SYDNEY, April 13, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Humanforce, a leading global provider of intelligent, AI-driven human capital management (HCM) solutions for frontline workforces, today announced the launch of Humanforce Connect, the first frontline and flexible workforce management operating system.

Humanforce Connect brings together compliant roster creation, internal workforce activation, private marketplace access, agency vendor management and contingent orchestration into a single platform. This takes frontline employers from compliant, costed demand creation through to governed labour fulfilment across both internal and external worker pools.

Humanforce already operates at the deepest operational layer of frontline work — rostering, time, attendance, compliance, cost and pay outcomes. Humanforce Connect extends that into governed access to third-party labour pools and contingent orchestration beyond the employer’s own workforce. No other vendor in the frontline segment connects this full chain end-to-end.

Frontline organisations in healthcare, aged care, hospitality, stadia, retail and logistics face a structural challenge that no existing software platform has fully resolved: how to govern labour fulfilment across both internal and external worker pools. Humanforce already supports compliant roster creation and internal shift activation. The unresolved problem begins when work cannot be filled internally – to cover a last-minute call-out, a demand surge, a site-specific credential requirement, or a vacancy that needs to be covered through agencies, labour hire or other trusted external sources. In most organisations, that process still spills outside the system of record into fragmented manual workflows. The result is lost revenue, premium labour spend, compliance risk and weaker labour productivity.

“Most frontline employers do not struggle to build a roster. They struggle to govern how work gets filled once their own workforce is exhausted,” explained Clayton Pyne, CEO, Humanforce. “What we are doing with Humanforce Connect is bringing that fragmented external fulfilment chain – private labour networks, agency management, labour hire and contingent orchestration – into one governed operating system. Right person, right place, right time, whether they are your employee, a casual, an agency worker, a labour hire worker, or someone already known to your organisation through a trusted marketplace.

“This is bigger than operational efficiency. Flexibility and high-quality digital work experiences should not be reserved for white-collar workers. Frontline workers deserve the same, without employers having to sacrifice compliance, confidence, cost control or labour productivity. That’s what Humanforce Connect delivers.”

How Humanforce Connect was Built

Humanforce Connect is delivered through the strategic acquisitions of Emprevo and ShiftMatch, two specialist technology providers that add distinct and complementary layers to Humanforce’s broader strategy.

Emprevo is a leading private work marketplace platform purpose-built for frontline organisations. Its Worker Connect and Agency Connect capabilities enable organisations to build controlled labour ecosystems, which connect their own workforce, known external workers and preferred agency networks within a governed marketplace environment. Emprevo adds marketplace liquidity and worker experience infrastructure for employers managing blended frontline workforces.

ShiftMatch is a specialist relief management and contingent workforce orchestration platform that has delivered shift fill rate improvements of up to 90% for its customers. ShiftMatch’s intelligent matching engine adapts to daily staffing requirements, automatically coordinating internal relief pools and external contingent workers through governed escalation workflows, agency connectivity and internal-first fulfilment logic. It adds the orchestration and vendor governance layer needed to fulfil frontline work through third-party channels without losing execution control.

Together, Emprevo and ShiftMatch complete the labour fulfilment layer of Humanforce’s platform, adding marketplace liquidity and contingent orchestration to the roster creation, compliance, costing and execution capabilities customers already rely on.

“Our customers have consistently asked for two things: a structured way to manage their own labour pools and agency networks, and an intelligent engine to orchestrate fulfilment decisions in real time. Emprevo and ShiftMatch deliver exactly that,” said Pyne. “Combined with Humanforce’s workforce management, payroll and compliance capabilities, the result is a connected operating model that gives frontline employers faster coverage, greater cost control and complete visibility over every worker in their operation regardless of whether they are employees, casuals, agency workers, labour hire or trusted marketplace workers.”

These acquisitions build on Humanforce’s earlier strategic acquisition of LiveHire, which brought talent pools and candidate identity management to the platform, further deepening Humanforce’s capability across the full workforce lifecycle and strengthening the worker identity layer that sits upstream of fulfilment.

-ends-

About Humanforce

Humanforce is a leading global provider of intelligent, AI-driven human capital management (HCM) solutions purpose-built for frontline and flexible workforces. Humanforce’s employee-centred, industry-leading compliant cloud-based platform brings together Workforce Management, Talent, Payroll, HR, Benefits and AI & Analytics — helping organisations across healthcare, aged care, hospitality, retail, stadia, logistics and other frontline industries attract, manage, pay and retain their people.

Founded in 2002, Humanforce has an 1,800 strong customer base and is heading towards one million employees under management, across a wide range of industries including Aged Care, Childcare, Healthcare, Retail, Hospitality, Events & Stadia, Local Government and more. Today, we have offices across Australia, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, the Philippines, and the USA.

Customers include Accor, Flight Centre, Hungry Jack’s, Vodafone, Fujitsu, Alfred Health, Hostplus and more: https://humanforce.com

BANGKOK, April 13, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Global-leading consumer technology brand UGREEN today announced Thai Olympic taekwondo champion Phaniphak Wongphatthanakit as its new Brand Ambassador in Thailand. The collaboration reflects a shared belief in perseverance, reliability, and the importance of consistent energy to keep moving forward.

Phaniphak, one of Thailand’s most accomplished athletes, began training in taekwondo at the age of seven and quickly rose through the ranks with her remarkable talent and dedication. Today, she is widely recognized as a national sports icon, with achievements including two Olympic gold medals.

The collaboration launches UGREEN’s “Stay Unstoppable“ campaign, highlighting the connection between consistent energy and sustained performance, both in sports and everyday life.

“When I was invited to collaborate with UGREEN, I immediately felt excited and honored,” said Phaniphak Wongphatthanakit. “I’ve already been using their products daily, and I trust them for their reliability, fast charging, and safety. They make life more convenient, and now I can focus on training and competitions without worrying about my devices.”

Whether she is heading to early-morning training, traveling to a competition, or moving between events, Phaniphak always has UGREEN products by her side. Her Uno Charger keeps her devices ready whenever she needs them, while the ClipBuds Magic Open-Ear Earbuds let her enjoy music that helps maintain focus. On the road, the Nexode Pro Power Bank provides reliable energy wherever she goes, letting her move seamlessly from one challenge to the next. With UGREEN accompanying her throughout the day, she can concentrate on what matters most—staying active, prepared, and unstoppable.

Life is a nonstop race, and energy is the key to moving forward. Through this collaboration with Phaniphak, UGREEN exemplifies the spirit of perseverance and determination, offering stable and reliable charging technology to every person on the move. No matter how far the goal, as long as energy is constant, anyone can stay unstoppable.

About UGREEN

UGREEN is a global-leading consumer technology company. Since its founding in 2012, UGREEN has upheld its core values of being user-centric, sincere, and dedicated. With a global presence under the renowned “UGREEN” brand, its business covers over 180 countries and regions, serving more than 300 million users.

UGREEN is committed to empowering users worldwide to unlock their full potential, delivering on the brand slogan of “More For You”.

SINGAPORE, April 13, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Singapore-based AV Production (AVP) is a production house specialising in concert productions and festivals. Beyond event services, AVP’s founder, Favian Ngan, is also an active touring monitor engineer and works with many leading Asian artists. This dual role gives Favian a unique perspective, balancing long-term system design with the fast-paced demands of large-scale live touring.

Currently serving as monitor engineer on a major international world tour with more than 70 shows completed, Favian operates in some of the most demanding live sound environments. From large indoor arenas to outdoor stadiums with expansive stages and catwalks, delivering stable and consistent in-ear monitoring has become increasingly complex, particularly as the RF spectrum grows more congested and often becomes unpredictable across international touring circuits.

When industry standards reach their ceiling

Like many touring engineers, Favian’s workflow used to rely heavily on industry-standard analogue IEM systems. While dependable for years, these systems were increasingly strained by modern production demands.

“In many venues, the RF environment has become increasingly challenging, with noise floors rising to unpredictable levels,” Favian explains. “A frequency that appears clean during soundcheck can suddenly become unusable during the show. Modern concerts often incorporate extensive LED walls, LED light sticks, effect lighting, and even anti-drone jammers, all of which contribute to this instability.”

Managing large channel counts across wide stages often meant constant troubleshooting, especially when artists moved freely across the performance area or into the audience. At the same time, older systems in his inventory were due for renewal, prompting Favian to look for a solution that could move beyond the limitations inherent to analogue wireless.

Early adoption on the world stage

During an industry event, Favian was introduced to Spectera by Darryl Tan, Business Development Manager at Sennheiser.

“He told me that a powerful new wireless system would be launching soon, and that it would be well suited for a production company like mine,” Favian recalls. “Because it caters to touring production requirements in a very small form factor, he felt it would make a real difference to how we tour with gear on the road.”

As part of this early engagement, Favian became one of the customers under the Spectera Pioneer Programme. Ahead of the official launch, Darryl brought a demo set to Favian and facilitated hands-on demos, technical briefings and on-site support to ensure the system could be deployed confidently in a demanding touring environment.

“Spectera uses WMAS technology and it was something completely new to me,” Favian says. “It was also positioned as a very different system, so I wanted to hear it and test it for myself.”

Listening tests immediately revealed a noticeable improvement in audio quality. Yet the true measure of performance lay in RF stability and usability, factors that could only be validated under the demanding conditions of live touring. The system’s first deployment took place at a major stop of the tour in an 80,000-seat Olympic sports stadium, beginning with rehearsals and culminating in its use during the live performance itself.

Redefining RF coverage for large stages

One of Spectera’s most immediate advantages was its multi-antenna capability. Unlike analogue systems, which typically rely on a single antenna for IEMs, Spectera allows up to four antennas to operate simultaneously.

“Our stages can be over 120 metres wide with central catwalks,” Favian explains. “With analogue systems, there is no perfect antenna position. You are always compromising.”

With Spectera, antennas could be placed strategically across the stage, including along the catwalk, delivering consistent RF performance throughout the performance area. The move from BNC cabling to CAT6 further simplified setup, enabling long cable runs without signal loss, a major advantage in large arenas and stadiums.

A new level of control for monitor engineers

Beyond RF stability, Spectera transformed Favian’s day-to-day monitor workflow. The system provides real-time feedback from each bodypack, including battery status, RF levels and connection status.

“With analogue systems, if something goes wrong on stage, you are guessing and troubleshooting endlessly,” he says. “There is no easy way to deduce whether it is the battery, the pack or just RF interference.”

Frequency coordination has never been more straightforward. Spectera requires only a 6 MHz bandwidth to operate. In contrast, traditional analogue systems consistently face challenges related to frequency allocation and intermodulation interference.

He also added, “As productions grow in scale and demand, additional wireless channels are often introduced, which increases the risk of intermodulation distortion and complicates the overall coordination process”.

Spectera, powered by Sennheiser WMAS technology, overcomes traditional coordination challenges by enabling multiple transceivers to operate concurrently in a single wideband RF channel. This is achieved through a combination of time division multiple access (TDMA), time division duplex (TDD) and orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM), maximizing RF efficiency. The result is a streamlined solution that supports expanding channel requirements without introducing interference or compromising performance.

One feature that quickly became essential was volume monitoring. During quick costume changes, artists’ packs may be unintentionally adjusted. Spectera allows Favian to remotely monitor the pack status and set levels, ensuring consistency throughout the show.

“My artist now feels very confident on stage,” he adds. “He knows the volume will always be exactly where it should be.”

For the artists themselves, the most noticeable change was sound quality. Moving from analogue to digital eliminated compression and expansion artefacts, resulting in a more natural and open sound.

“The stereo image is extremely wide,” Favian explains. “Left and right are truly independent, which lets me space my instruments creatively.”

This clarity proved especially valuable for vocal-led performances. With instruments spread cleanly across the stereo field, vocals remained centred and unobstructed, helping artists hear more clearly and perform with greater comfort.

Built for touring reality

Favian currently runs 22 Spectera bodypacks with two Base Stations. Different audio modes are used based on performer needs, with ultra-low latency reserved for the artist and monitor engineer, while other musicians and the production crew operate on low-latency or live modes.

“Latency remains a critical consideration for performers, particularly singers and musicians. Spectera sets a new benchmark with an exceptionally low IEM latency of just 0.7 milliseconds, which is the lowest available in any digital wireless in-ear monitoring system”, Favian explains. “This latency is vital for vocalists as it helps minimise bone-conduction interference and reduces the risk of comb filtering effects.”

From a logistics perspective, Spectera’s compact footprint also streamlines touring. Each system occupies just one rack unit, making transportation significantly more efficient than traditional systems.

Spectera is an IP-based system that enables full control through a web user interface. “The ability to manage Spectera via the Spectera WebUI has been a game changer,” Favian notes. “I can walk around the venue with my iPad, or even just a phone, and can instantly view the status of every pack and antenna.”

A partnership that evolves

Adopting Spectera early meant working closely with Sennheiser’s technical team as the system continued to evolve. Regular firmware updates and hands-on support ensured stability and continuous improvement throughout the tour.

“The support has been very strong from the Sennheiser team,” Favian says. “They listened to my feedback and responded quickly.”

Behind the scenes, the transition to Spectera was supported by close collaboration between AV Production, Sennheiser and Concept Systems, Sennheiser’s preferred partner for Spectera in Singapore. From RF planning guidance to workflow optimisation and system configuration, the local team played a critical role in accelerating adoption. Combined with direct technical engagement from Sennheiser’s technical application engineering team, the partnership ensured that AVP not only integrated Spectera smoothly into its touring setup but could also maximise its capabilities across increasingly complex international show environments.

Spectera has now become a core part of Favian’s touring workflow, and one he now actively recommends to peers.

“When you compare it side by side with other systems, you can clearly hear the difference,” he says. “But beyond sound quality, it is the control, RF stability and confidence it gives you during a show.”

For AV Production and Favian, Spectera is no longer an experiment. It is an essential tool, redefining what is possible for modern touring and large-scale live productions.

The images accompanying this media release and an additional photo can be downloaded here.

About the Sennheiser brand

We live and breathe audio. We are driven by the passion to create audio solutions that make a difference. Building the future of audio and bringing remarkable sound experiences to our customers – this is what the Sennheiser brand has represented for 80 years. While professional audio solutions such as microphones, meeting solutions, streaming technologies and monitoring systems are part of the business of Sennheiser electronic SE & Co. KG, the business with consumer devices such as headphones, soundbars and speech-enhanced hearables is operated by Sonova Holding AG under the license of Sennheiser. 

www.sennheiser.com
www.sennheiser-hearing.com

BANGKOK, April 13, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — NEC Thailand announced the appointment of Yoshifuji Hiroki as its new President, effective April 2026. Building on a strong local foundation, this leadership transition reiterates NEC’s continued commitment to advancing innovation and sustainable growth in Thailand.

Yoshifuji brings over two decades of global experience within NEC, having joined the company in 2002. His career spans key international markets across the Middle East and Africa, where he led regional business development initiatives and played a pivotal role in expanding NEC’s presence in emerging markets.

From 2013 to 2015, he drove business development across the West Africa region with NEC West Africa. He later served as Director of the Global Relations Division for NEC’s Africa Group from 2016 to 2023, strengthening strategic partnerships and government relations across the continent. Most recently, Yoshifuji was Director of the Strategy Group under the Global Strategic and Planning Division, contributing to the company’s global direction and long-term growth strategies.

“It is a great honor to take on this role at such an important and transformative time. I am deeply grateful to the NEC Thailand team and to Mr. Ichiro Kurihara for the strong foundation they have built. Under his leadership, the organization has undergone meaningful change—strengthening our structure, fostering a more agile and collaborative culture, and enhancing our business processes. These efforts have enabled NEC Thailand to become more flexible, efficient, and resilient, positioning us well to navigate global shifts, accelerate digital transformation, and respond effectively to challenges such as the COVID-19 crisis. Building on this momentum, we are now better equipped than ever to compete in a rapidly evolving market and to seize new opportunities,” shares Yoshifuji.

In his new role, Yoshifuji will lead NEC Thailand’s overall business strategy and operations, working closely with local stakeholders to reinforce NEC’s role as a trusted partner in supporting Thailand’s digital transformation and broader socio-economic development.

Yoshifuji adds, “I look forward to working closely with our customers and partners to co-create innovative solutions that address societal challenges and deliver lasting value. Together, we remain committed to shaping what’s ahead through meaningful innovation, contributing to sustainable growth and creating lasting value for society.”

As a trusted partner in Thailand, NEC delivers cutting-edge technologies and solutions that support key industries such as manufacturing, retail, healthcare, finance, and other key industries.

GUANGZHOU, China, April 13, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — The 28th edition of the China (Guangzhou) International Building Decoration Fair (CBD Guangzhou 2026), is scheduled to take place from July 8 to 11, 2026, at the Canton Fair Complex, Guangzhou, China. As the world’s leading exhibition in the building materials and decoration industry, it serves as a premier platform for international trade and industry advancement. Hosted by China Foreign Trade Centre (CFTC), the organizer of the renowned Canton Fair, CBD Guangzhou remains a cornerstone of the global construction and interior design sectors.

Spanning an expansive 300,000 square meters, CBD Guangzhou 2026 will host over 2,000 brand exhibitors. The event is structured around three core ecosystems: INTERIOR, EXTERIOR, and MATECH. This comprehensive layout covers nearly the entire spectrum of the building and home furnishing industry, with a focus on sectors such as smart home, bath and sanitary ware, door and window, materials, hardware, machinery and coatings and other, reflecting the breadth and depth of the industry’s latest developments.

Since its inception in 2015, the Smart Home sector has grown into a definitive industry benchmark. Occupying 40,000 square meters, this area showcases the future of living through smart security, robotics, and elderly care solutions. Simultaneously, the Ceramic and Sanitary Ware sector has evolved into a specialized “Bath and Sanitary Renovation Platform,” offering one-stop solutions for residential updates alongside top-tier tile and hardware innovations.

The Door and Window sector stands as a vital component, highlighting the highest level of Chinese manufacturing. It features an array of high-quality products ranging from patio systems and sun-shading to courtyard aluminum and advanced hardware. To support the production side, the MATECH ecosystem focuses on the upstream supply chain, presenting the latest in intelligent manufacturing equipment and new materials that drive the contemporary industry forward.

CBD Guangzhou 2026 is designed to provide targeted value for diverse industry professionals. International distributors can access high-quality brands and exclusive agency rights, while real estate developers benefit from bulk procurement solutions and stable supply chains. For architects and engineers, the fair provides a wealth of innovative design products and cutting-edge technologies. Meanwhile, global manufacturers gain direct access to China’s most sophisticated production equipment and supply chain networks.

Industry professionals and stakeholders are encouraged to explore the future of building decoration and smart living. For further information and registration details, please visit the official website at https://www.cbdfair-gz.com/en.

From VoiceAgent to WiseNote to the “Home for Silicon-Based Employees,” Bairong is showcasing not just individual AI features, but a comprehensive, enterprise-grade practice that truly integrates AI into roles, processes, and management systems. Following its previous inclusions in Harvard Business School case studies, Bairong is now entering global frontier discussions with innovative solutions such as “AI employees” and “Silicon-Carbon Co-Governance.”

BEIJING, April 13, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — On March 30, Tsedal Neeley, Senior Associate Dean and Chair of the MBA program at Harvard Business School, specifically paid her visit to Bairong Intelligence. During this visit, the two sides engaged in in-depth exchanges on the progress of AI applications, explored the systemic transformation in the AI era, and discussed the commercial practices of “silicon-carbon co-governance.”

At Bairong, Professor Neeley experienced VoiceAgent, WiseNote, and the “Home for Silicon-Based Employees” firsthand, witnessing a real-world example: AI is no longer just answering questions or assisting with work—it is undertaking tasks in real business operations, embedding into processes, accepting performance evaluations, and becoming manageable, collaborative, and sustainably evolving into “silicon-based employees ” under human supervision.

Previously, the firm was selected as one of the flagship Chinese corporate examples in HBS’s case library for its pioneering work in machine learning and decision intelligence. This time, however, Bairong presents an even more cutting-edge and revolutionary topic: the pivot from “AI as a tool” to “AI as the workforce”, and from tactical technology deployment to strategic organizational restructuring.

From “Able to Answer” to “Capable of Working”: Bairong Demonstrates a Complete Company AI Practice

At the beginning of the visit, Professor Neeley experienced Bairong’s VoiceAgent. Faced with multi-turn, multi-scenario, multi-language voice interactions and complex business Q&A, this “silicon-based employee” demonstrated natural, fluent, and professional communication capabilities. From continuous semantic understanding to personalized demand feedback, and from frontline business consulting to complex service scenario responses—the entire interaction process moved beyond the basic “voice assistant” level of Q&A, resembling a true business role capable of undertaking service tasks. Professor Neeley expressed amazement multiple times during the on-site visit, highly praising its naturalness and professionalism. Bairong VoiceAgent is built on the self-developed BR-Voice end-to-end large model, focusing on breaking through the mechanical and fragmented limitations of traditional voice interactions to achieve a natural interaction experience closer to real business environments.

Professor Neeley also experienced WiseNote, an expertise-driven “silicon-based employee.” Unlike the common perception of AI as merely “writing summaries and providing assistance,” WiseNote demonstrates a markedly expanded scope of capabilities. Under natural language instructions, it autonomously integrates and analyzes multi-source heterogeneous data, extracts core trends, constructs logical frameworks, and generates deep insights—producing comprehensive reports grounded in data, professional analysis, and strategic judgment within a short timeframe. After reviewing the in-depth industry report generated by WiseNote, Professor Neeley felt it was no longer simple AI assistance, but closer to an AI expert capable of independently completing high-quality knowledge work. WiseNote represents that AI beginning to possess “standalone” position value in professional knowledge work.

What triggered her organizational-level thinking most was the “Home for Silicon-Based Employees.” In this system, Professor Neeley see a complete management system oriented toward silicon-based employees. Every silicon-based employee has an exclusive employee number, email, position, training records, performance ratings, and transfer and promotion records, reporting directly to a clear carbon-based business supervisor. From “onboarding applications” and “position configuration” to “performance evaluation” and “personnel changes,” there are standardized processes and system support. More importantly, Bairong is not just conceptually proposing “that AI become employees,” but has already applied human resource management, organizational management, and performance mechanisms to the daily operations of its silicon-based employees.

What Bairong Truly Answers is Not Just a Product Question, but an Organizational Question in the AI Era

Following the product experience, Zhang Shaofeng, CEO of the company, led the Bairong team in an in-depth closed-door exchange with Professor Neeley, focusing on technology, business strategy, and organizational practices. Bairong systematically reviewed its long-term deployment of AI Agents, starting in 2014 with “silicon-based risk control employees,” and later in 2017, after the emergence of the Transformer architecture, deploying voice large language models and silicon-based customer service and sales agents. The Company has gradually evolved from MaaS (Model as a Service) and BaaS (Business as a Service) to a result-oriented RaaS (Results as a Service) model, and after 2023, achieved multi-industry, multi-role silicon-based employee coverage. Therefore, what Bairong demonstrates today is not a superficial stacking of short-term trending topics, but organizational practices evolved over more than a decade around “making AI become employees.”

At the technical level, Bairong demonstrated its key capabilities covering layers 3-5 of the AI ecosystem: the self-developed BR-LLM-Proactive domain large model, BR-Voice end-to-end voice model, BR-Vision visual large model, and BR-Next Voice next-generation voice model, achieving rapid Agent construction and operation through AgentOS Baigong, and multi-scenario, multi-role large-scale deployment through AgentStore Baihui.

The value of these numbers is not just to illustrate that “Bairong made products,” but to show that Bairong has already pushed AI from the functional layer to the position layer, and from single-point tools to organizational operational units. Traditional organizations often rely on carbon-based employees as “APIs” between systems, undertaking large amounts of cross-system coordination and repetitive work. While in AI-native organizations, silicon-based employees begin to undertake end-to-end process orchestration and automated execution, allowing carbon-based employees to focus more on strategy, judgment, innovation, and decision-making. The change in AI is not just a technological change, but an organizational design change.

From “AI Tools” to “AI Employees,” “Silicon-Carbon Co-Governance” Creates New Value Propositions for Future Organizations

In the exchange, the “Silicon-Carbon Co-Governance” concept proposed by Bairong became the part that resonated most deeply with both sides. Professor Neeley pointed out that past academic research on AI applications in enterprises mostly remained at the level of “tools assisting humans.” However, Bairong’s practice, especially the combined demonstration of VoiceAgent, WiseNote, and the “Home for Silicon-Based Employees,” allowed her to see a clear leap from “AI tools” to “AI employees.” Silicon-based employees begin to undertake standardized, repetitive, and process-driven operational tasks, while also entering into professional work such as deep analysis and report writing. Meanwhile, carbon-based employees are released from large amounts of tedious affairs, focusing more on strategic judgment, innovation and creation, risk control, and emotional value delivery. Professor Neeley believes this is not a simple replacement, but a new division of labor structure, a new collaborative model, and a governance framework worthy of continuous attention from global enterprise management research.

This view is highly consistent with Bairong’s long-term core philosophy. Bairong believes that company transformation in the AI era is never about simple software upgrades or efficiency tool introductions, but the deep restructuring of organizational models “Silicon-Carbon Co-Governance” is not only Bairong’s internal organizational practice, but also a methodology for AI transformation facing global companies. Therefore, in its own operations, Bairong does not treat silicon-based employees as “plug-in tools,” but as collaborators, executors, and result bearers in real positions, ensuring they operate stably and iterate continuously under human supervision through systematic management.

This is also the true difference between Bairong and many AI companies that only remain at the demo or single-point function level. What Bairong proposes and practices is not “smarter tools,” but “new types of employees that can be absorbed by organizations.” It is not about “local efficiency improvement,” but about “rewriting company operations around positions, processes, governance, and results.” This makes Bairong’s exploration naturally possess research and demonstration value beyond the product itself.

From Chinese Practice to Global Context: Bairong is Becoming a Benchmark of Next-Generation Enterprise AI

As a long-term practitioner in the AI Agent field, Bairong has formed a silicon-based employee matrix covering nearly 200 positions, with deployed scenarios spanning finance, telecommunications, retail, enterprise services, and other industries, and has received attention and recognition from international research institutions such as IDC and Gartner. Within Bairong, silicon-based employee management has also become part of daily operations. Its presentation materials show that Bairong has received market attention in multiple dimensions including domain large models, Agent Builder, finance, marketing and sales, human resources, and legal affairs. The Company has seen multiple RaaS cases incorporated into Gartner-related research, and has also become one of the co-leads of the AI Agent ecosystem working group.

In the future, Bairong will continue to evolve around domain large models and core AI Agent capabilities, continuously optimizing core products such as VoiceAgent, WiseNote, and the “Home for Silicon-Based Employees.” The Company will continuously enrich the position roles and application scenarios of silicon-based employees, promoting them to more widely enter enterprise business practices. Bairong will also continue to transform its long-term exploration in “making AI become employees” into methods and samples that can be discussed, researched, and referenced by the global industry, academia, and business communities.

About Bairong

Bairong AI Inc. (6608.HK) is a leading pioneer in enterprise AI agent solutions. Guided by the mission of “Empowering Every Industry and Home with AI,” it delivers its services through a Result-as-a-Service (RaaS) model, providing institutional clients with tailored AI agent capabilities. At the core of Bairong’s technology stack are its proprietary BR-LLM large language model and the “Bairong CybotStar百融百工” enterprise AI agent operating system, which empower clients to build and deploy their own custom AI agents. Bairong also delivers end-to-end business outcomes via business process outsourcing and position outsourcing services.

To date, Bairong has served over 8,000 institutional clients while maintaining a core client retention rate of 98%. Its clients span diverse sectors including internet, retail, communications, education, healthcare, and more. The company’s solutions address a comprehensive range of use cases: marketing recommendation and sales collaboration, intelligent customer service and outbound calls, contract/bill and regulation analysis, credit approval and anti-fraud, claims settlement and archive management, as well as recruitment operation and training empowerment. Bairong holds over 95% independent intellectual property rights for its products, with a cumulative portfolio of more than 573 patents and software copyrights.

Recognized as a leading innovator in China’s next-generation technology sector, Bairong has earned significant industry acclaim. The company was named one of the “China Top 60 AI Enterprises” in Morgan Stanley’s industry analysis and has been highlighted in annual reports by Kai Yuan and Ping An Securities Technology Team. In IDC’s evaluations, Bairong consistently ranks as a leader across multiple dimensions for large language models and intelligent agents. Furthermore, the company holds the industry’s highest rating for Corporate Governance in MSCI’s ESG assessments.

For more information, please visit: http://ir.brgroup.com 

Safe Harbor Statement

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SINGAPORE, April 13, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Digital travel platform Agoda’s latest data unveils which Asian travelers have shopping top-of-mind when planning trips. Topping the ranking are travelers from Taiwan and South Korea, with nearly one in four (23%) respondents from each market saying shopping motivated their trips. Travelers from the Philippines (22%), Malaysia (20%) and Japan (15%) round out the top five, with Thailand (14%), Indonesia (12%), India (8%) and Vietnam (7%) completing the ranking.

The findings come from a survey of Asian travelers as part of Agoda’s 2026 Travel Outlook Report, which highlights the prominence of shopping as a travel motivator. The data reveals that retail experiences remain a major draw across Asia, with options ranging from luxury malls and designer districts to night markets and local artisan hubs. For many travelers, shopping is not just transactional but experiential, offering a way to discover local culture, secure unique souvenirs, and enjoy curated retail environments that are destinations in their own right.

Agoda’s findings also reflect evolving consumer behaviors where travelers combine leisure and retail: planning trips around seasonal sales, pop-up events, and specialty shopping districts. The trend suggests a stronger culture of travel-led retail, whether for fashion, electronics, beauty, or local crafts. The result is a travel ecosystem that turns shopping into a core part of the itinerary and drives demand for conveniently located accommodations, curated experiences and retail-focused activities.

Jun Dong, Vice President at Agoda, commented, “Shopping remains a powerful reason to travel across Asia, and our data shows just how varied retail motivations can be by market. It’s particularly interesting that Taiwanese and South Korean travelers prioritize shopping as a key motivator when planning trips, highlighting their enthusiasm for exploring diverse retail landscapes and seeking unique shopping experiences. At Agoda, we ensure travelers can easily find accommodations that place them right at the heart of the shopping experiences they value most.”

Travelers can use Agoda’s intuitive search and filters to find accommodations near top shopping districts and browse over 6 million properties, more than 300,000 activities and over 130,000 flight routes — all bookable in one place. Discover the best deals on Agoda’s mobile app or visit Agoda.com for more.

MANILA, Philippines, April 13, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — NEC Philippines today announced its inaugural participation in the 8th Philippine Airport Summit 2026, to be held on April 22–23 at the City of Dreams, Manila. The move marks the official entry of NEC’s specialized aviation technologies into the local sector, aiming to modernize the nation’s infrastructure through advanced biometrics, AI, and decentralized identity solutions.

“At NEC Philippines, we are dedicated to building smarter, more resilient systems that support Filipino communities every day,” shares Sherlyn Omalin, President, NEC Philippines. “Our debut at this summit is a key part of our mission in creating what’s ahead for the aviation industry. We look forward to collaborating with both public and private sector partners to ensure Philippine airports are equipped with secure and people-centered technologies that meet the needs of the modern traveler.”

As the Philippine aviation industry prepares for a significant capacity expansion—with domestic passenger traffic already trending above pre-pandemic levels and the Asia-Pacific region set to drive 45% of global travel growth by 2040—NECPH is introducing a suite of digital tools engineered to optimize both operational oversight and the traveler experience.

NEC’s exhibition will feature a live look at its “Global Aviation Solutions” portfolio, which includes:

• Mobile Boarding Application: A secure, automated verification solution designed to streamline boarding while maintaining the highest level of public safety.
• Decentralized ID (Verifiable Credentials): A digital wallet-based system that allows travelers to manage their own passport and ID data, enabling a “single token” end-to-end journey.
• Video Recognition AI x LLM (VLM): An intelligent monitoring tool that automatically extracts and summarizes ground handling footage to improve real-time management.
• Baggage Counting Solutions: A data-driven system built to simplify the boarding process, enhance punctuality, and boost overall passenger satisfaction.

“We are excited to demonstrate how our proven global expertise can assist the Philippines in modernizing its aviation gateways and harmonizing local operations with international digital standards. We are keen to connect with people who share the same vision,” says Wataru Okada, Senior Director for Global Aviation, NEC Asia-Pacific.

Supporting the Future of Philippine Infrastructure

NEC’s entry into the aviation summit aligns with the Philippine government’s “Build Better More” program, which has prioritized the modernization of regional hubs and the landmark P170.6-billion rehabilitation of NAIA. By deploying world-class digital identity and secure frameworks, NEC Philippines is committed to providing the technological backbone necessary to transform these physical expansions into efficient and world-class gateways. This strategic participation reinforces NEC’s efforts in actively creating what’s ahead for the nation’s digital infrastructure.

About NEC Philippines, Inc.

For nearly 30 years, NEC Philippines has been providing products, solutions, and support to the Philippine market, offering Biometrics Authentication System, Financial Solutions & Services, Public Safety Solutions & Services, Telecom Carrier Solutions, and Smart Transport Solutions. NEC Philippines leverages on the NEC global brand while collaborating with NEC Group Affiliates to bring solutions aiming to contribute to a safe, inclusive, and forward-thinking Philippines.

For more information and to learn more about NEC Philippines’ innovative solutions, please visit https://ph.nec.com/