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Cosmofluencer and World Space Academy Team Up for Global Exposure in Space Education

MELBOURNE, Australia, July 29, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Australia-based Centelon Group’s astronomy outreach arm – Cosmofluencer, has recently teamed up with the World Space Academy (WSA) with the common goal of strengthening space education among the next generation.

The idea is to blend Cosmofluencer’s hands-on science-communication and student-engagement experience with World Space Academy’s international education frameworks to make astronomy accessible to all.

The partnership is dedicated to inspiring students, promoting innovation, and fostering international collaboration. This will be achieved through interactive summer workshops, project-based learning modules, and science-communication training that exposes students to real-world space topics and career pathways.

“Through this collaboration, we aim to make astronomy more accessible, inspiring, and future-ready for students by combining hands-on outreach with international learning frameworks,” said Navdeep Singh, Founder – World Space Academy.

The 14 Days ISEI Summer Workshop

The first offering from the partnership is a Summer Workshop from the International Space Education Institute (ISEI), a leading organization in Leipzig, Germany. Founded in 2005, ISEI was set up to inspire young adults to take up careers in Space.

The ISEI, through WSA, annually offers the Summer Workshop, as a 14-day immersive session on-campus, that blends theoretical knowledge with industrial exposure. With a focus on rover design and fabrication, this one-of-a-kind workshop seeks to introduce students to space technology and innovation through hands-on learning.

“At ISEI, we believe the future of space exploration begins with young minds who are given the chance to build, experiment, and dream boldly,” said Ralf Heckel, Founder of ISEI. “Through this program, we want students to experience the excitement of rover design while discovering how innovation, teamwork, and curiosity can shape the space technologies of tomorrow.”

The program is open to schools that value future-ready learning for their students. Based on the pre-determined eligibility criteria, a batch of 15 students will be selected to participate in the program to be conducted in Leipzig, Germany.

Besides the daily fabrication workshops and team assignments, the program also seeks to offer students a glimpse into German culture through city experiences.

Why This Program Matters

The global space sector is entering a period of remarkable growth, driven by increasing government investment and rising private-sector participation. As the industry expands, it is creating new opportunities across engineering, robotics, manufacturing, data systems, and future-focused innovation.

Yet space remains underrepresented in school curricula, leaving a gap between classroom learning and real-world industry exposure. Workshops like this help bridge that gap by making space education more accessible, practical, and inspiring for the next generation.

“Such programs are essential if we want young learners to be truly prepared for the careers of tomorrow,” says Cosmofluencer founder Paul Savio. “They give students early exposure to space science, hands-on learning, and the confidence to explore a future in this fast-growing field.”

For schools and parents, the value is clear: this is not just an educational experience, but a meaningful step toward preparing children for the emerging opportunities in the space economy.

Discover more on the program and how to take part – https://cosmofluencer.space/wsa-international-summer-workshop-program/

About Cosmofluencer

Cosmofluencer (https://cosmofluencer.space/) is a vibrant network of space enthusiasts brought together by a shared passion for exploring the cosmos and uncovering its mysteries. Our mission is simple: to demystify space science and build an inclusive community of astrophiles, making space knowledge accessible to all.

About World Space Academy

The World Space Academy (https://worldspaceacademy.com/) was constituted to enhance the standards and opportunities in the field of Space Exploration and Research. The company is committed to providing a common platform for exchange of ideas for collaborative research that expands learning to the roots of society.

Media Contact

Cosmofluencer Team
helpdesk@cosmofluencer.com

 

Xinhua Silk Road: 2026 Li-Ning Cup National Badminton Team Championship held in Shenyang, NE China

BEIJING, July 29, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Recently, the 2026 Li-Ning Cup National Badminton Team Championship was held in Shenyang, capital of northeast China’s Liaoning Province for the third consecutive year.

 

2026 Li-Ning Cup National Badminton Team Championship held in Shenyang, NE China

21 elite provincial teams and nearly 300 professional athletes gathered at the Liaoning Gymnasium to compete for team glory.

By creating a unique experience featuring “Traveling with Sports Events”, Shenyang took badminton as the medium and promoted the integrated development of culture, tourism, sports and commerce.

Original link: https://en.imsilkroad.com/p/351513.html

LONGi BC Technology Powers Two World-Leading Solar Racing Teams at the 2026 Elektrek American Solar Challenge

XI’AN, China, July 29, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — LONGi is strengthening its commitment to innovation in solar mobility by supporting two of the world’s leading solar racing teams at the 2026 Elektrek American Solar Challenge (ASC), one of North America’s premier solar-powered endurance competitions. This year’s ASC takes competitors from Minnesota to Texas, with much of the route following the historic Route 66 corridor.

Taking place from July 25 to August 1, the ASC challenges teams to cover the greatest cumulative distance over eight days, rather than compete for outright speed. As they traverse diverse climate zones and complex terrain, teams must continuously optimize energy management and strategic decision-making throughout the endurance challenge.

For LONGi, the competition serves as more than a race — it is a real-world platform for validating and advancing next-generation photovoltaic technologies.


Expanding Partnerships with Two of the World’s Leading Solar Racing Teams

Following its collaboration with Belgium’s Innoptus Solar Team at the 2025 Bridgestone World Solar Challenge (BWSC), LONGi has further strengthened its technical collaboration within the global solar racing community.

For the 2026 season, LONGi is partnering with both Belgium’s Innoptus Solar Team and the Netherlands’ Delft Solar Team. Both teams ranked among the top three at the 2025 BWSC and represent the only two European teams competing in this year’s Elektrek American Solar Challenge.

The expanded collaboration reflects LONGi’s continued commitment to working alongside global innovators to explore the potential of photovoltaic technology through real-world engineering challenges.

High-Efficiency BC Technology at the Core

Solar racing represents one of the most challenging applications for photovoltaic technology. With extremely limited surface area available on the vehicle, every solar cell must achieve maximum conversion efficiency while maintaining reliability under dynamic operating conditions, curved vehicle surfaces, temperature variations, and long-distance endurance challenges.

To meet these requirements, LONGi provides tailored BC (Back Contact) technology solutions for both teams.

Innoptus Solar Team is equipped with LONGi’s customized high-efficiency BC flexible modules, specifically designed for the curved surfaces and lightweight architecture of solar race cars. Meanwhile, Delft Solar Team integrates LONGi’s high-efficiency BC solar cell strings into its vehicle’s energy system.

As the vehicle’s sole direct energy source, the photovoltaic system determines how effectively sunlight can be converted into usable power. High conversion efficiency, lightweight design, and operational reliability provide the foundation for innovations in aerodynamics, energy management, and vehicle control.

Technology, Strategy and Teamwork: Making Peak Performance Possible

Achieving peak performance in the Elektrek American Solar Challenge requires more than advanced photovoltaic technology alone. As the foundation of every solar race car, high-efficiency PV technology determines how much energy the vehicle can capture from sunlight and directly influences the power available throughout the journey.

Beyond the photovoltaic system, teams must continuously balance energy management, route strategy, and driving decisions based on changing sunlight conditions, weather patterns, and terrain. Every choice plays a role in maximizing the vehicle’s potential and extending its range throughout the eight-day challenge.

Peak performance is also made possible through close collaboration between drivers, engineers, and technology partners. By combining technical expertise, strategic thinking, and teamwork, these collaborations transform innovative concepts into real-world performance.

Through its partnerships with leading solar racing teams, LONGi continues to explore the possibilities of high-efficiency photovoltaic technology in demanding environments, gaining valuable insights that help advance future solar applications.

Driving Innovation Beyond the Race

LONGi’s partnerships with leading solar racing teams are built on technical collaboration and co-creation rather than sponsorship alone.

The company views solar motorsport as an innovation platform where advanced photovoltaic technologies can be validated, refined, and further developed under real operating conditions.  technology innovation, combining expertise across industries to accelerate breakthroughs in photovoltaic performance.

The value of these partnerships extends beyond the race itself. By working together with engineers, researchers, and innovators around the world, LONGi aims not only to provide advanced solar technologies, but also to foster an open innovation ecosystem where collective insights and collaboration help expand the boundaries of what solar energy can achieve.

As the global energy system evolves toward a more sustainable and integrated future, LONGi remains committed to advancing photovoltaic innovation, strengthening collaboration across the energy ecosystem, and unlocking new possibilities for a cleaner energy transition.

Starbucks Laos Opens Three New Stores in Vientiane

one of Starbucks Laos opens three new stores at key locations across Vientiane Capital
A picture of one of the three new Starbucks Store opened at Centerpoint (Sihom) in July 2026. (Photo by Starbuck)

Starbucks Laos has opened three new stores in Vientiane Capital in July, expanding its network to nine locations in the capital and bringing its coffee and food offerings to more customers across the city.

The three new locations are Starbucks Lao–Thai Friendship Bridge 1, Starbucks Center Point, and Starbucks Laos–China Railway in Vientiane Capital.

The latest openings mark another step in Starbucks Laos’ expansion as the company responds to growing demand from customers and continues to develop its store network in the country.

This reflects Starbucks Laos’ ongoing commitment to creating the “Third Place” between home and work, providing spaces where customers can meet, relax, and enjoy beverages, food, and other products.

With the latest expansion, Starbucks Laos will continue developing its products, services, and store network as it aims to provide customers with more convenient access to its locations across Laos.

Trail of The Kings 2026 Attracts 1,015 Runners from 34 Countries, Showcasing Indonesia’s World-Class Sport Tourism

MEDAN, Indonesia, July 29, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Indonesia’s premier trail running event, Trail of The Kings by UTMB® 2026 on June 12-14, 2026, welcomed 1,015 runners from 34 countries to the spectacular landscapes of Lake Toba and Samosir Island, further cementing the destination’s reputation as one of Asia’s most exciting outdoor adventure hubs. The event marked a significant milestone, with the number of participating countries increasing by 26% from 2025.

Trail of The Kings 2026 Attracts 1,015 Runners from 34 Countries, Showcasing Indonesia's World-Class Sport Tourism
Trail of The Kings 2026 Attracts 1,015 Runners from 34 Countries, Showcasing Indonesia’s World-Class Sport Tourism

As part of the prestigious UTMB® World Series, Trail of The Kings featured six race categories (100K, 60K, 28K, 10K, 5K, and Kids Race), drawing elite athletes and trail running enthusiasts from over 30 countries across Asia, Europe, Africa, and the Americas, including France, Japan, Indonesia, South Africa, Canada, and Australia. Beyond the competition, participants experienced the dramatic volcanic landscapes of the UNESCO Global Geopark, authentic Batak culture, and the warm hospitality of local communities.

The event delivered strong economic benefits, with visitors staying an average of 3.14 days and spending Rp1.58 million per trip, primarily on accommodation and dining. It generated an estimated Rp52.15 billion in national economic output, supported over 3,100 jobs, highlighting its role in driving tourism-led economic growth across Indonesia.

“Trail of The Kings proves that world-class sporting events are powerful platforms to introduce Indonesia’s extraordinary natural beauty and cultural heritage to a global audience,” said Hafiz Agung Rifai, Assistant Deputy Minister of International Events, Ministry of Tourism of the Republic of Indonesia. “Events like this not only attract international visitors but also create lasting economic opportunities for local communities while strengthening Indonesia’s position as a leading sport tourism destination.”

With its combination of challenging trails, breathtaking scenery, and rich cultural experiences, Trail of The Kings has quickly become one of Southeast Asia’s signature trail races.

The Ministry of Tourism invites runners from around the world to experience the next edition of Trail of The Kings and embark an extraordinary journey through the world’s largest volcanic caldera. Whether chasing a UTMB® qualification, a personal best, or an unforgettable adventure, runners are encouraged to secure their spot early for the 2027 edition, as demand continues to grow.

Contact person:

Hafiz Agung Rifai

hafiz.ar@indonesia.travel

Photo source: TOTK REQUEST

Laos Inflation Edges Up in July, Electricity Prices Surge 91.5% Year-on-Year

A picture of Laos's Kip currency used for illustration purpose only.

Electricity prices jumped 91.5 percent in July compared to the same month last year, becoming one of the main factors behind a slight increase in Laos’ inflation rate, which rose to 7.6 percent from 7.4 percent in June.

According to the latest figures from the Lao Statistics Bureau, the sharp rise in electricity costs pushed the housing, water supply, electricity and cooking fuel category up 25.7 percent compared to July 2025.

Electricity prices also increased 27.6 percent compared to the previous month, contributing to a 0.7 percent rise in overall consumer prices in July.

The increase comes after months of gradual improvement in inflation. The rate dropped from 10.2 percent in April to 9 percent in May and 7.4 percent in June, as fuel prices eased and exchange rate pressures became more stable.

But while inflation has slowed, some of the costs people deal with every day are still climbing.

Transport has become another pressure point. Bus fares were 41.5 percent higher than a year earlier and increased slightly compared to June. Fuel prices, although lower than the previous month, remained 30 percent higher than July 2025.

Food prices also continued to rise. The price of glutinous rice, a staple food for many Lao households, increased by 3 percent compared to both July last year and June this year. Agricultural products also saw price adjustments linked to seasonal production changes.

Other essential expenses recorded further increases, including healthcare and medicine, which rose 12.7 percent year-on-year, education costs, which increased 12.3 percent, and restaurants and hotel prices, which rose 9.4 percent.

A Mixed Picture in July

Compared to June, prices increased by 0.7 percent overall, although not every category moved upward.

Housing-related costs recorded the biggest monthly increase, rising 6.1 percent, mainly due to higher electricity prices. Construction-related expenses, including stone, sand and wall painting labour, also became more expensive.

Healthcare costs increased by 1.3 percent during the month, with higher prices recorded for medicines, medical equipment, outpatient services and hospital services.

Food and non-alcoholic beverage prices rose 1 percent, driven largely by higher vegetable prices. Fresh vegetables increased 5.2 percent, while rice prices rose 1 percent and poultry prices edged higher.

Smaller increases were recorded in categories including alcohol and tobacco, household appliances, restaurants and hotels, telecommunications, entertainment, and clothing.

Meanwhile, some costs declined. The other goods and services category fell 1.4 percent, while transportation and communication costs decreased 1.1 percent compared to June.

The government has continued efforts to keep inflation below 8 percent through measures focused on price stability, stronger domestic production and foreign exchange management. However, electricity bills and other daily expenses continuing to rise.

FCC Philippines, Subsidiary of Japan’s FCC CO., LTD., Global Leader in Motorcycle Clutch Systems, Signs 1,500 MWh Long-Term Solar Agreement with Peak Energy

Onsite solar installation to cut FCC Philippines’ energy costs by 30% compared to grid electricity prices, supporting the automotive supply chain manufacturer’s cost competitiveness and energy resilience in Laguna.


LAGUNA, PHILIPPINES – Media OutReach Newswire – 29 July 2026 – FCC (Philippines) Corp., a subsidiary of Japan’s FCC CO., LTD. and a key global supplier to leading automotive and motorcycle brands including Honda, Yamaha, Suzuki and Kawasaki, Ford, Harley-Davidson, BMW, among others, has signed a long-term solar agreement with Peak Energy to power its clutch systems facility in Laguna with onsite renewable energy.

Sandro Bruni (Peak Energy) and Tsuyoshi Nakada (FCC Philippines Corporation) at the Signing Ceremony held on 10th of July
Sandro Bruni (Peak Energy) and Tsuyoshi Nakada (FCC Philippines Corporation) at the Signing Ceremony held on 10th of July

The system is expected to generate approximately 1,500 MWh in its first year of operation from a
1 MWp onsite solar installation, delivering electricity to FCC Philippines at a price approximately 30% lower than grid tariffs. This is expected to avoid approximately 650 tons of CO₂ annually, equivalent to avoiding the consumption of almost 252,000 liters of gasoline.

Under the 15-year agreement, Peak Energy will design, finance, construct, own and operate the solar system, with FCC Philippines purchasing the electricity generated at no upfront capital cost. The structure allows FCC Philippines to access clean, competitively priced power while Peak Energy manages construction and ongoing operations and maintenance.

FCC CO., LTD. is the undisputed global leader in the motorcycle clutch market, with more than 50% global market share, and a leading supplier of automotive clutch components worldwide. The company and has manufactured in the Philippines since 1993, supplying integrated clutch systems not only to the four of the world’s four largest motorcycle OEMs, but also to other established global brands across both the two-wheel and four-wheel industries. Global automotive supply chains are under growing pressure to reduce embedded emissions, and the agreement gives FCC Philippines a concrete way to strengthen its competitiveness within that supply chain.

The agreement builds on Peak Energy’s track record with Japanese-parented manufacturers across the region, including JTEKT (Toyota Group) in Japan, AICA in Thailand and Yokogawa in Singapore. FCC Philippines’ decision to choose Peak Energy reflects the same standard of engineering excellence and delivery experience that has earned these manufacturers’ trust, technical rigor, disciplined project execution and a track record of on-time, on-budget delivery that meets the exacting quality expectations Japanese corporates apply to their partners across Asia.

As industrial demand for lower-cost, predictable power grows, the Philippine market is naturally redirecting capacity toward developers with the financial strength, engineering capability and technology to execute and operate assets credibly at scale, supported by a Department of Energy target of 35% renewable energy share by 2030.

“Industrial buyers in the Philippines are increasingly looking for power that’s cheaper than the grid and shielded from imported fuel prices,” said Gavin Adda, CEO of Peak Energy. “This project delivers both, at a 30% discount to grid tariffs. We are glad to see FCC moving toward a developer with the financial strength and engineering capability to deliver at scale.”

“This solar project represents an important milestone in FCC’s journey toward a more sustainable future,” said Tsuyoshi Nakada, President of FCC (Philippines) Corp. “As part of the FCC CO., LTD., Group’s commitment to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050, with a 50% reduction in carbon emissions by 2030, we continue to invest in initiatives that reduce our environmental footprint while strengthening the resilience of our operations. We are pleased to partner with Peak Energy in advancing these shared sustainability goals.”
Hashtag: #Japan #Automotive #Irarwar #Iran #Philippines #redalert #energy #energycosts #Scope2 #sustainability


The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

About Peak Energy

Headquartered in Singapore, Peak Energy develops, owns, and operates renewable assets across Asia Pacific (APAC). With over 300 MW of operating assets and 2 GW worth of projects in development, Peak Energy is the fastest growing renewable energy developer with a portfolio spanning Japan, Korea, Australia, Taiwan, the Philippines, Thailand, Singapore and Indonesia. With activities encompassing the full range of renewable energy business models – including utility-scale development, off-site PPAs, onsite PPAs, and energy storage applications – Peak Energy is a one-stop partner for corporates seeking to decarbonize their operations in APAC. We believe in establishing long-term partnerships with our corporate customers, to accompany them in their decarbonization journey, through cleaner, cheaper energy.

An experienced team handles the complete life cycle of our energy assets from origination and development through to operations and decommissioning, employing state-of-the art technology and the industry best practices, respectful of the environment and following world-class HSE standards.

Our business practices, technological and HSE standards are standardized across APAC, but we are implemented and operate locally, with teams in seven countries, and lasting partnerships with local customers, EPCs, vendors, channel partners.

Peak Energy is wholly owned by Stonepeak, a leading alternative investment firm specializing in infrastructure and real assets with approximatively USD 88 billion of assets under management. Our financial and technical strength coupled with our relationships in local markets allows us to optimize our capital deployment in high quality assets.

For more information, please visit .

About FCC (Philippines) Corporation

Established in 1993 at Laguna Technopark in Biñan City, Laguna, FCC (Philippines) Corp. is a subsidiary of Japan’s FCC CO., LTD., a global leader in automotive and motorcycle clutch systems. The company manufactures and assembles clutch engine components for leading global automotive and motorcycle brands and has a workforce of more than 600 personnel at its Laguna facility. As part of its commitment to sustainable growth, FCC CO., LTD., continues to strengthen its core clutch business while expanding into electrification-related technologies by leveraging its core expertise in die casting, press, and joining technologies to support the evolving mobility industry.

TCMA Launches “The NEXT Chapter” with 5 Engines to Accelerate Cement Industry Toward Net Zero 2050

Thai Cement Manufacturers Association (TCMA) has advanced its strategy, “The NEXT Chapter to Net Zero 2050,” through five key implementation pillars – “5 Engines to Net Zero” – under the theme ‘Accelerating Collaborative Action towards Net Zero 2050.’ The initiative aims to accelerate the transition of Thailand’s cement industry toward a low-carbon future, while elevating its role as a Climate Solution Partner, in alignment with Thailand 2050 Net Zero Cement and Concrete Roadmap, a shared industry commitment.


BANGKOK, THAILAND – Media OutReach Newswire – 23 July 2026 – Amid growing climate pressures and intensifying global competition, Thailand’s cement industry is accelerating its transformation by integrating policy, technology, innovation, energy transition, circular economy, and digitalization into practical implementation; enhancing competitiveness while reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

Speech Mr

Mr. Surachai Nimla-or, Chairman of TCMA, stated that “The NEXT Chapter” represents a critical inflection point for the industry, guided by the principle of being “competitive, growth-oriented, and low-carbon.” TCMA is advancing this transition through five key engines:

  1. Policy – Strengthening carbon governance frameworks, including carbon pricing, emissions trading systems, and green procurement, alongside standards and incentives to create an enabling investment environment.
  2. Transition – Advancing low-carbon technologies across the value chain, including calcined clay cement, new supplementary cementitious materials, and carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS), through international collaboration.
  3. Energy – Increasing the share of clean energy and alternative fuels, while improving production efficiency to reduce reliance on fossil fuels.
  4. Circular – Promoting the circular economy through co-processing in cement kilns, utilizing waste as alternative inputs to reduce landfill and emissions.
  5. Digital & AI – Enhancing system-wide efficiency, improving precision, reducing energy use, and increasing productivity through digital technologies and artificial intelligence.

“The core of ‘The NEXT Chapter’ is ‘accelerating collaborative action’; connecting policy, technology, and investment to deliver measurable and scalable impact,” said Mr. Surachai. He added that TCMA continues to advance SARABURI SANDBOX, a low-carbon city pilot that serves as a testing ground for innovative technologies and mechanisms before scaling at the national and regional levels.

The implementation of the 5 Engines to Net Zero reflects the industry’s transition from a traditional producer to a solution provider in addressing climate change, reinforcing the role of Thailand’s cement industry as a key driver in the country’s pathway toward Net Zero 2050.

Hashtag: #TCMA #TCMAat20 #TCMAinAction #TCMAtoNetZero2050 #NextChapterNetZero #ClimateSolutionPartner #CementDecarbonization

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.