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“Demon child” Nezha: How he captured the hearts of global viewers

BEIJING, Feb. 21, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — A news report from China.org.cn on the Chinese blockbuster “Ne Zha 2”:


“Demon child” Nezha: How he captured the hearts of global viewers

As the little boy with his two dark eye circles goes viral, the Chinese animated film “Ne Zha 2: Demon Child Conquers the Sea” has become the biggest blockbuster five years after its prequel was screened. First becoming the highest-grossing movie in China and even Asia, then climbing up the ladder at the global box office, the animation has made its name before all the Hollywood-made highest-grossing movies.

Last week, “Ne Zha 2” made its way into offshore cinemas, setting new records with each passing day.

Those who have watched it proved it to be worth the experience. 138 Chinese home-grown animation teams pooled efforts and weaved over 1,900 special effects shots, and more than 10,000 special effect elements, presenting the audience with meticulous yet grand spectacles. Strengthening the prowess is craftsmanship: Creative teams took about six months to finish the storyboard for one minute of motions; a saber was iterated about 200 times, taking a year and a half to perfect…

The quality animation work is also rooted in unique Chinese culture. For example, the story set that Nezha and Aobing, the two leading characters were seemingly born to oppose each other, yet their fates were intertwined, implying the Taoist philosophy where yin and yang generate and counteract with each other, forming a dialectical unity. On character design, the boundary guardian beasts were inspired by the golden and bronze masks excavated from the Sanxingdui and Jinsha Ruins. Even for its background music, unique folk music was adopted: The Grand Song of the Dong ethnic group was used to help express an ethereal feeling, and throat singing (Khoomei), a traditional art form of the Mongolian ethnic group was used to help strengthen the gloomy atmosphere.

These are yet to be the most appealing part.

In “Ne Zha 1,” the “demon child” Nezha was faced with prejudices and misunderstandings, while he shouted out the iconic line “I’m the master of my own destiny.” In its sequel, the boy fought against oppression and unfairness with his life for what he wanted to guard — “If there’s no path ahead, I will forge one out!” Such spirits of fighting against oppression and sticking to what’s important were also embodied in Aobing and numerous other characters in the film. When the characters from different clans with various identities joined forces to stand against what’s imposed on them, the most genuine and intuitive power spilled over to real life — combating one’s destiny and pursuing self-value is instinctive to human will, immune to differences in cultures, nationalities or identities, which strikes strong resonance in filmgoers.

Many among the audience also shed tears for the most sincere and selfless love from Mother; many felt great sympathy for Shen Gongbao, who worked diligently but never got what he deserved; and many have different understandings but are equally touched by the “youthful passion” of Nezha and Aobing who attempt to change the world.

One can say, the quality animated production and the profound culture it crystallizes are what glittered the movie, but what really brings the work to the global audience’s hearts, is the common pursuit of humanity, which was penetrated throughout the story.

If you get a chance, go learn the story of Nezha. I bet you will love this naughty kid.

China Mosaic 
http://www.china.org.cn/video/node_7230027.htm 

“Demon child” Nezha: How he captured the hearts of global viewers
http://www.china.org.cn/video/2025-02/21/content_117726744.htm 

NYSE CONTENT ADVISORY: PRE-MARKET UPDATE FOR FEBRUARY 21ST

NEW YORK, Feb. 21, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — The New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) is proud to offer a daily pre-market update directly from the NYSE Trading Floor. Access today’s NYSE Pre-market update for market insights before trading begins. 

 

NYSE CONTENT ADVISORY: PRE-MARKET UPDATE FOR FEBRUARY 21ST

Kristen Scholer delivers the pre-market update on February 21st

  • Investors turn focus to consumer sentiment data
  • Stocks moved higher in extended trade early Friday
  • Walmart says levies on imports from Canada & Mexico will impact retailer

Watch NYSE TV Live every weekday 9:00-10:00am ET 

 

upGrad Concludes Singapore Immersion, Strengthening Global Leadership Talent Pipeline

SINGAPORE, Feb. 21, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — upGrad, Asia’s leading integrated skilling and lifelong learning platform, successfully concluded its exclusive 5-day immersion program in Singapore for learners enrolled in the Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) in Emerging Technologies with Generative AI from Golden Gate University (GGU), San Francisco.

upGrad's Singapore Immersion Learners Group
upGrad’s Singapore Immersion Learners Group

Now in its second edition, the Singapore immersion brought together over 60 seasoned professionals from around the world, including Singapore, India, Canada, the USA, the Philippines, Hong Kong, the UK, South Africa, and across EMEA. Participants, with 10 to 40 years of professional experience, ranged from C-suite executives to senior managers, all aiming to advance into strategic leadership roles or deepen their expertise as subject-matter leaders.

Under the theme ‘Connect, Create, Collaborate’, learners presented their final dissertation topics, fostering meaningful peer-to-peer exchanges. The program also featured exclusive faculty-led sessions and high-value networking opportunities, creating a rich and immersive academic experience.

The upGrad-powered DBA program is designed to equip senior professionals with advanced leadership frameworks, research-driven decision-making tools, and cross-industry insights, empowering them to drive strategic transformations in AI and automation-led business landscapes.

Prof. Jay Gonzalez, Founding Dean, GGU Worldwide, remarked, “The partnership between Golden Gate University and upGrad brought together an exceptional group of professionals from four continents, each contributing pioneering research and disruptive business strategies. As AI continues to reshape our world, this program highlights not only its vast potential but also the importance of understanding its complexities and challenges.”

With AI adoption in the Asia-Pacific region expected to accelerate over the next five years, the demand for AI-skilled talent remains unmet—75% of employers still struggle to find qualified professionals, according to industry reports.

Myleeta AgaWilliams, CEO, Consumer Business—International, upGrad, emphasized, “Leadership transformation is now a global priority. As AI redefines business landscapes, programs like our DBA are essential for building a future-ready talent pipeline. While Gen Z may be digital natives, it’s equally critical to upskill senior leaders, enabling them to navigate and lead in this evolving era. The diversity of professionals in this cohort highlights both the existing leadership gap and the growing demand for lifelong learning beyond traditional timelines.”

In 2024, upGrad saw a 30% increase in enrollments from professionals aged 50+, highlighting a broader shift towards continuous learning. While Indian senior professionals are gravitating towards Digital Marketing, MBAs, and Data Science Bootcamps, international learners, especially from APAC and North America, are increasingly opting for DBA programs.

About upGrad

Started in 2015, upGrad is one of Asia’s largest integrated Learning, Skilling, and Workforce Development majors offering a range of online & hybrid skilling programs, Certifications, and Bootcamps under its B2C portfolio. It also facilitates top Indian and global universities to offer their Diploma, Master’s and Executive Doctorates. Select programs are tailored for Enterprise clients under the corporate skilling division, along with other recruitment and staffing services.

 

Zoomlion to Build Smart Factory for Aerial Work Platforms in Hungary

BUDAPEST, Hungary, Feb. 21, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — On February 21, 2025, Zoomlion Heavy Industry Science & Technology Co., Ltd. (“Zoomlion”) announced its plan to establish a modern smart factory for aerial work platforms in Hungary. The project, formalized through an agreement signed on Feb. 20, was highlighted at a press conference hosted by the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade of Hungary.

Press Conference Announcing Zoomlion's Aerial Work Platform Project in Hungary
Press Conference Announcing Zoomlion’s Aerial Work Platform Project in Hungary

Strategically located in Tatabánya at the intersection of major highway networks, the factory will serve as a vital hub linking Eastern and Western Europe’s key logistics routes. Once operational, it is expected to significantly strengthen Zoomlion’s presence in the European aerial work platform sector.

With a total area of approximately 250 mu (approximately 41.18 acres), the factory will be jointly developed by Zoomlion and CTP Group. The facility will be equipped with advanced intelligent, digital, and environmentally sustainable production technologies to manufacture a wide range of high-performance, premium-quality, and low-carbon aerial work platforms. By leveraging cutting-edge production processes and equipment, the facility will be better positioned to serve both local and European markets.

Once operational, the project is expected to create 800 local job opportunities, fostering economic growth and employment in the region. It will also strengthen collaboration with local supply chain partners, enhance synergy with local businesses, and actively cultivate a localized industrial ecosystem through a closely integrated, mutually beneficial partnership, further contributing to Hungary’s economic and social development.

In recent years, Zoomlion has been actively advancing its global business strategy through a “global village” mindset and a localized operational approach. The company has established 10 overseas R&D and manufacturing bases, with products sold in over 150 countries and regions. More than 50% of Zoomlion’s revenue now comes from markets outside China.

“We’d like to extend our sincere gratitude to all parties who have supported this project,” stated Zhan Chunxin, Chairman and CEO of Zoomlion. “We will accelerate project implementation according to the investment strategy, and bring the factory into operation in this year.”

AB Set to Launch on BitMart Exchange, Expanding Global Trading Channels

SINGAPORE, Feb. 21, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — AB DAO has announced that the AB token will soon be listed on BitMart Exchange, further expanding its global trading network, enhancing liquidity, and accelerating the worldwide growth of the AB ecosystem. This milestone will provide users with a seamless and secure trading experience while driving broader adoption of AB in the Web3 space.

As a leading global cryptocurrency exchange, BitMart offers a secure and efficient trading environment for users worldwide. The listing of AB on BitMart will enable more users to trade, invest, and actively participate in the AB ecosystem.

This listing is part of AB DAO’s global expansion strategy, with AB tokens being integrated into more major exchanges to expand utility and accelerate ecosystem growth.

In addition to BitMart.com, users will also be able to trade $AB on HTX (htx.com), MEXC (mexc.com), and 4E (eeee.com).

Stay Updated on AB DAO

Malaysia’s PM Anwar Calls for Strong Ties with China To Maintain ASEAN’s Economic Resilience

SHENZHEN, China, Feb. 21, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Malaysia officially assumed its role as the 2025 ASEAN Chair. On February 17, in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysian Prime Minister Yab DatoSeri Anwar bin Ibrahim stated that, to maintain ASEAN’s economic resilience, the region should address challenges in three key areas: supply chains, energy security and sustainable development, digital economy and artificial intelligence. He suggested that ASEAN and China could strengthen technological cooperation, promote sustainable development, and enhance the training of technical personnel in the future.


The Video of Telling China’s Story- The Friendship Circle of the Global Development Initiative

In recent years, China and Malaysia have deepened and solidified their cooperation. The TV program Telling China’s Story- The Friendship Circle of the Global Development Initiative ,produced by International Communication Center of Shenzhen Media Group, has showcased a series of successful collaborative projects between China and Malaysia. These include the large-scale flagship project East Coast Rail Link, cooperation in durian planting technology, and innovative collaboration in the e-sports industry, highlighting the win-win cooperation between the two nations.

Here is the program link:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w89UWVxA56U&t=1318s

 

MDJM Announces the Introduction of OpenAI’s ChatGPT Team to Promote Cultural Business Development and Innovation

LETHAM, Scotland, Feb. 21, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — MDJM LTD (Nasdaq: UOKA) (the “Company” or “MDJM”), an integrated global culture-driven asset management company, today announced the introduction of ChatGPT Team by OpenAI, a collaborative artificial intelligence (“AI”) solution, into its operations. ChatGPT Team offers access to advanced models such as GPT‑4 and DALL•E 3 and tools such as Advanced Data Analysis on the OpenAI platform. It additionally includes administration tools for team management. MDJM expects to utilize the AI solution in product development, consumer engagement, brand influence enhancement, and cultural IP creation, in order to reinforce its efforts in blending historical heritage with modern applications to foster cultural business growth and innovation.

MDJM is dedicated to developing a unique cultural IP that integrates British castles and Eastern gardens, to preserve them as assets reflecting historical and traditional cultural heritage. The Company specializes in crafting culturally immersive products and experiences that reflect classic virtues, reinforcing its vision of meaningful and value-driven cultural engagement.

By integrating ChatGPT Team, MDJM seeks to leverage advanced data analysis and content generation capabilities to optimize product design, improve storytelling, and enhance workflow efficiency. The Company anticipates that AI-powered solutions will help refine product offerings to align with consumer demand and MDJM’s cultural mission. Additionally, MDJM intends to use ChatGPT Team to support its historical and cultural research for its castle and garden restoration projects to preserve authentic narratives and architectural integrity. ChatGPT Team is also expected to enhance MDJM’s marketing and branding initiatives, to strengthen the Company’s ability to effectively communicate the historical and cultural significance of its properties and products. By improving storytelling and audience engagement, MDJM aims to expand its market presence and extend the reach of its cultural initiatives. A study by Harvard Business School and Boston Consulting Group found that consultants using GPT-4 completed tasks 25.1% faster and produced over 40% higher-quality results compared to those without AI assistance (Source: Harvard Business School & BCG, “Navigating the Jagged Technological Frontier” (hbs.edu)). MDJM expects to see similar benefits in operational efficiency and content strategy following this integration.

“As we continue to build and refine our business, we remain open to exploring tools and technologies that align with our long-term vision,” said Mr. Siping Xu, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of MDJM. “We believe that the integration of OpenAI’s ChatGPT Team is a step toward greater efficiency and deeper cultural engagement. As we expand, we will continue leveraging innovation to strengthen our market position and create long-term value for our shareholders.”

About MDJM LTD

MDJM LTD is a global culture-driven asset management company focused on transforming historical properties into cultural hubs that integrate modern digital technology with rich historical value. The Company has been expanding its operations in the UK, where it is developing projects such as Fernie Castle in Scotland and the Robin Hill Property in England. These properties are being remodeled into multi-functional cultural venues that will feature fine dining, hospitality services, art exhibitions, and cultural exchange events. As part of its broader strategy, MDJM seeks to position itself as a hub for artisan exchanges, art shows, and sales, leveraging its historical properties as platforms for promoting Eastern and Western cultural exchanges. This initiative reflects the Company’s commitment to furthering its global market expansion and enhancing its cultural business footprint. For more information regarding the Company, please visit https://www.ir-uoka.com/

Forward-Looking Statements

This announcement contains forward-looking statements. All statements other than statements of historical fact in this announcement are forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties and are based on current expectations and projections about future events and financial trends that the Company believes may affect its financial condition, results of operations, business strategy, and financial needs. Investors can identify these forward-looking statements by words or phrases such as “may,” “will,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “aim,” “estimate,” “intend,” “plan,” “believe,” “potential,” “continue,” “is/are likely to” or other similar expressions. The Company undertakes no obligation to update forward-looking statements to reflect subsequent occurring events or circumstances, or changes in its expectations, except as may be required by law. Although the Company believes that the expectations expressed in these forward-looking statements are reasonable, it cannot assure you that such expectations will turn out to be correct, and the Company cautions investors that actual results may differ materially from the anticipated results and encourages investors to review other factors that may affect its future results in the Company’s annual report on Form 20-F and its other filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.

Investor Contact:

Sherry Zheng
WAVECREST GROUP INC.
Phone: +1 718-213-7386

CLPS Incorporation Announces the Establishment of CLPS AI Innovation Committee, Ushering in Next Generation Intelligent Solutions for Businesses

HONG KONG, Feb. 21, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — CLPS Incorporation (the “Company” or “CLPS”) (Nasdaq: CLPS), today announced the formation of the CLPS AI Innovation Committee (CAIC). Led by Mr. Raymond Lin, CLPS’s CEO, CAIC is responsible for the strategic planning, implementation, and value realization of artificial intelligence (AI) technologies across the Company’s projects and client deliveries, developing high-quality, efficient, and intelligent solutions.

According to IDC’s report[1], the worldwide spending on AI, including AI-enabled applications, infrastructure, and related IT and business services, is expected to reach $632 billion by 2028. The rapid incorporation of AI, and generative AI (GenAI) in particular, into a wide range of products will result in a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 29.0% over the 2024-2028 forecast period. Meanwhile, the China Internet Network Information Center[2] reports that China’s AI industry has reached a core market size approaching RMB 600 billion, indicating a significant transformation of IT services driven by AI.

CAIC leverages cutting-edge AI tools, including OpenAI and DeepSeek, to create an intelligent engineering system that deeply integrates AI into every stage of IT development. This comprehensive approach spans from initial demand analysis and business process restructuring to intelligent solution design, code generation and transformation, automated testing, and ongoing operations. By focusing on AI-driven business process optimization and reengineering, CAIC empowers businesses to achieve successful digital transformation.

CAIC has developed a unique competitive advantage in fintech, particularly in modernizing legacy systems for financial institutions. In a Hong Kong bank’s loan system upgrade project, CAIC used AI to deconstruct legacy code, create a visual representation of program logic, and migrate the system from an undocumented legacy language to Java. This AI-driven approach significantly eased the project’s complexity compared to traditional methods. It successfully addressed the challenges of transforming a “black-box” system and facilitated a modernized architectural upgrade. This successful project demonstrates CAIC’s ability to provide financial institutions with a complete intelligent transformation solution, from code migration and architecture upgrades to business value enhancement.

Mr. Raymond Lin, Chief Executive Officer of CLPS, stated, “In early 2025, CLPS established five key innovation engines: AI, low-code platform, RPA, cloud computing, and big data. CAIC, building upon these engines, will develop our AI application strategy for the next three to five years, focusing not only on optimizing existing processes but also on fundamentally reshaping business logic to ensure close alignment between technology and our business strategies. CAIC will concentrate on cutting-edge technologies such as GenAI, machine learning, and intelligent automation, deeply integrating the CLPS’s RPA technology to create tailored enterprise intelligent solutions for clients in key vertical industries, including banking, wealth management, e-commerce, and automotive.”

About CLPS Incorporation

Headquartered in Hong Kong, CLPS Incorporation is a leading global information technology (“IT”) consulting and solutions service provider, primarily focused on serving global institutions in the banking, wealth management, e-commerce, and automotive sectors. As an IT services provider for a growing network of clients within the fintech and financial services industry, CLPS has expanded its business beyond core IT services, venturing into the loan, e-commerce, academic education, and tourism sectors. Through its diversified offerings, CLPS is committed to providing comprehensive services and solutions for its clients. The Company maintains 19 delivery and/or research & development centers to serve different customers in various geographic locations. Mainland China centers are located in Shanghai, Beijing, Dalian, Tianjin, Xi’an, Chengdu, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Hangzhou, and Hainan. The remaining 9 global centers are located in Hong Kong SAR, USA, Japan, Singapore, Malaysia, India, Philippines, Canada, and UAE. For further information regarding the Company, please visit: https://ir.clpsglobal.com/, or follow CLPS on Facebook, InstagramLinkedIn, X (formerly Twitter), and YouTube.

Forward-Looking Statements

Certain of the statements made in this press release are “forward-looking statements” within the meaning and protections of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Forward-looking statements include statements with respect to the Company’s beliefs, plans, objectives, goals, expectations, anticipations, assumptions, estimates, intentions, and future performance. Known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, which may be beyond the Company’s control, may cause the actual results and performance of the Company to be materially different from such forward-looking statements. All such statements attributable to us are expressly qualified in their entirety by this cautionary notice, including, without limitation, those risks and uncertainties related to the Company’s expectations of the Company’s future growth, performance and results of operations, the Company’s ability to capitalize on various commercial, M&A, technology and other related opportunities and initiatives, as well as the risks and uncertainties described in the Company’s most recently filed SEC reports and filings. Such reports are available upon request from the Company, or from the Securities and Exchange Commission, including through the SEC’s Internet website at http://www.sec.gov. We have no obligation and do not undertake to update, revise or correct any of the forward-looking statements after the date hereof, or after the respective dates on which any such statements otherwise are made.

Contact:

CLPS Incorporation
Rhon Galicha
Investor Relations Office
Phone: +86-182-2192-5378
Email: ir@clpsglobal.com