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Plug and Play Announces a Strategic Partnership with Thales to Support Global Expansion of Deep-Tech Startups through Trust My Tech Program

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Plug and Play and Thales have entered a strategic partnership to accelerate the growth and international expansion of deep-tech startups through Thales’ global Trust My Tech (TMT), global open innovation, and business acceleration program.As part of the partnership, Plug and Play will implement its Innovation Framework within Thales—a structured approach designed to further catalyze and strengthen an organization’s innovation. Complementing this approach, the partnership will identify and support frontier startups across artificial intelligence (AI), cybersecurity, aerospace, digital identity, quantum technologies, sustainability, fintech, communications, regulatory technology, and other emerging technology sectors, connecting them with opportunities to collaborate with Thales.Selected startups will have the opportunity to develop proofs-of-concept (POCs), pilot initiatives, and potential commercial collaborations with Thales’ regional and global business units, enabling real-world validation of their technologies and creating pathways to international markets.

SINGAPORE, July 15, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Plug and Play, a global innovation platform headquartered in Silicon Valley, has announced a strategic partnership with Thales, a global leader in advanced technologies across defense, aerospace, cyber and digital sectors.

Through this collaboration, Plug and Play will leverage its Innovation Framework to support Thales’ Trust My Tech (TMT), a global open innovation and business acceleration program, by strengthening Thales’ innovation capabilities, fostering collaboration across the innovation ecosystem, and connecting high-potential deep-tech startups with opportunities to collaborate with Thales’ business units to support the development, validation, and international expansion of innovative technologies. TMT Singapore will serve as the first hub for implementing Plug and Play’s Innovation Framework in the APAC region, acting as a launchpad for broader innovation efforts across Thales hubs globally.

Designed to help corporations navigate disruption and drive long-term growth, Plug and Play’s innovation framework combines strategic planning, organizational capabilities, and startup collaboration to accelerate innovation and build lasting competitive advantage. The partnership will also focus on scouting and evaluating frontier technology startups from around the world across a broad range of sectors, including artificial intelligence (AI), cybersecurity, communications, digital identity, aerospace and space, sustainability, fintech, regulatory technology, quantum technologies, and other emerging technology domains. Selected startups will gain access to opportunities for collaboration through the TMT program, where they can engage directly with Thales’ experts and business leaders to explore innovation opportunities that address real-world industry challenges.

Startups will have the opportunity to develop proof-of-concept (POC) projects, pilot initiatives, and potential commercial collaborations that address real-world industry challenges. By facilitating these connections, the partnership aims to accelerate the adoption of emerging technologies while creating pathways for startups to expand internationally through collaboration with Thales.

“Trust My Tech enables Thales to identify, assess and deploy trusted external technologies faster, turning innovation opportunities into competitive advantage. Through our partnership with Plug and Play, we are further strengthening this capability by broadening our engagement with some of the world’s most promising deep-tech startups and fostering collaboration across the global innovation ecosystem. Together, we look forward to working with pioneering startups to explore and co-develop trusted solutions that address real-world challenges and create meaningful impact across sectors including cybersecurity, aerospace, digital identity, artificial intelligence and beyond.” – Marine Martinez, Trust My Tech Global Program Lead, Thales

“At Plug and Play, we believe that the most transformative innovations emerge when startups are given access to the right partners, markets, and opportunities. Our collaboration with Thales combines the strengths of a global technology leader with our worldwide innovation ecosystem to help startups accelerate their growth and commercialization journey. We are excited to connect pioneering deep-tech startups with opportunities to build, test, and scale solutions alongside Thales’ business units across Asia and globally.” – Jupe Tan, Managing Partner, APAC, Plug and Play

About Thales

Thales (Euronext Paris: HO) is a global leader in advanced technologies for the Defence, Aerospace, and Cyber & Digital sectors. Its portfolio of innovative products and services helps address several major challenges: sovereignty, security, sustainability and inclusion.

The Group allocates €4.5 billion per year in Research & Development in key areas, particularly for critical environments, such as Artificial Intelligence, Cybersecurity, Quantum and Cloud technologies.

Thales has more than 85,000 employees in 65 countries. In 2025, the Group generated sales of €22.1 billion.

About Plug and Play

Plug and Play is the leading innovation platform, connecting startups, corporations, venture capital firms, universities, and government agencies. Headquartered in Silicon Valley, we’re present in 60+ locations across five continents. We offer corporate innovation programs and help our corporate partners in every stage of their innovation journey, from education to execution. We also organize startup acceleration programs and have built an in-house VC to drive innovation across multiple industries where we’ve invested in hundreds of successful companies including Dropbox, Guardant Health, Honey, Lending Club, N26, PayPal, and Rappi.

Our Asia Pacific headquarters was launched in Singapore in 2010 and we are now present in five cities in Southeast Asia with additional locations in China, Japan, Korea and India. We work closely with both the public and private sector with programs, innovation initiatives and startup investments across the region.

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

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SOURCE Plug and Play

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Tube & Pipe Fair 2026: Three Days of Countless Business Opportunities

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With India’s infrastructure, manufacturing, energy and construction sectors driving unprecedented demand for advanced tube and pipe solutions, the need for a dedicated industry platform has never been greater. Tube & Pipe Fair 2026, organised by Tulip 3P Media Pvt. Ltd., returns to HITEX Exhibition Center, Hyderabad, from 16–18 July 2026, bringing together the entire tube and pipe value chain under one roof. The event is supported by Principal Partner – Jindal Industries Private Limited (Hissar); Co-Partners – Hira Pipes, Mahalakshmi Profiles Pvt. Ltd. and One Helix – A JSW One Product; Associate Partner – Dadu Pipes; Technology Partner – Surya Electric (Surya Mfr. Tube Mills); Visitor Kit Partner – METPRO (MKK Metal Sections Pvt. Ltd.); Lanyard Partner – Jindal Industries Private Limited (Hissar); and Media Partner – Tube & Pipe India Magazine.

NEW DELHI, July 15, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Designed as a focused B2B platform, the exhibition will bring together manufacturers, suppliers, distributors, buyers and technology providers from across India and overseas for three days of business networking, live machinery demonstrations, product launches and high-value buyer-seller interactions.

Now in its fourth edition, Tube & Pipe Fair has established itself as one of India’s most focused business destinations for the tube and pipe industry. From its inaugural edition in New Delhi in 2023 to successful editions in Hyderabad (2024) and New Delhi (2025), the exhibition has consistently attracted leading brands, cutting-edge technologies and key decision-makers, making it an essential meeting point for professionals looking to stay ahead of industry trends.

Visitors will have the opportunity to engage with leading companies including Goodluck India Limited, Hariom Pipe Industries Limited, Jindal Industries Private Limited – Hissar, Jindal Stainless Limited, Jindal Steel Limited, JTL Industries Limited, Mahalakshmi Profiles Private Limited, Maruti Ispat And Pipes Private Limited, MKK Metal Sections Private Limited, One Helix – A JSW One Product, RR Ispat (A Unit of GPIL), Sun Mark Stainless Private Limited and Surya Electric (Surya Mfr. Tube Mills), alongside numerous exhibitors representing every segment of the industry.

Tube & Pipe Fair 2026 offers tube and pipe manufacturers, fabricators, engineering companies, dealers, distributors, stockists, EPC contractors, infrastructure developers and professionals from the automobile, aeronautical, rail, shipbuilding, offshore, oil & gas, energy, power, water supply and water treatment, chemical and petrochemical, refrigeration and HVAC, building and construction, heavy and process industries, defence, electrical, measuring and control technology, and healthcare sectors an opportunity to discover new technologies, compare solutions, identify reliable suppliers and build lasting business relationships. Professionals associated with iron, stainless steel, ferrous and non-ferrous tubes, pipes and profiles, as well as plastics and composites, public utilities, procurement, purchasing, quality assurance and R&D, will also find the exhibition an invaluable platform for sourcing and knowledge exchange.

From tube, pipe and profile manufacturing machinery and processing technologies to steel processing equipment, testing and inspection systems, materials, consumables, fittings, valves, pumps, tools, reconditioned machinery, steel, plastics and composites, the exhibition offers a comprehensive showcase of the latest products and innovations shaping the industry.

Whether organizations are planning their next investment, evaluating new suppliers or simply looking to stay ahead of market trends, Tube & Pipe Fair 2026 is the place to connect, collaborate and create new business opportunities. The calendar can be marked for 16–18 July 2026 and be part of India’s premier gathering for the tube and pipe industry.

 

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/in/news-releases/tube–pipe-fair-2026-three-days-of-countless-business-opportunities-302824965.html

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DBS crowned Southeast Asia’s most valuable brand in Kantar BrandZ 2026 ranking

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The region’s Top 30 brands are now worth US$165 billion and outperform global peers on Meaningful Difference.

Shopee, Lazada and POSB rank amongst the fastest-growing brands

SINGAPORE, July 15, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Kantar, the world’s leading data, analytics and AI business, today unveiled the third edition of its BrandZ™ Southeast Asia ranking and report, revealing that Southeast Asia’s Top 30 most valuable brands are now worth a combined US$165.3 billion. The ranking highlights the resilience of the region’s strongest brands, whose value has grown 26% since 2024 despite a challenging global economic environment. Growth has been broad-based: 18 brands have grown, 16 at a double-digit pace, with four more than doubling their value. This was driven by strong consumer relevance and clear differentiation in increasingly competitive markets.

The rankings also highlight the continued dominance of Financial Services, which accounts for more than half of the total value in the Top 30. Banking brands occupy five of the top 10 positions, demonstrating the strength of consumer trust and the growing importance of financial brands in people’s daily lives.

Telecommunications remains the second-largest category, led by Thailand’s AIS, while Retail continues to gain momentum through the growth of e-commerce leaders Shopee and Lazada.

Valued at US$24.5bn, DBS has overtaken BCA to become Southeast Asia’s most valuable brand, more than doubling its value since 2024. This growth is driven by strong brand foundations, anchored in a clear commitment to sustainability and financial security – a positioning that has earned it recognition as Asia’s Safest Bank for 17 consecutive years. Its proposition also travels well beyond its home market, demonstrating its ability to scale a meaningfully different offer across multiple markets.

Kantar BrandZ Top 10 Most Valuable Southeast Asian Brands 2026:

2026 Rank 
(vs 2024)

Brand

Category

Brand value
2026 (US$M)

2-year
change (%)

1 (+2)

DBS

Financial Services

24,545

121 %

2 (-1)

BCA

Financial Services

22,661

-20 %

3 (+1)

AIS

Telecom Providers

14,612

65 %

4 (+3)

Shopee

Retail

10,428

116 %

5 (+1)

UOB

Financial Services

7,768

18 %

6 (-4)

BRI

Financial Services

6,438

-43 %

7 (+2)

Marina Bay Sands

Travel Services

6,092

38 %

8 (-3)

Mandiri

Financial Services

5,488

-34 %

9 (+1)

True

Telecom Providers

5,373

45 %

10 (-2)

Telkomsel

Telecom Providers

4,726

3 %

Scaling success: how top risers are accelerating growth

The fastest-rising brand in the Top 30 is POSB (People’s Own Savings Bank), leaping eight places to No.13, and increasing its value 126% to $4.4bn. Singapore’s oldest bank has strengthened its purpose – ‘Neighbours first, bankers second’ – through community-led initiatives, and emotionally compelling storytelling. Its innovative ‘Treat Yourself Right’ campaign, using GenAI to bring consumers face-to-face with their future selves, demonstrates how technology can deepen engagement while reinforcing brand meaning.

Among the 24 brands featuring in both the 2026 and 2024 rankings, those with the strongest growth also have the widest international reach, highlighting the commercial advantage of translating locally-built brand meaning into regionally relevant offers. Singaporean brand Lazada (No.12; $4.5bn; +105%) has succeeded with a strategy based on quality, authenticity and trust. It offers consumers peace of mind in a complex e-commerce landscape through its ‘100% Legit’ guarantee, and this narrative resonates across diverse markets, supporting sustained growth and strengthening consumer confidence.

Commenting on the results, Rika Sharma, Executive Managing Director, Southeast Asia and Singapore, Kantar, says: “Southeast Asia’s most valuable brands have earned their place by building deep, meaningful connections with consumers around enduring human needs that transcend markets and cultures. While many are already firmly embedded in people’s lives, sustaining growth in the years ahead will require greater ambition and innovation. The strongest brands will be those that expand into new spaces, create new sources of value for consumers and sharpen their differentiation in ways that justify premium pricing. Achieving this consistently will depend on a more strategic application of consumer and market understanding, powered by AI-enabled intelligence that helps turn brand decisions into measurable business impact.”

Newcomers combine bold positioning with cross-market relevance

Six new entrants join BrandZ’s Southeast Asian ranking this year, spanning five categories and five markets: Malaysian telecom provider CelcomDigi (No.14; $4.2bn), Vietnam-founded EV manufacturer VinFast (No.15; $4.0bn), Malaysian retailer 99 Speedmart (No.21; $2.6bn), Indonesia’s Mayapada Hospital (No.24; $2.4bn), and financial services brands SCB (Siam Commercial Bank) (No.28; $1.4bn) from Thailand and BDO (No.29; $1.4bn) from the Philippines. Each newcomer has broken into the Top 30 by establishing a clear point of differentiation that cuts through, and by amplifying that difference through focused, effective communications.

VinFast exemplifies this approach through its ‘For a Green Future’ mission, combining accessible electric mobility with ecosystem innovation, such as its GreenSM Taxi services. This clear, future-facing positioning has supported rapid expansion within Southeast Asia and beyond. Meanwhile, Indonesia’s Mayapada Hospital has built momentum by positioning itself as a provider of world-class healthcare within the region, reducing the need for outbound medical travel. Its strong, digitally led communications reinforce its premium, progressive credentials among consumers.

Key trends from the 2026 Kantar BrandZ Top 30 Most Valuable Southeast Asian Brands report include:

Southeast Asia’s Top 30 outperform the Kantar BrandZ Most Valuable Global Brands on the three fundamental drivers of brand growth – Meaning, Difference and Salience – signalling their strong connection with consumers and their readiness for sustained future growthConsumers increasingly see Southeast Asian brands as ‘worth it’. By demonstrating clear Meaningful Difference, these brands reinforce perceptions of value for money and justify premium pricing.

The 2026 Kantar BrandZ Top 30 Most Valuable Southeast Asian Brands ranking, full report and in-depth analysis are now available at: www.kantar.com/campaigns/brandz/southeast-asia

For category-level competitive insights, Kantar’s free BrandSnapshot tool, powered by BrandZ, offers at-a-glance intelligence on 15,000 brands worldwide. Explore it here.

ENDS

About Kantar: Kantar is the world’s leading marketing data and analytics business. We deliver the intelligence needed to power brand growth in the AI era. We provide the signals that help organisations act quickly and confidently. We empower brands to make effective marketing decisions based on predictive evidence. And we help them craft powerful growth strategies rooted in the connection between consumers, brands and enterprise value. All this is powered by our uniquely robust human and synthetic data, our unrivalled IP, our AI-native platform and the team of global brand experts that bring this all together.

About Kantar BrandZ: Kantar BrandZ is the global currency when assessing brand value, quantifying the contribution of brands to business’ financial performance. Kantar’s annual global and local brand valuation rankings combine rigorously analysed financial data, with extensive brand equity research. Since 1998, BrandZ has shared brand-building insights with business leaders based on interviews with 4.6 million consumers, for 22,392 brands in 54 markets. Discover more about Kantar BrandZ here.

The Kantar BrandZ Most Valuable Southeast Asian Brands is the most definitive and robust ranking available. The ranking is based on interviews with more than 120,000 respondents, on 2,050 brands in 85 categories. The ranking focuses exclusively on consumer-facing brands, and brands must meet the following criteria:

The brand must have originated in one of the following markets: Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand or VietnamThe brand must be owned by a publicly listed company or by a company that publishes full financial statements in the public domain.

For more information, please contact:

Amanjit Singh, Marketing Director- APAC, Kantar | Amanjit.singh@kantar.com  
Mishuelle Wee, Digital Marketing Manager, Kantar | mishuelle.wee@kantar.com  

 

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SOURCE Kantar

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Tamron 12-20mm F2.8 Di III Ultra-Wide Full Frame Lens Announced; First Look YouTube Video at B&H Photo

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New From Tamron, the ultra-wide

Photography News: Tamron unveils the 12-20mm f/2.8 Di III Widest Full-frame Mirrorless Zoom Yet

NEW YORK, July 15, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — B&H is pleased to share the new Tamron 12-20mm f/2.8 Di III ultra-wide mirrorless zoom lens, available for Sony E Mount and Nikon Z Mount, delivers professional performance without bulk and weight.

Tamron 12-20mm f/2.8 Lens for Sony E mount cameras
https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1986708-REG/tamron_12_20mm_f_2_8_lens_sony.html 

Lens for Nikon Z mount Cameras
https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1986709-REG/tamron_12_20mm_f_2_8_lens_nikon.html

Full-Frame | f/2.8 to f/16 ApertureLightweight Wide-Angle ZoomVXD Linear Motor Focus MechanismAutofocus Support | 7.1″ Close FocusToned Profile Next DesignRear Sheet-Filter HolderMoisture-Resistance | Fluorine Coating12-Blade Rounded Iris | Smooth BokehWorks with TAMRON Lens Utility SoftwareIntegrated Lens Hood

Characterized by its dramatic wide-angle perspective, this zoom has much to offer for photographers of all levels. The 12mm wide angle view makes this lens perfect for dramatic landscapes, and the fast, f/2.8 aperture delivers a bright view ideal for night skies and astro photography. Plus, the lens even offers stunning close-up performance with a minimum focus distance of just 7.1″ at the wide end.

The lenses optical system incorporates an eXpanded Glass Molded Aspherical, or XGM, lens element alongside three Glass Molded Elements to effectively suppress peripheral blurring and color fringing, resulting in corner-to-corner sharpness. Additionally, the lens corrects for sagittal coma flare, a common challenge for astro photographers.

Ultra-wide zooms have traditionally been quite large, yet Tamron has achieved a sophisticated balance of size and weight. At just 20.2 ounces and measuring 4.7″ in length, the lens among the smallest in its class. This feat is achieved with few sacrifices, as Tamron managed to slim down and fit all the necessary controls and switches users have come to expect from their lenses.

The Tamron 12-20mm f/2.8 Di III is one of the most impressive ultra-wide zoom lenses available for modern mirrorless systems, and a great solution for those looking for a dramatic perspective with impressive light gathering capabilities.

Learn more with B&H Explora https://www.bhphotovideo.com/explora/photography/news/tamron-widest-full-frame-lens-to-date

Tamron 12-20mm f/2.8 Di III Ultra-Wide Full Frame Lens YouTube First Look Video –

 About B&H Photo Video

As the world’s largest source of photography, video, and audio equipment, as well as computers, drones, and home and portable entertainment, B&H is known worldwide for its attentive, knowledgeable sales force and excellent customer service, including fast, reliable shipping. B&H has been satisfying customers worldwide for over 50 years.

Visitors to the website can access a variety of educational videos and enlightening articles. The B&H YouTube Channel has an unmatched wealth of educational content. Our entertaining and informative videos feature product overviews from our in-house specialists. You can view the B&H Event Space presentations from many of the world’s foremost experts and interviews with some of technology’s most dynamic personalities. Tap into this exciting resource by subscribing to the B&H YouTube Channel here. In addition to videos, the B&H Explora blog presents new product announcements, gear reviews, helpful guides, and tech news written by product experts and industry professionals, as well as our award-winning podcasts.

When you’re in Manhattan, take a tour of the B&H Photo SuperStore, located at 420 Ninth Avenue. The techno-carousel spins all year round at the counters and kiosks at B&H. With hundreds of products on display, the B&H Photo SuperStore is the place to test-drive and compare all the latest gear.

The B&H Payboo Credit Card offers the industry’s best instant savings and special financing, subject to credit approval. Visit B&H’s Payboo Page to learn more and apply.

Contact Information
Geoffrey Ngai
B&H Photo Video
212-615-8820
https://www.bhphotovideo.com/

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SOURCE B&H Photo

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