Home Blog Page 1724

XAG’s New P150 Max Agricultural Drone Sets a Higher Bar for Autonomous Operation

HANOVER, Germany, Nov. 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — To meet the needs of large-scale and demanding field conditions, XAG has recently launched the P150 Max, a robust and fully autonomous agricultural drone engineered to balance reliability, safety and operating efficiency. With increased payload capacity,  a modular design, and upgraded flight control, the P150 Max marks XAG’s latest step toward practical, field-ready automation as farmers face rising labor shortages and cost pressure.

XAG P150 Max agricultural drone delivers precision spraying with high efficiency
XAG P150 Max agricultural drone delivers precision spraying with high efficiency

Backed by 18 years of development, XAG holds the world’s largest portfolio of agricultural drone patents, with the P Series proven across tens of millions of hectares and totaling over 9.3 million flight hours since 2022. This extensive field experience forms the foundation of the new P150 Max, set to reduce operational costs, maintain safety, and support more sustainable farming.

The P150 Max is a multitasker capable of spraying, spreading, field mapping, and logistics by switching between modular task systems within minutes. With an 80‑kilogram payload capacity and a maximum flight speed of 20 meters per second, it covers more ground per flight, reduces the number of takeoffs and landings, and navigates flexibly over uneven terrain and in areas difficult for large machinery to access.

At spraying time, the RevoSpray 5 System uses an 80‑liter smart liquid tank and dual centrifugal nozzles to deliver 32 liters per minute. When equipped with the four‑nozzle upgrade kit, the flow rate increases to 46 liters per minute, providing thorough coverage even in dense orchards. Droplet sizes can be adjusted between 60 and 500 microns for different applications, improving accuracy and reducing waste.

For spreading operations such as seeding, fertilizing, or powder application, the RevoCast 5 System dispenses up to 300 kilograms per minute from a 115‑liter smart granule container. Its vertical waving broadcast mechanism ensures even distribution and resists wind drift, ensuring uniform coverage across wide or irregular fields.

The built‑in RealTerra Field Mapping System enhances operational clarity by surveying up to 20 hectares per flight. It captures high‑definition imagery that is processed instantly into detailed field maps. With onboard AI detecting boundaries and obstacles, operators can plan precise routes and conduct safer autonomous missions.

When fitted with the RevoSling Module, the P150 Max becomes a transport platform capable of carrying up to 80 kilograms of farm inputs, tools, or produce across rough or flooded ground. It keeps supplies moving between plots when roads are hard to access.

At its core, the SuperX 5 Ultra Intelligent Control System enables autonomous flight with centimeter‑level precision. Supported by 4D Imaging Radar and a wide‑angle FPV camera, the drone identifies irrigation pivots, power poles, and overhead lines to maintain safe and stable performance.

Operators can plan and manage missions through the XAG One App on a smartphone or the SRC 5 Remote Controller, which automatically generates optimal routes based on field shape and terrain. Centimeter-level positioning is maintained even in areas with weak or no network signal, enabled by the XRTK 7 Mobile Station.

The Smart SuperCharge Battery is designed to support long hours of fieldwork. Using the Parallel Charging Kit, it can be recharged in as little as seven minutes, minimizing downtime and supporting continuous operations throughout the day.

Launched after years of testing and refinement, the XAG P150 Max combines a durable structure, intelligent control, and superior terrain adaptability to deliver reliable performance under diverse conditions. It is now available for preorder through XAG’s distributor network in selected countries and regions, with deliveries expected to begin next year.

China’s 15th Five-Year Plan Signals Transformative Changes for Real Estate

Cushman & Wakefield Report Highlights Five Key Market Impacts


HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 24 November 2025 – Global real estate services firm Cushman & Wakefield has released its The 15th Five-Year Plan — Reshaping China’s Real Estate Market Landscape for the Next Five Years report. It provides an expert interpretation of the communique from the Fourth Plenary Session of the 20th CPC Central Committee, and explores how the new Five-Year Plan (FYP) will influence China’s real estate market from 2026 to 2030.

The 15th FYP marks a notable juncture in China’s pursuit of its “Two Centenary Goals.” It serves as the operational blueprint connecting to the 14th Five-Year Plan and laying the foundation for modernization by 2035, and will also reshape the future landscape of China’s commercial real estate market.

During the 14th FYP period, China faced unprecedented challenges: the COVID-19 pandemic, rising anti-globalization sentiment, and geopolitical volatility. These factors slowed global economic momentum and created complex pressures on China’s growth trajectory. Consequently, the nation faces mounting pressures on both domestic and international fronts, necessitating timely and coordinated policy solutions.

In response to these challenges, the government has adopted a strategic framework focused on “domestic circulation as the core, reinforced by international circulation.”

The 15th FYP serves as the operational blueprint for executing this strategy. It outlines a comprehensive set of priorities aimed at driving sustainable and inclusive growth over the next five years, including the building of a modern industrial system, technological self-reliance, domestic market cultivation, and high-level opening up.

Cushman & Wakefield identifies five major impacts on real estate:

New Productive Forces Driving Office and Industrial Demand

The FYP prioritizes a modern industrial system to optimize traditional industries, expand emerging industries, and position for the future. Strategic sectors such as new energy vehicles and biomedicine have already achieved large-scale growth. New energy vehicle production reached 12.8 million units at the end of 2024, with a compound annual growth rate of 72% and a global market share of 76.4%. In the first five months of 2025, China’s share of global large-scale pharmaceutical industry transactions surged to 42%. And in AI manufacturing technologies, China leads globally in industrial robot installations, with 276,300 units in 2023 — six times Japan’s total. Over the next five years, policy and capital support for industrial and technology enterprises will likely spur demand for office space and industrial parks, enabling a recovery and new growth phase.

Growth trend of China’s new energy vehicle industry

Growth trend of China’s new energy vehicle industry
Growth trend of China’s new energy vehicle industry

Domestic Demand Expansion Boosting Retail Development

The 15th FYP highlights a model of “new demand leading new supply, and new supply creating new demand,” marking a shift from reliance on material investment and supply-side reforms to leveraging both supply and demand. Over the past few decades, China has achieved success in “investing in physical assets” such as infrastructure, real estate, and manufacturing equipment, but investment in human capital and public welfare has lagged behind.

The FYP signals a policy shift toward addressing public concerns such as education, social security and employment, healthcare, and housing. Policies such as childcare subsidies and free preschool education aim to unlock consumption potential. Consumer infrastructure REITs have become a market hotspot, with all 11 listed products posting strong gains. As at October 15, 2025, two REITS — Cathay Shih Mei and E Fund Huawei Farmers’ Market — recorded gains exceeding 70%. As the government continues to stimulate consumption and consumer-focused REITs expand, retail assets should attract growing investor interest, prompting brand repositioning and exploration of new demographics and demand sources.

High-Quality Opening-Up Attracting Global Capital

Despite global protectionism, China’s two-way opening-up has yielded significant results. As a core asset class for global capital allocation to the RMB, Panda bonds have surpassed RMB1 trillion in issuances, benefiting from financing cost advantages. The FYP’s policy certainty and defined targets, together with expectations for RMB appreciation, are also expected to attract global capital back into China’s capital markets. Over the medium to long term, China asset classes such as retail properties, industrial logistics facilities, data centers, and office buildings are likely to garner growing interest from international investors.

Number and scale of Panda bond issuances

Number and scale of Panda bond issuances
Number and scale of Panda bond issuances

Livelihood Improvements Supporting Real Estate Growth

The FYP highlights real estate sector development within the context of improving people’s livelihoods, reflecting a fundamental shift in the role of real estate in national economic development. Total real estate investment as a share of China’s GDP dropped to 7.4% in 2024 from nearly 15% in 2014, while remaining under the United States’ average of around 12%. Future market growth policies will focus on the construction of affordable housing, the development of the rental market, and urban renewal.

Trend of real estate development investment as a percentage of GDP

Trend of real estate development investment as a percentage of GDP
Trend of real estate development investment as a percentage of GDP

Accelerating Green Transformation

The FYP prioritizes sustainability in the real estate industry, with approximately 100 national-level zero-carbon industrial parks to be established by the end of the FYP period. A UN Environment Program report for 2024-2025 shows that the global construction industry accounts for 34% of carbon emissions, indicating a significant opportunity for emissions reduction in the real estate sector. ESG considerations are increasingly shaping the sector, with ESG principles becoming a key indicator for evaluating the value of commercial real estate projects.

Sabrina Wei, Chief Policy Analyst and Head of Research, North China, Cushman & Wakefield, said, “The 15th Five-Year Plan, as a blueprint for the ‘accelerated period’ of modernization, is driving China’s economy to shift from investment and export dependence to a new model underpinned by domestic demand and coordinated supply and demand.

The positive impacts of key FYP themes will see the commercial real estate industry usher in an upgrade period across four subsectors: industrial real estate, retail properties, cross-border asset allocation, and green real estate. In the next five years, the combined effects of policy dividends, capital inflows, and consumption upgrades will open up greater development space for China’s commercial real estate, helping the industry achieve high-quality transformation.”

Please click here to access the full report.

Hashtag: #CushmanWakefield

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

Taiwan Smart Tourism Alliance Expands into Vietnam with Exclusive Taiwan Travel Packages and Cross-Industry Collaboration


TAIPEI, TAIWAN – Media OutReach Newswire – 24 November 2025 – With the rapid growth of outbound travel demand from Vietnam, Taiwan’s leading one-stop e-commerce travel service platform, KKday, has united transportation services, tourist attractions, travel experiences, hotel accommodations, and food and restaurant SMEs from across northern, central, and southern Taiwan to establish the Taiwan Smart Tourism Alliance. The alliance jointly launched a curated tour plan, the “One-Week Round-Island Tour,” and utilized diverse business models—B2C, B2B, and B2B2C—to strategically expand into the Vietnamese market.

Taiwan Smart Tourism Alliance Expands into Vietnam with Exclusive Taiwan Travel Packages and Cross-Industry Collaboration

To strengthen Vietnamese travelers’ awareness of the alliance and foster partnerships with Vietnam’s tourism industry, the alliance introduced a new service: “Exclusive Taiwan Gift & Travel Package for Vietnamese Travelers.” Under this initiative, customers who purchase selected products will receive either a Taiwan travel SIM card or a Taiwanese bubble tea gift box, providing both travel convenience and an authentic taste of Taiwanese culture.

The campaign was simultaneously launched on KKday’s Vietnam website, featuring a dedicated landing page and an integrated marketing approach through Instagram, Facebook, in-app notifications, EDM, blogs, and keyword advertising. In addition, an online introduction event was held to enhance cross-platform marketing effectiveness. For offline promotion, the alliance organized the “Taiwan Smart Tourism x Vietnam Tourism Exchange and MOU Signing Event” in Hanoi, attracting over 100 potential partners, including Vietnamese tour operators and local travel service platforms. The event received extensive coverage from local media, further enhancing brand exposure and increasing the visibility of the Taiwan Smart Tourism Alliance within Vietnam’s dynamic tourism market.

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

Wildberries collects over 1,600 tons of donated items in partnership with Ecoplatform

MOSCOW, RUSSIA – Media OutReach Newswire – 24 November 2025 – Wildberries, a leading digital platform in Eurasia, announces the results of its ongoing sustainability partnership with eco-tech company Ecoplatform on the three-year anniversary of the initiative’s launch. During this period, customers of the Wildberries online marketplace donated more than four million items of clothing and accessories weighing more than 1,600 tons for reuse or recycling.

The Not Just a Thing initiative (“thing” in Russian refers to clothing or textiles) brings together the convenience of Wildberries’ pick-up points with Ecoplatform’s donation and recycling infrastructure to offer customers a simple way to donate personal items when they pick up their marketplace orders.

“Our project with Ecoplatform is not just an ecological initiative but a sustainable community of responsible individuals who want to change the world for the better. We can see that the habit of donating items for recycling has become the norm for our customers. That inspires us to continue to develop our ecological projects and help make care about the environment a part of our everyday lives,” said Nadezhda Vorontsova, Head of Sustainable Development at the united company Wildberries & Russ.

Wildberries has installed collection boxes operated by Ecoplatform across its pick-up points, enabling more than 150,000 people across Russia to take part in the initiative since its launch. Individuals dropped off items at a single box an average of three to five times, reflecting high customer engagement with the project. The record-setting collection box received more than six tons of items during its operation.

Wildberries and Ecoplatform continue to expand the project’s footprint. In the near future, the partners plan to increase the number of collection boxes at Wildberries pick-up points to enable even more customers to engage in sustainable habits while taking care of their shopping needs.

Hashtag: #Wildberries

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

About Wildberries

Established in 2004 in Russia, Wildberries is a leading digital platform operating in Armenia, Belarus, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan, while also partnering with sellers in China and the UAE. Wildberries provides a state-of-the-art IT infrastructure to support customers and sellers, along with a developed logistics network spanning more than 135 facilities and more than 90,000 pickup points across its markets. As of 2025, Wildberries serves over 79 million customers.

DALA Awards 2025″ Announces Grand Winners — MTR Corporation, Lenovo PCCW Solutions, e‑banner, and Tat Lee Take Top Honors

HONG KONG, Nov. 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Organised by the Data & AI Literacy Association (DALA), with Cyberport as Strategic Partner and strong support from the HKSAR Government’s Digital Policy Office, the DALA Awards 2025 Presentation Ceremony concluded successfully on 19 November 2025. This year’s Awards received an enthusiastic response, attracting over one hundred participants from across the Individual, SME (small and medium‑sized enterprises), Corporate and Enabler (solution provider) divisions. After a rigorous selection process by a professional judging panel, 35 winners were chosen. Among them, MTR Corporation, Lenovo PCCW Solutions, e‑banner and Tat Lee stood out for their exemplary performance and were honoured with the Grand Awards in their respective divisions.

(From left) Representative from Lenovo PCCW Solutions (Grand Award – Enabler), e-banner Limited (Grand Award – SME), Dr Toa Charm, Founding Chairman of DALA, Mr Tat Lee (Grand Award – Individual) and MTR Corporation Limited (Grand Award – Corporate)
(From left) Representative from Lenovo PCCW Solutions (Grand Award – Enabler), e-banner Limited (Grand Award – SME), Dr Toa Charm, Founding Chairman of DALA, Mr Tat Lee (Grand Award – Individual) and MTR Corporation Limited (Grand Award – Corporate)

The DALA Awards 2025 aims to recognise individuals and organisations that have successfully implemented data‑driven solutions and made significant contributions to advancing data and AI literacy, fostering data‑ and AI‑driven cultures, and promoting real‑world adoption. By doing so, the Awards seek to enhance operational efficiency and drive business growth. This year’s programme is dedicated to driving the development and adoption of data and artificial intelligence (AI) applications. It not only helps participants keep pace with the latest technological trends, enhance industry reputation and strengthen brand image, but also provides a platform for industry exchange and business collaboration.

By bringing together a wide range of industry partners and supporting organisations, the Awards showcase Hong Kong’s leadership in the data economy and smart city development, further advancing the city’s position as an international hub for data and AI innovation.

This year’s participants demonstrated outstanding performance in both data and AI applications, as well as solution quality. Award-winning individuals and organizations impressed the judging panel during interviews with their excellence in data-driven decision-making and AI innovation. The organizing committee looks forward to seeing these winners continue to champion an AI-first, data-driven corporate culture, inspiring more organizations to embark on digital transformation and collectively strengthen Hong Kong’s intelligent technology ecosystem.

Dr Toa Charm, Founding Chairman of DALA: “Data and artificial intelligence are not only reshaping industries — they are also becoming an increasingly vital economic pillar for Hong Kong. The Data & AI Literacy Association (DALA) has been dedicated to enhancing society’s literacy in data and AI, opening new opportunities for both the business community and the public sector. This year, we are especially encouraged by the active participation of companies from different industries, global technology leaders, start‑ups, and in particular SMEs, who have demonstrated practical AI applications, an AI‑first culture, and exemplary best practices in ethical AI and data governance.”

Mr Daniel Cheing, JP, Deputy Commissioner (Digital Infrastructure), Digital Policy Office, said:

“Data not only drives innovation but also fuels economic and social development, creating boundless opportunities. Since the launch of the Government’s Open Data Policy, bureaux, departments and public‑private organisations have been actively releasing datasets for free through the ‘Open Data Portal’. To fully harness the value of data, the development of artificial intelligence is indispensable. The Government is promoting the growth of the AI ecosystem through multi‑pronged strategies. With a focus on ‘strengthening infrastructure and driving application‑oriented development’, we strive to foster deeper and broader AI integration across industries, while upholding security and risk management.

The DALA Awards 2025 recognises outstanding individuals and organisations for their work in data literacy, data culture and data governance, and this year introduces new AI‑focused elements to honour innovators who are harnessing data and AI to drive transformation. We hope all awardees will continue leading efforts to raise AI and data literacy, unlocking new value for Hong Kong’s economy and elevating quality of life for all.”

Mr Victor Yim ,head of fintech of Hong Kong Cyberport Management Company Limited, said ” There was a great turnout at the event, with attendees showing high energy and enthusiasm. It’s wonderful to see such a strong response and quality participation, especially in just the second year. We’re already looking forward to next year’s.”

Winners (Summary) 

Categories

Name of Each Awards

Award Tier

Awardee

Company

Individual

Best Data & AI CEO Award

Gold

Tat Lee

WeLab Bank

Merit

Dr Jason Chan, MH, JP

PolyU SPEED (School of Professional Education and Executive Development)

Merit

Tiffany Chan

iCare 傳恩惠您

Best Data & AI Leader Award

Gold

Louis Mah

Maxim’s caterer limited

Merit

Laura Cao

Hang Seng Bank

Merit

Lily Lai

Airport Authority Hong Kong

Grand Award – Individual

Tat Lee

 

Categories

Name of Each Awards

Award Tier

Awardee

SME

Best SME Data & AI Award

Gold

e-banner Limited

Merit

Cheung Kee Hong Limited

Merit

Kanaya AI Technology Limited

Merit

LEE’S Cleaning Services Co., Ltd.

Grand Award – SME

e-banner Limited

 

Categories

Name of Each Awards

Award Tier

Awardee

Corporate

Best AI Adoption Award

Gold

MTR Corporation Limited

Merit

AECOM

Merit

Chow Sang Sang Jewellery Co Ltd

Merit

HKT

Merit

Cafe de Coral Group

Best AI Ethics Award

Gold

AIA International Limited

Best Data & AI Talent Cultivation Award

Gold

The Bank of East Asia, Limited

Merit

Pinpoint Asia Limited

Merit

Cafe de Coral Group

Best Data Culture Award

Gold

Cafe de Coral Fast Food

Merit

The Bank of East Asia, Limited

Best Data Governance Award

Gold

CITIC Telecom International CPC Limited

Merit

Bank of China (Hong Kong) Limited

Merit

Prudential Hong Kong Limited

Grand Award – Corporate

MTR Corporation Limited

 

Categories

Name of Each Awards 

Award Tier

Awardee

Enabler

Best Data & AI Enablement Award

Gold

Maxim’s Caterers Ltd.

Merit

HKT Limited

Merit

MTR Corporation Limited

Merit

Google Cloud

Merit

NCSI (HK) Limited

Best Data & AI Literacy Empowerment Award

Gold

Data Mindset Academy

Merit

OpenCertHub Academy

Merit

South China Morning Post

Best LLM Implementation Award

Gold

Lenovo PCCW Solutions

Merit

AXA Hong Kong and Macau

Merit

Global Technology Integrator

Grand Award – Enabler

Lenovo PCCW Solutions

For more information, https://DALAhk.org/2025-DALAawards/ or email to awards@DALAhk.org。 

About us

Founded in 2022, the Data & AI Literacy Association (DALA) empowers industry and society with data and AI literacy. As a collaborative platform bridging business, government, and academia, DALA enables organizations and individuals to embrace responsible, AI‑first and data‑driven culture and practices. Through forums, study trips, research, surveys, and the annual DALA Awards, it fosters data and AI innovation, strengthens ethical and data governance, and advances Hong Kong’s role as a global innovation and technology hub.

Ustad Naseeruddin Saami receives Aga Khan Music Award for preserving the spiritual and musical legacy of Amir Khusrau

LONDON, Nov. 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Ustad Naseeruddin Saami; widely regarded as Pakistan’s preeminent living classical vocalist, has been honoured with the Patron’s Award at the Aga Khan Music Awards 2025 in a ceremony on Friday night at the Southbank Centre, London.

Patrons Award winners, Pakistan’s Saami Brothers with Ustad Naseeruddin Saami perform at the opening of the Aga Khan Music Awards in London.Photo by Joao Peixoto
Patrons Award winners, Pakistan’s Saami Brothers with Ustad Naseeruddin Saami perform at the opening of the Aga Khan Music Awards in London.Photo by Joao Peixoto

The recognition placed Pakistan at the heart of a global celebration of cultural heritage as the world’s music industry came together to celebrate eleven groundbreaking artists from Morocco, Bahrain, Türkiye, Iran, Lebanon, India, Mali, Palestine, Greece, Pakistan and Senegal, each representing a wide range of musical heritages and their evolutions.

Ustad Naseeruddin Saami is widely regarded as Pakistan’s preeminent living classical vocalist. He is a torchbearer of the Delhi Gharana (hereditary lineage) of Hindustani music, which traces its origins to Amir Khusrau (1253–1325), the Sufi mystic, visionary polymath, celebrated pluralist, and bridge builder who shaped the cultural history of South Asia. Ustad Naseeruddin Saami is a master of khayal, the refined art of improvisation within the constraints of raga (melody) and tala (rhythm) in Hindustani music. Together with his four sons – Rauf Saami, Urooj Saami, Ahmed Saami, and Azeem Saami – who perform as the Saami Brothers, he leads a renowned qawwali group that preserves the poetic, musical, and spiritual legacy of Amir Khusrau.

The Aga Khan Music Award laureates, selected by an independent jury from a pool of over 400 nominees, share a prize fund of $500,000. The Awards ceremony headlined a four-day festival celebrating music from the Great East, marking the first time the Aga Khan Music Awards have taken place in the United Kingdom.

His Highness the Aga Khan:

“I am honoured to carry forward a vision deeply rooted in my father’s belief in the power of music to bridge cultures and uplift the human spirit. The Aga Khan Music Awards reflect values that lie at the heart of the Aga Khan Development Network: pluralism, intercultural dialogue and the spiritual connection that communities around the world find in music. In many of the regions we serve, music is an integral part of daily life, woven into the rhythms of prayer, celebration, memory and identity. We continue to support artists and traditions that speak not only to heritage, but also to hope.”

Further Information 

Free to use images

Patrons Award winners, Pakistan’s Saami Brothers with Ustad Naseeruddin Saami perform at the opening of the Aga Khan Music Awards in London.Photo by Joao Peixoto
Patrons Award winners, Pakistan’s Saami Brothers with Ustad Naseeruddin Saami perform at the opening of the Aga Khan Music Awards in London.Photo by Joao Peixoto

 

HD Hyundai Wins 1.46 billion USD Order for Eight Ultra-Large Container Ships

  • Recorded the highest number of container ship orders in 18 years since the shipbuilding supercycle in 2007
  • Signed large-scale supply contract with HMM: HD Hyundai Heavy Industries and HD Hyundai Samho to deliver consecutively through 2029
  • “Based on our technological competitiveness in eco-friendly and high-efficiency vessels, we will lead the decarbonization of the shipbuilding and shipping industries”

SEOUL, South Korea, Nov. 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — HD Hyundai has secured an order for ultra-large container ships worth around 1.46 billion USD, recording the largest container ship order volume in 18 years since the shipbuilding supercycle in 2007.

A 13,000 TEU-class container ship built by HD Hyundai Heavy Industries and delivered in 2024
A 13,000 TEU-class container ship built by HD Hyundai Heavy Industries and delivered in 2024

HD Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering (HD KSOE), the intermediate holding company for HD Hyundai’s shipbuilding business, announced on Sunday, November 23, that it has signed a shipbuilding contract with HMM for eight 13,400-TEU dual-fuel container ships. The total contract value amounts to 1.456 billion USD.

The vessels ordered are 337 meters in length, 51 meters in width, and 27.9 meters in height. They are equipped with LNG dual-fuel engines and a significantly enlarged fuel tank—expanded by approximately 50%—to enhance operational efficiency. Of the eight vessels, two will be built by HD Hyundai Heavy Industries (HHI) and six by HD Hyundai Samho, with deliveries scheduled consecutively through the first half of 2029.

Through this contract, HD Hyundai has achieved its largest container-ship order volume since 2007, when global cargo demand peaked during the economic boom (793,473 TEU). HD KSOE has secured orders for a total of 720,000 TEU (69 vessels) in container ships this year, marking the highest order volume among domestic shipbuilders.

Container ships built by HD Hyundai are regarded as highly cost-competitive when considering operating expenses over the vessel’s entire lifecycle, despite their relatively higher prices compared to competitors.

Since 2023, HD Hyundai has applied “HiNAS Control”—an autonomous navigation assistance system developed by Avikus, a subsidiary specializing in autonomous navigation—to newly built vessels. Actual operational data has confirmed that the system’s autonomous navigation support features and RPM optimization deliver a 15% reduction in carbon emissions and a 15% improvement in fuel efficiency.

An HD Hyundai representative stated, “We are further solidifying our position in the global market based on advanced technological capabilities and customer trust,” adding, “Going forward, we will continue to lead the decarbonization of the shipbuilding and shipping industries through technological competitiveness focused on eco-friendly and high-efficiency vessels.”

 

Myanmar Military Says Nearly 1,600 Foreigners Arrested in Scam Hub Raids

Myanmar Military Says Nearly 1,600 Foreigners Arrested in Scam Hub Raids
A member of the Karen Border Guard Force (BGF) stands guard next to alleged scam centre workers and victims from China arriving at the border checkpoint with Thailand in Myanmar's eastern Myawaddy township on 20 February 2025. (photo credit: STR/AFP)
AFP – On 23 November, the Myanmar military said it arrested nearly 1,600 foreign nationals in five days in a highly publicized crackdown on a notorious internet scam hub on the Thai border.

Sprawling fraud factories have mushroomed in war-torn Myanmar’s border regions, housing scammers who target internet users with romance and business cons worth tens of billions of dollars annually.

In its latest publicized tally, the Myanmar authorities said “1,590 foreign nationals who entered Myanmar illegally were arrested” from 18 to 22 November in raids on the gambling and fraud hub Shwe Kokko, according to state media The Global New Light of Myanmar.

“Moreover, authorities seized 2,893 computers, 21,750 mobile phones, 101 Starlink satellite receivers, 21 Routers, and a large number of industrial materials used in the online fraud and gambling activities,” the newspaper said.

After an AFP investigation last month revealed receivers from the Starlink satellite internet service had been installed en masse at scam compounds, the Elon Musk-owned company said it had disabled more than 2,500 Starlink devices in the vicinity of suspected Myanmar scam centers.

The Global New Light of Myanmar said 223 people accused of perpetrating online fraud and gambling at Shwe Kokko were detained on 22 November alone, including 100 Chinese nationals.

Video published by local media showed a steamroller crushing hundreds of computer monitors lined up in rows next to piles of already smashed mobile phones at the Shwe Kokko compound on Saturday.

Scam hubs, staffed by thousands of willing workers as well as people trafficked from abroad, have proliferated in Myanmar’s loosely governed borderlands since a 2021 coup sparked a civil war in the country.

While China is a key military backer of the Myanmar government, analysts say Beijing is increasingly irate at the rampant scams targeting and enlisting its citizens.

Scam victims in Southeast and East Asia alone were conned out of up to USD 37 billion in 2023, according to a UN report, which said global losses were likely “much larger”.


© Agence France-Presse