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Rockwell Automation Revolutionizes Motor Controls with Smarter and Safer M100 Electronic Motor Starter

MILWAUKEE, March 31, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Rockwell Automation, Inc. (NYSE: ROK), the world’s largest company dedicated to industrial automation and digital transformation, today announced the launch of the M100 Electronic Motor Starter, enabling industrial organizations to simplify panel wiring and reduce component and engineering complexities with advanced functional safety solutions and more refined motor starting capabilities.  

Rockwell Automation M100 Electronic Motor Starter
Rockwell Automation M100 Electronic Motor Starter

Rockwell’s traditional motor starters lay a robust foundation for customizable motor control solutions including starting, stopping and protecting motors. Building on this legacy, the new M100 Electronic Motor Starter seamlessly integrates into intelligent motor control setups, boosting productivity and minimizing downtime. It serves as a cost-effective, space-efficient option, boasting an extensive range of features designed to improve performance across various applications. Notably, the M100 incorporates point-on-wave (POW) switching technology. 

The new M100 Electronic Motor Starter offers zero stacking with no derating up to 55C, providing flexibility in installation without compromising performance. Removable terminal blocks, available in both screw and push-in variants, add convenience and adaptability. The M100 also supports direct-on-line (DOL), reversing, and safety capabilities in the same form factor, showcasing its flexibility in various operational scenarios.  

“Our M100 Electronic Motor Starter represents a significant leap forward in motor starting technology and Rockwell’s motor control portfolio,” said Bill Meindl, business manager for industrial components, Rockwell Automation. “Its advanced features, including point-on-wave switching technology, significantly boosts productivity while minimizing valuable panel space, delivering a powerful solution that aligns with the evolving needs of the industry.” 

Embedded features such as electronic overload protection, phase loss detection, phase imbalance monitoring, and weld detection contribute to a comprehensive safety net, making the M100 an invaluable asset in critical operations. Additionally, with the growing importance of functional safety for end users, the M100 represents an expansion in the motor starting portfolio to now include SIL3 certified models, providing added peace of mind and compliance with high safety standards. 

Learn more about the M100 Electronic Motor Starter on Rockwell’s website or contact your distributor.  

About Rockwell Automation
Rockwell Automation, Inc. (NYSE: ROK), is a global leader in industrial automation and digital transformation. We connect the imaginations of people with the potential of technology to expand what is humanly possible, making the world more productive and more sustainable. Headquartered in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Rockwell Automation employs approximately 27,000 problem solvers dedicated to our customers in more than 100 countries as of fiscal year end 2024. To learn more about how we are bringing the Connected Enterprise to life across industrial enterprises, visit www.rockwellautomation.com

Eagle Eye Appoints Chief Revenue Officer, Jeff Baskin, to Accelerate Growth in North America

US-based retail technology leader joins executive team to direct sales, marketing and customer success as the company scales loyalty and AI-driven personalization solutions worldwide

WASHINGTON, March 31, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Eagle Eye, a leading SaaS and AI technology company that delivers loyalty, personalized promotions, and omnichannel marketing solutions for retail, travel, and hospitality brands, today announced the appointment of Jeff Baskin as Chief Revenue Officer. Based in the US and part of Eagle Eye’s executive team, Baskin will lead global sales and customer success initiatives, playing a key role in accelerating the company’s US and wider international expansion.

Baskin joins Eagle Eye with over 20 years of experience in the retail technology sector, where he has specialized in transforming revenue operations for companies serving grocery, convenience, restaurant, and big-box retail industries. His appointment comes at a significant time as the company embarks on the next stage of its development, positioning the business to deliver its stated medium-term ambition of $130 million in revenue and a 30% adjusted EBITDA margin.

“Jeff’s track record in scaling revenue operations and partnering with the largest retailers in the US and around the world makes him the ideal leader to join our recently expanded senior leadership team, which will drive our next phase of growth,” said Tim Mason, CEO of Eagle Eye. “His deep understanding of the retail ecosystem and proven ability to deliver solutions that meet the evolving needs of retailers will be invaluable as we continue to expand our international footprint by delivering more profitable personalization solutions to businesses worldwide.”

Prior to joining Eagle Eye, Baskin served as a Senior Partner at NexChapter, a strategic advisory firm focused on innovation in the grocery and convenience retail sectors. Before that, he served as Chief Revenue Officer at Upshop, where he successfully led global enterprise sales, customer success, and strategic alliances and helped the grocery operations software company through multiple acquisitions and a large private equity event in January 2024.

Baskin’s earlier career includes executive leadership roles at Radius Networks, where he spearheaded the launch of the Flybuy platform and established partnerships with major retailers, including Kroger, Walmart, and Chipotle. His experience also encompasses roles at EVERFI and Simplexity (formerly InPhonic), where he built strong relationships with Fortune 500 companies and contributed to significant fundraising achievements.

“Eagle Eye is addressing real challenges for retailers within the unified commerce ecosystem. Delivering real-time loyalty propositions and utilizing AI to achieve personalization at scale are top priorities for the majority of retailers right now and Eagle Eye’s AIR Platform and EagleAI solutions are leading the industry. The market opportunity is significant and growing worldwide, with the United States representing more than 40% of the total addressable market,” said Baskin. “The chance to help expand a business with proven capability—and to support brands in reaching customers more effectively—was a compelling one. I’m looking forward to playing a hands-on role in scaling our reach, capitalizing on the immediate opportunity the US presents, and growing the business globally.”

A recognized thought leader in the retail industry, Baskin is a frequent speaker at premier conferences, including NRF and GroceryShop. He has also hosted numerous webinars featuring top retail executives to address emerging trends and challenges shaping the future of retail.

Baskin’s appointment underscores Eagle Eye’s commitment to strengthening its senior leadership team and expanding in the Americas as the company works toward doubling its size to reach $130 million in revenue.

To speak with Jeff Baskin or for more information about his role at Eagle Eye, please contact Vanessa Horwell at vhorwell@thinkinkpr.com.

About Eagle Eye
Eagle Eye is a leading SaaS and AI technology company that enables retail, travel, and hospitality brands to earn the loyalty of their end customers by powering their real-time, omnichannel, and personalized consumer marketing activities at scale.

Eagle Eye AIR is a cloud-based platform that provides the most flexible and scalable loyalty and promotions capability in the world. More than 1 billion personalized offers are executed through the platform every week, and it currently hosts over 500 million loyalty member wallets for businesses worldwide. Eagle Eye is a certified member of the MACH Alliance and is trusted to deliver a secure service at hundreds of thousands of physical point-of-sale (POS) locations worldwide, enabling the real-time issuance and redemption of promotional coupons, loyalty offers, gift cards, subscription benefits, and more.

The Eagle Eye AIR platform is currently powering loyalty and customer engagement solutions for enterprise businesses worldwide, including Loblaws, Southeastern Grocers, Giant Eagle, Rite Aid, Tesco, Asda, Morrisons, Waitrose, John Lewis & Partners, JD Sports, Pret a Manger and the Woolworths Group. In January 2024, Eagle Eye launched EagleAI, a next-generation data science solution for personalization, which is already being used by leading retailers worldwide, including Tesco, Pattison Food Group, Carrefour and Auchan. Visit www.eagleeye.com to learn more.

Lockton launches Professional and Executive Risk, transforming its global financial lines business

KANSAS CITY, Mo., March 31, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Lockton, the world’s largest independent insurance brokerage, has announced today the unification of its U.S.-based Lockton Financial Services (LFS) and International ProFin teams under a single, global practice: Lockton Professional and Executive Risk.

This strategic integration brings together the expertise of more than 750 talented Associates worldwide into a single platform designed to further enrich Lockton’s ability to create and deliver best-in-class client value.

The new structure supports what Lockton has always done best—go beyond traditional insurance offerings by delivering an insurance and risk management experience that brings a truly global perspective. With greater global connectivity, Lockton Professional and Executive Risk will help clients address their professional, executive, financial, and cyber risks no matter where they operate.

“In today’s complex and interconnected environment, companies and their boards require a trusted partner that sees their risk holistically,” said Devin Beresheim, Executive Vice President and U.S. Head of Professional and Executive Risk at Lockton. “Lockton Professional and Executive Risk delivers tailored solutions to help corporate boards and C-suite executives proactively mitigate their most pressing risks on a global level, so they can focus on growing their business.”

“Through our globally connected team, we can ensure even broader knowledge sharing, deeper risk insights, and the ability to anticipate emerging threats with greater response and precision,” said Leo Flindall, U.K. Head of Professional and Executive Risk at Lockton. “The launch of this unified team is another milestone for Lockton, reflecting our commitment to continually improving our standard for client service.”

Lockton Professional and Executive Risk serves clients across a range of industries, delivering global insurance broking, risk advisory, and claims support for all major financial and professional insurance lines. Areas of expertise include directors and officers liability, cyber, general partnership liability, errors and omissions/professional indemnity, employment practices liability, fidelity/crime, fiduciary liability, insurance solutions for digital assets.

About Lockton

What makes Lockton stand apart is also what makes us better: independence. Lockton’s private ownership empowers its 12,500+ Associates doing business in over 140 countries to focus solely on clients’ risk, insurance and people needs. With expertise that reaches around the globe, Lockton delivers deep industry knowledge and product specialization with a passion for serving clients.

Samsung SDI Begins Production of 46-Series Cylindrical Batteries and Initial Supply for U.S. Customer

Larger-size cylindrical batteries produced for use in micro mobility and to be expanded for electric vehicles

Product portfolio diversified with 46-series addition, enabling the company to take market leadership

SEOUL, South Korea, March 31, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Samsung SDI today announced the company has embarked on production of 46-series cylindrical batteries with a diameter of 46 millimeters, known as the next generation of cylindrical batteries.

Samsung SDI employees pose for a commemorative photo at the first shipment ceremony of 46-series battery modules at the Vietnam subsidiary on March 28.
Samsung SDI employees pose for a commemorative photo at the first shipment ceremony of 46-series battery modules at the Vietnam subsidiary on March 28.

Samsung SDI has become the first Korean battery maker to start supplying 46-series batteries for overseas customers and plans to expand its customer base with this announcement.

The company said it recently commemorated the first shipment of 4695 battery modules at its Vietnam subsidiary.

4695 batteries, mearsuring 46 millimeters in diameter and 95 millimeters in height, are produced at Samsung SDI’s plant in Cheonan, South Chungcheong Province of South Korea, and assembled into modules at the Vietnam subsidiary. The modules will be initially supplied for an American customer for use in micro mobility applications.

Samsung SDI highlights the company has begun production of the next-generation products more than a year earlier than planned, owing to its differentiated manufacturing competitiveness, technological edge and quality management.

Samsung SDI’s 46-series batteries feature high-nickel NCA (Nickel, Cobalt and Aluminum) cathode and proprietary SCN (Silicon Carbon Nanocomposite) anode.

With the cutting-edge chemistry, the company has heightened both energy density and lifespan of the cylindrical products, while preventing the batteries from swelling as part of strengthening safety.

Samsung SDI has also adopted a tabless design for the 46-series, where the electrodes are connected directly to the current collectors without the need for traditional tabs. This has improved the current flow path and reduced internal resistance by 90 percent, providing higher outage.

In addition, 46-series batteries are about six times larger in energy capacity than predecessor 21700 batteries with a diameter of 21 millimeters and a height of 79 millimeters, enabling customers to use fewer cells for the same capacity.

Samsung SDI unveiled its 46-series lineup, consisting of four sizes (4680, 4695, 46100 and 46120) at InterBattery 2025, the largest trade show held in Korea, earlier this month. It has announced the company will commence mass production within the first quarter of this year.

The company is currently in talks with major electric vehicle manufacturers for supplies of 46-series batteries. With the start of the 4695 production, the company expects to supply for EV makers in the near future.

According to market researcher SNE Research, the global market for 46-series cylindrical batteries is forecast to grow from 155GWh this year to 650GWh in 2030 by an annual growth rate of 33 percent.

“With the initial supply of 46-series batteries, the company has diversified its product portfolio,” an official at Samsung SDI said. “The company will continue efforts to take the lead in the 46-series market with differentiated manufacturing technology and quality.”

About Samsung SDI

Samsung SDI, headquartered in the Republic of Korea, is a world-leading battery and electronic material manufacturer redefining the worlds of electric vehicles, energy storage systems and IT devices. The company drives transformation and innovation to emerge as a leader across the fields of e-mobility, energy solutions, as well as semiconductors and displays. The company commits to sourcing 100% renewable electricity across its entire global operations by 2050. For the latest news, please visit the Samsung SDI News at https://www.samsungsdi.com/sdi-news/list.html.

Ascletis Announces Positive Interim Results from Its U.S. Phase Ib Trial with ASC30, a Potentially First-in-Class Subcutaneous Injection Small Molecule GLP-1R Agonist

-Ultra-long-acting subcutaneous (SQ) injection formulation of small molecule ASC30 demonstrated a 36-day half-life in patients with obesity, supporting once monthly or less frequent administration.
-As previously disclosed, oral tablet formulation of small molecule ASC30 demonstrated potentially best-in-class 6.3% weight loss in patients with obesity after a four-week treatment.

HONG KONG, March 31, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Ascletis Pharma Inc. (HKEX:1672, “Ascletis”) today announces positive interim results from its randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled Phase Ib single subcutaneous (SQ) injection study (NCT06679959), conducted in the U.S., of small molecule ASC30 with three ultra-long-acting SQ injection formulations in patients with obesity (body mass index (BMI): 30-40 kg/m2).

The Phase Ib study investigated the half-life of three ultra-long-acting SQ injection formulations of ASC30 (100 mg, single injection), a small molecule GLP-1 receptor (GLP-1R) agonist, developed from Ascletis’ ultra-long-acting platform (ULAP). In each cohort, eight patients received one formulation of ASC30 SQ injection and two patients were on volume-matched placebo.

One of the evaluated three formulations demonstrated a 36-day half-life in patients with obesity after a single SQ injection, supporting once monthly or less frequent administration. In addition, this formulation is a sterile solution for SQ injection and stable around neutral pH, allowing for potential co-formulation and co-administration with other drugs or drug candidates. This formulation of small molecule ASC30 SQ injection is advancing into further clinical trials to evaluate clinical efficacy at doses above 100 mg.

The other two formulations, which have different chemical and physical properties from the formulation mentioned above, also demonstrated ultra-long-acting potential in patients with obesity.   

As previously disclosed, the oral tablet formulation of small molecule ASC30 demonstrated potentially best-in-class 6.3% weight loss in patients with obesity after a four-week treatment (Press Release).

ASC30 SQ injection was generally well tolerated, demonstrating a favorable safety profile in the Phase Ib study. No serious adverse events (SAEs) were reported. There were no Grade 3 or higher adverse events (AEs) observed. The majority of gastrointestinal (GI)-related AEs were mild (Grade 1). There were no elevations of liver enzymes including alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and total bilirubin (TBL). There were no abnormal findings in laboratory tests, vital signs, ECGs (electrocardiograms, including QTc intervals), and physical exams. Most injection site reactions of ASC30 were mild. There were no Grade 3 or higher injection site reactions.

ASC30 was discovered and developed in-house at Ascletis as a first and only investigational small molecule GLP-1R biased agonist designed to be dosed once daily orally and once monthly or less frequent subcutaneously for the treatment of obesity.

“We are excited about the 36-day half-life of ASC30 SQ injection from our Phase Ib study of potentially first-in-class once-monthly injectable small molecule GLP-1R agonist to treat patients with obesity,” said Jinzi Jason Wu, Ph.D., Founder, Chairman and CEO of Ascletis. “Once monthly or less frequent injection is critical in a market as large as obesity since it could save 75% or more devices and cartridges that are needed for once-weekly injectable medicines, in addition to enhanced compliance and convenience. Furthermore, ASC30 has the potential to offer both once-daily oral and once-monthly subcutaneous injection dosing options for patients, if approved.”

About ASC30

ASC30 is an investigational GLP-1R biased small molecule agonist and has unique and differentiated properties that enable the same small molecule for both oral tablet and subcutaneous injection administrations. ASC30 is a new chemical entity (NCE), with U.S. and global compound patent protection until 2044. 

About Ascletis Pharma Inc.

Ascletis is an innovative R&D driven biotech listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange (1672.HK), covering the entire value chain from discovery and development to GMP manufacturing. Led by a management team with deep expertise and a proven track record, Ascletis is focused on metabolic diseases by addressing unmet medical needs from a global perspective. Ascletis has multiple clinical stage drug candidates in its metabolic disease pipeline.

For more information, please visit www.ascletis.com.

Contact:
Peter Vozzo
ICR Healthcare
443-231-0505 (U.S.)
peter.vozzo@icrhealthcare.com

Ascletis Pharma Inc. PR and IR teams
+86-181-0650-9129 (China)
pr@ascletis.com
ir@ascletis.com

Neutrogena® and John Cena Team Up for the Ultimate Disappearing Act in New Ultra Sheer ® Mineral Sunscreen Campaign

The Brand’s Latest Mineral Sunscreen Addresses
Top Consumer Barriers to Daily Sunscreen Use

SUMMIT, N.J., March 31, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Kenvue Inc. (NYSE: KVUE) continues to push the boundaries of suncare product development with the launch of the Neutrogena® Ultra Sheer ® Face Liquid Mineral Sunscreen SPF 70. A December 2024 Kenvue research study found that 99% of healthcare providers believe if sunscreen offered better application and aesthetic experiences, patients would use their sunscreen more often1. The new mineral formula addresses these barriers by offering a high SPF with a lightweight, invisible finish. To raise awareness, the #1 suncare brand2 in the U.S. is launching a new campaign with an unexpected partner, actor and WWE Superstar John Cena, who, like the new sunscreen, is known for being invisible.

Actor and WWE Superstar, John Cena, and Dr. Neera Nathan star in latest Neutrogena® Ultra Sheer campaign 'Sunscreen You Can't See'.
Actor and WWE Superstar, John Cena, and Dr. Neera Nathan star in latest Neutrogena® Ultra Sheer campaign ‘Sunscreen You Can’t See’.

Inspired by the legendary ‘You Can’t See Me’ catchphrase, the Sunscreen You Can’t See campaign reinforces that while you may not see Ultra Sheer ® Sunscreen on your skin, the high-SPF mineral formula is working hard to protect you from the harshest UV rays. Joining Cena in the campaign is dermatologist and skin cancer surgeon Dr. Neera Nathan.

“I had a blast working on this campaign. It’s funny, but it also gets across a really important point—wearing SPF every day isn’t something you should skip,” said John Cena. “Neutrogena® Ultra Sheer ® Sunscreen is lightweight, not greasy, and honestly, it’s so sheer you barely notice it’s there.”

“As a dermatologist who removes skin cancers daily, I know sun protection is crucial for preventing sun-induced cancers and photoaging,” says Dr. Neera Nathan. “Ultra Sheer ® Mineral Face Liquid Sunscreen stands out for its lightweight, high-SPF mineral protection and invisible finish, which I hope will encourage more people to wear sunscreen daily.”

The Neutrogena® Ultra Sheer ® Sunscreen collection is designed for everyday wear, offering superior broad-spectrum UVA/UVB protection powered by proprietary Helioplex® and Purescreen® Technology. The advanced, fast-absorbing mineral formula ensures an ultra-light, invisible finish without the heavy, greasy feel, making sunscreen use effortless and enjoyable.

“At Neutrogena®, we’re committed to breaking down barriers to sun protection,” said Andrew Stanleick, Kenvue President of Skin Health & Beauty in North America, Europe, Middle East, and Africa. “By leveraging humor and cultural relevance, we’re making sun safety and daily sunscreen use a conversation people want to engage with, especially younger audiences.”

In 2025, Neutrogena® is strengthening its longstanding commitment to education and awareness for sun safe practices, while increasing the number of dermatologists engaged and sunscreen sampled. As the official sun care sponsor of the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival and Stagecoach Festival, the brand will offer complimentary sunscreen stations and education. Additionally, Neutrogena® is deepening its eight-year relationship with the Melanoma Research Foundation, surpassing $1 million in total donations over their relationship and partnering to host activations during Melanoma Awareness Month.

Furthering its impact, the brand will serve as an official sun care sponsor of the 2025 World Surf League, emphasizing the importance of sun protection for beach and water activities. To reach younger audiences, Neutrogena® has partnered with Young Minds Inspired to develop the Sun Safety for All program, providing education to students across the country and fostering lifelong sun protection habits at an early age.

About Kenvue
Kenvue Inc. is the world’s largest pure-play consumer health company by revenue. Built on more than a century of heritage, our iconic brands, including Aveeno®, BAND-AID® Brand Adhesive Bandages, Johnson’s®, Listerine®, Neutrogena®, and Tylenol®, are science-backed and recommended by healthcare professionals around the world. At Kenvue, we realize the extraordinary power of everyday care. Our teams work every day to put that power in consumers’ hands and earn a place in their hearts and homes. Learn more at www.kenvue.com.

About Neutrogena®
For over 90 years, Neutrogena® has been developing breakthrough skincare solutions that both advance clinical efficacy and provide incredible product experience, living into our Beauty to a Science platform. From science-led innovation to accessible education, we are driven by a mission to democratize skin health & beauty. Our products address skin needs across ages, skin types and tones. Neutrogena® is a brand of Kenvue Brands LLC, a subsidiary of Kenvue Inc.

Cautions Concerning Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains “forward-looking statements” as defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 regarding the launch of the Neutrogena® Ultra Sheer ® Face Liquid Mineral Sunscreen SPF 70. Forward-looking statements may be identified by the use of words such as “plans,” “expects,” “will,” “anticipates,” “estimates” and other words of similar meaning. The reader is cautioned not to rely on these forward-looking statements. These statements are based on current expectations of future events. If underlying assumptions prove inaccurate or known or unknown risks or uncertainties materialize, actual results could vary materially from the expectations and projections of Kenvue and its affiliates.

A list and descriptions of risks, uncertainties and other factors can be found in Kenvue’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 29, 2024 and subsequent Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and other filings, available at www.kenvue.com or on request from Kenvue. Kenvue and its affiliates undertake no obligation to update any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or developments or otherwise.

1 Sunscreen Perception Survey 2024 (December 2024) Kenvue – Dermsquared®
2 Nielsen L52W ending 12/28

Media Contact: 
Jenni Évora 
Communications Lead, Neutrogena
jevora@kenvue.com

Actor and WWE Superstar, John Cena, and Neutrogena® are redefining the concept of invisible sunscreen.
Actor and WWE Superstar, John Cena, and Neutrogena® are redefining the concept of invisible sunscreen.

 

Actor and WWE Superstar, John Cena, is the global face of the latest Neutrogena® Ultra Sheer SPF campaign.
Actor and WWE Superstar, John Cena, is the global face of the latest Neutrogena® Ultra Sheer SPF campaign.

 

 

XJTLU-Baidu AI joint venture launched

SUZHOU, China, March 31, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — On 26 March, Suzhou Pudu Co-Intelligence Technology Company, a joint venture between Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University (XJTLU) and Baidu Group, was launched as China’s first AI-focused joint venture co-founded by Baidu and a university.

AI+education: Redefining learning

Through AI-driven innovation, Pudu Co-Intelligence seeks to transform the whole education value chain, empower industrial evolution and cultivate localised service ecosystems.

The company will soon launch the Pudu Co-Intelligence AI Forum, bringing together Baidu’s chief scientists, XJTLU’s AI researchers, policymakers, and industry leaders to share their thinking on cutting-edge technologies, AI research, interpretation of relevant policies, and personal experience in industry.

The company will work with local players to integrate AI capabilities into software, intelligent devices, and computing infrastructure, ensuring rapid local response to industry needs that will extend AI’s benefits to all sectors.

In addition to regular Pudu AI forums and an upcoming white paper, the joint venture aims to launch the following:

  • The Pudu Co-Intelligence AI Learning Space, which will feature AI-powered teaching hardware and the company’s large-model training system, offering personalised learning paths, mixed-reality labs, and intelligent evaluation and feedback tools;
  • The Pudu Co-Intelligence Large Model Research Collaboration Platform, which will combine Baidu’s generative AI capabilities with XJTLU’s research scenario insights into a platform to optimise the research cycle, serving as a “super brain” for researchers;
  • The AI+ Professional Certification Programme, to certify the capabilities of academic staff, alumni, and managers in digital transformation; and
  • The Pudu Co-Intelligence Cup AI innovative application competition, which will be held with local governments and enterprises to connect industrial demand with teaching and research.

Pudu Co-Intelligence came from an existing cooperation between XJTLU and Baidu, begun in 2023. Early that year, the two jointly established the XJTLU-PaddlePaddle AI Industry Institute and the Baidu AI Cloud Qianfan Large-Scale Model Platform (Suzhou) Innovation Centre. That September, with the support of the government authority at Suzhou Industrial Park, the XJTLU-Baidu Artificial Intelligence Innovation Alliance was launched.

In 2024, the two parties signed a joint venture agreement. Dr Dou Shen, Executive Vice President of Baidu, remarked: “This joint venture with XJTLU represents Baidu’s deepening commitment to university-enterprise collaboration in AI.”

Professor Youmin Xi, Executive President of XJTLU, said: “By blending research and talent development at universities with real-world industrial scenarios, we can accelerate the translation of research into tangible applications, taking advantage of cutting-edge technologies, including AI.”

Hmong-American Deported to Laos, Family Seeks Support

Hmong-American Deported to Laos, Family Seeks Support
The 37-year-old Ma Yang, a Hmong-American who got deported to Laos in early March and her family. (photo credit: Daily Mail)

Ma Yang, a 37-year-old Hmong-American woman, was deported to Laos on 7 March, leaving behind her five children and long-time partner in Milwaukee, United States.