MUMBAI, India, Feb. 13, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — NPCI International Payments Limited (NIPL), the international arm of the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI), has signed an agreement with Payments Network Malaysia Sdn Bhd (PayNet) — Malaysia’s national payments network, to enable QR-based merchant payments between India and Malaysia.

The rollout of this initiative will happen in a phase-wise manner. In the first phase, Indian travellers visiting Malaysia will be able to use their UPI apps to make seamless cross border merchant payments at DuitNow QR acceptance touchpoints. DuitNow QR is Malaysia’s national QR standard, operated by PayNet. In the subsequent phase, Malaysians visiting India will be able to scan UPI QR codes to make merchant payments using their DuitNow apps.

With this integration, Indian tourists will gain access to millions of DuitNow QR merchant touchpoints in Malaysia, across restaurants, retail stores, tourist attractions, and other establishments. Similarly, Malaysian visitors to India will benefit from acceptance at millions of UPI QR–enabled merchant locations across the country.

Ritesh Shukla, MD & CEO, NPCI International, said, “Under the guidance of Government of India and Reserve Bank of India, we aim to expand the global footprint of UPI building interoperable, real-time payment ecosystems with leading payment networks worldwide. Our partnership with PayNet marks an important step in enabling seamless QR-based merchant payments between India and Malaysia, offering travellers a familiar, secure, and convenient payment experience. This collaboration reinforces our commitment to simplifying cross-border payments while strengthening digital and economic connectivity between the two countries.”

Praveen Rajan, CEO of PayNet, said, “This agreement reflects how the national payments infrastructure can support everyday cross-border payments at scale. Once enabled, the linkage between Malaysia’s DuitNow QR and India’s UPI will strengthen payment connectivity for travellers, merchants, banks and the wider financial services ecosystem. In the context of Visit Malaysia 2026 and growing two-way travel, this collaboration contributes to broader trade and economic activity between Malaysia and India.”

The collaboration between NPCI International and PayNet Malaysia strengthens cross-border payment connectivity between India and Malaysia by enabling interoperable QR payment infrastructure that supports secure, efficient and seamless merchant payments for travellers in both countries.

For more information, visit https://www.nipl.com/.

BEIJING, Feb. 13, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — As the old year draws to a close and the countdown to the New Year begins, CCTV-4’s special program “Legendary Chinese Festival: Spring Festival” presents its exclusive “Direct to the Spring Festival Gala” series. Through multi-dimensional perspectives and in-depth interviews, the program brings global Chinese audiences closer to the craftsmanship and warmth that define this cultural feast. Join our hosts as they visit the backstage of the Gala to chat with performers about their aspirations for the Year of the Horse. Enjoy spirited interactions and New Year wishes from guests including Patty Hou (Hou Peicen), Steve Chou (Zhou Chuanxiong), Jordan Chan (Chen Xiaochun), Liu Tao, Wang Yang, and Bai Lu, and immerse yourself in the vibrant festive atmosphere.

As fireworks light up the sky and the holiday spirit peaks, tune in to “Legendary Chinese Festival: Spring Festival 2026” to discover the essence of this “cultural banquet” cherished by Chinese communities worldwide. Let us head together toward a new spring where everything is renewed!

“Legendary Chinese Festival: Spring Festival 2026” Gives Your Joy an Extra Boost

BEIJING, Feb. 13, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — The tradition of the New Year’s Eve vigil endures, yet each year brings a fresh spark. On February 16 (Chinese New Year’s Eve) from 16:00 to 20:00, CCTV-4’s special program “Legendary Chinese Festival: Spring Festival 2026” returns as promised, launching a global celebration themed “Surge Across the Four Seas, Reunion Across the Five Continents!”

Direct to the Gala, the Grand Chapter Begins. Join us as we visit the backstage of the CMG Spring Festival Gala and explore the four satellite venues. Connecting eyes from around the world, we make “The World Watching the Spring Festival Gala” a magnificent spectacle of global cultural fusion.

Global Greetings, Spring for All. From a Spring Festival dance drama by the Aegean Sea in Athens to a festive temple fair in Cape Town, South Africa; from the vibrant “Chinese Red” in Mauritius to the nostalgic flavors of home in Zambia, the program takes you across the globe to celebrate the Chinese New Year together!

Journey Through China, Discover Local Customs. CMG presenters and cultural scholars will serve as “Experience Officers,” guiding you to admire the landscapes and savor the festive flavors. Here, you will find the shared laughter of global Chinese communities, the unchanging accents of compatriots from both sides of the Taiwan Strait, and the warmest devotion of the Chinese people to their most cherished festival.

Hong Kong Project Marks Strategic Step in Company’s Expansion and Contributes to Greater Bay Area’s Green Transition

HONG KONG, Feb. 13, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — SKYWORTH Photovoltaic Technology Co., Ltd. (“SKYWORTH PV”) has successfully completed and handed over a 227kW rooftop distributed photovoltaic (PV) project at the Len Shing Industrial Building in Hong Kong. Today, the project has been successfully connected to the grid and entered operation. As SKYWORTH PV’s first distributed PV installation in the Hong Kong market, the project represents a key milestone in the company’s expansion of its Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC) footprint and supports the clean energy transition of the Greater Bay Area.

The project, with a total capacity of 227kW, is expected to generate approximately 300,000 kWh of clean electricity in its first year of operation. All generated power will be fed directly into the local grid under a full feed-in model. Utilizing 386 units of SKYWORTH High-Efficiency Series 590W modules with a conversion efficiency of up to 23.03%, the system is backed by a 15-year product warranty and a 30-year linear power output guarantee. Under the Hong Kong government’s Feed-in Tariff (FIT) scheme, the PV station is expected to generate an estimated HKD 800,000 in annual revenue from electricity generation.

Strategic Collaboration Drives Project Success

The project was realized through close collaboration with the project owner, Len Shing Group Limited, and with advisory support from The Asia Pacific Institute of Sustainability Governance (APESG). The Hong Kong Productivity Council (HKPC), a pioneer in Industry 4.0, also provided support, with its technical resources and forward-looking insights contributing to the project’s high-standard implementation.

Executed under a full-scope EPC contract, SKYWORTH PV served as the single-point turnkey solution provider, overseeing the entire project life cycle—from initial system design and equipment procurement to construction, grid-connection and commissioning. This integrated approach ensured technical consistency, effective cost control and timely delivery, handling all complexities to deliver a fully operational power plant to the client. 

Mr. Wang Xiaodong, General Manager of the Smart City Division, Hong Kong Productivity Council, commented:
“Through this rooftop PV project implemented in partnership with SKYWORTH PV, our customer is able to leverage intelligent real‑time monitoring to gain full visibility over on‑site renewable energy production. This not only enhances energy management transparency, but also significantly reduces manual inspection costs and improves O&M efficiency. This innovative case provides a practical pathway for relevant buildings and facilities to transition towards low-carbon and intelligent operations.”

EPC Excellence: Powering a Sustainable Future

The Len Shing Industrial Building project stands as a benchmark for commercial and industrial rooftop solar in Hong Kong, demonstrating the practical viability and economic benefits of distributed generation. It highlights how strategic EPC partnerships can accelerate renewable energy adoption and support Hong Kong and the wider Greater Bay Area on their path toward a sustainable, low‑carbon future. 

Building on this milestone, SKYWORTH PV will continue to deepen its presence in the Hong Kong market and beyond, leveraging its integrated “Product Sales + EPC Service + O&M Support” model to deliver full‑chain, professional solutions. With operations now spanning 35 countries and regions, and its technical solutions certified by authoritative bodies such as TÜV NORD, SKYWORTH PV is well positioned to help more clients overcome market barriers, enhance energy resilience, and achieve their long‑term sustainable development goals.

BEIJING, Feb. 13, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — On February 5, 2026, AW Education International announced a partnership in Beijing with Dr. Ahmed, former Cultural and Education Attaché of Saudi Arabia to China, and Abdallah, Executive Director and President of a leading Saudi education institution. The parties formalized a long-term collaboration and confirmed plans to establish AW Education Saudi Arabia.

The partnership marks a significant step in AW Education International’s global expansion, reflecting a shift from overseas outreach to localized, two-way educational engagement. Saudi Arabia will serve as the company’s regional hub for the Middle East and Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, positioning AW Education to better serve high-net-worth families across the region.

Building a Regional Education Hub in Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia represents a cornerstone of AW Education International’s plan to open ten international branches over the next decade. The Saudi partner expressed strong support for AW Education’s high-net-worth client-focused service model and indicated plans to replicate elements of this approach across Gulf countries.

Unlike previous expansion efforts, the Saudi office will focus on in-depth localization—developing tailored education solutions that address the specific needs of Saudi families.

With more than two decades of experience in global education consulting, AW Education will combine its international university networks with local market insight. The Saudi branch will support local students seeking higher education in the United States, the United Kingdom, and Canada, while also facilitating academic exchange with China. By encouraging Saudi students to explore Chinese universities—and supporting Chinese institutions in expanding partnerships in the Gulf—AW Education seeks to foster more balanced, reciprocal academic mobility.

Strengthening Services for Students Studying in China

A major focus of the partnership is the development of a comprehensive student support framework for Saudi students pursuing studies in China. AW Education will assemble a dedicated local team to provide end-to-end support, including language preparation, university and major selection, admissions guidance, and in-country transition services.

For students targeting Western institutions, AW will offer integrated solutions that combine academic preparation, application strategy, and overseas support services to ensure a seamless international experience.

Connecting Education and Economic Development

Beyond student placement, AW Education Saudi Arabia will collaborate with government agencies, universities, and private-sector partners to align education initiatives with broader economic priorities. The company plans to facilitate partnerships between leading Chinese universities and higher education institutions across Saudi Arabia and the GCC, including the UAE, Qatar, and Oman.

In addition, AW Education will explore financial service partnerships to make international study more accessible, including tuition installment solutions. The company also intends to develop study-to-career pathways by connecting graduates with Chinese companies operating in the Middle East, supporting talent mobility and regional workforce development.

Looking ahead, AW Education will use Saudi Arabia as a starting point for deeper engagement in the Middle East, further strengthen university partnerships and build a customized international education platform that combines global perspective with local insight. Through these efforts, the company will support sustained educational exchange between China, Saudi Arabia, and the broader international community.

For more information about AW education, please visit Meishi Education_Professional High-End Study Agency

SINGAPORE, Feb. 13, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Digital travel platform Agoda reports a 25% increase in travel interest among Asian couples for Valentine’s weekend, according to accommodation searches made on Agoda for check-ins between 13-15 February 2026. Bangkok, Tokyo, and Kuala Lumpur have captured the hearts of many, emerging as the most sought-after destinations for a romantic escape.

Beyond Bangkok, Tokyo and Kuala Lumpur, destinations like Pattaya, Seoul, Bandung, Manila, Jakarta, Yogyakarta, and Bali make up the top 10 most-searched Valentine’s weekend getaways, beckoning couples with promises of both urban adventures and sun-kissed beach retreats.

Whether it’s a serene sunset cruise along the Chao Phraya River in Bangkok, a cozy hot spring experience on the outskirts of Tokyo, or a candlelit dinner with a view of the Petronas Towers in Kuala Lumpur, each destination offers unique experiences to celebrate love. Couples can indulge in a romantic stroll through Seoul’s charming Bukchon Hanok Village, explore the vibrant art scene in Yogyakarta, or unwind on the sunny beaches of Bali. For those seeking a blend of culture and relaxation, Bandung’s lush tea plantations and Manila’s historic Intramuros provide the perfect backdrop for love to blossom.

Leading the charge in celebrating love through travel are couples from Thailand, Indonesia, and South Korea. Indonesians, in particular, have shown an 86% increase in travel interest compared to last year.

Krishna Rathi, Associate Vice President at Agoda, shared, “With Valentine’s Day fortuitously falling on a weekend once again this year, it’s the perfect opportunity for a romantic getaway or a cozy staycation. Agoda’s insights reveal a growing passion among Asian couples for both local and international escapes. We’re thrilled to help them create cherished memories, whether basking on a beach or exploring the vibrant streets of Asia’s most romantic cities.”

For those planning a romantic getaway, Agoda offers over 6 million holiday properties, more than 130,000 flight routes, and over 300,000 activities, all of which can be combined in the same booking. Discover the best deals on Agoda’s mobile app and start planning your next adventure today.