Britney Spears was arrested Wednesday night (local time), according to information from Ventura County, California authorities.
Booking information obtained by CNN shows that the pop superstar was stopped by the California Highway Patrol (CHP) around 9.30pm, was booked shortly after 3am, Thursday and later released.
CHP public information officer Ryan Ayers confirmed to CNN via phone on Thursday that Spears was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence (DUI).
Her vehicle was towed, according to the arrest information.
“This was an unfortunate incident that is completely inexcusable,” a representative for Spears told CNN in an email. “Britney is going to take the right steps and comply with the law and hopefully this can be the first step in long overdue change that needs to occur in Britney’s life. Hopefully, she can get the help and support she needs during this difficult time.”
“Her boys are going to be spending time with her,” the representative said. “Her loved ones are going to come up with an overdue needed plan to set her up for success for well being.”
It is not the first time Spears has had legal issues.
The following year she was hospitalized for a psychiatric evaluation. Her father, Jamie Spears, was subsequently granted what was initially temporary conservatorship over her assets.
That conservatorship was later extended and lasted for 13 years, prompting fans to start a “Free Britney” movement aimed at ending it.
It was terminated in 2021 and since then Spears has mainly been seen through posts on her social media accounts, often in videos of her dancing posted to Instagram. Her account was unavailable Thursday.
Spears is scheduled to appear in court on 4 May.
– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand
BARCELONA, SPAIN – Media OutReach Newswire – 5 March 2026 – Huawei gathered partners, policymakers and international media in Barcelona on March 1 and 2, ahead of Mobile World Congress, to discuss narrowing connectivity and digital skills gaps as artificial intelligence spreads through sectors including healthcare, finance and public services.
About 80 guests attended the first day’s forum at the Leonardo Royal Hotel Barcelona Fira. In remarks published by Huawei, Yang Chaobin, CEO of Huawei ICT BG, said the digital divide “seems to be widening further” even as AI accelerates. “High-speed networks and robust computing facilities are essential foundations for an inclusive and sustainable AI era,” he said.
The International Telecommunication Union estimates about 2.2 billion people were still offline in 2025. Dr. Cosmas Zavazava, director of the ITU’s Telecommunication Development Bureau, said inclusion must be treated as a prerequisite for the AI era.
“AI must strengthen meaningful connectivity and support inclusive digital transformation. This requires responsible AI governance, investment in local talent and content, and capacity building, particularly for young girls, women, indigenous communities and marginalized groups.”
Huawei said it has fulfilled a commitment under the ITU Partner2Connect Digital Coalition to help expand connectivity in remote regions. By the end of 2025, the company said its initiatives had supported digital access for 170 million people in rural and underserved areas across more than 80 countries. In a Huawei news release, Jeff Wang, president of Huawei Public Affairs and Communications, said: “To bridge the digital skills gap, Huawei works closely with governments and partners to enhance digital access, deliver skills training, and advance STEM education for underserved communities.”
On March 2, the focus shifted to conservation with a visit to Spain’s Natural Park of Sant Llorenç del Munt i l’Obac. Here, digital monitoring tools are being used to support biodiversity protection, including efforts to safeguard the endangered Bonelli’s eagle alongside better managing potential impacts from outdoor activities like climbing on rock-dwelling birds and caving on protected bat species. The project forms part of the Tech4Nature initiative, developed with the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) to support digital tools in protected areas across 11 countries.
Sònia Llobet, the park’s director, said the project is helping managers balance visitor access with nature protection.
“As park managers, our challenge is how to make visitor access compatible with the conservation of this natural space,” she said. “This project is helping us answer some of the questions we face in balancing tourism and environmental protection.”
Hashtag: #Huawei
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
Thanks to powerful partnerships with industry leaders, NOTE 60 Ultra represents Infinix’s boldest entry in the flagship tier, debuting in Barcelona during MWC 2026
BARCELONA, SPAIN – Media OutReach Newswire – 5 March 2026 – Infinix is cementing its status within the premium smartphone segment in a bold new way with NOTE 60 Ultra, its landmark flagship debuting in Barcelona during Mobile World Congress 2026.
Infinix NOTE 60 Ultra Design by Pininfarina
Co-developed with Italian automotive and design legend Pininfarina, NOTE 60 Ultra’s design is driven by an emotion-led aesthetic inspired by super cars. Beneath its bold design lies a fully realized flagship experience, integrating breakthrough in-house innovations with best-in-class partner technologies. A professional-grade 200MP ultra-high-definition imaging system, built-in multi-country satellite communication connectivity, and immersive audio precision-tuned by SOUND BY JBL come together to challenge expectations in the premium segment.
Supercar Design DNA in a Flagship, Shaped by Pininfarina
In the premium segment, the design language is a device’s opening statement. A user’s perception at first glance is shaped by aesthetics, long before a single specification is considered.
Drawing inspiration from the aerodynamic philosophy and pioneering spirit of high-performance sports cars, Infinix, in partnership with Pininfarina, takes a radical departure in sculpting a flagship. What stands out immediately is what’s missing: the camera bump. As premium handsets adopt larger sensors, they often sacrifice form with increasingly protruding camera modules.
True to the sports car heritage, NOTE 60 Ultra introduces a fully integrated, single-body rear: the Aluminum Unibody Design. At the heart of this craftsmanship is the World’s 1st Uni-Chassis Cam Module, formed a single, continuous sheet of CORNING® GORILLA® GLASS VICTUS that virtually conceals the presence of the camera. Much like a supercar sculpted for low-drag, the rear design maintains a smooth, uninterrupted silhouette. This also ensures a natural in-hand feel and unobtrusively slips into any pocket, while reinforcing the phone’s durability and structural integrity.
Paying homage to Italian cultural and racing heritage, NOTE 60 Ultra arrives in four striking colorways: Torino Black, Monza Red, Amalfi Blue, and Roma Silver. Each hue draws inspiration from the most iconic scenes and legends of Italy’s motorsport and cultural history, capturing the spirit of speed, lifestyle, and emotional beauty.
Just as a supercar announces its ignition through sound and light, NOTE 60 Ultra mirrors the ritual. A Floating Taillight signature spans the rear, illuminating as the device powers on. And as a final nod to automotive heritage, NOTE 60 Ultra features an Active Matrix Display reminiscent of a supercar dashboard at startup. Concealed within the rear surface, the hidden display lights up to reveal notifications, expressive icons, or a pixel-style virtual companion.
Dual Flagship Cameras for Detail, Zoom, and True-to-Life Imaging
Although discreet at first glance, Infinix makes no concessions on camera performance and earmarks a new era for Infinix’s imaging capability. Delivering performance on par with industry-leading standards, Infinix’s Dual Flagship Imaging Architecture marks several brand-first breakthroughs and improvements across three dimensions, reinforcing its position as a signature offering.
Under the hood, it’s clear that NOTE 60 Ultra refuses to settle for less. Discreetly integrated within the Uni-Chassis Cam Module is a powerful triple-camera array. Anchored by a next-generation 200MP Samsung ISOCELL HPE sensor, NOTE 60 Ultra delivers ultra-high-definition clarity. And ensuring flagship-grade versatility across focal lengths, the phone is complemented by a 50MP Samsung ISOCELL JN5 periscope telephoto lens and a 112° ultra-wide lens.
However, hardware alone does not define the full experience. For the first time, Infinix supports the XDR display standard with Ultra HDR Capture. Powered by a proprietary XDR Image Engine, Infinix’s advanced system delivers a superior dynamic range, ideal for true-to-life photos of bright lights at night or breathtaking sunset scenes.
The result is exceptional resolution that sets a higher bar for precise framing in daylight or after dark, while faithfully preserving details often lost in standard photography. Whether exploring daytime cityscapes or distant horizons, NOTE 60 Ultra excels with its advanced optical‑to‑digital zoom performance. Crisp, detailed shots are captured across a versatile zoom range, from a 2× optical crop and native 3.5× optical zoom to a 7× lossless digital zoom, extending up to 100× for extreme distances.
Expansive Satellite Calling and Messaging Coverage
Beyond what meets the eye, NOTE 60 Ultra carries a more subtle capability designed to accompany the user’s ambition, as far as and wherever the road leads. NOTE 60 Ultra is the first¹ to introduce dual-way satellite calling with expansive global coverage across a far greater number of countries¹. Powered by two-way messaging and calling beyond traditional terrestrial networks, NOTE 60 Ultra offers an added peace of mind whether navigating remote terrain beyond cellular coverage or facing large-scale network disruptions. The device bridges regional connectivity gaps to maintain communication and enables emergency location sharing when it matters most.
Ultra-Fast, Enduring Functionalities for an All-Around Flagship Experience
NOTE 60 Ultra combines category-leading performance and enduring power to support multi-sensory entertainment without interruption. Complementing this, its latest user experience delivers forward-looking innovations and AI-driven optimizations, making it more accessible and seamless for everyday use.
Impressively, Infinix debuted the Proprietary Battery Self-Healing Technology. Despite featuring a massive 7000mAh silicon-carbon battery within a slim, lightweight frame, NOTE 60 Ultra is engineered to restore up to 1%² of battery health every 200 charge cycles. Complementing this breakthrough, NOTE 60 Ultra supports wired 100W All-Around Fast Charge and 50W wireless charging, achieving a full charge from 1% to 100%² in only 48 minutes through a wired connection.
Even with a massive battery, Infinix pulls out all the stops to optimize for both speed and energy management. Featuring a 4nm all-big-core MediaTek Dimensity 8400 Ultimate chipset together with Infinix’s self-developed performance engine, NOTE 60 Ultra achieves up to 25%² faster multitasking, accelerated app responsiveness, and sustained smoothness.
NOTE 60 Ultra excels in its class with a captivating, 1.5K Ultra HDR cinematic display. Delivering fluid 144Hz responsiveness and exceptional 4500-nit peak brightness, visuals remain vibrant across most lighting conditions. Even in motion, intelligent predictive stabilization minimizes motion sickness, whether watching a film or playing games from within a car. And just as a high-performance vehicle demands calibrated acoustics, NOTE 60 Ultra doesn’t settle for less. It delivers high-fidelity audio through a stereo system with SOUND BY JBL, completing a truly compelling entertainment experience.
The NOTE 60 Ultra’s optimized performance enables its intelligent AI features to run fluidly and efficiently with minimal battery drain. Its integrated AI ecosystem focuses on practical daily-enhancing functions, including real-time vitals tracking via Advanced Health Monitor, personalized file organization and an adaptive AI-powered knowledge base, all evolving with user preferences. These AI capabilities are seamlessly woven into GlowSpace, a new interface debuting on XOS 16.³ Powered by Android 16, GlowSpace introduces a fully reimagined UI centered on fluid motion and luminous details that animate with every interaction.
Through co-engineering with leading technology and innovation partners, Infinix has aligned NOTE 60 Ultra around a unified vision of excellence. The outcome is a benchmark-setting flagship defined not by spectacle, but by deeply integrated and purposeful engineering, inside-out.
Product availability
NOTE 60 Ultra comes with a promise of 3 years of major OS updates and 5 years of security patches.
NOTE 60 Ultra is available in four colors: Torino Black, Monza Red, Amalfi Blue, and Roma Silver.
It will be available in two variants: 12GB + 256GB, 12GB + 512GB, with built-in eSIM⁴.
NOTE 60 Ultra comes with a deluxe gift box with automotive-inspired display stand design. A Supercar-Inspired MagCharge Base in Zinc Alloy, a Kevlar-Pattern MagPad, a Custom Kevlar MagCase, and a Track-Edition SIM Ejector Pin are included in the gift box.
Disclaimer
¹As of launch, this device is the first commercially available smartphone to support two‑way satellite calling across multiple countries. Feature availability, supported regions and coverage are subject to local certification, network deployment and market conditions.
²All data comes from Infinix laboratories. The testing data may vary slightly between different test versions and testing environments.
³The specific XOS upgrade plan for each model will be announced separately. Please note that availability of this upgrade may be limited in certain countries.
⁴eSIM availability is carrier and region-dependent; it may not be supported in all countries.
Hashtag: #Infinix
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 5 March 2026 – Sea urchin spines are not only for defence—they also act as natural sensors. A research team led by Prof. WANG Zuankai, Associate Vice President (Research and Innovation), Dean of Graduate School, Kuok Group Professor in Nature-Inspired Engineering and Chair Professor of the Department of Mechanical Engineering of The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU), together with scholars from City University of Hong Kong (CityU) and Huazhong University of Science and Technology (HUST), has discovered the mechanoelectrical perception in sea urchin spines, originating in their gradient porous structure, that allows the spines to instantly detect water flow. Using 3D printing, the team has replicated this structure and developed a bionic metamaterial sensor, which holds promise for breakthroughs in sensing technology. This innovation will drive the advancement of deep-sea technology such as marine monitoring and underwater infrastructure management, and can be extended to other emerging fields like brain-computer interfacing and aerospace.
A research team led by Prof. Wang Zuankai, Associate Vice President (Research and Innovation), Dean of Graduate School, Kuok Group Professor in Nature-Inspired Engineering and Chair Professor of the Department of Mechanical Engineering of PolyU, has discovered the mechanoelectrical perception in sea urchin spines. It originates in the spines’ gradient porous structure that generates electrical signals when water flows through it. The team used 3D printing technology to replicate the structure and develop a novel bionic metamaterial sensor.
The research team found that, in the long-spined sea urchin (Diadema setosum), when a seawater droplet strikes the tip of a spine, the spine rotates rapidly within a second. Electrical measurements revealed that the droplet simulation produced a voltage of about 100 millivolts inside the spine; when the spine is immersed in water, water flow stimulation triggers a voltage of several tens of millivolts. This mechanoelectrical perception was observed even in dead spines, indicating that the mechanism is unrelated to biological cells.
This response originates from the stereom structure of the spine—the porous internal skeleton composed of pores with varying sizes and distributions. These pores exhibit a gradual gradient along the spine from the base to the tip: larger pores and lower solid density at the base, and smaller pores and higher solid density at the tip, forming a bicontinuous gradient porous structure. As water flows through the porous structure, solid-liquid interfacial interaction occurs and the flow exerts shear force on the electric double layer, inducing the separation and redistribution of interfacial charge, which generates a voltage difference. The gradient structure intensifies the interaction between water flow and pore surfaces, resulting in a stronger voltage difference and enhancing the spine’s sensing capabilities.
Inspired by these findings, the researchers used vat photopolymerisation 3D printing to create artificial samples from polymer and ceramic materials that resemble the spine’s stereom. Experiments showed that the spine-mimicking design produce a voltage output about three times higher and an amplitude about eight times greater than non-gradient designs under water flow stimulation, demonstrating that the key to the mechanoelectrical perception lies in the structure rather than the material. They also constructed a bionic 3D metamaterial mechanoreceptor that is designed in a 3 × 3 array with each unit made of gradient porous material. This mechanoreceptor can record electrical signals in real time underwater and precisely locate the position of water flow impact, without the need for additional electricity.
The research team points out that the gradient porous structure in sea urchin spines enhances signal transmission, thereby improving the precision and sensitivity of the mechanoreceptor. By replicating this structure in different materials, it is possible to extend its application beyond water flow sensing to various types of signals, including those measuring pressure, vibration and electromagnetic waves. This will inspire sensing technologies in multiple fields, such as in relation to its use in brain-computer interfaces to enhance the sensing of brainwaves and neural signals, with tremendous application potential.
Prof. Wang Zuankai said, “Compared to traditional mechanoreceptors, our design excels in manufacturability, structural design flexibility, material versatility, geometric and performance control, and real-time underwater self-sensing. Leveraging gradients of porous materials and 3D printing technologies, we aspire to produce more nature-inspired metamaterial sensors with a range of materials, pore sizes and surface features that support potential applications in many fields.”
At the forefront of nature-inspired science and engineering research, Prof. Wang’s team has also invented various new materials, including lotus leaf-inspired self-cleaning surfaces capable of rapid water repellency, Araucaria leaves-inspired surfaces that enable self-propelled liquid transport, and anti-icing structures that achieve spontaneous ejection of freezing droplets by replicating the biological mechanism of spore shooting in fungi. He envisions that their research will open up new avenues for the development of nature-inspired materials.
“For natural porous materials, mechanical properties such as strength may not be the primary function, but rather a by-product of complex biomineralisation. Uncovering previously unknown mechanisms that lie beyond a material’s traditionally recognised function helps us to more comprehensively understand and fully utilise these natural resources. This is crucial for advancing biomimetic research,” he added.
This joint research was co-led by Prof. LU Jian from CityU, and Prof. YAN Chunze and Prof. SU Bin from HUST. The study findings have been published in the international journal Nature.
HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 5 March 2026 – Organized by the Hong Kong Women Professionals & Entrepreneurs Association (HKWPEA), the latest “Outstanding Women Professionals and Entrepreneurs Award” (OWA) opens for nomination.
HKWPEA members, 2026 Outstanding Women Professionals and Entrepreneurs Award Organising Committee members and past awardees
The first OWA dates back to 1999, 3 years after HKWPEA was inaugurated, and has been running at a few years’ interval since. The 2026 OWA is the 9th to be organized to recognize outstanding Hong Kong women professionals and entrepreneurs, to celebrate excellence, spotlight role models and to showcase the continuous contribution made by women in the current age and New Economy.
The press conference was hosted by HKWPEA represented by office bearers including Ms. Julianne Doe, President; Partner of Hui Doe & Sum Law Firm LLP; Ms. Jennifer Tan, Chairperson, Organizing Committee of 2026 OWA; Senior Advisor of Ant Digital Technologies – International Business and Partner of 01F Group; Ms. Marina Wong, JP, Chartered President; Ms. Helen Kan, Immediate Past President, HKWPEA; Ms. Sandra Mak, Director, Ms. Angel Hon, Director, and Ms. Agnes Koon, Director, HKWPEA.
Ms. Jennifer Tan, Chairperson, Organizing Committee of 2026 OWA, said: “Coming out of the challenging pandemic years, we found ourselves faced with global economic uncertainties and severe geopolitical issues calling for strong leadership and audacity to innovate and advance. Against this backdrop, we find it even more meaningful to celebrate outstanding women professionals and entrepreneurs in Hong Kong and thank them for their tireless contributions to society. Their accomplishments are leading lights for the younger generation. By highlighting their success, we encourage future leaders to chase their dreams and pursue sustainable initiatives to benefit communities and mankind.”
Nomination for the 2026 OWA recognising achievements in professions and business categories begins today until April 30, 2026. Six awardees will be selected by an eminent judging panel. The nomination form can be downloaded from HKWPEA website: https://www.hkwpea.org/
47 outstanding women have been selected in the past 8 OWA events. A few past OWA awardees were present at the press conference for a brief fire-side chat at the media conference. They are Dr. Eliza Yi Wah HO FOK, Winner, 2021 OWA, Chairman of the Hong Kong Breast Cancer Foundation; Prof. Helen MENG, Winner, 2017 OWA, Patrick Huen Wing Ming Professor of Systems Engineering & Engineering Management, The Chinese University of Hong Kong andDr. Rebecca LEE, Winner, 1999 OWA, Founder of Polar Museum Foundation. While sharing their key to success, they also encourage women from different fields to come forward and join the award scheme.
Ms. Marina Wong, Founding President of HKWPEA, announced the 2026 OWA Judging Panel composition:
Mr. Benjamin HUNG Pi Cheng, BBS, JP, President, International for Standard Chartered (Head Judge)
Ms. Agnes CHAN Sui Kuen, BBS, Chairman, Hong Kong General Chamber of Commerce
Ms. Teresa KO Yuk Yin, BBS, JP, Former Senior Partner, Hong Kong and China Chairman, Freshfields
Hon. Jeffrey LAM Kin Fung, GBM, GBS, JP, Member of the Executive Council
Professor Charles NG Wang Wai, PhD, Vice-President for Institutional Advancement, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology
Dr. Rosanna WONG Yick Ming, DBE, JP, Senior Advisor, The Hong Kong Federation of Youth Groups
Independent Advisor:
Professor Andrew CHAN Chi-fai, SBS, JP, Emeritus Professor, Department of Marketing, The Chinese University of Hong Kong Business School
Since the inception in 1999, the award has achieved recognition in selecting women who provide outstanding examples to business leaders, peers and youth alike, in their high standard of integrity and ethical values. HKWPEA was established in 1996 as a non-profit organization by a group of local women professionals and entrepreneurs. They have come together to develop a strong support network, to create practical and innovative learning and business opportunities for themselves and for others, to promote high professional standards, and to respond to consultations of the HKSAR Government on various policy issues.
HKWPEA website: https://www.hkwpea.org/
Special thanks to Hong Kong Economic Times, our Media Partner
Hashtag: #HKWPEA
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
This new addition reflects the company’s dedication to supporting the growing demands for logistics and warehousing services in the country
The warehouse is a part of strategic growth plans to significantly expand its warehousing footprint and service offering in the country
MANILA, PHILIPPINES – Media OutReach Newswire – 5 March 2026 – Leading global logistics service provider Rhenus Group has officially opened a new warehouse in Philippines’ Paranaque, Metro Manila. This marks the company’s effort to expand its presence as a leading logistics player in the Philippines, with plans to add more warehousing space in the near future.
The warehouse is strategically located in NCR, close to major business districts and offers excellent access to major transport routes via direct access from SLEX Sucat. The brand new 7,320 sqm multi-user warehouse facility features a very high ceiling of around 20m with full insulation. It has the highest level of structural integrity and meets very high safety and security standards. Some of the features include Optical Beam Smoke Detectors, Sprinklers, mechanical cross ventilation system, fully enclosed gated compound, 24×7 security guards, full CCTV coverage with 60 days video retention, intruder alarm system, etc.
With a focus on sustainability, the warehouse utilizes LED lighting, solar panel provision, and a skylight to harness natural light, in an effort to reduce its carbon footprint. The warehouse is in the process of obtaining ISO certifications in Quality Management Systems (QMS), Environmental Management Systems (EMS), and Occupational Health and Safety (OH&S) Management Systems.
The new warehouse expands the footprint of seven existing facilities across Manila, Cagayan de Oro, and Davao, strengthening nationwide coverage and smooth integration with global supply chains.
“Rhenus offers 4 million m² of storage across 180 locations in 21 countries, providing tailored contract logistics solutions. The new warehouse will enhance our logistics network in the APAC region, enabling us to deliver more efficient and sustainable logistics operations for our customers. We are committed to optimizing supply chains and meeting diverse client needs,” said Marcus Fornell, Regional Head of Rhenus APAC Warehousing Solutions.
Rhenus in the Philippines
The freight and logistics market size in the Philippines is estimated at USD 16.20 billion in 2026 and is expected to reach USD 21.60 billion by 2031[1].
“Rhenus Philippines will continue to strengthen our position further in the market. With the opening of this new warehouse, we are moving forward with our plan to continue to invest in modern and state-of-the-art facilities. This allows us to expand our footprint and product portfolio to serve our customers’ requirements with the highest level of efficiency, safety, security, and compliance,” said Deepak Sharma, Managing Director of Rhenus Warehousing Solutions Philippines.
Rhenus Philippines has strong expertise in chemical warehousing, consumer goods, machinery and industrial logistics. Together with its freight forwarding entity, it offers a wide range of comprehensive services to customers, including warehousing and distribution solutions, domestic inter-island shipping, customs brokerage, project logistics, as well as air, ocean, and road freight.
More information on Rhenus Philippines is available at:
https://www.rhenus.group/ph/
Details of the new warehouse:
Address: Emilia St., San Isidro, Paranaque City, Metro Manila, Philippines.
Contact: +632 8424 8097
Hashtag: #Rhenus
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
New Zealand agritech company HortPlus has today announced key appointments to its senior leadership team as it positions itself for growth and international expansion.
Director Mike Barley has been appointed Chief Executive Officer, Cody Ellingham has been named Chief Strategy Officer and Bailey Jewell has taken up the position of Chief Technology Officer.
The three bring decades of experience in the technology and horticulture industries and have a deep understanding of HortPlus, its customers and the global agri-tech landscape.
“I’m delighted with the expertise we’ve assembled, not just across our leadership team, but across the entire business,” Barley says.
“The coming year holds significant opportunities for international growth, expansion of our weather station network and groundbreaking new integrations between our flagship MetWatch weather and disease portal and other leading technologies and services.”
Last year HortPlus expanded its services to Fresh Berry Company by enhancing the well-known New Zealand berry producer’s industry-leading ‘Berry Harvest Planning Tool’, developed by HortPlus to make harvest planning and forecasting easier.
This follows recent collaborations with other major corporates, including Constellation Brands which harnesses HortPlus data to support crop protection decisions that improve sustainability, reduce crop losses and boost profitability.
“It’s a buzz to be providing services to household names that are growing the crops that so many people in New Zealand, and internationally, know well.
“As the twin waves of AI and data-driven technology continue to converge and more people embrace the value of data for sound horticultural and business decision making, I’m confident the tools we provide will only get more popular, and more powerful.”
Established in Hawke’s Bay more than 25 years ago, HortPlus now has offices in Hawke’s Bay and Wellington, with customers in horticulture regions globally as far away as Italy.
It manages a network of more than 1,000 weather stations across Australia and New Zealand and offers a wide array of consultancy and environmental data services. That includes its well-known online platform, MetWatch, used by thousands of growers in a wide variety of different horticultural sectors, as well as researchers and science bodies such as Bioeconomy Science Institute and Foundation for Arable Research, among others.
The Education and Workforce Select Committee has reported back on its inquiry into the harm young New Zealanders encounter online saying the current law is not adequate. It makes a range of recommendations including:
Strengthen liability for online harm, e.g. for platform design, such as use of algorithms and infinite scroll features
Establish an independent national regulator for online safety – the report states that effective regulatory change cannot be accomplished without an empowered regulator
Regulate algorithmic recommendation systems
Mandate algorithm transparency
“The Committee’s report strongly affirms that online harm is an urgent issue, that legal safeguards are needed targeting platform accountability and transparency, and the need for an independent regulator.
“The rise of the internet has opened up incredible possibilities. However, without proper regulations, we’ve witnessed the growth of digital platforms that can create harmful online environments impacting all of society, not just young people. From death threats, revenge porn, live-streamed terrorism, to complex financial scams, the harm is profound. But it doesn’t have to be this way.
“The Committee’s report is clear, we can better protect all New Zealanders through such measures as transparency and accountability, overseen by an independent regulator.
“Search engines and social media platforms have been designed to promote content that drives engagement, regardless of its harmful effects. Therefore we would also like to see a duty of care introduced where companies must actively assess and mitigate risks with the aim of making online platforms safer by design. An approach countries like Australia and the UK, and the European Union are already doing,” says Anjum Rahman from the Tāhono Trust.
“We know the Government is considering the issue of online harm, but it shouldn’t only focus on a social media ban for young people. While this was one of the Committee’s recommendations, the report was clear more is needed. Banning social media for young people doesn’t address the root causes of harm and places the burden of safety on young people and parents while allowing platforms to continue operating predatory business models. In addition, we’re very concerned that such a policy would mean people have to give away identity data, including biometrics. This in turn raises serious privacy questions about what happens with this data.
“Any plan that solely puts the burden on parents and young people while leaving the toxic architecture of these platforms untouched, will have failed so many New Zealanders,” says Lisa Woods from Amnesty International Aotearoa New Zealand.
Notably, the InternetNZ Insights Report explored people’s thoughts about AI – a feature of many online platforms. It was reported that 68% of people are concerned that AI is being used to produce harmful content with 65% concerned it’s being used for malicious purposes. 64% think there is insufficient regulation and law governing the development of AI.
“We need to create proper safeguards – pragmatic and effective law that upholds human rights, including free speech. Importantly in doing so the Government must keep at the forefront its obligations under Te Tiriti o Waitangi and work with Māori to develop appropriate regulation,” says Woods.
BARCELONA, SPAIN – Media OutReach Newswire – 4 March 2026 – OPPO and MediaTek showcased new on-device AI advancements at MediaTek’s “AI for Life” keynote during Mobile World Congress (MWC) 2026. Jason Liao, President of the OPPO Research Institute, highlighted how deep collaboration between the two companies is accelerating AI deployment on smartphones.
Jason Liao Speaking at MediaTek Keynote
The event marked the rollout of new on-device AI capabilities, progress on the jointly developed Omni Model, and advances in cross-ecosystem connectivity — outlining a shared vision for the next generation of AI Phones.
From Chip to Experience: Advancing On-Device AI
As mobile experiences become increasingly AI-driven, OPPO is advancing its AI strategy centered on “New Computing, New Perception, and New Ecosystem.” At the core of this strategy is “On-device Compute”, enabling low-latency, privacy-preserving, and personalized AI experiences. As Jason Liao emphasized, “On-device Compute is a cornerstone of OPPO’s AI strategy, making AI a perceptible, real-time experience integrated into everyday usage.” This shared vision underpins the deep collaboration between OPPO and MediaTek on flagship chip platforms, accelerating the transition of on-device AI from technical concept to scalable deployment.
Powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 9500 platform, OPPO’s self-developed on-device AI Translate and AI Portrait Glow now deliver performance comparable to cloud-based solutions. These features will soon roll out to OPPO Find X9 Series through the upcoming ColorOS 16 software update.
The on-device AI Translate can run directly on the device, achieving an average 15% improvement in accuracy over conventional approaches while supporting seamless multilingual translation. It maintains stable output even without internet connectivity or under weak signal conditions, enabling reliable translation across diverse scenarios.
Meanwhile, on-device AI Portrait Glow enhances portraits captured in challenging lighting environments. By intelligently analyzing and reconstructing scene illumination, it improves results in dim or backlit conditions while maintaining natural rendering — all without network reliance. Demonstrations have showcased exceptional performance in both visual realism and adaptability to various scenes.
OPPO On-device AI Features
OPPO and MediaTek also unveiled a technology preview of Omni, the industry’s first on-device full-modal AI model designed for multi-modal understanding and interaction. Supporting voice, video, and text inputs, Omni enables live scene understanding and interactive Q&A directly on a smartphone. This advancement strengthens on-device AI’s ability to perceive and interpret the physical world, laying the foundation for more proactive and natural human–computer interaction.
OPPO On-device Omni Model
Demonstrating Ecosystem Integration and Innovation
The collaboration was further showcased in the interactive experience zone at the MediaTek booth, where attendees explored Find X9 Pro’s on-device AI capabilities alongside its telephoto imaging with the OPPO Hasselblad Teleconverter. Reno15 Pro was also featured, presenting creative AI imaging tools including AI Motion Photo Eraser, AI Motion Photo Popout, and the AI Flash Photography.
OPPO at MediaTek Booth
Coming soon, OPPO’s Find X9 Series will bring Android Quick Share, enabled in close collaboration with MediaTek and Google. Without installing third-party applications, users can conveniently and securely transfer files between OPPO smartphones and iOS, iPadOS and macOS devices, improving cross-platform interoperability. The feature is expected to begin rolling out via software update starting in March.
At MWC 2026, OPPO Find X9 Pro was shortlisted for the “Best Smartphone” award at the GLOMO Awards, gaining recognition for its innovation across performance, imaging, and AI integration.
Looking ahead, OPPO and MediaTek will continue strengthening collaboration in frontier areas such as on-device AI to advance user experience. Together, the two companies remain committed to delivering more powerful and reliable AI experiences to users worldwide.
*Google, Android and Quick Share are trademarks of Google LLC.
Hashtag: #OPPO
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
Toitū Envirocare has launched a new national campaign built on a clear and commercial premise: Climate Action = Smart Business.
Aimed squarely at CEOs, directors and senior decision-makers, the campaign makes a direct case to New Zealand organisations that credible climate action is a driver of resilience, efficiency, market access and long-term value.
With more than 900 certified clients across Aotearoa New Zealand and internationally, Toitū is using the campaign to showcase organisations that have embedded emissions measurement and reduction into core strategy and are seeing measurable business outcomes as a result.
Featured organisations in the campaign include:
WM New Zealand: “Our partnership with Toitū Envirocare has helped us translate sustainability commitments into measurable business outcomes. Being featured in this campaign celebrates that journey,” says Sustainability and Communications Manager, Andrea Svendsen
Toyota New Zealand: “Sustainability is central to how we operate and innovate. As a valued partner of ours, Toitū Envirocare helps us verify our emission reduction targets to ensure we stay on track to creating a more sustainable future for New Zealand,” says Susanne Hardy, Assistant Vice President Marketing, Sustainability and Technology.
Silver Fern Farms: “We intentionally chose to position climate innovation as a core pillar of our Sustainability Action Plan, and this investment is paying off – delivering what our customers need and unlocking real operational efficiencies. Our partnership with Toitū Envirocare since 2018 has been fundamental in building the transparency, trust and rigour to turn ambition into action, and we are proud to share that in this new campaign.” says Chief Sustainability and Risk Officer, Kate Beddoe.
Each represents a different sector of the economy, but the same underlying principle: disciplined climate action strengthens commercial performance.
“Climate leadership is no longer optional for businesses that want to compete in domestic and export markets,” said Aisha Daji Punga, CEO of Toitū Envirocare. “Our clients are demonstrating that when emissions management is embedded properly, it drives operational discipline, risk reduction and stronger stakeholder confidence. That’s smart business.”
The campaign positions Toitū not as a marketing badge, but as a strategic partner helping organisations:
Measure and verify emissions with credibility
Set science-aligned reduction targets
Strengthen procurement and supply chain positioning
Meet growing investor, regulator and customer expectations
Turn climate commitments into measurable business impact.
The multi-city rollout across Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch is supported by digital and targeted media designed to reach senior leaders where strategic decisions are made. However, the primary objective is engagement rather than visibility.
“Our focus is high-quality B2B conversations,” said Marnie Pitcher, General Manager of Marketing and Impact at Toitū. “Boards and executive teams are asking sharper questions about risk, resilience and competitiveness. This campaign answers that directly: credible climate action strengthens your business.”
As regulatory scrutiny, investor expectations and supply chain requirements continue to tighten globally, Toitū’s message is straightforward: organisations that act early and systematically will be better positioned than those that treat climate as a compliance afterthought.
For organisations evaluating their climate strategy in 2026, the question is no longer whether to act but how to act in a way that delivers measurable commercial return.
About Toitū Envirocare
Toitū Envirocare works with more than 900 organisations across New Zealand and internationally to measure, manage and reduce climate and environmental impact through internationally recognised certification programmes. As a government-owned, independent, ISO- and JAS-ANZ-accredited, science-led authority, Toitū provide services that translate climate ambition into measurable impact.
Note:
The Silver Fern Farms element of the campaign will roll out later in March. First up will be Toyota and Waste Management.
KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA – Media OutReach Newswire – 5 March 2026 – Stareep, a technology company focused on smart sleep solutions, is exhibiting its S3 Pro AI Intelligent Mattress at the Malaysian International Furniture Fair (MIFF). The company’s exhibition space saw high foot traffic and generated a strong initial reception from attendees and industry professionals during the first day of the event.
Stareep at MIFF 2026
The S3 Pro AI Intelligent Mattress represents Stareep’s current integration of artificial intelligence with sleep hardware. Recognized with the 2026 TWICE Picks Award and the 2026 BIG Innovation Award, the mattress functions as a “personal sleep doctor,” engineered to dynamically respond to user sleep states.
Key features of the S3 Pro include:
AdvancedMulti-ModalSensors: In a tropical climate where temperature and humidity fluctuations often cause tossing and turning, advanced sensors accurately capture and measure continuous physiological data and micro-movements with precision.
Precise AIAnalysis andDecision-Making: Algorithmic processing interprets sensor data to determine the necessary physical adjustments for optimal spinal alignment and pressure relief.
ProactiveAdjustment: Moving beyond passive data tracking, the product features 16-zone smart adjustment, actively altering mattress contours and support levels in real time.
“I’m actually a very restless sleeper,” shared a regional furniture distributor attending MIFF 2026. “When I lay on the S3 Pro, every time I shifted position, the mattress subtly adjusted underneath me.”
Allen Cai, Founder of Stareep, explained the vision behind the AI mattress: “Our objective is to redefine the baseline standards for smart sleep. We integrate electric drive systems, AI algorithms, and multi-modal perception to form a closed loop of sleep technology and continuously serve global sleep health with cutting-edge innovation.”
Young Pacific people will have the opportunity to enter New Zealand’s growing $750 million gaming sector through Game On, a programme to support them into the industry, Pacific Peoples Minister Dr Shane Reti says.
“Game On will support up to 57 Pacific youth to turn their interest in gaming into real employment opportunities in an industry facing ongoing skill shortages,” says Dr Reti. “It will open doors and create long term opportunities for our Pacific communities.”
Game On is delivered in partnership with NGO The Cause Collective, MSD’s Tupu Toa, industry leader PikPok and the New Zealand Game Developers Association.
The Ministry for Pacific Peoples will be the key funder, investing $1 million over four years, matched by industry partners.
“Young Pacific people bring creativity, fresh perspectives and strong collaborative strengths to industries like gaming and technology,” Dr Reti says.
Through school outreach, studio visits, mentoring and internships, Game On will support Pacific learners explore Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM) careers in real studio environments.
Dr Reti says: “Game On builds on the Ministry’s wider work to improve Pacific outcomes in STEM – another way the Government is fixing the basics and building the future.
“Game On extends the reach of the Toloa programme and gives studios access to diverse Pacific talent.”
The first cohort will begin their training in July 2026.
HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 5 March 2026 – Know Your Customer Limited (“Know Your Customer”), a recognised expert in automated business verification solutions today announced its collaboration with DBS Bank (Hong Kong) Limited (“DBS Hong Kong”) to support its pioneering digital banking transformation, by address the rising need for automated, efficient onboarding and the often manual, cumbersome SME processes. This collaboration marks a big leap in SME onboarding automation by transforming DBS Hong Kong’s digital onboarding through simplifying and automating critical business KYC procedures.
DBS Hong Kong collaborates with Know Your Customer Limited to further improve digital account opening for SMEs
Leveraging Know Your Customer’s cutting-edge digital compliance platform, DBS Hong Kong will gain real-time access to comprehensive business verification data — including instant retrieval of official company documents and automatic identification of complex ultimate beneficial ownership (UBO) networks across more than 140 jurisdictions.
This AI-powered automation addresses the traditionally manual and cumbersome SME onboarding processes by streamlining the end-to-end business KYC process, efficiently verifying corporate structures and ownership, reducing manual effort and accelerating onboarding timelines. The result is significantly enhanced operational efficiency and a faster, more seamless onboarding experience for DBS Hong Kong’s business customers.
[Lareina Wang, Head of SME Banking, DBS Bank Hong Kong] said,
” At DBS Hong Kong, we are dedicated to reimagining the customer onboarding experience through continuous digital innovation. By engaging Know Your Customer, we leverage advanced technology to streamline CDD workflows, delivering faster service to our customers. This collaboration also represents a major advancement in automating SME onboarding processes that have historically been complicated and manual, solidifying SME banking position of DBS in the market of Hong Kong. “
Claus Christensen, CEO and Co-Founder of Know Your Customer, added,
“Our service provided to DBS Hong Kong exemplifies how financial technology can simplify complex onboarding challenges. With our global data coverage and AI-powered automation, we empower DBS Hong Kong to accelerate KYC processes and provide business customers with an unrivalled onboarding journey. Together, we are shaping the future of digital banking.”
In recognition of its visionary digital strategy, DBS Hong Kong was named Asia’s Best Digital Bank in 2025 by Euromoney. The bank also continues to lead digital innovation, evidenced by over 70% of Hong Kong SMEs already integrating or exploring AI and digital technologies as part of their operations, according to its recent SME survey.
This transformative collaboration underscores DBS Hong Kong’s unwavering commitment to innovation and delivering safe and trusted digital onboarding solutions in Asia’s rapidly evolving financial landscape.
Hashtag: #KnowYourCustomer
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
The awards, which debuted in 2025, have quickly become one of the industry’s most‑watched benchmarks for innovation and meaningful impact.
Building on that momentum, the 2026 program expands its global reach and deepens its commitment to spotlighting organizations that are transforming industries and driving the next wave of financial innovation. Judging is conducted through a rigorous, merit‑based process led by a diverse panel of leaders from fintech, banking, payments, venture capital, and technology. The global award ceremony will take place at Money20/20 USA in Las Vegas on Sunday, October 18.
“The Money Awards were built with one clear goal: to set a global standard for what excellence in fintech actually looks like,” saidGrania Chesterton, VP of Awards at Money20/20. “What makes them different is who decides. Our Jury Presidents and Global Jury are the operators, founders and innovators building this industry in real time. To be recognised by them isn’t just a win, it signals to the market, your peers and the world that your work truly matters.”
This year’s program centers on five main award categories that reflect the priorities shaping the future of financial services.
Each category is led by a distinguished Jury President representing global expertise across financial services and technology. An independent Global Jury will join them and evaluate submissions through a transparent, multi‑stage process, including online assessments and in‑person deliberations at Money20/20 USA in October 2026.This year’s Jury Presidents include:
Diamond Award Category: Leading the program’s most prestigious category, Mary Ellen Iskenderian, President & CEO, Women’s World Banking, brings decades of global influence in financial inclusion to her role as Jury President for the Diamond Award category.
“The Money Awards 2026 come at a time of rapid industry transformation, where innovation must be both bold and inclusive. The Diamond category sets the highest standard, recognizing work that not just advances financial services but also revolutionizes what is possible. I am honored to lead this year’s Jury and to celebrate organizations that are elevating global standards for outstanding achievement and meaningful progress.” said Mary Ellen Iskenderian, President & CEO, Women’s World Banking.
Startup (Early Stage & Growth Stage): Overseeing the Startup category, Osama Bedier, Investment Partner, NYCA Partners, draws on his deep experience as a founder, operator, and investor to champion the next generation of fintech innovators.
“Every decade or so, a technology shift reshapes how money moves — from the web, to mobile and now to AI. The most important breakthroughs rarely start inside large institutions; they begin with founders willing to rethink first principles. The Money Awards 2026 shine a spotlight on those founders and teams pushing our industry into its next era. Leading the Early & Growth Stage jury gives me the chance to champion the bold ideas, the hard‑won progress, and the extraordinary execution that will determine the future of money. It’s a privilege to recognize the people who are not just imagining what comes next, but actively creating it” saidOsama Bedier, Investment Partner, NYCA Partners.
Banking: Shruti Patel, EVP, Business Banking; Chief Product Officer, U.S. Bank, leads the Banking category and draws on her experience building products and leading U.S. Bank’s business banking solutions portfolio.
“Banking is evolving rapidly, and it is essential to develop solutions that build trust, boost resilience, and deliver real value to customers. I am honored to chair the Banking jury for 2026 and look forward to recognizing innovators who demonstrate what purposeful and ambitious modern banking can achieve. The Money20/20 Money Awards celebrate the visionaries reshaping financial services—from digital pioneers to those expanding access and opportunity to help drive economicgrowth. We’ll be recognizing institutions that prove modern banking can be both technologically sophisticated and deeply human-centered.” Said Shruti Patel, EVP, Business Banking; Chief Product Officer, U.S. Bank
Payments: As Jury President for the Payments category, Dave Excell, Founder, Featurespace, a Visa Solution, leverages his pioneering work in fraud and risk technology to spotlight breakthroughs shaping global money movement.
“The payments ecosystem stands at a pivotal moment where innovation, security, and customer experience must converge to create truly holistic solutions. As technology reshapes how we transact, the need for adaptive, real-time fraud detection has never been greater. I’m excited to serve as Jury President for the Payments category at the Money Awards, where we’ll celebrate the pioneers driving this evolution. We’ll be recognizing companies that understand what drives the best payment experiences to make them accessible to all.” saidDave Excell, Founder, Featurespace, a Visa Solution
Partnerships & Strategic Alliance: Leading the Partnerships & Strategic Alliance category, Garry Sien, Chief Innovation & Solutions Officer, International, Ant Digital Technologies, brings a global innovation lens shaped by his work driving Ant Digital Technologies’ international strategy.
“The Money Awards 2026 highlight just how much collaboration fuels progress across the global financial ecosystem. Partnerships and strategic alliances are where vision turns into real‑world impact, bringing together diverse strengths, shared ambition, and the willingness to build something superior to what any one organisation could achieve alone. I am proud to lead this year’s Jury as we recognize the cross‑industry collaborations that are creating new value, accelerating AI innovation, and moving financial services forward worldwide.” said Garry Sien, Chief Innovation & Solutions Officer, International, Ant Digital Technologies.
The program will conclude with the announcement of the 2026 Money Awards Trophy winners at Money20/20 USA. Additional recognition moments at Money20/20 Europe and Money20/20 Asia will provide global visibility for honorees. Winners will receive a bespoke trophy and year‑round exposure across Money20/20’s platforms, including exclusive speaking opportunities, media coverage, investor visibility, and access to global networking at all Money20/20 events.
Applications for entries are now open. For details on categories, judging criteria, and entry instructions, visit www.money2020.com/awards.
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
Hīkoi o te Taoka | March of the Treasure is a powerful travelling public art protest across Te Waipounamu (the South Island), uniting communities and visitors through large-scale art to protect one of the world’s rarest penguins: the beloved hoiho (yellow-eyed penguin).
From Dunedin to Queenstown, larger-than-life hoiho statues will appear in prominent public spaces, transforming everyday locations into a moving call for environmental action. The exhibition blends art, storytelling, and awareness to shine a spotlight on the urgent plight of this taonga species.
Hīkoi o te Taoka, meaning March of the Treasure, reflects the deep cultural and environmental value of the hoiho to Aotearoa. Reimagining activism as a living gallery of hope, the campaign invites people to stop, reflect, and take responsibility for the future of a species on the brink of extinction.
“The hoiho is quietly disappearing from our coastline,” says Jerad Haldan, Trustee of the Otago Shore & Land Trust. “This hīkoi is about giving the hoiho a voice, through art that stops people in their tracks and reminds us that there is still time to act, if we choose to.”
Art with a Purpose
Each life-sized statue is a vivid artistic expression, designed to spark conversation and connection. Together, they tell the story of the hoiho’s struggle and resilience, reminding us that the survival of this delicate species lies in human hands.
Today, fewer than 400 hoiho remain. Habitat loss, disease, warming seas, and overfishing continue to threaten their survival.
The hoiho is more than an endangered species. It is a treasured New Zealand icon, featured on the $5 note, and a drawcard for visitors from around the world who travel to Otago hoping to glimpse this rare and shy penguin in the wild.
A Call to Action for Media and Community
Hīkoi o te Taoka invites local, national, and international media to follow the hīkoi and share the stories of the statue sponsors (wildlife guardians), artists, conservationists, and communities working to protect this precious species before it is lost forever.
Media outlets, photographers, influencers, and content creators are encouraged to visit the installations, capture the artworks, and amplify the campaign’s message.
Opportunities include visual storytelling, artist and conservation interviews, and coverage of how art-led activism can inspire environmental change.
Installation Locations
Dunedin: Tūhura Reserve, Dunedin Railway Platform, Larnach Castle, plus a roving hoiho appearing at pop-up locations Oamaru: Cycle Journeys, Victorian Precinct Wānaka: Outside Puzzling World Arrowtown: Outside Lakes District Museum Queenstown: Queenstown Airport terminal, Steamer Wharf, LyLo Hotel.
Hīkoi o te Taoka — March of the Treasure Together
The 10 hoiho statues will then make their way back to Dunedin, where they will be displayed together. The final journey — the march of the hoiho back home — will take place on the following dates at these locations:
The Octagon:5–10 April 2026 Wild Dunedin’s NatureDome event at Forsyth Barr Stadium:12 April 2026 Tūhura Otago Museum Exhibition:14 April – 14 May 2026 Tūhura Otago Museum Live Auction:8 May 2026
Thanks to powerful partnerships with industry leaders, NOTE 60 Ultra represents Infinix’s boldest entry in the flagship tier, debuting in Barcelona during MWC 2026
BARCELONA, SPAIN – Media OutReach Newswire – 4 March 2026 – Infinix is cementing its status within the premium smartphone segment in a bold new way with NOTE 60 Ultra, its landmark flagship debuting in Barcelona during Mobile World Congress 2026.
Infinix NOTE 60 Ultra Design by Pininfarina
Co-developed with Italian automotive and design legend Pininfarina, NOTE 60 Ultra’s design is driven by an emotion-led aesthetic inspired by super cars. Beneath its bold design lies a fully realized flagship experience, integrating breakthrough in-house innovations with best-in-class partner technologies. A professional-grade 200MP ultra-high-definition imaging system, built-in multi-country satellite communication connectivity, and immersive audio precision-tuned by SOUND BY JBL come together to challenge expectations in the premium segment.
Infinix NOTE 60 Ultra family
Supercar Design DNA in a Flagship, Shaped by Pininfarina
In the premium segment, the design language is a device’s opening statement. A user’s perception at first glance is shaped by aesthetics, long before a single specification is considered.
Drawing inspiration from the aerodynamic philosophy and pioneering spirit of high-performance sports cars, Infinix, in partnership with Pininfarina, takes a radical departure in sculpting a flagship. What stands out immediately is what’s missing: the camera bump. As premium handsets adopt larger sensors, they often sacrifice form with increasingly protruding camera modules.
True to the sports car heritage, NOTE 60 Ultra introduces a fully integrated, single-body rear: the Aluminum Unibody Design. At the heart of this craftsmanship is the World’s 1st Uni-Chassis Cam Module, formed a single, continuous sheet of CORNING® GORILLA® GLASS VICTUS that virtually conceals the presence of the camera. Much like a supercar sculpted for low-drag, the rear design maintains a smooth, uninterrupted silhouette. This also ensures a natural in-hand feel and unobtrusively slips into any pocket, while reinforcing the phone’s durability and structural integrity.
Paying homage to Italian cultural and racing heritage, NOTE 60 Ultra arrives in four striking colorways: Torino Black, Monza Red, Amalfi Blue, and Roma Silver. Each hue draws inspiration from the most iconic scenes and legends of Italy’s motorsport and cultural history, capturing the spirit of speed, lifestyle, and emotional beauty.
Just as a supercar announces its ignition through sound and light, NOTE 60 Ultra mirrors the ritual. A Floating Taillight signature spans the rear, illuminating as the device powers on. And as a final nod to automotive heritage, NOTE 60 Ultra features an Active Matrix Display reminiscent of a supercar dashboard at startup. Concealed within the rear surface, the hidden display lights up to reveal notifications, expressive icons, or a pixel-style virtual companion.
Dual Flagship Cameras for Detail, Zoom, and True-to-Life Imaging
Although discreet at first glance, Infinix makes no concessions on camera performance and earmarks a new era for Infinix’s imaging capability. Delivering performance on par with industry-leading standards, Infinix’s Dual Flagship Imaging Architecture marks several brand-first breakthroughs and improvements across three dimensions, reinforcing its position as a signature offering.
Under the hood, it’s clear that NOTE 60 Ultra refuses to settle for less. Discreetly integrated within the Uni-Chassis Cam Module is a powerful triple-camera array. Anchored by a next-generation 200MP Samsung ISOCELL HPE sensor, NOTE 60 Ultra delivers ultra-high-definition clarity. And ensuring flagship-grade versatility across focal lengths, the phone is complemented by a 50MP Samsung ISOCELL JN5 periscope telephoto lens and a 112° ultra-wide lens.
However, hardware alone does not define the full experience. For the first time, Infinix supports the XDR display standard with Ultra HDR Capture. Powered by a proprietary XDR Image Engine, Infinix’s advanced system delivers a superior dynamic range, ideal for true-to-life photos of bright lights at night or breathtaking sunset scenes.
The result is exceptional resolution that sets a higher bar for precise framing in daylight or after dark, while faithfully preserving details often lost in standard photography. Whether exploring daytime cityscapes or distant horizons, NOTE 60 Ultra excels with its advanced optical‑to‑digital zoom performance. Crisp, detailed shots are captured across a versatile zoom range, from a 2× optical crop and native 3.5× optical zoom to a 7× lossless digital zoom, extending up to 100× for extreme distances.
Expansive Satellite Calling and Messaging Coverage
Beyond what meets the eye, NOTE 60 Ultra carries a more subtle capability designed to accompany the user’s ambition, as far as and wherever the road leads. NOTE 60 Ultra is the first¹ to introduce dual-way satellite calling with expansive global coverage across a far greater number of countries¹. Powered by two-way messaging and calling beyond traditional terrestrial networks, NOTE 60 Ultra offers an added peace of mind whether navigating remote terrain beyond cellular coverage or facing large-scale network disruptions. The device bridges regional connectivity gaps to maintain communication and enables emergency location sharing when it matters most.
Ultra-Fast, Enduring Functionalities for an All-Around Flagship Experience
NOTE 60 Ultra combines category-leading performance and enduring power to support multi-sensory entertainment without interruption. Complementing this, its latest user experience delivers forward-looking innovations and AI-driven optimizations, making it more accessible and seamless for everyday use.
Impressively, Infinix debuted the Proprietary Battery Self-Healing Technology. Despite featuring a massive 7000mAh silicon-carbon battery within a slim, lightweight frame, NOTE 60 Ultra is engineered to restore up to 1%² of battery health every 200 charge cycles. Complementing this breakthrough, NOTE 60 Ultra supports wired 100W All-Around Fast Charge and 50W wireless charging, achieving a full charge from 1% to 100%² in only 48 minutes through a wired connection.
Even with a massive battery, Infinix pulls out all the stops to optimize for both speed and energy management. Featuring a 4nm all-big-core MediaTek Dimensity 8400 Ultimate chipset together with Infinix’s self-developed performance engine, NOTE 60 Ultra achieves up to 25%² faster multitasking, accelerated app responsiveness, and sustained smoothness.
NOTE 60 Ultra excels in its class with a captivating, 1.5K Ultra HDR cinematic display. Delivering fluid 144Hz responsiveness and exceptional 4500-nit peak brightness, visuals remain vibrant across most lighting conditions. Even in motion, intelligent predictive stabilization minimizes motion sickness, whether watching a film or playing games from within a car. And just as a high-performance vehicle demands calibrated acoustics, NOTE 60 Ultra doesn’t settle for less. It delivers high-fidelity audio through a stereo system with SOUND BY JBL, completing a truly compelling entertainment experience.
The NOTE 60 Ultra’s optimized performance enables its intelligent AI features to run fluidly and efficiently with minimal battery drain. Its integrated AI ecosystem focuses on practical daily-enhancing functions, including real-time vitals tracking via Advanced Health Monitor, personalized file organization and an adaptive AI-powered knowledge base, all evolving with user preferences. These AI capabilities are seamlessly woven into GlowSpace, a new interface debuting on XOS 16.³ Powered by Android 16, GlowSpace introduces a fully reimagined UI centered on fluid motion and luminous details that animate with every interaction.
Through co-engineering with leading technology and innovation partners, Infinix has aligned NOTE 60 Ultra around a unified vision of excellence. The outcome is a benchmark-setting flagship defined not by spectacle, but by deeply integrated and purposeful engineering, inside-out.
Product availability
NOTE 60 Ultra comes with a promise of 3 years of major OS updates and 5 years of security patches.
NOTE 60 Ultra is available in four colors: Torino Black, Monza Red, Amalfi Blue, and Roma Silver.
It will be available in a single variant with 12GB of RAM, 256GB of storage, and built-in eSIM⁴.
NOTE 60 Ultra comes with a deluxe gift box with automotive-inspired display stand design. A Supercar-Inspired MagCharge Base in Zinc Alloy, a Kevlar-Pattern MagPad, a Custom Kevlar MagCase, and a Track-Edition SIM Ejector Pin are included in the gift box.
Disclaimer
¹As of launch, this device is the first commercially available smartphone to support two‑way satellite calling across multiple countries. Feature availability, supported regions and coverage are subject to local certification, network deployment and market conditions.
²All data comes from Infinix laboratories. The testing data may vary slightly between different test versions and testing environments.
³The specific XOS upgrade plan for each model will be announced separately. Please note that availability of this upgrade may be limited in certain countries.
⁴eSIM availability is carrier and region-dependent; it may not be supported in all countries.
Hashtag: #Infinix
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
Focusing on talent ecosystem in the AI-era, reinforcing Hong Kong’s position as Asia’s Premier International talent hub
HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 4 March 2026 – The Labour and Welfare Bureau of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, in collaboration with Hong Kong Talent Engage (HKTE), will host the Global Talent Summit Week (GTS Week) in mid-March. Anchored by the integration of education, technology and talents, the mega talent event will foster regional talent exchange and explore future talent trends through an international forum, a large-scale expo and diverse networking activities.
Hong Kong Talent Engage (HKTE) announced the programme for the Global Talent Summit Week on March 2, featuring the International Talent Forum, CareerConnect Expo and nine satellite events from March 17 to 29. Photo shows (from left) Account Delivery Director of DayOne Data Centre, Mr Tony Zhou; the Secretary for Labour and Welfare, Mr Chris Sun; the Director of HKTE, Mr Felix Chan; and Partner of Ernst & Young Advisory Services Limited, Mr Jeff Tang, at the press conference.
Building on the success of its inaugural event in 2024, this year’s GTS Week expands its programme to include the International Talent Forum and CareerConnect Expo on 18 and 19 March, alongside nine satellite events co‑organised with HKTE’s working partners from 17 to 29 March. Together, these initiatives form a comprehensive international platform for talent exchange, further strengthening Hong Kong’s dual role as an international talent hub and the country’s gateway for talent.
The GTS Week follows Hong Kong’s historic ascent to the top position in Asia on the International Institute for Management Development’s World Talent Ranking 2025, which marks the city’s highest-ever ranking.
The Secretary for Labour and Welfare,Mr Chris Sun, stated: “At a pivotal moment of rapid transformation in the global talent ecosystem, the GTS Week aims to explore forward looking perspectives on talent development, policies and opportunities, while aligning with the country’s development, thereby building Hong Kong into an international hub for high-calibre talent.”
The Director of HKTE, Mr Felix Chan, expressed his hope that through this flagship international talent event, the GTS Week will promote cross-regional and cross-sector collaboration on talent, and provide a platform for exchange with various partners that helps talent seize opportunities, understand development pathways in Hong Kong and gain foresight into manpower trends.
International Talent Forum | 18 and 19 March
Anchored by the theme “Connecting Global Minds”, the Forum brings together top government officials, business and academic leaders from Hong Kong and abroad.
Headlining the first day of the Forum will beProfessor Christopher A. Pissarides, 2010 Nobel Laureate in Economic Sciences, delivering a keynote speech. He will be joined by Mr Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges, Chief Executive Officer of The Hong Kong Jockey Club, and Mr Joe Ngai, Chairman of McKinsey Greater China, who will share perspectives on the talent ecosystem in a new era. The Forum programme is structured with three panel discussions aligned with the GTS Week’s core pillars:
Education — — “Navigating the Future: The Paradigm Shift in Education and Talent Strategy” brings together academic leaders to explore how cross-border collaboration and industry partnerships can drive innovation and build future-ready skills. Panellists include Professor Qihuang Gong (President, Peking University), Professor Nancy Ip (President, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology), Professor Simon Marginson (Professor of Higher Education (Emeritus), University of Oxford), Professor John Quelch (American President and Executive Vice Chancellor, Duke Kunshan University), and Professor Heiwai Tang (Associate Vice-President (Global), Universiry of Hong Kong).
Technology — — “Technology as a Catalyst–Shaping Talent Strategies for Innovation” examines how innovative AI technologies can support talent attraction and development. Panellists include Ms Venetia Lee (General Manager, Ant International Greater China), Dr Dahua Lin (Co-founder & Chief Scientist, SenseTime), Mr Yat Siu (Co-founder & ExecutiveChairman, Animoca Brands; Founder & CEO, Outblaze), and Ms Basima Abdulrahman (Founder and CEO, KESK).
Talent — — “Thriving in a Dynamic Talent Landscape–Sustaining Skills and Fostering Resilience” explores how AI and digital technologies are reshaping talent strategies. Panellists include Mr Jeff Tang (Partner, Market Development Leader, Consulting, Ernst & Young Group), Mr Paul Moody (Managing Director, Global Partnerships & Client Solutions, CFA Institute), Mr Grant Wright (Group Executive, AI, SEEK), Ms Ruchee Anand (Vice President of Talent Solutions for APAC, LinkedIn), and Ms Joy Xu (Group Chief People & Culture Officer, DFI Retail Group).
The second morning will feature panel discussions and dedicated sessions with satellite event partners. An invitation-only closed-door Forging a National High-calibre Talent Hub Symposium will follow in the afternoon, bringing together government representatives from the Chinese Mainland and the Macao Special Administrative Region to foster knowledge exchange, collaboration and high‑calibre talent networks.
The Forum is by invitation only; HKTE will provide a global livestream on both days.
For the full list of confirmed speakers and the detailed forum agenda, please visit: gts.hkengage.gov.hk/en/speaker-list
CareerConnect Expo | 18 and 19 March
Running concurrently on 18 and 19 March, the Expo will feature about 70 large enterprises, education and technology institutions, and government departments. The free-admission Expo will provide participants direct access to the latest industry information, diverse support services and networking opportunities with multinational companies across thematic zones, showcasing career prospects across the Greater Bay Area. Pre-registration is now open.
Nine Satellite Events | 17 to 29 March(New for 2026)
For the first time, the GTS Week will extend into a week-long series, with nine satellite events taking place from 17 to 29 March in partnership with HKTE’s various working partners. The programme includes regional conferences, career fairs and corporate award ceremonies, creating a comprehensive platform for professional networking and information exchange. During the week, HKTE will formalise a cooperation agreement with JCI Hong Kong to deepen international promotion of the city.
Registration and Enquiries
Hashtag: #GlobalTalentSummit
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 4 March 2026 – The inaugural “Study in Hong Kong” Week (February 23 to March 1) was successfully launched to promote the city’s attractiveness as a destination for students around the world to pursue higher education.
A major highlight was the prestigious Asia-Pacific Association for International Education (APAIE) 2026 Conference and Exhibition, which ranks among the world’s top three international higher education conferences. The event attracted over 3,500 leading international education professionals to explore the latest trends and critical issues in higher education.
Speaking at the opening ceremony of APAIE 2026, the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR)’s Secretary for Education, Dr Christine Choi said, “To further promote higher education in Hong Kong to the world, we are dedicating this week as the ‘Study in Hong Kong’ Week, during which we will share our success stories and connect more closely with partners worldwide.”
HKSAR’s Secretary for Education, Dr Christine Choi (second row, ninth left), visits the “Study in Hong Kong” Pavilion at the APAIE with other guests
“Under the “one country, two systems” principle, Hong Kong enjoys the distinctive advantages of being part of China with strong support from our Motherland and at the same time being centrally located in Asia.
“Our universities are globally recognised, with five of them within the world’s top 100 and Asia’s top 20. Hong Kong claimed all top four spots in the ranking of the world’s most international universities last year. Indeed, one in every four of our students come from outside Hong Kong. The proportion is even higher for academic staff, with around 70 per cent from elsewhere.”
Held under the theme “Asia-Pacific Partnerships for the Global Good”, APAIE 2026 featured pre-conference workshops, summit forums, keynote speeches, and exchange activities.
Dr Choi met with education officials and representatives from various regions on international education development trends and co-operation. She held separate meetings with the State Secretary of the Ministry of Education, Research, Development and Youth of the Slovak Republic, Mr Róbert Zsembera, and the Director General of the International Cooperation Department of the Ministry of Education and Training of Vietnam, Dr Nguyen Thu Thuy, to exchange views on the development, co-operation, and promotion of international higher education.
Dr Choi also toured the “Study in Hong Kong” Pavilion, where she learned about the promotional efforts of University Grants Committee (UGC)-funded universities and how they expand international networks to recruit students from various regions for study and exchange in Hong Kong. She also visited other booths at the exhibition, exchanging views on higher education development with representatives from various countries and regions.
Dr Choi noted that Hong Kong, as Asia’s world city, possesses advantages in global connectivity, world-class infrastructure, and rich cultural experiences that attract outstanding talent.
During the Week, UGC-funded universities hosted campus tours, allowing overseas guests to experience first-hand the fusion of diverse cultures from different regions. Universities also organised student exchange activities to foster friendships among international students from different regions, deepen their understanding of Hong Kong, and help them better integrate into local campus life.
“While Hong Kong is highly popular among students from the Chinese Mainland, those from other parts of the world, especially in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and Belt and Road countries or regions, have increased significantly in recent years,” Dr Choi said.
“As we welcome more non-local students to our schools and universities, we hope Hong Kong can serve as a springboard for them to engage with the Chinese Mainland and the wider Asia-Pacific, and as a pathway to widen collaborations across this vibrant region.”
SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 4 March 2026 – HAEXC Mobile Pte Ltd, a specialist in rugged and intrinsically safe communication technology, today announced its latest range of Zone 1 phones, Zone 2 phones, and hazardous area phone solutions designed to enhance frontline safety and operational efficiency for workers in hazardous industrial environments.
HAEXC Zone 1/21 Phone
Purpose-built for explosive and high-risk conditions, HAEXC Mobile’s intrinsically safe devices meet stringent international safety standards, including ATEX and IECEx certification. These solutions enable reliable communication for industries requiring certified intrinsically safe phone technology, including oil and gas, marine, defence, and heavy industrial sectors.
Enabling Safe Communication in Hazardous Zones Workers operating in hazardous environments require devices that can perform safely without creating ignition risks. HAEXC Mobile’s intrinsically safe (IS phone) and explosion-proof devices are specifically engineered to function safely in environments classified as Zone 1 and Zone 2, where explosive gases may be present.
The company’s portfolio includes certified Zone 1 phone and Zone 2 phone models designed to support mission-critical communication for:
Personnel requiring reliable hazardous area phone solutions
Defence and specialised applications requiring IECEx phones for military environments
These devices provide dependable performance while protecting workers and ensuring regulatory compliance.
Integrated Safety Features Including EX Camera and EX Proof Camera Technology In addition to intrinsically safe communication, HAEXC Mobile devices incorporate advanced imaging solutions such as EX camera and EX proof camera capabilities. These explosion-proof camera systems enable workers to safely capture images and videos for inspection, reporting, and compliance documentation without compromising safety.
The company’s intrinsically safe phone solutions also feature:
Push-to-Talk communication for instant team coordination
Lone worker protection and emergency alert features
Rugged, shock-resistant and waterproof design
Long battery life for extended field operations
Secure enterprise mobility integration
These features make HAEXC Mobile’s devices ideal for organisations seeking reliable IS phone solutions in demanding environments.
Supporting Critical Industries Worldwide “As industries continue to digitise their operations, the need for reliable and safe communication tools becomes even more important,” said Raymond Tan, Managing Director of HAEXC Mobile Pte Ltd.
“Our intrinsically safe phone and hazardous area phone solutions are designed to protect frontline workers while enabling seamless communication in even the most hazardous conditions, including oil and gas facilities, marine environments, and military applications.”
HAEXC Mobile’s rugged devices are widely used as certified phones for oil and gas, marine, and industrial sectors, helping organisations enhance safety compliance and operational efficiency.
Driving the Future of Industrial Safety Technology With increasing demand for intrinsically safe mobile solutions, HAEXC Mobile continues to innovate in explosion-proof communication technology, including intrinsically safe smartphones and integrated EX camera solutions.
The company’s mission is to empower organisations with reliable communication tools that protect workers and support safer industrial operations worldwide.
For more information, visit: https://www.haexc-mobile.com/
KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA – Media OutReach Newswire – 4 March 2026 – AEON Bank, the first digital Islamic bank in Malaysia, has gone live with its Zakat feature on its digital banking app, making it easier than ever for Muslim customers to fulfil their mandatory obligation of Zakat Fitrah payment during the month of Ramadan.
This Zakat payment feature is made possible through a strategic partnership with Tulus Digital, an Islamic social finance fintech platform that serves as an authorized agent of the State Zakat authorities, including Pusat Pungutan Zakat MAIWP and Lembaga Zakat Selangor. Together, the collaboration provides a sah, secure, seamless end-to-end digital solution that effectively brings the Zakat payment directly to customers’ smartphones.
AEON Bank’s Chief Executive Officer, YM Raja Datin Paduka Teh Maimunah Raja Abdul Aziz said, “At AEON Bank, we believe that digital banking should be more than just about managing money; it should also support your lifestyle and values. By enabling the Zakat feature in our app, we are fulfilling the amanah to make mandatory religious obligations as convenient and stress-free as possible. This partnership with Tulus Digital is about merging ethical technology – just in time for Ramadan, allowing our customers to focus on their Rukun Islam amal ibadah while we facilitate the technical details.” Why Paying Your Zakat via AEON Bank App is Sah and Seamless
Ultimate Convenience : No queues, no physical counters. Pay anytime, anywhere, in just a few steps.
Comprehensive Coverage : It supports 11 types of Zakat, including Zakat Fitrah, Pendapatan (Income), Perniagaan (Business), Emas (Gold), KWSP and more.
Built-in Shariah Integrity : Every Zakat payment includes the digital Aqad (contract), ensuring your contribution is sah and compliant with Shariah principles.
Automated Record-Keeping : Receive an immediate in-app receipt and a formal notification from Tulus Digital. Official tax-deductible receipts from state authorities are easily accessible via their respective portals.
Tulus Digital’s Commercial Director, Ubaida Othman, added, “Our key focus is to enable secure, Shariah guided digital payments and social finance solutions. Tulus Digital provides payment settlement via secure API integrations, mobile applications, and enterprise-grade payment rails, directly into institutional bank accounts, serving state zakat authorities, corporate partners, and financial institutions across Malaysia. Through our strategic partnership with AEON Bank, we are committed to strengthen the country’s Islamic finance digital economy by combining ethical technology, Shariah governance, and purpose-driven financial innovation.”
Pay Your Zakat in 4 Simple Steps
Step 1 : Log in to the AEON Bank app Download the AEON Bank app and activate your Savings Account-i.
Step 2 : Select “Zakat” icon on the app’s home screen Click on the Zakat app on the Home screen and choose the authorised Zakat agency and the type of Zakat contribution.
Step 3 : Enter required details Fill in the necessary payment information, including the number of dependents or selected rice category (for Zakat Fitrah only).
Step 4 : Confirm and complete payment Review the details, click on the ‘T&C’ and ‘Aqad’, and authorise the transaction securely within the app to complete your Zakat contribution.
Upon successful payment, customers will receive :
Zakat payment receipt within the AEON Bank app
Zakat payment notification email from Tulus Digital, sent to the customer’s registered email address
Official Zakat receipt issued by the respective Zakat agency, accessible via the agency’s website
The introduction of the Zakat feature on the AEON Bank app further strengthens the Bank’s suite of digital utility services, seamlessly integrating financial and Shariah obligations in one secure digital platform. The service currently facilitates payments for Lembaga Zakat Selangor and Pusat Pungutan Zakat MAIWP, and AEON Bank will progressively enable contributions to other state Zakat authorities in the near future – all part of its commitment to expand accessible and trusted digital financial solutions anchored on Shariah governance and integrity.
Click HERE to visit AEON Bank’s website and download the AEON Bank app on the App Store or Google Play Store.