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The inaugural Asia Photonics Expo Grandly Opened in Singapore

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SINGAPORE, March 6, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Organised by Informa Markets, the inaugural Asia Photonics Expo (APE), is successfully launched at Sands Expo and Convention Centre in Singapore on the opening day. With an exhibition area of 15,000㎡, APE 2024 attracted 350 international exhibitors showcasing a wide range of sectors including optical communication, optics, lasers, infrared, sensing, and displays. It provides a comprehensive platform for business, technology exchange, and networking, enabling industry professionals to engage in meaningful discussions with leading companies and experts. APE 2024 aims to promote in-depth communication and business collaboration between professionals in the photonics ecosystem.

The opening ceremony of APE 2024 attracted numerous distinguished guests and industry professionals. Notable speakers included Mr. Yang Xiancheng, Founder and Executive President of China International Optoelectronic Expo (CIOE), Mr. Sukumar Verma, Managing Director, Informa Markets Singapore, Prof. Tjin Swee Chuan, Chairman of LUX Photonics Consortium, Dr. Prof. Yuhong Bai, Director of Light: Science & Applications, Mr. Perry Shum, President of IEEE Photonics Society, and Mr. Carlos Lee, Director General of European Photonics Industry Consortium.

On behalf of the organiser, Mr. Sukumar Verma shared: “Asia Photonics Expo is reflective not only of the strength of the local industry, but also the interest from international markets to come explore partnership and investment opportunities in Singapore and the wider Southeast Asia region. The trade show is further complemented by a range of industry conferences, academic forums and seminars for knowledge and networking.”

Echoing this, Prof Tjin Swee Chuan, Chairman, LUX Photonics Consortium said:” It is very heartening to have the first trade show for Photonics industry held in Singapore. This is especially significant for LUX Photonics Consortium where we have been focusing our effort to bring together a very engaging networking platform for both research, academia and industry locally to discuss, exchange and collaborate for novel photonics technologies adoption by industry.’

Adding on, Dr. Prof. Yuhong Bai, Director of Light: Science & Applications said: “The Asia Photonics Expo provides exhibition for worldwide optics and photonics enterprises, in particular showcasing the growth of Asian industry. Beyond exhibition, it is also a superior platform for learning, discovering and collaborating.”

Mr. Perry Shum, President of IEEE Photonics Society highlighted the importance of Singapore as a symbol of progress and connectivity: “It is here, in the heart of Asia, where the seeds of the photonics revolution take root and flourish. This expo transcends mere technological showcase; it stands as a crucible for collaboration and a catalyst for transformative innovation.”

Mr. Carlos Lee, Director General of European Photonics Industry Consortium expressed in his speech that: “APE is a comprehensive platform catering to the photonics industry and application fields. I hope APE is able to facilitate global exchange and collaboration in photonics technology, driving progress and innovation in the global photonics industry.”

During the exhibition, APE will also hold a series of site tours for visitors to experience local photonics research and innovation centres. These events provide participants with opportunities to engage and stay updated on the latest trends and market opportunities in the photonics industry.

The success of APE 2024 will further stimulate growth in Asia’s photonics industry and open up new prospects for the future. It breathes new life into the photonics industry, and we eagerly anticipate more innovations and collaborations that will drive the industry towards a brighter future.

For more details about Asia Photonics Expo, visit:  www.asiaphotonicsexpo.com

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/apac/news-releases/the-inaugural-asia-photonics-expo-grandly-opened-in-singapore-302081537.html

SOURCE Asia Photonics Expo (APE) Organizing Committee

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CCTV+: A Civilizational Dialogue Across 5000 Years — Liangzhu and the Origins of World Civilization, a China‑Russia Co‑produced Documentary, Premieres Globally

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BEIJING, Oct. 19, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — On October 18, 2026, the 4th Liangzhu Forum opened in Liangzhu, the sacred site that bears testimony to China’s 5,000‑year‑old civilization. On the same day, Liangzhu and the Origins of World Civilization, a documentary co-produced by Zhejiang Media Group Overseas Center (International Channel) and Russian Digital Television’s “My Planet” Channel, made its global debut. The film launches a cross‑millennia civilizational dialogue through visuals. It airs simultaneously on Zhejiang Media Group Overseas Center (International Channel), its English platform, Russia’s “My Planet” Channel, major global media outlets and the China Blue International Media Matrix.

In December 2025, during the 6th China‑Russia Media Forum in Beijing, the two sides signed a media cooperation agreement for long‑term collaboration in co‑production, promotion and cultural exchanges. This documentary stands as a signature achievement under this cooperation framework.

Shooting for the film began in Hangzhou last April. The joint Sino‑Russian crew visited iconic cultural sites including the Liangzhu Museum, the Archaeological Ruins of Liangzhu Ancient City, and the Grand Canal (Hangzhou Section). Combining on‑site cinematography, expert interviews, and archaeological footage, the film captures exquisite jade artifacts from the Fanshan Royal Cemetery, the grand Mojiaoshan palace foundations and the ancient water‑conservancy systems, showcasing Liangzhu’s city layout, jade craftsmanship, water‑management wisdom and rice‑farming culture.

Adopting two‑way perspectives, the film gathers insights from Chinese and Russian scholars including museum directors and young Sinologists. It helps Russian audiences understand China’s millennia‑long civilization from their own cultural context, and lets the world perceive the profound heritage of Chinese civilization.

As an innovative practice for international cultural communication, this production boosts Liangzhu’s global recognition and serves as a vivid footnote for people‑to‑people exchanges in the new era.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/cctv-a-civilizational-dialogue-across-5000-years—-liangzhu-and-the-origins-of-world-civilization-a-chinarussia-coproduced-documentary-premieres-globally-302912257.html

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SALMON SECURES $140 MILLION (PHP 8.8 BILLION) TO DOUBLE DOWN ON THE GROWTH OPPORTUNITY IN THE PHILIPPINES

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$90 million financing committed by Spice Expeditions, WashU and Moore and $50 million of bond proceeds to fund the scaling of profitable lending and launches of new products

MANILA, Philippines, Oct. 19, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Salmon Group, a technology-driven banking and lending platform in the Philippines, today announces that it secured additional $140 million of financing to continue its growth in the Philippines.

Proceeds from the financing round will fund the scaling of profitable lending (Salmon Credit Line and in-store lending) and nationwide roll-out of new products, including motorcycle and MSME lending.

In less than four years of operations, Salmon has become one of the fastest-growing technology companies in the Philippines, operating through a BSP-licensed bank, Salmon Bank (Rural Bank) and an SEC-licensed financing company, Salmon Finance.  

Today, the companies in Salmon Group serve millions of Filipinos through its Salmon app – one of the highest rated financial services apps in the Philippines with 9 million downloads, 4.8 rating on App Store and Google Play, 99.9% uptime, and dedicated 24/7 customer support.  Through the AI-powered credit engine of Salmon Finance, the group’s financing arm, Salmon is able to serve customers with limited credit history and provide credit decisions within minutes.

“Everyday financial services come with unnecessary friction for many Filipinos.  We’re removing these barriers and building innovative products with the reliability and security customers expect in today’s world,” said Pavel Fedorov, co-founder of Salmon. “We are doubling down on the opportunity in the Philippines as we believe deeply in its scale and in the importance of focus to deliver a differentiated execution.  This financing lets us do more: extend banking and credit access to more Filipinos, roll out new products, and keep raising the bar for the financial services industry in the country. We are grateful to our existing investors for backing the next stage of our mission.”

ABOUT SALMON

Salmon Group is a technology-driven financial services holding company building a banking and lending platform across Southeast Asia, starting with the Philippines. The Group operates a BSP-licensed bank, Salmon Bank (Rural Bank) Inc.; an SEC-licensed financing company, Salmon Finance Inc.; and a growing suite of financial products – all delivered through the Salmon app, a modern money app built for everyday Filipinos. Founded in July 2022 by banking and technology veterans Pavel Fedorov, George Chesakov, and Raffy Montemayor, Salmon is backed by leading US venture investors, IFC (World Bank Group), ADQ/Lunate, Antler as well as prominent Filipino investors. The Salmon app is rated 4.8 in both the App Store and Google Play, one of the highest ratings for a financial services app in the Philippines.

 

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/salmon-secures-140-million-php-8-8-billion-to-double-down-on-the-growth-opportunity-in-the-philippines-302912259.html

SOURCE Salmon Group

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Trend Micro Announces Up to ¥10 Billion toward Cyber Resilience Initiative to Strengthen Security for Japanese Organizations in the AI Era

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Initiative supports nationwide modernization of security measures for individuals and small and medium-sized enterprises, with additional access to TrendAI Vision One™ AI security capabilities and expert technical support provided through partners.

TOKYO, Oct. 19, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Trend Micro Incorporated (TSE: 4704) today announced plans for the Japan Cyber Resilience Initiative, a major national effort to help Japanese organizations strengthen their cybersecurity, reduce critical exposures and modernize their defenses for the AI era. This initiative is designed to support not only organizations but also individuals.

Japan’s cybersecurity challenge is escalating rapidly. According to threat research from TrendAI™, the global AI security leader and enterprise business unit of Trend Micro, 607 publicly disclosed cybersecurity incidents were recorded during the first nine months of 2026, already exceeding the 594 reported throughout all of 2025*. Furthermore, the growing number of personal data breaches at organizations has exposed sensitive information on a large scale, creating cyber risks not only for enterprises but also for individuals and Japanese society as a whole.

*Cybersecurity incident figures are tallies as of October 9, 2026. Figures may change due to factors such as incidents that are later disclosed retroactively and additional cases being added.

Yet as attacks grow in volume and sophistication, many organizations remain unprepared for the next generation of threats. The growing threat extends beyond large enterprises and critical infrastructure to smaller businesses, suppliers and service providers that form the foundation of Japan’s economy.

The program is designed to serve organizations and individuals across Japan, with an initial emphasis on critical infrastructure, major enterprises and the smaller businesses essential to their supply chains. Support will be provided in phases, tailored to organizational needs, eligibility and available resources.

Trend Micro will work closely with its extensive network of channel partners, systems integrators and managed service providers across Japan to extend the initiative’s reach. Eligible organizations will receive up to 10 days of professional services free of charge*, delivered through partners to help them access the right cybersecurity expertise and support.

*For details, including requirements for use, please contact us.

Through its enterprise cybersecurity business, TrendAI™, the company proposes to make available up to ¥10 billion in TrendAI Flex licensing credits to help eligible organizations modernize their security environments with TrendAI Vision One™. The initiative also includes plans to mobilize forward-deployed engineers (FDEs) and provide access to managed detection and response (MDR) expertise.

A national challenge demands a national commitment

Japan’s senior political leaders have characterized the situation as a cybersecurity emergency.

As a global cybersecurity company headquartered in Japan, Trend Micro has spent decades protecting Japanese businesses while investing extensively in global threat research, vulnerability discovery, threat intelligence and incident response.

“Japan is our home. When the organizations and individuals that power our economy, our infrastructure and our communities face an escalating cybersecurity challenge, we have a responsibility to step forward.  No organization should have to face this challenge alone. We are bringing together our technology, our people and our global security expertise to help Japan strengthen its defenses today and prepare for a future in which cyber threats will move faster than ever.” said Eva Chen, Trend Micro CEO.

The Japan Cyber Resilience Initiative will provide the following six forms of support to organizations and individuals.

<For organizations>

1. Up to ¥10 billion to accelerate cybersecurity modernization

Trend Micro proposes an aggregate allocation of up to ¥10 billion in TrendAI Flex licensing credits to help eligible organizations adopt and expand protection through the TrendAI Vision One™ platform designed to help customers modernize their existing security environments, strengthen protection across critical systems. Through TrendAI Flex Unlimited, customers will also be able to access additional TrendAI Vision One™ capabilities, including AI security innovations.

The initiative will also help existing customers, working with their trusted channel partners where appropriate, build on their current security investments and transition toward modern, AI-era defenses without unnecessarily disrupting established protection.

The proposed allocation represents licensing credits, not a cash grant. The initiative will be introduced in phases, with detailed eligibility criteria, credit allocation and redemption terms, partner participation options, and service availability to be communicated as the program is rolled out.

2. Forward-deployed engineers to turn technology into stronger defenses

Recognizing that cybersecurity modernization requires more than technology alone, TrendAI™ plans to mobilize forward-deployed engineers (FDEs) and technical specialists to work directly with participating organizations.

These specialists will work alongside participating organizations and their existing partners, where appropriate, to assess critical exposures, identify security gaps, prioritize risk reduction and accelerate the deployment of modern security capabilities.

FDE engagements will initially prioritize organizations whose security is particularly important to national infrastructure, economic activity and interconnected supply chains. For smaller organizations, Trend Micro intends to work through appropriate delivery models and its partner ecosystem to help extend the initiative’s reach.

3. Expert-led detection, response and operational resilience

Through TrendAI™’s MDR capabilities and security expertise, eligible organizations will be able to explore additional support for continuous threat monitoring, incident investigation and response.

The initiative aims to help organizations move beyond isolated security controls toward a coordinated approach that connects exposure management, threat detection, incident response and proactive risk reduction.

Trend Micro also protects more than 10 million consumers across Japan through its TrendLife™ business unit. Through local partners and a network of managed service provider (MSP) partners serving over 230,000 small and medium-sized businesses, we also help protect close to 2 million business devices. Building on this foundation, we will continue to help strengthen security for consumers and small businesses alike.

<For smaller organizations>

4. 60-day free trial of Worry-Free Business Security Services provided (TBD)

Small and medium-sized businesses play a vital role in supply chains, and strengthening their security is increasingly urgent. For these customers, a 60-day free trial of Worry-Free Business Security Services will be provided. In addition, TrendLife™ is considering new support for the Worry-Free series together with its channel partners. Further details will be announced as they are finalized.

Note: The free trial is available only to new customers in Japan and must be started by December 31, 2026.

5. Exploring AI-Powered Scam Protection to Strengthen Digital Trust on LINE

As small businesses increasingly rely on LINE Official Accounts (LINE OA) to engage with customers, everyday interactions may also expose them to scams disguised as customer inquiries, suspicious links, or fraudulent requests.

TrendLife™ is advancing API integrations with providers of LINE-related services, enabling AI-powered scam detection capabilities to be seamlessly embedded into customer touchpoints and helping strengthen protection for both businesses and their customers. We are currently working with partners, including Crescendo Lab, one of Asia’s leading LINE CRM providers, and are in the final stages of preparation for commercial deployment by the end of the year.

<For consumers>

6. 90 days of Trend Micro ScamCheck provided free of charge

TrendLife™ will provide 90 days of complimentary access to Trend Micro ScamCheck, our mobile scam protection app. In the event that leaked personal information is misused in phone, email, or other scam attempts, Trend Micro ScamCheck helps protect users from potential scams.

The benefit will be provided through the following channels:

TrendLife Online Store: Customers who purchase through the site below will have their subscription extended by 90 days.
https://shop.trendlife.com/ja-jp/products/scam-buster.aspApp stores: Please follow the instructions on the page below.
https://trendlife.com/ja-jp/blog/news-tmsc-3-month-free-trial/

Note: In all cases, customers must start using the service by December 31, 2026.
This offer is available only to customers in Japan.

A lasting commitment to Japan’s cyber resilience

Trend Micro will work with customers and partners to translate this initiative into measurable improvements in cybersecurity, with plans to track participation, modernization progress and defensive outcomes.

Organizations and partners interested in participating can contact their Trend Micro representative or visit the to register their interest and receive updates as program details and participation opportunities become available. For individual customers, please contact us through TrendLife™ website.

About Trend Micro

Trend Micro Incorporated is a Japan-headquartered global cybersecurity company dedicated to protecting the digital world. Drawing on decades of security expertise, worldwide threat intelligence and cybersecurity innovation, the company helps organizations and individuals protect their digital environments and build resilience against evolving cyber threats.

For more information, visit trendmicro.com or TrendLife™ (Japanese).

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/trend-micro-announces-up-to-10-billion-toward-cyber-resilience-initiative-to-strengthen-security-for-japanese-organizations-in-the-ai-era-302912143.html

SOURCE Trend Micro Incorporated

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