ISTANBUL, Jan. 22, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Beko, the leading global home appliance company, today unveiled its proprietary Smart Living Index (SLI). The study revealed that financial pressures are now the biggest driver of adoption of sustainable household behaviours worldwide.

Beko Smart Living Index

One of the largest studies of its kind, the Smart Living Index tracks how consumers’ views of sustainability and energy use are evolving. The study also looks at how consumers are using smart appliances within their own homes.

For the Smart Living Index, Beko surveyed a representative sample of 6,000 consumers across 12 markets – the UK, Germany, France, Spain, Italy, the Netherlands, Romania, Turkey, Egypt, Thailand, Pakistan and South Africa.

Consumers in every market reported changes in their approach to buying appliances in the past 12 months, with long-term affordability and sustainability increasing in importance as considerations.

In markets where consumers are actively tracking the running costs of appliances, adoption of smart features was higher. Conversely, markets that do not track energy usage so closely are slower to adopt smart features and instead turn to other energy-saving activities such as drying laundry on a washing line, or hand-washing dishes.

Key findings:

• Cost as catalyst: 8 out of 12 markets cite energy costs as the environmental concern with the greatest impact on their daily lives, reflecting how climate and sustainability challenges are most acutely felt through household energy bills.
• Global South leads the way: In western markets such as the UK, Germany, and France, consumers place less value on smart living compared to emerging markets like Egypt, Thailand and Pakistan.
• Trust gap in technology: Fewer than 20% of consumers in key European markets (France, Spain, UK, Germany) trust AI-powered appliances, despite widespread recognition that smart appliances benefit the environment.
• Going analogue: A huge proportion of the public engage in appliance substituting behaviour to save energy at home – for example, in many countries around two-thirds of respondents signaled that they dry laundry on a line.
• The age vs. income paradox: Energy-saving activity increases with age, but decreases with income, defying conventional assumptions about environmental engagement. The over-54 age group leads across all energy-saving behaviours.
• Demand for government support: Over 50% of respondents from all markets agreed that government policy should support consumers as they switch to more resource-efficient home appliances rather than leaving the transition entirely to households.
• The future is smart: Thailand (81%), Pakistan (86%) and Turkey (80%) show most enthusiasm for appliances to become even smarter, with Germany (39%), the UK (40%) and France (43%) placing less focus on smart innovation. However, countries are united in being most excited by innovations that are self-cleaning or energy-generating.

Commenting on the launch of the Smart Living Index, Hakan Bulgurlu, Chief Executive Officer at Beko, said: “The Smart Living Index highlights the urgent need to bridge the trust gap in smart technology and its benefits to unlock its full potential for smarter, more sustainable living in every household. The findings also show how small, individual changes – when adopted at scale – can create significant collective impact. At Beko, we believe that consumers should have access to options designed to reduce environmental impact, regardless of financial pressures. By understanding global energy-saving trends and perceptions of smart appliances, we are even more equipped to meet the needs of our customers and support the shift toward more sustainable living.”

About Beko

Beko is an international home appliance company with a strong global presence, operating through subsidiaries in more than 55 countries with a workforce of over 50,000 employees and production facilities spanning multiple regions — including Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Middle East. Beko has 22 brands owned or used with a limited license (Arçelik, Beko, Whirlpool*, Grundig, Hotpoint, Arctic, Ariston*, Leisure, Indesit, Blomberg, Defy, Dawlance, Hitachi*, Voltas Beko, Singer*, ElektraBregenz, Flavel, Bauknecht, Privileg, Altus, Ignis, Polar). Beko became the largest white goods company in Europe with its market share (based on volumes) and reached a consolidated turnover of 10.6 billion Euros in 2024. Beko’s 28 R&D and Design Centers & Offices across the globe are home to over 2,300 researchers and hold more than 4,500 international registered patent applications to date. The company has achieved the highest score in the S&P Global Corporate Sustainability Assessment (CSA) in the DHP Household Durables industry for the seventh consecutive year (based on the results dated 16 October 2025).** The company has been recognized as the 17th most sustainable company on TIME Magazine and Statista’s 2025 list of the World’s Most Sustainable Companies. Beko’s vision is ‘Respecting the World, Respected Worldwide.’ 

www.bekocorporate.com

*Licensee limited to certain jurisdictions. 

 **The data presented belongs to Arçelik A.Ş., a parent company of Beko.

About Beko’s Smart Living Index

The Beko Smart Living Index (SLI) is the first of its kind — a comprehensive global study examining how consumers view and adopt sustainable home living and smart appliance technology. Developed to provide actionable insights for industry, policymakers, and media, the Smart Living Index explores how financial pressures, generational shifts, and cultural differences are shaping household behaviours worldwide.

The study surveyed 6,000 respondents across 12 markets — the UK, Germany, France, Spain, Italy, the Netherlands, Romania, Turkey, Egypt, Thailand, Pakistan, and South Africa. Representative demographic quotas for age, gender, geography, and education were applied to ensure each market accurately reflects its population’s views.

The research assessed multiple dimensions of smart living, including appliance usage, smart tech preferences, energy consumption awareness, sustainability priorities, trust in AI, and expectations of government policy.

The research was conducted by JL Partners, an independent research and insights agency, ensuring methodological rigor and representativeness.

About J.L. Partners

J.L. Partners is a global research and strategy consultancy specialising in understanding public opinion, consumer behaviour, and market dynamics. Founded by the team behind the research programme for 10 Downing Street in 2019, J.L. Partners combines deep political insight with commercial expertise to deliver meaningful, actionable intelligence. Using a range of quantitative and qualitative methods, we uncover how people think and why—whether targeting the general public, specific voter segments, product consumers, or emerging markets. More than just delivering data, we offer strategic guidance to help clients interpret insights and shape impactful campaigns in an increasingly uncertain and volatile world. We operate at a global scale with research capabilities across every major region.

Hakan Bulgurlu, Beko, CEO

SINGAPORE, Jan. 22, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Avestar Singapore Pte. Ltd., a subsidiary of the global multi-family office and independent wealth advisory firm, Avestar Capital, has announced the appointment of Zal Devitre as its CEO.

With more than two decades of international experience in wealth and asset management, Devitre brings a distinguished global perspective shaped by his work across the United States, Europe, Africa, and Asia. The appointment of Zal Devitre also underscores broader leadership changes in Asia’s wealth management sector, where firms are increasingly emphasizing cross-border expertise and client alignment in a rapidly evolving regulatory and investment landscape.

As global families look toward Asia for long-term growth and stability, Singapore continues to emerge as a hub for asset management leadership, attracting seasoned professionals who combine strategic foresight with a commitment to delivering world-class advisory services to families and entrepreneurs across the region.

Zal’s career reflects a unique combination of financial expertise and social purpose, with a focus on sustainable wealth management. He began his professional journey as a Peace Corps Volunteer in Cameroon, West Africa, where he served as a Technical Advisor to a microfinance bank, advancing financial inclusion and community development.

He went on to hold several senior leadership positions at Citibank Singapore. Following his tenure at Citibank, Zal joined Schroders as Head of the Global Financial Client Group for Asia, where he was responsible for distributing Schroders’ investment products to private banks across the region.

Zal holds a bachelor’s degree in international politics from Georgetown University and an MBA from Columbia Business School.
“We are thrilled to welcome Zal to Avestar Singapore,” said Shilpa Konduri, President Avestar Capital. “Zal’s appointment reinforces Avestar’s mission to provide holistic, conflict-free advisory to families worldwide.”

Commenting on his new role, Zal Devitre said, “Avestar Capital’s independence, integrity, and global mindset truly set it apart. I’m honoured to lead Avestar Singapore and look forward to working with our talented team to deliver innovative, client-centric solutions for families across Asia and beyond.”

With Devitre at the helm of its Singapore subsidiary, Avestar, under the leadership of Founder & CEO Xerxes Soli Mullan, continues to strengthen its global footprint and reaffirm its commitment to serving the sophisticated needs of entrepreneurs, family offices, and next-generation wealth holders. The firm’s strategic focus reflects a growing confidence in the region’s potential and determination to set new benchmarks in independent, values-driven wealth advisory.

https://avestarcapital.com/

Media Contact: press@avestarcapital.com

Global Brand Ambassador Lando Norris and Asia-Pacific Brand Ambassador Wei Daxun gear up to launch the latest evolution of TUMI Alpha.

NEW YORK, Jan. 22, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Today, international travel, lifestyle, and accessories brand TUMI unveils the next generation of the Alpha collection, brought to life through individual campaigns starring Formula 1 World Champion and Global Brand Ambassador Lando Norris, and Asia-Pacific Brand Ambassador and actor Wei Daxun. Together, they embody a revitalized expression of Alpha: sleek, precise, and intentionally understated — designed for modern movement.

Lando Norris pictured with the Alpha Double Expansion Duffel in Black.

The global campaign, directed by Alice Schillaci and photographed by Reto Schmid, casts Norris in a cinematic, suspense-driven narrative. Framed as a man preparing for a mission, the visuals draw from classic action storytelling, defined by precision, focus, and intent.

“When you’re preparing for something important, you don’t want distractions — you want everything to work exactly as it should,” says Norris. “Whether I’m racing or on the move, it’s about being ready. Alpha feels built for that mindset.”

That same sensibility continues in the campaign starring Asia-Pacific Brand Ambassador Wei Daxun. Directed by David Pun and photographed by GK (国琨), the campaign captures Daxun moving through sleek, modern spaces, highlighting Alpha’s clean lines, smooth movement, and refined design.

“Alpha is designed with real intention — you feel it in the materials, the balance, the way it moves with you. It’s something I trust to be there, no matter where the day takes me,” says Daxun.

“Alpha represents a blueprint for modern movement,” says Victor Sanz, TUMI Global Creative Director. “It’s where we return to rethink performance. We look at how people move, what they carry, and how design can support that journey.”

Both Lando Norris and Wei Daxun represent that next generation. Alpha isn’t just designed to keep up with them; it’s designed to perform alongside them.”

Across both campaigns, Alpha’s design intelligence takes focus. Signature FXT™ Ballistic Nylon anchors the collection, paired with streamlined pocketing, silent magnetic closures, and intuitive access points engineered for efficiency. Core styles — including the Dual Access Expandable Carry-On, TUMI Brief Pack™, Double Expansion Duffel, and Convertible Clutch Crossbody — are refined to support movement without interruption.

To celebrate Alpha’s latest evolution, TUMI debuts Ultra Blue, identified by vivid blue accents across key touchpoints on six iconic Alpha silhouettes. The colorway aims to commemorate TUMI’s relentless innovation and commitment to excellence.

This next generation of Alpha reflects TUMI’s enduring commitment to understanding its customer and supporting every moment of their journey, wherever it leads.

PRODUCT HIGHLIGHTS

• TUMI Brief Pack™
  Built for those who demand more from every journey. Take your office with you—and then some—with our iconic design. Intuitively crafted to be spacious and well-organized, every item has its place, from the organizational panel to the hidden phone pocket.
  Retail: $695.00 USD

• Double Expansion Duffel
  Built for travelers who demand more from every journey. Cleverly crafted to maximize packing capacity, this bestselling duffel features impressive depth and expansion, making it the ultimate companion for long weekends.
  Retail: $595.00 USD

• Dual Access Expandable 4 Wheeled Carry-On
  Built for travelers who demand more from every journey—this large-capacity, dual-access expandable carry-on features our signature FXT™ Ballistic Nylon and best-in-class functionality.
  Retail: $950.00 USD

• Convertible Clutch Crossbody
  Built for those who demand more from every journey. This compact style features signature TUMI design elements and is versatile by design. Carry as a crossbody, wristlet or clutch by interchanging the included straps accordingly.
  Retail: $350.00 USD

Explore the TUMI Alpha Collection now at TUMI.com and in TUMI stores worldwide. Follow @TUMITravel for exclusive behind-the-scenes content from the campaign.

About TUMI

Since 1975, TUMI has been creating world-class business, travel, and performance luxury essentials, designed to upgrade, uncomplicate and beautify all aspects of life on the move. Blending flawless functionality with a spirit of ingenuity, we’re committed to empowering journeys as a lifelong partner to movers and makers in pursuit of their passions. For more about TUMI, visit TUMI.com and follow on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.

TUMI and TUMI logo are registered trademarks of Tumi, Inc. © 2026 Tumi, Inc.

TUMI Media Contacts

Jerad Hulse | Jerad.Hulse@tumi.com

Karla Otto for TUMI | tumi@karlaotto.com

Wei Daxun pictured with the Alpha TUMI Brief Pack™ in Navy.

SHANGHAI, Jan. 22, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Envision Energy, a global leader in green technology, has successfully grid-connected the first AI wind turbine prototype for its inaugural project in Australia, supporting Fortescue’s Nullagine Wind Project in the Pilbara – its first operational wind development and a key step in advancing its Real Zero strategy. The achievement marks a major milestone in Envision’s presence in the Australian renewable energy market and underscores the potential of physical AI system to enable large-scale industrial decarbonization across the country.

The Project features 17 Envision EN182-7.8MW AI wind turbines, specifically designed for Australia’s mining and desert environments, local wind conditions, and stringent grid requirements. The turbine integrates Nabrawind’s self-erecting tower technology with a hub height of 188 meters, setting a global benchmark for onshore wind and unlocking higher energy yield.

At the core of these turbines is Envision’s recently launched Dubhe Energy Foundation Model, the world’s largest Physical AI system. Inspired by Dubhe, the guiding star of the Big Dipper, which has helped humanity navigate by the North Star for thousands of years, Dubhe was unveiled by Envision Founder and CEO Lei Zhang at Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week. Working in tandem with Envision’s Tianji Weather Foundation Model, Dubhe analyzes vast real-world energy data streams to orchestrate renewable generation, storage, grids, and demand in real time. By unlocking abundant renewable resources and driving costs toward near-zero marginal levels, Dubhe enables energy systems to scale efficiently with AI, addressing the unprecedented energy demands of the AI era.

“For centuries, Dubhe has guided travelers through the darkness. Today, it illuminates our path toward an intelligent, affordable, and boundless energy future – one capable of sustaining new civilizations in harmony with our planet,” said Lei Zhang, Founder and CEO of Envision.

Kane Xu, SVP and President of International Product Line of Envision Energy, added: “The grid connection validates the power of Envision’s Physical AI approach – proving that our AI wind turbines meet the world’s most demanding grid while maximizing returns. Nullagine is more than a project; it is a scalable blueprint for industrial decarbonization and sustainable prosperity.”

“Delivering Real Zero requires replacing diesel and gas with reliable, industrial-scale renewable energy. Wind – alongside solar and batteries – provides the dependable, low-cost power we need to electrify our haul trucks, drills, processing plants and rail across the Pilbara. The Nullagine Wind Project will feed directly into Pilbara Energy Connect, strengthening supply by balancing daytime solar with strong night-time and seasonal wind generation.” said Dino Otranto, Fortescue Metals and Operations Chief Executive Officer.

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