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“Explore China, Pay Your Way” forum promotes more convenient mainland payment for Hong Kong and Macao residents as well as overseas visitors

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HONG KONG, June 27, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — The “Explore China, Pay Your Way” Forum was successfully held on June 26 in Hong Kong. The event was hosted by the Chinese Banking Association of Hong Kong (HKCBA), co-organized by UnionPay International (UPI) and supported by Bank of China (Hong Kong) (BOCHK). Stephen Chan, Deputy Chief Executive of BOCHK, representing the HKCBA; Liu Naji, Executive Vice President of SAFE Investment Company Limited, representing the People’s Bank of China (PBOC); Michelle Shao, General Manager of UPI Hong Kong Branch; and Dick Ho, Deputy General Manager of BOC Credit Card (International) Limited, delivered speeches at the event. Approximately 100 representatives from various sectors attended, including banks and electronic payment institutions from Hong Kong and Macao, international chambers of commerce, and the Hong Kong Chinese Visa Application Service Center.

At the beginning of this year, the State Council of China issued the Opinions on Further Optimizing Payment Services to Facilitate Payments, which included among its priorities facilitating payment for overseas visitors to the Chinese mainland. Relevant departments, Chinese local governments and financial institutions rapidly implemented the directive, leading to significant improvements in payment services. Following the issuance of the Opinions, UnionPay immediately launched “Project Excellence 2024” and collaborated with industry parties to enact the new priorities.

The continuous development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area has generated increasingly close relationships between the three regions while attracting more overseas visitors. Hong Kong and Macao serve as the optimal platforms for promoting and publicizing payment convenience in the Chinese mainland. Today’s event continues the efforts of “Project Excellence 2024” by showcasing the rapid development and innovation of UnionPay and the local payment system. This has helped Hong Kong and Macao residents, as well as overseas visitors to the Chinese mainland, enjoy a safer, more convenient and comfortable payment service experience, giving impetus to greater mobility, deeper exchange and increased economic cooperation.

On behalf of the HKCBA, Stephen Chan, Deputy Chief Executive of BOCHK, stated that Hong Kong possesses the unique advantage of being supported by the Chinese mainland while being connected to the world. Its integration with the nation’s development plan opens up enormous opportunities for Hong Kong to collaborate and develop in tandem with the Chinese mainland. At the same time, as an international financial center, Hong Kong serves as a bridge for overseas financial institutions and multinational corporations to access the mainland market. The city is also an important gateway for overseas visitors travelling to the mainland. The HKCBA has actively responded to the Central Government’s directives by continuing to strengthen the promotion of payment services, including publicizing the latest developments in mainland payment services to representatives from international chambers of commerce in Hong Kong as well as overseas enterprises. It has also boosted the overseas promotion of new enhancement measures to facilitate payment convenience on the mainland, encouraging overseas visitors to experience first-hand the exceptional payment services available.

On behalf of the PBOC, Liu Naji, Executive Vice President of SAFE Investment Company Limited, remarked, “The People’s Bank of China has implemented a series of measures to address difficulties in the payment field, achieving significant results in service optimization. In May, both the number and volume of foreign card transactions via POS machines doubled compared to February, with over two million overseas visitors now using mobile payment. Cash services in commercial banks also continued to improve. We are very pleased with the role that Hong Kong is playing as a unique platform for our efforts to increase visibility. Looking forward, China will continue to enhance payment services and convenience for all, allowing our friends worldwide to enjoy the nation’s high-quality development. We hope that smooth payment services will serve as a positive step towards strengthening trust and supporting future cooperation.”

Michelle Shao, General Manager of UPI Hong Kong Branch, explained that “Project Excellence 2024” is more than just a payment initiative: rather, it represents UnionPay’s commitment to building a robust and inclusive payment ecosystem that caters to customers’ needs. Subsequently, Roger Lee, Assistant General Manager of UPI Hong Kong Branch, provided a detailed introduction to UnionPay’s latest achievements in the field of cross-border payments as well as the diverse payment options available to Hong Kong and Macao residents. UnionPay data shows that transactions by Hong Kong and Macao residents in the Chinese mainland have continued to grow this year. In the first quarter of 2024, the number of mobile payment transactions in the Chinese mainland generated by UnionPay cards issued in Hong Kong and Macao increased by 107% year-on-year, 16 times that of the same period in 2019, accounting for 72% of the total number of transactions. In line with this trend, UnionPay will now offer more “SplendorPlus” benefits via its Greater Bay Area theme card, which is popular among Hong Kong and Macao residents.

Dick Ho, Deputy General Manager of BOC Credit Card (International) Limited, emphasized BOCHK’s full support of the mainland’s efforts to enhance payment convenience. By optimizing its payment products and promoting spending offers, BOCHK is actively encouraging customers to adopt a “swipe card for large purchases, scan QR codes for smaller ones” approach when making payments in the Chinese mainland. In the first quarter of 2024, the transaction value of BOC Credit Card in Shenzhen saw a robust year-on-year surge of over 60%, while transaction volumes more than doubled. In the same period, the overall QR payment transaction value and volume for its customers grew threefold in the Chinese mainland. Meanwhile, the number of transactions via mobile payment application BoC Pay surged more than 3 times, while the number of BoC Pay customers rose by more than 2 times. Dick added that BOC Credit Card is delighted with the remarkable performance of its payment services and will continue to collaborate with various strategic partners to provide seamless payment solutions that meet customers’ evolving needs.

This successful event showcased the innovation and development of the local payment system while promoting cooperation between Hong Kong, Macao and the Chinese mainland in payment services. Participants expressed their commitment to continuing the promotion of payment facilitation and providing more convenient and secure cross-boundary payment services for Hong Kong and Macao residents and enterprises. They also looked forward to further strengthening cooperation with banks and electronic payment institutions in Hong Kong and Macao, as well as international chambers of commerce and other institutions, to jointly promote innovation and development in the payment field.

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SOURCE UnionPay International

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Quintus Flexform™ Press Enables Sona SPEED to Deliver Flight-Critical Aerospace Components Faster

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Advanced forming technology strengthens precision manufacturing capabilities and reduces lead times for global high-performance industries

VÄSTERÅS, Sweden, April 22, 2026 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — Sona SPEED Pvt. Ltd., a specialist in precision mechatronics manufacturing solutions, is investing in a Quintus Flexform™ fluid cell press to expand its capabilities in producing high-precision prototype and low-volume components for aerospace and other demanding industries. The new press will support the company’s growing role as a supplier of flight-critical components for global customers.

Quintus Technologies’ expertise in high-pressure forming solutions meets the strict standards required for aerospace applications, enabling us to deliver consistent quality, performance, and reliability to customers operating in mission-critical environments.– Sona SPEED General Manager Bart Korff

Reflecting rising demand for lightweight, high-strength structures used in aircraft, satellites, and launch systems, Sona SPEED is strengthening its advanced forming and structural assembly capabilities, according to General Manager Bart Korff.

“We are expanding our metal forming and structural assembly capabilities to support next-generation aircraft, satellite, and launch vehicle programs,” says Mr. Korff. “Quintus Technologies brings proven expertise in high-pressure forming solutions that meet the stringent standards required for aerospace applications. Their technology enables us to deliver consistent quality, performance, and reliability to customers operating in mission-critical environments.”

The investment reflects broader industry trends toward lighter, stronger materials and faster development cycles across aerospace, defense, and high-performance industrial sectors. Advanced forming technologies such as the Flexform process enable manufacturers to reduce tooling complexity, improve structural performance, and accelerate product development timelines.

Sona SPEED selected the Flexform press model QFC 1×3-800, capable of applying up to 800 bar of forming pressure across a 1000 mm × 3000 mm work area. This performance is enabled by Quintus’ proven wire-winding pre-stress technology, which allows consistent pressure distribution across large forming surfaces.

Flexform is a versatile solution for manufacturing complex sheet metal components, particularly in industries where precision, speed, and cost control are essential for maintaining global competitiveness,” explains Peter Henning, Chief Commercial Officer, Quintus Technologies.

Designed for both prototyping and low-volume production, the Flexform process offers significant advantages compared with conventional rubber pad pressing and mechanical stamping. High-pressure forming reduces tooling complexity, eliminates secondary process steps, and improves fabrication productivity. Multiple forming tools can be used in a single operation, enabling faster transitions from design to production. High-cycle systems can produce up to 120 parts per hour, supporting rapid response to customer requirements.

The user-friendly press includes advanced features such as equipment serviceability, remote system control, and a high degree of self-diagnostics. It is also equipped with state-of-the-art high pressure hydraulics and a semi-automatic service system for quick and easy service of the unique Quintus flexible rubber diaphragm.

“This investment completes Sona SPEED’s aerospace offering by enabling us to manufacture high-integrity, near-net-shape components with enhanced mechanical properties. The Quintus press integrates seamlessly into our production line, allowing the delivery of flight-critical parts with reduced lead times and improved material performance – essential for aerospace and space missions,” notes Mr. Korff.

To support long-term operational reliability, Sona SPEED has chosen to participate in the Quintus® Care Program, a customized service solution that ensures operational reliability, maximum performance, controlled annual costs, and long-term partnership.

The program includes forming process and tool design support, access to Quintus Application Centers, prioritized technical assistance, and reliable availability of spare and wear parts. It also provides annual press inspections, operator training, and personnel recertification to maintain high levels of technical competence and production readiness.

“The added value of the high pressure process allows Sona SPEED to meet the quality, volume, and cost demands for sheet metal parts in major industrial sectors across the globe,” comments Johan Hjärne, CEO of Quintus Technologies. “We are pleased to be a strategic partner as they scale operations, invest in advanced manufacturing technologies, and enhance their engineering capabilities.”

The press will be installed in Sona SPEED’s 100,000-square-foot advanced manufacturing facility on the outskirts of Bengaluru (Bangalore), India in mid-December 2026.

About Quintus Technologies

Quintus Technologies is the global leader in high pressure technology. The company designs, manufactures, installs, and supports high pressure systems in four main areas: densification of advanced materials; sheet metal forming; battery processing; and high pressure processing for food and beverage innovation, safety, and shelf life. Quintus has delivered approximately 1900 systems to customers within industries such as energy, medical implants, space, aerospace, automotive, and food processing. The company is headquartered in Västerås, Sweden, with a presence in 45 countries worldwide. For more information, visit Quintus Technologies.

About Sona SPEED

Part of the century-old Sona Group, a premier business group in India, Sona Special Power Electronics & Electric Drives (Sona SPEED) was established in 2003 as an R&D division specializing in cutting-edge mechatronics manufacturing solutions. The company provides a comprehensive range of metal treatment solutions tailored to the specific needs of a worldwide client base across industries like aerospace, defense, heavy equipment, medical wearables, space, marine, industrial, automotive, and more. Sona SPEED’s unwavering commitment to precision and quality in metal treatments is reflected in state-of-the-art facilities and advanced technology that ensure the delivery of products that excel in performance and durability, thus meeting highest standards required for the most sophisticated and mission-critical applications. To know more, go to Sona SPEED.

Media Contact

Peter Henning, Quintus Technologies, 46 736 20 24 49, peter.henning@quintusteam.com, quintustechnologies.com

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SOURCE Quintus Technologies

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Hannover Messe 2026: Zoomlion Debuts Robot Ops, Showcasing Industrial AI and Intelligent Manufacturing Capabilities

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HANNOVER, Germany, April 22, 2026 /CNW/ — Zoomlion Heavy Industry Science & Technology Co., Ltd. (“Zoomlion” or “the Company”; 1157.HK) has made the global debut of its embodied intelligence operating system, Robot Ops, at Hannover Messe 2026, taking place from April 20 to 24. At the event, Zoomlion is showcasing the robot operating system for industrial applications, along with its industrial AI and intelligent manufacturing (IM) solutions. Through live demonstrations and themed presentations, Zoomlion is highlighting its latest advances in embodied intelligence development platforms and IM practices.

Built for the Software 3.0 era, Robot Ops is a professional embodied intelligence development platform centered on the engineering concept of “Data, Software, and Agents.” It integrates DevOps, DataOps, and AgentOps into a full-stack, engineering-grade solution, enabling coordinated development across software, data, and intelligent agents.

The platform comprises four modules: basic tools, imitation learning, reinforcement learning, and task orchestration, enabling full-lifecycle management from data collection and model training to simulation verification, application development, and deployment maintenance. Designed to be ready to use with a low barrier to adoption, Robot Ops improves closed‑loop iteration efficiency by over 50%.

It directly addresses four key industry challenges: high technical barriers, scenario migration difficulty, data bottlenecks, and lack of lifecycle management. By providing a standardized, replicable engineering path for large‑scale deployment, Robot Ops can be widely adapted to humanoid robots, industrial robots, construction machinery, and autonomous driving. As one platform empowering multiple industries, it supports a more scalable and standardized approach to embodied intelligence development.

At Hannover Messe 2026, Zoomlion is presenting live demonstrations under the unified scheduling of Robot Ops, in which a wheeled humanoid robot and a logistics mobile robot collaborate on a logistics-sorting scenario, while the first-generation mass-produced humanoid robot Z1 performs a dance routine and dynamic motion-control demonstration. The multi-robot collaborative demonstration shows how Robot Ops connects algorithms, task orchestration, and on-site execution.

Zoomlion is also presenting its Industry 5.0 IM solutions, including insights into Zoomlion Smart Industrial City. The showcase highlights how digital technologies such as intelligent scheduling, industrial AI, digital twins, and end-to-end intelligent logistics are integrated into manufacturing processes.

Zoomlion is exhibiting at Booth D76 in Hall 15 and Booth D70 in Hall 11, the China Pavilion. The Company is also co-exhibiting with Amazon Web Services (AWS) and participating in the China Pavilion’s “Invest in China” launch ceremony.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/hannover-messe-2026-zoomlion-debuts-robot-ops-showcasing-industrial-ai-and-intelligent-manufacturing-capabilities-302749747.html

SOURCE Zoomlion

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Realm Raises $4.5M to Bring the ‘Cursor Moment’ to Enterprise Sales

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HELSINKI, April 22, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Realm has raised a $4.5 million Seed round to speed up enterprise sales cycles. Its platform gives AI the structured context needed to automate deal-defining materials like RFP responses. The round was led by Frontline Ventures, with participation from HubSpot Ventures, Slack Co-founder Cal Henderson and Deel Co-founder Alex Bouaziz.

Realm CEO Mikko Mäntylä believes revenue work is next to undergo the agentic revolution that has already transformed software development.

“Tools like Cursor and Claude Code have fundamentally changed programming. Developers now manage fleets of agents, often running five to ten simultaneous tasks in different terminal windows,” Mäntylä says. “The best revenue teams are starting to replicate this approach, offloading RFP responses, security questionnaires, and other customer-facing materials to AI.”

However, the shift is still held back by a fundamental constraint. Unlike in software development, where the codebase provides structured context for AI, revenue teams work with fragmented systems and unstructured data. Critical information, such as why a deal was won, has to be pieced together from subtle, scattered signals.

Realm solves this by turning raw information into a structured representation of a company’s market, products, pipeline, and strategies. This purpose-built context graph mirrors how human sellers are onboarded and gives agents the foundation they need to contribute effectively.

“Our customers use Realm to draft their most important deliverables, from multi-million dollar bids to business cases that will make or break months of work,” Mäntylä says. “Typically, 70-80% of Realm’s work is approved as-is. Any edits feedback into Realm’s context, creating a compounding record that everyone in the organisation benefits from.”

That institutional memory extends beyond Realm’s own application. The platform integrates with Slack, CRMs, and AI assistants like Claude and ChatGPT, allowing teams to leverage Realm’s context and agents wherever they already work.

“The GTM stack has been built to record and report on what has already happened,” says George Radford from Frontline Ventures. “The emerging paradigm is tools that actually do the work, and Realm is building at the forefront of this shift. The team’s exceptional execution velocity and the rate at which customers are expanding usage convinced us Realm is the right team to back.”

The company will use the fresh funding to triple its team by the end of the year and accelerate its entry into the US.

About Realm

Realm builds a structured understanding of a company’s go-to-market and turns it into execution. As a result, work like RFPs, security reviews, and deal coordination happens in the background, not at the expense of time with buyers. Founded in 2023 by former Slush leaders Mikko Mäntylä and Miika Huttunen alongside Johan Jern, Realm is headquartered in Helsinki, Finland. Realm’s customers include Visma, Aiven, and Hostaway. Learn more: https://www.withrealm.com/ 

About Frontline Ventures

Frontline Ventures backs the most ambitious tech companies across the US and Europe, and positions them to win the transatlantic market. Frontline Seed backs European Seed startups when early US traction is critical to hyperscale. Frontline Growth backs US scaleups at Series B-D when European revenues are essential to IPO-readiness. Frontline Ventures’ portfolio includes companies like Navan, Lattice, and Vanta. Learn more: https://frontline.vc/ 

About HubSpot Ventures

HubSpot Ventures partners with ambitious entrepreneurs who are redefining how businesses grow and operate. The fund backs early- and growth-stage software companies building products that deliver unique value to HubSpot’s customer base, with a mission to help millions of organizations grow better. HubSpot Ventures’ portfolio includes companies like Clay, ElevenLabs, and Lovable. Learn more: https://www.hubspot.com/ventures

Media Contact
Mikko Mäntylä
CEO & Co-founder
mikko@withrealm.com 

This information was brought to you by Cision http://news.cision.com

https://news.cision.com/realm-technologies-oy/r/realm-raises–4-5m-to-bring-the–cursor-moment–to-enterprise-sales,c4338044

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SOURCE Realm Technologies Oy

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