SINGAPORE, Aug. 12, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Digital travel platform Agoda has unveiled Vietnamese travelers’ most-searched destinations, and the local dishes worth trying upon arrival. According to Agoda’s 2026 Travel Outlook Report, 35% of Vietnamese travelers cite food as a key reason to travel.

Based on Agoda’s accommodation searches made by Vietnamese travelers between 1 April and 30 June 2026, for stays between 1 July and 31 August 2026 the top five domestic and five international destinations seeing strong late-summer travel interest range from coastal escapes across Vietnam to leading cities in Asia.

Coastal Getaways Lead Domestic Searches with Distinctive Local Flavors

The top five most-searched domestic destinations are all coastal cities, suggesting a strong appetite among Vietnamese travelers for seaside escapes during the final stretch of summer. Alongside beaches and waterfront attractions, each destination offers distinctive local flavors that can add another dimension to the journey.

Leading domestic searches, Da Nang offers specialties such as Mi Quang and Bun Ca, alongside a wide selection of seafood restaurants near the coast. Its relatively compact city center allows travelers to combine sightseeing, beach time, and food stops within a short itinerary. Nha Trang, in second place, is known for dishes such as Bun Sua, Nem Nuong Ninh Hoa, and Banh Uot Chong Dia. These casual local favorites complement the city’s relaxed seaside atmosphere and fit naturally into a beach-focused holiday.

Rounding out the domestic top five, Vung Tau, Phan Thiet, and Ha Long each bring their own coastal specialties to the table. Vung Tau is well known for Banh Khot, Banh Bong Lan Trung Muoi, and Lau Ca Duoi, while Phan Thiet offers local favorites such as Banh Can, Goi Ca Mai, Banh Bot Loc, and Coconut Ice Cream. In Ha Long, visitors can pair a journey through the bay with Quang Ninh’s signature Cha Muc.

Asian Food Hubs Top Outbound Searches

All international destinations are major Asian cities known for their vibrant and diverse food cultures, suggesting that Vietnamese travelers are drawn to urban getaways where dining is an integral part of the journey. From street-food stalls and traditional markets to hawker centers and neighborhood restaurants, each city offers a wide range of flavors to explore alongside its cultural attractions.

Bangkok (Thailand) recorded the highest search interest, tempting travelers with everything from the rich, coconut-based flavors of khao soi to the sweetness of mango sticky rice and the energy of its street-food scene. In second place, Singapore stands out for its hawker centers, where Chinese, Malay, Indian, and Peranakan influences come together in local favorites such as kaya toast and bak chor mee, offering an accessible introduction to the city’s multicultural food culture.

Seoul (Korea) and Tokyo (Japan) rank third and fourth, respectively, each offering a distinctive culinary identity. Seoul is known for bold, spicy street-food favorites such as tteokbokki, alongside comforting and nourishing dishes like samgyetang, or ginseng chicken soup. Tokyo, meanwhile, is a food lover’s paradise, home to many dishes enjoyed around the world. Beyond its globally familiar staples, travelers can try local favorites such as unagi rice bowls, Japanese curry, or natto, a nutritious fermented soybean dish known for its strong aroma and sticky texture.

Rounding out the international top five, Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia) reflects the country’s multicultural identity through dishes such as nasi lemak, a fragrant coconut rice dish served with savory accompaniments, and char kway teow, stir-fried rice noodles with a smoky finish. The city’s markets and food courts also make it easy for travelers to sample these flavors in a casual setting.

Mr. Vu Ngoc Lam, Country Director, Vietnam at Agoda, shared: “Food is becoming an increasingly natural part of how Vietnamese travelers discover a destination. Whether they look for a local restaurant near their accommodation or set aside time to explore a market or dining district, every dish can offer a different perspective on the place they are visiting. This summer’s most-searched destinations provide plenty of opportunities for travelers to make local flavors part of the journey.”

With more than 6 million holiday properties, over 130,000 flight routes, and more than 300,000 activities available through a seamless booking experience, Agoda is well positioned to support Vietnamese travelers as they plan their getaways, making it easier to create a late-summer journey filled with new places and memorable flavors.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/apac/news-releases/coastal-at-home-culinary-abroad-inside-vietnams-hottest-travel-searches-this-summer-302848245.html

SOURCE Agoda

New silane-based coating integrates passive radiative cooling, C5 high-durability corrosion protection and weather resistance in a single system for industrial metal surfaces

HONG KONG, Aug. 11, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — i2Cool, a technology company specializing in electricity-free cooling solutions, has launched i2Coating CorroCool, a new functional coating designed to protect industrial metal surfaces from both excessive heat and corrosion.

Developed with technical support from Kinte Materials Science and Technology Co, CorroCool combines i2Cool’s passive radiative cooling materials with a high-solids silane polymer system. The result is an integrated coating that delivers cooling, corrosion protection and weather resistance without requiring electricity, water or mechanical cooling equipment.

The product is intended for metal roofs, petrochemical storage tanks, outdoor electrical equipment, telecommunications cabinets and other metal infrastructure exposed to intense sunlight or corrosive environments.

Addressing Heat and Corrosion in One Coating

Industrial metal assets often face two interconnected challenges.

Under direct summer sunlight, the surface temperature of metal roofs, storage tanks and outdoor cabinets can reach approximately 60–80°C. Because metal conducts heat efficiently, this heat can quickly transfer into buildings, stored materials or sensitive equipment, increasing cooling demand, accelerating component ageing and affecting operational stability.

At the same time, exposure to moisture, salt spray, chemicals and airborne pollutants can lead to corrosion, particularly in coastal areas, chemical facilities and other high-corrosivity environments.

Conventional corrosion-resistant coatings primarily act as protective barriers but do not actively manage solar heat. Thermal-control coatings, meanwhile, may not provide the level of corrosion protection required for demanding industrial applications.

CorroCool was developed to address both issues within one coating system.

“Industrial metal surfaces should not have to choose between corrosion protection and temperature control,” said Prof. Martin Y.H. Zhu, Co-founder and CEO of i2Cool. “CorroCool brings these two functions together, helping industrial assets remain cooler while maintaining long-term protection against demanding environmental conditions.”

Silane-Based Protection at the Metal Interface

Metal surfaces contain microscopic irregularities, chemically active areas and potential defects. Effective protection therefore depends on how well a coating wets, penetrates and bonds to the substrate, as well as its ability to block the movement of oxygen, water and ions.

CorroCool uses a high-solids silane polymer as its primary film-forming material. During curing, silane groups hydrolyse to form silanol groups, which react with hydroxyl groups on the metal surface and create strong Si–O–metal bonds.

This molecular-level bonding helps anchor the coating to the substrate. Condensation between silane molecules also forms a dense three-dimensional network, creating a physical barrier against moisture and corrosive substances.

Applied at a recommended total dry-film thickness of 200–250 μm, the coating combines:

Chemical bonding with the metal substrateA dense physical barrier against corrosive agentsNano-functional particles that provide passive radiative cooling

Laboratory testing has recorded adhesion strength above 10 MPa under specified test conditions.

Cooling Inspired by the Sahara Silver Ant

The cooling mechanism incorporated into CorroCool is inspired by the Sahara silver ant, whose microscopic hair structure helps it survive extreme desert heat by reflecting sunlight and emitting body heat as mid-infrared radiation.

i2Cool’s passive radiative cooling technology applies a similar principle to engineered materials. CorroCool provides two complementary thermal functions:

High solar reflectance: Solar reflectance of at least 92% helps prevent a large proportion of incident solar energy from being absorbed by the metal surface.High thermal emittance: Emittance of at least 95% within the 8–13 μm atmospheric window allows heat to be released as mid-infrared radiation toward the cold outer atmosphere.

By simultaneously reducing solar heat absorption and enhancing thermal emission, CorroCool can continuously cool coated surfaces without consuming electricity.

For industrial facilities, this can help reduce surface and internal temperatures, lower cooling loads and limit temperature-related losses, including the evaporation of volatile materials from storage tanks.

Tested for Demanding Industrial Environments

CorroCool has been engineered for high-corrosivity and outdoor industrial conditions. Its tested performance includes:

C5 high-durability corrosion protection in accordance with the relevant requirements of ISO 12944-6Salt-spray resistance of at least 1,440 hoursAcid and alkali resistance of at least 240 hoursAdhesion strength above 10 MPaSolar reflectance of at least 92%Atmospheric-window emittance of at least 95%1,500 hours of xenon-arc weathering, with approximately 12% gloss loss and a colour-change rating of Grade 1

These properties make the coating suitable for coastal infrastructure, petrochemical facilities, power equipment, industrial buildings and arid environments with high solar exposure.

The product also features a primer-and-topcoat integrated design. This reduces the need for separate anticorrosive primer and thermal-control topcoat systems, helping simplify application and shorten project schedules.

Key Application Areas

Metal-Roofed Industrial Buildings

Metal roofs can absorb substantial solar heat, raising indoor temperatures and increasing the cooling demand of workshops and warehouses. Roof joints and exposed areas may also be vulnerable to corrosion.

CorroCool provides solar-heat management and corrosion protection through the same coating system, helping create a cooler indoor environment while protecting the roof substrate.

Petrochemical Storage Tanks

High tank-surface temperatures can increase evaporative or “breathing” losses of volatile materials, leading to product loss and additional emissions.

By lowering solar heat absorption, CorroCool can help reduce tank temperatures and associated evaporation while providing protection against chemical exposure, humidity and salt spray.

Outdoor Telecommunications and Electrical Cabinets

Electronic components housed in outdoor cabinets are highly sensitive to temperature. In coastal and industrial areas, these enclosures may also be exposed to severe corrosion.

CorroCool helps manage external heat gain, protect the metal enclosure and support more stable conditions for internal equipment.

Additional potential applications include power facilities, offshore and coastal infrastructure, industrial pipelines, metal containers and outdoor manufacturing equipment.

Seamless Field Application for Industrial Deployment

Designed for efficient field execution, CorroCool features a primer-and-topcoat integrated formulation that simplifies surface preparation and coating application. By eliminating the need for separate anticorrosive primers and heat-reflective topcoats, the single-system application significantly streamlines project workflows, reduces labor costs, and shortens maintenance downtime for large-scale industrial facilities.

Advancing Industrial Metal Protection

CorroCool marks an expansion of passive radiative cooling technology from conventional building-energy applications into industrial asset protection.

The product was developed through the integration of i2Cool’s electricity-free cooling materials with established industrial coating expertise. Kinte Materials Science and Technology Co, a subsidiary of China National Electric Apparatus Research Institute under SINOMACH, contributed formulation and industrial anticorrosion capabilities to the product’s development.

Rather than adding a cooling layer to a conventional anticorrosive coating, CorroCool treats the metal surface as an integrated functional interface: silane chemistry anchors the coating to the substrate, a dense polymer network provides corrosion resistance, and nano-functional materials regulate heat through solar reflection and radiative emission.

With this launch, i2Cool aims to offer industries including petrochemicals, telecommunications, power generation and manufacturing a lower-maintenance approach to managing two persistent sources of asset degradation: heat and corrosion.

About i2Cool

i2Cool is a technology company specializing in electricity-free cooling materials and solutions based on passive radiative cooling. Its product portfolio includes functional coatings, cooling films, membranes, ceramics, textiles and material additives for applications across buildings, industrial facilities, transportation and consumer products.

The company’s technology reduces solar heat absorption while releasing thermal energy through the atmospheric window, enabling continuous cooling without electricity or refrigerants.

Media Contact

i2Cool Limited
Email: pr@i2cool.com

Business and Partnership Enquiries
Email: info@i2cool.com

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/i2cool-launches-i2coating-corrocool-combining-electricity-free-cooling-with-industrial-grade-corrosion-protection-302849109.html

SOURCE i2Cool

Former Apple and Airbnb executive Patrick Gates and ex-Meta executive Sunita Parasuraman join as Non-Executive Directors, strengthening Helfie’s technology and governance.

MELBOURNE, Australia, Aug. 11, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Helfie AI (“Helfie”), an AI-powered preventative network transforming global healthcare via mobile, today announced the appointment of Patrick Gates and Sunita Parasuraman as Non-Executive Directors.

Patrick Gates brings more than three decades of engineering and technology leadership, including 14 years at Apple, where he helped build iCloud, FaceTime, iMessage, and the iTunes Store. He later served as CTO of AI hardware startup Humane before joining Airbnb as Vice President and Technical Fellow, leading AI-driven product updates.

Sunita Parasuraman has over 25 years of industry experience including at Apple, Genentech, VMware, and Meta, where she spent 12 years, including as Global Head of Treasury, building its global treasury organisation and overseeing the reserve backing Meta’s Libra/Diem stablecoin initiative. She later became Meta’s Head of Investments and New Product Experimentation, and now serves on the boards of IREN Limited, The Baldwin Insurance Group, and BitGo Holdings.

Tony De Fougerolles, Chairman, Helfie AI says: “Patrick and Sunita join Helfie at an exciting time. Patrick has built infrastructure serving hundreds of millions at Apple and led AI transformation at global scale. Sunita has navigated technology, governance, and regulation at the highest levels. Together, they strengthen our Board and our mission to bring accessible preventative healthcare to everyone.”

Patrick Gates, Non-Executive Director, Helfie AI added: “Helfie is building something genuinely important. I’m excited to help the team navigate the infrastructure and scale challenges that come with building a global health network.”

Sunita Parasuraman, Non-Executive Director, Helfie AI said: “Helfie’s accessible, intelligent preventative health tools could improve living standards worldwide. I look forward to bringing my experience in technology governance and responsible scaling to Helfie’s growth.”

ABOUT HELFIE AI
Helfie AI is a global human health platform for early detection, proactive prevention, and optimised wellbeing for 8 billion+ humans. The science-backed, AI-powered platform provides 30+ instant and affordable health checks via smartphone, combined with powerful medical insights, data ownership, and universal access. Helfie AI works with governments and businesses worldwide to make preventative health accessible to everyone.

More details at www.helfie.ai

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/helfie-ai-appoints-heavyweight-tech-and-governance-leaders-to-its-board-of-directors-302849131.html

SOURCE Helfie AI