Technology

Otipemisiwak Métis Government Celebrates the Opening and Ribbon Cutting of Salay Prayzaan Solar Farm

Published

2 years ago

June 21, 2024

SMOKY LAKE, AB, June 21, 2024 /CNW/ – The Otipemisiwak Métis Government proudly announces the opening celebration and ribbon-cutting ceremony for the Salay Prayzaan Solar Farm, a landmark achievement in sustainable energy and community collaboration. The event took place on June 21, 2024, at Métis Crossing, marking the official commencement of operations for this significant renewable energy project.

Salay Prayzaan, meaning “gift from the sun” in Michif, symbolizes the Métis people’s deep respect and appreciation for nature. The name, selected from more than 90 Citizen recommendations in a social media contest, unveiled at the Otipemisiwak Métis Government’s Annual General Assembly, was put forth by contest winner Sheri Gnadt.

“The name Salay Prayzaan perfectly encapsulates the spirit of the project,” said Andrea Sandmaier, President of the Otipemisiwak Métis Government. “Our Citizens, particularly the youth, are passionate about renewable energy and its role in combating climate change. This project embodies our commitment to sustainability and Métis values.”

This 4.86-megawatt solar farm, situated at Alberta’s premier Métis cultural interpretive destination, Métis Crossing, is a collaborative effort involving the Otipemisiwak Métis Government, the Town of Smoky Lake, Smoky Lake County, and industry partners, including the Métis-owned company Carvel Electric. The solar farm is integral to the Otipemisiwak Métis Government Climate Change Action Plan (CCAP) and is projected to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by approximately 4,700 tonnes of carbon dioxide-equivalent in its first year, providing enough energy to power nearly 1,200 homes. The project was strategically sized to match the electricity load of all Otipemisiwak Métis Government buildings and operations across Alberta.

“We are incredibly proud that Salay Prayzaan is entirely Otipemisiwak Métis Government-owned. It signifies a major advancement in climate action, Métis sovereignty, and self-sufficiency,” said Sandmaier. “Moreover, this project will generate significant economic benefits for the Smoky Lake community through tax revenue, local economic activity, and contributions to a community development fund.”

The solar farm’s construction began in fall 2022 and is now concluded, seamlessly integrating into the ongoing development of Métis Crossing. This project builds on the Otipemisiwak Métis Government’s existing microgeneration solar portfolio, which includes 37 sites across Alberta with a combined capacity of 530-kilowatts direct current, offsetting 300 tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent annually.

“The Salay Prayzaan project showcases our dedication to environmental stewardship and renewable energy innovation,” said Jason Chernow Provincial Secretary of Environment, Climate Change & Emergency Management, for the Otipemisiwak Métis Government. “We are committed to reducing our carbon footprint and promoting sustainable energy solutions that benefit both our community and the planet.”

The Otipemisiwak Métis Government thanks its government partners for their contributions to the project. This project received a $3.9-million investment from the Government of Alberta through the Municipal Climate Change Action Centre (MCCAC) through its Municipal Community Generation Challenge, $8,982,889 from Natural Resources Canada through the Smart Renewables and Electrification Pathways Program, and $220,059 from Environment and Climate Change Canda through the Low Carbon Economy Fund. The MCCAC is a partnership of Alberta Municipalities, Rural Municipalities of Alberta, and the Government of Alberta.

Quotes from our project partners:

“Renewable energy investments represent more than decarbonization — they embody the values of Indigenous Peoples as stewards of the land. Today’s Salay Prayzaan Solar Farm opening builds on the energy leadership of the Métis Nation of Alberta and will lead to more resilient communities.”
The Honourable Randy Boissonnault, Minister of Employment, workforce Development and Official Languages

“The Government of Canada is pleased to have supported the Métis Nation of Alberta’s 4.86-megawatt Salay Prayzaan Solar Farm project. This innovative project is a great example of the economic opportunity of climate action: the solar farm will generate clean power for the Nation and reduce emissions while also creating energy sector jobs and providing economic benefits for Indigenous communities across Alberta. Indigenous leadership in clean energy is critical to Canada’s ambitious climate and economic goals. As we celebrate Nation Indigenous Peoples Day, I want to congratulate the Otipemisiwak Métis Government on this achievement and for its commitment to sustainability for a better future.”
The Honourable Jonathan Wilkinson, Minister of Energy and Natural Resources

“The Otipemisiwak Métis Government is demonstrating strong Indigenous leadership with climate actions that provide clean power, while contributing to growing the economy and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Congratulations to the Otipemisiwak Métis Government for the grand opening of Salay Prayzaan Solar Farm and for helping Canada get to net-zero emissions by 2050.”
The Honourable Steven Guilbeault, Minister of Environment and Climate Change

“Alberta Municipalities is delighted to see this worthwhile renewable energy project receive provincial funding and support. Our association is proud of the MCCAC’s efforts to make the Salay Prayzaan Solar Farm a reality.”
Tyler Gandam, President, Alberta Municipalities

“As partners in the MCCAC, it is great to see funding continue to support economic development and innovation across rural Alberta. The project reflects the powers of collaboration between Métis governments, municipalities, and provincial and federal leaders.”
Paul McLauchlin, President, Rural Municipalities of Alberta

SOURCE Métis Nation of Alberta

Technology

Meridian Singapore Immigration Launches New Website to Simplify the PR Application Journey for Foreigners in Singapore

Published

5 hours ago

April 30, 2026

New online platform provides clear, structured guidance for Employment Pass and S Pass holders navigating Singapore’s residency and Permanent Residency pathways

SINGAPORE, April 30, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Meridian Singapore Immigration Pte. Ltd. has officially launched its new website at meridianimmigration.sg, a resource built specifically for foreigners living and working in Singapore who are exploring Permanent Residency or long-term residency options.

The platform arrives at a time when Singapore’s expatriate and foreign professional community is growing rapidly, yet many EP and S Pass holders report struggling to find clear, reliable information on the PR application process. Singapore’s immigration framework is among the most structured in Southeast Asia, with eligibility criteria, documentation requirements, and submission windows that change frequently. For individuals navigating this process without professional guidance, the stakes are high and the margin for error is narrow.

Meridian’s website was built to address that gap directly. The platform offers detailed explanations of available immigration pathways, structured consultation options, and educational resources developed by the firm’s team of immigration specialists. Rather than presenting a services catalogue, the site walks users through the considerations relevant to their specific situation, whether they hold an Employment Pass, S Pass, or are planning for their family’s long-term residency in Singapore.

“We built this platform because we saw how overwhelming and confusing the immigration process can be for people who genuinely want to build their lives here,” said a spokesperson for Meridian Singapore Immigration. “Our goal is to be the trusted partner that walks them through every step with clarity and integrity.”

Singapore’s continued attractiveness as a regional hub for multinational corporations, financial institutions, and technology firms means the pipeline of foreigners seeking long-term residency options remains substantial. At the same time, the ICA’s PR application framework has grown more nuanced, with factors such as economic contributions, family ties, and community integration weighed during assessment. Applicants who proceed without a clear understanding of these criteria often submit applications that are either premature or structurally incomplete.

Meridian’s approach centres on preparation and transparency, helping applicants understand where they stand before they apply and what supporting documentation strengthens their case.

Meridian Singapore Immigration Pte. Ltd. is a professional immigration consultancy dedicated to guiding individuals and families through Singapore’s immigration process. Specialising in Permanent Residency (PR) applications, residency pathways, and compliance support, Meridian offers clear, structured solutions tailored to each client’s unique circumstances. Founded on the values of Guidance, Integrity, and Success, Meridian is committed to making immigration simple, transparent, and accessible for everyone. For more information, visit meridianimmigration.sg or contact info@meridianimmigration.sg / +65 8873 1113.

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/apac/news-releases/meridian-singapore-immigration-launches-new-website-to-simplify-the-pr-application-journey-for-foreigners-in-singapore-302757392.html

SOURCE Meridian Singapore Immigration Pte. Ltd.

Technology

Socomec, Daitron team up to meet Japan’s growing power demands

Published

5 hours ago

April 30, 2026

TOKYO, April 30, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Socomec, a century-old electrical group specialising in mission-critical energy, and Japan’s Daitron, an electronics components distributor, have signed a partnership to deliver power conversion solutions and service backup power and electrical-switching systems across Japan.

The deal combines Socomec’s equipment with Daitron’s on-the-ground engineering team, which has more than 74 years of experience in the Japanese market. The two companies will handle everything from project delivery to ongoing maintenance and spare parts.

The partnership covers three product areas: uninterruptible power supplies (UPS), which keep facilities running during outages; power conversion systems, which ensure the availability and continuity of high-quality energy; and static transfer switches, which automatically reroute power loads between sources without interruption.

Beyond equipment sales, the agreement includes training, spare parts, long-term service contracts and a full range of expert services covering prevention, measurement and analysis, consultancy, deployment and optimisation. Socomec will provide product and technical training to Daitron’s team, while Daitron handles installation, servicing and day-to-day client support in Japan.

The target market spans data centres, semiconductor plants, industrial facilities, hospitals and green buildings, all areas where even brief power interruptions can prove costly. Data center demand in particular is surging, driven by the rapid expansion of artificial intelligence infrastructure, with colocation and enterprise facilities among the primary targets.

“Daitron knows the Japanese market inside and out. They have the people, the relationships, and the hands-on experience, and we bring the technology to match,” said Socomec Asia-Pacific CEO O’Niel Dissanayake. “It’s a natural fit, and together we can offer something neither company could deliver alone.”

“Japan’s data centres, chip factories and industrial plants all require power systems they can count on,” said Masaharu Kato, corporate officer of Daitron. “Socomec’s technology is exactly what these customers need, and our job is to make sure it’s installed, maintained and supported properly. That’s what we do best.”

The partnership comes as Japan faces a step change in power demand. Electricity consumption is expected to grow 5.3% over the next decade, driven by data centres and semiconductor factories, according to the country’s grid operator. Industrial energy demand alone is forecast to rise 18.3% over the same period.

That growth is creating strong demand for reliable power infrastructure. Data centres, for example, run around the clock and cannot afford downtime, making backup power and efficient energy management essential. Socomec’s systems are designed to reduce power consumption without sacrificing reliability, a balance that is becoming increasingly important as operators look to manage both costs and environmental commitments.

Both companies say project planning and bids are already underway, with a long-term goal of expanding the partnership’s reach across Japan as demand grows.

About Daitron

Daitron Co., Ltd. is a Japanese engineering and trading company founded in 1952 and headquartered in Osaka. Listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange (TYO: 7609), Daitron sells and manufactures electronic components, semiconductor processing equipment and power supply systems. The company has more than seven decades of experience serving Japan’s electronics and manufacturing industries.

SOCOMEC: When energy matters

Founded in 1922, SOCOMEC is an independent industrial group of more than 4,800 experts spread across the world in 30 subsidiaries. Our vocation: design, manufacture and sale of electrical equipment, with a strong expertize in critical power applications. In 2025, SOCOMEC achieved a turnover of 997 million euros (not yet audited).

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/apac/news-releases/socomec-daitron-team-up-to-meet-japans-growing-power-demands-302755570.html

SOURCE Socomec

Technology

Multi-Destination Travel Surges Across Asia-Pacific This Labour Day, Trip.com Group Data Shows

Published

5 hours ago

April 30, 2026

Multi-city travel across Asia-Pacific grew 35% year-on-yearMulti-city travel outpaces single-destination growth by more than 2xSoutheast Asia sees strong double-digit growth, with Thailand up to 52% YoY

SINGAPORE, April 29, 2026 /CNW/ — Multi-city travel across Asia-Pacific grew 35% year-on-year this Labour Day period, according to data from Trip.com Group. Several Asia-Pacific markets including Japan, South Korea, parts of Southeast Asia and Mainland China celebrate Labour Day, driving strong cross-border and domestic travel flows across the region.

Over 30% of international trips now span multiple destinations, highlighting a continued shift towards more complex, itinerary-led travel. This shift reflects a growing preference to maximise time and value with multiple destinations within a single trip rather than a single location.

Multi-destination trips become a defining travel pattern

While single-destination travel continues to account for most bookings, growth is increasingly driven by more complex itineraries. Multi-destination bookings are growing at more than twice the pace of single-destination travel, reflecting stronger demand for flexibility and deeper exploration.

Travellers are increasingly structuring trips across multiple cities to maximise both time and value, with popular combinations including:

Tokyo – Osaka – Kyoto (Japan)Seoul – Busan (South Korea)Bangkok – Phuket (Thailand)

These itineraries reflect a growing preference for multi-stop journeys that blend urban experiences with leisure destinations.

Southeast Asia sees fast growth in multi-destination travel

Across Southeast Asia, demand for multi-destination travel is rising steadily, with strong growth across key markets of Thailand: 52%, Malaysia: 40%, and Singapore: 17%, according to Trip.com Group data.

Top outbound destinations across Southeast Asian markets include Japan (Tokyo, Osaka), South Korea (Seoul), China (Shanghai, Beijing), Thailand (Bangkok), Indonesia (Bali).

In other parts of Asia such as Hong Kong SAR, multi-destination travel also grew by over 50% year-on-year, highlighting growing preference for more complex itineraries over traditional single-destination trips, particularly in well-connected urban markets.

In Mainland China, domestic travel remains a strong base, while overseas journeys are increasingly shaped by multi-destination itineraries, with over 40% of outbound trips spanning multiple destinations and continuing to grow.

This suggests that travellers in this region are increasingly combining multiple cities within a single trip, supported by strong regional connectivity.

Japan’s domestic travel momentum on the rise

Japan is also seeing shifts in domestic travel behaviour, even as outbound demand continues to grow.

In Japan, domestic travel is growing rapidly, indicating rising interest in travelling within the country, accounting for one-quarter of all flight bookings, and to cities such as Tokyo, Sapporo and Okinawa.

Intra-Asia travel dominates Labour Day demand

The Labour Day holiday period continues to be driven by regional travel within Asia-Pacific, with travellers favouring destinations that offer ease of access, diverse experiences, and flexible itineraries.

The Group’s data highlights the continued strength of short-haul travel, supported by strong connectivity and shorter flight durations.

More broadly, the way people travel across Asia-Pacific is evolving. Travellers taking a more deliberate approach to how they plan their trips. While cross-border journeys are increasingly shaped by multi-city itineraries, domestic travel remains a strong and steady part of the landscape. Together, these patterns point to a more flexible and value-conscious mindset, as travellers look to make the most of both time and budget.

About Trip.com Group

Trip.com Group is a leading global travel service provider comprising of Trip.com, Ctrip, Skyscanner, and Qunar. Across its platforms, Trip.com Group helps travellers around the world make informed and cost-effective bookings for travel products and services and enables partners to connect their offerings with users through the aggregation of comprehensive travel-related content and resources, and an advanced transaction platform consisting of apps, websites and 24/7 customer service centres. Founded in 1999 and listed on NASDAQ in 2003 and HKEX in 2021, Trip.com Group has become one of the best-known travel groups in the world, with the mission “to pursue the perfect trip for a better world”. Find out more about Trip.com Group here: group.trip.com.