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HLB Priority: Redefining Wealth for a New Era

Hong Leong Bank Reimagines Its Affluent Wealth Management Segment for High Net-Worth Individuals

KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia, Feb. 11, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Hong Leong Bank (“HLB” or the “Bank”) has evolved its affluent wealth management segment into HLB Priority, marking a strategic shift from transactional “Priority Banking” toward a sophisticated, advisory-led model. This transformation merges institutional financial solutions with personalized advisory and exclusive lifestyle privileges, designed to help clients achieve five core outcome-driven goals: Preservation, Income, Growth, Diversification, and Legacy.

Kevin Lam, Group Managing Director & CEO of HLB [center], alongside Ng Yen Chuen, Segment Head of HLB Priority [center left] and Tay Choon Wei, HLB’s Head of Wealth Malaysia [center right], unveiling the new staff uniforms as part of HLB Priority’s renewed brand identity.
Kevin Lam, Group Managing Director & CEO of HLB [center], alongside Ng Yen Chuen, Segment Head of HLB Priority [center left] and Tay Choon Wei, HLB’s Head of Wealth Malaysia [center right], unveiling the new staff uniforms as part of HLB Priority’s renewed brand identity.

As a key engine of the Bank’s 3-5 Year Transformative Plan, this evolution builds upon strategic milestones such as HLB’s alliance with Lombard Odier and its renewed Shariah-compliant proposition under Hong Leong Islamic Bank (“HLISB”).

“As Malaysia enters a significant era of wealth transfer, the next generation of High Net-Worth Individuals (“HNWI”) are increasingly seeking sophisticated, value-added services from wealth managers. In our commitment to transcend the ‘banking’ label, we are deliberately shifting to a dedicated advisory-led model, looking towards the long-term stewardship of our client’s aspirations. With this, we believe wealth management can no longer be viewed as a peripheral service. Our strategy is built on the principle of mutual growth where by delivering high-value advisory, specialized solutions and exclusive privileges, we are simultaneously driving the Bank’s wealth franchise as a primary engine of long-term growth and a vital pillar of our non-interest income,” said Kevin Lam, HLB’s Group Managing Director and CEO.

By managing the complexities of a client’s lifestyle, HLB Priority empowers individuals to focus on their core financial objectives while reclaiming their most precious asset: time.

“The HNWI of today is defined by their ambition and their pace. They are not only architecting expansive portfolios but also ensuring their legacy is built with precision. In this high-velocity environment, our clients are not merely looking for a place to park their capital, they are seeking a partner who gives them back their most precious asset, which is time,” said Jeffrey Yap, HLB’s Managing Director and Regional Head of Wealth Management.

To support this holistic vision, the Bank has introduced the “Health is Wealth” pillar through a partnership with Asia OneHealthcare (“A1Health”), facilitating access to specialized medical care across Malaysia, Indonesia, and Vietnam. Furthermore, HLB Priority offers Regional Mobility and Multi-Currency Solutions to support global lifestyles across Malaysia, Singapore, Vietnam, Cambodia, Hong Kong, and Mainland China.

“By integrating a lifestyle architecture that is as robust and forward-thinking as our financial advice, we provide a level of stewardship service that mirrors the care a physician provides for one’s medical well-being. Whether we are providing access to world-class medical specialists or orchestrating seamless transit across borders, our mission is to provide solutions that are tailored to the wealth goal that you desire, whether that is to preserve and grow wealth, or generate the best outcome from your income. Ultimately, HLB Priority is about providing the sophisticated support and peace of mind necessary for our clients to step away from the logistical burden. This allows them to focus on what truly matters, while we provide the foundation for their wealth to endure and the five core objectives to be realized,” added Yap.

The reimagining of HLB Priority includes a refined brand identity visible across all touchpoints and a comprehensive modernization of Priority Centres nationwide, scheduled for completion through March 2026.

For more information, please visit hlb.com.my/priority-banking.

To know more about the refreshed HLB Priority, please visit
https://www.hlb.com.my/en/priority-banking.html

Food as the Main Travel Agenda: Travellers Plan Trips Around Gastronomic Experiences this Valentine’s Day

  • Food becomes a central purpose for travel, with food-related bookings up by 43% YoY and surge in fine-dining interest 
  • Gastronomic hubs such as Bangkok, Seoul and Tokyo are top flight destinations this Valentine’s Day

SINGAPORE, Feb. 11, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — How far are people willing to travel for food? This Valentine’s Day, travellers are building their itineraries across gastronomic adventures, with gourmet experiences, such as fine-dining, soaring across the world. People are crossing borders just to get a taste of one-of-a-kind culinary experiences like never before.


Travelling for food is a trend that has seen increased momentum. No longer an afterthought, people are gravitating towards curated culinary experiences that serve as a central purpose for travel, with food-related bookings on Trip.com up by 43% YoY.

Additionally, Trip.com Group’s Why Travel report found that in the first half of 2025, Google Trends worldwide searches for “food travel” have grown by 18% year-on-year (YoY), and searches for expert guide-led resources such as “Michelin Guide” have also increased.


Gourmet experiences, especially fine-dining, is seeing a surge in interest. Trip.com’s latest data found that fine-dining searches demonstrated steady double-digit growth month-on-month, outperforming that of general restaurants. This trend is observed in several markets including Hong Kong SAR and Taiwan region, as well as Japan, Singapore, South Korea, Thailand and United Kingdom[1].

Dining searches increasingly reflect experience and scenario-driven intent, such as anniversary dining, atmosphere-focused venues and restaurants with views. This demonstrates the increasing appeal of unique culinary experiences combined with travel, to commemorate special occasions such as anniversaries, celebrations and get-togethers.

Top Valentine’s Day Destinations: Bangkok, Seoul and Tokyo


With long weekend travel on the rise, the upcoming Valentine’s Day presents a perfect opportunity to take a quick three to four days’ getaway with that special someone. Travellers can make a long weekend trip by taking one day annual leave. Combined with the Lunar New Year holiday break this year, this can easily be extended into a week-long trip.

The top destinations that travellers plan to head to this Valentine’s Day weekend include popular gourmet cities such as Bangkok, Seoul, Tokyo, Kuala Lumpur and Singapore. Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City and Phuket are fast-becoming a destinations of choice especially among Chinese mainland travellers, while lesser-known Vietnamese cities such as Da Nang and Phu Quoc Island are increasingly in demand among travellers from South Korea, as well as Hong Kong respectively.

In Europe, gastronomic hubs such as London, Madrid, Paris and Rome are some of the top destination choices this Valentine’s day. Other romantic European destinations that made the top list include Istanbul, Venice and Porto, as well as more unconventional locations such as Algiers, Cairo and Tunis[2].

Popular Restaurants for a Romantic Time

For travellers planning something special this Valentine’s Day, Trip.com Group’s travel rankings provide a helpful starting point for discovering dining experiences to impress your other half.

Using Trip.Best, the Group’s data-backed list of travel rankings around the world, users can source for top recommendations and suggested experiences this Valentine’s Day, from stays to destinations and restaurants.

Trip.Gourmet, a food and travel guide under Trip.com Group, also compiles an annual list of top restaurants across 68 countries and 18,000 dining destinations – perfect for finding romantic restaurants to celebrate Valentine’s Day.


Travellers can search for top fine-dining restaurants using data-backed AI guide, Trip.Best,  and filter them by location, such as Odette (Singapore), Eatanic Garden (Seoul) and Arpège (Paris).

Whether it’s from London to Sydney, or Singapore to New York, travellers are not afraid to go the distance to savour the best of gastronomy. With global rankings such as Trip.Best and Trip.Gourmet, travellers can easily find the best restaurant for their every need – from fine dining to must-visits, wherever they wish to go this Valentine’s Day.

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About Trip.com Group

Trip.com Group is a global travel service provider comprising of Trip.com, Ctrip, Skyscanner, and Qunar. Across its platforms, Trip.com Group helps travellers around the world make informed and cost-effective bookings for travel products and services and enables partners to connect their offerings with users through the aggregation of travel-related content and resources, and an advanced transaction platform consisting of apps, websites and 24/7 customer service centres. Founded in 1999 and listed on NASDAQ in 2003 and HKEX in 2021, Trip.com Group is on the mission “to pursue the perfect trip for a better world”. Find out more about Trip.com Group here: group.trip.com.

Follow us on: X, Facebook, LinkedIn, and YouTube.

[1] Based on Trip.com’s search data from December 2025 to January 2026.

[2] Based on Trip.com Group’s booking data from February 13 to 16, 2026.

 

NATURE’S MIRACLE HOLDING INC. PARTICIPATES IN INDOOR AG-CON 2026

ONTARIO, Calif., Feb. 11, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Nature’s Miracle Holding Inc. (“Nature’s Miracle,” “NMHI,” or the “Company”) (OTCQB: NMHI), a provider of equipment and services for the controlled environment agriculture (“CEA”) industry, today announced its participation in Indoor Ag-Con 2026, taking place February 11–12, 2026, at the Westgate Las Vegas in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Indoor Ag-Con is an industry conference and trade show focused on indoor greenhouse, vertical farming, and controlled environment agriculture. The event convenes indoor growers producing leafy greens, vine crops, mushrooms, and legal cannabis, as well as suppliers, distributors, greenhouse builders, technology providers, and investors. The conference official website is at Indoor Ag-Con: Indoor | Vertical Farming & CEA Trade Show 2026

About Nature’s Miracle Holding Inc.

Nature’s Miracle (www.Nature-Miracle.com) is an agriculture technology company providing equipment and services to the controlled environment agriculture industry, including vertical farming, in North America. Through its wholly owned subsidiaries, Visiontech Group, Inc. and Hydroman, Inc., the Company supplies grow lights and hydroponic products to indoor growers. The Company also evaluates opportunities to participate in commercial-scale greenhouse projects intended to support demand for locally produced food, subject to market conditions and the Company’s available capital resources. Through its wholly owned subsidiaries, Visiontech Group, Inc. and Hydroman, Inc., the Company supplies grow lights and hydroponic products to a broad base of indoor growers. Nature’s Miracle also maintains a pipeline of commercial-scale greenhouse projects intended to address the growing demand for fresh, locally produced food in North America.

Important Information About This Press Release

This press release contains information regarding participating or participation. These terms do not imply major roles in the conference such as holding a booth, speaking as keynote speaker and other conference roles.

Statements attributed to the Company’s management reflect current views and expectations as of the date hereof and should not be interpreted as assurances, guarantees, or projections of future performance, results, or business activities, including any expansion into engineering, procurement, and construction (“EPC”) services.

This press release may include information regarding third parties and potential projects based on information provided by such third parties. The Company has not independently verified such information, and there can be no assurance that discussions will result in a definitive agreement or transaction.

This press release does not purport to contain all information necessary to evaluate the Company or its securities and is not intended to form the basis of any investment decision. Investors are encouraged to review the Company’s filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”), available at www.sec.gov, for additional information, including risk factors.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the federal securities laws. Forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements regarding anticipated benefits, future business prospects, growth strategies, market opportunities, and planned activities. These statements are generally identified by words such as “anticipate,” “believe,” “expect,” “may,” “could,” “will,” “potential,” “intend,” “estimate,” “should,” “plan,” or similar expressions.

Forward-looking statements are based on management’s current expectations and assumptions and are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied. Factors that could cause such differences include, but are not limited to: (i) the Company’s ability to generate revenue and execute its business strategy; (ii) risks related to market conditions and competitive pressures; (iii) changes in applicable laws and regulations; (iv) the Company’s ability to implement planned initiatives; and (v) broader economic and industry conditions.

Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made. The Company undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, except as required by law. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these statements.

Non-Solicitation

This press release does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy any securities, nor shall there be any sale of securities in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation, or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under applicable securities laws. Any offer of securities will be made only by means of a prospectus that meets the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.

 

Bybit Partners with Doppler Finance to provide Institutional-Grade XRP Earn Product for Users

DUBAI, UAE, Feb. 11, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Bybit, the world’s second-largest cryptocurrency exchange by trading volume known for its deep liquidity and user-centric infrastructure, today announced a strategic partnership with Doppler Finance, an XRP-native yield platform that combines institutional-grade security and liquidity. This collaboration will introduce XRP yield products to Bybit Earn, expanding secure and transparent opportunities for one of the market’s most actively traded digital assets.

The partnership solves a long-standing structural challenge: XRP does not support native staking. Doppler Finance delivers an institutional-grade alternative through regulated custody, fully audited reserves, and a real-time verification framework built specifically for non-staking assets like XRP. Its architecture integrates yield vaults, reserve attestations, and risk-managed strategies to provide compliant and transparent yield generation for XRP holders.

“XRP has remained a core asset for our users, and expanding its utility has been an important priority,” said Jerry Li, Head of Earn and Wealth Management at Bybit. “Partnering with Doppler Finance allows us to introduce secure, compliant, and transparent XRP yield products that reinforce our commitment to building the world’s most trusted trading ecosystem.”

Through Doppler’s institutional-grade vault infrastructure, Bybit users will gain access to XRP yield options with improved safety and capital efficiency. The integration supports Bybit’s broader mission to connect high-assurance financial infrastructure with innovative on-chain opportunities—delivering a unified experience tailored to both retail and institutional participants.

“We built Doppler specifically to unlock secure yield for XRP as a non-staking asset,” said Rox, Head of Institutions at Doppler Finance. “Bybit’s global reach and trusted brand allow us to bring these institutional-grade capabilities to a significantly larger audience, backed by transparency and verifiability designed for XRP holders.”

The integration marks an important milestone in Bybit’s long-term vision to expand the utility of digital assets through secure, intelligent, and user-first infrastructure. As tokenization, institutional participation, and yield-driven models continue to reshape market dynamics, Bybit remains committed to offering products that combine transparency, compliance, and innovation. The partnership with Doppler Finance reinforces Bybit’s position at the forefront of next-generation digital asset platforms.

About Bybit

Bybit is the world’s second-largest cryptocurrency exchange by trading volume, serving a global community of over 80 million users. Founded in 2018, Bybit is redefining openness in the decentralized world by creating a simpler, open, and equal ecosystem for everyone. With a strong focus on Web3, Bybit partners strategically with leading blockchain protocols to provide robust infrastructure and drive on-chain innovation. Renowned for its secure custody, diverse marketplaces, intuitive user experience, and advanced blockchain tools, Bybit bridges the gap between TradFi and DeFi, empowering builders, creators, and enthusiasts to unlock the full potential of Web3. Discover the future of decentralized finance at Bybit.com.

For more details about Bybit, please visit Bybit Press
For media inquiries, please contact: media@bybit.com
For updates, please follow: Bybit’s Communities and Social Media

Discord | Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn | Reddit | Telegram | TikTok | X | YouTube

About Doppler Finance

Doppler Finance is leading XRPfi by introducing an institutional-grade yield infrastructure natively built on the XRP Ledger, integrated across major wallets and exchanges. Our stack combines regulated custody, fully audited reserves, and strictly vetted yield strategies designed for safety and scale. We believe XRP should earn yield like any major asset, and we’re making that a reality, with unmatched clarity, control, and credibility.

LinkedIn | X | Discord | Website | Docs

KOALA ECO REFLECTS ON YEAR OF PURPOSE, GROWTH AS IT PLANS FOR CONTINUED SUCCESS IN 2026

SANTA BARBARA, Calif., Feb. 11, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Koala Eco, the mood-boosting wellness brand for cleaning, home and personal care founded by Jessica Bragdon and Paul Davidson, closed out 2025 by redefining home care, proving that products can deliver on performance, sensory experience and purpose.

The Koala Eco range is available at Whole Foods Market and Koalaeco.com.
The Koala Eco range is available at Whole Foods Market and Koalaeco.com.

In 2025, the Koala Eco team successfully ensured more of its beloved Australian botanicals were at home around the world with creative partnerships and retail expansion. At the same time, the brand tallied that it has repackaged six million recycled plastic bottles along with keeping 4.3 million liters of conventional, traditionally harsh cleaning products from entering homes and waterways as of end of the year. Koala Eco’s intentional practices and exceptional products earned the brand a 2025 Leaping Bunny certification.

The brand welcomed Whole Foods Market into its retail portfolio at year’s end, with the renowned grocer debuting 10 products for body and home nationwide in-store and online. Beloved markets including Happier Grocery, Harris Farm and online grocers iHerb and Good Eggs also joined Sprouts, Erewhon, Goop and many other independent retailers in the US and around the world that carry Koala Eco’s safe and efficacious products, taking the brand from seedlings to canopy.

Creative partnerships also grew in scope and scale in 2025, including a limited-edition Laundry Wash collaboration with regenerative fashion brand Christy Dawn. In an unexpected but not surprising moment, the brand was also selected by longtime brand fan Kendall Jenner for her new mountain home and her holiday gift guide, shared with millions of followers on Instagram.

The brand, founded in Australia but made locally using only Australian essential oils – never synthetic fragrance – was also pleased to spotlight their community as part of their “Our Hour in Nature” blog, including former fashion editor Laura Brown, surfer Nikki van Dijk, Marigold founder Gena Winter, chef and food stylist Diana Yen and designer Bianca Spender.

With philanthropy at their core, Koala Eco continued its partnership with 1% for the Planet. It expanded its Oceanic Society’s Critters Scholars commitment and is pleased to confirm that in 2025, 78% of participating kids and teens from underserved communities were in a boat on the ocean for the first time and 100% of kids participating made personal pledges to support conservation in their own communities. A new commitment to become plastic neutral also came to fruition in June with a partnership with rePurpose Global and by year’s end, the brand had diverted over 72,000 pounds of plastic from nature, the equivalent of almost 5.4 million plastic bags.

As 2026 unfolds, Koala Eco’s leadership will continue with clear market demand, standout positioning, and a mission-driven approach: “Purpose is not just a guiding principle—it is the essence of Koala Eco,” said co-founder Jessica Bragdon. “We are dedicated to creating natural, effective, and safe products while fostering a deeper connection between people and nature.”

About Koala Eco:
Koala Eco is a purpose-led brand offering safe, powerful products for a clean home, body and mind. Our formulations blend the potency of plant-derived ingredients with the uplifting benefits of Australian essential oils, creating an aromatherapeutic experience. Founded by Jessica Bragdon and Paul Davidson in 2017 in Sydney, Australia, the brand has now expanded to the USA, where the products are also locally made. At the heart of Koala Eco is the belief that connecting with nature in everyday life can enhance wellbeing, an ethos inspired by the principles of ecopsychology. We are also committed to sustainability, using recycled, recyclable, and refillable bottles, and supporting community initiatives such as 1% for the Planet, rePurpose Global, and The Oceanic Society.

Koala Eco Media Contact:
Kate Walters
kate@katewalterscommunications.com
323-833-0159

Photo – https://laotiantimes.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/the_koala_eco_range_is_available_at_whole_foods_market_and_koalaecocom.jpg
Logo – https://laotiantimes.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/koala_eco_company_usa_logo.jpg

GLOBAL MANUFACTURING DEMAND REBOUNDS IN JANUARY TO ITS STRONGEST SINCE MAY 2022: GEP GLOBAL SUPPLY CHAIN VOLATILITY INDEX

  • Manufacturers in Asia raise purchasing volumes in response to order book pick up – factories in China, Japan, Korea and India bought materials more aggressively in January
  • North America’s supply chains at their busiest since May 2024 as US industrial economy shows resilience 
  • Europe remains the laggard, with firms reluctant to restock, although there are tentative signs of recovering demand 

CLARK, N.J., Feb. 11, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — GEP Global Supply Chain Volatility Index — a leading indicator tracking demand conditions, shortages, transportation costs, inventories and backlogs, based on a monthly survey of 27,000 businesses — showed a marked bounce back in procurement activity in January.

Interpreting the data:Index > 0, supply chain capacity is being stretched. The further above 0, the more stretched supply chains are. Index < 0, supply chain capacity is being underutilized. The further below 0, the more underutilized supply chains are.
Interpreting the data:Index > 0, supply chain capacity is being stretched. The further above 0, the more stretched supply chains are. Index < 0, supply chain capacity is being underutilized. The further below 0, the more underutilized supply chains are.

Procurement activity in many of the globe’s major economies expanded, driving the strongest rise in worldwide demand for commodities, raw materials and components in almost four years.

Industrial firms in major economies such as China, Japan, Korea, India, as well as across ASEAN markets underpinned the expansion, highlighting broad-based strength across the region.

North America, which saw a slowdown through the final quarter of 2025, regained momentum as 2026 kicked off, driven by a pick-up in the US’ manufacturing economy. Factory leaders across the continent also showed a greater appetite for inventory building, suggesting a certain degree of confidence in order pipelines.

Europe’s manufacturing sector was the laggard in January, with firms here still showing nervousness to overstock warehouses. A cooling of the downturn in purchasing activity, however, tentatively points to an improving outlook. 

After several months of treading water, January’s data points to a broad-based recovery across U.S. manufacturing, spanning all sectors,” said John Piatek, Vice President, Consulting, GEP. “Despite tariffs and trade uncertainty, manufacturers are showing real resilience, supported by a declining cost of capital that’s giving procurement teams greater flexibility to adjust sourcing and inventories.”

JANUARY 2026 REGIONAL KEY FINDINGS

  • ASIA: Index rises to 0.12, from -0.20, signalling that the supply chains of Asia’s manufacturers were their busiest since November 2024 in January.
  • NORTH AMERICA: Index rises to 0.06, from -0.37, indicating capacity at North America’s suppliers was the most stretched in just over a year-and-a-half.
  • EUROPE: Index dropped to -0.27, from -0.17, signaling greater spare capacity at Europe’s suppliers than at the end of 2025.
  • U.K.: Index fell to -0.17, from 0.12, pointing to a weakening of the U.K.’s manufacturing sector as its supply chains were underutilized at the start of 2026.

JANUARY 2026 KEY FINDINGS

  • DEMAND: Global demand for commodities, raw materials and intermediate goods rose by its strongest margin in almost four years during January, as manufacturers in major economies stepped up their purchasing activity at the start of 2026. Asia was a key component of this upturn, with buying growth seen in China, Japan, Korea, India, and across ASEAN, although US manufacturers also expanded procurement.
  • INVENTORIES: Globally, reports of manufacturers intentionally stockpiling due to price or supply worries were muted. This suggests that procurement leaders are not overly concerned about product price inflation or supply. Regional differences emerged, however, with inventory building rising in North America, whereas destocking continued in Europe.
  • MATERIAL SHORTAGES: The global items in short supply indicator stayed below its long-run average, as has been the case for nearly two-and-a-half years. This means that global businesses are experiencing shortages less frequently than normal.
  • LABOR SHORTAGES: Labor is not a limiting factor for global production, as global manufacturers’ reports of backlogs increasing due to a lack of staff were below historically typical levels during January.
  • TRANSPORTATION: With global oil prices rising in January, the latest data pointed to an increase in transportation costs at the start of the year.

For more information, visit www.gep.com/volatility.

Note: Full historical data dating back to January 2005 is available for subscription. Please contact economics@spglobal.com.

The next release of the GEP Global Supply Chain Volatility Index will be 8 a.m. ET, Mar. 11, 2026.

About the GEP Global Supply Chain Volatility Index
The GEP Global Supply Chain Volatility Index is produced by S&P Global and GEP. It is derived from S&P Global’s PMI® surveys, sent to companies in over 40 countries, totaling around 27,000 companies. The headline figure is a weighted sum of six sub-indices derived from PMI data, PMI Comments Trackers and PMI Commodity Price & Supply Indicators compiled by S&P Global.

  • A value above 0 indicates that supply chain capacity is being stretched and supply chain volatility is increasing. The further above 0, the greater the extent to which capacity is being stretched.
  • A value below 0 indicates that supply chain capacity is being underutilized, reducing supply chain volatility. The further below 0, the greater the extent to which capacity is being underutilized.

A Supply Chain Volatility Index is also published at a regional level for Europe, Asia, North America and the U.K. For more information about the methodology, click here.

About GEP
GEP® delivers AI-powered procurement and supply chain solutions that help global enterprises become more agile and resilient, operate more efficiently and effectively, gain competitive advantage, boost profitability and increase shareholder value. Fresh thinking, innovative products, unrivaled domain expertise, smart, passionate people — this is how GEP SOFTWARE™, GEP STRATEGY™ and GEP MANAGED SERVICES™ together deliver procurement and supply chain solutions of unprecedented scale, power and effectiveness. Our customers are the world’s best companies, including more than 1,000 Fortune 500 and Global 2000 industry leaders who rely on GEP to meet ambitious strategic, financial and operational goals. A leader in multiple Gartner Magic Quadrants, GEP’s cloud-native software and digital business platforms consistently win awards and recognition from industry analysts, research firms and media outlets, including Gartner, Forrester, IDC, ISG, and Spend Matters. GEP is also regularly ranked a top procurement and supply chain consulting and strategy firm, and a leading managed services provider by ALM, Everest Group, NelsonHall, IDC, ISG and HFS, among others. Headquartered in Clark, New Jersey, GEP has offices and operations centers across Europe, Asia, Africa and the Americas. To learn more, visit www.gep.com.

Media Contacts
Derek Creevey
Director, Public Relations
GEP
Phone: +1 646-276-4579
Email: derek.creevey@gep.com

Interpreting the data: Index > 0, supply chain capacity is being stretched. The further above 0, the more stretched supply chains are. Index < 0, supply chain capacity is being underutilized. The further below 0, the more underutilized supply chains are.
Interpreting the data: Index > 0, supply chain capacity is being stretched. The further above 0, the more stretched supply chains are. Index < 0, supply chain capacity is being underutilized. The further below 0, the more underutilized supply chains are.

 

GEP Global Supply Chain Volatility Index Jan 2026
GEP Global Supply Chain Volatility Index Jan 2026

 

 

China Airlines and Plusgrade Launch Loyalty Currency Retailing Capabilities for Dynasty Flyer Members

  • China Airlines introduces Buy, Gift, and Reinstate Miles – expanding loyalty flexibility and member value
  • Dynasty Flyer Program members gain access to industry-leading features expected by frequent flyers worldwide
  • Plusgrade strengthens presence in Asia-Pacific with launch of comprehensive loyalty currency solutions

MONTREAL, Feb. 11, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Plusgrade, a global leader in ancillary revenue solutions, today announced the launch of new loyalty products for Dynasty Flyer, the frequent flyer program of China Airlines, a Taiwan based carrier. This partnership, powered by Points, Plusgrade’s loyalty business unit, enables members to Buy, Gift, and Reinstate miles – marking the first time these features are available within the Dynasty Flyer program.

These new capabilities will give China Airlines’ customers more flexibility and control over their travel rewards, helping them get even more value from the Dynasty Flyer program. The launch reflects China Airlines’ commitment to enhancing the member experience and exploring new opportunities for growth through seamless, digital engagement.

“This launch with China Airlines marks a big moment for our continued expansion in the Asia-Pacific region,” said Ken Harris, Founder and CEO of Plusgrade. “Members in this region are some of the most engaged in the world when it comes to loyalty, and this partnership delivers exactly what they want—more flexibility, more utility, and more ways to get value from their rewards.”

The new offerings now available to China Airlines members include:

  • Buy Miles: Members can purchase miles directly to reach their reward goals faster.
  • Gift Miles: Enables members to gift miles to friends and family.
  • Reinstate Miles: Offers members the ability to reactivate expired miles.

This product suite represents a significant expansion of loyalty capabilities in the region and reflects growing demand from travelers for more flexible, personalized reward options. The Asia-Pacific region continues to represent a major growth opportunity for loyalty programs, with travelers increasingly seeking personalized and flexible ways to engage with their rewards.

This launch marks the official debut of the partnership between Plusgrade and China Airlines and represents a major milestone in the evolution of the Dynasty Flyer program. It also underscores Plusgrade’s continued momentum in the Asia-Pacific loyalty space, following recent rollouts with other notable carriers in the region.

About Plusgrade

Plusgrade powers the global travel industry with its portfolio of leading ancillary revenue solutions. Over 275 of the world’s premier travel brands—spanning airline, hospitality, cruise, passenger rail and financial services—and more than 2,500 hotel and resort properties trust Plusgrade to create new, meaningful revenue streams through incredible customer experiences. As the ancillary revenue powerhouse, Plusgrade has generated billions of dollars in new revenue opportunities across its platform for its partners, while creating enhanced travel experiences for millions of their passengers and guests. Plusgrade was founded in 2009 with headquarters in Montreal and has offices around the world. For more information, visit plusgrade.com.

For media inquiries, please contact: Carrie Moench, Director, Brand & Communications, Plusgrade, pr@plusgrade.com

A Production-Focused Image-to-3D AI Platform for 3D Printing

SINGAPORE, Feb. 11, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — In 2026, image-to-3D AI is increasingly assessed through a practical lens: not how convincingly a model looks on screen, but how reliably it performs in 3D printing workflows. As additive manufacturing moves deeper into customized production and short-run manufacturing, the ability to translate photos into printable geometry has become a defining requirement for AI-driven modeling tools.

Within this context, Hitem3D has drawn attention to its focus on production-oriented image-to-3D generation. Rather than positioning itself as a general-purpose creative platform, Hitem3D aligns its capabilities with the structural demands of fabrication, where mesh consistency, resolution, and downstream behavior are critical.

A recurring challenge in photo-based 3D printing lies in geometry reliability. Models that appear visually complete may still fail during slicing due to surface discontinuities, ambiguous internal structures, or fragile topology. These issues introduce manual repair steps that erode the efficiency gains promised by AI automation. As a result, users increasingly associate the value of image-to-3D tools with their ability to reduce—not relocate—this burden.


Recent advances in this category reflect a growing emphasis on print‑aware reconstruction, with higher mesh density and improved inference of occluded or incomplete regions. While perfect watertightness remains difficult to guarantee from limited visual input, the 2026 goal has shifted toward generating models that behave predictably during scaling, support generation, and material preparation.

Benchmarks were established in internal validation tests across common FDM setups to quantify 3D printing performance, using Hitem3D models tested on Bambu Lab X1C and Prusa SL1S. In tested miniature-scale outputs, wall thickness after scaling met common FDM printing requirements and could be adjusted to suit typical resin printing workflows.

Hitem3D models are compatible with standard auto-support generation in common slicers such as PrusaSlicer, Cura, and Bambu Studio. Optimized for slicer stability and speed, the models feature file sizes ranging from 15–40 MB. This shift toward print-aware reconstruction directly improves real-world usability for additive manufacturing.

Hitem3D’s evolution illustrates this shift. By strengthening high-resolution geometry generation and prioritizing structural coherence over purely aesthetic output, the platform positions AI-generated models as viable starting assets for physical production rather than experimental prototypes. This approach aligns with how professional users evaluate tools in practice—by how confidently a model can be prepared for printing without extensive correction.

As AI continues to integrate into fabrication pipelines, image-to-3D platforms optimized for 3D printing are becoming less about novelty and more about reliability. The tools gaining traction in 2026 are those that successfully bridge the gap between photographic input and manufacturable form, helping users move from image to object with greater confidence and fewer interruptions.

Ready to Test Print-Ready AI Generation?
Hitem3D offers free 100 credits on signup, no credit card required. Professional users can access 1000 credits and standard queue priority at initial $9.9/month.
→ Start your free trial: hitem3d.ai
→ View sample outputs and print success rates: hitem3d.ai/3dprinting/use-case

About Hitem3D
Hitem3D, pioneered by MathMagic (founded 2024), has empowered over a million users across 150 countries since its launch. These solutions are now deeply integrated into the production pipelines of multiple Fortune 500 companies, establishing spatial AI as a new industrial standard. The platform specializes in converting single or multi-view images into production-ready 3D models, with particular strength in 3D printing, industrial design, and game asset creation. Notable users include industry leaders such as Bambu Lab and xTool. Hitem3D secured the #1 spot on the Hugging Face Space Trending list within a week of its model upload and maintained a top 3 position across all model categories for three consecutive weeks.