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HD Hyundai Samho Secures Order for Four Port Cranes at Port of Tacoma, Advancing MASGA Project

  • Signs contract with HMM’s U.S. subsidiary, Washington United Terminals, to supply four port cranes
  • Award reflects HD Hyundai Samho’s design and manufacturing expertise, deep understanding of U.S. port operations and strong customer trust
  • “We will support the MASGA project through the development of eco-friendly, high-efficiency port equipment”

SEOUL, South Korea, July 26, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — HD Hyundai shared on Saturday, July 25, that it recently signed a contract with Washington United Terminals Inc. (WUT) to supply four port cranes.

HD Hyundai Samho signed a contract with WUT, a U.S. subsidiary of HMM, to supply four port cranes to the Port of Tacoma, Washington, USA. (From left: Kim Jung-kwan, Minister of Trade, Industry and Resources; Lee Joon-hyuk, Executive Vice President and Head of Industrial Plant & Machinery Division at HD Hyundai Samho; Kim Shin, CEO of HMM America; Zachary Thomas, Chief Operating Officer of WUT; and Howard Lutnick, U.S. Secretary of Commerce.)
HD Hyundai Samho signed a contract with WUT, a U.S. subsidiary of HMM, to supply four port cranes to the Port of Tacoma, Washington, USA. (From left: Kim Jung-kwan, Minister of Trade, Industry and Resources; Lee Joon-hyuk, Executive Vice President and Head of Industrial Plant & Machinery Division at HD Hyundai Samho; Kim Shin, CEO of HMM America; Zachary Thomas, Chief Operating Officer of WUT; and Howard Lutnick, U.S. Secretary of Commerce.)

HD Hyundai Samho, a shipbuilding subsidiary of HD Hyundai, is now launching the Korea-U.S. shipbuilding cooperation initiative, known as the MASGA (Make American Shipbuilding Great Again) project, through its entry into the U.S. port crane market.

The contract was signed as part of a terminal modernization project to replace aging cranes at WUT, the U.S. subsidiary of HMM, South Korea’s largest shipping company, and expand the terminal’s capacity to accommodate larger container vessels.

WUT currently operates eight quay cranes at the Port of Tacoma, four of which were supplied by HD Hyundai Samho in 1999. The project involves replacing two aging quay cranes with new cranes and adding two new yard cranes. Through the project, both companies expect to enhance port cargo-handling capabilities, expand capacity for larger vessels, and improve operational reliability.

Under the agreement, HD Hyundai Samho will carry out the entire project on a turnkey basis, including the design, manufacturing, transportation, installation, and commissioning of two quay cranes and two yard cranes, with all equipment scheduled for delivery by 2028.

The order reflects HD Hyundai Samho’s advanced design and manufacturing capabilities, as well as its understanding of U.S. port operations and the trust it has built with customers. Since 1985, HD Hyundai Samho has supplied a total of twenty port cranes to major ports across the United States.

With growing emphasis from the U.S. government and industry on port supply chain resilience and security, Korea-U.S. shipbuilding cooperation through the MASGA project is expected to continue expanding. This order is expected to further strengthen HD Hyundai Samho’s business foothold in the United States.

“The port crane order for the Port of Tacoma is a meaningful achievement that reflects the recognition of our technological expertise and quality competitiveness, built through a wide range of domestic and international projects,” an HD Hyundai Samho official said. “Going forward, we will support the MASGA project through the development of eco-friendly, high-efficiency port equipment.”

Meanwhile, HD Hyundai Chairman Chung Kisun met with U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer in May last year to discuss ways to strengthen cooperation between South Korea and the United States in the shipbuilding industry. During the meeting, Chung introduced HD Hyundai Samho’s crane manufacturing capabilities and proposed areas for collaboration.

  • Quay Crane: A crane used to load and unload containers to and from vessels berthed at the port.
  • Yard Crane: A crane used to load and unload containers onto and off vehicles within the terminal yard.

TECNO Unveiled as Title Sponsor of The SAFF Championship Bangladesh 2026, Bringing AI Innovation to South Asian Football

As Official Title Sponsor, TECNO joins hands with SAFF to inspire the next generation through football, innovation, and meaningful fan experiences.

DHAKA, Bangladesh, July 26, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — TECNO, an AI-driven innovative technology brand, officially announced its title sponsorship of the SAFF Championship Bangladesh 2026, South Asia’s premier international football tournament, during the tournament’s official launch ceremony in Dhaka.

Scheduled to take place from 4–17 November 2026, the championship will bring together South Asia’s leading national teams, celebrating the region’s passion for football while strengthening friendship, sporting excellence, and regional unity.

The partnership marks another milestone in TECNO’s global football journey while reinforcing the brand’s long-term commitment to South Asia—one of its most important strategic markets. Guided by its brand spirit, “Stop At Nothing,” TECNO believes football embodies the same values that define the brand: ambition, resilience, innovation, and the courage to pursue every dream.

TECNO SAFF
TECNO SAFF

A New Chapter for South Asian Football

The title sponsorship was officially announced during the SAFF Championship Bangladesh 2026 Official Launch Press Conference held in Dhaka. The event brought together representatives from the South Asian Football Federation (SAFF), the Bangladesh Football Federation (BFF), TECNO’s global and Bangladesh leadership teams, SAFF Member Associations, national team representatives, members of the diplomatic community, media, and digital creators to celebrate the official launch of the championship and TECNO’s role as its Title Sponsor.

Mr. Purushottam Kattel, General Secretary of SAFF, said: “The SAFF Championship represents the highest stage of football in South Asia, bringing together our Member Associations through competition, friendship, and a shared passion for the game. Today, as we unveil the identity of the SAFF Championship Bangladesh 2026, we are delighted to welcome TECNO as our Title Sponsor. This partnership reflects a shared commitment to elevating football across the region, and together we look forward to delivering a championship that inspires millions of supporters and creates lasting memories for South Asian football.”

Following the official logo unveiling ceremony, SAFF and TECNO exchanged the Title Sponsorship Agreement, formally launching their collaboration for the SAFF Championship Bangladesh 2026 and reaffirming their shared commitment to delivering an outstanding football experience for fans across South Asia.

TECNO SAFF
TECNO SAFF

A Shared Vision for Football

Delivering a recorded message during the ceremony, Guo Lei, General Manager of TECNO, reaffirmed the brand’s belief that football is a powerful platform for inspiring young people, connecting communities, and bringing innovation closer to fans.

South Asia is home to one of the world’s youngest and most passionate football communities. Football has the unique power to bring people together beyond borders and cultures. We are proud to continue TECNO’s football journey through the SAFF Championship Bangladesh 2026 and look forward to working with SAFF to create unforgettable experiences for millions of football fans across the region.

Speaking on behalf of TECNO Bangladesh, Rezwanul Hoque, CEO of Ismartu Technology BD Limited, said: Football has become an important part of TECNO’s global journey because it reflects the values we believe in: passion, resilience, and the courage to dream bigger. Following our partnership with the Bangladesh Football Federation during the AFC Asian Cup Qualifiers, we are honoured to continue that journey as the Title Sponsor of the SAFF Championship Bangladesh 2026. Guided by our brand spirit, ‘Stop At Nothing,’ we look forward to working with SAFF and BFF to create a championship that inspires players, unites communities, and leaves a lasting legacy for football across South Asia.

Welcoming the championship to Bangladesh, Mr. Fahad Karim, Vice President of the Bangladesh Football Federation (BFF), highlighted Bangladesh’s role as the host nation and officially marked the beginning of the journey toward the championship this November.

Hosting the SAFF Championship 2026 is a proud moment for Bangladesh and an important milestone for football in our country. Today marks the beginning of our journey toward November, and we look forward to welcoming our fellow South Asian nations to Bangladesh for a championship that celebrates football, friendship, and regional unity. We are delighted to welcome TECNO as the Title Sponsor, and together with SAFF, our Member Associations, and our partners, we look forward to making this a memorable tournament for players, supporters, and the entire South Asian football community.

TECNO’s Global Football Journey Continues

Football has been at the heart of TECNO’s global brand journey for nearly a decade. Through partnerships with Manchester City Football Club, the CAF Africa Cup of Nations, and the AFC Club Competitions, TECNO has consistently used football as a platform to inspire young people, connect communities, and celebrate the power of sport.

In Bangladesh, TECNO strengthened that commitment through its title sponsorship of the AFC Asian Cup Qualifiers in partnership with the Bangladesh Football Federation. The overwhelming passion shown by Bangladeshi supporters reaffirmed the country’s vibrant football culture and inspired TECNO to deepen its engagement with the sport.

The SAFF Championship Bangladesh 2026 represents the next chapter in TECNO’s football journey, reinforcing the brand’s commitment to South Asia and its rapidly growing community of young football fans.

Growing Together with Bangladesh

Bangladesh continues to be one of TECNO’s most important strategic markets. Alongside its growing smartphone business, the brand is expanding its AI ecosystem and strengthening long-term investments in retail, innovation, and local partnerships—reflecting its confidence in the country’s digital future and youthful consumer base.

Beyond technology, TECNO remains committed to empowering the next generation by supporting platforms that encourage ambition, creativity, and meaningful human connection.

Football Meets AI Innovation

Throughout the championship, TECNO plans to showcase AI-powered experiences designed to bring fans closer to the game. Powered by Ella, TECNO’s AI assistant, these experiences are intended to demonstrate how intelligent technology can enrich football engagement through interactive match information, smarter fan interactions, and immersive digital experiences.

By combining the emotional power of football with accessible AI innovation, TECNO and SAFF share a common vision of inspiring young people, strengthening communities, and creating richer experiences for football fans across South Asia.

As the countdown to November 2026 begins, TECNO, SAFF, and the Bangladesh Football Federation share a common ambition—to deliver a championship that celebrates the passion of South Asian football while inspiring the next generation through innovation, partnership, and the enduring spirit of “Stop At Nothing.”

Tony Jaa Becomes GAC’s 30-Millionth Customer – GAC Wins Global Trust with “True Craftsmanship”

GUANGZHOU, China, July 25, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — On July 16, at the roll-off ceremony for GAC’s 30-millionth vehicle, Feng Xingya, Chairman of GAC Group, handed over the key to the right-hand-drive GAC M8 PHEV (named GN8 overseas) to Tony Jaa. The milestone vehicle is headed straight for overseas markets.


Thai action superstar Tony Jaa’s choice reflects the trust of 30 million customers worldwide. That trust is built not on showmanship, but on GAC’s solid manufacturing “true craftsmanship.”

From Guangzhou to the world, there are no shortcuts – quality speaks for itself. While the industry runs standard “three-high” tests, GAC pushes further with “five-high, one-mountain, one-dust” extreme vehicle trials. New models undergo at least “two winters and one summer” of validation – a minimum 18 months of real-world road testing, covering 12 major categories and over 1,500 sub-items across wind tunnel labs and proving grounds.

For each overseas market, GAC conducts additional adaptive testing for local climate and road conditions – from Middle Eastern desert heat to Southeast Asia’s humidity and heavy rains.

Quality consistency starts at the smart manufacturing front. GAC’s AION Intelligent Eco-Plant is the world’s first “Lighthouse Factory” for new energy vehicles, featuring full-process digital quality monitoring. Automated robots with AI vision systems deliver millisecond response and millimeter-level precision – ensuring uniform quality whether vehicles roll off lines in Guangzhou or overseas plants.

Safety comes first. GAC’s magazine battery has been deployed in 1.5 million vehicles, accumulating over 160 billion kilometers of safe driving. The Starlink Safety Protection System serves nearly 2 million users, preventing 6.28 million potential incidents.

With this commitment to quality and safety, GAC has established a presence in 110 countries and won the trust of 30 million users. Standing at this new milestone, GAC will continue to refine its craftsmanship and deliver worry-free, high-quality mobility experiences to every customer worldwide.

For further information about GAC, please visit: https://www.gacgroup.com/en or follow us on social media.

From China Mobile’s Call Upgrade to the Commercial Launch of “Calling + AI” by Leading Operators: AI Is Reshaping the Value of Native Calling

BEIJING, July 25, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — On June 15, 2026, China Mobile announced a comprehensive upgrade to its traditional calling services, ushering in a next-generation calling experience defined by HD, intelligence, and security. This milestone not only marks a major leap in telecommunication innovation but also reflects a global, inevitable shift: the transformation of basic communication into intelligent, inclusive services.

Breaking Experience Barriers and Redefining the Paradigm of Basic Calling

Overcoming the limitations of traditional, voice-only interactions, China Mobile has leveraged its mature VoLTE/VoNR network foundation to deeply integrate AI models with HD audio and video capabilities. Without requiring users to change their phones or SIM cards, seven core AI functions are now seamlessly embedded into the native dialer interface.

These upgrades include Live Captions bridge communication gaps for the elderly and hearing-impaired; HD video calls and AI noise reduction create a crystal-clear, immersive calling experience; AI anti-fraud intercepts high-risk calls in real time to safeguard users’ assets. Furthermore, the introduction of Data Channel (DC) technology and visual call menus transforms standard calls into agile, interactive service windows, enabling multi-party collaboration and seamless business transactions directly within the call. Through this initiative, China Mobile has successfully evolved traditional calls from a mere voice pipeline into a secure, integrated information hub.


Calling + AI” Becomes a Strategic Consensus Among Global Leading Operators

From a global perspective, China Mobile’s call upgrade is not an isolated milestone, but a microcosm of the global telecommunications industry’s broader transformation. Throughout 2026, major operators worldwide are accelerating the commercial deployment of “Calling + AI” solutions:

  • Deutsche Telekom launched Magenta AI, leveraging artificial intelligence to enhance calling across all scenarios;
  • T-Mobile US introduced a network-side, real-time translation service covering over 80 languages, effectively breaking down cross-border communication barriers;
  • Saudi stc rolled out English-Arabic bilingual simultaneous interpretation, which has now entered large-scale commercial trials;
  • South Korea’s LG U+ launched its ixi-O intelligent calling assistant, shifting the user experience from passive responses to proactive smart interactions and earning three prestigious GLOMO industry awards.

The synchronized efforts of these global leaders confirm that basic calling services have officially entered a new era of AI integration. Deeply empowered by artificial intelligence, “Calling + AI” has become the definitive blueprint for the intelligent transformation of the global telecommunications industry. As operators continue to refine these native capabilities, the traditional voice network is poised to reclaim its position as the most secure, ubiquitous, and valuable entry point in the AI era.

GAC Becomes Official Pre-Season Tour Partner of Chelsea FC in Hong Kong (China) and Malaysia

HONG KONG, July 25, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — GAC is proud to be one of Chelsea FC’s Official Pre-Season Tour Partners in Hong Kong (China) and Malaysia. The partnership will support the Men’s First Team throughout both tour stops.

As one of the most successful Premier League clubs of the 21st century, Chelsea FC boasts a passionate global fan base. This pre-season tour marks the club’s return to the Asia-Pacific region, with the Men’s First Team set to play high-profile fixtures across Australia, Hong Kong (China), Indonesia and Malaysia. Chelsea FC will face Italian giants Juventus at Hong Kong’s Kai Tak Stadium on 5 August before taking on Malaysian champions Johor Darul Ta’zim at Sultan Ibrahim Stadium in Johor Bahru on 9 August. The two fixtures provide an exciting platform for GAC and Chelsea FC to engage with football fans across the region.

As a Fortune Global 500 company, GAC has continued to accelerate its global expansion in recent years. Through collaborations with renowned football clubs, including Sydney FC (Australia), Deportivo Toluca (Mexico), Flamengo (Brazil), and Millonarios (Colombia), GAC has further enhanced its international brand influence.

This partnership is underpinned by GAC’s growing presence in Hong Kong (China) and Malaysia. In Hong Kong (China), GAC ranked No.1 in the private electric vehicle market in April 2026, while its cumulative market share exceeded 10% during the first half of the year, further reinforcing its leadership in the city’s new energy vehicle sector. Meanwhile, the GS3 EMZOOM and EMKOO, locally assembled in Malaysia through CKD production, have continued to gain strong market recognition among local consumers.

GAC stated that the speed, passion and team spirit embodied in football closely align with the brand’s pursuit of driving excellence and its unwavering commitment to exceeding customer expectations. By partnering with a world-class football club like Chelsea FC, GAC aims to enhance its brand presence across the Asia-Pacific region and beyond, showcasing its innovation, quality and commitment to smarter mobility. Looking ahead, GAC will continue to strengthen its global footprint through innovation, quality and collaboration, creating greener, smarter and more sustainable mobility solutions for customers worldwide.

GAC and Chelsea FC Join Forces as Official Pre-Season Tour Partners in Hong Kong (China) and Malaysia

HONG KONG, July 25, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — GAC is proud to be one of Chelsea FC’s Official Pre-Season Tour Partners in Hong Kong (China) and Malaysia. The partnership will support the Men’s First Team throughout both tour stops.

As one of the most successful Premier League clubs of the 21st century, Chelsea FC boasts a passionate global fan base. This pre-season tour marks the club’s return to the Asia-Pacific region, with the Men’s First Team set to play high-profile fixtures across Australia, Hong Kong (China), Indonesia and Malaysia. Chelsea FC will face Italian giants Juventus at Hong Kong’s Kai Tak Stadium on 5 August before taking on Malaysian champions Johor Darul Ta’zim at Sultan Ibrahim Stadium in Johor Bahru on 9 August. The two fixtures provide an exciting platform for GAC and Chelsea FC to engage with football fans across the region.

As a Fortune Global 500 company, GAC has continued to accelerate its global expansion in recent years. Through collaborations with renowned football clubs, including Sydney FC (Australia), Deportivo Toluca (Mexico), Flamengo (Brazil), and Millonarios (Colombia), GAC has further enhanced its international brand influence.

This partnership is underpinned by GAC’s growing presence in Hong Kong (China) and Malaysia. In Hong Kong (China), GAC ranked No.1 in the private electric vehicle market in April 2026, while its cumulative market share exceeded 10% during the first half of the year, further reinforcing its leadership in the city’s new energy vehicle sector. Meanwhile, the GS3 EMZOOM and EMKOO, locally assembled in Malaysia through CKD production, have continued to gain strong market recognition among local consumers.

GAC stated that the speed, passion and team spirit embodied in football closely align with the brand’s pursuit of driving excellence and its unwavering commitment to exceeding customer expectations. By partnering with a world-class football club like Chelsea FC, GAC aims to enhance its brand presence across the Asia-Pacific region and beyond, showcasing its innovation, quality and commitment to smarter mobility. Looking ahead, GAC will continue to strengthen its global footprint through innovation, quality and collaboration, creating greener, smarter and more sustainable mobility solutions for customers worldwide.

GAC and Melbourne City FC Announce Partnership, Strengthening Presence in Australia

MELBOURNE, Australia, July 25, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — On 24 July 2026, GAC and Melbourne City FC officially unveiled a strategic partnership at AAMI Park, bringing together two organisations driven by innovation, ambition, and a shared commitment to excellence. As part of City Football Group, Melbourne City FC stands among Australia’s leading professional football clubs, boasting a strong sporting legacy and a loyal fan base. Through the partnership, GAC becomes the Official Automotive Partner of Melbourne City FC, strengthening its connection with Australian audiences and reinforcing its long-term investment in the market.


Kevin Shu, GAC International Australia CEO, said: “Melbourne City FC has an incredible history in all A-League competitions and like this club, we always give 100% effort to all that we do. We are ambitious for where we want to be over the coming years and in the same way this team approaches the game, we seek exciting yet sustainable ways to strengthen our position in the market and to engage with the club’s supporters.”

Brad Rowse, Melbourne City FC CEO, said: “We’re delighted to welcome GAC Australia to Melbourne City as our Official Automotive Partner. GAC shares our ambition to innovate, challenge expectations and invest for the long term. We look forward to helping GAC build a meaningful connection with our members, fans and the wider local community.”

Following its partnership with Sydney FC, GAC continues to expand its sports partnerships in Australia and strengthen its commitment to the “In Australia, For Australia” philosophy. Through diverse brand activation and community engagement, GAC aims to strengthen connections with local consumers.

As a leading representative of China’s smart mobility and innovation-driven automotive industry, GAC continues to advance its global development through technological innovation, product excellence and customer-centrism solutions. In 2026, GAC celebrated the roll-off of its 30 millionth vehicle since its establishment in 1997, highlighting its enhanced global manufacturing capabilities, R&D strength and recognition from customers worldwide.

Looking ahead, GAC will continue to provide Australian customers with intelligent and sustainable mobility solutions through high-quality products, advanced technologies and localized services.

NAVER Partners with Brookfield and NVIDIA to Expand Korea’s National AI Factory Infrastructure Buildout

SAN FRANCISCO, July 25, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — NAVER, Brookfield and NVIDIA announced an expansion of Korea’s sovereign AI factory infrastructure. New investments will increase the initial NVIDIA DSX™ AI factory deployment from 55 megawatts to 200 megawatts.

Announced during Korea President Jae Myung Lee’s AI Summit visit to San Francisco, the planned 200-megawatt expansion will be built with the NVIDIA DSX platform at NAVER’s GAK Sejong hyperscale data center in Sejong, South Korea. The expanded infrastructure will provide Korea- and U.S.- based AI innovators with access to production-scale AI compute for building next-generation models, agents and AI-powered services.

Under the terms of the agreements, Brookfield will fund up to $9 billion as the exclusive capital partner, NVIDIA will invest $1 billion and NAVER will fund the remaining amount to finance the $10 billion project.

This builds on NAVER’s June announcement to extend its GAK Sejong data center with NVIDIA DSX, with a long-term path to gigawatt-scale sovereign AI infrastructure serving Korea’s enterprises, industries, government organizations and global AI cloud customers. Combining Brookfield’s capital with NVIDIA’s computing platform, the investment supports NAVER’s AI factory deployment.

“NVIDIA’s strategic investment and our infrastructure supply agreement with Brookfield have propelled NAVER’s vision for the AI Factory business into a robust execution phase,” said Haejin Lee, Founder and Chairman of NAVER. “Leveraging the solid partnerships with our global partners, we will drive technological innovation, foster a sovereign AI ecosystem, and spearhead efforts to strengthen South Korea’s AI competitiveness.” 

AI Factory Expansion and Open Model Collaboration to Fuel AI Innovators

NAVER, as an NVIDIA Cloud Partner, provides deep expertise in operating hyperscale infrastructure powered by the full-stack NVIDIA AI platform. The 200-megawatt AI factory, featuring NVIDIA Vera Rubin and Blackwell platforms, will establish a dedicated resource pool for emerging AI companies, providing the compute, software and support needed to develop and deploy competitive AI models and applications at scale.

This expanded infrastructure also builds on NAVER and NVIDIA’s collaboration on open model development for agentic and physical AI. NAVER is advancing its HyperCLOVA X models to be based on NVIDIA Nemotron™ 3 Ultra open models with its proprietary data and training expertise. NAVER is also the first Korean company to join the NVIDIA Nemotron Coalition, contributing to open model development across pretraining, post-training and reinforcement learning.

NAVER plans to launch an AI agent platform in Korea in the second half of the year, powered by NVIDIA Agent Toolkit software including NVIDIA NemoClaw™ blueprints. NAVER is also developing a Seoul World Model using proprietary urban street-view and spatial modeling data, built on NVIDIA Cosmos™ world foundation models.

About NAVER

Founded in 1999, NAVER is Korea’s largest Internet company and one of the world’s top tech companies. Leading cutting-edge technologies, NAVER operates the No.1 search engine in Korea and holds various business portfolios encompassing commerce, fintech, cloud, AI and robotics.

NAVER recorded sales of KRW 12.04 trillion (USD 8.18 billion) in 2025. TEAM NAVER continues to enhance its business portfolio and expand its global presence across Japan, North America, and Europe, while pursuing innovation through continuous research and development in future technologies.