KUALA LUMPUR, March 5 (Bernama) -- Kindred Labs, an artificial intelligence (AI) companion startup, has announced a strategic partnership with IPX (formerly known as LINE FRIENDS) to develop AI-powered companion experiences that bring beloved character personalities into everyday digital life.
“The primary way people will experience their personal AI will be through something they genuinely love seeing every day. I can already imagine the delight fans will have when BROWN starts showing up in their daily lives, like this familiar presence you are happy to see.
“We are taking these characters into a whole new paradigm, one that brings us closer to why we love them in the first place,” said Kindred Labs chief executive officer, Max Giammario in a statement.
The companions are designed as a persistent presence on users’ screens, appearing seamlessly in daily moments, from desktops and mobiles to emerging surfaces like smart glasses over time.
Beyond personality and expression, these companions will also serve as personal assistants, intended to become a central way people interact with AI throughout their day, expressed through a friendly and familiar presence.
The partnership, planned to launch in April 2026 globally, excluding China, coincides with the 15th anniversary of LINE FRIENDS’ iconic character BROWN, offering fans a new way to connect with the character in daily life.
The collaboration was negotiated by Beanstalk, a division of CAA Brand Management, which represents IPX as its interactive licensing agent.
-- BERNAMA
Thursday, March 5, 2026
KINDRED LABS PARTNERS IPX TO LAUNCH AI-POWERED CHARACTER COMPANIONS
Friday, February 27, 2026
Globe Business and Aeris Launch IoT Accelerator Platform in the Philippines
Strategic Alliance Enables Rapid Growth and Scale of Connected Vehicles and Enterprises Through IoTA Connectivity Management Platform
CHICAGO, Feb 27 (Bernama-BUSINESS WIRE) -- Aeris, a global leader in wireless management platforms, security services and connected vehicle programs, today announced it has formed a strategic partnership with Globe Business, the enterprise arm of Globe Telecom, Inc., to launch the first Aeris IoT Accelerator (IoTA) platform in the Philippines. This collaboration marks Globe Business’ expansion into the domestic IoT connectivity management service market, providing Philippine enterprises with an integrated command center to deliver enhanced customer experience for growing IoT solutions. The platform is targeted for commercial availability by Q3 2026.
“We are delighted to welcome Globe Business to our global ecosystem of tier one carrier partners across our Aeris IoT Accelerator Platform. This is a testament to our market leadership position and innovation to be trusted by Globe for their launch of cellular IoT solutions into the Philippines,” said Sean Gowran, Aeris’ Vice President of Sales, APAC. “Aeris is a global leader in enabling wireless IoT programs for major industries including automotive and utilities. We are excited by the growth opportunities this partnership is poised to bring.”
“Our partnership with Aeris is a strategic move to drive the intelligent transformation of Philippine industries by making high-performance connectivity simple and accessible,” said KD Dizon, Vice President and Head of Globe Business. “We recognize that as sectors like automotive evolve, the need for seamless, native connectivity becomes a matter of operational excellence and cost-efficiency for our customers. By bringing this global expertise to the Philippines, we are empowering our partners to move past technical barriers and focus on achieving their boldest ambitions.”
Empowering Automotive OEMs with Intelligent IoT
The Aeris IoTA platform provides Globe Business with an intelligent single platform to manage IoT programs for their enterprise customers. This unified approach allows domestic and global automotive original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) to expand and scale their IoT programs in and outside of the Philippines through seamless connectivity and platform visibility.
This is a critical advantage as the automotive industry transitions toward software-defined vehicles (SDVs). According to Frost & Sullivan’s “Insights into Automotive Cloud, 2025-2030,” the industry is shifting toward cars as dynamic, upgradeable digital platforms where advanced cloud computing is mandatory to manage, process, and secure the vast amounts of data generated.
The scale of this opportunity is particularly significant in the APAC region where the Asia-Pacific IoT Automotive market is expected to reach $125.48 billion in 2026, growing at a robust CAGR of 29.9 percent.
Simple, Secure, Intelligent IoT with a Strong Global Ecosystem
Built on Aeris’ own telco-grade IoT core network, the Aeris IoTA platform is currently the only IoT platform in the market with security monitoring and protection fully integrated into the cellular network. Furthermore, as a member of the Bridge Alliance, which maintains an exclusive IoT strategy partnership with Aeris, Globe Business leverages this elite ecosystem of mobile network operators that provide enterprises with a "single pane of glass" to manage IoT deployments via the Aeris IoT Accelerator platform.
The Aeris partner ecosystem enables partners to combine the telco grade Aeris IoT Accelerator global connectivity management platform with Aeris IoT Watchtower™ that delivers operational visibility and security solutions. Together, these innovations enable enterprises to deploy, secure and scale IoT and one platform and built-in zero trust protection.
About Aeris
For more than three decades, Aeris has been a trusted IoT leader enabling the biggest IoT programs and opportunities across automotive, utilities and energy, fleet management and logistics, medical devices, and manufacturing. Our IoT technology expertise serves a global ecosystem of 7,000 enterprise customers, nearly 30 mobile network operator partners, and more than 100 million IoT devices across the world. Aeris, the largest orchestrator of eSIMs for IoT, powers today’s connected smart world with innovative technologies and borderless connectivity that simplify management, enhance security, optimize performance, and drive growth at scale. To learn how Aeris IoT Accelerator platform can secure and supercharge your critical IoT programs, visit aeris.com and follow us on LinkedIn.
About Globe
Globe Telecom, Inc. is a leading digital platform in the Philippines with interests in telecommunications, fintech, venture building, shared services, and digital marketing. It is listed on the Philippine Stock Exchange under the symbol GLO. The company delivers a full suite of mobile, broadband, data, and managed services to meet the needs of consumers and businesses. A UN Global Compact Participant, Globe is the first publicly listed Philippine firm with approved near- and long-term science-based targets under the SBTi. It was named one of TIME and Statista's Most Sustainable Companies in 2025. Its back-to-back inclusion in the Fortune Southeast Asia 500 in 2024 and 2025 affirms its growth and leadership. Its principals are Ayala Corporation and Singtel, prominent industry leaders in the region.
About Globe Business
Globe Business, the enterprise arm of Globe, is a trusted partner specializing in driving digital transformation for businesses of all sizes. With expert guidance and powerful solutions, the company enables organizations to drive operational efficiency and achieve sustainable success. Through enhanced connectivity offerings, along with expanded services such as cloud, cybersecurity, and enterprise applications, Globe Business empowers organizations to navigate the complexities of the digital landscape and future-proof their operations. By connecting businesses, government, and communities, Globe Business facilitates seamless digital integration and fosters a thriving enterprise ecosystem.
View source version on businesswire.com:
https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260226217158/en/
Contact
Media Contacts
Susanna Song, Chief Marketing Officer: susanna.song@aeris.net
Kevin Petschow: KevinPetschow@guyergroup.com
Source : Aeris
CHICAGO, Feb 27 (Bernama-BUSINESS WIRE) -- Aeris, a global leader in wireless management platforms, security services and connected vehicle programs, today announced it has formed a strategic partnership with Globe Business, the enterprise arm of Globe Telecom, Inc., to launch the first Aeris IoT Accelerator (IoTA) platform in the Philippines. This collaboration marks Globe Business’ expansion into the domestic IoT connectivity management service market, providing Philippine enterprises with an integrated command center to deliver enhanced customer experience for growing IoT solutions. The platform is targeted for commercial availability by Q3 2026.
“We are delighted to welcome Globe Business to our global ecosystem of tier one carrier partners across our Aeris IoT Accelerator Platform. This is a testament to our market leadership position and innovation to be trusted by Globe for their launch of cellular IoT solutions into the Philippines,” said Sean Gowran, Aeris’ Vice President of Sales, APAC. “Aeris is a global leader in enabling wireless IoT programs for major industries including automotive and utilities. We are excited by the growth opportunities this partnership is poised to bring.”
“Our partnership with Aeris is a strategic move to drive the intelligent transformation of Philippine industries by making high-performance connectivity simple and accessible,” said KD Dizon, Vice President and Head of Globe Business. “We recognize that as sectors like automotive evolve, the need for seamless, native connectivity becomes a matter of operational excellence and cost-efficiency for our customers. By bringing this global expertise to the Philippines, we are empowering our partners to move past technical barriers and focus on achieving their boldest ambitions.”
Empowering Automotive OEMs with Intelligent IoT
The Aeris IoTA platform provides Globe Business with an intelligent single platform to manage IoT programs for their enterprise customers. This unified approach allows domestic and global automotive original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) to expand and scale their IoT programs in and outside of the Philippines through seamless connectivity and platform visibility.
This is a critical advantage as the automotive industry transitions toward software-defined vehicles (SDVs). According to Frost & Sullivan’s “Insights into Automotive Cloud, 2025-2030,” the industry is shifting toward cars as dynamic, upgradeable digital platforms where advanced cloud computing is mandatory to manage, process, and secure the vast amounts of data generated.
The scale of this opportunity is particularly significant in the APAC region where the Asia-Pacific IoT Automotive market is expected to reach $125.48 billion in 2026, growing at a robust CAGR of 29.9 percent.
Simple, Secure, Intelligent IoT with a Strong Global Ecosystem
Built on Aeris’ own telco-grade IoT core network, the Aeris IoTA platform is currently the only IoT platform in the market with security monitoring and protection fully integrated into the cellular network. Furthermore, as a member of the Bridge Alliance, which maintains an exclusive IoT strategy partnership with Aeris, Globe Business leverages this elite ecosystem of mobile network operators that provide enterprises with a "single pane of glass" to manage IoT deployments via the Aeris IoT Accelerator platform.
The Aeris partner ecosystem enables partners to combine the telco grade Aeris IoT Accelerator global connectivity management platform with Aeris IoT Watchtower™ that delivers operational visibility and security solutions. Together, these innovations enable enterprises to deploy, secure and scale IoT and one platform and built-in zero trust protection.
About Aeris
For more than three decades, Aeris has been a trusted IoT leader enabling the biggest IoT programs and opportunities across automotive, utilities and energy, fleet management and logistics, medical devices, and manufacturing. Our IoT technology expertise serves a global ecosystem of 7,000 enterprise customers, nearly 30 mobile network operator partners, and more than 100 million IoT devices across the world. Aeris, the largest orchestrator of eSIMs for IoT, powers today’s connected smart world with innovative technologies and borderless connectivity that simplify management, enhance security, optimize performance, and drive growth at scale. To learn how Aeris IoT Accelerator platform can secure and supercharge your critical IoT programs, visit aeris.com and follow us on LinkedIn.
About Globe
Globe Telecom, Inc. is a leading digital platform in the Philippines with interests in telecommunications, fintech, venture building, shared services, and digital marketing. It is listed on the Philippine Stock Exchange under the symbol GLO. The company delivers a full suite of mobile, broadband, data, and managed services to meet the needs of consumers and businesses. A UN Global Compact Participant, Globe is the first publicly listed Philippine firm with approved near- and long-term science-based targets under the SBTi. It was named one of TIME and Statista's Most Sustainable Companies in 2025. Its back-to-back inclusion in the Fortune Southeast Asia 500 in 2024 and 2025 affirms its growth and leadership. Its principals are Ayala Corporation and Singtel, prominent industry leaders in the region.
About Globe Business
Globe Business, the enterprise arm of Globe, is a trusted partner specializing in driving digital transformation for businesses of all sizes. With expert guidance and powerful solutions, the company enables organizations to drive operational efficiency and achieve sustainable success. Through enhanced connectivity offerings, along with expanded services such as cloud, cybersecurity, and enterprise applications, Globe Business empowers organizations to navigate the complexities of the digital landscape and future-proof their operations. By connecting businesses, government, and communities, Globe Business facilitates seamless digital integration and fosters a thriving enterprise ecosystem.
View source version on businesswire.com:
https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260226217158/en/
Contact
Media Contacts
Susanna Song, Chief Marketing Officer: susanna.song@aeris.net
Kevin Petschow: KevinPetschow@guyergroup.com
Source : Aeris
Tuesday, February 24, 2026
MAVENIR ENABLES TUNE TALK AS INDEPENDENT CLOUD-NATIVE MNO
KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 23 (Bernama) -- Mavenir, the network software provider building artificial intelligence (AI)‑driven mobile infrastructure, announced that Tune Talk has completed its evolution into a fully independent, cloud-native mobile network operator (MNO).
Through a strategic partnership with Mavenir, the deployment enables Tune Talk to operate its own network systems end‑to‑end, unlocking new speed, agility, and innovation capabilities ahead of its next phase of growth.
By adopting Mavenir’s cloud-native Operations Support Systems (OSS) and Business Support Systems (BSS) solutions, Tune Talk gains full control of its network operations and digital service platforms, providing a software-driven foundation for future growth.
According to a statement, Tune Talk now operates an independent, software‑defined network, an upgrade that enables faster service deployment, more personalised AI-driven customer experiences, and improved network reliability.
The new architecture has already accelerated the rollout of digital services, including MyDigital ID integration, Mastercard ID Theft Protection, free Personal Accident Insurance, foodpanda benefits, and in‑app streaming content such as drama and game subscriptions.
In addition, Tune Talk’s cloud-native operational environment features zero-touch processes and self-healing automation, improving network stability while reducing operational overheads.
Phase two will deepen Tune Talk’s AI-driven transformation, introducing advanced orchestration and next-generation BSS to further enhance network performance, accelerate service delivery, and unlock new revenue streams through contextual, personalised offers.
With this deployment, Tune Talk becomes a reference model for cloud-native MNO operations not just in Malaysia but also across the ASEAN region, demonstrating how modern OSS/BSS architectures can accelerate operator independence, agility, and long-term digital transformation.
In collaboration with Mobile World Live, Mavenir will host a panel discussion at MWC26 on March 2. The session will feature Tune Talk Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Gurtaj Singh Padda, a senior executive from TextNow, and Mavenir President and CEO, Sandeep Singh, highlighting how AI, cloud-native architectures, and flexible monetisation enable mobile networks to differentiate on experience rather than price.
-- BERNAMA
Through a strategic partnership with Mavenir, the deployment enables Tune Talk to operate its own network systems end‑to‑end, unlocking new speed, agility, and innovation capabilities ahead of its next phase of growth.
By adopting Mavenir’s cloud-native Operations Support Systems (OSS) and Business Support Systems (BSS) solutions, Tune Talk gains full control of its network operations and digital service platforms, providing a software-driven foundation for future growth.
According to a statement, Tune Talk now operates an independent, software‑defined network, an upgrade that enables faster service deployment, more personalised AI-driven customer experiences, and improved network reliability.
The new architecture has already accelerated the rollout of digital services, including MyDigital ID integration, Mastercard ID Theft Protection, free Personal Accident Insurance, foodpanda benefits, and in‑app streaming content such as drama and game subscriptions.
In addition, Tune Talk’s cloud-native operational environment features zero-touch processes and self-healing automation, improving network stability while reducing operational overheads.
Phase two will deepen Tune Talk’s AI-driven transformation, introducing advanced orchestration and next-generation BSS to further enhance network performance, accelerate service delivery, and unlock new revenue streams through contextual, personalised offers.
With this deployment, Tune Talk becomes a reference model for cloud-native MNO operations not just in Malaysia but also across the ASEAN region, demonstrating how modern OSS/BSS architectures can accelerate operator independence, agility, and long-term digital transformation.
In collaboration with Mobile World Live, Mavenir will host a panel discussion at MWC26 on March 2. The session will feature Tune Talk Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Gurtaj Singh Padda, a senior executive from TextNow, and Mavenir President and CEO, Sandeep Singh, highlighting how AI, cloud-native architectures, and flexible monetisation enable mobile networks to differentiate on experience rather than price.
-- BERNAMA
Monday, February 23, 2026
WATCHTOWR, PWC HONG KONG TO STRENGTHEN PREEMPTIVE CYBER DEFENCE ACROSS APAC
KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 23 (Bernama) -- Global Preemptive Exposure Management leader, watchTowr, has expanded its partnership with PwC Hong Kong (PwC) to continue delivering the watchTowr Platform as part of PwC’s Managed Security Service (MSS) offering.
“PwC’s team in Hong Kong knows what it takes to operate security programmes under real-world pressure. They trust the watchTowr Platform to continuously validate exposure and to move quickly when threats emerge,” said watchTowr Vice President of Global Partnerships and Enablement, Elvina Liow in a statement.
Meanwhile, PwC Hong Kong Partner of Cybersecurity and Privacy, Jenius Shieh said: “Our goal with this partnership is to democratise regional security. By combining PwC’s threat intelligence and incident response experience with the watchTowr Platform capabilities, we help clients translate emerging threats into practical defences.”
Since early 2024, the partnership has supported clients across critical infrastructure, enterprise, and higher education in Hong Kong, helping organisations move from reactive monitoring to preemptive resilience, prioritising what matters most.
The watchTowr Platform uses proactive threat intelligence, attacker telemetry, and automated validation to identify and confirm exploitable weaknesses across an organisation’s external footprint, giving defenders time to act before in-the-wild exploitation begins.
PwC operationalises these capabilities 24/7, translating technical findings into clear, actionable steps for security and business stakeholders.
A dedicated round-the-clock support model has been established to maximise client value, providing fast resolution and accelerating time-to-action when new threats emerge.
Building on the Hong Kong foundation, watchTowr and PwC plan to extend the managed service offering across the Asia Pacific (APAC) region, including Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Taiwan, and Thailand, setting a new standard for preemptive exposure management.
-- BERNAMA
“PwC’s team in Hong Kong knows what it takes to operate security programmes under real-world pressure. They trust the watchTowr Platform to continuously validate exposure and to move quickly when threats emerge,” said watchTowr Vice President of Global Partnerships and Enablement, Elvina Liow in a statement.
Meanwhile, PwC Hong Kong Partner of Cybersecurity and Privacy, Jenius Shieh said: “Our goal with this partnership is to democratise regional security. By combining PwC’s threat intelligence and incident response experience with the watchTowr Platform capabilities, we help clients translate emerging threats into practical defences.”
Since early 2024, the partnership has supported clients across critical infrastructure, enterprise, and higher education in Hong Kong, helping organisations move from reactive monitoring to preemptive resilience, prioritising what matters most.
The watchTowr Platform uses proactive threat intelligence, attacker telemetry, and automated validation to identify and confirm exploitable weaknesses across an organisation’s external footprint, giving defenders time to act before in-the-wild exploitation begins.
PwC operationalises these capabilities 24/7, translating technical findings into clear, actionable steps for security and business stakeholders.
A dedicated round-the-clock support model has been established to maximise client value, providing fast resolution and accelerating time-to-action when new threats emerge.
Building on the Hong Kong foundation, watchTowr and PwC plan to extend the managed service offering across the Asia Pacific (APAC) region, including Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Taiwan, and Thailand, setting a new standard for preemptive exposure management.
-- BERNAMA
Thursday, February 19, 2026
CGTN: 2026 Spring Festival Gala: A spiritual feast for the Chinese people
BEIJING, Feb 19 (Bernama-GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- On Monday evening, China Media Group's 2026 Spring Festival Gala lit up screens across the country and around the world. For more than four decades, the annual gala – widely known as Chunwan – has been the spiritual feast of the Chinese people on the eve of the Chinese New Year, and a shared cultural ritual that accompanies family reunions.
This year, CGTN partnered with its multilingual platforms in 85 languages, working with more than 3,500 media outlets in over 200 countries and regions to broadcast and report on the gala live.
As the Chinese New Year increasingly evolves from a "Chinese festival" into a global celebration, the Spring Festival Gala has taken on a new mission: to allow the world to share in the joy and festivity of the season, and to experience the richness and vibrancy of Chinese culture.
Rooted in Chinese culture with celebrations of various forms, the Spring Festival symbolizes renewal and family unity. It carries a universal resonance of hope and aspirations for a better life.
A cultural feast
The 2026 gala once again delivered a grand audiovisual spectacle, bringing together a mix of performances, from music, comedy, and traditional arts like opera and martial arts to spectacular acts such as magic and acrobatics. The stage became a window through which audiences at home and abroad could glimpse the enduring charm of China's fine traditional culture.
A highlight of the evening was a cross-cultural acrobatic performance that blended Chinese traditional techniques with international staging and choreography, symbolizing dialogue and mutual appreciation among civilizations. In another much-discussed act, ballet met street dance in a dynamic fusion piece that seamlessly combined classical elegance with urban rhythm– a vivid expression of cultural confidence rooted in tradition yet open to innovation.
Meanwhile, comedic sketches drew on everyday life, reflecting social changes with warmth and humor. Together, these diverse programs painted a portrait of a society that values heritage while embracing contemporary creativity.
For Chinese people, the Spring Festival Gala is more than just a TV show. It has become an indispensable "cultural feast" and emotional bond for the Chinese people on the eve of the Chinese New Year. Through fostering reunion and companionship and telling the stories of ordinary people, it encapsulates the country's hopes and heritage, making it an irreplaceable emotional and cultural touchstone for billions of Chinese people worldwide.
Broadcast globally in multiple languages, the gala allowed overseas Chinese to participate in the same celebration as their families back in China, bridging geographical distances and reinforcing a shared cultural identity. It is a reminder that, no matter where they are, they are part of a larger community.
Technology on full display
With culture at the heart of the gala, technology provided its powerful wings. This year's gala integrated cutting-edge digital tools into many aspects of the show.
Advanced applications, including artificial intelligence (AI), augmented reality (AR), and extended reality (XR), transformed the stage into an immersive, multidimensional space. Incorporating cutting-edge technologies, such as VR glasses, Beidou navigation, and drones, vast digital landscapes unfolded behind performers, bringing different traditions to life through dynamic, interactive projections.
The 2026 gala coincides with a pivotal moment in China's technological development. AI, robotics, and other foundational technologies – poised to shape human society for decades – are now rapidly entering the consumer market.
This broader technological wave was clearly reflected in the gala's production. One of the highlights came when humanoid robots brought Kung Fu to the next level, performing vaults and backflips with smooth and precise movements. The performance has amazed overseas netizens who expressed their admiration for the development of China's robotics industry.
In 2025, China's humanoid robot industry moved from a phase of technological novelty to one of increasingly wide social deployment. The country is now home to more than 150 humanoid robot companies, and the sector is expanding at an annual rate of over 50 percent, with the market scale expected to reach 100 billion yuan (about $14.22 billion) by 2030.
The Year of the Horse extravaganza stands out in the 43-year evolution of the Spring Festival Gala as one of the most technologically advanced editions to date. The presence of AI applications and robotics was not superficial decoration, but an integral part of storytelling and artistic expression.
For more than 40 years, the Spring Festival Gala has mirrored China's transformation – from an era of scarcity to one of digital connectivity and global engagement. As families gathered before their screens and international audiences tuned in from afar, the gala offered more than entertainment. It presents a living narrative of a civilization that treasures its heritage, embraces innovation, and shares its festive spirit with the world.
For more information, please click:
https://news.cgtn.com/news/2026-02-16/2026-Spring-Festival-Gala-A-spiritual-feast-for-the-Chinese-people-1KOo6b5HcIg/p.html
Contact： Jiang Simin
jiang.simin@cgtn.com
SOURCE: China Global Television Network Corporation
This year, CGTN partnered with its multilingual platforms in 85 languages, working with more than 3,500 media outlets in over 200 countries and regions to broadcast and report on the gala live.
As the Chinese New Year increasingly evolves from a "Chinese festival" into a global celebration, the Spring Festival Gala has taken on a new mission: to allow the world to share in the joy and festivity of the season, and to experience the richness and vibrancy of Chinese culture.
Rooted in Chinese culture with celebrations of various forms, the Spring Festival symbolizes renewal and family unity. It carries a universal resonance of hope and aspirations for a better life.
A cultural feast
The 2026 gala once again delivered a grand audiovisual spectacle, bringing together a mix of performances, from music, comedy, and traditional arts like opera and martial arts to spectacular acts such as magic and acrobatics. The stage became a window through which audiences at home and abroad could glimpse the enduring charm of China's fine traditional culture.
A highlight of the evening was a cross-cultural acrobatic performance that blended Chinese traditional techniques with international staging and choreography, symbolizing dialogue and mutual appreciation among civilizations. In another much-discussed act, ballet met street dance in a dynamic fusion piece that seamlessly combined classical elegance with urban rhythm– a vivid expression of cultural confidence rooted in tradition yet open to innovation.
Meanwhile, comedic sketches drew on everyday life, reflecting social changes with warmth and humor. Together, these diverse programs painted a portrait of a society that values heritage while embracing contemporary creativity.
For Chinese people, the Spring Festival Gala is more than just a TV show. It has become an indispensable "cultural feast" and emotional bond for the Chinese people on the eve of the Chinese New Year. Through fostering reunion and companionship and telling the stories of ordinary people, it encapsulates the country's hopes and heritage, making it an irreplaceable emotional and cultural touchstone for billions of Chinese people worldwide.
Broadcast globally in multiple languages, the gala allowed overseas Chinese to participate in the same celebration as their families back in China, bridging geographical distances and reinforcing a shared cultural identity. It is a reminder that, no matter where they are, they are part of a larger community.
Technology on full display
With culture at the heart of the gala, technology provided its powerful wings. This year's gala integrated cutting-edge digital tools into many aspects of the show.
Advanced applications, including artificial intelligence (AI), augmented reality (AR), and extended reality (XR), transformed the stage into an immersive, multidimensional space. Incorporating cutting-edge technologies, such as VR glasses, Beidou navigation, and drones, vast digital landscapes unfolded behind performers, bringing different traditions to life through dynamic, interactive projections.
The 2026 gala coincides with a pivotal moment in China's technological development. AI, robotics, and other foundational technologies – poised to shape human society for decades – are now rapidly entering the consumer market.
This broader technological wave was clearly reflected in the gala's production. One of the highlights came when humanoid robots brought Kung Fu to the next level, performing vaults and backflips with smooth and precise movements. The performance has amazed overseas netizens who expressed their admiration for the development of China's robotics industry.
In 2025, China's humanoid robot industry moved from a phase of technological novelty to one of increasingly wide social deployment. The country is now home to more than 150 humanoid robot companies, and the sector is expanding at an annual rate of over 50 percent, with the market scale expected to reach 100 billion yuan (about $14.22 billion) by 2030.
The Year of the Horse extravaganza stands out in the 43-year evolution of the Spring Festival Gala as one of the most technologically advanced editions to date. The presence of AI applications and robotics was not superficial decoration, but an integral part of storytelling and artistic expression.
For more than 40 years, the Spring Festival Gala has mirrored China's transformation – from an era of scarcity to one of digital connectivity and global engagement. As families gathered before their screens and international audiences tuned in from afar, the gala offered more than entertainment. It presents a living narrative of a civilization that treasures its heritage, embraces innovation, and shares its festive spirit with the world.
For more information, please click:
https://news.cgtn.com/news/2026-02-16/2026-Spring-Festival-Gala-A-spiritual-feast-for-the-Chinese-people-1KOo6b5HcIg/p.html
Contact： Jiang Simin
jiang.simin@cgtn.com
SOURCE: China Global Television Network Corporation
Monday, February 16, 2026
Entrepreneur Asia Summit & Awards 2026 Convenes APAC’s Startup Leaders
KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 13 (Bernama) -- Entrepreneur Asia Summit & Awards (EASA) 2026, taking place at The St Regis Singapore, brings together founders, chief executive officers (CEOs), investors, policymakers and ecosystem leaders from across Asia-Pacific (APAC) for a one-day programme focused on innovation, leadership and cross-border growth.
The summit is organised by Entrepreneur Media Pte Ltd, reflecting the group’s strategic focus on the region’s fast-expanding innovation and startup economy.
Entrepreneur APAC Editorial Director, Sachin Marya said entrepreneurship in Asia is entering a defining decade.
“EASA is designed as a platform where leaders come together not only to celebrate success but also to exchange insights, forge partnerships, and shape the next phase of sustainable, cross-border growth,” he said in a statement.
At the event, the organiser also announces the launch of its bimonthly publication, Entrepreneur & Entrepreneur’s Startups, dedicated to profiling founders, investors, emerging technologies and high-growth ventures shaping Asia’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.
The curated agenda features keynote addresses, panel discussions and fireside chats focused on entrepreneurship, venture capital, leadership, innovation and regional market expansion.
The Guest of Honour is Minister of State for Culture, Community and Youth and Minister of State for Manpower, and Mayor of the South East District, Dinesh Vasu Dash.
The speaker lineup includes Carro Founder and CEO, Aaron Tan; chef-entrepreneur Manjunath Mural; Jungle Ventures Managing Partner, David Gowdey; and B Capital General Partner, Karan Mohla.
The event will conclude with the Entrepreneur Asia Awards 2026, recognising startups, founders and enterprises for innovation, impact and leadership across key sectors.
-- BERNAMA
Thursday, February 12, 2026
Digital Realty Debuts NVIDIA Certification for Liquid Cooled Data Center in Japan
· Expands AI-Ready Infrastructure in Asia Pacific
Rendering of Digital Realty’s NRT14 data center in the Greater Tokyo area
SINGAPORE, Feb 9 (Bernama-GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Digital Realty (NYSE: DLR), the largest global provider of cloud- and carrier-neutral data center, colocation, and interconnection solutions, today announced that its upcoming NRT14 data center in the Greater Tokyo area will be one of the first facilities in Japan to achieve the DGX-Ready Data Center certification. The milestone reinforces Digital Realty’s role as a strategic AI infrastructure partner for organizations scaling next-generation, high-density workloads across the region.
Digital Realty’s NRT14 is certified as part of the NVIDIA DGX-Ready Data Center program to host NVIDIA DGX GB200 infrastructure and other similar NVIDIA GB200 NVL72-based systems powered by the NVIDIA Grace Blackwell architecture. Customers will be able to run next-generation AI workloads with greater speed and efficiency by hosting NVIDIA Blackwell GPUs.
As a result, enterprises will be able to achieve faster time-to-insight, and reduced operational costs, while improving performance for demanding AI and analytics workloads.
Achieved by MC Digital Realty, Digital Realty’s 50/50 joint venture in Japan with Mitsubishi Corporation, the certification confirms that NRT14 has met NVIDIA certification criteria. Specifically, the ability to run high-density AI workloads of 100 kW or more per rack, supporting greater performance and efficiency. According to NVIDIA, liquid-cooled Blackwell architectures can deliver up to 25 times greater energy efficiency than traditional air-cooled systems.
This latest milestone expands Digital Realty’s collaboration with NVIDIA, following the recent announcement of the NVIDIA AI Factory Research Center hosted at its Northern Virginia campus. Extending the AI Factory partnership model to Asia Pacific gives NVIDIA and its partners access to scalable, high density AI infrastructure across a globally consistent platform.
Digital Realty now operates certified sites in over 20 countries worldwide, including six across Asia Pacific. In 2023, Digital Realty’s KIX13 facility in Osaka, Japan, was certified as an NVIDIA DGX-Ready Data Center as part of the program.
“Achieving this certification underscores Digital Realty’s ability to deliver liquid cooling for the next generation of AI-ready infrastructure,” said Chris Sharp, Chief Technology Officer, Digital Realty. “This milestone builds on years of work with NVIDIA and reflects our shared commitment to turning AI ambition into operational reality for our customers.”
“Demanding AI reasoning workloads require a new class of high-density, energy-efficient infrastructure to power the global wave of AI-driven transformation,” said Charlie Boyle, Vice President, DGX Systems, NVIDIA. “The certification of Digital Realty's liquid-cooled data center in Japan expands the reach of this foundational infrastructure for the age of AI, helping enterprises deploy and scale their most demanding workloads.”
“As AI adoption accelerates globally, Asia Pacific is emerging as the epicenter of global digital transformation. This certification strengthens our AI-ready footprint in Japan and across the region, underscoring our commitment to building resilient, low-carbon infrastructure that supports customers’ high performance computing needs and regional sustainability goals,” said Serene Nah, Managing Director and Head of Asia Pacific, Digital Realty.
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 50+ metros across 25+ 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.
For Additional Information
Media Contacts
Joyce Ng
Digital Realty
jong@digitalrealty.com
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 collaborations and expected benefits, developing technologies, artificial intelligence, industry standards, 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/f8b9e3b2-9ba0-4ea1-893f-18e768ed00b1
SOURCE: Digital Realty Trust, L.P.
--BERNAMA
SINGAPORE, Feb 9 (Bernama-GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Digital Realty (NYSE: DLR), the largest global provider of cloud- and carrier-neutral data center, colocation, and interconnection solutions, today announced that its upcoming NRT14 data center in the Greater Tokyo area will be one of the first facilities in Japan to achieve the DGX-Ready Data Center certification. The milestone reinforces Digital Realty’s role as a strategic AI infrastructure partner for organizations scaling next-generation, high-density workloads across the region.
Digital Realty’s NRT14 is certified as part of the NVIDIA DGX-Ready Data Center program to host NVIDIA DGX GB200 infrastructure and other similar NVIDIA GB200 NVL72-based systems powered by the NVIDIA Grace Blackwell architecture. Customers will be able to run next-generation AI workloads with greater speed and efficiency by hosting NVIDIA Blackwell GPUs.
As a result, enterprises will be able to achieve faster time-to-insight, and reduced operational costs, while improving performance for demanding AI and analytics workloads.
Achieved by MC Digital Realty, Digital Realty’s 50/50 joint venture in Japan with Mitsubishi Corporation, the certification confirms that NRT14 has met NVIDIA certification criteria. Specifically, the ability to run high-density AI workloads of 100 kW or more per rack, supporting greater performance and efficiency. According to NVIDIA, liquid-cooled Blackwell architectures can deliver up to 25 times greater energy efficiency than traditional air-cooled systems.
This latest milestone expands Digital Realty’s collaboration with NVIDIA, following the recent announcement of the NVIDIA AI Factory Research Center hosted at its Northern Virginia campus. Extending the AI Factory partnership model to Asia Pacific gives NVIDIA and its partners access to scalable, high density AI infrastructure across a globally consistent platform.
Digital Realty now operates certified sites in over 20 countries worldwide, including six across Asia Pacific. In 2023, Digital Realty’s KIX13 facility in Osaka, Japan, was certified as an NVIDIA DGX-Ready Data Center as part of the program.
“Achieving this certification underscores Digital Realty’s ability to deliver liquid cooling for the next generation of AI-ready infrastructure,” said Chris Sharp, Chief Technology Officer, Digital Realty. “This milestone builds on years of work with NVIDIA and reflects our shared commitment to turning AI ambition into operational reality for our customers.”
“Demanding AI reasoning workloads require a new class of high-density, energy-efficient infrastructure to power the global wave of AI-driven transformation,” said Charlie Boyle, Vice President, DGX Systems, NVIDIA. “The certification of Digital Realty's liquid-cooled data center in Japan expands the reach of this foundational infrastructure for the age of AI, helping enterprises deploy and scale their most demanding workloads.”
“As AI adoption accelerates globally, Asia Pacific is emerging as the epicenter of global digital transformation. This certification strengthens our AI-ready footprint in Japan and across the region, underscoring our commitment to building resilient, low-carbon infrastructure that supports customers’ high performance computing needs and regional sustainability goals,” said Serene Nah, Managing Director and Head of Asia Pacific, Digital Realty.
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 50+ metros across 25+ 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.
For Additional Information
Media Contacts
Joyce Ng
Digital Realty
jong@digitalrealty.com
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 collaborations and expected benefits, developing technologies, artificial intelligence, industry standards, 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/f8b9e3b2-9ba0-4ea1-893f-18e768ed00b1
SOURCE: Digital Realty Trust, L.P.
--BERNAMA
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