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GS1 Hong Kong Highlights the Power of Unity & Innovation at Annual Dinner 2026 – Powering Product Story, Safety & Sustainability

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HONG KONG, April 28, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — GS1 Hong Kong’s Annual Dinner 2026 concluded successfully, bringing together around 600 distinguished guests from government, industry, and business communities. Embracing the spirit of the 2026 World Cup, the dinner is themed “One World, One Goal – Powered by One Code” this year. Ms Lillian Cheong Man-lei, JP, Under Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry of the HKSAR Government, graced the occasion as the Guest of Honour.

At the opening, Ms Lillian Cheong, JP, said “The 15th Five Year Plan charts a clear roadmap for Hong Kong’s development as an innovation and technology hub. Achieving this ambition requires close collaboration across the Government, industry, and the wider innovation ecosystem. While GS1 Hong Kong has provided simple yet powerful barcode in the past which has become a critical foundation for digital trade, the Government has been proceeding at full speed with the CorpID Platform project which is targeted to officially launch in end-2026. In addition, the Government is taking comprehensive actions to build Hong Kong into a leading AI innovation hub, citing the advancement of Sandy Ridge Data Facility Cluster and Cyberport AI Supercomputing Centre and the roll out of $3 billion AI Subsidy Scheme and the support of wider adoption of AI in manufacturing, retail, trade and logistics through various funding schemes such as NIAS and NIFS.”

Mr. Roy Ng, Chairman of GS1 Hong Kong, emphasized the organisation’s commitment to supporting companies in harnessing the potential of data in AI era, “AI is only as good as the data it consumes. With global standards such as product identifiers, GS1 standards make data accurate, structured and AI–readable – reducing fragmentation and enabling interoperable, consistent product information. When data is connected and trustworthy, it delivers the ‘Triple S’ of Product: Product Story, Product Safety and Product Sustainability.”

Powering Product Story, Product Safety & Product Sustainability

Product Story: Consumer demand for transparency is reshaping retail. The industry is undergoing the global migration to 2D barcodes (QR codes powered by GS1), and it is already adopted in 48 countries, covering 88% of global GDP. GS1 Hong Kong offers 1QR, a complimentary digital product platform for members, empowering consumers to instantly access trusted product information — from origin and ingredients to promotions with a single scan. This also enables brands to “tell good stories of products” locally & globally.Product Safety: Leveraging Global Standards, GS1 Hong Kong also enables end–to–end product traceability, cross–border visibility and authentication to ensure product safety, which also supports regulatory compliance and consumer confidence. We also advocated the use of QR codes powered by GS1 to digitally display test certificates, traceability, and authenticity information, or even enable warranty service, building trust across the supply chain.Product Sustainability: In parallel, GS1 Hong Kong is helping enterprises respond to ESG disclosures (Scope 3 emissions), as well as emerging regulatory requirements such as the EU Digital Product Passport, which will become mandatory by 2030. Our ESG Supply Chain Community Solution centralises data collection and automates the calculation of Scope 3 carbon emissions data between buyers & suppliers. Listed catering groups and their suppliers have already begun adopting the platform.

A Night Filled with Excitement

The evening showcased a vibrant lineup of programmes, including “GS1 Sing & Shine” performed by industry talents, Musical Runway that integrated music and fashion, and generous lucky–draw prizes sponsored by partners, grand prizes include Business Class round-trip tickets & HK Football Festival 2026: Chelsea vs Juventus Suite tickets. The celebration was further energized by a celebrity performance by the artist Joe Junior, who sang alongside guests on stage.

The night also recognised 78 outstanding enterprises at the award presentation ceremony of 15th Anniversary of Consumer Caring Scheme. (Click here for the Recognised Companies list)

Ms. Anna Lin, Chief Executive of GS1 Hong Kong, thanked all the guests and highlighted how GS1 HK is supporting companies. She said, “My heartfelt gratitude goes to all our esteemed guests and generous sponsors for their invaluable support. We will continue to unite industries worldwide to unlock ‘Go Digital, Go Green’ opportunities, advance sustainability, and strengthen supply chain resilience.”

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About GS1 Hong Kong

GS1 Hong Kong is the local chapter of GS1®, a global, not-for-profit data standards organization headquartered in Brussels, Belgium and represented in over 120 countries. We help businesses identify, capture, and share trusted data across both physical and digital supply chains. Through global standards like GTIN (barcodes), GS1 Hong Kong empowers companies of their digital transformation, improve efficiency, enhance supply chain visibility, and strengthen collaboration.

Building on these standards, we’ve developed platforms such as ezTRADE for B2B data exchange, ezTRACK for real-time traceability, and 1QR, a GS1 Digital Link-powered platform that delivers rich product information—certifications, sustainability data, and more—via 2D barcodes.

Our trusted data infrastructure has now extended to support trade financing and Scope 3 emissions reporting, helping businesses meet ESG requirements.

In today’s AI-driven economy, data quality is essential. GS1 Hong Kong provides a foundation for data that is accurate, visible, linkable, searchable, shareable, and traceable.

GS1 Hong Kong currently supports close to 8,000 corporate members from 20 sectors including retail & consumer packaged goods, food & beverage and food services, healthcare, apparel & footwear, logistics & ICT.

Website: www.gs1hk.org

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SOURCE GS1 Hong Kong

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Landis+Gyr Secures Major Contract with Leading US Utility

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CHAM, Switzerland and ALPHARETTA, Ga., Oct. 26, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Landis+Gyr Group AG (SIX: LAND), a global energy technology leader driving intelligent innovation across the grid, today announced that it has secured a major contract with a leading US investor-owned electric utility. The agreement covers more than 3 million advanced metering endpoints.

Under the agreement, Landis+Gyr will provide Revelo meters and associated network and head-end system technologies, complemented by advanced security solutions, premium support, and software maintenance and services. The deployment is expected to advance the utility’s grid modernization objectives by enhancing security, grid visibility and operational performance.

“This important win reflects the strong momentum of our Grid Edge Intelligence portfolio and the trust customers place in Landis+Gyr to support large-scale grid modernization programs. By combining advanced metering, integrated technology, security and support capabilities, we look forward to helping this utility enhance grid visibility, reliability and operational performance,” said Peter Mainz, Chief Executive Officer of Landis+Gyr.

About Landis+Gyr

Landis+Gyr is a global energy technology leader, delivering intelligent solutions that connect devices, data, and decisions across the grid. Trusted by more than 2,000 utilities worldwide, we transform traditional devices into intelligent, networked sensors, giving utilities real-time grid visibility and system control. With these combined insights, electric, gas, and water companies can anticipate demand, optimize operations, and deliver energy that’s more reliable, resilient, accessible, safe, and sustainable for everyone. For more information, please visit our website www.landisgyr.com.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/landisgyr-secures-major-contract-with-leading-us-utility-302919687.html

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In HelloNation, Electrical Expert Sean McGahy Breaks Down How a Whole Home Surge Protector Works

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The Article Explains How This Type of System Protects a Home’s Electronics From Power Surges Throughout the Day.

WAKE FOREST, N.C., Oct. 26, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — What does a whole home surge protector do? A HelloNation article answers that question and explains how this type of device defends a home’s wiring and electronics from voltage spikes.

The article explains that many power surges happen quietly throughout the day, often without anyone noticing. Large appliances such as air conditioners and refrigerators create small voltage spikes every time they cycle on and off.

According to the article, a whole home surge protector is installed directly at the electrical panel, where it can monitor voltage across the entire house. Unlike a power strip, which protects a single outlet, this device works at the source.

The article notes that modern homes rely on sensitive electronics, including smart thermostats, entertainment systems, and connected appliances. Repeated voltage fluctuations can damage this circuitry over time, even when a homeowner never notices it happening.

External surges from lightning strikes or utility grid fluctuations tend to be more severe than everyday cycling surges, the article explains. A whole home system is designed to respond quickly and redirect excess voltage away from a home’s circuits.

Installation is typically straightforward for a licensed electrician and does not usually require major changes to existing wiring, the article states. Many systems include indicators that let homeowners confirm the device is functioning properly.

The article points out that surge protectors are rated by how much energy they can absorb, often measured in joules. Homes with more electronics generally benefit from a protector with a higher rating.

A protector does not last forever, the article notes. Absorbing a large surge can wear down its internal components, even if the device still looks functional. Periodic testing by an electrician can confirm the system is still working as intended.

Electrical Expert Sean McGahy of Zar Electric is featured in the article. The article explains how periodic testing can confirm that a whole home surge protector is still providing the level of protection it was designed for.

The article adds that surge protection works best as one part of a broader approach to electrical safety. Homes should still have properly functioning breakers, updated wiring, and routine inspections alongside this added layer of defense.

Homes in areas prone to storms or frequent power fluctuations may see added value from this protection, the article notes. New construction offers a convenient time to add it, though retrofitting an existing home is described as achievable and usually quick.

The article notes that cost varies depending on the type of system installed and the complexity of a home’s existing electrical setup. Many homeowners view the expense as reasonable compared to the potential cost of replacing damaged electronics after a serious surge event.

Some insurance providers take note of these systems when evaluating a home’s overall risk profile, the article adds, though policies vary from carrier to carrier. This is described as one more reason homeowners weigh the value of this type of protection.

The article closes by noting that deciding whether this protection makes sense often comes down to a home’s electronics, its location, and a homeowner’s comfort level with risk. A licensed electrician can walk through these considerations before a final decision is made.

How Does Whole Home Surge Protection Safeguard Your Home? features insights from Sean McGahy, Electrical Expert of Wake Forest, North Carolina, in HelloNation.

About HelloNation

HelloNation is America’s Good News Network, a premier media platform built on the idea that good news travels faster when real people tell real stories. Through its community-focused digital publications and innovative “edvertising” approach, HelloNation delivers expert-driven, good-news content that informs, inspires, and spotlights the leaders making a meaningful impact in their communities.

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SOURCE HelloNation

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In HelloNation, Building Materials Expert Andy Maetzold Explains How Freeze-Thaw Cycles Affect Minnesota Homes

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The Article Shows How Moisture, Temperature Swings, and Hail Shape Material Choices for Roofs, Windows, Walls, and Decks.

WACONIA, Minn., Oct. 26, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — How do freeze-thaw cycles damage a home in Minnesota? The answer appears in a HelloNation article that was newly published for homeowners choosing building materials for a cold climate. The article features insights from Building Materials Expert Andy Maetzold, a fourth-generation member of the family behind Mayer Lumber.

The HelloNation article explains that a Minnesota home faces a wider range of weather than houses in most of the country. Below-zero nights, humid summers, and hailstorms all test the products used to build and repair it.

According to the article, moisture often does more harm than cold by itself. Water seeps into small gaps, freezes overnight, and expands, and repeated freeze-thaw cycles slowly push joints and seams apart.

The article also notes that large temperature swings make many products expand in summer and shrink in deep cold. Materials installed without room to move can buckle, crack, or pull loose from their fasteners.

The roof takes more of this stress than any other part of the house, the article explains. Asphalt shingles remain the most common choice because they are affordable and familiar to most roofing crews. In areas that see hail, many homeowners look at impact-resistant shingles that earn a Class 4 rating.

The article points out that some insurance companies offer lower premiums for Class 4 roofs, though discount rules vary by insurer. Metal roofing is another option that sheds snow quickly, and snow guards are often added above doors and walkways.

Ice dams get special attention in the piece. The article explains that no shingle stops them alone, because the real cause is warm air leaking into the attic and melting snow on the upper roof. Air sealing, attic insulation, and steady ventilation deal with that heat directly.

Cold-climate building codes also call for an ice barrier membrane under the shingles along the eaves, according to the article. This layer helps keep backed-up water away from the roof deck and the ceilings below.

For windows, the article points readers to the National Fenestration Rating Council label and its U-factor, which measures how easily heat passes through the whole unit. A lower number means better insulation and a warmer glass surface on a January night.

The article compares double-pane windows with triple-pane units, which cut heat loss further but cost and weigh more. It also notes that vinyl and fiberglass frames insulate well, while aluminum frames need a thermal break to suit Minnesota winters.

Walls, decks, and lumber are covered as well. The article explains that house wrap and flashing protect wall framing from water, and that wood touching concrete or soil generally needs pressure treatment.

The insights from Building Materials Expert Andy Maetzold also address cost. The article encourages comparing the full life of a product rather than the purchase price alone, since a cheaper material that needs frequent repairs can cost more over 20 or 30 years.

Finally, the article advises checking with local building officials about code rules. It also stresses following manufacturer installation instructions, since many warranties depend on them.

How Do Freeze-Thaw Cycles Affect Building Materials in Minnesota? features insights from Andy Maetzold, Building Materials Expert of Waconia, Minnesota, in HelloNation.

About HelloNation

HelloNation is America’s Good News Network, a premier media platform built on the idea that good news travels faster when real people tell real stories. Through its community-focused digital publications and innovative “edvertising” approach, HelloNation delivers expert-driven, good-news content that informs, inspires, and spotlights the leaders making a meaningful impact in their communities.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/in-hellonation-building-materials-expert-andy-maetzold-explains-how-freeze-thaw-cycles-affect-minnesota-homes-302919645.html

SOURCE HelloNation

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