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Thai Airline Halts Some Domestic Flights Because Of Air Pollution

Thai Airline Halts Some Domestic Flights Because Of Air Pollution
Thai Airline Halts Some Domestic Flights Because Of Air Pollution

AFP-One of Thailand’s main airlines is suspending flights between Bangkok and a northern province for more than a month because of poor visibility caused by air pollution, the carrier confirmed on 5 March.

Air pollution spikes in Thailand, especially in the north, between December and April as farmers burn stubble to prepare land for the next crop season.

Domestic carrier Bangkok Airways is halting flights from Bangkok to the northwestern town of Mae Hong Son because smog was expected to make visibility too poor to land, an airline official told AFP.

“We experienced the same problem last year when smog levels were extremely high,” the Bangkok Airways official at Mae Hong Son airport said.

The airport authority in Mae Hong Son, a popular stop on the backpacker trail in northern Thailand, announced on Facebook last week that flights would be suspended from 15 March to 20 April.

“Smog affects vision and safety of the airlines,” the post said.

The air quality index for Mae Hong Son was 7.9 times greater than World Health Organization guidelines, according to IQ Air data, which measures global air pollution.

Thailand has become increasingly alarmed about the effects of air pollution, which causes millions of people to need medical treatment each year.

The government banned crop burning early this year, with violators facing fines and legal action, although it is not yet clear what impact the measures are having.

The Department of National Disaster Prevention and Mitigation was ordered to “update the actual situation to restore confidence among business operators”, the government said in a statement after the Bangkok Airways flight suspension.

© Agence France-Presse

/C O R R E C T I O N — Raydium Solutions/

In the news release, Apollo Group TV Expands Payment Options Making Premium Streaming More Accessible with Raydium Solutions, issued 05-Mar-2025 by Raydium Solutions over PR Newswire, we are advised by the company that there are several important hyperlinks missing. The complete, corrected release follows:

Apollo Group TV Expands Payment Options Making Premium Streaming More Accessible with Raydium Solutions

BOSTON, March 6, 2025 /PRNewswire/ —  In a strategic partnership with Raydium Solutions, Apollo Group TV is making premium streaming more accessible by introducing credit card payments for the first time. Previously limited to Bitcoin transactions, this major shift allows more users to enjoy secure, high-quality streaming with greater flexibility. As a leading provider of IPTV services, Apollo Group TV continues to redefine home entertainment with a vast selection of content, cutting-edge streaming technology, and customer-focused innovations.


Unmatched Variety of Live TV and On-Demand Content

Apollo TV offers an impressive catalog of 24,000+ live channels and 95,000+ Video-on-Demand (VOD) titles, spanning movies, TV series, news, sports, and international programming. With access to premium channels across multiple genres, subscribers can enjoy the best in live television, blockbuster films, and exclusive series all in one place.

Designed to meet the needs of a diverse audience, Apollo Group TV ensures that viewers always have access to the latest Hollywood hits, classic films, trending TV shows, and live sports events without limitations.

Expanding Payment Options: Now Accepting Credit Cards

Through its collaboration with Raydium Solutions, Apollo Group TV has expanded its payment options, now accepting credit cards alongside cryptocurrency payments. This move reflects Apollo TV’s commitment to making its premium IPTV service more accessible to a wider audience.

“With consumer demand for seamless and secure transactions rising, expanding payment methods was a natural step,” said a spokesperson from Raydium Solutions, the technology partner supporting this transition. “This collaboration ensures that more users can access Apollo TV’s premium streaming service with ease.”

High-Definition Streaming with Advanced Technology

Apollo Group TV delivers an unparalleled viewing experience, offering crystal-clear HD and 4K resolution for a cinematic feel at home. The platform utilizes anti-freeze technology to eliminate buffering, ensuring smooth and uninterrupted playback.

With a 99.9% uptime guarantee, Apollo TV users can rely on a stable, high-performance streaming service at any time—whether watching live TV, sports, or on-demand content.

Seamless User Experience & Smart Device Compatibility

Apollo TV enhances navigation with an Electronic Program Guide (EPG) TV Guide, making it easy to browse and manage content. The intuitive interface allows users to switch between channels effortlessly and discover new content.

The platform is compatible with a wide range of devices, including smart TVs, streaming boxes, mobile devices, and tablets, ensuring maximum flexibility for subscribers.

Reliable Customer Support and Lifetime Assistance

Apollo Group TV is dedicated to customer satisfaction, offering 24/7 live chat support to assist with technical issues, account management, and content recommendations.

Through its strategic technology partnership with Raydium Solutions, Apollo TV ensures that its platform remains highly secure, accessible, and future-ready, continuously improving the user experience.

Join the Future of Streaming with Apollo Group TV

With its expansive content library, advanced streaming technology, and newly expanded payment options, Apollo Group TV is setting new standards in digital entertainment.

For more details on subscription plans and the latest updates, visit ApolloTVsGroup.com.

About Apollo Group TV

Apollo Group TV is a leading IPTV streaming service, providing access to thousands of live TV channels, movies, and series in high-definition quality. With a commitment to innovation, top-tier customer support, and a seamless viewing experience, Apollo Group TV continues to revolutionize premium home entertainment.

Luang Prabang Earns Global Recognition for Sustainable Tourism

Xiengthong Temple, Luang Prabang. (Photo: Sofitel Luang Prabang)

Laos’ popular world heritage town of Luang Prabang has clinched third place in the Green Destinations Top 100 Story Awards for “Destination Management” at the Internationale Tourismus-Börse (ITB) in Berlin, Germany, on 4 March. 

Special Minds Launches 1-to-1 Special Needs Platform to Empower Families with Five Key Pillars


SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 6 March 2025 – Special Minds is redefining special needs education in Singapore with the launch of its groundbreaking 1:1 matching platform. As a new and innovative solution, the platform is designed to connect families with highly skilled professionals, offering tailored services to meet each child’s unique needs. Built around five key pillars—tuition, early childhood education, early intervention, therapy and counselling, and enrichment—this platform offers a comprehensive, holistic approach to special needs education. By combining these core services, Special Minds ensures that every child receives personalised, expert support in the comfort of their own home, making quality care and education more accessible than ever before.

Navigating special needs services can be overwhelming, with accessibility and affordability being major challenges for many families. Special Minds simplifies this process by offering a streamlined, home-based matching system that helps parents find the right professionals across these five essential areas—making specialised care more convenient, flexible, and effective.

The 5 Key Pillars of Special Minds’ Matching Platform

1. Special Needs Tuition

Many children with learning difficulties, including dyslexia, dyscalculia, ADHD, and ASD, require specialised academic support. Special Minds matches families with experienced educators who provide personalised special needs tuition to help children excel in their studies at their own pace.

2. Early Childhood Education

Laying a strong foundation is crucial for children with special needs. Special Minds connects parents with qualified early childhood educators who specialise in working with young learners, fostering essential skills in language, numeracy, communication, and cognitive development.

3. Early Intervention Programs

An early intervention program in Singapore can make a life-changing difference for children with developmental delays or conditions such as Global developmental delay (GDD), autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and sensory processing difficulties. Special Minds helps parents access certified early intervention specialists who provide customised strategies to support each child’s growth.

4. Therapy and Counselling

Many children require speech therapy, occupational therapy, behavioural therapy, or counselling to develop key life skills and manage emotions. Special Minds allows parents to match with qualified therapists, making therapy more convenient and effective.

5. Enrichment Activities

Learning isn’t just about academics—it’s also about exploration and engagement. The platform provides access to specialists who offer enrichment programs such as phonics, yoga, music, art, and swimming for children with special needs, helping them develop confidence and social skills in a fun and supportive environment.

The five key pillars of Special Minds’ matching platform work together to create a comprehensive support system that addresses the diverse needs of children with special needs. From tuition to early childhood education, each pillar is designed to offer specialised care that promotes holistic development. Whether it’s through early intervention programs that help children reach developmental milestones, therapy and counselling that provide emotional and behavioural support, or enrichment activities that nurture creativity, Special Minds ensures that children receive well-rounded care that is both accessible and effective.

By focusing on these five areas, Special Minds not only provides tailored support to children but also empowers parents and caregivers to navigate the complexities of special needs care with ease and confidence. This comprehensive approach helps children build the skills they need to thrive in all areas of life, from academics to emotional well-being and beyond.

Founder of Special Minds, Ms. Azanea Quek, shared, “We built this platform so that parents can easily connect with skilled special needs professionals based on their child’s needs, location, and budget. It’s a game-changer for families who have been struggling to access quality, personalised support.”

Special Minds is committed to empowering families and children by making high-quality special needs education and support more accessible, affordable, and flexible. With a growing network of over 500 professionals, the platform is transforming the special needs landscape in Singapore—ensuring that every child, regardless of their challenges, has the opportunity to thrive.

For more information, please visit https://specialminds.com.sg/.
Hashtag: #SpecialMinds

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

TouchPoint, Inc. Appoints Staci Kroon as President and CEO


HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 6 March 2025 – TouchPoint, Inc. is excited to announce the appointment of Staci Kroon as their new President and CEO, reporting directly to TouchPoint’s Board of Directors, effective March 1, 2025. Brian McNeill, who has served as TouchPoint’s President and CEO for 25 years, will retire effective March 1, 2025, and transition to Executive Chairman of the Board of Directors.

Staci Kroon
Staci Kroon

Staci is an accomplished leader of global engineering and manufacturing companies, where she has excelled in driving growth and delivering results through innovation, geographic expansion, acquisitions, team building and operational excellence. Most recently, she served as President and CEO of BraunAbility, a global leader in mobility transportation solutions, providing independence to individuals with mobility challenges.

Staci holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Pennsylvania, Bachelor of Science in Economics with a concentration in Finance from the Wharton School of Business, and a Postgraduate degree in Design, Manufacturing, and Management from Cambridge University, Cambridge, UK. Staci served on the Board of BraunAbility and currently serves on the Board of Winnebago Industries, a longtime Southco customer.

Staci said “I am thrilled to join TouchPoint as President and CEO, stepping into a new chapter of growth and innovation alongside a talented team. TouchPoint has a remarkable 125-year history, built on a foundation of strong values, resilience, and continuous evolution.”

After 25 years as serving as TouchPoint’s President and CEO, I could not be more excited about this transition and to mark the beginning of our next 125 years of growth,” said Brian McNeill. “Our businesses are strong and well positioned to continue in their growth trajectory under Staci’s leadership.”

Hashtag: #TouchPoint #StaciKroon #globalengineering #manufacturing

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

About TouchPoint

TouchPoint, Inc.is a privately held, diversified global engineering and manufacturing company focused on acquiring and operating value-added growth companies where the touch point is a differentiating factor. TouchPoint provides strategic, operational and financial resources to help drive growth in three major engineered technology platforms. The company takes a long-term view to creating value for their customers, associates and shareholders. The current TouchPoint portfolio consists of three platforms:

  • Access Hardware: Southco & Darshana
  • Intelligent Inventory Management: SupplyPoint & Morse Watchmans
  • Medical Technology: iTD, TouchPoint Medical, ICW, Parity Medical & Multix Solutions

In total, TouchPoint companies have over 4,500 employees in 28 countries and serve more than 80 thousand customers in approximately 100 countries throughout the world. More information about TouchPoint, Inc. can be found on their website at:

May in Paris: GOSIM AI Paris 2025 Ignites a New Wave of AI Innovation, Building a Global Open-Source Ecosystem

PARIS, March 6, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Following the pace of global open-source AI innovation, GOSIM AI Paris 2025, hosted by the GOSIM (Global Open-Source Innovation Meetup) and co-organized by CSDN, will take place in Paris, France, on May 6-7, 2025.

Renowned for its international scope, community-driven approach, and strong interactivity, GOSIM has previously successfully convened multiple international open-source innovation conferences in cities such as Delft, Beijing, and Shanghai. These events have brought together hundreds of technical elites from fields including AI, Rust, and embodied intelligence, offering comprehensive insights and discussions on the latest open-source technologies and in-depth practices.

This year’s conference will spotlight the latest advancements in 6 Conference Tracks: AI Model, AI Infra, AI Apps, Embodied AI, AI for Science, and Global Open-Source AI Collaboration, driving significant progress in global open-source AI collaboration. A highlight of the event is the introduction of GOSIM AI Spotlight, a global initiative to select 10 outstanding open-source AI projects for showcase and technical exchange, further accelerating AI innovation.

The venue, Station F, is a world-class innovation incubator located in Paris, hosting a vibrant ecosystem of “Deep Tech” companies specializing in areas such as artificial intelligence, virtual reality, augmented reality, big data analytics, and chip design. GOSIM warmly welcomes developers worldwide to join this hub for innovative exchange.

GOSIM AI Paris 2025
GOSIM AI Paris 2025

AI Experts Gather in Paris to Focus on 6 Conference Tracks

Last year’s GOSIM CHINA 2024 attracted over 160 experts from renowned domestic and international organizations, including BAAI (Beijing Academy of Artificial Intelligence), Zhipu AI, ByteDance, Moonshot AI, Tsinghua University, Eclipse, OpenCV Community, and Rust Community.

Building on this legacy, GOSIM AI Paris 2025 will focus on 6 Conference Tracks that resonate with developers globally, bringing together influential open-source AI projects and experts from leading organizations such as Hugging Face, BAAI (Beijing Academy of Artificial Intelligence), Llama, and DeepSeek. Together, they will explore how open-source AI can shape the future.

  • AI Model: Shaping the Future through Open-Source AI

Unleashing world-class performance in Large Language Models (LLMs), multimodal AI, and cutting-edge image and video generation models, while pioneering compact on-device LLMs to push the boundaries of AI efficiency and accessibility.

  • AI Infrastructure: Building Scalable AI through Open-Source Innovation

Advancing frameworks for AI training, inference, fine-tuning, and reinforcement learning, optimizing on-device inference solutions, and enabling seamless large-scale cloud deployments to empower next-generation AI capabilities.

  • AI Apps: Transforming Industries with Open-Source AI

Revolutionizing healthcare, finance, and creative tools with community-driven AI models, integrating frameworks for open-source AI app development, smart tools, retrieval-augmented generation, front-end AI applications, personal AI assistants, future AI operating systems, and intelligent AI hardware.

  • Embodied AI: Advancing Open-Source Robotics

Innovating community-driven robot designs, expanding open datasets, developing advanced visual-language models, and shaping policy frameworks that define the future of automated systems.

  • AI for Science: Pushing Scientific Boundaries with AI

Empowering breakthroughs in mathematics, materials design, drug discovery, astrophysics, and computer systems through open-source AI research.

  • Global Open-Source AI Collaboration: Strengthening the Open-Source AI Ecosystem

Expanding global knowledge sharing, collaborative dataset development, transparent AI governance, and robust open-source infrastructure to drive continuous AI innovation worldwide.

We sincerely invite global technologists, researchers, and open-source enthusiasts to apply to speak, exploring cutting-edge technological advancements and best practices in innovation. Through speeches, interviews, and more, the event aims to spark inspiration, foster cross-disciplinary collaboration, and promote the prosperity of the global open-source ecosystem.

Simultaneous interpretation services will be provided to ensure smooth communication.

Speaker Application: https://cfp.gosim.org/paris

Calling for AI Innovation Projects: GOSIM AI Spotlight Showcases Rising Stars

A flagship segment of the conference, GOSIM AI Spotlight, will select 10 exceptional open-source AI projects from around the world, offering travel subsidies (covering airfare and accommodation) and a platform for exchange and showcase at GOSIM AI Paris 2025.

Participants will gain:

  • Spotlight on Innovation: Present groundbreaking open-source AI projects, highlighting their creativity and potential impact, with professional evaluation and a global stage to attract attention.
  • Increased Exposure: Gain visibility among a wider audience and deeper recognition within the global tech community, opening doors to collaborators and users.
  • Fostering Collaboration: Build a sense of belonging in the AI ecosystem through shared goals and teamwork, connecting with top developers, experts, and enthusiasts.
  • Holistic Growth: Receive comprehensive support from mentors and resources to help your project thrive.

GOSIM AI Spotlight is more than an opportunity—it’s a collision of ideas and a celebration of innovation. Join global AI experts and developers to explore the future of open-source AI models, showcase your projects, and expand your network.

Application: https://spotlight.gosim.org/ai

Sponsor GOSIM AI Paris 2025: Share in Global AI Ecosystem Innovation

To ensure a high-quality conference experience for speakers and attendees, sponsorship opportunities are now open. By sponsoring GOSIM, you can elevate your influence in the most innovative open-source community, unlock collaboration opportunities, discover promising projects, and connect with top talent. 

For more details on sponsorship benefits, contact: sponsor@gosim.org  (mailto:sponsor@gosim.org). 

Join us to focus on emerging open-source technologies, drive industry progress, hear from industry leaders, and grow alongside like-minded developers.

Exploring the Infinite Possibilities of Open-Source AI with Industry Pioneers

Register now to attend!

Beyond hardcore technical talks, the conference offers vibrant activities like live coding labs, interactive AI tool demos, and expert-led workshops, equipping you with practical skills and deep insights. Connect with over 600 leaders, researchers, and practitioners shaping AI’s future, and compete alongside industry pioneers while vying for exciting prizes.

GOSIM AI Paris 2025 will spotlight the latest trends in AI development, serving as both a technical exchange and a catalyst for the global open-source ecosystem’s growth. Witness cutting-edge research and applications, hear insights from top experts, and contribute to the advancement of open-source technology worldwide. Join us in Paris to co-create a new era of AI innovation.

Official Website: https://paris2025.gosim.org/

HKIAAC – At the forefront of the international anti-corruption cause

HONG KONG, March 6, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — The Hong Kong International Academy Against Corruption (HKIAAC), established by the Hong Kong Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) in February 2024 to spearhead both local and international anti-corruption training initiatives and experience sharing, is stepping into its second year with reaffirmed commitment.

The HKIAAC, with the full support of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government, has accomplished a myriad of initiatives over the past year. A total of 23 international anti-corruption training courses were organised, covering 72 jurisdictions worldwide, to promote international anti-corruption collaboration. The courses covered professional areas including financial investigations, assets recovery, forensic investigations, as well as leadership and executive development. Through these courses, an international network of over 2,616 alumni was established, bringing together the strengths of global anti-corruption experts.

Officers from the HKIAAC also travelled worldwide to provide customized trainings on capacity building, reaching out to places far and wide, including Mali, Kazakhstan, Greece, Panama, Mongolia, South Africa, Brunei and Abu Dhabi. 

Locally in Hong Kong, the HKIAAC has organised 11 anti-corruption training courses catered for different professional sectors such as banking, insurance, property management, etc. The HKIAAC also successfully obtained the Qualifications Framework Level 5 accreditation (equivalent to a Bachelor’s Degree), which further affirmed its status as an internationally recognized top-tier anti-corruption training institution.

“These achievements demonstrate HKIAAC’s global reach and commitment to impactful anti-corruption training. The ICAC’s 50-year solid graft-fighting experience is our greatest edge. ICAC investigators were able to share with trainees their investigation techniques in real corruption cases, anti-corruption knowledge and best practices. We also seized the opportunity to exchange experiences with worldwide participants during trainings, thereby enhancing the graft-fighting capabilities of all parties and achieving a win-win situation,” ICAC Commissioner Woo Ying-ming said.  

The past year also saw IAACA’s efforts in forging collaborations with international organisations. Apart from partnering with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) to co-host various anti-graft initiatives, the IAACA will continue to expand its reach to ACAs around the world to form a powerful graft-fighting network.

Value co-creation in graft fighting

Looking ahead, the HKIAAC will focus on value co-creation in fighting corruption. Collaborations with international academia, including Peking University, Tsinghua University and The University of Hong Kong, the HKIAAC are underway to conduct in-depth studies and research projects on corruption-related topics, from the promulgation of integrity-related public values, social support for fighting corruption, to corruption prevention initiatives. Through interactions and exchanges with different academic stakeholders in these projects, the HKIAAC looks forward to further enhancing its anti-corruption strategies and policies, and sharing significant research results with all graft-fighting counterparts around the world.

“HKIAAC is on a journey to expand global influence, further its reach through targeted initiatives, and amplify its impact in the international anti-corruption arena,” Commissioner Woo said.

Huawei’s Smart String & Grid Forming ESS Triumphs in Extreme Ignition Test

SHENZHEN, China, March 6, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Huawei Digital Power’s Smart String & Grid Forming Energy Storage System (ESS) has successfully passed the extreme ignition test, witnessed by customers and DNV, a globally recognized independent organization in assurance and risk management. This groundbreaking test, conducted under real-world scenarios and innovative methodologies, validates the ESS’s capabilities in extreme conditions, marking a significant milestone in advancing safety standards for the energy storage industry.

Huawei's Smart String & Grid Forming ESS Triumphs in Extreme Ignition Test
Huawei’s Smart String & Grid Forming ESS Triumphs in Extreme Ignition Test

Verification in Extreme Conditions: All-Scenario Ignition Test

Aligned with the international standard UL 9540A test method, Huawei Digital Power elevated the rigor of the test by significantly increasing the number of cells subjected to thermal runaway. This approach comprehensively verified the safety protection capabilities of the Smart String & Grid Forming ESS in extreme ignition scenarios, setting a new benchmark for safety testing.

Highlight 1: Real-World Verification with 100% Mass-Produced Products

The test was conducted under conditions that strictly mirrored real-world applications. Four Smart String & Grid Forming ESSs (containers A, B, C, and D) were actual mass-produced products. Charged to 100% state of charge (SOC), they were deployed according to the minimum maintenance and safety clearances required for a plant. The entire test process was spontaneous, with no manual intervention, ensuring a realistic and comprehensive system-level extreme verification environment.

Highlight 2: Triggering 12 Cells into Thermal Runway Causes No Fire or Explosion after Multiple Ignition Attempts

In conventional ESSs, thermal runaway in a single cell often leads to the release of combustible gases into the container, resulting in fire or explosion. However, in Huawei’s Smart String & Grid Forming ESS (container A), thermal runaway occurred in 12 cells without incident. The system’s innovative combined defense mechanism—positive pressure oxygen barrier and directional smoke exhaust duct—effectively vented combustible gases. Manual ignition did not trigger fire or explosion, and the safety issue was automatically resolved. This demonstrates the ESS’s ability to prevent fire and fault spread at the battery pack level.

Highlight 3: Ultimate Fire Resistance Capability Prevents Propagation under Maximum Oxygen Supply Combustion Scenario

To simulate large-scale burning scenarios, the test progressively increased the number of thermal runaway cells until the entire battery pack was affected while providing maximum oxygen supply to create stricter combustion conditions. Despite these challenges, the highest cell temperature in adjacent containers B, C, and D reached only 47°C—far below the thermal runaway threshold. Post-test disassembly confirmed the integrity of the ESS body, fire-resistant layer, and internal battery packs, proving the system’s resilience in extreme scenarios.

Highlight 4: Slow Fault Progression Provides Critical Time for Early Intervention to Avoid Serious Accidents

A conventional ESS risks immediate fire or explosion upon thermal runaway in a single cell, often leading to severe accidents. In contrast, Huawei’s ESS (container A) delayed fire ignition for 7 hours in extreme scenarios, even as the number of thermal runaway cells increased. This slow fault progression allows emergency personnel ample time for early intervention, mitigating risks and ensuring the safety of personnel and property.

Huawei's Smart String & Grid Forming ESS Triumphs in Extreme Ignition Test
Huawei’s Smart String & Grid Forming ESS Triumphs in Extreme Ignition Test

Technical Breakthrough: Redefining ESS Safety Logic

ESS safety is critical to the sustainable and high-quality development of the renewable energy industry. The success of this test underscores Huawei Digital Power’s major breakthrough in system safety, delivering comprehensive protection from the battery cell level to across the entire system. Through architectural innovation, the company has enhanced the safety protection mechanism of the ESS from the container level (industry standard) to the pack level, effectively preventing thermal runaway spread.