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CHiQ Presents Human-Centered Innovation and ESG Excellence to IFA 2025

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Source: Media Outreach

BERLIN, GERMANY – Media OutReach Newswire – 9 September 2025 – At IFA 2025, the Deutscher Tennis Bund (DTB) presented CHiQ with an “Honorary Partner” certificate for its support for the German Wheelchair Tennis Open 2025, reflecting the tournament’s official appreciation and endorsement of CHiQ and also serving as a testament to CHiQ’s commitment to ESG values and social responsibility.

CHiQ Presents Human-Centered Innovation and ESG Excellence to IFA 2025

Held in Berlin this July, the Wheelchair Tennis Open united top athletes worldwide, each exemplifying remarkable resilience and determination. As the event’s official sponsor, CHiQ championed the theme “Every Serve Counts. Every Life Shines”, highlighting the spirit of accessible sports and amplifying the tournament’s footprint through its global platforms.

Mr. Feng Zheng, CHiQ’s Europe General Manager, accepted the certificate on behalf of the brand, stating, “Supporting wheelchair tennis is not only a social commitment, but also reflects CHiQ’s care and respect for underrepresented communities. We want to raise awareness and understanding of accessible sports and harness corporate strength to drive positive social change.”

At IFA 2025, CHiQ also unveiled an ESG-themed exhibition zone. The showcase highlighted achievements in public welfare, environmental innovation, and sustainable development, revisiting CHiQ’s journey with the Wheelchair Tennis Open and its progress in green manufacturing, energy-saving technologies, and sustainable materials. Backed by Changhong Group’s robust ESG framework, including consecutive annual ESG reports and an “AA” rating from Wind, the brand’s global responsibility efforts are deeply embedded.

In sustainable product innovation, CHiQ continues to lead with high-efficiency appliances. Its newly launched washing machine in Europe exceeds the EU A-class standard by 10%, while its air conditioners utilize advanced inverter technology to reduce energy consumption without compromising comfort. CHiQ’s refrigerators, certified with 6-star energy ratings, provide energy-efficient solutions for modern households.

Thanks to its ongoing commitment to innovation in smart home appliances, CHiQ received the Global Product Innovation Technology Award – Leading AI Home Appliance Brand at IFA 2025, again underscoring the brand’s technological excellence and growing international influence.

By supporting inclusive sports, advancing energy-efficient products, and continuously strengthening the ESG framework, CHiQ is redefining what it means to be a responsible brand through its philosophy: “Responsibility goes beyond promises; warmth stems from every choice”. ESG is no longer just an abstract concept; it has become a meaningful bridge between the brand and its users to engage in ongoing dialogue and co-create a better life.

Hashtag: #CHiQ

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

– Published and distributed with permission of Media-Outreach.com.

Changan Debuts at IAA Mobility 2025, Showcasing a New Vision for Global Smart Mobility

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Source: Media Outreach

MUNICH, GERMANY – Media OutReach Newswire – 9 September 2025 – On ‌September 8‌, Changan unveiled its latest advancements in electrification and intelligent technology at ‌IAA Mobility 2025‌. The showcase featured models from ‌CHANGAN DEEPAL and ‌AVATR ‌under the theme “Technological Value, Global Mobility, User Empathy”‌.

In pursuit of its vision to become a world-class auto brand, Changan has invested ‌over 110 billion RMB in new energy and intelligent technologies over the past decade. With a ‌global network‌ spanning ten R&D centers in six countries, the company has achieved breakthroughs in more than 400 key EV technologies‌ and independently developed ‌its SDA‌ platform. The exhibits – including the ‌Golden Shield Battery and SDA Pilot‌ – highlighted its forward-looking technological achievements.

Changan is accelerating its “Global Mobility” strategy through global partnerships. Its overseas operations now span five regions, namely Europe, Eurasia, Southeast Asia, Middle East and Africa, and Central & South America, covering 103 countries and regions. The company plans to establish 20 overseas factories, nine of which are already operational, including its inaugural overseas NEV plant in Rayong, Thailand. It also continues to advance its plans for local manufacturing in Europe, reinforcing its commitment to regional production and supply chain integration.

Changan is expanding its sales and service presence in Europe. Autohaus Guenther, near Hamburg, opened the first Changan showroom in Germany in late August. Meanwhile, the UK will see ‌20 dealerships begin operations by mid-September, with ‌30 additional sales and service outlets‌ scheduled to launch by the end of 2025. By year-end, Changan will be present in more than 10 European markets, including Spain and Italy. The company has also established import subsidiaries‌ in Germany, the Netherlands, and the UK. Notably, Bosch and ZF, two of the world’s leading manufacturers of automotive components, showcased their joint work with Changan on electrification and automation at IAA Mobility 2025.

Changan remains committed to addressing user needs, earning global recognition through its empathetic, user-centered philosophy. The E-SUV CHANGAN DEEPAL S05‌, launched at IAA Mobility 2025, embodies its philosophy of ‌”European Design, Global Innovation.” Meanwhile, AVATR emphasizes originality and intelligent new luxury, with the globally premiered concept car, Xpectra, showcasing a distinctive design philosophy and advanced technologies.

Changan made history as ‌the only Chinese automaker‌ to exhibit at the IAA in ‌2011 and 2013‌. Twelve years later, the company has three separate stands at the IAA, marking its commitment to international expansion, and its dedication to delivering ‌tailored products and services‌ to global users.

Hashtag: #Changan

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

– Published and distributed with permission of Media-Outreach.com.

AVATR Defines New Luxury, CHANGAN DEEPAL Showcases Futuristic Design

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Source: Media Outreach

MUNICH, GERMANY – Media OutReach Newswire – 9 September 2025 – At ‌IAA Mobility 2025‌ in Munich, Germany, AVATR and CHANGAN DEEPAL‌ stood out as highlights of the show, drawing strong interest from visitors and media.

At the AVATR stage located on ‌Königsplatz, the ‌AVATR VISION XPECTRA concept car‌ – fresh from its global debut – took center stage alongside the brand’s full vehicle lineup. It showcased AVATR’s “Emotive Luxury” design philosophy and cutting-edge technology, guided by the aesthetic vision of award-winning designer ‌Nader Faghihzadeh‌.

AVATR currently offers four models: ‌AVATR 11, AVATR 12, AVATR 07, and AVATR 06‌. It holds nearly ‌10% of the UAE’s luxury EV market, ‌has become ‌Thailand’s highly recognized luxury EV brand‌, and earned widespread acclaim in ‌Singapore‌ just weeks after its launch. AVATR’s global community now reaches nearly 190,000 owners.

Coinciding with the European debut of the CHANGAN DEEPAL S05, Changan simultaneously unveiled its latest models in Chongqing, China: the ‌L06‌ and the S09 six-seat long-range version. This strategic parallel launch underscores Changan’s global ambitions.

CHANGAN DEEPAL’s bold, futuristic design language redefines electric aesthetics. Having already entered over seventy markets‌ across Europe, Eurasia, Southeast Asia, the Middle East, Africa, and Latin America, it will next introduce the CHANGAN DEEPAL S07 in the UK‌.

To deliver locally tailored products and services, ‌Changan Automobile‌ is investing in ‌local design, engineering, talent, and partnerships‌. It has established ‌self-operated import subsidiaries in Germany, the Netherlands, and UK‌‌. In other European markets, Changan collaborates with regional importers like ‌Autohellas (Greece), Motorgruppen (Norway), Auto-Industrial Group (Portugal), and OMR (Western Balkans)‌, and is actively expanding its network.

Europe remains a cornerstone in Changan’s global strategy, guided by its ‌”In Europe, for Europe”‌ ethos. Moving forward, Changan will accelerate its localization strategy in Europe, committing to long-term growth and deep local integration to deliver premium products and services to European users.

Hashtag: #CHANGAN

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

– Published and distributed with permission of Media-Outreach.com.

Changan Accelerates European Expansion with Diverse Tech and Product Portfolio at IAA Mobility 2025

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Source: Media Outreach

MUNICH, GERMANY – Media OutReach Newswire – 9 September 2025 – Changan showcased its CHANGAN DEEPAL and AVATR products at IAA Mobility 2025 on Monday. Under the theme “Changan: Sharing the Future,” the company presented its latest electrification and intelligent technologies across three dedicated exhibition areas.

Changan displayed multiple models for European audiences, including the CHANGAN DEEPAL S05, S07, and AVATR 06, 07, 012, as well as unveiling AVATR’s first concept car, the Xpectra. The exhibition also featured cutting-edge technologies such as the Golden Shield solid-state battery, the New BlueCore HE1.5NA hybrid-dedicated engine, the New BlueCore electric drive system, and the SDA Pilot, all representing industry-advancing innovations that attracted significant attention from attendees, industry experts, and media.

Beyond unveiling its latest models and technologies, Changan reinforced its long-term commitment to the European market. “‘In Europe, for Europe’ encapsulates our stance and resolve. Changan is dedicated to long-term growth and deep local integration,” said Zhao Fei, General Manager, China Changan Automobile Group.

With over two decades of presence in Europe, including R&D centers in the UK, Italy, and Germany, Changan boasts the capability to develop products tailored to European consumers’ needs. Changan’s European product lineup will include both BEVs and PHEVs, with the CHANGAN DEEPAL S07 and S05 as the first BEV models entering Europe. Featuring over 150 market-specific adaptations and achieving the highest 5-star Euro NCAP safety rating, the S07 has already been launched in Norway and Germany and is set to debut in the UK. As one of Changan’s strategic models for success in Europe, the CHANGAN DEEPAL S05 made its official European debut at the IAA.

From the establishment of its Turin Design Center in 2001 to its prominent presence at the 2025 Munich IAA motor show, Changan has steadily evolved into a leader through continuous technological innovation and market expansion. As it accelerates globalization, Changan is forging ahead with electrification and intelligent technologies as core competencies, striving to become a globally competitive automotive enterprise.

Hashtag: #Changan

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

– Published and distributed with permission of Media-Outreach.com.

The World Smart Industry Expo 2025 Concludes Successfully, and the 2025 Digital Industry Ecology Conference Bears Abundant Fruits

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Source: Media Outreach

CHONGQING, CHINA – Media OutReach Newswire – 9 September 2025 – The World Smart Industry Expo 2025 concluded successfully in Chongqing on 8th September. As a highlight event of the Expo, the “2025 Digital Industry Ecology Conference” hosted by Mashang Consumer Finance Co., Ltd. attracted government leaders, over ten academicians and industrial specialists, more than 300 top-notch technology firms, and over 1,500 industrial elites. Focusing on the new industrial opportunities spawned by the technological revolution, particularly advancements in artificial intelligence, the conference became a major highlight during the Expo.

Hu Henghua, Deputy Secretary of the Chongqing Municipal Committee of CPC and Mayor of the Chongqing Municipal Government, attended the 2025 Digital Industry EcologyConference and delivered an opening remarks.

Hu Henghua, Deputy Secretary of the Chongqing Municipal Party Committee and Mayor of the Chongqing Municipal Government, attended the 2025 Digital Industry Ecology Conference held on the afternoon of 5th September and delivered an opening speech. He noted that with the theme of “Embracing Intelligence, Shaping a New Future”, this conference has facilitated the sharing of forward-thinking insights and sparked dynamic intellectual exchanges, , which will undoubtedly pool wisdom and strength while building momentum for the digital industry. Chongqing stands ready to seize this opportunity to work with all parties in shareing new opportunities in Digital Chongqing, advancing breakthroughs in digital technology, creating new landmarks for the digital industry, exploring innovative models of digital governance, and collectively building a brighter future in the intelligent era.

Hu Henghua stated that, as an important strategic pivot for the Western Development in the New Era and a comprehensive hub for inland opening-up as positioned by the central government, Chongqing boasts a well-developed industrial system, prominent geographical advantages, and abundant strategic opportunities, providing vast prospects for the development of its digital economy. In recent years, Chongqing has deeply implemented the spirit of the important speeches and instructions ofPresident Xi , and fully embraced the intelligent era. Led by the construction of Digital Chongqing, it has vigorously carried out the “AI +” initiative, promoted the deep integration of the real economy and the digital economy, and sped up the building of a highland for AI applications and a highland for digital-intelligence technological innovation. Chongqing is strengthening the foundation of digital development by enhancing data aggregation and computing power supply. It is fostering new quality productive forces in the digital sector through advancing digital industrialization and the digitalization of industries. By strengthening scenario-driven applications and AI empowerment, the city is promoting comprehensive digital transformation across urban domains. Additionally, it is optimizing the development environment for the digital industry by focusing on talent cultivation and building an open-source ecosystem.

Miao Wei, a member of the Standing Committee and Deputy Director of the Economic Committee of the 14th National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference, and former Minister of Industry and Information Technology, said in the keynote speech that, China, as the only country in the world with all industrial categories, is rapidly integrating its digital and real economies. He particularly lauded Chongqing as a benchmark for the integration of digital and real economies in the Western China, highlighting its remarkable achievements. Specific examples included the SERES Smart Factory, which has achieved 100% automation in key processes and reduced product delivery cycles by 30%, as well as Mashang Consumer Finance Co., Ltd.’s large language model “Tianjing 3.0″which uses AI to empower financial services so as to boost domestic consumption.

As the host city of the World Smart Industry Expo, Chongqing has also established itself as a major hub for the digital economy. The city is experiencing vigorous growth in this sector, with the scale of its digital economy exceeding the one-trillion-yuan threshold. It has nurtured a group of leading enterprises and formed a virtuous cycle of “innovation and R&D — real-world application — cluster expansion,” providing core driving force for the regional digital economy.

Mashang Consumer Finance Co., Ltd. is a typical example of an enterprise rooted in Chongqing while serving the whole nation. Backed by the excellent business environment in Chongqing, the company has always clung to independent R & D in science and technology. It has formed a research team of over 3,400 people, accounting for over 75% of its total staff, and independently built more than 1,000 core systems covering the whole processes of risk control, customer service, marketing and asset management, making a key leap from a “technology user” to a “technology creator”. In 2023, Mashang Consumer Finance Co., Ltd. pioneered the release of “Tianjing”, a large language model for retail financial services targeting a user base of hundreds of millions. Now it has evolved to Version 3.0 and the model has been fully deployed across eight major application scenarios.

At the 2025 Digital Industry Ecology Conference, Mashang Consumer Finance Co., Ltd. released a number of achievements and cooperation projects, leading the collaborative development of the digital industry ecosystem. It officially launched the first financial blockchain management platform ahead of other national consumer finance companies, and implemented the first-ever “Blockchain + Digital Yuan” ABS transaction, building a reliable, open and shared “digital base” for the industry. It unveiled two Chongqing Municipal Key Laboratories jointly with Chongqing University of Posts and Telecommunications and the Chongqing-Shanghai Artificial Intelligence Research Institute of Shanghai Jiao Tong University, aiming to build an innovative platform for special-purpose quantum computing and enhance the research level of cybersecurity and digital economy governance. Additionally, a strategic cooperation agreement was signed with the Southwestern University of Finance and Economics to jointly build a new paradigm for deep industry-academia-research integration. This initiative integrates basic research, technological breakthroughs, talent development, and results translation into a unified strategy, fostering a fertile environment for Chongqing’s digital economy.

The conference also invited Jiang Xiaojuan, Honorary President of the China Society of Industrial Economics and Former Deputy Secretary- General of the State Council, Lu Jianhua, an academician of the Chinese Academy of Sciences and Deputy Director of the National Natural Science Foundation of China, Liang Tao, Former Vice-Chairman of the China Banking and Insurance Regulatory Commission, Wang Zixiong, a member of the Party Working Committee and Deputy Director of the Administrative Committee of Chongqing Liangjiang New Area, Li Lihui, former President of the Bank of China, Jiang Ning, Executive Deputy General Manager of Mashang Consumer Finance Co., Ltd., Yuan Foyu, Vice-President of Baidu Group, and Liu Yuanxin, Chief Expert of Huawei’s Digital Finance Legion, to jointly discuss key issues like the development trends of the digital industry and the deep integration of the digital economy and the real economy. More than ten government leaders and academicians, over 50 technologyfirms , more than 300 top-notch companies and over 1,500 industrial – chain partners gathered in Chongqing. The event demonstrated nearly 20 billion yuan in potential investment attraction, drove over 30 million yuan in direct and indirect economic benefits, and generated more than 20 million online and offline impressions. These efforts propelled “Chongqing’s Digital Industry” to trend once again, serving as a powerful testament to the city and the industry moving forward together.

At the closing ceremony of the Smart Expo held on the afternoon of 8th September, Cao Jingquan, Secretary of the Party Committee of Mashang Consumer Finance Co., Ltd., stated that under the guidance of the Chongqing Municipal Party Committee and the Municipal Government of Chongqing, the company will continue to leverage the dividends of large language models to create a replicable and scalable “Mashang Solution”, and together with industrial partners, to enhance the accessibility, coverage and satisfaction of financial services , channeling more “financial vitality” into the real economy, and infusing more “intelligent nourishment” into thousands of households across the coutry.

As a national-level exhibition platform, the World Smart Industry Expo and Chongqing have mutually reinforced each other’s growth. The event has converged unprecedented flows of people, goods, capital and information, unleashing a strong “Smart Expo Effect”. Though the Expo concludes, its impact endures. The 2025 Digital Industry Ecology Conference not only enhanced Chongqing’s reputation as a hub of digital industry, but also continues to attract high-end talents, cutting – edge technologies and high – quality resources to Chongqing and Western China, injecting robust momentum into regional high – quality development while offering valuable “Chongqing Model” and “Western Experience” for talent mobility and industrial upgrading across the country.

Hashtag: #TheWorldSmartIndustryExpo2025

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

– Published and distributed with permission of Media-Outreach.com.

Driving Safety and Intelligence in Focus at Munich Main Stage: Giraffevision Highlights the Value of HUD Technology

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Source: Media Outreach

BADEN-WÜRTTEMBERG, GERMANY – Media OutReach Newswire – 9 September 2025 – On September 11, 2025, Giraffevision Chairman Zhang Tao attended the Main Stage in Munich IAA, where he shared valuable insights on the theme “Making Driving Safer with Head-Up Displays.”

Driving Safety and Intelligence in Focus at Munich Main Stage: Giraffevision Highlights the Value of HUD Technology

As a leading player in the head-up display (HUD) industry, Giraffevision remains committed to its mission of “To Show a Better World with Technology and Innovation.” The company is dedicated to advancing intelligent visual interaction within automotive cockpits, building a bridge of trust between drivers and vehicles, and promoting safer, smarter, and more convenient mobility for the future.

In his speech, Zhang Tao outlined three key drivers behind the rapid adoption of HUD technology in the Chinese market: growing safety demands, the push toward intelligent mobility, and ongoing cost optimization. He also explored the global potential of HUD deployment and shared forward-looking insights into the future of intelligent human-machine interaction.

Giraffevision is committed to co-creating value with its customers. Its R&D and service teams have accumulated extensive experience in supporting OEM partners to enhance driving safety and deliver differentiated interactive experiences. Looking ahead, Giraffevision will continue to strengthen its global supply chain capabilities and tailor its solutions to accommodate diverse driving habits across regions. By bringing intelligent visual solutions to a broader range of users and mobility scenarios, the company aims to redefine the driving experience through visual innovation—building trust between people and vehicles, and turning every journey into a visibly safer experience.

Hashtag: #Giraffevision

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

– Published and distributed with permission of Media-Outreach.com.

Update: Serious crash, Marine Drive, Eastbourne

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Source: New Zealand Police

Police can now advise one person has died following a crash on Marine Drive in Eastbourne tonight.

The crash was reported to Police just after 6.50pm.

The road remains closed while the Serious Crash Unit examines the scene.

We would like to thank all those impacted by the road closure for their cooperation and patience as this work is undertaken. 

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre. 

MIL OSI

KBTG Techtopia: At World’s Beginning opens the window into the future of humanity, reaffirming that humans and AI, when combined, are the beacon of the new era

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Source: Media Outreach

BANGKOK, THAILAND – Media OutReach Newswire – 9 September 2025 – KASIKORN Business-Technology Group (KBTG) reinforces its leadership in technology within the region by hosting KBTG Techtopia: At World’s Beginning, the third annual technology conference that brings innovations and creativity together in one place at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Center. The event welcomed more than 4,000 participants from diverse industries, supported by leading partners both locally and internationally. The theme of this year’s event, “At World’s Beginning”, reflects a world that is no longer the same, and raised the question of how people and technology can move forward together. Participants were invited to explore new beginnings and ignite hope for creating a better tomorrow by combining the power of humans and emerging technologies, especially AI, to unlock limitless possibilities.

KBTG Techtopia welcome 4,000+ attendees to its third annual conference

Mr. Ruangroj Poonpol, Group Chairman, KASIKORN Business-Technology Group (KBTG), said, “KBTG Techtopia is an international technology conference that brought together world-class innovations and creativity, supported by leading partners both locally and internationally. This year, the event attracted more than 4,000 participants and was held under the theme “At World’s Beginning” to explore new beginnings and ignite hope for a better tomorrow through the combined power of humans and technology. Currently, AI stands at many crossroads where humans must determine its future, from the arrival of Agentic AI to AI governance and containment, as well as the balance between practical applications and Artificial General Intelligence (AGI), and global collaboration across sectors. Additionally, the conference highlighted the importance of addressing the energy footprint and leveraging AI to reduce inequality to ensure that intelligence is not limited to only the wealthy.”

“AI itself won’t change the world, humans using AI will.” – Ruangroj Poonpol

Another highlight of this year’s event was a recorded conversation between Mr. Ruangroj Poonpol and Dr. Andrew Ng, Managing General Partner of AI Fund. Although Dr. Andrew Ng could not attend in person this year, he shared valuable insights with participants under the topic, “AI’s Next Frontier: Transitioning from Hype to Impact.” Key takeaways included the transition from Gen AI to Agentic AI, which is like having access to a broader set of tools that enables the creation of more complex and useful applications, especially when users understand how to combine these tools effectively. He emphasized that AI will not replace people, but people who use AI will replace those who don’t, particularly for non-technical roles such as finance, law, and management. On the engineering side, AI coding assistants will allow developers to build software faster, accelerate proof of concept development, and reduce costs. Regarding Physical AI and robotics, Dr. Andrew Ng pointed out that practical applications in industries are beginning to emerge, although they have not yet reached the inflection point like large language models (LLMs). He also stressed that it is not too late to start learning AI, and the knowledge gained today will remain relevant in the future. While some aspects may eventually become obsolete, 80-90 percent of what is learned today will still hold value a year from now, giving learners a significant advantage over those who do not learn.

Regarding corporate strategy, emphasis should be placed on employee training, creating sandboxes for new experiments, and selecting high-value use cases that align with the corporate strategy, while maintaining a balance between innovations, governance, and guardrails. Moreover, Dr. Andrew Ng expressed confidence in Thailand’s potential to become a regional leader in AI and pledged continued support for the development of its ecosystem.

The KBTG Techtopia event also featured three main discussion stages, bringing together leading global speakers to debate hot topics and propose solutions through real-world examples. In the morning, attendees listened to various topics from speakers including: Professor Danielle Wood, Director of the Space Enabled Research Group at MIT Media Lab; Mr. Kevin Wei Wang, Senior Partner at McKinsey & Company; and Ms. Cindy Chow, Executive Director and CEO of the Alibaba Entrepreneurs Fund. Additionally, the afternoon featured interesting topics ranging from research fields to corporate transformation, future of education, healthtech, and human-centered product design, all in accordance with the event’s theme.

Furthermore, there were numerous activities designed to help ignite inspiration, unlock potential, and expand everyone’s thinking boundaries, including a zone showcasing new, never-before-revealed technologies and innovations from KBTG and leading technology partners, playground workshops offering hands-on training by real experts to build future-ready skills, and a community circle for exchanging ideas with the tech communities in a casual, friendly atmosphere.

Mr. Ruangroj concluded, “KBTG Techtopia is not merely a technology exhibition, but a stage created to spark new ideas and connect people who share a common dream of building a better world with technology. KBTG believes this event will be a new beginning for that world, towards a future filled with hope. KBTG will lead in driving that future through crafting meaningful innovations and continuing to inspire the new generation and entrepreneurs across all sectors.”

https://www.kbtg.tech/
https://linkedin.com/company/kasikorn-business-technology-group
https://www.facebook.com/kbtglive
https://www.youtube.com/@KBTG_official
https://tiktok.com/@kbtg_official/

Hashtag: #KBTGTechtopia #KBTG #AtWorldsBeginning #AI #AgenticAI #AGI #TechConference

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

– Published and distributed with permission of Media-Outreach.com.

Mental health support boosted for Central Otago

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Source: New Zealand Government

Central Otago locals are set to benefit from boosts to mental health services in Wānaka and Queenstown, including more staff and expanded services, Mental Health and Rural Health Minister Matt Doocey announced today.

“The Government is committed to faster access to mental health support, more frontline mental health workers and a better mental health crisis response,” Mr Doocey says.

“Recently I visited Wānaka as part of the nationwide Rural Health Roadshow, where I had the opportunity to meet with over 300 locals at a community meeting. While there I held a dedicated session with Health Action Wānaka, a local group advocating for improved health services in the region.

“The turnout in Wānaka was the largest of the roadshow so far. Hearing directly from residents and frontline health workers, including their concerns, reinforced why this Government is working hard to improve the health system.

“I am pleased to see progress being made to address some of the challenges there, in the form of:

•    Two additional mental health nurses have joined the Queenstown-based community mental health team, providing increased in-person support across the region.
•    Expanded psychiatric services for children and adolescents, including a new psychiatrist registrar based in Central Otago.
•    Telehealth psychiatric consultations, now available for residents in the Upper Clutha region, offering timely support without the need for long travel.
•    The contract for a new child and youth mental health service in Queenstown Lakes and Central Otago has been awarded to ADL Supporting Young People.

“These changes will help deliver better child and youth services together with  adult crisis support, clinical care, and therapy closer to home – something we heard loud and clear was needed during our Wānaka visit,” Mr Doocey says.

“Our mental health plan is working. We’re turning the corner on reducing wait times and increasing the mental health workforce. Recent data shows the frontline Health NZ mental health workforce has grown around 10 percent since we came into Government, and over 80% of people are being seen within three weeks for specialist services.

“I am very clear that when someone is making the brave step of reaching out to get support, workforce should never be a barrier. Whether it’s you, your child, a friend, or a family member, reaching out for support, this Government is committed to ensuring support is there.”
 

MIL OSI

Canterbury Police target impaired drivers in weekend operation

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Source: New Zealand Police

Canterbury Police conducted a targeted operation across Rangiora and Kaiapoi last weekend, aimed at reducing harm and improving road safety.

More than 800 breath screening tests were carried out, resulting in nine drivers being processed for driving over the legal alcohol limit.

Of particular concern, three of these drivers had come directly from a local bar. Police are currently looking into this matter further.

“This behaviour is disappointing. Driving under the influence of alcohol puts everyone at risk – not just the driver, but passengers, other road users and pedestrians,” says Senior Sergeant Stephen McDaniel.

Police remind the public that you can be stopped anywhere, at any time. Alcohol checkpoints are a regular part of our prevention strategy, and impaired drivers will be held accountable.

Canterbury Police urge all drivers to:

Plan ahead if you’re drinking — arrange a sober driver, taxi, or rideshare.

Look after your mates — don’t let friends drive if they’ve been drinking.

Understand your limits — even small amounts of alcohol can impair your ability to drive safely.

Be responsible — your decisions behind the wheel can save lives.

Let’s work together to keep our roads safe.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

MIL OSI