Home Blog Page 335

eight Telecom marks annual eight Day celebrations with new eight Shop and $88,888 lucky draw

Customers can shop for smartphones and stand to win connectivity prizes spanning more than 108 years 

SINGAPORE, July 29, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — eight Telecom (powered by StarHub) is marking eight Day, its annual brand celebration held every August, with the launch of the eight Shop and a lucky draw featuring prizes worth a total of $88,888.


From 30 July,  customers can enjoy early access to the eight Shop, ahead of its official launch on 1 August. The eight Shop will offer a range of mobile devices from Apple, Samsung, OPPO and Xiaomi, available with eight mobile plans.

 “Over the past two years, eight has evolved from a mobile brand into one that now offers home broadband. The launch of the eight Shop is another step in that journey, bringing together devices and connectivity in one seamless experience.” said Vikas Chanani, Vice President, Multibrand and MVNO Partnerships, StarHub. “As we grow, we’ll continue to make connectivity simple, affordable and rewarding for our customers.”

Customers who purchase an eligible device online between 30 July and 8 August will stand a chance to win a share of eight Telecom’s $88,888 lucky draw prize pool featuring:

  • Grand Prize: 108 Years of Mobile Service (even longer than a BTO lease!)
  • Eight Years of Broadband 
  • Eight Years of Mobile Service
  • $288 Mobile Credits

The lucky draw will take place on 8 August as part of eight’s annual eight Day celebrations, with winners announced via eight’s official social media channels. 

For more information, visit:  https://www.eight.com.sg/shop/. 

Terms and conditions apply.  


Universal Health opens W3LL early access to help institutions get ahead of youth wellbeing decline

The testbed programme at Temasek Shophouse will give invited users a daily read of the conditions driving their state of mind and energy – benchmarked against their own baseline – ahead of a higher ed institution launch.

SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 29 July 2026 – Universal Health announced the W3LL Early Access Programme, a limited introduction of its app powered by the Behavioural Rhythm Engine™ (BRE) at Temasek Shophouse.

The programme marks a significant milestone for the company, as part of the Temasek Shophouse Impact Makers, a community of non-profits and social enterprises that access Temasek Shophouse spaces, networks and resources to grow and scale their social and environmental impact. Where appropriate, the Temasek Shophouse spaces also serve as a living lab where Impact Makers can experiment with and refine their products and services. Universal Health is leveraging this opportunity to gather user feedback ahead of rollout in partnership with institutions of higher learning.

You’re probably noticing that your sleep’s off and your energy is weird. You’re managing, but something’s shifted. Most people don’t catch it until it’s too late. W3LL catches it first by reading your actual behaviour to show you the shift before it becomes a problem. No forms to fill out. No mood tracking. Just a clear signal you can act on.

W3LL is built around a familiar problem: small changes in sleep, routines, or everyday stressors can accumulate quietly and throw people off course. Benchmarked against one’s own baseline, without relying on traditional form-filling, W3LL works with higher education institutions to provide students a daily read of their states of mind and energy to support their wellbeing. Powered by the Behavioural Rhythm Engine™ (BRE), it translates passive behavioural signals into the missing layer between how one feels and what one can deliver. The need for earlier, easier-to-use support is especially pronounced among younger adults.

Singapore’s National Population Health Survey 2024 found that 25.5 per cent of adults aged 18 to 29 reported poor mental health, the highest proportion of any age group. A June 2026 Duke-NUS study found that nearly eight in 10 Singapore adults living with anxiety or depression symptoms had not sought professional help. Together, the findings suggest a persistent gap between experiencing a change and acting on it.

W3LL does not ask youth to compare themselves with a generic idea of being “well”. It compares each day with their own usual rhythm. After an initial five to fourteen days, users receive a plain-language read of calm, focus and energy levels, together with deeper insights into their predicted behaviours, practical recommendations and personalised tips via WhatsApp. The app draws on changes in everyday patterns, such as movement and sleep, to make gradual shifts easier to notice.

W3LL’s approach is grounded in peer-reviewed clinical research published in Applied Sciences in April 2026, translating validated behavioural science into a tool you can actually use daily. The Early Access Programme refines how that research becomes clear and actionable by turning data about behavioural patterns into something that helps people stay ahead of decline before it impacts what they can deliver. W3LL is not a medical device and does not diagnose conditions or replace professional care, but it gives you the personal baseline and early warning you can’t get elsewhere.

“Too many young people hit a wall before they realise their state has been shifting. If you’re trying to keep everything moving – classes, work, the rest of your life – you can’t afford to miss when your capacity is dropping. You don’t need another app telling you how you should feel. W3LL reads your behaviour to show you that shift before it becomes a crisis, so you can act when it actually matters,” said Clara Chen, Founder of Universal Health.

With 2,000 users already on its waitlist, Universal Health has opened its Early Access Programme to the Temasek Shophouse community. Higher education institutions wishing to explore campus deployment are encouraged to reach out directly to Universal Health at hello@W3LL.app or register at W3LL.life/demo.

Hashtag: #UniversalHealth #W3LL

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

About Universal Health

Universal Health is a Singapore-based health technology company and creator of the Behavioural Rhythm Engine™ (BRE), deployed through its W3LL app, which gives higher education institutions a practical, low-friction way to support student wellbeing, providing each student with a personalised daily read of their Calm, Focus and Energy levels by analysing behavioural patterns against their own baseline, without form-filling. W3LL is clinically grounded and is not a medical device. Learn more at universalhealth.ai.

Cosmofluencer and World Space Academy Team Up for Global Exposure in Space Education

MELBOURNE, Australia, July 29, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Australia-based Centelon Group’s astronomy outreach arm – Cosmofluencer, has recently teamed up with the World Space Academy (WSA) with the common goal of strengthening space education among the next generation.

The idea is to blend Cosmofluencer’s hands-on science-communication and student-engagement experience with World Space Academy’s international education frameworks to make astronomy accessible to all.

The partnership is dedicated to inspiring students, promoting innovation, and fostering international collaboration. This will be achieved through interactive summer workshops, project-based learning modules, and science-communication training that exposes students to real-world space topics and career pathways.

“Through this collaboration, we aim to make astronomy more accessible, inspiring, and future-ready for students by combining hands-on outreach with international learning frameworks,” said Navdeep Singh, Founder – World Space Academy.

The 14 Days ISEI Summer Workshop

The first offering from the partnership is a Summer Workshop from the International Space Education Institute (ISEI), a leading organization in Leipzig, Germany. Founded in 2005, ISEI was set up to inspire young adults to take up careers in Space.

The ISEI, through WSA, annually offers the Summer Workshop, as a 14-day immersive session on-campus, that blends theoretical knowledge with industrial exposure. With a focus on rover design and fabrication, this one-of-a-kind workshop seeks to introduce students to space technology and innovation through hands-on learning.

“At ISEI, we believe the future of space exploration begins with young minds who are given the chance to build, experiment, and dream boldly,” said Ralf Heckel, Founder of ISEI. “Through this program, we want students to experience the excitement of rover design while discovering how innovation, teamwork, and curiosity can shape the space technologies of tomorrow.”

The program is open to schools that value future-ready learning for their students. Based on the pre-determined eligibility criteria, a batch of 15 students will be selected to participate in the program to be conducted in Leipzig, Germany.

Besides the daily fabrication workshops and team assignments, the program also seeks to offer students a glimpse into German culture through city experiences.

Why This Program Matters

The global space sector is entering a period of remarkable growth, driven by increasing government investment and rising private-sector participation. As the industry expands, it is creating new opportunities across engineering, robotics, manufacturing, data systems, and future-focused innovation.

Yet space remains underrepresented in school curricula, leaving a gap between classroom learning and real-world industry exposure. Workshops like this help bridge that gap by making space education more accessible, practical, and inspiring for the next generation.

“Such programs are essential if we want young learners to be truly prepared for the careers of tomorrow,” says Cosmofluencer founder Paul Savio. “They give students early exposure to space science, hands-on learning, and the confidence to explore a future in this fast-growing field.”

For schools and parents, the value is clear: this is not just an educational experience, but a meaningful step toward preparing children for the emerging opportunities in the space economy.

Discover more on the program and how to take part – https://cosmofluencer.space/wsa-international-summer-workshop-program/

About Cosmofluencer

Cosmofluencer (https://cosmofluencer.space/) is a vibrant network of space enthusiasts brought together by a shared passion for exploring the cosmos and uncovering its mysteries. Our mission is simple: to demystify space science and build an inclusive community of astrophiles, making space knowledge accessible to all.

About World Space Academy

The World Space Academy (https://worldspaceacademy.com/) was constituted to enhance the standards and opportunities in the field of Space Exploration and Research. The company is committed to providing a common platform for exchange of ideas for collaborative research that expands learning to the roots of society.

Media Contact

Cosmofluencer Team
helpdesk@cosmofluencer.com

 

Xinhua Silk Road: 2026 Li-Ning Cup National Badminton Team Championship held in Shenyang, NE China

BEIJING, July 29, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Recently, the 2026 Li-Ning Cup National Badminton Team Championship was held in Shenyang, capital of northeast China’s Liaoning Province for the third consecutive year.

 

2026 Li-Ning Cup National Badminton Team Championship held in Shenyang, NE China

21 elite provincial teams and nearly 300 professional athletes gathered at the Liaoning Gymnasium to compete for team glory.

By creating a unique experience featuring “Traveling with Sports Events”, Shenyang took badminton as the medium and promoted the integrated development of culture, tourism, sports and commerce.

Original link: https://en.imsilkroad.com/p/351513.html

LONGi BC Technology Powers Two World-Leading Solar Racing Teams at the 2026 Elektrek American Solar Challenge

XI’AN, China, July 29, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — LONGi is strengthening its commitment to innovation in solar mobility by supporting two of the world’s leading solar racing teams at the 2026 Elektrek American Solar Challenge (ASC), one of North America’s premier solar-powered endurance competitions. This year’s ASC takes competitors from Minnesota to Texas, with much of the route following the historic Route 66 corridor.

Taking place from July 25 to August 1, the ASC challenges teams to cover the greatest cumulative distance over eight days, rather than compete for outright speed. As they traverse diverse climate zones and complex terrain, teams must continuously optimize energy management and strategic decision-making throughout the endurance challenge.

For LONGi, the competition serves as more than a race — it is a real-world platform for validating and advancing next-generation photovoltaic technologies.


Expanding Partnerships with Two of the World’s Leading Solar Racing Teams

Following its collaboration with Belgium’s Innoptus Solar Team at the 2025 Bridgestone World Solar Challenge (BWSC), LONGi has further strengthened its technical collaboration within the global solar racing community.

For the 2026 season, LONGi is partnering with both Belgium’s Innoptus Solar Team and the Netherlands’ Delft Solar Team. Both teams ranked among the top three at the 2025 BWSC and represent the only two European teams competing in this year’s Elektrek American Solar Challenge.

The expanded collaboration reflects LONGi’s continued commitment to working alongside global innovators to explore the potential of photovoltaic technology through real-world engineering challenges.

High-Efficiency BC Technology at the Core

Solar racing represents one of the most challenging applications for photovoltaic technology. With extremely limited surface area available on the vehicle, every solar cell must achieve maximum conversion efficiency while maintaining reliability under dynamic operating conditions, curved vehicle surfaces, temperature variations, and long-distance endurance challenges.

To meet these requirements, LONGi provides tailored BC (Back Contact) technology solutions for both teams.

Innoptus Solar Team is equipped with LONGi’s customized high-efficiency BC flexible modules, specifically designed for the curved surfaces and lightweight architecture of solar race cars. Meanwhile, Delft Solar Team integrates LONGi’s high-efficiency BC solar cell strings into its vehicle’s energy system.

As the vehicle’s sole direct energy source, the photovoltaic system determines how effectively sunlight can be converted into usable power. High conversion efficiency, lightweight design, and operational reliability provide the foundation for innovations in aerodynamics, energy management, and vehicle control.

Technology, Strategy and Teamwork: Making Peak Performance Possible

Achieving peak performance in the Elektrek American Solar Challenge requires more than advanced photovoltaic technology alone. As the foundation of every solar race car, high-efficiency PV technology determines how much energy the vehicle can capture from sunlight and directly influences the power available throughout the journey.

Beyond the photovoltaic system, teams must continuously balance energy management, route strategy, and driving decisions based on changing sunlight conditions, weather patterns, and terrain. Every choice plays a role in maximizing the vehicle’s potential and extending its range throughout the eight-day challenge.

Peak performance is also made possible through close collaboration between drivers, engineers, and technology partners. By combining technical expertise, strategic thinking, and teamwork, these collaborations transform innovative concepts into real-world performance.

Through its partnerships with leading solar racing teams, LONGi continues to explore the possibilities of high-efficiency photovoltaic technology in demanding environments, gaining valuable insights that help advance future solar applications.

Driving Innovation Beyond the Race

LONGi’s partnerships with leading solar racing teams are built on technical collaboration and co-creation rather than sponsorship alone.

The company views solar motorsport as an innovation platform where advanced photovoltaic technologies can be validated, refined, and further developed under real operating conditions.  technology innovation, combining expertise across industries to accelerate breakthroughs in photovoltaic performance.

The value of these partnerships extends beyond the race itself. By working together with engineers, researchers, and innovators around the world, LONGi aims not only to provide advanced solar technologies, but also to foster an open innovation ecosystem where collective insights and collaboration help expand the boundaries of what solar energy can achieve.

As the global energy system evolves toward a more sustainable and integrated future, LONGi remains committed to advancing photovoltaic innovation, strengthening collaboration across the energy ecosystem, and unlocking new possibilities for a cleaner energy transition.

Starbucks Laos Opens Three New Stores in Vientiane

one of Starbucks Laos opens three new stores at key locations across Vientiane Capital
A picture of one of the three new Starbucks Store opened at Centerpoint (Sihom) in July 2026. (Photo by Starbuck)

Starbucks Laos has opened three new stores in Vientiane Capital in July, expanding its network to nine locations in the capital and bringing its coffee and food offerings to more customers across the city.

The three new locations are Starbucks Lao–Thai Friendship Bridge 1, Starbucks Center Point, and Starbucks Laos–China Railway in Vientiane Capital.

The latest openings mark another step in Starbucks Laos’ expansion as the company responds to growing demand from customers and continues to develop its store network in the country.

This reflects Starbucks Laos’ ongoing commitment to creating the “Third Place” between home and work, providing spaces where customers can meet, relax, and enjoy beverages, food, and other products.

With the latest expansion, Starbucks Laos will continue developing its products, services, and store network as it aims to provide customers with more convenient access to its locations across Laos.

Trail of The Kings 2026 Attracts 1,015 Runners from 34 Countries, Showcasing Indonesia’s World-Class Sport Tourism

MEDAN, Indonesia, July 29, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Indonesia’s premier trail running event, Trail of The Kings by UTMB® 2026 on June 12-14, 2026, welcomed 1,015 runners from 34 countries to the spectacular landscapes of Lake Toba and Samosir Island, further cementing the destination’s reputation as one of Asia’s most exciting outdoor adventure hubs. The event marked a significant milestone, with the number of participating countries increasing by 26% from 2025.

Trail of The Kings 2026 Attracts 1,015 Runners from 34 Countries, Showcasing Indonesia's World-Class Sport Tourism
Trail of The Kings 2026 Attracts 1,015 Runners from 34 Countries, Showcasing Indonesia’s World-Class Sport Tourism

As part of the prestigious UTMB® World Series, Trail of The Kings featured six race categories (100K, 60K, 28K, 10K, 5K, and Kids Race), drawing elite athletes and trail running enthusiasts from over 30 countries across Asia, Europe, Africa, and the Americas, including France, Japan, Indonesia, South Africa, Canada, and Australia. Beyond the competition, participants experienced the dramatic volcanic landscapes of the UNESCO Global Geopark, authentic Batak culture, and the warm hospitality of local communities.

The event delivered strong economic benefits, with visitors staying an average of 3.14 days and spending Rp1.58 million per trip, primarily on accommodation and dining. It generated an estimated Rp52.15 billion in national economic output, supported over 3,100 jobs, highlighting its role in driving tourism-led economic growth across Indonesia.

“Trail of The Kings proves that world-class sporting events are powerful platforms to introduce Indonesia’s extraordinary natural beauty and cultural heritage to a global audience,” said Hafiz Agung Rifai, Assistant Deputy Minister of International Events, Ministry of Tourism of the Republic of Indonesia. “Events like this not only attract international visitors but also create lasting economic opportunities for local communities while strengthening Indonesia’s position as a leading sport tourism destination.”

With its combination of challenging trails, breathtaking scenery, and rich cultural experiences, Trail of The Kings has quickly become one of Southeast Asia’s signature trail races.

The Ministry of Tourism invites runners from around the world to experience the next edition of Trail of The Kings and embark an extraordinary journey through the world’s largest volcanic caldera. Whether chasing a UTMB® qualification, a personal best, or an unforgettable adventure, runners are encouraged to secure their spot early for the 2027 edition, as demand continues to grow.

Contact person:

Hafiz Agung Rifai

hafiz.ar@indonesia.travel

Photo source: TOTK REQUEST

Laos Inflation Edges Up in July, Electricity Prices Surge 91.5% Year-on-Year

A picture of Laos's Kip currency used for illustration purpose only.

Electricity prices jumped 91.5 percent in July compared to the same month last year, becoming one of the main factors behind a slight increase in Laos’ inflation rate, which rose to 7.6 percent from 7.4 percent in June.

According to the latest figures from the Lao Statistics Bureau, the sharp rise in electricity costs pushed the housing, water supply, electricity and cooking fuel category up 25.7 percent compared to July 2025.

Electricity prices also increased 27.6 percent compared to the previous month, contributing to a 0.7 percent rise in overall consumer prices in July.

The increase comes after months of gradual improvement in inflation. The rate dropped from 10.2 percent in April to 9 percent in May and 7.4 percent in June, as fuel prices eased and exchange rate pressures became more stable.

But while inflation has slowed, some of the costs people deal with every day are still climbing.

Transport has become another pressure point. Bus fares were 41.5 percent higher than a year earlier and increased slightly compared to June. Fuel prices, although lower than the previous month, remained 30 percent higher than July 2025.

Food prices also continued to rise. The price of glutinous rice, a staple food for many Lao households, increased by 3 percent compared to both July last year and June this year. Agricultural products also saw price adjustments linked to seasonal production changes.

Other essential expenses recorded further increases, including healthcare and medicine, which rose 12.7 percent year-on-year, education costs, which increased 12.3 percent, and restaurants and hotel prices, which rose 9.4 percent.

A Mixed Picture in July

Compared to June, prices increased by 0.7 percent overall, although not every category moved upward.

Housing-related costs recorded the biggest monthly increase, rising 6.1 percent, mainly due to higher electricity prices. Construction-related expenses, including stone, sand and wall painting labour, also became more expensive.

Healthcare costs increased by 1.3 percent during the month, with higher prices recorded for medicines, medical equipment, outpatient services and hospital services.

Food and non-alcoholic beverage prices rose 1 percent, driven largely by higher vegetable prices. Fresh vegetables increased 5.2 percent, while rice prices rose 1 percent and poultry prices edged higher.

Smaller increases were recorded in categories including alcohol and tobacco, household appliances, restaurants and hotels, telecommunications, entertainment, and clothing.

Meanwhile, some costs declined. The other goods and services category fell 1.4 percent, while transportation and communication costs decreased 1.1 percent compared to June.

The government has continued efforts to keep inflation below 8 percent through measures focused on price stability, stronger domestic production and foreign exchange management. However, electricity bills and other daily expenses continuing to rise.