Connect with us

Technology

World’s Largest Swimming Lesson™ (#WLSL2024) Kicks Off First Day of Summer with Global Event Teaching Kids and Parents How to Be Water Aware

Published

on

More Than 600 Waterparks, Swim Schools and Pools in 19 Countries Taught an Estimated 43,000 Kids Vital Swim and Water Safety Skills to Combat Increased Drowning Risk Following the Pandemic

OVERLAND PARK, Kan., June 24, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — The 15th Annual World’s Largest Swimming Lesson, coordinated by the World Waterpark Association, brought together thousands of water safety advocates on six continents to send a united message on the first day of summer: Swimming Lessons Save Lives.

Drowning, the single leading cause of death for kids ages 1-4, is on the rise in the U.S. for the first time in decades and making swimming lessons more accessible can save lives, according to a new study from the U.S. C.D.C. released last month. In early June, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission’s annual report on drowning and submersion echoed those findings, showing fatal drownings for children under the age of 15 increased by 12 percent in 2021 compared to 2020. Lack of access to pools, delayed swimming lessons, significant growth in the number of backyard pools and spas and changes in how people recreate around water are all contributing factors.

“The recent increase in drowning rates makes our mission more urgent than ever,” said Rick Root, president of the World Waterpark Association. “We want parents to understand that formal swimming lessons and an understanding of basic water safety principles are paramount for their child’s safety.”

Aquatic facilities, including waterparks, swim schools, local community pools, and even beachfronts, participated providing free swimming and water safety lessons to more than 43,000 kids during the one-day event.  The lessons took place in 19 different countries, including Australia, Bahamas, Benin, Brazil, Canada, China, Colombia, Ecuador, Hong Kong, India, Japan, Mexico, Qatar, Spain, Trinidad and Tobago, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, United States and Uruguay.

“Today is the first day of summer, and we’re kicking it off with the World’s Largest Swimming Lesson right here at Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon,” said Tajiana Ancora-Brown, director of external affairs for Walt Disney World, who hosted this year’s single largest WLSL event. “We invited seven different non-profits from throughout central Florida and we have 1,000 students participating with us this morning. We want to expose as many kids as we can to these life-saving skills.”

Ryan Murphy, an ambassador for Goldfish Swim Schools who qualified for his third Olympic team by sweeping the Backstroke events at the U.S. Olympic Team Swimming Trials last week, is a passionate learn-to-swim advocate. “Simply enrolling your child in formalized swim lessons can reduce the risk of drowning by up to 88%,” said Murphy. “It helps mitigate risk. Having kids take part in the World’s Largest Swimming Lesson at Goldfish Swim Schools all around the country is a great way to introduce them to swimming and the importance of water safety.”

“Within the lessons, we work on various safety skills,” said Kirsten Conrad, general manager of the Kansas City Goldfish Swim Schools. “We talk about things like being safe around the pool, what you should do when you see someone in trouble in the water, why it’s important to have lifeguards around, and all of those pieces so that kids are aware of water safety beyond the walls here at Goldfish.”

“Swimming is a skill that every person should have,” said parent Duwayne Moore, whose son Brian participated in the event. “All kids should know how to swim, period.”

About: The World’s Largest Swimming Lesson™ (WLSL.org) is a global drowning prevention event designed to raise awareness about the risks associated with water and the critical importance of teaching kids to swim. Launched by the World Waterpark Association (waterparks.org) in 2010, the WLSL program is celebrating its 15th Anniversary, having served more than 400,000 participants in 54 countries through its team of Host Locations.

WLSL b-roll/soundbites available at: https://bit.ly/3xiWnix

Contact: Beth Root
Email: 379509@email4pr.com
Phone: 913-544-5734

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/worlds-largest-swimming-lesson-wlsl2024-kicks-off-first-day-of-summer-with-global-event-teaching-kids-and-parents-how-to-be-water-aware-302180357.html

SOURCE World’s Largest Swimming Lesson

Continue Reading
Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Technology

Tencent Cloud and Vector Group’s Offshore Company Launch Japan’s First AI Avatar Video Generation Service “AvaMo”

Published

on

By

Collaboration aims to revolutionize video production of advertisements in Japan

TOKYO, May 13, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Tencent Cloud, the cloud business of global technology company Tencent, and Offshore Company, a subsidiary of PR firm Vector Group, which ranks sixth globally and first in Asia[1], today proudly announced the launch of “AvaMo,” Japan’s first AI-powered avatar video generation service specifically designed for the Japanese market[2]. Powered by Tencent Cloud’s advanced digital human creation technology, AvaMo enables the quick creation of professional-quality videos, dramatically reducing both production time and costs by up to 98%[3]—a true game changer for producing video advertisements.

“AvaMo” is an AI video generation service developed by Offshore Company with technology provided by Tencent Cloud. The name “AvaMo” combines the words “Avatar” and “Motion/Movie,” representing its ability to create high-quality videos featuring AI avatars with natural movements. The service is versatile, catering to a wide range of use cases, including advertising, customer support, and educational content.

Addressing the Needs of a Rapidly Growing Market

The global AI video generation market has been rapidly expanding, with projections estimating its value at $4.1 billion (approx. ¥582.2 billion) in 2024 and $62.8 billion (approx. ¥8.93 trillion) by 2034, growing at a compound annual rate of 31.38%[4]. However, in Japan, AI-generated video and voice technologies are still in their infancy, with most applications focused on text and image generation. Comprehensive commercial use of AI in video production remains limited.

While global services like “Synthesia” and “HeyGen” have gained traction, Japan lacks services optimized for the domestic market, particularly in terms of Japanese-language support, avatar designs tailored for Japanese audiences, and user-friendly interfaces. AvaMo fills this gap, offering a solution tailored for Japanese users—with Japanese avatars, voiceovers, and an intuitive UI—while also supporting multilingual and global business needs.

Revolutionizing Video Production with AvaMo

Conventional video production involves multiple steps: planning, scripting, storyboarding, filming, and editing—often taking weeks to months and incurring significant costs. AvaMo simplifies this process by integrating templates, AI avatars, and natural text-to-speech (TTS) technology, allowing users to create professional-quality videos with just a few clicks. Powered by Tencent Cloud’s AI-driven digital human creation technology and Offshore Company’s intuitive interface, AvaMo makes video production more accessible to enterprises in Japan.

Key Features of AvaMo:

UI/UX Design Optimized for Japanese MarketTemplates, audio, and avatar expressions are fine-tuned for Japanese users.AI voice technology reproduces authentic Japanese intonation.Avatar models reflect Japanese corporate culture and lifestyle nuances.Beginner-Friendly, Automated WorkflowAI handles scenario creation, casting, filming support, and audio recording.Simple, click-based interface allows users with no prior experience to create compelling videos.Realistic Digital Human (Avatar) GenerationAdvanced AI generates lifelike avatars with nuanced facial expressions, lip-sync, and gestures.Avatars are created from short video samples (1–3 minutes), ensuring high-fidelity and real-time responsiveness.Versatile Templates and Custom AvatarsWide range of templates for advertising, branding, product demos, manuals, and more.Supports vertical video formats for TikTok, Instagram Reels, and YouTube Shorts.Over 120 avatar types available, with options for custom avatars[5] using personal face and voice data.Multilingual SupportTTS supports English, Chinese, Korean, and more than ten other languages, facilitating cross-border campaigns.Prevention of AI misuse and Privacy ProtectionStrict adherence to ethical and legal standards, including user consent and dual-layer content moderation (AI + human review).Proactive measures against misuse, including account suspension and reporting to authorities for serious violations.Industry-Leading SecurityOffshore Company is certified for ISMS (ISO27001), ensuring robust data privacy and information security for all clients.

Hanson Liu, Head of Tencent Cloud Japan, said, “We are excited to partner with Offshore Company in transforming Japan’s digital advertising industry. AvaMo leverages Tencent Cloud’s AI technology to simplify the creation of high-quality advertising content, enhancing customer engagement and optimizing marketing strategies for businesses.”

Kenta Noro, Representative Director of Offshore Company Co., Ltd. and CTO of Vector Group, said, “We are honored to launch this innovative AI video generation service for the Japanese market in collaboration with Tencent Cloud. There is a strong demand for intuitive, practical AI video tools tailored for Japan, and AvaMo delivers exactly that. By democratizing access to high-quality video production, we aim to empower more companies and individuals to harness the potential of AI, while leveraging the extensive PR and marketing expertise of Vector Group.”

[1] According to PRovoke Media’s “Global Top 250 PR Agency Ranking 2024,” Vector Inc. ranked 1st in Asia and 6th among global PR agencies in terms of global revenue.

[2] As of April 2025, according to Vector Inc.’s research based on a web survey of 10 major video generation AI services, AvaMo is the first commercial video generation service to support a Japanese user interface, Japanese avatars, and Japanese audio.

[3] Estimation: A comparison of conventional 30-second video production (12 hours, approximately 120,000 yen) and video generation by AvaMo (15 minutes, approximately 2,400 yen) as of April 2025.

[4] Source: Market Research Future “AI Video AI-video Generator Market Research Report

[5] Only available for paid plans.

About Tencent Cloud:

Tencent Cloud, one of the world’s leading cloud companies, is committed to creating innovative solutions to resolve real-world issues and enabling digital transformation for smart industries. Through our extensive global infrastructure, Tencent Cloud provides businesses across the globe with stable and secure industry-leading cloud products and services, leveraging technological advancements such as cloud computing, Big Data analytics, AI, IoT, and network security. It is our constant mission to meet the needs of industries across the board, including the fields of gaming, media and entertainment, finance, healthcare, property, retail, travel, and transportation.

About Offshore Company:

Offshore Company is a technology solutions provider specializing in AI and system development. Led by Vector Group CTO, Mr. Kenta Noro, the company brings together a team of over 1,000 engineers both in Japan and overseas, including highly experienced project managers with a strong track record in the financial industry. Offshore Company delivers high-quality, cost-effective solutions to address a wide range of development challenges faced by businesses. Leveraging its in-house expertise in AI model development, the company also offers cutting-edge AI services such as “AI Video Translator” and “AI Vertical Video,” supporting client companies in unlocking new business opportunities through advanced technology.

*According to PR Week Global Agency Business Report 2023.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/apac/news-releases/tencent-cloud-and-vector-groups-offshore-company-launch-japans-first-ai-avatar-video-generation-service-avamo-302453168.html

SOURCE Tencent Cloud

Continue Reading

Technology

Trinasolar Powers Landmark 40 MW Northern Philippine Solar Project by PetroGreen

Published

on

By

MANILA, Philippines, May 13, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Trinasolar, a global smart PV and energy storage solutions provider, has supplied 52,000 of its n-type i-TOPCon Vertex N 710-715W (NEG21C.20) modules for the Limbauan Solar Power Project (LSPP), a 40-megawatt direct current (MWdc) solar facility in San Pablo, Isabela, Philippines. Developed by BKS Green Energy Corporation (BKS), a subsidiary of Rizal Green Energy Corporation (RGEC), a joint venture between PetroGreen Energy Corporation (PGEC) and Japan’s TAISEI Corporation, the project aims to bolster Luzon grid’s renewable energy supply.

LSPP is projected to generate approximately 59 gigawatt-hours (GWh) of clean energy annually, sufficient to power around 33,000 households and reduce carbon dioxide emissions by about 31,700 metric tons. This initiative marks a significant step towards enhancing Philippines’ renewable energy infrastructure and promoting sustainable development.

The project is divided into two phases: a 6 MWdc Phase 1 connecting to the Isabela Electric Cooperative-II (ISELCO-II) system, and a 34 MWdc Phase 2 connecting to the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines’ (NGCP) 69 kV Tuguegarao-Cabagan line via a 4.73 km dedicated transmission facility.

Beyond supplying high-efficiency and high-power modules, Trinasolar actively contributed to the project’s success by providing training programs aimed at upskilling local talent. This initiative aligns with the project’s goal of employing approximately 500-600 workers at the peak of construction, fostering economic growth in the Cagayan Valley region.

Maria Victoria M. Olivar, PGEC Vice President for Business Development and Commercial Operations said, “We are thrilled to officially begin the installation of LSPP’s PV panels in the presence of our various stakeholders – private and public – especially local government officials of our host communities who are strong supporters of PetroGreen’s first investment in Region 2.”

Atty. Angelynn C. Salazar conveyed a message from Isabela Governor Rodolfo T. Albano III saying, “The project also serves as a powerful reminder of what can be achieved when government, private sectors, and local communities work together toward a common goal.”

Elva Wang, Trinasolar’s Group Director for Southeast Asia said, “Philippines boasts immense potential to harness solar energy to meet its rising energy demands. By integrating our Vertex N modules, featuring cutting-edge n-type i-TOPCon technology, into the LSPP, we are delivering exceptional efficiency and energy output. Building upon our successful partnership, including the 117MW supply agreement signed in April 2024, we are committed to supporting PetroGreen in accelerating the adoption of clean energy solutions across the nation.”

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/apac/news-releases/trinasolar-powers-landmark-40-mw-northern-philippine-solar-project-by-petrogreen-302450950.html

SOURCE Trina Solar Energy Development Pte. Ltd.

Continue Reading

Technology

NeosLegal Launches Founder’s Guide to UAE Crypto Laws: A First-of-Its-Kind Legal Resource for Crypto and Web3 Founders

Published

on

By

The UAE’s crypto laws decoded for founders – clear, practical, actionableOfficially launched at VC<>Startup Connect by Cointelegraph, with 1,700+ industry leadersBuilt by experts. Updated in real-time. Made for Web3 builders

DUBAI, UAE, May 12, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — NeosLegal, the UAE’s first crypto-native law firm, has launched the Founder’s Guide to UAE Crypto Laws — the first and only comprehensive legal guide created specifically for founders seeking to establish and scale their ventures in the UAE.

The guide debuted on April 14 during a dedicated policy and regulation event hosted by Solana’s Superteam in Dubai. Shared with 300+ Web3 founders and UAE policymakers, the early release marked the beginning of what is now positioned as the go-to legal reference for entrepreneurs entering the region.

The official launch took place on May 2 at VC<>Startup Connect: Dubai Edition, hosted by Cointelegraph Accelerator, DMCC, and NewTribe Capital, where over 1,700 guests received their exclusive copy of the guide.

In total, more than 2,700 founders pre-registered to receive a copy — a clear signal of the demand for practical legal clarity in the region’s complex regulatory landscape.

Launching at a Pivotal Moment for Crypto Regulation

As global interest in the UAE’s crypto ecosystem surges, this guide arrives at a critical inflection point. With evolving VASP frameworks, new institutional players entering the region, and regulators increasingly opening doors to innovation, founders can no longer rely on outdated or ambiguous advice. This guide was created to meet that need.

Trusted by Founders and Investors Worldwide. Supported by Regulators and Authorities.

While the UAE is widely regarded as one of the most progressive jurisdictions for virtual assets, its regulatory framework spans multiple authorities, each with specific mandates. These include the UAE Central Bank, the Securities and Commodities Authority (SCA), Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM), Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), and Dubai’s Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA).

For founders entering the market, understanding how these regulators operate, what their licensing paths involve, and how different economic zones compare is critical to making informed decisions.

Written in plain, founder-friendly language and updated in real time as new laws and regulations are introduced, the guide reflects the knowledge accumulated by NeosLegal over more than a decade of practice in crypto law and 300+ Web3 project engagements. It is a living online resource — not a static document — and will continue to grow in relevance as the UAE solidifies its position as a global crypto capital.

What the Guide Includes?

Unlike static legal PDFs, this is a digital guide that evolves alongside the UAE’s regulatory landscape. It includes:

Jurisdiction and entity structuring options for crypto projects in the UAEVASP licensing requirements and ongoing compliance obligationsLegal frameworks for fundraising and investor readinessOverview of UAE venture capital hubs and financial free zonesKey tax, IP, and regulatory considerations for Web3 business modelsExpert commentary, practical checklists, and founder-focused tools

The guide features contributions from leading voices across the UAE crypto ecosystem — including regulators, VCs, ecosystem builders, and legal innovators actively shaping the future of Web3.

Authored by the UAE’s Top Crypto Legal Team

The guide is led by Irina Heaver, Managing Partner at NeosLegal and one of the most recognized crypto lawyers in the Middle East. With over 18 years in the UAE and more than 300 crypto projects advised, Irina and her team have distilled years of hands-on regulatory experience into a single, practical resource that founders can actually use.

“Too many founders lose time and money navigating noise — wrong jurisdictions, missed VASP obligations, and unclear compliance paths,” said Irina Heaver. “This guide cuts through it all, offering a living, practical resource built for real-world decisions.”

The Founder’s Guide to UAE Crypto Laws is available for free download at: https://neoslegal.co/founders-guide-to-uae-crypto-laws-2025-edition

For more information or for media inquiries and interviews, pls connect with:

Katerina Pyshko: katerina.pyshko@neoslegal.co
Or
Ola Rajeh: Ola@unlock-bc.com

Photo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2685030/Irina_ManagingPartner_NeosLegal.jpg

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/neoslegal-launches-founders-guide-to-uae-crypto-laws-a-first-of-its-kind-legal-resource-for-crypto-and-web3-founders-302452859.html

Continue Reading

Trending