FEATURED NEWS
- August 4, 2026Technology
LvlUp Ventures' MENA hub backs first 50 companies and draws 500+ applications in first three months
LvlUp Ventures’ MENA Global Investment Hub has backed its first 50 companies across the region and reviewed more than 500 startup applications during its first three months, marking strong early momentum toward its goal of backing 250 companies across MENA over the next 12 months. Launched in Dubai earlier this year, the hub serves as LvlUp Ventures’ regional platform for investing in and supporting high-potential founders across the Middle East and North Africa. Since launch, LvlUp has continued building a growing network of regional ecosystem partners and plans to expand its presence into Saudi Arabia and Qatar. The hub is part of LvlUp Ventures, a globally ranked venture capital firm recognized by PitchBook as the world’s #7 most active venture capital firm and #2 most active early-stage investor, with more than 1,000 companies across its portfolio and programs. Applications received to date have spanned sectors including fintech, artificial intelligence, B2B software, e-commerce, and consumer technology, reflecting the breadth and growing sophistication of the region’s startup ecosystem. LvlUp currently has more than 80 additional companies in its active due diligence pipeline. Its most recent regional investment is Gameball, an AI-native customer loyalty platform serving MENA’s rapidly growing e-commerce market. LvlUp participated in the company’s Pre-Series A round. Beyond investment activity, LvlUp has expanded its on-the-ground founder programming through the LvlUp Labs MENA event series, connecting founders with operators, mentors, corporate partners, and investors who can support their next stage of growth. “More than 500 applications and our first 50 companies backed within three months demonstrate both the strength of MENA’s founder ecosystem and the demand for a deeply engaged investment platform in the region,” said Aaron Golbin, General Partner at LvlUp Ventures. “Our focus is not simply on deploying capital. It is on building long-term infrastructure around founders, bringing more global investors and partners into the ecosystem, and helping the region’s most ambitious companies scale internationally. We are still at the very beginning.” LvlUp Ventures is inviting founders building across MENA to apply to the Global Investment Hub. The firm continues to expand its ecosystem partners including corporations, family offices, and institutional investors interested in supporting the region’s next generation of category-defining companies. About LvlUp Ventures LvlUp Ventures is a globally ranked venture capital firm, PitchBook’s #7 most active VC globally and #2 most active early-stage investors worldwide, with more than 1,000 backed portfolio companies. The LvlUp MENA Global Investment Hub launched in Dubai in 2026 with a mandate to back 250 companies across the region. Media Contact Aaron Golbin, GP, LvlUp Ventures and Sanjana Raheja, Associate MENA Partner, LvlUp Ventures [ [email protected] , [email protected] ]
- August 4, 2026Business
National TV Network Launches Microcap Minute, a New On-Air Segment Giving Small-Cap Companies a Voice
Microcap Minute, a new twice-weekly national TV segment, was launched today, built around the idea that the small and microcap companies that make up the majority of the public markets deserve a place in the capital markets conversation. The segment will be hosted by Seth Farbman, Chairman and Founder of Vstock Transfer , a New York-based SEC-registered stock transfer agent. Microcap Minute is produced in partnership with Pathos Communications plc (LON: NEWS), the technology-enabled, human-led public relations company known for connecting SMBs and growth-stage businesses with established media. Each installment runs up to ninety seconds and features a direct, unscripted conversation with the CEO of a single small or microcap public company. “While many investors want to follow the next SpaceX, there is an entire universe of smaller public companies doing real work, building real products, and trying to get noticed. Most of the country never hears from them,” says Farbman. “I have spent twenty-five years inside the microcap and small-cap world, in a number of different seats, and I have watched too many good companies go unnoticed simply because nobody gave them a minute to tell their story on a national stage. That is what Microcap Minute is for. It is a chance for investors to find these companies, and to ride the journey as it unfolds." Farbman has spent his career inside the microcap and small-cap capital markets ecosystem, most recently as Chairman and Founder of Vstock Transfer, and has produced and hosted the podcast Startup to Stock Exchange, featuring conversations with more than one hundred public company executives and capital markets professionals. Microcap Minute extends that work to national television. “Access to media has always favored the companies that can afford it, not necessarily the ones with the best story to tell,” says Omar Hamdi, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Pathos Communications. “Microcap Minute is a natural extension of what we set out to do at Pathos: give growing companies a real platform, on a channel investors already trust, instead of leaving them to compete for attention against businesses many times their size. We are proud to support Seth in building something the smaller end of the public markets has needed for a long time.” Companies interested in appearing on the segment can inquire through Vstock Transfer or Seth Farbman. About Vstock Transfer Vstock Transfer is a premier, SEC-registered stock transfer agent and trusted industry leader serving a global network of private issuers, IPOs, and public companies listed on OTC Markets, NYSE AMEX, and NASDAQ. Their comprehensive suite of professional services expertly spans everything from capitalization table management, DWAC/DTC eligibility, and standard stock transfers to executing complex corporate actions, annual meetings, proxy services, and IPO and SPAC transactions. About Pathos Communications plc Pathos Communications plc (LON: NEWS) is a technology-enabled, human-led public relations company that connects small and medium-sized enterprises with established news publications, digital platforms, and podcast and television channels. Pathos operates on a pay-on-results model and is supported by its proprietary technologies, PathosMind and Pressella. The company has been recognized in the Financial Times 1000 and the Deloitte UK Technology Fast 50 as one of the fastest-growing businesses in the UK and Europe.
- August 3, 2026Education
BrainFirst Institute Launches Neuroconstructionist Coaching as a New Neuroscience-Based Coaching Methodology
BrainFirst Institute Introduces a New Approach to Coaching BrainFirst Institute, an internationally recognized education and training organization, has announced the launch of Neuroconstructionist Coaching (NCC), a pioneering coaching methodology created by neuroscientist Ramon David. Combining the latest advances in neuroscience with practical coaching techniques, NCC represents a significant step forward in coaching, leadership development, and human performance. Rather than concentrating primarily on behavioral change or mindset adjustments, NCC focuses on the deeper neurological processes that shape psychological experience. This approach enables individuals to create more meaningful and sustainable transformation in areas such as emotional well-being, decision-making, leadership, and overall performance. As scientific understanding of how the brain constructs psychological experience continues to expand, BrainFirst Institute is positioning itself at the forefront of neuroscience-driven personal development. With students and clients in more than 70 countries, the Institute continues to advance the practical application of modern neuroscience to human growth. Neuroconstructionist Coaching: A Science-Based Framework At the heart of Neuroconstructionist Coaching is the science of predictive processing and psychological construction theory. Ramon David's work challenges traditional psychological assumptions that emotions, thoughts, and behaviors are fixed traits or simple reactions to external events. Instead, NCC presents a dynamic model in which the brain continuously predicts and constructs psychological experiences using prior knowledge and learned patterns. This framework marks a fundamental shift from conventional coaching by proposing that lasting transformation is achieved not through willpower or habit formation alone, but by updating the brain's generative models, the internal frameworks that shape perception, behavior, and decision-making. By working directly with these foundational models, individuals can create deeper and more enduring change. NCC draws upon research from leading neuroscientists, including Lisa Feldman Barrett, Karl Friston, Andy Clark, and Lawrence Barsalou. Ramon David has translated these scientific principles into a coaching methodology that is both academically grounded and practical for coaches, leaders, and individuals seeking meaningful personal growth. A Practical Model for Lasting Transformation While many coaching methodologies emphasize behavioral modification or mindset shifts, NCC goes further by addressing the brain's predictive processes and the generative models that influence psychological experience. This creates the opportunity for second-order change, involving a deeper restructuring of the cognitive and emotional patterns that guide behavior and decision-making. Using NCC, coaches help clients identify and reshape the mental frameworks that may be limiting their growth, encouraging more adaptive and flexible ways of thinking. For example, rather than viewing resilience as an innate characteristic, NCC frames resilience as a psychological construct that can evolve by changing the brain's predictions about stress and coping. The result extends beyond behavioral improvement to a broader reorganization of the mental models that influence everyday experiences. This allows individuals to address challenges such as low confidence, emotional regulation, and unproductive habits by revising the predictive patterns that contribute to them. Connecting Neuroscience with Everyday Practice BrainFirst Institute is committed to making neuroscience both understandable and applicable in real-world settings. Through AI-powered tools such as the Neural Intelligent Transformation Assistant (NITA), the Institute provides coaches and individuals with scalable access to the principles of Neuroconstructionist Coaching. These technologies help users integrate neuroscience-based coaching methods into daily practice, making current scientific knowledge accessible and actionable within coaching, leadership, and personal development environments. BrainFirst's Neuroconstructionist Coaching certifications are internationally accredited, equipping professionals with the knowledge and credentials to apply the methodology across leadership, education, coaching, and therapy-adjacent settings. Ramon David's Journey from Research to Innovation The development of Neuroconstructionist Coaching grew from Ramon David's commitment to understanding human potential and addressing the limitations of conventional psychological approaches. After observing many individuals struggle to achieve lasting change through traditional methods, he sought to develop a framework that addressed the underlying mechanisms responsible for persistent psychological patterns. Drawing on his background in neuroscience, Ramon created a methodology that recognizes the brain as a dynamic predictive system. His work enables coaches and individuals to better understand how personal realities are constructed and provides practical methods for revising those internal models to support meaningful transformation. "My work is about helping people understand that change is not about willpower or forcing yourself to behave differently," says Ramon David. "Transformation is about working with the brain's predictive process and revising the internal models that shape your experience of the world. Once you do that, everything becomes coachable." Shaping the Future of Coaching With its scientific foundation and practical application, Neuroconstructionist Coaching introduces a new direction for coaching and personal development. As BrainFirst Institute continues expanding its educational programs and AI-powered technologies, it aims to further advance neuroscience-informed coaching on a global scale. By moving beyond traditional psychological assumptions, NCC offers an approach centered on deeper, more sustainable transformation through evidence-informed methods that bridge scientific research with practical coaching applications. About BrainFirst Institute BrainFirst Institute is a global education and training organization specializing in neuroscience-based coaching. Founded by neuroscientist Ramon David, the Institute translates research in predictive processing and psychological construction theory into practical coaching methodologies that support meaningful personal and professional growth. Through internationally accredited certifications, educational programs, and AI-powered tools, BrainFirst Institute provides coaches, leaders, and individuals worldwide with accessible neuroscience-based resources designed to facilitate lasting transformation. To learn more, visit BrainFirst Institute , email [email protected] , or connect with founder Ramon David on LinkedIn and Instagram for the latest educational resources, insights, and updates.
- August 2, 2026Education
Kennedy University Secures IKCA Accreditation to Enhance International Workforce Utility
PARIS, France, August 1, 2026 — Kennedy University secured accreditation from the Independent Kazakhstan Center of Accreditation (IKCA), a Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA)-listed international accreditor (CHEA is the primary U.S. body that recognizes international accreditors), for its Doctor of Professional Studies program. The development reinforces cross-border credential recognition and professional mobility for its graduates. The agency holds formal recognition from the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Republic of Kazakhstan, an EAEU founding member state. Furthermore, IKCA maintains Full Membership in the International Network for Quality Assurance Agencies in Higher Education, functions as an Affiliate Member of the European Association for Quality Assurance in Higher Education, serves as a Full Member of the Central and Eastern European Network of Quality Assurance Agencies in Higher Education, and is registered in Kazakhstan's National Register of Recognized Accreditation Bodies. These credentials provide employers with a transparent basis for evaluating academic records. "A connected quality-assurance framework helps employers verify credentials faster and with more confidence, which can improve graduate mobility across markets," said David Sterling, senior credentialing analyst at Sterling Academic Advisory. He added that consistent documentation gives third-party reviewers a firmer basis for evaluating academic records. Kennedy University also maintains Accreditation by the Association of the Universities of Asia and the Pacific (AUAP), a Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA)-listed accreditor, alongside Approved Membership in the Americas Accreditation Council (AAC, formerly Accreditation Agency Curaçao), a Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA)-listed accreditor. Together, AUAP accreditation and its AAC standing broaden the institution's documentation footprint across the Asia-Pacific and the Americas. In Europe, the university holds Approved Membership in the European Council of Leading Business Schools (ECLBS), a Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA)-listed accreditor, and is listed on the French Ministry of Education's web portal as an online educational institution authorized to confer private institutional degrees. The ECLBS Approved Membership and French Ministry of Education web portal listing support documented European visibility. Across Africa, the institution holds Authorization — granting the authority to confer bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees and recognition as a legitimate institution of higher education — by the Ministry of Higher Education, Galmudug State, Somalia, and the Ministry of Higher Education, Hirshabelle State, Somalia, alongside Institutional Accreditation by the Ministry of Higher Education, Galmudug State, Somalia. Those recognitions broaden Kennedy University's academic record. The organizations that have recognized Kennedy University operate within quality assurance frameworks acknowledged by traditional accrediting bodies, regional agencies, and governments worldwide. Consequently, the institution's accreditations align with mainstream regional standards and carry acceptance across major governments and authoritative academic bodies. About Kennedy University: Kennedy University is an international higher education institution headquartered in Paris, France, offering programs across multiple regions. Its model emphasizes flexible access, documented quality assurance, and cross-border learning. More information is available at Kennedy University and Kennedy University of Baptist .
- August 2, 2026Business
SEAMEO 60th Anniversary Forum Held in Guiyang to Advance Regional Education Cooperation
The SEAMEO 60th Anniversary Forum was successfully held on July 30 in Guiyang, China. Hosted by the Southeast Asian Ministers of Education Organization Secretariat (SEAMEO Secretariat), co-organized by Go Study Global Education, and Supported by Guizhou Polytechnic of Construction, the forum was themed “Shaping Education Development and Deepening ASEAN-China Partnerships.” The forum reviewed SEAMEO’s 60-year journey in advancing regional education cooperation and facilitated discussions on key areas including inclusive education, digital transformation, and regional collaboration. At the opening session, Mr. BAI Zhen, Deputy Director-General of the Department of Education of Guizhou Province, delivered welcome remarks, highlighting the importance of leveraging digital transformation to advance smart education, talent development, and regional cooperation. Datuk Dr. Habibah Abdul Rahim, Director of SEAMEO Secretariat, delivered a keynote speech, reviewing SEAMEO’s six-decade journey in regional education cooperation and emphasizing the need to strengthen collaboration in teacher development, research cooperation, and digital education innovation. During the thematic session on “Inclusive Foundations: Strengthening Foundational Learning in Southeast Asia,” experts shared regional experiences in promoting educational equity and technology-enabled learning. Mr. Alejandro Sinon Ibañez, SEA-PLM Programme Manager of SEAMEO Secretariat, introduced approaches to strengthening foundational learning and supporting out-of-school children and youth. Mr. John Carlo Pineda Fernando, Learning Innovation and Information Specialist of SEAMEO Secretariat, shared insights into integrating teacher development with educational technology. The forum also featured a dialogue session on “Strengthening ASEAN-China Collaboration” Datuk Dr. Habibah Abdul Rahim, Director of SEAMEO Secretariat; Ms. LIU Xiao, Deputy Director of Education, Culture and Tourism Division of ASEAN-China Centre; and Ms. QIN Ziyan, representative of Go Study Global Education, exchanged views on new opportunities for regional education cooperation. Participants highlighted the importance of strengthening collaboration in resources, talent development, digital education, and industry-education integration. In addition, Mr. YU Qi, representative of Go Study Global Education, shared insights on “SEAMEO Social Media Promotion,” introducing practices in localizing international organization communications and emphasizing the importance of standardized content management in enhancing the accuracy and credibility of education cooperation information. Marking SEAMEO’s 60-year journey in regional education development, the forum provided a platform for dialogue, exchange, and collaboration, further promoting practical cooperation between China and ASEAN in education.
- August 2, 2026Business
SEAMEO TED Cooperation Forum Held in Guiyang to Advance Regional Technical Education Collaboration
The Southeast Asian Ministers of Education Organization Regional Centre for Technical Education Development (SEAMEO TED) Cooperation Forum was successfully held on July 30 in Guiyang, China. Hosted by SEAMEO TED, co-organized by Go Study Global Education, and Supported by Guizhou Polytechnic of Construction, the forum was themed “Sharing Achievements in Technical Education Cooperation and Advancing Regional Collaboration.” The forum brought together more than 100 representatives from education authorities, industry organizations, and vocational institutions from China and ASEAN countries to share experiences and explore new approaches for technical education cooperation. At the opening session, Mr. Hadi Tjahjono, Director of Education, Culture and Tourism Division of the ASEAN-China Centre; Mr. CHEN Wenyi, Director of the Secretariat Office of the Organizing Committee of China-ASEAN Education Cooperation Week; and Ms. ZHENG Limei, Centre Director of Education Development Center of Machinery Industry, delivered remarks. The speakers shared perspectives on China-ASEAN technical education cooperation, digital vocational education development, and skills training, emphasizing the importance of resource sharing and industry-education integration. Dr. Songheang Ai, Director of SEAMEO TED, released the 2025 China-SEA Technical Education Cooperation Report, presenting recent practices and outcomes of technical education cooperation between China and Southeast Asian countries. The forum also featured international cooperation case sharing, with representatives from vocational institutions sharing experiences in international vocational education development, industry-education integration, and digital-enabled talent cultivation. The ASEAN-China Smart Education Institute in Colorful Guizhou showcased its experience in digital platform development and smart education resource sharing, promoting connectivity among education resources. During the forum, several key cooperation initiatives were launched, including the Memorandum of Agreement Signing Ceremony between SEAMEO TED and Education Development Center of Machinery Industry, the China–ASEAN Technical Education Cooperation Platform (CATECP) 2025 Partnership Appreciation Ceremony, and the official designation of the China-ASEAN Industry-Education Integration “Core” Initiative and the China-ASEAN 2030 TVET Flagship Courses Sharing Initiative. The forum highlighted recent achievements in China-ASEAN technical education cooperation and provided a platform for further exchange and collaboration in education resource sharing, talent development, and industry-education integration.
- August 2, 2026Technology
VdoCipher Launches Free Video Compressor for Large Video Files upto 10 GB
VdoCipher today announced the launch of a free video compressor designed to help users reduce the size of MP4, MOV, MKV, and WebM files directly within their web browser. The tool supports large videos, including files of 1GB, 2GB, 10GB, and beyond, without requiring an account, software installation, or server upload. The new tool addresses a common challenge faced by educators, video creators, businesses, and digital teams working with large video files. High-resolution recordings, webinars, lectures, screen captures, and product demonstrations can consume significant storage space and take considerable time to upload or share. VdoCipher’s free video compressor allows users to create smaller and more manageable video files while selecting the level of quality they want to preserve. Users can begin by choosing or dragging a video file into the browser. They can then select one of three compression presets: High, Medium, or Low. The High setting applies lighter compression while preserving more visual detail. The Medium setting balances file-size reduction with video quality, while the Low setting applies stronger compression to produce a smaller output file. Unlike conventional online compression tools that require users to upload videos to a remote server, the VdoCipher tool performs all processing locally on the user’s device. The selected video is not uploaded, transmitted, or stored on VdoCipher’s infrastructure. This local-processing architecture is intended to provide greater privacy for users working with personal recordings, internal company videos, educational content, or other sensitive material. The tool uses the device’s built-in video encoding capabilities to accelerate compression. Because processing starts locally, users do not need to wait for a server upload or enter a processing queue. Once the webpage has loaded, the compressor can also continue working without an active internet connection. VdoCipher states that the free video compressor can typically reduce video file size by approximately 50% to 90%, depending on the source file, selected preset, video resolution, bitrate, frame rate, and content complexity. Videos containing fast movement or detailed visuals may require higher quality settings, while presentations, lectures, and relatively static recordings may achieve stronger compression without a major visible reduction in clarity. The compressor accepts commonly used video containers, including MP4, MOV, MKV, and WebM. Compressed files are exported as MP4 using H.264 video encoding to provide broad compatibility across browsers, mobile devices, media players, learning platforms, and content-management systems. Support for large files is another central feature of the launch. Because the video is not uploaded to a server, the tool does not impose a conventional server-side file limit. Users can therefore compress a 1GB video online free, process 2GB recordings, or work with considerably larger files when sufficient device memory and processing capacity are available. The tool is compatible with recent versions of major Chromium-based browsers and modern Safari releases. Actual support may depend on whether the browser can decode the source video and audio formats. Most files using widely adopted formats such as H.264, HEVC, VP9, AV1, AAC, or Opus can be processed, although files created using unusual or unsupported codecs may require conversion before compression. VdoCipher positions the tool as useful for multiple workflows. Online educators can reduce lecture sizes before uploading them to a learning platform. Marketing teams can optimize webinars and product videos for faster sharing. Businesses can compress internal training recordings, while individual creators can reduce storage requirements for personal and professional video libraries. The company notes that compression should be treated as an optimization step rather than a replacement for professional video delivery infrastructure. Businesses distributing premium or paid content may still require adaptive streaming, DRM encryption, dynamic watermarking, domain restrictions, and secure access controls. VdoCipher provides these capabilities separately for organizations that need protected video hosting and controlled playback. The launch expands VdoCipher’s collection of video-focused tools while giving users a private and accessible method of reducing large file sizes. No registration or payment is required, and the company does not gain access to the videos processed through the compressor. About VdoCipher VdoCipher provides secure video streaming and hosting solutions for online course providers, enterprise learning platforms, and premium video businesses. Its services include DRM encryption, dynamic watermarking, adaptive bitrate streaming, domain restrictions, secure offline downloads, live streaming, playback controls, and video analytics.
- August 2, 2026Business
Geely Auto Group Reports 250,161 Vehicle Sales in July
Geely Automobile Holdings Limited (HK.0175) today reported total sales of 250,161 vehicles in July, marking its fifth consecutive month of both year-on-year and month-on-month growth. Geely Auto Group recorded a total year-on-year sales increase of 5% in the month, with the Geely brand contributing 197,942 units, Lynk & Co 16,382 units, and Zeekr 35,837 units. Combined new energy vehicle (NEV) sales across the three brands reached 160,165 units, representing a year-on-year increase of 23%. The group also maintained its strong momentum globally, with sales outside Mainland China in July reaching a new monthly high of 106,663 vehicles. Exports increased 202% year on year. NEVs exports reached 62,604 units, rising 616% from a year earlier and accounting for 59% of total exports in July. Zeekr continued to strengthen its position as a global premium technology brand, ranking as the leading premium battery electric vehicle brand in both Australia and Malaysia during the first half of the year. The Zeekr 7X led premium vehicle segments across eight countries and markets. The Zeekr 009 also remained the best-selling premium electric MPV in Thailand and the leading battery electric MPV in Malaysia. The Geely EX2 became the best-selling electric vehicle in Thailand and ranked second in Brazil’s electric vehicle market. It also ranked second in overall battery electric vehicle sales in Mexico. Geely Auto Group will establish the "2030 Lab" to strengthen long-term research into technologies that will support its future intelligent mobility strategy. Guided by the group’s Full-Domain AI strategy, the lab will focus on a range of strategic areas, including acoustics, optics, vehicle safety, power semiconductors, digital chassis, embodied intelligence, data science, large language models and AI agents. The initiative is intended to accelerate the development of breakthrough technologies and further strengthen the competitiveness of its intelligent vehicle experience. On the product side, the group will advance the electrification of its internal combustion engine vehicle portfolio through HEV technologies. The group is also preparing to introduce its next-generation methanol hybrid technology, which allows methanol and gasoline to be used in any proportion within a single fuel tank. Two models featuring the methanol hybrid technology are scheduled to launch soon. Geely Auto Group will make its debut at the Paris Motor Show with all three brands, highlighting the group's global brand portfolio, advanced technologies, and continued progress in international expansion. About Geely Auto Group Geely Auto Group is a leading global automotive company headquartered in Hangzhou, China. Part of Zhejiang Geely Holding Group, Geely Auto Group develops and manufactures passenger vehicles under the Geely, Lynk & Co, and Zeekr brands. With a strong focus on technology innovation, electrification, and sustainable mobility, Geely Auto Group operates world-class R&D centers and manufacturing facilities across China, Europe, and key international markets. The Group is committed to delivering safe, high-quality, and intelligent vehicles enabled by advanced technologies such as hybrid powertrains, full-electric architectures, smart connectivity, and autonomous driving systems. As a global company, Geely Auto Group continues to expand its international presence through strategic partnerships, localized operations, and industry-leading platforms. Geely strives to create mobility solutions that are greener, smarter, and more accessible, driving forward the future of sustainable transportation.
- August 1, 2026Select
PLM Expands Automotive Technology Portfolio With Acquisition of MotorTablet and CarTablet
Private Label MFG acquires CarTablet and MotorTablet, expanding its multi-brand automotive portfolio with vehicle technology and infotainment solutions. Private Label MFG (PLM), a leading manufacturer of aftermarket automotive performance parts, today announced the acquisition of CarTablet and MotorTablet , expanding the company’s portfolio into automotive technology and infotainment solutions. CarTablet ProMax. The acquisition represents another milestone in PLM’s long-term strategy of building a diversified automotive enthusiast platform that combines performance, technology, and premium automotive products under complementary brands. Founded in 2005, PLM has earned the trust of enthusiasts worldwide through innovative performance products for Honda, Acura, Toyota, Subaru, BMW, Nissan and other popular vehicle platforms. The addition of CarTablet and MotorTablet expands PLM’s capabilities beyond traditional performance hardware into OEM-style multimedia systems, navigation upgrades, digital displays, and connected vehicle technology. “Automotive enthusiasts expect more than performance alone,” said Frank Wu, Founder and CEO of Private Label MFG. “Today’s vehicles blend performance with technology, and this acquisition allows us to better serve those evolving needs. CarTablet and MotorTablet complement our existing brands while expanding the solutions we can provide to enthusiasts around the world.” CarTablet has become a recognized destination for vehicle-specific infotainment systems, digital dashboards, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto upgrades, navigation systems, and multimedia accessories. MotorTablet extends similar technology solutions into the motorcycle and powersports markets. Both brands will continue operating independently while leveraging PLM’s engineering resources, product development, global sourcing network, fulfillment capabilities, and customer support infrastructure. The acquisition reflects PLM’s ongoing investment in expanding its product portfolio, strengthening customer experience, and positioning the company for continued long-term growth across multiple segments of the automotive aftermarket. In addition to its expanding technology portfolio, PLM continues to invest heavily in new performance platforms, premium product lines, and enthusiast communities, including its recently announced Performance Program for the all-new 2026 Honda Prelude. For more information, visit: Private Label MFG: https://privatelabelmfg.com CarTablet: https://getcartablet.com MotorTablet: https://motortablet.com About Private Label MFG Founded in 2005 and headquartered in South San Francisco, California, Private Label MFG (PLM) designs, manufactures, and distributes aftermarket automotive performance products for enthusiasts worldwide. Through its growing portfolio of enthusiast brands, PLM offers performance exhaust systems, turbo components, suspension products, aerodynamic components, engine mounts, and automotive technology solutions serving customers across North America and international markets. Visit us on social media: LinkedIn Instagram Facebook YouTube TikTok Upgrade Your Vehicle With CarTablet OEM-Style Multimedia Systems: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xAbEsdkuoXQ
- August 1, 2026Business
Jingning She Autonomous County Marks 40th Anniversary with Official Promotional Film
The official promotional film for the 40th anniversary of Jingning She Autonomous County has been officially released, produced by Shanghai Anchao Studio. The five-minute film offers a cinematic portrait of one of China’s most distinctive ethnic regions. Jingning, located in southwestern Zhejiang Province, is China’s only She ethnic autonomous county and the sole ethnic autonomous county in East China. Home to a vibrant She ethnic community alongside Han residents, the county has spent four decades developing a unique model of modernization that preserves its cultural identity while advancing economic growth. “This is a hidden realm, where one listens to the silent mountains amidst ancient peaks and rivers;” this is an earthly paradise, where one feels the warmth of human bonds,” said director Jin Jian. “Beautiful scenery, peaceful people — Jingning is where my heart finds its home.” The film’s release is expected to strengthen Jingning’s international visibility and cross-cultural outreach, presenting the county’s multifaceted development to global audiences as a vivid example of ethnic autonomy in practice. Over the past 40 years, Jingning has made notable progress across agriculture, education, healthcare, sports, and industry. The county leverages its exceptional ecological advantages — with a forest coverage rate exceeding 81% — to cultivate premium agricultural brands. Its education system has earned recognition for quality and equitable development, while healthcare infrastructure has been steadily upgraded through partnerships with major provincial hospitals. The county has also been designated a “Strong Sports County” of Zhejiang Province, actively preserving She ethnic traditional sports as part of its intangible cultural heritage. Industrial output has grown through innovative development models, including the “enclave economy” approach that enables industrial growth beyond traditional geographic constraints. The film also highlights Jingning’s emergence as a tourism destination, with particular emphasis on the Nayun Hot Spring Resort — Sky City on the Cliff , a striking hospitality complex transformed from a disused iron mine. Perched on the cliffs of the former Baoshan Iron Mine site, the resort spans approximately 130,000 square meters and represents an investment of 1.5 billion yuan. Opened in 2022, the property features immersive mine-cave landscapes, a 120-meter-high cliffside infinity pool — the first of its kind in Asia and a comprehensive wellness and cultural experience integrating hot springs, accommodation, dining, and art. The resort has rapidly become a magnet for both domestic and international travelers, offering a new model of destination vacationing that repurposes industrial heritage into luxury tourism. Visitors arrive via scenic cliff trains and explore a landscape where pure-white architecture merges with forested mountains and river valleys. The project exemplifies how a former mining area can be reimagined as an international high-end tourism destination while honoring the region’s She ethnic heritage. Under the framework of national modernization, Jingning demonstrates how a mountainous county can transform natural and cultural resources into sustainable advantages. With pristine air quality, lush forests, and rich biodiversity, the county continues to balance ecological preservation with economic vitality, safeguarding its unique heritage for future generations. The promotional film is now available for international distribution.
- August 1, 2026Travel & Leisure
Fly to the 'Land of Smiles' with AirAsia
Fly direct from Malaysia to Thailand with fares from RM185 all-in one way * Following the recent announcement of the strategic partnership between AirAsia and the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) to boost tourism between the two regions, the airline has launched an exclusive three-day sale for travellers seeking a short getaway to the 'Land of Smiles', with time-limited all-in one way fares from just RM185*. Booking Period: Now until 24 July 2026 Travel Period: From 1 August 2026 to 30 June 2027 Featured Routes: Explore Thailand's vibrant cities, stunning beaches and cultural gems with direct flights: from Kuala Lumpur to Phuket, Bangkok (Don Mueang), Krabi, Chiang Mai and Hat Yai from Penang to Phuket and Bangkok (Don Mueang) from Johor Bahru to Bangkok (Don Mueang) Enhance your travel experience with additional offerings: Flexibility: Enjoy one-time change fee waiver when you need to modify your travel plans, with no processing fee required Convenience: Enjoy greater convenience with 20% off for 20kg checked baggage when you purchase your flights Plan your next adventure with exclusive deals available via the AirAsia MOVE app and airasia.com . More destinations, more savings, more reasons to fly! All-in fares are quoted for one-way travel only, including passenger service charge, regulatory service charges, fuel surcharges and other applicable fees. Applicable to selected routes only. T&C apply. Fare differences may apply. Valid only for purchase during initial flight booking via AirAsia MOVE, subject to availability. For selected routes only. T&C apply.
- August 1, 2026Transportation
Shanghai Xiongda International Logistics Announces Strategic Expansion with New 10,000-Square-Meter Headquarters Facility
Shanghai Xiongda International Logistics Co., Ltd., a leading global freight forwarding and cross-border supply chain solutions provider, today announced the official opening of its upgraded 10,000-square-meter headquarters warehouse in Shanghai. The major facility relocation effectively doubles the company’s total cargo throughput capacity, addressing critical global supply chain bottlenecks and fortifying cross-border trade operations. With nearly two decades of operational experience in international trade, Xiongda International Logistics developed the new mega-facility to mitigate common industry vulnerabilities—most notably warehouse congestion and fulfillment delays experienced during peak shipping cycles. The strategic expansion provides global merchants and e-commerce enterprises with enhanced inventory stability, higher processing speeds, and expanded staging capabilities. Key Operational Enhancements of the New Facility Include: Doubled Cargo Throughput Capacity: Spanning 10,000 square meters, the expanded footprint allows the company to handle high-volume inventory surges without operational backlogs. Segmented Workflow Architecture: The facility features newly optimized, dedicated zones for receiving, vertical storage, pick-and-pack sorting, and outbound freight loading. Advanced Safety & Surveillance Infrastructure: The facility is integrated with 24/7 high-definition monitoring systems alongside commercial-grade fire protection and environmental controls to safeguard inventory integrity. Accelerated Transpacific Freight Processing: Optimized staging protocols streamline cross-border shipping routes, significantly reducing port dwell times for North American destinations. "As cross-border trade continues to expand, merchants require absolute reliability and scalability from their logistics infrastructure," said Li Ma, spokesperson for Shanghai Xiongda International Logistics. "By doubling our warehouse footprint in Shanghai, we have eliminated the space constraints that traditionally create bottlenecks during peak seasons. This investment reflects our commitment to providing our global partners with a seamless, highly secure freight experience." Strengthening Transpacific Trade Routes The opening of the new facility aligns with rising demand for reliable, end-to-end logistics solutions along major ocean and air corridors. The expanded Shanghai headquarters serves as a central hub for cargo consolidation, customs preparation, and freight forwarding, optimizing operations for merchants engaged in shipping from China to USA and other major international destinations. By combining standardized warehouse workflows with advanced inventory tracking, Xiongda International Logistics ensures that goods transition smoothly from factory production directly into global distribution networks. About Shanghai Xiongda International Logistics Co., Ltd. Founded with a commitment to cross-border supply chain excellence, Shanghai Xiongda International Logistics Co., Ltd. provides comprehensive international freight forwarding, customs clearance, and global warehousing services. Backed by nearly 20 years of industry expertise, the company specializes in tailored shipping solutions for e-commerce brands, manufacturers, and international trade enterprises worldwide.
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