Technology

Garmin releases report highlighting cycling trends from around the world

Published

2 years ago

July 10, 2024

Data from Garmin users worldwide shows a rise in cycling activities—both inside and outdoors

OLATHE, Kan., July 10, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Garmin (NYSE: GRMN) released a report today highlighting how cyclists around the world are logging miles and the positive health benefits they’re seeing as a result. Whether riding inside or outdoors, data from the Garmin Connect community shows that cycling activities are on the rise—and they don’t appear to be slowing down anytime soon.

Here are some key takeaways from the past year:

Cycling activities increased 7% while indoor cycling activities rose 12%.Women cyclists took the top spot as the fastest-growing cycling demographic in the Garmin community with a 9% increase in cycling activities.Garmin users who ride at least 70 miles per week average normalized power of more than 180 watts.Cyclists in the United Arab Emirates log the fastest rides, averaging 16 miles per hour.Cyclists in Denmark record the most powerful rides with an average normalized power output of 196 watts.Riders in Italy spend the most time on their bikes, with each ride lasting just over two hours. They also ride the furthest, with an average distance of 29 miles.

Click here to read the entire report.

Professional athlete approved

Garmin sponsors some of the world’s top athletes, including professional cyclists and cycling teams. Here’s what some of them have to say about how Garmin’s latest cycling products help them crush the competition:

“As a professional off-road cyclist, 90% of my training is done on the bike and is power-based training. I use the Garmin Rally™ XC200 pedals for my power meter. I tested a lot of power meter options a few years ago and found that the Rally pedals are the most consistent to themselves and also seem to be the most accurate when compared with a calibrated smart trainer. Training or racing in general would really not be possible for me without my Edge® 1040 Solar. In so many ways this computer is like my training partner. A lot of off-road racing now requires self-navigation, so the map screen and ability to load a course with turn-by-turn directions are crucial for my success. Lastly, the Varia™ radar tail light is a game-changing training tool whenever I am on roads that are shared with cars. It’s extremely helpful during efforts to help me stay aware of my surroundings. I often pull over as far to the right as possible when I see a car passing on the screen.” –Hannah Shell, professional off-road cyclist and Garmin-sponsored athlete

“I love riding outdoors and on a range of different bikes – the road bike, TT bike, gravel bike; I even get the mountain bike out once in a while. A couple of things are stable across all those bikes though. My Edge 1040 Solar head unit and my Varia radar. In the summer I love the long days on the road bike or the gravel bike and the solar panel on the Edge 1040 Solar makes sure I have plenty of energy to keep going as long as I want. In the winter, however, it can be challenging at times up in Scandinavia as the winters can be dark and cold. In those times, the Varia radar makes an even bigger impact on my ability to get my rides done while bringing awareness to my surroundings. It makes me aware of the cars around me, and the light helps make them aware of me.” –Kasper Asgreen, Soudal Quick Step cyclist and Garmin-sponsored athlete

“I call the Garmin system the computer of my sporting life. I see the Edge 840 Solar and Forerunner® 955 Solar as tools that I need for my ‘work’ as a top athlete. The Edge is where all my training sessions are going through and are fully tracked. In combination with the Forerunner, other physical data such as the number of hours I sleep, is also monitored. That gives me enormous added value to properly monitor my work as a top athlete.” –Mischa Bredewold, Team SD Worx-Protime cyclist and Garmin-sponsored athlete

Get ready for your next ride

Whether enjoying a casual cruise around town or preparing for that next big race, Garmin cycling products are ready for any ride.

Discover new routes with the Edge lineup of GPS cycling computers – including the Edge Explore 2, Edge 540, Edge 840, Edge 1040 and Edge 1050. These cycling computers combine superior navigation, performance tracking, cycling awareness and smart connectivity to help cyclists enjoy their ride and improve every day.See and be seen with the Varia lineup of rearview radars – including the Varia RTL515, Varia RCT715 and Varia eRTL615 – that warn of vehicles approaching from behind and feature a tail light that brightens and flashes to alert drivers of a cyclist ahead. Varia RCT715 even includes a built-in camera that continuously captures sharp, clear video during any ride.Whether riding on the streets or the trails, the Varia UT800 smart headlight works alone or pairs with an Edge device to help provide light in even the darkest riding conditions. It can even adjust its own brightness based on ambient light conditions when paired with a compatible Edge cycling computer.The Rally Series power meter pedals provide reliable power data and advanced cycling dynamics. Compatible with SHIMANO SPD-SL, SHIMANO SPD or LOOK KEO cleats, they install like any other pedal, making it easy to swap them between bikes.When it’s time to take training indoors, Tacx® trainers like the NEO 3M smart trainer and NEO Bike Plus all-in-one smart bike provide accurate data measurements (within 1%) and include unique features like road feel, dynamic inertia and descent simulation to make training feel more lifelike.Premium multisport smartwatches like the Forerunner 965 and fēnix® 7 Pro easily pair with Garmin’s lineup of cycling products to track power, advanced cycling dynamics and functional threshold power (FTP) while also monitoring health insights 24/7, like recovery time, sleep, stress and more.

Check out our website to learn more about Garmin’s suite of cycling products.

Engineered on the inside for life on the outside, Garmin products have revolutionized life for runners, cyclists, swimmers and athletes of all levels and abilities. Committed to developing technology that helps people stay active and elevate performance, Garmin believes every day is an opportunity to innovate and a chance to beat yesterday. Visit the Garmin Newsroom, email our media team, connect with @garmincycling on social, or follow our blog.

About Garmin International, Inc. Garmin International, Inc. is a subsidiary of Garmin Ltd. (NYSE: GRMN). Garmin Ltd. is incorporated in Switzerland, and its principal subsidiaries are located in the United States, Taiwan and the United Kingdom. Garmin, Edge, Tacx, Forerunner and fēnix are registered trademarks and Rally and Varia are trademarks of Garmin Ltd. or its subsidiaries. All other brands, product names, company names, trademarks and service marks are the properties of their respective owners. All rights reserved.

Notice on Forward-Looking Statements:
This release includes forward-looking statements regarding Garmin Ltd. and its business. Such statements are based on management’s current expectations. The forward-looking events and circumstances discussed in this release may not occur and actual results could differ materially as a result of known and unknown risk factors and uncertainties affecting Garmin, including, but not limited to, the risk factors listed in the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 30, 2023, filed by Garmin with the Securities and Exchange Commission (Commission file number 0001-411180). A copy of such Form 10-K is available at http://www.garmin.com/aboutGarmin/invRelations/finReports.html. No forward-looking statement can be guaranteed. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date on which they are made and Garmin undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise.

Media Contacts:
Stephanie Schultz and Natalie Miller
913-397-8200
media.relations@garmin.com

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SOURCE Garmin International, Inc.

Technology

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

Published

3 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

3 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).

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SOURCE Socomec

Technology

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

Published

3 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.