FUKUOKA, Japan, Dec. 19, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Golden Route to WEST JAPAN, a tourism initiative by Fukuoka City, is a comprehensive platform dedicated to showcasing the culture, nature, and distinctive travel experiences of western Japan and Kyushu, is delighted to announce an exclusive new campaign in partnership with Airalo, one of the world’s largest and most trusted global eSIM providers.

This collaboration aims to enhance the travel experience for international visitors by offering 10–15% off Airalo’s eSIM products, allowing users to stay connected easily and affordably while exploring the diverse destinations along the Golden Route.

Airalo is a global service available in 53 languages, making it an accessible and traveler-friendly solution for visitors from around the world. With the rapid increase in eSIM usage globally, contemporary travelers expect seamless connectivity throughout their journey.

By bringing Airalo’s convenient eSIM technology directly to travelers interested in western Japan, the Golden Route initiative aims to remove common communication barriers and support hassle-free journeys across the region. This is also an important milestone for Airalo, as it marks the company’s first-ever partnership with a regional tourism initiative in Japan.

The Golden Route to WEST JAPAN platform connects travelers with curated itineraries, cultural insights, and recommended points of interest spanning cities including Osaka, Hiroshima, Fukuoka, Kumamoto, and Nagasaki. From UNESCO World Heritage sites to hot springs, the region offers visitors an increasingly popular alternative for visitors looking for more off-the-beaten-track experiences.

Through the new campaign, travelers can access a special discount code via the official Golden Route to WEST JAPAN website. By applying the code when purchasing an eSIM through Airalo, users will immediately receive 10–15% off the standard pricing. This partnership encourages visitors to make the most of their time in Japan by staying connected from the moment they arrive, without the need for physical SIM cards.

The featured campaign page, titled Experience West Japan Without Limits: Golden Route to WEST JAPAN × Airalo, highlights the key benefits of the partnership. The campaign emphasizes flawless travel, digital convenience, and the freedom to explore western Japan with reliable mobile connectivity supporting every step.

Travelers are invited to take advantage of this exclusive offer and discover the incredible diversity of western Japan through the Golden Route platform. For campaign codes and further details, please visit the official Golden Route to WEST JAPAN website: https://japan-west-goldenroute.com/browse-content/experience-west-japan-without-limits-the-western-golden-route-x-airalo/

SINGAPORE, Dec. 19, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Recently, leading global energy research and consultancy firm Wood Mackenzie released its Global Solar Module Manufacturer Ranking H1 2025. ELITE Solar once again secured a position on this prestigious global ranking, placing eighth worldwide in the first half of 2025—further reaffirming its comprehensive competitiveness as recognized by an international authority.

Wood Mackenzie’s global solar module manufacturer ranking is widely regarded as one of the industry’s most rigorous and transparent evaluation systems. It assesses leading global manufacturers across multiple critical dimensions, including capacity utilization, technology maturity, ESG and corporate social responsibility performance, financial health, supply chain resilience, vertical integration, R&D capabilities, and module manufacturing experience. As such, it serves as an important benchmark closely followed by the global photovoltaic industry.

The report notes that amid intensifying competition in global PV manufacturing, companies able to maintain stable rankings typically demonstrate strong capabilities in serving both premium and mainstream markets, possess reliable global delivery systems, and exhibit long-term sustainable operational strength. ELITE Solar’s return to the ranking at No. 8 underscores the company’s continued advancement in global manufacturing footprint, product quality, and overall operational excellence.

In recent years, ELITE Solar has steadily expanded its global manufacturing and supply chain presence, establishing integrated wafer, cell, and module production facilities in Vietnam, Indonesia, and Egypt. This flexible overseas capacity network enables the company to deliver stable, compliant products to key markets across Europe, the Middle East, and the Americas. At the same time, ELITE Solar continues to increase investment in high-efficiency cell and module technologies, enhancing product performance and reliability, while actively advancing ESG initiatives to strengthen green manufacturing practices and social responsibility.

Looking ahead, ELITE Solar will continue to uphold its development philosophy of “Built on Quality. Driven by Excellence.“ Guided by customer needs and evolving global market dynamics, the company remains committed to strengthening its technological capabilities and delivery performance, pursuing long-term, steady growth while serving customers worldwide.

Distinguished UTM alumnus leads the unveiling of a world-class 1.5 million sq. ft. hub designed to transform higher education, innovation, and youth development in Malaysia

KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia, Dec. 19, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Datuk Seri Ir. Dr. Wee Ka Siong, a distinguished alumnus of Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) and one of Malaysia’s most respected engineers and policymakers, has once again demonstrated his enduring national influence through the official unveiling of the TAR UMT Arena, a 1.5 million square-foot facility that redefines the country’s approach to higher education and holistic student development. The landmark event, attended by prominent leaders from education, industry, and government, marks a significant investment in the nation’s future talent.

Engineering Leadership with Societal Impact
Dr. Wee’s stewardship of this 2025 milestone project reflects a lifelong commitment to nation-building through education and innovation. Widely recognized for his tenure as Malaysia’s Minister of Transport (2020–2022), he guided the nation’s logistics and transport sectors through the unprecedented challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, maintaining supply chain resilience and ensuring critical infrastructure projects advanced uninterrupted.

Beyond transportation, Dr. Wee has held senior national positions including Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department, where he championed SME development, and Deputy Minister of Education, where he emphasized equitable access and quality reform. His recent appointment in late 2024 as an investment advisor for   the Chinese community in Malaysia, with a specific focus on the halal industry further underscores his capacity to bridge engineering expertise with economic foresight, translating technical knowledge into sustainable national growth.

Dr. Wee’s career illustrates that engineering is more than building infrastructure, rather it is about designing opportunities that empower people and strengthen nations. Through his leadership in transport, education, and economic policy, he has continuously shaped Malaysia’s trajectory toward a knowledge-driven, innovation-led future.

The TAR UMT Arena stands as a tangible legacy of this vision, a living symbol of Malaysia’s commitment to holistic education, sustainable innovation, and youth empowerment. Dr. Wee’s continued contributions inspire a generation of leaders to think boldly, act responsibly, and serve with purpose in a rapidly evolving global landscape.

Embedded in UTM’s quality
This extensive career in public policy and infrastructure is built on a deep technical foundation from UTM itself. As a proud double alumnus of UTM, Dr. Wee holds both a Bachelor of Civil Engineering and a PhD in Transportation Planning, academic credentials that have profoundly shaped his evidence-based and solution-oriented approach to policymaking.

Currently, Dr. Wee serves as an active member on several professional engineers’ organisations including the Institution of Engineers Malaysia (MIEM) and Road Engineering Association of Asia & Australasia (REAAA). His professional path which combines technical mastery with public policy leadership stands as a powerful testament to the leadership and strategic capabilities fostered within Malaysian higher education.

Therefore, Dr. Wee’s journey from from a university engineering student to a PhD, and ultimately to a national-level minister and educational leader exemplifies UTM’s vision of cultivating graduates who integrate scientific knowledge, innovation, and social responsibility.

About Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM):
Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) is a research-intensive public university specialising in engineering, science, and technology, with a growing international profile in sustainability, innovation, and the humanities. Established in 1904 and located in Johor Bahru and Kuala Lumpur, UTM is dedicated to producing global talents, impactful research, and meaningful partnerships that contribute to a more just and sustainable world.

Forbes 30 Under 30 recipient and global tech leader recognized for his transformative impact on Malaysia’s digital innovation ecosystem.

KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia, Dec. 19, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Muhammad Arif bin Tukiman, the visionary co-founder and Chief Executive Officer of RunCloud, received the Top Entrepreneur Award (Anugerah Tokoh Usahawan) during the Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) Alumni Homecoming 2025, celebrating his exceptional contributions to Malaysia’s global presence in cloud technology and digital entrepreneurship. The award recognises his strong contribution to Malaysia’s global presence in cloud technology and digital entrepreneurship. It also marks another milestone in his rise as one of the country’s most influential young technology leaders.

A Journey of Excellence and Innovation to Global Impact

As a proud double alumnus of Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, Arif obtained a Bachelor of Computer Science in Graphics and Multimedia Software in 2014 and a Master of Science in Information Technology Entrepreneurship in 2016. His academic training in computing and entrepreneurship laid the foundation for a career that blends technical expertise with visionary business leadership.

His track record shows sustained excellence in entrepreneurship and regional leadership. His recent 2025 Top Entrepreneur Award builds on a set of international achievements that include recognition in Forbes 30 Under 30 Asia in Enterprise Technology in 2020, the Alibaba eFounder Fellowship in 2019 in Hangzhou, China, and the Startup World Cup Regional Winner in 2018 as the Top 28 Finalist in Silicon Valley. His success also includes the APICTA Award in 2018 for Best Startup and Best ICT Business Solution, the ASEAN Rice Bowl Award in 2019 as Malaysia’s Startup of the Year, the 2024 Best Exporter Award in the SME category by MATRADE and PKNS, and the UTM Alumni Muda Harapan Award in 2024. These honours reflect his strategic leadership, entrepreneurial foresight, and growing impact on Malaysia’s innovation ecosystem. At the same time, his success also reflects UTM’s mission to develop innovators who translate scientific knowledge with real-world impact.

A Global Force in Cloud Technology and Continuing Legacy

Arif’s pioneering work from Cool Code Sdn. Bhd., which developed digital products reaching over three million downloads, to the global rise of RunCloud, reflects a powerful narrative of innovation, resilience, and purpose. He has positioned RunCloud as a catalyst for digital transformation across industries, while empowering thousands of professionals and students to advance their careers in the global tech landscape. Founded in 2017, RunCloud is a Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) platform that simplifies cloud server management for developers, agencies, and businesses. The platform allows users to deploy, configure, and monitor web applications without requiring advanced Linux expertise, saving valuable time and resources.

Today, RunCloud powers over 210,000 web applications and supports more than 5,000 businesses globally, including startups, SMEs, and large enterprises. With active users in more than 100 countries, its largest markets span the United States (21%), United Kingdom (8%), Indonesia (6%), Malaysia (6%) and India (5%), reflecting its strong international adoption. RunCloud’s user-friendly architecture and innovation in cloud deployment have earned multiple international recognitions, including the title ‘Web Panel of the Year 2021’ and features in renowned publications such as TechCrunch and Vulcan Post. Its global success underscores Arif’s vision of making cloud technology accessible to everyone, from local startups to global enterprises.

Beyond business success, his entrepreneurial mission is driven by nation-building through technology education. Through RunCloud Education, he has built a learning ecosystem that develops future-ready digital talent, working in collaboration with universities, government agencies, and the private sector. His work with national agencies such as MDEC and Jabatan Pendidikan Politeknik dan Kolej Komuniti (JPPKK) demonstrate his commitment to developing a digitally empowered workforce that drives Malaysia’s future competitiveness. To date, the initiative has engaged over 65 universities and 90 schools, training more than 10,000 students and certifying 6,000 cloud practitioners under the Malaysia Board of Technology (MBOT) certification framework. By developing Malaysia’s next generation of cloud professionals, Arif’s work strengthens the country’s position in the digital economy while addressing critical global skills gaps in cloud computing, cybersecurity, and IT infrastructure.

About Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM):

Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) is a research-intensive public university specialising in engineering, science, and technology, with a growing international profile in sustainability, innovation, and the humanities. Established in 1904 and located in Johor Bahru and Kuala Lumpur, UTM is dedicated to producing global talents, impactful research, and meaningful partnerships that contribute to a more just and sustainable world.

BEIJING, Dec. 19, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — A news report from China Daily:

The All-China Federation of Trade Unions has revealed an artificial intelligence-powered platform that acts as a round-the-clock digital assistant, offering everything from legal guidance to policy analysis, as part of efforts to empower workers through technology.

The core architecture of the AI platform comprises four main modules: the large model computing power scheduling platform, which integrates diverse computing resources to enhance efficiency; the knowledge operation platform that aggregates authoritative union data, professional policies and regulations, and typical cases, featuring automatic categorization, dynamic updates, and precise retrieval capabilities; the large model service management platform, enabling end-to-end management from model training to deployment and lowering the barrier for union staff to use AI technologies; and the trade union native AI application support platform, providing foundational support for the development of intelligent applications.

The AI platform has integrated three key elements of AI: computing power, models and data. It helps enhance the performance of trade union-specific industry models in knowledge processing, reasoning and other areas, boosting the intelligence and efficiency of union work.

Currently, this platform has been applied to multiple scenarios in trade union work. The intelligent legal service provides personalized legal consultations; smart data analytics quickly obtains data chart analysis results through interactive methods; the trade union-specific Q&A system, trade union language, offers more authoritative trade union-specific responses compared to general models; the writing assistant can assist in drafting 15 types of statutory documents and five types of administrative documents.

The launch of the AI platform marks a shift in union services from being experience-driven to data-driven, and from achieving isolated breakthroughs to enabling systemic transformation. By equipping union operations with a digital engine, the platform represents a critical step forward in the digital and intelligent transformation of trade unions in China, officials of the ACFTU said.

In addition to the AI infrastructure, the digitalized service terminals of the ACFTU designed for direct engagement with workers have achieved notable results.

The “workers’ home” app, designed for hundreds of millions of workers, has acted as a crucial window for delivering capabilities since it was launched on July 1, 2024.

Data showed that over the past year and more, the “workers’ home” app has recorded cumulative activity visits of 440 million, attracted over 14.5 million registered users, and seen activity participation reach 300 million person-times.

The app focuses on key areas such as the reform of building a strong industrial workforce, safeguarding workers’ rights, and serving key groups including workers in new forms of employment. Its 10 functional zones have been progressively enhanced. Among them, the “workers’ service zone” offers 27 types of services.

As of now, more than 410 activities have been organized through the “workers’ home” app. The app features 200,000 trade union service facilities. It has attracted 334,000 trade union organizations and assisted membership registration and transfers for over 3.37 million individuals.

The “trade union’s digital ID wallet” enables functions such as identity verification, rights inquiry and benefit redemption. It has distributed more than 270,000 mobile health checkup vouchers, 135,000 copies of employee mutual insurance and 792,000 worker care packages. To date, the “workers’ home” app has been integrated with the systems of 31 provincial-level trade union federations, incorporating 188 localized applications.

Beyond infrastructure and platform development, the digital and intelligent transformation is reflected in the ACFTU emphasis on enhancing workers’ digital skills as a key task in deepening the reform of the industrial workforce.

Initiatives include the creation of the “cloud for workers’ innovation and creation” and the “cloud for workers’ skills enhancement”, the launch of digital courses on platforms such as the “craftsmen academy” and the “workers’ home” app, and the implementation of programs to improve digital skills among female workers.

Trade unions across the country have strengthened collaboration with government departments at corresponding levels, exploring models such as “digitalization + training”, “digitalization + competition” and “digitalization + services”, tailored to local and industry-specific conditions.

According to the ACFTU, during the 15th Five-Year Plan (2026-30), it will expand the participation scope, broaden the range of occupations covered, and enhance the utilization of outcomes in digital competitions.

Efforts will also be made to advance digital skills training, promote innovation outcomes, and cultivate craftsmen with digital skills. Leveraging the “craftsmen academy”, enterprise training bases and the “workers’ home” app, courses in areas such as AI and smart manufacturing will be offered both online and offline. These initiatives will include digital skills training; exhibitions of “five small” innovations featuring inventions, creations, renovations, designs and suggestions; and activities to assist the practical application of innovations.

SINGAPORE, Dec. 19, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — As the countdown to the New Year begins, digital travel platform Agoda reveals a curated list of cities renowned for their breathtaking New Year’s Eve fireworks displays. The selection, featuring iconic destinations, promises travelers an unforgettable start to the year with dazzling pyrotechnics and vibrant celebrations.

This year, Agoda’s list features a mix of traditional hotspots and surprising destinations. Each location offers a distinct charm and festive atmosphere, with celebrations ranging from stunning fireworks to immersive cultural experiences that reflect local traditions.

Andrew Smith, Senior Vice President, Supply at Agoda shared, “At Agoda, we thrive on crafting memorable experiences for travelers, especially as they usher in the New Year. Whether they’re drawn to the iconic fireworks of Sydney or the unique charm of Reykjavik, our platform offers great value deals and a rich variety of options. We’re here to ensure the travelers’ New Year’s Eve is not just another night, but a spectacular start to an exciting new year.”

Here is Agoda’s detailed list of cities that light up on New Year’s Eve, offering an unforgettable experience to welcome the New Year.

1.    Bangkok, Thailand may be known for its Songkran festival in April, but the global New Year’s Eve celebration is no less spectacular. There are major parties organized throughout the city, including performances from international superstars. The most impressive firework display can be seen along the Chao Praya river.

2.    Reykjavik, Iceland transforms into a winter wonderland on New Year’s Eve, with locals and visitors gathering around community bonfires to celebrate. The city’s fireworks are a collective effort, with residents contributing to the display, creating a unique and personal atmosphere. The chance to see the Northern Lights adds an extra layer of magic.

3.    Singapore, Marina Bay is a hub of activity on New Year’s Eve, with a dazzling fireworks display that lights up the city’s iconic skyline. The celebration includes a mix of cultural performances, music festivals, and waterfront parties, offering a dynamic experience that reflects Singapore’s multicultural spirit. The city’s efficient public transport ensures easy access to the festivities, making it a convenient choice for travelers.

4.    Sydney, Australia is synonymous with New Year’s Eve celebrations, where the iconic fireworks display over the Sydney Harbour Bridge and Opera House draws millions of viewers worldwide. The city offers a variety of vantage points, from harborside parks to exclusive cruises, ensuring everyone can enjoy the spectacle.

5.    Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam offers a lively and energetic atmosphere, with fireworks illuminating the Saigon River and the city’s bustling streets. The celebrations are centered around District 1, where locals and tourists alike enjoy street performances, live music, and traditional Vietnamese festivities.

6.    Cape Town, South Africa boasts a natural backdrop for its New Year’s Eve celebrations, with Table Mountain providing a picturesque setting for the fireworks. The V&A Waterfront is the focal point of the festivities, featuring live music, food markets, and a spectacular fireworks display over the harbor.

7.    Prague, Czech Republic enchants visitors with its historic charm and riverside fireworks display. The city’s medieval architecture provides a stunning backdrop for celebrations, with the Charles Bridge and Prague Castle offering iconic views. The festivities include traditional Czech music and dance, creating a festive atmosphere that blends history and modernity.

8.    Rio de Janeiro, Brazil is renowned for its vibrant New Year’s Eve celebrations on Copacabana Beach, where millions gather to enjoy samba rhythms and a breathtaking fireworks display. The city’s lively atmosphere is infectious, with street parties, live performances, and cultural rituals adding to the excitement. Visitors can also partake in the local tradition of wearing white for good luck, immersing themselves in the spirit of the celebration.

9.    Auckland, New Zealand is among the first major cities to welcome the New Year, with a stunning fireworks display over the Sky Tower. The city’s celebrations include a mix of cultural performances, live music, and family-friendly activities, offering something for everyone. Auckland’s diverse culinary scene and beautiful natural surroundings make it an ideal destination for those looking to start the year with a fresh perspective.

With over 130,000 flight routes, more than 6 million holiday properties, and over 300,000 activities, Agoda offers flexible options and deals to help travelers discover destinations that suit their plans and preferences. Discover the best deals on Agoda’s mobile app and visit Agoda.com to plan the perfect year-end trips.