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International Film Camp Nurtures Asian Film Talent for Third Consecutive Year

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Advancing Macao as international exchange platform for film talent 
Contributing to Macao’s development as “City of Performing Arts” and supporting economic diversification

MACAO, Sept. 23, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Organised by the Asian Film Awards Academy and sponsored by Sands China, the International Film Camp (IFC) 2026 held its awards and closing ceremony at The Londoner® Macao Tuesday. Following five days of intensive training and guidance from professional mentors, a panel of experts selected eight outstanding short film projects from among the submissions of the 16 participants, with each selected producer receiving production funding of HKD 300,000. Sands China has sponsored the programme for three consecutive years, underscoring its commitment to supporting the Macao SAR government’s policy of economic diversification. By bringing this exchange platform to Macao, the company aims to strengthen connections between veteran international filmmakers and emerging Asian film talent, advance the professional and international development of the local film industry, enhance Macao’s global cultural presence, contribute to the city’s development as a “City of Performing Arts,” while further supporting its diversified growth.

Since its inception in 2024, the film camp has been held annually in Macao. Backed by its professional line-up of mentors, the initiative has emerged as one of Asia’s most influential film training platforms within just three years, drawing nearly 1,400 applications to date. During the film camp, participants receive one-on-one professional mentoring, enabling them to further refine their short film concepts and pitching proposals. A panel of experts will ultimately select eight outstanding short film projects for this programme. Besides the HKD 300,000 in production funding, Shaw Studios, the programme’s official post-production partner, will provide professional post-production services for the selected projects, while the Asian Film Awards Academy will oversee the production process of the films and support the submission of some of the more outstanding works to major international film festivals. Over the years, the camp has nurtured numerous talented producers, many of whom have gone on to make their mark on the international film scene.

Now in its third edition, this year’s film camp once again drew strong interest from aspiring filmmakers, with over 450 applications received. Following a selection process conducted by a panel of experts, 16 up-and-coming filmmakers from the Chinese mainland, Macao, Hong Kong, South Korea, Singapore, Bangladesh, Kazakhstan, Sri Lanka, and Kyrgyzstan were chosen to participate in the camp. This year, the film camp once again returned to The Venetian® Macao, bringing together a strong line-up of international film professionals as mentors and speakers. They include: Roger Garcia, renowned film festival executive and director of the IFC; Fala Chen, actress, writer and director; Gordon Lam, actor, writer, and producer; Sabrina Baracetti, founding member and president of the Udine Far East Film Festival in Italy; and Jukka-Pekka Laakso, director of the Tampere Film Festival in Finland.

Themed on “When Strangers Meet,” the camp offered a series of masterclasses and seminars led by distinguished mentors, covering directing, screenwriting, funding, distribution, post-production, pitching and participation in film festivals, equipping emerging filmmakers with knowledge in film production, industry operations, and marketing practices. This year’s programme introduced a new panel discussion on artificial intelligence, examining how technology is shaping the future of the film industry.

Grant Chum, chief executive officer and executive director of Sands China Ltd., said: “This year marks the third consecutive year Sands China has supported the International Film Camp. In this year’s edition, the camp once again brought together emerging filmmakers from across Asia and film professionals from around the world to Macao to exchange creative insights and deepen collaboration, injecting fresh impetus into the growth of Macao’s film industry. By enabling filmmakers to experience Macao from their own creative perspective, we hope to inspire industry practitioners to see the city with fresh eyes and rediscover the depth and diversity of its cultural heritage. Through the lens of cinema, they can showcase Macao’s unique blend of Eastern and Western cultures to audiences worldwide, further establishing the city as a fertile ground for creative inspiration, a destination of choice for travellers, and a compelling hub for film production and storytelling.

“We would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to the Cultural Affairs Bureau of the Macao SAR government, and the Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau of the Hong Kong SAR government for their guidance, to the Asian Film Awards Academy for bringing this programme to life, and to the Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency and the Film Development Fund for their support of the programme. Their collective efforts have made this year’s film camp a success. Sands China will remain committed to advancing the development of the cultural and creative industries, contributing to Macao’s economic diversification, and harnessing the power of visual storytelling to bring the city’s stories to the world stage.”

Dr. Wilfred Wong, chairman of the Asian Film Awards Academy, said: “Our theme this year is ‘When Strangers Meet.’ In many ways, this is what filmmaking is about – bringing together people with different backgrounds, experiences and ways of seeing the world. Beyond practical support, we want to give emerging filmmakers the opportunity to develop their ideas, learn from one another, and build connections across Asia. The International Film Camp would not be possible without the support of many organisations and individuals. On behalf of the Asian Film Awards Academy, I would like to express our sincere gratitude to the Cultural Affairs Bureau of the Macao SAR government and the Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau of the Government of the Hong Kong SAR for their guidance, and to the Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency and the Film Development Fund for their continued support. Our sincere thanks also go to Sands China for its generous sponsorship, and to our mentors, judges, speakers and team. The camp may be ending tonight, but the creative journey for these filmmakers is only beginning. I hope they leave Macao not only with stronger projects, but also with new friends and future collaborators.”

On Sept. 18, the first day of the film camp, a special screening session of selected short films from previous editions was held at the Adelson Advanced Education Centre at The Venetian Macao. The event brought together this year’s participants and mentors, winners from previous camps, and participants from the New Art Studies in Filming – Micro Movie Support Program. During the event, four emerging filmmakers whose projects were selected in previous editions of the camp shared their creative insights with participants, followed by screenings of their works. The screened works included “After Her,” by Macao director Jane Zhang; “I Don’t Wanna Grow Up,” by Hong Kong director Kong Ho Yan; “Ride Your Horse,” by Chinese mainland director Song Dongxu; and “One Home To Another,” by Chinese mainland director Lan Tian.

During the IFC award ceremony on Sept. 22, actress, writer and director Fala Chen, and actor, writer, and producer Gordon Lam were invited to deliver a closing masterclass for the IFC participants. Moderated by Hong Kong director and writer Sunny Chan, the session drew on the speakers’ wealth of experience in acting and film production, as they shared stories from their creative journeys with guests and film camp participants. They also reflected on how these experiences have shaped their perspectives on performance, filmmaking and storytelling, inspiring participants to explore their own creative paths.

Short films funded by the film camp in previous editions have increasingly gained attention in the international film scene, underscoring the camp’s role as an important platform for emerging Asian filmmakers to reach the global stage. Among them, “A South Facing Window,” by Mongolian director Lkhagvadulam Purev-Ochir, was selected for the 78th Locarno Film Festival in Switzerland, earning a Pardo Verde Special Mention and the Junior Jury Award. Following these accolades, the film was also selected for the 50th Toronto International Film Festival. Other notable projects include “Ride Your Horse,” by Chinese mainland director Song Dongxu, selected for the International Competition at the 38th Clermont-Ferrand International Short Film Festival in France and the Competition of the 19th FIRST International Film Festival in Xining; and “Once Upon A Time There Was A Mountain,” by Hong Kong filmmaker To Chun Him, selected for the Drama International Short Film Festival in Greece and later for the Asian American International Film Festival in New York. A number of projects developed through the camp also had their world premieres at the Udine Far East Film Festival in Italy, a testament to the strength and potential of young Asian filmmakers.

In addition, over 20 aspiring local filmmakers from the New Art Studies in Filming – Micro Movie Support Program, an initiative sponsored by Sands China, were invited to sit in on this year’s film camp. This arrangement provided participants with the opportunity to gain exposure to industry insights and global trends, helping nurture diverse talent for Macao’s film industry.

Guests attending Tuesday’s awards and closing ceremony included Dr. Wilfred Wong; Gary Mak, assistant commissioner for Cultural and Creative Industries and secretary-general of the Hong Kong Film Development Council; Chong Siu Pang, acting head of the Department for Promoting Cultural and Creative Industries of the Cultural Affairs Bureau of the Macao SAR Government; Dave Sun, executive vice president and chief financial officer of Sands China Ltd. and managing director of Venetian Macau Limited; Roger Garcia, mentor and director of the IFC 2026; Anthony Chen, Chen Daming, and Heiward Mak, IFC mentors; Josie Lin, executive director of the Asian Film Awards Academy; Teng Lee Yein, production mentor of the IFC 2026; Leong Heng Teng, founding president of the Creative Industries Promotion Association of St. Lazarus Church District; a group of directors from Hong Kong and Macao; and over 20 filmmakers from the New Art Studies in Filming – Micro Movie Support Program.

International Film Camp 2026 was organised by the Asian Film Awards Academy with the patronage of the Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau of the Hong Kong SAR government and the Cultural Affairs Bureau of the Macao SAR government, sponsored by the Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency, the Film Development Fund, and Sands China Ltd., with the support of Shaw Studios, Miora Tencent Design, and NetShort.

The eight short film projects selected for production funding under this year’s film camp are as follows:

Director

Country/Region

Film Project

Qu Zhizheng

Chinese mainland

Folding Mainland

Wong Ka Ki

Hong Kong

Giri

Erica Kwok Chung Yee

Hong Kong

Imitation

Chan Chon Sin

Macao

Tower

Bo Hanxiong

Chinese mainland

Under a Burning Sun

Ilimbek Maksatbekov

Kyrgyzstan

We Came Back to Strangers, Dad

Shubha Kumar Paul

Bangladesh

What Remains of the Ordinary

Ainamkoz Yemzharova

Kazakhstan

Yesimde

 

About Sands China Ltd.

Sands China Ltd. (Sands China or the Company) is incorporated in the Cayman Islands with limited liability and is listed on The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited (HKEx: 1928). Sands China is the largest operator of integrated resorts in Macao. The Company’s integrated resorts on the Cotai Strip comprise The Venetian® Macao, The Plaza® Macao, The Parisian® Macao and The Londoner® Macao. The Company also owns and operates Sands® Macao on the Macao peninsula. The Company’s portfolio features a diversified mix of leisure and business attractions and transportation operations, including large meeting and convention facilities; a wide range of restaurants; shopping malls; world-class entertainment at The Venetian Arena, The Londoner Arena, The Venetian Theatre, The Parisian Theatre, The Londoner Theatre and Sands Theatre; and a high-speed Cotai Water Jet ferry service between Hong Kong and Macao. The Company’s Cotai Strip portfolio has the goal of contributing to Macao’s transformation into a world centre of tourism and leisure. Sands China is a subsidiary of global resort developer Las Vegas Sands Corp. (NYSE: LVS).

For more information, please visit www.sandschina.com.

Media contacts:

Corporate Communications, Sands China Ltd.
Mabel Wu
Tel: +853 8118 2268
Email: mabel.wu@sands.com.mo

Jesse Chiang
Tel: +853 8118 2054
Email: jesse.chiang@sands.com.mo

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RTX’s Pratt & Whitney Canada signs four-year PW127M maintenance agreement with AirBorneo Airways

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September 24, 2026

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Work will be performed at the company’s newly expanded Singapore facility

SINGAPORE, Sept. 24, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Pratt & Whitney Canada signed a four-year agreement with AirBorneo Airways to provide comprehensive maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) services for the PW127M engines powering its ATR 72-500 regional turboprops through 2030. AirBorneo operates its fleet of ATR 72-500 aircraft on the Rural Air Services network, a vital public service that connects remote and underserved communities across East Malaysia. Pratt & Whitney is an RTX (NYSE: RTX) business.

“We worked closely with AirBorneo to develop a maintenance solution that manages engine costs and supports high dispatch availability for these critical flights,” said Anthony Rossi, vice president, Customer Service, Pratt & Whitney Canada. “This agreement reinforces our commitment to advancing our MRO services and meeting customers’ evolving needs.”

AirBorneo’s engines will be primarily maintained at Pratt & Whitney Canada’s Singapore facility, a key hub for customer support across Asia-Pacific. Recent investments have expanded the site’s turboprop MRO capabilities, strengthening the company’s ability to provide more localized support to operators across the region.

“We value our relationship with Pratt & Whitney Canada and the proven quality and reliability behind its products and services,” said Megat Ardian Aminuddin, CEO of AirBorneo. “Having this support based in Singapore puts our engine maintenance and repairs close to home and our aircraft back in service faster. That confidence gives us the operational certainty we need to consistently serve our customers on our intra-Borneo routes where reliable air transport is a vital link for remote communities.”

The PW127M is part of Pratt & Whitney Canada’s PW100 engine family, which has provided regional turboprop operations for more than 40 years. PW100 engines have accumulated more than 200 million flight hours and power aircraft serving communities around the world.

About Pratt & Whitney
Pratt & Whitney, an RTX business, is a world leader in the design, manufacture and service of aircraft engines and auxiliary power units for military, commercial and civil aviation customers. Since 1925, our engineers have pioneered the development of revolutionary aircraft propulsion technologies, and today we support more than 90,000 in-service engines through our global network of maintenance, repair and overhaul facilities.

About RTX
With more than 180,000 global employees, we push the limits of technology and science to redefine how we connect and protect our world. With industry-leading capabilities, we advance aviation, engineer integrated defense systems for operational success, and develop next-generation technology solutions and manufacturing to help global customers address their most critical challenges. The company, with 2025 sales of more than $88 billion, is headquartered in Arlington, Virginia.

For questions or to schedule an interview, please contact corporatepr@rtx.com.

About AirBorneo Airways
AirBorneo Airways is Sarawak’s state-owned airline, committed to providing safe, reliable and affordable air connectivity across Malaysia and the region. Established in January 2026 following the transition from MASWings, the airline has expanded beyond Rural Air Services (RAS) with the introduction of jet operations to Kuala Lumpur and Singapore in July 2026.

Guided by its mission of “Connecting Communities, Empowering Growth,” AirBorneo remains committed to strengthening connectivity and supporting Sarawak’s economic growth. The airline operates ATR 72-500 turboprops powered by PW127M engines and Viking Air DHC-6-400 Twin Otters powered by PT6A-34 engines, and has eight ATR-600 aircraft powered by PW127XT Series engines on order.

 

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Quarterhill Introduces TOPAS-Registered Intersection Solution in United Kingdom

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September 24, 2026

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Company expanding into the UK traffic signal market with the new TOPAS 2505B-registered version of its TMB-13X product

TORONTO, Sept. 24, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Quarterhill Inc. (“Quarterhill” or the “Company”) (TSX: QTRH) (OTCQX: QTRHF) – a leading technology innovator providing next-generation, AI-driven Intelligent Transportation System (“ITS”) solutions – today announced its proprietary, multilane intersection radar “TMB-13X” has achieved TOPAS 2505B registration, a requirement for any traffic signal detection technology deployed in the UK. This accomplishment enables Quarterhill to provide UK transport authorities with a reliable, easy-to-use and cost-efficient product; enabling safer and more efficient roads with industry-leading deployment times.

Designed for complex, multilane intersections, the TMB-13X provides traffic authorities with an above-ground alternative to traditional inductive loop detection, helping reduce the roadwork, installation costs and traffic disruption associated with in-road sensors. The product can monitor vehicles and cyclists across multiple lanes; and uses up to nine configurable virtual detection loops based on speed, direction of travel, movement and presence. It also features a compact four-meter blind zone and an intuitive browser-based configuration interface accessible via Wi-Fi to enable faster deployment and simpler ongoing maintenance.

The United Kingdom is one of the most significant markets for traffic signal detection technologies in Europe. Transport for London alone operates approximately 6,400 traffic signal sites, including approximately 4,000 signalized junctions and 1,500 pedestrian crossings, supported by more than 16,000 traffic detectors.1 This registration builds on Quarterhill’s existing presence in the UK market, extending the Company’s ITS technologies into intersection detection alongside its established UK operations. With TOPAS approval now secured, Quarterhill can now offer the TMB-13X product to UK traffic signal controller manufacturers, system integrators and transport authorities across the country.

“Bringing together more than 30 years of radar-based product development in a solution designed to address the complexities of modern intersections, the TMB-13X reflects our continued focus on technologies that make transportation infrastructure safer and more efficient,” said Donna Bergan, Vice President of Intelligent Transportation Systems at Quarterhill. “Securing TOPAS registration means we can extend these capabilities to customers across the UK, providing traffic engineers with a flexible solution that can simplify installation and ongoing maintenance, while minimizing disruption to road users.”

The TOPAS registration reflects Quarterhill’s broader approach to international growth: adapting its ITS technologies to meet the specific regulatory and technical standards of each market it enters. Quarterhill’s Smart Transportation and Enforcement solutions are currently deployed across North America, Europe, Middle East and Asia-Pacific.

This milestone adds to continued momentum across Quarterhill’s ITS business. In August 2026, the Company reported its strongest quarter of profitability in more than three years. Quarterhill is also progressing toward the expected fourth-quarter 2026 closing of its previously announced acquisition of Conduent’s tolling solutions business, which is expected to significantly expand the Company’s scale and further advance its strategy to build a larger, more focused ITS platform.

The TOPAS-registered TMB-13X is now available for order.

About Quarterhill

Quarterhill is a global leader in the Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) industry, advancing mobility through smart infrastructure solutions that reduce congestion, improve roadway safety, and create more sustainable travel. Each year, Quarterhill’s platforms process billions of transactions; perform compliance and safety inspections on millions of commercial vehicles; and enable transportation agencies worldwide to optimize thousands of lanes of traffic to improve travel for everyone. Leveraging advanced artificial intelligence and machine-learning technologies, Quarterhill’s platform delivers automation and predictive insight to help agencies manage transportation networks more efficiently. By working in close partnership with governments, communities, and industry leaders, Quarterhill is building today’s connected roadways, while shaping the next generation of intelligent, resilient mobility. Quarterhill is listed on the TSX under the symbol QTRH and on the OTCQX Best Market under the symbol QTRHF. For more information, please visit: www.quarterhill.com.

Forward-looking Information

This news release contains forward-looking information and forward-looking statements within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws (collectively, “forward-looking statements”). Such forward-looking statements relate to future events, conditions or future financial performance of ‎Quarterhill based on future economic conditions and courses of action. All statements other ‎than statements of historical fact may be forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements ‎are often, but not always, identified by the use of any words such as “seek”, “anticipate”, “budget”, ‎”plan”, “goal”, “expect” and similar expressions. This news release contains forward looking statements relating to, among other things, the adoption of TMB-13X in the UK market, the impact and results from the use of the TMB-13X, and the closing and impact of the Conduent acquisition.

Forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, assumptions, ‎uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results or events to differ materially from those ‎anticipated in such forward-looking statements. Material risk factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from the forward-looking statements contained in this news release include, among others, TMB-13X not being adopted by the UK market, the failure to complete the Conduent acquisition as planned or realize the expectations on the Company’s results, demand for Quarterhill’s products and services; general economic and market conditions; competition; risks relating to technological advances and cyber-security; and other risks set forth in the Company’s most recent annual information form available on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca. The Company believes the expectations reflected in ‎the forward-looking statements are reasonable, but no assurance can be given that these expectations ‎will prove to be correct and such forward-looking statements included in this news release should not be ‎unduly relied upon.‎ Material factors and assumptions used to develop the forward-looking statements contained in this news release include, among others: Quarterhill’s ability to execute on its business plan; demand for Quarterhill’s products and services; operating assumptions; and financial projections and cost estimates. Quarterhill has no intention, and undertakes no obligation, to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law.

1 Source: Transport for London.

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TIER IV releases a reference design for autonomous racing kart systems, used by Autonomous Driving AI Challenge participants

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September 24, 2026

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TOKYO, Sept. 24, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — TIER IV, the pioneering force behind open-source software for autonomous driving, has developed a reference design for autonomous racing kart systems and released its software and design information in a public GitHub repository. Built on Autoware, open-source software for autonomous driving, the reference design is provided alongside an environment that supports development and evaluation from simulation to real-world vehicle testing. The Autonomous Driving AI Challenge, organized by the Society of Automotive Engineers of Japan (JSAE), was held from July to September 2026, and a total of 240 teams comprising approximately 600 participants used the reference design as a common development platform throughout the qualifying and final rounds. Through this initiative, TIER IV supports open technology development and the cultivation of the next generation of engineers.

Developing autonomous driving systems requires integrating a range of components, including vehicles, sensors, onboard computers, and software, into a system capable of operating in the real world. Evaluating the resulting technologies also requires simulation and real-world vehicle testing environments. Building these development and evaluation environments from scratch can place a significant burden on developers entering the field of autonomous driving, creating barriers to technology development and talent cultivation.

The Autonomous Driving AI Challenge provides students and working professionals with varying levels of technical experience an opportunity to develop autonomous driving technologies. By enabling participants to gain hands-on experience in autonomous driving software development and put their technical skills to the test, the competition aims to foster talent and encourage broader participation in the field. The final rounds held on September 19-20, 2026, featured racing karts and included both simulation-based and real-world vehicle challenges.

TIER IV developed the reference design for autonomous racing kart systems to give developers a common starting point that they can modify and extend to suit their objectives. Built on Autoware, the reference design includes autonomous driving software, a simulator, and other design information released on GitHub. By combining these publicly available resources with real vehicles and development and evaluation environments, TIER IV enabled participants to focus on developing and improving autonomous driving algorithms and AI models without having to build an entire system from scratch.

The reference design and its associated development and evaluation environments comprise the following main components:

Vehicle and hardware configuration: TOM’S EV racing kart, global navigation satellite system (GNSS), inertial measurement unit (IMU), and onboard computerAutonomous driving software: Open-source software for racing karts built on AutowareSimulation environment: A publicly available simulator that reproduces racing kart driving, together with an online environment for evaluating developed software during the competitionDevelopment and evaluation tools: A web platform supporting software setup and execution, as well as the review of driving results

The autonomous driving software, simulator, and design information are available through the public GitHub repository. Real vehicles and the competition’s online evaluation environment were provided in combination with these publicly available resources.

At the competition, 240 teams comprising approximately 600 participants used the reference design as a common technical foundation, developing and improving autonomous driving systems through their own ideas and expertise. Their exploration of different technical approaches from a shared foundation provided a practical example of how an open development platform can support technology development and talent cultivation.

TIER IV is working to realize the democratization of autonomous driving by expanding the open-source ecosystem centered on Autoware worldwide. Going forward, TIER IV will continue to expand its reference design offerings and enhance development and evaluation environments through open source. By collaborating with partners across industry, research, and education, the company aims to grow an ecosystem that supports the real-world deployment of autonomous driving.

About TIER IV

TIER IV stands at the forefront of deep tech innovation, pioneering Autoware, open-source software for autonomous driving. With a comprehensive suite of platforms and services built around Autoware, TIER IV provides everything from software development and vehicle procurement to operational support. Through the Autoware ecosystem, TIER IV works with partners worldwide to shape the future of intelligent vehicles with open-source software, aiming to create mobility that is safer, more sustainable, and accessible to all.

Media Contact
pr@tier4.jp

The word marks and logos of TIER IV are trademarks or registered trademarks of TIER IV, Inc. in Japan and other countries. All other company names, product names, service names, and logos referenced herein are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective owners.
Autoware is a registered trademark of the Autoware Foundation.

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