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Organisations in the US, UK and Germany unprepared for large-scale digital disruption, new study finds

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Just one in four organisations respond effectively to real disruption events as governance and ecosystem lag behind compounding risks

LONDON, April 14, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — A new Economist Impact study supported by Telstra International has found that organisations in the United States, the United Kingdom and Germany are materially underprepared for large-scale digital disruption.

The research suggests failures are driven less by technology gaps, than by weak governance, limited coordination and poor visibility beyond organisational boundaries.

The APAC-led, multi-market study, with comparative benchmarks from the three western economies, surveyed over 1,400 senior executives. Just 25% of organisations across all surveyed markets say their responses to digital disruption largely go to plan, while only 21% have a dedicated team responsible for delivering digital resilience initiatives. 

While organisations report progress in modernising systems and strengthening cybersecurity policy, the research shows digital resilience breaking down when disruption extends beyond enterprise suppliers, partners and critical infrastructure.

Ecosystem digital resilience is the weakest link

Confidence drops sharply when disruption involves external dependencies. Fewer than one in five executives in the US (19%) and UK (20%) express confidence in cross-sector collaboration with suppliers and partners during disruption events. Access to skilled talent is similarly constrained, with just 22% of US and 18% of UK respondents citing it as a strength.

By contrast, executives report higher confidence in internal foundations such as cybersecurity planning and regulatory frameworks. Germany leads on policy confidence (70%), while the US (54%) and UK (51%) show solid but less mature confidence levels.

The findings point to a widening gap between internal preparedness and ecosystem-level digital resilience, with siloed information sharing, limited joint testing and weak partner governance undermining response efforts when incidents escalate.

Planning exists, execution fails

Despite widespread planning for digital disruption, execution consistently falls short, with governance and oversight remaining weak.

Across all the surveyed markets, just 27% of organisations say digital resilience plans and strategies are reviewed regularly by boards, and only 38% say those discussions lead to follow-up action. Monitoring is also inconsistent, with more than half of organisations tracking digital risks infrequently or on an ad hoc basis.

Below board level, responsibility for managing digital resilience-building is more often than not focused within a single function, such as IT, rather than shared across the C-suite (confirmed by 47% of respondents).

Legacy technology remains a structural drag

Although most organisations report some degree of system modernisation, legacy infrastructure continues to underpin large parts of operating environments. Around 60% of US and UK organisations, and 54% in Germany, say legacy technology still forms a significant part of their operations, constraining efforts to design digital resilience into systems from the outset.

Progress away from legacy infrastructure also diverges by sector. Just over a third of financial services and IT & technology organisations (36% each) report having modernised most or all of their core systems, compared with 12% in the public sector and 19% among industrial organisations, where deeper legacy dependence and rigid investment models continue to slow progress.

Infrastructure and climate risks remain overlooked

The research also highlights a growing blind spot around physical infrastructure and environmental risk. Just 14% of organisations integrate climate-related risks into digital resilience planning, despite the direct impact of environmental events on power supply, data centres and recovery timelines.

As AI adoption accelerates, pressure on energy and water systems is increasing, and the consequences of infrastructure failure are becoming harder to ignore. Recent large-scale outages caused by extreme weather events underline the vulnerability of communications networks and digital services to non-cyber disruption.

Roary Stasko, CEO of Telstra International said:

“What stands out in this research is not a lack of intent, but a gap between ambition and execution. Many organisations believe they are prepared, yet disruption continues to expose weaknesses in governance, coordination and decision–making, particularly beyond their own walls. In a highly connected digital economy, digital resilience can’t be built in silos. It has to be owned at the top, tested across ecosystems and treated as a core business capability.

“As digital disruption grows in frequency and complexity, strengthening resilience amid operational or cyber risks is becoming a differentiator for organisational stability and competitiveness. At Telstra International, we work closely with government, industry and key partners to stay ahead of emerging threats, with a global network designed with layered digital resilience, proactive monitoring and strong continuity planning to help keep businesses connected and prepared as conditions evolve.”

Charles Ross, Head of Policy and Insights, Asia-Pacific at Economist Impact said:

“Our research shows organisations understand the risks they face, but many have yet to translate that awareness into sustained capability. Digital resilience must be treated as a core business discipline with clear ownership and dedicated resources, not as a periodic IT initiative. That means integrating ecosystem partners into stress testing, shifting from episodic risk reviews to continuous preparedness and ensuring governance keeps pace as technologies such as AI scale”.

For further information and to access the full report, please visit this link.

Methodology
The analysis is based on a late-2025 survey of 1,420 senior executives from large and midsize organisations across 14 markets; Australia, Mainland China, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Japan, the Philippines, Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan and Thailand, with comparative benchmarks from the United States, the United Kingdom and Germany. Respondent organisations spanned financial services, IT and technology, healthcare, energy and mining, industrials, professional services, and government and public sector.

Respondents included C-suite and senior leaders across IT, cybersecurity, risk, operations and business functions. The survey was also complemented by in-depth interviews with executives across these sectors.

About Telstra International
Telstra International is a trusted digital infrastructure and connectivity partner in Asia Pacific and the global arm of Telstra, a leading telecommunications and technology company with a proudly Australian heritage. Telstra International provides secure and resilient connectivity solutions to meet the growing needs of thousands of technology, enterprise, and wholesale customers.

Telstra International is built by industry experts that bring deep technical expertise, a long history of operating in Asia Pacific and a passion for partnering with customers to help their business grow. Connecting to points of presence in close to 200 countries and territories, Telstra International’s global network leverages more than 30 cable systems spanning over 400,000 kilometres, with access to 38 cable landing stations and licences across Asia, Australia, Europe and the Americas.

For more information, please visit TelstraInternational.com

About Economist Impact 
Economist Impact combines the rigour of a think-tank with the creativity of a media brand to engage a globally influential audience. We believe that evidence-based insights can open debate, broaden perspectives and catalyse progress. The services offered by Economist Impact previously existed within The Economist Group as separate entities, including EIU Thought Leadership, EIU Public Policy, Economist Events, El Studios and SignalNoise.

Our track record spans 75 years across 205 countries. Along with creative storytelling, events expertise, design-thinking solutions and market-leading media products, we produce framework design, benchmarking, economic and social impact analysis, forecasting and scenario modelling. This makes Economist Impact’s offering unique in the marketplace.

Visit http://www.impact.economist.com/ for more information.

Yew Chung Yew Wah Students Secure Offers from World-Leading Universities Including Harvard, Stanford, Oxford, Cambridge, Tsinghua, and Peking University

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The Through-Train Education Framework Empowers Students to Receive Over 900 University Offers

HONG KONG, April 14, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — As global universities continue to announce their 2026 admissions decisions, the Yew Chung Yew Wah Education Network (YCYW) is pleased to share the latest achievements of its students. As of April 2026, YCYW’s Class of 2026 has received over 900 offers from leading universities worldwide, spanning the United States, the United Kingdom, the Chinese mainland, Hong Kong SAR, other countries and regions in Asia, and European countries. Institutions from which the students have received offers of admission include Harvard University, Stanford University, the University of Oxford, the University of Cambridge, Imperial College London, Tsinghua University, Peking University, The University of Hong Kong, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, Parsons School of Design, and other top schools.

YCYW through-train education framework empowers Class of 2026 students to receive over 900 offers from leading universities worldwide, including Harvard University, Stanford University, the University of Oxford, the University of Cambridge, Imperial College London, Tsinghua University, Peking University, The University of Hong Kong, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, Parsons School of Design.
YCYW through-train education framework empowers Class of 2026 students to receive over 900 offers from leading universities worldwide, including Harvard University, Stanford University, the University of Oxford, the University of Cambridge, Imperial College London, Tsinghua University, Peking University, The University of Hong Kong, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, Parsons School of Design.

Mr John Liu, Director of Careers and University Guidance and Student Development of YCYW Education Network, stated that, the Class of 2026’s outstanding results for offers of admission reflect not only the students’ sustained personal dedication and academic potential, but also YCYW’ s comprehensive strength in curriculum development, student support, and university guidance.

Through-Train Education System Provides a Solid Foundation for Long-term Development
Dr Esther Chan, Deputy Chief Executive Officer (K-12 Education) of YCYW Education Network, noted, “These results are a powerful validation of YCYW’s through-train education. Many of the students who received these top-tier offers have been with us since their earliest years in Early Childhood Education (ECE), and their success is a direct reflection of the rigorous, nurturing, and consistent educational philosophy that defines our schools from ECE through to Primary and Secondary.”

YCYW focuses on its students’ long-term development rather than short-term outcomes. Within this supportive yet challenging environment, students progressively build confidence, a sense of responsibility, and an inquisitive mindset, laying a solid foundation for their future academic pursuits and lifetime aspirations.

An Experienced Team Guides Students for their Best Fit
In the face of the increasingly complex global admissions landscape, the YCYW Careers and University Guidance Office (CUGO) has played a crucial role in the students’ college admission process. CUGO now has 32 university counsellors across the network. With a counsellor-to-student ratio of 1:12, CUGO is able to offer highly personalised and targeted guidance, ensuring that all students receive advice tailored to their strengths, aspirations, and individual pathway. Mr Liu explained, “What we consistently emphasise is not merely rankings, but the best fit for each student.”

This support begins early in lower secondary, progressively guiding students through career awareness, exploration of interests, selection of subjects, and experiential learning. CUGO also provides comprehensive guidance to both students and their families throughout the university application process. For students applying to highly competitive institutions, such as the US Ivy League and other top US universities, and the UK G5 universities, the CUGO Elite Applications Team provides additional support, helping students to strengthen their personal statements, prepare thoroughly for interviews, and plan strategically. CUGO also includes UK‑based counsellors who maintain close relationships with local higher education institutions, keeping students abreast of the latest admissions developments and insights. For those students applying to more complex international systems, such as in the Republic of Korea, Japan, and elsewhere, CUGO counsellors with expert knowledge of local procedures provide guidance. This year, CUGO has supported students in gaining admission to the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), a leading public research university in the Republic of Korea.

For art admissions, the CUGO team includes university counsellors with extensive experience in admissions and portfolio assessment at leading global art institutions. These specialists provide tailored portfolio guidance to students, and CUGO has established strategic partnerships with numerous prestigious international art schools. For example, students of YWIES Shanghai Gubei have already received offers this year from numerous leading art institutions, including the University of the Arts London; Parsons School of Design, The New School; Pratt Institute and California Institute of the Arts, as well as total scholarships of USD 350,000, demonstrating the tangible impact of professional and career-oriented guidance for art-focused university applications.

Beyond the Classroom, Diverse Programmes Empower Students to Stand Out
In addition to university guidance, YCYW offers students deeper and more challenging learning experiences beyond the classroom through its Seeds for Tomorrow initiatives. These programmes are anchored in real-world problems and cutting-edge fields, providing diverse opportunities through research laboratories, medical immersion programmes, engineering and technology challenges, entrepreneurship incubators, and interdisciplinary research. By such hands-on engagement, students clarify their academic interests and future aspirations. Indeed, many students who have gained admission to the world’ s leading universities first defined their research focus through these Seeds for Tomorrow experiences, and subsequently transformed their learning outcomes into compelling academic highlights in their university applications.

Dr Christopher Hurley, Director of Science, Technology and Educational Futures of YCYW Education Network, remarked, “The Seeds for Tomorrow initiatives are not about ‘packaging application materials in advance’. Rather, the programmes aim to help students develop the capacity for sustained learning and research within authentic contexts. We hope students learn not for the sake of applications, but through genuine problem-solving, scientific inquiry, and interdisciplinary practice, gradually cultivating academic depth and independent thinking. These experiences are not only valuable in university applications; they significantly enhance students’ core competencies and lay a solid foundation for their future studies and research at university.”

The Class of 2026’s university placements reflect the cumulative impact of YCYW’s long-standing commitment to a through-train, seamless educational framework, as well as a systematic approach to student development and university guidance. YCYW will continue to place students at the centre, and nurture young people with global perspectives, strong academic capabilities, and a sense of social responsibility through high-quality teaching, expert university counselling, and forward-looking learning initiatives.

LG ELECTRONICS SHOWCASES INNOVATION AND GROWTH STRATEGY FOR ASIA AT LG INNOFEST 2026 APAC

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Company to Highlight Region‑Specific Laundry, Kitchen and Built‑In Solutions,
Along with Its AI Home Vision, for the Asia-Pacific Market

News Summary

  • At LG InnoFest 2026 APAC in Busan, LG Electronics will present its strategy for the Asia‑Pacific market, highlighting how innovation and technology are shaping the future of home living across the region.
  • The showcase will feature a comprehensive range of region‑specific home solutions — including laundry, kitchen and built‑in products — designed to address the unique living conditions and everyday needs of Asian consumers.
  • The event supports LG’s continued growth in Asia by strengthening collaboration with regional partners and outlining the company’s long‑term direction for home innovation, including AI‑powered solutions.

SINGAPORE, April 14, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — LG Electronics (LG) is showcasing its latest products and region‑specific solutions at LG InnoFest 2026 APAC, held in Busan, Korea, from April 7–10. The event marks the grand finale of LG’s 2026 InnoFest series, bringing together more than 200 key partners and media representatives from approximately 20 countries across the Asia-Pacific region to strengthen collaboration and share business strategies.

Under the theme “Innovation, Forward Together,” LG InnoFest 2026 APAC offers a comprehensive look at LG’s latest products and solutions designed around Asian consumers’ lifestyles. Drawing on cultural elements that resonate widely across the region, the exhibition demonstrates how LG applies its K‑Tech innovation to deliver practical, locally relevant home solutions for diverse Asian markets.

A New Generation of Clothing Care Solutions

LG is expanding its laundry portfolio with a full WashTower™ lineup, including a new 25-inch model tailored for Asian homes, alongside existing 24-inch and 27-inch versions. Designed for space efficiency and everyday convenience, the lineup reflects LG’s deep understanding of diverse housing environments across Asia.

New top-load washer models further enhance fabric care and performance, powered by Artificial Intelligence Direct Drive™ (AI DD™) technology that optimizes wash motions based on fabric type and soil level, while TurboWash™ 3D completes a full cycle in under 30 minutes. In addition, an automatic dispenser measures and dispenses detergent for each load, reducing the need for frequent refills.

The new LG WashCombo™ further strengthens LG’s drying solutions as an all‑in‑one model, delivering stable and effective drying through LG’s Inverter HeatPump™ technology. The improved energy efficiency reflects the strong focus on electricity costs among Asian consumers, while an expanded standalone dryer lineup offers a broader range of high‑efficiency options.

LG also offers commercial laundry solutions engineered for high‑frequency, long‑hour operation. Building on more than a decade of semi‑commercial experience, the portfolio features professional‑grade capabilities such as customizable wash programs, open API connectivity, and a service‑friendly front‑access design. Leveraging this expertise, LG will introduce a new commercial washer‑dryer HeatPump Combo that integrates washing and drying in a single unit, enhancing convenience and space efficiency. Global expansion is planned following strong demand in Korea.

Smarter Kitchen Solutions for Every Lifestyle

LG is unveiling refrigerator solutions designed to reflect diverse lifestyles and housing conditions across Asia. The new Fit & Max design features a Zero Clearance Hinge, enabling a seamless built‑in appearance without wasted space against the wall, while maximizing storage capacity in compact kitchens. LG’s advanced Ice Solution addresses the high ice consumption common among Asian consumers, offering four ice options — Craft Ice™, Crushed, Cubed and Mini Craft — suited for everyday use and entertaining.

For faster, more effective dish care, LG’s latest dishwasher features an exclusive one‑hour wash‑and‑dry cycle. QuadWash™ Pro uses four spray arms with high pressure water jets and microbubbles to clean dishes from multiple angles. Dynamic Heat Dry+ enhances drying performance with a moisture-absorbing material to remove humidity and efficiently produce warm, dry air. Notably, A-grade energy efficiency is achieved across key models spanning both premium and volume segments.

For Southeast Asian markets, LG will also introduce a tailored built-in kitchen collection that includes ovens, cooktops and hoods, targeting both B2B and B2C segments. A highlight is the advanced Camera Oven, which uses an internal camera to identify ingredients inside and recommend optimal cooking mode, while monitoring surface color to check when dishes are ideally cooked.

An Immersive Exhibition Experience

For the first time at InnoFest, LG will host live commerce sessions for partners in selected markets, creating a dynamic, interactive sales environment directly from the event floor.

Moreover, attendees can explore three distinct exhibition zones, each representing different home environments across Asia. While the lifestyles showcased reflect diverse regional needs, the spatial designs are inspired by Korean dramas that have gained strong resonance across the region, creating an engaging and familiar experience for partners.

Within these zones, LG brings its AI Home vision to life, demonstrating how intelligent technologies can enhance everyday living with greater convenience. Powered by the AI Home Hub, ThinQ ON™, LG’s AI‑enabled appliances and IoT devices are seamlessly connected and coordinated to deliver intuitive, integrated home experiences. ThinQ ON has already launched in its initial market and is scheduled for a phased introduction across Asia, starting with Australia and Thailand.

As part of its long-term growth strategy in Asia, LG is extending its innovation beyond products through the global expansion of LG Subscribe, a flexible subscription service for home appliances. The company is actively developing this business in key urbanized Asian markets, including Malaysia, Thailand, Taiwan region, Singapore and Vietnam, offering customers both access to appliances and comprehensive product care.

“Asia is one of our most dynamic and important markets, and InnoFest 2026 gives us a valuable opportunity to connect with our partners and share our vision for the future,” said Jaeseung Kim, Regional CEO of LG Electronics Asia Pacific. “Building on our technology innovation, we are advancing AI‑powered home solutions that reflect local lifestyles.”

About LG Electronics Home Appliance Solution Company 

The LG Home Appliance Solution Company (HS) is a global leader in home appliances and AI home solutions. By leveraging industry-leading core technologies, the HS Company is committed to enhancing consumers’ quality of life and promoting sustainability. The company develops thoughtfully designed kitchen and living appliance solutions and has recently integrated LG’s Robot Business Division to incorporate advanced robot technologies into its home solutions. Together, these products offer enhanced convenience, exceptional performance, efficient operation and sustainable lifestyle solutions. For more news on LG, visit www.LG.com/global/newsroom/.

CONTACT:

Burson Singapore
E-mail: bursonforlg@bursonglobal.com

Cher Sok Kheng
LG Electronics Singapore
E-mail: sokkheng.cher@lge.com

Shannon Kang
LG Electronics Singapore
E-mail: shannon.kang@lge.com

 

Consumer expo draws global exhibitors keen on China’s vast market

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HAIKOU, CHINA – Media OutReach Newswire – 14 April 2026 – The sixth China International Consumer Products Expo (CICPE) kicked off on Monday in Haikou, capital of south China’s Hainan Province, attracting more than 3,400 brands from over 60 countries and regions.

The sixth China International Consumer Products Expo (CICPE) in Haikou, south China's Hainan Province, April 13, 2026. (Xinhua/Guo Cheng)
The sixth China International Consumer Products Expo (CICPE) in Haikou, south China’s Hainan Province, April 13, 2026. (Xinhua/Guo Cheng)

Themed “Opening Up Drives Global Consumption, Innovation Empowers A Better Life,” this year’s expo runs from April 13 to 18. Meanwhile, the 2026 “Shopping in China” International Consumption Season was launched simultaneously.

The sixth CICPE has expanded in scale, with an exhibition area of 143,000 square meters, up 13,000 square meters from the previous edition. International exhibits account for 65 percent of the total, an increase of 20 percentage points from last year. Meanwhile, over 200 new products are expected to make their debut, double last year’s number and spanning fields including healthcare, jewelry and digital technology.

Since its launch in 2021, the CICPE has become an important platform for multinationals to stay abreast of consumer trends in China’s gigantic market, with over 3,800 enterprises and more than 12,000 brands from 92 countries and regions participating over the past five editions.

Canada, this year’s guest country of honor, has organized its largest-ever delegation, with around 40 companies participating in sectors including cosmetics, agricultural products, health products and pet food.

Russia and Bulgaria are among nations setting up national pavilions for the first time, while official delegations from 12 countries and regions, including Switzerland, the Czech Republic and Ireland, are attending the event.

Beyond the main venue in Haikou, a health exhibition area in Hainan’s Boao features 120 international pharmaceutical and medical device companies, while a yacht show in Sanya in the province is hosting over 200 yachts, with international brands accounting for 70 percent.

Committed to building an international, professional, and market-oriented multilateral economic and trade cooperation platform, the CICPE has become a “bridgehead” for high-level opening up. It has attracted over 230,000 domestic and overseas buyers in the five expos to date.

This edition, for the first time, has set up a buyer service center on site, providing exhibitors and buyers with full-process, all-round supply-demand matchmaking services. Additionally, an online supply-demand matchmaking platform has been established, leveraging digital technology to enable one-click matching of needs.

“An estimated 65,000 professional buyers will attend this year’s expo, a 10-percent increase from the previous edition,” said Lu Min, director of the Hainan Provincial Bureau of International Economic Development. “We also plan to hold more than 10 supply-demand matchmaking events to effectively enhance the sense of fulfillment for both buyers and exhibitors.”

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

Full-Process, All-Element Test Run Conducted for 2026 Beijing E-Town Humanoid Robot Half-Marathon

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BEIJING, CHINA – Media OutReach Newswire – 14 April 2026 – The 2026 Beijing E-Town Half-Marathon and Humanoid Robot Half-Marathon is scheduled to kick off on April 19. To ensure better preparation for the event, the Beijing Economic-Technological Development Area (BDA), also known as Beijing E-Town, organized a full-process, all-element test run for the 2026 Humanoid Robot Half-Marathon from the night of April 11 to the early hours of April 12. The drill comprehensively simulated core scenarios such as track passage, process scheduling, equipment coordination, and emergency support, serving as a combat-ready exercise to safeguard the official race. Of the registered teams, more than 70 participated in this test, including four international teams, with both autonomous navigation and remote-controlled teams conducting night trials on the course together.

From the night of April 11 to the early hours of April 12, the full-process, all-element test event for the 2026 Beijing E-Town Humanoid Robot Half-Marathon was held in Beijing E-Town. Pictured is a robot running during the test.
From the night of April 11 to the early hours of April 12, the full-process, all-element test event for the 2026 Beijing E-Town Humanoid Robot Half-Marathon was held in Beijing E-Town. Pictured is a robot running during the test.

As the world’s first humanoid robot marathon event brand, this competition has reached new heights in terms of scale, technological innovation, and organizational requirements. Therefore, the drill was conducted to drive a further upgrade in the quality of event preparations.

In terms of scale, the number of participating teams for this year has grown by nearly five times compared to last year, exceeding 100 teams. Covering two major categories—autonomous navigation and remote control—with autonomous teams accounting for nearly 40%, the number of participants, types of technology, and scope of testing have all reached historic highs. Consequently, full-process drills are required to solidify operational links, hone team coordination, and ensure the efficient operation of the event.

Regarding technological innovation, the first large-scale application of autonomous navigation technology has become a major highlight and challenge. In complex and changing environments, robots face difficulties in perceiving and making decisions within intricate surroundings, posing huge challenges to their computing power. At the same time, long-distance running places severe tests on the robots’ endurance, specifically examining their long-range stamina and energy management capabilities. Furthermore, dynamic balance and gait control capabilities are put to the test; robots must maintain dynamic balance at all times. Especially during high-speed running or sharp turns, the requirements for adaptive gait and millisecond-level posture correction are extremely high to prevent falls caused by shifts in the center of gravity.

In terms of regulations, this year’s event has also seen systematic upgrades in five areas: stricter rules on human intervention, more scientific start and movement protocols, clearer scoring and penalty criteria, more standardized supply and equipment management, and tighter safety and emergency procedures.

Facing these numerous challenges, the main purpose of this full-process, all-element test is to conduct technical validation, process refinement, risk prevention, and standard consolidation, ensuring the official race proceeds safely, smoothly, efficiently, and in an orderly manner. This drill, adhering to the standards of “full-process, all-scenarios, and all-elements,” followed the complete official race route of 21.0975 kilometers for the first time. It followed official race timelines, track rules, and support systems, covering two categories of teams (autonomous and remote-controlled), two types of scenarios (urban main roads and eco-parks), and two major segments (technical competition and service support). Through full-chain stress testing, the organizers carried out targeted breakthrough verifications to precisely identify potential issues and optimize procedural details.

The entire event involves a full chain of operations including start-line assembly, track control, battery swapping and resupply, finish-line diversion, emergency containment, vehicle dispatch, timing and judging, and security and medical services. All these must undergo practical drills to identify risks, optimize movement lines, and unify standards. This test comprehensively inspects the stability and reliability of humanoid robot technology, laying a solid foundation for the successful hosting of the official event.

During this test, team positioning was strictly verified and orderly arranged based on technical data submitted by each team, ensuring the process was open, standardized, fair, and orderly. As a realistic pre-race simulation drill, the test focused on process refinement, problem identification, and detail optimization. Test results were for reference only and did not count towards official rankings or race results. At the same time, speed performance and operational data of the teams during the test were within the scope of verification and do not represent their level in the official competition.

Currently, the short-distance speed of robots has improved significantly, and some teams predict that their half-marathon results may approach the level of elite human athletes. As a competition that serves as an extreme test of comprehensive performance and adaptability to complex terrain, the final results are worth looking forward to. On April 19, this human-robot co-running half-marathon will officially kick off, providing more impetus for the development of the robotics industry and accelerating the transition of humanoid robots from the laboratory to real-world applications.

Hashtag: #2026BeijingE-TownHalf-MarathonandHumanoidRobotHalf-Marathon

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

Senhwa Biosciences Secures Strategic Backing from Global Investor GEM with Up to NT$500 Million to Accelerate AI-Driven Drug Development

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TAIPEI and SAN DIEGO, April 14, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Senhwa Biosciences, Inc. (TPEx: 6492), a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company announced today the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with GEM YIELD BAHAMAS LIMITED, an affiliate of the global investment firm Global Emerging Markets (GEM). Under the agreement, GEM intends to provide up to NT$500 million in terms of strategic funding to support Senhwa’s advancing pipeline, AI-enabled drug discovery initiatives, and global expansion strategy.

This partnership highlights growing international investors’ confidence in Senhwa’s innovative R&D capabilities and its differentiated approach to integrating artificial intelligence into the development of its core assets. In addition to its ongoing focus on cancer immunotherapy, Senhwa has been actively building an AI-driven discovery platform. Through strategic collaboration with Y combinator backed AI Native company such as CellType, the Company is leveraging next-generation C2S (cell-to-sentence) technology to deepen mechanistic insights and systematically identify potential combination therapy in treating different types of cancers.

AI-enabled validation has demonstrated that Senhwa’s lead candidates possess promising immunomodulatory potential under specific tumor microenvironment conditions. These findings support the Company’s “cold-to-hot tumor” strategy, positioning Senhwa to capture opportunities in the next wave of immuno-oncology (IO 2.0). Mechanism-driven, AI-assisted drug development is rapidly emerging as a key investment theme across global pharmaceutical and capital markets.

Global Emerging Markets (GEM), headquartered in Luxembourg with offices in Paris, New York and Nassau (Bahamas), is a leading alternative investment group focused on emerging markets. GEM has completed over 590 transactions across 75 countries. Each investment vehicle has a different degree of operational control, risk-adjusted return, and liquidity profiles. Its family of funds and investment vehicles provide GEM and its partners with exposure to Small-Mid Cap Management Buyouts, Private Investments in Public Equities and select venture investments.

Senhwa believes this strategic capital commitment will enable the Company to advance its clinical programs in parallel with its AI-driven discovery platform, further strengthening its competitive position within the global biopharmaceutical ecosystem. The partnership also lays a solid foundation for future international collaborations and potential commercialization opportunities.

Segway Navimow robotic lawn mowers set new benchmark in lawn protection with Market-First TÜV Rheinland Lawn Care Certification

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Segway Navimow X420 and i206 AWD models achieve the perfect balance between terrain capability and lawn protection: The TÜV Rheinland – certified Minimal Lawn Impact Performance.

BERLIN, April 14, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Segway Navimow, the pioneer in lawn care technology, has successfully subjected its X420 and i206 AWD robotic lawn mower models to rigorous testing by TÜV Rheinland. Both devices are the first and only to receive the coveted Lawn Care certification. This certification officially confirms that Navimow robotic lawn mowers deliver “Minimal Lawn Impact Performance,” setting a new industry benchmark for ultimate lawn protection.

The technological backbone of this achievement is the advanced Xero-turn™ AWD system. This engineering innovation enables the mower to seamlessly navigate complex garden environments, effortlessly conquering steep slopes, stone paths, exposed tree roots, and conquer uneven terrain while minimising damage to the grass or turf. By ensuring stable, slip-free traction, the Xero-turn™ technology allows the device to glide over the grass with minimal friction, effectively safeguarding the turf from damage.

Navimow: Market-first TÜV Rheinland Lawn Care Certification
Navimow: Market-first TÜV Rheinland Lawn Care Certification

The certification is based on a comprehensive test catalogue that incorporates international standards as well as TÜV Rheinland’s own benchmarks and certify the performance characteristics for maintaining a healthy and well-maintained lawn. As part of the intensive Accelerated Ageing Model a full calendar year of high-frequency mowing was simulated under European conditions. The results demonstrate:

  • Minimal lawn impact: Both models achieved Level 2 of TÜV Rheinland’s 5-level damage standard, meaning that after long-term operation, only minimal, localised traces remain, which do not affect the overall aesthetics and health of the lawn and are only visible upon close inspection.
  • Ultimate terrain capability: Both X420 and i206 AWD successfully passed the steep slope tests while simultaneously recognizing and avoiding complex obstacles such as tables, chairs, and cables.
  • Industry leadership
    • The X420 is the world’s first four-wheel drive robotic mower to receive TÜV Rheinland “Lawn Care” certification.
    • The i206 AWD is the only 3-wheel AWD robotic lawnmower on the market with this official certification.

Backed by rigorous TÜV Rheinland testing, this certification underscores Navimow’s ability to strike the perfect balance between superior off-road capability and meticulous lawn care, even in the most demanding environments. For the user, this translates to a genuinely hassle-free experience. A certified “Lawn Care” mower guarantees reliable performance across challenging terrains, eliminating the frustration of the device getting stuck and requiring manual rescue. Furthermore, it ensures the lawn is never compromised by excessive wheel friction, allowing homeowners to enjoy a pristine, perfectly manicured garden with zero manual intervention.

Disclaimer
Data is sourced from TÜV Rheinland certification reports (X420: Certificate Q 50714188 0001 / Report CN26DPDC 001; i2 AWD: Certificate Q 50714192 0001 / Report CN263HAU 001). The tests used an accelerated ageing model to simulate high-frequency residential usage scenarios for European users over a calendar year (calculated based on mowing twice a week for 10 months), with the environment including common obstacles such as tables, chairs, water pipes, electrical wires, and toys. The X420 operated normally at a slope of 57.7% (30°) and the i206 AWD at a slope of 47.6% (25°), achieving the “Minimum Lawn Impact Level.” This level refers to TÜV Rheinland’s Level 2 standard, meaning only extremely minor, localised traces (visible damage count ≤1), not affecting the overall aesthetics and health of the lawn, and only visible upon close inspection. Actual results may vary depending on lawn condition and environment.

About Segway Navimow
Segway Navimow is a subsidiary of Ninebot Limited (Stock Code: 689009). As a high-tech enterprise dedicated to the research, development, manufacturing, and sales of intelligent service robots, the company is committed to integrating next-generation innovations into everyday life. The brand’s product portfolio includes a full lineup of models, featuring the i Series, H Series, X Series, and the commercial-grade Terranox Series. This comprehensive range is designed to meet the needs of customers with different lawn sizes and usage scenarios.

Segway Navimow is a leading brand in the global robotic lawn mower market. To date, our products are available in more than 40 countries and regions worldwide, including Europe, North America, and Australia, serving more than 400,000 families.

Xinhua Silk Road: Traceability & anti-counterfeiting help ensure reliable quality of green tea in Rizhao

By
Advertorial Desk
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BEIJING, April 14, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — In Rizhao, one of the world’s three major coastal green tea cities, a complete tea industry chain traceability and anti-counterfeiting system is helping the eastern China locality ensure superb quality of local green tea.

From tea buds picking to tea brewing, every link of the green tea industry chain there is traceable.

“Spring tea is coming”, exclaimed a tea farmer in Jufeng Town of Lanshan District in Rizhao, busy checking as carefully as usual the clusters of tender green tea buds piled in his bamboo basket recently.

Such scenes merely represent a common sight in local tea farms. As a core green tea-producing area in northern China, Rizhao has integrated traceability and anti-counterfeiting into tea plantation, fresh leaves purchase, tea processing, logistics, and sales to ensure quality reliability.

For instance, in a bustling processing workshop near the tea farms in Jufeng Town, electronic traceability scales stand ready for fresh leaf weighing and other devices enable orderly quality testing, coding and related recording.

A traceability management platform has also been established in the city, allowing automatic backstage pooling of tea weight and production zone-related information via electronic traceability scales and grower information when tea farmers use special QR codes and cards for tea trading.

While local tea producers are testing products quality, real-time results of such testing are synchronously uploaded to the afore-mentioned online traceability management platform for precise quality control.

For green tea products, they will be labeled with special traceability and anti-counterfeiting marks, which offer an easy access for consumers to query the entire process of tea planting, processing and testing.

This year, Rizhao plans to shape four model localities for green tea traceability to spur more replicable and applicable benchmarks for the city’s green tea industry, according to Li Yirun, a member of Rizhao government’s green tea work panel.

Three four-pronged mechanisms are scheduled to be adopted to further enhance green tea traceability and anti-counterfeiting among local tea traders, tea farmers, processing businesses, and tea market construction contributors, added Li.

Under such circumstances, Rizhao, whose green tea gains fame at home and abroad for the refreshing aroma, mellow taste, thick leaves and multiple infusions, is poised to embrace a vibrant rural vitalization and green development booster.

Original link: https://en.imsilkroad.com/p/350131.html

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