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New Report Calls for National Higher Education Strategy to Ensure America’s Global Competitiveness

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WASHINGTON, March 27, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — A new groundbreaking report highlights the urgent need to develop a higher education strategy that strengthens the competitiveness and security of the United States. The report, America’s Talent Moonshot: How the United States Can Win the Global Competition for Prosperity and Security, is the product of the Council on Higher Education as a Strategic Asset (HESA), a diverse group of the nation’s leaders from business, the military, nonprofits, and academia. Convened by the Association of Governing Boards of Universities and Colleges (AGB), the Council came together over the course of four national convenings to focus on how America can create the conditions for colleges and universities to take the next giant leap in educational innovation in order to boost its global competitiveness and national security.

New Report Calls for National Higher Education Strategy to Ensure America’s Global Competitiveness

“In a globally competitive knowledge economy, human capital is America’s principal national asset. To remain prosperous, secure, and united in a rapidly changing world, the United States must act decisively—and higher education must lead the way,” said Mary Papazian, PhD, AGB executive vice president. “The United States can no longer ignore the growing gaps between the number of positions needed to fuel our economy, sustain our communities, and keep our nation secure and the number of educated individuals prepared to fill those roles.”

Three co-chairs helped lead the Council: Michael Crow, PhD, president of Arizona State University and a leading national voice for higher education reform and renewal; Linda Gooden, chair of the University System of Maryland Board of Regents and former executive vice president at Lockheed Martin Information Systems & Global Services; and Robert L. King, JD, former U.S. assistant secretary for postsecondary education, president of the Kentucky Council on Postsecondary Education, and chancellor of the State University of New York (SUNY).

The report identifies urgent talent shortages in sectors essential to national strength—health care, cybersecurity and artificial intelligence (AI), education, and engineering—and calls for scalable, coordinated solutions to close these gaps. The report notes that this is our 21st-century moonshot, and just like the moon landing, it will take ambition, investment, and a united effort.

The report calls for a reimagined national strategy to unleash the talent of all Americans, regardless of background or geography, by connecting higher education institutions with strategic public and private sector partners. It outlines a vision to:

Expand access to education and workforce training opportunities,

Strengthen pipelines into critical workforce sectors,

Support breakthrough research and innovation, and

Renew higher education’s civic mission to sustain democracy.

The report also acknowledges growing public dissatisfaction with traditional education models and responds with a blueprint for action: empowering colleges and universities to serve national interests through innovation, collaboration, and rapid response to strategic talent needs.

“HESA participating universities are committed to supporting America, and American ideals. The global preeminence the United States once enjoyed is being eroded as other countries are investing strategically in educating and developing their citizens. At the same time, an increasing number of Americans are expressing frustration with the design, outcomes, and costs of the current model of higher education,” said King.

Specifically, the report calls for:

A national alliance of higher education institutions, state and federal governments, K–12 education, business and industry, and civic and philanthropic organizations focused on advancing national competitiveness and national security.

An executive role within the White House to coordinate the strategy and funding of relevant federal departments and agencies that impact the achievement of talent development goals.

A national talent council to monitor state-level talent development goals and skills gaps, elevating those with strategic, national implications, then linking those needs with HESA participating institutions.

Strategic investment and coordination of federal, state, and private resources to advance America’s education and talent goals.

A national recognition for institutions that contribute to the achievement of national strategic education and talent priorities.

A public corporation to serve as the organizing and funding entity focused on strengthening America’s economic prosperity, national security, and democracy.

Copies of the full report can be downloaded at hesaus.org.

About HESA
HESA is a multi-sector coalition focused on America’s global competitive position and national security by proposing new models for higher education policy, funding, and collaboration necessary to develop the talent and human capital required to support our national interests at speed and scale.

About AGB
At the Association of Governing Boards of Universities and Colleges (AGB), we believe in the power of higher education to transform lives, strengthen inclusive democracy, and support a thriving society. We believe that strong higher education starts with great governing boards. AGB provides advocacy, leading practices, educational resources, expert support, and renowned programs that advance board excellence for 40,000 AGB members from more than 2,000 institutions and foundations. For more than 100 years, AGB has been the trusted authority for board members, chief executives, board professionals, and key administrators on higher education governance and leadership. Learn more at AGB.org.

Media Contact:
Joe Brenckle
Association of Governing Boards
media@AGB.org
202-640-6739

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SOURCE Association of Governing Boards of Universities and Colleges

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QFocus Technologies Scales Global Engineering Business, Plans to Triple Workforce in 2027 to Support Growing Customer Demand

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BENGALURU, India and SAN FRANCISCO, Oct. 23, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — QFocus Technologies LLC (QFocus), headquartered in the USA, is strengthening its global engineering operations following continued business growth across its key markets. The company has doubled its customer base to include top OEMs and CMs across AI infrastructure, medical devices and industrial products, adding multiple new customer engagements over the past 12 months.

Since its inception, QFocus has built relationships with leading global organizations across the technology and manufacturing ecosystem, supporting engineering programs for a global electronics manufacturing and supply chain solutions provider, a leading computational software company serving the semiconductor design industry, a frontier AI company advancing AI infrastructure and computing, and a global medical technology company, amongst others.

These customer programs also offer QFocus engineers opportunities to work on real-world engineering challenges for global organizations, gain exposure to international engineering practices and contribute to technologies and products with applications across industries. By working alongside experienced Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) and supporting demanding customer requirements, engineers can deepen their technical capabilities while gaining experience across the product development and manufacturing lifecycle.

The company plans to triple the number of its engineers globally over the next 12 months, strengthening its capabilities across AI/ML & software engineering, data science & engineering, ASIC hardware & embedded software design, validation & verification, and manufacturing & quality engineering. The expansion will support QFocus’ growing portfolio of global customer programs while further positioning it as a premier SME-led engineering services provider globally.

Founder & CEO Ajit Chandorkar said, “We see tremendous opportunities to support customers navigating complex development and manufacturing environments. Our delivery model pairs industry-recognized SMEs directly with agile engineering teams, combining strategic foresight with technical execution to address our customers’ most intricate challenges. Expanding our product engineering team alongside our AI capabilities will further strengthen this approach, enabling our customers to accelerate time-to-market, elevate product quality and improve operational efficiency. As we continue to build our engineering capabilities, we remain focused on fostering a high-caliber team that delivers world-class solutions and creates lasting value for our customers.”

QFocus is also continuing to build relationships with academic institutions and engineering partners globally to strengthen its talent pipeline and create opportunities for engineering professionals to work on emerging technology areas.

About QFocus Technologies

QFocus is a US-based design and manufacturing engineering service provider, delivering consulting-led services that help clients achieve faster time-to-market and improved process and product quality. QFocus’ comprehensive service portfolio spans embedded systems & AI, manufacturing/quality engineering, factory data analytics, and operational excellence. QFocus serves clients across Medical & Life Sciences, AI Infrastructure and CE, and Industrial & Transport sectors.

QFocus fosters a vibrant environment of joy, excitement, creativity, and innovation, placing inclusion, empathy, and empowerment for every employee and partner at the heart of its growing culture. We are a team of Go-Getters in the making!

For more information about QFocus and its services, visit www.qfocustech.com or contact ops@qfocustech.com. 

 

 

 

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AULUMU Introduces the ADuo Particle Aramid Fiber Case for iPhone Duo

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1500D aramid fiber meets a universe-inspired particle array, combining technical aesthetics with everyday protection

SHENZHEN, China, Oct. 22, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — AULUMU, the design-driven accessories brand known for blending futuristic aesthetics with functional engineering, introduces the ADuo Particle Aramid Fiber Case for iPhone Duo. Part of the brand’s Particle Series, the new case combines a lightweight 1500D aramid-fiber construction with a distinctive particle-array design, dual-screen protection, and MagSafe compatibility in a slim, technical form.

Inspired by the primordial order of the universe and tactical aesthetics, the ADuo Particle transforms a finely woven surface into a dynamic visual composition. Its precisely arranged particles create a sense of depth and structure, evoking the ubiquitous particles found throughout the universe. The result is a design that balances visual complexity with a restrained, functional aesthetic.

At the core of the ADuo Particle is 1500D aramid fiber, selected for its refined woven texture and lightweight strength. The finely woven material creates a distinctive tactile surface while maintaining a slim profile for everyday carrying. A skin-friendly coating further enhances grip and makes routine cleaning easier, bringing material refinement and practical usability together.

The ADuo Particle is available in two finishes, each interpreting the particle-array concept through a different visual language. Abyss Blue features a UV-processed gradient particle array, creating a sense of depth through a gradual shift in color. Polar Black combines glossy particles with black aramid fabric, producing a subtle interplay of light and shadow that changes with the viewing angle. Together, the two colorways offer distinct expressions of the same technical design language.

Beyond its visual identity, the ADuo Particle integrates a series of protective details designed for everyday use. A full-coverage PC protective frame surrounds the front screen, helping protect its edges and corners. An aluminum-alloy camera guard adds protection around the camera area, while raised edges around the screen and camera help reduce direct contact with surrounding surfaces. These elements complement the slim construction without adding unnecessary visual bulk.

The case also supports compatible MagSafe accessories, extending its functionality beyond basic device protection. Users can pair it with magnetic accessories, including the AULUMU G09 Mag Stand, to create a more flexible setup for everyday work, viewing, and mobile use. By combining magnetic compatibility with a refined aramid-fiber exterior, the ADuo Particle fits naturally into a technical, minimalist everyday carry setup.

The ADuo Particle reflects AULUMU’s ongoing approach to product design: bringing material innovation, functional details, and a distinctive industrial aesthetic into everyday technology accessories. Rather than treating protection and appearance as separate priorities, the case integrates both into a cohesive design built around the character of the device and the needs of daily use.

AULUMU is also developing two additional ADuo Aramid Fiber Case variations: a distinctive all-white edition and a gradient edition inspired by the visual direction of the A18 Ultra Slim Gradient Aramid Fiber Case. Release dates for both versions have yet to be determined.

Available on the AULUMU website for $89.98

What is More

AULUMU is also preparing a special limited version of ADuo Particle Aramid Fiber Case which is the world first All-White Aramid Fiber case. The release date for this case has not yet been determined.

About AULUMU

Founded in 2022, AULUMU is a design brand focused on high-performance gear, drawing inspiration from the functional aesthetics of cyberpunk and the philosophical roots of ancient Greek thought. Since its inception, the brand has launched dozens of digital accessory products, secured multiple utility and invention patents, and received the 2025 Red Dot Design Award. Today, AULUMU products serve hundreds of thousands of users across more than 20 countries and regions, positioning the brand as a growing presence in the global high-performance accessories market.

For more information, visit: https://aulumu.com/, or follow AULUMU on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aulumu_official/

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SOURCE AULUMU

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LianLian Global and PayPal Power Cross-Border Payouts for Social Commerce, Marketplace, and eCommerce Customers

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Social commerce, marketplaces and eCommerce players served by LianLian Global can now pay creators, influencers, developers, and independent contractors directly to their PayPal and Venmo wallets.

NEW YORK, Oct. 22, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — LianLian Global  today announced it has partnered with PayPal (NASDAQ: PYPL) to enable its social commerce, marketplace and e-commerce clients to send payouts directly to PayPal accounts globally and to Venmo accounts in the U.S.

The creator and gig economy runs on fast, low-friction payouts. Brands are expected to spend $32.6 billion on creators in 2026 and roughly 50 million people worldwide create content professionally or semi-professionally (Gigapay Global Creator Economy Report 2026). Many of these recipients already hold a PayPal or Venmo account: PayPal had over 400 million active accounts across approximately 200 markets at the end of Q2 2026, and Venmo reached 67 million monthly active accounts in Q4 2025.

Paypal Payouts is live in 96 global markets and 24 currencies. It allows merchants to send to any email address, mobile number, or Venmo user handle, with or without an existing PayPal or Venmo account.

To support enterprises expanding globally, LianLian Global provides digital payment services including pay-in, pay-out, acquiring, foreign exchange, virtual cards and payment aggregation. To date, its parent company Lianlian DigiTech has served more than 13.3 million clients. Its services reach more than 200 countries and regions, support transactions and settlement in more than 140 currencies, and connect with more than 180 global e-commerce platforms.

The partnership combines LianLian Global’s cross-border collection, FX and compliance infrastructure with PayPal’s global wallet network. Key offerings include:

Pay to PayPal: Payouts from LianLian Global clients to PayPal account holders in 96 markets, using only the recipient’s email or phone numberPay to Venmo: Domestic U.S. payouts to Venmo users, including creators, influencers and independent contractorsPayPal Payouts for Platforms: Mass disbursements for social commerce, marketplaces and affiliate platforms paying large numbers of sellers, creators and contractorsSpeed to settle: Save time and money by eliminating check runs and postage; no need for routing numbers and bank accounts.

Sandra Lam, Deputy CEO of US at LianLian Global: “Social commerce is creating a new economy, where creators, influencers and independent sellers drive discovery and sales alongside the platforms they sell on. Paying these participants fast, across borders and in small amount is what powers the network effect of social commerce. We see our work with Paypal as a key step in building the payout rails for the global gig economy.”

The collaboration expands LianLian Global’s payout coverage and supports its growth in the U.S. and global markets as cross-border platforms scale their creator and contractor programs.

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/lianlian-global-and-paypal-power-cross-border-payouts-for-social-commerce-marketplace-and-ecommerce-customers-302917635.html

SOURCE LianLian Global

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