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iHerb Launches "718 Summer Limited-Time Offer" in Singapore

Mon, 20 Jul 2026 10:00:23 +0700

SINGAPORE - Media OutReach Newswire - 20 July 2026 - Global health and wellness platform iHerb has launched its "718 Summer Limited-Time Offer" alongside a curated selection of products designed to support summer skincare needs in Singapore. The initiative reflects growing consumer interest in combining topical skincare with nutritional supplements as part of an inside-out approach to beauty and wellness.

The iHerb 718 Summer Limited-Time Offer includes a 25% discount for existing customers and a 30% discount for new customers

Organised around the three core needs of hydration, protection and repair, the selection spans inner care, sun protection, after-sun care and daily nutritional supplements, supporting a comprehensive approach to summer skincare.

As part of its summer campaign, iHerb is running a "718 Summer Limited-Time Offer" promotion until July 25 (11:59 PM). New customers can enter the promo code "26PRN7" at checkout to receive 30% off, while existing customers can use "26SUM77" to receive 25% off eligible purchases (terms & conditions apply).

Supporting Hydrated, Healthy-Looking Summer Skin from the Inside Out

To support skin hydration from within, iHerb's in-house brand, California Gold Nutrition's "Hyaluronic Acid Complex," combines hyaluronic acid, L-Proline, French grape seed extract and French maritime pine bark extract. The formula is a great choice for consumers seeking daily hydration and healthy-looking skin.
For Vitamin C supplementation, Doctor's Best offers a daily source of Vitamin C with "Vitamin C with Q-C." While Life Extension's "BioActive Complete B-Complex" provides a comprehensive blend of B vitamins to support the nutritional needs of consumers with busy and active lifestyles.

For a more enjoyable way to supplement daily nutrition, Nature's Way "Alive! Hair, Skin & Nails Gummies" comes in a strawberry-flavoured chewable format that makes supplementation easy.

Sun Protection and After-Sun Care for Summer

Sun protection and after-sun care are essential for maintaining healthy skin during the summer. think (Thinkbaby®) "Zinc Oxide Sunscreen, SPF 50" is formulated with zinc oxide and features a comfortable texture suitable for daily commutes, outdoor activities and family trips.

After sun exposure, Lily of the Desert's "99% Aloe Vera Gelly", made primarily with organic aloe vera, provides lightweight hydration and soothing care with a refreshing texture.

718 Summer Limited-Time Offer Details

Discover iHerb's summer skincare essentials with exclusive savings available until July 25 (11:59 PM). New customers can enjoy 30% off eligible purchases with the promo code "26PRN7", while existing customers can receive 25% off using "26SUM77". Terms and conditions apply.

iHerb: A One-Stop Global Health and Wellness Platform

Headquartered in California, USA, iHerb is a global online retailer of health and wellness products. The platform provides Singapore consumers with access to authentic products through a safe and reliable cross-border shopping experience. Products are shipped directly from logistics centres in the US and Asia, alongside the following delivery and shipping options:

Fast Delivery: Orders can arrive in as fast as 3 days.
Free Shipping: Available on orders over SGD 30.

The 718 promotion and curated summer selection are available on iHerb Singapore.

Hashtag: #iHerb

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

About iHerb

iHerb is a globally renowned US-based cross-border e-commerce platform specializing in high-quality health supplements, nutritional products, beauty and personal care, and daily essentials. Offering a curated selection of over 50,000 items and serving more than 180 countries and regions, iHerb is dedicated to helping global consumers access health and beauty options at reasonable prices. All products are shipped directly from multiple advanced logistics centers in the US and Asia, maintaining product freshness through rigorous cold-chain and temperature-controlled warehousing management. iHerb also continuously enhances its multi-language customer service and localized payment methods to ensure a safe, transparent, and convenient shopping experience for users worldwide

NIA Spotlights Thailand’s Wellness Boom as Global Consumers Spend Boundlessly on Longevity

Mon, 20 Jul 2026 09:00:23 +0700

Deep dive into the DNA of Thailand's wellness giants—BDMS Wellness Clinic and Chiva-Som—and their strategic blueprints to transform the kingdom into the ultimate global wellness destination.

BANGKOK, THAILAND - Media OutReach Newswire - 20 July 2026 - In the modern era, "good health" has redefined the meaning of true wealth. Consumers worldwide are now heavily investing in innovations that promote longevity and extend healthspan—the period of life spent in good health. Even amid economic uncertainty, health and well-being remain top priorities for consumers. This behavioral shift helping drive the global wellness economy to a reached USD 6.8 trillion in 2024, representing a 7.9% growth from the previous year. Furthermore, the Global Wellness Institute (GWI) projects the market to surge to USD 9.8 trillion by 2029, maintaining an average annual growth rate of 7.6%. Driven by this exponential growth, nations worldwide, including Thailand, are aggressively developing wellness services and innovations to serve as a "New Growth Engine" and a key indicator of long-term national competitiveness.

NIA Spotlights Thailand's Wellness Boom

Where Does Thailand Stand in the Global Health & Wellness Industry?

When evaluating Thailand's potential, Thailand ranks among the world's leading healthcare destinations. According to the Numbeo Health Care Index 2026, Thailand's healthcare system is ranked 8th globally, making it the sole ASEAN nation to secure a spot in the Top 10. Focusing specifically on the health and wellness sector, Thailand achieved the highest growth rate globally in 2023, with the market value soaring past USD 40 billion—a remarkable 28.4% increase. The "Wellness Tourism" segment alone skyrocketed by 36.4%, outperforming the global average by threefold.

These figures reflect much more than financial profits; they underscore Thailand's robust readiness and distinct advantages. The country boasts world-class medical infrastructure, accredited hospitals, highly skilled medical professionals, reasonable treatment costs, and an established reputation as a top wellness destination. Additionally, Thailand possesses unique cultural assets—such as traditional Thai herbs, Thai massage, healthy cuisine, and medical tourism—that can be strategically leveraged into a high-value economy.

Driving a High-Income Economy with Deep Tech in the Wellness Market

Prof. Dr. Yodchanan Wongsawat, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation (MHESI), announced a strategic vision to transform Thailand's wellness industry from traditional services into a high-value, globally competitive innovation sector. The strategy aims to unlock the potential of Thai culture, local wisdom, and rich biodiversity by implementing modern science and technology to establish evidence-based efficacy. Furthermore, cutting-edge innovations such as Health Tech, Artificial Intelligence (AI), and Machine Learning (ML) will be deployed to analyze deep health data. Equipping the sector with Deep Tech will significantly elevate international credibility.

Prof. Dr. Yodchanan emphasized: "MHESI is fully prepared to act as a vital gear in mitigating R&D investment risks for the private sector through an end-to-end support system. We aim to accelerate the commercialization of Thai innovations by systematically connecting the innovation ecosystem. This includes matchmaking entrepreneurs, startups, researchers, and universities, alongside injecting comprehensive financial and resource support. Our assistance spans R&D grants, advanced laboratory access, clinical trials, global production standard upgrades, and intellectual property protection. Collectively, these mechanisms will propel wellness into a New Growth Engine, boosting national competitiveness and establishing Thailand as a true global wellness hub."

NIA's Four Strategic Pillars to Propel the Thai Wellness Economy Globally

Dr. Krithpaka Boonfueng, Executive Director of the National Innovation Agency (NIA), stated that driving the wellness industry sustainably cannot be achieved by the private sector alone. It requires cross-sector collaboration to foster an innovation ecosystem conducive to research, technological development, standard testing, and global market expansion. The NIA has continuously supported entrepreneurs in health, wellness, and medical technology through capacity-building initiatives like the Wellness Academy, startup incubation, university network integration, and innovation competitions to translate ideas into market-ready businesses.

The NIA prioritizes data, research, and scientific evidence to build trust and add value to Thai wellness products and services. Simultaneously, the agency connects entrepreneurs to vital resources and innovation networks to stimulate the healthcare economy, creating jobs and new revenue streams through four key strategies:

Connecting Innovative Businesses: Fostering synergies across the ecosystem.
Upgrading Wellness Establishments and Labor Skills: Elevating service standards and workforce capabilities to international levels.
Driving Progress via Thailand Innovation Hubs: Utilizing regional hubs to stimulate localized innovation.
Scaling Up and Building International Recognition: Enhancing global awareness of Thai wellness as credible, safe, verifiable, and uniquely high-value.

The NIA's ultimate goal is not merely to create new innovative businesses, but to build a sustainable ecosystem that empowers Thai entrepreneurs to grow robustly and integrate seamlessly into the global health and wellness supply chain.

BDMS Champions "Healthspan" and Preventive Medicine to Secure a Competitive Edge

As longevity becomes a primary aspiration for the global population, BDMS Wellness Clinic—a premier wellness leader in Thailand—is accelerating the preventive healthcare industry. By utilizing health science and personalized medicine, the clinic designs deep-level bodily care to firmly establish Thailand as a pioneer in modern health trends.

Dr. Tanupol Virunhagarun, Chief Executive Officer of BDMS Wellness Group, Bangkok Dusit Medical Services Public Company Limited (BDMS), highlighted that transitioning from treating illnesses to preventing them is an undeniable global megatrend. This aligns with World Health Organization (WHO) data indicating that every 1 Baht invested in wellness yields up to a 35-fold return by reducing public healthcare expenditures and enhancing citizen quality of life. This expertise has positioned BDMS Wellness Clinic as a major private-sector anchor, attracting high-spending global consumers to Thailand through its concept of "Scientific Wellness." This approach features evidence-based healthcare, ranging from advanced genetic testing and personalized nutrition and vitamin formulations to blending modern medical innovations with traditional Thai medicine for verifiable results. Upgrading these standards shifts Thailand's image from a leisure destination to a highly credible, advanced medical hub, serving as a crucial mechanism in partnering with the government to promote the nation as "Wellness Hub Thailand, The Land of Life" and a top-of-mind Global Wellness Destination.

Chiva-Som Showcases the "Thai Spirit" to Redefine the Health Economy

Complementing advanced medical dimensions, Thailand possesses iconic brands in health tourism marketing, such as Chiva-Som—the country's first wellness resort and a pioneer in Asia. Spanning over three decades, Chiva-Som evolved from a modest beachfront holiday home in Hua Hin into one of the world's top wellness resorts, capturing the loyalty of high-net-worth consumers from the West. What sets Chiva-Som apart is not just its world-class international treatments, but the "Thai spirit of hospitality"—characterized by humility, gentleness, and sincerity—seamlessly integrated with a profound understanding of holistic wellness.

Drawing from this tangible success, Mr. Krod Rojanastien, Consultant to President of Chiva-Som International Health Resort Co., Ltd., shared a pivotal insight: In a digital era where people face chronic stress and burnout, wellness has become mainstream. Thailand holds a distinct competitive advantage through its innate service spirit, gentle culture, and centuries-old traditional Thai medical wisdom. Moving forward, the priority must be backing this traditional wisdom with scientific research to secure international trust. Thailand's future marketing goal must transcend being a temporary vacation spot; it must elevate into a global "Sanctuary" where people intentionally travel to restore their body, mind, and overall quality of life.

When science, technology, innovation, and Thai wisdom are systematically woven together, the wellness economy will transform from a mere service sector into a powerful economic engine. It will lead Thailand toward becoming a definitive Global Wellness Destination, generating economic wealth and holistic well-being simultaneously.
Hashtag: #NIA #NationalInnovationAgency

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

International Conference of the Modernization of Chinese Medicine & Health Products (ICMCM) gathers global experts in Chinese Medicine

Mon, 20 Jul 2026 09:00:23 +0700

Concurrent Food Expo features “Multi-Facets of Chinese Medicine” exhibition

HONG KONG SAR - Media OutReach Newswire - 20 July 2026 - The 25^th International Conference of the Modernization of Chinese Medicine and Health Products (ICMCM), organised by the Modernized Chinese Medicine International Association (MCMIA) together with the HKTDC and ten scientific research institutions, will be held from 13 to 15 August at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC), offering industry professionals the latest insights into Chinese medicine. This year's conference is funded by the Chinese Medicine Development Fund of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region. It is dedicated to strengthening the ties between Hong Kong's Chinese medicine industry and the international market, while promoting Hong Kong's leading role in the global field of Chinese medicine.

Register for the conference to stay updated with the latest industry information on Chinese medicine: https://tinyurl.com/tmvryr38

Aligning with the strategic Blueprint with a focus on "Bringing In and Going Global"

The Chinese Medicine Development Blueprint of Hong Kong (the Blueprint) released in 2025 positions Hong Kong as a bridgehead for the global internationalisation of Chinese medicine and a key highland within the national framework for Chinese medicine development. To actively support the strategic direction of the Blueprint, this year's conference adopts the theme Clinical Translation, Regulatory Policies and Global Innovative Pathways of Traditional Medicine, focusing on two core elements: bringing in and going global. It introduces Hong Kong's Chinese medicine regulations and resource support to participants from Chinese Mainland and overseas, while inviting overseas regulatory authorities to share their local traditional medicine regulations. This year, some 30 experts and scholars from Hong Kong, Chinese Mainland, and overseas have been invited to comprehensively explore the latest research and development trends, regulatory interpretations, and success cases in Chinese medicine.

The three-day conference is divided into five major thematic sessions, covering policy blueprints, international regulations, clinical research, success case sharing, and talent cultivation:

The Chinese Medicine Development Blueprint of Hong Kong, development trends, and government support for the industry

To help enterprises from Chinese Mainland and abroad understand Hong Kong's Chinese medicine regulation and support, Dr. Vincent Chung Chi-ho, Commissioner for Chinese Medicine Development, Chinese Medicine Unit, Health Bureau, will elaborate on the Blueprint, while Law Kwok-wai, Robert, Chief Pharmacist (Chinese Medicine), Chinese Medicine Regulatory Office, Department of Health, Dr. Yeung Kin Wai, Senior Chemist, Government Chinese Medicines Testing Institute, Department of Health, and Prof. Bian Zhaoxiang, Hospital Chief Executive, The Chinese Medicine Hospital of Hong Kong (CMHHK) , will share in-depth insights into the latest progress in Chinese medicine regulation, quality standards testing, and clinical practice and research at the Chinese Medicine Hospital. Furthermore, Arnold Lau, Associate Director-General, Invest Hong Kong, Dr. William Cheung, Deputy Chief Manager (Life and Health Technology), Office for Attracting Strategic Enterprises (OASES), Angela Yu, Deputy Head of Health Tech and TCM, Hong Kong Productivity Council and Wing Chu, Deputy Director of Research, HKTDC, will participate in a panel discussion to analyse the Hong Kong government's resource support for the development of Chinese medicine.

International regulations and standards for Chinese medicine and traditional medicine

To provide attendees with a comprehensive analysis of market trends, Prof. Zheng Linyun, Executive Vice President of the Shanghai Academy of International Standardization of Traditional Chinese Medicine, will share reflections and prospects on the transformation of ISO/TC249. Furthermore, Prof. Taruna Ikrar, Chairperson of the Indonesian Food and Drug Authority (BPOM), Indonesia, Nurul Anisah Binti Shahri from National Pharmaceutical Regulatory Agency (NPRA), Ministry of Health, Malaysia and Thawatchai Nakkaratniyom, Senior Professional Level Pharmacist, Head of Pre-marketing Control Group, Herbal Products Division at Thai Food and Drug Administration, Ministry of Public Health, Thailand will jointly analyse the regulations and standards of the Southeast Asian market.

Traditional medicine and Chinese medicine development and clinical research

Scientific and clinical experts will share the latest progress in the scientific research and clinical application of Chinese medicine, as well as experiences regarding the R&D application and clinical efficacy of hospital-made Chinese medicine preparations. Prof. Zhang Zhongde, Deputy President of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine & President of Guangdong Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine will share Chinese Mainland's practices in the research and development of Chinese medicine. Prof. Lee Sanghoon, Dean, International Education Institute of Korean Medicine, Kyung Hee University will discuss the development of new natural product drugs in Korea. Prof. Pei Xiaohua, Dean of Changping Hospital Affiliated to Beijing University of Chinese Medicine and Director of the Institute of Traditional Chinese Surgery will discuss clinical needs in developing new Chinese herbal medicines for TCM-advantageous breast diseases. Locally, Prof. Zhang Ge from Hong Kong Baptist University will present innovative achievements in utilising traditional Chinese medicine to drive target discovery for triple-negative breast cancer, while Prof. Xian Yanfang Lisa, Assistant Professor, School of Chinese Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong will share pre-clinical and clinical studies of novel Chinese medicine formula for treating gout.

Sharing of success cases and experience in international Chinese medicine practitioner training

Focusing on successful industry practices, ICMCM provides an interactive platform for the industry, helping to ensure the continuous development and growth of the traditional Chinese medicine sector. Yan Han, Chairman, Beijing Tong Ren Tang Chinese Medicine Company Limited will share the cultural heritage and internationalised development of Chinese medicine, and Dr. Celine Cheng, Chief Compliance & Technology Officer of Jacobson Pharma Corporation Limited will share GMP applications in the industry. Several professors from Chinese Mainland, Australia, Canada, Macao, and Singapore—including Prof. Li Min, Dean and Chair Professor, School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University; Prof. Xu Hongxi, Chairman, Belt and Road Alliance for Traditional Medicine, Honorary Dean & Distinguished Professor, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine; Prof. Zhu Xiaoshu, Co-Director, Australia-China Chinese Medicine Centre, Western Sydney University, Australia; and Prof. Linda Zhong, Director, Biomedical Sciences and Chinese Medicine, School of Biological Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore —will explore training models for Chinese medicine talent at home and abroad, alongside market demands for Chinese medicine products in potential markets.

Talent cultivation: The 22^nd International Postgraduate Symposium on Chinese Medicine

The Symposium will be held on the morning of 15 August. This year, it is jointly organized by eight institutions, including four Hong Kong universities—The Chinese University of Hong Kong, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Baptist University, and The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology—alongside Nanyang Technological University in Singapore, the University of Macau, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, and Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine. The Symposium will kick off with Vincent & Lily Woo Fellowship in Memory of Dr Albert Wong endowed by Vincent & Lily Woo Foundation Award Presentation Ceremony, hosted by the Modernized Chinese Medicine International Foundation. This year's Symposium will feature nearly 100 research presentations, including oral research presentations by 10 postgraduate students from Hong Kong, Chinese Mainland, Australia, Singapore, South Korea, Vietnam, and Serbia, and nearly 90 poster displays. The judging panel will select 10 winners for the Tianjiang Cup Li Shizhen Youth Outstanding Thesis Award. The Symposium not only provides a platform for postgraduate students in Chinese medicine to share their research progress and achievements but also promotes student collaboration and exchange, laying an important cornerstone for cultivating a new generation of scientific research professionals and driving the development of Chinese medicine.

This year's conference continues to operate under the hybrid model, with simultaneous interpretation in both English and Putonghua offered to enable wider industry participation.

Concurrent Food Expo features "Multi-Facets of Chinese Medicine" exhibition and ICMCM Public Forum to promote public education

In addition to the professional conference tailored for industry practitioners, ICMCM is committed to promoting the popularisation and implementation of Chinese medicine in the community through a public education display area titled "Multi-Facets of Chinese Medicine" at the concurrent Food Expo. In response to the directives of the Blueprint, this interactive and educational display aims to significantly enhance the public's correct understanding of and confidence in Chinese medicine.

The design of the exhibition is closely aligned with the development direction set out in the Blueprint, providing a comprehensive overview of the new chapter in Hong Kong's Chinese medicine sector. It covers four main themes including the latest development trends of Chinese medicine in Hong Kong, the service features of the Chinese Medicine Hospital of Hong Kong, the Hospital Authority's Chinese medicine outpatient services, Chinese medicine regulation framework and Chinese medicine practitioner registration system, alongside knowledge on Chinese medicine wellness practices.

A half-day ICMCM Public Forum will be held on Saturday, 15, August 2026, to promote the advantages of Chinese medicine services, interesting Chinese medicine wellness tips and preventive healthcare. By running industry conferences alongside public exhibitions and forums in parallel, the event aims, on the one hand, to foster academic and industrial innovation exchanges among global Chinese medicine experts, and on the other, to embed Chinese medicine culture deeply into the daily lives of the public, thereby jointly promoting Hong Kong's development as an international centre for Chinese medicine.

Conference programme: icmcm.hktdc.com/pdf/2026/programme.pdf
Website: hktdc.com/icmcm

Concurrent Exhibitions:
HKTDC Food Expo PRO foodexpopro.hktdc.com
HKTDC Hong Kong International Tea Fair hkteafair.hktdc.com
HKTDC Food Expo hkfoodexpo.hktdc.com
HKTDC Beauty & Wellness Expo hkbeautyexpo.hktdc.com
HKTDC Home Delights Expo homedelights.hktdc.com

Hashtag: #HKTDC #ICMCM

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

Imperial Harvest Unveils US$1.888 Million Mahjong Set in Singapore, With All Proceeds Pledged to Childhood Brain Cancer Research

Mon, 20 Jul 2026 09:00:23 +0700

SINGAPORE - Media OutReach Newswire - 20 July 2026 - Imperial Harvest, an Imperial Feng Shui consultancy in Singapore, has unveiled a one-of-one bespoke mahjong set valued at US$1.888 million (approximately S$2.4 million) — placing it among the world's most valuable mahjong sets ever created — with all proceeds from its sale pledged to DIPG Foundation Singapore, funding research into one of the deadliest childhood brain cancers.

Imperial Feng Shui Mahjong Set

For generations, mahjong has been far more than a pastime. Rich in symbolism, strategy and tradition, the centuries-old game has long brought families and friends together around a table, and today it is enjoying a global resurgence, winning new audiences across the United States and beyond.

Against this backdrop, the one-of-one creation brings together exceptional materials, artisanal craftsmanship and Imperial Feng Shui principles into a collector's piece that channels cultural heritage into meaningful change.

Turning Prosperity Into Hope for Children

Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma (DIPG) is a rare and aggressive brain tumour that primarily affects children between the ages of five and 11, and has long been considered incurable. In 2024, doctors reported the world's first case of a child effectively cured of DIPG, renewing global momentum in the field — yet research into the disease remains critically underfunded.

All proceeds from the sale of the mahjong set will be donated to DIPG Foundation Singapore, Singapore's first foundation dedicated to advancing research into DIPG and other paediatric brain cancers. Founded by families who each experienced the loss of a child to the disease, the foundation supports research, advocates for greater access to innovative therapies and clinical trials, and provides resources for affected children and their families.

For Grand Master David Goh, founder of Imperial Harvest, donating the proceeds reflects a belief that prosperity carries its greatest meaning when it can be shared. The mahjong set celebrates abundance through symbolism and craftsmanship while channelling that value into research that brings hope to affected children and their families.

A Fading Craft, Reimagined

The set arrives at a time when the traditional art of mahjong tile carving is fading worldwide, lending its craftsmanship a significance beyond luxury alone. At the heart of the set are 156 playing tiles, including Animal, Fei and Joker tiles, individually crafted in untreated Burmese Grade A Black Jadeite. Revered for its rarity and cultural significance, the stone has long been associated with protection, resilience and prosperity, with every tile retaining its natural individuality.

The tiles are housed in a bespoke trunk wrapped in exceptionally rare Himalayan Niloticus crocodile leather, prized for its naturally occurring gradient reminiscent of snow-capped mountain peaks and sourced from a tannery that supplies some of the world's most prestigious luxury maisons. Inside, aerospace-grade Alcantara — the same premium material found in the interiors of Ferrari and Lamborghini supercars — creates a soft, durable lining that protects every tile.

Where Feng Shui Meets Design

Guided by third-generation feng shui master Grand Master David Goh, every detail has been considered not only for its visual appeal but also for its symbolic significance, resulting in a collector's piece that seeks to harmonise Heaven, Earth and humanity.

The conventional Singapore animal tiles have been replaced by the Four Celestial Guardians — the Azure Dragon, Vermilion Phoenix, White Tiger and Black Tortoise — mythical creatures deeply rooted in Chinese cosmology that traditionally represent protection, balance and harmony. Likewise, the flower tiles have been redesigned to depict four auspicious creatures: the bat, deer, crane and magpie, collectively symbolising fortune, prosperity, longevity and happiness.

Even one of mahjong's most recognisable tiles, the Seven Dots, has been reimagined. Instead of following its conventional arrangement, the seven circles are positioned according to the "Seven Star Lighting" formation, an Imperial Feng Shui configuration believed to represent stability, clarity and strategic balance. The Character suit, meanwhile, features English transliterations such as "Yi Wan", "Er Wan" and "San Wan", making the set accessible to an international audience while preserving its cultural identity.

As Grand Master David Goh describes it, the set is "far beyond a Mahjong set. Every detail has been calibrated to harmonise Heaven, Earth and Man, ensuring that its owner engages not just in a game, but in a field of aligned opportunity, protection and infinite prosperity."

A New Definition of Luxury

Whether viewed as a collector's piece, a work of design or cultural heritage, the Imperial Feng Shui Mahjong Set occupies a category of its own — a reminder that the greatest luxury may ultimately be the opportunity to create meaningful change. It is a philosophy that Imperial Harvest carries through its bespoke Feng Shui consultation services in Singapore, where prosperity is understood as something to be built, and shared.

Hashtag: #ImperialHarvest #GrandMasterDavidGoh #ImperialHarvestMahjongSet #ImperialFengShui

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

About Imperial Harvest

Imperial Harvest is a Singapore-based luxury Imperial Feng Shui maison dedicated to empowering individuals with clarity, breakthroughs, and prosperity. Founded by Grand Master David Goh, Imperial Harvest upholds the royal Feng Shui traditions once reserved for Chinese emperors, making them accessible to modern professionals, business leaders, and families worldwide.

At the heart of Imperial Harvest is a unique blend of time-honoured metaphysics and contemporary craftsmanship. Every treasure - from fine jadeite and rare agarwood to bespoke jewellery collections - is carefully matched to each client's Bazi chart and personally blessed by Grand Master David to activate favourable elements for wealth, benefactors, and opportunities.

With a proven track record of guiding thousands of clients to achieve career milestones, business growth, and lasting harmony, Imperial Harvest continues to set the benchmark for authentic, results-driven Imperial Feng Shui. The maison is committed to building lifelong partnerships grounded in trust, expertise, and transformational success.

Society for Medical Decision Making Menganugerahkan 2026 Career Achievement Award kepada Uwe Siebert, Profesor Harvard dan UMIT TIROL

Sat, 18 Jul 2026 08:44:02 +0700

OSLO, Norwegia, July 18, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Society for Medical Decision Making (SMDM) menganugerahkan penghargaan tertingginya atas pencapaian karier, yaitu 2026 Career Achievement Award, kepada Profesor Uwe Siebert, MPH, MSc, ScD dari UMIT TIROL dan Harvard University. Penghargaan ini mengakui kontribusi transformatifnya selama puluhan tahun dalam bidang pengambilan keputusan medis melalui penelitian inovatif, kepemimpinan internasional, pendidikan, dan pengabdian.

Penghargaan tersebut diserahkan dalam Sesi Penghargaan Kepemimpinan pada Pertemuan Tahunan SMDM ke-48 di Oslo, Norwegia, oleh Profesor Mark Bounthavong, PharmD, PhD, Ketua Komite Penghargaan SMDM sekaligus Profesor Farmasi Klinis di Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California, San Diego.

SMDM Career Achievement Award mengapresiasi peneliti senior terkemuka atas kontribusi berkelanjutan yang telah secara signifikan memajukan ilmu pengetahuan dan praktik pengambilan keputusan medis. Penerima penghargaan dipilih melalui proses nominasi yang kompetitif, setelah nominasi dibuka untuk umum, dan selanjutnya dinilai oleh Ketua Komite Penghargaan SMDM.

"Saya merasa sangat terhormat dapat menyerahkan 2026 Career Achievement Award dari Society for Medical Decision Making kepada Profesor Uwe Siebert," ujar Profesor Bounthavong. "Sepanjang kariernya, Profesor Siebert telah menunjukkan kualitas yang menjadi dasar penghargaan ini, yaitu keunggulan ilmiah, inovasi metodologis, kepemimpinan visioner, serta komitmen yang teguh untuk meningkatkan pengambilan keputusan di bidang pelayanan kesehatan melalui bukti yang kuat. “Karyanya telah memengaruhi para peneliti, klinisi, pembuat kebijakan, serta berbagai generasi peserta didik di seluruh dunia, yang menjadikannya sangat layak menerima penghargaan ini."

Profesor Siebert menjabat sebagai Profesor Kesehatan Masyarakat, Pengambilan Keputusan Medis, dan Penilaian Teknologi Kesehatan, serta Kepala Institute of Public Health, Medical Decision Making and Health Technology Assessment di UMIT TIROL – Universitas Ilmu Kesehatan dan Teknologi Kesehatan, Austria. Beliau juga menjabat sebagai Profesor Tidak Tetap Kebijakan dan Manajemen Kesehatan serta Epidemiologi di Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, dan sebagai peneliti afiliasi di Center for Health Technology Assessment, Mass General Brigham, Harvard Medical School.

Berlatar belakang sebagai dokter, Profesor Siebert mengawali kariernya dalam berbagai proyek kesehatan masyarakat internasional di Afrika Barat, Brasil, dan Jerman, sebelum mendalami kesehatan masyarakat, epidemiologi, dan ilmu pengambilan keputusan. Beliau meraih gelar Magister Kesehatan Masyarakat dari Munich School of Public Health and Epidemiology, serta gelar Magister Sains di bidang Epidemiologi dan Doktor Sains di bidang Kebijakan dan Manajemen Kesehatan dari Harvard School of Public Health.

Selama lebih dari tiga dekade, Profesor Siebert telah dikenal sebagai salah satu tokoh paling berpengaruh di dunia dalam bidang pengambilan keputusan medis. Karya inovatifnya dalam analisis keputusan medis, penilaian manfaat dan risiko, evaluasi ekonomi kesehatan, pemodelan analitis keputusan, penilaian teknologi kesehatan, epidemiologi, dan inferensi kausal telah memajukan ilmu pelayanan kesehatan berbasis bukti. Hasil penelitiannya juga secara langsung menjadi dasar penyusunan pedoman klinis, program skrining kanker, penilaian teknologi kesehatan, keputusan penggantian biaya, serta kebijakan kesehatan nasional di seluruh dunia.

Pengaruhnya tidak hanya terbatas pada bidang penelitian. Profesor Siebert merupakan Mantan Presiden SMDM dan merupakan Mantan Presiden ISPOR – The Professional Society for Health Economics and Outcomes Research yang paling baru. Sepanjang kariernya, beliau telah menjadi penasihat bagi berbagai pemerintah, lembaga penilaian teknologi kesehatan, perhimpunan profesi, dan organisasi internasional dalam perumusan kebijakan berbasis bukti serta pengambilan keputusan di bidang layanan kesehatan. Beliau telah menulis lebih dari 500 publikasi, termasuk artikel ilmiah, bab buku teks, ringkasan kebijakan, dan laporan penilaian teknologi kesehatan. Beliau juga menjabat beberapa posisi pemimpin editorial untuk sejumlah jurnal ilmiah yang diakui di tingkat internasional.

Profesor Siebert juga merupakan seorang pendidik yang berdedikasi, yang mengajar mata kuliah penilaian teknologi kesehatan, ilmu pengambilan keputusan, serta inferensi kausal berbasis data dunia nyata dalam Program HTADS di UMIT TIROL. Beliau juga mengajar Analisis Keputusan dalam Penelitian Klinis pada program musim panas di Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health.

Saat menerima penghargaan tersebut, Profesor Siebert mengenang peran para mentor, kolega, mahasiswa, dan mitra kolaborasi yang turut membentuk perjalanan kariernya. Beliau menekankan bahwa kemajuan ilmiah tidak hanya lahir dari gagasan, tetapi juga dari orang-orang yang saling menginspirasi, menantang, dan mendukung.

"Saya merasa sangat terhormat menerima penghargaan ini dan sangat berterima kasih atas pengakuan istimewa ini," ujar Profesor Siebert. "Penghargaan ini tidak hanya mencerminkan karya saya, tetapi juga dedikasi dan keahlian seluruh anggota tim saya. Penghargaan ini juga mencerminkan dukungan, semangat, dan inspirasi yang saya terima sepanjang karier dari para mahasiswa, rekan peneliti, kolega, mentor, sahabat, dan keluarga saya. SMDM telah menjadi rumah intelektual yang luar biasa bagi saya. Saya berterima kasih kepada komunitas ini atas berbagai peluang yang diberikan kepada saya untuk belajar, berkolaborasi, dan berkembang."

Salah satu momen paling menyentuh dalam sambutan Profesor Siebert adalah ketika beliau mengenang besarnya pengaruh mentor yang telah lama membimbingnya, Milton Weinstein, PhD. Mata kuliah yang diajarkannya di Harvard menjadi awal perkenalan Profesor Siebert dengan analisis keputusan yang pada akhirnya menentukan arah perjalanan kariernya. Profesor Weinstein menerima Career Achievement Award dari SMDM pada tahun 1996. Penghargaan yang diterima Profesor Siebert pun terasa semakin istimewa karena dianugerahkan tepat 30 tahun setelah mentornya memperoleh penghargaan tertinggi dari Society.

"Karier tidak hanya lahir dari gagasan," ujar Profesor Siebert dalam sambutan penerimaannya, "tetapi juga oleh orang-orang yang menginspirasi, percaya pada kita, dan memberikan peluang."

Sepanjang sambutannya, Profesor Siebert menekankan pentingnya kolaborasi lintas disiplin serta kerja sama langsung dengan para pengambil keputusan di bidang layanan kesehatan agar hasil penelitian dapat diwujudkan menjadi peningkatan kualitas pelayanan pasien. Dengan merujuk pada pengalaman kariernya, beliau menjelaskan bagaimana pemodelan keputusan yang dikembangkan melalui kolaborasi turut menjadi dasar dalam penyusunan strategi vaksinasi COVID-19 nasional dan kebijakan skrining kanker. Hal ini menunjukkan bahwa ilmu pengambilan keputusan yang diterapkan secara ketat dapat memberikan dampak jangka panjang terhadap sistem layanan kesehatan dan kesehatan masyarakat.

Beliau menutup sambutannya dengan mendorong generasi peneliti berikutnya untuk menjalin kolaborasi lintas wilayah dan disiplin, serta selalu mengingat bahwa salah satu keterampilan paling berharga dalam sains adalah kemampuan untuk mendengarkan kolega, pasien, pengambil keputusan, dan satu sama lain.

Profesor Siebert kini menjadi bagian dari jajaran penerima Career Achievement Award terkemuka yang karya-karyanya telah membentuk arah dan mendorong kemajuan bidang pengambilan keputusan medis selama tiga dekade terakhir. Penerima penghargaan sebelumnya termasuk Anne Stiggelbout, John B. Wong, Dawn Stacey, Michael Kattan, Doug Coyle, Karen Kuntz, Murray Krahn, M.G. Myriam Hunink, Valerie Reyna, Ivar Kristiansen, Alvin Mushlin, Mark Roberts, Donald Redelmeier, Annette O'Connor, Howard Raiffa, J. Sanford (Sandy) Schwartz, Alan Garber, Barbara J. McNeil, Peter Wakker, David J. Spiegelhalter, Allan Detsky, Joseph Pliskin, Jerome P. Kassirer, Daniel Kahneman, George Torrance, John Eisenberg, Dennis Fryback, Harold Sox, Arthur Elstein, Milton Weinstein, dan Stephen Pauker.

Tentang Society for Medical Decision Making
Society for Medical Decision Making (SMDM), yang didirikan pada tahun 1979, merupakan organisasi profesi internasional yang berdedikasi untuk meningkatkan hasil kesehatan melalui pengambilan keputusan yang lebih baik. SMDM menghimpun para peneliti, klinisi, pendidik, pembuat kebijakan, pasien, dan pemimpin industri untuk memajukan sains dan penerapan pengambilan keputusan medis melalui penelitian, pendidikan, kolaborasi, serta penyebarluasan metode berbasis bukti.

Yacht Club de Monaco launches its Monaco Energy Boat Challenge World Series, a new global pathway for sustainable maritime innovation

Sat, 18 Jul 2026 08:43:13 +0700

MONACO, July 17, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Yacht Club de Monaco is expanding the global reach of the Monaco Energy Boat Challenge with the launch of a new international qualification programme: the Monaco Energy Boat Challenge World Series. “We started the Monaco Energy Boat Challenge more than 10 years ago and, with the growing success of the event and the increasing number of participating teams, we are now expanding our reach. That's why we want to introduce a qualification system, similar to what exists in other sports. The first preliminary qualifying events will take place in Australia and Italy, before bringing the selected teams together for the final here in Monaco,” said Bernard d'Alessandri General Secretary and Managing Director of the Yacht Club de Monaco.

Designed to support the development of the Energy Class while accommodating the growing number of university teams seeking to participate, the initiative aims to preserve the sporting and technical standards of the final competition in Monaco.

Created in 2014 as a platform bringing together universities, industry and leading maritime companies, the Monaco Energy Boat Challenge has become a reference point for sustainable marine innovation, showcasing breakthrough technologies in clean propulsion. A major milestone came in 2018 with the introduction of the Energy Class, dedicated to experimental boats powered by alternative energy solutions, including hydrogen, kinetic energy storage and advanced battery systems. Since then, participation has grown from a single team to more than 20 teams representing over 20 countries.

To support this expansion, the Yacht Club de Monaco has created the Monaco Energy Boat Challenge World Series, establishing regional qualifying events that will strengthen local innovation ecosystems while creating a pathway to the final in Monaco.

As the first international partner to join the Monaco Energy Boat Challenge World Series, Darwin, Australia, will host a qualifying event dedicated to universities and teams from the Asia-Pacific region. Scheduled to begin in 2027, it will serve as the qualifying stage for the 2028 Monaco Energy Boat Challenge World Final. “Darwin is honored to become one of the first destinations outside of Monaco to partner with Monaco and work alongside the Yacht Club to promote sustainability in marine innovation and technology,” said Michael Canaris, Director of Big Blue Ventures APAC, a company specialized in developing and delivering innovation-led initiatives that connect industry, technology and investment opportunities across the Asia-Pacific region.

“We have a lot of work ahead of us. Initially, we're going to focus on working with the Yacht Club and our partners to make sure we can create the same level of professionalism and international standard for the event in Darwin. Our main focus now is to attract university teams from Australia and across our region, making sure we have a strong number of teams competing in Darwin. At the same time, we're focusing on the logistics of hosting the event locally, ensuring it meets the same standards as the Monaco edition, while building partnerships with local stakeholders, industry and companies,” he added.

When applications exceed the available places for the Monaco final, the competition will determine which teams qualify, with a maximum of two teams per country advancing to the Monaco Energy Boat Challenge World Final, scheduled from 29 June to 3 July 2027.

“The new structure is designed to make the Challenge more accessible to universities worldwide while encouraging the development of regional centres of excellence in sustainable maritime technology. Rather than concentrating participation in a single annual event, the World Series will help foster year-round collaboration between universities, industry and local stakeholders,” said Szilard Czibere, Innovation Manager for the Monaco Energy Boat Challenge at the Yacht Club de Monaco.

The long-term ambition is to establish the event as a true world final, where the best teams emerging from regional qualifying events organised across different continents compete to showcase the next generation of clean marine propulsion technologies.

General Fusion to Ring Nasdaq Opening Bell Today, July 17, 2026

Sat, 18 Jul 2026 08:42:04 +0700

Bell-ringing ceremony to celebrate the start of trading as the first publicly listed fusion energy company

VANCOUVER, British Columbia, July 17, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- General Fusion Group Ltd. (“General Fusion” or the “Company”) (NASDAQ: GFUZ), a leader in the global race to commercialize fusion energy, today announced that the Company will ring the Nasdaq Opening Bell on July 17, 2026, to celebrate the start of trading as the first publicly listed fusion energy company earlier this week.

“We are honored to ring the Nasdaq Opening Bell and mark this milestone for General Fusion, and to celebrate becoming the first publicly listed fusion company,” said Greg Twinney, Chief Executive Officer of General Fusion. “For more than 20 years, our team has worked towards bringing fusion energy, the power of the sun and stars, to Earth. Our move to the public markets puts us in a strong position to bring our uniquely practical technology to the world. I am grateful to our employees for their unwavering commitment to bringing our vision to life, and to our new and longstanding shareholders who have supported us throughout this journey.”

The Opening Bell ceremony will be livestreamed on Nasdaq’s official channels on Friday, July 17, at 9:30 a.m. EDT at the link: https://www.nasdaq.com/marketsite/bell-ringing-ceremony.

Quick Facts:

General Fusion’s MTF is designed to solve significant barriers to commercializing fusion energy at a time when electricity demand is surging and nations around the world are racing to commercialize fusion power.
As a technology, MTF aims to achieve fusion in a practical and economical way, avoiding superconducting magnets and high-powered lasers while enabling the use of existing materials for durable machines.
In early 2025, General Fusion announced that it had designed, built, and begun operating its LM26 fusion demonstration machine in under two years. LM26 is the first MTF demonstration machine to be built at a commercially relevant scale. It mechanically compresses plasma with a lithium liner at 50% commercial-scale diameter, based on current design parameters.
LM26 aims to achieve key fusion technical milestones: plasma heating to 1 keV (10 million degrees Celsius), then 10 keV (100 million degrees Celsius), and ultimately the Lawson criterion, the combination of fusion parameters that can produce net fusion energy in the plasma.

About General Fusion
General Fusion (NASDAQ: GFUZ) is pursuing a practical approach to commercial fusion energy and is headquartered in Vancouver, Canada. The Company was established in 2002 and has been funded by a global syndicate of leading energy venture capital firms, industry leaders, and technology pioneers. Learn more at www.generalfusion.com.

Gym Plus Launches Icon, a Compact Functional Trainer with Dual Cables and Smith Machine

Sat, 18 Jul 2026 08:41:10 +0700

Gym Plus has officially launched Icon, a compact all-in-one functional trainer combining dual cable systems, a 7-degree angled Smith machine, and half rack functionality within a 1.54m by 1.24m footprint. Available in Matcha Green and Pink, Icon All-in-one Functional Trainer debuts at the Sydney Fitness Expo in September.

MELBOURNE, Australia, July 17, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Gym Plus, an Australian home fitness equipment company, has announced the launch of Icon, an all-in-one functional trainer combining dual cable systems, a 7-degree angled Smith machine, and half rack functionality within a 1.54m by 1.24m footprint.

Icon includes integrated storage and is constructed with chrome-plated uprights and aluminum pulleys. The unit is available in two colorways, Matcha Green and Pink, in addition to a standard chrome finish. The dual cable system allows for a range of functional exercises, while the angled Smith machine and half-rack components provide guided bar-path training and rack-based lifts within a single unit. The compact footprint is intended for use in home gyms, apartments, garages, and small studio spaces where floor area is limited.

Icon is offered as part of the company's broader strength-training range, which includes power racks, cable towers, benches, and rack attachments, as well as its flooring, storage, and accessory product lines. The product joins Gym Plus's existing Power Rack collection, a category the company has continued to expand alongside its cable machine offerings. Consumers interested in the product can view specifications, pricing, and availability through the Gym Plus website, where Icon is listed within the company's All-In-One Functional Trainer collection.

"Icon was built around the idea that people should not have to choose between functionality and floor space," said Victoria Li, growth manager of Gym Plus. "Many of our customers are training in apartments, garages, or spare rooms where every square meter matters. Icon lets them access cable training, Smith machine work, and rack-based lifts from a single footprint."

Li added that the design and color choices were also intentional. "Home gym equipment has traditionally looked utilitarian. We wanted Icon to fit into a living space visually, not just functionally, which is part of why we introduced the Matcha Green and Pink options alongside the standard chrome finish."

Gym Plus will bring Icon to the Sydney Fitness Expo in September, following the product's introduction at an earlier showcase in Melbourne, giving attendees at both events an opportunity to view the trainer in person.

About Gym Plus
Founded in 2015 and based in Melbourne, Australia, Gym Plus designs and supplies home gym and gymnastics equipment, including power racks, functional trainers, flooring, modular storage systems, and related accessories, and reports having delivered more than 300,000 products to customers across Australia, having served more than 100,000 individual fitness enthusiasts and over 8,000 business clients including gyms, schools, and community organizations, and holding a 4.9 out of 5 customer rating based on more than 2,600 reviews published on its website, with a click-and-collect facility at its Cranbourne West, Victoria location alongside online and trade ordering channels.

Bitget Launches Industry-First Cross-Asset Unified Account With 100 US Stock Tokens as Margin

Sat, 18 Jul 2026 08:40:13 +0700

VICTORIA, Seychelles, July 17, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Bitget, the world’s largest Universal Exchange (UEX), has launched the industry's first Cross-Asset Unified Account (UTA), bringing more than 370 eligible assets—including 100 US stock tokens (rTokens)—into a single margin pool. The launch extends unified margin beyond crypto, allowing tokenized equities to function alongside digital assets within one account.

As crypto and traditional financial markets become increasingly connected, users expect assets to do more than represent ownership. The next stage of tokenization focuses on utility, allowing assets to support multiple financial activities from a single account. Bitget's Cross-Asset Unified Account advances that shift by integrating tokenized US equities into the same capital framework used for crypto trading.

The Cross-Asset Unified Account represents the third evolution of exchanges’ trading account architecture, with each stage focused on improving capital efficiency. The first generation isolated margin by asset and position, leaving capital fragmented across multiple accounts. The second unified multiple cryptocurrencies into a single margin pool, allowing one pool of collateral to support multiple crypto positions. The latest generation extends that framework beyond cryptocurrencies, bringing tokenized US stocks and other real-world assets into the same unified margin system. By giving RWAs the same status and utility as crypto, the Cross-Asset Unified Account allows eligible assets across different markets to work together within a single capital framework.

“Bringing stocks onchain is the first step but the real breakthrough comes when those assets can work with the same flexibility as crypto,” said Gracy Chen, CEO of Bitget. “Capital efficiency is one of the principles behind UEX, and the Cross-Asset UTA puts that idea into practice. A stock position should be able to hold value, support another trade, or unlock liquidity instead of sitting in isolation.”

Eligible rTokens can now serve several purposes simultaneously. Users can maintain exposure to the underlying US equities, receive cash dividend distributions where applicable, use rTokens as margin for futures and margin trading, or pledge them as collateral to borrow stablecoins. The same asset can support multiple portfolio strategies without requiring users to exit their positions.

The initial rollout supports 100 tokenized US equities spanning leading US-listed companies, including rAAPL, rAMZN, rMETA, rTSLA, rGOOGL, rNVDA, rMSFT, rQQQ, rSPY, rJPM, rWMT, rV, and rMSTR, among others. Eligible collateral receives discount rates of up to 95%, subject to asset-specific tiers and holding size. Borrowing rates remain market-based and update hourly according to supply and demand.

The Cross-Asset Unified Account builds on the rapid expansion of Bitget's tokenized equities ecosystem. Since the launch of the licensed RWA protocol Reality, rToken, the RWA asset issued by Reality, has surpassed $100 million in assets under management within its first month, while generating more than $671 million in cumulative trading volume. By bringing tokenized equities into the same capital framework as crypto assets, Bitget is extending their role beyond market access to capital deployment, allowing users to trade, borrow, and manage global assets more efficiently through a single account.

Bitget plans to continue expanding the range of assets supported within the Cross-Asset Unified Account as the Universal Exchange evolves to connect crypto and traditional financial markets through a single trading experience.

About Bitget
Bitget is the world's largest Universal Exchange (UEX), serving over 125 million users and offering access to over 2M crypto tokens, 500+ tokenized stocks, ETFs, commodities, FX, and precious metals such as gold. The ecosystem is committed to helping users trade smarter with its AI agent, which co-pilots trade execution. Bitget is driving crypto adoption through strategic partnerships such as MotoGP™. Aligned with its global impact strategy, Bitget has joined hands with UNICEF to support blockchain education for 1.1 million people by 2027. Bitget currently leads in the tokenized TradFi market, providing the industry's lowest fees and highest liquidity across 150 regions worldwide.

WeRide Introduces WITT, a Physical AI Cognitive Foundation Model Built on Atomic Physical Facts

Sat, 18 Jul 2026 08:39:23 +0700

New model transforms real-world operational data into trusted facts and trusted facts into learning signals for Physical AI systems

Key Highlights

WeRide unveils WITT (World Intelligence Toward Truth), a Physical AI Cognitive Foundation Model designed to build AI cognition of the physical world through trusted facts extracted from real-world experience.
WITT introduces Atomic Physical Facts (APFs), the smallest verifiable units of information about the physical world, establishing a new fact-based cognitive framework for Physical AI.
Built on four core capabilities—Fact Extraction, Fact Reasoning, Fact Verification and Fact Curation—WITT continuously transforms real-world data into trusted learning signals for AI training, evaluation and iteration.
Compared with significantly larger general-purpose AI models, WITT reduces token costs by up to 98% and delivers up to 200x greater data-processing efficiency.

SHANGHAI, July 17, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- WeRide (NASDAQ: WRD, HKEX: 0800), a global leader in autonomous driving technology, today unveiled WITT (World Intelligence Toward Truth), a Physical AI Cognitive Foundation Model designed to build AI cognition of the physical world through trusted facts extracted from real-world experience.

Leveraging visual-language model (VLM) capabilities, WITT introduces a new concept called Atomic Physical Facts (APFs) and establishes a fact-based cognitive framework for Physical AI. By connecting multimodal information across video, images and text, WITT decomposes continuously evolving real-world environments into verifiable facts that can be identified, reasoned about and validated, establishing a new generation of AI understanding centered on physical facts.

WITT stands for World Intelligence Toward Truth and is inspired by the philosopher Ludwig Wittgenstein, whose proposition that “the world is the totality of facts” closely aligns with the underlying logic of Physical AI. To build cognition of the physical world, AI must first identify trusted facts embedded in environments, behaviors, rules, risks and temporal relationships. These facts become the foundation for reasoning, judgment and decision-making.

As Physical AI moves from research into real-world deployment, autonomous driving has emerged as the first domain to achieve large-scale commercial validation. Yet building AI systems that can reliably understand the physical world remains a fundamental challenge.

Vast amounts of real-world data continue to grow exponentially, identifying and utilizing data with genuine training, evaluation and iteration value remains difficult. High-value long-tail scenarios are inherently scarce, while datasets collected from both L4 autonomous driving operations and production ADAS systems often contain human interventions, inactive segments and other forms of noise. General-purpose AI models can also struggle to interpret complex traffic environments consistently, leading to hallucinations, factual errors and incomplete scene understanding.

The industry increasingly needs an efficient and trusted mechanism for understanding data— one capable of continuously extracting meaningful scene facts from real-world driving data, improving the quality and efficiency of training, evaluation and model iteration, and transforming real-world experience into trusted learning signals that drive the evolution of autonomous systems.

WITT was developed to address this challenge.
Rooted in WeRide’s large-scale autonomous driving operations, WITT continuously extracts patterns, relationships and trusted facts from vast volumes of operational data. Rather than treating data as raw inputs for model training, WITT treats trusted facts as the fundamental building blocks of Physical AI cognition. This foundation enables the model to transform real-world experience into structured knowledge through four core capabilities: Fact Extraction, Fact Reasoning, Fact Verification and Fact Curation.

Together, these capabilities create a complete pipeline spanning scene understanding, event attribution, data validation and learning curation—allowing every kilometer of real-world driving data to become a trusted signal for model improvement.

Fact Extraction
WITT identifies and extracts three categories of Atomic Physical Facts from real-world driving data: standard driving facts, multi-agent interaction facts and physically ambiguous conditions. Together, these facts capture everyday traffic behaviors, evolving relationships among traffic participants and uncertainty within complex physical environments.

For example, a driving video can be decomposed into multiple Atomic Physical Facts, including reduced visibility caused by rain, a pedestrian entering a crosswalk, an ego vehicle slowing down, a nearby vehicle traveling in parallel, changing traffic signals and increasing collision risk. Each fact is designed to be highly reliable, traceable and verifiable, enabling richer scene descriptions and providing the foundation for subsequent reasoning, validation and learning.

Fact Reasoning
After extracting facts, WITT analyzes key events, behavioral relationships and evolving risks within a scene, while identifying the underlying causes and potential trajectories of those events.

During the R&D phrase of Autonomous Driving, engineers often need to search vast video datasets for specific long-tail scenarios, such as pedestrians suddenly crossing in construction zones, lane departures under poor visibility conditions, or complex yielding maneuvers in narrow-road encounters. Powered by an integrated video intelligence engine, WITT enables users to retrieve target scenarios through keywords or natural-language queries, dramatically improving the efficiency of scenario discovery, data investigation and root-cause analysis.

Fact Verification
To reduce hallucinations commonly associated with general-purpose AI models, WITT evaluates outputs across six dimensions:

Vulnerable road users
Ego-vehicle behavior
Surrounding vehicle behavior
Scene understanding
Comprehensive fact
Traffic facilities

The model introduces factual confidence scoring and validates conclusions against external physical evidence to determine whether interpretations are supported by observable reality.

By tracking factual errors, hallucinations, omissions and temporal inconsistencies, WITT provides both a quality benchmark for data users and a preference signal for model training, continuously guiding AI systems toward more accurate and physically grounded understanding.

Today, WITT achieves an average factual error rate approximately one-third that of leading general-purpose AI models in autonomous driving scenario understanding tasks.

Fact Curation
In real-world operations, not all data contribute equally to model learning. WITT automatically identifies high-value facts and routes them into the most effective learning workflows to maximize model improvement.

Rare long-tail scenarios can be returned to WeRide GENESIS, the company’s proprietary general-purpose simulation model, for simulation training and scenario expansion. High-frequency everyday scenarios can support reinforcement learning and workflow optimization. Abnormal or ambiguous data can be directed into review processes to prevent valuable information from being mistakenly discarded as noise.

By ensuring that every piece of data follows the most appropriate learning path, WITT maximizes the value of real-world operational data and continuously converts experience into model intelligence.

Within WeRide’s Physical AI architecture, WITT serves as the critical understanding and evaluation layer. Together with WeRide GENESIS, the company’s proprietary general-purpose simulation model, WITT forms a Physical AI flywheel that continuously converts real-world experience into model improvement.

WITT extracts, understands, verifies and curates physical facts from real-world data, while GENESIS generates high-fidelity simulation environments and long-tail training scenarios based on those facts. Together, the two systems train and improve vehicle-side models, enabling autonomous driving systems to continuously evolve through both real-world experience and synthetic-world learning.

Compared with general-purpose AI models that often rely on hundreds of billions of parameters, WITT delivers strong performance with a significantly more efficient architecture. The model reduces token costs by up to 98%, processes up to 10,000 minutes of vehicle-operation video per day on a single GPU and delivers up to 200 times greater data-processing efficiency in comparable workloads.

In labeling workflows, a single request to WITT can generate more than 100 dynamic tags, enabling massive volumes of real-world driving video to be rapidly retrieved, validated and incorporated into model-development pipelines, where they become continuously accumulating fact assets.

Supported by this Physical AI flywheel, WeRide has become the world’s only company to achieve large-scale commercial deployment of both L4 autonomous driving and L2++ intelligent driving systems.

In the L4 domain, WeRide has obtained autonomous driving permits across eight countries and markets, deployed autonomous driving products in more than 40 cities across 12 countries, and operates a fleet of more than 3,000 autonomous vehicles. Its Robotaxi services have already achieved regular, large-scale fully driverless commercial operations in Guangzhou, Beijing, Abu Dhabi and Dubai.

At the same time, high-quality data and model capabilities accumulated through L4 operations are continuously being transferred to WeRide’s one-stage end-to-end ADAS solution through the company’s Physical AI flywheel. Today, WRD 3.0 has secured an unprecedented six consecutive wins at the China Urban Intelligent Driving Competition. The solution has also been selected for close to 30 vehicle programs and entered production on multiple vehicle platforms, including models from Chery Exeed and GAC Aion. Beyond China, it has expanded technology validation footprint into international markets such as Germany, France and Japan.

Starting from autonomous driving—one of the most data-intensive and operationally complex environments for Physical AI—WITT demonstrates a broader potential for Physical AI applications.

As Physical AI enters a new phase of large-scale deployment, WeRide will continue advancing cognitive foundation models grounded in real-world validation, enabling AI to move beyond understanding the physical world toward operating within it at scale.

About WeRide
WeRide is a global leader and a first mover in the autonomous driving industry, as well as the first publicly traded Robotaxi company. Our autonomous vehicles have been tested or operated in over 40 cities across 12 countries. We are also the first and only technology company whose products have received autonomous driving permits in eight markets: China, the UAE, Singapore, France, Switzerland, Saudi Arabia, Belgium, and the US. Empowered by the smart, versatile, cost-effective, and highly adaptable WeRide One platform, WeRide provides autonomous driving products and services from L2 to L4, addressing transportation needs in the mobility, logistics, and sanitation industries. WeRide was named to Fortune's 2025 Change the World and 2025 Future 50 lists.

Univar Solutions Masuk Daftar Perusahaan Paling Ramah Lingkungan di Dunia 2026 versi Newsweek

Sat, 18 Jul 2026 08:38:12 +0700

Univar Solutions meraih pengakuan untuk tahun kedua berturut-turut berkat komitmennya yang berkelanjutan terhadap pengelolaan lingkungan, keunggulan komersial, tanggung jawab sosial, serta penerapan tata kelola perusahaan yang kuat

DOWNERS GROVE, Ill., July 17, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Univar Solutions LLC (“Univar Solutions” atau “Perusahaan”), penyedia solusi global terkemuka bagi pengguna bahan baku dan bahan kimia khusus, hari ini mengumumkan bahwa perusahaannya telah dinobatkan sebagai salah satu Perusahaan Paling Ramah Lingkungan di Dunia 2026 oleh Newsweek dan Plant-A Insights Group. Pengakuan ini diberikan berdasarkan penilaian terhadap data yang tersedia secara publik dan dilakukan melalui kolaborasi dengan Plant-A Insights serta GIST Impact. Penilaian tersebut menyoroti berbagai organisasi yang telah menunjukkan upaya terukur dalam mengurangi dampak terhadap lingkungan dan mendorong penerapan keberlanjutan.

“Kami bangga melihat upaya kami dalam menangani dampak lingkungan mendapat pengakuan, karena ini terus menjadi salah satu aspek dasar dalam cara kami beroperasi,” ujar Alexa Colin, Chief Legal and Administrative Officer sekaligus pimpinan eksekutif bidang keberlanjutan di Univar Solutions. “Kami menerapkan pendekatan yang disiplin dan praktis untuk mengurangi emisi di seluruh kegiatan operasional dan rantai nilai kami, sekaligus memberikan manfaat bagi lingkungan dan bisnis.”

Melalui investasi berkelanjutan dalam teknologi, penyempurnaan proses, dan keterlibatan insan organisasi, Univar Solutions terus berupaya memenuhi target iklim 2030 serta mewujudkan ambisi jangka panjang menuju emisi nol bersih. Hal itu menjadi salah satu alasan di balik pemberian penghargaan ini. Aspek penting lainnya dalam program keberlanjutan bagi Perusahaan adalah fokus pada efisiensi sumber daya.

“Di Univar Solutions, kami menempatkan efisiensi sumber daya sebagai tanggung jawab sekaligus peluang,” jelas Dr. Liam McCarroll, Senior Director of Global Sustainability & Social Impact di Univar Solutions. “Kami berupaya mengurangi limbah, meningkatkan efisiensi penggunaan air, serta menerapkan prinsip ekonomi sirkular di seluruh kegiatan operasional sebisa mungkin. Langkah-langkah tersebut membuka peluang bagi kami untuk menyempurnakan cara kerja, menekan biaya, mengurangi risiko, dan membantu pelanggan mewujudkan ambisi keberlanjutan mereka melalui solusi pengelolaan sumber daya yang lebih baik.”

Univar Solutions juga memperoleh pengakuan, salah satunya berkat kerangka kerja produk berkelanjutan dan alami yang membantu pelanggan mengevaluasi aspek keberlanjutan pada bahan dan bahan baku. Kerangka kerja tersebut dirancang untuk mendukung komunikasi yang efektif mengenai keberlanjutan pada tingkat produk.

“Sebagai perusahaan, kami meyakini bahwa penting untuk mendukung pelanggan dalam perjalanan keberlanjutan mereka,” ujar Kelly Gilroy, Vice President, Commercial Sustainability di Univar Solutions. “Kami mengembangkan Portofolio Produk Berkelanjutan dan Alami untuk menghadirkan transparansi dan kejelasan, sekaligus mendukung upaya bersama dalam mendorong penerapan keberlanjutan pada tingkat produk.”

Dalam penyusunan peringkat Perusahaan Paling Ramah Lingkungan di Dunia 2026, Newsweek mengevaluasi 850 organisasi teratas dari 28 negara. Peringkat tersebut disusun berdasarkan lebih dari 25 kriteria keberlanjutan, termasuk emisi gas rumah kaca, penggunaan air, produksi limbah, serta kepatuhan yang ketat terhadap standar keberlanjutan Uni Eropa.

"Demi masa depan bumi, seluruh sektor harus segera mengambil tindakan bersama,” ucap Jennifer H. Cunningham, pemimpin redaksi Newsweek. "Dengan menyoroti Perusahaan Paling Ramah Lingkungan di Dunia, kami mengapresiasi para pemimpin perusahaan yang membuktikan bahwa tanggung jawab lingkungan bukan sekadar kewajiban moral, melainkan juga landasan bagi bisnis yang berkelanjutan dan berwawasan ke depan di tengah dinamika ekonomi global saat ini."

Pelajari lebih lanjut upaya keberlanjutan Univar Solutions di: https://www.univarsolutions.com/sustainability

Pelajari lebih lanjut peringkat Perusahaan Paling Ramah Lingkungan di Dunia 2026 versi Newsweek di: https://rankings.newsweek.com/worlds-greenest-companies-2026

Tentang Univar Solutions
Univar Solutions merupakan distributor global terkemuka untuk bahan baku dan bahan kimia khusus, yang mewakili portofolio premium dari para produsen terkemuka di dunia. Didukung oleh salah satu armada transportasi milik sendiri dan tim penjualan teknis terbesar di industri, keahlian teknis tentang logistik yang tak tertandingi, pengetahuan mendalam tentang pasar dan regulasi, kemampuan formulasi dan pengembangan resep, serta perangkat digital terdepan, Perusahaan memiliki posisi kuat untuk menawarkan solusi khusus dan layanan bernilai tambah untuk berbagai pasar, industri, dan aplikasi. Dalam mewujudkan tujuannya untuk membantu menjaga masyarakat tetap sehat, terpenuhi kebutuhan pangannya, bersih, dan aman, Univar Solutions berkomitmen membantu pelanggan dan pemasok berinovasi serta berfokus pada semangat Tumbuh Bersama. Pelajari lebih lanjut di univarsolutions.com.

European Commission approves JASCAYD®, bringing well-tolerated, novel oral treatment for IPF and PPF to the EU

Sat, 18 Jul 2026 08:37:21 +0700

JASCAYD® (nerandomilast) is the first oral, preferential PDE4B inhibitor approved in the European Union, delivering a novel mechanism of action with antifibrotic and immunomodulatory effects
Phase III FIBRONEER™️trials demonstrated that nerandomilast effectively slows lung function decline in adults with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) and adults with progressive pulmonary fibrosis (PPF), two life-threatening, progressive lung conditions1,2,3,4
Nerandomilast demonstrated a favorable safety and tolerability profile in clinical trials, notably, with monotherapy discontinuation rates similar to placebo

Ingelheim, Germany - Boehringer Ingelheim today announced that the European Commission (EC) has granted marketing authorization for JASCAYD® (nerandomilast) for the treatment of adults with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) and adults with progressive pulmonary fibrosis (PPF). This marks the first new treatment approved in IPF in the EU in over a decade and for PPF in more than five years. As a first-in-class oral preferential phosphodiesterase 4B (PDE4B) inhibitor, nerandomilast addresses a critical unmet need by successfully slowing disease progression while remaining tolerable.

“With JASCAYD®, physicians across the EU gain a long-awaited, new treatment option for people living with IPF and PPF that is effective, has a well-characterized safety profile and may support long-term adherence,” said Shashank Deshpande, Chairman of the Board of Managing Directors and Head of Human Pharma at Boehringer Ingelheim. “This milestone is a major advancement, but it must also be a catalyst for broader recognition that lungs can’t wait. Earlier recognition and diagnosis of pulmonary fibrosis are crucial because for people living with a progressive disease, every moment matters.”

The EC approval follows the positive CHMP opinion received in May and is based on results from the FIBRONEER™ Phase III program, the largest clinical trial program conducted in IPF and PPF to date.1,2 In both the FIBRONEER™-IPF and FIBRONEER™-ILD trials, the primary endpoint was met: nerandomilast successfully slowed lung function decline, measured by absolute change in forced vital capacity (FVC)* from baseline to week 52 compared to placebo.1,2 While the key secondary endpoint was not met in either trial,** a numerical reduction in mortality was observed across both trials, reaching nominal significance in FIBRONEER™-ILD.1,2 Nerandomilast demonstrated a favorable safety and tolerability profile with no requirement for liver monitoring. As monotherapy, it showed similar discontinuation rates to placebo.1,2

“One of the challenges of managing IPF and PPF is seeing patients needing to stop treatment early because the side effects are too much to tolerate,” said Prof Marlies Wijsenbeek, Pulmonary Physician at the Erasmus MC University Medical Centre. “The FIBRONEER™ trials showed us that nerandomilast preserves lung function with a tolerability profile that allows patients to stay on their medication, which is a major clinical advancement that patients across the EU have been waiting for. Also, removing the burden of ongoing liver monitoring is an additional improvement for patients.”

IPF and PPF affect more than 500,000 people across Europe,5 causing irreversible lung scarring that severely restricts breathing. Despite the life-threatening nature of these conditions, where approximately half of those diagnosed lose their lives within five years6,7,8 – a prognosis worse than many cancers.7,9,10 – many people delay or stop existing therapies due to side effects such as nausea, photosensitivity, and diarrhea.11,12,13 In IPF specifically, approximately half of those who stop therapy do so within six months.13

“When diagnosed with a progressive and irreversible lung condition like IPF or PPF, your greatest fear is running out of treatment options,” said Sue Farrington, President of the Federation of European Scleroderma Associations (FESCA). “Today’s authorization is a long-awaited breakthrough for the IPF and PPF community in the EU and offers renewed hope for people living with systemic sclerosis and other diseases that can lead to progressive lung fibrosis. Having a therapy that patients can reliably stay on to preserve their lung health brings real stability and hope to families.”

About IPF and PPF
Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) and progressive pulmonary fibrosis (PPF) are both conditions characterized by irreversible build-up of scar tissue in the lungs, affecting the lungs’ ability to take in and transfer oxygen into the bloodstream.14,15,16 Once lung function is lost, it’s lost forever. Signs and symptoms of IPF and PPF include a persistent dry cough, shortness of breath, fatigue and finger/toe clubbing (widening and rounding of the tips of fingers/toes).4,16

In IPF, the root cause of pulmonary fibrosis is not known.14 The disease primarily affects people over the age of 50 and affects more men than women.17

In PPF, the scarring of the lungs may be linked to an existing condition (e.g. rheumatoid arthritis or systemic sclerosis), result from exposure to inhaled substances (e.g. asbestos or mold), or be due to an unknown cause (idiopathic) and worsens despite treatment of the condition.15

Together, IPF and PPF may affect up to 9.2 million people worldwide.5,18 Approximately half of people with IPF or PPF die within 5 years of diagnosis6,7,8 – a higher mortality than many cancers.7,9,10

About nerandomilast
JASCAYD® (nerandomilast) is a twice daily oral, preferential PDE4B inhibitor with antifibrotic and immunomodulatory effects approved in the United States, China, the United Arab Emirates, Japan, Thailand, the United Kingdom, Brazil and the European Union for the treatment of adults with IPF and for the treatment of adults with PPF.

Regulatory submissions for nerandomilast in IPF and PPF are also under review in other countries with additional approvals anticipated in 2026.

Boehringer Ingelheim is also exploring the potential of nerandomilast in two rheumatic diseases: systemic sclerosis (SSc) and myositis (IIM).

Boehringer Ingelheim
Boehringer Ingelheim is a biopharmaceutical company active in both human and animal health. As one of the industry’s top investors in research and development, the company focuses on developing innovative therapies that can improve and extend lives in areas of high unmet medical need. Independent since its foundation in 1885, Boehringer takes a long-term perspective, embedding sustainability along the entire value chain. Our approximately 54,300 employees serve over 130 markets to build a healthier and more sustainable tomorrow. Learn more at www.boehringer-ingelheim.com.

onsemi to Announce Second Quarter Financial Results

Fri, 17 Jul 2026 08:36:17 +0700

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz., July 16, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- onsemi (Nasdaq: ON) plans to announce its financial results for the second quarter, which ended July 3, 2026, after market close on Monday, August 3, 2026.

The company will host a conference call at 5 p.m. Eastern Time (ET) on August 3, 2026, following the release of its financial results. Investors and interested parties can access the conference call in the following manner:

Webcast: A live webcast of the conference call will be available via the “Investor Relations” section of the company’s website at http://www.onsemi.com. The re-broadcast of the call will be available at this site approximately one hour following the live broadcast and will remain available for 30 days.
Teleconference: Investors and interested parties can also access the conference call by pre-registering here.

About onsemi

onsemi (Nasdaq: ON) delivers intelligent power and sensing technologies that enable electrification, energy efficiency, safety, and automation across automotive, industrial, and AI data center end markets. With a highly differentiated and innovative product portfolio, onsemi helps customers solve complex challenges to achieve higher efficiency, improved performance, and lower system cost, while supporting a safer, cleaner, and more energy-efficient world. onsemi is included in the S&P 500® index. Learn more about onsemi at www.onsemi.com.

onsemi and the onsemi logo are trademarks of Semiconductor Components Industries, LLC. All other brand and product names appearing in this document are registered trademarks or trademarks of their respective holders.

ASKO Opens the Doors to “In the Kitchen With:” Featuring Marcel Wanders and Family

Fri, 17 Jul 2026 08:35:40 +0700

LIDKÖPING, Sweden, July 16, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- ASKO is proud to announce the launch of “In the Kitchen With:”, a new storytelling series that invites audiences into one of the most personal and meaningful spaces in the home: the kitchen. Through intimate conversations and shared culinary experiences, the series will spotlight inspiring and influential individuals from around the world, exploring the people, passions and philosophies that shape their lives and work.

The first episode features none other than Marcel Wanders, one of the most celebrated and influential designers of our time.

Known for redefining contemporary design through his distinctive blend of emotion, creativity and craftsmanship, Marcel Wanders has spent decades creating products, interiors and experiences that place human connection at the centre. His work spans iconic collaborations with internationally renowned brands including Moooi, Louis Vuitton, Alessi, Baccarat, Laufen Bathrooms and Swarovski, among many others.

Yet behind the global recognition lies a deeply personal source of inspiration.

In this first instalment of In the Kitchen With:, Marcel welcomes viewers into his home alongside his daughter, Joy Wanders, and partner, Caterina Roppo. Together, they share stories about family, creativity and the moments that have shaped Marcel’s unique design philosophy.

“Great design begins with people,” says Marcel Wanders. “It is about emotion, meaning and creating experiences that bring us closer together.”

Set against the backdrop of a shared cooking experience, the episode highlights the kitchen as more than a place to prepare meals. It is a place where ideas are exchanged, relationships are strengthened and memories are created. Supported by the precision and innovative performance of ASKO appliances, the gathering becomes a reflection of the values that unite both Marcel Wanders and ASKO: craftsmanship, thoughtful design and meaningful everyday experiences.

The launch of In the Kitchen With: marks the beginning of an ongoing series that will feature visionary creators, innovators and cultural influencers from across the globe. Through candid conversations and authentic moments, ASKO aims to uncover the stories behind extraordinary people and celebrate the rituals that bring families and communities together.

The first episode featuring Marcel Wanders is available now through ASKO’s digital channels including youtube.

About ASKO
ASKO is rooted in Scandinavian design values of simplicity, durability, and functionality. Today, it creates premium kitchen and laundry appliances that unite precision engineering with timeless design—built to endure and thoughtfully enhance everyday living.

Society for Medical Decision Making Honors UMIT TIROL and Harvard Professor Uwe Siebert with 2026 Career Achievement Award

Fri, 17 Jul 2026 08:34:41 +0700

OSLO, Norway, July 16, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Society for Medical Decision Making (SMDM) presented its highest career honor, the 2026 Career Achievement Award, to Professor Uwe Siebert, MPH, MSc, ScD, of UMIT TIROL and Harvard University, recognizing his decades of transformative contributions to medical decision making through groundbreaking research, international leadership, education, and service.

The award was presented during the Leadership Awards Session at the SMDM 48th Annual Meeting in Oslo, Norway, by Professor Mark Bounthavong, PharmD, PhD, Chair of the SMDM Awards Committee and Professor of Clinical Pharmacy at the Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences at the University of California, San Diego.

The SMDM Career Achievement Award recognizes distinguished senior investigators whose sustained contributions have significantly advanced the science and practice of medical decision making. Recipients are selected through a competitive nomination process following an open call and are evaluated by the Society's Awards Committee.

"It was a tremendous honor to present the Society for Medical Decision Making's 2026 Career Achievement Award to Professor Uwe Siebert," said Professor Bounthavong. "Throughout his career, Professor Siebert has exemplified the qualities this award celebrates, scientific excellence, methodological innovation, visionary leadership, and an unwavering commitment to improving healthcare decisions through rigorous evidence. His work has influenced researchers, clinicians, policymakers, and generations of trainees around the world, making him exceptionally deserving of this recognition."

Professor Siebert serves as Professor of Public Health, Medical Decision Making and Health Technology Assessment and Head of the Institute of Public Health, Medical Decision Making and Health Technology Assessment at UMIT TIROL – University for Health Sciences and Health Technology in Austria. He is also Adjunct Professor of Health Policy and Management, and Epidemiology, at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, and an affiliated researcher at the Center for Health Technology Assessment at Mass General Brigham, Harvard Medical School.

A physician by training, Professor Siebert began his career working in international public health projects in West Africa, Brazil, and Germany before pursuing training in public health, epidemiology, and decision sciences. He earned his Master of Public Health from the Munich School of Public Health and Epidemiology and both his Master of Science in Epidemiology and Doctor of Science in Health Policy and Management from the Harvard School of Public Health.

Over more than three decades, Professor Siebert has become one of the world's leading voices in medical decision making. His pioneering work in medical decision analysis, benefit-harm assessment, health-economic evaluation, decision-analytic modeling, health technology assessment, epidemiology, and causal inference has advanced the science of evidence-based healthcare while directly informing clinical guidelines, cancer screening programs, health technology assessments, reimbursement decisions, and national health policies around the world.

His influence extends well beyond research. Professor Siebert is a Past President of SMDM and serves as recent Past President of ISPOR – The Professional Society for Health Economics and Outcomes Research. Throughout his career, he has advised governments, health technology assessment agencies, professional societies, and international organizations on evidence-based policy and healthcare decision making. He has authored more than 500 publications, including scientific articles, textbook chapters, policy briefs, and HTA reports, and serves in editorial leadership roles for several internationally recognized scientific journals.

Professor Siebert is also a dedicated educator, teaching courses in health technology assessment, decision sciences, and causal inference from real-world data at the HTADS Program at UMIT TIROL and Decision Analysis in Clinical Research in the summer program at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health.

Accepting the award, Professor Siebert reflected on the mentors, colleagues, students, and collaborators who shaped his career, emphasizing that scientific advancement is built not only on ideas but on the people who inspire, challenge, and support one another.

"I am deeply honored to receive this award, and I am truly grateful for this special recognition," said Professor Siebert. "This award reflects not only my own work but also the dedication and expertise of my entire team. It also reflects the support, encouragement, and inspiration I have received throughout my career from my students, fellows, colleagues, mentors, friends, and my family. SMDM has been an extraordinary intellectual home, and I am grateful to this community for the opportunities it has given me to learn, collaborate, and grow."

One of the most poignant moments of Professor Siebert's remarks came as he reflected on the profound influence of his longtime mentor, Milton Weinstein, PhD, whose Harvard course first introduced him to decision analysis and ultimately shaped the direction of his career. Professor Weinstein received SMDM's Career Achievement Award in 1996, making Professor Siebert's recognition especially meaningful as it comes exactly thirty years after his mentor received the Society's highest honor.

"Careers are built not only on ideas," Professor Siebert reflected during his acceptance remarks, "but also on the people who inspire us, believe in us, and open doors."

Throughout his address, Professor Siebert highlighted the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration and working directly with healthcare decision-makers to translate research into meaningful improvements in patient care. Drawing on examples from his own career, he described how collaborative decision modeling informed national COVID-19 vaccination strategies and cancer screening policies, illustrating how rigorous decision science can have a lasting impact on healthcare systems and population health.

He concluded by encouraging the next generation of researchers to embrace collaboration across regions and disciplines and to remember that one of the most valuable skills in science is listening, to colleagues, patients, decision-makers, and one another.

Professor Siebert joins a distinguished group of Career Achievement Award recipients whose work has defined and advanced the field of medical decision making over the past three decades. Previous honorees include Anne Stiggelbout, John B. Wong, Dawn Stacey, Michael Kattan, Doug Coyle, Karen Kuntz, Murray Krahn, M.G. Myriam Hunink, Valerie Reyna, Ivar Kristiansen, Alvin Mushlin, Mark Roberts, Donald Redelmeier, Annette O'Connor, Howard Raiffa, J. Sanford (Sandy) Schwartz, Alan Garber, Barbara J. McNeil, Peter Wakker, David J. Spiegelhalter, Allan Detsky, Joseph Pliskin, Jerome P. Kassirer, Daniel Kahneman, George Torrance, John Eisenberg, Dennis Fryback, Harold Sox, Arthur Elstein, Milton Weinstein, and Stephen Pauker.

About the Society for Medical Decision Making
Founded in 1979, the Society for Medical Decision Making (SMDM) is an international professional organization dedicated to improving health outcomes through better decision making. The Society brings together researchers, clinicians, educators, policymakers, patients, and industry leaders to advance the science and application of medical decision making through research, education, collaboration, and the dissemination of evidence-based methods.

Denodo Platform 9.5 Provides Agentic AI with Active Context, to Act Effectively and Responsibly

Fri, 17 Jul 2026 08:33:51 +0700

Latest release strengthens trusted enterprise context for AI, analytics, and data sharing

PALO ALTO, Calif., July 16, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Denodo, the AI data layer company, announced the availability of Denodo Platform 9.5, advancing its role in providing active context for agentic AI, analytics, and self-service data delivery.

Enterprise AI initiatives increasingly depend on whether AI agents, applications, and business users can access trusted enterprise context in real time. Data access alone is not enough. Organizations need shared business meaning, consistent governance, reusable data products, and direct, governed access to live data in the operational systems where business activity happens.

Denodo Platform 9.5 makes trusted enterprise context easier to define, operationalize, and reuse. The latest release strengthens the semantic and contextual intelligence within the Denodo Platform while simplifying how teams build, manage, and share trusted data products across the enterprise.

New Features

An expanded enterprise knowledge graph within the Denodo Data Marketplace, to improve the view of data context and provide AI with a more trusted foundation
Metric views, enabling consistent, standardized metrics within the semantic layer, to improve the accuracy of all metrics-driven business decisions
Enhanced reasoning ability for Denodo Assistant, to streamline data-view development
Expanded connectivity across the data and AI ecosystem, to improve the flow of active context across disparate data sources and the quality of business decisions

Expanding the Enterprise Knowledge Graph for Data Context
Denodo Platform 9.5 expands its Data Marketplace with a new 360-degree graph and asset extensions, enabling organizations to define an enterprise knowledge graph with a broader set of data ecosystem assets and the relationships that connect them. Teams can define and manage related assets such as extract, transform, and load (ETL) processes, consuming applications, notebooks, business glossaries, data dictionaries, governance controls, data product contracts, data sharing agreements, AI skills, and other business or technical artifacts.

"Denodo’s 360-degree graph and asset extensions mark a major milestone in the evolution of our data governance model, reinforcing Denodo as the core of our semantic layer and the central hub for governed access to data assets,” said Jose Carlos Bermejo, head of Data & Analytics at Air Europa, who had access to a public beta version. “These new capabilities enable us to enrich, connect, and contextualize our data assets, turning them into accessible, governed, and interconnected data products through the Denodo Data Marketplace. As a result, we can provide business users with a unified, intuitive, and trusted view of data, accelerating the adoption of data as a strategic asset and scaling its governed use across the organization as part of our broader data democratization strategy.”

Governed data products, enhanced with new semantic elements such as metric views, form an expanded knowledge graph that represents the business, technical, governance, and usage context surrounding enterprise data. This provides users with a more complete view of the processes, definitions, controls, relationships, and downstream consumers associated with enterprise data, while supplying AI assistants and agents with a stronger foundation for discovery, reasoning, and automation.

Trusted Metrics and KPIs for AI and Analytics
Denodo Platform 9.5 introduces metric views, a new semantic-layer object for defining, governing, and reusing business metrics and KPIs. Metrics such as revenue, profit, order count, and customer value often depend on formulas, filters, dimensions, and grouping context that are recreated differently across reports, dashboards, and tools.

With metric views, organizations can define key business measures once in the Denodo semantic layer, along with the appropriate formulas, relationships, dimensions, filters, and documentation. These trusted metrics can then be reused across governed data products, the Denodo Data Marketplace, BI tools, and AI-powered experiences, with all downstream users assured they include live, contextually-relevant, and well-governed data leading to trustworthy decisions and actions.

Conversational Development and Broader Ecosystem Connectivity
Denodo Platform 9.5 advances the VQL Shell toward a more conversational development experience. With enhanced reasoning and disambiguation capabilities, Denodo Assistant now supports an interactive workflow as users explore metadata, generate VQL, refine query logic, and troubleshoot issues. Denodo Assistant guides development through follow-up prompts and contextual feedback, helping teams create accurate data views faster, without needing to know the exact syntax or the specific views or fields required for each operation.

This release also expands connectivity across the modern data and AI ecosystem. These enhancements include improved support for unstructured data, new connectivity with Databricks and Azure AI Search, support for vector search with indexes for more efficient semantic and document queries, enhanced support for Delta tables and Databricks environments, and greater efficiency when using the Denodo Lakehouse Accelerator with Iceberg.

Together, these capabilities help organizations bring more enterprise information into governed AI, analytics, and data-sharing workflows while reducing integration friction and improving performance across distributed environments.

“Agentic AI is changing what organizations require from their data infrastructure,” said Alberto Pan, chief technology officer at Denodo. “AI systems need to understand business context, work with trusted metrics, access live operational data, and operate within clear governance controls. Denodo Platform 9.5 helps organizations deliver the trusted active context that AI, analytics, and data consumers across the entire enterprise need to act with confidence.”

Denodo
Denodo is the AI data layer that powers trustworthy agents and applications. The award-winning Denodo Platform enables that layer, transforming enterprise data into reliable insights for analytics and self-service. Organizations worldwide use Denodo alongside their data lakehouses to deliver AI-ready, business-ready data in a fraction of the time, achieving up to 4x faster time-to-insight, 345% ROI, and 10x better performance.

Datacolor Introduces Connected Color Intelligence with Launch of Textile Lab Manager

Fri, 17 Jul 2026 08:32:34 +0700

Data-driven textile formulation that connects business systems and dispensing into one intelligent lab workflow

LAWRENCEVILLE, N.J., July 16, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Datacolor, a global leader in integrated color management solutions, announced the launch of Datacolor Textile Lab Manager, a data-driven lab workflow platform that helps manufacturers get color right the first time, cutting correction rounds that drain time, chemicals and water.

By connecting color measurement, formulation and quality control with business systems into one intelligent workflow, Datacolor is leading customers into a new era of Connected Color Intelligence:

One connected lab ecosystem: The platform connects with Datacolor’s precision spectrophotometers and dispensing systems, including the newly introduced Autolab TFD dual-arm automated dispenser and third-party dispensers for automated weighing and dispensing.
Color lab meets business: Integrates with ERP and MES platforms, directly connecting color decisions to order management and cost planning.
Data-driven formulation: Matching and auxiliary recommendations learn from historical formulations, delivering faster first-shot matches and reducing correction rounds.
Built for what’s next: Textile Lab Manager is ready to connect beyond the lab as Datacolor extends its vision across the textile color chain.

Textile manufacturers are already seeing measurable results. Lianfa Textile shortened development cycles by 30% and improved on-time completion by 15%, and Yangzi Wool Spinning now hits target color in one or two tries, cutting yarn delivery times to under a week.

“The textile industry has largely made the shift to digital — that’s no longer the differentiator,” said Mathieu Bonenfant, director of product management at Datacolor. “What we’re seeing now is that most labs have capable tools that still operate independently of each other. The real opportunity is in connecting them. That’s what Textile Lab Manager delivers, and the lab is just where we’re starting.”

MicroEJ Unveils VEE Audio™ to Power the Next Generation of Intelligent Sound

Fri, 17 Jul 2026 08:30:54 +0700

MicroEJ's VEE Audio Platform unites silicon, device makers, software and app providers to bring agentic AI and direct-to-cloud experiences to intelligent audio platforms

BOSTON, July 16, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- MicroEJ, a leader in embedded software, today unveils VEE Audio™, the software platform that ushers in a new software-defined era for connected audio devices. VEE Audio transforms earbuds, headsets, speakers, soundbars, and smart glasses into intelligent sound platforms with a rich app ecosystem, direct-to-cloud services, agentic AI build-in, all on power-efficient hardware, without costly redesigns. By bringing together silicon vendors, device makers, app and IP providers around a single open platform, MicroEJ is opening a new app economy for audio. The program will start with Snapdragon S7 Series as lead silicon partner.

From Accessories to Smart AI Companions With Their Own Ecosystem
As consumers increasingly expect their audio devices to act as personal AI companions, streaming hubs, and wellness tools, independent of a smartphone, device makers face mounting pressure to deliver more intelligence, faster, on tighter power and cost budgets.

VEE Audio answers this with a modular, agent-based architecture that opens connected audio to a significantly wider developer community, enabling service providers to reach users across hundreds of millions of sound devices.

App providers build once and deploy their services across any VEE Audio-powered device. Device makers benefit from faster time to deployment, over-the-air partial updates, and software reuse across their entire product range, keeping devices relevant well beyond initial deployment. Software and AI bring sound that is not only heard, but adaptive and contextual.

“With VEE Audio, we are creating a platform the entire audio industry can build on,” says Dr. Fred Rivard, CEO of MicroEJ. “Silicon vendors bring the hardware innovation, device makers bring the product vision, app and IP providers bring the services consumers love. MicroEJ brings the connective layer that makes all of this work, from the chip to the cloud, the same software-defined model that turned smartphones into indispensable devices.”

Key benefits of VEE Audio include:

App ecosystems and downloadable agents on any connected audio device
Direct-to-cloud connectivity enabling smartphone-free streaming and agentic AI services
Support for any voice AI or generative AI model, switchable at runtime
Faster time to market through virtual device simulation and binary-portable code
Software reuse across earbuds, headsets, speakers, soundbars, and smart glasses

Proven With a World Leader in Audio Silicon
VEE Audio is already proven on the Snapdragon® S7+ Gen 1 Sound Platform, which is purpose-built for the next generation of intelligent, always-on audio devices. By combining industry-leading micro-power Wi-Fi, powerful compute, and on-device AI, Snapdragon Sound enables direct-to-cloud connectivity and delivers premium, highly responsive audio experiences at scale.

“Audio devices are entering a new era - moving beyond companion accessories to become fully standalone personal AI devices: intelligent, always connected, and deeply contextual,” said Dino Bekis, SVP and GM, Wearable AI at Qualcomm Technologies, Inc. “Our Snapdragon S7+ Sound platform was designed to enable this shift, bringing together ultra-low power compute, on-device AI, and direct-to-cloud connectivity to deliver more personalized, responsive, and standalone audio experiences. MicroEJ’s VEE Audio platform builds on this foundation by helping scale an open ecosystem of native applications, bringing Personal AI to a new generation of audio devices.”

MicroEJ will announce additional ecosystem partners across silicon, application, and IP categories in the coming months. For more information, visit www.microej.com/product/vee-audio.

About MicroEJ
MicroEJ is a global leader in software solutions for intelligent devices, trusted by industry leaders in consumer electronics, energy, healthcare, and industrial automation. With over 450 million units of MicroEJ VEE deployed worldwide, MicroEJ empowers manufacturers to turn standard products into smart, cloud-connected, AI-enabled devices. By bridging IT and embedded systems, MicroEJ helps industries innovate faster, adapt to market needs, and build a software-driven future for IoT and connected devices.

Corona® Unveils the Beach Connect Series in Collaboration with Six MLB™ All-Stars

Fri, 17 Jul 2026 08:30:04 +0700

The Official Cerveza of Major League Baseball™ brings its signature beach mindset to baseball fans through a limited-edition jersey collection

Key News:

Corona is helping fans savor baseball’s summer peak with the Corona Beach Connect Series, a limited-edition lifestyle jersey collection that blends game gear and beachwear through custom designs co-created with the brand’s MLB™ All-Star lineup of players.
The Corona Beach Connect Series features six personalized jerseys co-designed with Ronald Acuña Jr., Mookie Betts, Jazz Chisholm Jr., Pete Crow-Armstrong, Jeremy Peña and Cristopher Sánchez, with each jersey inspired by the player’s warmest beach memories.
Fans can enter the Corona Beach Connect Sweepstakes from July 16 through August 26 at CoronaUSA.com for the chance to win a limited-edition jersey. Two grand prize winners will also receive a trip for two to a Sponsor-specified game of the 2026 World Series™ presented by Capital One.*

CHICAGO, July 16, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Only Corona makes the ballpark feel like a day at the beach. As baseball season hits its summer peak, Corona, the official Cerveza of Major League Baseball™, is helping fans savor every moment with the Corona Beach Connect Series – a limited-edition lifestyle jersey collection co-created with a roster of MLB™ All-Stars.

The collection features six custom jerseys co-designed with Ronald Acuña Jr., Mookie Betts, Jazz Chisholm Jr., Pete Crow-Armstrong, Jeremy Peña and Cristopher Sánchez. Inspired by the beach memories and moments that help each player find his Playa, the collection reminds baseball fans to slow down, kick back and savor every moment at the ballpark this summer. Beginning July 16, fans can enter the Corona Beach Connect Sweepstakes at CoronaUSA.com for the chance to win a limited-edition jersey.*

“The Corona Beach Connect Series brings our ‘This Is Our Playa’ campaign to life in a real way for baseball fans, bringing our signature beach mindset into baseball culture,” said Rob Nelson, vice president of marketing, Corona. “We worked with some of the most exciting players in Major League Baseball™ to transform their beach memories into custom apparel fans can proudly wear from the boardwalk to the bleachers. Each jersey is a physical reminder to stay present and enjoy the game.”

Six Jerseys, Six Unique Beach Connections
From Chisholm Jr.’s vibrant island roots to Crow-Armstrong’s quiet, nighttime beach routines, each jersey is a personal interpretation of the beach mindset. The six designs draw from the places, memories and rituals that help these players slow down:

Ronald Acuña Jr.: Acuña’s vibrant yellow jersey showcases his connection to his home country and the beautiful beaches that have been part of his life from an early age, which takes him back to a special place that puts him in the beach mindset.
Mookie Betts: Betts’ sky-blue design captures the places and activities that help him reset, featuring a golf course, palm trees and an ocean backdrop, along with a pin and strike patch that displays his love of bowling.
Jazz Chisholm Jr.: Chisholm’s jersey reflects the colors, textures and sounds of the island he calls home, including turquoise water, pink sand, island breezes and music. A conch shell patch is a meaningful nod to his roots and deep connection to island life.
Pete Crow-Armstrong: Inspired by his nighttime visits to the beach, Crow-Armstrong’s jersey draws from bonfires, night walks and the quiet calm of being by the water under the stars. A bonfire patch highlights his, “Be Where Your Feet Are,” mantra that grounds how he lives.
Jeremy Peña: Peña’s jersey brings his birthplace to life through palm trees, turquoise ocean tones and boats on the water. The domino patch paired with the phrase “Con Sangre” draws from domino games he plays with friends and teammates, reflecting the all-out attitude and mentality he brings to the game.
Cristopher Sánchez: Sánchez’s jersey features red umbrellas like the ones locals rented at his childhood beach, capturing one of the most recognizable sights from the beach that formed his sense of relaxation.

“When I think about the beach, I think about home,” said Chisholm Jr. “Working with Corona gave me the chance to bring that beach mindset into baseball in a way that feels real to me, and I’m excited for fans to experience that through this design.” Betts echoed a similar sentiment, “Baseball is as much a mental game as it is physical, so being present and making the most of the moment plays a large part in my success. With these jerseys, Corona is bringing that beach mindset into baseball in a personal way, giving me another way to connect with the fans by showing them how I get into that zone.”

A Coast-to-Coast Showcase for the Beach Connect Series
Betts’ and Chisolm Jr.’s jerseys will be highlighted on July 19 when the two face off in a high-stakes, coast-to-coast showdown. Corona is turning this marquee matchup into the ultimate runway, giving fans a live look at gear built for both the beach and the ballpark. Baseball fans can tune in to NBC’s Sunday Night Baseball that evening to see exclusive content featuring the two players styling the Corona Beach Connect Series, as well as a look at fans wearing Betts’ and Chisolm Jr.’s jerseys during the broadcast.

Fans Can Enter for the Chance to Win Their Own Beach Connect Jersey
Beginning July 16, fans can enter the Corona Beach Connect Sweepstakes at CoronaUSA.com for the chance to win their choice of Corona Beach Connect Series jersey, each uniquely co-designed by a member of the brand’s elite player roster. Two grand prize winners will also be selected to win a trip for two to a Sponsor-specified game of the 2026 World Series™ presented by Capital One, including air transportation, two nights’ hotel accommodations, game tickets and more.* The Corona Beach Connect Sweepstakes runs from July 16 through August 26.

The Beach Connect Series is the latest expression of the Corona partnership with Major League Baseball™ and the brand’s “This Is Our Playa” campaign, showcasing how baseball’s best moments and best beach days are meant to be savored. For more information on Corona and to stay updated on the brand’s MLB™ activations this season, follow @CoronaUSA on Instagram, TikTok and Facebook.

*NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. Open only to legal residents of the 50 U.S. and D.C., 21 or older. Starts 10:00 AM ET on 7/16/26 and ends 11:59 PM ET on 8/26/26. The Corona Beach Connect Sweepstakes is sponsored by Crown Imports LLC. No alcohol awarded with prizes. Void where prohibited. For complete details, see Official Rules at CoronaUSA.com. The Sweepstakes is in no way sponsored, administered, executed or produced by any MLB Entity. Major League Baseball trademarks and copyrights are used with permission of Major League Baseball. Visit MLB.com.

About the Corona Brand Family
The Corona brand family is home to Corona Extra, Corona Light, Corona Familiar, Corona Premier, Corona Non-Alcoholic and Corona Sunbrew Citrus Cerveza. The entire Corona portfolio is brewed in Mexico by Constellation Brands and imported and marketed exclusively to the U.S. by the company. Corona Extra, the flagship brand of the Corona brand family, is a pilsner-style lager with a golden hue that was first brewed in Mexico in 1925. Corona embraces every moment with “La Playa Awaits” and encourages consumers to live life more presently no matter where they are. The refreshing flavor and carefree attitude of Corona Extra holds a respected place in U.S. culture as the #1 most loved beer brand.

About Major League Baseball
Major League Baseball (MLB) is the most historic professional sports league in the United States and consists of 30 member clubs in the U.S. and Canada, representing the highest level of professional baseball. Led by Commissioner Robert D. Manfred, Jr., MLB has achieved three straight years of total attendance gains for the first time in 18 years and remains the best-attended sports league in the world. Since 2023, historic rule changes have improved the quality of play on the field, emphasizing speed and athleticism at a better pace. In 2025, MLB had its third straight season clocking in with an average game time of 2:40 or below for the first time in 40 years. Viewership of MLB games nationally, locally, on MLB.TV and in Canada and Japan all increased over last year, with most platforms achieving double-digit percentage increases. Game Seven of the thrilling 2025 World Series presented by Capital One averaged 51.0 million viewers combined across the United States, Canada, and Japan, making the 11-inning contest the most-watched MLB game in 34 years, dating back to Game Seven of the 1991 World Series. MLB.TV set another consumption record this season with 19.4 billion minutes watched, an increase of +34% over last year. The MLB App registered its most-trafficked season ever with daily traffic increasing by +18% over 2024. As the league expanded its marketing efforts and promotion of star players like reigning Most Valuable Players Shohei Ohtani and Aaron Judge, MLB has significantly increased its younger fan base as evidenced through viewership, social media, ticket purchasing, and participation metrics. Through its MLB Together social responsibility efforts, MLB remains committed to making a positive impact in the communities of the U.S., Canada and throughout the world. With the continued success of MLB Network, MLB digital platforms, international events, and local media production and distribution, MLB continues to find innovative ways for its fans to enjoy America's National Pastime and a truly global game. To learn more about MLB, please visit mlb.com.

About MLB Players, Inc.
MLB Players, Inc. is the business arm of the Major League Baseball Players Association. The Major League Baseball Players Association is the collective bargaining representative for all professional baseball Players of the 30 Major League Baseball teams. MLB Players, Inc. serves as the exclusive group licensing agent for all commercial business interests and licensing activities involving active Major League and Minor League Baseball Players. Follow @MLBPA on Instagram and X.

Univar Solutions Named on Newsweek's World’s Greenest Companies 2026 List

Fri, 17 Jul 2026 08:28:47 +0700

Univar Solutions receives recognition for the second consecutive year due to its continued commitment to environmental stewardship, commercial excellence, social responsibility, and strong governance practices

DOWNERS GROVE, Ill., July 16, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Univar Solutions LLC (“Univar Solutions” or “the Company”), a leading global solutions provider to users of specialty ingredients and chemicals, today announced that it has been named one of the World’s Greenest Companies 2026 by Newsweek and Plant-A Insights Group. The recognition is based on an evaluation of publicly available data and was conducted in collaboration with Plant-A Insights and GIST Impact, highlighting organizations making measurable efforts to reduce their environmental impact and advance sustainability.

“We are proud to see our efforts to address environmental impact being recognized as this continues as one of the fundamental aspects for how we operate,” said Alexa Colin, Chief Legal and Administrative Officer and executive sustainability lead at Univar Solutions. “We are taking a disciplined, practical approach to reducing emissions across our operations and value chain while delivering both environmental and business value.”

Through continued investment in technology, process improvement and organizational engagement, Univar Solutions is working on progressing toward its 2030 climate goals and longer-term net-zero ambition, which is one reason for this honor. Another critical aspect of the sustainability program for the company is a focus on resource efficiency.

“At Univar Solutions, we approach resource efficiency as both a responsibility and an opportunity,” said Dr. Liam McCarroll, Senior Director of Global Sustainability & Social Impact, for Univar Solutions. “We work to reduce waste, use water more effectively, and apply circular economy principles wherever practical across our operations and this helps create opportunities to improve how we work, lower costs, reduce risk, and help our customers advance their own sustainability ambitions through better resource management solutions.”

Univar Solutions also received recognition in part due to its sustainable and natural product framework that helps customers evaluate sustainability for ingredients and raw materials. The framework is designed to help enable productive communication on product-level sustainability.

“As a company, we believe it is essential to support customers on their sustainability journeys,” said Kelly Gilroy, Vice President, Commercial Sustainability, for Univar Solutions. “We built our Sustainable & Natural Product Portfolio to help provide transparency and clarity as we work together to drive sustainability at the product level.”

Newsweek's World’s Greenest Companies 2026 ranking evaluates the top 850 organizations across 28 countries. The ranking is based on over 25 sustainability criteria, including greenhouse gas emissions, water usage, waste generation, and strict adherence to European Union sustainability standards.

"Our planet’s future demands collective, immediate action from every sector," said Jennifer H. Cunningham, Newsweek's editor-in-chief. "By spotlighting the World’s Greenest Companies, we celebrate the corporate leaders proving that environmental responsibility is not just a moral obligation, but a cornerstone of sustainable, forward-thinking business in today's changing global economy."

About Univar Solutions
Univar Solutions is a leading global specialty chemical and ingredient distributor representing a premier portfolio from the world's leading producers. With one of the industry's largest private transportation fleets and technical sales force, unparalleled logistics know-how, deep market and regulatory knowledge, formulation and recipe development, and leading digital tools, the Company is well-positioned to offer tailored solutions and value-added services to a wide range of markets, industries, and applications. While fulfilling its purpose to help keep communities healthy, fed, clean, and safe, Univar Solutions is committed to helping customers and suppliers innovate and focus on Growing Together. Learn more at univarsolutions.com.

GenOptima Launches Results-as-a-Service GEO Infrastructure to Help Enterprises Ensure Outcome in AI Search

Fri, 17 Jul 2026 08:27:38 +0700

SHANGHAI, July 16, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- GenOptima, an enterprise Generative Engine Optimization (GEO) infrastructure provider, announced the launch of its Results-as-a-Service (RaaS)-based GEO solution, designed to help organizations ensure outcome through measurable AI search visibility management as AI-powered search platforms continue to reshape how brands are discovered, interpreted, and recommended.

As enterprises increasingly evaluate GEO vendors based on their ability to deliver measurable AI visibility, GenOptima introduces a closed-loop GEO framework integrating brand intelligence analysis, optimization strategy, AI model training, knowledge management, and continuous visibility monitoring. The solution enables organizations to manage AI visibility across multiple AI search environments through a unified operational system.

Founded in 2025 and headquartered in Shanghai, GenOptima delivers One-stop GEO Solutions through a five-stage RaaS workflow: Brand Info Audit, Content Preference Analysis, Exclusive Strategy, AI Model Training, and Full-Cycle Monitoring. The framework evaluates brand perception across AI platforms, analyzes AI search intent and citation preferences, develops customized GEO strategies, enhances structured AI knowledge, and tracks the Brand AI Visibility Index to support continuous optimization.

The platform is powered by the GEO Expert Model Matrix, featuring 143 benchmarkable capabilities designed to help enterprises ensure outcome through scalable and measurable AI visibility optimization. The framework includes 48 Industry Capabilities, 45 LLM Adaptation Capabilities, 30 Functional Capabilities, 20 Multimodal Capabilities, and 14 LLM Deep Adaptation Capabilities supporting both China and global AI ecosystems through a dual-market, dual-stack architecture. These capabilities enable organizations to adapt to evolving AI models while delivering consistent, measurable GEO outcomes.

To strengthen enterprise GEO operations, GenOptima has developed a Strategic Agent Architecture comprising Gen-Centric Sentinel, Gen-Carto Nexus, Gen-Genesis Forge, and Gen-Cosmos CogniCore, supporting AI visibility monitoring, strategy development, multimodal content creation, knowledge graph management, and compliance.

GenOptima’s RaaS infrastructure supports optimization across 20+ global AI platforms through a Universal Cross-Model Consensus Protocol. Its compliance framework includes data protection, cross-border safeguards, ethical optimization, compliance controls, and transparent reporting with execution tracking and KPI measurement.

By combining enterprise GEO infrastructure, expert capabilities, and continuous optimization, GenOptima helps organizations build measurable, scalable, and outcome-oriented AI visibility strategies for the evolving AI search ecosystem.

iFAST Global Bank Expands Worldwide Scan & Pay to China with 1% Cashback

Fri, 17 Jul 2026 08:26:55 +0700

iFAST Global Bank expands its cross-border QR payments service to China, making everyday payments more seamless for local customers and travellers

Key facts:

Launch: iFAST Global Bank has expanded its Worldwide Scan & Pay service to support cross-border QR payments in China through Alipay+.
Purpose: The expansion forms part of the Bank's broader "Banking without Boundaries" strategy, strengthening its cross-border payment capabilities to better serve globally mobile customers.
Cashback Incentive: Customers can enjoy a limited-time 1% cashback on eligible QR payments made via Worldwide Scan & Pay.

LONDON, July 16, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- iFAST Global Bank ("the Bank") today announced the expansion of its Worldwide Scan & Pay* service to support payments in China. This expansion provides a seamless way for customers to make cross-border QR code payments through Alipay+, the unified wallet gateway of Ant International.

Through Worldwide Scan & Pay, iFAST Global Bank’s customers can make payments at Alipay+ compatible QR merchants and supported national QR networks by simply scanning via the iFAST Global Bank mobile application and confirming the transaction, without the need for a physical card.

Simon Lee, General Manager of Digital Personal Banking at iFAST Global Bank said: “China is one of the world's leading QR payment markets, where QR code payments are deeply embedded in everyday life. Through Worldwide Scan & Pay, we are extending that same level of convenience to our customers, whether they are travelling to China or managing an internationally connected lifestyle.”

As international travel to China continues to grow for business, education, and tourism, the demand for familiar and convenient payment solutions is increasing. The expansion of Worldwide Scan & Pay supports customers by enabling them to pay using QR codes at participating merchants across China through a single global banking account.

Rewarding Travels to China with 1% Cashback
From 16 June to 16 August 2026, customers can earn 1% cashback on all eligible QR payments via the Worldwide Scan & Pay. Cashback is capped at £10 per customer, based on qualifying spending of up to £1,000 during the promotion period, and will be automatically credited to eligible customers' accounts.

The promotion is open to all iFAST Global Bank Digital Personal Banking customers with an active account and access to Worldwide Scan & Pay. For more information, refer to the Terms and Conditions of the Cashback Program.

About Worldwide Scan & Pay
Designed for globally mobile customers, the key features of Worldwide Scan & Pay include:

Available to all iFAST Global Bank’s Digital Personal Banking customers.
Payments linked directly to customers’ Multi-Currency Current Accounts, providing a secure and convenient payment experience.
Fast, cardless QR payments designed for retail shopping, dining, transportation, and travel.
Smooth and seamless cross-border transactions completed within seconds.
Acceptance at Alipay+ compatible merchants and supported national QR networks across China and other participating markets.

About iFAST Corporation & iFAST Global Bank
iFAST Corporation is a global digital banking and wealth management platform, with assets under administration of S$32.64 billion as at 31 March 2026. Established in 2000, it operates in Singapore, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Mainland China, and the UK. iFAST Global Bank is a fully licensed UK bank, offering multi-currency deposits, payment services, and remittance solutions. Regulated by the Prudential Regulation Authority (PRA) and Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), the Bank is a direct member of the Bank of England Faster Payment Scheme, Clearing House Automated Payment System (CHAPS) and SWIFT. iFAST Global Bank is also a member of the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS) where eligible deposits are protected up to £120,000 for each customer.

iFAST Global Bank was recently recognised as the “Best Consumer’s Choice - Highly Commended” at the Moneyfactscompare.co.uk Awards 2026. In recognition of its innovative practices in global digital banking services, the Bank was honoured with the "Best Newcomer" award at the British Bank Awards 2025 hosted by the UK’s leading financial review platform Smart Money People.

Angelini Pharma Completes Acquisition of Catalyst Pharmaceuticals

Fri, 17 Jul 2026 08:25:50 +0700

The Italian pharma company grows its presence in the U.S. market and strengthens its global leadership in Brain Health and Rare Diseases
Completion of the transaction gives Angelini Pharma ownership of Catalyst’s product portfolio
The transaction is being carried out with the participation of funds managed by Blackstone
CDP Equity approves €1 billion investment in Angelini Pharma
Italy remains a strategic production and scientific hub

ROME and CORAL GABLES, Fla., July 16, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Angelini Pharma S.p.A. ("Angelini Pharma"), international pharmaceutical company and part of Angelini Industries, announces today the completion of its acquisition of Catalyst Pharmaceuticals, Inc. ("Catalyst") (Nasdaq: CPRX). Catalyst is now part of Angelini Pharma, integrating Catalyst’s portfolio and commercial infrastructure with Angelini Pharma's expertise and products in Brain Health.

The transaction provides the participation of funds managed by Blackstone, that will invest 1 billion euros in preferred equity, subject to customary regulatory clearances.

CDP Equity has approved to invest around 1 billion euros through a capital increase to acquire a 23.5 per cent stake in the common equity of Angelini Pharma. The investment, strongly supported by CDP Equity, underpins Angelini Pharma’s transformation into a global player in brain health and rare diseases. It accelerates its expansion into the US market through the acquisition of Catalyst and promotes a significant increase in investments in research and development, thereby strengthening the entire national pharmaceutical sector and fostering high-quality employment growth in Italy as well.

The operation was financed with the support of BNP Paribas, acting as Sole Global Coordinator and Underwriter of the overall financing package, including the bridge-to-equity, for Angelini Pharma. Morgan Stanley & Co. International plc is acting as sole financial advisor to Angelini Pharma in connection with the participation of Blackstone and CDP Equity.

This acquisition marks a pivotal moment in the ongoing transformation journey that Angelini Industries — a company with more than 100 years of history – has been pursuing with a clear strategic vision over the past four years and establishes Angelini Pharma's presence in the U.S. as part of a balanced growth strategy, that will continue to see Italy as a strategic reference hub for production and scientific research within the Group's global operations.

Sergio Marullo di Condojanni, CEO of Angelini Pharma, said: “With the completion of this transaction, Angelini Pharma takes a decisive step to become a global player, increasingly driven by science and guided by a patient-centric vision, with a growing focus on Brain Health and Rare Disease. Expanding the U.S. market, combined with Catalyst's portfolio and expertise in rare neurological diseases, allows us to gain the scale needed to build a next-generation therapeutic platform in Brain Health and Rare Disease, while continuing to strengthen our core business in Europe, where our industrial presence in Italy remains a strategic asset for the Group. I want to extend a warm welcome to Rich and to the entire Catalyst team joining Angelini Pharma: I am thrilled by the opportunity to build something ambitious together, and I look forward to working closely as we shape the future of this platform, with patient care always at the center of our vision. Finally, I would like to thank Blackstone and CDP Equity for their trust and for their valuable contribution as partners in this transformative phase for the Group.”

Rich Daly, President, Global Rare Disease Business Unit Angelini Pharma: “We are honoured to become part of the long-standing, strong legacy of Angelini Pharma. Today marks a significant day for all of our important stakeholders - especially patients living with rare diseases, their caregivers, and our employees as we create an impressive new global scale with the goal to continue to bring new treatments to people globally. As the newly formed Global Rare Disease Business Unit of Angelini Pharma, we look forward to working together to make a meaningful difference.”

Fabio Barchiesi, Ceo of CDP Equity, said: “This investment is a concrete example of the role that CDP Equity intends to play in supporting the country’s economic ecosystem. Our investment targets a sector that embodies Italian excellence with high growth potential and supports a national champion in its journey from a predominantly Italian and European operator to a player of global significance. The transaction is consistent with our commitment to supporting the drive for innovation and the international growth of Italy’s industrial excellence. These objectives have, in fact, been identified in CDP Equity’s Strategic Plan as key drivers for the competitiveness, strategic autonomy and economic security of our production sector”.

Andrea Valeri, Chairman of Blackstone Italy, said: “We are pleased to support one of Italy’s leading companies in this transformative acquisition, leveraging Blackstone’s global franchise and deep expertise in life sciences,” and Craig Shepherd, Senior Managing Director, Blackstone Life Sciences, added: “Blackstone sees compelling opportunities to provide capital solutions at scale to biopharmaceutical companies and we are thrilled to back Angelini Pharma’s continued growth and strategic goals.”

Additional Transaction Details
Under the closing of the merger, each outstanding share of Catalyst common stock was cancelled and converted into the right to receive USD 31.50 per share in cash, without interest, representing a total equity value of approximately USD 4.1 billion (approximately EUR 3.5 billion). Following the completion of the transaction, Catalyst's common stock has ceased trading on the Nasdaq Global Market. Further details regarding the transaction are available in the Form 8-K filed by Catalyst with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).

Advisors & Financing
Centerview Partners is serving as lead financial advisor, BNP Paribas and Morgan Stanley & Co. International plc. are acting as co-advisors to Angelini Pharma in connection with the acquisition, and Hogan Lovells Cadwalader and Gatti, Pavesi, Bianchi, Ludovici Studio Legale are serving as legal counsel to Angelini Pharma, Kirkland & Ellis LLP and Akerman LLP are serving as legal counsel to Catalyst and Linklaters LLP is acting as lenders legal advisor.

BNP Paribas is acting as Sole Global Coordinator and Underwriter for the debt financing to Angelini Pharma. J.P. Morgan Securities LLC is serving as sole financial advisor to Catalyst, and Kirkland & Ellis LLP and Akerman LLP are serving as legal counsel to Catalyst. In the transaction, CDP Equity was assisted by Goldman Sachs Bank Europe, SE Succursale Italia and PwC as financial advisors, Clifford Chance as legal advisor, and L.E.K. Consulting as industrial advisor.

The transaction was financed by a pool of 14 Italian and international financial institutions, led by BNP Paribas, acting as Sole Global Coordinator and Underwriter of the financing package: BNP Paribas, Crédit Agricole Corporate and Investment Bank, Intesa Sanpaolo and Mediobanca as Bookrunner and Mandated Lead Arranger; Banco BPM, Bank of America, Cassa Depositi e Prestiti, ING Bank, Natixis and UniCredit as Mandated Lead Arranger; Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria, Barclays and Commerzbank as Lead Arranger with Banca Nazionale del Lavoro as Original Lender. BNP Paribas also acted as Hedge Coordinator and Agent Bank.

About Angelini Pharma S.p.A.
Angelini Pharma is an international pharmaceutical company and part of Angelini Industries. The company researches, develops, and commercializes health solutions with a particular focus on Brain Health, including mental health and epilepsy, and the Consumer market. Founded in Italy at the beginning of the twentieth century, Angelini Pharma operates directly in 20 countries, employing more than 3,000 people. Its products are commercialized in over 70 countries through strategic alliances with leading international pharmaceutical groups. For more information on Angelini Pharma, visit https://www.angelinipharma.com.

About Angelini Industries
Angelini Industries is a multinational group founded in Ancona in 1919 by Francesco Angelini. Today, Angelini Industries is a solid and diversified industrial group employing approximately 5,800 people and operating in 21 countries worldwide, with revenues of over 2 billion euros generated across the healthcare, industrial technology, and consumer goods sectors. A targeted growth investment strategy, a constant commitment to research and development, and an in-depth knowledge of markets and business sectors make Angelini Industries one of Italy’s leading companies in the sectors in which it operates. For more information, visit www.angeliniindustries.com.

About Catalyst Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (a wholly owned subsidiary of Angelini Pharma)
Catalyst Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (now aligning under the Angelini Pharma brand), is a biopharmaceutical company committed to improving the lives of patients with rare diseases. With a proven track record of bringing life-changing treatments to the market, we focus on in-licensing, commercializing, and developing innovative therapies. Guided by our deep commitment to patient care, we prioritize accessibility, ensuring patients receive the care they need through a comprehensive suite of support services designed to provide seamless access and ongoing assistance. Catalyst maintains a well-established U.S. presence, which remains the cornerstone of our commercial strategy, while continuously evaluating strategic opportunities to expand our global footprint. Catalyst, headquartered in Coral Gables, Fla., has been recognized by Forbes as one of America’s Most Successful Company in 2023, 2024, and 2025, ranked by TIME as one of America's Growth Leaders of 2026, and on the 2025 Deloitte Technology Fast 500™ list as one of North America’s Fastest-Growing Companies.

JETEX ENHANCES ITS CSR STRATEGY AND PARTNERS WITH THE WORLD FOOD PROGRAMME

Fri, 17 Jul 2026 08:24:55 +0700

Dubai, July 16, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Jetex is partnering with the World Food Programme (WFP) to help raise awareness of global hunger and amplify opportunities for charitable giving across its international network.

Through a dedicated awareness campaign, Jetex will leverage its global footprint to connect customers and partners with WFP's award-winning fundraising platform, ShareTheMeal, supporting efforts to assist the 266 million people around the world facing acute food insecurity.

The collaboration will feature an extensive awareness campaign across all Jetex private terminals and will empower Jetex global customers and corporate partners to fund critical humanitarian operations using WFP’s award-winning a digital platform, ShareTheMeal. This also demonstrates the company’s commitment to Agenda 2030 and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

“We believe that access to food and nutrition is a human right. Over the past years, we worked to enhance the role of Jetex in the global humanitarian ecosystem. We believe our role is to keep pushing our sector the highest CSR standards, grow awareness among our travelers, and giving back to the communities that need our help”, said Mr. Adel Mardini, Founder & CEO of Jetex.

“No one should have to wonder where their next meal will come from. Through this partnership, Jetex is helping connect a global community of travelers and business leaders with a simple but powerful way to make a difference. Together, we can raise awareness of hunger and inspire support for those most in need” shared Virginia Villar Arribas, Director, Global Partnerships Service, Private partnerships of WFP.

The announcement marks Jetex’s shift from being a donor to a strategic partner, reflecting its vision of a world free from hunger. It also reinforces its commitment to raising awareness, supporting sustainable development and building more resilient food systems.

About Jetex:
An award-winning global leader in executive aviation, Jetex is recognized for delivering flexible, best-in-class trip support solutions to customers worldwide. Jetex provides exceptional private terminals (FBOs), aircraft fueling, ground handling and global trip planning. The company caters to both owners and operators of business jets for corporate, commercial and personal air travel. To find out more about Jetex, visit www.jetex.com and follow us on Instagram, X, Facebook and LinkedIn.

As Enterprises Seek GEO Solutions That Ensure Outcome, GenOptima Presents Its Enterprise Framework

Fri, 17 Jul 2026 08:24:14 +0700

SHANGHAI, July 16, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- As enterprises increasingly evaluate Generative Engine Optimization (GEO) vendors based on their ability to ensure outcome through measurable AI visibility, GenOptima has introduced its enterprise GEO framework, providing a structured approach to AI search optimization across multiple large language models and AI platforms.

Built around a Results-as-a-Service (RaaS) model, the framework connects Brand Info Audit, Content Preference Analysis, Exclusive Strategy, AI Model Training, and Full-Cycle Monitoring into a continuous optimization workflow. Supporting 20+ global AI platforms through a Universal Cross-Model Consensus Protocol, it is designed to help organizations ensure outcome through measurable AI visibility management rather than one-time optimization.

At the core of the platform is the GEO Expert Model Matrix, comprising 143 benchmarkable capabilities across 48 Industry Capabilities, 45 LLM Adaptation Capabilities, 30 Functional Capabilities, and 20 Multimodal Capabilities, together with 14 LLM Deep Adaptation Capabilities supporting both China and global AI ecosystems. Organized into Industry Vertical, LLM Adaptation, Functional, and Multimodal Experts, the framework covers industry expertise, semantic optimization, compliance, citation management, intent analysis, anti-hallucination, and five-modality optimization. According to the company, every enterprise engagement contributes to a continuous Data Flywheel, enabling ongoing enhancement of the capability framework.

The framework is further supported by GenOptima's Strategic Agent Architecture, including Gen-Centric Sentinel for AI visibility monitoring, Gen-Carto Nexus for strategy and intent analysis, Gen-Genesis Forge for multimodal content creation and model adaptation, and Gen-Cosmos CogniCore for knowledge graph construction, compliance, and digital asset management.

GenOptima also incorporates Data Protection, Cross-border Safeguards, Ethical Optimization, Compliance Guardrails, and Transparent Reporting, with execution tracking and KPI reporting designed to support accountable optimization.

According to the published materials, the framework supports organizations across technology, SaaS, consumer products, manufacturing, healthcare, finance, and international commerce. By combining expert capabilities, intelligent agents, compliance, and continuous optimization, GenOptima aims to help enterprises ensure outcome through measurable, scalable, and long-term AI visibility management.

About GenOptima
GenOptima provides Result-as-a-Service and AEO-as-a-Service for AI search optimization. Its work focuses on prompt monitoring, ranking-source development, source publishing, citation tracking, and recurring optimization across global and China-facing AI engines.