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The Brand Promise announces strategic evolution at Partners’ Briefing Spring 2026, expanding global partnerships across branding, education, and lifestyle

HO CHI MINH CITY, Vietnam, March 12, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — The Brand Promise Group, a global branding firm headquartered in Ho Chi Minh City, announced its next phase of strategic evolution at the Partners’ Briefing, Spring 2026, held on the evening of 06 March 2026. Now in its third consecutive year, the annual series has become a company tradition, bringing together partners to align on strategic perspectives and shape upcoming initiatives.

This year’s edition of the Partners' Briefing series marked a defining moment in The Brand Promise’s journey, as it evolves from a boutique branding firm into a broader platform for partnerships and cross-industry collaboration
This year’s edition of the Partners’ Briefing series marked a defining moment in The Brand Promise’s journey, as it evolves from a boutique branding firm into a broader platform for partnerships and cross-industry collaboration

This year’s edition marked a defining moment in The Brand Promise’s journey, as it evolves from a boutique branding firm into a broader platform for partnerships and cross-industry collaboration. The Group’s expanding ecosystem now connects global and local partners across core pillars in branding, education and training, and lifestyle, with initiatives designed to link industries and communities in Vietnam, the wider Asian region, and globally.

With its expanding network of partners and in-house brands, The Brand Promise Group continues to foster an ecosystem where cross-industry collaboration contributes to tailored, high-value experiences and hospitality initiatives
With its expanding network of partners and in-house brands, The Brand Promise Group continues to foster an ecosystem where cross-industry collaboration contributes to tailored, high-value experiences and hospitality initiatives

New horizons for global key accounts

Heading into 2026, The Brand Promise deepens its collaboration with long-standing global partners across hospitality, travel and business advisory:

Club Med, a pioneer of the all-inclusive vacation concept with more than 70 resorts across 40 countries, continues to position Vietnam as one of its key outbound markets while expanding its regional footprint with the opening of Club Med Borneo, Kota Kinabalu in late 2026. 

STONE Accounting Group, an Australian-based accounting and advisory firm, has laid the foundation for its North American expansion with the first head office in Canada following earlier developments in Australia and Japan, while The Brand Promise supports the firm’s strategic communications as it strengthens its global network.

SODÃ…, which is evolving from a hotel management platform into its new identity as SODÃ… | Hospitality Partners, is entering a renewed phase of growth, expanding its role across the full hotel lifecycle. From development and pre-opening to operations and market positioning, SODÃ… | Hospitality Partners is opening up broader opportunities for integrated, long-term collaborations with its hotel partners.

Preparing Vietnam’s next generations of leaders

Investing in human capital forms a core part of The Brand Promise Group’s direction for 2026, as it expands its education and training pillar.

Through Self-Leadership Lab, an empirical leadership development programme created by professors from the University of Geneva, The Brand Promise will introduce a series of tailored and professional training initiatives that cultivate self-awareness for modern leadership across different career stages.

Now part of The Brand Promise Group, Beyoutiful Vietnam, Vietnam’s first lifestyle concierge and educational service brand dedicated to women, continues to work with selected partners to develop curated programmes and services across lifestyle experiences, hospitality and travel, wellness, fashion, and education in support of personal development and purpose-driven living.

Leading the waves of change in Vietnam’s experience economy

Beyond branding and leadership, the Group brought together partners across gastronomy, wellness, hospitality, culture, and technology to illustrate Vietnam’s evolving experience economy.

Wiking Group hosted the Spring 2026 gathering across two distinctive venues: Wiking Golf, an urban golf experience inspired by a “backyard golf course,” and Wiking Salon, a contemporary art space for cultural and creative gatherings. Rheinland-Pfalz.Gold, in connection with the Business Representation of the German Federal State of Rhineland-Palatinate (RLP) inVietnam, introduced guests to Germany’s heritage of more than 2,000 years of winemaking tradition. Global Café delivered thoughtful catering services, drawing on over 25 years of experience serving international standards.

Hospitality and wellness partners also played a central role in the experience. voco Scenia Bay Nha Trang by IHG, set to open in 2026, will bring the brand’s distinctive lifestyle approach to Vietnam’s central coast with a 250-room bay front hotel; Garrya Mu Cang Chai offers a serene mountain retreat amid northern Vietnam’s terraced rice fields; Namia River Retreat is a sanctuary of “living well” located on a peaceful islet along the Thu Bon River in Hoi An;” whereas Fusion Resort & Villas Da Nang presents a contemporary beachfront retreat emphasising wellness-inspired experiences and privacy.

Among the partners are lifestyle brands that completed the experience: Bittersweet Chocolatier, Phu Quoc-based artisan chocolatier producing from Vietnamese cacao; Got It, a platform backed by investment from VNG Corporation and one of Vietnam’s leading digital gifting solutions; alongside ETU Handkraft, La Gougah, Eastern Journeys, and AIMWell.

With its expanding network of partners and in-house brands, The Brand Promise Group continues to foster an ecosystem where cross-industry collaboration contributes to tailored, high-value experiences and hospitality initiatives.

The Brand Promise 

A global branding firm with headquarter in Ho Chi Minh City, dedicated to authentic storytelling, strategic growth, and impactful partnerships across industries. Our commitment to evolving quality standards and nurturing communities of hand-picked, like-minded and long-lasting partners ensures that every promise made is honored through our dedication to excellence and shared dedication to turn potential into reality.

 

DREAMCELL® VELO is Clear Disrupter in Performance Categories

Lightweight Poured PU Technology Reclaims its Place in Elite Running and Court Sports

PORTLAND, Ore., March 12, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — For years, industry-standard poured polyurethane (PU) insoles were prized for comfort and durability—however, its weight and density profile have limited its use in premium performance categories. Since DREAMCELL® VELO’s launch, DSC® has changed the industry narrative with its breakthrough lightweight poured PU insole technology, engineered to meet the rigorous demands of performance sports, including running, basketball, and tennis. Today, DSC® released new technical data that supports DREAMCELL® VELO as a clear leader in the performance category for a poured PU insole.

“Never before was poured PU a solution in the performance conversation, but now, DREAMCELL® VELO defines it for the elite athlete,” said Mei-Fen Wei, Chief Operating Officer of DSC®. “DREAMCELL® VELO is industry-changing and not only delivers a premium lightweight experience with newfound speed-focused advantages, but our direct-pour process creates almost zero material waste.”

In running especially—where every gram counts—traditional poured PU couldn’t compete with lighter foam platforms. DSC® teams set out to challenge that assumption, creating a breakthrough in the performance category. The DREAMCELL® VELO innovation stems from applying cross-industry material learnings to meet the footwear performance standards for the elite athlete today.

The new formulation is 60% lighter than traditional poured PU, and delivers excellent resiliency with a low compression set, helping preserve energy transfer over repeated runs, cuts, and jumps. The result is one of the lightest poured PU insole technologies DSC® has ever created, delivering energy return and long-term performance without the weight. DREAMCELL® VELO is tuned for performance with its optimized polymer network and cell structure that delivers a faster rebound at a lower density. The lower density mass with high rebound supports faster turnover and reduced fatigue that particularly supports runners, while the resiliency plus low compression set supports a consistent feel through cuts and jumps, and added durability over repeated impacts fine-tuned for sports like basketball and tennis.

DREAMCELL® VELO vs traditional poured PU*

  • Low density profile is .23g/cm3 less (.12 g/cm3 vs. .35g/cm3)
  • Approximately 50% rebound performance (vs. 30%)
  • Up to 60% lighter material weight for enhanced comfort and efficiency
  • Precision molding of intricate design details
  • Near zero waste|
    *Performance based on internal ASTM D3574 testing

Performance and lifestyle footwear development teams have responded strongly to DREAMCELL® VELO’s combination of low weight and robust physical properties. From basketball to running to tennis, brands are recognizing DREAMCELL® VELO as a versatile solution that bridges comfort and elite performance—while also meeting attractive cost targets.

DSC is committed to creating sustainable solutions for a greener future, including creating eco-innovations like DREAMCELL® VELO that achieves nearly zero waste. DSC’s direct-pour production reduces trimming and scrap typical of traditional PU methods. DREAMCELL® VELO is a step in the right direction toward Run the Relay, DSC’s ambitious plan to achieve a zero-carbon, zero-waste future.

DREAMCELL® VELO will be available to view at The Materials Show in Boston and Portland (March 11-12, 2026).

Since 1945, Dahsheng Company (DSC®) has been a leader in foam innovation in the sports industry. Known for its premium comfort and performance foam DREAMCELL® and DURAPONTEX®, DSC® partners with top brands and footwear manufacturers worldwide. By advancing innovation and pushing the limits of foam manufacturing, DSC® is dedicated to creating eco-friendly and advanced foam solutions that set new standards in the industry.

Visit www.dahsheng.com to learn more about DSC® and its commitment to sustainability and eco-innovation.

Media Contact:
Erin Patterson
t: +1-323-422-0274
e: erin.patterson@writetheskycomms.com

Logo – https://laotiantimes.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/dahsheng_chemical_logo.jpg

Ingdan Powers Embodied AI with Humanoid-Style Brain-Cerebellum Chipset to Boost Robotics Ecosystem


HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 12 March 2026 – Ingdan, Inc. (“Ingdan” or the “Company”, stock code: 400.HK; with its subsidiaries (the ”Group”)), a core supplier in the AI computing power supply chain and a leading application technology solutions provider, announces continued progress in strengthening its humanoid robotics ecosystem through an integrated embodied intelligence IC product matrix, supporting the industry’s transition toward large‑scale commercialization.

2026 is widely regarded as a milestone year for humanoid robotics, in which humanoid robots transition from laboratory prototypes and demonstration performances to large‑scale mass production. At CES in January, NVIDIA announced the commercial launch of its physical‑AI core platform Jetson Thor. Tesla is scheduled to officially release the mass‑production engineering version of its Optimus (V3) humanoid robot by the end of March, with plans to initiate million‑unit‑level production lines by the end of 2026—an inflection point widely regarded as the “Model 3 moment” of the humanoid robotics industry. At the same time, Chinese robotics companies such as AGIBOT, Unitree, and Fourier Intelligence have already deployed products at scale in warehousing and logistics scenarios.

Against this backdrop, the upstream hardware focus of the humanoid robotics industry is increasingly converging on “Brain-Cerebellum” collaboration and low‑latency, multi‑joint real‑time control, which are essential to achieving coordinated, smooth, and human‑like robotic motion. During the CMG Spring Festival Gala, robots from multiple companies demonstrated complex coordinated movements and dexterous hand operations, further highlighting the value of this technical direction.

D‑Robotics, originating from the AIoT and robotics division of Horizon Robotics, focuses on edge‑side embodied intelligence solutions characterized by high computing power, integrated computation and control, and low latency. Leveraging its parent company’s long‑term experience in intelligent driving, D‑Robotics has established a precise position in humanoid robot “Brain-Cerebellum” coordination and real‑time joint control.

In November 2025, D‑Robotics unveiled its flagship robotics computing platform S600, with an official release planned for the end of the first quarter of 2026. The S600 platform features a highly integrated humanoid‑style “Brain-Cerebellum” chipset architecture. Its “Brain” configuration combines an 18‑core A78AE CPU with a proprietary Nash‑architecture BPU, delivering 560 TOPS (INT8) edge computing power and supporting efficient deployment of VLA, VLM, LLM, and locomotion models. Its “Cerebellum” configuration integrates a 6‑core R52+ MCU, providing high‑reliability, real‑time motion control.

By integrating CPU, BPU, and real‑time MCU capabilities into a single SoC, S600 enables a closed‑loop architecture encompassing perception, decision‑making, and real‑time action control. This design addresses a key industry challenge in which many edge AI processors lack embedded real‑time MCUs and rely on external controllers, resulting in excessive latency. The integrated MCU supports high‑frequency, high‑precision PWM signal generation based on FOC algorithms, enabling precise motor control and contributing to stable rhythm and natural gait.

The S600 platform has been adopted by multiple robotics companies such as Fourier Intelligence, Booster Robotics, X Square Robot, and ROBOTERA, supporting applications that require stable multi‑joint coordination and smooth motion performance.

Ingdan, Inc. (00400.HK) is a core supplier in the AI computing power supply chain and an application technology solutions provider covering both AI infrastructure and AI intelligent terminals. The Company represents a broad portfolio of international semiconductor manufacturers, including NVIDIA, Xilinx, Intel, AMD, and SanDisk, as well as numerous domestic chip vendors. It serves hundreds of robotics manufacturers and Tier‑1 customers and has formed a comprehensive embodied intelligence ecosystem.

D‑Robotics is a core product line Ingdan distributes . Building on D‑Robotics’ products and combined with its own technical services—such as multi‑sensor fusion development, real‑time closed‑loop tuning, Quantization‑Aware Training (QAT) support, simulation testing, and modular SOM customization—the Group has supported sophisticated customers including Galbot and ROBOTERA, continuously enriching the robotics industry ecosystem.

Looking ahead, Ingdan will continue to focus on the humanoid robotics sector. Leveraging an IC product matrix centered on NVIDIA Jetson and D‑Robotics platforms, the Company aims to further strengthen its AI intelligent terminal capabilities and continue supporting the iterative development of embodied intelligence products.

For investor and media enquiries
Please email to ir@ingdan.com

Hashtag: #Ingdan #Chips #humanoid #D‑Robotics #NVIDIA #Tech

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

Ingdan, Inc.

Ingdan, Inc. (00400.HK) is a core supplier in the AI computing power supply chain and an application technology solutions provider covering both AI infrastructure and AI intelligent terminals. The Company represents a broad portfolio of international semiconductor manufacturers, including NVIDIA, Xilinx, Intel, AMD, and SanDisk, as well as numerous domestic chip vendors. It serves hundreds of robotics manufacturers and Tier‑1 customers and has formed a comprehensive embodied intelligence ecosystem.

The Mastercard Collection: Savor the Extraordinary with Mastercard’s Asia Gourmet Circle Program

New and enhanced culinary experiences on the menu for World Legend, World Elite and World Select Mastercard cardholders in 10 Asia Pacific markets

SINGAPORE, March 12, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — As part of The Mastercard Collection, cardholders globally can now enjoy new and enhanced culinary benefits at the most sought-after restaurants across 10 Asia Pacific (APAC) markets with the Asia Gourmet Circle program. The dining program is an exclusive gateway where cardholders can instantly check reservation availability and book tables at top-tier dining establishments in APAC and around the world.

Created for World Legend, World Elite and World Select Mastercard cardholders globally, Asia Gourmet Circle opens doors to more than 400 award-winning and premium restaurants in Australia, the Chinese mainland, Hong Kong SAR, India, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam. The Mastercard Collection unlocks premium benefits for cardholders and their loved ones — at home and where their travels take them. Mastercard cardholders can explore real-time availability and secure coveted tables locally and overseas with just a few clicks, making every journey, celebration, or spontaneous craving one to savor.

“We continue to see a powerful shift toward experiential living, as people prioritize moments that bring genuine joy and connection,” said Sandeep Malhotra, Executive Vice President, Core Payments, Asia Pacific, Mastercard. “Dining has emerged as one of the most meaningful ways cardholders express their passions, at home and especially while travelling. With the expansion of Asia Gourmet Circle, Mastercard offers a look-no-further curated selection of the world’s best restaurants, making it easier than ever to access unforgettable culinary experiences.”

From iconic Michelin-starred and Black Pearl dining rooms to Asia’s 50 Best restaurants, the Asia Gourmet Circle program includes restaurants such as Bennelong (17 Chef Hats AGFG 2025, Australia), Arbor (2 Michelin Stars, Hong Kong SAR), JAAN by Kirk Westaway (2 Michelin Stars, Singapore), HYOTEI HIBIYA (3 Michelin Stars, Japan), and Chim By Siam Wisdom (1 Michelin Star, Thailand), to name a few. This builds on a broader global portfolio of experiences already available to book on Priceless.com, spanning acclaimed restaurants across Europe, the Americas, and the Middle East.

Additionally, World Legend and World Elite Mastercard cardholders enjoy more privileges at a curated collection of restaurants across Australia, Hong Kong SAR, and Singapore. With a minimum spend, patrons can avail exclusive dining credits or complimentary glasses of wine.

In APAC, travel and food continue to shape the way people enjoy and connect with one another. In fact, 77% of APAC consumers are passionate about travel, while nearly two in three (67%) are passionate about culinary experiences[1], both driven by shared moments, deeper connections, and the joy of discovery. Asia Gourmet Circle unites these passions, enabling cardholders to cherish world-class flavors at home and while exploring new destinations.

Asia Gourmet Circle is a dining program under The Mastercard Collection, a global suite of elevated perks designed for cardholders. From curated dining moments that turn meals into priceless memories, to entertainment access that brings cardholders closer to their favorite performers, and seamless travel privileges that make every journey as rewarding as the destination, The Mastercard Collection redefines what it means to hold a premium card — delivering experiences that go beyond the expected.

Explore the list of Asia Gourmet Circle restaurants here.

For Asia Gourmet Circle bookings, visit: asiagourmetcircle.com/.

Learn more about The Mastercard Collection benefits here: priceless.com/themastercardcollection.

[1] Mastercard Passion Research, 2023

ENDS

About Mastercard

Mastercard powers economies and empowers people in 200+ countries and territories worldwide. Together with our customers, we’re building a resilient economy where everyone can prosper. We support a wide range of digital payments choices, making transactions secure, simple, smart and accessible. Our technology and innovation, partnerships and networks combine to deliver a unique set of products and services that help people, businesses and governments realize their greatest potential.

www.mastercard.com

 

 

Thunes Appoints New CTPO and New CFO to Drive Global Expansion and AI Innovation

Guy Duncan from Tide and Parvinder Bhatia from bunq bring deep expertise to accelerate Thunes’ AI-driven innovation and global financial scaling.

SINGAPORE, March 12, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Thunes, the Smart Superhighway to move money around the world, today announces two strategic appointments to its executive leadership team: Guy Duncan joins as Chief Technology and Product Officer (CTPO), and Parvinder Bhatia joins as Chief Financial Officer (CFO).

Guy Duncan
Guy Duncan

These high-profile appointments signal a new chapter of growth for Thunes as it continues to scale its proprietary Direct Global Network and sharpen its technological edge through innovation and robust financial strategy.

Guy Duncan brings world-class experience in digital transformation and rapid scaling to Thunes. Previously serving as CTO at fintech unicorn Tide and OVO Energy, he specialises in turning technical complexity into a competitive advantage. Guy’s extensive global experience includes spearheading BMW’s digital transformation across 64 markets and successfully scaling Tide’s platform from 50,000 to over 1 million members.

In his role as CTPO, Guy will lead Thunes’ technology and product functions, focusing on building high-velocity teams and deploying AI across its Direct Global Network to solve real-world friction in global money movement for Thunes’ Members.

Parvinder Bhatia joins from bunq, Europe’s first AI-powered bank, where he served as CFO and played a key role in strengthening the bank’s financial strategy, supporting its rapid international expansion.

With over 24 years of experience across fintech, private equity and venture-backed businesses, Parvinder brings a strong track record of scaling finance organisations, driving operational transformation and supporting high-growth companies through periods of significant expansion. At Thunes, he will lead the company’s global finance organisation and partner with the leadership team as the company continues to scale its global payments infrastructure.

Peter De Caluwe, Co-Founder and CEO of Thunes, said: “As we accelerate Thunes’ growth, I am delighted to welcome Guy and Parvinder to our leadership team. Both bring an incredible wealth of experience in scaling global platforms. Guy’s expertise in AI and high-scale engineering will be pivotal in honing our competitive edge, while Parvinder’s storied track record in financial transformation and international expansion makes him the ideal partner to underpin our commercial strategy. Together, they bring the ambition and expertise required to further solidify Thunes’ position as the world’s leading global payments infrastructure network.”

Guy Duncan, CTPO of Thunes, commented: “Thunes is at a fascinating juncture where technology and innovation acts as the ultimate strategic enabler. I am thrilled to join a team that shares my ‘Think Big’ philosophy and entrepreneurial mindset. My focus will be on ensuring our solutions solve customer friction both for now and for the future, through innovative, production-ready AI and scalable architecture.”

Parvinder Bhatia, CFO of Thunes, added: “Thunes has built a remarkable foundation for global cross-border payments and I am joining at a time of significant momentum. I look forward to working with the Board and the executive team to navigate our next phase of international growth, ensuring our financial strategy remains as innovative and robust as our technology.”

About Thunes:

Thunes is the Smart Superhighway to move money around the world. Thunes’ proprietary Direct Global Network allows Members to make payments in real-time in over 140 countries and more than 90 currencies. Thunes’ Network connects directly to over 12 billion mobile wallets, stablecoin wallets and bank accounts worldwide, as well as 15 billion cards via more than 220 different payment methods. For more information, visit: https://www.thunes.com/

Parvinder Bhatia
Parvinder Bhatia

SHOPLINE Partners with YouBiz to Deliver an Integrated Commerce and Financial Ecosystem for Businesses

SINGAPORE, March 12, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — SHOPLINE, the global commerce platform trusted by merchants worldwide, announced a strategic partnership with YouBiz, the fast-growing multi-currency corporate card and spend management platform built by YouTrip. The collaboration aims to give merchants a more streamlined way to manage both commerce operations and business spending as they expand regionally.

While Singapore merchants have traditionally focused on domestic growth, regional expansion across Southeast Asia and beyond has become a necessity for long-term growth. This shift is driven by a combination of a saturated local market and immense opportunities in the dynamic ASEAN region1.

However, many small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) face operational complexity when managing cross-border payments, foreign exchange costs, supplier payouts, and day-to-day operational expenses across fragmented tools.

Through this partnership, SHOPLINE and YouBiz aim to simplify how merchants operate across markets by combining eCommerce infrastructure with financial management capabilities. This enables merchants to manage both revenue and spend more efficiently as they grow locally and internationally.

“This partnership reflects our commitment to delivering more than just technology. By combining our commerce infrastructure with YouBiz’s financial incentives, we are empowering merchants to operate smarter and grow across the region with greater cost efficiency,” said Hui Cheng New, SHOPLINE Singapore Head of Business Development.

SHOPLINE X YouBiz Collaboration

To help merchants maximize their resources and manage operating costs as they scale, SHOPLINE and YouBiz have introduced exclusive partnership incentives.

During the promotional period, SHOPLINE merchants who use YouBiz cards to pay for their SHOPLINE subscriptions can enjoy up to 10 percent upsized cashback during the promotional period. In addition, YouBiz users will receive an extra two months free when signing up for selected SHOPLINE plans. For more information, please visit: https://www.you.co/biz/shopline

About SHOPLINE

Founded in 2013, SHOPLINE is a leading global Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) provider empowering retailers to sell, market, and operate their businesses on a unified commerce platform. SHOPLINE supports merchants worldwide with comprehensive solutions spanning e-commerce, social commerce, point-of-sale, and CRM. With an open platform architecture and thriving partner ecosystem, SHOPLINE delivers innovative technology and expert support so brands can build successful, differentiated commerce businesses in any market.

About YouBiz

YouBiz is a leading multi-currency corporate card and spend management platform for businesses. Built by YouTrip, YouBiz provides enterprises and startups with an easy-to-use, convenient, and affordable spend management platform to power their cross-border payment needs and global expansion plans. Today, YouBiz is one of the fastest-growing spend management fintechs and a reliable partner for businesses as they accelerate their business growth with the best in market exchange rates, at zero FX fees.

Contact: David Wamsley, Rosebud Communications

dave@rosebudpr.io

1 https://www.enterprisesg.gov.sg/resources/media-centre/news/2025/august/sg60-singapore-smes-and-startups-look-overseas-for-growth#:~:text=Singaporean%20SMEs%20and%20startups%20are,up%20from%202%2C500%20in%202023.

Prince Retail Expands Use of RELEX to Strengthen Grocery Availability Across the Philippines

Retailer serving underserved communities to deploy diagnostics and pricing capabilities across 80 stores

MANILA, Philippines, March 12, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Prince Retail, a Philippine grocery retailer focused on serving underserved and provincial communities, is expanding its use of RELEX Solutions to further improve forecast accuracy, on-shelf availability, and pricing across its store network.

Prince Retail has been a RELEX customer for several years, using forecasting and replenishment capabilities alongside allocation capabilities to support store execution. Building on this foundation, the retailer will now deploy RELEX Diagnostics, including AI-assisted Diagnostics, to gain deeper visibility into supply chain performance and address issues faster using AI agent capabilities. In future phases, Prince Retail also plans to introduce pricing optimization and upgraded machine learning capabilities.

Operating 80 stores supported by 10 distribution centers, Prince Retail serves communities across a geographically diverse market where demand patterns, logistics constraints, and price sensitivity can vary widely. As the business continues to grow, the retailer saw the need for more precise root-cause analysis to help teams respond faster to forecast and availability issues.

Prince Retail selected RELEX to support this next phase, moving away from multiple technology providers to consolidate planning under a single platform that understands the grocery retail landscape in the Philippines, from regional demand variation to supply chain complexity.

With RELEX Diagnostics, Prince Retail will be able to identify what is driving forecast deviations, availability gaps, and execution challenges, allowing planners to focus on the right issues. Price optimization capabilities will support more consistent and localized pricing decisions, helping the retailer balance affordability for customers with sustainable margin performance.

“Consistent availability and competitive but affordable pricing are essential for the underserved communities we operate in,” said Rina Janine Go, Chief Merchandising, Marketing, and Distribution Officer of Prince Retail. “RELEX has already helped us improve how we forecast and replenish, and diagnostics will give our teams clearer insight into where to act and how to act faster. As we expand into pricing and advanced machine learning, this next phase supports our goal of operating efficiently while serving our customers even better than we do today.”

“Prince Retail was our first customer in the Philippines, and our work together now spans nearly five years,” said Rod Talbot, VP Retail, APAC, RELEX Solutions. “They are a strong retailer with a clear commitment to serving communities that are often overlooked. Over time, we’ve built shared trust through consistent results, and we’re excited to continue supporting Prince Retail as they expand their use of RELEX capabilities.”

About Prince Retail
Prince Retail Group is a Philippine-based supermarket and hypermarket chain dedicated to making quality goods affordable and accessible, particularly for communities at the socio-economic base of the pyramid across the country, mainly focused on Visayas and Mindanao. Through disciplined expansion, strong supply chain capabilities, and continued investment in digital and operational systems, Prince advances inclusive growth while strengthening everyday access to essential goods for Filipino families.

About RELEX
RELEX Solutions provides a unified, AI-native platform for retail and supply chain planning and is trusted globally for its consistently high customer satisfaction. RELEX helps retailers, manufacturers, and wholesalers optimize demand, inventory, merchandising, pricing, and supply and production planning to improve availability and efficiency at scale. Brands like ADUSA, Camco, Carhartt, COSMOS Pharmaceutical Corporation, Circle K, Dollar Tree and Family Dollar, M&S Food, PetSmart, Rituals, The Body Shop, The Home Depot, Sun Tire & Auto Service, and Vita Coco trust RELEX to increase product availability, boost sales, deliver actionable insights, improve sustainability, and drive profitable growth. Learn more at: relexsolutions.com/customer

OpenWay and UnionPay International Expand Global Cooperation to Deliver Full UPI Product Support on Way4

ALMATY, Kazakhstan and MONT-SAINT-GUILBERT, Belgium, March 12, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — OpenWay, a global leader in digital payment software, and UnionPay International (UPI), one of the world’s largest payment networks, have expanded their partnership to deliver complete support for Union Pay International products on the Way4 platform.

OpenWay and UnionPay International Expand Global Cooperation to Deliver Full UPI Product Support on Way4
OpenWay and UnionPay International Expand Global Cooperation to Deliver Full UPI Product Support on Way4

Way4 is OpenWay’s digital payment software platform used by banks, processors, and fintechs to run card issuing, acquiring, switching, and digital wallet services in real time. With this expansion, OpenWay clients worldwide can now issue, acquire, and tokenize UnionPay cards on Way4, enabling a faster and more consistent rollout of Union Pay-powered payment services across markets.

First Big Pay for UnionPay Cards launched on Way4, more to follow soon

In a major industry first, OpenWay has enabled the initial launch of Big Pay functionality for UnionPay cards on the Way4 platform with six major banks in Central Asia. This marks the first time globally that a UnionPay card has been integrated with a Big Pay, reflecting OpenWay’s commitment to innovation in digital payments.

Additional Big Pay integrations are planned and expected to go live in the near future, expanding the range of mobile and digital wallet options available to UnionPay cardholders on Way4.

Pioneering IPS innovation from Central Asia to the world

OpenWay has consistently pioneered innovation in the global payments industry, especially in the implementation of international payment scheme (IPS) solutions. In 2004, OpenWay powered the first-ever issuance of a UnionPay card in Kazakhstan was on Way4 platform.

Since then, OpenWay has played a central role in transforming Central Asia into a fintech innovation hub. The close cooperation between OpenWay and UnionPay International has supported numerous firsts, including the rollout of UnionPay chip cards and acquiring infrastructure across Central Asia.

Today, the Way4 platform is recognized globally for its excellence in cross-border card scheme integration, wallet-based innovation, real-time payments, and AI-based payment solutions. It exemplifies OpenWay’s ability to align global standards with local financial infrastructure—bringing future-ready capabilities to every market it enters.

Global innovations begin with local partnerships

“This partnership demonstrates the power of glocal innovation,” said Rustem Nurmambetov, Operational Director, OpenWay in Central Asia. “Global breakthroughs often begin with local vision. Together with UnionPay International and our local banking partners, we are setting a global precedent for modern, inclusive, and interoperable payments.”