NEU International Hotel-Tourism news

InterContinental Bali Sanur Resort - Where Beachfront Luxury Meets Balinese Hospitality

BALI, Indonesia, Nov. 19, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Perfectly located in one of Bali's most favourite destination, Sanur, a coastal stretch of pristine sandy beach in South-East Bali, InterContinental Bali Sanur Resort is a charming beachfront escape where luxury meets the warmth of authentic Balinese hospitality. Here, guest can start their day with the breathtaking sight of the sunrise touching the horizon. InterContinental Bali Sanur Resort: a serene beachfront escape in Sanur - Bali, featuring refined suites and private villas for couples and families. Nestled within four hectares of serene landscape, InterContinental Bali Sanur Resort features 120 luxurious suites and villas offering generous space, privacy and comfort, thoughtfully designed for the discerning traveler. Inspired by traditional Indonesian design, each suite boast a super king-sized bed, a well-appointed balcony, tasteful contemporary décor, and all the amenities needed for a truly comfortable stay. For those seeking a luxurious escape, the resort presents its exquisite collection of private villas, ideal for both couples and family vacations. The accommodations include hand-selected furnishings, a private pool, spacious living and dining areas, an exclusive kitchen, and an array of luxury amenities. Whether in a suite or a villa, elegance and comfort are seamlessly woven into every detail to delight the senses. Guests can also enjoy a delicious culinary journey across the resort's dining venues. Layang Layang Restaurant offers a variety of breakfast options, including healthy choice to start your day right. In the evening, the restaurant transforms into a vibrant dining destination, serving a delightful local and Western dishes that are sure to satisfy every palate. The restaurant's stylish indoor setting provides a relaxing, air-conditioned ambiance enhanced by elegant furnishings. Choose to dine in the elegant, air-conditioned indoor area or on the terrace where you can enjoy the garden view, surrounded by flowing water that create a serene and memorable setting. For more casual yet equally satisfying experience, Pier Eight Restaurant is a beachfront gem. With both indoor and al fresco dining areas overlooking the turquoise waters of Semawang Beach, it offers an enticing array of chef's specialties that blend Western and Asian flavours, complemented by handcrafted cocktails and carefully curated wine list. Wellness and Relaxation. Wellness at InterContinental Bali Sanur Resort, is more than just a service, it's a way of life. Sansara Spa is sanctuary of tranquility where calming water features and lush garden surroundings create a serene environment, the perfect ambience for relaxation, rejuvenation, and restoration. Guests can also take advantage of the 24-hour Fitness Centre, Kid's Club and a wide array of resort activities. Cultural and recreational offering include Balinese dance lessons, and "Canang Sari" (Balinese offering) making, water sport in the main pool, bonfire & marshmallows by the beach, kite making & flying, and even a unique Jukung Boat Breakfast experience. Discovering the Charms of Sanur. Our beachfront resort is steps away from Sanur's vibrant eat streets, shopping avenues, and water sports, offering a perfect balance of relaxation and adventure. Sanur, a captivating seaside town in the southeast of Bali, is steeped in history and natural beauty. Its long stretch of beaches, adorned with colourful jukung fishing boats, invites travelers to bask in the serenity of shallow waters and explore the paved cycling paths. The town's historical landmarks, including the Le Mayeur Museum and the ancient Blanjong inscription, offer a glimpse into Bali's unique culture and heritage. For a culinary adventure, visit the Sanur Night Market for a variety traditional street foods or explore the traditional market in Sindhu village. Festive Season Specials: Embrace the joy of the season and celebrate the magic of the holidays with cherished traditions and unforgettable moments at InterContinental Bali Sanur Resort. Our festive program "A Season of Timeless Elegance", features the warmth of our Classic Christmas celebrations and the allure of a dazzling Masquerade Revelry on New Year's Eve, each occasion thoughtfully crafted to inspire joy, indulgence and lasting memories. Visits our website at intercontinental.com/balisanur or https://balisanur.intercontinental.com/ Notes to Editors: Link to download images: click HERE About IHG Hotels & Resorts IHG Hotels & Resorts [LON:IHG, NYSE:IHG (ADRs)] is a global hospitality company, with a purpose to provide True Hospitality for Good. With a family of 19 hotel brands and IHG One Rewards, one of the world's largest hotel loyalty programmes, IHG has over 6,300 open hotels in over 100 countries, and a development pipeline of over 2,000 properties.. Luxury & Lifestyle: Six Senses Hotels Resorts Spas, Regent Hotels & Resorts, InterContinental Hotels & Resorts, Vignette Collection, Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants, Hotel Indigo Premium: voco hotels, HUALUXE Hotels & Resorts, Crowne Plaza Hotels & Resorts, EVEN Hotels Essentials: Holiday Inn Hotels & Resorts, Holiday Inn Express, Garner hotels, avid hotels Suites: Atwell Suites, Staybridge Suites, Holiday Inn Club Vacations, Candlewood Suites Exclusive Partners: Iberostar Beachfront Resorts InterContinental Hotels Group PLC is the Group's holding company and is incorporated and registered in England and Wales. Approximately 345,000 people work across IHG's hotels and corporate offices globally. Visit us online for more about our hotels and reservations and IHG One Rewards. To download the new IHG One Rewards app, visit the Apple App or Google Play stores. About InterContinental® Hotels & Resorts: The InterContinental® Hotels & Resorts brand makes travel alluring, with insights from 75 years of experience. Each of our properties provides a gateway to the glamour of the InterContinental Life. As a brand, we aim to embody global sophistication through our superior, understated service and exceptional amenities. What makes us truly different is the genuine interest we show our guests through personalised and attentive services. We offer our most valued guests signature VIP services through a dedicated InterContinental® Ambassador programme and an exclusive Club InterContinental® experience. We connect our well-travelled guests to what's special about a destination, so they enjoy authentic local experiences that will enrich their lives. For more information and to book, visit www.intercontinental.com, and connect with us on Facebook www.facebook.com/intercontinental and Instagram www.instagram.com/intercontinental .

2025-11-19

HyperStrong and LEAG Clean Power Sign an EPC contract to Develop 1.6 GWh Battery Energy Storage Project in Germany, Advancing Europe's Energy Transition

COTTBUS and FRANKFURT, Germany, Nov. 19, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- HyperStrong International (Germany) GmbH (HyperStrong), a subsidiary of Beijing HyperStrong Technology Co., LTD. (688411.SH), and LEAG Clean Power GmbH, have signed an EPC (engineering, procurement and construction) contract to deploy a 1.6 GWh utility-scale battery energy storage system (BESS) project in Germany. Once completed, this project will become one of the largest battery storage facilities in Europe. The new project GigaBattery Boxberg 400 will form part of LEAG's GigawattFactory concept – an integrated renewable energy hub combining photovoltaic and wind generation with flexible storage and hydrogen-ready power plants. The cooperation underscores LEAG's commitment to ensuring reliable, sustainable, and secure energy supply for Germany's future. The Boxberg project will adopt HyperStrong's 4-hour energy storage system, based on its proven HyperBlock III product. HyperBlock III is a mature, field-verified utility-scale storage product designed for stable operation under diverse climatic conditions. The system combines liquid cooling technology, intelligent energy management, and superior safety performance, making it ideal for grid-scale applications in Europe's variable energy environment. Once operational, the system will provide critical grid services, support renewable integration, and enhance energy security for the region. "With this project, we continue to accelerate our GigawattFactory strategy and expand the foundation for a carbon-neutral energy system," said Adi Roesch, CEO of LEAG Group. "Battery energy storage plays a crucial role in balancing renewable fluctuations and ensuring energy remains available when it is needed. Working with a technology-driven partner like HyperStrong enables us to deliver on this vision efficiently and at scale." HyperStrong, with the EMEA regional headquarter in Frankfurt, Germany, is a Tier-1 global energy storage solution provider with extensive project experience across utility-scale and commercial & industrial applications. The company has deployed over 45 GWh of energy storage systems worldwide across more than 400 projects – offering high efficiency, safety, and reliability for BESS applications. For this project, HyperStrong will serve as the EPC contractor, delivering a turnkey, full-station energy storage solution that covers engineering design, equipment supply, system integration, commissioning, grid connection, and long-term operation support. "We are honored to partner with LEAG Clean Power on this landmark 1.6 GWh project, which demonstrates both companies' shared commitment to building a resilient, low-carbon energy future," said Dr. Jianhui Zhang, Chairman and CEO of HyperStrong. "This collaboration represents not only a milestone for our global strategy, but also a significant contribution to Germany's and Europe's renewable energy transition. Together, we are unlocking the potential of energy storage to power the next era of clean energy." The cooperation between HyperStrong and LEAG Clean Power is part of a broader effort to expand large-scale energy storage capacity in Germany. The German government has reaffirmed the strategic importance of storage systems for achieving a secure, affordable, and sustainable electricity system. "This partnership brings together complementary strengths – the energy expertise of LEAG Clean Power and HyperStrong's approach to ensure high technical availability and efficiency," said Thomas Brandenburg, CEO of LEAG Clean Power GmbH. "The project will set a new milestone for battery storage deployment in Europe and demonstrates the growing importance of global collaboration in achieving energy transition goals." Mr. Pingyang Wang, Senior Vice President of HyperStrong International and President of EMEA Region, added, "We are truly honored that LEAG Clean Power has selected HyperStrong as their partner for the Boxberg project. This trust inspires us to bring our full expertise and commitment to deliver a project of the highest quality, while strengthening our long-term presence in Germany and supporting the energy transition across Europe." About HyperStrong HyperStrong is a global leading provider of energy storage system solutions. Founded in 2011, with more than 14 years of research and development, as well as experience garnered through more than 400 energy storage projects and 45 GWh of deployment, HyperStrong offers a portfolio of ESS products and one-stop solutions for the full spectrum of utility-scale, commercial and industrial applications. Having built five smart manufacturing bases, three R&D centers, two testing labs and a global marketing center, HyperStrong empowers clients worldwide to achieve their energy transition and carbon neutrality goals. For more information about HyperStrong, visit: www.hyperstrong.com or follow us on LinkedIn. About LEAG Clean Power LEAG Clean Power GmbH is part of the LEAG Group, Germany's second-largest electricity producer and one of the largest private employers in eastern Germany. LEAG Clean Power GmbH focuses its business activities on projects in the areas of battery storage and innovative power plants, thereby making a decisive contribution to the development of the LEAG GigawattFactory. With investments in the expansion of renewable energies, storage capacities, the construction of hydrogen-compatible gas-fired power plants and energy generation from biomass, the LEAG Group is consistently driving forward its transformation from a conventional energy supplier to a future-oriented energy transition company. For further information, please visit GigawattFactory | LEAG or follow us on LEAG | LinkedIn.

2025-11-19

EDMI and Bluecurrent extend partnership to drive intelligent grid transformation across Australia and New Zealand

BRISBANE, Australia, Nov. 19, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Global intelligent energy solutions leader EDMI has announced a long-term partnership renewal with Bluecurrent, a leading smart metering and digital services company. The agreement extends a collaboration spanning more than two decades, reaffirming EDMI's commitment to intelligent, resilient, and data-driven grid solutions across the region. The collaboration marks one of the first large-scale intelligent grid deployments in Australia, signalling how multi-utility data and edge intelligence are becoming integral to modern grid management. It represents a milestone in the evolution of connected, interoperable energy infrastructure across Australia and New Zealand. Under the agreement, EDMI will deliver an integrated suite of grid and edge intelligence solutions powered by its NEOS platform, supporting multi-utility revenue metering, intelligent demand response, outage management, and distributed energy resource management (DERMS). Together, these capabilities enable real-time visibility, control, and optimisation across distributed energy networks. The agreement comes at a time when Australia is entering a new phase of regulatory reform that will accelerate smart meter rollouts through 2030. As volumes increase, metering coordinators are ready to ensure secure, interoperable, and future-ready systems that can adapt to dynamic grid demands. By partnering, EDMI and Bluecurrent are laying the digital foundations for a more connected, flexible, and resilient energy future. "Partnering with Bluecurrent allows us to extend our multi-utility intelligence platform deeper across the region," said Roy Kirsopp, Group Chief Executive Officer at EDMI. "Connected metering infrastructure is the foundation of the energy transition, empowering utilities to measure more, understand faster, and act with confidence. Together, we're scaling the next generation of intelligent grids." Richard Fink, Acting chief executive at Bluecurrent, said "This long-term partnership gives us the flexibility, reliability, and digital confidence we need as the smart meter rollout accelerates across Australia. Continuing to work with EDMI reinforces our ability to continue serving our customers securely, efficiently, and sustainably as the industry embraces intelligent grid technologies." This partnership underscores a shared commitment to supporting utilities, regulators, and consumers through the energy transition, combining EDMI's intelligent grid expertise and proven technology with Bluecurrent's market leadership and operational excellence. About EDMI EDMI is a global leader in providing intelligent energy solutions, dedicated to solving the unique challenges faced by the world's most successful utilities. Our comprehensive range of smart metering and control products, combined with advanced communications and software offerings, enables us to deliver integrated end-to-end solutions tailored to our customers' needs. EDMI is owned by Osaki Electric Co., Ltd, a leading Japanese metering solutions provider listed on the Prime Market of the Tokyo Stock Exchange. To learn more about EDMI, visit the EDMI website at www.edmi-meters.com. About Bluecurrent Bluecurrent is a leading smart metering and digital services company, operating across Australasia with 2.7 million electricity, gas and water meters, processing more than 2 billion intervals of data a day. Our smart metering data unlocks information, influences behaviour and enables decision making for an electrified, renewable future. Our purpose of unleashing smarter futures today, for a more sustainable tomorrow, is at the centre of everything we do. In June 2025 we achieved Scientific Business Target initiative (SBTi) verification of our carbon emission reduction near term and net zero targets. Bluecurrent is owned by Vector Ltd and Queensland Investment Corporation (QIC). Visit Bluecurrent's website at bluecurrent.com.au

2025-11-19

Nongshim Reveals Global Shin Ramyun Ad Featuring 'aespa'

SEOUL, South Korea, Nov. 19, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Nongshim has appointed the K-pop group aespa as the new Global Brand Ambassador for Shin Ramyun, marking the first time the brand has selected a worldwide representative. As influential global artists, aespa will help communicate the slogan 'Spicy Happiness In Noodles' and introduce Shin Ramyun's signature taste, identity, and cultural appeal to audiences across major international markets. Nongshim Shin Ramyun Global Ambassador, aespa A Nongshim representative stated "aespa's strong cultural presence, authentic global reach, and ongoing engagement with Shin Ramyun and Chapagetti since 2021 made the group a natural and compelling ambassador for the brand's next stage of global expansion." Global Shin Ramyun Commercial Nongshim has released a new commercial featuring aespa on its official global YouTube channel. Produced in a music-video format, the film highlights the group's vocals, performance style, and artistic identity. The campaign song (or background music) for the commercial is aespa's rendition of "Spice Up Your Life," the iconic 1997 hit by the renowned British pop group Spice Girls, reinterpreted with the group's signature charm. The commercial conveys the message of delivering the "spicy happiness" of Shin Ramyun to consumers around the world. The commercial captures lively and joyful reactions from consumers and emphasizes how Shin Ramyun delivers a universally enjoyable experience. It also includes an original 'Shin Ramyun Dance, featuring movements inspired by opening the package, adding water, preparing chopsticks, and finger gestures that represent each letter of 'SHIN'. The commercial will be released across major overseas regions, including the United States, China, Japan, Europe, and Southeast Asia. Shin Ramyun × aespa Special Package Promotion Nongshim will also introduce a special 'aespa Special Package'of Shin Ramyun. The multi-pack will feature a group image of aespa, while single packs will showcase individual members. The package will be launched in China in November, followed by a global rollout including Korea. In addition, selected Shin Ramyun and Shin Ramyun Toomba multi-packs will include photocards with member photos, handwritten messages, and QR codes linking to exclusive behind-the-scenes videos. Additional offline activations are planned including branded pop-up experiences and various in-store promotions across global retail channels. aespa commented, "Shin Ramyun has always been a brand we enjoy in our daily lives, whether on broadcasts or during tours. We're excited to move from enjoying the product to officially representing it, and we look forward to sharing its appeal with fans around the world." Shin Ramyun Global Ad Nongshim Shin Ramyun Global Ambassador, aespa

2025-11-19

LATIN AMERICA'S 50 BEST RESTAURANTS REVEALS THE EXTENDED 51-100 LIST FOR 2025

LONDON, Nov. 18, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Latin America's 50 Best Restaurants today presents its extended list of establishments ranked from No.51 to No.100, celebrating the region's vibrant and diverse culinary landscape. Compiled from the votes of 300 industry experts, this list features restaurants from 26 cities, highlighting gastronomic excellence. It precedes the prestigious awards ceremony for Latin America's 50 Best Restaurants 2025, sponsored by S.Pellegrino & Acqua Panna, which will take place on 2 December in Antigua, Guatemala. LATIN AMERICA'S 50 BEST RESTAURANTS REVEALS THE EXTENDED 51-100 LIST FOR 2025 For the full 51-100 list, click here. This year's ranking features 13 new restaurants from 11 cities, with Shizen in Lima making its debut at No.62. São Paulo leads with six restaurants on the extended list, a notable increase from 2024, including five returning establishments and new entry Cepa (No.73). Buenos Aires, Mexico City, Panama City and Santiago each contribute four entries. Mexico City maintains the No.51 position, now represented by Pujol, closely followed by Salvador's Origem at No.52. Other notable new entries include Umi (No.72) and Caleta (No.91) in Panama City; Oseille (No.65) in Rio de Janeiro; Em (No.71) in Mexico City; La Casa Bistró (No.89) in Caracas; Selma (No.96) in Bogotá and Fukasawa (No.100) in Santiago. El Papagayo in Córdoba also re-enters the list at No.78. Ana (No.94) from Guatemala City makes its first appearance and secures the American Express One To Watch Award, while Aguají (No.88) in Sosúa enters under Chef Inés Páez Nin (Chef Tita), winner of the Champions of Change Award 2025. William Drew, Director of Content for Latin America's 50 Best Restaurants, comments: "It is with immense pleasure that we unveil the list of restaurants ranked from No.51 to No.100 in Latin America for 2025. This extended list is fundamental to 50 Best's commitment to celebrating the breadth of remarkable talent and serves as a fantastic platform to spotlight more incredible destinations across Latin America, as the appetite for food-focused travel continues its impressive growth." The establishments recognised on the extended 51-100 list will be celebrated at the awards ceremony for Latin America's 50 Best Restaurants 2025. The event will be livestreamed on the 50 Best YouTube channel here at 20:00 Guatemala time on 2 December 2025. Media Centre: https://mediacentre.theworlds50best.com/

2025-11-19

BUMA Strengthens Balance Sheet with Early Redemption of 7.75% 2026 Senior Notes

JAKARTA, Indonesia, Nov. 18, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- PT Bukit Makmur Mandiri Utama ("BUMA"), a subsidiary of PT BUMA Internasional Grup Tbk (IDX: DOID; "BUMA International Group"), has completed the early redemption of the remaining US$212.25 million of its outstanding 7.75% Senior Notes due 2026 (the "Notes"), ahead of its scheduled maturity in February 2026. This early redemption reflects BUMA's proactive approach to liability management, improving liquidity and capital structure flexibility, and strengthening its credit profile and investor confidence. The 7.75% Senior Notes were initially issued in February 2021 with a total principal amount of US$400 million and were subsequently amended under supplemental agreements in June 2022 and March 2024. With this payment, all remaining bonds have now been fully settled. Interest on the Notes has stopped accruing, marking the full completion of the 2026 Senior Notes. The transaction was primarily funded using BUMA's existing syndicated loan facility with leading Indonesian banks, including PT Bank Negara Indonesia (Persero) Tbk, PT Bank Mandiri (Persero) Tbk, and PT Bank Central Asia Tbk. This reflects strong institutional confidence in BUMA and continued access to liquidity. Silfanny Bahar, Director of BUMA, stated, "Retiring the 2026 Senior Notes is an important step in reducing our near-term repayment risk and strengthening BUMA's liquidity position, reaffirming our disciplined approach to capital allocation. The Notes supported BUMA's strategic initiatives in previous years, and we thank our bondholders for their trust." BUMA remains committed to a disciplined and diversified financing strategy, ensuring continued access to multiple financing sources, including conventional and sharia bank facilities, Sukuk, USD and IDR bonds, and leasing. This balanced approach supports financial flexibility and positions BUMA to capitalize on future growth opportunities. About PT BUMA Internasional Grup Tbk (BUMA International Group)Established in 1990, PT BUMA Internasional Grup Tbk (BUMA International Group) is a globally diversified mining holding company with operations across Indonesia, Australia, and the United States. The Group operates under four key business pillars: Mining Services, Mine Ownership, Social Enterprise, and Technology. At the core of its Mining Services operations is PT Bukit Makmur Mandiri Utama (BUMA), one of the largest mining services providers in Indonesia and Australia (operating under its fully owned subsidiary, BUMA Australia Pty Ltd). The Group transformed its business as a mine owner in 2024 with the acquisition of Atlantic Carbon Group, Inc. (ACG), and positioning itself as the leading producer of ultra-high-grade anthracite in the United States. Expanding its diversification, the Group entered the future-facing commodities sector in 2024 by acquiring a stake in 29Metals Limited, an Australian-based copper and base metals mining company. The Group's other portfolios include PT Bukit Teknologi Digital (BTech), focusing on developing deep learning technologies aimed at enhancing operational efficiency, reducing emissions, and minimizing Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) risks, and PT BISA Ruang Nuswantara (BIRU), a social enterprise dedicated to education, vocational training, and promoting a circular economy. Headquartered in Jakarta, BUMA International Group is publicly listed on the Indonesia Stock Exchange (IDX: DOID) and employs over 13,000 people worldwide. In June 2025, the company was once again recognized among the Top 200 in the FORTUNE Southeast Asia 500, underscoring its position as one of the region's largest companies by revenue. About PT Bukit Makmur Mandiri Utama (BUMA) BUMA, established in 1998, is the second-largest coal mining services contractor in Indonesia by production volume, providing mining services to some of the country's largest coal producers. BUMA is a subsidiary of PT BUMA Internasional Grup Tbk (BUMA International Group), which is listed on the Indonesia Stock Exchange (IDX Code: DOID). BUMA is headquartered in Jakarta, Indonesia.

2025-11-18

CGTN: Hainan Free Trade Port: A key gateway for China's high-level opening up

A month before the official launch of China's Hainan Free Trade Port island-wide special customs operations on December 18, CGTN published an article explaining what the new customs operations mean. It highlights this landmark step as a key milestone in China's effort for high-level openness and stresses its role in promoting institutional transparency and enabling smoother, freer flows of goods, capital, and services. BEIJING, Nov. 18, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- In a month from now, on December 18, the much-anticipated island-wide special customs operations of Hainan Free Trade Port (FTP) will be officially launched. Ahead of the launch, Hainan International Ship Registration Administration has completed the bareboat charter registration for the Xiang Tai Kou, a semi-submersible vessel. It marks the official entry of China's first zero-tariff bareboat-chartered import vessel into the Yangpu Port fleet. Benefiting from Hainan's zero-tariff policies, the vessel, chartered from Liberia, is exempt from import tariffs and value-added tax on charter rents, directly saving over 10 million yuan (roughly $1.4 million) in costs. The case of this vessel demonstrates how the forthcoming island-wide special customs operations are poised to accelerate high-standard opening-up and deliver visible benefits to businesses operating in the FTP. Hearing a work report on the FTP in early November, Chinese President Xi Jinping hailed the special customs operations as a landmark move to expand high-standard opening up and promote an open world economy. He called for efforts to better facilitate cross-border flows of factors of production and strive to create a first-rate business environment that is market-oriented, law-based and internationalized. Cross-border flows of goods, first-rate business environment After the official launch, Hainan will implement a special supervision model of freer access at the first line, regulated access at the second line, and free flow within the island. This two-tiered customs system will enable freer trade between Hainan and areas outside China's customs border, while maintaining standard customs controls for the mainland. Noting the border between Hainan FTP and overseas regions forms the "first line," through which goods are allowed to flow more freely and conveniently, Wang Changlin, deputy head of the National Development and Reform Commission, said at a press conference in July that the proportion of tariff lines with zero-tariff products in Hainan FTP will increase from 21 percent to 74 percent. Wang said that imported products that undergo at least 30 percent value-added processing in Hainan can enter the mainland tariff-free. He added that certain goods currently banned or restricted nationwide will enjoy open policies in Hainan. Hainan is ready to utilize this opportunity to realize further development. Over the past five years, Hainan has utilized actual foreign investment of 102.5 billion yuan, with an average annual growth rate of 14.6 percent, attracting investment from 176 countries and regions. This positive trend is expected to gain more steam after Hainan begins special customs operations. Eight ports will serve as first-tier entry points, allowing expedited clearance for qualified imports, while 10 second-tier ports will manage goods entering the mainland. Based on the existing visa-free entry for travelers from 85 countries, local authorities plan to expand the number of eligible countries and introduce more flexible and attractive stay policies once special customs operations are in effect. Besides, Hainan is also piloting a negative list for cross-border service trade, granting foreign investors national treatment in key sectors including finance, healthcare and education. In step with the policies, expansion and upgrade efforts are gathering speed at Yangpu Port, which serves as a core logistics hub of the FTP. Du Chengcai, deputy general manager of the Production Operations Center of Hainan Port and Shipping International Port Group, said a total of new 200,000-tonne berths are being added, and the existing network of 58 shipping routes is being expanded to further enhance cargo flow efficiency and strengthen Hainan's connectivity with global markets. Economist Li Daokui of Tsinghua University observes that China is poised for one of its most significant rounds of market opening. Noting Hainan is set to become a special customs area and a testing ground for broader economic reforms, Li hailed Hainan as central to China's upcoming wider doors to foreign companies and technologies. For more information, please click:https://news.cgtn.com/news/2025-11-18/Hainan-FTP-A-key-gateway-for-China-s-high-level-opening-up-1IoDQHdQF5m/p.html

2025-11-18

Battlefield Navigation Breakthrough: UNIBIRD Launches the $399 N200 VIO Navigation Module for GPS-Denied Drone Operations

DUBAI, UAE, Nov. 18, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- UNIBIRD has launched the N200 VIO Navigation Module, a groundbreaking solution that enables drones to navigate and self-localize using AI vision. This capability not only allows operation in GPS-denied environments but also makes drones immune to GPS jamming and spoofing. Priced under $399—just one-twentieth the cost of traditional fiber-optic inertial systems—the N200 continuous positioning accuracy with an error marginas low as 2% and offers Plug-and-Play compatibility with PX4, representing a major leap in battlefield navigation and precision-strike capabilities. No pre-installed satellite maps are required The N200 visual navigation module outperforms solutions from Red Cat and Palantir, delivering 656 feet of operational altitude (4×their 150-feet limit), a maximum speed of 44.7 mph (3× their 16 mph cap), and superior 2-8% dynamic accuracy. Priced at $399 and now in mass production, it provides high-performance navigation for GPS-denied environments. On modern battlefields, Traditional GPS navigation is disabled by electronic warfare, causing drones to lose control or crash—responsible for up to 75% of drone losses and reducing mission success rates to as low as 10%. Among the available options, fiber-optic tethered links pose two main drawbacks: first, their fragile cables lead to a high failure rate; second, the fiber spool adds roughly 3 kg of extra payload. Fiber-optic inertial navigation systems, while accurate, can cost close to $10,000, making them unsuitable for large-scale, cost-sensitive drone operations. By fusing camera and IMU data with a laser range sensor, N200 achieves precise, stable positioning through a tightly coupled optimization framework. Enhanced algorithms with adaptive feature tracking ensure stable performance even in low-texture environments or at high speeds—supporting cruise velocities of 15–20 m/s and attack speeds up to 25 m/s. Designed for rapid deployment, the N200 connects directly to PX4 flight controllers and requires only minor PID tuning. System integration can be completed in minutes. With only 28 ms latency and 2% accuracy error, enabling reliable GPS-free navigation. Headquartered in Dubai, UNIBIRD.ai integrates Asia-Pacific R&D and manufacturing strengths to deliver advanced, affordable AI modules for drones, offering onboard solutions for navigation, target recognition, tracking, and precision engagement. Now available for bulk orders, the UNIBIRD N200 VIO Navigation Module redefines cost-effective precision navigation, enables drones to navigate and fly with precision in GPS-denied environments. For more information, please visit https://www.unibird.ai and Tiktok, Twitter, Facebook, YouTube.

2025-11-18

HKUST Receives Government's Approval to Establish a New Medical School

Dedicated to Nurturing a New Generation of DoctorsSupporting Hong Kong Become a Hub for Medical Innovation HONG KONG, Nov. 18, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The establishment of Hong Kong's third medical school at The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) was approved today by the Hong Kong SAR Government (the Government). This landmark decision underscores the visionary leadership of the Government in fortifying Hong Kong's medical system. The University expresses its deepest gratitude to the Hong Kong SAR Government for its trust and to the dedicated Task Group on New Medical School for its thorough and rigorous assessment throughout the selection process. This approval represents a significant advance in addressing Hong Kong's future healthcare needs through an innovative, interdisciplinary approach to medical education. A Strategic Government Initiative for a Healthier FutureThe careful selection and approval process, guided by the experts of the Task Group, ensures this new school will be a powerful complement to the existing medical ecosystem, directly addressing long-term societal needs. HKUST Council Chairman Prof. Harry SHUM welcomed the Government's decision, stating, "We are profoundly honored to be recognized as a partner in the forward-looking strategy of the Hong Kong SAR Government to foster healthcare innovation and develop a robust pipeline of medical talent. HKUST is fully committed to fulfilling this vision by cultivating a new generation of medical pioneers who will lead with clinical excellence and technological mastery, bringing lasting benefits to Hong Kong and beyond." Realizing a Shared Vision for Next-Generation MedicineHKUST President Prof. Nancy IP extended the University's sincere thanks for the Government's decision and the Task Group's support of its proposal. She said, "The establishment of the medical school is a powerful validation of the Government's strategic vision. We are grateful for the opportunity to prepare a new generation of clinicians through integrating rigorous clinical training with technological proficiency, empowering our graduates to excel as future practitioners and leaders in the evolving healthcare landscape. We look forward to the continued support from the Government and the Task Group experts during the implementation phase. HKUST pledges its complete commitment to bring this shared vision to life." Chairman Shum and President IP further stated: "We would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to all members of the HKUST community—including the Council Advisory Group, the Planning Committee, faculty, and staff. Everyone has worked in unison with collective determination, dedicating their utmost efforts to the development of the medical school. This achievement reflects the dedication and valuable expertise of all involved. Such an outcome was indeed hard-earned, and we solemnly recognize the weight of our responsibilities moving forward. Now, as we embark on this critical mission of establishing the medical school, we are committed to working closely with the Government, the Hong Kong Medical Council, the Hospital Authority, the two local medical schools, the medical sector, and community partners to jointly cultivate outstanding medical professionals and drive innovation in global medical technology and clinical practice." Building on a Foundation of Innovation, Guided by Public ServiceThe new medical school will be built upon a solid foundation of HKUST's distinctive advantages. It will draw upon the University's deeply international character and global networks to attract diverse talent and foster a world-class learning environment. The school will cultivate a new breed of medical professionals: ethically grounded, clinically outstanding, and technologically adept. The school will leverage HKUST's strengths in data science, artificial intelligence, and robotics, embedding these technologies directly into clinical training. This interdisciplinary model, which merges science, engineering, and business, will equip graduates to solve complex health challenges and drive translational research from the lab to the bedside, leading to breakthroughs in diagnostics, therapeutics, and patient care. Download photos here: https://hkust.edu.hk/news/hkust-receives-governments-approval-establishing-new-medical-school

2025-11-18

GAC Enters Australia with Three New Vehicles, Launches Australian Local Strategy to Build a Benchmark Market in the South Pacific

SYDNEY, Nov. 18, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- On November 18, GAC hosted its brand and new model launch ceremony in Sydney, officially unveiling its Australia Local Strategy—"GAC: Growing Australian Confidence"—the localized implementation of the company's global "One GAC 2.0" strategy. Through a series of long-term strategic investments, GAC aims to deeply integrate into the Australian market— in Australia, for Australia, serving Australia, and contributing to Australia —by delivering low-carbon, green, and intelligent mobility for a better life. This milestone marks a significant new chapter in GAC's expansion across Australia and the broader South Pacific region. One of the event's major highlights was the simultaneous debut of three strategic global models: The Spacious Intelligent SUV, AION V, The Versatile Luxury MPV, M8 PHEV —the first plug-in hybrid MPV in Australia—and the EMZOOM, The Stylish Intelligent SUV. Together, these models offer a diversified range of mobility solutions across pure electric, plug-in hybrid, and fuel powertrains, meeting the diverse needs of urban commuters, families, and business users alike. The M8 PHEV, Australia's first plug-in hybrid luxury MPV, embodies the concept of a "Serene and Refined Mobile Mansion." Combining powerful yet smooth electric performance with intelligent comfort and convenience, it sets a new benchmark for executive travel and premium family mobility. The AION V, designed with modern families in mind, combines long-range electric capability, ultra-fast charging, versatile space, and advanced safety. It has achieved the prestigious E-NCAP five-star safety rating and fully complies with Australia's five-star safety standards. It sets a new benchmark for green, intelligent SUVs and stands out as the perfect companion for Australian families embracing sustainable mobility. The EMZOOM, with its bold, dynamic design, intelligent interior, and class-leading driving experience, brings fresh excitement to young, style-conscious drivers—showcasing GAC's distinctive spirit of youthful innovation and high-performance engineering. These three new models embody GAC's commitment to "top-tier quality" and "pioneering technology," fully addressing Australian consumers' priorities on safety, range, intelligence, and value. Over the next five years, GAC plans to introduce over ten new models across sedans, SUVs, pickup trucks, and MPVs—building a comprehensive product portfolio that spans all segments and powertrain technologies to deliver Australian customers high-tech, high-quality, and high-value mobility experiences.

2025-11-18