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Semiconductor Heavyweights Descend on Taipei for SEMICON Taiwan 2025

Featuring Chip Guru Jim Keller and Industry Pioneer Dr. Chih-Tay Shih

HSINCHU, Aug. 29, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — SEMICON Taiwan 2025 is just two weeks away, and this year’s forums will welcome an extraordinary lineup of speakers. Silicon Valley “chip legend” Jim Keller will take the stage at the CEO Summit, while Dr. Chin-Tay Shih, a pioneering force in Taiwan’s semiconductor development, is confirmed to join the SEMI 20 Under 40 Awards Ceremony and Tech Master Forum. As the industry builds its central role in the AI era, global leaders will gather in Taipei to chart the future of semiconductor innovation.

SEMICON Taiwan Featuring Chip Guru Jim Keller and Industry Pioneer Dr. Chih-Tay Shih
SEMICON Taiwan Featuring Chip Guru Jim Keller and Industry Pioneer Dr. Chih-Tay Shih

Industry Legends Gather in Taiwan to Spotlight Innovation and Leadership

Tenstorrent CEO Jim Keller, renowned for his groundbreaking chip designs at Intel, Tesla, and AMD, will headline the CEO Summit with a keynote addressing the key technologies shaping the future of computing. A fireside chat focused on Taiwan’s strategic role in the global semiconductor landscape will follow, featuring co-moderators Dr. Tien Wu, CEO of ASE and Chair of the SEMI International Board Executive Committee, and Cliff Hou, Chairman of TSIA, along with panelists Jim Keller and Jochen Hanebeck, CEO of Infineon.

Also taking the stage, Dr. Chin-Tay Shih, a pioneering architect of Taiwan’s semiconductor rise, will reflect on his journey from ITRI to helping establish UMC, TSMC, and VIS, underscoring how Taiwan built a complete supply chain and laid the foundation for today’s AI era. Joining the Tech Masters Forum are Professor Y-W Peter Hong of NSTC, GC Hung, Senior VP of UMC, and Emily Hong, Chair and Chief Strategy Officer of Wiwynn Corporation.

Post-Moore Era: Heterogeneous Integration and Advanced Packaging Take Center Stage
With scaling reaching its limits, heterogeneous integration and advanced packaging have become the new frontier of innovation. SEMICON Taiwan will debut a dedicated Heterogeneous Integration Zone with nearly 60 companies. The zone includes the 3DIC Advanced Packaging Pavilion, Semiconductor Packaging Pavilion, and FOPLP Pavilion.

On September 9, the 3DIC Global Summit will bring together leaders from ASE, Chroma, GPTC, MediaTek and TSMC, to tackle key issues including efficiency, yield, cross-domain collaboration, and standardization. The day will also see the launch of the SEMI 3DIC Advanced Manufacturing Alliance (3DICAMA), rallying global industry leaders to drive collective innovation and propel advanced packaging into its next wave of breakthroughs.

Register now for SEMICON Taiwan 2025 to skip the lines. Industry professionals can get a free admission code by August 31. For more details visit the official website.

About SEMI

SEMI® is the global industry association connecting over 3,000 member companies and 1.5 million professionals worldwide across the semiconductor and electronics design and manufacturing supply chain. We accelerate member collaboration on solutions to top industry challenges through Advocacy, Workforce Development, Sustainability, Supply Chain Management, and other programs. Our SEMICON® expositions and events, technology communities, standards, and market intelligence help advance our members’ business growth and innovations in design, devices, equipment, materials, services, and software, enabling smarter, faster, more secure electronics. Visit www.semi.org or join SEMI Facebook, SEMI LinkedIn, and SEMI Official Line Account.

Cuba President Begins Trip to China, Laos, Vietnam

Cuba President Begins Trip to China, Laos, Vietnam
Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel (photo credit: Wikimedia)

AFP – On 30 August, Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel announced that he had begun a tour of Asia, which will take him to China, Laos, and Vietnam, his main commercial ally on the continent.

Yingli Solar Sets New Quality Benchmark for High-Performance PV Modules

BAODING, China, Sep. 1, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Yingli Solar, a global leader in photovoltaic technology, today detailed its rigorous, multi-layered quality control system, explaining the foundation of its modules’ exceptional reliability, high power generation, and industry-leading 30-year performance warranty.

 

The Quality DNA of PV modules-1

Experience the full interactive Multichannel News Release here: https://www.multivu.com/yingli-solar/9353051-en-yingli-solar-sets-new-quality-benchmark-for-high-performance-pv-modules

Yingli’s commitment begins at the source with an 8-step raw material vetting process. This includes stringent performance testing, reliability assessments, joint supplier audits, and regular sampling. Robust supplier management and full material traceability establish the first critical barrier safeguarding product quality.

Yingli Automated Production Line
Yingli Automated Production Line

Within its intelligent production facilities, Yingli implements a staggering 115 quality control points. State-of-the-art AI visual inspection, automated product testing, robotic handling, and integrated digital tracking ensure precision at every stage – from automated soldering to layup. Real-time 100% production monitoring via the MES system analyzes every component, setting a new benchmark for smart, data-driven solar manufacturing.

Prior to shipment, modules face exhaustive evaluation in Yingli’s CNAS & UL-accredited laboratory. This in-house facility possesses comprehensive capabilities for cell research, material analysis, component reliability testing, and field performance validation. Yingli enforces testing standards that frequently exceed industry requirements.

Furthermore, Yingli modules undergo stringent third-party certifications globally. These include proven low annual degradation rates from outdoor field testing, plus certifications for mechanical load resilience, anti-PID performance, and corrosion resistance etc. This multi-faceted validation confirms Yingli’s capability to deliver stable power generation for over 30 years, backed by strong warranties.

“From raw materials to final certification, our integrated quality ecosystem leaves nothing to chance,” stated Wang Hui,QC & After Sales Manager. “This relentless focus is why customers worldwide trust Yingli for consistently high yields, unwavering durability, and maximum long-term return on investment.”

About Yingli Solar:
Yingli Solar is a leading global solar panel manufacturer dedicated to providing high-quality, high-efficiency PV products. Through continuous innovation and an uncompromising commitment to quality control, Yingli delivers reliable, high-performance solar solutions for residential, commercial, and utility-scale projects worldwide.

Media Contact:
commerce@yingli.com

 

The Quality DNA of PV modules-2

AIA Singapore engages Singapore Airlines Academy to redefine customer experience excellence and future-proof all its staff


SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 1 September 2025 – Leading health insurance provider AIA Singapore today announced that it has engaged Singapore Airlines Academy, the training arm of Singapore Airlines, to develop a curated talent development program for AIA Singapore. This initiative will see AIA Singapore collaborating with Singapore Airlines Academy to create a series of workshops focused on enhancing customer experience (CX) capabilities and building a sustained culture of CX excellence at AIA Singapore.

This pioneering collaboration also strongly supports Singapore’s national agenda on lifelong learning, directly complementing the Budget 2025 announcements that underscore the critical need for continuous upskilling and reskilling to future-proof the nation’s workforce. Through this collaboration, AIA Singapore aims to establish a new industry benchmark for customer experience and talent development within Singapore’s life insurance sector.

AIA Singapore and Singapore Airlines Academy have jointly developed this curriculum, which will roll out to all AIA Singapore employees progressively. Each class is designed for 20 to 25 participants, creating an interactive and dynamic learning atmosphere. This bespoke programme includes a series of workshops focused on customer experience culture transformation, starting with changing mindsets and enhancing our ability to create delightful customer moments.

“At the heart of our customer-centric philosophy, we believe world-class customer experience means anticipating and exceeding expectations, not just meeting them. We want to make things easy for our customers, build lasting trust, and delight them in every interaction,” said Wong Sze Keed, CEO, AIA Singapore.” This landmark collaboration with Singapore Airlines Academy is a powerful testament to that commitment. By fusing their iconic service standards with our customer-first approach, we’re set to transform AIA Singapore’s capabilities and significantly contribute to Singapore’s vision for a highly skilled and adaptable workforce.

This customised programme will equip our people to deliver unparalleled customer journeys, setting a new benchmark for AIA Singapore and across the industry, ensuring AIA Singapore remains at the forefront of service excellence.”

Marking an unprecedented leap in creating world-class customer experiences and empowering AIA staff to exceed customer expectations
This strategic collaboration marks a significant milestone, positioning AIA Singapore as the inaugural insurer to collaborate with Singapore Airlines Academy for an extensive and dedicated talent development programme. The bespoke programme, curated in collaboration with Singapore Airlines Academy, will deliver a series of immersive workshops focused on two key pillars:

  • Customer Experience (CX) Transformation: This foundational, one-day workshop aims to fundamentally shift mindsets, ensuring every interaction embodies AIA’s CX North Star – whereby every customer should be able to say, “I feel cared for by AIA”. Through self-discovery, storytelling, and scenario-driven practice, participants will explore the emotional impact of everyday interactions, understand the role of belief and mindset in service delivery, and commit to actions that uplift customer trust, satisfaction and loyalty. Key modules include understanding the true meaning of customer experience, cultivating personal service beliefs and achieving compliance excellence while simultaneously delivering exceptional customer experiences.
  • Customer Experience Excellence: Building on the foundational mindset, this follow-up workshop is specifically for customer-facing and servicing roles. It equips participants with practical techniques to handle real-world service interactions with empathy, clarity, and confidence. Participants will learn to identify and respond to customers’ needs, navigate perception-driven challenges, and uphold service excellence even in difficult conversations. The programme introduces actionable frameworks such as the ‘Positive No’ – teaching how to respectfully decline requests while preserving trust – and the ‘4 As of Apology’ for effective and empathetic apologies.
  • These bespoke workshops are the latest in a series of significant CX initiatives that AIA Singapore has undertaken as part of its ongoing customer centricity pledge, which includes:
  • AIA+ delivers on the organisation’s promise of customer centricity. This dedicated app and portal seamlessly unifies our customers’ financial, health and wellness needs, offering 24/7 access at their fingertips. Additionally, employee benefits are available on AIA+, giving our corporate customers access to both their personal and corporate insurance on one platform.
  • Cutting through jargon with our plain English initiative, where we have simplified our AIA HealthShield Gold Max policy documents and ongoing refinements to our customer letters. Our goal is to help customers understand their coverage, identify protection gaps, and improve financial literacy through clear communication.


AIA Singapore’s commitment to upskilling talent

Building on AIA Singapore’s long-term strategy and commitment to its customer-centricity pledge, this initiative also aims to inculcate people development and upskilling as part of its culture. In 2025, AIA Singapore retained its position as a leader in the industry by achieving the largest number of Million Dollar Round Table (MDRT) members for an unprecedented 11 years. MDRT membership is globally recognised as the gold standard in the life insurance and financial services industry, awarded for exceptional professional knowledge, strict ethical conduct, and outstanding customer service.

By embedding structured learning and continuous development into its operations, AIA Singapore is not only raising the bar for talent development, it is also profoundly reinforcing its customer-first philosophy. This ensures every customer interaction is consistently marked by professionalism, empathy, and unparalleled service quality.

Hashtag: #AIASingapore

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

About AIA

AIA Group Limited and its subsidiaries (collectively “AIA” or the “Group”) comprise the largest independent publicly listed pan-Asian life insurance group. It has a presence in 18 markets – wholly-owned branches and subsidiaries in Mainland China, Hong Kong SAR[1], Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia, Australia, Cambodia, Indonesia, Myanmar, New Zealand, the Philippines, South Korea, Sri Lanka, Taiwan (China), Vietnam, Brunei and Macau SAR[2], and a 49 per cent joint venture in India. In addition, AIA has a 24.99 per cent shareholding in China Post Life Insurance Co., Ltd.

The business that is now AIA was first established in Shanghai more than a century ago in 1919. It is a market leader in Asia (ex-Japan) based on life insurance premiums and holds leading positions across the majority of its markets. It had total assets of US$328 billion as of 30 June 2025.

AIA meets the long-term savings and protection needs of individuals by offering a range of products and services including life insurance, accident and health insurance and savings plans. The Group also provides employee benefits, credit life and pension services to corporate clients. Through an extensive network of agents, partners and employees across Asia, AIA serves the holders of more than 43 million individual policies and over 16 million participating members of group insurance schemes.

AIA Group Limited is listed on the Main Board of The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited under the stock codes “1299” for HKD counter and “81299” for RMB counter with American Depositary Receipts (Level 1) traded on the over-the-counter market under the ticker symbol “AAGIY”.


[1] Hong Kong SAR refers to the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region.
[2] Macau SAR refers to the Macau Special Administrative Region.

2026 MDRT Executive Committee promises enhanced member resources and connections

SINGAPORE, Sept. 1, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — The 2026 MDRT Executive Committee welcomes John F. Nichols, MSM, CLU, as the 100th MDRT President, and Simon D. Lister, Dip PFS, as Secretary on September 1. The newly installed Executive Committee will spend the next 12 months advancing MDRT’s mission to help top-performing financial services professionals to serve their clients with the highest standards of ethics, knowledge, service and productivity.

Nichols succeeds Carol Kheng, ChFC, the first Singaporean to hold the MDRT presidency. She now becomes MDRT’s Immediate Past President. Singapore has one of the largest MDRT member bases in Asia, and Kheng’s leadership highlights the country’s influence within MDRT’s global community. Clay Gillespie, CFP, CLU, and Aurora L. Tancock, CFP, FLMI, assume new roles as First Vice President and Second Vice President, respectively.


The 2026 MDRT Executive Committee is focused on strengthening the resources available to members, advancing the digital library of MDRT content to function as a go-to guide for members to use at any time. The group will also strengthen the impact of MDRT’s Membership Communications Committee (MCC) by focusing on deepening the alignment between local MCCs and the global organisation, while also investing in leadership development to empower these member-led communities to thrive and deliver consistent, high-quality regional experiences.

In-person events remain a priority for the new leadership team, which understands the importance of developing meaningful connections with colleagues and dedicated time for personal and professional growth. The 2026 MDRT Annual Meeting, which will be held in June in Anaheim, California, USA, and the 2026 MDRT Global Conference, slated for August in Sydney, Australia, will provide members with valuable opportunities to explore the evolving digital landscape and discuss the ethical use of AI. For members from Singapore and across Asia, the Sydney conference offers convenient access to expanded regional networking. These events exemplify the ongoing commitment of MDRT leadership to fostering expertise within its global community, empowering members to reach new levels of success in their careers.

“As AI further integrates into our personal and professional lives, it’s crucial for financial professionals to expand their horizons and learn from one another,” Nichols said. “MDRT will continue to provide resources that aid members in understanding new trends as they occur, leaning on the experiences of top-performing professionals and up-to-date research data to ensure members feel prepared to provide premier service to their clients.”

The Executive Committee will champion the MDRT Family of Brands, showcasing the value for financial professionals at all career stages to gain new insights and expand their potential. The MDRT Academy supports advisors seeking MDRT-level production and the MDRT Center for Field Leadership empowers field and home office leaders to pursue lifelong learning and build an MDRT culture of excellence in their teams. 

A 25-year MDRT member, Nichols assumes the presidency with 20 Court of the Table and 18 Top of the Table qualifications. He served as Global Council Member of MDRT’s Membership Division in 2020 and Chair of its Bylaws and Ethics Committee in 2019. In 2022, he served as President of the MDRT Foundation, for which he is a Royal Order Excalibur Knight and a member of its Inner Circle Society.

An 18-year MDRT member, Lister joins the Executive Committee with 18 Court of the Table and 15 Top of the Table qualifications. He served as Global Council Member of the 2025 MDRT Annual Meeting Program Development Division. He previously served as Chair of the Main Platform Committee for the 2024 MDRT Annual Meeting, Chair of the Focus Sessions Committee for the 2023 MDRT Annual Meeting, and as Global Council Member and Advisory Board Chair of the Top of the Table Division in 2021. Lister is also a Platinum Knight of the MDRT Foundation and a member of its Inner Circle Society.

About MDRT

Founded in 1927, MDRT (Million Dollar Round Table), The Premier Association of Financial Professionals®, is a global, independent association of the world’s leading life insurance and financial services professionals from more than 80 nations and territories and nearly 700 companies. MDRT members demonstrate exceptional professional knowledge, strict ethical conduct and outstanding client service. MDRT membership is recognised internationally as the standard of excellence in the life insurance and financial services business. For more information, please visit  mdrt.org.

KiddiWinkie Schoolhouse Unveils 11 Renovated Centres to Redefine Early Childhood Learning in Singapore

SINGAPORE, Sept. 1, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — KiddiWinkie Schoolhouse (“KiddiWinkie”), the premium preschool brand of Babilou Family Singapore, today announced a new chapter of growth with the unveiling of 11 newly renovated centres across the island. Each refreshed centre reflects Babilou Family’s commitment to designing immersive, dynamic environments that inspire future-ready learning.

A Central Stage for All-Round Learning

At the heart of each centre is the Central Stage, an interactive hub that serves as the focal point for the brand’s specialised programmes. Purposefully designed for children from 18 months to 6 years old, the space hosts immersive experiences that aim to ignite creativity, strengthen language and communication skills, and foster cultural appreciation and global awareness.

“The renovations are our investment into learning environments that inspire,” said Benjamin Busse, CEO of Babilou Family Singapore. “The Central Stage is where children not only build their academic foundations, but also cultivate the creativity, curiosity, and confidence they need to thrive in tomorrow’s world, especially the ability to express themselves clearly and confidently in front of others.”

The Central Stage, where KiddiWinkie’s specialised programmes come to life
The Central Stage, where KiddiWinkie’s specialised programmes come to life

The following specialised programmes are incorporated into the Central Stage:

  • Author’s Universe™: This bilingual programme introduces children to diverse literary genres and authors, to nurture a love for reading and build essential English and Chinese language acquisition skills.
  • Backpack Stories™: A multicultural immersion experience where children “travel” the world, exploring cultures and traditions from various countries while developing creative writing skills through age-appropriate journaling.
  • Chinese Cultural Immersion Programme: Children are introduced to Chinese traditions through hands-on activities such as crafts, food tasting, and festival celebrations.
  • KiddiNewsroom™: A current affairs programme that engages children in age-appropriate discussions about real-world events. Active family involvement encourages inquiry, critical thinking, and confident communication.

Sensory Oasis®: A Multisensory Experience for KiddiWinkie Schoolhouse Infants

KiddiWinkie is progressively introducing the Sensory Oasis®, a purpose-built environment that provides infants with a rich multisensory experience to support their earliest developmental milestones. Each Sensory Oasis® room offers a serene yet stimulating space where infants can explore the world through sight, sound, and touch, essential elements for cognitive growth, motor skills, and emotional security.

“Research shows that sensory experiences in the first two years of life have a profound impact on brain development,” said Rowena Mark Ramos, Head of Curriculum of Babilou Family Singapore. “The Sensory Oasis® respects each infant’s pace and sensory needs, while nurturing confidence, curiosity and strengthening brain plasticity during these critical early years.”

First introduced at Harbourfront, Jurong Gateway, East Coast, and Mountbatten, the Sensory Oasis® is now available across all KiddiWinkie centres.


A look at the Sensory Oasis® experience for infants

Natural Rhythm® Pedagogy: Where Science Meets the Art of Early Childhood Education

Born from the marriage of cutting-edge neuroscience research and the best global early childhood education practices, the Natural Rhythm® pedagogy aligns learning with the natural pace of each child’s development. It integrates brain development insights with purposeful play, ensuring every experience supports growth across cognitive, physical, and emotional domains.

One of the most visible applications of this pedagogy is in KiddiWinkie’s outdoor learning environments, where children from infant care to K2 can engage in activities such as water and sand play, which have been proven to strengthen neural connections while supporting social skills, problem-solving, and creativity.

These engaging musical instruments are one of the facilities provided for children to enjoy learning outdoors.
These engaging musical instruments are one of the facilities provided for children to enjoy learning outdoors.

To further enrich sensory and imaginative play, KiddiWinkie centres offer additional outdoor learning facilities that include outdoor musical instruments and a mud kitchen or reading nest, depending on the location. Improved cycling tracks at selected centres create more opportunities for movement, balance, and joyful outdoor exploration.

“We believe that early childhood education transcends beyond academics,” concluded Rowena. “By integrating learning through inquiry and exploration in thoughtfully designed environments, we can nurture well-rounded individuals who are academically prepared, emotionally resilient, and socially aware.”

Parents can book a tour to experience KiddiWinkie Schoolhouse’s newly renovated centres or explore the various programmes at www.kiddiwinkie.edu.sg.

About KiddiWinkie Schoolhouse and Babilou Family Singapore

KiddiWinkie Schoolhouse is a premium preschool brand under Babilou Family Singapore, a subsidiary of the France-incorporated Babilou Family Group. The Group operates over 1,000 nurseries in 10 countries worldwide. In Singapore, Babilou Family has grown to 61 education and learning centres islandwide, including Little Footprints Preschool and student care brand Learning Leap.

KiddiWinkie is known for inspiring children to become champions, not just in their minds but winners in their hearts. Central to this philosophy is the belief that a positive mindset and a winning attitude can take every child to the horizons of success.

For more information, visit https://babilou-family.sg/.

Ampotech Expands Regional Presence with New Offices in Malaysia and Hong Kong SAR

SINGAPORE, Sept. 1, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Ampotech, a leading provider of smart energy management solutions in Asia, has opened two new offices in Malaysia and Hong Kong SAR, strengthening its regional presence and reaffirming its commitment to supporting businesses in achieving energy efficiency and sustainability goals.


Ampotech – Smart Energy Solutions for a Net Zero Future

Ampotech, which has existing offices in Singapore and Vietnam, has seen increasing demand for its solutions in regional markets following the close of its Series A funding in February. The new offices in Kuala Lumpur and Hong Kong SAR will enable the company to better serve its clients in those markets with localized support and closer collaboration with product ecosystem and channel partners.  

“Our mission has always been to help businesses improve their energy efficiency and operations with technology that is affordable and easy to deploy,” said Mr. William Temple, Co-founder & CEO of Ampotech. “The launch of our offices in Kuala Lumpur and Hong Kong SAR reflects both the rising demand for smart energy solutions and our commitment to being closer to our customers as we scale across Southeast Asia.”

Ampotech, recipient of the ASEAN Energy Award in 2022, leverages Internet of Things devices, AI-driven analytics, and user-friendly software to help organizations optimize energy use, reduce operational costs, and lower carbon emissions. With an expanding regional footprint, the company continues to support commercial real estate owners, manufacturers, and multinational enterprises on their journey toward net zero.

For more information, please visit www.ampotech.com

 

 

Hospitalized Thai Princess Recovering After Blood Infection: Palace Says

Thailand's King Maha Vajiralongkorn (C), Queen Suthida (R) and Princess Bajrakitiyabha (L) wave to supporters on arrival at the Grand Palace in Bangkok on November 1, 2020 to preside over a religious ceremony at a Buddhist temple inside the palace. (Photo by Lillian SUWANRUMPHA / AFP)

AFP – The Thai king’s eldest daughter, who has been gravely ill in hospital for more than two years, is recovering after suffering a blood infection this month, the palace said on 31 August.

Princess Bajrakitiyabha Mahidol has been unconscious in hospital since falling ill during a military dog training session in December 2022.

She suffered a severe infection in the bloodstream this month and was receiving continuous treatment to stabilize her blood pressure, according to the palace.

“The medical team has reported that Her Royal Highness’s infection is getting better and Her Royal Highness’s blood pressure has stabilized,” the Bureau of the Royal Household said in a statement on Sunday.

“The medical team are continuing to give antibiotics to control the infection and are using machines to help the function of her lungs and kidneys,” it added.

Educated in Britain, the United States and Thailand, Bajrakitiyabha held several positions with the United Nations and campaigned for better treatment of women in prisons.

Known in Thailand as “Princess Bha”, the 46-year-old is the only child from King Maha Vajiralongkorn’s first marriage.

She is seen as close to her father, and was appointed to a senior role in his bodyguard command a year before her hospitalization.

The 73-year-old king, who has seven children from four marriages, has not announced his chosen heir, though succession rules favor men.


© Agence France-Presse