• A Silver Award is the highest achievement for SBS Transit partners, recognized for the first time.
• This is the third separate safety excellence award Otis Singapore has received this year

SINGAPORE, Dec. 3, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Otis has been honored with a Silver Award at the SBS Transit Safe Business Partner Awards 2025, recognizing strong safety performance while operating on SBS Transit premises. Otis Worldwide Corporation (NYSE: OTIS) is the world’s leading elevator and escalator manufacturing, installation and service company. 

“Safety is at the heart of everything we do,” said Nicolas Lopez, Senior Vice President and Managing Director, Otis Southeast Asia. “We support our frontline teams and empower them with training, tools and technology to deliver on our promise of safety and quality every day. We are proud of this recognition by our customer – it reflects our commitment to embed safety in every aspect of our culture and business, for our people and the customers and communities we serve.”

Otis has collaborated with SBS Transit for more than 20 years, with a maintenance contract servicing elevators and escalators across the Downtown Line and the North East Line. As well as a team of dedicated infrastructure Service professionals, Otis provides comprehensive 24/7 customer service through its OTISLINE® customer care center.

Launched in 2024, the SBS Transit Safe Business Partner Awards celebrate business partners who uphold the highest standards of workplace safety and health. A Silver Award is the first tier in SBS Transit’s recognition program, which supports continuous improvement in safety.

This latest recognition becomes the third safety award that Otis has received in Singapore this year. In addition to the SBS Transit award, the team was recognized with:

• Certificate of Excellence under the Mechanical & Electrical Maintenance Safety Award (Public Facilities & Systems) at the 27th Annual Safety, Health and Environmental Awards Convention (ASAC) by the Land Transport Authority (LTA).
• 2025 SMRT Contractors’ Safety Award for upholding the highest standards in health, safety and service management across Singapore’s SMRT rail network.

About Otis
Otis gives people freedom to connect and thrive in a taller, faster, smarter world. The global leader in the manufacture, installation and servicing of elevators and escalators, we move 2.4 billion people a day and maintain approximately 2.4 million customer units worldwide – the industry’s largest Service portfolio. You’ll find us in the world’s most iconic structures, as well as residential and commercial buildings, transportation hubs and everywhere people are on the move. Headquartered in Connecticut, USA, Otis is 72,000 people strong, including 44,000 field professionals, all committed to manufacturing, installing and maintaining products to meet the diverse needs of our customers and passengers in more than 200 countries and territories. To learn more, visit www.otis.com and follow us on LinkedIn, YouTube, Instagram and Facebook @OtisElevatorCo.

New global data shows how Gen Z is prioritising fitness, connection, and community—plus unveils the year’s top gear and new global city leaderboards.

SAN FRANCISCO, Dec. 3, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Strava, the app for active people with over 180 million users across more than 185 countries, today released its 12th annual Year In Sport: Trend Report, revealing a fundamental shift in how younger generations are choosing to connect: they’re logging off and lacing up.

Year in Sport: The Trend Report 2025

Analysing billions of activities from Strava’s global community alongside survey insights from more than 30,000 people (users and non-users of Strava), the report identifies a clear trend that Gen Z is turning away from passive scrolling toward active, real-world experiences.

In 2025, this generation showed us how they move: running and racing at all distances, finding community and connection at run clubs, and lifting weights to look and feel good. They also told us what their priorities are and how they are changing – putting movement first, even while on vacation, and spending money on fitness-related expenses over dating.

Overall in 2025, people across generations turned to Strava to find connection and celebrate progress, with 14 billion kudos given this year. Strava subscribers continued to explore the world together, spending one hour being active for every two minutes spent on the app.

“More than half of Gen Z plans to use Strava more in 2026, while most say they’ll use Instagram and TikTok the same amount or less,” said Michael Martin, chief executive officer of Strava. “As the fastest growing demographic on Strava, we know that Gen Z is looking for real experiences, not more time staring at screens. This generation is rewriting the rules, and we’re committed to building the platform that keeps people connected and moving together for generations to come.”

Running rules, but walking is on the rise
Running and racing boomed in 2025. Gen Z led the charge, but also embraced walking, weight training, and multi-sport variety to stay consistent.

• Running remains the top sport on Strava, with racing on the rise. Gen Z is 75% more likely than Gen X to say their main motivation for exercise is a race or event.
• Beginners are joining in and logging personal bests. Runna data revealed that most users rate themselves as beginner (26%) or intermediate (34%) runners. This year, 86% of Runna-connected runners achieved a personal best.
• Gen Z and women are in the weight room. Gen Z is 2x more likely than Gen X to say weight training is their primary sport, with 61% more Gen Z than Gen X saying they lift for aesthetics. Women also joined in and were 21% more likely than men to record Weight Training on Strava in 2025.
• Variety is the spice of life. More than half of Strava users (54%) now track multiple activities, including walking, which claimed the second spot as the most-recorded activity type on Strava. However, people still find starting a new sport, especially skiing and snowboarding, challenging. Twice as many Gen Z as Gen X say picking up a new sport can be intimidating.

Gen Z invested their time and money in exercise
Despite 65% of Gen Z reporting being directly affected by inflation, they’re still doubling down on fitness spending and finding community, connection, and even romance along the way.

• 30% of Gen Z plan to spend more on fitness in 2026, with 63% more Gen Z than Gen X citing wearables as their most significant fitness investment in 2025.
• Gen Z’s dating (and spending) priorities are clear. 64% said they’d rather spend money on gear than a date, and 39% more Gen Z than Gen X use fitness to meet people who share their interests. When it comes to workout first dates, 46% of respondents say “heck yes” while 31% give it a “hard pass”.
• New Clubs on Strava nearly quadrupled in 2025, reaching one million total clubs on the platform. Hiking clubs grew the fastest (5.8x), followed by running clubs (3.5x), while club-organised events rose 1.5x year over year providing the infrastructure for turning online communities into real-world gatherings.

Active travel near and far (mostly near)
International travel was out, exploring the backyard was in, and Gen Z stayed committed to working out wherever they went.

• For Gen Z, working out on vacation isn’t optional – it’s part of the trip. 23% more Gen Z than Gen X say fitness on vacation is non-negotiable. The most popular vacation workout philosophy? 30% of respondents said “run, sun, and snacks.”
• Active people stayed closer to home. Survey respondents were 22% more likely to vacation domestically, than internationally in 2025. The exception: Brits and Germans still travelled to chase adventure abroad.
• When people traveled, it was to chase powder and summit peaks. People were most likely to travel for winter sports (65%), followed by hiking (58%), and water sports (48%).

The year in gear (ft. AI)
From running shoes to wearables, 2025 revealed clear winners across categories. This year, more users recorded their workouts on their phones, while a different running shoe claimed the number one spot for the first time. Technology also helped athletes work out smarter around the world, with Strava and Runna harnessing AI to turbo-charge performance. Strava’s community-powered Routes feature – which analyses data from popular routes to generate personalised recommendations – proved especially popular, with a new route created every 19 seconds throughout the year.

• AI helps us move, but we still know our bodies best. 46% of survey respondents said they would use AI as a smart coach for sports, with Gen Z embracing AI for coaching at a higher level than other generations. Strava and Runna are already well positioned to lead on this trend with features such as Runna’s Workout Insights and Strava’s Athlete Intelligence.
• Fridays are for recovery and rest. This year, Runna users training for a marathon most often selected plans with four runs per week. Friday emerged as the least popular day to log a workout on Strava, making it the perfect day for recovery, rest, or activities like stretching and walking.
• Of all devices, we recorded most on mobile. This year, 72% of Strava users recorded workouts directly through the Strava app. Garmin ranked second in usage across all device types, followed by Apple Health in third.
• Apple Watch was #1 in the watch category, with COROS gaining significant traction. Non-watch wearables like Oura and WHOOP are also growing fast.
• ASICS Novablast broke the tape as the top running shoe, followed by Nike Pegasus at #2 and HOKA Clifton at #3.

City vs City: the 2025 Leaderboards
From the fastest metros to the cities where community matters most, Strava’s global data revealed which cities dominated the leaderboards in 2025. Uri, Switzerland took the crown for most photo-worthy location, with 42% of activities including a photo. And weather proved no obstacle for dedicated Strava users in Riau Islands, Indonesia and Greater Reykjavík, Iceland leading the charge in scorching heat and freezing cold, respectively.

• The regional perspective: A hotspot for ramblers and hikers, Cumbria (5,663) took the crown for the region with the highest median individual daily step count, followed by London boroughs Hammersmith and Fulham (5,567) and Haringey, (5,502). Meanwhile, the most social region was Milton Keynes, where runners recorded the highest percentage (16.7%) of runs paired or in groups, followed by Norfolk (13.7%) and Durham (13.2%).
• London calling. In the UK, both the most attempted run and ride segments were in the capital. ‘Forgot the GPS at start‘ – the Richmond Park loop – was the most attempted ride segment, while ‘Matt Welsh KM‘ in Battersea Park was the most popular for running. London’s runners also led the pack, with the fastest min/km running pace recorded in Hammersmith and Fulham (05:32), followed by Westminster (05:33) and Wandsworth (05:34).
• Globally, Copenhagen claimed the title of fastest metro area (8:52 min/mile running pace), while users in South Africa and Colombia ran in groups most frequently (18.5%). Global cities also revealed stark differences in workout timing: Yogyakarta, Indonesia has the most early birds (55.4% of activities 4-7am), while Seoul, South Korea has the night owls (11% after 9pm).

About Strava

Strava is the app for active people. With over 180 million users in more than 185 countries, it’s more than tracking workouts – it’s where people make progress together, from new habits to new personal bests. No matter your sport or how you track it, Strava’s got you covered. Find your crew, crush your goals, and make every effort count. Start your journey with Strava today.

Join the Strava Club or follow Strava on Instagram, X, Facebook, YouTube, and LinkedIn. Visit www.strava.com for more information.

Media Contact: press@strava.com  

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Logo – https://laotiantimes.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/strava_inc_logo.jpg

• The Southeast Asia launch marks a pivotal step in mobilising the University’s global community to tackle urgent challenges through philanthropy, and volunteering.

SINGAPORE, Dec. 3, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — The University of Manchester (UoM) today launched its first global fundraising and volunteering campaign, Challenge Accepted, in Southeast Asia, in partnership with the British High Commission to Singapore, with an event held at the British High Commissioner’s residence, Eden Hall.

The exclusive launch drew a full house of distinguished alumni and partners to show their support and underscored the University’s bold ambition to harness the collective power of its global community to tackle pressing challenges and drive lasting impact.

The launch featured a reception with the President & Vice-Chancellor of The University of Manchester, Professor Duncan Ivison, who underscored the significance of the campaign and reflected on the ongoing contributions of alumni and students. “Challenge Accepted is our call to action. The University, our people, and our global community have the scale, expertise, and ambition to face the challenges of our time,” Professor Ivison said: “Through this campaign we’re inviting everyone to contribute, volunteer, and advocate. Together, we can accelerate discoveries, create opportunities, and drive meaningful impact for society.“

The campaign centres on four key pillars that drive real-world impact — Student Inclusion and Success, Research with Purpose, Innovation and Enterprise, and Culture and Community. From opening doors for talented students and funding bold research, to bringing ideas from lab to life and fostering creativity through culture, these pillars embody The University of Manchester’s spirit of turning knowledge into action. Each theme offers alumni and supporters clear ways to contribute through philanthropy, mentorship, and volunteering.

Professor Ivison highlighted that the campaign builds on Manchester’s 200-year legacy of groundbreaking discoveries, social impact, and innovation. He urged attendees to become challenge accepters, contributing to a global movement that combines ambition, hope, and impact. “Universities like Manchester were created from gifts and people’s hard work and talent to answer the big questions. The challenges we have today, like climate change, global health inequality and achieving social justice demand action and the brightest minds. Challenge Accepted is our collective response, calling on researchers, students, volunteers, and donors to step forward and help shape the future,” he said.

The University of Manchester South East Asia Centre (UoMSEA) in Singapore plays an important role in connecting the region’s alumni and students with the University’s global initiatives. UoMSEA also provides world-class part-time Master’s programmes, including the Global MBA, MSc Financial Management and MA Educational Leadership in Practice allowing local professionals to benefit from Manchester’s expertise while continuing their careers.

With a thriving network of nearly 7,000 in Singapore – one of the University’s most active and engaged global communities – the launch celebrated the region’s strong tradition of volunteering, mentorship, and advocacy in support of Manchester’s mission.

Distinguished attendees at the event included H.E. Nik Mehta OBE, British High Commissioner to Singapore, who welcomed the University to Eden Hall, and Mr Teo Chee Hean, Senior Advisor in the Prime Minister’s Office; Chairman of Temasek Holdings; and Patron of The University of Manchester Alumni Association Singapore (UoMAAS). Senior alumni such as Mr Desmond Tan, Senior Minister of State in the Prime Minister’s Office and Deputy Secretary-General of the National Trades Union Congress (NTUC), were also present, alongside Nobel Laureate Professor Sir Konstantin Novoselov who was awarded the Nobel Prize for his achievements with graphene at The University of Manchester.

Challenge Accepted was presented at the launch as a call for the University’s global community to engage in meaningful action through volunteering, advocacy, or philanthropy. Alumni and students in Southeast Asia were given first-hand insights into how they can support the campaign’s four key pillars, from donating via initiatives such as ‘help tackle brain cancer head-on’ to volunteering through the University’s Volunteering Hub or championing causes aligned with research, student development, innovation, and culture. Every contribution, no matter the size, helps translate the campaign’s ambition into real-world impact locally and globally.

Reflecting on the University’s strong alumni community, Mr Teo Chee Hean said, “The University of Manchester’s global network of alumni and partners makes a positive contribution to building collaboration and cooperation to address the challenges of our times. Our alumni here in Singapore are part of this network, and play leading roles in the public, private and people sectors. Initiatives like Challenge Accepted remind us to take bold action to tackle the challenges faced by our societies, many of which we face in common. We can achieve much more together, applying what we learned and the friendships we made at Manchester.”

Professor Sir Konstantin Novoselov said, “Supporting initiatives like Challenge Accepted enables researchers and students to pursue ambitious projects that can transform lives and societies. This campaign empowers the next generation of innovators and changemakers to make a real difference.”

H.E. Nik Mehta OBE remarked, “It is a privilege to host The University of Manchester at Eden Hall. The impact of its alumni, research, and initiatives across Southeast Asia is remarkable, and Challenge Accepted offers an exciting opportunity for students and alumni alike to engage meaningfully with pressing global challenges.”

The event also showcased the University’s long-term vision, Manchester 2035: From Manchester for the World, which outlines a decade of ambition to build a sustainable, inclusive, and innovative future.

Professor Ivison emphasised that Challenge Accepted supports this with bold action and collective impact. He highlighted that the future will be shaped by those who act, and that every member of the University’s global community can make a difference through donations, volunteering, or advocacy. Challenge Accepted calls on every member of Manchester’s global family to step forward to give, volunteer, and champion the discoveries that will shape a fairer, healthier, and more sustainable world.

To learn more about Challenge Accepted and The University of Manchester’s Global fundraising and volunteering campaign, explore ways to get involved and discover how you can support the University’s global initiatives at https://give.manchester.ac.uk/p/southeastasia2025/

About The University of Manchester

The University of Manchester is ranked 35th in the world by QS World University Rankings 2026, 5th in the UK research powerhouse in REF 2021 and 2nd in THE Impact ranking 2025. With as many as 26 Nobel Prize winners, the University’s academic pedigree is among the best globally.

For more information, visit manchester.edu.sg

SAN FRANCISCO, Dec. 3, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — In commemoration of the 110th anniversary of Moutai’s debut and award-winning at the Panama-Pacific International Exposition and the 10th anniversary of San Francisco Moutai Day, the Kweichow Moutai delegation led by Group Vice General Manager Zhang Guichao will arrive in New York City for a week of U.S. tour on December 3, Eastern Time (U.S.). By returning to the very place where it first gained global recognition, Moutai is showing the North American market its drive to push forward internationally and its firm commitment to speed up the growth of its product sales and cultural presence.

The connection between Moutai and the United States goes back more than a century. In 1915, Moutai was first introduced to the world when it won the gold medal at the Panama-Pacific International Exposition in San Francisco, starting its global story. Then, in 2015, San Francisco established “Moutai Day,” turning this history into an official friendship. In 2025, as we mark the 110th anniversary of the award and the 10th anniversary of Moutai Day, this year holds deep historical meaning for the brand.

On December 7, Moutai is to host a grand cultural exhibition at San Francisco’s Palace of Fine Arts. This is a two-day event, and it will open to the public on December 8. Titled “San Francisco: In Search of Our Shared Memory – 1915 Through the Eyes of a Chinese Brand,” the exhibition invites visitors to step into a multi-sensory experience. Through historical documents, images, and artistic displays, it brings to life the moment Moutai first appeared overseas and won its gold medal. This immersive space allows American audiences to connect with the century-long story between Moutai and the United States, and indeed, the world. During the exhibition, Moutai will also host the “Moutai Night”. This special evening will celebrate these two major milestones, opening a cultural dialogue that spans 110 years across the Pacific.

For Moutai, which is speeding up its global plans, the U.S. market is not just a key place to share its brand culture and value, but one of the most important parts of its overseas strategy. To better serve local customers, the delegation will visit key cities like New York and San Francisco. Through store visits, talks with local sellers, and meetings with groups such as the China Chamber of Commerce in the U.S., Chinese Consulates in the U.S., and the San Francisco Mayor’s Office, they aim to build a wide cooperation network. These steps will lay a strong foundation for Moutai’s long-term growth in the United States.

A Moutai representative stated that Moutai is honored to have witnessed many important moments and the growth of trade between the PRC and the United States.  Leveraging the dual anniversaries as an opportunity, the delegation aims to continue its role to promote cultural exchange and friendship between the peoples of the two countries. Moutai will also keep working on its local development in the U.S., sharing China’s rich liquor and deep culture with more American consumers and spirits enthusiasts.

BEIJING, Dec. 3, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Waterdrop Inc. (NYSE: WDH) was honored with the Global Best Case Brands Award at the 3^rd International Conference on Management Change and Sustainable Development (MC&SD). Selected from more than 100 nominated companies, Waterdrop stood out for its significant contributions and innovative practices in advancing inclusive protection. The conference was hosted by Jiangxi University of Finance and Economics (JUFE) and organized by its School of Business Administration.

Nearly 300 industry experts, researchers, and business leaders from North America, Europe, and Asia—spanning management, artificial intelligence, and sustainable development—took part in a series of conference sessions centered on the theme “AI Development and Enterprise Continuous Innovation.”

Co-hosted by the International Case Research Association (ICRA) and the Canada China Business Council (CCBC), the Global Best Case Brands Award aims to recognize companies that have made outstanding contributions to business case research and case-based teaching, as well as those demonstrating strong international impact. Prof. William Wei, President of ICRA and Dean of the Faculty of Business and Economics at Algoma University in Canada, outlined the award’s evaluation criteria and selection process. The award was jointly presented to the winning companies by Que Shandong, Vice President of JUFE and Mike Annett, Associate Dean of the School of Business, MacEwan University, Canada.

Founded in 2016, Waterdrop Inc. is a leading insurance technology and healthcare platform in China. Anchored in its mission of “harnessing internet-based technologies to make insurance and healthcare accessible for all and to protect millions of families,” the company is committed to delivering comprehensive insurance and health-protection solutions to its users. Its business portfolio includes Waterdrop Medical Crowdfunding, Waterdrop Insurance Marketplace, E-Find, Waterdrop Financial, and Lugo Visa, creating a diversified service ecosystem that combines medical fundraising, insurance technology, and healthcare services.

Since 2019, Waterdrop has been exploring the use of AI to address the limited availability of suitable insurance offerings, investing nearly RMB 300 million annually in technology R&D. In 2024, the company’s proprietary GuardianShuishou LLM completed algorithm filing with the Cyberspace Administration of China and secured multiple patents for large-model development. As of the end of 2024, Waterdrop had filed 48 patents associated with its foundation model, with more than 100 AI-related patents granted overall.

The GuardianShuishou LLM provides insurance agents, brokers, and policyholders with more professional, accurate, and easy-to-understand recommendations, enhancing capabilities and boosting efficiency across the entire insurance value chain. At the same time, Waterdrop continues to focus on the differentiated protection needs of seniors, individuals with pre-existing conditions, and pregnant women and infants. By launching inclusive products such as Jiehaoyun and Kanbingbao, the company has enhanced the accessibility and affordability of insurance coverage. A case in point is products designed for individuals with pre-existing conditions: In 2025, Waterdrop Insurance Marketplace introduced 214 such offerings, including 34 first-of-their-kind product types in China and 37 options that require no health declaration. On average, a new pre-existing-condition product was launched every 1.14 days, enabling Waterdrop to build a portfolio of innovative insurance products tailored to individuals with health challenges. This ensures that consumers of different ages and varying health conditions can access insurance coverage suited to their needs.

Meanwhile, to support inclusive protection, Waterdrop has also built a critical bridge for serious-illness assistance through its Waterdrop Medical Crowdfunding platform. Patients can initiate medical fundraising campaigns and share them across social networks such as WeChat, enabling donors to provide support quickly and easily. As of June 2025, approximately 480 million people had collectively contributed about RMB 70 billion to more than 3.54 million patients with major illnesses via Waterdrop Medical Crowdfunding. Every 53 seconds, a new family launches a fundraising campaign on the platform, and every second, nine people make a donation. Behind each fundraising campaign, an average of seven Waterdrop crowdfunding staff members provide dedicated support.

Winning the Global Best Case Brands Award once again highlights the research value of Waterdrop’s innovative business model. Looking ahead, Waterdrop will continue to focus on inclusive protection, create greater value for people, and deepen its AI-driven strategy. The company is committed to becoming a global, technology-driven leader in financial and healthcare services, contributing to a better quality of life for all.

For more information, visit Waterdrop at https://www.waterdrop-inc.com/.