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James Hardie Releases Annual Sustainability Report

Company announces progress in building resilience through process integration, product innovation and strengthening communities

SYDNEY and CHICAGO, Sept. 4, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — James Hardie Industries plc (NYSE / ASX : JHX) (“James Hardie” or the “Company”), a leading provider of exterior home and outdoor living solutions, and a company inspiring how communities design, build and grow, today released its latest annual sustainability report entitled “Building Resilience.”

“At James Hardie, sustainability is foundational to how we do business. We are continuing to make progress, evolve and innovate to ensure homes are built to last,” said Aaron Erter, Chief Executive Officer. “Sustainability is a journey, and this continues with our recent acquisition of The AZEK® Company in July 2025. As the industry leader in exterior home and outdoor living solutions, we have never been better positioned to explore a variety of ways we can improve our communities and our planet. At James Hardie we are constantly working towards our purpose of Building a Better Future for All™.”

The report features initiatives to advance the Company’s purpose and details progress across the four primary pillars of the Company’s environmental, social and governance (ESG) strategy: Zero Harm, Planet, Innovation and Communities. Highlights from the report for fiscal year 2025 include:

Integration into Business Processes

  • Sustainability strategies continue to be integrated into the Hardie Manufacturing Operating System (HMOS).
  • Short-term internal natural gas targets were set for each region, helping drive the reduction of Scope 1+2 emissions by 14 percent in fiscal year 2025 from the calendar year 2021 baseline.

Circular Supply Chain

  • Efforts to reduce waste and create a circular supply chain for fiber cement products in North America plants diverted over 11 percent of manufacturing waste from local landfills in fiscal year 2025.
  • In the Asia Pacific region, James Hardie eliminated 98 percent of waste material sent to landfills by either recycling it back into production processes or sending it to local companies to keep waste materials in the value stream.

Zero Harm

  • Over a three-year period, James Hardie is investing more than $75 million in strategic safety infrastructure projects globally.
  • Safety standards for energy control processes, machine guarding, working from heights and electrical safety were developed and independently approved in North America and Asia Pacific.

Product Innovation

  • James Hardie debuted the TimberHue™ Collection in North America, featuring two-tone, premium finishes in eight authentic wood-look colors – engineered to withstand harsh weather and made with noncombustible* James Hardie technology. In addition, its long-lasting performance reduces the need for replacement over time, conserving materials and resources.
  • The Hardie™ Architectural Collection expanded to include Hardie® Artisan® Siding, featuring extra-thick lap boards and deep shadow lines for a natural wood aesthetic with the strength and resilience of fiber cement, providing superior overall durability to help protect homes from fire damage while delivering a long-lasting, low-maintenance solution that supports more sustainable home exteriors.
  • In Europe, fermacell® Therm25™, an easy-to-install fiber gypsum product, has lower CO2 emissions compared to conventional flooring and incorporates recycled gypsum, reducing landfill waste and reliance on mined materials.
  • In the United States, Green Builder Media recognized James Hardie as an innovation and brand leader, naming Hardie® Artisan® Trim as a 2025 Sustainable Product of the Year for its distinctive design, superior performance and lasting value. 

Respecting Human Rights

  • James Hardie launched a global human rights policy and completed the first salient issues review, conducting on-site social compliance audits of the few tier-one suppliers in high-risk environments.

Stronger Workforce

  • The launch of the BuildWell program is helping to create a culture of well-being, where employees are supported with education, resources and opportunities for their physical, mental, social and financial well-being, tailored to the specific needs of employees in different regions.

Stronger Communities

  • James Hardie contributed $1.65 billion in economic value to the communities in which it operates through capital expenditures at plants and by investing in employees, local ecosystems and across the supplier base.
  • James Hardie continued its global collaboration with Habitat for Humanity® International, and provided 29 Habitat Strong grants to build affordable and climate-resilient homes in fiscal year 2025.

Integrating with The AZEK® Company

As announced in July 2025, James Hardie successfully completed its previously announced acquisition of The AZEK® Company (“AZEK”). James Hardie now features a portfolio of high-performance, low-maintenance exterior and outdoor living brands, including Hardie®, TimberTech®, AZEK® Exteriors, Versatex®, fermacell®, StruXure®, Ultralox® and Intex®.

AZEK® embeds sustainability into every stage of its operations, from material sourcing and manufacturing to product durability and end-of-life solutions. Guided by a full-circle approach, AZEK® transforms waste and scrap into high-performance, long-lasting materials and aims to incorporate one billion pounds of recycled content into its manufacturing annually. Its latest and final stand-alone FULL-CIRCLE report highlighting progress toward environmental and recycling initiatives during AZEK®‘s fiscal 2024 is available here.

“As we continue to integrate with AZEK®, we are harnessing our collective strengths to advance our sustainability leadership and position the combined company for even greater impact. This work is shaping the next generation of our sustainability goals, and we look forward to sharing more on this important topic in the future,” said Amanda Cimaglia, Vice President, Global Sustainability.

Building Resilience

James Hardie’s sustainability goals align directly with issues that matter most to its stakeholders and overall corporate objectives. The Company’s sustainability strategy is driven through cross-functional collaboration, including research and development, engineering, manufacturing, finance and human resources leadership.

In fiscal year 2023, James Hardie adopted new, more ambitious sustainability goals to help track and assess progress. In fiscal year 2024, the Company set near-term regional targets that roll up to overall longer-term goals. Each regional president is held accountable for attaining these targets in the region and is provided funding in the regional budget to support initiatives at the local level. As a result, the entire organization is engaged in and committed to these goals.

*Hardie® fiber cement products are noncombustible and/or have a Class A fire rating when tested in accordance with ASTM E84. Fiber cement fire resistance does not extend to applied paints or coatings, which may be damaged or char when exposed to flames. The use of noncombustible siding, combined with other fire mitigation measures, may help harden a home against external fire.

For more information about James Hardie Building Products Inc., visit www.jameshardie.com

About James Hardie 

James Hardie Industries plc is the industry leader in exterior home and outdoor living solutions, with a portfolio that includes fiber cement, fiber gypsum, and composite and PVC decking and railing products. Products offered by James Hardie are engineered for beauty, durability, and climate resilience, and include trusted brands like Hardie®, TimberTech®, AZEK® Exteriors, Versatex®, fermacell® and StruXure®. With a global footprint, the James Hardie portfolio is marketed and sold throughout North America, Europe, Australia and New Zealand.

James Hardie Industries plc is incorporated and existing under the laws of Ireland. As an Irish plc, James Hardie is governed by the Irish Companies Act. James Hardie’s principal executive offices are located at 1st Floor, Block A, One Park Place, Upper Hatch Street, Dublin 2, D02 FD79, Ireland.

For more information and media resources, visit JamesHardie.com/about-us/media resources./about-us/media-resources.

For investor information, please visit ir.jameshardie.com.au.

Connect with James Hardie on social media:

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Forward-Looking Statements 

This Media Release contains forward-looking statements and information that are necessarily subject to risks, uncertainties and assumptions. Additional important factors relating to the Company that could cause actual results to differ materially from those reflected in forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, the risks and uncertainties set forth in Section 3 “Risk Factors” in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 20-F for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2025 (the “Company 2025 Annual Report”); changes in general economic, political, governmental and business conditions globally and in the countries in which the Company does business; changes in interest rates; changes in inflation rates; changes in exchange rates; the level of construction generally; changes in cement demand and prices; changes in raw material and energy prices; changes in business strategy and various other factors. Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those described herein. James Hardie assumes no obligation to update or correct the information contained in this Media Release except as required by law.

This media release has been authorized by the James Hardie Board of Directors.

Investor and Media Contact

Joe Ahlersmeyer, CFA
Vice President, Investor Relations

Telephone: +1 773-970-1213 
Email
: investors@jameshardie.com

James Hardie Industries plc is a limited liability company incorporated in Ireland with its registered office at 1st Floor, Block A, One Park Place, Upper Hatch Street, Dublin 2, D02 FD79, Ireland.

 

Costa Rica Trade & Investment Summit 2025 positions the country as a regional hub for global business

  • Investors and buyers from 45 countries are participating this week in the most relevant business event in the region.
  • The Summit marks a new chapter in Costa Rica’s global strategy to attract investment and promote exports.

SAN JOSÉ, Costa Rica, Sept. 4, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — This week, Costa Rica is hosting the Costa Rica Trade & Investment Summit 2025, a high-level event that brings together the most influential players in international trade and investment in one place. Organized by the Trade and Investment Promotion Agency of Costa Rica (PROCOMER), this gathering marks a milestone by integrating exports and foreign direct investment into a single space for the first time.


Over the course of five days, more than 1,000 Costa Rican and multinational companies will meet with 400 international buyers and investors from 45 countries, in a multisector agenda that includes more than 3,700 business meetings, investment rounds, visits to business parks, and networking opportunities.

“This event is proof that Costa Rica is ready to compete and lead. We have designed a space to attract investment projects that generate linkages, employment, and sustainability, while also promoting our export offer to the most demanding markets. This is the new vision of country promotion: ambitious, strategic, and future-oriented,” said Laura López, General Manager of PROCOMER.

This gathering also represents the evolution of the historic Buyers Trade Mission (BTM), an event that for more than 25 years connected thousands of Costa Rican exporting companies with international buyers. Today, under a more robust and far-reaching format, the Costa Rica Trade & Investment Summit consolidates export promotion and foreign direct investment attraction into a single platform.

The opening ceremony featured the participation of Manuel Tovar, Minister of Foreign Trade, and Laura López, General Manager of PROCOMER, along with international delegations and representatives of the business sector.

Participants come from key markets such as Germany, the United Kingdom, Japan, India, the United States, Canada, Mexico, Brazil, Colombia, Spain, France, and Central America. In addition, the academic agenda includes lectures by global leaders such as:

  • Didi Caldwell (Global Location Strategies): Economic forces and their impact on the future of FDI
  • Katie McGinty (Johnson Controls): Smart buildings: the business case for growth through sustainability
  • Henry Loewendahl (Wavteq): The future of work
  • María Carolina Pinheiro (Wyndham Hotels): Participation in the tourism investment segment

Country potential: a strategy delivering results

As of July 2025, Costa Rica’s goods exports reached $13.148 billion, representing a 17% growth compared to the same period in the previous year. The main driver continues to be the precision and medical equipment sector, accounting for 48% of total exports, followed by the agricultural sector (17%) and the food sector (12%).

Costa Rica is home to more than 1,000 multinational companies operating in strategic sectors such as medical devices, corporate services, advanced manufacturing, and digital technologies. The country also consolidates its position as a reliable supplier of high-quality foods: it is the world’s largest exporter of pineapples, the third-largest exporter of bananas, and the leading exporter of cassava to the U.S. and the EU.

In terms of foreign direct investment, the country stands out for its high reinvestment of profits and the sustained growth of projects outside the Greater Metropolitan Area. In 2024, total FDI reached $5.008 billion, representing a 32% growth compared to 2023, with the United States, Colombia, Switzerland, Mexico, and France as the main countries of origin of the capital.

“The Costa Rica Trade & Investment Summit is a commitment to building long-term relationships and opening new opportunities for our regions. This platform was created to stay and to evolve alongside the needs of the global environment,” concluded Laura López, General Manager of PROCOMER.

 

CIGA design Sets Foot with Moon Walker: Carrying Humanity’s First Lunar Step in A Watch

HONG KONG, Sept. 4, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — A wearable mechanical poem by CIGA design, winner of the “Watchmaking Oscar”, GPHG(Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Genève) Challenge Watch Prize — Time Walks Where the Brave Once Stood.

CIGA design Moon Walker Automatic Watch
CIGA design Moon Walker Automatic Watch

For millennia, the Moon has stirred human imagination with its mystery, beauty, and silent pull of discovery. On July 21, 1969, Neil Armstrong’s footprint on the Sea of Tranquility became more than a step—it symbolized humanity’s bravery and our first leap beyond Earth’s gravity.

On September 10, 2025, CIGA design will unveil the Moon Walker Automatic Watch, a timepiece that captures this historic moment, bringing the legacy of exploration to your wrist.

A True Marvel Walks above A Timepiece

The Moon Walker is poetry in mechanics, featuring a miniature astronaut that replaces traditional hands, gliding above the sculpted lunar dial—just as Armstrong once did. Suspended beneath sapphire crystal, it evokes weightlessness and adventure, powered by a Swiss-made movement with CIGA design’s award-winning Asynchronous-Follow Technology, ensuring a smooth and novel time display.

A Faithful Recreation of the Moon’s Terrain 

Inspired by the Moon’s surface, the dial recreates its topography with NASA’s ultra-high-resolution imagery and 0.05mm CNC micro-engraving. Every crater, ridge, and mare—from the Sea of Tranquility to the Ocean of Storms—is captured in detail.

Hidden Wonders Awaiting Discovery

Through 0.01mm Nano Laser Micro-engraving, Armstrong’s footprint, the Apollo 11 landing coordinates, and the moment of touchdown lie concealed within the dial—visible only under 10× magnification, inviting discovery of this quiet marvel.

Sophistication in Every Detail

The integrated titanium case offers lightweight comfort, hypoallergenic safety, and a high-gloss finish, with a seamless lugless design for modern appeal. Polished CNC-engraved 3D indices enhance depth and legibility. A curved sapphire crystal ensures durability and clarity, while the case back is etched with Armstrong’s words: “One small step for a man, one giant leap for mankind.” A black fluororubber strap with hidden clasp completes a sleek, uninterrupted silhouette.

Don’t just tell time—own the moment that changed everything.

The Moon Walker lets you feel the weightlessness of history, the awe of Armstrong’s first step, and the courage that propelled humanity beyond Earth. Every glance awakens wonder, every second connects you to the leap that reshaped our view of the cosmos.

Key Specs:

Case Size: 46mm (excluding crown)
Watch Length: 220mm
Case Thickness: 17.05mm
Case Material: Titanium
Crown: 6.0mm diameter, CNC grooved
Strap Width: 22.0mm
Strap Material: Fluororubber
Glass: Sapphire glass (front and case back)
Water Resistance: 5ATM
Movement: Swiss-made automatic caliber CD-09 with Asynchronous-Follow Tech, 28,800 vph, 41-hour power reserve, 26 jewels.

Pricing:
$1699

Secure your Moon Walker! Subscribe now to unlock early access and exclusive pre-launch privileges on the CIGA design official website, and be among the first to accomplish the Moon Mission! For more, click here.

 

Dial of the CIGA design Moon Walker Automatic Watch
Dial of the CIGA design Moon Walker Automatic Watch

Armstrong’s historic footprint at 0.67°N, 23.47°E - engraved on the Moon Walker
Armstrong’s historic footprint at 0.67°N, 23.47°E – engraved on the Moon Walker

Astronaut Hand of the Moon Walker
Astronaut Hand of the Moon Walker

EnCharge AI Receives Frost & Sullivan’s 2025 Global Technology Trailblazer Recognition for Advancing Analog AI Compute Innovation

EnCharge AI redefines on-device AI with breakthrough analog architecture, delivering industry leading performance, sustainability, and scalability

SAN ANTONIO, Sept. 4, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Frost & Sullivan is pleased to announce that EnCharge AI has been awarded the 2025 Global Technology Trailblazer Recognition in the advanced analog AI chips sector for its outstanding achievements in innovation, strategy execution, and market disruption. This recognition acknowledges EnCharge AI’s leadership in delivering next-generation compute solutions and redefining AI deployment with transformative performance at the edge.

Frost & Sullivan evaluates companies through a rigorous benchmarking process across two core dimensions: strategy effectiveness and strategy execution. EnCharge AI excelled in both, recognizing the necessary shift toward edge computing and developing breakthrough analog in-memory technology with complete hardware and software solutions to address this need. The company’s ultra-efficient, high-density AI accelerators and full-stack software suite deliver unmatched energy efficiency and flexible deployment across the complete spectrum of AI workloads.

“EnCharge AI is catalyzing the shift from cloud-dependent AI to true on-device intelligence,” said Manuel Albornoz, Best Practices Analyst at Frost & Sullivan. “The company’s first-of-its-kind analog in-memory computing architecture is delivering breakthrough efficiency gains of 20x over traditional digital solutions, bringing advanced AI inference out of data centers and directly to edge devices for the first time. This is exactly the technology needed to unlock an entirely new generation of personalized and secure AI applications.”

Guided by a long-term growth strategy focused on ecosystem enablement and customer partnerships, EnCharge AI has proven its ability to adapt and lead in the rapidly evolving AI landscape. By delivering edge-native inference solutions, ensuring seamless compatibility with industry-standard development tools, and reducing total cost of ownership, EnCharge continues to meet the needs of its growing customer base and lead the next wave of AI computing. Today, the company’s strategic agility has enabled expansion across computing, defense, automotive, and industrial sectors.

“The EnCharge AI team is honored to receive Frost & Sullivan’s Technology Trailblazer Award,” said Naveen Verma, Co-Founder and CEO at EnCharge AI. “We believe strongly that transformative solutions will be required to unlock the full potential of AI across critical future use-cases. This award is another signal that many in the industry feel the same way, and we are energized by the enthusiasm around what we are building together with our partners. Thank you to Frost & Sullivan for this tremendous recognition.”

Each year, Frost & Sullivan presents the Technology Trailblazer Recognition to companies that demonstrate outstanding strategy development and implementation, achieving measurable improvements in market share, customer satisfaction, and competitive positioning. The award recognizes forward-thinking organizations reshaping their industries through innovation and growth excellence. Frost & Sullivan commends EnCharge AI for setting the highest standard in technological innovation with strategy effectiveness and execution that is actively defining the future of AI computing.

About Frost & Sullivan

For six decades, Frost & Sullivan has been world-renowned for its role in helping investors, corporate leaders, and governments navigate economic changes and identify disruptive technologies, megatrends, new business models, and companies to action, resulting in a continuous flow of growth opportunities to drive future success. Contact us: Start the discussion.

Contact: Ashley Shreve
E: ashley.weinkauf@frost.com

About EnCharge AI

EnCharge AI is the leader in advanced AI compute solutions for deployments from edge-to-cloud. EnCharge’s robust and scalable next-generation in-memory computing technology provides orders-of-magnitude higher compute efficiency and density compared to today’s best-in-class solutions. The high performance solutions will enable the immense potential of AI to be accessible at scale, in power, size, and weight constrained applications. EnCharge AI launched in 2022 and is led by veteran technologists with backgrounds in semiconductor design and AI systems. For more information about EnCharge AI, please visit https://enchargeai.com/.

Global Times: China’s V-Day commemorations showcase resolve, commitment to safeguarding peace

BEIJING, Sept. 4, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — China held a massive military parade in central Beijing on Wednesday to mark the 80th anniversary of its victory in the Chinese People’s War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War, pledging the country’s commitment to peaceful development in a world still fraught with turbulence and uncertainties. President Xi Jinping, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, oversaw the parade and reviewed the troops.

Standing beside Xi on Tian’anmen Rostrum were Russian President Vladimir Putin and Kim Jong-un, top leader of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, along with more than 20 other foreign leaders, according to the Xinhua News Agency.

Representatives of people who had supported China’s WWII fight, or their family members – from countries such as Russia, the US, the UK, France and Canada – were invited to the event, Xinhua said. 

Standing in a Hongqi limousine, Xi gave the command for the review to begin. As the review vehicle moved slowly eastward, passing the fluttering flags of the Party, the nation and the army that stood before the assembled troops, Xi saluted the flags with a fixed gaze, per Xinhua. 

Amid resounding military music, Xi inspected foot, banner and armament formations along Chang’an Avenue.

‘Unstoppable’ national rejuvenation

The rejuvenation of the Chinese nation is unstoppable and humanity’s cause of peace and development will prevail, Xi said as he addressed the grand commemorative gathering before the parade.

The resistance war, arduous and great, marks China’s first complete victory against foreign aggression in modern times, Xi said.

Noting that victory was achieved under a national united front against Japanese aggression advocated by the CPC, he said that the Chinese people made a major contribution to the salvation of human civilization and the defense of world peace with immense sacrifice in the war, a significant part of the World Anti-Fascist War.

Only when nations across the world treat each other as equals, live in harmony and mutually support one another can common security be safeguarded, the root cause of war eliminated, and historical tragedies prevented from recurring, he said.

Today, humanity is again faced with a choice of peace or war, dialogue or confrontation, and win-win outcomes or zero-sum games, Xi said. The Chinese people will stand firmly on the right side of history and on the side of human progress, adhere to the path of peaceful development, and join hands with the rest of world to build a community with a shared future for humanity, he said.

Xi called on Chinese people of all ethnic groups to stay united and work hard under the strong leadership of the CPC to build a strong country and advance national rejuvenation on all fronts through Chinese modernization, Xinhua reported. 

Xi demanded that the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) provide strategic support for national rejuvenation and make greater contributions to world peace and development, Xinhua reported. 

Glory and pride

More than 10,000 military personnel, along with over 100 aircraft and hundreds of ground armaments, were arranged into formations according to a wartime command system. The PLA new system of services and arms – the result of military reforms under Xi’s leadership – was put on display for the first time, according to Xinhua.

The advanced armaments put on display included unmanned intelligence and counter-unmanned equipment, hypersonic missiles, directed-energy weapons, electronic jamming systems and strategic weaponry capable of global strikes.

The new-type DF-5C liquid-fueled intercontinental strategic nuclear missile made its debut at the military parade. An expert told the Global Times that this missile has the entire globe under its strike range and has advantages in defense penetration and precision.

Also, the first nuclear missile formation consisting of the JL-1 air-launched long-range missile, the JL-3 submarine-launched intercontinental missile, as well as DF-61 and DF-31BJ land-based intercontinental missiles were reviewed at the parade, marking the first concentrated appearance of China’s land, sea and air-based strategic nuclear triad. 

A number of representatives who attended the V-Day gathering expressed that it was a great honor to take part in the commemorations and grand military parade in Beijing, witnessing the nation marking the victory in the most solemn way. They felt proud and deeply inspired.

“All the weapons and equipment featured in the parade were domestically produced, currently in active service, with many new types being publicly displayed for the first time. This fully showcased the strong capability of the armed forces to safeguard national sovereignty, security and development interests, as well as to uphold world peace,” Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Chief Executive John Lee said in a post on the Chinese X-like platform Weibo on Wednesday.

This parade was not only a review of the people’s army – mighty, disciplined, and ever victorious – but also a recognition of the years of dedication and perseverance of all of us working in the defense industry, Yin Zeyong, academician of the Chinese Academy of Engineering and former director of the Science and Technology Committee of the Aero Engine Corporation of China who attended the event, told the Global Times on Wednesday.

“The parade gave me a deeper understanding of the importance of strengthening the military through science and technology. In the face of a volatile and complex international situation, a strong national defense is a solid guarantee for peace, stability and sustainable development,” he said.

Some compatriots from the Hong Kong and Macao special administrative regions expressed their excitement about the military parade to the Global Times.  

“National security and national interests must ultimately be safeguarded through hard power, and the military is a crucial part of that. Anyone following the news knows that conflicts occur around the world daily,” Victor Chan Chi-ho, Senior Vice Chairman of the Hong Kong Youth Commentators Association who attended the event on Wednesday, told the Global Times on Wednesday. 

“As a Chinese citizen, being able to attend this grand military parade and witness cutting-edge weaponry up close greatly strengthened my confidence in the central government’s commitment to protecting national security and ensuring the well-being of the people. It also reinforced my confidence in China’s future development,” he said. 

Choi Man Cheng Angelo, president of the Macao-Taiwan Exchange Federation, told the Global Times on Wednesday that he felt deeply honored and immensely moved to personally witness this great and solemn historic moment.

“President Xi’s speech called on the entire Chinese people to carry forward the great spirit of the war, stand united and work together to chart the grand blueprint for national rejuvenation. It connected the glory of history with the mission of the future, stirring powerful strength for unity and struggle among all Chinese people, including compatriots in Macao, to fully advance the cause of building a strong nation and rejuvenating the Chinese nation through Chinese modernization,” Choi said.

Force for peace

China’s V-Day commemorations gained significant attention from across the globe. The New York Times said the parade is expected to showcase some of China’s newest weapons that will help the country achieve its goal of building a “world-class” military.

CNN said ahead of Wednesday’s enormous military parade that crowds had gathered on the streets of Beijing hoping to catch a glimpse of some of the troops and weapons on show. Many expressed pride in the display of technical and military strength.

Chinese observers noted that the military parade itself sends a clear message to the world: China has always been a force for peace. As emphasized by the theme of the commemorations to “remember history, honor the fallen heroes, cherish peace and create a better future,” the parade fully demonstrates China’s firm resolve and clear commitment to safeguarding world peace and contributing to it, they noted.

The parade also shows that China is willing to unite with all peace-loving forces around the globe, injecting more hope, stability and positive energy into today’s turbulent international landscape, some Chinese observers said.

Just two days ahead of the grand gathering, Xi on Monday proposed the Global Governance Initiative (GGI), calling on countries to work in concert for a more just and equitable global governance system. Xi highlighted five principles of the GGI – adhering to sovereign equality, abiding by international rule of law, practicing multilateralism, advocating the people-centered approach, and focusing on taking real actions.

“The parade and President Xi’s speech emphasized the concept of a community with a shared future for humanity. This vision calls for inclusive development among all nations and peoples, built on equality, mutual respect and interdependent peace,” Li Haidong, a professor at China Foreign Affairs University, told the Global Times on Wednesday.

“A community with a shared future is a goal that benefits all humanity, is worthy of global recognition and support, and is a cause for which all who cherish peace and prosperity should unite and strive together,” he said, noting that the commemorations attracted many heads of state and foreign friends, reflecting the growing strength of the global force for peace.

 

Aria Secures $15M in Funding from Polychain, Neoclassic, Story Foundation and Other Strategic Partners to Bring Iconic IP Onchain as Liquid, Fungible Assets

WILMINGTON, Del., Sept. 4, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Aria Protocol Labs Inc. and Aria Foundation, which are bringing revenue-generating, real-world, iconic intellectual property (IP) onchain, today announced securing $15 million in combined seed and strategic funding.

The funding includes participation from Polychain Capital, Neoclassic, Story Foundation, and other key partners across crypto, IP, and entertainment, to accelerate ecosystem and protocol development.

This builds on Aria’s breakthrough launch of its first IP-backed token, $APL, representing royalties from songs performed by global superstars including Justin Bieber, Miley Cyrus, BLACKPINK, and BTS. These rights were acquired using $10.95 million raised in February 2025 through Stakestone’s LiquidityPad — marking one of the largest tokenizations of iconic music IP to date.

“Onchain IP isn’t just a creative frontier, it’s a financial one,” said David Kostiner, Co-Founder and Chief IP Officer of Aria Protocol Labs Inc. “By turning IP into liquid, fungible tokens with embedded licensing logic, Aria creates capital formation rails that protect creative integrity and reward participation. This $15 million funding enables us to continue building programmable IP infrastructure and scaling a new IP economy.”

As AI-generated media proliferates and digital distribution accelerates, demand for authentic, licensed content has never been higher. Aria bridges that gap by embedding attribution, licensing, and royalty distribution onchain. The capital will support team expansion, artist partnerships, and protocol development to enable programmable remix licensing, revenue splits, and community-aligned participation across music and art.

“The market is finally waking up to IP as a real-world asset class,” said S.Y. Lee, CEO of Story. “Aria is showing what’s possible when historically illiquid IP is brought onchain in a programmable, rights-respecting way. They are building the future of IP finance and creative capital.”

A slate of additional IP launches is planned to expand Aria’s reach across creative verticals, from music to art and film/TV.

About Aria

Aria Protocol Labs Inc. is building a new economy for iconic IP. Built on Story, Aria brings music, art, and film/TV rights onchain as fungible, liquid tokens unlocking access to real-world royalties in a scalable and transparent form. Founded by music industry veterans, Aria launched its first tokenized IP asset, $APL, in 2025, representing royalties from partial rights tied to songs performed by Justin Bieber, Miley Cyrus, BLACKPINK, and BTS.

Aria Foundation is a Cayman-based nonprofit entity dedicated to stewarding the long-term growth of the Aria Protocol ecosystem. The Foundation supports developer grants, community initiatives, liquidity programs, and ecosystem partnerships to ensure that IP holders, creators, and fans can thrive in an open, onchain IP economy.

Learn more at: https://ariaprotocol.xyz

GameChange Solar Releases FlexRail™ to Enhance Module Flexibility for Single-Axis Trackers

NORWALK, Conn., Sept. 3, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — GameChange Solar, a leading global provider of solar tracker and fixed-tilt racking systems, announces the release of FlexRail, a mounting system specifically designed to enhance the flexibility of module selection. FlexRail addresses one of the industry’s most pressing challenges: solar module supply volatility driven by tariffs, logistics delays, and global market fluctuations. Projects frequently face costly redesigns or field modifications when PV modules change after trackers have been manufactured or installed. GameChange Solar’s FlexRail mounting system allows the same tracker design to accommodate multiple different modules with minimal disruption.

GameChange Solar Genius Tracker
GameChange Solar Genius Tracker

“Module supply is one of the most dynamic variables in utility-scale solar today,” said Nat Healy, Genius Tracker Product Director. “By supplying trackers designed to support a wide range of module types, we help our customers maintain project schedules and protect their financial models, even when the customer changes modules late in the design or installation process.”

The advantages of FlexRail and the other facets of the Genius Tracker single-axis tracking system are described in GameChange’s latest white paper, Module Flexibility for Single-Axis Trackers: A study on FlexRails and other tools for addressing module changes during project design. The paper examines key design features that enhance module flexibility, including clamp-based rail systems, flexible purlins, unpunched torque tubes, and low-profile bearings. These elements enable utility-scale solar projects to adapt to shifting PV module availability while maintaining cost efficiency and construction schedules.

The Module Flexibility white paper provides practical insights for developers, EPCs, engineers, and investors navigating today’s volatile module supply chain.

Download the white paper.

The FlexRail datasheet highlights the functionality of these flexible purlins, with a real-world case study on how trackers for a project were designed to support any module from an extensive list without field remediation.

Download the FlexRail datasheet.

About GameChange Solar

GameChange is one of the top three global providers of solar tracker solutions used in utility-scale and ground-mounted distributed generation solar projects around the world. We have delivered over 48 GW of solar tracker and fixed tilt systems that combine fast installation, bankable quality, and unbeatable value through superior engineering, innovative design, and high-volume manufacturing. Our products enable solar panels at power plants to follow the sun’s movement across the sky, optimizing plant performance while protecting the array from damaging weather conditions.

For more information, visit www.gamechangesolar.com

Contact:
Lisa Andrews
Director of Marketing
GameChange Solar
lisa.andrews@gamechangesolar.com

 

MindHYVE.ai™ Joins Forces with Miracle University to Empower At-Risk Youth with AI-Powered Education

SACRAMENTO, Calif., Sept. 3, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — In a bold move to reshape educational equity in underserved communities, MindHYVE.ai™ has partnered with Miracle University, Sacramento’s groundbreaking dropout prevention high school, to bring advanced AI-driven learning tools to students who need them most.

Through this partnership, MindHYVE.ai™ is providing its flagship ArthurAI™ platform to initially support 200 Miracle University students for an entire academic year. With plans to reach 5,000 high-risk students in Sacramento by 2027, Miracle University is becoming a model for how technology, mentorship, and government-backed innovation can work together to rebuild trust, opportunity, and hope for the next generation.

Founded by California Teacher of the Year Dr. Kadhir Rajagopal, Miracle University has earned widespread acclaim for its 100% graduation or on-track rate among students who were previously on the verge of leaving school. The school’s model—rooted in mentorship, wellness, and rigor—has already impacted hundreds of lives and is scaling rapidly to meet rising demand.

“This isn’t just about deploying AI in education. It’s about human-centered design meeting urgent human needs,” said Bill Faruki, CEO at MindHYVE.ai™. “Miracle University is proof that a different outcome is possible for every student—especially when technology is used to uplift, not replace, people.”

MindHYVE.ai™’s ArthurAI™ platform integrates seamlessly with this model, providing educators and mentors with real-time insights, personalized learning recommendations, and analytics that enable proactive support. The partnership reflects a shared belief that every student deserves a pathway to succeed—and the tools to get there.

“We’ve seen what happens when students are given the chance to rewrite their story,” said Dr. Rajagopal, Founder of Miracle University. “With MindHYVE.ai™ on our side, we now have the technological lift to scale this miracle.”

Strategic Collaboration, Statewide Vision

The partnership was made possible through the instrumental involvement of California State Treasurer Fiona Ma, who recognized the potential for aligning public service leadership with education innovation. As a long-time advocate for student equity and cross-sector collaboration, Treasurer Ma connected MindHYVE.ai™ with Miracle University to explore how private sector technology could accelerate student outcomes in public-interest settings.

Her facilitation exemplifies the kind of interinstitutional coordination needed to tackle California’s most pressing educational challenges—particularly in communities where traditional systems have struggled to engage youth effectively.

About Miracle University

Miracle University is a nonprofit private high school based in Sacramento, California, serving students most at risk of dropping out. With a track record of transformational success, it provides mentorship, wellness-centered programming, and flexible academic pathways that enable students to graduate and thrive.

About MindHYVE.ai™

MindHYVE.ai™ is redefining the boundaries of intelligence by engineering autonomous systems and deploying domain-specific AGI agents across real-world sectors. Powered by the Ava-Fusion™ large reasoning model and architected for agent coordination, swarm intelligence, and adaptive autonomy, MindHYVE’s technology stack is revolutionizing law, medicine, finance, education, and governance.

With operations in North America, Asia, and now soon in Africa, MindHYVE.ai™ is on a mission to democratize access to transformative intelligence and architect the infrastructure for post-scarcity economies. Backed by HYVE Labs, the company continues to shape the future of agentic systems on a global scale.

Website: www.mindhyve.ai | Email: hello@mindhyve.io | Contact: +1 (949) 200-8668

Media Contact
Marc Ortiz
Email: marc.ortiz@mindhyve.io

MindHYVE.ai™ and Miracle University Partner to Deliver AI-Powered Education for At-Risk Youth Across California
MindHYVE.ai™ and Miracle University Partner to Deliver AI-Powered Education for At-Risk Youth Across California