NEW YORK, April 3, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Shoplazza, a leading global e-commerce SaaS platform, has introduced an upgraded payment solution that helps merchants streamline checkout experiences, reduce cart abandonment, and accelerate growth in international markets. The enhanced solution includes broader payment method coverage, seamless integration capabilities, and Shoplazza’s proprietary Shoplazza Payment service—complete with AI-powered features such as smart routing and automatic retries to maximize transaction success.

While building an online store has become more accessible, turning it into a well-oiled operation remains a challenge. For sustainable growth, every part of the business must work seamlessly together—like perfectly aligned gears in motion.

Merchants today face end-to-end operational hurdles—from brand building, marketing, and inventory management to customer service, fulfillment, and payments. Among these, the payment experience plays a critical role in closing the transaction loop. It directly impacts conversion rates, customer satisfaction, and ultimately, the bottom line.

Yet as a core part of e-commerce infrastructure, payment setup is often overlooked. Many merchants don’t realize it’s become a bottleneck until their store starts scaling. Payment preferences vary significantly across regions, and today’s shoppers expect multiple, seamless options. Issues like failed transactions, limited payment choices, or clunky checkout flows can quickly lead to cart abandonment and lost revenue.

According to a report by Nuvei, 65% of cart abandonment occurs after customers enter the checkout process. Of those, 23% leave due to failed payments, while 21% abandon their carts after entering personal or payment details. To address these challenges, merchants need flexible and reliable payment solutions that can boost both conversion and customer satisfaction.

Recognizing the strategic importance of payments in e-commerce, Shoplazza has prioritized building a comprehensive and flexible payment infrastructure. By offering a wide variety of payment options and seamless integrations with leading global payment providers, Shoplazza empowers merchants to improve checkout performance and enhance their competitiveness in international markets.

Premium Brands Unlock Growth by Embracing Payment Diversity on Shoplazza

As a leading e-commerce solution provider, Shoplazza offers a full suite of technology solutions designed to empower global merchants. Its flagship product—a global SaaS platform for online stores —integrates cutting-edge AI capabilities, enabling merchants to build personalized storefronts, manage inventory, access smart analytics, automate marketing, and generate localized content across multiple languages and currencies. With an open and collaborative approach, Shoplazza delivers a fully connected commerce experience that improves operational efficiency and drives better results.

Several brands have already seen strong results from Shoplazza’s robust payment infrastructure. One premium consumer brand, for example, discovered the impact of payment diversity while expanding into the North American and European markets.

After years of success in its domestic market, this same brand had built a loyal following thanks to its high-quality products and innovative design. As part of its international expansion, the company wanted more control over its customer experience. Building an online store became a key part of its global strategy.

The brand explored Shoplazza’s platform after being referred by peers in the apparel industry and was impressed by its robust feature set. The simple store-building process and user-friendly tools made it easy for the team to launch fast and start selling. Encouraged by the results, the brand officially partnered with Shoplazza to support its global growth.

As its international business gained momentum, the brand noticed limitations in its payment setup. With higher product prices, customers were looking for flexible payment options like installment plans. Mobile users also wanted the option to pay with digital wallets like Apple Pay and Google Pay. Initially, the lack of variety led to lost sales and dropped conversions.

By leveraging Shoplazza’s payment ecosystem, the brand was able to offer a full range of options, resulting in a smoother checkout experience and improved sales. The comprehensive solution enabled the brand to accept global credit and debit card payments, as well as convenient digital wallet options like Apple Pay and Google Pay—all through a streamlined checkout flow.

With the help of Shoplazza, the brand quickly rolled out its upgraded payment capabilities ahead of the holiday season. The results were immediate. During Black Friday and Cyber Monday 2024, the brand’s sales rose over 50% year-over-year.

The brand also appreciated Shoplazza’s helpful support, with 7×13 live customer service and response times usually under three minutes. This level of service has given the brand more confidence as it scales globally.

Shoplazza Delivers End-to-End Support to Power Long-Term Merchant Growth

Through its commitment to providing reliable and diverse payment solutions , Shoplazza is helping more merchants streamline their operations and discover new growth opportunities. In addition to integrating with global payment providers, Shoplazza has built its own proprietary solution—Shoplazza Payment—designed to enhance transaction reliability through  AI-powered features .

Shoplazza offers merchants full-spectrum operational support—spanning marketing, inventory, logistics, loyalty programs, and multi-market localization—to help brands achieve sustainable growth across global markets.

In marketing, Shoplazza integrates with major platforms like Google Ads, Meta, and TikTok, enabling merchants to launch marketing campaigns and optimize performance with ease. On the logistics front, partnerships with ShipBob, Cainiao, and others provide streamlined access to global warehousing and fulfillment resources.

Looking ahead, Shoplazza will continue building partnerships that bolster both merchant and customer experiences, offering a powerful growth engine for brands ready to scale on the global stage.

About Shoplazza

Founded in 2017, Shoplazza strives to simplify how retailers and online sellers connect with consumers. Today, Shoplazza leads the industry with its robust omnichannel platform, empowering retailers to reach customers wherever they shop—whether in-store, online, or through social commerce. To learn more about Shoplazza, visit https://www.shoplazza.com/ .

• Kia and LG Electronics cooperate to present concept models for mobile professional and recreational spaces based on Kia’s Platform Beyond Vehicles (PBVs)
• The PV5 Spielraum Studio concept for mobile work and the PV5 Spielraum Glow cabin concept for outdoor activities debut at the 2025 Seoul Mobility Show
• Kia and LG are collaborating to launch the concept models in the second half of 2026

SEOUL, South Korea , April 3, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Kia Corporation and LG Electronics today announced a partnership to collaborate on the implementation of mobility space solutions based on PBV (Platform Beyond Vehicle) technology.  

The companies signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) at the Kia pavilion at the 2025 Seoul Mobility Show, held at KINTEX in Goyang, South Korea, and unveiled concept models for mobile work and recreational spaces that incorporate advanced home appliances into Kia’s PBVs.

The agreement brings together Kia’s PBV technology and LG’s expertise in AI solutions. The companies aim to offer customized space experiences for users, tailored to different lifestyles and work needs, by integrating advanced home appliances into PBVs. This will enable users to transform the vehicle into a personalized office, studio, lounge, etc.

“By offering mobility space solutions that combine automobiles with home appliances, we aim to lead a transformative shift in customers’ lifestyles,” said Won-Jeong Jeong, Executive Vice President and Head of Korea Business Division at Kia. “This partnership with LG Electronics advances the core value of PBVs, contributing to a new mobility paradigm where vehicles evolve into personalized spaces for living and working.”

PV5 Spielraum concepts
Kia and LG are showcasing two PV5 Spielraum concept models at the Kia pavilion during the 2025 Seoul Mobility Show, held from April 4 to 13. The word ‘Spielraum’ – German for ‘play space’ – reflects the concept of flexible mobility environments.

• Spielraum Studio concept: The Spielraum Studio concept is aimed at solo entrepreneurs who travel frequently, requiring both workspace and storage. It features LG’s AI-powered home appliances, such as its modular Stylers, smart mirrors, and coffee machines, which are integrated to optimize the PV5’s interior. The AI system can monitor the user’s business schedule, calculate the remaining travel time to the destination, and recommend appliance settings accordingly.
• Spielraum Glow cabin concept: The Spielraum Glow cabin concept is designed to cater to the growing demand for car picnic experiences. It includes appliances such as refrigerators, lightwave ovens, and wine cellars, seamlessly supporting a wide range of outdoor leisure activities. Each appliance has MoodUP™ panels that adjust color based on the user’s preferences, providing a unique experience.

About Kia Corporation

For more information, visit the Kia Global Media Center at www.kianewscenter.com

SHENZHEN, China, April 3, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — The 2025 PKU Shenzhen Forum, organized by Peking University HSBC Business School (PHBS), was held March 30 at the Wuzhou Guest House in Futian District. Under the theme “Building Consensus on Reform, Stimulating Innovation,” the event welcomed over 1,000 participants, including scholars, policy experts, and industry leaders.

Founded in 2007 and expanded beyond campus in 2021, the Shenzhen Forum has become a platform for interdisciplinary dialogue across economics, technology, and public policy.

PHBS Founding Dean Hai Wen, also vice chairman of the Peking University Council, opened the forum with a speech emphasizing reform and innovation as essential drivers of progress. “To deepen reform and constantly innovate has been the cornerstone of China’s development over the past 40 years,” he noted.

The forum featured a keynote by Professor Zhang Jin, vice president of Peking University and chancellor of its Shenzhen Graduate School, on the growing field of AI for Science. He highlighted the need to support digital research platforms and cultivate interdisciplinary talent capable of advancing scientific discovery through artificial intelligence.

Macroeconomic insights were shared by Li Yang, chairman of the National Institution for Finance & Development, who noted steady performance early in the year but also challenges like external demand dependency and weak private investment. He stressed the need for proactive fiscal and monetary policies. while calling for more supportive fiscal and monetary policy to address domestic consumption and private investment.

Wang Yiming of the China Center for International Economic Exchanges underscored the importance of technological innovation in fostering new economic momentum, emphasizing stronger connections between education, research, and talent development.

In the area of international affairs, Peking University professor Wang Yizhou reflected on the value of academic inquiry in adapting to global change. He pointed to opportunities in deeper international engagement and the need for updated perspectives.

Lu Mai, former vice chairman of the China Development Research Foundation, closed the session with a call to invest in early childhood development, especially in rural areas. He stressed that long-term prosperity relies on improving care, education, and nutrition for the youngest generation.

With its interdisciplinary focus and diverse perspectives, the PKU Shenzhen Forum continues to serve as a platform for strategic dialogue—marking another step in PHBS’s ongoing effort to convene academic voices across economics, technology, and public policy.

BEIJING, April 3, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — The PV module manufacturer JA SOLAR and the renowned football club Borussia Dortmund are joining forces for the installation of a new photovoltaic system on the roof of SIGNAL IDUNA PARK-creating the world’s largest PV system on a stadium roof. The stadium, which hosts the highest average number of spectators per match in European football, now also becomes a flagship of sustainable innovation.

In selecting new partners, JA SOLAR places a strong emphasis on integrity, respect, and the pursuit of sustainable solutions. These values are central to its collaboration with Borussia Dortmund. With this new installation in Dortmund, JA SOLAR delivers exceptional product quality for the purpose of decarbonization.

Aligned with the sustainability goals and long-term vision of both Borussia Dortmund and JA SOLAR, this project will generate reliable green electricity for the next 30 years, uniting two powerful partners with a shared commitment. It also represents JA SOLAR’s long-term dedication to the European PV market.

The world-famous football temple with its legendary “Yellow Wall.” The highly efficient Full-Black modules from JA SOLAR. This unique combination brings unparalleled black-and-yellow energy-on the pitch, in the stands, and now on the roof-setting a new standard for the energy transition.

JA SOLAR’s sleek black modules, perfectly matching Borussia Dortmund’s iconic colours, are already widely used on private homes for their aesthetic appeal. The Borussia Dortmund project also demonstrates that these modules-and others from JA SOLAR’s extensive portfolio-are equally suitable for commercial rooftops. All modules used in this project meet the JA Solar ITS Supply Chain Standard.

More than 11,000 modules will be installed on the stadium roof. In total, the system will generate over 4 GWh annually for Borussia Dortmund’s own consumption. This serves as an inspiring example for other organizations. The rooftop system is expected to reduce the club’s CO₂ emissions by approximately 1,800 tons per year, while significantly improving the stadium’s energy security and resilience. For perspective: this solar energy could power the floodlights for 1,000 matches per year.

Installation is scheduled to begin in summer 2025, with completion targeted by the end of that same summer.

Carsten Cramer, Managing Director of Borussia Dortmund GmbH & Co. KGaA: “We are very pleased about the partnership with JA SOLAR, which will play a key role in the planned renovation of the photovoltaic system on the roof of SIGNAL IDUNA PARK. This collaboration underlines our commitment to sustainability and innovative technologies. With JA SOLAR’s modules, which will power the largest photovoltaic system on any stadium roof, we are setting the course for a more environmentally friendly future.”

Henning Schulze, Vice President JA SOLAR: “We believe that Borussia Dortmund and JA SOLAR share many common values, and we are really proud that our modules are to be used for this project at this iconic stadium. In times of rapid political change and market disruption, our participation in this project is a clear statement from JA SOLAR that we are here to stay.”

JA looks forward to welcoming customers from all over the world together with representatives of Borussia Dortmund at Intersolar Europe in Munich from 7-9 May at stand A2.280. For inquiries in advance, please contact us at info@jasolar.com.

About JA SOLAR

Grow towards the sun, stride forward to our goal! Since 2005, we have been pursuing our mission to make solar energy accessible to as many people as possible. As one of the market leaders, we want to be a role model with sustainable and social corporate development. Customer-centricity, the well-being of our employees and increasing value for our owners are all among our core values. Working closely with our global partners, we are creating a mutually beneficial industrial ecosystem and driving progress in energy and environmental solutions. More information at  https://www.jasolar.com/.

UNESCO-listed celebration to anchor Thailand’s Grand Tourism and Sports Year; position the Kingdom among the top 10 global festival destinations

BANGKOK, April 3, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), under the Ministry of Tourism and Sports, is preparing for the Maha Songkran World Water Festival 2025 — the headline event of Thailand’s New Year celebrations and a key feature of the Amazing Thailand Grand Tourism and Sports Year 2025 and the Thailand Summer Festivals’ Grand Festivity campaign.

Mr. Jakkaphon Tangsutthitham, Vice Minister of Tourism and Sports, said: “Songkran is more than a celebration — it’s a proud symbol of Thai identity and soft power. With this year’s festival, we aim to share our cultural richness with the world while encouraging travellers to explore every corner of Thailand, from major cities to hidden gems.”

Taking place from 11–15 April at Sanam Luang, Bangkok, the festival highlights Thailand’s global festival ambitions, building on the recent listing of ‘Songkran in Thailand, traditional Thai New Year festival’ as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage.

A key feature is the Maha Songkran Parade, with eight themed processions showcasing Thai creativity and heritage. On 12 April at 17.00 Hrs., the parade travels from Democracy Monument to Sanam Luang. A second procession circles Sanam Luang on 13 April, followed by float displays through 15 April.

Sanam Luang will also host a multi-zone experience featuring:

• Five regional Songkran zones
• “5 Must Do in Thailand” cultural activities
• A Thai fair with a haunted house, Ferris wheel, and sand pagoda building
• Traditional rituals, water play zones, light-and-sound shows, and EDM sets
• Over 100 booths offering food and crafts from across the country

Nightly concerts will feature leading Thai artists including Bodyslam, Polycat, Jeff Satur, The Toys, Joey Boy, and Carabao.

Ms. Thapanee Kiatphaibool, TAT Governor, said: “Maha Songkran World Water Festival 2025 captures the spirit of Thailand — joyful, welcoming, and full of creative energy. This year’s programme is packed with firsts and favourites, designed to inspire wonder while upholding our heritage and ensuring a safe, memorable experience for all.”

TAT is also rolling out a Maha Songkran World Water Festival 2025 web app with real-time updates, maps, and performance schedules.

To support sustainable tourism, the event will feature GCYOU-TURN, a plastic recycling and upcycling initiative to help manage waste responsibly.

For safety and convenience, the Tourist Police Bureau will provide 24-hour support in eight languages. The Thailand Tourist Police mobile app includes an SOS button, GPS location sharing, and direct access to emergency services.

Nationwide, the “Yen Tua La Maha Songkran” series will run across April in destinations including Chiang Mai, Khon Kaen, Lampang, and Ayutthaya, with added support from major private events like S2O, GCircuit, and ICONSIAM’s Maha Songkran.

TAT projects 26.5 billion Baht in tourism revenue from 12–16 April, with over 476,000 international arrivals and 4.4 million domestic trips.

SYDNEY, April 3, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — BestPrice Travel is transforming the Vietnam travel experience for Australians with its Flexible Group Tours, combining affordability with personalization. This innovative model breaks away from rigid itineraries, allowing travelers to explore Vietnam’s vibrant culture and breathtaking landscapes without overspending.

As international travel rebounds, Vietnam is becoming a top choice for Australian adventurers. More travelers seek budget-friendly yet tailored experiences, and Flexible Group Tours answer that need—offering curated itineraries with the freedom of solo travel while sharing costs with like-minded explorers.

The Rise of Personalized Travel

According to a Skyscanner Travel Report, 71% of Australians now prefer customized itineraries over traditional group tours, signaling a shift toward more immersive, cost-effective travel. Vietnam is an ideal destination for this trend, offering rich cultural experiences, diverse landscapes, and great value for money.

Hien Kim, General Manager at BestPrice Travel, highlights this shift:

“Australians are our largest market, and we’ve seen a growing demand for personalized experiences. However, fully private tours can be expensive. That’s why we launched Flexible Group Tours—to make customized travel more affordable.”

Since their launch, these tours have gained rapid popularity, with over 2,000 bookings in 2024 alone.

Why Aussies Are Choosing Flexible Group Tours

More Travel, Less Cost

By sharing transport, accommodations, and some activities, travelers can save significantly while still customizing parts of their journey. These savings can go toward luxury upgrades, fine dining, or extra excursions.

“It was the perfect choice! I visited 10 cities in 14 days for just AUD 900. We shared transport and hotels but still had personal time to explore,” said Dory Wilson, a traveler from Melbourne.

Explore Your Own Way

Flexible Group Tours blend guided experiences with free time. Travelers can join group activities like kayaking in Halong Bay or a sampan ride in the Mekong Delta, then break away to hike Sapa’s rice terraces or discover hidden alleyways in Ho Chi Minh City.

“My trip to Vietnam was incredible! I got to enjoy both group and solo activities, all arranged to my preferences,” shared Aaron Jones, a recent traveler with BestPrice Travel.

A Social Travel Experience

These tours are also great for meeting fellow travelers. Whether sharing a bowl of Pho, trekking through remote villages, or browsing night markets, the group dynamic creates meaningful social connections—without sacrificing personal freedom.

It’s no surprise that more Aussies are increasingly drawn to this type of travel, giving the best of both worlds: personal freedom and social connection.

A Travel Trend on the Rise

The growing popularity of Flexible Group Tours has been well-received. BestPrice Travel and similar agencies have received TripAdvisor’s Travelers’ Choice Award, reflecting high customer satisfaction.

With more direct flights between Australia and Vietnam and increasing demand for personalized, budget-friendly travel, this model is set to expand.

Travel agencies are expanding offerings with unique local experiences, such as:

• Ha Giang motorbike loops
• Eco-lodges in the Mekong Delta
• Culinary tours featuring Vietnam’s diverse food culture

The Future of Vietnam Travel

Flexible Group Tours are reshaping how Australians explore Vietnam, offering a perfect mix of affordability, personalization, and social experiences. As more Aussies look for budget-friendly yet flexible options, this model is becoming a game-changer.

For those planning to visit Vietnam, these tours offer the fullest travel experience that fits your lifestyle.

Explore more at https://www.bestpricetravel.com/en-au/vietnam-tours

BEIJING, April 3, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — iQIYI, China’s leading online entertainment platform, announced the premieres of two reality-driven films – “Mumu” and “We Girls” – ahead of the Qingming Festival holiday period (also known as Tomb-Sweeping Day) in early April. Presented by iQIYI, the films delve into the often-overlooked lives of hearing-impaired families and marginalized women, offering a powerful testament to the company’s commitment to realism in content creation while combining commercial appeal with compelling storytelling and artistic merit.

The premieres reflect a broader shift in Chinese cinema toward realism. According to an industry report, in 2023, more than half of the top 20 films drew from real-life themes, contributing 32% of the total annual Chinese box office. Recent successes from iQIYI, such as “Trending Topic,” highlight the market’s appetite for socially grounded stories, and underscore iQIYI’s role in shaping this movement by developing films that not only reflect lived realities but also amplify voices that are often overlooked.

“Mumu” and “We Girls” bring realism to the big screen

Starring pop star and actor Yixing ZHANG, “Mumu” tells the story of a deaf father determined to build a better life for his daughter who unfortunately falls into a trap and becomes ensnared in a life of crime. The touching and heartfelt narrative is brought to life by authentic performances, including those of nearly 30 hearing-impaired actors. Directed by Mo SHA, the film is adapted from the tear-jerking short film of the same name, which earned him the best young director award on “Action!,” an iQIYI original variety show designed to empower emerging filmmakers. Early screenings have earned a 9.7 score on China’s top ticketing platform Taopiaopiao and generated more than RMB 10.8 million (USD 1.5 million) in pre-screening and pre-sales revenues as of March 30.

Directed by award-winning filmmaker Xiaogang FENG and starring Liying ZHAO, “We Girls” follows a mother who risks everything to purchase an expensive cochlear implant for her daughter and is subsequently sentenced to prison. There, she meets a group of other women who help each other reintegrate into society and start anew. With an all-female cast and themes of solidarity and survival, the film is already generating buzz, topping real-time watchlists on ticketing platforms like Maoyan and trending across Weibo, Baidu, and WeChat.

iQIYI’s diverse film offerings and strategic industry initiatives

These premieres build on iQIYI’s strong portfolio of realism-themed content, highlighted by the theatrical release of “Upstream,” a blockbuster portraying the struggles of a laid-off middle-aged programmer who turns to food delivery work. iQIYI has also expanded its premium film offerings through strategic partnerships with filmmakers, delivering commercial hits like “Break Through the Darkness,” “Hachiko,” and “Wolf Hiding” – all of which grossed over RMB 100 million (USD 13.8 million) and earned prestigious honors, including the Golden Rooster and Hong Kong Film Awards.

Over the years, iQIYI has made sustained contributions to the film industry through content creation, talent cultivation, and innovative business models. iQIYI’s Founder and CEO Yu GONG has previously shared the aspirations guiding the company’s continued support for filmmakers, including increasing copyright investments to generate sustainable returns, expanding filmmaker collaborations to diversify content, and carefully balancing artistic expression with commercial viability.

This vision is exemplified by initiatives like Golden Screenwriters’ Night, a pioneering event in China promoting young screenwriting talent and innovative content, and the Online Film Young Creators Project, which offers emerging filmmakers comprehensive support, including production funding, mentorship, and distribution assistance.

CONTACT: iQIYI Press, press@qiyi.com