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2025 Xiaomi Creativity Competition Launched: Exploring the Possibilities of Design and Innovation

SINGAPORE, Sept. 29, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Xiaomi, one of the world’s leading consumer electronics and smart manufacturing companies, officially launched its 2025 Xiaomi Creativity Competition.

With the slogan “Your Screen, Your Story”, the competition introduces three categories: “One Shot, One Moment (Wallpaper Photography), “Vision Through Intelligence” (AI Wallpapers), and “Redefining UX” (Theme Design), seeking exceptional works from creators worldwide.


The competition’s judging panel is composed of outstanding design experts from across the globe. In addition to sharing their work with millions of users, participants will also have the opportunity to engage with world-class experts in the field of design.

To recognize and reward outstanding creativity, the competition provides multiple incentives for participants. The Gold Award carries a prize of up to $10,000, while winners will also enjoy broad exposure and potential commercial opportunities. Exceptional works may be showcased in the competition’s offline exhibitions. Special awards are reserved for Xiaomi Fans, encouraging their participation and celebrating the community’s creative spirit.

Submissions open on September 10, with user voting starting on September 30 and expert reviews scheduled for November. Winners will be announced and prizes awarded in December. Anyone interested in participating can submit their work at: https://zhuti.designer.intl.xiaomi.com/theme-competition-2025/home.

The competition is jointly organized by Xiaomi’s International Internet Business (IIB) Department with Google Gemini. Xiaomi IIB manages a rich international content ecosystem spanning wallpapers, themes, widgets, and more, delivering an outstanding and highly personalized experience for users across more than 100 markets worldwide.

Gemini, an AI assistant from Google, is designed to supercharge creativity and productivity. Users can chat with Gemini for help with writing, planning, learning, and more. Users can also talk things out Live with Gemini to brainstorm ideas, simplify complex topics, and rehearse for important moments with real-time responses.

For both the AI and Photography categories, Xiaomi’s IIB Department is excited to see how users leverage Google Gemini to create stunning imagery through technology.

Google and Gemini are trademarks of Google LLC. Check responses. Setup required. Compatibility and availability varies. 18+.

 

EMBARK NOW:240-HOUR VISA-FREE JOURNEY TO YUNNAN

KUNMING, China, Sept. 29, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Yunnan Innyo Co., Ltd. recently launched a dedicated website to promote Yunnan’s culture and tourism under the 240-hour visa-free transit policy. The new portal — https://www.innyo.com/tourism — brings clear, practical guidance and rich destination content to travelers worldwide.

The site is organized into four main sections to help visitors plan every step of their journey:

Policy Overview: A one-stop resource covering policy interpretation, travel tools, booking guides for attractions, hotels and transportation, payment methods, and other travel services;

Highlights of the Nine Prefectures and Cities: Curated recommendations and must-see experiences;

Immersive Ethnic Culture Tour: Stories, itineraries and cultural insights that spotlight Yunnan’s diverse ethnic groups;

Follow Us: Social feeds and ways to join the conversation on Facebook and other platforms.

Whether you’re arranging transit logistics or exploring Yunnan’s vibrant culture, our site puts essential information and booking tools in one place. Visitors will find policy explanations, practical travel tools, curated itineraries, and booking guidance tailored for a smooth 240-hour stay.

Explore travel options, plan your route, and stay connected at https://www.innyo.com/tourism.

Rice Wasted: 8 Out of 10 People in Hong Kong Say They Leave Rice Unfinished

HONG KONG, Sept. 29, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Rice is the daily companion of Hong Kong’s dining tables, but much of it doesn’t get eaten. Marking the International Day of Awareness of Food Loss and Waste, a new survey by Yindii reveals that 8 in 10 people in Hong Kong admit they can’t finish their rice, with nearly one in ten saying it happens almost every time. On average, each person wastes around a bowl and a half of rice every week.

Across the city, that adds up to more than 11 million bowls of rice wasted every week — over half a billion bowls in a year. Imagine fleets of double-deckers filled floor to ceiling with uneaten rice, driving straight to the landfill.

Why rice goes uneaten

Oversized portions are the main culprit. More than half of respondents said they are served more rice than they need, especially in set meals, while almost half admitted they often order or cook too much. Leftovers don’t always get a second chance: once rice sits in the fridge, many said it becomes dry and unappetising, with more than one in ten throwing it out once the taste changes.

Rice waste also varies by age. Adults aged 45–54 waste about 15% more rice than young people in their twenties, while those over 55 waste the least.

Habits also make a difference

More than a third of people rarely or never pack leftovers when dining out, even when bowls are half-full. At home, while many families reuse rice in soups or fried dishes, some still throw it directly into the bin. And it isn’t just rice — half of people in Hong Kong confessed they also discarded bread or noodles regularly.

The hidden cost of wasted rice

Because Hong Kong (SAR) depends 100% on imported rice, mostly from Thailand and Vietnam, every wasted grain of rice is all the more costly. In 2023 alone, the city spent nearly HK$2 billion on rice imports. Wasting rice means not only food lost, but also money, transport, energy, and resources squandered.

Beyond the economic cost of this waste, there’s also an environmental impact, with precious resources wasted. Every bowl of rice thrown away is 125 litres of water wasted (equivalent to 1 full bathtub).

What’s striking is that awareness doesn’t always lead to action. When asked how they feel about wasting rice, 53% said it makes them uncomfortable, while 23% said they mind and feel guilty. Yet another 24% shrugged it off as “normal.”

“Every week, Hong Kong is wasting millions of bowls of rice that we don’t even grow ourselves,” said Agnes Lee, General Manager of Yindii Hong Kong. “This is a solvable problem. If restaurants serve smaller portions, if diners see packing leftovers as normal, and if families plan meals more carefully, we could dramatically reduce waste.”

Yindii, Asia’s #1 sustainable food app, helps by connecting surplus food from restaurants, bakeries, and supermarkets with consumers at a discount — turning what would have been waste into meals that are eaten and enjoyed.

A kitchen tip to save your rice

Leftover rice doesn’t need to end up in the bin. The simplest trick is to freeze it in small portions as soon as it cools. When you want to eat it again, steam it or sprinkle a little water before microwaving — it comes back fluffy, almost as if it were freshly cooked.

Recipe: Golden Rice & Shrimp Fritters

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups leftover cooked rice
  • ½ cup small dried shrimp, soaked and chopped
  • 2 eggs, beaten
  • 2 spring onions, finely chopped
  • 2 tablespoons corn starch (for binding)
  • 1 tablespoon light soy sauce
  • ½ teaspoon white pepper
  • Oil for frying

Method:

  1. In a large bowl, combine the leftover rice, dried shrimp, spring onions, soy sauce, pepper, and beaten eggs. Add corn starch and mix well until sticky.
  2. Shape the mixture into small triangular fritters.
  3. Heat oil in a frying pan over medium-high heat. Shallow-fry the fritters for 2–3 minutes on each side until golden and crisp.
  4. Drain on kitchen paper and serve hot with crispy garlic or a dash of oyster sauce.

These fritters are crispy outside, fluffy inside, and bursting with the savoury umami of dried shrimp — giving leftover rice a new life in a way that feels familiar but not too “everyday”.

International Day of Awareness of Food Loss and Waste is observed globally every year on 29 September, reminding us that saving food is not just a household choice but a collective responsibility.

China proposes cyber cooperation plan at Sino-Africa internet forum

XIAMEN, China, Sept. 29, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — A report from CCTV.com: The China-Africa Internet Development and Cooperation Forum opened on Sunday in Xiamen City, east China’s Fujian Province, with China unveiling an action plan to build a shared cyberspace community and launching a network for Chinese internet companies operating in Africa.

The initiative, titled “Plan of Actions on Jointly Building a China-Africa Community with a Shared Future in Cyberspace (2025-2026),” was announced during the forum’s opening. China also pledged to continue hosting training programs on cybersecurity and the digital economy.

The event featured sub-forums focused on bridging the digital divide, artificial intelligence development and governance, cybersecurity and data governance, and media cooperation and people-to-people exchanges. Some 400 representatives from governments, universities, think tanks and news media across China and 32 African countries attended the forum.

African participants praised the initiative, describing the forum as aligned with Africa’s digital transformation needs. They expressed the hope to deepen cooperation with China in the digital economy, cybersecurity, data protection, AI governance and media exchanges.

The forum was co-hosted by the Cyberspace Administration of China and the Fujian provincial government.

 

AICON x BeyondXpo 2025: The Future, Reimagined Together

Festival opens with an opening address by Guest of Honour Mdm Rahayu Mahzam, Minister of State, Ministry of Digital Development and Information

SINGAPORE, Sept. 29, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — AICON 2025, the world’s #1 consumer AI show, will take place from 3 to 4 October 2025 at the BeyondX Living Lab & Incubation Space (Beyond X Building, 21 Keppel Road, Singapore 089067). This year, AICON partners with BeyondXpo, Singapore’s flagship innovation showcase, to create a new platform where artificial intelligence meets innovation, lifestyle, and creativity.

With the theme “AI for Everyone,” AICON x BeyondXpo 2025 makes the future of technology both accessible and inspiring for startups, corporations, creators, and the public. Through interactive showcases, thought leadership symposiums, and hands-on workshops, the festival bridges the AI literacy gap and empowers individuals to navigate an AI-driven world.

For the first time, entry is free. VIP passes are available for access to workshops and talks.

Programme Highlights 9am – 8pm

  • Day 1 – Friday, 3 October | Theme: AI in Business: From Hype to Real Impact

  Opening address by Guest of Honour, Mdm Rahayu Mahzam, Minister of State, Ministry of Digital Development and Information
  Keynotes and fireside chats on AI in business, trust, and governance
  AI Training Workshops by Temasek Polytechnic, Dear.AI, and Nanyang Polytechnic
  GenTube AI Film Festival to start from 6.30pm

  • Day 2 – Saturday, 4 October | Theme: AI in Action: Creativity, Inclusion & Future Skills

  Talks on AI in governance, media, and creative industries
  Workshops by Singapore Polytechnic, CreativesAtWork, and SUSS
  Outdoor highlights: Tesla showcase, cosplay competitions, and tech-for-good installations
  AI Beats x Street Eats x Digital Art Jam, featuring Tesla Optimus as DJ

Three Immersive Zones

LIVE – Everyday Life & Society: Smart homes, health and wellness, mobility demos, AI in healthcare and education

WORK – Enterprise, Skills & Productivity: AI Learning Zone workshops, corporate keynotes, and business networking

PLAY – Creativity, Pop Culture & Entertainment: Cosplay, live performances, GenTube AI Film Fest, and digital art showcases

Voices from AICON x BeyondXpo

“AI literacy is a global priority, not just for technologists but also for parents, educators, and organisational leaders,” said Dr. James Ong, Co-Author of AI for Humanity and Co-Founder of AICON. “Understanding how AI works in our daily lives, how to build, govern, and use it responsibly, and how to manage its risks is the foundation for tomorrow’s world.”

“The time for AICON is now,” said Jaze Phua, Co-Founder of AICON, Film Director, and Creative Director at Virality Group and Dear.AI. “Many people feel apprehensive about AI, but we believe it is time to turn that fear into knowledge. Singapore, with its Smart Nation vision, is the ideal home for a convention like this. What makes AICON different is our unique blend of education and entertainment. We are not just showcasing technology, we are empowering individuals to embrace AI for the public good, for work, and for smarter living.”

BeyondX is the result of a shared ambition by Ong Tze Boon, Group Executive Chairman of ONG&ONG, and Michael Lee, Founder & CEO of H&B Group, to use technology as a transformative catalyst in everyday life. Their vision is to create a space where innovators in cutting-edge fields — from artificial intelligence to augmented reality — can challenge boundaries and shape how we live, work, and play.

“The BeyondX Lab is designed as a dynamic ecosystem, built on a three-pronged approach to nurture, invest in, and inspire next-generation entrepreneurs,” said Ong Tze Boon. “Our goal is to empower innovations, foster collaborations, and drive sustainability in business. This reflects our vision of creating smart, adaptable environments that address the challenges of tomorrow.”

“BeyondXpo is the first milestone of this vision,” said Michael Lee. “It convenes ecosystem partners, entrepreneurs, and innovators to explore how technology transforms daily life. In partnership with AICON, it marks the beginning of an annual platform to shape the future together.”

Tickets & Access

Free Entry: General admission for all attendees. Pre-register here: www.aicon.show

VIP 1 Day Pass: SGD $25 per day (includes access to workshops and talks)
VIP 2 Day Pass: SGD $40 (includes access to workshops and talks across both days)

Seats for workshops and talks are limited. Members of the public are encouraged to purchase VIP passes early to avoid disappointment.

Media Invite – Friday, 3 October

Members of the media are invited to attend AICON x BeyondXpo 2025 Media Preview and Guest of Honour Opening:

Time: 9:00am to 11:00am (preview before official opening)
Guest of Honour: Mdm Rahayu Mahzam, Minister of State, Ministry of Digital Development and Information
GOH Speech: 10:00am to 10:15amSingapore’s Vision for an AI-Literate Nation”
Location: Beyond X Building, 21 Keppel Road, Singapore 089067

RSVP here : https://tinyurl.com/AICONMEDIARSVP

The media preview includes selected showcases, the Tesla Optimus debut, and interviews with Dr. James Ong, Jaze Phua, Ong Tze Boon, and Michael Lee.

Media are requested to RSVP for accreditation.

Media and Partners
AICON x BeyondXpo 2025 is presented by AICON Capital with partners including Tesla, BeyondX, Virality Group, CreativesAtWork, Dear.AI, IMI Asia, and AIII.

DOWNLOAD PRESS KIT [HERE]

ANNEX A: 

About AICON 2025
AICON is the world’s number one AI Consumer Show. It brings together global leaders, creators, and disruptors for an immersive festival that explores how AI shapes everyday life, from business and education to creativity and play. Held in Singapore, AICON champions AI literacy, ethical innovation, and open collaboration across borders and disciplines.

About Dear.AI
Dear.AI is a creative tech studio blending generative AI with storytelling, design, and immersive experiences. Its viral work has been featured on CNBC, Yahoo, and global media.
Website: www.dear.ai | Instagram: @dear.ai

About GenTube AI Film Fest
GenTube Film Fest is more than a competition. It is a launchpad for the future of creative expression. As a next-gen platform, GenTube showcases and discovers the best in AI-generated content.

About BeyondX & BeyondXpo

BeyondX is a future-ready innovation ecosystem and visionary platform that explores how technology can be a transformative catalyst in everyday life. Anchored at the BeyondX Living Lab & Incubation Space (official name), known publicly as the Beyond X Building at 21 Keppel Road, BeyondX serves as the physical hub where ideas, collaborations, and incubations come alive.

BeyondX is designed around three core functions:

Living Lab: a collaborative environment for testing and showcasing technology
Incubator Space: nurturing start-ups and SMEs across diverse sectors
Centre of Excellence: connecting academia, corporates, and government for knowledge exchange

BeyondXpo 2025 is the inaugural showcase of the BeyondX ecosystem, hosted at the BeyondX Living Lab & Incubation Space. It is a milestone platform that brings together members, start-ups, corporates, and government agencies to highlight innovations shaping how we live, work, and play. Through fireside chats with ecosystem leaders, real-world innovation stories, and start-up exhibits across the LIVE | WORK | PLAY pillars, BeyondXpo marks the first step in what will grow into an annual gathering of innovators shaping the future.
Website: www.beyondx.co

 

VINSSEN Secures Key Role in Development of World’s First Ammonia-Based PEM Fuel Cell-Powered Vessel

VINSSEN leads the way in maritime decarbonization with its 12MW PEM fuel cell system powering the industry’s pioneering ammonia-fueled vessel design.

SEOUL, South Korea, Sept. 29, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — VINSSEN, a leading provider of Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell (PEMFC) solutions, has secured a central role in the development of the world’s first ammonia-fuelled LR2 tanker to be powered entirely by fuel cells using ammonia as a hydrogen carrier.

VINSSEN Secures Key Role in World’s First Ammonia-Based PEM Fuel Cell-Powered Vessel Concept
VINSSEN Secures Key Role in World’s First Ammonia-Based PEM Fuel Cell-Powered Vessel Concept

This milestone follows the Approval in Principle (AIP) awarded by Bureau Veritas (BV) to MISC Berhad (MISC) and Samsung Heavy Industries (SHI) for their pioneering vessel design, marking a historic step toward zero-emission shipping. The AIP was granted under a Joint Development Project (JDP) and confirms the technical viability of the concept and its alignment with international safety and regulatory standards.

For more information, including related images and videos, click here: www.vinssen.com

As the project’s key PEMFC technology partner, VINSSEN contributed the design for its high-performance fuel cell system to demonstrate the feasibility of powering the vessel’s full-scale propulsion, cargo handling, and onboard energy supply. For the 115K LR2 Tanker’s power requirements, VINSSEN’s design incorporates six of its self-developed 2MW MEGA FC 2.0 modules. This modular approach enables VINSSEN to scale the power output to meet the diverse demands of various large-scale vessels.

The project integrates VINSSEN’s PEMFC technology with an Ammonia Cracking System (ACS) from Panasia, which serves as the upstream hydrogen source. This concept marks a significant leap forward from past applications of maritime fuel cells, which have largely been limited to smaller vessels or auxiliary power systems. In addition to the technological advances, the project has established key safety concepts and regulatory frameworks in alignment with classification society standards.

“By leading the integration of PEM fuel cell systems into the world’s first ammonia-fueled vessel concept, VINSSEN is setting new benchmarks for clean propulsion in commercial shipping,” said Chilhan Lee, CEO of VINSSEN. “This achievement reflects our mission to drive the industry’s transition to zero-emission solutions while ensuring safety, reliability, and scalability for the future of global shipping.”

About VINSSEN

VINSSEN is a pioneering provider of Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell (PEMFC) solutions for the maritime industry. With advanced R&D capabilities and deep expertise in clean propulsion systems, VINSSEN develops high-performance, scalable, and regulatory-compliant fuel cell solutions that enable the global transition to sustainable and zero-emission shipping.

TIER IV to develop digital infrastructure for transport network, driving deployment of autonomous buses

TOKYO, Sept. 29, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — TIER IV, a pioneer in open-source software for autonomous driving, has been selected by the Japanese government’s New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization (NEDO) for an initiative aimed at developing digital infrastructure for the transport network. Through this project, TIER IV will develop road infrastructure and data integration systems that will serve as a “digital lifeline,” increasing the availability and efficiency of autonomous driving services on public roads.

This initiative aims to address pressing challenges such as labor shortages in the transportation and logistics sectors, triggered by population decline and an aging workforce. Efforts will focus on establishing a safe, reliable, and sustainable foundation for digital infrastructure, with the ultimate goal of accelerating the roll out of autonomous driving technology.

As the leading developer of Autoware*1, open-source software for autonomous driving, TIER IV advances research, development, and the deployment of autonomous driving systems. TIER will draw on this expertise to develop service-support roads – road infrastructure that shares real-time data with vehicles via vehicle-to-network communication to augment on-board autonomous driving systems.

The project will focus on:

  • Enabling operation of autonomous bus fleets under remote supervision
  • Improving service availability through integration with roadside infrastructure
  • Ensuring long-term sustainability of regional public transportation

Working with NEDO and partners from industry, government, and academia, TIER IV aims to accelerate the deployment of autonomous driving and establish a sustainable transport network across Japan.

*1 Autoware is a trademark of the Autoware Foundation.

About TIER IV

TIER IV stands at the forefront of deep tech innovation, pioneering Autoware, the world’s first open-source software for autonomous driving. Harnessing Autoware, we build scalable platforms and deliver comprehensive solutions across software development, vehicle manufacturing, and service operations. As a founding member of the Autoware Foundation, we are committed to reshaping the future of intelligent vehicles with open-source software, enabling individuals and organizations to thrive in the evolving field of autonomous driving.

Media contact
pr@tier4.jp

Arirang TV and Gyeongsangbuk-do Ambassador Park Guyoon, Joined by Comedian Hong Yunhwa, Bring Gyeongju’s Story to Viewers Worldwide

The Heritage and Hospitality of Gyeongju, Host City of APEC 2025 KOREA: “Roll the City Marble: Gyeongju Edition!”

Premieres October 1 at 9:00 AM KST on Arirang TV; airs Wednesdays at 9:30 AM KST for three weeks beginning October 8

SEOUL, South Korea, Sept. 29, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Arirang TV (CEO Kim Tae-jeong) announced that the international feature program “Roll the City Marble: Gyeongju Edition!”—produced in partnership with Gyeongsangbuk-do—will premiere at 9:00 a.m. KST on October 1, with encore broadcasts every Wednesday at 9:30 a.m. KST over three consecutive weeks starting October 8.

The program is set against the backdrop of the APEC 2025 summit, which will take place October 31–November 1, 2025, in Gyeongju, a city with a millennium-long history that will serve as the host, and aims to vividly convey the vibrant and diverse appeal of Gyeongju to a global audience.

In the first and second episodes, singers Park Guyoon and NAVID’s team, along with comedians Hong Yunhwa and Kim Mingi’s team, compete in the City Marble game. Against Gyeongju’s historic and cultural landmarks, participants roll the dice to complete challenges and uncover the city’s treasures. Beginning at Cheomseongdae—the iconic observatory of this ancient capital—the journey travels through Hwangridan-gil, where tradition meets modern living; Daereungwon Tomb Complex and Cheonmachong, royal burial sites from the Silla Dynasty; Bulguksa Temple, a hallmark of Unified Silla Buddhism; Yangnam Jusangjeolli Cliff, part of a UNESCO Global Geopark; Golgulsa Temple, home of Sunmudo practice; and Woljeonggyo Bridge at night, capturing Gyeongju’s reputation as an “open-air museum.”

Episodes three and four feature the global K-Pop group EIGHT TURN, who experience Gyeongju’s cultural richness, modern tourism, and service capabilities in the lead-up to APEC 2025 KOREA.

The series continues under the theme “K-Idol in Service,” demonstrating how Gyeongju is preparing to welcome world leaders. During the summit, at the Hilton Hotel Gyeongju and Shilla Hanok Hotel—both host venues for international dignitaries—EIGHT TURN members will step into guest-service roles, showing viewers that Gyeongju is not only a city of heritage but also a hub where modern industry and exceptional hospitality come together.

Specifically, members Jaeyun and Minho will join Hilton Hotel Gyeongju’s executive chef for a pre-event tasting of menu offerings created for APEC leaders. Meanwhile, Yoonsung and Haemin, at the Shilla Hanok Hotel, will host guests in poolside bubble events, immersing themselves in the hotel’s unique blend of luxury service and traditional Korean culture.

Broadcast to 153 million households across 134 countries on Arirang TV, the series is designed to present Gyeongju’s cultural legacy, cutting-edge infrastructure, and readiness to host APEC 2025 KOREA, while offering international audiences a dynamic view of this historic yet forward-looking city.

* This program will be available from October 1 on Arirang Special (Link: https://www.arirang.com/tv/4/archive/37) and on Arirang TV’s YouTube channel .

▲ Singers Park Guyoon and NAVID, joined by comedians Hong Yunhwa and Kim Mingi, film the opening sequence of “Roll the City Marble: Gyeongju Edition!” in front of Cheomseongdae, Gyeongju’s historic observatory. Photo courtesy: Arirang TV
▲ Singers Park Guyoon and NAVID, joined by comedians Hong Yunhwa and Kim Mingi, film the opening sequence of “Roll the City Marble: Gyeongju Edition!” in front of Cheomseongdae, Gyeongju’s historic observatory. Photo courtesy: Arirang TV

 

▲ In the program “Roll the City Marble: Gyeongju Edition!” global K-pop idol group EIGHT TURN films the opening scene in front of the HICO (Hwabaek International Convention Center) in Gyeongju, the host city of the 2025 APEC Summit, highlighting the city’s international profile. Photo courtesy: Arirang TV
▲ In the program “Roll the City Marble: Gyeongju Edition!” global K-pop idol group EIGHT TURN films the opening scene in front of the HICO (Hwabaek International Convention Center) in Gyeongju, the host city of the 2025 APEC Summit, highlighting the city’s international profile. Photo courtesy: Arirang TV