MUSCAT, Oman, Nov. 13, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — As AI moves into production, what ultimately determines how much intelligence a power company can deliver is the compute underneath.

AI infrastructure is precisely where Huawei has its strengths. The Atlas 950 SuperPoD full-stack platform supports all the applications showcased. It has three core advantages.

First, the efficiency revolution. The new cluster’s FLOPS utilization has increased by 1.6 times, inference latency has been reduced by 5 times. Through 80% of the liquid cooling design, the full lifecycle operational costs have been significantly reduced.

Second, safety and reliability. The mean time between failures has been extended by 10 times.

Third, the architecture and scale are leading. The fully configured system can support up to 8,192 Ascend 950DT chips. The system can be continuously expanded, protecting customer investments.

Atlas 950 not only provides powerful computing capabilities but also embodies our vision for green energy and smart grids.

Jacky Wang, Vice President of Huawei Electric Power Digitalization BU, stated: “The implementation of technology can’t be achieved without the support of open standards. We are actively participating in international standard organizations such as CIGRE, IEEE, and IEC. The IEEE 2413.2 reference architecture standard, which Huawei has led in contributing to, has significantly simplified the complexity of power grid systems. Meanwhile, Huawei’s contribution to IEEE 1901.5 provides a solid technical specification for power line communication. At the same time, we also call for increased efforts in cultivating AI talent in the power sector. Because we all know that “technology is just a tool, and talent is the core engine driving innovation.”

Jacky Wang highlighted in his speech: “The future of AI relies on power; the future of power is powered by AI.” He called for collaboration: “Let us join hands and work together. On one hand, we should promote the optimization of regulatory mechanisms and increase AI investment. On the other hand, we should deepen the co-construction of standards and empower the modernization of the power grid through an open ecosystem.”

The event organizer, GCC, expressed gratitude to Huawei for its contributions. Huawei looks forward to working more closely with local utilities and CIGRE in the GCC region to build a secure, resilient, and inclusive digital energy transformation model for the Gulf.

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New 7,200+ sq ft Singapore facility brings together global expertise to turn ideas into solutions for more than 40 Asia Pacific markets and beyond, with plans to create over 250 specialist roles by 2029.

SINGAPORE, Nov. 13, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Mastercard today opened its largest Innovation Centre of Excellence (ICoE) in Asia Pacific, creating a new regional hub where financial institutions, merchants, governments and technology partners can work alongside Mastercard specialists to shape the future of commerce in the intelligence economy.

The 7,200+ sq ft facility brings together expertise in AI, cybersecurity, customer experience and rapid prototyping, turning promising ideas into real-world solutions faster. More than 55 specialists are already working across the ICoE to help partners address emerging challenges, strengthen resilience and create better digital experiences.

Mastercard plans to add over 250 specialist roles in Singapore by the end of 2029, expanding the talent and capabilities needed to advance responsible AI, trusted digital commerce, cybersecurity, data and payments across the region.

“Mastercard’s Innovation Centre of Excellence brings together banks, merchants, technology companies and governments to develop and test new solutions. By combining expertise in AI, cybersecurity and fraud intelligence, it will help turn emerging technologies into solutions that businesses and consumers can trust,” said Dr Tan See Leng, Minister for Energy, Trade and Industry (Energy and Industry), Singapore, at the launch. “I hope the ICoE will become a lighthouse for payments innovation in Asia Pacific, where new solutions are developed and proven in Singapore, before being adapted and deployed across ASEAN, India and beyond.” 

“Mastercard’s Innovation Centre of Excellence marks a new chapter in our long-standing and multi-faceted partnership. By deepening its capabilities in AI, cybersecurity and threat intelligence, Mastercard will tackle emerging challenges and seize new opportunities across Asia Pacific. Singapore will continue to be a key hub where companies like Mastercard can innovate and pioneer the next generation of technologies for global markets, and create high-value jobs for Singaporeans,” said Png Cheong Boon, Chairman, Singapore Economic Development Board (EDB).

Bringing together the capabilities to build what’s next

Designed to evolve with changing technologies, risks and business models, the ICoE brings four complementary spaces together in one facility:

AI Centre of Excellence: advancing responsible AI solutions that can make commerce safer, smarter and more intuitive, including applications in agentic commerce, fraud and scam prevention. Fusion Centre: bringing together expertise across cyber, fraud and physical security to identify emerging risks, coordinate response efforts and strengthen resilience across the ecosystem.Mastercard Experience Centre: giving financial institutions, merchants and public sector partners an immersive way to explore emerging technologies and new possibilities for their businesses. Makerspace: providing a hands-on environment to rapidly prototype, test and refine ideas, shortening the journey from concept to reality.

“Singapore continues to distinguish itself through its ambition, talent and ability to stay ahead of change. Mastercard has been proud to grow its presence here. This new investment reflects our confidence in Singapore’s future and Mastercard’s commitment to being a partner for the long term,” said Jon Huntsman, Vice Chairman and President, Strategic Growth, Mastercard.

“Asia Pacific is moving quickly into a more intelligent and interconnected economy. The opportunity is to turn new technology into real-world value, securely and at scale,” said Richard Wormald, President, Asia Pacific, Mastercard. “The ICoE builds on Mastercard’s longstanding collaboration with EDB and Singapore’s strength as a proven testbed for innovation. It unites capabilities that traditionally sat apart, supporting the region in tackling shared challenges and moving promising ideas into practice faster.”

From Singapore, shaping the future of commerce across Asia Pacific 

The opening of ICoE in Singapore comes as businesses across Asia Pacific look to close the gap between technology experimentation and adoption. By 2030, more than one in 10 online shoppers are projected to routinely use AI agents to make purchases on their behalf, while US$3 trillion to US$5 trillion in global consumer commerce could be influenced or orchestrated by agentic AI. Realizing this opportunity will require businesses to deploy new technologies responsibly, with security, governance and human oversight built in from the outset, particularly in a region where cybercrime already accounts for over 30% of recorded crime.

The ICoE will connect Mastercard expertise and insights across more than 40 Asia Pacific markets. From Singapore, it will develop solutions for the region’s diverse needs, with the potential for the strongest ideas to scale globally. 

Mastercard has more than 850 employees in Singapore, home to its Asia Pacific headquarters and a key market support centre for the region, with the workforce expected to exceed 1,000 by the end of 2029. This growth will deepen the expertise needed to shape a more intelligent, connected and secure future for commerce.

Download high-resolution visuals and supporting materials of the ICoE in Singapore here.

About Mastercard

Mastercard powers economies and empowers people in 200+ countries and territories worldwide. Together with our customers, we’re building a resilient economy where everyone can prosper. We support a wide range of digital payments choices, making transactions secure, simple, smart and accessible. Our technology and innovation, partnerships and networks combine to deliver a unique set of products and services that help people, businesses and governments realize their greatest potential.

www.mastercard.com

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SOURCE Mastercard

Twitch creators compete and livestream in real time from a Starlink-equipped Southwest aircraft en route to TwitchCon

DALLAS, Nov. 12, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Southwest Airlines Co. (NYSE: LUV) brought gaming to 35,000 feet with the first-ever live gaming tournament in the sky, bringing Twitch creators onboard a special flight from Austin to San Diego on their way to TwitchCon. Powered by Starlink’s fastest WiFi in the sky, creators competed head-to-head while livestreaming the action to the Twitch community in real time.

This one-of-a-kind activation showcased what faster, reliable connectivity can make possible onboard as Southwest expects to become the first major U.S. airline to equip its entire fleet with Starlink in fall 2027.

Game Mode: On
The tournament added a new spin to Southwest’s history of creating unexpected moments onboard, turning the cabin into a gaming arena and giving creators a new way to connect with their communities from the sky. The experience extended well beyond the aircraft, with the livestream bringing viewers along for the flight and creating moments creators could continue sharing with their followers after touchdown.

“Gaming is all about connection, competition, and sharing the moment with a community, which made bringing a live tournament onboard such a natural fit for Southwest,” said Sabrina Callahan, Senior Vice President and Chief Digital & Marketing Officer at Southwest Airlines. “Southwest is known for making the journey memorable for our Customers, and this was a unique way to unite the energy of TwitchCon with the power of Starlink at 35,000 feet.”

Going All-In on Ultra-Fast WiFi 1
From Nintendo Switch systems and gaming laptops to tablets and phones, Starlink’s high-speed, low-latency connectivity gives Customers more ways to play, stream, work, and stay connected using the devices they bring onboard.

“Our Customers want to stay connected in the air just as they do on the ground, and Starlink is helping us deliver that experience,” said Lisa Hingson, Vice President Customer Experience & Innovation. “Livestreaming a gaming tournament shows what this technology can do, made possible by Starlink’s constellation of thousands of low-Earth orbit satellites. Whether Customers want to stream, work, or simply stay connected along the way, we’re investing in an inflight experience that gives them more freedom to spend their time onboard the way they want.”

The carrier offers free WiFi to all Rapid Rewards Members, thanks to T-Mobile. Customers can join Rapid Rewards to unlock access to free WiFi, tier benefits, and points by flying qualifying flights or spending with eligible partners. Members can purchase points to earn a reward to book their favorite destination or a new Southwest route. All Rapid Rewards rules and regulations apply at Southwest.com/rrterms. 

TwitchCon 2026 takes place November 13 to 15 at the San Diego Convention Center, bringing together streamers, creators, developers and communities for live shows, panels, game demos and fan meet-ups. More information about attending TwitchCon San Diego is available online.

ABOUT SOUTHWEST AIRLINES CO.
Southwest Airlines Co. operates one of the world’s most admired and awarded airlines, offering its one-of-a-kind value and Hospitality at 121 airports across 12 countries. Southwest took flight in 1971 to democratize the sky through friendly, reliable, and low-cost air travel and now carries more air travelers flying nonstop within the United States than any other airline.2 By empowering its more than 73,0003  People to deliver unparalleled Hospitality, the maverick airline cherishes a passionate loyalty among more than 134 million Customers carried in 2025. Southwest leverages a unique legacy and mission to serve communities around the world including harnessing the power of its People and Purpose to put communities at the Heart of its success. Learn more by visiting Southwest.com/citizenship.

Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Specific forward-looking statements include, without limitation, statements related to (i) the Company’s initiatives, strategic priorities, focus areas, core strengths, goals, and opportunities, including with respect to product offering enhancements; and (ii) the Company’s expectations with respect to timing of and Customer response to its product offering enhancements. These forward-looking statements are based on the Company’s current estimates, intentions, beliefs, expectations, goals, strategies, and projections for the future and are not guarantees of future performance. Forward-looking statements involve risks, uncertainties, assumptions, and other factors that are difficult to predict and that could cause actual results to vary materially from those expressed in or indicated by them. Factors include, among others, (i) the impact of geopolitical conflicts, fears or actual outbreaks of diseases, extreme or severe weather and natural disasters, actions of competitors (including, without limitation, pricing, scheduling, capacity, and network decisions, and consolidation and alliance activities), governmental actions, consumer perception, consumer uncertainties with respect to trade policies, tariffs, or government shutdowns, economic conditions, fears or actual acts of terrorism or war, sociodemographic trends, and other factors beyond the Company’s control, on consumer behavior and the Company’s results of operations and business decisions, plans, strategies, and results; (ii) the Company’s ability to timely and effectively implement, transition, operate, maintain, and protect the technology systems, cybersecurity measures, artificial intelligence and other emerging technology capabilities, and infrastructure necessary to support its operations and initiatives; (iii) the Company’s ability to effectively execute and evolve its strategic plans, initiatives, product offerings, and policies, including related consumer behavior and response; (iv) the impact of fuel price changes, fuel price volatility, and fuel availability on the Company’s business plans and results of operations; (v) the impact of the Federal Aviation Administration and other governmental regulations and actions, including with respect to government shutdowns and Air Traffic Control staffing shortages and inefficiencies, as well as the Company’s ability to obtain any required governmental approvals, on the Company’s business plans, results, and operations; (vi) the Company’s dependence on The Boeing Company (“Boeing”) and Boeing suppliers with respect to the Company’s aircraft deliveries, fleet and capacity plans, operations, maintenance, strategies, and goals; (vii) the Company’s dependence on other third parties, including with respect to technology, revenue management, distribution channels, operational reliability, fuel supply, maintenance, and the impact on the Company’s operations and results of operations of any third-party delays or nonperformance; (viii) the impact of labor matters on the Company’s business decisions, plans, strategies, and results; (ix) the Company’s ability to obtain and maintain adequate infrastructure and equipment to support its operations and initiatives; (x) the Company’s dependence on its workforce, including its ability to employ and retain sufficient numbers of qualified Employees with appropriate skills and expertise to effectively and efficiently maintain its operations and execute the Company’s plans; (xi) the cost and effects of the actions of activist shareholders; and (xii) other factors, as described in the Company’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including the detailed factors discussed under the heading “Risk Factors” in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2025.

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SOURCE Southwest Airlines Co.