Technology

Global Sources Hong Kong Shows Phase II Officially Opens, AI Products Go Mainstream as Humanoid Robot Zone Makes Its Debut

Published

2 days ago

April 18, 2026

HONG KONG, April 18, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Phase II of the Global Sources Hong Kong Shows opened today at AsiaWorld-Expo, running from 18 to 21 April over four consecutive days. The show comprises four major professional trade shows: the Mobile Electronics Show, the Smart Home, Security & Home Appliances Show, the Lifestyle Show, and the Home & Kitchen Show, bringing together over 2,000 quality suppliers across nearly 4,000 booths and showcasing approximately 150,000 new products spanning mobile devices, smart wearables, AR/VR, smart home solutions, personal healthcare, pet products and more. Notably, the number of mobile accessories exhibitors has grown by 50% compared with the same period in 2025. As of March, global pre-registered buyers grew 35% year on year, with particularly strong increases from Eastern Europe, Western Europe, the United States and ASEAN.

Global Sources Hong Kong Shows Phase II includes:

Global Sources Mobile ElectronicsGlobal Sources Smart Home, Security & Home AppliancesGlobal Sources LifestyleGlobal Sources Home & Kitchen

As the global consumer electronics industry undergoes a structural transformation driven by AI, Hong Kong’s role as an international sourcing hub is evolving in tandem. John Kao, Vice President of Hong Kong Shows & Overseas Shows at Global Sources, said: “AI is moving from concept to mass production — the wave of technology reshaping products has arrived. The biggest change at this year’s show is that AI is no longer confined to a standalone tech zone; it has permeated virtually every product category, from smart wearables and home security to personal healthcare. AI has become the core driving force behind product upgrades. For global buyers, this is a pivotal opportunity to lock in future product trends and uncover new growth opportunities.”

AI Products Reach Market Faster — Over 1,200 Booths Dedicated to AI
The “AI Pavilion”, where the AI products most readily making their way into everyday life, brings together over 1,200 booths showcasing smart products with proven mass-production capabilities across seven key segments: AI terminal devices, AI wearables, AI glasses, AI toys, AI pet products, AI personal healthcare and AI convergence products, offering a one-stop overview of the latest breakthroughs in AI hardware ecosystems. The zone also introduces the “Physical.ai Lab” for the first time. In line with China’s designation of humanoid robots as a strategic emerging industry, the lab showcases robot products that have already entered the commercialisation stage, including humanoid robots, embodied intelligent robots, robotic lawn mowers and educational robots, marking the full extension of AI decision-making capabilities from virtual spaces into complex physical mobility and operational scenarios. For global buyers, this is not merely a technology showcase but a sourcing opportunity for commercially viable automation solutions.

AI is redefining the product logic of traditional consumer electronics — transforming what were once function-driven products that simply executed commands into “demand-sensing products” capable of interpreting user behaviour and delivering personalised services, illustrating the entirely new industry landscape that emerges when AI becomes a product standard. At the same time, exhibits in traditional category zones demonstrate the deep-rooted strengths of the supply chain, with a focus on energy efficiency improvements, design optimisation, material upgrades and manufacturing process refinements, reflecting mature capabilities in scaled production, lean manufacturing and global fulfilment.

Innovation Awards Introduce “AI Innovation Award” — Global Product Launches Converge on Hong Kong
The Global Sources Innovation Awards for Phase II spotlight products across mobile electronics, smart home, security and appliances, and lifestyle categories, recognising outstanding innovations in practicality, cost-effectiveness, technological maturity and market relevance. Global Sources once again partners with the internationally renowned “European Product Design Award (EPDA)™” to present the “Best Product Design Award”, honouring products that stand out through innovative thinking and exceptional design. To align with AI’s emergence as an industry mainstay, Phase II introduces the “AI Innovation Award”, recognising exhibits that demonstrate excellence in AI technology application.

In addition, Phase II host multiple new product launch events, with numerous exhibitors using this platform to unveil their annual innovations, including heavyweight global and Asian debuts that further cement the Hong Kong Shows’ position as the world’s premier stage for consumer electronics product launches.

Industry Leaders Gather to Decode AI-Enabled Business Pathways
Running concurrently with the show, the Global Sources Summit and “AI & Robotics Summit (AIRS)” bring together leading global industry experts to explore cutting-edge topics including AI-driven retail markets, smart sourcing strategies, operational intelligence, consumer insights and next-generation technology innovation, providing in-depth analysis of how AI is restructuring the consumer electronics value chain and helping the industry seize business opportunities in the shift from “smart” to “intelligent”. The summit programme features “The AI Gold Rush” session on 19 April and the “Consumer Tech Futures” session on 20 April. An on-site AI robot demonstration area allows visitors to experience human-machine interaction and live demonstrations up close, including a performance by Linkerbot’s robot band and dance and kung fu demonstrations by Unitree robots, showcasing advanced capabilities in motion planning and real-time control while exploring the commercial potential of robotics in entertainment, services and beyond.

Comprehensive Buyer Service Upgrades Drive Precise Matching and Trade Collaboration
To further enhance the buyer sourcing experience, this edition of the show introduces a number of new services. The upgraded Business Matching service is expected to arrange over 3,000 buyer-supplier matching sessions across all three phases, facilitating collaboration between global buyers with clear sourcing intent and quality suppliers. A Sourcing Connection Desk has been set up on-site for the first time, providing comprehensive support to help buyers locate target exhibitors and arrange on-the-spot matching — offering real-time assistance for buyers who were unable to book appointments in advance. In addition, the Hong Kong Show website has launched a new Meet the Exhibitors page, allowing buyers to search by show, product, country or region, with features to contact exhibitors and add events to their calendars for more effective sourcing trip planning. The Global Sources Buyer App has also been fully optimised to deliver a simpler, more personalised user experience that puts information at buyers’ fingertips. The show expects to welcome close to 900 new overseas buyers to participate in on-site matching and networking activities, including high-quality buyers from Western Europe, the United States, Japan and ASEAN.

About Global Sources
Based in Hong Kong, Global Sources is a globally recognised B2B sourcing platform. With 55 years of dedicated service in facilitating international trade, it has earned the trust and recognition of the global business community through its proven track record of connecting quality buyers worldwide with verified top-tier Asian manufacturers. As a sourcing hub for market-ready innovative consumer products, Global Sources provides efficient and convenient trade services to over 14 million registered buyers and users worldwide.

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SOURCE Global Sources

Technology

VNET Announces Changes to Leadership Team

Published

29 minutes ago

April 20, 2026

BEIJING, April 20, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — VNET Group, Inc. (Nasdaq: VNET) (“VNET” or the “Company”), today announced that Mr. Qiyu Wang has resigned from his position as VNET’s Chief Financial Officer for personal reasons, effective April 30, 2026. Mr. Wang’s resignation is not due to any disagreement with the Company, nor does it relate to the Company’s operations, policies, practices, accounting matters, or procedures.

Mr. Josh Sheng Chen, Founder, Executive Chairperson and Interim Chief Executive Officer of VNET, commented, “On behalf of the Company, I would like to thank Qiyu for his contributions during his tenure. His financial discipline and strategic insight have been instrumental to the Company’s growth. We wish him every success in his future endeavors.”

In February 2026, the Company announced the appointment of Mr. Peter Zhihua Zhang as Senior Vice President, Operational Finance of VNET, to oversee the Company’s financial operations and to serve as the Company’s “principal accounting officer” in accordance with applicable U.S. federal securities laws, SEC rules, and Nasdaq requirements. Since joining VNET in 2019, Mr. Zhang has demonstrated extensive expertise in multiple key roles within the Company’s finance operations.

About VNET

VNET Group, Inc. is a leading carrier- and cloud-neutral internet data center services provider in China. VNET provides hosting and related services, including IDC services, cloud services, and business VPN services to improve the reliability, security, and speed of its customers’ internet infrastructure. Customers may locate their servers and equipment in VNET’s data centers and connect to China’s internet backbone. VNET operates in more than 30 cities throughout China, servicing a diversified and loyal base of over 7,000 hosting and related enterprise customers that span numerous industries ranging from internet companies to government entities and blue-chip enterprises to small- to mid-sized enterprises.

Safe Harbor Statement

This announcement contains forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are made under the “safe harbor” provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements can be identified by terminology such as “will,” “expects,” “anticipates,” “future,” “intends,” “plans,” “target,” “believes,” “estimates” and similar statements. Among other things, quotations from management in this announcement as well as VNET’s strategic and operational plans contain forward-looking statements. VNET may also make written or oral forward-looking statements in its reports filed with, or furnished to, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, in its annual reports to shareholders, in press releases and other written materials and in oral statements made by its officers, directors or employees to third parties. Statements that are not historical facts, including statements about VNET’s beliefs and expectations, are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements involve inherent risks and uncertainties. A number of factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statement, including but not limited to the following: VNET’s goals and strategies; VNET’s liquidity conditions; VNET’s expansion plans; the expected growth of the data center services market; expectations regarding demand for, and market acceptance of, VNET’s services; VNET’s expectations regarding keeping and strengthening its relationships with customers; VNET’s plans to invest in research and development to enhance its solution and service offerings; and general economic and business conditions in the regions where VNET provides solutions and services. Further information regarding these and other risks is included in VNET’s reports filed with, or furnished to, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. All information provided in this press release is as of the date of this press release, and VNET undertakes no duty to update such information, except as required under applicable law.

Investor Relations Contact:

Xinyuan Liu
Tel: +86 10 8456 2121
Email: ir@vnet.com

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SOURCE VNET Group, Inc.

Technology

Steven Rivera Appointed Chief Revenue Officer of NRI North America

Published

29 minutes ago

April 20, 2026

NEW YORK, April 20, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Nomura Research Institute (NRI), a leading global provider of consulting and technology services, today announced that Steven Rivera has been appointed Chief Revenue Officer (CRO) for North America.

In this role, Rivera will oversee revenue-related functions across the region, including sales, marketing, demand generation, strategic partnerships, and client engagement.

Rivera brings more than 26 years of experience to the role, having held sales and marketing leadership positions within the cybersecurity, managed services, and consulting sectors. Over the course of his career, he has led the development of integrated go-to-market strategies and supported organizations in strengthening client relationships and operational alignment.

Prior to joining NRI, Rivera served as Chief Revenue Officer at Logically, where he was responsible for coordinating revenue functions across sales, marketing, client support, and pricing. His work focused on improving organizational alignment and supporting consistent business performance.

“Steven’s experience across revenue leadership and his background in cybersecurity and consulting are well-aligned with our priorities in North America,” said Toshi Oiwa, Chief Executive Officer of NRI North America. “We believe his perspective will contribute to the steady advancement of our regional capabilities and support our efforts to further deepen relationships with our clients over the long term.”

Rivera’s areas of expertise include enterprise sales leadership, revenue operations, cloud and cybersecurity solutions, and financial planning. He also brings experience in security consulting, risk analysis, program management, and governance, risk & compliance (GRC).

About NRI

In North America, NRI is a business and technology solutions consultancy. Guiding our clients from insight to execution, we design and deliver solutions that fuel growth, grow profitability, and result in lasting innovation. NRI has more than 16,000 employees in 16 countries and regions including New York, London, Tokyo, Hong Kong, Singapore, and Australia. NRI reports annual sales above US $4.8 billion and is rated “A” by S&P Global Ratings Japan. Learn more at www.nri-na.com.

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SOURCE NRI

Technology

Ionic Digital Announces March 2026 Mining and Operations Update

Published

29 minutes ago

April 20, 2026

AUSTIN, Texas, April 20, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Ionic Digital Inc. (“Ionic Digital” or the “Company”), a digital infrastructure company supporting the expanding needs of AI and high-performance computing, today issued its unaudited Mining and Operations Update for March 2026.

In March, Ionic Digital mined 28.05 Bitcoin (“BTC”), a decrease of 14.9% compared to the prior month. The Company’s site production varied in line with strategic adjustments, following fleet consolidation.

The decline in production was driven by a 19.4% decrease in average hashrate and a 6.8% reduction in network block production, partially offset by a 3.3% decline in the global hashrate. Ionic’s share of the global hashrate declined 16.6% month-over-month to 0.21%, reflecting a sharper reduction in company output relative to the total network.

At our four Midland sites, production was 24.26 BTC, a 4.7% month-over-month increase, as the most efficient miners from the Oklahoma GXD facility came online at Midland. At GXD, production was 3.79 BTC, a planned decrease of 61.2% month-over-month due to continued de-racking and reduced operational contribution.

The daily average hashrate was 2.04 EH/s, down 19.4% compared to the prior month, due to the discontinuation of the GXD hosting contract and removal of miners (-62.5%), while Midland remained relatively stable (-1.2%).

Ionic Digital continues to maintain its zero-debt position and liquidated no BTC in March. As of March 31, 2026, the Company held 2,815.6 BTC, an increase of approximately 28.2 BTC over the prior month.

Key Mining and Operating Metrics Summary

Metric

March 2026

Capacity (MW)1

112.0

Efficiency (J/THs)2

29.1

Daily Average Hashrate (EH/s)3

2.04

BTC Mined4

28.05

Average BTC Mined/Day5

0.90

BTC Sold

0.0

BTC Holdings6

2,815.6

Total current energy available at the four Midland sites, representing a change in previous reporting.
Previous reporting only measured total current capacity for mining activities available at hosted and directly
owned sites.Represents the capabilities of active miners during the reporting period.The reported hashrate is derived from internal performance data. Hashrate values reflect miner downtime
and curtailment.Gross BTC mined of 28.05 BTC. No hosting fees were paid in BTC for March 2026.Average BTC/Day in the prior month was 1.18.BTC Holdings excludes 0.9 BTC earned but in transit as of month-end, a change of -0.2 BTC from prior
month. The BTC balance at the end of the prior month was 2,787.4 BTC.

About Ionic Digital
Ionic Digital Inc. is a digital infrastructure company that develops strategic powered land assets for data centers, high-performance computing (HPC) and cryptocurrency mining. Learn more at www.ionicdigital.com or follow us on X and LinkedIn.

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SOURCE Ionic Digital Inc.