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The Hong Kong Institute of Landscape Architects and The Nature Conservancy signed landmark MoU to advance Nature-based Solutions and regional collaboration

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Building on a shared commitment to Nature-based Solutions, this strategic partnership will advance ecological restoration, climate resilience, and interdisciplinary collaboration across the Northern Metropolis, Hong Kong, the Greater Bay Area and the wider Asia-Pacific region.

HONG KONG, Sept. 5, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — The Hong Kong Institute of Landscape Architects (HKILA) and The Nature Conservancy (TNC) today signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) at Pak Nai, Hong Kong, marking a major step forward in advancing Nature-based Solutions (NbS), ecological restoration, biodiversity conservation and climate resilience.

The agreement was signed by Dr. Yin-lun CHAN, President of HKILA, and Mr. Anthony GAO, Executive Director for Hong Kong and Regional Partnerships, TNC. The ceremony was witnessed by Hon. Julia LAU Man-kwan, JP, Legislative Councillor for the Architectural, Surveying, Planning and Landscape Functional Constituency, and Hon. CHAN Pok-chi, MH, JP, Legislative Councillor for the Agriculture and Fisheries Functional Constituency.

This strategic partnership brings together HKILA’s expertise in landscape architecture and planning with TNC’s global expertise in conservation science, ecological restoration, and Nature-based Solutions to accelerate nature-positive development across Hong Kong, the Greater Bay Area and beyond.

Under the terms of the MoU, HKILA and TNC will collaborate across four core operational scope areas:

Collaborative Efforts in Ecological Restoration: Partnership and joint effort on wetland, terrestrial and marine ecological restoration projects in the Northern Metropolis, Hong Kong and Greater Bay Area by leveraging the strengths and expertise of the two organizations covering multi-disciplinary aspects to address ecological integrity, community well-being, and sustainable development.

Policy Advocacy and Strategies on NbS: Jointly developing NbS strategies and advisory recommendations for the HKSAR Government to integrate into key future developments, particularly within the Northern Metropolis, to enhance habitat connectivity, biodiversity, and flood resilience.

Leadership, Public Awareness, and Education: Driving NbS thought leadership, community engagement campaigns, educational workshops, and conferences across Hong Kong and the Asia-Pacific region, while fostering greater public understanding of how NbS, science-based conservation and sustainable landscape planning can help address the interconnected challenges of climate change and biodiversity loss.

Cross-Border Collaborations and Partnerships: Fostering regional, cross-boundary knowledge exchange, interdisciplinary research collaborations, ecological restoration initiatives, and the development of best practices to scale NbS across the Greater Bay Area and the wider Asia-Pacific region.

Dr. Yin-lun CHAN, President of HKILA, said, “Landscape architects stand at the intersection of built environments and natural ecosystems. Partnering with The Nature Conservancy allows us to bridge science-backed conservation with scalable landscape design. This agreement reinforces our collective dedication to embedding Nature-based Solutions directly into Hong Kong’s major growth engines, such as the Northern Metropolis, ensuring our urban expansion is both climate-resilient and biodiverse.”

Mr. Anthony GAO, Executive Director for Hong Kong and Regional Partnerships, The Nature Conservancy, stated, “At TNC, our core mission is to protect the lands and waters on which all life depends. Addressing the intertwined challenges of biodiversity loss and climate change requires collaboration across sectors and disciplines. By bringing together TNC’s science-based conservation expertise and HKILA’s professional leadership in landscape architecture and planning, this partnership provides a strong foundation for advancing nature-based solutions that restore ecosystems, enhance biodiversity and strengthen community resilience. Together, we can help set new regional standards for urban ecological resilience and nature-positive development, while creating lasting benefits for both people and nature.”

The MoU marks the beginning of a new chapter of collaboration between HKILA and TNC, bringing together complementary expertise in landscape architecture and conservation to support long-term environmental, social and community benefits.

About The Hong Kong Institute of Landscape Architects (HKILA)

Established in 1988, The Hong Kong Institute of Landscape Architects is a body incorporated by The Hong Kong Institute of Landscape Architects Incorporation Ordinance (Cap. 1162), with the objects, among others, to promote the advancement of landscape architecture, raise the standard and maintain the integrity of the landscape architectural profession, and to facilitate the exchange of information and ideas in relation to all aspects of landscape architecture and matters in connection with the landscape architectural profession.

About The Nature Conservancy (TNC)

The Nature Conservancy (TNC) is a global conservation organization dedicated to conserving the lands and waters on which all life depends. Guided by science, we create innovative, on-the-ground solutions to our world’s toughest challenges so that nature and people can thrive together. We are tackling climate change, conserving lands, waters and oceans at an unprecedented scale, providing food and water sustainably and helping make cities more resilient. The Nature Conservancy is working to make a lasting difference around the world in 83 countries and territories (39 by direct conservation impact and 44 through partners) through a collaborative approach that engages local communities, governments, the private sector, and other partners. TNC has been in Asia Pacific for over 30 years with projects in Australia, mainland China, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Mongolia, New Zealand, and the Pacific Islands.

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SOURCE The Nature Conservancy

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TECNO Wins Two IFA Global Product Technology Innovation Awards for Modular Phone and Tonino Lamborghini TECNO TAURUS

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BERLIN, Sept. 6, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — TECNO, a global AI-driven innovative technology brand, achieved two IFA Global Product Technology Innovation Awards at IFA 2026 for its products: the revolutionary TECNO Modular Phone and the ultra-compact Tonino Lamborghini TECNO TAURUS (MEGA MINI G1 Pro).

Tonino Lamborghini TECNO TAURUS (MEGA MINI G1 Pro) took the Miniaturized Gaming PC Technology Innovation Gold Award, standing out with its Italian aesthetics and the exceptional performance in the compact body. Meanwhile, the TECNO Modular Phone was honored with the Ultra-Slim Magnetic Modular Technology Innovation Gold Award, praised for its ultra-slim craftsmanship and unique modular magnetic technology.

These awards once again demonstrate TECNO’s sustained breakthroughs in product innovation and industry-leading craftsmanship in design excellence. The Global Product Technology Innovation Awards were established in 2014 by IDG, IFA, and DIHK to celebrate excellence across the global consumer electronics industry. The awards honor products that set new industry benchmarks and drive innovation through intelligent technology and user-centric design.

TECNO Modular Phone: The World’s Thinnest Modular Smartphone

At just 4.9mm, the TECNO Modular Phone is the world’s slimmest modular smartphone. Powered by proprietary Modular Magnetic Interconnection Technology—combining a precision magnetic array with pogo-pin connectors—it offers a flexible ecosystem of ten high-performance modules that respond dynamically to changing user needs. The host retains a 3000–4000mAh battery, while modules draw power directly for a snap-and-go experience. The portless unibody achieves an IP-rating for dust and water resistance. The TECNO Modular Phone is also set to enter mass production soon.

Engineered to be the ultimate physical gateway for personal AI assistants, it also resolves the inherent conflict between rising AI computing demands and limited device space. The technology has earned over 20 accolades from leading media including CNET, Android Authority, Yanko Design, and The Verge — with CNET and Yanko Design naming it among the Best of MWC 2026, and The Verge recognizing it as the Best Mobile Tech at MWC 2026.

Tonino Lamborghini TECNO TAURUS: One of the World’s Smallest Water-Cooling Gaming Mini-PCs

Tonino Lamborghini TECNO TAURUS (MEGA MINI G1 Pro) is one of the world’s smallest water-cooling gaming PCs at around 6.36 liters. Its vertical chassis with a panoramic transparent window fuses iconic Italian design with raw engineering, transcending traditional hardware to bring a luxury lifestyle into the gaming tech arena. Powered by the Intel® Core™ i9-13900HK and NVIDIA® GeForce RTX™ 5060 (614 AI TOPS, 145W TGP, DLSS 4), it achieves the absolute pinnacle of performance, empowering gamers with high-fidelity play and users with a high-efficiency AI workstation. The water-cooling system sustains peak frequencies under load, while 15 ports including OCuLink, USB4, and WiFi 6E deliver expandability and connectivity. The design was recognized with Yanko Design’s Best of MWC award.

In addition to these two award-winning products delivering powerful, stylish, and AI-driven solutions, TECNO made waves at IFA with the Next-Gen Bezelless Concept Phone featuring a revolutionary 0mm screen bezel, and the convertible laptop MEGABOOK T15 360 Pro. Relentlessly pushing the boundaries of design, performance, and AI innovation, TECNO is pioneering limitless possibilities for futuristic technology and trailblazing experiences.

About TECNO

TECNO is an innovative, AI-driven technology brand with a presence in over 70 markets across five continents. Committed to transforming the digital experience in global emerging markets, TECNO relentlessly pursues the perfect integration of contemporary aesthetic design with the latest technologies and artificial intelligence. Today, TECNO offers a comprehensive ecosystem of AI-powered products, including smartphones, smart wearables, laptops, tablets, smart gaming devices, the HiOS operating system, and smart home products.

Guided by its brand essence of “Stop At Nothing,” TECNO continues to pioneer the adoption of cutting-edge technologies and AI-driven experiences for forward-looking individuals, inspiring them to never stop pursuing their best selves and brightest futures. For more information, please visit TECNO’s official site: www.tecno-mobile.com.

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SOURCE TECNO MOBILE LIMITED

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LG Energy Solution and Seoul National University Open the Door to Commercializing Next-Generation LMR Batteries

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Joint research team suppresses gas evolution, one of the biggest challenges to commercializing lithium manganese-rich (LMR) batteriesThe technology was applied to and optimized for 40 Ah-class large-format cells, which retained 92.2 percent of initial energy after 883 cyclesResearch published in prestigious international journal Nature Communications

SEOUL, South Korea, Sept. 6, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — LG Energy Solution and Seoul National University have secured a key technology that can significantly improve the stability of next-generation lithium manganese-rich (LMR) batteries. On September 7 Seoul time, LG Energy Solution announced the results of a joint study with Professor Jongwoo Lim and his research team in Seoul National University’s Department of Chemistry.

The findings were published in Nature Communications, a prestigious international academic journal, and support the feasibility of applying LMR batteries to large-format cells for electric vehicles (EVs).

Controlling oxygen reaction reversibility suppresses gas evolution, a key challenge to commercialization, laying the foundation for large-cell commercialization

The joint research team identified factors contributing to gas generation and capacity degradation during LMR battery charging and discharging and developed optimal operating conditions for large-format cells to control these issues.

LMR is a next-generation cathode material that can lower material costs by using lower-cost manganese as a primary material without using cobalt. It can achieve high energy density by storing energy through both transition metals, such as nickel and manganese, and oxygen in the cathode material.

However, if oxygen oxidized during charging does not fully return to its original state during discharge, it can damage the battery’s internal structure and generate gas. In large-format cells for EVs, where available internal space is limited, this can increase internal pressure and degrade performance. As a result, gas generation has been a key challenge in commercializing LMR batteries.

The joint research team analyzed oxygen redox under different charging and discharging conditions and found that oxygen recovery depends on both the upper cutoff voltage during charging and the discharge cutoff voltage during discharge.

In testing, lowering the upper charging voltage from 4.6 V to 4.3 V increased the reduction of oxidized oxygen from 86 percent to 97 percent. The team also confirmed that lowering the discharge cutoff voltage from the conventional 3.0 V to 2.0 V enabled oxygen to recover to nearly its original state.

Based on these findings, LG Energy Solution researchers redesigned the operating voltage range and formation process conditions for 40Ah-class large-format LMR cells. They applied a lower-temperature formation process to effectively suppress gas generation associated with large-format cells.

As a result, the optimized 40 Ah-class large-format LMR cells retained 92.2 percent of their initial energy even after 883 charge and discharge cycles. This outstanding cycle-life stability opens the path for the commercialization of LMR materials in large-format cells for EVs, expanding their potential beyond small-format applications.

“This study identified the causes of degradation in LMR batteries from the perspective of oxygen reversibility and demonstrated that cell stability can be improved through electrochemical protocol design alone,” said Professor Jongwoo Lim of Seoul National University. “We confirmed that achieving long-term stability in LMR batteries requires comprehensive consideration of not only charging conditions but also discharge conditions.”

“This research addresses one of the key challenges facing LMR batteries,” said an LG Energy Solution spokesperson. “It demonstrates that stable battery life can be secured even in large-format cells by effectively suppressing gas generation, providing an important foundation for growth in the next-generation LMR battery market.”

About LG Energy Solution

LG Energy Solution (KRX: 373220) is a leading global manufacturer of lithium-ion batteries for electric vehicles, mobility, IT, and energy storage systems. With more than 30 years of experience in revolutionary battery technology and extensive research and development (R&D), the company is the top battery-related patent holder in the world with over 100,000 patents. Its robust global network, which spans North America, Europe, and Asia, includes battery manufacturing facilities established through joint ventures with major automakers. Committed to building sustainable battery ecosystem, LG Energy Solution aims to achieve carbon neutrality across its value chain by 2050, while embodying the value of shared growth and promoting diverse and inclusive corporate culture. To learn more about LG Energy Solution’s ideas and innovations, visit https://news.lgensol.com.

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SOURCE LG Energy Solution

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Park Systems Expands North American Footprint with New Regional Office in Hillsboro, Oregon

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SANTA CLARA, Calif., Sept. 6, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Park Systems, a leading global manufacturer of atomic force microscopy (AFM) and nanoscale metrology systems, today announced the opening of its newest regional office in Hillsboro, Oregon. The strategic addition enhances the company’s ability to provide localized technical support, rapid-response customer engineering, and direct account management to key semiconductor and high-technology partners across the Pacific Northwest.

The Hillsboro facility complements Park Systems’ existing North American operations network, which includes the U.S. Headquarters in Santa Clara, California, the Latin America Office in Mexico City, and the Advanced Applications Office in Boston, Massachusetts.

“Our mission at Park Systems has always been centered on enabling nanoscience and semiconductor innovation through high-precision metrology,” said Dr. Sang-il Park, Founder and CEO of Park Systems. “Establishing our presence in Hillsboro marks an important milestone in our global growth strategy. By embedding our operations directly within key technology hubs like the Silicon Forest, we deepen our ability to collaborate closely with industry pioneers and drive next-generation semiconductor advancements.”

“Adding a physical presence in Hillsboro directly answers the needs of our regional semiconductor and microelectronics customers,” added Dr. Stefan Kaemmer, President of Park Systems, Inc. “With dedicated application engineers and technical service teams on the ground, we can deliver faster response times, tailored technical partnerships, and hands-on support as our customers scale their advanced manufacturing capabilities.”

The new Hillsboro location will focus on field service engineering, application support, and regional account coordination, reinforcing Park Systems’ commitment to empowering semiconductor and scientific progress across North America.

For more information about Park Systems locations and services, visit www.parksystems.com.

About Park Systems

Park Systems is a global leader in nanometrology, providing advanced measurement solutions for research and industrial applications. Founded by Dr. Sang-il Park, a contributor to the invention of atomic force microscopy (AFM) at Stanford University, the company has grown through continuous innovation and strategic acquisitions. Its technology portfolio includes AFM, white light interferometry (WLI), digital holographic microscopy (DHM), imaging spectroscopic ellipsometry (ISE), active vibration isolation systems, and solid metal probes.

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SOURCE Park Systems, Inc.

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