CHICAGO, March 6, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — HSG Laser successfully hosted its 2026 U.S. Distributor Conference and Open Day in Chicago, bringing together key distributors and partners from across North America. The event provided an opportunity for HSG’s North American leadership team and channel partners to review the company’s 2025 performance and discuss strategic priorities for the region in 2026.

The year 2026 marks the 20th anniversary of HSG Laser. Over the past year, the company continued to achieve steady global growth. In 2025, overseas revenue accounted for 60% of HSG’s total global business, with North America emerging as one of the company’s fastest-growing markets. The region recorded approximately 200% year-over-year growth, becoming a key driver of HSG’s global expansion.

The conference gathered HSG’s major U.S. channel partners from across the country. Through the event, HSG and its distributor network reviewed market achievements over the past year and reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening collaboration and expanding the company’s presence in the North American metal fabrication market.

During the conference, Rakesh Kumar, President of HSG North America, shared the company’s regional strategy for 2026. Moving forward, HSG will continue strengthening its local service capabilities, product support, and regulatory compliance framework in North America. The company also plans to establish a dedicated local automation solutions team, supporting the transition from traditional equipment sales to a solution-driven sales model focused on improving customer productivity.

By integrating laser equipment, automation systems, and workflow optimization, HSG aims to deliver comprehensive manufacturing solutions that help customers achieve higher efficiency and stronger return on investment.

To support the continued growth of the region, HSG also plans to expand its U.S. team in 2026, adding additional positions across sales, technical support, and service operations to further enhance support for customers and distributors.

“North America is a strategically important market for HSG,” said Rakesh Kumar, President of HSG North America. “The strong growth we achieved over the past year would not have been possible without the dedication of our distributor partners and the continued trust of our customers. Looking ahead, we will further invest in local service, technical support, and solution capabilities. With the establishment of our automation solutions team and the upcoming Geneva Technical & Solution Center, we aim to provide North American manufacturers with more comprehensive and efficient manufacturing solutions while growing together with our channel partners.”

During the event, HSG also announced the launch of its new facility in Geneva, Illinois. The site spans approximately 77,000 square feet (about 7,150 square meters) and is currently operating as a parts warehouse and machine inventory center. By Q3 2026, the facility will be expanded into the HSG Geneva Technical & Solution Center, integrating technology demonstrations, application validation, customer training, and solution development.

According to the company, the Geneva center will significantly enhance HSG’s local service and technical support capabilities in North America. The facility will provide customers with improved opportunities for machine demonstrations, application training, and solution validation, while serving as an important infrastructure investment supporting the company’s long-term growth in the region.

With a continuously expanding distributor network, strengthened local service capabilities, and a growing focus on automation solutions, HSG is accelerating its long-term strategy in North America and working alongside partners to advance manufacturing productivity and intelligent fabrication technologies.

Agoda shows an increase in interest in destinations offering a magical ambiance during the rainy season

SINGAPORE, March 6, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Traveling in Indonesia during the rainy season gives travellers a refreshing break from the usual hustle, plus it’s perfect for unique adventures. Magical ambiance can be felt in the cities or destinations that offer cozy spaces, lush green landscapes, or unique culinary scenes. Agoda has unveiled its five recommended destinations for the rainy season, based on accommodation search query volume, all of which reflect an increase compared to previous year.

The rainy season has its own charm, and traveling can still be fun and exciting. Travelers can enjoy vibrant scenery, peaceful vibes, and tranquil activities like museum hopping or trying local cafes. Indonesia’s enchanting atmosphere is at its best. From tea plantations and rice fields to unique food spots, the country’s destinations offer a refreshing break.

Gede Gunawan, Senior Country Director of Agoda for Indonesia says, “The rainy season is redefining travel trends, with more explorers seeking destinations that offer unique experiences despite the weather. Indonesia’s vibrant landscapes and rich culture are drawing travellers who are eager to experience the magic of the rain. Agoda empowers these adventurers with seamless planning and unbeatable deals, making it easier than ever to explore trending hotspots and create unforgettable memories.”

Below are the trending destinations, according to Agoda, based on accommodation search queries and recommended for experiencing the best of Indonesia’s rainy season.

1. Bali- Bali has been placed at the top of the list of destinations with the highest accommodation searches and witnessing a 27% increase compared to the previous year. Travellers flock to Ubud to enjoy the tropical downpours that turn the rice terraces and jungles into vibrant and deep green wonders. You can enjoy world-class spas, yoga retreats, and boutique cafes while watching the rain fall over the forest. Travelers can also visit the many art galleries or enjoy a traditional Balinese dance performance.

2. Bandung, West Java- Bandung ranked second on the list, and registered a 27% increase in accommodation searches on Agoda. Boasting a cool climate that pairs perfectly with rain, Bandung is often called the “Paris of Java” for its colonial architecture and fashion. Bandung is also famous for its culinary scene. Savouring Batagor, Seblak, or Cuanki in the cool, misty weather should be at the top of the bucket list while traveling to Bandung. Travellers can also head to the highlands of Lembang or Dago Pakar to find restaurants with stunning valley views blanketed by fog.

3. Yogyakarta (Jogja)- Jogja has a nostalgic atmosphere during the rainy season, where the city feels slower and more poetic. Ranked third in accommodation searches with a 40% increase from previous year, Jogja offers the best attractions, many of which are also indoors or sheltered, such as the Kraton (Sultan’s Palace) and the museums. The coffee culture (Kopi Joss) is also best enjoyed while it’s raining outside. Some unique activities travellers can enjoy including taking a batik-making class or visiting the Ullen Sentalu Museum in Kaliurang, which feels very mysterious and beautiful in the rain.

4. Malang & Batu, East Java- Malang, ranked fourth on the list having a 47% increase in accommodation searches, offers a crisp, cool air that becomes even more refreshing in the rain. Batu, on the other hand, features many indoor “Theme Museums” such as Museum Angkut (Transportation Museum), Brawijaya Museum (military), and Mpu Purwa Museum (Hindu-Buddhist historical artifacts), making it an ideal destination for a rainy day.

5. Bogor, West Java- Known as “The City of Rain” (Kota Hujan), Bogor is perfectly suited for this weather. It ranks fifth on the list, with a 15% increase in accommodation searches. The Bogor Botanical Gardens look incredibly lush and refreshing after a downpour. The city is also famous for its street food like Asinan Bogor and Soto Kuning, which are perfect for rainy days. A must-do is visiting the traditional gong craftsmanship for cultural insight or simply relaxing in a villa in the Puncak area with a hot cup of local tea.

Travelers making their 2026 rainy season traveling plans are encouraged to check out Agoda’s great value deals on over 6 million holiday properties, more than 130,000 flight routes, and over 300,000 activities and experiences that are available on the platform. The latest deals are available in the Agoda app or on agoda.com/deals.

HONG KONG, March 5, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — From February 23 to 27, the Asia-Pacific Association for International Education (APAIE) 2026 Conference and Exhibition was led by The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK) as the lead host with seven other University Grants Committee (UGC)-funded universities serving as co-hosts.  The conference was supported by the HKSAR Government, the UGC and the Hong Kong Tourism Board. Under the theme “Asia-Pacific Partnerships for the Global Good”, the event attracted over 3,500 participants and 600 exhibitors from 72 countries and regions, a record high for the conference.

CUHK previously hosted the APAIE Conference and Exhibition in 2013. As one of the world’s three most significant international education conferences, the 2026 event not only showcased Hong Kong’s dynamism as an international education hub, but also charted a future-oriented blueprint for Asia-Pacific higher education cooperation.

Professor Dennis Lo Yuk-ming, Vice-Chancellor and President of CUHK, emphasized that Hong Kong has become a vital international education hub, capable of comprehensively showcasing its higher education strengths to the outside world, including its facilities, research, talent cultivation, and scientific and technological innovation achievements.

At the start of the conference, the Education Bureau of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government officially launched the “Study in Hong Kong” week, aiming to showcase the city’s unique value as a top-tier study destination to students worldwide.

Hong Kong, an international metropolis with a population of approximately 7.7 million, boasts five universities ranked among the world’s top 100 — a density of world-class higher education institutions rarely seen globally.

Dr. Choi Yuk-lin, Secretary for Education of the HKSAR Government, said that as a “super-connector” in the global education network, Hong Kong is dedicated to fostering a highly internationalized and diverse academic ecosystem. For global students, studying here means not just earning a degree from a top university, but also taking ownership of your future and building the skills that matter.

Backed by the vast Chinese Mainland market and connected to the world, Hong Kong enjoys unique advantages in both basic and higher education, Professor Lo said. He affirmed that, when combined with the HKSAR Government’s proactive talent attraction policies, comprehensive study and employment schemes, social stability and safety, Hong Kong is undoubtedly a top study destination for students globally.

Speaking on Hong Kong, Professor Venky Shankararaman, President of APAIE, said that as Asia’s World City, Hong Kong possesses international connectivity advantages, world-class infrastructure and rich cultural experiences, and is a “melting pot” of Eastern and Western cultures.

“Its open, internationalized environment makes it an ideal gateway connecting China with the world, providing unique fertile ground for cultivating international talent and fostering diverse innovation,” Professor Shankararaman said during the APAIE 2026 Conference and Exhibition.

Experts noted that educational opportunities are not isolated phenomena but are deeply intertwined and mutually reinforcing with macro trends, such as regional economic integration, technological revolutions, demographic shifts, and the evolution of global governance.

Professor Lo said the driving forces of Asian economic growth are undergoing a fundamental shift, with mutual dependence, synergy from intra-regional trade, and investment increasingly becoming key engines, altering the previous singular reliance on exports to Western markets.

Professor Lo emphasized that the new wave of technological revolution, led by artificial intelligence (AI), and the green energy transition, represented by the photovoltaic industry and electric vehicles, are becoming core factors reshaping Asia’s economic resilience and defining future competitiveness.

In this context, emerging markets like Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, and Vietnam are performing remarkably, and their substantial demand for higher education and pursuit of continuous improvement are expected only to increase further, he said.

“By deepening regional education cooperation, expanding teacher and student exchange networks, and jointly building research collaboration platforms, we can effectively promote the cross-border flow and optimal allocation of educational resources, achieving complementary advantages and synergistic development,” said Professor Shankararaman in an interview.

He noted that while educational resources in the Asia-Pacific are unevenly distributed, the region possesses prominent complementary advantages.

“This complementarity of differences will not only enhance the overall quality of education and innovation efficiency in the region, but also provide solid talent and intellectual support for addressing shared global challenges and promoting inclusive growth,” Professor Shankararaman said.

SINGAPORE, March 6, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Körber Supply Chain is pleased to announce a new customer partnership with HH Stainless Pte Ltd, a leading importer, exporter, and stockist of stainless-steel materials in Singapore and Southeast Asia. This project strengthens Körber’s regional presence and reflects its continued commitment to delivering advanced warehouse automation solutions customized to industrial customers. Founded in 1964, HH Stainless supplies stainless-steel pipes, fittings, flanges, bars, and plates, with an inventory exceeding 12,000 tonnes and a range of value-added services.

Körber Supply Chain Announces Customer Partnership with HH Stainless Pte Ltd

Körber’s ASRS solution allows HH Stainless to significantly reduce and save on labour costs by minimizing handling and walking distances, while increasing picking efficiency. Furthermore, the vertical storage design maximises space utilisation through a compact honeycomb structure, reducing space needs and enabling higher storage density in HH Stainless facility.

The project involves the design and implementation of an Automated Storage and Retrieval System (ASRS) for long-length stainless steel pipes at HH Stainless’s facility located in Singapore. Körber’s solution features a stacker crane with a single load handling device, specifically engineered to manage cassettes storing long products and pipe products.

In addition, the integrated warehouse management and Körber’s K.OneX warehouse control software will provide real-time visibility of inventory and system status, optimise storage and retrieval sequences, and enhance inventory accuracy and traceability. Dedicated local after-sales and technical support from Körber’s Singapore-based team will ensure ongoing maintenance and long-term reliability of the system.

“This partnership reflects our strong local presence and ability to deliver tailored automation solutions,” said Louis Kok, Head of Marketing and Sales for Körber’s Business Area Supply Chain in Singapore. “We appreciate the confidence HH Stainless has placed in us and look forward to supporting their operations with a scalable, future-ready solution.”

Mr. Terence Low, General Manager-Purchasing, from HH Stainless commented: “We believe Körber’s automation expertise and strong local support will provide a strong foundation for this partnership as we support our growth and operational goals.”

The Business Area Supply Chain is part of the global technology group Körber. Find out more on www.koerber-supplychain.com.

To learn more about HH Stainless, please visit: https://www.honghock.com.sg/hhstainless/.

For media inquiries, please contact:

Louis Kok
Head of Marketing & Sales 
Koerber Supply Chain SG Pte Ltd 
+65 6841 7073 
info.sc.sgp@koerber-supplychain.com 

BARCELONA, Spain, March 6, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Whale Cloud, a global leader in building intelligent productivity, today announced that it has received the Excellence in Partnership Award from DITO Telecommunity, a leading telecommunications company in the Philippines. The award recognizes Whale Cloud’s long-standing commitment and contributions to supporting DITO’s digital transformation and rapid growth in the Philippine market.

Since the early stages of DITO’s establishment, Whale Cloud has served as a strategic technology partner, providing key digital capabilities including Digital Business Support Systems (BSS), Operations Support Systems (OSS), big data platforms, and AI-enabled solutions. These technologies have helped DITO build a scalable digital foundation, enhance operational efficiency, and continuously improve digital services and customer experience for its growing subscriber base. Notably, the DITO App developed by Whale Cloud has become a major digital touchpoint for subscribers. Its strong digital experience has also received industry recognition, with DITO winning Mobile App of the Year – Philippines at the Asian Telecom Awards.

With more than two decades of experience in the telecommunications industry, Whale Cloud continues to advance innovation through AI-driven telecom solutions. Its AI-enabled BSS/OSS capabilities have been recognized by leading global industry organizations, including the Business Gamechanger Award from TM Forum, the Magic Quadrant for AI in CSP Customer and Business Operations by Gartner, the Asia-Pacific Technology Innovation Leadership Award by Frost & Sullivan, and the AI Gamechanger Performance Award from Fast Mode.

At MWC Barcelona 2026, Whale Cloud also highlighted its enterprise-centric, cloud-native architecture and AI-native digital platforms that help telecom operators enhance delivery efficiency, strengthen business agility, and boost productivity while accelerating their evolution from telcos to techcos.

“Receiving this award from DITO is a strong recognition of the partnership we have built over the years,” said Ben Zhou, CEO of Whale Cloud. “We will continue to work closely with DITO to drive AI-enabled innovation and deliver advanced digital capabilities that support sustainable growth.”

Eric Alberto, CEO of DITO Telecommunity added, “Whale Cloud has been a trusted partner since the early stages of DITO’s development. Their expertise in telecom digital platforms and innovation has played a key role in supporting our rapid growth, and we look forward to further strengthening this collaboration in the future.”