2026 Fujian Provincial Conference on Development of Cultural, Tourism Economy opens on Apr. 17 in Zhangzhou, SE China's Fujian

 

^{​Longjiang Years Scenic Area: an urban renewal project in Hi-Tech Zone, Zhangzhou, SE China's Fujian}


ZHANGZHOU, China, Apr. 20, 2026 /Xinhua-AsiaNet/--

The 2026 Fujian Provincial Conference on the Development of Cultural and Tourism Economy kicked off in Zhangzhou, China's Fujian province on Friday. The event is themed "Building a World-Class Destination, Cultivating a Pillar Industry," highlighting elements of Minnan (Southern Fujian) wisdom, lifestyle, and culture. Coinciding with a local major initiative to build the World Minnan Cultural Exchange Center, the conference has curated 6 main activities with 60 peripheral events to attract global visitors.

The opening ceremony featured the Homing Minnan (Return to Southern Fujian) show. Set against the backdrop of the historic Yuegang Port and local craftsmanship, the show utilized interactive staging to bring the "daring to try, striving to win" spirit vividly to life.

The conference is expected to focus on industrial synergy and investment promotion, encouraging interaction among various sectors of cultural tourism industry. Projects to be launched cover the emerging performance-driven economies, sports tourism, "film-and-TV-plus-tourism," and wellness retreats.

Further celebrating regional identity, the conference is scheduled to stage Minnan cultural showcases, including comedy acts, galas, and cross-strait Gezi Opera performances. Among the highlights is the "Fresh Fujian Lifestyle" campaign, which takes the advantage of the May Day holiday and summer peak seasons to offer domestic and international guests an authentic taste of southern Fujian living.

Ever since 2023, the annual conference has been seen as a vital catalyst for boosting industry confidence and facilitating the deep integration of culture and tourism across the province.

Source: Organizing Committee of the 2026 Fujian Provincial Conference on the Development of Cultural and Tourism Economy

Horizon Quantum and AQT to Advance Real-World Quantum Applications with Strategic Hardware–Software Collaboration

By integrating Horizon’s software infrastructure with AQT’s trapped-ion quantum computing systems, this collaboration helps accelerate progress towards real-world quantum applications. 


SINGAPORE & INNSBRUCK, Austria, April 16 (Bernama-BUSINESS WIRE) -- Horizon Quantum Computing Pte. Ltd., the wholly-owned subsidiary of Horizon Quantum Holdings Ltd. (Nasdaq: HQ “Horizon Quantum”), a pioneer of software infrastructure for quantum applications, and AQT (Alpine Quantum Technologies), a leading European provider of trapped-ion quantum computers, today announced a strategic collaboration to advance the development of real-world quantum computing applications via increased hardware-software integration. By combining advanced hardware capabilities with scalable software infrastructure, the two companies aim to accelerate users’ ability to build real-world quantum applications.

The integration of Triple Alpha—Horizon Quantum's integrated development environment—with AQT's trapped-ion quantum processors—a leading modality known for high gate fidelity and low error rates—is intended to enable developers with and without specialised hardware expertise to harness the power of AQT’s systems at various levels of abstraction. Using Triple Alpha, developers can write, compile, and deploy quantum programs directly onto AQT’s processors, accessing the hardware via the cloud.

“AQT’s trapped ion systems provide low error rates and long coherence times, potentially increasing the scalability and reliability of quantum computing,” said Horizon Quantum CEO Dr Joe Fitzsimons. “Through this collaboration, Triple Alpha users will gain access to AQT’s processors, expanding their options for cutting-edge hardware designed to solve difficult computational problems.”

Horizon Quantum and AQT will engage customers as equals, working together to solve computational problems and achieve joint technical firsts in the fields of quantum computing and software development.

“The Triple Alpha software development environment navigates the diversity and complexity of today’s quantum stack, providing developers with access at multiple levels of abstraction to deliver both programming freedom and fine-grained precision,” said Dr Thomas Monz, CEO of AQT. “The collaboration with Horizon Quantum provides broad and easy access to AQT’s hardware and leverages synergies between the two companies, which share the common goal of advancing quantum computing in practice."

Horizon Quantum’s objective is to build the most capable hardware-agnostic software infrastructure. Horizon Quantum believes the collaboration with AQT is an important step towards further broadening the range of hardware architectures supported in Triple Alpha. To accelerate its research and development efforts and further advance Triple Alpha, Horizon Quantum recently listed on Nasdaq under the ticker HQ.

About Horizon Quantum

Horizon Quantum [NASDAQ: HQ] is on a mission to unlock broad quantum advantage by building the software infrastructure that empowers developers to use quantum computing to solve the world’s toughest computational problems.

Founded in 2018 by Dr Joe Fitzsimons, a leading researcher and former professor with more than two decades of experience in quantum computing, the company is bridging the gap between today’s hardware and tomorrow’s applications through the creation of advanced quantum software development tools. Its integrated development environment, Triple Alpha, enables developers to write sophisticated, hardware-agnostic quantum programs at different levels of abstraction. Learn more at www.horizonquantum.com.

About AQT

Building on decades of experience in experimental and theoretical quantum information processing in Innsbruck (Austria), AQT develops and builds quantum computers. The company offers ion trap-based quantum computers that fit seamlessly into conventional IT infrastructure and can be operated from any PC or laptop, regardless of location. AQT enables its customers to install quantum computers on site or to explore use-cases via a convenient cloud solution. Researchers and developers are supported by both quantum hardware components as well as complete systems that significantly accelerate the development of quantum solutions. Learn more at www.aqt.eu.

Note to Investors Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

This press release includes forward-looking statements. The expectations, estimates, and projections of the businesses of Horizon Quantum may differ from its actual results and consequently, you should not rely on these forward-looking statements as predictions of future events. Words such as “expect,” “estimate,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “may,” “will,” “could,” “should,” “potential,” “plan” “enable,” and similar expressions are intended to identify such forward-looking statements. Actual results may differ materially and adversely from those expressed or implied in any forward-looking statements and Horizon Quantum therefore cautions against placing undue reliance on any of these forward-looking statements. Many of these factors are outside of the control of Horizon Quantum and are difficult to predict. Factors that may cause such differences include, but are not limited to: (1) statements regarding estimates and forecasts of other financial, performance and operational metrics and projections of market opportunity; (2) references with respect to the anticipated benefits of the strategic collaboration with AQT; (3) the outcome of any efforts to integrate Horizon Quantum and AQT’s trapped-ion processor technology with Horizon Quantum’s software infrastructure; (4) Horizon Quantum’s ability to scale and grow its business, and the advantages and expected growth of Horizon Quantum; (5) the cash position of Horizon Quantum; (6) the ability to recognize the anticipated benefits of the recently completed business combination with dMY Squared Technology Group, Inc., which may be affected by, among other things, competition, the ability of Horizon Quantum to grow and manage growth profitably and source and retain its key employees; (7) costs, if any, related to the strategic collaboration with AQT; (8) changes in applicable laws and regulations or political and economic developments; (9) the possibility that Horizon Quantum may be adversely affected by other economic, business and/or competitive factors; (10) Horizon Quantum’s estimates of expenses and profitability; (11) difficulties operating Horizon Quantum’s quantum processors and the possibility that the quantum processors do not provide the advantages that Horizon Quantum expects; (12) the ability of Horizon Quantum to integrate access to its quantum computing test bed, including AQT’s technology, within its Triple Alpha platform; (13) the ability of Horizon Quantum’s coding languages to provide additional abstraction when compared to other quantum computing solutions; (14) the ability to maintain the listing of Horizon Quantum’s Class A ordinary shares and warrants on Nasdaq; and (15) other risks and uncertainties included in the “Risk Factors” sections of the Registration Statement on Form F-4 filed by Horizon Quantum in connection with the Business Combination, other documents filed or to be filed with the SEC by Horizon Quantum. The foregoing list of factors is not exclusive. New risks emerge from time to time, and it is not possible for management to predict all risks, nor can management assess the impact of all factors on the business or the extent to which any factor, or combination of factors, may cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statements. You should not place undue reliance upon any forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date made. Horizon Quantum does not undertake or accept any obligation or undertaking to release publicly any updates or revisions to any forward-looking statements to reflect any change in their expectations or any change in events, conditions, or circumstances on which any such statement is based, except as required by law.

View source version on businesswire.com: 
https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260415917591/en/

Contact

Media Contact
Horizon Quantum media contact
Yanina Blaclard
media@horizonquantum.com 

AQT media contact
Franz Domig
franz.domig@aqt.eu 

Investor Contact
Horizon Quantum investor contact
Katherine Bailon
investors@horizonquantum.com 

Source : Horizon Quantum Computing Pte. Ltd.

BRIDGE ALLIANCE EXTENDS SUMMIT TO FIVE DAYS, DRIVING GLOBAL MEDIA TRANSFORMATION

KUALA LUMPUR, April 15 (Bernama) -- BRIDGE Alliance will expand its flagship BRIDGE Summit to five days for its second edition, scheduled to take place beginning Nov 28 at a larger venue on Yas Island in Abu Dhabi, in partnership with Miral, a developer of immersive destinations and experiences in the emirate.

The expansion reflects a broader strategic shift to position BRIDGE as a year-round global platform shaping the future of media, the creative economy and cross-border collaboration.

The announcement was made during the alliance’s third board of directors meeting, by BRIDGE Alliance Chairman, Sheikh Abdulla bin Mohammed bin Butti Al Hamed, where members outlined plans to evolve BRIDGE from a high-impact gathering into a more permanent institutional platform aimed at driving long-term industry transformation.

“BRIDGE is a long-term institutional project that redefines the role of media within the equation of development, economy, and knowledge,” said Sheikh Abdulla in a statement.

Meanwhile, BRIDGE Alliance Vice Chairman, Dr Jamal Al Kaabi added that the summit reflects the United Arab Emirates’ transition from supporting the media economy to engineering its operational platforms.

BRIDGE Summit 2026 will bring together leaders across media, technology, investment, and content creation, with a focus on deepening professional engagement to support new business models, co-production, and access to regional and global markets.

Programming will span seven core sectors, namely media, the creator economy, technology and artificial intelligence, marketing, gaming, music, and filmmaking, reflecting key forces reshaping the content landscape.

The inaugural BRIDGE Summit, held in December 2025 at ADNEC, attracted more than 40,000 participants from 182 countries, hosted 1,276 business meetings, and resulted in 48 agreements and partnerships.

-- BERNAMA

World Ageing Festival 2026 Set for 14–15 April at Marina Bay Sands, Spotlighting Longevity and the Silver Economy

SINGAPORE, April 9 (Bernama) -- The 17th World Ageing Festival 2026, organised by Ageing Asia Pte Ltd,  will take place from 14–15 April at the Marina Bay Sands Expo and Convention Centre, convening over 8,300 attendees, including more than 5,000 trade participants and 130 speakers from over 40 countries, to explore the opportunities and challenges of ageing in a rapidly greying world.

Held in partnership with Singapore Management University (SMU) as Co-host and Academic Pillar Partner, the Festival is honoured to have Ms Indranee Rajah, Minister in the Prime Minister's Office, Second Minister for Finance and Second Minister for National Development, as the Guest-of-Honour on its opening day, and Mr Dinesh Vasu Dash, Singapore’s Minister of State for the Ministry of Manpower and the Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth, as the Guest-of-Honour on day two.

Global Line-Up of Thought Leaders

The 17th World Ageing Festival 2026 will feature keynote addresses and panel discussions by internationally recognised experts in ageing, longevity and health systems, including:

· Dr Maliki, Deputy Minister for Community Empowerment, Population and Labor, Ministry of National Development Planning/National Development Planning Agency, Indonesia
· Honorable Tracey Martin, Chief Executive, Aged Care Association, New Zealand
· Professor Lily Kong, President, Singapore Management University, Singapore
· Dr Cheong Wei Yang, Vice Provost (Strategic Research Partnerships), SMU; and Senior Adviser (Health Economics), Ministry of Health, Singapore
· Professor Paulin Straughan, Professor of Sociology (Practice) and Director, Centre for Research on Successful Ageing (ROSA), SMU, Singapore
· Dr Paul Ong, Deputy CEO and Chief Strategy Officer, Tsao Foundation, Singapore
· Professor Axel Börsch‐Supan, Executive Director, Munich Research Institute for the Economics of Aging and SHARE Analyses, Germany
· Mr Mikio Okumura, Group Chief Executive Officer, President and Representative Executive Officer, Sompo Holdings, Inc., Japan
· Dr Bogdan Chiva Giurca, Head, WHO Collaborating Centre for Social Prescribing in Europe, Clinical Lead and Global Director, National Academy for Social Prescribing, United Kingdom
· Ms Francien van de Ven, Director, Zorggroep Grootenhout, Netherlands
· Mr Daniel Reingold, Trustee, President and CEO (Ret.), RiverSpring Living, United States of America
· Mr Tom Symondson, CEO, Ageing Australia, Australia
· Mr Tan Chee Wee, Chief Executive Officer, Agency for Integrated Care (AIC), Singapore 

Their addresses will set the tone for the Festival, examining how societies must adapt to longer life expectancies and shifting demographics. Discussions will also explore the transformation of retirement and workforce participation, the redesign of healthcare and care systems, and the rise of the longevity economy as a key growth frontier.

One of the main draws of the Festival is the Ageing Asia Innovation Exhibition, featuring over 200 leading global brands and solutions supporting successful ageing across Assistive Living, Home and Community Care, Healthcare, Active Ageing, Technology, Wellbeing, Rehabilitation and Wellness Tourism.  

Among the innovations showcased, Buddy of Parents will introduce its BOP Monitor Voice, a technology-enabled eldercare solution designed to support safer independent living through features such as fall detection, activity monitoring and real-time emergency response.

Also featured is  LiveLong.AI, a tool powered by EliteFit.Ai which enables early detection of fall risks in adults aged 55 and above through a quick screening of balance and strength, delivering personalised risk insights and next steps.

Another featured solution is an intelligent flooring system by Zao that uses embedded sensors and AI to detect falls in real time and alert caregivers instantly. Designed to be non-intrusive and privacy-safe, the system provides continuous, whole-room monitoring—offering a seamless approach to fall prevention and protection without the need for wearables or cameras.

Emphasising Collaboration and Real-World Impact

Ms Janice Chia, Founder & Managing Director of Ageing Asia Pte Ltd, said, “Longevity is reshaping how we live, work and care for one another. The Festival will create a space for global and local stakeholders to exchange ideas, challenge assumptions and co-develop solutions that will define the future of ageing societies.”

The opening day will also mark the official launch of the SMU Longevity Societies & Economies Institute (LSEI), a new institute dedicated to advancing the economic and societal sustainability of ageing populations. Also to be launched by Ageing Asia is the 5th Edition of The Asia Pacific Silver Economy Business Opportunities Report 2026–2030, published by Ageing Asia, produced in collaboration with LSEI. The report will present an in-depth examination of the economic and societal implications of population ageing across Asia Pacific, drawing on regional perspectives and cross-sector insights.

It highlights the rapid growth of the region’s silver economy from approximately US$4 trillion today to nearly US$7 trillion by 2030, alongside emerging trends such as new senior tourism metrics, with older travellers quietly becoming Asia’s most valuable guests. The report also underscores how healthier ageing could unlock trillions in economic opportunity by reducing the cost burden of ill health among seniors.

It further explores key shifts shaping the longevity economy, including demographic change, evolving health and care systems, and financial preparedness, offering actionable insights into opportunities across the region.

Caregiving, Culture and Community in Focus on Opening Day

From the realities of caregiving to the vibrancy of inter-generational performance, the opening day will spotlight the human dimensions of ageing. As part of the caregiving forum, a special screening of Nowhere Like Home, a documentary commissioned by Tsao Foundation, will offer an intimate portrayal of caregiving through the lived experiences of three families. The film highlights the challenges, resilience, and dedication involved in supporting ageing in place, while also underscoring the importance of professional and community support for both caregivers and care recipients.

There will also be an inter-generational samba performance featuring senior performers, celebrating active ageing through culture, creativity and lifelong engagement.

“Engaging seniors as part of the ‘silver force’ at the festival reflects our belief that ageing should be redefined as a stage of continued contribution and participation. By creating opportunities for older adults to be actively involved, we hope to demonstrate the value of experience, purpose and community in shaping more inclusive ageing societies,” added Janice Chia.

The 17th World Ageing Festival is organised by Ageing Asia in partnership with SMU as Co-host and Academic Pillar Partner. The Festival provides a global platform to advance evidence-informed dialogue and collaboration on the future of ageing and the silver economy.

Notes to Editors

Event Details

Dates:         14–15 April 2026

Time:         14 April 2026: 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM (Registration: 7:30AM - 5:00PM)
15 April 2026: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM (Registration: 7:30AM - 4:00PM)

Venue:       Marina Bay Sands Expo & Convention Centre, Hall C

Expected Attendance: 8,300+ participants

Exhibitors: 200+ global brands and solution providers
 
Media registration contact: Florence.fang@flamecomms.com
 
About Ageing Asia Pte Ltd

Ageing Asia is Asia Pacific’s first industry alliance on the business of ageing. We are an independent network and social enterprise that seeks to unite business, government, community leaders and the media, to drive change for APAC’s ageing landscape. Our vision is to lead an advocacy and educational role in improving quality and standards of eldercare, nurture partnerships and curate development of solutions that address the new opportunities and market demands of the ageing baby boomer population. Ageing Asia is a member of the Singapore Business Federation and raiSE. For more information on Ageing Asia, please visit https://www.worldageingfestival.com/
 
About Singapore Management University (SMU) 


A premier university in Asia, the Singapore Management University (SMU) is internationally recognised for its world-class research and distinguished teaching. Established in 2000, SMU's mission is to generate leading-edge research with global impact and to produce broad-based, creative, and entrepreneurial leaders for the knowledge-based economy. SMU's education is known for its highly interactive, collaborative, and project-based approach to learning. Home to over 13,000 students across undergraduate, postgraduate professional and postgraduate research programmes, SMU comprises eight schools: College of Integrative Studies, College of Graduate Research Studies, School of Accountancy, Lee Kong Chian School of Business, School of Economics, School of Computing and Information Systems, Yong Pung How School of Law, School of Social Sciences. SMU offers a wide range of bachelors', masters', and PhD degree programmes in the disciplinary areas associated with its schools, as well as in multidisciplinary combinations of these areas. SMU emphasises rigorous, high-impact, multi- and interdisciplinary research that addresses Asian issues of global relevance. SMU faculty members collaborate with leading international researchers and universities around the world, as well as with partners in the business community and public sector. SMU's city campus is a modern facility located in the heart of downtown Singapore, fostering strategic linkages with business, government, and the wider community. In March 2026, SMU is recognised as the World’s Most Improved University in the QS 2026 World University Rankings by Subject.

SOURCE: Flame Communications 

FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT: 
Name: Florence Fang
Flame Communications (Official PR Agency)
Tel: (65) 92769231
Email: florence.fang@flamecomms.com 

--BERNAMA 

BOULDER IMAGING SECURES GROWTH INVESTMENT FROM LIME ROCK NEW ENERGY

KUALA LUMPUR, April 9 (Bernama) -- Boulder Imaging Inc, a provider of ultra-high-speed machine vision technologies for wind energy and manufacturing applications, has received a growth investment from funds managed by Lime Rock New Energy (LRNE) to accelerate its global expansion and technology development.

The investment will support Boulder Imaging’s efforts to expand its presence in wind energy and manufacturing, drive product innovation and enter new markets. The company’s leadership team, including Founder, Chief Executive Officer, and Chief Technology Officer Carlos Jorquera, will continue to lead the business, retaining significant ownership.

“Lime Rock New Energy is the ideal partner to support the next chapter of our growth. Their investment and strategic support will help us scale our technology, strengthen our competitive position and meet evolving customer needs globally,” said Jorquera in a statement.

Meanwhile, LRNE Managing Director, Mark Lewis said Boulder Imaging’s technologies are uniquely positioned to address critical challenges in wind energy and manufacturing, with solutions like IdentiFlight enabling both environmental protection and operational efficiency as the global wind energy market continues to expand.

Headquartered in Louisville, Colorado, Boulder Imaging specialises in ultra-high-speed machine vision technologies. Its proprietary Vision Inspector platform integrates artificial intelligence (AI), sensor fusion and advanced algorithms to address complex visual inspection challenges across industries such as wind energy, security printing and manufacturing.

The company’s flagship IdentiFlight system uses long-range optics and AI to detect and identify protected bird species at wind farms, enabling operators to reduce avian fatalities by more than 95 per cent while minimising energy losses. The system is deployed across wind farms on six continents, reinforcing Boulder Imaging’s leadership in AI-driven environmental protection solutions.

Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed. Boulder Imaging was advised by Capstone Partners and Troutman Pepper Locke LLP, while LRNE was advised by Goodwin Procter LLP.

-- BERNAMA

KINGDOM SECURES FIRST PROJECT FINANCING FOR JAPAN'S MIMASAKA FACILITY

KUALA LUMPUR, April 8 (Bernama) -- Kingdom, a battery energy storage system (BESS) platform established by Stonepeak, an alternative investment firm, has executed its first long-term project finance loan facility for its Mimasaka project in Japan.

The Mimasaka project is a 29 megawatt (MW) battery energy storage project located in Mimasaka, Okayama Prefecture, Chugoku.

In a statement, the company said MUFG Bank Ltd is the original lender and mandated lead arranger, while batteries for the project are supplied by Contemporary Amperex Technology Co Limited (CATL).

Kingdom Chief Executive Officer, Jay Guo said the company remains committed to supporting Japan’s energy transition goals and looks forward to collaborating with CATL and MUFG.

Meanwhile, Stonepeak Senior Managing Director, Ryan Chua said the transaction strengthens Kingdom’s position as a key player in Japan’s energy storage market.

“We look forward to bringing more of our projects to financial close and into construction in support of Japan’s energy transition targets,” he added.

Headquartered in Singapore, Kingdom owns and manages nine BESS projects in Japan with a combined gross capacity of 479MW, each secured with a 20-year revenue capacity market contract. The Mimasaka project is the first to reach project financing.

-- BERNAMA

Digital Realty Opens First Asia Pacific Innovation Lab in Japan to Help Accelerate AI and Hybrid Cloud Deployment

 

New DRIL can accelerate production-scale AI and hybrid cloud deployment in Japan 


TOKYO, April 8 (Bernama-GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Digital Realty (NYSE: DLR), the world’s largest cloud- and carrier-neutral data center platform, today announced the opening of the first Digital Realty Innovation Lab (DRIL) in Asia Pacific, located at the NRT12 data center in Tokyo, Japan.

Established through MC Digital Realty, a joint venture between Digital Realty and Mitsubishi Corporation, the DRIL in Japan is the second globally, following the inaugural facility in Northern Virginia in September 2025, and before the launch of DRIL in Singapore in the second half of 2026.

Strengthening Japan’s AI Ecosystem
Japan is accelerating investments in semiconductor and AI technologies, with plans to invest 10 trillion yen* or more in these sectors by 2030. As AI adoption expands across industries, enterprises require infrastructure capable of supporting high-density, performance-intensive workloads while maintaining operational efficiency and resilience.

The DRIL in Japan will provide Digital Realty’s local partners and customers with a production-grade environment to test and optimize AI and hybrid cloud architectures under real-world conditions. By enabling hands-on evaluation of infrastructure configurations – including both air-cooled and direct liquid-cooled environments – customers can validate performance, power density and cooling strategies before full-scale deployment.

Designed to support advanced AI and high-performance computing use cases, the facility features racks equipped with direct liquid cooling capabilities that enable high-power-density workloads. As of launch, over 20 partner companies are using the DRIL to explore integrated infrastructure to enable faster AI and hybrid cloud implementation.

“We’re seeing strong global demand for infrastructure that can support complex, high-density AI workloads. Japan is uniquely positioned as a growth engine for AI innovation, combining advanced technology infrastructure with access to the broader Asia Pacific market, home to nearly 60 percent of the global population. Expanding DRIL into Japan reflects the market’s digital maturity and gives customers hands-on access to test AI-ready infrastructure, reduce deployment risk, and scale with confidence,” said Chris Sharp, Chief Technology Officer, Digital Realty.

Chris Han, Chief Operating Officer of MC Digital Realty, added, “In Japan, accelerating AI adoption is driving demand for infrastructure capable of supporting increasingly high‑density workloads. This facility enables enterprises to evaluate both air‑cooled and direct liquid‑cooled environments and identify the optimal configuration for their requirements before full‑scale deployment. Leveraging Digital Realty’s world‑class operational expertise and design capabilities, we will continue to deliver solutions tailored to Japan’s evolving digital landscape.”

Connecting Japan’s AI Workloads to the Global Platform
Tokyo’s DRIL will enable businesses in Japan to test performance, optimize configurations, and seamlessly connect to cloud and network providers via ServiceFabric®, Digital Realty’s global interconnection and orchestration platform.

By leveraging Digital Realty’s global operational experience and its Pervasive Datacenter Architecture (PDx®) methodology, customers can evaluate AI deployments, while maintaining flexibility to scale regionally and globally across PlatformDIGITAL®.

Consistent with the global network of DRILs, key features of the Tokyo DRIL include:

• High-density AI and HPC testing – Support for AI and high-performance computing workloads with high-density colocation, accommodating deployments of up to 150kW per cabinet.
• Energy and cooling-aware testing – Enables enterprises to evaluate AI performance, power density, and efficiency trade-offs before full-scale deployment.
• AI infrastructure optimization – Enables businesses to explore AI-specific power, cooling, and GPU resource requirements in an environment optimized for AI workloads.
• Hybrid cloud validation – Direct cloud connectivity allows enterprises to refine hybrid strategies and seamlessly onboard through ServiceFabric®, Digital Realty’s interconnection and orchestration platform.
• AI workload orchestration – Customers can orchestrate AI workloads across Digital Realty’s Private AI Exchange (AIPx) to enable secure, low-latency integration across distributed environments.
• Latency testing across locations – Enterprises can test latency scenarios, ensuring seamless performance across multiple locations as well as cloud destinations.

The Tokyo facility joins Digital Realty’s plans for a global DRIL network, which supports a growing ecosystem of customers and partners, including AMD, Cisco, and Lenovo, and reinforces Digital Realty’s commitment to enabling AI-ready infrastructure across key digital markets worldwide.

About Digital Realty
Digital Realty brings companies and data together by delivering the full spectrum of data center, colocation, and interconnection solutions. PlatformDIGITAL®, the company’s global data center platform, provides customers with a secure data meeting place and a proven Pervasive Datacenter Architecture (PDx®) solution methodology for powering innovation, from cloud and digital transformation to emerging technologies like artificial intelligence (AI), and efficiently managing Data Gravity challenges. Digital Realty gives its customers access to the connected data communities that matter to them with a global data center footprint of 300+ facilities in 55+ metros across 30+ countries on six continents. To learn more about Digital Realty, please visit digitalrealty.com or follow us on LinkedIn and X.

About MC Digital Realty
MC Digital Realty, Inc., established in September 2017, is a 50/50 joint venture between Mitsubishi Corporation and Digital Realty. The company provides the full spectrum of data center services in Japan, including colocation and interconnection solutions, by leveraging MC’s real estate and infrastructure investment expertise and customer network, as well as Digital Realty’s leading global data center platform, PlatformDIGITAL®, with 5,000+ customers across 300+ data centers on six continents. For more information about MC Digital Realty, please visit https://www.mc-digitalrealty.com/ or follow us on LinkedIn.

Safe Harbor Statement
This press release contains forward-looking statements which are based on current expectations, forecasts and assumptions that involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual outcomes and results to differ materially, including statements related to the company’s partnerships and expected benefits, expected completion dates, emerging technologies including artificial intelligence, ServiceFabric®, the APAC market, customer demand and the company’s strategy. For a list and description of risks and uncertainties, see the reports and other filings by the company with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. The company disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at:
https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/806daefd-c19b-4ed9-a50c-dc7d4e9de622


For Additional Information

Media Contacts
Joyce Ng Digital Realty
jong@digitalrealty.com

Investor Relations
Jordan Sadler / Jim Huseby
Digital Realty
+1 (214) 231-1350
InvestorRelations@digitalrealty.com 


SOURCE: Digital Realty Trust, L.P.

Gradiant Wins Contract For AI Data Centre Water Facility In UK

 

Gradiant will design and deliver a water treatment facility for one of the world’s foremost AI and cloud infrastructure providers, ensuring reliable cooling operations while reducing water use and environmental impact.

KUALA LUMPUR, April 3 (Bernama) -- Gradiant, a global leader in advanced water and wastewater solutions, has secured a contract to design and deliver a water treatment facility for a hyperscale data centre in Didcot, Oxfordshire, in the United Kingdom (UK).

In a statement, the company said the project will support one of the world’s foremost artificial intelligence (AI) and cloud infrastructure providers and is being developed on the site of a former power station.

“AI is driving one of the largest infrastructure buildouts in history, and water is quickly becoming the limiting factor. At Gradiant, we are building the water backbone for the next generation of industry.

“This project reflects our strategy to partner with leading infrastructure players to deliver resilient, sustainable solutions where reliability is non-negotiable,” said Gradiant chief executive officer, Prakash Govindan.

As data centre growth accelerates, water is becoming a defining constraint in development and scaling, with operators seeking partners that can ensure reliable water performance across the entire facility.

Gradiant will deliver an integrated solution covering treatment, recycling and zero liquid discharge to support cooling operations while reducing water use and environmental impact.

The project underscores the company’s Site-Wide Peace of Mind approach, which integrates treatment, reuse and operational reliability under a single provider to reduce risk, simplify operations and ensure consistent performance.

According to Gradiant, this project further strengthens its role at the intersection of water and AI infrastructure, where performance, sustainability, and reliability are essential to success.

-- BERNAMA

​Axi Launches “The Strategy Room” Podcast Hosted by Kathy Lien

New Axi Select series features traders and market professionals discussing strategy, risk management, and global markets

SYDNEY, March 26 (Bernama-GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Global trading firm Axi today announced the launch of The Strategy Room by Axi Select, a new podcast series hosted by renowned currency strategist and BK Forex Managing Director Kathy Lien. The series is designed to provide traders with direct access to the strategies, thinking, and risk management approaches of high-performing traders and respected market professionals.

Aimed at active traders and market enthusiasts, The Strategy Room seeks to bridge the gap between theory and real-world execution by offering insights grounded in practical market experience.

Greg Rubin, Head of Axi Select at Axi, said:

“Sustained trading performance requires more than market access — it demands discipline, structure, and continuous learning. With The Strategy Room, we’re creating a platform where traders can hear directly from top performers within the Axi Select programme and leading industry experts about how they refine strategies and manage risk in dynamic market conditions.”

Hosted by Kathy Lien, widely recognised for her expertise in currency markets and global macro analysis, the podcast will spotlight traders from the Axi Select programme alongside seasoned professionals from across the financial industry. Episodes will examine how market participants adapt to volatility, evolving economic cycles, and emerging trading opportunities.

The launch reflects Axi’s broader commitment to trader education and community engagement through Axi Select, the firm’s capital allocation and trader development programme designed to identify and support talented traders as they scale their strategies.

The Strategy Room by Axi Select will be available on major podcast platforms, with new episodes released regularly. Highlights and exclusive content will also be shared across Axi’s digital channels.

Watch The Strategy Room: https://youtu.be/S2ZJbltwGIo 

About Axi

Axi is a global online trading brand offering access to forex, indices, commodities, and digital assets, serving clients in more than 100 countries. Through Axi Select, the firm provides funded trading opportunities and structured trader development support.

Media enquiries: mediaenquiries@axi.com

For full details on the Axi Select program, visit: https://www.axi.com/int/funded-trader-program 

The Axi Select program is only available to clients of AxiTrader LLC. CFDs carry a high risk of investment loss. This content may not be available in your region. For more information, refer to our Terms of Service. Standard trading fees and minimum deposit apply.

SOURCE: Axi Trader LLC

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--BERNAMA 

​1,790 athletes to compete in Sanya Asian Beach Games

 

2026 Volleyball World Beach Pro Tour Futures (Sanya) & A Test Event for the 6th Asian Beach Games Sanya held in Sanya, Hainan from March 5th to March 8th.

SANYA, China, March 25, 2026 /Xinhua-AsiaNet/ --

With 30 days to go until the opening ceremony of the 2026 Asian Beach Games in Sanya, the organizing committee announced on Monday that a total of 1,790 athletes have been confirmed to take part.

According to the organizers, national and regional Olympic committees from 45 countries and regions have signed up for the event. Following qualification reviews, the number of registered athletes stood at 1,790 as of March 20.

The Games will feature 14 sports, 15 disciplines and 62 events. The women's beach football event has been canceled due to an insufficient number of teams, while all other events will go ahead as planned.

The top five sports by number of participants are beach handball, dragon boat, beach athletics, ju-jitsu and beach volleyball. Beach handball has attracted the largest number of athletes, with 237.

In terms of delegation size, the top five participating teams are Thailand, China, the Philippines, India and Hong Kong, China.

Li Haigang, deputy secretary-general of the organizing committee, said the overall competition schedule and event timetables have been optimized and will be released soon.

"The detailed timing of events will be clarified to help media and spectators better plan their viewing schedules," he added.

Meanwhile, operational teams at all competition venues have completed multiple rounds of training, tabletop exercises and test events.

"In 30 days, athletes, coaches and officials from across Asia will gather in Sanya to compete amid its blue seas and sandy beaches," Li said. "We will spare no effort in our preparations to provide a high-quality competition environment and deliver splendid Games."

The Games will be held from April 22 to 30.

SOURCE: The 6th Asian Beach Games Sanya 2026 Organizing Committee

--BERNAMA 

AM Best Affirms Credit Ratings of Sun Hung Kai Properties Insurance Limited

HONG KONG, March 24 (Bernama-BUSINESS WIRE) -- AM Best has affirmed the Financial Strength Rating of A (Excellent) and the Long-Term Issuer Credit Rating of “a” (Excellent) of Sun Hung Kai Properties Insurance Limited (SHKPI) (Hong Kong). The outlook of these Credit Ratings (ratings) is stable.

The ratings reflect SHKPI’s balance sheet strength, which AM Best assesses as very strong, as well as its strong operating performance, neutral business profile and appropriate enterprise risk management (ERM).

The very strong balance sheet strength assessment of SHKPI is underpinned by its risk-adjusted capitalisation, which was at the strongest level in fiscal year-end 30 June 2025 (FY2025), as measured by Best’s Capital Adequacy Ratio (BCAR). The company has been reducing its exposure on high-risk investment classes, including real estate sector bonds and loans securities, while applying a more prudent investment strategy that focuses on cash and high-grade fixed income assets. In light of SHKPI’s prudent investment strategy, AM Best considers its capital level a sufficient buffer to absorb investment risks. Other supporting factors include the company’s strong liquidity position, healthy solvency ratio and appropriate reinsurance programme. Partially offsetting factors include SHKPI’s modest capital and surplus level, relatively high dependency on reinsurance and its investment concentration in real estate properties.

SHKPI has consistently maintained a strong operating performance over the past decade. Despite a lower profit in 2025, driven by less underwriting and investment income, the company achieved a return-on-equity ratio of 9.9%. The company continues to benefit from its group-related business with better quality and minimal acquisition expenses, leading to underwriting results that continuously outperform the market. AM Best also expects the company’s investment performance to stabilize in the short to medium term, supported by a stable stream of interest and dividend income.

AM Best assesses SHKPI’s business profile as neutral. SHKPI is a wholly owned subsidiary of Sun Hung Kai Properties Limited, one of the largest property development and investment conglomerates in Hong Kong. Despite holding a modest share of Hong Kong’s general insurance segment, SHKPI managed to maintain its market position in a profitable manner largely attributable to its group-related businesses. With a focus on commercial business and employees’ compensation insurance, SHKPI benefits from its parental network to write a major part of its business from associated and subsidiary companies, and it continues to operate in a low acquisition cost business model.

Negative rating actions could occur if there is a significant deterioration in SHKPI’s operating performance. Negative rating actions also could arise if there is a material deterioration in SHKPI's risk-adjusted capitalisation, for example, due to material investment losses. Although it is unlikely in the near term, positive rating actions could arise if there is significant improvement in SHKPI's risk-adjusted capitalisation, for example, due to further improvements in its asset quality and capital size.

Ratings are communicated to rated entities prior to publication. Unless stated otherwise, the ratings were not amended subsequent to that communication.

This press release relates to Credit Ratings that have been published on AM Best’s website. For all rating information relating to the release and pertinent disclosures, including details of the office responsible for issuing each of the individual ratings referenced in this release, please see AM Best’s Recent Rating Activity web page. For additional information regarding the use and limitations of Credit Rating opinions, please view Guide to Best’s Credit Ratings. For information on the proper use of Best’s Credit Ratings, Best’s Performance Assessments, Best’s Preliminary Credit Assessments and AM Best press releases, please view Guide to Proper Use of Best’s Ratings & Assessments.

AM Best is a global credit rating agency, news publisher and data analytics provider specialising in the insurance industry. Headquartered in the United States, the company does business in over 100 countries with regional offices in London, Amsterdam, Dubai, Hong Kong, Singapore and Mexico City. For more information, visit www.ambest.com.

Copyright © 2026 by A.M. Best Rating Services, Inc. and/or its affiliates. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

 

View source version on businesswire.com: 

https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260320958908/en/ 


Contact

Aaron Li
Financial Analyst
+852 2827 3426
aaron.li@ambest.com 

Lucie Huang
Associate Director
+852 2827 3414
lucie.huang@ambest.com 

Christopher Sharkey
Associate Director, Public Relations
+1 908 882 2310
christopher.sharkey@ambest.com 

Al Slavin
Senior Public Relations Specialist
+1 908 882 2318
al.slavin@ambest.com 

Source : AM Best 

--BERNAMA 

KYMETA UNVEILS FUTURE-READY MULTI-ORBIT SATCOM TERMINAL

KUALA LUMPUR, March 26 (Bernama) -- Kymeta Corporation, a flat-panel satellite terminal manufacturer, has launched its new Kestrel u5, a compact multi-orbit satellite communications (SATCOM) terminal designed for unmanned systems, national security operations, and high-speed industrial mobility.

The terminal enables seamless connectivity across multiple networks and constellations, including Low Earth Orbit (LEO), Geostationary Earth Orbit (GEO), Highly Elliptical Orbit (HEO), and elliptical orbits, allowing users to adapt to diverse mission requirements.

Built for demanding environments, the Kestrel u5 features a lightweight, low-profile, and rugged design suitable for operations on land and at sea. It supports full-duplex communication and remote upgrades, ensuring future-ready performance in rapidly evolving operational landscapes.

According to Kymeta in a statement, the terminal incorporates a no-moving-parts architecture for easy installation on unmanned vessels and next-generation vehicles.

Its durability-focused design includes shock absorption and advanced radome technology, enabling high performance even in harsh conditions, including exposure to water and extreme environments.

The Kestrel u5 is also equipped with Low Probability of Detection/Interception (LPD/LPI) capabilities, offering a low thermal signature supported by low power consumption and a passive cooling system, enhancing operational security and resilience.

Beyond defence applications, the terminal is suitable for commercial use in sectors such as rail, construction, mining, and agriculture, where it can be mounted on vehicles to deliver reliable, high-speed connectivity.

The Kestrel u5 is now available for order, with production units expected to be released within the next month, followed by broader availability as Kymeta scales production to meet demand.

-- BERNAMA

CHINA TAIPING INSURANCE (MACAU) AFFIRMED EXCELLENT RATINGS BY AM BEST

KUALA LUMPUR, March 24 (Bernama) -- Global credit rating agency, AM Best has affirmed the financial strength rating of A (Excellent) and the long-term issuer credit rating of “a” (Excellent) of China Taiping Insurance (Macau) Company Limited (CTIM), with a stable outlook.

The credit ratings (ratings) reflect CTIM’s very strong balance sheet, strong operating performance, neutral business profile, and appropriate enterprise risk management, according to AM Best in a statement.

CTIM’s risk-adjusted capitalisation, measured by Best’s Capital Adequacy Ratio, remains at the strongest level. The insurer reported robust capital and surplus growth, reaching 1.053 billion Macanese pataca (US$132 million) in 2025 based on unaudited figures. (US$1=RM3.92)

Its conservative investment strategy—focused on cash and investment-grade bonds—alongside a comprehensive reinsurance programme with high-quality counterparties, continues to support its financial position, although moderate reliance on reinsurance partially offsets these strengths.

Operating performance has remained solid, with a five-year average return on equity of 17.8 per cent from 2021 to 2025. Underwriting results have outperformed industry averages, while stable investment income has supported earnings.

In 2025, the net combined ratio improved, driven primarily by lower loss ratios in motor and employees’ compensation segments.

Investment returns have remained consistent at mid-single-digit levels over the past two years and are expected to continue contributing stable income streams from interest, dividends, and rental sources.

CTIM retains a leading position in Macau’s non-life insurance market, holding an estimated 34 per cent share based on gross premiums written in 2025. Its diversified underwriting portfolio and distribution channels, including expanding digital platforms and cross-selling initiatives with affiliates of China Taiping Insurance Group Ltd, underpin its market strength.

-- BERNAMA