Connect with us

Technology

The 4th BOCHK Science and Technology Innovation Prize Award Ceremony Concludes with Great Success

Published

on

Scientific Research Achievements in Five Fields Showcase Hong Kong’s Strength in Innovation and Technology Commercialisation

HONG KONG, May 23, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — The 4th BOCHK Science and Technology Innovation Prize Award Ceremony, organised by the Hong Kong Alliance of Technology and Innovation (HKATI) and title-sponsored by Bank of China (Hong Kong) Limited (BOCHK), was concluded successfully. The Ceremony was officiated by distinguished guests including Mr Leung Chun-ying, Vice Chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (NCCPPCC); Mr Zhang Yong, Deputy Director of the Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region; Professor Sun Dong, Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region; Mr Zhang Changwei, Deputy Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of China in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region; Mr Sun Yu, Vice Chairman and Chief Executive of BOCHK; Professor Tong Wai-cheung, Chairman of the Research Grants Council of Hong Kong; Professor Teng Jin-Guang, Chair of HKATI; and representatives from Department of Science and Technology of Guangdong Province, and Science and Technology Bureaus of cities in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area.

The award laureates in the five major fields have made research achievements that possess both international frontier and strong application value, making outstanding contributions to core technological breakthroughs and the commercialisation of research outcomes. The laureates are Professor Lin Dahua, in Artificial Intelligence and Robotics, recognised for his systematic innovations in computer vision and multimodal intelligence; Professor Chan Kwan Chee Allen, in Life and Health, recognised for his outstanding contributions to the development of non-invasive diagnostic technologies using cell-free plasma DNA; Professor Yu Changyuan, in Advanced Manufacturing, recognised for his breakthrough in the research and applications of photonic information devices and systems; Mr Kwock Yin Lun Alvin, Ms Ip Pui Yin Michelle and Mr Zhang Yu Rex, in FinTech, recognised for their pioneering work in digital asset insurance and generative AI security; and Professor Lu Yi-Chun, in New Materials and New Energy, recognised for her pioneering contributions to aqueous batteries.

The BOCHK Science and Technology Innovation Prize is a prestigious award in the field of innovation and technology in Hong Kong and the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area. Since its establishment, the award has consistently focused on major national strategic needs and Hong Kong’s research strengths, aiming to encourage researchers and innovation talent to drive the commercialisation of scientific and technological achievements. The number of nominations for this edition has increased significantly by more than 73% compared with the previous edition, reflecting the growing innovation and technology ecosystem in Hong Kong and the Greater Bay Area’s ability to gather high-calibre researchers and high-quality innovation projects. The laureates in each field will receive a cash award of HK$2 million, with a total prize pool of HK$10 million, fully sponsored by BOCHK.

At the ceremony, Professor Teng Jin-Guang, Chair of HKATI, delivered welcome remarks and stated: “This year marks the first year of the 15th Five-Year Plan period. The plan explicitly calls for moving faster to achieve greater self-reliance and strength in science and technology, developing new quality productive forces, supporting Hong Kong to develop into an international innovation and technology hub, and building an international hub for high-calibre talents. It presents a historic opportunity for Hong Kong’s innovation and technology development. As the organiser, HKATI will closely align with the strategic deployments of the 15th Five-Year Plan, continue to fully support Hong Kong’s  innovation and technology development, and leverage the influence of its awards to promote deeper integration of technological and industrial innovation — contributing to the building of Hong Kong as an international innovation and technology hub and to the nation’s goal of self-reliance and strength in science and technology.”

Mr Leung Chun-ying, Vice Chairman of the NCCPPCC, delivered opening remarks at the ceremony. He stated: “Since the establishment of the Innovation and Technology Bureau (now the Innovation, Technology and Industry Bureau) in 2015, Hong Kong has gradually moved away from short-term thinking and accumulated a solid foundation.” He envisions that with another decade of dedicated cultivation, innovation and technology will emerge by 2036 as a major pillar industry alongside finance, trade, and shipping, forging a new economic landscape for Hong Kong. He also advocates drawing on the close ‘government-industry-academia-research’ collaboration experience of places like Sweden. Finally, he extended his congratulations to the laureates of the 4th BOCHK Science and Technology Innovation Prize, thanked Bank of China (Hong Kong) for its sponsorship, and encouraged different sectors to persevere persistently, injecting new impetus into Hong Kong’s development and helping the nation achieve the grand goal of becoming a world leader in science and technology at an early date.

Professor Sun Dong, Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, delivered opening remarks at the ceremony. He stated: “The Government is leveraging HK$10 billion measures such as the Research, Academic and Industry Sectors One-plus Scheme (RAISe+), the New Industrialisation Acceleration Scheme (NIAS), and the Innovation and Technology Industry-Oriented Fund (ITIF) to organically connect a complete pathway covering upstream R&D, midstream transformation and commercialisation of R&D outcomes, and downstream industrialisation. With clearer industrial policies, the Government aims to promote the development of the real economy and contribute Hong Kong’s strength to the nation’s drive to build a modern industrial system. The HKATI and BOCHK have continuously organised this award, building an important platform for research talents in Hong Kong and the Greater Bay Area to showcase outstanding research achievements.”

Mr Sun Yu, Vice Chairman and Chief Executive of BOCHK, remarked, “Technological innovation cannot flourish without the precise nourishment of financial resources. As a local bank with deep roots in Hong Kong for over a century, and serving as Bank of China Group’s Southeast Asia regional headquarters, BOCHK has always been at the forefront of serving as an “enabler” and “practitioner” of technological innovation, fully supporting the development of Hong Kong into an international innovation and technology hub. Looking forward, BOCHK will continue to join hands with sectors of society, and advance innovation by building a technology and innovation ecosystem that connects the government, investment community, research institutes and industry leaders. By leveraging financial resources to support technological advancements and pushing forward concrete measures to drive industrial upgrades, BOCHK aims to make greater contribution for Hong Kong’s better integration into the overall national development.”

Since its establishment in 2022, the BOCHK Science and Technology Innovation Prize is now in its fourth edition. Its Review Committee brings together leading scholars around the world, upholding rigorous professional standards across the five major fields and earning broad recognition for its fairness and integrity. At the same time, past laureates have actively promoted the commercialisation of research outcomes, science popularisation education, and collaboration among industry, academia and research institutions, attracting frequent media attention and generating growing social impact. Looking ahead, the BOCHK Science and Technology Innovation Prize will continue to bring together the strengths of research, industry and finance, support more promising research achievements toward real-world application, and inject sustained momentum into Hong Kong’s innovation and technology ecosystem.

For further information about the 4th laureates, please visit www.stip.hk.

High-resolution event photo selection link: https://v.pixcheese.com/s/tHTLNBFZsmv

About the BOCHK Science and Technology Innovation Prize

The BOCHK Science and Technology Innovation Prize (STIP), established in 2022 by the Hong Kong Alliance of Technology and Innovation and title sponsored by Bank of China (Hong Kong), is a non-governmental merit-based award. The STIP aims to reward outstanding scientists and research teams in Hong Kong or in research-related corporations/organisations set up by Hong Kong institutions and located in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, for their significant achievements in scientific and technological innovation and transformation. The STIP encourages them to serve the motherland, connect to the Greater Bay Area, and contribute to the world with its foothold in Hong Kong.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/apac/news-releases/the-4th-bochk-science-and-technology-innovation-prize-award-ceremony-concludes-with-great-success-302780620.html

SOURCE Hong Kong Alliance of Technology and Innovation

Continue Reading

Technology

MEDIMPACT DATA BREACH: Edelson Lechtzin LLP Launches Investigation Into Exposure of Social Security Numbers and Health Information

Published

on

By

National class action firm Edelson Lechtzin LLP is offering free case evaluations to individuals affected by the MedImpact Healthcare Systems data breach, which may have exposed names, Social Security numbers, and sensitive health information.

SAN DIEGO, Sept. 26, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Edelson Lechtzin LLP, a national class action law firm, is investigating data privacy claims arising from the MedImpact Healthcare Systems, Inc. data breach. MedImpact is a privately held pharmacy benefit manager serving millions of members nationwide. The breach exposed sensitive personal and health information of current and former members of pharmacy benefit plans administered by MedImpact and/or Elixir Solutions.

Key Facts at a Glance

Company: MedImpact Healthcare Systems, Inc. is one of the largest independent pharmacy benefit managers in the United States.When it happened: MedImpact identified unauthorized activity in its systems on October 18, 2025. It finalized its investigation on July 17, 2026.When disclosed: MedImpact notified affected clients on August 13, 2026, and began mailing notices to affected individuals on September 23, 2026.People affected: Not publicly disclosed. Impacted members include adults and minor dependents covered under affected benefit plans, including the Leggett & Platt, Inc. Employee Benefits Plan.Information exposed: Varied by individual and may include names, Social Security numbers, and sensitive health information (see below).

What Happened

MedImpact identified unauthorized activity within certain systems on October 18, 2025, secured the affected systems, and engaged cybersecurity experts to investigate. The Qilin ransomware group claimed responsibility on October 27, 2025, adding MedImpact to its dark web leak site and claiming it had stolen data, which it threatened to publish unless a ransom was paid.

What Information Was Exposed

The compromised data varied by individual and may include names, addresses, dates of birth, Social Security numbers, subscriber and insurance identification numbers, and health-related information such as prescriptions, treatment, dates of service, service locations, and provider names. Because Social Security numbers and protected health information are highly sensitive, affected individuals face a lasting risk of identity theft, medical fraud, insurance fraud, and targeted phishing.

Your Legal Options

Edelson Lechtzin LLP is investigating a potential class action to pursue legal remedies for individuals whose sensitive personal and health data may have been compromised. The firm is examining whether MedImpact implemented reasonable cybersecurity safeguards and whether additional measures could have prevented or reduced the breach’s impact. The firm will evaluate your rights and potential claims at no cost.

Recommended Protective Steps

Preserve your breach notification letter and enroll in any complimentary credit monitoring offered to you.Monitor your account statements, credit reports, and explanation-of-benefits statements for unauthorized activity.Consider placing a fraud alert or security freeze with Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion.Be cautious of phishing calls, texts, and emails referencing the breach.

Contact Us for a Free Case Evaluation

Speak confidentially with a data privacy attorney today: Marc Edelson, Esq., Edelson Lechtzin LLP, 411 S. State Street, Suite N-300, Newtown, PA 18940; Phone: 844-696-7492; Email: medelson@edelson-law.com; or click HERE to request a free consultation.

About Edelson Lechtzin LLP

Edelson Lechtzin LLP is a national class action law firm with offices in Pennsylvania and California. In addition to data breach litigation, the firm handles class and collective actions involving securities and investment fraud, federal antitrust violations, ERISA employee benefit plans, wage theft, and consumer fraud.

Legal Notice: This press release may be considered Attorney Advertising in some jurisdictions.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/medimpact-data-breach-edelson-lechtzin-llp-launches-investigation-into-exposure-of-social-security-numbers-and-health-information-302890807.html

SOURCE Edelson Lechtzin LLP

Continue Reading

Technology

RackNerd Launches ctrl, a Proprietary Platform Built for the AI Era

Published

on

By

RackNerd has launched ctrl, its proprietary VPS management platform, combining server administration, an optional network firewall, and one-click deployment of AI agents, automation tools, and self-hosted applications.

RANCHO CUCAMONGA, Calif., Sept. 26, 2026 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — RackNerd LLC, a rapidly growing leader in the Infrastructure-as-a-Service (IaaS) industry, today announced the launch of ctrl, its proprietary VPS management platform designed to modernize how customers deploy and manage virtual server infrastructure.

“We are building the software layer that connects RackNerd’s infrastructure with the next generation of workloads our customers are deploying.” – Dustin B. Cisneros, CEO of RackNerd

Developed specifically for RackNerd’s VPS ecosystem, ctrl gives customers one unified interface with instant access to the tools they need to manage their virtual servers. Customers can perform power operations, access an HTML5 console, reinstall or change operating systems, reset root passwords, reconfigure networking, monitor resource usage and bandwidth, and manage multiple RackNerd VPS instances from one platform. Whether customers are deploying their first VPS or managing an established production environment, ctrl puts these capabilities within easy reach, helping them build, learn, troubleshoot, and grow at every stage of their journey.

ctrl also introduces a growing catalog of One-Click Apps designed to help customers rapidly deploy AI agents, automation platforms, web hosting control panels, containerized applications, and self-hosted technology stacks. Available applications include AdminBolt, OpenClaw, Hermes Agent, n8n, AnythingLLM, Ollama, LibreChat, Coolify, Portainer, WireGuard, Webmin, CyberPanel, and CloudPanel, with additional integrations planned as the platform continues to evolve.

“ctrl represents an important step forward for RackNerd and for the experience we provide our VPS customers,” said Dustin B. Cisneros, CEO of RackNerd. “We are building the software layer that connects RackNerd’s infrastructure with the next generation of workloads our customers are deploying. Because ctrl is our own platform, we have the flexibility to continuously improve it, introduce new capabilities, and respond more quickly as customer requirements evolve.”

More than a redesigned customer interface, ctrl gives RackNerd greater control over its VPS product roadmap and creates a scalable foundation for future services. As RackNerd continues expanding its infrastructure and customer base, the platform will help streamline common server-management operations while delivering a consistent experience across its VPS offerings. The upgrade is included with existing RackNerd VPS services at no additional cost and does not require customers to migrate or rebuild their virtual servers.

The launch also positions RackNerd to accommodate growing infrastructure demand surrounding artificial intelligence. While large-scale model training typically requires specialized GPU infrastructure, a much broader ecosystem is developing around AI agents, workflow automation, application backends, databases, internal tools, and self-hosted services. Many of these workloads require persistent, always-on infrastructure rather than dedicated AI training clusters.

RackNerd is addressing this segment by pairing accessible KVM virtual servers with a modern deployment experience designed for AI-connected applications, automation, and self-hosting.

“The AI future will not be limited to a small number of hyperscale companies training massive models,” Cisneros added. “An entire ecosystem is being built around AI — agents, automations, integrations, internal tools, and new applications. These workloads still need reliable infrastructure, and RackNerd is positioned to provide both the underlying compute resources and a streamlined path to deployment.”

Customers can order a RackNerd VPS and use ctrl to select a supported application and initiate deployment directly from the control panel. Once an installation is complete, the necessary server or application credentials are displayed within ctrl, reducing the time required to move from a newly provisioned server to a working application.

RackNerd VPS customers also retain full root access and can connect through SSH to deploy, configure, and operate virtually any compatible software stack. This gives customers one-click convenience when desired without sacrificing the flexibility and control expected from an unmanaged KVM VPS.

In addition to application deployment, ctrl streamlines routine VPS administration. Customers can review server specifications and operating-system information, control server power, access rescue functionality, launch a browser-based console, monitor resource consumption, reset credentials, and manage network configuration without opening a support ticket for common administrative tasks.

ctrl also introduces an optional network firewall that filters inbound traffic on RackNerd’s network before it reaches the VPS. This frequently requested feature provides an additional layer of protection, can be enabled or disabled at any time, and complements rather than replaces the firewall running within the operating system.

The launch arrives as RackNerd continues investing in infrastructure, software development, network capacity, and its global datacenter footprint. RackNerd is an Inc. 5000 company recognized multiple years in a row on both the national Inc. 5000 list and Inc. Regionals: Pacific, reflecting the company’s sustained growth and continued expansion within the Infrastructure-as-a-Service market.

With ctrl, RackNerd is extending its infrastructure offerings with a proprietary management and deployment platform built around how developers, businesses, and self-hosters are using virtual servers today — and how those workloads are expected to evolve in the years ahead.

ctrl is available exclusively with RackNerd VPS services. Customers can explore an interactive preview of the platform, review RackNerd’s AI-ready VPS offerings, and select from available configurations based on the resource requirements of their intended applications.

Explore RackNerd ctrl: https://www.racknerd.com/ctrl-control-panel

Learn more about RackNerd AI VPS: https://www.racknerd.com/ai-vps

About RackNerd

RackNerd LLC introduces infrastructure stability and provides Dedicated Servers, Private Cloud solutions, DRaaS (Disaster-Recovery-as-a-Service), flexible Colocation, Virtual Private Servers and advanced DDoS Mitigation services — maintained by a team with decades of experience in managed services, datacenter operations, and Infrastructure-as-a-Service. With an intrinsic focus on client success and growth, RackNerd has grown steadily while continuing to provide high-quality hosting services at competitive rates. For more information please visit RackNerd at: https://www.racknerd.com/.

Media Contact

Dustin Cisneros, RackNerd, 1 8888816373, dustin@racknerd.com, https://www.racknerd.com/

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prweb.com/releases/racknerd-launches-ctrl-a-proprietary-platform-built-for-the-ai-era-302890490.html

SOURCE RackNerd

Continue Reading

Technology

Timur Turlov Elected FIDE President, Becomes First Kazakh to Lead World Chess

Published

on

By

Businessman and Kazakhstan Chess Federation President wins runoff vote at FIDE General Assembly in Samarkand, pledges digital transformation and record investment in global chess development

SAMARKAND, Uzbekistan, Sept. 26, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Timur Turlov has been elected President of the International Chess Federation (FIDE), winning a second-round runoff vote at the FIDE General Assembly, held in Samarkand alongside the Chess Olympiad. Turlov ran on a joint ticket with five-time World Champion Viswanathan Anand as Deputy President.

Turlov becomes the first Kazakh national to lead FIDE, marking a milestone for Kazakhstan’s rapidly growing chess community and for the wider Central Asian chess movement. He takes office for a four-year term running through 2030.

Turlov is founder and CEO of Nasdaq-listed Freedom Holding Corp., a diversified financial services and technology group with operations spanning the United States, Europe, the Middle East, and Central Asia. Over nearly two decades, Freedom has built its business around digitalizing brokerage, banking, and fintech platforms. He has served as President of the Kazakhstan Chess Federation since 2023.

“The biggest dream we’re all working toward is getting closer to the Olympic program. I want real unity within FIDE, with every federation seeing, over these next four years, the difference we can make together. My goal is for FIDE to become more professional and more modern, more digital, raising its standing and influence, and finding its place in today’s world. I want to bring my own experience in digitalization to that work, helping the organization build a powerful platform and earn recognition as the leader and regulator of this historic and living game,” said Timur Turlov.

His campaign combined direct financial commitment with structural reform. He has pledged more than $8.5 million toward FIDE’s development, including a dedicated multi-year fund kept separate from FIDE’s operating budget, to double the resources available to national federations and simplify access to grants. A central pillar of his program is a unified platform for FIDE that would give every player a single profile spanning ratings, online play, and education tools, alongside modern infrastructure for federations worldwide — echoing the same playbook of connecting international markets through technology that has defined Freedom’s growth. As President of the International School Chess Federation, Turlov has also made chess in education a priority, seeking wider integration of the game into school curricula globally.

On governance, Turlov’s background leading a publicly listed international company shapes several of his commitments: publishing FIDE’s financial statements and major commercial agreements on a regular basis, introducing an independent external audit, appointing specialists on merit, and bringing experts from every continent onto the organization’s commissions.

He has also committed dedicated staff to help national federations secure sponsors, navigate government partnerships, and gain international media exposure, along with strengthened anti-cheating measures.

Anand, FIDE Deputy President since 2022, brings continuity and deep institutional knowledge to the new administration.

The Fédération Internationale des Échecs (FIDE) is the Switzerland-based global governing body for chess, with approximately 200 member federations worldwide.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/timur-turlov-elected-fide-president-becomes-first-kazakh-to-lead-world-chess-302890770.html

Continue Reading

Trending