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Tencent Cloud and BeLive Technology Strengthen Partnership to Offer Engaging and Personalized Interactions with Digital Human Solutions

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HONG KONG, Dec. 9, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Tencent Cloud, the cloud business of global technology company Tencent, today announced its strengthened collaboration with the streaming media service provider BeLive Technology through digital human solutions. By humanizing services for BeLive’s clients, this partnership will offer more engaging and personalized interactions for end users. Additionally, it helps brands overcome challenges related to manpower and resource management, providing high-standard customer service and scalable, efficient video content creation.

Tencent Cloud has been collaborating with BeLive Technology for several years, providing leading media service solutions to elevate livestreaming standards in Southeast Asia and beyond. Today, both parties are deepening their partnership with multilingual digital humans from Tencent Cloud for both online and offline user experiences. Digital human solutions are now set to be applied in BeLive’s various business scenarios, including short video content creation, livestream commerce, and customer service.

Short video creation: Creating reels in bulk can be quite manpower- and resource-intensive, especially with the high talent costs when clients hire influencers or celebrities to feature in the videos. Production costs can also be significant due to other requirements such as studio rentals, lighting, and audio equipment. By applying digital humans as the main subjects in these videos, Tencent Cloud empowers BeLive and its clients to accelerate their video production process with less expertise required, making it easier to start creating short videos.Livestreams: In some markets, livestream marathons are increasingly popular and have proven to bring great ROI to e-commerce companies. However, running day-long livestreams with human hosts can be challenging, as it is difficult for them to maintain the energy required to engage with audiences and answer questions all day long. By creating virtual influencers and personalities with Tencent Cloud Digital Human solution, scaling shoppable livestreams can become more feasible. Combined with BeLive’s AI chatbot technology, customer inquiries can now be addressed even after the livestream has ended, making the shopping experience on BeLive more seamless and on-demand.Physical kiosks and digital displays for enhancing customer service: Many shopping malls and attractions currently rely on self-serve touchscreen directories for customers to navigate their premises. However, visitors – especially less tech-savvy ones – can sometimes get frustrated when they are unable to find what they need or take longer to figure out the interface. More advanced kiosk solutions equipped with a digital human concierge can make the experience more humanized and inclusive, with the ability to switch between languages for different audience groups. Customers can simply state their inquiries through natural speech, and the digital human will respond in real-time, just like a customer service officer would. Supported by Tencent Cloud Digital Human solution in offline kiosks, BeLive anticipates an improvement in efficiency at customer service counters, thereby enhancing the service experience for all visitors by minimizing waiting times.

Kenneth Siow, Regional Director for Southeast Asia and General Manager for Singapore & Malaysia at Tencent Cloud International, said, “We are pleased to boost our partnership with BeLive Technology by providing robust digital human solutions that aim to further enhance the value of their services to clients. Not only do we see customers showing significant interest in adopting these solutions for their video and livestream campaigns, but we also observe a growing demand for alternative content creation methods. These trends and needs can both be effectively addressed and met through the deployment of digital humans.”

Kenneth Tan, CEO, and Co-founder of BeLive Technology, said, “BeLive Technology is committed to elevating the livestreaming standard in Southeast Asia. Implementing virtual avatars can be time-consuming due to the lengthy development and testing process. However, working with Tencent Cloud allows us to significantly reduce the go-to-market speed for clients. Tencent Cloud’s advanced digital human capabilities add substantial value to BeLive’s interactive video solutions. With these solutions, we can fulfill clients’ objectives more effectively and in a shorter timeframe.”

About Tencent Cloud:

Tencent Cloud, one of the world’s leading cloud companies, is committed to creating innovative solutions to resolve real-world issues and enabling digital transformation for smart industries. Through our extensive global infrastructure, Tencent Cloud provides businesses across the globe with stable and secure industry-leading cloud products and services, leveraging technological advancements such as cloud computing, Big Data analytics, AI, IoT, and network security. It is our constant mission to meet the needs of industries across the board, including the fields of gaming, media and entertainment, finance, healthcare, property, retail, travel, and transportation.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/apac/news-releases/tencent-cloud-and-belive-technology-strengthen-partnership-to-offer-engaging-and-personalized-interactions-with-digital-human-solutions-302325670.html

SOURCE Tencent Cloud

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STEPHEN A. SMITH ADDRESSES WHITE HOUSE DINNER ATTENDANCE, REAFFIRMS COMMITMENT TO HBCUs AND PROTECTING CORPORATE INVESTMENT IN BLACK EDUCATION

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NEW YORK, Oct. 23, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Stephen A. Smith, media mogul, New York Times bestselling author, and proud 1991 graduate of Winston-Salem State University, is addressing the public discussion surrounding his decision to attend a White House dinner with President Donald Trump, emphasizing his commitment to the long-term financial stability of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs).

For Smith, the decision was rooted in a commitment to institutions that have educated generations of Black leaders, professionals, entrepreneurs, and public servants.

“I will always advocate for HBCUs and the students whose futures depend on them,” Smith said. “My reason for attending the White House dinner was to discuss the challenges these institutions face in securing long-term funding and to make the case that corporate America must continue to invest in them.”

Smith acknowledged federal support through the FUTURE Act while expressing concern that political tensions surrounding diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) could discourage private companies from supporting HBCUs. He maintains that these institutions deserve sustained corporate partnerships, philanthropic contributions, and public investment.

“If we truly believe in free-market capitalism, businesses should be able to support educational institutions and charitable causes without fear of criticism or repercussions,” Smith said. “HBCUs have made extraordinary contributions to this country. They deserve sustained public and private investment.”

Ashley Christopher, Esq., Founder and CEO of the HBCU Week Foundation, recognized Smith’s advocacy and decision to engage with the administration.

“Stephen A. Smith has been a powerful advocate for HBCUs, using his platform and influence to shine a national spotlight on our institutions,” expressed Christopher, “His continued support of HBCU Week helps advance our mission of connecting students with life-changing educational opportunities, and we are proud to have him as our ambassador.”

Since Smith became an HBCU Week Ambassador in 2019, the initiative has facilitated more than 15,000 on-the-spot college acceptances and raised and awarded more than $150 million in scholarships, according to the HBCU Week Foundation.

As public discussion continues, Smith is emphasizing the importance of ensuring HBCUs have the resources and partnerships needed to educate future generations and expand opportunities for students.

CLICK HERE to watch Smith’s full response to his White House visit.

MEDIA CONTACT:

media@mrsasinc.com

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/stephen-a-smith-addresses-white-house-dinner-attendance-reaffirms-commitment-to-hbcus-and-protecting-corporate-investment-in-black-education-302918547.html

SOURCE Straight Shooter Media

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Advantex Announces Completion of Financing and Extension of Maturity Date of Previously Issued Debentures

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TORONTO, Oct. 23, 2026 /CNW/ — Advantex Marketing International Inc. (CSE: ADX) (“Advantex”), a leader in the merchant cash advance and loyalty marketing products for merchants, today announced the completion of a $250,000 secured debt financing. Advantex issued a $250,000 non-convertible debenture which bears an interest rate at 12% per annum and matures December 15, 2027. The proceeds raised from this issuance of the Debenture will be used for working capital purposes.

Advantex has also extended the maturity of its existing $700,000 in 12% secured debentures from October 10, 2026 to December 15, 2027.

About Advantex Marketing International Inc.

Advantex provides working capital to merchants. Advantex also provides specialized marketing programs that enable members of Aeroplan to earn Aeroplan points at participating merchants.

Advantex shares trade on the Canadian Securities Exchange under the symbol ADX. For more information go to Advantex’s profile on www.sedar.com

Forward-Looking Information

This news release contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of applicable securities laws relating to the future business and operations of Advantex. Actual results and developments may differ materially from those contemplated by these statements. The business and operations of Advantex described herein is dependent on a number of factors and is subject to a number of risks and uncertainties. Factors that could cause actual results to differ material include, but are not limited to, changes in Advantex’s economic and competitive conditions including but not limited to the industry sectors in which Advantex operates.

The statements in this news release are made of the date of this release. Forward-looking statements are made based on management’s beliefs, estimates and opinions on the date the statements are made and Advantex undertakes no obligation to update forward-looking statements if these beliefs, estimates and opinions or other circumstances should change, except as required by applicable law.

SOURCE Advantex Marketing International Inc.

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Club Offers for Travel Enthusiasts in Canada

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TORONTO, Oct 23, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Travelzoo® (NASDAQ: TZOO), the club for travel enthusiasts, announces three of many new Club Offers for Club Members in Canada.

Rigorously vetted and negotiated for us travel enthusiasts:

$799—COSTA RICA WEEK WITH FLIGHTS & CAR
We think fall is an ideal time to visit Costa Rica; the scenery is lush and the crowds are gone. Drive between volcanic Arenal and the idyllic beaches of Tamarindo on this seven-night trip. Since it’s not as busy, we were able to negotiate a price that saves members up to $648 on departures through mid-December.

$899—BARCELONA: 5 NIGHTS WITH FLIGHTS
Explore Barcelona’s world-class museums and architectural masterpieces in the quieter winter months to pack more into your trip. You won’t waste hours in lines and can access top restaurants that are fully booked in summer. We save $300 on travel this January and February, when temperatures are still spring-like. Roundtrip flights from Toronto, hotel and daily breakfast are included.

$999—ST. KITTS GETAWAY FOR 2, REG. $2083
Most visitors to St. Kitts book months in advance, but when we pointed out that travel enthusiasts are more spontaneous, this resort gave us a terrific rate for stays this November and December. Spend four nights in Frigate Bay and get an upgraded Oceanview room, too.

Are you a travel enthusiast? Join the club today: https://travelzoo.com

Who are we?
We, Travelzoo®, are the club for travel enthusiasts. We reach 30 million travellers. Club Members receive Club Offers negotiated and rigorously vetted by our deal experts around the globe. Our relationships with thousands of top travel companies give us access to irresistible deals. Our club and its benefits are built around the lifestyle of a modern travel enthusiast.

Media Contact: 
Amanda Ieraci – Toronto
+1 437 866 8540
aieraci@travelzoo.com

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/club-offers-for-travel-enthusiasts-in-canada-302918543.html

SOURCE Travelzoo

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