The second phase of the Mekong River Erosion Prevention and Development Project in Vientiane Capital is now 89.3 percent complete, as of early September, according to the Department of Public Works and Transport. The project is expected to be fully completed by June 2026.
Delta Electronics Brings Future-Ready Building Automation to MARVEX 2025
KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia, Sept. 9, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Delta Electronics, a global leader in power management and smart green solutions, is presenting its future-ready building automation portfolio at MARVEX 2025, highlighting integrated solutions that enhance energy efficiency, improve indoor air quality, and enable smarter operations for both new and retrofit projects.
Delta’s building automation portfolio includes LOYTEC and Delta Controls Building Management Systems, the Intelligent Community Management System (iCMS), UNO Indoor Air Quality Monitoring, and AI-based security solution VORTEX. These solutions empower building owners, developers, and facility managers to create smarter, healthier, and sustainable spaces that optimise comfort, reduce energy consumption, and extend building lifecycles.
“Buildings of the future will be intelligent, adaptable, and sustainable,” said Jimmy Wan, Country Manager, Delta Electronics Singapore & Malaysia. He added, “At MARVEX 2025, we’re highlighting how Delta’s open-integration, data-driven building automation solutions help our customers achieve higher efficiency, healthier environments, and long-term resilience; all while supporting their ESG goals.”
Enabling Smarter, Greener Building Operations
Aligning with global carbon neutrality and net-zero initiatives, Delta will showcase sustainable automation technologies that deliver greater operational efficiency, healthier indoor environments, and future-ready performance.
The LOYTEC LROC-800 Room Controller delivers flexible space reconfiguration and demand-driven energy optimisation, cutting installation complexity with Bluetooth Mesh wireless connectivity. The Delta Controls Red5 Room Controller and the enteliWEB central management platform, operators can seamlessly unify HVAC, lighting, shading, and security into one intuitive, real-time control interface.
The Intelligent Community Management System (iCMS) combines energy management, environmental monitoring, security, and traffic flow analytics into a single unified platform. Using Delta’s Energy Baseline (EnB) model, it identifies significant energy use patterns and supports targeted data-driven conservation measures. The UNO Indoor Air Quality Monitoring Solution, compliant with RESET, WELL and LEED standards, continuously tracks Temperature, Humidity, CO₂, CO, CH2O, PM2.5, and TVOC levels to ensure healthier indoor environments and enhance occupant well-being.
Key Solutions on Display at Booth 4D397, Hall 4
- LOYTEC LROC-800 Room Controller & LWEB-900 Building Management System
Streamline building control with flexible room automation, open-protocol integration, and advanced cybersecurity for long-term interoperability. - Delta Controls Red5 Room Controller & enteliWEB Building Management System
Centralise facility operations with real-time data visualisation, remote monitoring, and simplified control across multiple building systems. - Intelligent Community Management System (iCMS)
Optimise multi-facility operations with predictive analytics, enabling proactive energy management and improved operational efficiency. - UNO Indoor Air Quality Management
Maintain healthier, more productive spaces with WELL-certified monitoring and intelligent HVAC control for consistent air quality. - VORTEX Cloud-Based AI Surveillance
Strengthen building safety with AI-driven, cloud-based video management for faster incident detection and investigation.
Under the theme “Upcycle Your Space: Smart Automation for a Sustainable Built Environment,” Delta is also delivering a Power Talk session demonstrating how retrofitting with LOYTEC’s cutting-edge automation technology can transform existing spaces into high-performing, energy-smart facilities.
Delta remains committed to advancing sustainable building operations worldwide, in alignment with its RE100 commitment to source 100% renewable electricity by 2030 and net-zero emissions by 2050.
MARVEX 2025 takes place at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre from September 9 to 12, 2025. Visit Delta at Booth 4D397, Hall 4 to explore how its building automation technologies are shaping smarter, greener, and more resilient spaces. For more information, please visit: www.delta-singapore.com.
ABOUT DELTA ELECTRONICS INT’L (Singapore)
The company is a wholly owned subsidiary of Delta Electronics, Inc.
ABOUT DELTA
Delta, founded in 1971, and listed on the Taiwan Stock Exchange (code:2308), is a global leader in switching power supplies and thermal management products with a thriving portfolio of IoT-based smart energy-saving systems and solutions in the fields of industrial automation, building automation, telecom power, data center infrastructure, EV charging, renewable energy, energy storage and display, to nurture the development of smart manufacturing and sustainable cities. As a world-class corporate citizen guided by its mission statement, “To provide innovative, clean and energy-efficient solutions for a better tomorrow,” Delta leverages its core competence in high-efficiency power electronics and its ESG-embedded business model to address key environmental issues, such as climate change. Delta serves customers through its sales offices, R&D centers and manufacturing facilities spread over close to 200 locations across 5 continents.
Throughout its history, Delta has received various global awards and recognition for its business achievements, innovative technologies and dedication to ESG. Since 2011, Delta has been listed on the Dow Jones Best-in-Class World Index (formerly the DJSI World Index of Dow Jones Sustainability™ Indices) for 14 consecutive years. Delta has also won CDP with double A List for 4 times for its substantial contribution to climate change and water security issues and has been named Supplier Engagement Leader for its continuous development of a sustainable value chain for 8 consecutive years.
For detailed information about Delta, please visit: www.deltaww.com
GSMA calls for renewed focus on closing the Usage Gap as more than 3 billion people remain offline despite available mobile internet services
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LONDON, Sept. 9, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — 4.7 billion people, or 58% of the world’s population, now use mobile internet services on their own device, according to the flagship annual State of Mobile Internet Connectivity report from the GSMA, the global industry body for the mobile sector.
However, despite 96% of the global population living in areas with mobile internet coverage available to them, 3.1 billion people are still not using it. These people – 38 % of the world’s population – sit within what is known as the Usage Gap, with barriers other than coverage availability keeping them offline.
A further 300 million people (4% of the global population) live in what is labelled the Coverage Gap, lacking any available mobile internet connectivity.
This means that 3.4 billion people globally remained unconnected to mobile internet services in 2024. The overwhelming majority live in areas with available coverage they remain unable or unwilling to use.
Mobile remains the primary, and in many cases only, way most people access the internet in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), and now accounts for 84% of global internet connections. The vast majority (93%) of the unconnected live in LMICs.
Across LMICs, the affordability of an entry-level, internet-enabled device has remained relatively unchanged since 2021 and represents 16% of average monthly income, increasing to 48% for the poorest 20%.
Vivek Badrinath, Director General of the GSMA, comments: “A device at $30 could make handsets affordable to up to 1.6 billion people who are currently priced out of connecting to available mobile internet coverage.
“To produce this will require a concerted, collaborative effort between the mobile industry, device manufacturers, policy makers, financial institutions and more, but it is a responsibility we all must shoulder.
“Getting online has undeniable socioeconomic benefits to individuals and societies. Essential services such as healthcare, education, and banking are now most commonly accessed online, and for billions of people this primarily means on mobile.
“In 96% of the world, the infrastructure is in place for people to get online via mobile. Removing the remaining barriers is essential to ensuring existing digital divides are reduced rather than deepened and many more of these 3.1 billion people can benefit from life-changing connectivity.”
To read the full report and for more information, see here.
HUBLOT AMBASSADOR AND FOOTBALL CHAMPION KYLIAN MBAPPÉ UNVEILS THE NEW CLASSIC FUSION CHRONOGRAPH UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE TITANIUM: A WATCH THAT SCORES ON EVERY FRONT
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This year, two legacies align.
70 years of the European Cup.
10 years of Hublot as Official Watch.
Lift the moment. Wear the legend.
NYON, Switzerland, Sept. 9, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — In football, timing is everything. Since 2015, Hublot has been the Official Watch of the UEFA Champions League, measuring greatness, second by second, goal by goal, glory by glory. To celebrate 10 years of unforgettable moments, Hublot introduces the Classic Fusion Chronograph UEFA Champions League Titanium, a limited-edition timepiece that kicks off the 2025/26 season in style, available in just 100 pieces. Dressed in legendary blue. Powered by the spirit of champions.
Since joining the UEFA Champions League stage in 2015, Hublot has timed over 800 matches, logging everything from the most spectacular goals to the most unforgettable comebacks. Every second counted. Every memory captured. As the European Cup celebrates 70 years, from its roots in 1955 to becoming the world’s most-watched annual sporting event, Hublot is proud to have been part of the last decade. Together, we’ve shared the moments that live forever.
The Classic Fusion Chronograph UEFA Champions League Titanium is a collector’s item for true football aficionados. This 100-piece limited edition features a 42mm satin-finished and polished titanium case, a gradient blue dial and the UEFA Champions League logo applied on the 3 o’clock counter. The strap fuses black rubber with blue calf leather, proudly bearing the iconic UEFA Champions League starball emblem. Because legends deserve more than a box, each watch is presented in a custom wooden case, complete with an official miniature UEFA Champions League trophy replica: the only one you don’t have to win to lift, but that makes you feel like a winner every time you wear the watch.
Hublot CEO, Julien Tornare stated: “Football isn’t just a game, it’s a feeling. From the roar of the crowd to the silence before a penalty, every beat matters. And this watch is built to beat with you. Football has the power to unite, inspire and move us. It’s hearts racing, nations watching, legends rising. At Hublot, we celebrate the joy of shared moments and the thrill of chasing greatness. That’s what drives us. Because we don’t just measure time, we celebrate it!”
The Classic Fusion Chronograph UEFA Champions League Titanium is available at Hublot boutiques worldwide and on Hublot.com.
HUBLOT: www.hublot.com
John Crane unveils game-changing Type 8628VL mechanical seal, setting new benchmark for ethane pipeline performance
SLOUGH, England, Sept. 9, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — John Crane has launched the Type 8628VL, a next generation mechanical seal engineered to solve the oil and gas industry’s toughest challenges: maintaining sealing integrity in multiphase ethane and ethylene pipelines. Designed to perform under volatile pressure and temperature conditions, the Type 8628VL leverages spiral groove non-contacting technology to deliver exceptional reliability, operational efficiency, and environmental compliance.
Solving the Multiphase Challenge in Pipeline Infrastructure
Ethane pipelines present unique challenges due to frequent fluid phases shift from liquid to vapour to supercritical, which can compromise conventional seal performance. The Type 8628VL addresses this by employing dual non-contacting seal faces in a tandem configuration, a design validated by peer-reviewed Lubricants (MDPI) research. The research confirmed that spiral groove non-contacting seal faces deliver superior hydrodynamic lift, phase-change resilience, and zero-wear operation in volatile fluid applications, ultimately allowing ethane pipelines to eliminate friction and wear while using the process fluid in these different states to provide lubrication.
Initial Field Installations on the U.S. Gulf Coast
A leading ethane transmission company operating along the U.S. Gulf Coast faced a major operational challenge: Managing phase change during pumping with pressure variations. Ethane, which exists as a liquid at around 18oC (65 oF) and 40 bar (580 psi), transitions to vapour at approximately 32oC (89 oF). This phase change created sealing and reliability issues, impacting uptime and seal life.
The operator installed four Type 8628VL seals on ethane pump equipment experiencing inconsistent performance at ~1100 psi. Three months into continuous operation and intermittent shutdowns, the results were clear:
- Non-contacting performance across all phases – liquid, vapour and supercritical
- Extremely low leakage
- Zero failures
“The performance is exactly what we hoped for — consistent, reliable, and robust. We now have full confidence in uptime,” said a senior reliability engineer from the customer site.
In addition, the deployment delivered measurable improvements in service turnaround, local service centre support and reduced refurbishment times. It also lowered the costs associated with complex refurbishment, while the seal’s multiphase capability eliminated a key cause of premature seal failure.
Key Benefits:
- Enhanced Reliability: Operates nearly twice as long as conventional wet seals with liquid barrier fluid, with a mean time between repair (MTBR) of up to 48 months and beyond.
- Efficiency and Sustainability: Requires only 2-3 GPM of flush fluid – a fraction of the 10-30 GPM fluid required when contacting seal faces are applied. This reduces the size and capacity and resulting cost of flush fluid systems used with contacting seal technology.
- Lower Operating Costs: Requires minimal maintenance, with operations targeting MTBR of 48 months and beyond.
- Dramatically simplified sealing support systems: The dual unpressurised arrangement eliminates the need for complex API Plan 54 or 53B systems. This eliminates liquid barrier fluids and the cooling water associated with such systems.
Competitive Differentiation in a Changing Market
“Unlike hybrid or contacting seals, the Type 8628VL delivers pure non-contacting operation, even during rapid phase transitions,” said Mike Eason, Chief Technology Officer at John Crane. It’s a significant step forward for the sector,”
Eason added: “We will continue to expand our portfolio with products that meet customer reliability and energy transition goals. The Type 8628VL is a testament to our commitment to innovate for greater efficiency zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions”.
Employers Across APME Hold Steady with a Net Employment Outlook of +28%
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- The Net Employment Outlook for Q4 2025 in Asia Pacific and the Middle East stands at +28%.
- Employers in UAE (+45%), India (+40%), and China (+34%) report the strongest Outlooks in the region. The UAE continues to rank first globally, exceeding the global average by 22 percentage points.
- The Information Technology sector continues to lead hiring intentions (+38%), followed by Financials and Real Estate (+38%), and Transport, Logistics, and Automotive (+32%).
- 42% of employers in the region plan to hire in Q4, with 41% citing company expansion as the top reason for staffing increases, followed by new ventures requiring additional roles (34%).
SINGAPORE, Sept. 9, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — The latest ManpowerGroup Employment Outlook Survey shows a steady labor market in Asia Pacific and the Middle East (APME), with a seasonally adjusted Net Employment Outlook (NEO) of +28% for Q4 2025—remaining unchanged from Q3 2025 and up five points compared to Q4 2024. Employers in United Arab Emirates (UAE) continue to lead at +45%.
The Survey, which gathered data from over 12,437 employers across 10 APME countries and territories, found that employers are evenly split, with 42% planning to expand their workforce and another 42% aiming to maintain current staffing levels. Meanwhile, 13% anticipate a reduction in headcount.
“Across Asia Pacific and the Middle East, employers are navigating a complex landscape with a steady hand, focusing on long-term workforce resilience. While expansion and diversification continue to drive hiring across the region, there is a noticeable shift toward more strategic talent planning,” said François Lançon, Regional President, Asia Pacific & Middle East, ManpowerGroup. “Employers are rethinking how work gets done, aligning talent strategies with business continuity and adaptability. This reflects a broader shift toward workforce agility, where stability and flexibility go hand in hand.”
Besides employment Outlooks, the APME report highlights shifting talent strategies. View the full results here: www.manpowergroup.com.sg/meos-apme
About ManpowerGroup
ManpowerGroup® (NYSE: MAN), the leading global workforce solutions company, helps organizations transform in a fast-changing world of work by sourcing, assessing, developing, and managing the talent that enables them to win. Our expert family of brands – Manpower, Experis, and Talent Solutions – creates substantially more value for candidates and clients across more than 70 countries and territories and has done so for more than 75 years.
Rain, Ekin Cheng And Hins Cheung Headline Jam Off 2025 At Universal Studios Singapore

- From star-studded concerts at Universal Studios Singapore to the return of VOICE and BEATS contests at Palawan Green, JAM OFF 2025 promises an unforgettable prelude to the race weekend.
- Featuring powerhouse performances, open competitions and a vibrant festival village the festival celebrates the spirit of music, culture and creativity.
SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 9 September 2025 – The countdown is on as JAM OFF 2025 roars back into Singapore on 27 and 28 September at Universal Studios Singapore at Resorts World Sentosa, promising two unforgettable nights of music, culture, and celebration. Organised by Destinations Network Tourism and Leisure Marketing Ltd., and supported by the Singapore Tourism Board (STB) as part of Grand Prix™ Season Singapore (GPSS), this year’s festival brings an expanded programme that captures the energy of race week and the vibrancy of Asia’s music scene.

A Star-Studded Line-Up Under the Stars
The spotlight shines brightly on the festival’s headliners at Universal Studios Singapore, making for a one-of-a-kind concert venue. Fans can look forward to powerhouse performances from South Korean megastar Rain alongside Hong Kong, China icons Ekin Cheng, Hins Cheung, Stephy Tang, JC, and Nowhere Boys. With a mix of Cantopop legends, K-pop charisma, and fresh regional favourites, JAM OFF 2025 is set to deliver the ultimate prelude to the Singapore race weekend.
Festivalgoers will also enjoy exclusive access to select Universal Studios Singapore Halloween Horror Nights experiences, ensuring that the thrill of live music is matched by the excitement of the theme park.
“JAM OFF 2025 is shaping up to be our most exciting edition yet. With international icons, inspiring new talent, and immersive experiences, it is more than a concert – it is a celebration of Asia’s creative spirit and the perfect way to kickstart Grand Prix™ Season Singapore,” said Evette Chan, Event Director of Destinations Network Tourism and Leisure Marketing Ltd.
Competitions that Spotlight Talent
During the day, Palawan Green, Sentosa will come alive with the Grand Finals of JAM OFF VOICE (27 September) and JAM OFF BEATS (28 September). From powerhouse vocals to high-energy 2vs2 dance battles, these signature competitions give aspiring performers from around the world a platform to shine on an international stage.
JAM OFF VOICE will feature finalists performing in English and Chinese (Mandarin/Cantonese) before a distinguished panel including Singaporean beatboxer Dharni Ng, Hong Kong, China soprano Hedy Chan, and Singaporean entertainer Allan Moo, with the ultimate winner crowned by Hong Kong, China’s Stephy Tang. Audiences will also get a say with the Live Votes Winner, adding an interactive twist to the finals.
JAM OFF BEATS will see regional dance crews face off in Breaking 2vs2 and All Style 2vs2 battles, judged by an international panel from Taiwan, Malaysia, South Korea, and Singapore. Champions and runners-up will win cash prizes and round-trip flights to the next JAM OFF BEATS showcase in Hong Kong, China ensuring that the journey continues beyond Singapore.
Flavours, Fashion, and Fun at the Festival Village
Beyond the music, Palawan Green will transform into a lively festival village filled with sights, sounds, and flavours. Guests can savour race-themed delights from partners such as Frozt and The Ice Cream & Cookie Co., while browsing retail pop-ups including JAM OFF official merchandise, Sentosa Shop, Retro Crates, Takachya, and Wow Fashion Jewellery. With interactive games, cultural showcases, and unique activations, the village offers an immersive experience that blends lifestyle with entertainment.
F&B and Retail Offers
Visitors can enjoy exclusive redemptions while exploring Palawan Green’s F&B and retail stalls. Islander members who spend S$50 or more at participating outlets can redeem a complimentary Frozt popsicle. Main Stage ticket holders will receive added perks, including a free Frozt popsicle and a limited-edition JAM OFF water bottle. For the public, Frozt popsicles will also be redeemable with Main Stage performance tickets.
Race-Themed Games
Festivalgoers can also test their skills at four race-themed games for a chance to bring home exclusive merchandise. Collect three stamps by winning any three games to attempt the Beanbag Challenge, where successful challengers can redeem a JAM OFF cup or a pair of JAM OFF socks. Every attempt also comes with a fun BALLDERLESS sticker, ensuring no one walks away empty-handed.
Two Nights, One Celebration
On Saturday, 27 September, festivalgoers can expect an unforgettable opening night with performances by JC, Hins Cheung, and Rain. On Sunday, 28 September, the festival culminates in a star-studded finale featuring Nowhere Boys, Ekin Cheng, Stephy Tang, and Rain closing out the weekend with a spectacular show under the stars.
“JAM OFF is not just about bringing music to the stage – it is about connecting communities and cultures through creativity. We are proud to be part of GPSS and to showcase how music can capture the spirit of celebration that defines Singapore’s race weekend,” added Evette Chan.
Tickets for JAM OFF 2025 at Universal Studios Singapore are now available. Each ticket includes access to headline performances and select Halloween Horror Nights 13 experiences during the two festival nights.
For the latest updates, line-ups, and contest details, visit JAM OFF Official Instagram. Ticketing details at linktr.ee/jamoff.
Hashtag: #JamOff2025
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About Destinations Network Tourism and Leisure Marketing Ltd.
Destinations Network Tourism and Leisure Marketing Ltd. A Subsidiary of Shun Tak Holdings Ltd., is an event agency of the Group, specialising in curating one-of-a-kind experiences for global audiences. Based in Hong Kong, China, Destinations Network (DN) provides a comprehensive suite of services, seamlessly managing events from concept development to execution, and through to comprehensive marketing. Beyond its wide-ranging capabilities, DN also develops its own original IPs and event concepts spanning diverse sectors, from fashion and lifestyle to art and music. As a creative hub of endless possibilities, Destinations Network commits to deliver unique, exceptional and memorable experiences.
About JAM OFF 2025
JAM OFF is Asia’s premier music and lifestyle festival, spotlighting the region’s next wave of talent and celebrating the vibrancy of urban youth culture. With music at its core, JAM OFF unites emerging and breakout artistes from across the region, spanning genres from indie and alt-pop to hip-hop, R&B, and cross-genre collaborations. The two-day festival delivers a high-energy, multi-sensory experience. Singing and dancing contests kick things off at Palawan Green, Sentosa, followed by live performances by renowned Asian artistes on 27-28 September 2025 at Universal Studios Singapore. JAM OFF also features immersive content zones, curated food and retail pop-ups, interactive installations, and beachside energy. Launched in 2024 and supported by the Singapore Tourism Board, JAM OFF as part of Grand Prix™ Season Singapore, sets the tone for celebration while carving a distinct identity rooted in creativity, cultural connection, and social discovery.
For more information please visit: https://www.instagram.com/jamoff_official/
Xinhua Silk Road: Conference held in NE. China’s Shenyang to boost high-quality development of global industrial economy
BEIJING, Sept. 9, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — The 2025 Exchange Conference on Global Industrial Internet Integrated Development, themed “Intelligent Industry for Global Connectivity”, was held on September 6 in Shenyang, northeast China’s Liaoning Province.
Photo shows the 2025 Exchange Conference on Global Industrial Internet Integrated Development held in Shenyang, northeast China’s Liaoning Province on Sept. 6, 2025.
As a main forum of the 2025 Global Industrial Internet Conference opened in Shenyang on the same day, the event attracted nearly 300 representatives from governments and enterprises of 11 countries and regions to exchange ideas on new development trends of industrial internet, in a bid to promote high-quality development of the global industrial economy.
Global connectivity is not just about technology, said Hermano Tercius, Secretary of Telecommunications at the Ministry of Communications of Brazil, adding that in addition to technology, the wisdom to construct global intelligence for digitalization is also required to ensure that the achievements of the next industrial revolution are shared by all mankind.
The Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) will support more developing countries to deepen project cooperation and create development opportunities in the field of industrial internet, noted Lucero Carreón, vice chairperson of the Mexico–China bilateral entrepreneurs branch with the Mexican Council for Foreign Trade, Investment and Technology.
The ultimate goal of global collaboration in the digital field is to benefit the entire industry and drive the future of industrialization, said Ben Sassi, general manager with Warsaw Chamber of Commerce in Poland.
Zhao Yongsheng, head of Shenyang’s Tiexi District, shared the successful experience of the industrial digital transformation of Tiexi District.
He said that Tiexi District has striven to promote the intelligent upgrading of traditional industries, and the construction of industrial internet and digital transformation, and actively make layouts in new infrastructure, digital industry agglomeration, and international cooperation.
Zhao added that a group of leading domestic and foreign enterprises and innovation platforms have successively settled in the district, and many smart factory and green manufacturing demonstration projects have been effectively implemented.
The “Global Smart Tour” industrial internet enterprises exchange programme, initiated by China Economic Information of Xinhua News Agency, was officially launched at the event.
By taking Shenyang as the starting point and the event as an opportunity, the programme aims at inviting international industrial and internet enterprises to visit China’s smart-factory-level production bases, and foster in-depth exchanges and mutual learning through field visits.
Original link: https://en.imsilkroad.com/p/347441.html