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RS supports panel-centric MRO strategies that deliver savings without sacrificing quality

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Reducing control panel lifecycle costs without sacrificing quality requires a panel-centric MRO strategy built on reliable, serviceable, and standardized components. RS supports these strategies with an extensive selection of high-quality, industrial-grade control panel components, expert technical support, and value-added services.

FORT WORTH, Texas, June 17, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — RS, a high-service global product and service solutions provider for industrial customers, supports panel-centric MRO strategies with an extensive selection of high-quality standardized, serviceable control panel components engineered, tested, and proven to reduce industrial control panel lifecycle costs without sacrificing quality or performance.

Sustainable MRO savings and operational efficiency depend on control panel simplification and standardization.

The high downstream cost of “low-cost” control panel components

Control panels are indispensable for industrial automation — integrating the power distribution, control logic, motor switching, and industrial communications components that essentially serve as the brains and central nervous systems of these systems within a single protected enclosure. When these systems fail, unplanned downtime quickly escalates beyond the cabinet itself. Equipment stops, diagnostics are lost, and recovery efforts often cascade across production lines and critical infrastructure, which can result in 5–20% reductions in overall productive capacity with costs compounding as operational complexity increases.

Despite these risks, conventional MRO cost-reduction efforts frequently focus on reducing upfront component prices. But while lower-priced relays, power supplies, contactors, and networking hardware may provide short-term savings, they often increase total cost of ownership (TCO) through premature failures, prolonged troubleshooting cycles, emergency repairs, and spare-parts proliferation.

Sustainable MRO savings depends on control panel simplification and standardization — not reactive fixes that introduce long‑term inefficiency. This is especially true given industrial organizations’ growing reliance on stable electrical and communication infrastructure. As facilities become more automated, networked, and data-driven, even intermittent faults can require repeated maintenance and negatively impact productive capacity. And these increasingly dynamic industrial uptime demands don’t exist in a vacuum; they have to be balanced against persistent skilled labor shortages and procurement constraints, ranging from tight budgets to logistics and administrative inefficiencies.

Panel-centric standardization drives real MRO cost savings without sacrificing quality

RS supports sustainable MRO lifecycle savings by helping industrial customers adopt panel-centric strategies that prioritize high‑quality standardized, serviceable control panel components proven to facilitate simple, repeatable, and proactive maintenance processes in discrete and process manufacturing, energy and utilities, and facilities and intralogistics operations. Popular selections from the RS portfolio include:

RS PRO power relays and relay sockets. Designed to support standardized, serviceable control panel architectures across a wide range of industrial applications, this broad range of electromechanical and solid-state relays, sockets, and accessories delivers dependable switching performance that reduces downtime risk and is widely available from stock, ensuring long-term supply continuity. Their standardized form factors and socketed installation options simplify MRO processes, support cleaner panel layouts, and reduce spare parts complexity across facilities to help keep lifecycle costs low while maintaining the high quality and reliability modern automation systems demand.

Phoenix Contact QUINT POWER power supplies. Designed to maximize system uptime, these power supplies support all load situations and DC fuse types and feature preventive function monitoring, static and dynamic boost, and power reserve capabilities, selective fuse breaking (SFB) technology, integrated gas discharge tubes, and more than 20ms of mains failure buffer time to prevent failures and provide a high level of immunity to electrical disturbances. They also feature robust metal housings with primary-switched topologies for galvanic isolation and a wide range of rated operating temperatures (-40°C to +70°C) to ensure optimal performance in harsh industrial environments and satisfy SIL functional safety requirements to ensure reliable performance and standards compliance. Additionally, select models support fieldbus communications and IO-Link protocols that facilitate access to diagnostic data, reduce troubleshooting expenses, and improve system availability.

Schneider Electric TeSys Deca contactors. Designed to facilitate Industry 4.0 digitalization and electrification trends, these durable, standardized contactors feature form factors that are easy to integrate into motor starters and control circuits, up to 20% smaller than competing solutions, and ruggedized for harsh environments with up to 98% humidity and temperatures as high as 70°C. They feature front-facing control circuits for enhanced wiring accessibility and precision, user-friendly one-click connection technology that slashes installation time by 75%, EverLink main power connections that mitigate the loosening effects of shock or vibration, wide-band coil technology capable of accepting 24–500VAC/DC inputs, and safety features designed to mitigate fire risks. This range is also compatible with auxiliary contacts, overload relays, and connection accessories, which helps reduce part variation across machines and facilities, ease replacement, and simplify spare‑parts strategies. Additional advantages include up to 80% greater energy efficiency, up to 69% carbon savings per unit, and 15% operational cost savings all backed by rigorous testing.

Moxa EDS-205 Series unmanaged Industrial Ethernet switches. Designed to reduce communication-related faults at the cabinet level, these compact, rugged, and reliable entry-level switches provide robust protection against shock, vibration, EMI, overload currents, and reverse polarity. They also accelerate fault isolation, improve MRO processes, and deliver dependable connectivity without the overhead of managed networks. They support 10/100 Mb/s communication across five RJ45 ports that automatically negotiate transmission speeds and support full and half-duplex, medium-dependent interface (MDI), and MDI-crossover (MDIX) functionality, which helps simplify installation and minimize setup errors. Their IP30, DIN-rail-mounted housings are equipped with LED status indicators for visual diagnostics and a removable three-contact terminal block that helps optimize space, simplify troubleshooting, support prewiring and hot swapping, and enable fast maintenance and replacement. They also offer broadcast storm protection, which prevents network failures caused by excessive, looping broadcast traffic, exhibit low power consumption (0.77W max.), which enables efficient control panel designs, and support store‑and‑forward switching, which improves data integrity and helps maintain stable network performance.

Partner with RS to reduce your MRO spend without sacrificing quality

Reducing control panel lifecycle costs without sacrificing quality requires a panel‑centric MRO strategy built on reliable, serviceable, and standardized components. Selecting high-quality, industrial-grade relays, AC/DC power supplies, contactors, and Industrial Ethernet switches can help your industrial MRO teams reduce the risk of downtime, simplify and speed up maintenance, and achieve predictable long‑term performance.

RS supports panel-centric MRO strategies with an extensive portfolio of field‑tested and proven control panel components from trusted suppliers, including cost‑effective RS PRO products designed to deliver industrial-grade reliability and durability. RS also supports panel-centric MRO strategies by helping organizations streamline purchasing and inventory management with its integrated eProcurement services that reduce administrative effort and purchasing friction; are compatible with all major platforms, including Oracle, SAP, and Ariba; and offer round‑trip punchout, electronic catalogs, and electronic PO and invoice delivery — all supported by a dedicated team of RS experts.

For more information about cost‑effective industrial control panel solutions from RS — including RS PRO power relays and relay sockets, Phoenix Contact QUINT POWER power supplies, Schneider Electric TeSys Deca contactors, and Moxa EDS‑205 series unmanaged Ethernet switches — visit the links embedded here and check out the new RS Expert Advice article, “Simplify industrial control panel MRO without sacrificing quality” by Jeff Clonts, the Technical Product Support Manager for Value-Added Solutions at RS. For more information about industrial control panels, check out other relevant RS Expert Advice content. For assistance identifying, standardizing, procuring, and maintaining control panel solutions sure to simplify your MRO without sacrificing quality, please contact your local RS representative at 1.866.433.5722 or reach out to the RS technical support team.

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About RS
RS is a high-service global product and service solutions provider for industrial customers, enabling them to operate efficiently and sustainably. We operate in 33 markets, stock over 875,000 industrial and specialist products, and list an additional five million relevant for our industrial customers, sourced from over 2,500 suppliers. This extensive range supports our customers across the industrial lifecycle of designing, building, and maintaining equipment and operations. We enhance their experience through a tailored service model, leveraging our efficient physical, digital, and process infrastructure sustainably. We combine a technically led and digitally enabled approach with an exceptional team of experts; ultimately, it’s our people that make the difference. Our purpose, making amazing happen for a better world, reflects our focus on delivering results for people, planet, and profit. 

RS Group plc is listed on the London Stock Exchange with stock ticker RS1, and in the year ended March 31, 2026, reported revenue of $3,871.07 million. For more information, please visit https://www.rsgroup.com/ or connect with us on LinkedIn or X (Twitter).

About RS in the Americas 
In the Americas region, RS stocks more than 250,000 industrial and electronic products from more than 700 trusted suppliers. These solutions cover categories extending from automation and control equipment to interconnect, passive, active, and electromechanical components and include more than 90,000 high-quality, competitively priced RS PRO products. For more information, please visit https://us.rs-online.com or connect with us via social media on LinkedIn, Facebook, and YouTube.

Editorial Contact & Media Inquiries:
Laurie Tortorello, Director of People & Culture Communications, RS Americas
Laurie.Tortorello@rsgroup.com

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FURIA crowned back-to-back BLAST Premier Rivals Hong Kong champions as 30,000 fans celebrate world-class Counter-Strike

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FURIA defeat Team Spirit 3-0 to claim another BLAST Premier trophy, as Hong Kong celebrates a spectacular weekend of esports and confirms the tournament’s return in 2027.

HONG KONG, Nov. 15, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — BLAST Premier Rivals Hong Kong came to a thrilling conclusion on Sunday, 15 November, as FURIA were crowned back-to-back champions following a dominant 3-0 victory over Team Spirit at AsiaWorld-Arena.

The Grand Final capped off an incredible weekend of world-class Counter-Strike, with more than 30,000 passionate fans attending across three days of playoff action in Hong Kong.

Sunday’s high-octane showdown saw the Brazilian side overcome Team Spirit in commanding fashion, with Kaike ‘KSCERATO’ Cerato delivering another outstanding performance to cement his status as the tournament’s Most Valuable Player (MVP).

The victory marks FURIA’s third trophy in their last four tournaments, continuing an incredible late-season run of form as the team builds momentum ahead of the upcoming Singapore Major.

For legendary captain Gabriel ‘FalleN’ Toledo, the victory carries extra significance, adding another prestigious BLAST trophy to his collection as he prepares to retire at the end of the year. With just the Singapore Major remaining, the Brazilian icon now has one final opportunity to cap off his remarkable career with another major title.

Hong Kong celebrates as BLAST confirms 2027 return

Sunday’s Grand Final also marked the conclusion of the 2026 BLAST Premier Counter-Strike season, bringing another spectacular year of international competition to a close.

The weekend was made even more memorable by the announcement that BLAST Premier Rivals will return to Hong Kong for a third consecutive year, from 8–14 November 2027.

Following two successful editions in 2025 and 2026, both awarded prestigious “M” Mark status, the announcement reinforces Hong Kong’s position as a leading destination for international esports and competitive entertainment.

With more than 30,000 fans celebrating across the weekend, another champion crowned and a third Hong Kong event confirmed, BLAST Premier Rivals 2026 delivered a fitting finale to the Counter-Strike season.

All eyes now turn to 2027 as BLAST prepares for another exciting year of world-class Counter-Strike around the globe.

The BLAST Premier Rivals Hong Kong 2026 is proud of being an “M” Mark event that helps enhance the image of Hong Kong as Asia’s sports event capital. The “M” Mark awarded by the Major Sports Events Committee, symbolising intense, spectacular and signature event in the territory’s sports calendar.

ENDS

About BLAST

BLAST is a global competitive entertainment company with a mission to bring mega entertainment to the world, taking esports, gaming and other new competitive formats to the next level.

BLAST is famous for pioneering the esports category through stunning high-production quality, big creative ideas and game-changing fan-first moments, bringing together the biggest teams and brightest superstars to fight it out for glory and multi-million-dollar prize pools in the world’s biggest arenas, from London and Singapore to Austin and Rio.

BLAST has offices in Copenhagen (HQ), London, Berlin, Mumbai, Malta and New York City. The company is currently working with world-leading game publishers Epic Games, Valve, Supercell and Ubisoft to produce, market and deliver esports for popular titles including Rocket League, Fortnite, Rainbow Six, Brawl Stars, Dota 2 and Counter-Strike 2.

About Esports Association of Hong Kong, China

Esports Association of Hong Kong, China (ESAHK) was established in 2015 by a group of experienced stakeholders in the esports industry and is now the most influential non-profit organisation in Hong Kong’s esports sector. Since its inception, the association has seen continuous growth in membership and rapid development of its activities, supported by esports companies, internet cafes, esports product agents, retail stores, game and software developers, and individuals across Hong Kong society.

Since 2021, ESAHK has been a member of the Sports Federation & Olympic Committee of Hong Kong, China (SF&OC), and is the only recognised entity responsible for selecting esports athletes to represent Hong Kong in international competitions.

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SOURCE BLAST

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Cambodia Takes Bakong Global, Connecting ASEAN with Japan and Africa

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PHNOM PENH, Cambodia, Nov. 15, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Cambodia is taking its national digital payment system, Bakong, onto the global stage, unveiling initiatives spanning international card payments, stablecoin and bond tokenisation pilots with Japan, and a remittance corridor with Rwanda.

The announcements were made at the inaugural Black Swan Summit Cambodia, co-hosted by the National Bank of Cambodia (NBC) and the Singapore-headquartered Global Finance & Technology Network (GFTN), in collaboration with three Cambodian ministries: the Ministry of Post and Telecommunications, the Ministry of Commerce, and the Ministry of Industry, Science, Technology and Innovation.

Held alongside the Sommet de la Francophonie, the two-day summit has attracted over 5,000 registered participants from 60 countries, including policymakers, central bankers, investors and technology leaders, to advance financial connectivity between ASEAN, Africa and other international markets.

From National Payment System to Global Network

Cambodia has built a digital payments infrastructure that has transformed domestic financial access. It is now extending that infrastructure internationally through three initiatives:

Bakong to the World: Bakong users will be able to create Visa or Mastercard virtual cards through the app, enabling contactless payments overseas.

Japan–Cambodia stablecoin remittances: NBC and SBI Group will explore stablecoin-based cross-border transfers, with funds received through Bakong wallets.

Government bond tokenisation: NBC and SBI Bank will pilot the tokenisation of Cambodian government bonds on the Canton Network, exploring new approaches to trading and settlement.

Bakong has also contributed to the growing use of Cambodia’s national currency. The riel’s share of transactions on the platform increased from 17% in 2020 to 58% in 2025.

A Model for Emerging Economies

Cambodia’s financial transformation is rooted in an extraordinary history. Following the destruction of its banking system and the abolition of its currency between 1975 and 1979, the riel was reintroduced on 20 March 1980.

Rather than replicate conventional financial infrastructure, Cambodia has built a digital-first payments ecosystem. Today, Bakong connects approximately 38 million accounts in a country of 17 million people. In 2025, it processed 1.3 billion transactions worth US$241.84 billion, equivalent to approximately 4.5 times Cambodia’s GDP.

For emerging economies seeking to expand financial inclusion, strengthen domestic currencies and connect to global markets, Cambodia offers an example of how public digital infrastructure can accelerate financial development.

Bridging ASEAN and the Francophone World

The summit also marks a step towards connecting Southeast Asia with Francophone economies, particularly in Africa.

Two initiatives signal this ambition:

Cambodia–Rwanda remittance corridor: The National Bank of Cambodia and the National Bank of Rwanda are working to connect Bakong with Rwanda’s RSwitch payment infrastructure, initially facilitating remittances from Cambodia to Rwanda.

Francophone Africa payment connectivity: H.E. Dr. Chea Serey, Governor of the National Bank of Cambodia, underscored the shared vision of exploring cross-border payment connectivity with Francophone African payment systems, with potential initial use cases focusing on remittances and small-value trade.

These initiatives advance South–South cooperation, demonstrating how emerging economies can collaborate directly on interoperable financial infrastructure without relying exclusively on traditional international payment networks.

The summit continues on 16 November, with discussions on economic corridors, payment interoperability, financial resilience and regulatory cooperation.

Leadership Perspectives

H.E. Dr. Chea Serey, Governor of the National Bank of Cambodia, said: “Cambodia knows what it means to lose a financial system and rebuild trust in money. Bakong has expanded access and the use of the riel. Now we are connecting it to the world. Sovereignty and openness are not opposites. Inclusion must be measured not just by whether people can pay, but by whether they can withstand shocks.”

Sopnendu Mohanty, Group CEO, Global Finance & Technology Network (GFTN), said: “Cambodia shows that emerging economies can build financial infrastructure around their own needs rather than inherit systems designed elsewhere. The next challenge is connecting these platforms internationally. From African payment links to Japanese fintech pilots, Black Swan Summit Cambodia demonstrates how emerging markets can open new channels for trade, investment and financial inclusion.”

For more information: www.cambodia.blackswansummit.com

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SOURCE Global Finance & Technology Network (GFTN)

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APEC 2026 Host City Promotional Video Shenzhen: Where the Future Takes Shape Released Worldwide

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SHENZHEN, China, Nov. 14, 2026 /CNW/ — Shenzhen: Where the Future Takes Shape, the official promotional video for the host city of the 2026 Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Economic Leaders’ Meeting, was released worldwide on November 15, as APEC Economic Leaders’ Week got underway in Shenzhen.

Presented by the Publicity Department of the CPC Shenzhen Municipal Committee and produced by Shenzhen Media Group, the video takes “Where the Future Takes Shape” as its central theme.

It brings together Shenzhen’s pioneering reforms, its achievements in building a modern, people-centered city, and the theme of 2026 APEC “China Year,” “Building an Asia-Pacific Community to Prosper Together.” Through the story of Shenzhen, the video offers international audiences a vivid look at Chinese modernization in practice, while extending a warm welcome to guests from across the Asia-Pacific and beyond. It also reflects the host city’s commitment to openness and its vision of working with regional partners to create a better future.

Shenzhen itself takes center stage in the video. Through six dimensions — innovative, livable, beautiful, resilient, culturally advanced, and smart — the production captures the city’s character during this landmark year and showcases its vitality and appeal to audiences worldwide.

The Chinese- and English-language versions premiered simultaneously across Shenzhen Media Group’s platforms, including Shenzhen TV’s 4K Ultra HD channel, its international channel, and the international social media network of “Shenzhen Channel”.

Featuring more than 260 shots, 99% of them newly filmed in 2026, this six-minute film brings Shenzhen to life–from cutting-edge innovation and vibrant urban spaces to stunning natural landscapes and cultural diversity.

Discover a city where the future is already taking shape, and where people from across the Asia-Pacific are invited to come together, share opportunities, and build a brighter, more prosperous future.

At this moment, Shenzhen is at its best.

As the video’s closing narration declares:

In 2026, the world gathers in Shenzhen to write a new chapter in building an Asia-Pacific Community to prosper together.

Gather in Shenzhen.

Witness miracles.

Together, let’s create a brighter future!

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SOURCE Shenzhen Media Group

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