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Rakuten Viki and Imaginus to Co-Produce New Animated K-Drama, The Painted Soul

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 New Series from Director Choi Junbae to Debut Exclusively on Viki Globally this Month

SAN MATEO, Calif., Oct. 9, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Rakuten Viki announced today the premiere of a new original Korean animated series The Painted Soul, which blends fantasy and romance with Eastern inspiration. Directed by Choi Junbae (Mouse, Stealer: The Treasure Keeper), the 10-episode series will arrive exclusively on Viki starting October 21 in the Americas, Europe, Middle East, Oceania, India, and Southeast Asia. The Painted Soul is a co-production between South Korean production company Imaginus and Viki.

The Painted Soul follows apprentice spirit painter Yun Hwa, who accidentally frees Seol Jin, a mysterious man sealed inside a painting for decades. Legend says anyone who meets his gaze is doomed. But as Yun Hwa is drawn closer to the stranger, she must decide whether what she feels is fear or something more.

Under Junbae’s direction, the renowned creative team working on The Painted Soul is on the cutting edge in driving content forward by leveraging new filmmaking techniques. The concept and storytelling for The Painted Soul was developed by a team of creatives at Imaginus who utilized AI and other technologies to bring the story to life in an impactful way.

“Our fans have told us they want more animated content, and they’re going to love The Painted Soul, a fantasy romance with a visual style unlike anything else on Viki,” said Jaehee Hong, chief content officer at Viki. “We’re always looking for new stories from Korea and beyond to share with our audience. We plan to bring more animation to our platform, and this is just the start.”

Hyunjung Lee, chief creative officer at Imaginus, said, “At their core, our team of artists always wants to tell the most compelling stories. We worked hard to make The Painted Soul an intriguing watch for viewers, and with the use of exciting new technologies, we were able to enhance our storytelling in meaningful ways. We are looking forward to the debut of The Painted Soul on the Viki platform.”

The pioneering production company Imaginus was established in December 2021 by Jinnie Choi, the former CEO of Studio Dragon, a subsidiary of CJ ENM. The company previously worked on popular series including Cinderella at 2AM, which is also available on Viki.

Viki is the leading global destination for Asian entertainment, bringing a diverse line-up of content including dramas, animation, variety shows, movies, and more to a global audience in over 190 countries and territories.

Viki is available to watch for free (with advertisements) or without advertisements through tiered subscriptions of Viki Pass Standard and Viki Pass Plus, and is available on web and several platforms via desktop, mobile, streaming devices, and connected TVs.

For more information, visit: www.viki.com. Follow Viki on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, YouTube, and X.

About Rakuten Viki

Rakuten Viki is a leading global destination for Asian entertainment, attracting audiences worldwide with an extensive library of dramas, variety shows, movies, and Viki Originals from across Asia. With more than 127 million registered users in 190+ countries and territories, Viki’s personalized streaming experience allows fans to discover and watch stories they love, brought to life through curated content and high-quality subtitles. Part of Rakuten Group, Inc., a global powerhouse in e-commerce and internet services, Viki and its entertainment news site Soompi connect a global community of passionate fans through Asian entertainment.

Media Contact:
Beth Mellow: Beth_Mellow@dkcnews.com

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SOURCE Rakuten Viki

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YCYW Global Campuses Celebrate 2026 Founder’s Day: Ninety-Four Years of Educational Dedication: Rooted Deep, Reaching Far

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HONG KONG, Oct. 9, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — The Yew Chung Yew Wah Education Network (YCYW) celebrated the annual Founder’s Day across its campuses worldwide, honouring the outstanding contribution of founder Madam Tsang Chor-hang to education. 2026 marks the 94th anniversary of YCYW, as well as the 25th anniversary of Yew Chung International School of Chongqing (YCIS Chongqing).

During the celebrations, YCYW officially launched its new core educational slogan —Rooted Deep, Reaching Far, with YCIS Chongqing serving as the main venue and campuses worldwide connected via a virtual gathering.

For ninety-four years, YCYW has upheld its philosophy of integrating Chinese and Western educational traditions, committed to aligning with science and technology; culture and arts; and love and charity, and striving to nurture future talent who possess international competitiveness, social responsibility, robust foundation, diverse capability and a strong sense of self.

New Educational Slogan “Rooted Deep, Reaching Far” Officially Launched

At the anniversary ceremony, Dr Betty Chan Po-king, Chief Executive Officer and School Supervisor of YCYW, joined numerous guests in witnessing the official launch of the new slogan, “Rooted Deep, Reaching Far”.

Meanwhile, Dr Chan elaborated on the concept of “Rooted Deep, Reaching Far”: “Rooted Deep” refers to laying a solid and profound foundation for every student’s growth, with the integration of Chinese and Western educational philosophies at its core. “Reaching Far” means enabling students, on the basis of that strong foundation, to move confidently into the wider world, equipped with the resilience and capability to navigate it and face the future. Only when roots are deep can one reach far; and when one reaches far, one never forgets the roots.

“Rooted Deep, Reaching Far” comprises an overarching educational aim, three content pillars and a foundation of trust. The overarching aim is clear and unwavering: to empower children with strong roots, essential capabilities, and self-identity, equipping them to go further and navigate an unpredictable and rapidly evolving future.

Responding directly to the tensions and choices many families face today, the three content pillars are:

Strong Academic Foundations, Holistic Development;East–West Integration, Harmony in Diversity; andEnduring Legacy, Future-Ready Vision

Supporting this aim is a substantial foundation of trust: nearly a century of educational heritage, continuous renewal across three generations of educators, a global education network, cross-campus systematic programmes, and stable staffing and governance. Together, these form an educational choice that has earned the trust of generations of families.

YCIS Chongqing: Twenty-Five Years Rooted in the Mountain City

This year’s Founder’s Day is especially significant, as YCIS Chongqing celebrates its 25th anniversary. Over the past 25 years, the school has grown from a seed into a tree, witnessing the development of international education in Chongqing.

In her opening address, Dr Chan shared the story of Declan, a 15-year-old YCIS Chongqing student. This summer, Declan made a striking appearance at the Asia Oceania Geosciences Society Annual Meeting in Japan, becoming the youngest presenter at the entire conference. From AI models for identifying Martian impact craters to comparisons of errors across algorithms, he engaged in confident and assured dialogue with global experts. His academic confidence and rigour, remarkable for his age, are a shining outcome of YCYW’s Seeds for Tomorrow initiatives.

“Declan’s story shows us the kind of students YCYW nurtures: confident, rigorous, internationally minded, and unafraid to make their voices heard on the world stage. This is precisely the fruit of the educational philosophy we have upheld for decades,” said Dr Chan.

As a leading international school in the region, YCIS Chongqing provides education from early childhood through to the upper secondary for students from around the world. The Founder’s Day this year is not only a celebration of one campus’ twenty-five-year journey, but also a vivid example of YCYW’s long-standing commitment to educational development across the Chinese mainland.

Towards the Centenary, We Have Already Set Out

Looking ahead to its centenary, YCYW has already begun the journey. In six years’ time, YCYW will celebrate its 100th anniversary. Permanent campuses in Yantai Bajiaowan and Shanghai Lingang are currently under active development. In the 2028–2029 academic year, Yew Wah School of Hong Kong will officially open, becoming the first school in the Hong Kong SAR to offer the Chinese National Curriculum with international education approaches. It will provide educational continuity for students moving between Hong Kong SAR and the Chinese mainland, allowing the founding aspiration of “Honouring China” to take on renewed relevance in a new era.

Chongqing, as the starting point of the China–Europe Railway Express, has long been a key region connecting China with Eurasia. As China actively encourages enterprises to expand globally, YCYW is aligning with the national strategy by welcoming more international students to study in China and extending its educational programmes and philosophy overseas, serving as a bridge between China and the world.

Seeds for Tomorrow: The Educational Engine for the Future

At the ceremony, Dr Christopher Hurley, Director for Science, Technology, and Educational Futures, shared the latest initiatives of the Educational Futures division. Through the Seeds for Tomorrow initiatives, YCYW responds to the contemporary question of how students should be educated in an age shaped by artificial intelligence.

The Seeds for Tomorrow initiatives extend learning beyond the classroom. In partnership with leading universities and research institutions, including the Chinese Academy of Sciences, the Oxford Suzhou Centre for Advanced Research, Tongji University, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University and The University of Hong Kong, students engage in project-based learning centred on real-world challenges. They may take part in Oxford laboratory placements, architecture studios, entrepreneurship incubators, immersive medical projects and underwater robotics challenges, as well as advanced camps in marine science and engineering and the ChinaOne experiential learning programme. Guided by scientists and industry experts, students identify research topics based on their interests and clarify their academic direction through practice.

“Yew Yew and Dinosaurs Run” Tours YCYW Campuses

Meanwhile, the annual YCYW charity event, Dinosaur Charity Run, has returned. Launched in 2022, the event brings together parents, students and the wider community to provide scholarships for students pursuing early childhood education and support for families in need. Starting this year, Yew Yew, the YCYW mascot, joins the Dinosaur Charity Run team, visiting every YCYW campus to create an enjoyable and educational day for all.

Ninety-Four Years: Carrying Forward the Legacy, Writing the Next Chapter

The 94th anniversary marks an important milestone in YCYW’s development and lays a new foundation for its centenary mission. The network now has more than 30,000 alumni worldwide.

From Hong Kong to the Chinese mainland, and from China to the world, YCYW continues to uphold its “Three Alliances”: Aligning with Science and Technology, Culture and Arts, and Love and Charity. Amid an era of profound change, YCYW will forge ahead, continuously advancing its educational service system and promoting synergistic development across its campuses, while providing innovative support for the development of globally minded future talent.

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SOURCE Yew Chung Yew Wah Education Network

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In HelloNation, Real Estate Expert Pam McGovern Explains Choosing a Real Estate Agent and What Buyers Should Consider

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The article highlights how experience, communication, and local market knowledge help buyers select the right professional to guide their purchase.

MOUNTAIN TOP, Pa., Oct. 9, 2026 /PRNewswire/ –What should buyers look for when choosing a real estate agent in Mountain Top, Pennsylvania? According to a HelloNation article, choosing a real estate agent involves evaluating experience, communication style, and knowledge of the local real estate market before beginning the home search.

The HelloNation article, featuring insights from Real Estate Expert Pam McGovern of Classic Properties, explains that selecting the right professional can significantly influence how smoothly a home purchase progresses. An experienced agent helps buyers navigate property listings, negotiations, inspections, and paperwork while offering guidance throughout the transaction process.

Experience is one of the most important qualities buyers should evaluate. The article notes that professionals who frequently handle Luzerne County homes understand pricing trends, average time properties remain on the market, and neighborhood differences that affect value. This knowledge helps buyers identify areas offering strong value and avoid potential challenges in certain neighborhoods.

Reviewing an agent’s past transactions is another recommended step when choosing a real estate agent. The article explains that buyers should ask about recent sales in their preferred neighborhoods and discuss how the agent approaches negotiations. Understanding how an agent handles price discussions, repair requests, or multiple offers can provide insight into their strategy and ability to advocate for clients.

The article also emphasizes the importance of communication. Buyers benefit from agents who respond promptly, explain complex information clearly, and keep clients informed throughout each stage of the process. A responsive professional can help buyers better understand contracts, financing options, and inspection reports, making the experience less overwhelming.

Referrals and online reviews can provide additional insight into the performance of real estate agents in Mountain Top, PA. Recommendations from friends, family members, or past clients often reveal consistent strengths or weaknesses. Online feedback may also highlight patterns in professionalism, responsiveness, and overall client satisfaction.

Understanding the local real estate market is another essential factor. The article explains that professionals familiar with Mountain Top, PA homes for sale can provide context for pricing differences between neighborhoods, trends in property values, and shifts in buyer demand. This expertise allows buyers to evaluate listings more effectively and make informed decisions during the home search.

The article notes that experienced agents often bring valuable professional networks to the transaction. Connections with lenders, inspectors, contractors, and title companies can help coordinate the many steps involved in purchasing Luzerne County homes. These relationships may streamline scheduling and reduce delays during inspections, appraisals, and closing.

Interviewing multiple candidates is another strategy highlighted in the article. Buyers are encouraged to ask questions about recent transactions, negotiation approaches, and familiarity with specific neighborhoods. Observing how an agent listens and responds during these conversations can reveal whether their communication style aligns with the buyer’s expectations.

Personal comfort and trust also play an important role when selecting among Mountain Top, PA real estate agents. Purchasing a home is both a financial and emotional decision. Buyers benefit from working with professionals who listen carefully, offer guidance, and maintain clear communication throughout the process.

The article concludes that careful research helps buyers make confident decisions when choosing a real estate agent. Evaluating experience, reviewing past sales, considering referrals, and interviewing multiple professionals can provide valuable insight. Buyers who work with knowledgeable agents familiar with Luzerne County homes often gain a clearer understanding of the process and greater confidence from the first showing through closing.

How Do You Choose the Right Real Estate Agent in Mountain Top, PA? features insights from Pam McGovern, Real Estate Expert of Mountain Top, Pennsylvania, 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 publications and innovative “edvertising” approach, HelloNation delivers 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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ROBOTERA Tops Embodied AI Benchmark RoboDojo Without Additional Data or Agent RSI

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BEIJING, Oct. 9, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — ROBOTERA’s World Action Model (WAM), VPP2 (Video Prediction Policy 2), has ranked No. 1 on RoboDojo without additional data or agent-based reinforcement self-improvement (Agent RSI). Developed by the University of Hong Kong’s MMLab in collaboration with nearly 20 leading academic institutions worldwide, RoboDojo is a rigorous benchmark for general-purpose robot manipulation that evaluates performance across challenging simulation and real-world tasks, going beyond simple demonstrations.

VPP2 achieved an average success rate of 32.26% and an average score of 39.26, ranking first in Generalization, Precision, and Memory among evaluated methods.

ROBOTERA has open-sourced VPP2 on GitHub, with further details available on the project website.

Building a More Generalizable World Action Model

VPP2 enables robots to better predict how actions will change their surroundings and translate instructions into physical movements. Unlike video models designed primarily to generate visual content, VPP2 is trained to understand object movements and follow precise manipulation instructions. It combines video prediction with action generation, helping robots perform tasks more reliably across different objects, environments, and scenarios.

For complex tasks involving multiple steps, VPP2 can also work with a vision-language model (VLM) that breaks down high-level instructions into smaller, executable actions.

Validated Across Simulation and Real-World Tasks

VPP2 was evaluated across video prediction, instruction following, and robotic manipulation tasks.

On the ALOHA platform, VPP2 achieved a 58.5% average success rate across 10 task categories, outperforming leading baselines in nine. It also achieved 45.0% on LIBERO-Pro, a benchmark for robotic manipulation and generalization. With high-level task planning, average success rates across five task groups more than doubled, from 27.6% to 57.6%.

These results demonstrate VPP2’s ability to connect visual understanding, instruction following, and physical action, advancing general-purpose robotics toward practical applications.

From Research Breakthroughs to Real-World Deployment

VPP2 marks ROBOTERA’s fourth benchmark championship in embodied intelligence in 2026, following top results at World Arena, Benjie’s Humanoid Olympic Games, and RoboChallenge. Combined with ongoing humanoid-robot deployments with China Post and SF Express across more than 10 logistics centers in China, these achievements reflect ROBOTERA’s progress in both advancing general-purpose robot intelligence and bringing it into real-world applications.

Building on its advances in world-action modeling and real-world deployment experience, ROBOTERA is working to make general-purpose robots reliable partners in everyday work.

SOURCE ROBOTERA

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