new leaders collectively represent a more connected, technology-enabled approach to transformation. They combine deep operational expertise and practical solutions with AI capability to deliver better outcomes for our clients,” Eastwood said.

“From AI-enabled procurement and digitally driven manufacturing, to ensuring capital delivers the return it should, they are helping organisations respond to the realities of a rapidly changing operating environment and the need to shift the productivity dial in Australia.”

The appointments reinforce Argon & Co’s continued investment in the capabilities that matter most to clients, with a strong focus on manufacturing and procurement, alongside the accelerated integration of digital and advanced technologies into every aspect of delivery.

About Argon & Co

Argon & Co is a global management consultancy that specialises in operations strategy and transformation. Its expertise spans supply chain planning, manufacturing, logistics, procurement, finance, and shared services, working together with clients to transform their businesses and generate real change. Its people are engaging to work with and trusted by clients to get the job done.

Argon & Co has 17 offices across Europe, Australasia, America, Asia and the Middle East.

For more information, please visit: www.argonandco.com/en/