BEIJING, April 10, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Güntner (www.guntner.com), a leading provider of refrigeration and air conditioning solutions, successfully participated in China Refrigeration 2026 at the Beijing Capital International Convention & Exhibition Center from April 8 to 10. Throughout the three-day event, the Güntner Asia Pacific team welcomed numerous industry partners and visitors at booth A1C79, engaging in meaningful discussions on key industry topics and showcasing the company’s latest advancements in intelligent controls, heat pump technologies, and natural refrigerants.

This year’s exhibition, themed “Empower refrigeration and heat pump with digital intelligence for a new chapter of carbon neutrality,” resonated strongly with Güntner’s strategic vision and sustainability commitments in in the Asia Pacific region.

aicore™ Controls & IoT Solutions: Smarter Cooling and Smoother Operations

Güntner’s aicore™ Controls & IoT Solutions have already been deployed across multiple intelligent refrigeration projects throughout the Asia Pacific region. The platform integrates Güntner’s proven GMMNext controller and GHM water management controller, optimizing energy consumption during operation to enhance overall system efficiency. The newly launched aicore™ Cloud solution adds remote monitoring capabilities, enabling full lifecycle management of Güntner’s outdoor equipment.

“From controllers to IoT solutions, aicore™ is a platform that makes cooling smarter and operations smoother. We’re already seeing many forward-thinking customers adopt the aicore™ Cloud. For them, it’s not just about reducing labor costs—it’s about optimizing system performance through data-driven insights. That means lower energy consumption, longer equipment life, and ultimately, the operational certainty that our customers value most.” Mr. Nguyen Hong Quang, Güntner’s Sales Director for Southeast Asia, Japan, and Korea, shared real-world application examples at the exhibition, demonstrating how aicore™ delivered tangible value across diverse use cases.

Heat Pumps: Driving the Low-Carbon Transition

As the global decarbonization agenda accelerates, heat pump technology is gaining significant traction—particularly in the air-source segment. Güntner showcased its innovations in heat recovery and system efficiency, highlighting the critical role of the heat collector as the front-end component determining overall system performance.

In China, Güntner has advanced multiple heat pump projects in collaboration with local partners. A notable example is the Ordos Zero-Carbon Airport Project, which was successfully completed at the end of 2025. Güntner supplied 18 customized high-performance evaporators for this project, manufactured at its Asia Pacific facility in Indonesia. Each unit delivers 350kW of rated capacity and operates reliably under demanding conditions, with ambient temperatures as low as -12°C and evaporating temperatures reaching -18°C.

“Through close collaboration between our local technical team and our German colleagues, Güntner has built extensive hands-on experience in CO₂ heat pump technology. We’re well-positioned to support more customers on their journey toward a low-carbon future—and we’re always eager to share our expertise with partners across the Asia Pacific region.” Mr. Youde Xiao, General Manager of Greater China, together with his technical team, presented the latest developments and application cases, illustrating how Güntner’s innovations are helping Chinese customers achieve their zero-carbon goals.

Natural Refrigerants: Harnessing Nature for Greater Efficiency

As part of Güntner’s 2030 sustainability commitments, the company is actively transitioning to environmentally friendly refrigerants to reduce its environmental footprint. In recent years, Güntner’s laboratory efforts have focused in particular on the use of natural refrigerants. A considerable amount of work has been carried out to reduce the refrigerant charge required in natural refrigerant systems and to develop new tube geometries.

In Southern Asia—particularly in high-temperature countries like India—rapid growth in the agricultural and food processing industries is driving increasing demand for efficient refrigeration solutions. Systems utilizing natural refrigerants such as ammonia (NH₃) demonstrate clear energy efficiency advantages in these hot-climate applications.

“Güntner is committed to helping customers in the agricultural and food processing sectors reduce operating costs through natural refrigerant technologies. Our product range covers everything from blast freezers and air coolers to evaporators, offering flexible solutions for diverse applications—whether it’s food processing rooms, cold storage facilities, or corridor areas.” Mr. Anuj Bedi, Sales Director for Southern Asia, engaged with visitors at the exhibition, discussing technical details and industry applications, and sharing how Güntner’s natural refrigerant solutions are helping customers across Southern Asia tackle high-temperature challenges.

Güntner remains dedicated to driving industry progress through innovative technologies and sustainable solutions. Its participation in China Refrigeration 2026 provided an invaluable platform to strengthen partnerships, exchange ideas, and explore pathways toward a greener future.

About Güntner

Founded in 1931 and headquartered in Fürstenfeldbruck, Germany, Güntner is a global provider of heat exchange solutions for the refrigeration and air conditioning industry. In the Asia Pacific region, Güntner operates a manufacturing facility in Indonesia and maintains a comprehensive sales and service network across key markets, including China, India, Indonesia, Japan, Korea, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam.

SINGAPORE, April 10, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Digital travel platform Agoda reports that faith and tradition remain key drivers of travel in India. Its 2026 Travel Outlook Report shows that Indian travellers are the most likely in Asia to plan trips for spiritual purposes this year. Nearly one in five Indian travellers (19%) expect to take a spiritually motivated trip in 2026, the highest share among Asian markets surveyed. India ranks first, followed by Indonesia in second and Malaysia in third, with Japan and Thailand completing the top five underscoring the strong link between faith and travel among Indian travellers.

This trend is reflected in how travellers respond to major spiritual events and festivals. In 2025, Prayagraj recorded a 233% increase in accommodation searches on Agoda during the return of the Maha Kumbh Mela. The event, held every twelve years, is one of the world’s largest religious gatherings and draws pilgrims and travellers from across India and abroad.

India’s festival calendar also plays an important role in shaping travel demand. More recently during Holi, destinations known for temple rituals and celebrations saw a rise in travel interest – with Pushkar recording a 195% rise in accommodation searches, followed by Vrindavan (126%) and Mathura (109%). Such destinations continue to draw visitors seeking both spiritual significance and immersive cultural experiences.

Gaurav Malik, Country Director, Indian Subcontinent & Indian Ocean Islands at Agoda, said, “Spiritual travel has long been part of India’s travel culture, and the findings from Agoda’s Travel Outlook Report reflect how faith continues to influence travel decisions across the country. From major pilgrimage gatherings to festival-linked travel, many Indian travellers plan journeys that combine cultural traditions with opportunities to explore different destinations. Agoda helps make these journeys more enriching by offering great deals across a wide range of accommodations, flights, and activities.”

While the report highlights how Indian travellers are planning their journeys, it also points to a growing opportunity for traditional and spiritual destinations to enhance how they connect with travellers through digital tools. Expanding access to real-time information such as opening hours, ticketing, and visitor guidelines can make trip planning smoother, particularly for international visitors. Greater digitisation through online platforms can also streamline bookings and improve discoverability.

Through its platform, Agoda offers access to more than 6 million holiday properties worldwide, over 130,000 flight routes, and more than 300,000 travel activities, which can be booked through a single platform. Travellers planning visits to spiritual destinations or other locations can explore options and make bookings through www.agoda.com and mobile app.

KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia, April 10, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Cambridge English will bring together senior education leaders, policymakers and practitioners from across the region at the Cambridge English Leadership Summit 2026: Asia Pacific Edition, to be held at the Hilton Kuala Lumpur on 23 and 24 April.

Under the theme “English Language Education in the Age of AI”, the two-day summit will explore how artificial intelligence, teacher development and integrated learning and assessment are shaping the future of English language education across the Asia Pacific.

Addressing the future of English education in an AI-driven world

The summit will feature a strong line-up of international and regional thought leaders, including researchers, ministry officials and school leaders, offering strategic insights into the opportunities and challenges of AI in education.

The opening keynote will be delivered by Dr Evelina Galaczi, Director of Research (Global), Cambridge University Press & Assessment, who will speak on “Innovating Teaching and Learning: The Power of Human-Centred AI”. Her session will set the stage for in-depth discussions on how technology can enhance learning while keeping pedagogy and learners at the centre.

Strong ministerial and regional representation

A key highlight of the summit is the participation of senior representatives from Ministries of Education across the region, sharing national perspectives and policy-to-practice experiences.

Confirmed speakers include:

• Noor Akmar Binti Jais, Director, English Language Teaching Centre, Ministry of Education, Malaysia
• Dr Nguyen Thi Mai Huu, Ph.D., Director, National Foreign Languages Project, Ministry of Education and Training, Vietnam
• Dr Poppy Dewi Puspitawati, M.A., Education Expert and Specialist, Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education, Ministry of Education, Indonesia

Showcasing regional success stories and best practices

The programme will also highlight success stories from across Asia Pacific, with school leaders and education partners from Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia and Vietnam sharing real-world experiences of integrating AI-enhanced approaches in English language teaching, learning and assessment.

These sessions will demonstrate how aligned curricula, assessment and teacher development can support learners in developing language proficiency and global competence.

Focus on teacher development and classroom practice

Day Two of the summit will place special emphasis on teacher development for the AI era, featuring sessions on:

• Building and sustaining a world-class teacher workforce through Cambridge English Teaching Qualifications
• Global classroom insights on AI for English Language Teaching
• Practical approaches for improving learner outcomes using Cambridge English resources

The summit will conclude with a panel discussion on empowering teachers and learners in a changing AI-driven world, bringing together ministry representatives and Cambridge experts to reflect on future directions for English education.

A platform for collaboration and leadership

Speaking ahead of the event, Min Qu, Regional Commercial Director – Northeast & Southeast Asia Pacific, Cambridge University Press & Assessment, said:

“The Cambridge English Leadership Summit provides an important platform for leaders across Asia Pacific to exchange ideas, learn from each other and shape future-ready English education systems. As AI transforms education, collaboration and shared learning are more important than ever.”

With participants from multiple Asia Pacific markets, the Cambridge English Leadership Summit 2026 reinforces Cambridge English’s ongoing commitment to supporting education systems, teachers and learners through research-led, practical and future-focused solutions.

• Hyundai Motor officially launches its all‑electric IONIQ lineup brand in China, signaling a renewed commitment to the NEV market
• Two new design concepts preview the future direction of the IONIQ lineup brand ahead of Auto China 2026
• The VENUS Concept sedan and EARTH Concept family SUV debut as two ‘planets’ in a new ‘universe’ of models

BEIJING and SEOUL, South Korea, April 10, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Hyundai Motor Company officially launched its all-electric IONIQ lineup brand in China, unveiling two design concept cars at the IONIQ brand launch event in Beijing ahead of Auto China 2026 (‘Beijing Auto Show’) on April 24.

Alongside the concepts, Hyundai Motor presented a strategy aimed at strengthening its position in the Chinese market, expanding the IONIQ brand’s lineup beyond products into a mobility experience.

The two all-electric concept cars developed for China — the VENUS Concept, a trend-setting sedan, and the EARTH Concept, a dependable family SUV — signal the beginning of this new chapter. Both concepts highlight Hyundai Motor’s readiness for China’s new energy vehicle (NEV) market.

“Starting with the two concept cars unveiled today, we will continue to present products that reflect deep insight into Chinese customers and our genuine commitment to this market. Built on IONIQ’s uncompromising principles of world-class safety and quality, we will soon introduce production models that seamlessly combine the smart driving and smart cabin experiences that Chinese consumers demand.” – Li Fenggang, President at Beijing Hyundai Motor Company

What Is IONIQ and How Will the lineup Brand Be Tailored for China?

As Hyundai Motor’s dedicated all-electric vehicle lineup brand, IONIQ has quickly become a global benchmark for innovation, design and quality. Built on critically acclaimed models such as the IONIQ 5, IONIQ 6 and IONIQ 9, the EV lineup reflects Hyundai Motor’s advanced electrification capabilities and human-centric mobility vision.

IONIQ’s global excellence is further underscored by multiple industry recognitions, including ‘hat-trick’ victories for the IONIQ 5 and IONIQ 6 at the World Car Awards. High-performance models such as the IONIQ 5 N and IONIQ 6 N have also reinforced the brand’s leadership in electric performance, with IONIQ 6 N most recently named 2026 World Performance Car.

In China, IONIQ will evolve beyond a product lineup into a broader mobility ecosystem tailored to local customers. While maintaining Hyundai Motor’s globally proven standards in safety and quality, IONIQ is being redefined through localized technologies, services and user experiences for China’s fast-evolving NEV market.

As part of this strategy, Hyundai Motor is introducing a unique naming convention tailored for China. Future IONIQ models will be named after ‘planets’, symbolizing how each vehicle orbits around the customer — the central focus of this new IONIQ universe.

What Are the Two IONIQ Concept Cars for the Chinese Market?

The VENUS and EARTH concepts are the first tangible results of Hyundai Motor’s new China strategy, serving as a design ‘barometer’ for future IONIQ production models. Guided by the ethos ‘Lead, don’t follow‘, the two concepts feature unique single-curve silhouettes that are instantly recognizable and emotionally distinctive, delivering a lasting and impactful first impression.

VENUS (Iconic Sedan): Inspired by the brightest planet’s timeless beauty, VENUS presents a new icon for sedans.

• Exterior: Finished in striking ‘Radiant Gold’ that captures a narrative of breakthrough, exploration and glory, its high-tech exterior features a lightweight, frame-structured roof and a transparent spoiler. A unique one-curve silhouette further defines its distinctive profile, creating a sleek, characterful design identity.
• Interior: The driver-focused, wrap-around cockpit evokes Venus’s glowing atmosphere with layered mood lighting. A strong material contrast between soft suede and solid, chrome-gold seatback covers enhances the premium feel, while a friendly ‘Lumi’ character is integrated into the design for a playful connection between driver and vehicle.

EARTH (Powerful SUV): Embodying the vitality and biological balance of our home planet, EARTH is a bold and powerful family SUV.

• Exterior: Finished in ‘Aurora Shield’, the balance between sharp edges and sculpted volumes creates a futuristic image, alongside robust details such as EARTH’s skid plates and exposed bolt accents.
• Interior: The interior is a comfortable ‘small Earth’, featuring innovative ‘air-hug’ seats made of soft air modules. Serene mood lighting that mimics tree shadows and clever ‘shy-tech’ elements create a calm and breathable space, while a fun ‘Aero’ character and hidden map patterns of Beijing offer a sense of discovery.

“We chose to be ‘The Origin’. Something entirely new — recognizable at a glance from a distance, with a powerful presence on the road, and delivering what we call a ‘Best in First Impression’. ‘The Origin’ is our declaration: ‘Lead, don’t follow’. It is the point from which our movement begins. Our ambition is to set a new direction.” – Simon Loasby, Senior Vice President and Head of Hyundai Design Center at Hyundai Motor Company

How Is Hyundai Motor Redefining Its Approach to the Chinese Market?

At the event, Hyundai Motor also provided a glimpse into exclusive IONIQ technologies tailored for Chinese customers. Key advancements include the introduction of autonomous driving systems developed with local partners and the adoption of market-specific solutions, such as extended range electric vehicles (EREVs). These technologies reflect Hyundai Motor’s commitment to returning to the market with a truly human-centric philosophy, prioritizing tangible benefits that address the real-world needs of Chinese consumers.

To support this vision, Hyundai Motor has also released an IONIQ brand launch film under the message “Open Your Universe,” further illustrating the brand’s direction.

Further details will be unveiled during Hyundai Motor’s press conference at Auto China 2026 on April 24, at Hall E4 of the China International Exhibition Center (Shunyi Hall) in Beijing.

More information about Hyundai Motor and its products can be found at https://www.hyundai.com/worldwide/en/