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Former Lions and Wales Rugby Captain Alun Wyn Jones partners with AliveCor to launch ‘Let’s Talk Rhythm’ campaign to raise awareness of atrial fibrillation

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World’s most-capped rugby union player was living with an undetected, irregular heart rhythm called atrial fibrillation (AF), whilst still playing professional rugbyLet’s Talk Rhythm campaign aims to raise awareness of the early warning signs of AF and encourage people to talk about their heart healthAlun Wyn believes personal heart monitoring can play an important role in the early detection of cardiac abnormalities

MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif., July 23, 2024 /PRNewswire/ —  AliveCor, the global leader in AI-powered cardiology, has partnered with former Wales rugby captain, Alun Wyn Jones, to launch ‘Let’s Talk Rhythm’, a new campaign to raise awareness of the early symptoms of atrial fibrillation (AF) and encourage people to talk about their heart health.

AF is a condition that causes an irregular heart rhythm. It affects around 1.5 million people in the UK, and it is estimated that there are least another 270,000 people who remain undiagnosed, putting them at increased risk of serious complications.[i]

“During my rugby career I was used to training hard and pushing my body to its limits. When I was told during a routine medical that my tiredness was the result of a heart condition, I was surprised to say the least”, said Alun Wyn. “Through the ‘Let’s Talk Rhythm’ campaign, I want to share my personal experience and practical advice to help people recognise the early warning signs of AF and talk about their concerns”.

Following his AF diagnosis, Alun Wyn’s wife purchased a KardiaMobile® personal heart monitoring ECG device to help him track his heart rhythm. KardiaMobile, a clinically validated personal ECG device, allows individuals to track their heart rhythm in just 30 seconds using their smartphone anytime and anywhere. It detects six of the most common heart arrhythmias – atrial fibrillation, bradycardia, tachycardia, sinus rhythm with supraventricular ectopy, sinus rhythm with premature ventricular contractions and sinus rhythm with wide QRS – in addition to normal heart rhythm. Each KardiaMobile reading is stored on a user’s smartphone, which can then be shared with their doctor at the press of a button.

“I have always invested in my health and longevity is an absolute priority to me at this stage of life. Personal heart monitoring allows me to track my heart rhythm, providing me with the reassurance I need to live my life to the fullest. With KardiaMobile I can take a medical grade ECG in 30 seconds using my smartphone, in the comfort of my own home,” said Alun Wyn.

AF can affect adults of any age, but it’s more common in older people, and more men than women are currently diagnosed with the condition.[ii] Symptoms of AF include heart palpitations, dizziness, fatigue, and shortness of breath.[ii] With someone suffering an AF-related stroke every 15 seconds in the UK, improving AF detection and diagnosis rates is essential to saving lives.[iii] However, people may not be aware of the early warning signs of AF or know how to monitor it effectively.[iv] [v] 

Commenting on the partnership, Chris Shelford, Senior Marketing Director at AliveCor said, “We are delighted to partner with Alun Wyn Jones to further our mission to advancing heart health and reducing the growing burden of cardiovascular diseases. We hope that through spotlighting Alun Wyn’s powerful story, we can help accelerate the early detection of AF, and other arrhythmias.”

Alun Wyn will be sharing his story across his social channels and encouraging others to look out for the signs and symptoms of AF using #LetsTalkRhythm.

To get involved, follow Alun Wyn’s journey on his Instagram channel (alun.wyn.jones). More information can be found at www.alivecor.co.uk/letstalkrhythm

Kardia devices are available to order directly from the AliveCor website, Amazon, Boots, or any official reseller, from £99.

About KardiaMobile®

KardiaMobile® is the first personal ECG to be recommended by NICE for use within the National Health Service (NHS) in England and Wales.[vi] KardiaMobile® would be prescribed by a healthcare professional for people experiencing arrhythmia (irregular heart rhythm) symptoms more than 24 hours apart. The instructions for use state that all interpretations of ECG recordings are reviewed by a healthcare professional and used to support clinical decision making.

The user starts a 30-second ECG recording on their smartphone via the Kardia app, by placing two fingers from each hand on each of the two top electrodes – enabling the patient to remotely capture a recording of their heart activity. KardiaMobile® provides instant detection of AF, bradycardia (slow heart rhythm) and tachycardia (fast heart rhythm) which are leading indicators of cardiovascular disease.

Once a recording has been taken by KardiaMobile®, the artificial intelligence algorithm performs an automatic analysis and informs the patient whether AF, bradycardia, tachycardia or a normal rhythm is detected. The data collected can be sent directly to a clinician for further analysis and consultation. This allows patients to take positive steps to remotely monitor their own heart health as early diagnosis of AF is essential to avoid the potential consequences of an AF-related stroke.

About AliveCor

AliveCor, Inc., the leading provider of FDA-cleared personal electrocardiogram (ECG) technology, is transforming cardiology with its medical-grade AI solutions. AliveCor is committed to providing innovative devices and services that empower patients and physicians with personalized and actionable heart data. With over 250 million ECGs recorded, the company’s Kardia devices are the most clinically validated personal ECGs in the world and can remotely detect six of the most common heart arrhythmias in just 30 seconds. The company’s latest offering, Kardia 12L ECG System, powered by KAI 12L to detect 35 cardiac conditions (14 arrhythmias and 21 morphologies), was designed exclusively for use by healthcare providers. AliveCor’s enterprise platform allows third-party providers to manage their patients’ and customers’ heart conditions simply using state-of-the-art tools that provide easy front-end and back-end integration to AliveCor technologies, addressing gaps in care and improving the treatment experience for patients across a range of disease areas. AliveCor is a privately held company headquartered in Mountain View, Calif. For more information, visit alivecor.com and follow us on LinkedInXInstagram and Facebook.

[i] British Heart Foundation (2023). Heart and Circulatory Disease Statistics 2023 Published by British Heart Foundation (BHF). [online] Available at: https://www.bhf.org.uk/-/media/files/for-professionals/research/heart-statistics/bhf-statistics-compendium-2023.pdf. Last accessed: June 2024.

[ii] nhs.uk. (2017). Atrial fibrillation. [online] Available at: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/atrial-fibrillation/. Last accessed: June 2024.

[iii] www.england.nhs.uk. NHS England — Midlands» 73 lives saved across East Midlands thanks to drive to reduce strokes. [online] Available at: https://www.england.nhs.uk/midlands/2020/02/20/73-lives-saved-across-east-midlands-thanks-to-drive-to-reduce-strokes/. Last accessed: June 2024.

[iv] www.nhsinform.scot. Atrial fibrillation. [online] Available at: https://www.nhsinform.scot/illnesses-and-conditions/heart-and-blood-vessels/conditions/atrial-fibrillation/. Last accessed: June 2024.

[v] McCabe, P.J., Barton, D.L. and DeVon, H.A. (2017). Older Adults at Risk for Atrial Fibrillation Lack Knowledge and Confidence to Seek Treatment for Signs and Symptoms. SAGE Open Nursing, 3, p.237796081772032. https://doi.org/10.1177/2377960817720324. Last accessed: June 2024.

[vi] www.nice.org.uk. KardiaMobile for detecting atrial fibrillation. [online] Available at https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/mtg64/chapter/1-Recommendations. Last accessed: July 2024.

Photo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2466123/Kardia.jpg
Photo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2466124/Kardia.jpg

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TiTE x IHT 2026: The Definitive Hub for Taiwan’s Hardware Manufacturing Excellence

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TAICHUNG, May 6, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — When sourcing from Taiwan, location is the ultimate strategic advantage. Don’t be misled by smaller, general trade shows held in city centers like Taipei. To truly connect with the source, you must go where the products are born. TiTE x IHT (Oct 20-22, 2026) in Taichung is the undisputed largest and most vital hardware industrial expo on the island. Hosted directly in the heart of Taiwan’s precision manufacturing cluster, this event features 1,000+ booths and 500+ top-tier manufacturers, offering a scale and industrial depth that no other exhibition can replicate.

Why Global Buyers Choose the Taichung Source Over Urban Trade Shows:

The Revolutionary “Exhibition as Factory” Model: Taichung is the global epicenter for hardware, home to 70% of Taiwan’s industry output. Our unique location enables the “30-Minute Sourcing Circle.” This allows you to verify high-end samples on the show floor in the morning and audit world-class production lines by the afternoon. By eliminating the travel gap between the booth and the factory, we reduce traditional procurement cycles from weeks to hours, providing unmatched transparency for R&D, capacity assessment, and quality control.ESG & CBAM Compliance for Western Markets: As the EU’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) and global ESG mandates reshape trade, our exhibitors are already ahead of the curve. Discover CBAM-ready solutions and green manufacturing processes specifically designed to meet the strict sustainability requirements of the European and American markets. We provide more than just tools; we provide carbon-footprint-managed resilience for your brand.AI-Driven Smart Manufacturing: Address global labor shortages and rising costs with Taiwan’s latest innovations. The 2026 expo focuses on “AI Empowerment,” showcasing collaborative robotics, automated digital inspection, and data-driven supply chain management. These technologies ensure lead-time stability and high-precision consistency for premium global brand owners.Direct Sourcing & Global Matchmaking: Skip the middlemen and trading agencies. Our “Global Buyer Day” offers exclusive, pre-arranged matchmaking with the actual OEMs/ODMs. This is the primary decision-making platform for major distributors seeking resilient, direct-to-factory partnerships that guarantee the best pricing and priority production slots.

Experience the synergy of smart manufacturing and global trade. Stop at the source—where the world’s hardware is actually built. Secure your competitive edge in the true heart of the industry.

【TiTE x IHT】

Date: October 20-22, 2026Venue: TICEC, Taichung, TaiwanRegister Now: https://accu.ps/g8MZ1SHousing Subsidy: https://forms.gle/34VHVxSrEw7g8GxDAOfficial Website: https://www.hardwareexpotw.com

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SOURCE TiTE x IHT

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KIST Accelerates U.S. Expansion of Quantum Deep-Tech Startups Through SelectUSA 2026

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SEOUL, South Korea, May 5, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — The Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST) President Oh Sang-rok announced that it will participate in the SelectUSA Investment Summit 2026 as part of a Korean delegation, together with quantum technology startups supported by the Ministry of SMEs and Startups under the Deeptech Project (DIPS).

The initiative, supported by South Korea’s Ministry of SMEs and Startups (MSS), is part of the government’s “Deeptech Incubator Project for Startups” (DIPS) initiative, which aims to nurture globally competitive deep-tech ventures.

KIST, which serves as the lead institution for the quantum technology sector under the program, said it will oversee the global commercialization efforts of participating firms. In particular, the “Global Bridge Program,” jointly developed with the U.S. Embassy in Korea in September 2025, is an official program designed to generate tangible overseas expansion outcomes by linking investment attraction with local market entry through diplomatic channels.

Organized by the U.S. Department of Commerce, the SelectUSA Investment Summit is the largest investment promotion event in the US, connecting international startups with venture capital firms, corporate investors and state-level economic development agencies.

It serves as an execution-oriented platform that extends to investment, corporate establishment, site selection, and tax incentives, and is considered a key entry gateway for deep-tech companies, including those in quantum technology.

KIST said participation in the summit is particularly significant for deep-tech sectors such as quantum technology, where access to the US innovation ecosystem is seen as key to growth.

The program is conducted in two stages. From April 30 to May 1, companies took part in a spin-off program hosted by the State of Maryland, which included visits to research institutions and tours of the regional quantum technology ecosystem.

During this period, the delegation also conducted localized activities with the Maryland state government and its economic development agencies, focusing on investment attraction, corporate collaboration, and joint R&D. In addition, on May 5, the delegation held discussions with U.S. Department of Commerce Deputy Secretary William Kimmitt on potential areas of cooperation.

The delegation will also meet officials from Fairfax County Government to explore collaboration and investment opportunities.

The main summit, currently ongoing from May 3 to May 6, features exhibitions, pitching sessions and meetings with US state representatives, with participating firms expected to engage in discussions on investment and market entry.

The delegation is structured to encompass the entire quantum industry rather than a single technology domain.

The Korean delegation comprises five startups, alongside Kyung Hee University Department of Future Science & Technology Commercialization Policy and Entrepreneurship, with approximately 20 participants forming an integrated ecosystem that combines research institutes, academia, and startups, enabling a full-cycle support system from technology validation to commercialization and global expansion.

One of the firms, OptiQ-Labs, was selected for an official pitching session on May 4, where it presented its laser-based optical modules designed for ion-trap quantum computing systems.

This highly competitive program selects only around 100 companies from more than 20,000 applicants worldwide. If selected as the winner of the pitching session, the company will receive follow-up meetings with U.S. state governments and economic development agencies, access to global investor networks, support for local entity establishment, and connections to site selection and tax incentive programs.

Other participating companies include QUAD, which develops single-photon detection technology; SLEEX, focused on underwater sensing; Elixir (StatUp AI), which works on quantum-classical hybrid algorithms for healthcare; and SQK (QMEDIC), specializing in physics-based imaging solutions.

KIST Project Director, Kang Sunjoon, said, “This program represents a critical milestone for Korean quantum startups to directly connect with global investors and industry ecosystems. Via the DIPS program, we are actively promoting the global commercialization of quantum technologies.”

Through its participation in SelectUSA, KIST has established a package-type global expansion model that integrates technology validation, investment attraction, and U.S. market entry.

The summit serves as a turning point for South Korea’s quantum sector, enabling startups to move into the next phase of validation, investment, and overseas expansion.

For more information, visit https://eng.kist.re.kr/.

About KIST 

KIST was established in 1966 as the first government-funded research institute in South Korea. KIST now strives to solve national and social challenges and secure growth engines through leading and innovative research.

About Participating Quantum Startups

QUAD, led by Chief Executive Officer, Oh Byung-doo, develops quantum sensing technologies based on superconducting nanowire single-photon detectors (SNSPDs), offering high sensitivity and precision with applications spanning quantum communication, quantum computing, semiconductor inspection, and defense.

SLEEX is developing an advanced perception technology that combines quantum LiDAR and electric field sensing to overcome limitations of existing underwater sensors, particularly by eliminating blind zones within the 0–2 meter range, with strong potential in autonomous navigation, maritime security, and defense, with Lee Jeho at the helm as Chief Executive Officer.  (https://www.thesleex.com)

Elixir, headed by Chief Executive Officer Jang Jung-kwon, develops a drug discovery and biomarker analysis platform based on quantum-classical hybrid algorithms, targeting the precision medicine market through the integration of bioinformatics and quantum machine learning. (statupai.com)

SQK develops medical imaging AI based on quantum-physics constraints, addressing the hallucination issues of conventional AI by ensuring physical consistency in CT and MRI reconstruction. Under the leadership of Chief Executive Officer Kim Yoon-hak, SQK is improving reliability and reducing the need for re-scans in clinical settings. (www.sqkcloud.com)

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SOURCE The Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST)

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Former Visa Asia Pacific Executive David Tay Joins YeahPay as Global Vice President

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SINGAPORE, May 6, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — YeahPay, the international payment brand under YEAHKA (9923.HK), has appointed David Tay, a former senior executive at Visa Asia Pacific, as Global Vice President, tasking him with overseeing the strategic direction and product ecosystem development of YEAHKA’s overseas payment business. The appointment comes as global digital trade enters a new phase defined by ecosystem integration, with payment infrastructure undergoing a generational shift in acceleration.

David Tay, a Singaporean national, is a rising leader in the payments industry. During his career at Visa, David played a key role in driving business growth across multiple Southeast Asian markets, demonstrating early promise in commercial insight and innovation. He subsequently moved into Visa’s Innovation division, where he rose to serve as Head of Innovation, leading Visa Pacific’s product innovation and new business.

In that capacity, David led the commercialization of cutting-edge payment paradigms including Visa Flex Credential and Pay by Palm. He was also involved in the evaluation and governance of strategic partners across the region, accumulating deep expertise in collaborating with banks, fintechs, and large-scale enterprise merchants.

David’s track record spans the full go-to-market lifecycle, from concept to pilot to scale, as well as deep capabilities in cross-institutional partnerships and ecosystem development. His appointment comes at an inflection point for YEAHKA’s international expansion. According to YEAHKA’s 2025 annual report, its overseas business delivered full-year Gross Payment Volume (GPV) surpassing RMB 5 billion, representing a 323.3% year-on-year surge from RMB 1.1 billion in 2024.

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SOURCE Yeahka

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