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“Explore China, Pay Your Way” forum promotes more convenient mainland payment for Hong Kong and Macao residents as well as overseas visitors

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HONG KONG, June 27, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — The “Explore China, Pay Your Way” Forum was successfully held on June 26 in Hong Kong. The event was hosted by the Chinese Banking Association of Hong Kong (HKCBA), co-organized by UnionPay International (UPI) and supported by Bank of China (Hong Kong) (BOCHK). Stephen Chan, Deputy Chief Executive of BOCHK, representing the HKCBA; Liu Naji, Executive Vice President of SAFE Investment Company Limited, representing the People’s Bank of China (PBOC); Michelle Shao, General Manager of UPI Hong Kong Branch; and Dick Ho, Deputy General Manager of BOC Credit Card (International) Limited, delivered speeches at the event. Approximately 100 representatives from various sectors attended, including banks and electronic payment institutions from Hong Kong and Macao, international chambers of commerce, and the Hong Kong Chinese Visa Application Service Center.

At the beginning of this year, the State Council of China issued the Opinions on Further Optimizing Payment Services to Facilitate Payments, which included among its priorities facilitating payment for overseas visitors to the Chinese mainland. Relevant departments, Chinese local governments and financial institutions rapidly implemented the directive, leading to significant improvements in payment services. Following the issuance of the Opinions, UnionPay immediately launched “Project Excellence 2024” and collaborated with industry parties to enact the new priorities.

The continuous development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area has generated increasingly close relationships between the three regions while attracting more overseas visitors. Hong Kong and Macao serve as the optimal platforms for promoting and publicizing payment convenience in the Chinese mainland. Today’s event continues the efforts of “Project Excellence 2024” by showcasing the rapid development and innovation of UnionPay and the local payment system. This has helped Hong Kong and Macao residents, as well as overseas visitors to the Chinese mainland, enjoy a safer, more convenient and comfortable payment service experience, giving impetus to greater mobility, deeper exchange and increased economic cooperation.

On behalf of the HKCBA, Stephen Chan, Deputy Chief Executive of BOCHK, stated that Hong Kong possesses the unique advantage of being supported by the Chinese mainland while being connected to the world. Its integration with the nation’s development plan opens up enormous opportunities for Hong Kong to collaborate and develop in tandem with the Chinese mainland. At the same time, as an international financial center, Hong Kong serves as a bridge for overseas financial institutions and multinational corporations to access the mainland market. The city is also an important gateway for overseas visitors travelling to the mainland. The HKCBA has actively responded to the Central Government’s directives by continuing to strengthen the promotion of payment services, including publicizing the latest developments in mainland payment services to representatives from international chambers of commerce in Hong Kong as well as overseas enterprises. It has also boosted the overseas promotion of new enhancement measures to facilitate payment convenience on the mainland, encouraging overseas visitors to experience first-hand the exceptional payment services available.

On behalf of the PBOC, Liu Naji, Executive Vice President of SAFE Investment Company Limited, remarked, “The People’s Bank of China has implemented a series of measures to address difficulties in the payment field, achieving significant results in service optimization. In May, both the number and volume of foreign card transactions via POS machines doubled compared to February, with over two million overseas visitors now using mobile payment. Cash services in commercial banks also continued to improve. We are very pleased with the role that Hong Kong is playing as a unique platform for our efforts to increase visibility. Looking forward, China will continue to enhance payment services and convenience for all, allowing our friends worldwide to enjoy the nation’s high-quality development. We hope that smooth payment services will serve as a positive step towards strengthening trust and supporting future cooperation.”

Michelle Shao, General Manager of UPI Hong Kong Branch, explained that “Project Excellence 2024” is more than just a payment initiative: rather, it represents UnionPay’s commitment to building a robust and inclusive payment ecosystem that caters to customers’ needs. Subsequently, Roger Lee, Assistant General Manager of UPI Hong Kong Branch, provided a detailed introduction to UnionPay’s latest achievements in the field of cross-border payments as well as the diverse payment options available to Hong Kong and Macao residents. UnionPay data shows that transactions by Hong Kong and Macao residents in the Chinese mainland have continued to grow this year. In the first quarter of 2024, the number of mobile payment transactions in the Chinese mainland generated by UnionPay cards issued in Hong Kong and Macao increased by 107% year-on-year, 16 times that of the same period in 2019, accounting for 72% of the total number of transactions. In line with this trend, UnionPay will now offer more “SplendorPlus” benefits via its Greater Bay Area theme card, which is popular among Hong Kong and Macao residents.

Dick Ho, Deputy General Manager of BOC Credit Card (International) Limited, emphasized BOCHK’s full support of the mainland’s efforts to enhance payment convenience. By optimizing its payment products and promoting spending offers, BOCHK is actively encouraging customers to adopt a “swipe card for large purchases, scan QR codes for smaller ones” approach when making payments in the Chinese mainland. In the first quarter of 2024, the transaction value of BOC Credit Card in Shenzhen saw a robust year-on-year surge of over 60%, while transaction volumes more than doubled. In the same period, the overall QR payment transaction value and volume for its customers grew threefold in the Chinese mainland. Meanwhile, the number of transactions via mobile payment application BoC Pay surged more than 3 times, while the number of BoC Pay customers rose by more than 2 times. Dick added that BOC Credit Card is delighted with the remarkable performance of its payment services and will continue to collaborate with various strategic partners to provide seamless payment solutions that meet customers’ evolving needs.

This successful event showcased the innovation and development of the local payment system while promoting cooperation between Hong Kong, Macao and the Chinese mainland in payment services. Participants expressed their commitment to continuing the promotion of payment facilitation and providing more convenient and secure cross-boundary payment services for Hong Kong and Macao residents and enterprises. They also looked forward to further strengthening cooperation with banks and electronic payment institutions in Hong Kong and Macao, as well as international chambers of commerce and other institutions, to jointly promote innovation and development in the payment field.

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/apac/news-releases/explore-china-pay-your-way-forum-promotes-more-convenient-mainland-payment-for-hong-kong-and-macao-residents-as-well-as-overseas-visitors-302184151.html

SOURCE UnionPay International

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hand2mind Launches New and Exclusive Back-to-School Products at Target

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Teacher-author collaborations with Tara West and Brooke Brown support hands-on math, literacy, and STEM learning

VERNON HILLS, Ill., June 16, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — hand2mind, a leading provider of hands-on learning tools for classrooms and homes, is launching a lineup of new and exclusive back-to-school products at Target, including classroom-ready tools created with its teacher-author partners Tara West and Brooke Brown.  

The product lineup gives educators and parents easy access to engaging, hands-on learning tools designed to support math, literacy, STEM, and social-emotional learning. Select products will be available exclusively at Target, including new teacher-created items designed to help students build skills through exploration, problem-solving, and active play. 

West and Brown are part of hand2mind’s growing network of teacher-author partners, bringing classroom expertise and educator-developed approaches to hands-on learning products for young learners. West is the creator of Little Minds at Work®, and her early literacy curriculum, Guided Phonics + Beyond®, is included on three state-approved lists. Brown is the creator of Teach Outside the Box® and STEM Bins® and is known for helping teachers make STEM exploration accessible, flexible, and engaging in everyday classroom settings. 

“Teachers are looking for low-prep classroom tools that are easy to implement, developmentally appropriate and rooted in how children actually learn,” said Elana Woldenberg Ruffman, CMO at hand2mind. “By working with teacher-authors like Tara West and Brooke Brown, hand2mind is bringing classroom-tested ideas to Target shelves in a way that supports educators during the back-to-school season and beyond.” 

The Target-exclusive products include: 

STEM Bins® by Brooke Brown Builder Pack ($24.99): Brown’s first product available at a major retailer; this set includes building materials and open-ended task cards that encourage students to design, create and problem-solve. It is designed for early finishers, centers, morning work, and makerspace time. Little Minds at Work® Early Math Activity Set ($21.99): Featuring West’s Pip the Pup character, this hands-on set helps students practice foundational math skills through matching, sorting, patterning, framing and comparing activities. The set includes 54 Pip the Pup counters and 20 double-sided activity cards. Little Minds at Work® Game Tray Activity Set ($19.99): This single-student activity set includes six double-sided math and literacy game boards and accessories for up to four players. The tray fits 8.5-by-11-inch paper, allowing teachers to swap in worksheets, game boards or custom activities. Little Minds at Work® Alphabet and Letter Sounds ($19.99): This hands-on activity set helps young learners practice CVC words, 26 core letter sounds, and early spelling skills. With colorful, reusable materials and engaging activities, children can identify beginning, middle, and ending sounds while strengthening fine motor skills through play. 

In addition to the Target-exclusive products, hand2mind’s back-to-school product lineup at Target includes a range of educational tools that support literacy, math, social-emotional learning, sensory play and hands-on skill-building. 

The hand2mind back-to-school product lineup is available at Target stores and Target.com. 

About hand2mind®   

At hand2mind®, we believe children learn best by doing. That’s why, for over 60 years, we’ve been creating hands-on learning tools and educational toys that help kids build skills through exploration, problem-solving, and active play. From math and STEM to literacy and social-emotional learning, our screen-free educational tool and toys support engaged skill development in grades PreK and up. We inspire curiosity, build confidence and make learning fun—at home, in the classroom, and beyond. Unlock the power of hands-on learning by visiting www.hand2mind.com or following the brand on TikTok @hand2mind, Facebook @hand2mindinc, and Instagram @hand2mindinc. 

MEDIA CONTACT  
Olivia Flores  
2139888344
416893@email4pr.com 

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/hand2mind-launches-new-and-exclusive-back-to-school-products-at-target-302801508.html

SOURCE hand2mind

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Quick Fix Max™ ️Is Here, And It’s Everything Users Have Been Asking For

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LAS VEGAS, June 16, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Quick Fix Synthetic, an authorized distributor of Quick Fix products, today announced the availability of Quick Fix Max 4 oz, a newly released addition to the Quick Fix product line from Spectrum Labs. Designed to offer increased volume and a ready-to-use standalone bottle format, Quick Fix Max uses the same Quick Fix 6.4 formula trusted for more than 25 years.

Quick Fix Max is a prefilled, premixed 4-ounce synthetic urine solution formulated to simulate key urine characteristics, including pH balance, specific gravity, creatinine levels, urea, and uric acid.

The product includes a temperature strip, heating pad, and batch verification code to support product authenticity and consistency. It introduces a larger standalone format for customers who prefer a simple bottle configuration while continuing to use the current Quick Fix 6.4 formula.

“Customers have consistently looked for a larger standalone Quick Fix option,” said by Chris Kennedy from Quick Fix Synthetic. “Quick Fix Max expands the existing lineup with the same trusted 6.4 formula in a format that offers more volume and better overall value.”

Quick Fix Max is a larger-volume format designed to offer improved per-ounce value while maintaining the same formula specifications and batch verification process customers already rely on.

Each Quick Fix Max package includes:

4 fl oz of Quick Fix 6.4 synthetic urineTemperature strip attached directly to the bottleHeat pad designed to maintain temperature for several hoursPrinted batch code for authenticity verificationTwo-year shelf life when stored correctly

Quick Fix Max has been officially released by Spectrum Labs and is now available through quickfixsynthetic.com and authorized distributors carrying official Quick Fix products.

Quick Fix Synthetic emphasized that purchasing through authorized distributors helps ensure customers receive authentic products stored under proper conditions, reducing the risk of expired or counterfeit units commonly associated with unverified third-party sellers and online marketplaces.

The company also noted that every Quick Fix Max bottle includes a printed batch number that can be verified through the official Quick Fix batch validator to confirm authenticity and expiration status before use.

Quick Fix Max is intended for novelty, calibration, educational, and laboratory simulation purposes only. Customers are encouraged to review all applicable local and state laws before purchase or use.

About Quick Fix Synthetic
Quick Fix Synthetic is an authorized distributor of Quick Fix products, providing customers with verified formula versions, batch authentication support, and direct customer service. The company focuses on educational resources, product authenticity, and discreet customer support while offering access to the latest Quick Fix formulations and related simulation products.

For more information, visit https://www.quickfixsynthetic.com.

Contact
Chris Kennedy
Manager
416750@email4pr.com
1-866-420-4574

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/quick-fix-max-is-here-and-its-everything-users-have-been-asking-for-302801649.html

SOURCE Quick Fix Synthetic

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Aspirion Achieves HITRUST r2 Certification, Reinforcing Trust and Security Across Its AI-Powered Revenue Cycle Platforms

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HITRUST Certification validates that Aspirion’s Compass and DocIQ AI platforms meet rigorous cybersecurity and data protection standards through independent assessment and assurance.

COLUMBUS, Ga., June 16, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Aspirion, the healthcare technology revenue cycle management (“RCM”) leader for denials, payment variance, and complex claims, today announced its Compass and DocIQ platforms have earned certified status from HITRUST for cybersecurity and information protection.

The HITRUST 2-year (r2) Certification demonstrates that Aspirion has met requirements defined by a leading cybersecurity assurance leader, confirming that strong controls are in place to protect sensitive data and manage risk effectively. As healthcare organizations increasingly adopt AI-enabled workflows, security, transparency, and governance become essential to scaling innovation responsibly.

“Our clients trust us with some of the most sensitive information in healthcare, and that trust is foundational to everything we do,” said Nick Giannasi, CEO of Aspirion. “Earning HITRUST r2 Certification for our Compass and DocIQ platforms reflects the significant investment we’ve made in building secure, trustworthy systems for healthcare providers. The sensitivity of the data we handle demands rigorous, continuously evolving controls, and this certification provides independent validation that those protections are in place.”

Built on the HITRUST Assurance Program, this achievement reflects independent third-party testing, centralized quality assurance, and certification backed by HITRUST’s Cyber Threat-Adaptive engine. These elements ensure continuous alignment with the latest threat intelligence and evolving standards across NIST, ISO, and OWASP.

“The HITRUST Assurance Program is rigorous and reliable because of the comprehensiveness of control requirements, depth of review, and consistency of oversight,” said Bimal Sheth, EVP, Standards Development & Assurance Operations at HITRUST. “HITRUST Certification demonstrates Aspirion is taking the most proactive approach to cybersecurity, data protection, and risk management.”

To learn more about HITRUST 2-year (r2) Certification, visit the HITRUST website at www.hitrustalliance.net. For more information about Aspirion, visit www.aspirion.com.

About Aspirion

Aspirion helps hospitals and health systems nationwide recover earned revenue from their most complex and difficult-to-resolve claims. Deploying proprietary AI and a specialized team of attorneys, clinicians, and claims experts, Aspirion overturns denials, recovers underpayments, and maximizes out-of-network and complex claim reimbursement—getting providers paid accurately, quickly, and transparently so they can focus on delivering affordable, accessible care. To learn more, visit www.aspirion.com.

Media Contact

Erin Haynie
Vice President, Marketing
Aspirion
erin.haynie@aspirion.com

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/aspirion-achieves-hitrust-r2-certification-reinforcing-trust-and-security-across-its-ai-powered-revenue-cycle-platforms-302800805.html

SOURCE Aspirion

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