Technology

A friendship that blossoms in the Mu Us Desert

Published

3 hours ago

September 24, 2026

BEIJING, Sept. 23, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — A report from People’s Daily

In Pennsylvania, the United States, the Allegheny River winds through Pittsburgh. Just east of the city lies the township of Plum, where Ronald Sakolsky, known to his Chinese friends as “Sai Kaosi,” has called home for many years.

“Part of my heart is still in China.” Upon returning recently from a trip across the Pacific, Sakolsky found it difficult to hide how deeply he missed the country.

His living room is filled with mementos from his travels. The sofa is covered with photos he brought back from his trip. But his most treasured keepsake is a large cross-stitch embroidery presented to him by Yin Yuzhen. Green leaves symbolizing peace surround a globe, with China and the United States stitched in different colors. The Chinese characters meaning “one earth, one dream” capture the deep friendship that has grown between Sakolsky and Yin over more than two decades.

“Yuanfen” — a special bond or sense of destiny — is the word Sakolsky repeatedly uses in Chinese when talking about his story with China. “It’s all yuanfen,” he said.

In 1999, at the age of 40, Sakolsky was a history teacher at a middle school in Pennsylvania. By chance, he came to Luoyang, central China’s Henan province, to teach through a China-U.S. teacher exchange program.

One day in October that year, he turned on the television as usual to watch the news. On the screen was a vast stretch of desert, where a petite Chinese woman from a rural area was carrying a bundle of tree saplings taller than she was. And that woman was Yin Yuzhen.

“I suddenly burst into tears,” he recalled. Deeply moved by what he saw, he thought, “I have to do something.”

For the next two months, Sakolsky searched everywhere for a way to make a donation. Eventually, he found a charitable organization willing to provide $5,000 with no conditions attached. Sakolsky insisted that every cent of the money go toward helping Yin plant trees.

In the spring of 2000, Sakolsky traveled to the Mu Us Desert in the Inner Mongolia autonomous region in north China. As he watched Yin plant the frail-looking saplings, he could not help wondering: Could a desert really be turned into a forest? It seemed impossible.

The second day after returning to China in August this year, he stood in the forest that had been planted with the $5,000 donation. Yin had named it “Sai Kaosi Forest.”

The dream he had once thought impossible had become a reality. More than 50,000 trees now grow there, forming a vast forest.

At the airport, he and Yin embraced in tears after 26 years apart. The following day, they planted another evergreen tree together as a symbol of their friendship.

“I have hugged Americans, and I have hugged Chinese. The feeling is the same,” Sakolsky said repeatedly after his latest trip to China.

Since returning home, he has been sharing his experiences online and reconnecting with old friends. Last week, he spoke to about 50 neighbors in his community, and soon he plans to address nearly 1,000 residents in Pittsburgh.

“We’ve sparked a flame of people-to-people exchange. Now, we just need to keep it burning,” he said.

He picked up a photo taken during his trip to China, showing him and Yin leaning against each other’s shoulders and embracing in tears.

“If I had to choose one photo to represent the friendship between the American and Chinese people, it would be this one,” he said. “This photo tells the whole story. It captures everything about this friendship.”

“The American and Chinese people share the same basic human goodness. Both have kindness in their hearts,” Sakolsky said.

In his view, Chinese and Americans both love their families, hope their children can have better lives, cherish peace and want to make the land beneath their feet a better place. These shared values matter far more than the differences brought about by nationality, he said. They form the simplest and most genuine foundation for people-to-people exchanges between China and the United States.

Outside the window, two newly planted green plants stand side by side on the lawn in front of Sakolsky’s, with the national flags of China and the United States fluttering nearby.

He said he had deliberately planted the two flowers in the front yard as a symbol of his hopes for friendship, peace and the protection of the shared planet.

“People-to-people friendship works. Our story will continue, just like the forest in the Mu Us Desert thousands of miles away, growing year after year,” Sakolsky said.

Stories of people coming to know and understand one another will continue to cross the ocean, putting down new rings of growth, one after another.

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/a-friendship-that-blossoms-in-the-mu-us-desert-302888532.html

SOURCE People’s Daily

Technology

SEMICONDUCTOR INDUSTRY TAKES TALENT PIPELINE TO PRIMARY SCHOOLS AND ACROSS ASIA

Published

1 hour ago

September 24, 2026

New initiatives will reach more than 4,000 youths in Singapore, introduce semiconductor concepts from age 10, and connect emerging talent across Asia

SINGAPORE, Sept. 24, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Singapore’s semiconductor sector is widening its talent pipeline, with new initiatives reaching students from primary-school age through to university, while giving youths more opportunities to experience the industry first-hand and build connections across the region.

The global semiconductor industry will need more than one million additional skilled workers by 2030, according to Deloitte, intensifying competition for engineers and technical talent. The scale of the challenge means the industry needs to widen the pipeline earlier and strengthen connections between technical education and industry.

Announced by the Singapore Semiconductor Industry Association (SSIA), the initiatives include a primary-school engagement pilot, a three-year partnership with the National Youth Council (NYC), a semiconductor future makers camp and SSIA’s first regional student talent exchange.

“Building talent does not start at hiring. Semiconductors are behind almost everything we use, yet much of the industry remains unseen by young people,” said Ang Wee Seng, Executive Director of SSIA.

“It is not about asking children to choose a career early. It is about widening what they can imagine for their future and giving them the exposure and connections to see where they could contribute.”

MORE FIRST-HAND EXPOSURE TO SEMICONDUCTOR CAREERS

Under a three-year partnership between SSIA and NYC, the semiconductor industry will support up to 1,000 Job Taster opportunities and 300 industry mentors, alongside broader industry engagement expected to reach more than 4,000 youths.

Part of the SG Youth Plan, the partnership will provide opportunities including micro-work experiences, job shadowing, company learning journeys, project challenges and short-term work attachments, alongside mentoring by semiconductor professionals.

“As we expand Job Taster and mentoring opportunities under the SG Youth Plan, our partnership with SSIA will give youths first-hand exposure to the semiconductor industry and connect them with professionals who can help them better understand the pathways and possibilities ahead,” said David Chua, Chief Executive Officer of the National Youth Council.

MAKING SEMICONDUCTOR TECHNOLOGY VISIBLE EARLIER

At the primary-school level, SSIA will introduce a two-year pilot for students aged 10 and above using LEGO® Education’s Computer Science & AI solution, coupled with semiconductor context provided by SSIA and industry.

The pilot aims to reach more than 600 students. Using physical models, programmable motors and colour sensors, students will explore coding, computational thinking and age-appropriate AI concepts while learning how chips enable sensors, smart devices, robots and AI applications.

SSIA and ams OSRAM are also developing a Semiconductor Future Makers Camp for children and youths aged seven to 16, planned for 2027. As Founding Industry Partner, ams OSRAM will contribute engineers, mentors and hands-on experiences around light, sensing and semiconductor technologies.

CONNECTING EMERGING TALENT ACROSS ASIA

SSIA also launches its first Regional Student Talent Exchange, bringing together more than 50 students and educators from India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Vietnam and Singapore.

Participants span disciplines including IC design, VLSI and embedded systems, electronics engineering and manufacturing, wearable electronics and computer science. The exchange will connect them with peers, industry leaders and Singapore’s semiconductor ecosystem before they enter the workforce.

“By bringing students from different markets and technical disciplines together early, we want them to build the relationships and regional perspective they will need in an industry where innovation, manufacturing and supply chains cross borders,” said Wee Seng.

“Semiconductors are a regional and global industry, and the talent driving this sector must have the same international outlook. Early opportunities for students to engage with industry and peers across borders can help build the networks, knowledge and perspectives that will shape their future careers,” said H.E. Trần Phước Anh, Ambassador of Vietnam to Singapore.

“NIELIT greatly values its collaboration with the Singapore Semiconductor Industry Association (SSIA), which provides a meaningful platform for strengthening India–Singapore cooperation in the semiconductor and electronics ecosystem. The participation of students and faculty from NIELIT Deemed to be University campuses in the SSIA Regional Exchange and Summit 2026 is an important step towards providing our young talent with international exposure, industry insights and opportunities for knowledge exchange.

“Through this collaboration, NIELIT and SSIA are creating valuable avenues for academic–industry engagement, capacity building and development of globally relevant semiconductor talent. We look forward to further deepening this partnership and building stronger bridges between the semiconductor ecosystems of India and Singapore,” said Prof. M. M. Tripathi, Director General, NIELIT.

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SOURCE Singapore Semiconductor Industry Association

Technology

Saudi: One Destination, Endless Ways to Explore

Published

1 hour ago

September 24, 2026

Saudi Tourism Authority and Wego launch a new campaign inspiring MENA traveller to discover more of Saudi

DUBAI, UAE, Sept. 24, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — The Saudi Tourism Authority (STA) and Wego, the number one travel app and largest online travel marketplace in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA), have partnered to launch a new destination campaign inviting travellers across the region to discover Saudi through its diverse destinations, rich culture and heritage, natural landscapes, entertainment and year-round experiences.

From the vibrant energy of Riyadh and the historic character of Jeddah to AlUla’s ancient landscapes and the Red Sea coastline, Saudi brings together distinctly different destinations and experiences within a single journey. The campaign will showcase this diversity, inspiring travellers to discover more of Saudi and build journeys around their individual interests and travel styles.

Families can combine cultural attractions with entertainment and outdoor activities, while couples and leisure travellers can explore coastal escapes, dining, shopping and wellness. Travellers seeking adventure and discovery can experience archaeological sites, mountain landscapes, desert activities, diving and water experiences along the Red Sea, alongside local traditions and authentic Saudi hospitality.

Mamoun Hmidan, Chief Business Officer at Wego, said: “Travellers across the MENA region are increasingly looking for destinations that give them the freedom to build a trip around their own interests. Saudi is particularly well positioned for this, bringing together culture, nature, entertainment, adventure, and leisure within one destination. Through our partnership with the Saudi Tourism Authority, we want to make that breadth easier to discover and inspire travellers to experience different sides of Saudi, whether they are returning to Saudi or planning their first visit.”

Saudi’s year-round calendar further expands the possibilities for regional travellers, with cultural festivals, live entertainment, sporting events and seasonal programmes bringing destinations to life throughout the year. During Saudi Winter, visitors can enjoy a diverse programme of events and outdoor experiences across destinations including Riyadh, Jeddah, AlUla, Diriyah and the Eastern Province, while Jeddah will welcome Gulf Cup 27 from 23 September to 6 October 2026, giving Gulf travellers another reason to experience the city beyond the stadiums.

Through the campaign, STA and Wego will reach travellers across MENA with destination-led editorial content, travel inspiration, and digital activations showcasing Saudi throughout the travel-planning journey. The collaboration will help travellers discover more of Saudi and turn that inspiration into their next Saudi journey.

About Wego

Wego is the number one travel app and the largest online travel marketplace in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA). Combining a dynamic travel marketplace with on-platform bookings, Wego enables travelers to easily search, compare, and book flights and hotels across hundreds of airlines, hotels, and online travel agencies. Beyond its B2C marketplace, Wego also operates WegoPro, a next-generation business travel platform, and WegoBeds, a MENA-focused bedbank. The company is dual-headquartered in Singapore and Dubai with offices in Bangalore and Mumbai.

For more information, visit www.wego.com

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SOURCE Wego

Technology

AI adoption across automotive value chain to surge as sector grapples with rising competition: PwC

Published

1 hour ago

September 24, 2026

AI and advanced technology adoption across the automotive value chain to surge – from 47% of companies using them today to 72% in 2030Almost half (46%) of automotive executives identify new entrants from adjacent industries, such as technology and energy, as a key source of competition over the next five yearsAlmost two-thirds (64%) are pursuing ecosystem participation as technology re-shapes the mobility experience – rising to 80% among the top 20% of ‘future-fit’ automotivesBattery electric vehicles are expected to grow from 18% to 30% of production volume over the next five years – while traditional internal combustion engine (ICE) share is expected to fall from 60% to 41%Respondents expect 33% of revenue to come from new customers within five years – such as commercial fleet operators, mobility service providers, and governments

LONDON, Sept. 24, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — The use of AI and other advanced technologies across the automotive value chain is expected to surge over the next five years, with the proportion of companies using them rising from 47% today to 72% in 2030, according to PwC’s inaugural Global Automotive Outlook, launched today.

At the same time, more than half (51%) see AI as one of the most important technologies for achieving their strategic goals, more than the two-fifths (41%) who cite battery and electric powertrains. More than one-third (39%) cite in-vehicle software connectivity.

This growing focus on technology – across manufacturing, R&D, supply chains, sales and corporate functions – comes as rising competition, new customer bases and electrification in the sector re-shapes consumer expectations and as digital-first, software-enabled vehicles become core to the mobility experience.

Harald Wimmer, Global Automotive Leader, PwC Germany, said:

“The vehicle is no longer defined by the steel that leaves the factory – it is increasingly being defined by software, digital services and data analytics. As the sector faces increased competition and technology re-shapes the mobility experience, automotive makers must be putting their digital strategies front-and-centre if they are to unlock growth.”

Almost half (46%) view entrants from adjacent industries – especially technology and energy – as a key source of competition over the next five years.

But the research finds a significant divide in how companies are positioned to respond: four-fifths (80%) of ‘future-fit’ automotives identified in PwC’s analysis report a high tolerance for strategic risk-taking, compared with less than half (49%) of other companies.

‘Future-fit’ companies show greater appetite for strategic risk and growth

As automotive companies face increased competitive pressure, almost two-thirds (64%) are pursuing ecosystem participation – the most frequently cited strategic move.

Among the top 20% of ‘future-fit’ companies identified in PwC’s research, this rises to 80%.

Much of that ecosystem focus will be around technology. Automotive companies expect technology companies to displace industrial manufacturers as their most important collaborators over the next five years. The proportion of original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) rating autonomous driving and advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) as a top-three revenue source rises from 9% today to 24% in 2030.

‘Future-fit’ automotive companies are also more likely to report highly developed software engineering and AI capabilities (71% vs. 45%), to be expanding into new customer segments (86% vs. 71%), to have a high tolerance for strategic risk-taking (80% vs. 49%), and to be expanding into offerings beyond automotive (72% vs. 45%).

Yet the findings point to a tension between investing for today’s returns and funding tomorrow’s growth. While 76% of companies say they allocate capital to the highest-return initiatives, 73% say their manufacturing and operations investments are primarily aimed at productivity and efficiency. Just 12% say those investments are primarily aimed at growth and increasing market share.

Capability gaps add to the challenge. Half (51%) cite talent shortages and 45% cite current workforce skills among the biggest barriers to creating, delivering and capturing value, while AI and software engineering are among the capabilities respondents identify as most critical.

Electric vehicle production to swell as new growth markets emerge

Electric vehicle production is expected to swell – with battery electric vehicles (BEV) expected to grow from an average of 18% of production volume to 30% within five years. Traditional internal combustion engines (ICE) are projected to fall from 60% to 41%.

In China, the shift is far sharper – battery electric vehicles (BEVs) are expected to rise to 40% (up from 29%), while ICE falls to 29% (from 43%).

As the consumer landscape shifts, geography is also rapidly transforming where automotive companies are projected to see the most growth.

Less than one-third (26%) cite Western Europe as a top three growth market over the next five years (down from 44% today), while South Asia and Southeast Asia are projected to see the greatest growth – rising from 24% to 45%, and 31% to 44%, respectively.

At the same time, the traditional consumer is shifting. Respondents expect 33% of revenue to come from new customers within five years – such as commercial fleet operators, mobility service providers, and governments – up from 21% today.

Future-proofing automotive companies for the mobility age

For automotive companies to future-proof their businesses for the mobility age, the report suggests they should:

Reframe the strategic question from sector to domain – companies that continue to define themselves as vehicle manufacturers will be left behind.Become active participants in ecosystems – being embedded in an ecosystem is the fastest way to leverage cross-sector insight and expertise.Shift capital allocation logic from returns to options – ‘future-fit’ companies fund specific bets whose ROI is not yet visible while incumbents must build the new business while winding down the old.Think more like a technology company – automotives must look beyond the core product to the wider mobility experience.

Harald Wimmer, Global Automotive Leader, PwC Germany, concluded:

“Automotive executives understand the disruption underway – from software to AI to energy – but their ability to act decisively is constrained by governance rooted in legacy priorities. To succeed, automakers must evolve their governance to balance capital discipline with the agility and strategic options needed to fund the next wave of innovation.”

Notes to Editors

About PwC’s 2026 Global Automotive Outlook
PwC’s Global Automotive Outlook is based on a survey of 720 automotive executives across 33 countries and territories, with detailed analysis on China, Germany, India, Japan, and the United States. Conducted in Spring 2026, the research explores the challenges and opportunities facing the industry now and over the next five years, charting the capabilities and strategies that will make players ‘future-fit’ for the future. The survey identifies three distinct archetypes shaping the sector – inward-looking industrialists, growth-orientated diversifiers and product-focused digitisers, each with their own strengths and weaknesses. You can learn more about the archetypes and takeaways at www.pwc.com.

About PwC
At PwC, we help clients build trust and reinvent so they can turn complexity into competitive advantage. We’re a tech-forward, people-empowered network with more than 360,000 people in 130+ countries and territories. Across audit and assurance, tax and legal, deals and consulting, we help clients build, accelerate, and sustain momentum. Find out more at www.pwc.com.

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