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IMAX Rockets to Best Chinese New Year Opening with $12 Million

Shattering Dual Records for Box Office and Attendance


SHANGHAI, CHINA – Media OutReach Newswire – 30 January 2025 – IMAX China set a record Chinese New Year opening day with a whopping $12 million in box office revenue, eclipsing the previous record set in 2021. Additionally, with 1.2 million admissions nationwide, IMAX achieved its highest day-one attendance in history, paving the way for a robust new year.

IMAX 2025 CNY

IMAX captured 5% of the Chinese New Year box office to date with 1% of the total screens, marking its highest percentage of first-day results ever. Notably, 7 out of the top 10 highest-grossing theaters nationwide were IMAX venues, highlighting the audience’s strong preference gravitating toward the IMAX experience.

This year’s Chinese New Year holiday is widely acclaimed as the strongest in history, with exceptional audiovisual effects recognized as a key factor in drawing audiences to theaters. Five blockbusters landed in IMAX theaters, marking the largest lineup in history, including “Creation of the Gods II: Demon Force,” featuring IMAX’s exclusive aspect ratio; “Operation Hadal,” a Filmed for IMAX title shot entirely with IMAX certified camera; “Nezha 2,” “Detective Chinatown 1900,” and “The Legend of the Condor Heroes.” With their strong IP appeal, diverse genres, and high-quality audiovisual spectacles, this robust lineup caters to a broad audience demographic, creating significant momentum for IMAX’s Chinese New Year holiday window.

Hashtag: #boxoffice #chinafilmmarket #chinafilm #Imax #ImaxChina #HK1970

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

From Factory to Stage: AITO M9 Redefines Technological Artistry at 2025 Spring Festival Gala

CHONGQING, China, Jan. 30, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Just as the Super Bowl is the television event of the year for Americans, the CCTV Spring Festival Gala is China’s ultimate national viewing spectacle. It is a cultural “media Super Bowl” that captivates audiences like no other event. This year, the 2025 CCTV Spring Festival Gala showcased an extraordinary performance by AITO M9 at the SERES Super Factory.

A brand-new AITO M9 emerged from the Vehicle Departure Gate of SERES Super Factory, then merged into a vehicle formation of 780 AITO M9s, collectively illuminating this technological and artistic visual feast. Following the musical rhythm, the cars transformed into “dancers,” using their headlights to create dynamic light displays that perfectly blended with stage lighting and artistic gymnastics performances, presenting a shocking visual effect.

Media reports
Media reports

The Seres Super Factory — considered a global benchmark in automotive technology — became a radiant stage, with the words ‘New Era’, ‘New Journey’, ‘China’s Intelligent Manufacturing, ‘New Chongqing’, and ‘Rapid Change’ presented by a grand formation of AITO M9 vehicles. The display highlighted China’s cutting-edge automotive innovation and manufacturing capabilities.

Together with Teens in Times, and China’s National Artistic Gymnastics Team, SERES delivered a stunning performance that blended technology, art, and athletic prowess — much like Super Bowl halftime show. In this groundbreaking performance, the AITO M9 and the national gymnastics team shared the spotlight. Both embodied a spirit of pushing boundaries and breaking through limitations, showcasing the perfect fusion of technological innovation and athletic excellence.

Media reports
Media reports

The 2025 Spring Festival Gala reached a jaw-dropping 16.8 billion global views across all media platforms, with mobile viewership soaring to 372 million, comparable to the most-watched Super Bowl broadcast in history.

As a premium intelligent electric vehicle brand, AITO embodies “Intelligence Redefining Luxury,” leading with the concept of “traditional luxury + technological luxury,” bringing users continuously leading smart travel experiences. The AITO M9 has dominated the Chinese luxury car market for nine consecutive months, consistently topping sales charts for vehicles priced over 500,000 yuan. This achievement breaks the monopoly of foreign brands in China’s high-end automotive market and marks a significant milestone for Chinese car manufacturers in establishing themselves as premium brands.

In 2024, the AITO M9 made its first appearance at the CCTV Spring Festival Gala, instantly becoming a nationwide sensation. In 2025, the vehicle returned to the national stage as a representative of intelligent automotive technology.

CloudRF Phase Tracing developed for true 3D comms planning

Simulating indoor radio coverage for first responders has been made simpler thanks to a new capability called Phase Tracing.

GLOUCESTER, England, Jan. 30, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — The novel design was influenced by the 2017 Grenfell Tower inferno, where radio communication in concrete stairwells was highlighted as a major problem. Using computer game graphic techniques, a new capability has been launched to simulate propagation in a digital twin model.

Radio coverage in a stairwell
Radio coverage in a stairwell

The intensive computation required to perform a true 3D simulation with reflections has been made practical through developments in graphics processing. As a result, accurate radio coverage in stairs, tunnels and elevator shafts can be simulated, at the network edge, by an operator with minimal training. In contrast to legacy indoor planning tools, which use floor plans and images; Phase Tracing is designed for critical communications and industrial markets in challenging and dynamic 3D environments, represented by digital models.

Alex Farrant, Technical Director at CloudRF said:

“Phase Tracing represents a leap forward for radio simulation from overlaying images on a 2D map or floor plan. There exists a huge gap in the market between indoor simulation packages and the skill required to use them effectively, and first responders who are left guessing where they will lose communications on a stairwell.
For RF theory students who are taught the impact of multipath; they now have a tool to visualise and explore this important concept; so they can see why movement may cure a dead spot. Better still, they can identify constructive multipath they didn’t know about.”

The GPU accelerated engine reads and writes to open standard glTF models and uses ray tracing techniques from computer games to bounce photons around the model. With the addition of phase, multipath artefacts such as signal “dead spots”, where out of phase signals on the same wavelength cancel each out, can be modelled. The number of reflections, material attenuation and scattering properties can be configured. This is essential for modern buildings which are built with materials which disrupt radio communication.

Phase Tracing is available to use now at CloudRF.com and will be available offline in Q2 2025.

The scalable design supports different client devices from phones to computers and the developer’s API enables integration into other systems.

CloudRF is a Gloucester based SME, founded in 2012 specialising in scalable radio simulation software.

 

 

CloudRF Phase Tracing developed for true 3D comms planning

Simulating indoor radio coverage for first responders has been made simpler thanks to a new capability called Phase Tracing.

GLOUCESTER, England, Jan. 30, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — The novel design was influenced by the 2017 Grenfell Tower inferno, where radio communication in concrete stairwells was highlighted as a major problem. Using computer game graphic techniques, a new capability has been launched to simulate propagation in a digital twin model.

Radio coverage in a stairwell
Radio coverage in a stairwell

The intensive computation required to perform a true 3D simulation with reflections has been made practical through developments in graphics processing. As a result, accurate radio coverage in stairs, tunnels and elevator shafts can be simulated, at the network edge, by an operator with minimal training. In contrast to legacy indoor planning tools, which use floor plans and images; Phase Tracing is designed for critical communications and industrial markets in challenging and dynamic 3D environments, represented by digital models.

Alex Farrant, Technical Director at CloudRF said:

“Phase Tracing represents a leap forward for radio simulation from overlaying images on a 2D map or floor plan. There exists a huge gap in the market between indoor simulation packages and the skill required to use them effectively, and first responders who are left guessing where they will lose communications on a stairwell.
For RF theory students who are taught the impact of multipath; they now have a tool to visualise and explore this important concept; so they can see why movement may cure a dead spot. Better still, they can identify constructive multipath they didn’t know about.”

The GPU accelerated engine reads and writes to open standard glTF models and uses ray tracing techniques from computer games to bounce photons around the model. With the addition of phase, multipath artefacts such as signal “dead spots”, where out of phase signals on the same wavelength cancel each out, can be modelled. The number of reflections, material attenuation and scattering properties can be configured. This is essential for modern buildings which are built with materials which disrupt radio communication.

Phase Tracing is available to use now at CloudRF.com and will be available offline in Q2 2025.

The scalable design supports different client devices from phones to computers and the developer’s API enables integration into other systems.

CloudRF is a Gloucester based SME, founded in 2012 specialising in scalable radio simulation software.

Photo – https://laotiantimes.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/stairs_teaser-1.jpg
Logo – https://laotiantimes.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/cloudrf_logo-1.jpg

 

 

Telefónica Tech and IBM sign a collaboration agreement for quantum-safe technology

  • Telefónica Tech to integrate IBM quantum safe technology into its cybersecurity services to create specific use cases aimed at addressing new and future risks associated with the advancement of cryptographically relevant quantum computers.
  • The agreement includes deployment of IBM’s quantum-safe technology infrastructure at Telefónica Tech’s headquarters in Madrid (Spain) to promote business development aimed at cyber resiliency and agility against vulnerabilities arising from the development of future cryptographically relevant quantum computers.

MADRID, Jan. 30, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Telefónica Tech, the digital business unit of the Spanish telecommunications group Telefónica, and IBM (NYSE: IBM), a pioneer in quantum-safe cryptography, today announced a collaboration agreement to develop and deliver security solutions that address security challenges posed by future cryptographically relevant quantum computers.

Raquel Ruiz Lozano (left), Global Head of Strategic Partnerships for Telefónica Tech; and Adolfo Hernández Pulido, Tecnology Managing Director for Telefónica at IBM, at Telefonica’s headquarters in Madrid (Spain).
Raquel Ruiz Lozano (left), Global Head of Strategic Partnerships for Telefónica Tech; and Adolfo Hernández Pulido, Tecnology Managing Director for Telefónica at IBM, at Telefonica’s headquarters in Madrid (Spain).

The advent of quantum computing will allow for more advanced calculations, but it also brings with it a critical challenge: ensuring data security in a future where traditional encryption algorithms could become vulnerable. Additionally, while a cryptographically relevant quantum computer is not yet available, data may already be vulnerable to harvesting by cybercriminals for future decryption. 

IBM has developed quantum safe-focused enterprise software and research-driven assets for a holistic solution to anticipated quantum risks. IBM Guardium Quantum Safe, part of the broader IBM Guardium Data Security Center, helps organizations gain visibility and manage cryptography to address vulnerabilities, guide prioritization and remediation, and improve security posture. It also includes IBM Guardium Key Lifecycle Manager, which provides centralized, secured, and scalable encryption key management. 

Complementing these are IBM Quantum Safe Explorer and IBM Quantum Safe Remediator, technology assets for discovering cryptographic vulnerabilities in code, testing quantum safe algorithm performance, and establishing quantum safe proxies. 

Pursuant to this agreement, the two companies will work together to combine IBM’s quantum-safe technology with Telefónica Tech’s experience in providing managed and professional cybersecurity services with the aim to create solutions that provide security to companies and public administrations against the new and future security risks of a post-quantum world.

The solutions being discussed will be specifically designed to help protect organizations’ critical data from the risk of being decrypted by quantum computers by implementing new quantum-safe cryptography standards defined by the U.S. National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). IBM has co-developed two of the three algorithms that have been published as post-quantum cryptography standards, contributing to data protection in the quantum era.

Raquel Ruiz Lozano, Global Head of Strategic Partnerships for Telefónica Tech, states: “Quantum computing offers incredible opportunities, but it could also pose a significant challenge in terms of cybersecurity. This collaboration agreement with IBM allows us to continue to help address the potential risks of the post-quantum world, thanks to its IBM’s quantum safe technology, and to offer our clients solutions to help protect their critical data and face this transformation with security and confidence.”

Adolfo Hernández Pulido, Technology Managing Director for Telefónica at IBM, highlights: “It is critical for organizations to begin evaluating their cryptography and planning a transition to quantum-safe standards. At IBM, we are proud not only to have had a hand in the development of new post-quantum cryptography algorithms, but also to be leading the way with new quantum-safe technologies and services. We are thrilled to sign this collaboration agreement with Telefónica Tech focused on quantum safe technology.”

The prospective integration of IBM’s quantum-safe technologies into Telefónica Tech’s portfolio of services is being engineered to enhance the proactive risk assessments capable of being carried out by Telefónica Tech’s operations professionals with the aim of helping organizations identify and address cryptography vulnerabilities in their infrastructures.

Concordant with this agreement, Telefónica Tech would also assist organizations in their transition to new cryptographic standards, protocols or algorithms to ensure resilience and agility against cybersecurity risks posed by quantum computing, and the transition to new quantum-safe encryption technologies.

The agreement also contemplates the creation of a joint use case office, focused on key areas such as communications encryption, adaptation to new secure algorithms, and the protection of critical environments.

In this context, IBM’s infrastructure has already been deployed at Telefónica’s headquarters, located in Distrito Telefónica (Madrid, Spain), to promote business development. This infrastructure is composed of elements specifically designed to promote a secure and resilient environment against the threats of the post-quantum world.

These include an IBM LinuxONE system, which is secured with end-to-end encryption including new quantum-safe cryptography; IBM Storage technology; and other advanced tools for protecting master and operational keys.

About Telefónica Tech
Telefónica Tech is the leading company in digital transformation. The company offers a wide range of services and integrated technological solutions for Cyber Security, Cloud, IoT, Big Data, AI and Blockchain. For more information, please visit: https://telefonicatech.com/en

About IBM
IBM is a leading provider of global hybrid cloud, artificial intelligence, and consulting expertise. We help clients in over 175 countries harness insights from their data, optimize business processes, reduce costs and gain a competitive advantage in their industries. More than 4,000 government and corporate entities in critical infrastructure areas such as financial services, telecommunications and healthcare rely on the IBM hybrid cloud platform and Red Hat OpenShift to achieve their digital transformations quickly, efficiently and securely. IBM’s breakthrough innovations in artificial intelligence, quantum computing, industry-specific cloud solutions and consulting offer open and flexible options to our clients. All of this is backed by IBM’s long-standing commitment to trust, transparency, accountability, inclusion and service. Visit www.ibm.com for more information.

Contact:

IBM
Willa Hahn
Willa.Hahn@ibm.com 

Telefónica, S.A.
Dirección de Comunicación Corporativa
email: prensatelefonica@telefonica.com
telefonica.com/es/sala-comunicacion 

Khammouane Sets Sights on Tourism Boom in 2025 with New Attractions, Eco-Friendly Initiatives

Kong Lor Cave in Khammouane (Photo: Mimi Oulayvanh Sisounonth)

As 2025 kicks off, Khammouane Province is setting its sights on boosting tourism and drawing in more visitors this year.

Lao Child, Youth Development Association Officially Approved to Drive Child Rights, Child Protection, Youth Empowerment Programs Nationwide

Lao Child, Youth Development Association Officially Approved to Drive Child Rights, Child Protection, Youth Empowerment Programs Nationwide
Lao Child, Youth Development Association Officially Approved to Drive Child Rights, Child Protection, Youth Empowerment Programs Nationwide

The Lao Child and Youth Development Association (LaoCYDA) has been officially established in Laos. 

With the approval by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MoHA) and all key ministries, this step marks a significant milestone toward advancing child rights, child protection, and youth empowerment across the country. 

As a locally-led civil society organization, LaoCYDA is now fully eligible to implement development programs nationwide, partnering with key government ministries, donors, and international stakeholders to create a lasting impact for children and youth.

“We are honored to have received official approval and support from the Ministry of Home Affairs (MoHA) and all key ministries involved in national development. This empowers LaoCYDA to operate nationwide, advancing our mission to protect and uplift the children and youth of Laos,” stated Somkiao Kingsada, Board Chair of LaoCYDA.

LaoCYDA will work in close collaboration with the Ministry of Education and Sports, Ministry of Health, Ministry of Labour and Social Welfare, Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, Ministry of Home Affairs, Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, Lao Youth Union, and Lao Women’s Union to ensure that its programs align with Laos’ National Youth and Adolescent Development Strategy and the country’s Sustainable Development Goals.

The organization is committed to strengthening child rights and child protection frameworks across the country, ensuring that every child has the opportunity to grow up in a safe, nurturing environment. LaoCYDA’s key focus areas include education, health, climate action, youth empowerment, and sustainable livelihoods, working to equip children and youth with the skills and opportunities they need to thrive.

In Laos, efforts are focused on ensuring the safety, well-being, and rights of every child. Key priorities include improving access to quality education, especially in remote areas, and promoting mental, sexual, and emotional health for youth. Programs engage young people in addressing climate change and developing leadership, job readiness, and life skills through community-based initiatives. Support is also provided to foster sustainable livelihoods through agricultural innovation and climate-resilient practices.

LaoCYDA also emphasizes the importance of collaboration and partnership. As a newly formed organization, it looks forward to working hand-in-hand with government ministries, donors, United Nations agencies, international NGOs, local communities, and all development partners to create transformative and impactful programs for the children and youth of Laos.

LaoCYDA extends special thanks to the Lao Civil Society Organization Secretariat and its leadership for their generous support and provision of office space during this crucial period of establishment. This support enables LaoCYDA to hit the ground running and contribute to national and community development efforts.

“We are ready to collaborate and partner with all stakeholders to build a brighter future for Lao children and youth. With our official approval and nationwide eligibility, LaoCYDA is inspired and motivated to make a significant impact in 2025 and beyond,” said Vilasai Thammavong, Founder and Director of LaoCYDA.

For partnership inquiries or more information, please contact LaoCYDA through our social media platforms or via email at laocyda.info@gmail.com 

 

THE ROYAL CANADIAN MINT LAUNCHES ITS BIGGEST-EVER 99.99% PURE SILVER MAPLE LEAF COIN

Weighing an impressive 10 kilos, the “Big Silver Maple Leaf” is an unforgettable tribute to one of the investment market’s most popular silver bullion coins

BERLIN, Jan. 30, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — The Royal Canadian Mint has crafted an outsized numismatic tribute to its iconic Silver Maple Leaf (SML) bullion coin with a 10 kilo version, struck in exquisite detail and precision at the Mint’s Ottawa facility. The Big Silver Maple Leaf is the biggest 99.99% pure silver coin of its kind, both in terms of weight and diameter. It also features all the signature elements that make the SML one of the world’s most sought-after silver bullion coins. This rare and imposing showpiece was unveiled today at the 2025 World Money Fair in Berlin, Germany, home to the world’s premier gathering of the global minting industry.

“The Royal Canadian Mint’s Silver Maple Leaf bullion has long dominated the precious metals market because it sets the benchmark for purity, security and manufacturing excellence,” said Marie Lemay, President and CEO of the Royal Canadian Mint. “I am very proud to see those qualities amplified in our new 10 kilo, 99.99% pure Big Silver Maple Leaf that is yet another shining example of the talent and innovation of the people behind the one of the world’s favourite silver bullion coins.”

Struck in a customized 2,500-ton hydraulic press, the 99.99% pure 10 kilo Big Silver Maple Leaf meticulously captures every detail of the 1 oz. silver bullion coin it honours and celebrates. Its maple leaf-shaped security mark, the dazzling array of radial lines filling the reverse and obverse of the coin, and the trademark Walter Ott-designed sugar maple leaf shining from the coin’s centre in (natural) finish are magnified in stunning scale and precision. The obverse of the coin features the effigy of His Majesty King Charles III created by Canadian artist Steven Rosati.

Priced at $24,999.95 CAD each, only 299 of these made-in-Canada masterpieces are available to collectors of rare and exclusive coins. Customers interested in this product should contact the Mint directly at 1-800-267-1871 in Canada or 1-800-268-6468 in the US.

Coin images are available here.

About the Royal Canadian Mint
The Royal Canadian Mint is the Crown corporation responsible for the minting and distribution of Canada’s circulation coins. The Mint is one of the largest and most versatile mints in the world, producing award-winning collector coins, market-leading bullion products, as well as Canada’s prestigious military and civilian honours.

As an established London and COMEX Good Delivery refiner, the Mint also offers a full spectrum of best-in-class gold and silver refining services. As an organization that strives to take better care of the environment, to cultivate safe and inclusive workplaces and to make a positive impact on the communities where it operates, the Mint integrates environmental, social and governance practices in every aspect of its operations.

For more information on the Mint, its products and services, visit www.mint.ca. Follow the Mint on LinkedIn, Facebook and Instagram.