Technology

Haier Lights up the Australian Open: A Landmark Partnership Celebrating Innovation and Excellence

Published

1 year ago

January 23, 2025

MELBOURNE, Australia, Jan. 23, 2025 /CNW/ — The Australian Open (“AO”), one of the world’s premier Grand Slam tennis tournaments, is underway at Melbourne Park starting from January 6. Haier, a global leader in home appliances and consumer electronics, is proud to announce its partnership as the official TV and home appliance sponsor for the AO and the Summer of Tennis events from 2025 to 2027. This collaboration marks Haier’s first partnership with the AO, signaling a long-term commitment to innovation, sustainability, and enhancing consumer experiences.

Haier and the Australian Open: A Perfect Match of Vision and Values

Haier’s first foray into the AO partnership embodies shared values of a relentless pursuit of excellence, a consumer-centric approach, and a dedication to sustainability. Haier’s technological leadership in the home appliance sector mirrors the world-class performance and cutting-edge experience that the AO brings to millions of fans globally. While the AO leads the way in green sports initiatives with its healthy and energetic spirit of lifestyle, Haier, too, has positioned itself as a pioneer in ecological innovation, offering energy-efficient products that minimize environmental impact.

Li Huagang, Senior Vice President of Haier Group and Chairman and CEO of Haier Smart Home, stated, “This partnership with the Australian Open marks a critical step in our globalization efforts, showcasing our commitment to sports and innovation.”

Haier’s Expanding Presence in Australia

Though this is the first collaboration between AO and Haier, the Australian market has always held a pivotal role in Haier’s journey of global brand expansion.

From Haier’s first step into the Australian market in 2002, to its acquisition of Fisher & Paykel, which later became one of Haier’s top 10 R&D centers, Haier has gone from strength to strength in the Australian and New Zealand markets (“ANZ market”).

Haier’s impressive growth trajectory in the Australian market has been driven by its commitment to delivering high-quality, innovative products tailored to local preferences. The Australian market has particularly been receptive to Haier’s high-tech, energy-efficient solutions that cater to the diverse needs of consumers. From comprehensive upgrading in-store displays at The Good Guys (“TGG”), to launching the H20 New Platform Dishwasher and breaking into the HVN channel, Haier’s product lineup continues to evolve and exceed consumers’ expectations.

Amidst the highly competitive landscape of the Australian market, Haier successfully broke through with its dual-brand strategy, achieving a sales share of 17% and securing the leading market position for dual brands, reflecting a strong consumer base and rising brand awareness. In 2024, Haier ranked No.1 in the ANZ market.

Haier’s Strategic Expansion in Europe: A Global Vision in Action

Haier’s performance in the ANZ market is merely a microcosm of its global branding strategy.

Haier places significant emphasis on the diverse needs of overseas users and the unique characteristics of regional markets by applying the 3-in-1 strategy (localized R&D, manufacturing, and marketing), which integrates resources from institutions across various countries.

One prime example of Haier’s innovation is the Haier Langjing X11 washing machine, a high-performance appliance line that combines superior energy efficiency with cutting-edge design. In regards to energy scarcity and high prices in Europe, X11 was launched with its eco-friendly technology features and enhanced energy-saving capabilities, offering 50% energy savings compared to Europe’s rigorous A-class standards. The success of the X11 Series has made it one of Haier’s flagship product lines in Europe, contributing significantly to the brand’s growth in the region.

Haier has successfully established itself as a leading brand across multiple European countries. In the first half of 2024, Haier Europe’s revenue grew by 9.2%, with Haier Europe being a fast-growing appliance company in the region for 8 consecutive years. Globally, Haier has been Ranked No.1 Major Appliances Brand for 16 consecutive Years according to Euromonitor.

Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) Initiatives: Haier and the Australian Open’s Shared Commitment to Sustainability

The partnership between Haier and AO highlights both organizations’ commitment to environmental responsibility. Together, Haier and AO are championing a greener future for both sports and lifestyle, driving positive change for the environment and community around the globe.

During the AO, Haier is showcasing a range of eco-friendly products, offering visitors an immersive experience that promotes a greener and healthier lifestyle, extending sustainable living from the tournament into everyday lives.

Meanwhile, Haier has always regarded practicing ESG principles as an integral part of its corporate strategy. On November 28, 2023, Haier Smart Home was the only Chinese home appliance company to win the SMI “Earth Charter” badge. On January 18, 2024, it was named one of the UK’s Best Employers, the only home appliance brand to earn this honor in two consecutive years.

Just as sports transcend borders, Haier’s vision of a better life knows no boundaries. The company commits to creating a better intelligent life for all, across the world.

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Technology

VYLIT OPENS ITS CREATOR ADVISORY BOARD, GIVING CREATORS EQUITY IN THE PLATFORM

Published

46 minutes ago

July 23, 2026

Reality star & chef Dom DeAngelis, model & creator Cydney Moreau, and creator-entrepreneur Crystal Jackson named as founding members, with applications now open for creators who want a voice in how the platform is shaped

MIAMI, July 23, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Vylit, the 18+ creator-first social platform co-founded by Ami Gan, former CEO of OnlyFans, and seasoned entrepreneur Kailey Magder, is opening applications for its Creator Advisory Board, which will include a select group of creators that will have a strong voice in shaping the platform they use and earn on.

Vylit is inviting creators not just to join the platform, but to help build it, with real shares in the company reserved for those who contribute to its growth, culture and direction. The Creator Advisory Board will give creators a direct voice in building Vylit’s community, the platform’s development and creator tools, along with ownership in the business they’re helping grow.

Applications are now open. Creators can apply by emailing vylit@vylitworld.com with their name, bio and social handles.

Vylit is launching the board with three founding members who show the range of creators it’s built for.

Dominic DeAngelis, known from YouTube and Vanderpump Villa, where his culinary skills earned recognition from viewers around the world, has been using the platform to share behind-the-scenes and day-in-the-life content with his subscribers — the kind of direct, monetized relationship with fans that Vylit is designed around.

“Social media sucks right now. The algorithms are negative, you don’t even see the people you follow anymore, and creators are struggling to find real connections with their fans,” said DeAngelis. “I’m thrilled to be part of a platform that’s doing it differently. Vylit is actually listening to creators and building with us, not just for us.”

Cydney Moreau, a Louisiana-born former track athlete turned model and creator with a following across fitness, fashion and lifestyle, balances her work with life as a mom. Vylit is where she’s turning that following into a business for the first time, on her own terms.

“As someone who is monetizing my content for the first time, knowing that I will have a say in how the platform treats other creators means everything,” said Moreau. “It’s not every day a platform actually wants creators in the room while they’re building it. Knowing Vylit is making decisions with our interests at heart gives me the confidence to build here, and I’m excited to help shape where this goes.”

Crystal Jackson, known to millions of followers as Mrs. Poindexter, is the co-founder of EssentL, a company building business infrastructure and benefits for creators. A former engineer turned multi-platform creator and entrepreneur, she brings an operator’s understanding of what creators actually need from the platforms they build on.

“I’ve spent years building an audience and a business across platforms that weren’t built for today’s creator ecosystem,” said Jackson. “What drew me to Vylit is that they’re handing creators actual ownership and a real say in the decisions that affect us. That’s not something I’ve seen anyone else do, and I want to help build it right.”

Since launching, Vylit has positioned itself as the “HBO of social media,” a space between traditional social media and adult subscription platforms, where creators can be expressive, marketable and in control. The Creator Advisory Board takes that further. Rather than building the platform for creators and handing it over, Vylit is building it with them, giving them direct ownership and a say in its direction.

“The users driving value should have a say in the business,” said Ami Gan, Co-Founder and CEO of Vylit. “Creators understand culture and digital monetization better than anyone. At Vylit, that expertise earns them a real seat at the table.”

“We didn’t want to build another platform where creators show up after the fact,” added Kailey Magder, Co-Founder and COO of Vylit. “We want them involved from day one, shaping the product, the community and the direction of the business.”

Vylit truly puts creators in charge, giving them real ownership and a direct say in how the platform evolves. The Creator Advisory Board is just the start.

To learn more, visit https://vylitworld.com/

To access the media kit, click here.

ABOUT VYLIT
Vylit is an 18+ creator-first social platform redefining how adults share, discover and monetize content. Co-founded by Amrapali (Ami) Gan and Kailey Magder, Vylit was created to fill the gap between traditional social media and creator platforms, offering a premium digital experience for expression. Built as “the HBO of social media,” the platform allows topless content while prohibiting explicit material, giving creators greater freedom. Vylit combines social connectivity with built-in monetization, interest-based discovery through its Vybe Matching Engine, and in-house AI Image Generation and Chat tools designed for its users. Learn more at www.vylitworld.com.

FOR PRESS INQUIRIES
pr@vylitworld.com

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Technology

CNBC Names PayJoy one of the World’s Top FinTech Companies of 2026

Published

46 minutes ago

July 23, 2026

Recognition highlights PayJoy’s leadership in emerging market consumer finance

SAN FRANCISCO, July 23, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — CNBC and Statista have named PayJoy to the “World’s Top Fintech Companies 2026,” which honors companies providing digital funding and bank-independent lending solutions for individuals and businesses. PayJoy is a leading financial services provider for underserved consumers across emerging markets.

Now in its fourth edition, the ranking identifies 500 leading companies across eight fintech market segments worldwide, including Payments, Neobanking, Wealth Technology, Digital Assets, Enterprise Fintech, Insurtech, Regtech, and Alternative Financing. Companies were evaluated using an aggregated scoring model built on both general and segment-specific KPIs, drawing on desk research from publicly available sources alongside company self-reports submitted through an open application process.

PayJoy’s inclusion reflects its work bringing credit access to the emerging middle class in Mexico, Colombia, Brazil, Panama, Peru, Ecuador, South Africa, the Philippines, and Indonesia, nine countries where traditional financial infrastructure has long excluded first-time borrowers.

“This recognition from CNBC and Statista is a meaningful validation of the work our team does every day,” said Doug Ricket, PayJoy CEO and Co-Founder. “Millions of people across the markets we serve are building credit for the first time through PayJoy. Being named among the world’s top fintech companies reflects the scale and impact of that work.”

For more information on the full ranking, visit https://www.cnbc.com/worlds-top-fintech-companies-2026/

About PayJoy
PayJoy expands credit access across emerging markets through point-of-sale financing and card offerings. Its proprietary secured-credit technology enables first-time borrowers to responsibly build financial stability and participate fully in the modern economy. Through its cutting-edge machine learning, data science, and anti-fraud AI, PayJoy has financed over $3.5 billion of loans to more than 20 million people and employs over 1,000 people worldwide. For more information, visit https://www.payjoy.com/

Contact
payjoy@thekeypr.com

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Technology

Youngstown Innovation Hub Breaks Ground at YBI’s 107 Building

Published

46 minutes ago

July 23, 2026

YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio, July 23, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — As the United States works to strengthen its aerospace and defense manufacturing base, the Youngstown Innovation Hub for Aerospace & Defense broke ground today on YBI‘s 107 Building in downtown Youngstown, positioning the region as a national proving ground for advanced and additive manufacturing. The Hub is managed by the National Center for Defense Manufacturing and Machining (NCDMM).

Youngstown Innovation Hub for Aerospace & Defense breaks ground at YBI’s 107 Building.

The Hub is one of four Innovation Hubs established across Ohio as part of a statewide initiative to strengthen innovation-driven economic growth. Once complete, it is projected to generate approximately $161.6 million in economic impact, create 450 new jobs, and produce 185 new STEM credential opportunities and 40 internship opportunities by 2029.

The groundbreaking comes as Ohio was recently ranked the No. 1 state for business in America by CNBC’s 2026 America’s Top States for Business rankings, up from No. 5 in 2025.

Ohio Lt. Governor Jim Tressel attended and delivered remarks at the ceremony.

“Today is about more than renovating a building. It’s about building opportunity for Ohioans,” said Lt. Governor Tressel. “The Mahoning Valley has always been defined by the people who make things, solve problems, and never stop working toward a better future. This Innovation Hub builds on that proud tradition while preparing the next generation for in-demand careers in manufacturing.”

Hub and YBI leadership also spoke at the ceremony.

“Today’s groundbreaking of the Youngstown Innovation Hub represents much more than the start of a building renovation. It reflects what can happen when state, regional, industry, academic, and community partners come together around a shared vision for the future of manufacturing, aerospace and defense innovation,” said Megan Malara, Ph.D., director of the Youngstown Innovation Hub.

The renovation is made possible in part by a $750,000 state capital investment. Ohio State Sen. Al Cutrona and state Rep. Lauren McNally were credited with helping advance the funding request through the legislative process. YBI also recognized the broader Lake to River legislative delegation, including state Reps. Nick Santucci, Tex Fischer, Monica Robb Blasdel, Dave Thomas, and Sarah Fowler Arthur, for their support, as well as U.S. Sens. Jon Husted and Bernie Moreno for their support of the project in the U.S. Senate.

Speakers at the ceremony included Ohio Lt. Gov. Jim Tressel; Lydia Mihalik, director of the Ohio Department of Development; Mary Mertz, director of the Ohio Department of Natural Resources; Julius Oliver, 1st Ward Councilman for the City of Youngstown; State Sen. Al Cutrona; State Rep. Nick Santucci; State Rep. Lauren McNally; and Megan Malara, Ph.D., director of the Youngstown Innovation Hub. Barb Ewing, CEO of YBI, served as master of ceremonies.

The City of Youngstown, which committed $1.35 million in local matching funds to the project, was represented at the ceremony. John Wilczynski, executive director of America Makes, attended, and Barb Ewing recognized Kimberly Gibson and Alexander Steeb of America Makes for their roles in advancing the project.

Upon completion, the five-story, 130,000-square-foot concrete-framed building will offer flexible space for offices, workspaces, and display areas, along with robust power capacity to support multiple high-demand tenants. The building’s security features, including limited access points and naturally separated manufacturing bays, are designed to meet U.S. Department of War contracting criteria, positioning tenants to compete directly for federal defense work.

“It’s great to finally be transitioning from talking about this project to actually working on it. We appreciate all the support we’ve had from our political leaders and the community. YBI is proud to be a part of the project team that’s changing the trajectory of the Mahoning Valley,” said Barb Ewing, CEO of YBI.

Companies looking to expand, relocate, or enter the aerospace and defense manufacturing sector are encouraged to visit the Youngstown Innovation Hub website at youngstownhub.us.

About the Youngstown Innovation Hub for Aerospace & Defense

Managed by the National Center for Defense Manufacturing and Machining (NCDMM), the Youngstown Innovation Hub is a national proving ground for advanced and additive manufacturing, strengthening U.S. aerospace and defense supply chains and workforce development. Learn more at youngstownhub.us.

About YBI

YBI is a globally recognized economic development nonprofit, advancing innovation and growth across Ohio and beyond. Through a flexible suite of high-quality entrepreneurial services and resources, YBI supports startups, small businesses, and manufacturers at every stage of development. For more information, visit ybi.org.

Media Contact:
Jessica Sprowl, Marketing and Communications Director, YBI
jsprowl@ybi.org

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SOURCE YBI