Technology

Central government backs HK as digital hub

Published

2 years ago

April 17, 2025

BEIJING, April 17, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — A news report from chinadaily.com.cn：

The central government has pledged full support for Hong Kong’s deeper integration into the global digital landscape, vowing to help the city seize emerging opportunities in the booming digital economy.

Officials and experts made the remarks at the World Internet Conference on Monday. For the first time, the annual event launched its Asia-Pacific summit outside the Chinese mainland, placing artificial intelligence and digital technologies at center stage.

Wang Yong, vice-chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference, said digital integration is now a key force driving productivity reform and sustainable regional development.

He outlined China’s stance on digital governance, stating, “China promotes the joint building of a fair and just cyberspace and governance system with various countries. We advocate respect for each country’s network sovereignty and management models, while rejecting zero-sum games and technological bullying.”

Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu described the summit as “a testament to Hong Kong’s rising role as an international innovation and technology hub”, and said it also reflects “our deep integration with our country’s national development”.

Lee emphasized the importance of international cooperation “especially during these challenging times to geopolitics and trade relations”, reaffirming that “Hong Kong champions free trade and multilateralism.”

“Hong Kong welcomes all business interests from those who are keen to pursue developments with us in this global city,” he said.

Zhuang Rongwen, head of the Cyberspace Administration of China, said breakthroughs in new technologies such as AI are having far-reaching impacts on economic growth, social progress and the global political and economic landscape.

“Chinese research institutions and technology companies continue to introduce innovative achievements such as large language models, bringing strong momentum to the development of China, the Asia-Pacific region and the world,” he said. “This also provides opportunities for building a community with a shared future in cyberspace.”

Zheng Yanxiong, director of the Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, called Hong Kong a “pioneer region in internet development” with long-standing strengths in finance, shipping and trade, and emerging advantages in AI research, innovation and talent.

He cited Hong Kong’s institutional innovation, bilingual capabilities, cultural openness and international connectivity as unique strengths, and urged the city to take a leading role in Asia-Pacific digital integration.

“We must accelerate the construction of the Northern Metropolis, relying on Hong Kong Science Park and Cyberport, and join forces with major cooperation platforms such as the Qianhai Shenzhen-Hong Kong Modern Service Industry Cooperation Zone, the Lok Ma Chau Loop, and Guangzhou’s Nansha District,” Zheng said.

He said such efforts would attract enterprises in the digital integration field and form industrial clusters spanning artificial intelligence, big data, cloud computing and blockchain.

Zheng also emphasized leveraging the “one country, two systems” framework to build cross-border data flow mechanisms aligned with international rules, promoting secure and orderly data circulation and resource sharing.

Nearly 1,000 delegates attended the two-day event, representing government agencies, businesses, international organizations and academia from about 30 countries and regions.

Zhang Donggang, Party secretary of the Renmin University of China, underlined the importance of talent development in the digital sector.

“The high-quality development of digital finance depends on a cohort of high-caliber, versatile professionals who understand both finance and technology,” he said.

“Only with a large number of outstanding financial talents who possess vision, responsibility and passion can we truly advance digital inclusive financial innovation and achieve sustainable development with inclusive coverage.”

On the sidelines of the conference, John Hoffman, CEO of GSMA Ltd, noted that on a global scale, artificial intelligence is emerging as a powerful force with the potential to transform businesses and society in unprecedented ways.

Over the next 10-20 years, McKinsey, a global management consulting firm, estimates that AI could bring up to $680 billion in benefits to the telecommunications industry, he said. Hoffman said the company is at the forefront of adopting AI and hopes to drive more value by empowering consumers and businesses through artificial intelligence.

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SOURCE chinadaily.com.cn

Technology

Halfpricesoft Releases ezW2 2026 to Simplify Federal E-Filing Compliance

Published

49 minutes ago

November 9, 2026

Updated tax preparation software supports IRS 10-return e-filing mandate and automates reporting for Forms W-2, W-3, 1099-NEC, and 1096 ahead of the 2027 filing deadlines.

REDMOND, Wash., Nov. 9, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Halfpricesoft.com has released ezW2 2026, an updated desktop application designed to help employers and tax professionals meet federal reporting requirements. Tailored for the IRS 10-return electronic filing mandate, the software streamlines preparing and submitting Forms W-2, W-3, 1099-NEC, and 1096 directly to the SSA and IRS.

Download the full-featured, 30-day evaluation version of ezW2 2026 with no upfront obligation and test system compatibility before the upcoming tax deadlines at Halfpricesoft.com.

Critical Statutory Deadlines for the Upcoming Tax Filing Year:

Employee Copy Distribution: Employers must furnish Copies B, C, and 2 of Form W-2 to employees no later than February 1, 2027 (adjusted because January 31, 2027, falls on a Sunday).SSA & IRS Submissions: The statutory deadline for transmitting Forms W-2 and W-3 to the SSA, as well as Form 1099-NEC to the IRS—whether utilizing paper documentation or electronic filing is February 1, 2027.What clients need to know before the 2027 tax filing year

Core Functional Capabilities

The ezW2 2026 suite provides technical tools designed to reduce administrative overhead and minimize transmission errors:

Direct Electronic Transmission: Offers both direct e-filing transmission and self-filing data generation protocols for SSA and IRS portals.Multi-Entity Processing: Accommodates unlimited form processing across multiple Employer Identification Numbers (EINs) per installation.Interoperability & Data Portability: Features integrated data import/export utilities compatible with spreadsheets and external accounting platforms.Network & Multi-User Support: Includes multi-installation deployment options that enable centralized data sharing across accounting teams.Evaluation Framework: A full-featured 30-day trial period is offered to allow organizations to verify system compatibility and workflow alignment prior to deployment.

“With the ezW2 2026 release, our development priority was delivering an accurate, secure e-filing and printing framework for businesses and accountants,” said Dr. Ge, Founder of Halfpricesoft.com. “By simplifying workflow steps and maintaining strict data validation checks, the software ensures employers can meet complex IRS and SSA filing mandates accurately and on schedule.”

Availability

The ezW2 2026 software is available immediately for Windows operating environments (Windows 11, Windows 10, and supported server editions). Organizations can access technical specifications and documentation directly at Halfpricesoft.com.

About Halfpricesoft.com

Halfpricesoft.com is a US developer of financial management and tax compliance software designed for small businesses, non-profit institutions, and accounting practices. Founded over two decades ago, the company’s product line includes desktop and cloud payroll systems, employee attendance management, automated check printing, ACH direct deposit software, and federal information reporting solutions (W-2, 1099, and 1095 forms).

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/halfpricesoft-releases-ezw2-2026-to-simplify-federal-e-filing-compliance-302922141.html

SOURCE Halfpricesoft.com

Technology

Chula Sees 150% Rise in Researchers Named Among World’s Top 2% Scientists

Published

49 minutes ago

November 9, 2026

BANGKOK, Nov. 9, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Chulalongkorn University researchers rank among the World’s Top 2% Scientists for 2026, a 150% increase over the previous year. They represent 25 faculties, institutes and schools, with expertise ranging from medicine and engineering to business and environmental research.

Those recognized include Professor Dr. Wilert Puriwat, President of Chulalongkorn University, alongside faculty members, honorary and adjunct professors, and affiliated researchers. Their inclusion reflects the breadth of Chula’s research expertise and its international academic connections.

Published in the Elsevier Data Repository, the database assesses scientific impact using standardized citation indicators in two categories: career-long citation impact and single-year citation impact.

The latest edition draws on an August 2026 snapshot of Scopus author profiles. Career-long data cover the period through the end of 2025, while single-year data capture citations received during 2025. The assessment considers citations counts, co-authorship, and authorship positions to assess researchers’ influence on subsequent scholarship.

Chulalongkorn University congratulates all those recognized for their contributions to advancing knowledge and strengthening Thailand’s presence in the global research community.

The full list of recognized researchers is available at https://www.chula.ac.th/en/news/429212/

Media Contact:
Chula Communication Center
Email: Pataraporn.r@chula.ac.th

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SOURCE Chulalongkorn University Communication Center

Technology

Joybuy Launches Annual Singles’ Day Campaign with Product Selections

Published

49 minutes ago

November 9, 2026

From premium beauty and skincare to the latest technology, Joybuy’s Singles’ Day is the perfect excuse to treat yourself to something specialDiscover deals you’ll love, with savings of up to 50% on selected gifts, exclusive coupons and additional Joybuy Points rewardsRunning from 9 to 11 November, the event offers three days of savings before the Christmas shopping season gets into full swingJoybuy brings together leading premium and everyday brands, including Apple, Samsung, Sony, Nintendo, Dyson, Ninja, De’Longhi, L’Oréal Paris, LEGO

LONDON, Nov. 9, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — This Singles’ Day, Joybuy, the new online shopping destination, is bringing three days of special offers on premium brands, gifts, and everyday indulgences. Running from 9 to 11 November, Singles’ Day on Joybuy highlights the simple pleasure of treating yourself. Whether it’s a luxury skincare set, a new gadget you’ve had your eye on, or an upgrade for your home, now is the perfect time to indulge.

Singles’ Day is fast becoming one of the biggest shopping days of the year, bringing big savings to shoppers across Europe. Joybuy is helping customers find a little joy during these darker November days, before the rush of Christmas shopping begins. Customers can explore deals across electronics, smart devices, health and beauty, food and drink, home appliances, and home and living.

A Joybuy spokesperson said: “Singles’ Day is a wonderful excuse to put yourself first. With Christmas just around the corner, November can quickly become all about shopping for everyone else, so we wanted to create an opportunity for customers to enjoy something for themselves. Whether it’s a premium beauty set, the latest technology or simply a little treat to brighten a November evening, we’re inviting customers to discover deals they’ll love.”

From beauty must-haves to the latest technology

Customers looking for inspiration can discover a wide range of products on Joybuy, from premium beauty and skincare to cutting-edge technology and home upgrades. Highlights include:

Tech and gaming: Discover the Samsung Galaxy S26 and the Samsung Galaxy Buds4 Pro.Robotics: Explore futuristic technology including the Unitree Go2 Pro robotic dog and the TENNIIX AI Tennis Robot.Beauty: Indulge in L’Oréal Paris Revitalift Filler skincare sets and cult-favourite Korean beauty products from Beauty of Joseon and Medicube.Home: Upgrade everyday living with the Cosori Dual Blaze Smart Air Fryer and the Dyson V8 Cyclone cordless vacuum cleaner.

Joybuy brings together leading international and household brands across its shopping categories, including Apple, Samsung, Sony, Nintendo, Dyson, Ninja, De’Longhi, L’Oréal Paris, LEGO and more. From everyday essentials to premium purchases, customers can explore a full range of high-quality products in one place.

Discover deals you’ll love this Singles’ Day

Alongside special offers on leading brands, Joybuy is giving customers even more ways to save throughout the three-day event.

Top deals with savings of up to 50%: Customers can discover selected gifts and products with savings of up to 50% on selected products, from beauty and skincare favourites to food and home essentials.Exclusive daily coupons: Shoppers can claim coupons offering £5/€5 off eligible orders of £49/€49 or more, and £30/€30 off eligible orders of £199/€199 or more. Coupons can be claimed and used daily between 9 and 11 November, subject to the promotional terms and conditions.Additional Joybuy Points rewards: Customers can earn between 1% and 5% back in Joybuy Points on eligible products during the three-day period. JoyPlus members receive an additional 1% in points on eligible purchases, giving them even more value.

The event is available to shoppers in the UK, Germany, France, the Netherlands, Belgium and Luxembourg, with offers available through the Joybuy app and website.

Singles’ Day is just the beginning of a month of special offers at Joybuy.

Joybuy will soon announce Black Friday, which will feature deals and savings of up to 50% on leading brands and selected products.

For shoppers planning ahead, special coupon packs will be available to purchase from 9 November, with redemption dates detailed in each product description.

Joybuy is also bringing joy beyond the shopping basket this festive season, as the Presenting Partner of The Real Ice Slide at Hyde Park Winter Wonderland. From 19 November 2026 until 3 January 2027, visitors can experience the multi-lane ice attraction, powered by Joybuy, alongside special competitions and activities planned throughout the season. The partnership marks the first year of a three-year collaboration with one of London’s best-loved festive destinations.

Whether customers are treating themselves for Singles’ Day, getting ahead with Christmas gifts or preparing for Black Friday, Joybuy is helping make November shopping more rewarding.

And with Joybuy’s Double 11 delivery service, customers in eligible areas can enjoy same-day delivery when ordering before 11am, or next-day delivery when ordering before 11pm. Delivery is free on eligible orders of £29/€29 or more, with no additional charge for faster delivery.

To explore Singles’ Day offers and discover deals you’ll love, visit Joybuy online or download the Joybuy app.

Joybuy Newsroom: about.joybuy.com

About Joybuy

Joybuy is JD.com’s new online retail business in Europe, offering high-quality brands, at great prices, delivered from its own warehouses to the customer’s doorstep, through a speedy and reliable network. Joybuy is a brand-led platform, with products from leading international, European and local brands, available across technology, appliances, beauty, home, grocery and everyday essentials.

Its unique Double 11 delivery service means that if shoppers order by 11am, eligible orders will arrive before 11pm the same day, or if they order before 11pm, they will arrive the next day, subject to eligibility. Joybuy places the customer at the heart of everything it does and offers 24/7 customer service.

The Joybuy slogan, “Don’t just buy, Joybuy”, perfectly captures its mission to fulfil customers’ needs and provide a service that is easy, convenient and enjoyable. Officially launched in Europe in March 2026, Joybuy operates in the UK, Germany, the Netherlands, France, Belgium and Luxembourg.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/joybuy-launches-annual-singles-day-campaign-with-product-selections-302932598.html