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Central & Western District Youth-to-Career Expo Connects Hong Kong Youth to Future Careers in AI Era

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Two-day flagship youth to career exploration event unites 30+ corporates and organisations for youth empowerment, officiated by Alice Mak, SBS, JP, Secretary for Home and Youth Affairs


HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 14 July 2026 – The Central and Western District Office, Central and Western District Youth Network, and FutureGen Youth Foundation (“the Foundation“) co-organised the two-day Central & Western District Youth-to-Career Explo on 9 and 11 July. This event is funded by the Government of HKSAR, with the Hall of the Sai Ying Pun Community Complex provided as a venue. The event, part of the IGNITE18: Jumpstart Your Career series, brought together over 1,200 participants —including students, parents, teachers, and careers masters —alongside education institutions, prominent industry leaders, and community partners to explore future careers, AI, and the evolving world of work. Committed to expanding the program’s reach across the district, The Council of Central & Western District School Heads served as the event’s education partner.

Alice Mak, SBS, JP, Secretary for Home and Youth Affairs; Jennifer Yu Cheng, JP, Founder of FutureGen Youth Foundation and Secy Cheung, Founding Board Director of FutureGen Youth Foundation, alongside students, Strive and Rise Program participants and youth
Alice Mak, SBS, JP, Secretary for Home and Youth Affairs; Jennifer Yu Cheng, JP, Founder of FutureGen Youth Foundation and Secy Cheung, Founding Board Director of FutureGen Youth Foundation, alongside students, Strive and Rise Program participants and youth

Hosted at co-organiser and seed school St. Stephen’s Girls’ College, and the Sai Ying Pun Community Complex, the event was officiated by Alice Mak, SBS, JP, Secretary for Home and Youth Affairs, with a rich lineup of keynote sharing sessions on career insights, future trends and opportunities; AI and future skills workshops; youth dialogue sessions; and career exploration company booths.

Building A Future Talent Pipeline Through Early Industry and AI Exposure

Successfully equipping youth with direct access to leading industry representatives and companies, the signature youth event supported students across the Central and Western District in navigating their career and life planning journeys while strengthening Hong Kong’s future talent pipeline across diverse industries. Bringing together education institutions, corporations, government departments, professional organisations, NGOs and community partners, and spanning across more than 20 industries, the event bridged the gap between education and the rapidly evolving world of work, connecting young people with real-world industry insights and equipping them with the access, opportunities, and resources they need to explore future pathways and prepare for tomorrow’s workforce.

The IGNITE18 event series was pioneered by the FutureGen Youth Foundation, which aims to establish a citywide collective impact ecosystem connecting schools, industry, universities, and parents to support students navigating career and life planning. The initiative seeks to provide exposure to diverse industries, future career pathways, and hands-on future skills and AI experiences, while offering valuable workforce market insights and professional development opportunities for teachers and careers masters. By engaging parents in understanding AI and future-ready skills, the program actively strengthens Hong Kong’s future talent pipeline across diverse sectors. The Foundation plans to expand IGNITE18 across all 18 districts in Hong Kong in the next two years.

“In a world where AI, business transformation, and entirely new fields are reshaping career pathways, there is an urgency to create greater access earlier – from secondary age – to better equip and support youth on their career development journey,” said Jennifer Yu Cheng, JP, Founder of FutureGen Youth Foundation.

“At our Foundation, we have created a platform connecting over 140 Supporting Organisations with representation from education institutions, corporations, public institutes, NGOs, entrepreneurs and innovators to support youth career exploration and development in Hong Kong. Through IGNITE18, we aim to open doors earlier and inspire students to explore diverse career opportunities to be better equipped for tomorrow’s world – with the ultimate hope of building a stronger and more diverse talent pipeline for Hong Kong’s future.”

Uniting Corporate and Education Leaders in a Collective Impact Ecosystem

The Central & Western District Youth-to-Career Explo brought together an extensive network of participating and supporting organisations across corporate, tech, education, and public service sectors, including:

Strategic Partner: Hong Kong Cyberport Management Company Limited

Fully Supported By: McDonald’s Hong Kong

Supporting Organisations: DALLOYAU; Deloitte Foundation; DETERMINANT; Hong Kong Hereditary Breast Cancer Family Registry; Hong Kong Institute of Human Resource Management; Police Community Relations Office, Central District,Hong Kong Police Force; Hong Kong Qualifications Framework; HSBC; JEMS Character Academy; L’Oréal Hong Kong; Microsoft Hong Kong; MTR Corporation Limited; Ocean Park Corporation; Pet Space Group Limited; PRISTER Corporation Limited; Project Management Institute; Story Jungle Education; Tencent Wetech Academy; XPENG Hong Kong; XPENG Hong Kong ARIDGE; Y.L.Yang Foundation; iREd Solutions Limited; Plus One Dimension Interactive Company Limited

Education Partners: Center for Global & Community Engagement (GCE), School of Engineering, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology; The University of Hong Kong; Department of Surgery, School of Clinical Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong; Faculty of Science, The University of Hong Kong; Hong Kong Association of Careers Masters and Guidance Masters; Hong Kong Association of the Heads of Secondary Schools; Hong Kong Institute of Vocational Education (Chai Wan), Higher Diploma in Food Technology and Safety; Lingnan University Department of Digital Art and Creative Industries; Pre-incubation Centre, The Chinese University of Hong Kong; School of Business, The Hang Seng University of Hong Kong; The Council of Central & Western District School Heads; The Education University of Hong Kong; The Hong Kong Federation of Youth Groups

Supporting Statutory Body: The Authority of Qianhai SZ-HK Modern Service Industry Cooperation Zone of Shenzhen

The event also featured prominent leaders and experts sharing insights across business, finance, education, technology, innovation, and the public sector:

  • Lawrence Hung – Immediate Past President and Executive Council Member, Hong Kong Institute of Human Resource Management
  • Gary Wong Chi-him, MH, JP – Chief Hong Kong and Macao Liaison Expert, Authority of Qianhai SZ-HK Modern Service Industry Cooperation Zone of Shenzhen
  • Professor Ava Kwong – Chairman, Hong Kong Hereditary Breast Cancer FamilyRegistry; Clinical Professor, Department of Surgery, School of Clinical Medicine, The University of Hong Kong
  • Professor Lee Man Hoi – Professor, Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences, The University of Hong Kong
  • Serena Tang – Career Development and Training Director, HKU Business School

“We are deeply grateful to our seed schools, education partners, and Supporting Organisations for transforming the Foundation’s vision into action and for joining us in empowering young people,” said Secy Cheung, Founding Board Director of FutureGen Youth Foundation.

“Through our work with students, we have seen how powerful it can be when young people hear directly from industry leaders, professionals, and innovators. Often, a single conversation, sharing unexpected angles, can spark new aspirations and help students see pathways they had never previously imagined. IGNITE18 is about planting those seeds of possibility – inspiring young people to explore, discover, and take their first steps towards shaping their own futures.”

The signature event showcased the boundless possibilities of a strong ecosystem connecting schools, industry, universities, and families in supporting Hong Kong’s future leaders and talents. The IGNITE18 Central & Western District Youth-to-Career Explo generated strong community momentum that will continue to support students in understanding the future world of work, discovering their own pathways, and stepping into the future with confidence.

Hashtag: #FutureGenYouthFoundation

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

The Central and Western District Youth Network

The Central and Western District Youth Network, established under the Central and Western District Office, is a platform for young people aged 12 to 29 providing them with opportunities to develop their potential, cultivate personal interests, enhance self‑confidence, and encourage active participation in community affairs, thereby fostering a stronger sense of social belonging. Each year, the District Youth Network organises a diverse range of activities tailored to meet the interests and needs of its members.

Central & Western District Youth-to-Career Explo Connects Hong Kong Youth to Future Careers in AI Era

By
Advertorial Desk
-

Two-day flagship youth to career exploration event unites 30+ corporates and organisations for youth empowerment, officiated by Alice Mak, SBS, JP, Secretary for Home and Youth Affairs


HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 14 July 2026 – The Central and Western District Office, Central and Western District Youth Network, and FutureGen Youth Foundation (“the Foundation“) co-organised the two-day Central & Western District Youth-to-Career Explo on 9 and 11 July. This event is funded by the Government of HKSAR, with the Hall of the Sai Ying Pun Community Complex provided as a venue. The event, part of the IGNITE18: Jumpstart Your Career series, brought together over 1,200 participants —including students, parents, teachers, and careers masters —alongside education institutions, prominent industry leaders, and community partners to explore future careers, AI, and the evolving world of work. Committed to expanding the program’s reach across the district, The Council of Central & Western District School Heads served as the event’s education partner.

Alice Mak, SBS, JP, Secretary for Home and Youth Affairs; Jennifer Yu Cheng, JP, Founder of FutureGen Youth Foundation and Secy Cheung, Founding Board Director of FutureGen Youth Foundation, alongside students, Strive and Rise Program participants and youth
Alice Mak, SBS, JP, Secretary for Home and Youth Affairs; Jennifer Yu Cheng, JP, Founder of FutureGen Youth Foundation and Secy Cheung, Founding Board Director of FutureGen Youth Foundation, alongside students, Strive and Rise Program participants and youth

Hosted at co-organiser and seed school St. Stephen’s Girls’ College, and the Sai Ying Pun Community Complex, the event was officiated by Alice Mak, SBS, JP, Secretary for Home and Youth Affairs, with a rich lineup of keynote sharing sessions on career insights, future trends and opportunities; AI and future skills workshops; youth dialogue sessions; and career exploration company booths.

Building A Future Talent Pipeline Through Early Industry and AI Exposure

Successfully equipping youth with direct access to leading industry representatives and companies, the signature youth event supported students across the Central and Western District in navigating their career and life planning journeys while strengthening Hong Kong’s future talent pipeline across diverse industries. Bringing together education institutions, corporations, government departments, professional organisations, NGOs and community partners, and spanning across more than 20 industries, the event bridged the gap between education and the rapidly evolving world of work, connecting young people with real-world industry insights and equipping them with the access, opportunities, and resources they need to explore future pathways and prepare for tomorrow’s workforce.

The IGNITE18 event series was pioneered by the FutureGen Youth Foundation, which aims to establish a citywide collective impact ecosystem connecting schools, industry, universities, and parents to support students navigating career and life planning. The initiative seeks to provide exposure to diverse industries, future career pathways, and hands-on future skills and AI experiences, while offering valuable workforce market insights and professional development opportunities for teachers and careers masters. By engaging parents in understanding AI and future-ready skills, the program actively strengthens Hong Kong’s future talent pipeline across diverse sectors. The Foundation plans to expand IGNITE18 across all 18 districts in Hong Kong in the next two years.

“In a world where AI, business transformation, and entirely new fields are reshaping career pathways, there is an urgency to create greater access earlier – from secondary age – to better equip and support youth on their career development journey,” said Jennifer Yu Cheng, JP, Founder of FutureGen Youth Foundation.

“At our Foundation, we have created a platform connecting over 140 Supporting Organisations with representation from education institutions, corporations, public institutes, NGOs, entrepreneurs and innovators to support youth career exploration and development in Hong Kong. Through IGNITE18, we aim to open doors earlier and inspire students to explore diverse career opportunities to be better equipped for tomorrow’s world – with the ultimate hope of building a stronger and more diverse talent pipeline for Hong Kong’s future.”

Uniting Corporate and Education Leaders in a Collective Impact Ecosystem

The Central & Western District Youth-to-Career Explo brought together an extensive network of participating and supporting organisations across corporate, tech, education, and public service sectors, including:

Strategic Partner: Hong Kong Cyberport Management Company Limited

Fully Supported By: McDonald’s Hong Kong

Supporting Organisations: DALLOYAU; Deloitte Foundation; DETERMINANT; Hong Kong Hereditary Breast Cancer Family Registry; Hong Kong Institute of Human Resource Management; Police Community Relations Office, Central District,Hong Kong Police Force; Hong Kong Qualifications Framework; HSBC; JEMS Character Academy; L’Oréal Hong Kong; Microsoft Hong Kong; MTR Corporation Limited; Ocean Park Corporation; Pet Space Group Limited; PRISTER Corporation Limited; Project Management Institute; Story Jungle Education; Tencent Wetech Academy; XPENG Hong Kong; XPENG Hong Kong ARIDGE; Y.L.Yang Foundation; iREd Solutions Limited; Plus One Dimension Interactive Company Limited

Education Partners: Center for Global & Community Engagement (GCE), School of Engineering, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology; The University of Hong Kong; Department of Surgery, School of Clinical Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong; Faculty of Science, The University of Hong Kong; Hong Kong Association of Careers Masters and Guidance Masters; Hong Kong Association of the Heads of Secondary Schools; Hong Kong Institute of Vocational Education (Chai Wan), Higher Diploma in Food Technology and Safety; Lingnan University Department of Digital Art and Creative Industries; Pre-incubation Centre, The Chinese University of Hong Kong; School of Business, The Hang Seng University of Hong Kong; The Council of Central & Western District School Heads; The Education University of Hong Kong; The Hong Kong Federation of Youth Groups

Supporting Statutory Body: The Authority of Qianhai SZ-HK Modern Service Industry Cooperation Zone of Shenzhen

The event also featured prominent leaders and experts sharing insights across business, finance, education, technology, innovation, and the public sector:

  • Lawrence Hung – Immediate Past President and Executive Council Member, Hong Kong Institute of Human Resource Management
  • Gary Wong Chi-him, MH, JP – Chief Hong Kong and Macao Liaison Expert, Authority of Qianhai SZ-HK Modern Service Industry Cooperation Zone of Shenzhen
  • Professor Ava Kwong – Chairman, Hong Kong Hereditary Breast Cancer FamilyRegistry; Clinical Professor, Department of Surgery, School of Clinical Medicine, The University of Hong Kong
  • Professor Lee Man Hoi – Professor, Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences, The University of Hong Kong
  • Serena Tang – Career Development and Training Director, HKU Business School

“We are deeply grateful to our seed schools, education partners, and Supporting Organisations for transforming the Foundation’s vision into action and for joining us in empowering young people,” said Secy Cheung, Founding Board Director of FutureGen Youth Foundation.

“Through our work with students, we have seen how powerful it can be when young people hear directly from industry leaders, professionals, and innovators. Often, a single conversation, sharing unexpected angles, can spark new aspirations and help students see pathways they had never previously imagined. IGNITE18 is about planting those seeds of possibility – inspiring young people to explore, discover, and take their first steps towards shaping their own futures.”

The signature event showcased the boundless possibilities of a strong ecosystem connecting schools, industry, universities, and families in supporting Hong Kong’s future leaders and talents. The IGNITE18 Central & Western District Youth-to-Career Explo generated strong community momentum that will continue to support students in understanding the future world of work, discovering their own pathways, and stepping into the future with confidence.

Hashtag: #FutureGenYouthFoundation

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

The Central and Western District Youth Network

The Central and Western District Youth Network, established under the Central and Western District Office, is a platform for young people aged 12 to 29 providing them with opportunities to develop their potential, cultivate personal interests, enhance self‑confidence, and encourage active participation in community affairs, thereby fostering a stronger sense of social belonging. Each year, the District Youth Network organises a diverse range of activities tailored to meet the interests and needs of its members.

Xinhua Silk Road: Heilongjiang launches culture and tourism promotion event in Jixi City

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Advertorial Desk
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BEIJING, July 14, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — A culture and tourism promotion conference kicked off in Jixi City, northeast China’s Heilongjiang Province, on July 8 as one of the events of the 8th Heilongjiang Provincial Tourism Industry Development Conference.

Performers present a performance at the Heilongjiang Features Culture and Tourism Promotion Conference, July 8, 2026. (Xinhua/Na Yuqi)
Performers present a performance at the Heilongjiang Features Culture and Tourism Promotion Conference, July 8, 2026. (Xinhua/Na Yuqi)

Integrating Sushen Culture, one of the earliest fishing and hunting civilizations in northeast China, border landscapes, red cultural heritage, the epic of pioneers, industrial and mining heritage and vibrant cultural and tourism elements, the event featured a spectacular performance for the audience, highlighting its endowment in culture and tourism.

Xu Peng, vice chairman of the World Tourism Alliance, said in his speech that as a globally significant tourist destination and source of tourists, China is currently promoting cross-border tourism development with unprecedented efforts.

“In recent years, Heilongjiang has been committed to promoting the high-quality development of its cultural and tourism industries. It has sped up the construction of a world-class ice-and-snow tourism destination and summer retreats, accelerating the transformation of cold-climate resources into a thriving economy.”

As the host city of this year’s tourism industry development conference, Jixi has explored a distinctive new path for hosting the conference by leveraging its strengths as “China’s graphite capital and an ecological tourism city”.

The city has developed an all-round tourism map by tapping its diverse resources, upgraded visitor experiences with digital technologies, and expanded the source of tourists market through consumer-friendly measures and greater openness.

During the tourism industry development conference, a series of activities was held, including a provincial cultural and tourism industry promotion conference, the national travel agency promotion conference, signing ceremonies for key culture and tourism investment projects, and field visits showcasing the province’s cultural and tourism industry development.

These activities brought together industry experts, cultural and tourism enterprises, and business representatives to jointly discuss pathways for industrial upgrading, explore new opportunities for cultural and tourism development, and share successful models for cultural and tourism transformation.

Capitalizing on its unique resource endowments, such as forests, wetlands and border rivers, Heilongjiang has also launched a “100-day campaign” for summer tourism, rolling out ten high-quality themed travel routes, and fostering a province-wide cultural and tourism consumption ecosystem.

Original link: https://en.imsilkroad.com/p/351300.html

Bluewash Strengthens Premium Wellness Laundry Brand with a Focus on Skin-Friendly Care

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Advertorial Desk
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SEOUL, South Korea, July 14, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Bluewash, a premium wellness laundry brand, is strengthening its market presence by promoting a new standard in laundry care centered on skin health, ingredient transparency, and product safety.

Unlike conventional laundry detergents, which are not legally required to disclose their full ingredient lists, Bluewash differentiates itself by providing complete ingredient transparency while minimizing skin-irritating substances. The company oversees the entire production process—from product planning to manufacturing—through its own in-house production facilities, ensuring consistent quality and safety.

Bluewash formulates its products using ECOCERT-certified ingredients and allergen-free fragrances, creating gentle, skincare-inspired formulas designed to provide comfort from the washing process to every fabric that comes into contact with the skin. The brand aims to go beyond traditional cleaning performance by delivering a wellness-focused laundry experience.

The company’s current product portfolio includes laundry detergent capsules and dryer sheets, with plans to expand into a broader range of functional and practical lifestyle products.

As part of its growth strategy for the second half of the year, Bluewash is preparing a comprehensive brand renewal alongside the expansion of its distribution channels. The company will launch a collaborative pop-up store with a lifestyle brand in July, followed by the opening of a flagship brand showroom at its new headquarters in August, where visitors will be able to experience Bluewash’s philosophy and product lineup firsthand.

“Our goal is to become a globally trusted wellness laundry brand that consumers can choose with confidence without having to spend time analyzing complex ingredient lists,” a Bluewash spokesperson said. “By maintaining strict quality control through our own manufacturing facilities and prioritizing ingredient transparency, we aim to deliver a safer and more comfortable laundry experience for consumers worldwide.”

Binance Marks Nine Years: Nearly Half of All Crypto Holders Use Binance, $156 Trillion in All-Time Volume, and a Growing Vision Beyond Crypto

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From crypto exchange to multi-asset financial platform, Binance marks nine years of growth driven by its global community and sets its sights on three billion users

ABU DHABI, UAE, July 14, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Binance, the world’s largest cryptocurrency exchange by trading volume, today marks its ninth anniversary with more than 323 million registered users across over 100 countries. When Binance launched in July 2017, fewer than 6 million people worldwide owned cryptocurrency. Today, that number exceeds 741 million, representing growth of more than 12,000% in under a decade. Binance’s user base has grown from zero to 323 million over the same period, meaning roughly 43% of all crypto holders worldwide now use Binance.

The milestone arrives as digital assets move from the margins of global finance to the mainstream. Institutional participation is at record levels, with ETFs and digital asset trusts now holding over 12% of circulating BTC supply. Regulatory frameworks are forming across the G20, the EU, the Middle East, and Southeast Asia. The lines between traditional finance and crypto infrastructure are blurring in ways that would have been difficult to predict when Binance launched.

For Binance, the anniversary is more than a reflection of nine years of growth. It is also a statement of intent: to become the world’s leading financial super app, bringing access to global markets to its target of over three billion users worldwide.

Binance’s Scale at a Glance:

  • 323 million registered users globally, up roughly 7% in H1 2026 alone, representing approximately 43% of all crypto holders worldwide
  • Over $156 trillion in cumulative all-time trading volume across all products (up 7.8% from $145T at year-end 2025), a figure that exceeds the combined annual GDP of the United States, China, Japan, Germany, and the United Kingdom
  • Institutional users grew 9% in H1 2026, reflecting continued maturation of the buyer base
  • $80B+ in monthly TradFi trading volume since March 2026
  • 11% more coins and 3% more trading pairs added in H1 2026, broadening market access

From Crypto Exchange to Multi-Asset Platform
Over the past year, Binance extended its product suite into traditional financial instruments, including stock trading, ETFs, and pre-IPO perpetuals, alongside its existing digital asset offerings. These products are built on Binance’s blockchain-native infrastructure, enabling stablecoin settlement, 24/7 market access, and cross-asset functionality within a single platform.

The early traction has been significant:

  • Since March this year, TradFi products on Binance have generated over $80B in monthly trading volume.
  • Direct stocks, launched in June 2026, reached $1B in assets under management (AUM) within 30 days of launch, alongside over $3B in cumulative trading volume.
  • bStocks, tokenized 1:1 U.S. securities on Binance that trade 24/7, crossed $100M in AUM within 2 weeks of launch.
  • 47% of bStocks trading volume takes place outside U.S. market hours, reflecting demand for round-the-clock market access.

Even as Binance expands into new asset classes, its core crypto business continues to demonstrate the depth and resilience that have defined its market position since year one:

  • Binance has now processed $156.4 trillion in all-time trading volume, adding roughly $11.4 trillion in the first half of 2026 alone, a 7.8% increase from year-end 2025.
  • Institutional users also grew 9% over the same period, reinforcing the trend of professional capital deepening its participation in digital assets.
  • This growth occurred despite a more challenging market environment in H1 2026, indicating that user engagement is driven by structural participation rather than short-term market cycles.

Building Toward Three Billion Users
The expansion into traditional financial products reflects Binance’s vision of building the world’s leading financial super app that consolidates trading, payments, savings, and access to global markets on a single platform. The path to three billion users runs through markets that traditional institutions have historically underserved, where blockchain-native infrastructure can deliver financial services at a cost and scale that legacy systems cannot match.

Industry data supports the scale of the opportunity. It is estimated that 741 million people own crypto globally, compared to approximately 630 million online brokerage accounts. Crypto infrastructure already reaches more people than traditional equity brokerage, and that gap is widening.

“Nine years ago, we set out to increase the freedom of money globally. What we have built is infrastructure that works for everyone. It works whether you are a retail trader in an emerging market or an institutional investor in a financial centre. When we launched in 2017, fewer than 6 million people owned crypto. Today, 741 million do, and 323 million of them are on Binance. That is not just growth. It is a shift in how the world accesses finance. We are only at the beginning,” said Yi He, Co-CEO of Binance.

“323 million people chose to trust us with their money. That is not something we take lightly. Every decision we make, every product we build, every market we enter starts with the question of whether it serves the people who put their faith in us. Today, 43% of all crypto holders worldwide use Binance. As the financial frontier moves toward the intersection of crypto and traditional finance, that trust becomes even more significant. Expanding beyond crypto into stocks, ETFs, and tokenized securities is part of that same commitment. Users deserve access to global markets, and we intend to give it to them,” said Richard Teng, Co-CEO, Binance.

Built by the Community
This year, Binance marks its anniversary under the theme “Built by You.” The theme reflects the company’s belief that its growth over the past nine years was shaped not by the platform alone, but by the millions of users who traded, learned, built, and participated on it.

To mark the occasion, Binance has launched “Built by You,” a global anniversary campaign celebrating the community that helped shape Binance. The campaign features up to $4.5 million in rewards and an interactive journey across nine landmarks in ‘Binance City’, each tied to a different part of the Binance ecosystem.

Products and services referred to in this press release may not be available in your region.

About Binance 
Binance is a leading global blockchain ecosystem behind the world’s largest cryptocurrency exchange by trading volume and registered users. Binance is trusted by more than 320 million people in 100+ countries for its industry-leading security, transparency, trading engine speed, protections for investors, and unmatched portfolio of digital asset products and offerings from trading and finance to education, research, social good, payments, institutional services, and Web3 features. Binance is devoted to building an inclusive crypto ecosystem to increase the freedom of money and financial access for people around the world with crypto as the fundamental means.

For more information, visit: https://www.binance.com

THE NOISE NATION: NOISE REVEALED AS #1 AUSTRALIAN NEIGHBOURHOOD OFFENCE

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SIPPY DOWNS, Australia, July 14, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Australians may want to keep their neighbours at arm’s length, but new research from Youi Insurance reveals we still expect them to follow a very specific set of unwritten rules, with noisy neighbours topping the list of behaviours most likely to get under our skin.

As part of the second instalment of Youi’s Unofficial Series – following the launch of the Australian Unofficial Driving Etiquette Act in 2024 – the insurer has put neighbourly behaviour to the test, uncovering the rules Australians live by, despite rarely saying them out loud.

In a survey of over 2,000 Australians, nearly two-thirds (63%) ranked keeping noise down after certain hours as an unwritten rule of neighbourhood life and not using loud power tools too early or late in the day (48%) closely following. It’s also the biggest source of friction, with 21% of Australians’ worst neighbour experiences involving noise or parties.

Noise annoyance tops the list of behaviours Australians say they are most likely to speak up about (52%), and quiet hours are clearly defined – with two-thirds of Australians (66%) drawing the line before 10pm on weekdays, and tolerance slightly improving on weekends with 64% accepting noise after 10pm. 

THE UNOFFICIAL RULEBOOK: PUT TO THE TEST

While Australians may not talk about them openly, these expectations form a clear – if unwritten – code of conduct.

So, Youi put it to the test, asking Australians what behaviours matter most, and distilling the results into the Australian Unofficial Neighbourhood Etiquette Act 2026.

  1. Excessive Noise and the Right to a Good Night’s Sleep 
  2. Parking Conduct and Access Protection
  3. Neighbour Acknowledgement Protocol  
  4. Pet Conduct and Control Regulation 
  5. Privacy Boundary and Non-Intrusion Standard 

The findings show Australian neighbourhoods are held together not by formal regulations, but by a shared understanding of everyday etiquette. Over half (54%) of Australians agree their neighbourhood operates on unwritten rules, while 58% say they prefer neighbours who are polite, but keep their distance, highlighting a balance between friendliness and personal space.

At the same time, there are signs Australians are increasingly seeking a stronger sense of community closer to home, suggesting these small, everyday interactions play an important role in fostering connection.

Anthony Antonucci, Chief Customer Officer at Youi said that these unwritten rules reflect a uniquely Australian approach to neighbourhood living, one that values mutual respect, personal space, and a sense of quiet community.

“Australians want to be good neighbours, but on their own terms. There’s an unspoken balance between being friendly and respecting personal space – clearly, noise is where that line is drawn most clearly,” Anthony said.

“Our findings show that while the idea of neighbourly behaviour is still strong, how it’s being lived out is changing across generations. Younger Australians clearly believe in the idea of neighbourly rules, with 65% of Gen Z agreeing they exist, but they’re less likely to put them into practice compared to older generations. Baby Boomers are the most committed rule-followers,” she said.

Social researcher and futurist Ashley Fell said the results reflect shifting attitudes towards community and connection in modern Australia.

“Australians are redefining what community looks like in a more individualised and fast-paced world. We still value connection, but increasingly on our own terms, and in ways that feel low-effort and non-intrusive,” Ashley said.

“These unwritten rules act as a social guide – they help people coexist more comfortably while creating opportunities for small but important moments of connection. 53% of Aussies feel that having neighbours living nearby makes them feel safer and more supported. Strengthening community can be as simple as saying hello, being mindful of noise, and respecting personal space according to Aussies,” she said.

Explore the full findings and Australia’s unwritten neighbour rulebook here.

-ENDS-

Disclaimer 

This data is sourced from a survey conducted by Ideally between 2 June 2026 and 5 June 2026, involving 2,144 individuals aged 18 and above from all states and territories within Australia. Some percentages have been rounded to the nearest whole number. Survey results have not been independently verified by Youi and may not be representative of the general population. Youi makes no representation or warranty of any kind of the accuracy, adequacy, reliability, or completeness of the data and accepts no liability for any loss or damage of any kind suffered as a result of the use of or reliance on the data. Individual experiences may vary. 

Any information contained in this article is for general information only and is not comprehensive advice. Any recommendations should be considered against your personal circumstances. 

References 

1. Unofficial Neighbourhood Rules, Youi Insurance 

ABOUT YOUI: 

Youi Pty Ltd is an Australian registered company and is a wholly owned subsidiary of Youi Holdings Pty Ltd, a subsidiary of OUTsurance International Holdings Pty Limited. The ultimate holding company is OUTsurance Group Limited. 

Youi Pty Ltd is a registered general insurance company which underwrites its own policies. Our products currently include Vehicle Insurance (Car Insurance, NSW CTP Green Slip, SA CTP, Motorcycle, Caravan and Trailer), Home Insurance (Buildings and Contents), Watercraft and Small Business Insurance. 

Company: Youi Insurance
Company Phone: 13 96 84  
Website: https://www.youi.com.au/ 

 

Inje University Marks 7 Years of Nursing Education Partnership in Laos

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11th LAIN-LUPIC workshop strengthens teaching, assessment, and research frameworks at the University of Health Sciences. (Photo supplies)

South Korea’s Inje University held the 11th Leading University Project for International Cooperation (LAIN-LUPIC) workshop in Vientiane from 8 to 10 July, seven years of nursing education cooperation with Laos.

About 30 faculty members from the Faculty of Nursing Sciences at the University of Health Sciences (UHS) attended the three-day event, themed “Strengthening Quality in Nursing Education: Integrating Teaching, Assessment, and Research.” 

The workshop is the latest in a series held under a partnership between the two institutions that began in 2020.

On the first day, Inje University Vice President for Medical and Pharmaceutical Affairs Professor Byoungdoo Rhee spoke on developing nursing faculty competencies at UHS, outlining directions for improving the quality of education. Researcher Donghwi Kim, from Inje University Paik Hospital’s Simulation Center, followed with a session on interprofessional education, drawing on operational cases to explain the importance and strategies of collaborative training among healthcare professionals.

11th LAIN-LUPIC workshop strengthens teaching, assessment, and research frameworks at the University of Health Sciences. (Photo supplies)

On the second day, LAIN-LUPIC Project Manager Professor Jina Oh addressed the philosophical values and professional identity underpinning nursing education. 

Faculty then took part in an expert feedback session on 35 application-type multiple-choice questions developed by Lao instructors, covering seven subjects on the Lao National Nursing Licensing Examination. 

Rhee and Oh gave guidance on improving the questions’ validity and reliability and shared methods for writing items that test clinical problem-solving skills, reviewing progress made on exam development to date.

On the final day, visiting professors Eunsil Won and Seohyun Won led sessions on research design and analysis, covering variable selection, appropriate statistical methods, and how to interpret research result tables, aimed at helping faculty translate accumulated teaching experience into research output.

Organizers expressed the workshop linked faculty development, assessment systems, exam quality, and research capacity into a single integrated framework for nursing education in Laos, adding that it also strengthened Lao faculty members’ practical capacity to manage educational quality.

“The 11th LAIN-LUPIC workshop served as an opportunity to further solidify the foundation for improving the quality of nursing education in Laos by linking teaching, assessment, and research into a single system,” Oh said.

She added that the partnership would continue, building on Inje University’s educational expertise to help UHS achieve sustainable innovation and train nursing professionals in Laos.

FocalPoint and STMicroelectronics enter into a commercial agreement to deliver enhanced GNSS reliability for automotive applications

By
Advertorial Desk
-

The commercial agreement combines proven FocalPoint S-GNSS® Auto software with STMicroelectronics Teseo hardware to improve positioning reliability in challenging GNSS environments

CAMBRIDGE, England, July 14, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — FocalPoint, a UK-based leader in GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System) software for automotive, wearables, and smartphones, today announced that it has entered into a commercial agreement with STMicroelectronics. The agreement marks a major step towards delivering highly reliable vehicle positioning in challenging GNSS environments. Building on the collaboration first announced in May 2025, FocalPoint and STMicroelectronics have now advanced their joint S-GNSS® Auto and Teseo solution to a full commercial offering.

FocalPoint and STMicroelectronics enter into commercial agreement
FocalPoint and STMicroelectronics enter into commercial agreement

The joint industry-leading solution delivers a significant leap in GNSS reliability, particularly in urban canyons, tree-lined roads, and other tough environments where conventional GNSS systems struggle. It is delivered as a simple firmware upgrade to Teseo devices, enabling automotive OEMs and Tier 1 suppliers to achieve substantially improved positioning accuracy in a straightforward and cost-efficient manner.

Backed by FocalPoint’s patented Supercorrelation® technology, S-GNSS® software has demonstrated consistent accuracy improvements in multipath and signal-degraded conditions. In recent rigorous global trials, S-GNSS® Auto on Teseo devices significantly outperformed standard commercial-grade solutions. The joint solution is advancing towards commercial deployment in both current and next-generation OEM platforms.

“We’re delighted to enter this commercial agreement with ST in addition to becoming an ST Authorized Partner, taking our collaboration to the next level. Our joint solution addresses the GNSS reliability pain points experienced by many OEMs when architecting their ADAS solutions,” said Scott Pomerantz, CEO at FocalPoint. “Together, we deliver significant improvements that make autonomous and connected vehicles safer and more reliable.”

“Through our commercial agreement with FocalPoint, and by leveraging the flexibility of Teseo’s open platform, we are expanding our portfolio with S-GNSS® Auto-powered products that help customers push performance beyond traditional GNSS receiver limits and gain a real competitive edge in the market,” said Luca Celant, Digital Audio and Signal Solutions Division General Manager, STMicroelectronics. “By adding the S-GNSS roadmap and innovations such as Precise+® to the state-of-the-art Teseo portfolio, we are working to deliver sub-meter accuracy in the toughest environments. Together, we’re helping OEMs add value and accelerate ADAS and V2X capabilities with confidence.”

This collaboration strengthens both companies’ commitment to enabling safer automated vehicles as well as improving everyday navigation.

More details are available on FocalPoint’s ST Partner page.

Evaluation kits (EVKs) integrating FocalPoint’s S-GNSS® Auto software on Teseo V and Teseo VI are now available for OEMs, Tier 1s, and ecosystem partners on the FocalPoint website.

Contact FocalPoint at contact@focalpointpositioning.com for the full results report of S-GNSS® Auto on Teseo devices.

About FocalPoint

FocalPoint develops advanced software that ensures GNSS reliability in the most challenging environments. Their flagship S-GNSS® Auto software delivers the positioning accuracy required to advance vehicle autonomy, especially in urban canyons and forest roads. Integrated onto STMicroelectronics Teseo V and Teseo VI devices, this joint solution is offered as a seamless firmware upgrade, empowering OEMs to advance their ADAS and V2X capabilities. Headquartered in Cambridge, UK, FocalPoint is backed by a strategic investment from GM Ventures and has earned multiple awards and recognition from the Royal Institute of Navigation and the Institute of Navigation.

Website: focalpointpositioning.com

Media contact
Ramya Sriram; contact@focalpointpositioning.com

 

S-GNSS® Auto on Teseo devices delivers reliable GNSS in urban environments
S-GNSS® Auto on Teseo devices delivers reliable GNSS in urban environments

 

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