Home Blog Page 521

Yeahka Limited to Report 2025 Annual Results on Thursday, March 26, 2026

HONG KONG, March 16, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Yeahka Limited (Yeahkaor theCompany, stock code: 9923.HK), a leading payment and digital commerce technology platform in Asia, today announced that, on March 26, it will report its audited consolidated results for the year ended December 31, 2025.

Mr. Luke Liu, Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Mr. John Yao, Chief Financial Officer, Mr. Vincent Chan, Head of Corporate Development & Capital Markets, Mr. Derek Lai, General Manager of Finance & Board Secretary, and Mr. Arnold Yang, Senior Investor Relations Specialist, will host an earnings conference call on March 26, 2026 at 8:00 PM Beijing Time (8:00 AM U.S. Eastern Time).

Participation Method

  1. Please register by clicking the following registration link.
  2. Registered participants will be directed to the link with dial-in numbers and personal PIN code, or receive the information via the registered email. (For better call quality, participants from mainland China are encouraged to use this method.)
  3. Participants can also join the call by using the “Call Me” function. Choose the country code and enter their phone numbers then click “Call Me”. However, this function is not currently available in mainland China.
  4. Kindly register at least one working day before the event.
  5. Please dial in 15 minutes before the call is scheduled to begin and provide the personal PIN to join the call.
  6. Highly recommend Android users registering with Chrome or Firefox browsers, Windows users registering with ChromeFirefoxEdge browsers, iOS users registering with ChromeSafariWebView browsers, and macOS users registering with ChromeFirefoxSafariEdge browsers.

Registration Link

https://register-conf.media-server.com/register/BIb8b046c66dad430eb0ea2e10d96e37a1

A replay of the conference call will be accessible the day after the conclusion of the live call, by following link:

https://www.yeahka.com/conferencecall

About YEAHKA LIMITED (Stock Code: 9923.HK)

Yeahka is a leading commerce enablement technology platform dedicated to creating value for merchants and consumers. We strive to expand an independent commercial digitalized ecosystem to (i) provide seamless, convenient and reliable payment services to both merchants and consumers through our one-stop payment services; (ii) enable merchants to better manage and drive business growth through our merchant solutions; and (iii) provide consumers with local lifestyle services of great value through our in-store e-commerce services.

For more information, please visit https://www.yeahka.com/

Investor and media inquiries, please contact:

Yeahka Limited
Capital Markets Team
E-mail: capitalmarkets@yeahka.com

 

Thai King Makes First Royal Visit to Laos in Three Decades

Thailand’s King Vajiralongkorn and Queen Suthida have arrived in Laos for a three-day state visit. This is the first visit by a Thai monarch in 32 years.

On 16 March, Thai King Vajiralongkorn (Rama X) and Queen Suthida began an official three-day state visit to Laos, the first by a Thai monarch in 32 years. 

Vajiralongkorn, the 10th monarch of the Chakri dynasty, ascended the throne in 2016, making this his first official visit to Laos as King. 

The visit follows an invitation from Lao President Thongloun Sisoulith and coincides with the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Thailand and Laos, first established in 1950. 

The last Thai royal visit was made by the late King Bhumibol Adulyadej (Rama IX) and Queen Sirikit, the parents of King Rama X, in April 1994.

On the second day, the King and Queen are scheduled to hold an official audience at the Presidential Palace (Hor Kham), where they will meet with President Thongloun and his wife, and grant a private audience to Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone and National Assembly President Xaysomphone Phomvihane. 

The day is set to conclude with a traditional Baci ceremony and a royal dinner hosted by the Lao President.

During the visit, the royal couple is also expected to pay respects at Thatluang Stupa, the sacred national Buddhist stupa in Vientiane, and tour the Ancient Lao Silk Hall, where they will observe exhibitions of traditional Lao silk and handicrafts. 

They are additionally scheduled to visit the Huayxone-Huayxua Agricultural Development Service Center (KM 22), a project originally established under King Bhumibol Adulyadej. 

The visit builds on recent bilateral engagements, including a meeting between King Vajiralongkorn and Lao President Thongloun in December 2025 at the inauguration of the 5th Lao-Thai Friendship Bridge (Bolikhamxay-Bueng Kan), and follows the April 2025 visit of Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn, the King’s younger sister.

The royal couple is scheduled to depart Laos on 18 March, concluding a visit that reaffirms the enduring friendship, cultural affinity, and cooperation between Thailand and Laos across 75 years of diplomatic relations.

Laos Moves to Stabilize Fuel Supply as Over 1,000 Stations Reported Closed

Lao Authorities are stepping up efforts to stabilize the country’s fuel supply after more than 1,000 fuel stations were reported closed nationwide, and many people are queuing up for fuel.

Lao Authorities are stepping up efforts to stabilize the country’s fuel supply after more than 1,000 fuel stations were reported closed nationwide, and many people are queuing up for fuel.

According to data published by the Department of Internal Trade on 11 March, Laos had a total of 2,538 fuel stations across the country. Of these, 1,061 stations were reported closed, while 1,477 remained open.

Some provinces have been more affected than others. In Vientiane Province, 121 out of 207 fuel stations were reported closed, leaving 86 still operating. Xieng Khouang Province also reported high closure rates, with 121 out of 153 stations closed and only 32 stations continuing to operate.

Meanwhile, hundreds of people are lining for gas, which causing traffic congestion and fear of fuel shortages. 

To address this, the government ordered nationwide inspections of fuel supplies on 13 March following reports that many gas stations had temporarily closed, ran out of fuel, or restricted fuel sales. 

Authorities have been tasked with checking fuel stocks at stations and storage depots, reviewing supply contracts, and examining delivery and sales records dating back to 1 February to determine the causes of the disruptions.

Officials said inspections will continue as authorities monitor fuel distribution and investigate possible causes of the closures, including supply disruptions, pricing concerns, and stock management at retail stations.

Three Fuel Stations in Champasak Fined

As part of the nationwide monitoring efforts, Champasak authorities fined three fuel stations in Paksong district for selling gas and diesel above the government’s regulated price.

During inspections carried out on 14 March, officials from the Champasak Department of Industry and Commerce found that the stations were charging significantly higher prices than the official rate set for the province.

At the Bounmy gas station in Lak 11 village, gasoline was sold at LAK 38,000 (USD 1.76) per litre, while diesel was priced at LAK 39,000 (USD 1.81) per litre.

2 Phetsavanh gas stations located in Thongkataiy village and Xe Pian village were also found selling gasoline at LAK 39,670 (USD 1.84) per litre and diesel at LAK 41,370 (USD 1.92) per litre.

The official fuel prices in Champasak on 14 March were LAK 32,530 (USD 1.51) per litre for gasoline and LAK 32,920 (USD 1.53) per litre for diesel.

Authorities issued formal violation reports and imposed fines of LAK 50 million (USD 2,330) on the operators. Officials warned that repeated violations could lead to heavier penalties, including fines of up to LAK 100 million (USD 4,662) or the suspension of the station’s business license.

Cuts Import Tax and Allocates Support Fund

In a separate move to ease pressure on the fuel market, the Ministry of Industry and Commerce announced on 16 March that the import tax on special gasoline 95 will be reduced from 20 percent to 15 percent, bringing it in line with the tax rate applied to regular gasoline 91.

The decision was discussed during consultations involving government officials, the Bank of the Lao PDR, and representatives from the fuel industry.

Officials said the tax reduction is intended to lower fuel import costs and help stabilise retail prices at gas stations across the country.

The government also plans to allocate between LAK 300 billion and LAK 600 billion from a dedicated fuel support fund to help manage supply and reduce the impact of global oil price fluctuations.

Authorities said the funding will be used to support fuel distribution and stabilise domestic prices, particularly during periods when international fuel markets experience significant volatility. 

The measure is intended to prevent sharp price increases and maintain stable fuel availability for consumers across Laos.

WeBank Wins Four Awards from The Asian Banker, Gaining International Recognition for its Digital Inclusive Finance Practices

SHANGHAI, March 16, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — At The Asian Banker “Global Excellence In Retail Finance Awards Ceremony And Gala Dinner 2026″on 12 March, WeBank received four major awards in recognition of its technological innovation and inclusive finance capabilities. The Bank once again retained the titles of “Best Digital Bank in Asia Pacific”and “Best Digital Bank in China”. It also secured two additional awards for the first time: “Best SME Bank in China (Digital Bank) “and “Best Customer Experience Initiative in Asia Pacific” for its Weilidai sign-language customer service initiative.

WeBank Wins Four Awards from The Asian Banker
WeBank Wins Four Awards from The Asian Banker

The Asian Banker Excellence Award Programme is widely regarded as one of the most authoritative awards in the global financial industry, with assessment standards that align with the highest international benchmarks. Renowned for its professionalism, impartial and rigorous judging process, and broad industry coverage, the programme is consistently recognised by financial institutions and research bodies alike. It attracts extensive participation from banks and fintech platforms across the Asia Pacific region, and its influence now extends well beyond the region to financial markets worldwide.

Seven Consecutive Years of “Best in Asia Pacific”: Demonstrating Digital Banking Excellence

Over the past decade, digital banking has expanded rapidly worldwide. The number of licensed digital banks has surged from 48 in 2014 to more than 400 today, driven by flexible, efficient technological frameworks and innovative service models. These institutions have increasingly moved beyond the constraints of traditional financial services, establishing a distinctive path for digital-inclusive development.

As China’s first digital bank, WeBank has placed technology at the centre of its strategy, and through its innovative business practices has positioned itself as a widely recognised global leader in digital banking.Leveraging its technological strengths, the Bank continues to broaden and deepen inclusive finance, addressing the financing challenges faced by small and micro enterprises, self-employed businesses and individual customers. As of the end of 2025, WeBank had served more than 430 million individual customers and over 7 million small and micro enterprises, using technology to bridge the “last mile” in inclusive financial services.

AI is reshaping the global financial sector. In response, WeBank took the lead in 2025 by advancing its “AI-native Bank”strategy, placing itself at the forefront at the next phase of technological transformation. The Bank has strengthened its AI foundation across infrastructure, toolchain development and diversified application frameworks, while deepening integration of AI across all business scenarios. This included reshaping organisational structures and governance systems to support a shift from a “digital-native” to an “AI-native” operating model. Powered by AI, WeBank is driving end-to-end business transformation and setting the direction for the future of digital banking. The Bank has already deployed more than 100 AI application scenarios, supported by over 800 AI agents and more than 60 digital employees. These capabilities underpin a full-process upgrade of financial services, improving operational efficiency, enhancing risk management and optimising customer experience.

At the awards ceremony, WeBank was recognized for its outstanding digital banking capabilities, retaining the titles of “Best Digital Bank in Asia Pacific” and “Best Digital Bank in China”. This marks the Bank’s seventh consecutive win of the Asia-Pacific award and its eighth win of the China accolade, prestigious international distinctions that underscore its leading position in the digital banking sector.

The Asian Banker noted that, underpinned by its leading digital technology capabilities, WeBank has developed a distinctive and differentiated model for inclusive financial services, establishing a commercially sustainable approach to digital inclusion. This model enables a broader segment of small and micro enterprises, as well as individual customers, to access financial services on an equal footing, supporting the high-quality development of inclusive finance.

Finance for Good, Staying True to Its Original Mission: Inclusive Finance and Warmth Gain International Recognition

During the panel, WeBank’s strong track record in serving micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) and its commitment to barrier-free innovation received high recognition during the selection, earning two major awards for the first time: “Best SME Bank in China (Digital Bank)” and “Best Customer Experience Initiative in Asia Pacific” for its Weilidai sign-language customer service project.

Small and micro enterprises are the capillaries of the real economy and core beneficiaries of inclusive finance. Since launching China’s first digital, unsecured working-capital business loan product “Weiyedai” in 2017, WeBank has continued to explore a commercially sustainable model for digital inclusive finance. By leveraging technology to address the “short, small, frequent and urgent” funding needs that often constrain micro and small enterprises, the Bank has broadened access to timely, affordable credit and strengthened support for the real economy.

As of the end of 2025, Weiyedai had covered 30 provincial administrative regions in China, received more than 7 million applications from MSMEs and sole proprietors, and provided credit services to more than 1.8 million clients for a total amount of RMB 1.8 trillion. The Asian Banker noted that these results reflect WeBank’s ability to harness digital technology to allocate financial resources with precision and efficiency, enabling countless micro and small enterprises across diverse industries to access timely funding.

Technology provides the engine, but WeBank aims to ensure the experience remains distinctly human. Guided by its mission of “Better Banking for All”, WeBank embeds a customer-centric philosophy throughout its service model and actively advances accessibility in financial services. As early as 2015, WeBank established a dedicated accessibility task force, launched remote video identity verification for “Weilidai”, and appointed full-time sign-language specialists to support customers with hearing impairments, ensuring they receive fast, convenient and secure financial services. “Weilidai” became the first bank-affiliated financial product in the industry to offer sign-language video customer service. To date, it has issued more than 265,000 loans to customers with hearing impairments, amounting to over RMB 1.17 billion.

Winning four major awards this year reflects strong international recognition of WeBank’s achievements in technological innovation, inclusive finance and customer service. It also underscores the Bank’s contributions to the wider community. Looking ahead, WeBank will continue to use technology as its core growth engine and inclusiveness as its guiding principle, further deepening financial innovation, enhancing service quality and efficiency, and providing sustained financial momentum to support the high-quality development of the real economy.

 

Ant International Becomes Official Sponsor of The Argentine National Football Team

  • Through the partnership, Ant International secures comprehensive marketing rights of the Argentine Football Association (AFA) and world-class players of the Argentine National Football Team to launch strategic activations across its brand portfolio, including Alipay+, Antom, Bettr and WorldFirst

BUENOS AIRES and SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 16 March 2026 – Ant International, a leading global payment, digitisation, and fintech solutions provider for merchants and financial institutions, today announced a partnership with the Argentine Football Association (AFA), becoming an Official Sponsor of the Argentine National Football Team for the Asia region (excluding the Middle East).

Leandro Petersen (left), Chief Commercial and Marketing Officer of AFA and Peng Yang, Chief Executive Officer of Ant International during a signing ceremony of the partnership.
Leandro Petersen (left), Chief Commercial and Marketing Officer of AFA and Peng Yang, Chief Executive Officer of Ant International during a signing ceremony of the partnership.

With over 30 offices around the world, Ant International provides AI- and blockchain-empowered cross-border digital payment, treasury and digitalisation solutions for global merchants and financial institutions. Building on broad regional collaborations, its digital payment and account services connects 150 million+ merchants to 1.8 billion consumer accounts in the Asia Pacific by integrating 300+ of mainstream and alternative payment methods.

This agreement unites the reigning FIFA World Cup Champions with one of the world’s most innovative financial technology providers. Through this partnership, Ant International secures comprehensive marketing rights to launch strategic activations across its brand portfolio, including Alipay+, Antom, Bettr and WorldFirst, by leveraging the intellectual property of the AFA and the world-class players of the Argentine National Football Team.

“We are incredibly proud to support the Argentine national team, a beacon of excellence, teamwork, and global inspiration,” said Peng Yang, Chief Executive Officer of Ant International. “Sports and tech are two critical bonds for communities and markets that break barriers and connect people. Together we will bring more extensive and enriched football experience and community impact through our Asia fintech and digital services network.”

With three FIFA World Cup triumphs in 1978, 1986, and 2022, and having reached the global final on six historic occasions, the Argentine National Team occupies a hallowed place in the pantheon of sporting legends. As the standard-bearers of the “Albiceleste” spirit, the team is defined by a century-old lineage of virtuosity and an unwavering commitment to the pursuit of glory.

“Football is the ultimate universal language. It serves as a powerful bridge that transcends borders and connects the entire world,” said Claudio Fabian Tapia, President of AFA. “Through this partnership, we are excited to bring that connection to an even wider audience in Asia.”

“This partnership is a commitment to long-term success and a strategic union of two global leaders,” said Leandro Petersen, Chief Commercial and Marketing Officer of AFA. “By joining forces, we aim to deepen our presence in Asia and achieve new heights in both sports and fin-tech.”

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

About Ant International

Ant International is a leading global digital payment, digitisation and financial technology provider. Through collaboration across the private and public sectors, our unified techfin platform supports financial institutions and merchants of all sizes to achieve inclusive growth through a comprehensive range of cutting-edge digital payment and financial services solutions. To learn more, please visit

Dreame Showcases AI-Powered Smart Ecosystem at AWE 2026

SHANGHAI, March 16, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Global premium technology brand Dreame Technology is exhibiting its full product portfolio and over 100 pioneering technologies at AWE 2026 under the theme “ALL IN DREAME,” occupying the entire E7 hall with eight dedicated zones. The showcase highlights Dreame’s expanding smart ecosystem across home cleaning, personal care, smart home appliances, and mobility solutions.

Flagship Cleaning Innovations Led by X60 Ultra

At AWE 2026, Dreame presents its latest breakthroughs in smart cleaning technology. The exhibition features multiple innovations in robot vacuums, including the 16-cm Flex Arm Technology, steam mopping system, and Matrix automatic multi-mop switching technology, alongside the 2026 Q1 flagship X60 Ultra series, designed to redefine the next generation of premium cleaning solutions.

The X60 Ultra features Dreame’s slimmest robot vacuum body at just 7.95 cm, allowing it to reach under low furniture and other hard-to-access areas. It is equipped with the world’s first Proactive Light Dirt Detection, which reveals hard-to-see messes—such as pet hair, particles, and light-colored liquids—and automatically adjusts its cleaning strategy for a more thorough, spotless result. With up to 8.8 cm dual-layer obstacle crossing capability and the AI-enhanced OmniSight™ navigation system, the X60 Ultra achieves millisecond-level dynamic obstacle avoidance while maintaining full-home coverage. The robot also delivers up to 36,000 Pa suction power and a newly upgraded DuoBrush System 2.0, designed to effectively lift embedded dust and debris from carpets. Its intelligent base station further automates the cleaning process, integrating 100°C mop washing, hot-air drying, automatic dust collection, and automatic cleaning-solution refilling, providing a fully hands-free cleaning experience.

Dreame X60 Ultra
Dreame X60 Ultra

Dreame also highlighted its AI DescendReach™ Robotic Arm—designed for edge cleaning and water‑residue challenges—which surpassed one million units shipped globally as of February 2026. In the stick vacuum category, the Air Series (Dreame Air and Air Station) emphasizes lightweight, automated care: the main unit weighs 1.19 kg, offers 360° maneuverability and 180° lie-flat cleaning, and pairs with an auto‑empty base enabling up to 50 days of hands‑free maintenance.

Expansion into Smart Living, Personal Care, and Home Appliances

Beyond cleaning technologies, Dreame also unveiled a series of innovations across personal care, smart home appliances, and kitchen solutions.

In the personal care category, Dreame expands its portfolio beyond hair dryers and stylers to include shavers and beauty devices. The Pocket Aura, an upgraded version of the Pocket Uni 3-in-1 travel dryer, integrates an AI sensor that detects the distance between hair and airflow, automatically adjusting temperature and speed to reduce scalp heat exposure while improving drying efficiency. Multiple attachments are automatically recognized to match different styling modes for straightening, curling, and finishing.

Dreame hair dryers
Dreame hair dryers

Another highlight, the Aero Straight Pro 2-in-1 Air Straightener, introduces a new airflow straightening technology that combines hot air for smoothing and cool air for setting. Powered by a 120,000 rpm high-speed motor and intelligent root protection mode, the device delivers professional straightening results while reducing heat damage.

For smart environmental appliances, Dreame unveiled the FP10 Air Purifier, especially designed for pet-friendly households. Featuring the industry’s first 360° fur collection system and a visible sealed storage compartment, the device captures and centralizes floating pet hair, reducing up to 99.5% of hair-related clogging that can impact purification efficiency. Its six-layer HyperMatrix™ filtration system and CataFresh™ enhanced airflow design simultaneously removes pet hair, allergens, and odors to maintain healthier indoor air quality.

Dreame also showcased a range of large home appliances and kitchen products, including the Z-Fresh AI refrigerator series with advanced food preservation technology, the L9 AI variable-frequency washer-dryer set, winner of the Asia Design Prize 2026, as well as new products tailored for Southeast Asia such as the S1 smart water purifier, PT60 portable air fryer, the dishwasher, and Z40 Pro Integrated Range Hood & Cooktop.

Dreame Home
Dreame Home

Strong Global Growth and Southeast Asia Leadership

Dreame currently ranks No.1 in robot-vacuum market share across 18 countries, with market share exceeding 50% in several markets. In Southeast Asia, the brand continues to strengthen its leadership in smart cleaning and has also secured a leading market share on Shopee across the region. Leveraging its strong omnichannel presence and localized operations, Dreame has begun expanding its major home appliance business across Southeast Asia, gradually rolling out in key markets including Singapore, Malaysia, Vietnam, and Thailand.

Looking ahead, as the Dreame HOME smart ecosystem strategy continues to roll out, Dreame will further deepen its presence in Southeast Asia, delivering more advanced smart products and enhanced service experiences to consumers while accelerating the development of a fully connected smart home ecosystem.

About Dreame Technology
Established in 2017, Dreame Technology is an innovative consumer product company that focuses on smart home cleaning appliances with the vision to empower lives through technology. For more information, visit https://global.dreametech.com 

Media Contact: seamkt01@dreame.tech  

InterSystems Honored with Four 2026 Best in KLAS Awards

Recognized for excellence in Acute Care EHR and Shared Care Records across Asia, Oceania, and Europe

SINGAPORE, March 16, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — InterSystems, a creative data technology provider powering more than one billion health records globally, today announced it has received four Global 2026 Best in KLAS awards. The company earned a #1 ranking for Acute Care EHR in Asia, Oceania, and France, as well as for Shared Care Records in Europe.

Best in KLAS is KLAS Research’s annual recognition of top-performing healthcare technology and services solutions, based entirely on feedback from healthcare provider organizations. Awards are given within defined software and services market segments evaluated by KLAS Research using a standardized methodology that reflects customer experience and performance. In addition to U.S. market segments, KLAS also recognizes top-performing solutions through its Global (Non-U.S.) Best in KLAS Awards, which are based on feedback from healthcare organizations outside the United States and evaluated using the same research framework.

InterSystems was honored with four 2026 Global Best in KLAS awards:

  • InterSystems TrakCare® received three separate Best in KLAS designations for Acute Care EHR in France, Asia, and Oceania, a rating that reflects strong feedback from healthcare organizations within each of these markets.
  • Shared Care Records (Europe): InterSystems HealthShare® was recognized as Best in KLAS for Shared Care Records in Europe for the third consecutive year, following prior wins in 2024 and 2025, based on feedback from healthcare organizations across the region.

“At InterSystems, our mission has always been to build solutions as a joint effort with real end users on their real problems and opportunities in their world. Receiving four Best in KLAS awards is incredibly validating because these honors aren’t decided by a panel of judges—they come directly from the feedback of the clinicians and healthcare leaders who use our technology every day,” said Don Woodlock, President of InterSystems. “These awards are a testament to our customers’ partnership and our team’s dedication to technical excellence and customer success.”

“The Best in KLAS awards recognize the vendors who consistently deliver excellence through partnership with healthcare organizations. Winning this award means customers trust you to help them succeed in our rapidly changing healthcare landscape. This means helping them to improve patient care, achieve better outcomes, and find true ROI. We’re honored to amplify the voice of providers and payers at KLAS, and to celebrate those vendors who turn feedback into action,” said Adam Gale, CEO, KLAS Research.

The complete 2026 Best in KLAS Awards: Global Software Report can be found here.

About KLAS
KLAS helps healthcare providers make informed technology decisions by offering accurate, honest, and impartial vendor performance information. KLAS monitors vendor performance through interviewing thousands of healthcare providers representing healthcare organizations throughout the US and across the globe. KLAS uses a simple methodology to ensure all data and ratings are accurate, honest, and impartial to help create market moving moments. Learn more at klasresearch.com.

About InterSystems
InterSystems, a creative data technology provider, delivers a unified foundation for next-generation applications for healthcare, finance, manufacturing, and supply chain customers in more than 80 countries. Our data platforms solve interoperability, speed, and scalability problems for large organizations around the globe to unlock the power of data and allow people to perceive data in imaginative ways. Established in 1978, InterSystems is committed to excellence through its 24×7 support for customers and partners around the world. Privately held and headquartered in Boston, Massachusetts, InterSystems has 38 offices in 28 countries worldwide.

Contact Media

Redhill on behalf of InterSystems
Regina Soejanto 
regina.soejanto@redhill.asia

 

2026 Global WLAN Industry Forum Convened in Barcelona, Fostering a New AI-WLAN Industry Ecosystem


BARCELONA, SPAIN – Media OutReach Newswire – 16 March 2026 – On March 2nd, the 2026 WLAN Global Industry Forum, hosted by the World WLAN Application Alliance (WAA), was held in Barcelona, Spain. Centered on the theme of “AI-WLAN: Envisioning a New Premium Intelligent WLAN Ecosystem,” the Forum attracted over a hundred participants from countries and regions worldwide, representing the full industry value chain—including technology experts, network operators, equipment vendors, testing and certification bodies, and research institutes and universities. By bringing together global WLAN resources on one platform, the Forum built a bridge for cross-regional and cross-sector collaboration, accelerating the WLAN industry’s global and intelligent upgrading empowered by AI, and underscoring a shared vision for coordinated development across the global ecosystem.

Panel Discussion on "AI-WLAN Innovative Points on Application and Standardization"
Panel Discussion on “AI-WLAN Innovative Points on Application and Standardization”

Today, the deep integration of AI and WLAN has become an inevitable trend in the global short-range connectivity industry. As the world’s first international industry and standards organization dedicated to WLAN application experience, WAA has taken the lead in advancing the vision of building a global hub for AI–WLAN technical exchange and standardization. By convening this industry forum, WAA brought together global consensus and international momentum to address shared challenges in the sector, while jointly exploring new pathways and paradigms for the converged evolution of AI and WLAN.

This forum was hosted by Luis Jorge Romero, CSO of the Comentropy Industry and Standards Innovation Service Center. In his opening address, ZHANG Ping, President of WAA, stated that the forum’s theme of AI-WLAN: Envisioning a New Premium Intelligent WLAN Ecosystem not only reflects the shared vision of the industry, but also demonstrates a collective commitment to action, work together toward a better digital future. In his welcome address, Gan Bin, Vice President of Huawei, noted that AI is transforming WLAN from “passive response” to “proactive prediction,” enabling networks to better meet differentiated, scenario-specific needs across industries. He expressed his hope that industry partners will join forces to help the global WLAN sector play an even greater role in the AI era.

International cooperation remained a central thread throughout the Forum and emerged as a key focus for participants. Together with international organizations, operators, and leading equipment vendors, WAA jointly released the “International Cooperation Initiatives on AI-WLAN Standardization,” outlining priority areas for collaborative innovation in AI-WLAN technical standards on a global scale. The Initiative lays a solid foundation for reducing standard barriers and advancing coordinated technology development.

During the Forum, WAA signed two Memoranda of Understanding—one with WBBA and another with GIIC—further expanding its international cooperation landscape and joining forces to usher the WLAN industry into a new phase of intelligent and global development. The Forum also featured the launch ceremony of the “Establishment of the WLAN Intelligent Sensing Industry Ecosystem Organization & Release of High-Quality 10 Gbps AI Campus Technical and Standard White Paper Ceremony.” These milestones will continue to deepen industry collaboration, accelerate technological innovation, and optimize application scenarios—working collectively to deliver a higher-quality and more efficient network service experience for users.

In the keynote session, speakers engaged in in-depth discussions aligned with the Forum theme, focusing on core topics such as AI–WLAN technology convergence, standards evolution, scenario-based deployment, and ecosystem co-creation. They shared forward-looking insights and practical achievements, offering ideas and direction to advance coordinated development across the global industry.

In his address titled “WLAN in Era of AI,” ZHANG Ping, President of the WAA, outlined four core directions for the development of AI-WLAN: wireless intelligence, operational intelligence, AI-WLAN security, and WLAN sensing with embodied intelligence, charting the course for the technological path.

Jim Lansford, IEEE Life Fellow, Chair of lEEE 802.11 Wireless Next Generation Standing Committee, stated in his presentation “The Next Generation beyond 802.11bn: the Foundation for AI-Native WLAN” that AI and machine learning can effectively mitigate interference, defend against quantum attacks, optimize physical layer parameters, and drive wireless networks to achieve capabilities for immersive entertainment and high-reliability, low-latency industrial automation, approaching the performance of wired networks.

SHI Chao, Deputy General Manager, Home IoT Product Department, China Mobile (Hangzhou) Information Technology Co., Ltd, shared insights in his presentation “From Connectivity to Intelligent Networking: China Mobile’s Leadership in the Intelligent Upgrade of AI-WLAN Home Networks.” He proposed that AI-WLAN serves as the “brain” and “nervous system” of the digital home, enabling autonomous network intelligence to proactively resolve issues before users even notice, thereby achieving proactive service delivery.

XU Fan, Chief Architect of Huawei Optical Access Network Product Line, proposed in his presentation “AI-WLAN Enables Ultimate Home Network Experience” that deterministic low latency (within 20 milliseconds) is a key enabler for cloud-edge collaboration, embodied intelligence, remote robot control, and high-definition live streaming for influencers. AI-WLAN is becoming the core foundation of the digital experience.

Bocar Alpha BA, CEO of SAMENA Telecommunications Council, emphasized that building an industrial ecosystem integrating AI and WLAN is of paramount importance. The deep integration of AI and intelligent wireless networks has become a foundational pillar for cross-industry digital transformation. WLAN has evolved from a supportive technology into a strategic infrastructure underpinning economic development. Promoting cross-regional collaborative efforts in WLAN standardization is fundamentally significant for ensuring the sustainable development and digital resilience of the digital economy.

Marcos Martínez Vázquez, MaxLinear, Rapporteur ITU-T Q3/15, introduced “AI Technologies in ITU-T Q3/SG15,” proposing that AI provides a mechanisms for in-premises communications to achieve cross-layer, cross-device, and system-level optimization that are difficult to accomplish with traditional methods, and that subsequent efforts will be made to strengthen alignment with international organizations such as WAA to avoid duplicate work and create synergies in standards development.

Tiago Rodrigues, Wireless Broadband Alliance President and CEO, noted in “AI/ML For Wi-Fi: Enabling Scaleable, Intelligent Wi-Fi Ecosystems” with operational complexity, AI and machine learning are becoming essential to keep networks reliable, secure and efficient at scale. The industry must align on common data, interfaces and governance, so that intelligent Wi-Fi can work across real-world multi-vendor environments and deliver value for all who use it.

LIU Guangfeng, General Manager of H3C Spain Office, shared insights in his presentation titled “AI-Driven WLAN for Enterprise: From High Speed to True Intelligence” on how manufacturers translate standards into products and services, achieving issue prediction, adaptive policy management, and zero-trust security through cloud-based models.

ISO/IEC JTC 1/SC 6 Chair Shin-Gak Kang noted in “ISO/IEC JTC 1/SC 6 Standardization toward AI-Enhanced Network Control” that AI can significantly enhance WLAN performance and user experiences without changes to PHY/MAC standards, and that future efforts should accelerate standardization of control and management mechanisms for WLAN environments, while recognizing physical capacity limits and leveraging AI technologies.

Ganesh Swaminathan, Vice President and General Manager of the Wireless Infrastructure and Networking at Qualcomm Technologies, introduced in “Enabling Reliable AI-Driven WLAN Experiences with Wi-Fi 8” how the end-to-end full-stack connectivity and computing capabilities based on the latest Dragonwing chip platform, leveraging Wi-Fi 8 and an AI-native architecture, provide high-bandwidth, intelligent access for home, 5G FWA and Fiber Gateway and industry scenarios.

Following the keynote speeches, a roundtable forum was held on the topic “AI-WLAN Innovative Points on Application and Standardization.” Moderated by Li Li, Chief Scientist of Standards at Huawei, the panel brought together Jim Lansford (Chair of IEEE 802.11 Wireless Next Generation Standing Committee), Marcos Martínez Vázquez (MaxLinear, Rapporteur ITU-T Q3/15), Shin-Gak KANG (ISO/IEC JTC 1/SC 6 Chair), WANG Xuemin (Chair of WAA TCS), DU Peng (Technical Director of Europe, New H3C Technologies Co., Ltd. ), and Chano Gómez (Senior Director of Product Management, Qualcomm Technologies, Inc.). They engaged in in-depth discussions on topics including AI-WLAN security, performance enhancement, experience optimization, and standards collaboration, building consensus for the practical implementation and healthy development of the technology and industry.

As major industry gathering combining strong professionalism with a global outlook, the 2026 WLAN Global Industry Forum not only provided a core platform for worldwide collaboration and exchange across the WLAN value chain, but also strengthened international consensus on AI–WLAN convergence and reinforced the foundation for global industry cooperation. WAA Secretary-General YANG He stated: “Building on the momentum of this Forum, WAA will continue to deepen the two-way integration of AI and WLAN, further strengthen international collaboration, and continue to serve as a ‘coordinator’ and a ‘catalyst.’ We will keep bridging global industry resources, deepen international technical exchange and standards cooperation, and promote outcomes that enable premium WLAN experiences to benefit users worldwide—together writing the next chapter of the AI–WLAN intelligent network ecosystem.”

Hashtag: #WorldWLANApplicationAlliance

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