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City snaps up its photo opportunities

BEIJING, Feb. 21, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — A news report from China Daily:

A tourist dresses up and poses for photos at Harbin Railway Station. [Provided to China Daily]
A tourist dresses up and poses for photos at Harbin Railway Station. [Provided to China Daily]

Despite arriving in Harbin, capital of Heilongjiang province, at midnight, Bu Shengyao rose early the next day and spent the entire morning having her photo taken in front of Saint Sophia Cathedral.

“This is my most important task during my trip to the city,” said the 25-year-old from Hangzhou in East China’s Zhejiang province. “Wearing European-style royal attire and holding a scepter, I enjoy the experience of dressing up as a princess.”

The cathedral, one of the best-known landmarks in Harbin and a well-preserved example of Byzantine architecture in China, is open to the public as an architectural art gallery.

Bu said: “As such photos are quite popular on social media platforms, I booked my assignment with a travel photography studio in Harbin several days in advance. I have never seen such magnificent Russian-style architecture before, and I am really looking forward to receiving my photos.”

The Harbin branch of Daka Travel Photography has had 40 to 50 customers a day in the winter season.

Zhao Wenlin, manager of the business, said: “Most of our clients come from southern areas of China, such as Guangdong, Hunan, Jiangsu and Zhejiang provinces, as well as Shanghai. Their ages range from 8 to about 50.”

“Daka Travel Photography, which is based in Beijing, has branches nationwide, but the one in Harbin is by far the company’s busiest,” she said. “There are at least 100 photographic studios in surrounding areas, and our staff members usually work from 9 am to midnight.”

Harbin Railway Station, with its European-style architecture, has also gained fame on social media.

Since China Railway Harbin Group operated the first photography-themed train in early January, approximately 1,000 passengers have taken photos during the journey on Train K5197 running from Harbin to Yabuli, a ski resort cluster that has eight venues for the ninth Asian Winter Games.

The ongoing sporting event has attracted the attention of global tourists this winter, injecting strong impetus into the development of the local ice and snow economy.

As its snow and ice economy continues to boom, Harbin has once again jumped to the list of popular tourism destinations domestically and abroad.

Purpose-led giving by Dr Lillyn Teh: Second Gift of S$2 Million Follows Initial Gift of S$3.14 Million Gift to SMU

Provides 25 Additional Study Awards and Bolsters International Exposure for 250 Students

SINGAPORE, Feb. 21, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Singapore Management University (SMU) is proud to announce an additional S$2 million gift from Dr Lillyn Teh—her second major contribution following her initial S$3.14 million gift in April 2024. Her new gift is a timely boost for SMU in our silver jubilee year, expanding the Lillyn Teh Endeavour Study Award and launching the Lillyn Teh Global Endeavour Grant, reinforcing SMU’s commitment to breaking financial barriers and enriching student experiences.

Building on her first gift in 2024 — which provides eight non-bonded Study Awards per academic year over five consecutive years (AY2024/2025 to AY2028/2029) —this new gift adds 25 additional non-bonded Study Awards to be disbursed in AY2025/26. Each is valued at S$40,000 (S$10,000 annually over four academic years) to support tuition and study-related expenses.

In addition, 250 students will benefit from a S$4,000 Lillyn Teh Global Endeavour Grant each, allowing them to participate in overseas exposure activities such as international exchange programmes, short-term study programmes, or global internships. The gift expands SMU students’ opportunities for global exposure and enriches their learning experience in Asia and beyond.

A Commitment to Global Exposure

As Singapore’s first university to make global exposure mandatory as a degree requirement, SMU boasts a network of over 220 partner universities in more than 150 cities across 45 countries. This initiative ensures every student participates in an international experience—be it through exchanges, summer schools, overseas internships, or community service projects.

Strengthening Financial Support for All

SMU’s needs-blind admissions policy ensures that financial constraints never stand in the way of talent and student development. In AY2024, over S$10 million was allocated to financial aid programmes, while the refreshed SMU Access Plus scheme now covers full tuition and, for the lowest-income students, provides an annual living allowance.

A Legacy of Giving Back

Dr Lillyn Teh was an educator and taught at two American universities before joining the private sector, where she managed one of the largest US pension funds and was responsible for US$60 billion in global equities. Now happily retired, she attributes her personal success to the strong support and encouragement she received from her parents and is deeply committed to enabling young individuals to reach their full potential.

“Education is the foundation for success and a means to bridge socio-economic gaps. By empowering students with financial support and global exposure, I hope to help shape future leaders who are adaptable, creative, and ready to tackle new challenges,” said Dr Teh.

Strengthening SMU’s Commitment to Student Success

SMU President, Professor Lily Kong expressed gratitude for Dr Teh’s generosity, stating: “Dr Teh’s ongoing support for education underscores the profound impact that philanthropy can have on young lives. Her gifts will provide invaluable opportunities for students, particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds, to excel in their studies and gain international experience. Her continued philanthropy reinforces SMU’s mission to nurture leaders who are both locally grounded and globally competitive. This is an investment in our collective future.”

-END-

About SMU

A premier university in Asia, SMU is internationally recognised for its world-class research and distinguished teaching. Established in 2000, SMU’s mission is to generate leading-edge research with global impact and to produce broad-based, creative, and entrepreneurial leaders for the knowledge-based economy. SMU’s education is known for its highly interactive, collaborative, and project-based approach to learning.

Home to over 13,000 students across undergraduate, postgraduate professional and postgraduate research programmes, SMU comprises eight schools: School of Accountancy, Lee Kong Chian School of Business, School of Economics, School of Computing and Information Systems, Yong Pung How School of Law, School of Social Sciences, College of Integrative Studies, and College of Graduate Research Studies. SMU offers a wide range of bachelors’, masters’, and PhD degree programmes in the disciplinary areas associated with its schools, as well as in multidisciplinary combinations of these areas.

SMU emphasises rigorous, high-impact, multi- and interdisciplinary research that addresses Asian issues of global relevance. SMU faculty members collaborate with leading international researchers and universities around the world, as well as with partners in the business community and public sector. SMU’s city campus is a modern facility located in the heart of downtown Singapore, fostering strategic linkages with business, government, and the wider community. www.smu.edu.sg

Laos, Thailand Sign Four Joint Agreements to Strengthen Bilateral Ties

Lao Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone met with Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra during his visit to Thailand
Lao Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone met with Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra during his visit to Thailand

On 20 February, Lao Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone met with Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra during his visit to Thailand, aiming to strengthen the relationship between the two nations.

The leaders discussed expanding economic cooperation, boosting trade, investment, and connectivity. 

Lao Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone met with Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra during his visit to Thailand
Lao Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone met with Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra

They focused on developing key transportation routes, including land and railways, as well as the fifth Lao-Thai Friendship Bridge, which will connect Bueng Kan Province in Thailand to Bolikhamxay Province in Laos. The bridge is expected to be completed in December.

Other key projects include a railway bridge, the Mekong bridge Crossing River Chomphet-Luang Prabang, and enhancement Route 12 link to the East-West Economic Corridor. The 793-kilometer-long In Laos route 12 connects Thakhek in Khammouane Province to the Na Phao border checkpoint with Vietnam, the purpose of Route 12 the East-West Economic Corridor is to improve trade and logistics among Myanmar, Thailand, Laos, and Vietnam.

Lao Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone and Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra Unveiled the symbol of 75th anniversaries of diplomatic relationship Laos and Thai
Lao Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone and Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra Unveiled the symbol of 75th anniversaries of diplomatic relationship Laos and Thai

In addition, the two countries agreed to further collaborate on electricity grid interconnection, promote bilateral investment in agriculture, and focus on fuel imports in Laos. 

They also committed to continued cooperation in a variety of development sectors, including health, education, agriculture, natural resources and the environment, tourism, justice, and labor. 

TK Elevator secures strategic projects in Egypt’s New Administrative Capital to shape the future of urban mobility

  • TK Elevator secures orders for a total of 185 units in Egypt’s New Administrative Capital.
  • The National Bank of Kuwait and Misr Italia Properties chose to partner with TKE to support their respective projects in the new capital.
  • These prominent partnerships in the Middle East region demonstrate TKE’s capability to deliver innovative and reliable urban mobility solutions for the growth of future cities.

DÜSSELDORF, Germany, Feb. 21, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — TK Elevator (TKE), a global leader in vertical transportation and urban mobility, has secured orders for a total of 185 elevator units with two strategic collaborations in Egypt’s New Administrative Capital. This includes a milestone contract win with a returning customer, the National Bank of Kuwait (NBK), and a new customer win with Misr Italia Properties for its luxury boutique development, Vinci – COMO Lakes. These project wins underscore TKE’s reputation for supporting customer success through urban renewal and expansion with innovative mobility solutions that are essential for future urban life.

In 2019, TK Elevator supplied the NBK’s corporate headquarters in Kuwait City with 10 sets of TWIN systems and other mobility solutions. For this new project, the Bank ordered a total of 17 units of enta300 and meta100 elevators for its country head office in Egypt’s New Administrative Capital.

Misr Italia Properties, a leading real estate developer in Egypt known for its dynamic projects, is set to develop Vinci – COMO Lakes, a luxury boutique development in the residential heart of the new capital. The community will feature high-end villas with exceptional, sustainable designs, and 40 TKE elevators in the first phase of the development.

The New Administrative Capital is projected to be a significant growth driver for Egypt, with plans to include a new presidential palace, a new parliament building, areas dedicated to foreign embassies and government administrations, as well as various districts for business, finance, arts and culture, and an expansive green park. TK Elevator’s selection to support the mobility needs of these prominent customers for key strategic projects is a testament to TKE’s achievements in the dynamic Middle East region.

“TKE offers a full range of urban mobility innovation, from products, solutions and service that serve as the essential backbone for transformative projects like Egypt’s New Administrative Capital,” said Jürgen Böhler, CEO Asia Pacific at TK Elevator. “As cities evolve and expand, our technology is essential for seamless accessibility and connectivity, enabling them to move beyond.”

“We are thrilled to bring TK Elevator’s urban mobility solutions to the New Administrative Capital in Egypt,” said Ahmed Alaa, Managing Director at TK Elevator Egypt. “It is a pleasure to collaborate once again with the National Bank of Kuwait on its new head office, and we look forward to seeing the development of Vinci – COMO Lakes come to fruition. Elevators, escalators and moving walks are essential components for future cities. We remain dedicated to supporting urban renewal and expansion through our transformative engineering and services, ensuring that people can move swiftly and safely in their daily lives.”

ABOUT TK ELEVATOR

TK Elevator (TKE) is a global leader in vertical transportation and urban mobility. We provide engineering that keeps the world moving, from design to installation and maintenance on any brand of elevators, escalators, walkways, lifts, passenger boarding bridges, stairlifts, platform lifts and home elevators – any place and any time. With our digital solutions like AGILE and the IoT platform, MAX, there are no longer any limits to urban mobility. TK Elevator became independent following its separation from the thyssenkrupp group in 2020. The company achieved sales of €9.3 billion in fiscal year 2023/2024. With around 50,000 employees, 25,000 service technicians and over 1,000 support centers globally, we are moved by what moves people. TKE – Move Beyond.

PRESS IMAGES
can be downloaded here (Source: Haytham – stock.adobe.com).

The Future of Music: How PositiveGrid’s SparkAI tone is Leading the Next Tech Revolution

LAS VEGAS, Feb. 21, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Founded in 2013 by a team of music-tech obsessives, PositiveGrid has been breaking boundaries ever since. It specializes in building smart, connected tools like software BIAS and hardware Spark series, an AI-powered amps that inspire individuals to play more than ever, with intuitive features like Smart Jam and Auto Chords, plus an arsenal of gear and immersive sound, that allow player to connect amplifiers with a free mobile app to effortlessly fuel creativity. Today, PositiveGrid has become one of the TOP3 best selling amplifier brands in the North America market with over 500,000 users around the world and was awarded by NAMM show and Guitar World by numerous times.


Guitar legend Steve Vai tries SparkAI

 

the interface of SparkAI in Spark app
the interface of SparkAI in Spark app

At its core, PositiveGrid’s SparkAI is an AI-powered tone generator embedded in the company’s highly successful Spark app. Using deep learning, self-supervised learning, and transformer-based models—technologies typically associated with language processing—SparkAI can generate remarkably authentic guitar sounds. By analyzing vast amounts of audio data and understanding the intricate patterns that define a musician’s tone, it brings musicians closer than ever to achieving their ideal sound with minimal effort.

While traditional guitar amplifiers rely heavily on analog circuitry and preset configurations, SparkAI completely reimagines this approach. The system is built to adapt to a musician’s playing style, preferences, and genre, offering a dynamic and personalized experience. Whether you’re an experienced professional or a novice guitarist, SparkAI seamlessly adjusts to suit your needs, making it an incredibly versatile tool in any musician’s kit.

The magic of SparkAI lies in its unique use of self-supervised learning and audio signal processing. The process begins by converting vast amounts of audio data into “tokens”, a technique commonly used in language processing models. These tokens represent various characteristics of sound, such as pitch, tone quality, and texture, which SparkAI then uses to learn the logic of tone creation.

Overall, the success of SparkAI signals a major shift in how AI can be applied to music production. As more and more AI-driven solutions emerge—whether for creating music, generating lyrics, or even mastering tracks—the boundaries of what is possible within the music industry are rapidly expanding. PositiveGrid’s use of AI to replicate and innovate on traditional guitar sounds is just the beginning.

Chosen by Consumers: Amazon’s Top COSRX Picks for Products People Love and Trust

NEW YORK, Feb. 21, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — TikTok viral K-Beauty brand, COSRX is proud to announce a major milestone – three of its newly launched products, the Advanced Snail Mucin Glass Glow Hydrogel Mask, The Alpha-Arbutin 2 Discoloration Care Serum and The Peptide Collagen Hydrogel Eye Patch have been awarded the prestigious Amazon’s Choice badge, a distinction reserved for only the most highly rated and best-performing products.

Chosen by Consumers: Amazon’s Top COSRX Picks for Products People Love and Trust
Chosen by Consumers: Amazon’s Top COSRX Picks for Products People Love and Trust

  • Advanced Snail Mucin Glass Glow Hydrogel Mask: Formulated with a high concentration of Snail Secretion Filtrate to deliver powerful all-in-one skincare benefits in a single use. Using innovative hydrogel technology, the mask gradually turns transparent as its active ingredients are absorbed into the skin, offering hydrating, brightening, soothing, and firming effects while improving overall skin texture and radiance. Uniquely, the mask can also be used overnight, making it ideal for overnight care.
  • The Alpha Arbutin 2 Discoloration Care Serum: This innovative formula blends a powerful mix of ingredients that not only fade post breakout blemishes but also prevent and block the formation of hyperpigmentation. Suitable for all skin types, this lightweight, gentle serum effectively addresses various blemish concerns without causing irritation and can be used on the face and body for a clearer, more radiant complexion.
  • The Peptide Collagen Hydrogel Eye Patch: Formulated with 4 peptides, low molecular collagen, and caffeine, this refreshing eye patch hydrates and firms the under-eye area, reducing the appearance of fine lines, puffiness, and dark circles. In just 10 minutes, experience a spa-like refresh and reveal a more youthful, revitalized look.

Amazon’s Choice is an exclusive recognition that cannot be purchased – it is granted solely based on outstanding product performance, including exceptional consumer ratings, strong sales momentum, and low return rates. Securing this title across multiple products underscores COSRX’s unparalleled trust and dominance in the skincare industry, proving once again that the brand’s commitment to quality and effectiveness continues to win over consumers worldwide.

Further solidifying its position as a K-Beauty powerhouse, the legendary Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence, has achieved an extraordinary feat. Not only has it secured the coveted Best Seller badge on Amazon, an honor bestowed only upon the highest-grossing and most sought-after products in their respective categories, but it has also ranked No.1 in the 2024 Amazon US Ampoule Review Ranking Top 20. Praised for its versatility, The Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence has become a fan favorite. Users have found it not only provides deep hydration but also creates a dewy, natural finish when mixed with foundation, or soothes irritated skin, such as sunburn. This remarkable dual benefit has contributed to its well-deserved popularity.

These industry-leading accolades reinforce COSRX’s commitment to delivering high-quality, effective skincare that consumers trust and love. By consistently prioritizing innovation, accessibility, and customer satisfaction, COSRX continues to set the standard in K-beauty. With a focus on science-backed formulations and real consumer results, the brand remains dedicated to providing skincare solutions that meet diverse needs while maintaining affordability and effectiveness. These recognitions not only celebrate COSRX’s achievements but also highlight its ongoing mission to create products that earn and retain customer loyalty worldwide.

Ready to experience the award-winning skincare that everyone is raving about? Discover COSRX’s Amazon’s Choice and Best Seller products now – available at the COSRX store on Amazon!

About COSRX: With its powerful yet affordable skincare solutions, COSRX has quickly become one of America’s favorite skincare brands. Using a minimal number of highly effective natural extracts in concentrated doses, COSRX products deliver visible results by treating the skin with only the essentials it needs and nothing it doesn’t. Find its best-selling skincare solutions at retailers nationwide, including https://www.cosrx.com, Amazon, ULTA, Revolve, Dermstore, Nordstrom and Target. COSRX is also on Instagram + TikTok.

/C O R R E C T I O N — Mindsprint/

In the news release, Mindsprint Expands Global Footprint in Australia to Bring Cutting-edge IT Solutions and Services, issued 20-Feb-2025 by Mindsprint over PR Newswire, we are advised by the company that the in the third paragraph the designation for Amit Bassi should read “Amit Bassi as President & Managing Partner, for Mindsprint ANZ.” rather than “Amit Bassi as Chairman for Mindsprint ANZ.” as originally issued inadvertently. The complete, corrected release follows:

Mindsprint Expands Global Footprint in Australia to Bring Cutting-edge IT Solutions and Services

SYDNEY, Feb. 21, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Mindsprint, a leading differentiated technology solutions company known for its innovative and purpose-built solutions, today announced the opening of its ANZ office in Sydney, Australia. This expansion reinforces Mindsprint’s commitment to delivering cutting-edge IT solutions and services to clients across diverse sectors, including Food and Agriculture, Retail and Consumer Packaged Goods, Manufacturing, and Life Sciences.

Mindsprint Expands Global Footprint in Australia to Bring Cutting-edge IT Solutions and Services
Mindsprint Expands Global Footprint in Australia to Bring Cutting-edge IT Solutions and Services

Headquartered in Singapore, Mindsprint has established a robust presence in the enterprise customer segment, with state-of-the-art delivery centers in Chennai and Bengaluru. The addition of the Australian office enhances the company’s ability to effectively serve regional clients and drive business transformation through advanced technology solutions like Data Analytics, AI, SAP Transformation, Intelligent Automation, and Supply Chain Optimization to meet the unique needs of the market.

Suresh Sundararajan, Co-founder and CEO, Mindsprint, said, “We are excited to announce this strategic move as a key step in our global growth strategy, highlighting the substantial opportunities for managed services in the region. As businesses increasingly focus on their core competencies, we believe there is significant potential for growth. Additionally, we are thrilled to welcome Amit Bassi as President & Managing Partner, for Mindsprint ANZ. With 30 years of experience, Amit brings a wealth of knowledge in driving business transformation and spearheading innovative initiatives in products, platforms, and services.”

Amit Bassi, President & Managing Partner, Mindsprint ANZ, said, “Mindsprint’s expansion reiterates our commitment to invest in the ANZ region. By building a talented local team and harnessing our global expertise, we aim to empower businesses to reach their full potential. Fuelled by advancements in digital, automation, AI solutions, and modernization, the Australian IT services market is projected to grow by 9.5% over the next five years*. This opportunity places us in a unique strategic position to create value for customers in this dynamic environment.”

Mindsprint has over 3000 employees, with a presence across the US, UK, Singapore, India, Middle East, and Africa. Mindsprint’s industry-agnostic Technology, Cybersecurity, and Business Process Services and solutions are adaptable to a broad industry spectrum, cutting across the supply chain, sustainability, smart manufacturing, procurement, spend analytics, enterprise applications, and more. With this move, Mindsprint aims to drive innovation and build trusted relationships with clients in Australia, New Zealand, and the broader Asia-Pacific region.

*Source: IT Services Industry Forecast 2024-31 Report by Industry ARC

About Mindsprint

Mindsprint’s purpose is to reimagine business with talent, technology, and insights-driven services and solutions. With a proven track record of two decades, enabling global organizations in their business and technology transformation journey, Mindsprint is a differentiated digital and business transformation partner with offerings ranging from digital transformation solutions to enterprise technology, business process services, and cybersecurity solutions. Powered by 3000 employees, they are headquartered in Singapore with a significant presence in India (Chennai and Bengaluru), the U.S., and the UK. Mindsprint has also been recognized as a Great Place to Work Certified™ company that combines talent, technology, and insights to reimagine business and technology transformation.

Mindsprint is a part of the Olam Group, a leading food and agribusiness supplying food ingredients, feed, and fiber to over 22,000 customers worldwide. It is supported by a global team of more than 82,000 employees across more than 60 countries. Headquartered and listed in Singapore, Olam Group currently ranks among the top 30 largest primary listed companies in terms of market capitalization on SGX-ST. Since June 2020, Olam Group has been included in the FTSE4Good Index Series, a global sustainable investment index series developed by FTSE Russell, following a rigorous assessment of Olam’s supply chain activities, impact on the environment, and governance transparency. Mindsprint is an independent digital solutions and business services provider that continues to support Olam and the entities while also focusing on new customers.

More information on Olam can be found at www.olamgroup.com and Mindsprint at www.mindsprint.com | in.linkedin.com/company/mindsprint

 

 

State Grid Xinjiang Information & Telecommunication Company: Successful Deployment and Upgrade of the Artificial Intelligence Large Model Platform

ÜRÜMQI, China, Feb. 21, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — On February 10, 2024, State Grid Xinjiang Information & Telecommunication Company successfully completed the comprehensive deployment and joint verification of the artificial intelligence large model platform, achieving full-element integration. An AI large model refers to a deep learning-based system with extensive parameters, robust learning capabilities, and strong generalization abilities, capable of processing and generating diverse data types such as natural language and images. The large model platform serves as the foundational infrastructure supporting these models, providing essential functionalities like computing, storage, and scheduling.

Since the release of the hundred-billion-parameter multimodal Bright Power large model by the State Grid Corporation on December 19, 2024, State Grid Xinjiang Information & Telecommunication Company promptly initiated the upgrade and deployment of the AI large model platform. To ensure the project’s smooth execution, a four-dimensional coordination mechanism was established, encompassing “cloud platform + deployment + cybersecurity + resource coordination.” A team of over 20 experts was assembled to address key technical challenges, including heterogeneous cloud platform adaptation and multi-vendor component integration. This effort culminated in the successful deployment of all components of the large model platform, accelerating the integration and application of next-generation AI technology. Consequently, this has provided robust support for the development of Xinjiang’s distinctive new power system and energy system.

Moving forward, State Grid Xinjiang Information & Telecommunication Company will continue to deepen the integration of the large model into various business areas such as distribution networks, scheduling, and customer service. The company will actively explore operational mechanisms based on the Bright Power large model, establish an AI talent training system in relevant fields, and demonstrate new responsibilities and actions in building a clean, low-carbon, safe, and efficient new energy system.