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KIBEX 2025: Revitalizing the Market with a Global Beer Platform

SEOUL, South Korea, March 28, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Korea International Beer Expo (KIBEX) 2025 will take place from April 10 to 12 at COEX, Seoul. It will serve as a key platform for revitalizing the stagnant market. This year, KIBEX is set to bring together industry leaders, brewers, and suppliers worldwide to explore the latest trends and innovations in the beer sector.

A scene from the entrance of KIBEX 2024
A scene from the entrance of KIBEX 2024

Building on last year’s success, KIBEX 2025 will feature dedicated national pavilions from the United States and Brazil, highlighting the growing international participation and collaborative efforts in the global beer industry. This expansion underscores KIBEX’s role as a premier B2B networking and market expansion event for the beer and brewing industry.

KIBCON 2025: A Global Perspective on Beer Trends

The Korea Beer International Conference (KIBCON) will newly present a comprehensive overview of beer trends for 2025 from key global markets, including the United States, Brazil, Belgium, and Korea. Industry associations from these countries will introduce fresh insights into market trends, consumer preferences, and brewing innovations. Furthermore, attendees will have the opportunity to explore the latest raw material innovations specifically developed to meet the evolving demands of the beer industry.

KIBA 2025: Elevating the Standard of Global Beer Competitions

The Korea Beer International Award (KIBA) continues to grow as a prestigious competition in the industry. Last year, KIBA attracted 347 beers from 76 breweries across 16 countries, judged by a distinguished panel of international experts. In 2025, the competition aims to showcase over 400 beers from breweries worldwide, further solidifying its reputation as a leading global beer competition. Breweries interested in participating can register their beers by February 28 at www.kiba.kr.

Strengthening Business Programs with New Initiatives

To further enhance its business-oriented approach, KIBEX 2025 expands upon its existing business programs, including the new product showcase and business matching program, by introducing two additional programs:

Brew It Yourself: A newly launched homebrewing academy designed to cultivate homebrewers and contribute to expanding both the domestic and international beer markets.

The Brew-In Tour: A guided docent tour providing industry professionals with in-depth knowledge about beer, brewing equipment, and raw materials. This initiative seeks to enhance the quality of the beer industry by fostering a deeper understanding of brewing processes and innovations.

As the hub of Asia’s beer industry, KIBEX 2025 will also offer specialized business packages for beer industry professionals across the region, facilitating valuable networking and collaboration opportunities.

Drink Seoul: A Celebration of Traditional and Global Spirits

Running concurrently with KIBEX 2025, Drink Seoul will showcase domestic and international distilled spirits, traditional liquors, and wines. This event provides a unique platform for industry professionals and consumers to explore the rich heritage of conventional spirits alongside innovative global brands.

Notably, Korea’s traditional distilled spirits will be represented by Andong-City, offering attendees an authentic experience of Korea’s historic soju and other heritage liquors. Additionally, Drink Seoul will feature a selection of global distilled spirits, providing an unparalleled opportunity to experience the fusion of tradition and modernity in the spirits industry.

With these initiatives, KIBEX 2025 is set to strengthen its position as Asia’s leading beer industry platform, bringing together key stakeholders, fostering innovation, and driving market growth. Additionally, KIBEX will invite craft breweries and buyers from across Asia, expanding its reach beyond the region to establish itself as a truly global platform for the beer industry. For more information and registration details, visit www.en.beerexpo.kr.

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9EjLRMter9E

ARLO Unveils All-New Universal Solar Panel with Enhanced Compatibility

Arlo Introduces the Universal Solar Panel, designed to be compatible with more Arlo cameras and floodlights


HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 28 March 2025 – Arlo Technologies, Inc. (NYSE: ARLO), a leading brand in smart home security, is thrilled to introduce its latest security camera accessory to the Hong Kong market—the Arlo Universal Solar Panel. Designed for broader compatibility than previous models, this versatile solar panel works seamlessly with more Arlo cameras and floodlights, ensuring continuous power and enhanced security. With a recommended price at just R.R.P. HK$418, it delivers 24/7 smart home protection at exceptional value, especially for Pro 5 and Ultra 2 customers.

The Arlo Universal Solar Panel takes the guesswork out of choosing the right solar accessory by offering multiple connectors, making it easier for customers to find the perfect fit for their Arlo cameras and floodlights. Its greater compatibility, also simplifies things for retailers, as they only need to stock and recommend a single model for a wide range of Arlo products. By reducing the complexity for both consumers and retailers, the Universal Solar Panel, aims to minimise returns and provide a better overall experience.

Key features of the Universal Solar Panel include:

  • Powered by the Sun: Use solar power to keep your Arlo wire-free cameras and floodlights powered.
  • Enhanced Compatibility: Compatible with battery powered Arlo Essential series, Go 2 series, Pro 3 series and above, Ultra series, and wireless Floodlights.
  • Continuous Charging: Stay powered and connected without needing to remove the battery.
  • Weather-Resistant Design: Built to withstand the elements, the Universal Solar Panel is durable and ready for outdoor conditions.

The Universal Solar Panel is available for purchase late March via the Arlo website and major retail partners.

For more information on the full range of Arlo smart home security products and services, visit https://www.arlo.com/hk/.Hashtag: #Arlo

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

About Arlo Technologies, Inc.

Arlo is an award-winning, industry leader that is transforming the ways in which people can protect everything that matters to them with advanced home, business, and personal security solutions. Arlo’s deep expertise in AI- and CV-powered analytics, cloud services, user experience and product design, and innovative wireless and RF connectivity enables the delivery of a seamless, smart security experience for Arlo users that is easy to set up and interact with every day. Arlo’s cloud-based platform provides users with visibility, insight, and a powerful means to help protect and connect in real-time with the people and things that matter most, from any location with a Wi-Fi or a cellular connection. Arlo has recently launched several categories of award-winning connected devices, software, and services. These include wire-free, smart Wi-Fi and LTE-enabled security cameras, video doorbells, floodlights, security system, and Arlo’s subscription services: Arlo Secure and Arlo Safe.

With a mission to bring users peace of mind, Arlo is as passionate about protecting user privacy as it is about safeguarding homes and families. Arlo is committed to implementing industry standards for data protection designed to keep users’ personal information private and in their control. Arlo provides enhanced controls for user data, supports privacy legislation, keeps user data safely secure, and puts security at the forefront of company culture.

IOT Data Hackathon 2025, Sparkling Innovation through Real-World Data, Technology and Cross-Sector Collaboration

HONG KONG, March 28, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Organised by GS1 Hong Kong, co-organised by Hong Kong Cyberport Management Company Limited and Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation, and supported by the Digital Policy Office, the IOT Data Hackathon 2025 successfully concluded its final competition on 22-23 March 2025.

Themed “Smart Business” and “Smart Living“, the IOT Data Hackathon 2025 brought together enterprises, tech talent, and academic elites to tackle real-world business challenges through cross-sector collaboration and data-driven innovation. This year’s Hackathon garnered even greater enthusiasm than last year, attracting over 90 teams from local tertiary institutions, start-ups, and business sectors. After a rigorous screening process, 24 outstanding teams advanced to the final round, competing head-to-head on 23 March, the Final Pitch Day. 

Key Highlights

1. Fostering a Cross-Sector Ecosystem, Cultivating Talent through Practical Experience
A standout feature of the IOT Data Hackathon was its success in driving cross-sector collaboration. Six leading corporations — including Airport Authority Hong Kong, AS Watson Industries, CUHK Medical Centre, HKT, Maxim’s Caterers, and Swire Coca-Cola — provided real life business challenges and relevant datasets. Tech partners, Alibaba Cloud, AWS and Esri China (Hong Kong), offered technology platforms, tools and application support, enabling participating teams to develop commercially viable and innovative solutions by leveraging the provided datasets, open data and advanced technologies. 

2. Judges Applaud Data-Driven Innovation 
A panel of 12 distinguished judges highly praised the participants for their exceptional performance, highlighting their ability to combine data and technology while aligning with ESG trends. The judges emphasised the Hackathon’s role in unlocking the transformative potential of data-driven decision-making. The panel looks forward to the continued promotion of such collaborative models, which not only accelerate the growth of Hong Kong’s tech ecosystem, but also cultivate a new generation of talent to meet future opportunities and challenges.

3. Comprehensive Pre-hackathon Training with Top-tier Resource Support
To equip participants with practical skills, the organiser hosted 7 professional training workshops from Jan to Mar, covering hot topics such as IoT technology, artificial intelligence (AI) applications, data standards, cybersecurity, design thinking, data storytelling, pitching skills, and ESG strategies, etc. Additionally, GS1 HK invited 24 expert mentors from various fields to guide the participating teams, while Check Point Software Technologies provided one-on-one consultations to help teams integrate robust cybersecurity measures and data protection into their solutions.

The Data-driven Era: Cultivating Future Tech Talent

As artificial intelligence and data analytics become increasingly integral to businesses, mastering data application skills has become a critical asset for future talent. This Hackathon provided participants with an invaluable platform for practical experience and learning, stimulating creativity through competition and fostering a deeper connection between data-driven thinking and business needs. The participating teams demonstrated remarkable prowess in data integration and innovative thinking, and proposed diverse solutions to real corporate challenges. 

Ms. Anna Lin, Chief Executive of GS1 HK, emphasised: “IoT data is the cornerstone of a smart economy. By connecting young talent directly with industry pain points, this Hackathon fuels Hong Kong’s digital transformation and drives momentum for the city’s innovation journey.” 

Award Ceremony: Winners to be Announced at the InnoEX 2025 

The award ceremony will take place on April 13, 2025, at InnoEX 2025, where the winning teams and their innovative solutions will be unveiled. All sectors are invited to witness this celebration of data, technology, and creativity! 

Award Ceremony Details:

  • Date: 13 April 2025, Sunday
  • Time: 10:45am to 12:00nn
  • Venue: The Stage, Hall 3C, Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC)
  • Event: IOT Data Hackathon 2025 Award Ceremony (held within the InnoEX 2025)

For more information about the IOT Data Hackathon 2025, please visit www.gs1hk.org/iotdatahackathon.

About GS1 Hong Kong

Founded by the Hong Kong General Chamber of Commerce in 1989, GS1 Hong Kong (GS1 HK) is the local chapter of GS1®, a not-for-profit, global organisation that brings industry stakeholders together to develop standards-based solutions to address the challenges of data exchange. Headquartered in Brussels, Belgium, GS1® has more than 115 national chapters serving 150 economies globally.

GS1 HK aims to empower industry’s digital transformation by enabling businesses to improve efficiency, safety, authenticity and sustainability through platforms, solutions and services based on our global standards. GS1 HK is dedicated to building a collaborative IoT ecosystem in Hong Kong to promote the development of ICT, serving as a bridge between ICT solution providers, users, government and other stakeholders, realising the community’s vision to become a smart city.

GS1 HK currently supports over 8,000 corporate members from various sectors including retail & consumer packaged goods, healthcare, food & beverage and food services, apparel & footwear, transport & logistics, among others.

For more information, please visit www.gs1hk.org

For high-resolution photo, please download via this link.

Strong 7.7 Magnitude Earthquake Hits Central Myanmar, Felt in Laos

People stand outside an office building in Bangkok on March 28, 2025 after an earthquake. A powerful 7.7 magnitude earthquake hit central Myanmar on March 28, with tremors felt south into Thailand, with residents in the capital Bangkok runing into the streets as buildings shook. (Photo by Candida NG / AFP)

UPDATED on 28 March at 2:33 PM

AFP- A powerful earthquake rocked central Myanmar on 28 March, buckling roads in capital Naypyidaw, damaging buildings and forcing people to flee into the streets in neighbouring Thailand.

The 7.7-magnitude tremor hit northwest of the city of Sagaing on Friday afternoon at a shallow depth, the United States Geological Survey said. A 6.4-magnitude aftershock hit the same area minutes later.

“I heard it and I was sleeping in the house, I ran as far as I could in my pajamas out of the building,” Duangjai, a resident of the popular northern Thailand tourist city Chiang Mai, told AFP.

Chunks of ceilings fell from buildings and roads buckled in Myanmar capital Naypyidaw, a sprawling, purpose-built city with highways up to 20 lanes wide, according to AFP journalists.

A team of AFP journalists were at the National Museum in Naypyidaw when the earthquake struck and the building began shaking.

Pieces fell from the ceiling and walls cracked as uniformed staff ran outside, some of them trembling and tearful, others grabbing cellphones to try to contact loved ones.

The ground vibrated violently for around half a minute before settling.

There were no immediate reports of casualties after the quakes but they caused panic in nearby cities in northern Thailand and down to capital Bangkok.

Sai, a 76-year-old Chiang Mai resident, was working at a minimart when the shop started the shake.

“I quickly rushed out of the shop along with other customers,” he said. “This is the strongest tremor I’ve experienced in my life.”

Buildings Damaged

The quake damaged buildings in Bangkok and forced the suspension of some metro and light rail services in the city.

Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra said on Friday she had interrupted an official visit to the southern island of Phuket to hold an “urgent meeting” after the quake, according to a post on X.

Tremors were also felt in China’s southwest Yunnan province, according to Beijing’s quake agency, which said the jolt measured 7.9 in magnitude.

Earthquakes are relatively common in Myanmar, where six strong quakes of 7.0 magnitude or more struck between 1930 and 1956 near the Sagaing Fault, which runs north to south through the center of the country, according to the USGS.

A powerful 6.8-magnitude earthquake in the ancient capital Bagan in central Myanmar killed three people in 2016, also toppling spires and crumbling temple walls at the tourist destination.

The breakneck pace of development in Myanmar’s cities, combined with crumbling infrastructure and poor urban planning, has also made the country’s most populous areas vulnerable to earthquakes and other disasters, experts say.

The impoverished Southeast Asian nation has a strained medical system, especially in its rural states.

Wealth for Good in Hong Kong Summit 2025 reinforces city’s role as global family office hub, driving innovation, collaboration and lasting legacies


HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 28 March 2025 – The Wealth for Good in Hong Kong Summit (WGHK) which has brought to Hong Kong some 360 influential global family office principals, visionary leaders and industry pioneers concluded today (March 26). Themed “Hong Kong of the World, for the World”, the event demonstrated Hong Kong’s unparalleled strengths as a bridge between East and West, where innovation, investment, and cross-cultural collaboration flourish.

Co-organised by the Financial Services and the Treasury Bureau and Invest Hong Kong (InvestHK), the third edition of the Summit delivered an influential platform for collaboration and innovation and drew global decision-makers from regions including the Mainland, Asia, Europe, the Americas, the Middle East, Africa and Hong Kong to engage in interactive discussions exploring how wealth can drive social progress and sustainable impact.

As a flagship event of the Wealth and Investment Mega Event Week during Hong Kong Super March, the WGHK was opened by the Financial Secretary, Mr Paul Chan. He said, “Family offices play a vital role in preserving family wealth, creating lasting influences through philanthropy worldwide and leading impact investment. As an international financial centre, we have a robust network of world-class financial service professionals and offer an extensive array of investment opportunities. In this city, international foundations, charities and non-governmental organisations come together to form a vibrant philanthropy network. We are also investing heavily to propel Hong Kong’s development in innovation and technology like green tech and AI, benefiting the future of humanity. All these, together with the quality lifestyle in Hong Kong, the convergence of Eastern and Western cultures, the dazzling array of mega events, make Hong Kong the ideal place for family offices to thrive and realise their ambitions.”

The Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury, Mr Christopher Hui, stated that the well-received event reaffirmed Hong Kong’s stature as a pre-eminent global hub for family offices. He said, “This vibrant city – a beacon of opportunity, a super connector between East and West, and a thriving hub for over 2 700 single family offices – is where your vision, your capital, and your passion can flourish. Together, we stand on the cusp of a new era, one where wealth is not just preserved but harnessed as a force for good, transcending borders and generations. I invite you to join us in a shared mission: to build, to learn, and to give. These three pillars will define our collaboration, inspiring you to leverage Hong Kong’s unique ecosystem to create a lasting impact.”

The Director-General of Investment Promotion at InvestHK, Ms Alpha Lau, said, “Hong Kong is Asia’s leading global hub for wealth management, innovation, and sustainable investment. The WGHK again proved to be an exceptional platform for thought leadership, uniting global family offices to exchange ideas and drive positive change while leveraging the city’s robust financial infrastructure and connectivity. At InvestHK, we are dedicated to supporting global investors in unlocking new opportunities and making a lasting impact in Asia and beyond.”

The WGHK featured a distinguished lineup of international speakers who shared insights on the transformative power of wealth. Through insightful sharing of speakers on three sub-themes at panel discussions, participants delved into the evolving landscape of art, culture and luxury, the strategic delivery of impact philanthropy, and the expanding role of technology and artificial intelligence in driving sustainable wealth creation. There was also a fireside chat discussing on the theme “Crafting Success Across Continents and Industries”.

Many speakers today rated Hong Kong highly as an ideal place for setting up family offices.

Founder of ADLEGACY, Mr Horst Bente, said, “Hong Kong has always been a special place for our family. The expansion of the company in the ’60s and ’70s to Asia came through Hong Kong. My parents and I were here when I was a little boy, so we’ve spent a lot of time in this city. To me, Hong Kong has always been the gateway to Asia. Investors are here, money is here, and obviously the talent is here. Hong Kong has a dynamic energy, brand-new facilities, and a genuine enthusiasm for sports. We want to be part of that and help create something that doesn’t exist here yet.”

The Vice Chairman of Swarovski International Holding, Mr Robert Buchbauer, said, “When I look at Hong Kong, I see a city that offers stability, predictability, and an environment that is business-friendly – key elements for any family office seeking a solid foundation for long-term growth. People in Hong Kong want to do business, and that entrepreneurial spirit hasn’t changed. It’s what makes Hong Kong so dynamic and a perfect place for legacy-focused companies like ours to explore new partnerships and paths for growth.”

The Co-founder and Chairman of Alibaba Group, Mr Joe Tsai, said, “I first discovered Hong Kong in the 1980s, and it struck me as a truly international city with an unmatched entrepreneurial energy. Even through challenging times, Hong Kong’s free-market DNA, vibrant financial markets, and supportive tax environment stand out – making it, in my view, one of the best places for businesses and family offices to thrive.”

The Summit concluded with a Gala Dinner, uniting family offices and industry leaders from around the world for an evening of connections and insight-sharing. Set against the stunning backdrop of Victoria Harbour and Hong Kong’s iconic skyline, attendees engaged in meaningful discussions about family legacies and opportunities, and appreciated the city’s energy, entrepreneurial spirit, and commitment to fostering innovation and collaboration.
Hashtag: #WGHK

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

Pony.ai Wins First Permit for Fully Driverless Robotaxi Operation in Shenzhen’s City Centers

SHENZHEN, China, March 28, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Pony.ai (NASDAQ: PONY) became the first company authorized to operate paid fully-driverless robotaxis in Shenzhen’s Nanshan District on March 27, marking a milestone as the city’s inaugural permit for paid autonomous ride-hailing services within its city centers.

Pony.ai granted permit to operate paid, fully-driverless robotaxis in Shenzhen’s Nanshan district
Pony.ai granted permit to operate paid, fully-driverless robotaxis in Shenzhen’s Nanshan district

The company further solidifies its leadership by expanding commercial operations to connect Nanshan with its existing service zone in Baoan District, covering two of Shenzhen’s most dynamic urban areas.

Nanshan District, Shenzhen’s economic powerhouse with a GDP nearing RMB1 trillion in 2024 and close to 2 million residents, surpasses the population of cities like San Francisco. By deploying here, Pony.ai addresses the growing demand for smart mobility solutions in a district that blends rapid innovation with a high concentration of businesses and commuters.

This expansion builds on Pony.ai’s successful launch of robotaxi services in Shenzhen’s Baoan District in 2024, where more than 4 million people reside. The latest permit enables the company to establish Shenzhen’s first cross-district driverless network, linking Nanshan’s tech hubs (including Qianhai, Houhai, and Shenzhen Bay) with Baoan’s central areas and critical infrastructure such as Shenzhen Baoan International Airport. Commuters now enjoy seamless connectivity between business, residential, and transport hubs.

Shenzhen’s dense urban environment—characterized by tunnels, heavy traffic, narrow lanes, and irregular intersections—demands rigorous performance from autonomous technology. Pony.ai’s fleet has demonstrated exceptional proficiency in these scenarios, underscoring the maturity and robustness of its systems.

The company continues to lead autonomous mobility innovation across China’s tier-1 cities, with fully-driverless robotaxis in Beijing and Guangzhou averaged over 15 daily paid rides per vehicle in the first six months of 2024 as passenger confidence grows. To date, Pony.ai has accumulated nearly 45 million kilometers in autonomous testing, including 5 million kilometers in driverless mode.

James Peng, CEO of Pony.ai, emphasized: “Expanding our fully driverless commercial robotaxi services to the vibrant city centers of Shenzhen will accelerate public adoption, as well as inspire confidence and trust in fully driverless technology as we deploy its application to daily urban use cases.”

Residents in authorized zones can book rides via Pony.ai’s app or WeChat mini-program. Operating daily from 7:30 AM to 10:00 PM, the service provides a reliable, weather-resistant commute option, positioning itself as an “all-weather mobility assistant.”

Through relentless technological innovation and real-world validation, Pony.ai is driving the transition toward a future where autonomous vehicles are integral to everyday life.

“As one of the few companies globally with fully driverless autonomous driving solutions, we remain firmly focused on scaling our robotaxi operations and guiding the industry into its next phase of development,” said James Peng.

Media Contact: media@pony.ai

Government Considers Primary School Extension to Enhance Education System

Vientiane High School (Photo: Lao Phatthana News)

The Lao government is considering a major change to the country’s education structure, with plans to extend primary school by adding an additional year, shifting from the current five-year primary school cycle to six years. 

Fujitsu announces winners of Quantum Simulator Challenge

Research teams judged on concrete proposals toward practical application of quantum computing

KAWASAKI, Japan, March 28, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Fujitsu today announced the winners of its Quantum Simulator Challenge 2024, a competition to foster open innovation and identify practicial use cases for quantum computing. The awards ceremony will take place at Fujitsu Quantum Day 2025 Japan, an event for the quantum community, to be held on Friday, March 28, 2025, at Fujitsu Uvance Kawasaki Tower.

The Quantum Simulator Challenge, held for the second time in 2024, saw teams from academia and industry compete to develop quantum applications on Fujitsu’s 40-qubit quantum computer simulator, one of the largest of its kind in the world. The competition attracted 46 teams from 13 countries and regions who competed for a total prize fund of US$100,000. The collective usage of the quantum simulator by all participants during the competition period amounted to 2,282 job executions and 14,500 operational hours.

The first prize went to Delft University of Technology for its project ‘Industrial Shift Scheduling on the Fujitsu Quantum Simulator’. This project carried out a simulation to verify the optimization of the allocation of working hours for the different steps of a vehicle assembly and painting line. The simulation was based on the open-source Quantum Industrial Shift Scheduling (QISS) algorithm developed by the university, which enables the identification of the optimal shift scheduling solution. The project used up to 39 qubits and demonstrated that quantum computing technology can contribute to solving massive industrial optimization problems and was highly praised for its uniqueness and usefulness. Second prize was awarded to Technische Universität Ilmenau for their project “QuPIV – Quantum algorithm for cross-correlation analysis in particle image velocimetry” which presented a quantum solution for large-scale fluid analysis and utilized up to 32 qubits. Potential applications include aerospace and automotive engineering, urban pedestrian flow analysis, and microfluidics. Third prize was awarded to QunaSys Inc. for the project “Large-scale simulation of molecular electronic states using quantum phase estimation algorithm.” The simulation, which utilized up to 39 qubits, focused on the electronic states of hydrogen and ethane molecules, and was rated by the judges for its simulation efficiency.

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