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Payment Asia Launches Merchant Health Index (MHI) and ARCS Marketing Platform

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Bringing Practical AI Solutions to SMEs

HONG KONG, Oct. 29, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Payment Asia Group (“Payment Asia” or “Group”) today announced the expansion of its artificial intelligence capabilities with the introduction of the Merchant Health Index (MHI) and the ARCS Marketing Platform, reinforcing the Group’s commitment to helping small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) harness AI to enhance business performance, marketing effectiveness, and operational resilience.

The announcement comes as Hong Kong accelerates its AI agenda, encouraging broader adoption across industries to boost productivity, strengthen competitiveness, and create new opportunities for businesses of all sizes.

“Artificial intelligence is becoming a strategic growth engine, moving decisively from experimentation into business operations,” said Paul Tang, COO of Payment Asia. “For SMEs, the value of AI lies in its ability to support smarter decisions, greater efficiency and long-term business growth. Our strategy focuses on making enterprise-grade intelligence accessible through practical solutions that help merchants anticipate change, strengthen resilience and capture new opportunities.”

Introducing the Merchant Health Index (MHI) and ARCS Marketing Platform

The Merchant Health Index (MHI) is an AI-powered merchant intelligence framework that transforms business and transaction information into meaningful business insights. Designed to provide a forward-looking view of merchant health, it helps businesses identify potential risks, uncover growth opportunities, and respond more effectively to changing market conditions. MHI is a major showcase of Payment Asia’s “More than Payment” strategy, extending the Group’s role beyond payments to deliver intelligence, tools, partnerships, support, and more through an integrated ecosystem focused on long-term merchant success.

Drawing on merchants’ operating metrics from before onboarding, such as compliance records and business registration information, and after their first transaction, such as website activity, transaction behavior, and other relevant indicators, MHI generates a comprehensive financial health score. Its transparent, evidence-based approach offers a broader view of business performance and resilience, helping to identify emerging issues, unusual transaction patterns, and opportunities for operational improvement earlier.

“Through the launch of MHI, Payment Asia aims to contribute to the development of an objective industry benchmark that provides a clearer view of merchants’ financial health,” added Tang. “We believe greater transparency and standardized insights can help drive the industry’s continued growth and development.”

Alongside MHI, Payment Asia has unveiled the ARCS Marketing Platform, an AI-driven tool that helps SMEs streamline content creation and digital marketing. It generates localized text and product imagery tailored to Hong Kong consumers and offers a wide selection of preset prompts and campaign templates for common SME marketing needs, enabling merchants to launch campaigns more efficiently across multiple channels. A payment link generated by Payment Asia will also be included to direct customers to make a purchase. Payment Asia is inviting selected F&B merchants to join its pilot program.

The launch of MHI and ARCS builds on Payment Asia’s broader AI strategy, which advanced significantly with the introduction of AI capabilities for the Group’s mascot, PACO, in 2023.

Founded in 1999, Payment Asia today serves more than 100,000 merchants across Hong Kong and international markets. The Group recorded more than 30% year-over-year growth in global transaction volume in the first three quarters of 2026. Over the past decade, including during the COVID pandemic, Payment Asia has consistently achieved double-digit growth in worldwide transaction volume, supported by its early expansion into international markets and strong positioning in digital payment services as businesses and consumers accelerated their shift toward e-commerce.

At Hong Kong FinTech Week next week (Booth 5FG-TAO4), Payment Asia will present the Merchant Health Index (MHI), the ARCS Marketing Platform, and its latest innovations designed to help businesses unlock growth opportunities. At the booth’s “Insights Lounge,” Payment Asia and its partners will discuss emerging trends in merchant services, intelligent payments, and next-generation commerce, reinforcing the Group’s vision of serving as a gateway to business growth and takeoff.

About Payment Asia

Established in 1999 and based in Hong Kong, Payment Asia Group is a leading e-payment technology and e-commerce management company specializing in offering a secure and prompt payment processing network to local and global businesses. The Group also invests in and operates several fintech companies, building a diversified ecosystem spanning digital payments, asset management, trust services, lending, and other financial services. Driven by professionalism, dedication, and innovation, Payment Asia aspires to grow together with our clients and shape the future together. For more information, please visit: https://paymentasia.com/ 

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/apac/news-releases/payment-asia-launches-merchant-health-index-mhi-and-arcs-marketing-platform-302923276.html

SOURCE Payment Asia

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Wulcea Elevates Consumer Trust in Heated Apparel Through Multi-National Safety Certifications and Rigorous Technical Testing

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October 31, 2026

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NEW YORK, Oct. 31, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — As smart heated clothing gains broader adoption, consumers are paying closer attention to the safety and reliability of the technology behind these products. Wulcea, a brand specializing in graphene-powered heated apparel, combines its flexible GrapheneNano™ heating technology with documented safety compliance and durability testing for its heating components and battery systems.

“Trust in smart heated apparel goes beyond warmth—it comes down to confidence in battery safety and heating element reliability,” said John C, Founder of Wulcea. “Our goal is to give users peace of mind through certified technical standards.”

Advanced Graphene Heating Elements Supported by Global Standards

At the core of Wulcea’s thermal architecture is its GrapheneNano™ heating technology. Engineered to eliminate garment stiffness, Wulcea integrates flexible graphene elements that deliver balanced warmth across key upper-body zones while preserving natural garment drape and full freedom of movement.

Wulcea supports its heating components with applicable compliance documentation for major markets. These include CE and FCC compliance documentation addressing relevant electrical and electromagnetic compatibility requirements, as well as PSE compliance for applicable products in Japan. RoHS compliance further addresses restrictions on specified hazardous substances in applicable electrical and electronic components.

Multi-Certified Battery System for Dependable Power

To power its heating elements, Wulcea pairs its heated apparel with rechargeable battery systems designed for convenient everyday use. Featuring a compact design and housed in dedicated interior pockets, the batteries provide portable power while maintaining a streamlined garment profile and comfortable fit.

Wulcea backs its battery options with comprehensive third-party accreditations. UL certification demonstrates that the battery system has been evaluated against recognized power bank safety requirements, covering key areas such as overcharge protection, short-circuit protection, and thermal safety. The battery systems are also supported by applicable CE and FCC compliance documentation, addressing relevant regulatory requirements for electrical and electromagnetic compatibility.

For daily handling and travel, RoHS compliance validates that the battery system meets stringent global standards for material safety. The battery models have also undergone applicable UN 38.3 testing, supporting compliance with international requirements for lithium battery transportation.

Real-World Durability and Practical Usability

Component compliance forms Wulcea’s foundation, but reliability is defined by real-world performance. Built for high-flex endurance, Wulcea’s flexible graphene heating elements are tested through 10,000 active flexing cycles to maintain steady thermal output through repeated bending and everyday body movement.

Everyday convenience is equally essential. Built for hassle-free care, Wulcea’s heating elements withstand 100 machine-wash cycles under standard care guidelines, maintaining internal conductivity and structural stability under repeated laundering.

Integrated NTC temperature sensors provide thermal monitoring and are designed to stop heating if temperatures exceed 131°F (55°C). Combined with runtime of up to 10 hours on the low setting and a discreet interior control button, these features support practical everyday use in cold-weather conditions.

Aligning Technical Standards with Everyday Warmth

By combining graphene-based heating technology with documented battery safety compliance and durability testing, Wulcea continues to focus on the technical foundations of dependable heated apparel. This approach reflects the brand’s emphasis on bringing together safety considerations, practical functionality, and everyday comfort for cold-weather use.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/wulcea-elevates-consumer-trust-in-heated-apparel-through-multi-national-safety-certifications-and-rigorous-technical-testing-302925554.html

SOURCE Wulcea

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NIDS Co., Ltd. Confirms CES 2027 Participation, Pursues Expansion of Global Supply Chain for Environmental Sensors

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October 31, 2026

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Company introduced optical and gas sensors at SEDEX and is strengthening its composite sensor business for robotics, home appliances, automotive, and smart building applications

SEOUL, South Korea, Oct. 31, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Environmental sensor manufacturer NIDS Co., Ltd. has confirmed its participation in CES 2027 and is moving to expand its global business-to-business (B2B) supply chain. Building on its experience supplying sensors to domestic and international home appliance and automotive companies, the company aims to secure overseas customers and extend its applications into smart building HVAC and robotics.

NIDS recently participated in the Korea Semiconductor Industry Association’s Sensor Pavilion at SEDEX 2026, held at COEX in Seoul, where it introduced its next-generation sensor modules. The company said the exhibition allowed it to raise awareness of its technology among domestic home appliance and electronic component industry professionals and to lay the groundwork for collaboration in the sensor field.

The company will use CES 2027 as its next stage. NIDS plans to firm up discussions on sensor module supply with global home appliance makers, HVAC specialists, and robotics companies. It aims to extend the industry contacts gained at the domestic exhibition overseas and to convert product introductions into actual supply opportunities.

Founded in 2000, NIDS develops and manufactures environmental sensors and air quality management solutions. According to the company, it has supplied more than 10 million sensors cumulatively to domestic and international companies, including Dyson, Samsung Electronics, and Hyundai Motor. Drawing on this supply track record, the company intends to showcase its precision sensing technology and mass-production capabilities to overseas customers.

Its main products include particulate matter sensors, optical gas sensors based on non-dispersive infrared (NDIR) technology, composite environmental sensors, and electronic nose sensor modules. The particulate matter sensors measure PM1.0, PM2.5, and PM10, while the gas sensor lineup targets carbon dioxide (CO₂), carbon monoxide (CO), and other gases. The electronic nose is used for detecting everyday odors, gas leaks, and fires. The company said it designs the core components required for air quality measurement in-house and has a system in place to mass-produce 5 million units annually.

The area where NIDS will expand development and supply going forward is next-generation composite sensor modules. The company has been pursuing a sensor business that responds to industry-specific demand in home appliances, automotive, and smart building HVAC, and is now concentrating its capabilities on markets such as robotics, industrial safety, and odor detection based on this technology. Building on its experience supplying individual components, NIDS plans to continue developing and supplying, on a B2B basis, modules that handle multiple types of environmental data.

The company will also highlight its sensor product lineup and its newly developed ultra-compact MEMS sensor technology at the exhibition. NIDS plans to introduce its optical and gas sensor lineup along with examples of their application in actual air quality management systems. By explaining both the measurement functions of its components and its experience operating sensors for finished-product services, the company aims to broaden the scope of partnership discussions.

NIDS explained that, because it owns its precision sensors, it can control sensor sensitivity and tune algorithms to suit the system in which they are applied. Drawing on this technical operating experience, the company plans to pursue partnerships with customers and to promote its business capabilities extending from sensor components to air quality and odor management and industrial safety management.

NIDS will also leverage its existing branch network in its overseas market development. Through its overseas bases in the United States, Japan, and China, the company plans to widen its touchpoints with buyers and seek new supply opportunities in conjunction with its CES participation. Its goal is to generate export results by combining exhibition participation with its local networks.

The company intends to keep expanding the global supply of sensor components as a core pillar of its business. Building on the supply experience accumulated in home appliances and automotive, it will broaden its partners to robotics, HVAC, and smart buildings, and respond to industry-specific air quality measurement demand through the development of next-generation modules.

“We plan to continue expanding the development and B2B supply of next-generation composite sensor modules needed across a range of industries, including home appliances, automotive, and smart building HVAC,” NIDS said.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/nids-co-ltd-confirms-ces-2027-participation-pursues-expansion-of-global-supply-chain-for-environmental-sensors-302925577.html

SOURCE NIDS Co., Ltd.

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Towards Buddha Co., Ltd. and ICP DAS Showcase iTLC Intelligent Traffic Control Solutions at APTA 2026 in Chicago

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October 31, 2026

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Advancing smart intersection technologies and expanding international market opportunities through strategic collaboration

CHICAGO, Oct. 31, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Towards Buddha Co., Ltd., an overseas distributor of the iTLC Intelligent Traffic Control System, joined its technology partner ICP DAS at APTA 2026 TRANSform & EXPO in Chicago, USA, to showcase the iTLC-9000 Series and its applications in intelligent traffic management.

The exhibition highlighted innovative traffic control technologies designed to support reliable, secure, and integrated smart intersection operations, while providing opportunities to connect with international transportation professionals and explore emerging market needs.

Innovative Traffic Control Solutions

Under the theme “Innovative Traffic Control System,” the exhibition featured the iTLC-9000 Series, highlighting four key capabilities: modular and redundant design, secure networking, traffic signal integration, and active alert systems.

These technologies are designed to support system reliability, communication security, and efficient traffic infrastructure management, addressing the evolving requirements of modern intelligent transportation systems.

As cities worldwide continue to modernize transportation infrastructure, integrated and adaptable traffic control solutions are becoming increasingly important for smart intersection development.

Strengthening International Market Connections

As an overseas distributor of iTLC solutions, Towards Buddha Co., Ltd. plays an important role in connecting traffic control technologies with international markets.

During APTA 2026, Towards Buddha Co., Ltd. and ICP DAS engaged with transportation professionals, system integrators, and industry representatives to introduce iTLC technologies, exchange industry insights, and explore potential business opportunities.

“APTA 2026 provided a valuable platform to connect with the global transportation industry,” said a representative of Towards Buddha Co., Ltd. “Together with ICP DAS, we look forward to expanding international awareness of iTLC solutions and developing new opportunities in intelligent traffic control.”

Looking Ahead

Building on its participation at APTA 2026, Towards Buddha Co., Ltd. will continue collaborating with ICP DAS to promote iTLC solutions, strengthen international partnerships, and explore new opportunities in the global intelligent transportation market.

About Towards Buddha Co., Ltd.

Towards Buddha Co., Ltd. is an overseas distributor of the iTLC Intelligent Traffic Control System, focused on international market development and connecting advanced traffic control technologies with transportation industry needs.

Media Contact

Towards Buddha Co., Ltd.
Contact: Michael Chen
Email: Towardsbuddhaincorporation@gmail.com
Website: https://www.towardsbuddha.com 

SOURCE Towards Buddha Co., Ltd.

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