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Japanese Singer BENI Captivates Chinese Audiences on Singer 2025

Changsha, China, July 17, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Hunan TV’s Mango TV program Singer 2025 is redefining global cultural exchange, using music as a bridge across borders. The show has received back-to-back endorsements from UNESCO and has been highlighted in 15 social media posts by official organizations—including agencies under China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the embassies of Brazil and Malaysia in China, and Tourism Malaysia.

Japanese Singer BENI
Japanese Singer BENI

As of now, Singer 2025 has achieved more than 85 billion digital impressions. This year, UNESCO also featured Shan Yichun’s adaptation of the song “Li Bai” in its World Oceans Day campaign, calling for global attention to marine conservation. The show’s growing international attention highlights its extraordinary cultural influence, with diverse music, vibrant stagecraft, and heartfelt performances resonating with audiences worldwide.

One of the program’s defining strengths lies in its ability to inspire international artists to engage with Chinese culture on a deep level. American singer Mickey Guyton seamlessly wove Chinese lyrics into her performance, expressing her affection for the country. Fellow American Grace Kinstler delivered two moving performances entirely in Chinese, reflecting both the emotional appeal of Mandarin pop and her sincere appreciation for the culture.

Japanese singer BENI’s journey on Singer 2025 showcased the emotional reach of music beyond borders. In her debut appearance, she performed a tender version of “LA・LA・LA LOVE SONG,” her crystalline vocals and the retro arrangement evoking a neon-lit dreamscape. Though she was eliminated in the first round, BENI described the experience as deeply moving, praising the show’s professionalism and the audience’s warmth. “Singing for Chinese fans has always been a dream of mine,” she said after the show. “Joining Singer 2025 fulfilled that dream—and started a new one.” She added, with conviction, “I’ll be back!” Her words reflected not only a desire to return but also a tribute to music’s power to bridge continents and connect with hearts.

Offstage, other international performers—including American singers Charlie Puth and Jordan Smith, and Canadian singer Michael Bublé—immersed themselves in traditional Chinese culture. From practicing calligraphy and appreciating the ink paintings of master artist Qi Baishi to experiencing Dragon Boat Festival traditions, traditional Chinese medicine, historic academies’ vibes and regional cuisine, they gained firsthand insight into the richness of China’s cultural heritage.

Singer 2025 continues to connect the world through music, offering a stage for diverse voices to be heard and heartfelt stories to be shared. The show looks forward to welcoming more artists from around the globe to become part of a shared cultural dialogue.

Photo: https://laotiantimes.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/hunantv_beni-1.jpg
Logo: https://laotiantimes.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/hunantv_logo-1.jpg

Global Times: The ‘Xiamen experience’ – how China, under Xi’s leadership, turns long-term blueprint into reality

BEIJING, July 17, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Inside the glass-walled building of the Compressive Service Center in the Xiamen Area of China (Fujian) Pilot Free Trade Zone (FTZ), a striking scene unfolds: A pristine white reception desk anchors the room, flanked by a gleaming row of counters, each outfitted with computers and printers, paired with plush brown leather chairs aligned with precision. The setup could easily pass for a high-end bank, its staff poised to cater to clients. But this is no reception room for a bank. Here, multiple government agencies – border inspection, customs, and more – converge to create a seamless one-stop shop for businesses, embodying the pilot FTZ’s innovative spirit.

On the fifth floor, an exhibition hall brings the pilot FTZ’s unique, storied legacy to life. Cutting-edge display technologies illuminate a collection of yellowed documents, each a testament to the city’s pioneering past: the 1982 approval for Xiamen’s first wholly foreign-owned company; the license for the first Chinese-foreign joint venture bank, dated June 18, 1985. At the heart of the exhibition hall, encased in a gleaming glass display, a distinct blue-covered book commands the spotlight. Its weathered pages, tinged with age, whisper profound tales of a storied past, radiating historical significance. The 1985-2000 Xiamen Economic and Social Development Strategy – its title bold above two evocative photos of Xiamen, capturing a city poised for transformation.

On October 16, 2024, Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, Chinese president, and chairman of the Central Military Commission, inspected the Xiamen Area of China (Fujian) Pilot Free Trade Zone. President Xi paused here during the inspection, his fingers tracing the pages he helped draft four decades ago. “We planted seeds here,” he said. “Today’s harvest surpasses our expectations,” according to the Xinhua News Agency.

The Development Strategy offered a blueprint for Xiamen’s economic and social development over the years and helped transform the once modest port city into a modern economic powerhouse and a global harbor with trade ties with 239 countries and regions in five continents in 2024. Xiamen’s rise is a testament to the success of China’s economic policymaking – scientific, forward-looking development strategy formulation and precise execution.

As China is set conclude the 14th Five-Year Plan (2021-25) at the end of the year and moving swiftly to formulate the 15th Five-Year Plan (2026-30), this forward-looking strategy will not only continue to underpin China’s sustained high-quality development in the coming years but also create tremendous opportunities for the world, Chinese and foreign economists and business executives said.

‘Long-term thinking’

Thanks to its prime geographic location – sitting at China’s southeast coastline facing the vast ocean, Xiamen has been a major trading port dating back centuries ago, and a gateway of China’s opening-up and external cooperation. In 1980, two years after the start of China’s reform and opening-up process began, Xiamen was designated as one of only four special economic zones (SEZs) – a quintessential reform and opening-up measure in China that aims to explore and experiment various policies before they are introduced in other parts of the country or nationwide. 

Still, in the summer of 1985, when 32-year-old Xi assumed the office of Xiamen’s vice mayor, the city was grappling with uncertainties. With no domestic precedents to follow, officials here were divided. Some were overly optimistic about replicating Singapore or Hong Kong, while others remained skeptical that major breakthroughs could be achieved given Xiamen’s weak economic fundamentals. Xi took a different view. He argued that modern economic development demanded long-term thinking and a comprehensive approach. It was under his direct leadership that Xiamen established an office to draft a development strategy for the next 15 years, according to Xinhua.

At the time, it was common at both national and local levels to create annual or five-year development plans, but never a 15-year plan for a city, according to Xinhua.

Opening the 300-page book, the long-term thinking and a comprehensive approach becomes vivid. The book extensively assessed Xiamen’s advantages and constraint factors, analyzed the national, regional and international situations and put forward a clear development strategy with a clear timeline, which has become well-known in Xiamen as the “three-step” approach: first, create bonded zones; then expand to a free trade zone; and eventually, a quasi-free port.

“The 1985-2000 Xiamen Economic and Social Development Strategy formulated under Xi’s leadership as early as back in the 1980s put forward the ‘three-step’ strategic concept of building a free trade port, which has found the right direction for Xiamen to move forward,” the Administrative Committee of the Xiamen Area of China (Fujian) Pilot FTZ said in a statement sent to the Global Times. “The Xiamen SEZ has been moving forward steadily along the ‘three-step’ blueprint drawn up by Xi.”

According to the committee, the Xiamen Special Economic Zone Trade Co established the city’s first public bonded warehouse on June 10, 1985, starting the concrete practice of implementing the first step of the “three-step” strategy. Then on April 21, 2015, the Xiamen Area of China (Fujian) Pilot FTZ was established, completing the second step. “Currently, we are working toward the third step and actively exploring the implementation of certain policies of the free port,” it said.

Xiamen’s practice of the “three-step” strategy is also reflected in numbers displayed on a giant screen at the exhibition hall. Over the years, the Xiamen Area of China (Fujian) Pilot FTZ has rolled out a total of 632 innovative measures, with 153 of them being national firsts. More than 31 measures from “Xiamen experience” was promoted by the State Council, compared to a total of 167 measures promoted nationally. The free trade zone has completed the task of aligning with international high standards and promoting institutional opening-up.   

Also on display at the exhibition hall is concrete examples of Xiamen not only successfully aligning with international high standards, but actually helping setting international standards. The Xiamen Area of China (Fujian) Pilot FTZ has introduced the nation’s first guidelines for the safe maritime transport of containerized lithium-ion battery energy storage systems, which outlined safety check lists from production to transportation to offload. The pioneering document not only provides professional guidance for the safe, efficient, and routine export of containerized lithium battery storage systems from Xiamen Port. It also addresses a gap in international maritime regulations, resolves challenges posed by rail and air transport bans, and overcomes obstacles in maritime shipping.

The success of long-term thinking and comprehensive approach outlined in the Development Strategy is also reflected in concrete data. Between 1985 and 2024, Xiamen’s GDP expanded by 13.8 percent on a yearly average. As of April 2025, the Xiamen Port has 183 container liner routes, with a route network reaching 151 ports in 51 countries and regions. In 2024, the container throughput exceeded 10 million TEUs, making it an international container trunk line hub port, according to Xinhua.

‘Good example’

In a keynote speech at the opening ceremony of the BRICS Business Forum on September 3, 2017 in Xiamen, President Xi noted that “Xiamen is where I started off when I came to Fujian Province to take up a new post in 1985.” “Three decades later, Xiamen has become well known for its innovation and entrepreneurship, with burgeoning new economic forms and new industries, robust trade and investment and easy access to the world with air, land and sea links,” Xi said, according to Xinhua.

Xiamen’s success is a good example demonstrating the perseverance of the 1.3 billion-plus Chinese people. In close to 40 years of reform and opening up, under the leadership of the Communist Party of China, we Chinese have forged ahead, fearless and determined, and we have successfully embarked on a path of socialism with distinctive Chinese features,” Xi said.

The long-term thinking and comprehensive approach that has proven tremendously successful in Xiamen is also the essence of China’s general economic policymaking – the scientific and forward-looking formulation of long-term development plans such as the five-year plans.

“The Five-Year Plan is an important experience in our country’s governance. It is not only an institutional guarantee for a blueprint to be drawn to the end, but also a long-term plan that spans economic cycles. At the same time, it can also dynamically adjust the priorities of medium-term tasks based on short-term prominent contradictions, so as to better achieve long-term goals,” Li Ke‘aobo, executive deputy director of the Academic Center for Chinese Economic Practice and Thinking of Tsinghua University, told the Global Times.

This year marks the conclusion of China’s 14th Five-Year Plan period (2021-25), during which China has clocked up a series of landmark achievements, including a resilient economy, solid steps in green transition and unwavering opening-up. Meanwhile, the formulation of the 15th Five-Year Plan (2026-30) is underway, as a top priority.

During a recent instruction on the work concerning the compilation of the 15th Five-Year Plan, President Xi noted that the scientific formulation and consistent implementation of five-year plans stand as an important piece of experience in the CPC’s approach to governing the country. The formulation and implementation of the 15th Five-Year Plan holds immense significance for fully realizing the strategic initiatives outlined at the 20th CPC National Congress and advancing Chinese modernization, Xi said, Xinhua reported on May 19.

China’s scientific formulation and consistent implementation of five-year plans also hold great global significance.

“Setting a clear, long-term objective has been key to the development of China. In a very volatile international environment today, it’s even more important to have a beacon and to have a long-term objective,” Denis Depoux, global managing director of consulting firm Roland Berger, told the Global Times in a recent interview.

Back in the Compressive Service Center of the Xiamen Area of China (Fujian) FTZ, the firm determination to “follow a good blueprint through to the end” was palpable. “These achievements were made because we have always followed the ‘three-step’ strategic conception drawn up by Xi when he led the initial period of the establishment of the Xiamen Special Economic Zone, and have always kept in mind our mission to test systems, measure pressures, and explore new paths for the country,” the Administrative Committee said.

Cyberport “AI x Data Forum” Concludes Successfully Joining Hands with Industry to Drive AI and Data Innovation and Unlock New Value for Enterprises


HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 17 July 2025 – Cyberport successfully hosted the “AI x Data Forum” today. Centered on the theme “AI in Action, Data at the Core: Unlocking Infinite Potential”, the forum brought together over 450 participants from government, finance, innovation and technology, cybersecurity sector, and academia to explore innovative artificial intelligence and data-driven strategies and practical experiences.

Cyberport, Canton Data Exchange, and China Unicom Global signed a MOU to jointly promote the implementation of mature data application scenarios and enterprises from Mainland China into Hong Kong.
Cyberport, Canton Data Exchange, and China Unicom Global signed a MOU to jointly promote the implementation of mature data application scenarios and enterprises from Mainland China into Hong Kong.

During the forum, Cyberport, the Canton Data Exchange and China Unicom Global signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). The three parties will jointly promote and implement a “Mainland incubation, Hong Kong deployment” collaboration model, introducing mature data application scenarios and enterprises from Mainland China into Hong Kong. The collaboration covers areas such as financial risk management, healthcare, cross-border trade, and the low-altitude economy, and will provide technology platforms and compliance support. These efforts will help enterprises expand into both local and overseas markets, while jointly organizing incubation, investment promotion, and exchange activities, further strengthening Hong Kong’s position as a demonstration hub for data applications.

Prof Sun Dong, Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry delivered the opening remarks at the forum and stated “Artificial Intelligence (AI) has become a major engine for global economic growth, with data as its essential driving force. The two elements are complementary. This year, the HKSAR Government has developed AI as a core industry for Hong Kong, aiming for all sectors to focus on its development and spearhead a new wave of economic growth for the city. The Government will fully leverage Hong Kong’s edges as an international data hub, encouraging the industry to pursue innovation and breakthroughs in AI. With unique advantages under the ‘One Country, Two Systems’ principle, Hong Kong is well positioned to serve as a vital base for AI development, both locally and across the Greater Bay Area, enabling AI and data to create broader and more positive value in the region.”

In his welcoming speech, Simon Chan, Chairman of Cyberport, stated “Data is the cornerstone of the digital economy, driving the transformation of smart cities and serving as a vital foundation for AI development. Cyberport is dedicated to building a diverse innovation and technology ecosystem, fostering the safe, efficient, and compliant growth of AI and data applications through cross-sector collaboration. Our partnership with the Canton Data Exchange and China Unicom Global represents a significant milestone in promoting collaborative development in the Guangdong-Hong Kong data industry. Cyberport will continue to serve as Hong Kong’s digital tech hub and AI accelerator, harnessing innovative technologies to drive economic transformation and reinforce Hong Kong’s status as a global hub for innovation and data.”

The Leaders Dialogue sessions moderated by Dr. Crystal Fok, Director of AI Applications at Cyberport, brought together representatives from various organizations, including the Hong Kong Police Force, the Spatial Data Office, Canton Data Exchange, and China Unicom Global. The panel engaged in an in-depth discussion on advancing data security and improving the transparency of cloud data flows, providing fresh perspectives to organizational data management strategies. During the discussion, experts shared valuable insights in promoting data security and data application and ensuring compliance. Initiatives included developing platforms with multilingual and context-aware capabilities to enhance service quality and continually reviewing and enhancing system security to ensure a safe and compliant flow of information. The panel also underscored that the establishment of compliant and scalable data platforms will facilitate cross-sector collaboration and industry co-creation, helping smart enterprises seize new opportunities and achieve high-quality growth.

As Hong Kong’s digital tech hub and AI accelerator, Cyberport is committed to building a responsible and trustworthy AI ecosystem in collaboration with various sectors. Last year, Cyberport launched Hong Kong’s largest Artificial Intelligence Supercomputing Centre (AISC) and established an AI Lab to provide comprehensive support to start-ups from research and development to market entry, creating a valuable platform for technology demonstration and commercial application.

Additionally, the HKSAR Government allocated HK$3 billion to launch the three year Artificial Intelligence Subsidy Scheme (AISS) through Cyberport, which has received approximately 20 applications. As of the end of June this year, the committee has approved nearly 10 projects covering areas such as local large language models, new materials, synthetic biology, and medical large models, with total grants of about HK$300 million. Since January, approved projects have gradually begun utilising the AISC, with more than 90% of its computing capacity now in use.

With the completion of Cyberport 5 expected for this year, the new building will be equipped with state-of-the-art infrastructure, including a dedicated, Tier-III+ standard sustainable data centre. Together with the adjacent AISC and the Hong Kong Internet Exchange (HKIX), the new facility will create a high-performance technology corridor. This will provide stronger and highly reliable data storage and computing support for industry, academia, and government, accelerating digital transformation across industries.

Currently, Cyberport is home to more than 400 start-ups focusing on AI and data science, and has attracted several leading AI enterprises. Cyberport has fostered strategic partnerships with major technology leaders, expanding support for start-ups while advancing talent cultivation, R&D, and technology adoption, driving Hong Kong’s evolution into an International AI and innovation hub.
Hashtag: #Cyberport #AIxDataForum

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

About Hong Kong Cyberport

Wholly owned by the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government, Cyberport is Hong Kong’s digital tech hub and AI accelerator, with a vision to empower industry digitalisation and intelligent transformation, to promote digital economy and AI development, and to foster Hong Kong to be an international AI, innovation and technology (I&T) hub. Cyberport gathers over 2,200 companies, including 5 listed companies and 7 unicorns. One-third of onsite companies’ founders come from 26 countries and regions, while Cyberport companies have expanded to over 35 global markets.

Cyberport, with Hong Kong’s largest AI Supercomputing Centre and AI Lab as the engine, has been building the AI ecosystem with industry-leading AI companies and around 400 AI and data science start-ups. Through development of tech clusters, namely AI, data science, blockchain and cybersecurity, Cyberport empowers industries across smart city and government, banking and finance, digital entertainment, culture and tourism, healthcare, education and training, property management, construction, transportation and logistics, green environment and more, while hosting Hong Kong’s largest FinTech community. Commissioned by the HKSAR Government, Cyberport has implemented proof-of-concept and sandbox schemes, subsidisation for digital tech adoption, industry tech training and start-up incubation, to drive technology R&D, translation and commercialisation, thus propelling digital transformation and intelligent upgrade across industry and society.

Also as Hong Kong’s key incubator, Cyberport supports entrepreneurs with funding and office space, extensive networks of enterprises, investors, technology corporations and professional services for business growth and expansion to Mainland China and overseas markets, all-round facilitation for landing in Hong Kong, talent attraction and cultivation, ready as a launchpad to take start-ups in any stages of development to the next level.

For more information, please visit .

GMAC Announces New Board and Member School Additions, Amplifying Focus on Expanding Talent Pipeline

The nonprofit association of graduate business schools is evolving with changing learner and educator demands.

RESTON, Va., July 17, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — The Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC), a global association of leading graduate business schools, today announced the results of its most recent board elections. Catherine Duggan, a GMAC board member since 2022 and the director (dean) of the University of Cape Town Graduate School of Business, has been elected board chair. David Bach, president of International Institute for Management Development (IMD) in Switzerland; Jake Cohen, senior associate dean of Sloan School of Management at Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT); and Ian Fenwick, director of Sasin School of Management at Chulalongkorn University in Thailand, have been elected to join the board. Ana María Zermeño Padilla, director of academic experience and operations at Tecnológico de Monterrey’s EGADE Business School in Mexico and board member since 2023, has been reelected to the board to serve her first full term. The board’s latest term of service began July 1, 2025.

In addition, the University of California, Riverside School of Business, home of the A. Gary Anderson Graduate School of Management, has joined GMAC as its 228th member school. The school boasts a new facility dedicated this year and a wide-ranging portfolio of master’s programs, demonstrating its commitment to offering specialized and comprehensive management education. By joining the GMAC community, the school recognizes the unique benefits GMAC offers in industry resources and global network as it strives to contribute its strengths in providing quality graduate programs that uphold high academic standards and support ethical practices.

“This is one of the most dynamic and fast-changing times we’ve seen, with big shifts in talent mobility, technological advancement, and renewed emphasis on skill development reshaping global business education. That’s why I’m especially thrilled to welcome these industry leaders from across continents, and the highly-regarded UC Riverside, to join with us in our collective efforts toward realizing our vision—a world where every talented person can benefit from the best business education for them,” says Joy Jones, CEO of GMAC. “Their fresh perspectives and insights will strengthen GMAC’s work and help us continue contributing to the invaluable development of cross-culturally competent and globally aware business leaders of tomorrow.”

The new board members and member school have come onboard at a time when GMAC is innovating and evolving along with the rapidly changing graduate management education landscape. Earlier this year, GMAC launched Advancery, an AI-powered tool designed to guide future learners through their business education journey. The new tool delivers a personalized experience that connects skill identification, program recommendations, and application strategy in a unified platform. These efforts aim to make it easier for candidates to explore business education pathways and pursue their career aspirations, while cultivating a stronger domestic and global pipeline for business schools.

“GMAC’s mission to connect talent with business education is more important than ever, since the transformative power of graduate management education is clearest in complex environments and during periods of uncertainty,” says Catherine Duggan, the newly elected GMAC board chair. “When matched with the right management program, students gain skills that help them develop as leaders while seeing opportunities and navigating risks in ways that others cannot. That is precisely the type of insight and agility that organizations need now and in the coming decades. I am excited to work with our new board members, all of whom have spent their careers working across some of the world’s most dynamic markets and who will bring critical new perspectives and insights to the board.”

As GMAC welcomes the new leadership and addition to its board, the Council also recognizes the exceptional contributions of previous board members and thanks its outgoing board chair, Themin Suwardy, associate provost for postgraduate professional education at Singapore Management University, who has been elected by board members to continue to serve on the board for a year in an ex officio capacity, and outgoing board members Martin Boehm, executive vice president and global dean of undergraduate programs at Hult International Business School, and Giuseppe (Beppe) Soda, full professor at Bocconi University, who each completed their terms.

To learn more about our mission, board, and member school community, visit GMAC.com.

About GMAC

GMAC is a global nonprofit association of leading graduate business schools that connects future business leaders from around the world with educational opportunities. We provide the tools and information necessary for schools and talent to discover and evaluate each other, including world-class research, industry conferences, recruiting resources, and assessments specifically designed for graduate management education. With offices in China, India, the United Kingdom, and the United States, GMAC attracts more than 17 million visitors a year to its platforms that span across gmac.com, mba.com and BusinessBecause.   

Upcoming Events:

TECNO PHANTOM Ultimate G Fold Concept: Introducing the World’s Thinnest Tri-Fold with Pioneering Dual Inward-Folding Design

ABUJA, Nigeria, MANILA, Philippines and BOGOTA, Colombia, July 17, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — TECNO today unveiled its latest tri-fold concept, the TECNO PHANTOM Ultimate G Fold Concept. This innovative device showcases a dual-screen, inward-folding tri-fold design and delivers a massive 9.94-inch display with significantly enhanced durability.

Measuring just 11.49mm when folded and starting from an ultra-slim 3.49mm when unfolded, it sets a new industry benchmark as the thinnest tri-fold device, redefining what’s possible in foldable technology.

Innovative G-Style Tri-fold Design

Unlike conventional tri-fold devices that leave their delicate flexible screens exposed, the PHANTOM Ultimate G Fold Concept showcases an innovative G-Style design. Its expansive inner display folds inward twice, completely shielding the main screen from scratches and impacts when not in use. For everyday tasks, a convenient second cover display provides a classic smartphone experience.

At the core of this innovation is a custom-engineered dual-hinge system, comprising a small waterdrop hinge and a larger primary hinge. When folded, the small hinge allows the right portion of the display to fold gaplessly inward, mimicking a traditional book-style foldable. The larger hinge then folds the remaining section over the top. A self-locking mechanism ensures the device is both perfectly gapless and secure when closed.

Innovative G-style tri-fold design with dual inward folds
Innovative G-style tri-fold design with dual inward folds

This advanced engineering also unlocks new modes of use. A customized dual-cam design in the large hinge supports multi-angle hovering, allowing the device to be operated in a partially folded state, transforming it into a versatile mini-workstation.

When fully unfolded, the dual-hinge system reveals a stunning 9.94-inch display with minimal creasing. This seamless canvas turns the device from a pocketable smartphone into a full-fledged tablet, providing an expansive workspace for next-level multitasking and media consumption.

World’s Thinnest Tri-Fold with Flagship Features

Despite the added complexity of its inward tri-fold architecture, the TECNO PHANTOM Ultimate G Fold Concept achieves a folded thickness of just 11.49mm—comparable to many current dual-fold smartphones. When fully unfolded, the device achieves an industry-leading 3.49mm ultra-slim profile – making it the world’s thinnest tri-fold smartphone to date. This is made possible by multiple breakthroughs in foldable displays, hinges, and materials—including 2000 MPa ultra-high-strength steel for the hinge and ultra-strong Titan Fiber for the back cover, which is just 0.3mm thick.

Even with this ultra-slim form factor, the PHANTOM Ultimate G Fold Concept makes no compromises on flagship experience, including a high-performance chipset, a versatile triple-camera system as well as a massive over 5000mAh battery.

TECNO’s Latest Advanced Foldable Innovation

The launch of the PHANTOM Ultimate G Fold Concept further underscores TECNO’s exploration of redefining the future of foldable mobile technology. This advancement is another strong signal of TECNO’s ambition to bring cutting-edge form factors and flagship experiences to a global, design-forward audience. TECNO confirms that the device is expected to be showcased at MWC 2026.

 

HTX’s 2025 Mid-Year Report Showcases Robust Growth, Evidenced by 50 Million Users, $6.4 Billion Assets, and Hot Crypto’s 850% Surge

PANAMA CITY, July 17, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Halfway through 2025, HTX, a leading global cryptocurrency exchange, continues to navigate a crypto market that swings amid the tug-of-war between regulation and technological narratives. In a rotation of trending themes, Bitcoin surged past $120,000, hitting a new all-time high. Amid this cyclical transition marked by fierce competition, HTX has maintained its steady momentum and delivered a stellar mid-year performance.

HTX 2025 Mid-Year Report
HTX 2025 Mid-Year Report

Over the past three years, HTX has pushed forward with its transformation and upgrading, evolving from rebranding and product innovation to user growth and global expansion. As the HTX DAO ecosystem governance system matures, HTX has leaped forward from being a platform-based exchange to becoming a “people’s exchange”. Let’s dive into a comprehensive review of HTX’s key progress and milestones in H1 2025 across several dimensions.

HTX Advances Towards the Top with Impressive Performance

In H1 2025, newly registered users on HTX increased by 92% compared to the previous half-year, bringing the total user base to over 50 million. Assets on the platform rose by 14%, surpassing $6.4 billion. Total trading volume grew by 17% year-on-year, while active traders grew by 11% from the previous half. These key performance indicators show strong upward momentum across the board, signaling remarkable stability in an otherwise turbulent industry. HTX is rapidly enhancing its competitiveness as one of the world’s top exchanges.

Trending Assets Drive Wealth Creation

HTX made waves in H1 2025 with an impressive lineup of newly listed assets. Cryptos like TRUMP, LAYER, and STO debuted exclusively on HTX, well ahead of other mainstream exchanges, and many new listings experienced substantial growth shortly after launch. Among these, TRUMP skyrocketed from 10 USDT to 95 USDT, marking an 850% increase. AVAAI, a representative crypto in the AI narrative sector, surged by 570%. PIPPIN, a prominent player in the Solana ecosystem, rose 484%, and LAYER, an infrastructure project, grew 467%. Other assets like STO, SYRUP, and SKYAI also registered gains of over 200%.

Top Gainers on HTX
Top Gainers on HTX

Product Features Continuously Enhanced

In H1 2025, HTX continued to optimize its product experience and launched several key features:

  • Multi-Assets Collateral mode for futures trading was introduced to help users maximize fund utilization.
  • A new “Zero-Cost Futures Position” feature was introduced, lowering the barrier for users to adopt leverage strategies.
  • Custodial sub-accounts and the HTX DAO on-chain voting mechanism officially went online, offering users a more secure and flexible trading and governance experience.
  • The platform launched the 1:1 USDT/USDD conversion to boost stablecoin utilization.

These features significantly enrich HTX’s product matrix, catering to the diverse trading and asset allocation needs of different users.

Security and Compliance Safeguard User Assets

Against the backdrop of tightening crypto regulations and frequent risk incidents, HTX released its 2025 Mid-Year Security Report, continuously reinforcing the platform’s security system and building a multi-layered, end-to-end risk control mechanism to ensure the safety of user assets.

Through actions such as cracking down on phishing websites, optimizing risk control systems, and enhancing on-chain monitoring, HTX has established an end-to-end security framework covering users, trading, and funds.

H1 Security in Numbers
H1 Security in Numbers

As a pioneer in implementing Merkle Tree Proof of Reserves, HTX has consistently demonstrated its dedication to asset transparency by publicly disclosing reserve data for 33 consecutive months. As of July 1, 2025, HTX’s overall reserve ratio has remained steadily above 100%. Specifically, user-held USDT assets totaled 1.8 billion, while platform reserves exceeded 1.82 billion, marking four consecutive months of net asset growth. The continued rise in core asset reserves reflects growing user trust toward the platform. Additionally, to further enhance the auditability and transparency of its proof of reserves, HTX has fully upgraded its PoR to a TiDB distributed storage architecture, which effectively improves data processing efficiency and traceability.

To learn more, please visit: HTX Releases 2025 Mid-Year Report: 50 Million Users, $6.4 Billion Assets, and Hot Crypto Surging 850%, Securely Positioned Among the World’s Top Exchanges

About HTX

Founded in 2013, HTX has evolved from a virtual asset exchange into a comprehensive ecosystem of blockchain businesses that span digital asset trading, financial derivatives, research, investments, incubation, and other businesses.

As a world-leading gateway to Web3, HTX harbors global capabilities that enable it to provide users with safe and reliable services. Adhering to the growth strategy of “Global Expansion, Thriving Ecosystem, Wealth Effect, Security & Compliance,” HTX is dedicated to providing quality services and values to virtual asset enthusiasts worldwide.

To learn more about HTX, please visit HTX Square or https://www.htx.com/, and follow HTX on X, Telegram, and Discord.

 

Huawei Cloud Propels Singapore Enterprises from Cloud Adoption to Intelligent Leap, Forging Industry Pioneers

SINGAPORE, July 17, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — The Huawei Cloud Singapore Summit 2025, themed “Accelerate Intelligence, Ignite Smarter Future,” brought together over 500 representatives from government, business, and technology sectors today. Attendees discussed how moving from basic cloud adoption to full-scale intelligence can significantly enhance enterprise productivity, enabling businesses to thrive in today’s complex and dynamic environment.

In a world of growing uncertainties, digitalization remains the most effective way to address challenges. Sunny Shang, President of Huawei Cloud Asia Pacific, highlighted Singapore’s crucial role as a global innovation hub, particularly in the intelligent era. Singapore is home to Huawei Cloud’s unique five local Available Zones (AZ) deployment, which delivers the highest possible level of service continuity. On the journey of intelligence and transformation with partners, Huawei acts as a bridge for innovative solutions and industry expertise exchange between Singapore and the rest of the world.

Sunny Shang,  President of Huawei Cloud APAC
Sunny Shang, President of Huawei Cloud APAC

Maxi Wang, CEO of Huawei International, stated “In the era of intelligence, Singapore has always valued practical innovation, the kind that lifts productivity, streamlines operations, and empowers every individual to grow. At Huawei, we see it the same way. We are here to bring global best practices to help Singapore enterprises scale, modernize, and go beyond boundaries with our cloud. We are equally focused on people. We will continue working with our industry and higher education partners to equip the local workforce with globally competitive skills, helping them stay relevant across both East and West in a fast-changing world.”

Maxi Wang, Chief Executive Officer, Huawei International Pte Ltd (Singapore)
Maxi Wang, Chief Executive Officer, Huawei International Pte Ltd (Singapore)

Deepening Technology Roots in Industry Practices

Over the years, Huawei Cloud’s engineers and PhDs have been working directly at customer sites, testing devices in coal mines, monitoring blast furnace parameters in steel mills, and observing outpatient diagnosis and treatment processes in hospitals. This hands-on experience has provided valuable insights, which are then integrated into customer business scenarios to boost production efficiency.

Gigi Hu, Managing Director of Huawei Cloud Singapore, outlined how Huawei Cloud will continuously provide professional services to key industries in Singapore, including the public sector, fintech, internet companies, and large enterprises. First, strategic resources will be invested in consulting, planning, solution design, delivery, service, and R&D support. The goal is to assist 10 major enterprises in implementing multi-cloud strategies, enhancing business resilience, and achieving cloud neutrality. Second, Huawei Cloud’s practices from China and its global operations, alongside industry partnerships, will support more than 50 Singaporean companies upgrade from cloud adoption to intelligent transformation. Third, Huawei Cloud is working with over 100 high-quality partners worldwide to serve the Singapore market and support local partners in expanding their international presence.

Gigi Hu, Managing Director of Huawei Cloud Singapore
Gigi Hu, Managing Director of Huawei Cloud Singapore

At industry workshops held during the summit, Huawei Cloud and its ecosystem partners showcased a wealth of industry practices across sectors. In collaboration with public sectors, Huawei Cloud leverages cloud and intelligent technologies to transform government services, enhancing administrative efficiency and fostering the implementation of people-centric innovative services in Singapore. Internet companies like Grab and Minimax discussed cloud native innovations in areas such as e-commerce scalability and global entertainment acceleration. In FinTech, Huawei Cloud, Criat, DolphinDB, and Cobo shared cutting-edge trends and best practices in credit risk management, intelligent data analysis, and digital asset hosting. For large enterprises aiming to drive digital transformation through a multi-cloud strategy, Huawei is partnering with Kingdee and Transwarp to optimize production processes and intelligent marketing, accelerating service innovation at scale.

Where Technology Innovation Meets Business Needs

Intelligence is now an established trend and a core driver for enterprise innovation and growth. While many customers have embraced cloud, the proliferation of SaaS tools has often led to data silos. The key challenge in the intelligent era is how to more effectively leverage the data accumulated on the cloud.

Aka Dai, Director of Huawei Cloud Marketing, introduced Huawei Cloud’s full-stack innovation for the intelligent era, offering one-stop service capabilities that enable customers to fully utilize data and intelligence in the cloud. This encompasses several critical aspects. First, the integration of data and intelligence helps customers use data more wisely. For example, Huawei Cloud’s data engineering service and KooSearch Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG) solution enable enterprises to fully unleash the potential of their data. Second, Huawei Cloud infuses intelligence across business functions—including R&D, production, supply, and sales—helping organizations turn innovative ideas into tangible results through Huawei Cloud’s cloud services and toolchains. At the application innovation level, Huawei Cloud provides CodeArts, a one-stop DevSecOps platform. This platform supports the entire lifecycle of software development and incorporates AI features. For example, CodeArts Doer for Coding can autonomously generate, explain, check, and comment on code, significantly boosting software development efficiency.

Aka Dai, Director of Huawei Cloud Marketing
Aka Dai, Director of Huawei Cloud Marketing

Building an Innovation Powerhouse Together

Singapore plays a vital role bridging East and West. Similarly, Huawei Cloud serves as a global platform powered with an open, versatile ecosystem comprising 500 technology partners and 50 service partners in Singapore.

Huawei Cloud brings new technologies to Singapore and helps Singaporean partners expand globally. For example, Singaporean local partner WIZ.AI has deepened its cooperation with Huawei Cloud, expanding its business into the Philippines, Indonesia, Singapore, Thailand, and Malaysia. China’s leading fintech company, Sunline, has also established a presence in Singapore, with its customer service fully validated in the local market.

Huawei Cloud is also committed to integrating technological innovation in everyday life, nature conservation, and sustainable development. Frank Guo, Managing Director of Huawei International, shared several cases illustrating the tangible impact of the “Cloud for Good” philosophy. Naturally, this effort hinges on digital talent. In Singapore, Huawei is actively promoting the next generation of innovators through initiatives like Tech4City, which encouragesyouth and startups to apply technology for public good. A notable example is SafeGuardSG, an emergency response platform developed by local students which uses AI to improve real-time coordination and community safety. FingerDance, a startup supported by Huawei Cloud’s incubator, has collaborated with SBS Transit and jointly launched the Sign Language Virtual Assistant SiLVia. SiLViA is being trialled at the North East Line Chinatown MRT Station in Singapore, helping hard-of-hearing commuters to travel independently and safely on public transport. PrimePlay, the winner of Huawei Tech4City 2024, combines games and sensing devices to create a more engaging and effective fitness experience for seniors. Moving forward, Huawei Cloud will continue to collaborate with more customers and partners to accelerate Singapore’s digitalization in healthcare, green and low-carbon development, and digital talent cultivation.

Frank Guo, Managing Director for Public Affairs, Huawei International Pte Ltd (Singapore)
Frank Guo, Managing Director for Public Affairs, Huawei International Pte Ltd (Singapore)

The summit also includes exhibition areas where visitors can experience cutting-edge technologies such as digital human and smart magic mirrors, alongside the latest technological advancements in GaussDB, big data, and ModelArts. Leading partners including NXAI, Yonyou, Kingdee, and Freedo, shared their experiences and ideas to foster collaborative innovation.

Cushman & Wakefield: China Leads REIT Market Expansion in Asia while India’s REIT Market Demonstrates Robust Growth

  • Chinese mainland REIT market joined the top three largest REIT markets in Asia for the first time with an 85% increase in market value in 2024
  • India’s office REIT market attracted considerable leasing demand from global capability centres
  • Data centre and hospitality REITs gained strong investor interest in Japan and Singapore

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 17 July 2025 – China and India’s Real Estate Investment Trust (REIT) markets showed robust growth in 2024 and are expected to continue to attract strong investor interest this year, according to Cushman & Wakefield’s Asia REIT Market Insight 2024-2025. The annual report revealed that the Chinese mainland REIT (C-REIT) market achieved a remarkable 85% increase in market value at the end of 2024, surpassing Hong Kong and becoming one of the region’s top three REIT markets. In the same period, India’s REIT market demonstrated robust growth in the office sector, driven by strong leasing demand for institutional-grade office space. Meanwhile, mature markets such as Japan, Singapore and Hong Kong moved toward stabilization, underlining their long-term resilience.

Catherine Chen, Director, Investor Client Intelligence & Insights, Asia Pacific at Cushman & Wakefield said, “The unprecedented growth in the C-REIT market highlights its role as a critical driver of regional expansion, while India’s performance emphasizes the growing strength of the country’s institutional-grade real estate. These markets continue to create new and exciting opportunities for investors targeting Asia.”

Cushman & Wakefield’s data showed a total of 263 active REIT products in the Asia market as of December 31, 2024, with a combined market value of US$235.8 billion, reflecting a year-on-year decline of 6.5%. The contraction was primarily driven by declines in the U.S. dollar values of the Japan, Singapore and Hong Kong markets due to the widespread softening in REIT stock prices and unfavorable exchange rate movements. Amid these declines, the Chinese mainland REIT market emerged as a bright spot, posting an impressive 85% year-on-year rise in market value, attributable to new REIT product issuances and strong investor demand for infrastructure-backed assets.

In the mature markets, Japanese REITs experienced significant gains in dividend yield, led by stock price moderation and asset performance improvements, particularly among hotel REITs, which benefited from inbound tourism. In Singapore, positive total returns were observed across multiple property types in 2024, including data centres at 9.7%, and healthcare at 6.9%. Elsewhere in Asia, Thailand demonstrated robust performance with a 41% increase in market value, marking it as the second-highest growth market in the region. The Philippines, Malaysia and India reported increases of 37%, 21% and 13% respectively, supported by their favorable economic fundamentals and attractive real estate sectors.

Total Market Value of Active REITs on Major Asia Exchanges (December 2024)

Market Number of REITs Market Value (USD billion) Market Share (%)
Japan 57 90.8 38.5
Singapore 39 67.4 28.6
Chinese Mainland 58 21.4 9.1
Hong Kong, China 11 16.1 6.8
India 4 11.0 4.6
Thailand 38 8.3 3.5
Malaysia 18 7.7 3.2
The Philippines 8 5.8 2.5
South Korea 24 5.3 2.3
Taiwan, China 6 21.0 0.9
Total 263 235.8 100

Source: Bloomberg database, compiled by Cushman & Wakefield Valuation & Advisory Services

Expansion of C-REIT market

The year 2024 saw a breakthrough in C-REIT issuance with 29 new REIT products, including 19 real estate-backed REITs. This represented the highest annual issuance recorded to date. Among product categories, consumer infrastructure REITs led the issuance count with seven new listings, followed by industrial park REITs with six launches. Heading into 2025, the market has maintained its robust trajectory with six REITs launched in Q1, including five real estate-backed products. As of March 31, 2025, a total of 64 public infrastructure REITs were listed in the Chinese mainland, marking a significant period of growth in the market.

Chris Yang, Senior Director, Head of REITs Practice Group, China, at Cushman & Wakefield said, “The C-REIT market has achieved a historic milestone in 2024, in both market value expansion and new product issuance. This surge reflects both greater investor confidence in infrastructure-backed REITs and the success of new issuances in retail and industrial REITs. Looking ahead, we anticipate further diversification and expansion as regulatory frameworks evolve to attract both domestic and international investors.”

Global capability centres drive leasing demand for India office REITs

India’s office asset REITs have attracted a considerable share of demand from global capability centres (GCCs), which is an important growth driver for India’s office markets. At a Pan-India level, GCCs have accounted for 28%–29% of gross leasing volume on average over the last four quarters up to Q1 2025. In contrast, REIT landlords were able to achieve a much higher share, at 40%–60% of total leasing demand from GCC firms, rendering institutionally owned assets the preferred choice for many multinational occupiers.

Somy Thomas, Executive Managing Director, Valuations and Co- Head, Capital Markets, India at Cushman & Wakefield commented, “India’s REIT market continues to carve a strong trajectory, with exceptional growth seen across the office sector. Multinational companies, especially GCCs have driven record leasing activity, which now accounts for a significant share of the nation’s Grade A office stock. There has also been a growing preference among occupiers for premium grade assets, thereby significantly benefiting REITs. All three office REITs in India achieved occupancy rates close to 90% at the end of Q1 2025.”

A fourth office REIT in India is expected to make its listing debut by the end of the calendar year 2025. With 48 million sq ft of Pan-India Grade A office space (37 million sq ft operational and 11 million sq ft under development), Knowledge Realty Trust, which is backed by Blackstone and Sattva Developers is expected to become one of the largest real estate investment trusts listed in India.

Looking Ahead

The Asia REIT market is poised for continued evolution as it navigates the dual forces of mature market stabilization and emerging market expansion. “We expect the mature markets of Japan, Singapore and Hong Kong to focus on enhancing operational efficiencies while grappling with the challenges posed by global monetary policy shifts. On the other hand, emerging markets, particularly the Chinese mainland, India and Thailand are expected to continue to grow, bolstered by strong economic fundamentals and supportive regulatory frameworks”, noted Catherine Chen.

Cushman & Wakefield’s report also noted that data centre and hospitality REITs are expected to remain highly visible on investors’ radar, driven by AI advancements and recovery in the tourism sector respectively. Additionally, M&A activity is likely to pick up as players seek scale and diversification to better weather market fluctuations.

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Cushman & Wakefield

Cushman & Wakefield (NYSE: CWK) is a leading global commercial real estate services firm for property owners and occupiers with approximately 52,000 employees in nearly 400 offices and 60 countries. In Greater China, a network of 23 offices serves local markets across the region. In 2024, the firm reported revenue of $9.4 billion across its core services of Valuation, Consulting, Project & Development Services, Capital Markets, Project & Occupier Services, Industrial & Logistics, Retail, and others. Built around the belief that Better never settles, the firm receives numerous industry and business accolades for its award-winning culture. For additional information, visit or follow us on LinkedIn ().