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The Third Hong Kong Science Fair Gathers Creative Technologies of the Next Generation

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Over 30,000 Participants Attended the Annual I&T Mega Event 

Gold Award-Winning Teams will Embark on a Journey to the International Exhibition of Inventions Geneva to Broaden Their Horizons

HONG KONG, June 11, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — The third Hong Kong Science Fair (‘Science Fair’), organised by the Hong Kong Innovation Foundation (‘HKIF’), was held on June 8 and 9 at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre. The event showcased smart solutions and creative technology projects from 120 teams of local and international primary and secondary school students. Local young talent and experts were also invited to share their accomplishments, demonstrating the prowess of Hong Kong’s new generation of creative technology talent. The two-day signature event attracted more than 30,000 visitors, including parents who brought their children to explore the joy of technology, with games and workshops in interactive zones inspiring an innovative spirit from an early age and promoting the culture of innovation and technology (I&T).

Today’s award presentation ceremony was graced by distinguished guests including Professor Sun Dong, JP, Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry of the HKSAR Government; Mr Zhang Zhihua, Director General of the Youth Department of the Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in the HKSAR; Dr Daryl Ng, SBS, JP, Chairman of the HKIF; Mr David Taji-Farouki, President of the Jury, International Exhibition of Inventions Geneva; and members of the Hong Kong Science Fair judging panel including Mrs Ruth Lau, Supervisor, Li Po Chun United World College of Hong Kong; Professor Anderson Shum, Associate Vice-President (Research and Innovation), The University of Hong Kong; Ir Andrew Young, Associate Director (Innovation) of Sino Group. They have shown their support to the young inventors participating in the event, encouraged them to continue shining in the I&T sectors in Hong Kong and globally, and witnessed the naming of the Gold, Silver, and Bronze award-winning teams across the Primary, Junior Secondary, and Senior Secondary divisions, as well as the ‘Most Popular Award’ voted by the public attendees.

Professor Sun Dong, JP, Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry of the HKSAR Government, said, ‘The country has recently been advocating the development of “new quality productive forces”, while Hong Kong is moving at full steam to develop into an international innovation and technology (I&T) centre to foster high-quality economic development, and that these are centered on the I&T development. One of the eight major strategies set out by the Government in the “Hong Kong Innovation and Technology Development Blueprint” is to promote an I&T culture for all. The popularisation of science helps enhance the overall I&T atmosphere in the community and facilitate the I&T development in the long run. The Hong Kong Science Fair, through the competition format, encourages students to apply science to address real-life challenges with the “innovative” and “people-oriented” approach. The Government has been making substantial effort to promote STEM education, and the promotion by the community is also crucial. Today’s Science Fair serves as a commendable demonstration of how community-driven initiatives can promote the popularisation of science and technology. The enthusiastic participation and vibrant atmosphere onsite indicate the success of this well-received science event.’

To equip the young inventors with global perspectives, HKIF will support the primary and secondary school teams that won Gold Awards at this year’s Science Fair to participate in the global invention event, the ‘International Exhibition of Inventions Geneva’ in Switzerland, where they will have an opportunity to exchange ideas and share their creative concepts with inventors. ‘The International Exhibition of Inventions Geneva is the largest international invention exhibition in the world,’ said Mr David Taji-Farouki, President of the Jury, the International Exhibition of Inventions Geneva, who came to Hong Kong to participate in the Science Fair for the second time. ‘The recently concluded 49th exhibition featured over 1,000 inventions from around 40 countries and regions. I was delighted to see that the gold award-winning primary and secondary school students from last year’s Hong Kong Science Fair brought their exhibits and showcased their confidence and outstanding communication skills when interacting with people from all over the world during the exhibition. Some of their works were also recognised with awards, demonstrating the creativity of the younger generation in Hong Kong and their global perspective on the application of innovative technologies for tomorrow’s world.’

Dr Daryl Ng, SBS, JP, Chairman of the Hong Kong Innovation Foundation, said during his speech, ‘Innovation and technology are key drivers of nation’s prosperity and sustainable development. The Hong Kong Government is committed to working towards establishing Hong Kong as an international hub for innovation and technology. We are delighted that the Science Fair has received widespread support and participation and is able to play a role in inspiring the I&T journey of young innovators. I notice that many parents participated in the event with their children today, aiming to nurture their interest and capability in I&T. I look forward to seeing these young people utilise technology and an innovative mindset to contribute to society in the future, injecting fresh vitality into Hong Kong’s I&T ecosystem.’

The third Hong Kong Science Fair was successfully concluded with the support of Cyberport, Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation, The University of Hong Kong, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, MIT Hong Kong Innovation Node, and over 40 partners from different sectors in society. The Science Fair received around 330 entries from around 1,400 Primary 4 to Secondary 6 students and teachers representing 130 local and international schools, including about 50 schools participating for the first time. The projects covered categories including ‘Smart City & Smart Home’, ‘Medical & Healthcare’, ‘Sustainability’, and ‘Education’. 120 shortlisted teams presented their innovative concepts and development processes at the Science Fair, and the Gold Awards winners are Ng Clan’s Association Tai Pak Memorial School (Project:「掃」書郎), Pui Shing Catholic Secondary School (Project: 除除善友) and TWGHs Li Ka Shing College (Project: 盲人回憶攝錄機) from the Primary, Junior Secondary and Senior Secondary divisions respectively. Singapore International School (Hong Kong) (Project: Smart Anti-Flooding Environment (SAFE)), St. Stephen’s Girls’ College (Project: 智惜冷藏) and St. Paul’s Convent School (Project: Tide) were voted by the on-site public as the winners of the ‘Most Popular Award’.

The Science Fair featured innovative technological advancements from local universities and institutions, allowing young talent to share their passion and experiences. The showcases included the Surface Sampling and Packing System developed by the research team of the Hong Kong Polytechnic University in collaboration with the China Academy of Space Technology for the country’s first lunar sample return mission, ‘Chang’e 5’, and the first sample return mission to the far side of the moon in human history, ‘Chang’e 6’. The latest generation solar electric vehicle models,  SOPHIE 8 and MOBO-II, developed by the Solar Car Team of the Vocational Training Council, and the Marine-cleaning Robot from a local startup, Clearbot, were also exhibited. The event also invited guest speakers from different institutions to share insights on real-world applications of innovative technologies and their development, fostering collaboration between industry, academia, and the public.

The Science Fair also featured six interactive zones to engage families in the exploration of innovative technologies through games and activities, including the most popular ‘Laboratory Series’ workshops. In the ‘Magic Vit-C’ workshop, participants were able to explore the chemical interactions between vitamin C and fresh cut fruits and deepen their understanding of food science; the ‘Sand-sitivity’ workshop offered a creative learning experience by manipulating the texture and colour of sand to stimulate the senses; while in ‘Draw Me to the Stars’, technology was used to transform physical drawings into a virtual imaginary world, bringing a fantastic immersive experience to the Science Fair.

The above press release is published by Ogilvy Public Relations on behalf of Hong Kong Innovation Foundation.

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SOURCE Hong Kong Innovation Foundation

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HelloNation Article Explains Deferred Maintenance, Featuring Commercial Property Management Expert Courtenay Brack

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November 2, 2026

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The article explains why addressing repairs early helps commercial property owners reduce long-term costs and protect property value.

CHARLESTON, S.C., Nov. 2, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — What happens when commercial property owners delay needed repairs? HelloNation answers that question in an article featuring insights from Commercial Property Management Expert Courtenay Brack of Charleston Green Commercial, LLC in Charleston, South Carolina.

The article explains that postponing repairs may appear to reduce expenses in the short term, but deferred maintenance often results in substantially higher costs over time. According to the HelloNation article, delaying repairs can lead to larger construction projects, operational disruptions, and declining property value that consistent upkeep could have avoided.

Commercial buildings depend on numerous systems that are designed to perform reliably for decades when properly maintained. The article notes that roofs, HVAC systems, parking lots, plumbing infrastructure, elevators, and exterior finishes all require routine inspections and scheduled servicing. Small maintenance issues rarely remain isolated when they are left unresolved. Instead, they often spread to surrounding building components, increasing both the complexity and the cost of future repairs.

The HelloNation article highlights roof leaks as one example of how deferred maintenance can escalate. A small leak may initially appear insignificant, but over time it can damage insulation, ceilings, electrical systems, and tenant improvements. Likewise, aging HVAC components that could have been repaired during routine service may eventually fail completely, requiring costly system replacements instead of relatively inexpensive repairs. The article explains that these situations demonstrate why preventive maintenance consistently provides greater value than emergency response.

Commercial Property Management Expert Courtenay Brack’s featured insights also highlight how maintenance affects tenant satisfaction. Businesses rely on safe, comfortable, and dependable spaces to serve customers and operate efficiently. The article explains that recurring equipment failures, poor climate control, water intrusion, or deteriorating common areas can affect tenant confidence and increase the likelihood of lease turnover. Stable occupancy supports reliable income and helps owners avoid the additional costs of vacant space.

Emergency repairs often involve expenses beyond the construction work itself. According to the article, after-hours labor, expedited material delivery, temporary tenant accommodations, and interruptions to business operations all contribute to higher overall costs. The article explains that planning routine maintenance helps commercial property owners avoid many of these unexpected financial burdens while allowing repairs to be completed under more favorable conditions.

The article also discusses the importance of life cycle planning for long-term property performance. Every major building component has an expected service life, and regular condition assessments help owners forecast future replacement needs. Developing reserve funding and budgeting for improvements before systems fail allows owners to spread capital expenses over time instead of responding to emergencies that require immediate funding.

Commercial Property Management Expert Courtenay Brack’s featured article further explains that professional property managers support owners by coordinating inspections, documenting building conditions, prioritizing repairs, and recommending maintenance schedules based on observed performance. This proactive approach gives owners better information for decision-making while helping preserve building systems and manage operating costs more effectively.

The article concludes that building condition also influences insurance considerations, financing opportunities, and marketability. Buyers and lenders often review maintenance history before closing, and well-maintained properties generally perform better operationally with fewer unexpected capital expenses. The article explains that consistent maintenance protects investments by supporting tenant satisfaction, preserving property value, and reducing long-term financial uncertainty for commercial property owners.

Why Delaying Commercial Property Repairs Costs More features insights from Courtenay Brack, a commercial property management expert in Charleston, South Carolina, in HelloNation.

About HelloNation

HelloNation is America’s Good News Network, a premier media platform built on the idea that good news travels faster when real people tell real stories. Through its community-focused publications and innovative “edvertising” approach, HelloNation delivers content that informs, inspires, and spotlights the leaders making a meaningful impact in their communities.

www.hellonation.com

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SOURCE HelloNation

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Drone Nerds Expands Drone Detection Portfolio Through AirSight Partnership

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29 minutes ago

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November 2, 2026

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AirGuard software and compatible detection systems support airspace awareness for public safety agencies, critical infrastructure operators, and enterprise security teams

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla., Nov. 2, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — XTI Aerospace, Inc. (Nasdaq: XTIA) (“XTI Aerospace,” “XTI,” or the “Company”), an aerospace and advanced technology platform and parent company of Drone Nerds, LLC (“Drone Nerds”), a drone solutions platform serving commercial, enterprise, and government customers, today announced a partnership with AirSight, a drone detection and airspace security software solutions provider, to expand Drone Nerds’ drone detection offerings within its enterprise solutions portfolio.

The partnership broadens the options available to customers seeking greater visibility into drone activity around their facilities and operations. AirSight’s solutions combine compatible detection systems with its AirGuard software platform. Intended applications include law enforcement, critical infrastructure, correctional facilities, higher education campuses, and sports and entertainment venues.

AirGuard brings data from compatible detection sensors into a unified interface, providing security teams with real-time alerts and information to assess detected drone activity. Solutions can be configured for individual facilities, campuses, or multiple locations based on customer requirements.

“AirSight strengthens our drone detection portfolio and enhances our ability to serve the security needs of enterprise and government organizations,” said Jeremy Schneiderman, Interim CEO of XTI Aerospace. “This partnership supports our growth strategy by opening doors to new customers and broadening our role across drone operations and airspace security.”

Expanding Security Awareness into the Airspace

AirSight’s approach allows organizations to add drone detection capabilities alongside their existing security infrastructure. Its hardware-agnostic AirGuard platform integrates compatible detection technologies and can support connections with existing security and command systems, subject to technical compatibility.

The partnership will focus on helping customers evaluate their airspace monitoring needs and identify appropriate solutions, including:

Drone Detection and Alerts: Detection of drone activity within system coverage, with real-time notifications to designated security personnel.

Centralized Monitoring: A unified software interface that brings together information from compatible detection sensors.

Scalable Configurations: Solutions tailored to individual sites or multiple locations, with the ability to expand as requirements evolve.

Integration Support: Evaluation of compatible connections with existing security systems to incorporate drone detection information into operational workflows.

Available information and detection performance depend on the selected sensors, drone characteristics, site conditions, and system configuration.

“Drone detection gives security teams an additional layer of awareness beyond their ground-based perimeter,” said Robert Tabbara, CEO and Founder of AirSight. “Working with Drone Nerds allows us to introduce these capabilities to more enterprise and public safety organizations and help them evaluate solutions suited to their facilities, existing systems, and operational priorities.”

Availability

Customers can contact Drone Nerds’ enterprise team to discuss AirSight drone detection solutions, available configurations, and pricing. Drone Nerds’ team will work with AirSight specialists to evaluate customer requirements and discuss deployment options.

For more information, visit enterprise.dronenerds.com.

About XTI Aerospace, Inc.

XTI Aerospace, Inc. (“XTI”) (Nasdaq: XTIA) is focused on building a leading platform for commercial and government drone adoption in the growing unmanned aircraft systems (“UAS”) industry. Through its subsidiary, Drone Nerds, LLC, XTI supports enterprise and government customers in sectors including public safety, agriculture, construction, and energy across the drone program lifecycle, from hardware sourcing and deployment to training, service, repair, and the proprietary Always Flying™ program. Its established U.S. customer base and reputation as a trusted solutions provider position the company as a go-to-market partner for drone manufacturers and software developers seeking to scale in the domestic market.

For more information about XTI, please visit xtiaerospace.com and follow XTI on LinkedIn, Instagram, X, and YouTube.

About Drone Nerds

Drone Nerds, LLC, a subsidiary of XTI Aerospace, Inc. (Nasdaq: XTIA), provides comprehensive drone solutions for enterprise, private and recreational needs. Established in 2014, Drone Nerds focuses on helping customers deploy the right UAS solutions for their unique operational requirements. Through its proprietary Always Flying™ program, Drone Nerds focuses on delivering enhanced reliability and assurance for enterprise implementations across industry verticals, including public safety, government, agriculture, construction, insurance, energy, inspection, and more.

For more information, visit enterprise.dronenerds.com.

About AirSight

AirSight provides drone detection and airspace security software solutions. Its AirGuard platform integrates data from compatible detection sensors to provide real-time alerts and visibility into drone activity. Depending on sensor configuration and available data, the platform can provide drone and pilot location information to help security teams assess activity and inform their response.

For more information, visit airsight.com.

Contacts:

General inquiries:
Email: contact@xtiaerospace.com
Web: https://xtiaerospace.com/contact

Investor Relations:
IR@xtiaerospace.com

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SOURCE XTI Aerospace, Inc.

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The Inner Circle acknowledges Andrea E. Neal as a Pinnacle Professional Member Inner Circle of Excellence

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November 2, 2026

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TITUSVILLE, Fla., Nov. 2, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Prominently featured in The Inner Circle, Andrea E. Neal is acknowledged as a Pinnacle Professional Member Inner Circle of Excellence for her contributions to Reading Education and Literacy Development.

Andrea E. Neal has dedicated her career to helping students overcome reading challenges and achieve academic success through individualized instruction and evidence based literacy interventions. As an intensive reading teacher at Einstein Academy in Cocoa, Florida, she is recognized for her commitment to supporting students with dyslexia, learning disabilities, and other educational needs through targeted reading instruction that builds confidence and long term success.

Since joining Einstein Academy in 2020 and serving as an intensive reading teacher since 2022, Ms. Neal has provided specialized support for students with Individualized Education Programs and 504 plans. Her expertise includes intensive reading instruction, dyslexia support, phonics development, word decoding, and therapeutic literacy interventions designed to meet the unique needs of each student.

Certified in the Lindamood Phoneme Sequencing Program for Reading, Spelling and Speech, Ms. Neal utilizes evidence based strategies and manipulative based activities to strengthen phonemic awareness, decoding skills, and reading comprehension. Through small group instruction, she helps students deepen their understanding of language by exploring idioms, vocabulary, and contextual reading strategies.

Ms. Neal earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Fine and Studio Arts from Linfield University in 2000. She also completed the New World of Work externship program for teachers and paraprofessionals, further enhancing her ability to support student growth and development.

Among her most rewarding accomplishments is helping students achieve significant literacy gains. One notable success involved guiding a ninth grade student from a fourth grade reading level to grade level proficiency while fostering a genuine love of reading. Her dedication has helped countless students overcome barriers and develop the skills necessary for academic achievement.

Beyond the classroom, Ms. Neal remains active in volunteer service through tutoring, soup kitchens, Habitat for Humanity International, and church Bible conferences. She is also honored to have been recognized by Marquis Who’s Who Top Educators for her dedication, achievements, and leadership in reading education.

Ms. Neal credits much of her success to the support of her husband, Troy Neal, and the inspiration she draws from her daughter on the autism spectrum. Their experiences have strengthened her commitment to helping students with diverse learning needs reach their full potential.

Looking ahead, she hopes to expand her impact through programs with increased funding and resources that will allow more students to receive the specialized literacy support they need. Guided by a philosophy centered on individualized instruction and student success, Ms. Neal remains dedicated to helping every learner overcome reading obstacles and thrive academically.

Contact: Katherine Green, 516-825-5634, editorialteam@continentalwhoswho.com

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SOURCE The Inner Circle

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