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Lance Y. Gokongwei Joins PhilWeb Board of Directors, strengthening tech-driven growth strategy

MANILA, Philippines, July 10, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Listed PhilWeb Corporation (“PhilWeb” or the “Company”, PSE: WEB) has announced that prominent business leader Lance Y. Gokongwei has officially joined the Company’s Board of Directors.


“I am pleased to join PhilWeb as a Board Director at an important stage in the Company’s development. Technology infrastructure, operational intelligence, compliance systems, and scalable digital platforms are becoming increasingly important across regulated digital ecosystems. I look forward to working closely with the Board and management team as PhilWeb continues building long-term infrastructure, technology capabilities, and operational scale,” Director Gokongwei said.

The appointment follows Mr. Gokongwei’s recent strategic investment of P2.03 billion in PhilWeb. As newly elected Director, Mr. Gokongwei will provide strategic oversight and governance leadership as PhilWeb continues expanding its long-term infrastructure, technology, and AI-enabled operational roadmap.

“We are honored to welcome Lance Gokongwei as a Board Director of PhilWeb. His experience in institutional leadership, long-term strategic planning, and capital allocation will be invaluable as the Company continues its next phase of growth and transformation,” Edgar Brian K. Ng, PhilWeb’s President, said.

PhilWeb has been strengthening its position as a provider of digital infrastructure, operational systems, compliance technology, and platform solutions supporting licensed operators and regulated digital entertainment ecosystems in the Philippines.

The Company’s ongoing initiatives include investments in AI-enabled operational systems, compliance and risk management infrastructure, platform intelligence and analytics, operational automation, and scalable digital infrastructure

“PhilWeb is entering a new stage of operational scale, governance strengthening, and technology-driven expansion. We believe this appointment further reinforces the Company’s long-term direction and institutional development,” Ng added.

The Company emphasized that the appointment reflects PhilWeb’s ongoing commitment to strengthening governance standards, institutional capabilities, and long-term strategic execution.

About PhilWeb Corporation (PSE:WEB)

PhilWeb Corporation is a Philippine Stock Exchange-listed technology company providing digital infrastructure, operational systems, and platform technology solutions supporting regulated digital ecosystems in the Philippines.

The Company focuses on scalable infrastructure, AI-enabled operational systems, compliance technologies, and platform solutions designed to support licensed operators and long-term ecosystem growth.

Investor Relations Contact:

Kenneth Ke
Group Investment Head
PhilWeb Corporation
Email: kenneth.ke@philweb.com.ph

Media Relations Contact:

Arnel Vasquez
Media Relations Director
Rebel Marketing Philippines
Email: arnelvasquez@rebelmarketing.com.ph
Mobile: +63 917 584 3573

Tech Mahindra Receives Frost & Sullivan’s 2026 Asia-Pacific Technology Innovation Leadership Recognition for Advancing Agentic AI in the Business Process Services Industry

Recognized for driving innovation, intelligent automation, and scalable digital transformation through agentic AI-led BPS solutions.

SAN ANTONIO, July 10, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Frost & Sullivan is pleased to announce that Tech Mahindra has been recognized with the 2026 Asia-Pacific Technology Innovation Leadership Recognition in the agentic AI in the business process services (BPS) industry for its outstanding achievements in innovation, strategy execution, and customer impact. This recognition highlights Tech Mahindra’s consistent leadership in driving measurable outcomes, strengthening its market position, and delivering customer-centric innovation in an evolving competitive landscape.

Frost & Sullivan evaluates companies through a rigorous benchmarking process across two core dimensions: strategy effectiveness and strategy execution. Tech Mahindra excelled in both, demonstrating its ability to align strategic initiatives with market demand while executing them with efficiency, consistency, and scale. “Tech Mahindra differentiates itself by embedding agentic AI directly into live BPS environments, enabling enterprises to move beyond fragmented automation toward intelligent orchestration, stronger governance, and scalable, production-grade deployments that deliver sustained business value,” said Sherrel Sonia Roche, Associate Director, ICT at Frost & Sullivan.

Guided by a long-term growth strategy focused on digital innovation, operational integration, and client-centric transformation, Tech Mahindra has shown its ability to adapt and lead in a rapidly evolving landscape. The company’s strategic agility and sustained investment in agentic AI frameworks have enabled it to scale effectively across global enterprise environments.

Innovation remains central to Tech Mahindra’s approach. Its Orion marketplace, a next-generation agentic AI solution, enables enterprises to design, deploy, and manage autonomous, action-oriented AI agents across business processes. Orion marketplace’s open, hyperscaler-agnostic architecture supports rapid deployment across assisted and fully autonomous models while maintaining enterprise-grade governance, transparency, and lifecycle control.

Tech Mahindra’s unwavering commitment to customer experience strengthens its position in the market. By integrating AI-driven orchestration into core BPS operations, the company enables real-time decision-making, reduces operational complexity, and enhances service delivery outcomes. Its ability to combine process mining, domain expertise, and human-in-the-loop models ensures that enterprises can transition from experimentation to measurable impact. The company’s flexible commercial models, including outcome-linked pricing and bundled BPS-plus-AI offerings, align value delivery with client business objectives.

Frost & Sullivan commends Tech Mahindra for setting a high standard in competitive strategy, execution, and market responsiveness. The company’s vision, innovation pipeline, and customer-first culture are shaping the future of agentic AI in the BPS industry and driving tangible results at scale.

Each year, Frost & Sullivan presents the Technology Innovation Leadership Recognition to a company that demonstrates outstanding strategy development and implementation, resulting in measurable improvements in market share, customer satisfaction, and competitive positioning. The recognition highlights forward-thinking organizations that are reshaping their industries through innovation and growth excellence.

Frost & Sullivan Best Practices Recognition
Frost & Sullivan’s Best Practices Recognitions honor companies across regional and global markets that exhibit exceptional achievement and consistent excellence in areas such as leadership, technological innovation, customer experience, and strategic product development. Each recognition is the result of a rigorous analytical process in which Frost & Sullivan industry experts benchmark performance through comprehensive interviews, deep-dive analysis, and extensive secondary research. The goal is to identify true best-in-class organizations that are driving transformative growth and setting new industry standards.
Contact us: Start the discussion.

Contact:

Tarini Singh
E: Tarini.Singh@frost.com

 

Xinhua Silk Road: Dialogue promotes mutual learning, exchanges between Liangzhu and Samarkand cultural heritages

BEIJING, July 10, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — A cross-civilization dialogue event between the Archaeological Ruins of Liangzhu City in Hangzhou, east China’s Zhejiang Province, and the historic town of Samarkand in Uzbekistan was held on July 6, aiming to promote mutual learning and exchanges among civilizations.

Photo shows the Damojiao Mountain in the Archaeological Ruins of Liangzhu City. (By Zhu Chengqi)
Photo shows the Damojiao Mountain in the Archaeological Ruins of Liangzhu City. (By Zhu Chengqi)

As part of a series of events of the “Liangzhu and the World” program, the dialogue attracted over 100 participants from China and Uzbekistan gathering at the Archaeological Ruins of Liangzhu City in Hangzhou, discussing topics including heritage values, conservation and management, and approaches to revitalizing cultural heritages. 

First discovered in 1936 in the lower reaches of China’s longest river, the Yangtze River, the Archaeological Ruins of Liangzhu City was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2019. The historic town of Samarkand, considered as a crossroad of cultures along the ancient Silk Road, was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2001.

The dialogue not only provided a high-level platform for exchanges between the two cities, but also marked the first time that the “Liangzhu and the World” program has partnered with an Asian world heritage site.

During the dialogue, participants discussed topics focusing on heritage revitalization and mutual learning among civilizations of Silk Road cities, consolidation of China-Uzbekistan cooperation in archaeological research, earthen-site conservation, digital technologies and the integration of culture and tourism, offering an Asian model for coordinated world heritage conservation and dialogue among civilizations.

Ahead of the dialogue, the Uzbek delegation visited the Archaeological Ruins of Liangzhu City and a world heritage monitoring center, where they explored Liangzhu’s integrated approach to heritage conservation and public engagement with the help of digital technologies, including AI-powered smart glasses.

Farhod Nishonov, deputy mayor of Samarkand, spoke highly of Liangzhu’s systematic conservation model, saying it offers valuable experience for the management of Samarkand. He said Samarkand would draw on Liangzhu’s practices and, leveraging the sister-city relationship with Hangzhou, promote joint exhibitions, two-way cultural and tourism exchanges, and youth exchange programs.

“This is the fifth year since the inauguration of the ‘Liangzhu and the World’ program. We hope not only to share Liangzhu’s experience in heritage conservation but also to learn from Central Asian cities in heritage operation and management, bringing the people of our two countries closer through these two civilization landmarks,” said Yang Xiaoping, deputy director of the Management Committee of the Archaeological Ruins of Liangzhu City.

https://en.imsilkroad.com/p/351270.html

Kaiyi Laos Holds Mid-Year Lucky Draw, Awards Over LAK 60 Million in Customer Prizes

A picture of Chakkaphon Malabandith, Executive Manager of Kaiyi Laos opening the event of Kaiyi 2026 Mid-Year Promotion Lucky Draw. (Photo by Kaiyi)

Kaiyi Laos held its 2026 Mid-Year Promotion Lucky Draw, awarding more than LAK 60 million (USD 266) in prizes to customers as part of a campaign to thank those who purchased Kaiyi vehicles during the first half of the year.

Chakkaphon Malabandith, Executive Manager of Kaiyi Laos, opened the event by outlining the company’s continued commitment to developing products and services that meet customers’ needs, with customer satisfaction remaining a key priority.

In addition to the prize draw, attendees participated in educational workshops led by technical specialists and the company’s after-sales service team. The sessions provided practical guidance on vehicle maintenance and attracted strong interest from customers.

The lucky draw was open to customers who purchased a Kaiyi vehicle between January and June this year. With a total of 15 prizes, including a gold ring as the grand prize, along with home appliances, household items, and other gifts. Customers who participated in Kaiyi Laos’ recent test-drive campaigns also received exclusive prizes.

Kaiyi’s event reflects its ongoing commitment to strengthening customer relationships through quality products, reliable after-sales support, and customer-focused initiatives as the company continues to expand its presence in the Lao market.

Monport Launches GPro Vision MOPA Fiber Laser Series With Smart Vision Positioning, Color Marking and Auto Focus

LOS ANGELES, July 9, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Intelligent automation is reshaping laser processing as businesses increasingly invest in advanced fiber laser solutions that improve precision, productivity, and workflow efficiency. Monport Laser today introduced the GPro Vision Split MOPA Fiber Laser Engraver, a new intelligent system designed for professional metal marking, engraving, and production applications.

Combining a high-resolution vision positioning system, auto focus, MOPA fiber laser technology for color marking, and high-speed engraving capabilities, the new laser engraver helps manufacturers and businesses streamline workflows while achieving exceptional accuracy and consistent results.

The GPro Vision series is available in four configurations — 50W Standard Fiber Laser, 60W, 100W and 200W MOPA fiber laser models — giving buyers a laser engraver and laser cutter platform that scales from detail engraving and color marking up to thin-metal cutting and deep 3D relief carving, depending on power output.

Camera-Guided Visual Positioning and Batch Engraving

At the center of the GPro Vision series is a 16MP HD camera that supports two core functions. The first, visual positioning, allows operators to place artwork directly onto a live image of the workpiece for accurate, what-you-see-is-what-you-get placement. The second, batch engraving, is compatible with a conveyor belt accessory, allowing the fiber laser machine to automatically detect and engrave a continuous stream of parts for production runs.

MOPA Fiber Laser Color Marking on Metal

Every GPro Vision model uses a MOPA fiber laser source, which enables color marking on stainless steel, copper and titanium — a capability not available on standard fiber laser engravers. The MOPA architecture also gives operators independent control over pulse width, which supports deeper engraving, 3D relief carving and finer surface finishing on metal parts.

Higher-wattage models extend that capability further. The 60W MOPA configuration, for example, is rated to cut brass up to 2.5mm thick, giving shops a single laser engraver and laser cutter platform for both metal marking and thin-metal cutting work.

Auto Focus and Industrial-Grade Precision

The GPro Vision fiber laser series includes automatic focus as a standard feature, reducing manual setup time between jobs and material changes. Combined with an industrial galvanometer and silicon mirror system, the machine is built to deliver engraving speeds up to 10,000mm/s, with the 200W MOPA model reaching up to 22,000mm/s.

Monport says the GPro Vision MOPA fiber laser engraver delivers engraving precision down to 0.01mm, allowing fine detail work such as jewelry marking, serial numbers and intricate 3D relief patterns. The company also notes that its working area is engineered to maintain consistent laser power across the full engraving zone, without the power attenuation toward the edges of the bed that can affect some competing fiber laser engravers.

Professional Software Compatibility

The GPro Vision Series is designed to integrate easily into existing production environments.

The system supports both Windows and macOS, while remaining fully compatible with LightBurn and SapphireMark software. Users can import numerous file formats, including BMP, JPG, PNG, SVG, DXF, PLT, G-Code, TIFF, GIF, and more, simplifying design preparation across multiple workflows.

Additional expandable accessories include rotary attachments for 360-degree engraving, conveyor belts for automated batch production, safety enclosures, and fume extraction systems.

Designed for Long-Term Performance

Powered by an industrial-grade MOPA laser source with an expected service life of up to 100,000 hours, the GPro Vision Fiber Laser Series is built for continuous professional use.

Available laser power options include:

  • 50W Standard Fiber Laser
  • 60W MOPA  Fiber Laser
  • 100W MOPA Fiber Laser
  • 200W MOPA Fiber Laser

Each configuration is designed to accommodate different production requirements, allowing businesses to choose the right balance of engraving speed, cutting capability, and processing depth.

“The GPro Vision Series reflects Monport’s commitment to making advanced laser technology more intelligent and more accessible,” Monport CEO said. “By combining visual positioning, MOPA color marking, industrial precision, and automated workflows, we’re helping customers improve productivity while expanding what’s possible with a modern fiber laser.”

The Monport GPro Vision Split MOPA Fiber Laser Engraver is now available through Monport Laser’s official website.

About Monport Laser

Monport Laser is a global provider of professional laser engraving and cutting solutions for creators, manufacturers, educators, and businesses. Its expanding portfolio includes CO2, fiber, UV, and industrial laser systems designed to deliver precision, reliability, and innovation for applications ranging from product customization to industrial manufacturing.

Media Contact:

Monport Laser

Email: official@monportlaser.com 

Website: https://monportlaser.com

 

Authorities Say Sinkholes in Savannakhet Caused by Erosion, Not Mining

Authorities have claimed that eight sinkholes discovered in Savannakhet’s Vilabouly district on 9 July were caused by natural erosion and limestone subsidence, not mining activities. (Photo: Ministry of Industry and Commerce : MOIC)

Authorities Say Sinkholes in Savannakhet Caused by Erosion, Not Mining

Authorities have confirmed that eight sinkholes discovered in Savannakhet province formed through a natural geological process and do not stem from nearby mining operations as originally assumed by residents.

Villagers found the sinkholes, ranging from 2 to 4 meters in diameter, near irrigation canals and rice paddies on the morning of 9 July in Nongkadang village, Vilabouly district, after images and videos spread widely on social media. 

Authorities coordinated immediately with local officials that same day to verify the reports and gather preliminary information for the public.

Following an on-site investigation, the Ministry of Industry and Commerce (MOIC) assessed the incident as a natural cause rooted in the area’s underlying limestone structure. Years of water erosion carved underground voids beneath the surface, and recent heavy rainfall triggered subsidence of the topsoil above them.

MOIC noted that similar sinkholes formed in the same area four to five years ago, and that the pattern closely resembles a sinkhole event that struck Thongkhanoy village, Hinboun district, Khammouane province, in May.

Vilabouly, in northeastern Savannakhet, forms part of Laos’ main gold mining belt alongside neighboring Sepone district, home to the country’s largest gold mining site. Rich in copper and gold, the area ranks among Southeast Asia’s oldest metallurgy sites.

Given this backdrop, authorities moved quickly to clarify that the sinkholes bear no connection to any mining activity.

According to MOIC, a provincial technical team is now traveling to the site to work with district officials and Lane Xang Minerals Limited, which operates the mine there, to inspect the area, gather further data, and assess its safety.

A Pattern of Mining-Linked Sinkholes Elsewhere

The clarification comes as Laos has weathered a string of sinkhole incidents tied to mining in recent months. 

In Thongmang village, Xaythany district, Vientiane Capital, a series of collapses since May 2025, linked to underground potash extraction, culminated in a sinkhole on 2 January that left four people missing and prompted authorities to evacuate 38 households. 

Khammouane province has also recorded sinkholes near potash mining sites in recent years, fueling public concern whenever new sinkholes emerge near extraction zones.

Ten Years in the Making. Fxtrading.com Is Just Getting Started

SYDNEY, July 10, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — FXTRADING.com today marks ten years of operation, a milestone the CFD trading platform is using to set out what the next phase of its business will be built on: a trading and investment ecosystem engineered, built and owned end-to-end, in-house. A commitment they have labelled “engineered trust“.

FXTRADING.com 10 Years of Engineering Excellence
FXTRADING.com 10 Years of Engineering Excellence

Over the past decade, FXTrading.com has built its execution, risk systems, client portal and trading platforms internally rather than relying on white-label technology. This approach now underpins its funds management, social trading and multi-asset offering across more than 200 instruments.

That approach is guided by a single mission: FXT exists to build better traders. Every system the company has engineered in-house, including execution, risk, pricing and funds management, has been built around what a trader actually needs in order to improve, not just trade more.

“Ten years in this category teaches you one thing: the market will always be unpredictable. What’s in our control is everything else, the systems, the costs, the execution,” said Adam Phillips, CEO, FXT. “That’s what we’ve spent the past decade building, and it’s what the next phase of FXT is engineered around.”

Some of that engineering will be made public for the first time in the coming weeks, including a proprietary FXT AI capability and a dedicated PAMM Funds Management platform, among a broader suite of technology FXT has built in-house over the past decade.

FXT will confirm a new brand identity and growth strategy in mid-July 2026, marking the next phase of the company’s expansion across Asia-Pacific and international markets.

About FXTrading.com

FXTrading.com is part of the Gleneagle Group being a leader in the evolution of financial markets offering corporate advisory, funds management, institutional dealing, broking and trading platform services. It has an Australian Financial Services license and the Vanuatu Financial Services Commission (VFSC) Financial License. FXTrading.com is a multi-asset CFD trading platform offering access to 200+ instruments across FX, indices, commodities and share CFD’s from a single account. FXTrading.com’s execution, risk systems, client portal and trading platforms are built and operated in-house. FXTrading.com serves self-directed traders, money managers and investors across Asia-Pacific and beyond.

GBS outperforms the higher education sector across all seven themes in National Student Survey 2026

LONDON, July 10, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Global Banking School (GBS) has once again outperformed the UK higher education sector across all seven core themes of the 2026 National Student Survey (NSS), highlighting its continued commitment to delivering an outstanding student experience.

GBS Student Satisfaction Ratings 2026
GBS Student Satisfaction Ratings 2026

Published today by the Office for Students (OfS), the latest NSS results reflect GBS’s continued focus on high-quality teaching, academic support and student success, with consistently high levels of student satisfaction and strong year-on-year performance.

The 2026 results for GBS are based on 6,488 published student responses – an increase of 1,087 responses compared with 2025, providing an even stronger and more representative picture of the student experience at GBS.

The results come at a particularly significant time for GBS, as it celebrates its 2026 graduation ceremonies this month across Leeds, Birmingham, Manchester and London. Six thousand graduates are marking the successful completion of their studies, including in sectors vital to the UK economy, such as construction management, digital technology and health and social care.

GBS outperformed the sector average across all seven NSS themes, with the highest satisfaction scores were achieved in Teaching on my Course and Academic Support, both recording 92.9% student satisfaction.

James Kennedy, CEO of GBS, said: “We are incredibly proud of these results and what they represent. They reflect the dedication of our students, the commitment of our academic and professional services colleagues, and our shared focus on providing an outstanding student experience.

“As we celebrate our graduation ceremonies across Leeds, Birmingham, Manchester and London this month, it is particularly rewarding to see our students recognise the quality of their experience at GBS. While these results are something to celebrate, they also inspire us to keep listening to our students and continually enhancing every aspect of the education and support we provide.”

GBS offers flexible, career-focused higher education programmes designed to meet the needs of today’s learners, many of whom balance their studies alongside jobs, family responsibilities and running their own businesses. Through industry-relevant courses delivered across its campuses in London, Birmingham, Leeds and Manchester, GBS continues to widen participation to higher education while equipping students with the knowledge, skills and confidence to succeed in their chosen careers.

The 2026 NSS results underline GBS’s commitment to delivering an outstanding student experience and to continually enhancing teaching, learning and student support.

Notes to Editors

  • The National Student Survey (NSS) is an annual survey that gathers feedback from eligible students across UK higher education providers on the quality of their academic experience.
  • The 2026 GBS results are based on 6,488 published student responses, with a publication response rate of 81.2%.
  • Global Banking School (GBS) is a higher education provider with campuses in London, Birmingham, Leeds and Manchester, delivering career-focused programmes in partnership with respected UK universities.