Asean Archives - Page 277 of 300

April 2, 2026

2026 New Zealand National Dragon Boat Championships Conclude Successfully

Dragon Boat Teams Compete at 2026 New Zealand National Championships

Multiple dragon boat teams paddling in close competition on Lake Karapiro during the 2026 New Zealand National Dragon Boat Championships

Teams race side by side during the 2026 New Zealand National Dragon Boat Championships at Lake Karapiro in Cambridge on March 28, 2026.

LIAONING, China, April 01, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Cambridge, New Zealand — March 28, 2026 — The two-day 2026 New Zealand National Dragon Boat Championships concluded at scenic Lake Karapiro. As one of the country’s largest dragon boat events, the championships brought together around 45 teams and approximately 1,200 athletes from across the country, competing in the 200 m and 500 m sprint races, as well as the 2,000 m turn race.

The steady beat of drums echoed across the course as paddles flashed through the water, with athletes showcasing the speed and intensity of dragon boat racing. During the event, a commemorative flower ceremony was held, with members of the International Breast Cancer Paddlers’ Commission (IBCPC) holding pink carnations to raise awareness of breast cancer prevention and honor life, adding a human touch to the event.

The dragon boat sport in New Zealand started relatively early. As early as 1995, when the World Dragon Boat Championship was held in Yueyang City, Hunan Province, China, New Zealand had already sent a team to participate, becoming one of the early participants on the international dragon boat stage. This event was meticulously organized by the New Zealand Dragon Boat Association. Guests such as Luo Zhongyi, President of the International Ice Dragon Boat Federation (IIDBF), and Meri Gabson, President of the International Breast Cancer Paddlers’ Commission (IBCPC), were invited to attend.

As an official partner of the championships, Champion worked closely with the organizer to ensure the event ran smoothly, creating a professional, fair and efficient competition environment for all participating teams.

The championships highlighted the growing popularity of dragon boat racing in New Zealand, providing a platform for enthusiasts to experience the excitement of the sport and connect with one another. With dragon boat racing continuing to gain momentum worldwide, more international events are expected to be held in New Zealand in the future.

Media Contact
Company: Champion
Contact Name: Huber
Email: [email protected]
Website: http://www.dragonboat.cn
Country & City: Dalian City, Liaoning Province, China

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at:
https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/1dd25c4b-ee45-4448-b1b5-4a42c05c00b7

GlobeNewswire Distribution ID 9683238

April 1, 2026

Omni Bridgeway Appoints Peter Galgay as Head of Commercial Strategy and Capital Solutions

NEW YORK, April 01, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Omni Bridgeway, a global leader in litigation financing and risk management, is pleased to announce the appointment of Peter Galgay as Head of Commercial Strategy and Capital Solutions based in New York.

In this role, Mr. Galgay will focus on expanding the company’s capabilities in origination, underwriting, and management of large-scale structured finance and alternative investment solutions for legal assets. He will also play a key role in supporting Omni Bridgeway’s global investor relations and capital formation efforts.

Mr. Galgay joins Omni Bridgeway after more than a decade as Chief Investment Officer of a Singapore‑based family office, where he managed a global portfolio across public and private markets, oversaw asset allocation and risk management, and gained significant exposure to legal finance through direct equity investments and private fund allocations.

Earlier in his career, he served as a Senior Analyst in Ernst & Young’s Fraud Investigation & Dispute Services practice and later as an Equity Portfolio Manager at Deutsche Asset Management. He is a CFA Charterholder and holds an MA in International Business and BS in Finance from the University of Florida, and an MBA from INSEAD.

“Peter brings a unique blend of investment leadership, capital markets expertise, and first‑hand experience in all aspects of legal finance,” said Raymond van Hulst. “He knows Omni Bridgeway well, and his strategic insight, commercial drive and global perspective will be instrumental as we continue to expand our capital solutions offering for legal assets.”

“I am honored to join Omni Bridgeway,” said Peter Galgay. “I look forward to collaborating with our teams worldwide to advance our capital solutions capabilities and support clients through sophisticated, scalable investment partnerships.”

Media Contact

Jennifer Dubman, Senior Manager, Business Development & Marketing

+1 415 231 0363, [email protected]

About Omni Bridgeway

Omni Bridgeway is a global alternative asset manager specializing in legal assets, with over $5.5bn assets under management across 10 funds. Listed on the ASX since 2001, and with a 40 year track record, Omni Bridgeway has pioneered the industry and has a unique track record of consistent outperformance across multiple economic cycles. With a team of 160 professionals, operating in over 20 locations in 15 countries, Omni Bridgeway is the largest and most diversified platform for originating and managing legal assets across all relevant jurisdictions and areas of law.

GlobeNewswire Distribution ID 9682228

March 31, 2026

Persona AI Announces Brian Davis as Head of Global Manufacturing

Former Amazon Robotics Executive Steps in to Lead Global Production Strategy as Company Expands

Brian Davis steps up to be Head of Global Manufacturing for Persona AI

Brian Davis - Head of Global Manufacturing at Persona AI

Persona AI Announces Brian Davis as Head of Global Manufacturing. Former Amazon Robotics Executive Steps in to Lead Global Production Strategy as Company Expands

HOUSTON, March 30, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Persona AI, an emerging leader in embodied AI, today announced the appointment of Brian Davis as Head of Global Manufacturing. This move signals Persona’s commitment to scaling commercial production, as the company is planning the manufacturing infrastructure to bring humanoid robots to markets in shipyards, steel mills, and energy infrastructure worldwide.

Mr. Davis is a seasoned operations executive with over 30 years of experience transitioning global operations for some of the biggest names in industry. Prior to his role as Head of Global Manufacturing at Persona, Davis previously guided operation teams at both Amazon Robotics and Dell Technologies (previously EMC). During his tenure at Amazon Robotics and Dell, both companies realized a 25x increase in manufacturing volumes within a four-year period, with Davis overseeing manufacturing, supply chain, logistics, quality, and real estate.

Brian Davis steps up to be the Head of Global Manufacturing for Persona AI

Persona AI, an emerging leader in embodied AI, today announced the appointment of Brian Davis as Head of Global Manufacturing. This move signals Persona’s commitment to scaling commercial production, as the company is planning the manufacturing infrastructure to bring humanoid robots to markets in shipyards, steel mills, and energy infrastructure worldwide.

Davis steps into this role as industrial enterprises face an urgent and accelerating challenge: a structural shortage of capacity for welding, fabrication, and heavy maintenance in dynamic environments, precisely the high-value, high-risk tasks where humanoid robots can deliver the greatest impact. His appointment comes as Persona prepares to fulfill growing demand following agreements with both HD Hyundai and POSCO Group to advance humanoids in shipyards and steel manufacturing, as well as a pilot program with the State of Louisiana.

“Now is the perfect time to accelerate our production capabilities as we rapidly close the gap between what’s possible in the lab versus what’s driving real commercial value,” said Brian Davis, Head of Global Manufacturing, Persona AI. “Building industrial-rated humanoid robots and production-deployable AI is only one piece of the puzzle. Producing humanoids at scale will require systematic supply chain management, stringent quality control, and building the playbook for safe, high-volume manufacturing. That’s what I’m here to build.”

“We’re building Persona to deploy humanoids in some of the hardest industrial environments. Now we need someone who has taken robots from the prototype phase to volume production and built the manufacturing engine to sustain it,” said Nicolaus Radford, CEO and Co-Founder of Persona AI. “Brian’s proven track record of rapidly scaling production is exactly the experience this moment demands.”

About Persona AI:

Persona AI, Inc. a pioneering robotics company headquartered in Houston, Texas, is at the forefront of developing intelligent humanoid robots specifically designed for a wide array of industrial applications. Established in 2024, Persona AI leverages a rich heritage of expertise, drawing from decades of experience in crafting sophisticated robotics for demanding environments, including space and deep-ocean exploration. This unparalleled background enables the company to address real-world labor challenges with innovative and robust solutions.

Learn more at www.persona.ai

Media Contact:
Katherine Garcia
Dir. of Executive Affairs
Persona AI
[email protected] | (713) 305-6158

Jonathan Reichel
Principal Marketing Architect
Persona AI
[email protected] | (409) 549-3892

Photos accompanying this announcement are available at
https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/9dca5027-d2ee-4f9f-b5a0-6ecf1d9fc906
https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/3f3a0f82-2889-4996-b843-e9bd5b360cea

GlobeNewswire Distribution ID 9680966

March 30, 2026

Mavenir Receives the President’s Honor at MSUA’s 2026 Satellite Mobile Innovation Awards

Company honored for outstanding innovation for its AI-driven, cloud-native mobile solutions for terrestrial and non-terrestrial networks

WASHINGTON and RICHARDSON, Texas, March 30, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Mavenir, the software company building AI-by-design mobile networks, today announced that it has won the President’s Award for Outstanding Innovation at the 2026 Satellite Mobile Innovation Awards organised by the Mobile Satellite Users Association (MSUA), a global not-for-profit organization focused on amplifying the voice of satellite mobile solutions users and innovators. The theme of this year’s awards was sat-cell connectivity and Mavenir was named along with 10 other NTN innovators at a ceremony during the Satellite 2026 event in Washington, DC.

Mavenir is a global leader in NTN technology with a growing product portfolio that provides satellite operators with proven, standards-compliant packet core and NTN RAN solutions that are optimized for cloud-native deployment environments. Mavenir has established itself as a leader in the NTN domain by successfully demonstrating the first Voice over NB-IoT call using non-terrestrial mobile infrastructure. This innovation has transformed the NTN mobile industry and created significant momentum for its advancement. With a range of Satellite Operator customers including Iridium and Terrestar, amongst others, Mavenir is bridging non‑terrestrial networks with mainstream mobile services, enabling operators to deliver ubiquitous coverage, strengthen network resilience, and create new revenue opportunities.

“The combination of cellular and satellite industries is transforming global connectivity, and this year’s award winners illustrate the depth of innovation across these groups,” said MSUA President Roger Lanctot. “Mavenir’s heritage from the cellular world and ground-breaking work with satellite players to bridge the gap between terrestrial and non-terrestrial networks made them the obvious choice by our judges for the President’s Award for Outstanding Innovation and we strongly congratulate them.”

“Non‑terrestrial direct‑to‑device services unlock a new era of connectivity, delivering ubiquitous outdoor mobile coverage worldwide, even in the most remote locations,” said Sachin Karkala, EVP & GM, NTN Solutions at Mavenir. “At Mavenir, we work with both mobile and satellite operators to accelerate the convergence of terrestrial and non-terrestrial networks, with our AI-by-Design NTN architecture delivering not just coverage, but a scalable service platform for continuous innovation. We’re delighted to receive this recognition from the MSUA for our work and would also like to warmly congratulate the other winners.”

For more information about how Mavenir’s NTN solutions enable operators to provide reliable connectivity solutions in areas that are inaccessible to traditional ground-based networks by harnessing satellites operating in different earth orbits – low (LEO), medium (MEO), and geostationary (GEO) – as well as high-altitude platforms (HAPS) and drones, visit https://www.mavenir.com/portfolio/mavair/non-terrestrial-network-ntn/.

Notes to the editor:

MUSA 2026 Awards: Hybrid Sat-Cell Connectivity a Dominant Theme Among MSUA Mobile Satellite Award Winners

For more on how Mavenir’s AI‑by‑Design transforms NTN from a coverage extension into a scalable, autonomous service platform. View the recently published whitepaper: AI-by-Design NTN RAN: Future of AI in Telecom

Terrestar Launches Canada-Wide Hybrid Satellite IoT Service Powered by Mavenir’s Cloud-Native Virtualized RAN and Core

Mavenir Selected by Iridium to Deliver Core Network for Global Satellite Based NB-IoT and D2D Services

About Mavenir
Mavenir is enabling intelligent, automated, programmable networks through the development of telco-first, cloud-native, AI-by-design software solutions for mobile operators. The company’s deep telco domain expertise has been proven through deployments with 300+ operators globally in over 120 countries, which together serve more than 50% of the world’s subscribers. Mavenir combines its deep telco experience with the cloud and IT expertise and data science skillsets essential to solving real customer challenges. Its proven software solutions are AI by design, delivering the AI-native future and operators’ evolution to TechCos.

For more information, please visit www.mavenir.com

Mavenir PR Contact:
Emmanuela Spiteri
[email protected]

GlobeNewswire Distribution ID 9680661

March 30, 2026

A 500-Year-Old Voyage: Posting Qionghai’s Story to the World

Boao: Where the World Meets | Qionghai: Where Free Trade Thrives

QIONGHAI, China, March 30, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — From March 24-27, the ” Boao: Where the World Meets, Qionghai: Where Free Trade Thrives” City Exhibition was held at Boao’s Dongyu Island Cultural Park. This marks the first major city showcase since the launch of Hainan Free Trade Port’s island-wide special customs operations—providing a panoramic window into Qionghai’s role as a core functional zone of the free trade port. Woven with the theme of global connection and open development, the exhibition turns policies and culture into immersive, sensory experiences through innovative technology and design.

Foreign Guests are Sending Qionghai-themed Postcards at the Plum Vase Mailbox

Culture and Tourism Department of Guizhou Province

Foreign Guests are Sending Qionghai-themed Postcards at the Plum Vase Mailbox

The opening hall’s “Digital Twin Experience Pod” offers a glimpse into daily life in tomorrow’s Qionghai—all through the use of an identity card. The dynamic “Cycling through Qionghai” installation immersed guests in scenic journeys along the Wanquan River and through historic Nanyang towns—settlements built by overseas Chinese returning from Southeast Asia. A major attraction was the “Tale of the Sea” post office, where the mailbox itself was a work of art. Its design drew inspiration from a shipwreck relic recovered from 1,500 meters below the South China Sea—a “Fahua-style” plum vase, an artifact preserved in the deep for five centuries. Once carried on merchant ships across tumultuous seas, witnessing the Maritime Silk Road’s glory, it now stands reimagined as a modern landmark bridging history and the future. Visitors chose postcards, penned messages, stamped them with a unique Qionghai postmark, and mailed their memories home.

These postcards featured images from Qionghai Chronicles, an acclaimed two-year photographic project by Wang Yao, a winner of the World Press Photo award and China News Award. Her lens captured an elder mending nets at dawn in Tanmen port, children playing by the Wanquan River, the warmth of afternoon tea in Boao, and the determined spirit of the port’s builders. Each image told of Qionghai’s resilient yet graceful dance with time.

From its millennia-old fishing traditions and Nanyang heritage to its new chapter as a thriving free trade port, Qionghai’s story is now traveling the world—one postcard at a time. Each card, a whisper from the South China Sea, now finding its voice across the globe.

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/8fc1a4aa-0268-4ac8-b23b-729937d5f468

Culture and Tourism Department of Guizhou Province
May Mou
[email protected]

GlobeNewswire Distribution ID 9680583

March 27, 2026

Hong Kong Restaurants Claim Top Two Spots in Asia’s 50 Best

“Culinary Capital” Title Reaffirmed with Over 200 Restaurants Listed in Internationally Acclaimed Gourmet Guides

HKTB Chairman x The Chairman Danny Yip

HONG KONG, March 26, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Following last year’s “The World’s 50 Best Bars” Award Ceremony in Hong Kong, the Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) this year brought the “Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants 2026” Awards Ceremony to Hong Kong for the first time. The event today (25 March) brought together over 1,000 culinary industry representatives, renowned chefs and media worldwide. Top local Cantonese restaurant The Chairman and contemporary Cantonese restaurant Wing secured first and second places respectively on the Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants 2026 list, once again highlighting the leading position of Hong Kong’s dining scene in Asia.

No.1 Shot

HKTB Chairman Dr Peter Lam said: “We extend our sincere gratitude to the Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants team for selecting Hong Kong for the first time as the host city for the Awards Ceremony. This international award recognises the outstanding achievements of the culinary sector. I am very proud of Hong Kong’s remarkable accomplishments in this year’s Awards. Together with the ‘MICHELIN Guide Hong Kong Macau 2026’ and ‘The Black Pearl Restaurant Guide’, over 200 restaurants have been listed in these internationally acclaimed gourmet guides, reaffirming Hong Kong’s position as a “Culinary Capital” in Asia. We are delighted to welcome the esteemed Asian chefs and other culinary professionals attending the Awards Ceremony to Hong Kong, and we warmly invite everyone to explore the city’s unique and diverse gastronomic charm by following the master chefs’ curated recommendations featured in the citywide ‘Taste Hong Kong’ Gourmet Guide.”

Chairman’s speech 1

Chairman's speech 1

Danny Yip, owner of The Chairman, said “Being named The Best Restaurant in Asia for the second time is a huge honour for our entire team, and to achieve it here in Hong Kong makes it even more meaningful. This recognition — as well as the strong results for the city on this year’s list — reflects the depth and diversity that define Hong Kong’s dining culture today. It’s a privilege to represent our city in this way and to continue sharing the traditions and stories that shape our cuisine.”

Hong Kong Leads Asia Culinary Landscape with Two Restaurants in the Top Three

Together with the previously announced extended list of Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants (51^th – 100^th), a total of ten Hong Kong restaurants were recommended in the Asian edition of the prestigious list. These include six restaurants in the top 50: while The Chairman and Wing topped the list at first and second spots, Neighborhood (No. 24), Estro (No. 32), Caprice (No. 35), and Mono (No.46) stayed strong on the list. Four other restaurants were also featured in the extended list, namely Ta Vie (No. 68), Vea (No. 70), Andō (No. 88), and Amber (No. 90). With this stellar performance, Hong Kong reaffirmed its leading position in the regional culinary scene. The winning restaurants cover a diverse range of cuisines, demonstrating Hong Kong’s unique appeal as a melting pot of global flavours and a hub for star-rated dining establishments.

In the recently announced “Black Pearl Restaurant Guide”, the number of Hong Kong entries increased to 39, up from last year, including four first-time entries – Mosu Hong Kong, founded by three-Michelin-star South Korean chef Sung Anh; Jee, a Cantonese-French fusion restaurant; contemporary Indian restaurant Leela, and Cantonese fine-dining establishment Man Ho Chinese Restaurant. In addition, homegrown chef Vicky Cheng of Chinese-French restaurant VEA, and Terry Ho, Chef de Cuisine of French restaurant Amber, received the Master Chef Award and the Young Chef Award respectively in the Black Pearl Restaurant Guide, affirming the distinguished reputation of Hong Kong’s culinary talent in the Asian dining scene. In the “MICHELIN Guide Hong Kong Macau 2026”, more Hong Kong establishments were awarded MICHELIN stars than in the previous year, bringing a total to 77 Michelin-starred restaurants in one destination, further demonstrating the world-class standard of the city’s culinary scene.

Top Asian Chefs and Global Media Gather in Hong Kong to Experience the City’s Culinary

Capitalising on the opportunity presented by major culinary event being hosted in Hong Kong, HKTB arranged exchanges between leading Asian chefs and renowned local culinary talent, enabling them to experience the city’s diverse gastronomic offerings and produce promotional videos dedicated to “Taste Hong Kong”. In addition, HKTB leveraged its global network to invite media representatives from the Chinese Mainland, Taiwan, South Korea, Southeast Asia and other key markets to visit Hong Kong. In addition to attending the award ceremony for media coverage of the event, HKTB curated a series of immersive culinary experiences to fully showcase Hong Kong’s unique charm as a Culinary Capital.

Highlights of the itinerary included engaging with local master chef Vicky Cheng to gain firsthand insight into his exceptional culinary skills and cooking philosophy; participating in a dim sum workshop led by master chef Wong Lung-to, Executive Chef of Forum Restaurant, to learn how to make classic Cantonese dim sum such as siu mai (Cantonese pork dumplings) and har gow (shrimp dumplings); and joining an egg tart baking workshop. Media representatives were also invited to dine at several listed restaurants and visit emerging bars to experience Hong Kong’s diverse food and beverage culture in full. Through in-depth media coverage, the media trip will help promote Hong Kong’s distinctive culinary appeal to audiences worldwide, attracting more visitors to explore “Taste Hong Kong” and further consolidating the city’s status as a Culinary Capital.

11 Exclusive Collaborative Signature Sessions around the Awards Ceremony to Share Hong Kong’s Gastronomic Experiences

To encourage locals and visitors to immerse themselves in the vibrant atmosphere surrounding the award ceremony, HKTB partnered with the organiser for the first time this year to invite 40 internationally renowned and local award-winning restaurants to present 11 limited-time collaborative Signature Sessions covering various global cuisines, bringing multiple tasting surprises to locals and visitors. The events attracted many locals and visitors, allowing everyone to experience the charm of global cuisines converging in Hong Kong at a single table.

Full results of Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants 2026:
https://www.theworlds50best.com/asia/en/list/1-50

Members of the media can download the press release and the photos from the following links:
Press release: https://www.discoverhongkong.com/eng/hktb/newsroom/press-releases.html
Photos: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/19Klgl88mvnu39tK71nUkqtX3f9GOG5n2?usp=sharing

For media inquiries, please contact:

Ms Holly Chan Tel: 2807 6206 Email: [email protected]	Ms Irene Tsang Tel: 2807 6541 Email: [email protected]

Photos accompanying this announcement are available at

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/9a1c70a5-1952-411e-a573-383b93e2869f

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/dc143291-d78b-4f50-81d7-6e6e4933d03e

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/6d1999bb-4156-474b-846e-3eb89f934ace

GlobeNewswire Distribution ID 9679576

March 26, 2026

11th Annual USC Survey Finds “Quiet Shift” in Public Relations as Polarization Reshapes Corporate Speech

2026 Global Communication Report Shows Declining Support For Corporate Advocacy

LOS ANGELES, March 26, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Political and social polarization is changing when, where and how companies speak out on societal issues, according to the 2026 Global Communication Report from the USC Annenberg Center for Public Relations.

This year’s survey of public relations professionals reveals increased defensiveness in corporate communications. Support for companies taking positions on social issues unrelated to their main business has dropped by 38 percent since the killing of George Floyd, with only 55% of respondents agreeing that companies have a responsibility to advocate for or support social issues.

The USC Center for Public Relations study also finds that polarization is damaging mental health and employee morale, while raising the strategic importance of communication within organizations. Ninety-one percent of PR professionals say polarization has increased the importance of public relations within their companies.

Overall, the report identifies a “quiet shift” in corporate communication, as companies move away from broad, purpose-driven messaging toward a more situational approach to public engagement. This increased caution does not signal a retreat from communication. As companies reassess where and when to engage, some conversations have receded while others have accelerated.

Some key insights from this year’s report include:

81% of PR professionals say the level of polarization in the United States is high or extremely high, compared with 69% of the general public. By age group, Gen X and Baby Boomer PR professionals are more likely to view current levels as severe, while Gen Z and Millennial communicators more closely mirror the views of the general public.
PR professionals are divided on strategy in a polarized environment: Agency communicators tend to favor a proactive approach (53% support “playing offense”), while in-house professionals are more likely to favor a defensive posture (44%).
41% of PR professionals say silence can sometimes be the most effective communication strategy in a polarized environment. Among in-house communicators, that number rises to 52%.
More than 60% of PR professionals say elected officials and government agency stakeholders have increased in priority over the past year.
PR professionals expect increased investment in artificial intelligence, crisis communication and government relations over the next five years, while investments in DEI, sustainability and purpose-driven initiatives are expected to decline.
More than two-thirds of in-house communicators believe their organizations are likely to restructure the PR function in the near future.

Despite growing challenges, 72% of PR professionals remain optimistic about the profession’s future growth.

“Polarization has magnified the value of PR, even though many companies are communicating less,” said Fred Cook, director of the USC Annenberg Center for Public Relations. “But the shift from playing offense to defense requires a different skill set and mindset. The decisions we make today will have an outsized impact on the future of the profession.”

“Today’s environment demands more from communicators than ever before. As brands navigate complex, polarized issues, communications must deliver clarity, context, and confidence in how organizations show up,” said John Box, CEO at Meltwater. “Data has become central to that role, providing real-time insight into public sentiment, risk, and where brands should engage. The most effective communicators use those insights to help their companies listen closely, engage thoughtfully, and make decisions grounded in evidence and purpose – protecting reputation and building long-term trust.”

The 2026 Global Communication Report was produced by the USC Annenberg Center for Public Relations with support from Meltwater and the International Association of Business Communicators (IABC). The full report is available at annenberg.usc.edu/gcr.

About the USC Center for Public Relations

Based at the USC Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism, the USC Center for Public Relations (CPR) connects corporations, agencies, academics and students to define the future of our industry and to develop those who will shape it. Under the direction of longtime Golin agency leader and current USC Annenberg professor Fred Cook, CPR conducts and publishes research reports that forecast the future of communication, as well as forward-looking, thought-provoking content authored by our board of advisers, staff, and USC colleagues. Signature initiatives include the Global Communication Report, USC Annenberg’s Kenneth Owler Smith Symposium, the USC Relevance Report, and the Lead On! leadership forum for women in communication. Follow the Center for PR on social media (@USCCenterforPR, #PRFUTURE).

About Meltwater

Meltwater empowers companies with a suite of solutions that spans media, social and consumer intelligence. By analyzing ~1 billion pieces of content each day and transforming them into vital insights, Meltwater unlocks the competitive edge needed to drive results. With 27,000 global customers, 50 offices across six continents, and 2,200 employees, Meltwater is the industry partner of choice for global brands making an impact. Learn more at meltwater.com

About IABC

IABC is the leading global association connecting communication professionals with the people and insights necessary to drive results. Bringing together the profession’s collective disciplines, IABC delivers on the Global Standard in communication through local chapters and regions; educational offerings; certification; awards; a proprietary resource library; diverse and global voices; and worldwide conferences, including IABC World Conference, one of the premier annual conferences for the communication profession. Learn more about IABC at https://www.iabc.com.

Contact Information:
Ron Antonette
[email protected]

GlobeNewswire Distribution ID 9679230

March 25, 2026

Zoom AI Companion 3.0 Empowers Workers to Reclaim Time, Backed by New Research on Lost Lunch Breaks

Morning Consult study inspires Zoom’s “Hard Stop Burger Shop” pop-up in NYC, highlighting how AI automation can reduce meeting overload and restore balance to the workday

NEW YORK, March 25, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Today, Zoom Communications Inc. (NASDAQ: ZM) enters the next phase of its Zoom Ahead campaign with Take Back Lunch, a cultural movement designed to help workers reclaim time in their day, starting with lunch. The initiative brings together new research in partnership with Morning Consult, product innovation powered by Zoom AI Companion 3.0, and an experiential activation in New York City to show productivity gains in action.

A new national study conducted by Morning Consult on behalf of Zoom found that 60% of U.S. knowledge workers squeeze in a short lunch between meetings or tasks, 35% skip lunch at least once per week, and three in four regularly eat at their desks while actively working. Heavy workloads (63%) and meetings scheduled over lunch (54%) are the biggest contributors to lost lunch time. And in the era of video-first work, nearly three in four workers (72%) say they would rather skip lunch than eat on camera during a meeting.

Making Productivity Tangible

“While much of the conversation around AI focuses on future potential, most teams are still dealing with a very present challenge: time lost to fragmented tools and manual follow-through,” said Kimberly Storin, Chief Marketing Officer at Zoom. “Zoom’s AI Companion 3.0 automates what happens before, during, and after meetings so teams can reclaim time in their day. ‘Take Back Lunch’ is designed to make a broader shift visible. When AI is embedded into the flow of work, time isn’t just saved, it’s returned to people.”

Zoom AI Companion is an agentic AI assistant that automates tasks, connects workflows, and helps teams move from conversation to execution across Zoom Workplace. Key capabilities include:

Automated meeting summaries and decision capture: Instantly generates notes, highlights, and action items so teams can stay aligned without manual follow-up.
Cross-platform context unification: Connects to data from meetings, messages, files, and third-party apps to provide a single, intelligent view of work.
Proactive task management and follow-up generation: Identifies next steps, assigns tasks, and keeps projects moving with less manual coordination.
Real-time insights and intelligent assistance across Zoom Workplace: Embedded across Zoom Workplace, including meetings, chat, and phone, and available on the web at ai.zoom.us for easy access to AI insights throughout the workday.

The Morning Consult study underscores the opportunity for workers when they use AI tools:

76% of workers who use AI tools report saving at least 30 minutes per day, including 43% who save an hour or more.
Nearly 3 in 4 (73%) say they would use time saved by AI to take a dedicated lunch break.
66% are open to using AI-powered meeting tools, such as automated notes and smart recaps, to skip meetings that conflict with lunch.
70% believe AI tools can help restore their work-life balance.

Introducing the Hard Stop Burger Shop

To bring the movement to life, Zoom will open the Hard Stop Burger Shop, a speakeasy style burger pop-up inside a Manhattan office building, from March 25 – March 27.

Time slot reservations open to the public can be made at takebacklunch.nyc.

Beyond the days of the activation, workers can join the movement to “Take Back Lunch” at zoomahead.com/lunch. The goal: Reclaim 1 million lunches by encouraging workers to commit to protecting their break time, demonstrating how AI-powered productivity can translate into meaningful human outcomes.

A Cultural Signal Within Zoom Ahead

Take Back Lunch builds on Zoom Ahead, Zoom’s largest brand campaign to date, which reflects a broader truth about work today: there are more tools than ever, yet work often feels more fragmented and less human. Zoom Ahead positions Zoom as an AI-first workplace platform built to connect people to progress. What started as the best way to meet has evolved into a system of action for modern work, reducing friction, unifying workflows, and embedding agentic AI directly into the daily flow of collaboration.

Survey Methodology
This survey was conducted online by Morning Consult on behalf of Zoom between February 17 – March 3, 2026, among a national sample of 1,047 U.S. knowledge workers. Oversamples were collected in New York City (276), San Francisco (166), Chicago (224), Dallas (217), Atlanta (202), and Denver (105). Results from national data have a margin of error of +/- 3 percentage points; oversample data have margins of error of +/- 6–10 percentage points.

About Zoom
Zoom (NASDAQ: ZM) is a system of action for modern work, turning live collaboration into completed results. From entrepreneurs to global enterprises, customers choose Zoom to seamlessly collaborate, communicate, and drive outcomes across meetings, phone, contact center, and more — all with the built-in assistance of Zoom AI Companion. Founded in 2011, Zoom is headquartered in San Jose, CA. For more information, visit zoom.com.

Media Contact
Rebecca Bernhard
[email protected]
[email protected]

GlobeNewswire Distribution ID 9678380

March 25, 2026

“Hong Kong Mega 8” Showcases the City’s Allure as the “Events Capital of Asia”

Outdoor Digital Art Projection and City Art Walks Bring World‑Class Artistic Elements into Local Neighbourhoods

HONG KONG, March 25, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Riding on the wave of a spectacular line‑up of mega events throughout March and April, the Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) rolled out the “Hong Kong Mega 8” campaign. The campaign brings together eight highlighted world‑class mega events of arts, pop culture and sports, and citywide programmes, inviting visitors from around the world to Hong Kong to experience the vibrant arts scenes in local neighbourhoods and discover Hong Kong’s captivating allure as the “Events Capital of Asia.”

(From left to right) Noah Horowitz, CEO of Art Basel, Dr Peter Lam Kin-ngok, GBM, GBS, Chairman of Hong Kong Tourism Board, and Aniko Berman, Director of AOTM Gallery to host the launch ceremony of the outdoor digital art project

(From left to right) Noah Horowitz, CEO of Art Basel, Dr Peter Lam Kin-ngok, GBM, GBS, Chairman of Hong Kong Tourism Board, and Aniko Berman, Director of AOTM Gallery to host the launch ceremony of the outdoor digital art project

Dr. Peter Lam, HKTB Chairman, said, “Through the ‘Hong Kong Mega 8’ campaign, HKTB has brought together highlighted art and sports mega events and citywide programmes to fully showcase Hong Kong’s strengths as the ‘Events Capital of Asia’. For the first time, HKTB is partnering with Art Basel to bring digital arts into local neighbourhoods. We would like to thank Hongkong Land for its strong support, which allow us to bring world‑class public art to the heart of Central. We will also work with our trade partners in various sectors to launch and promote the city’s diversified travel experiences. Our aim is to maximise the economic benefits of mega events by enhancing the visitor experience, encouraging them to extend their stay in Hong Kong, and creating more business opportunities for the local travel trade and related sectors.”

DeePle the People

First‑Ever Collaboration with Art Basel Hong Kong Takes Digital Art into Hong Kong Neighbourhoods with World‑Class Art Projection Free for Audience

With the launch of the “Hong Kong Mega 8” campaign, a series of international arts and cultural events will take place across the city. This year, Art Basel Hong Kong will bring its global initiative “Zero 10” from Art Basel Miami Beach to Art Basel Hong Kong for its Asian debut, presenting digital artworks encompassing code-based creations, light and sound. South Korean digital artist DeeKay—highly regarded by global NFT collectors—will showcase his digital artworks in the “Zero 10” sector.

To extend digital art experiences beyond the show floor, HKTB and Art Basel will launch Digital Art @Central ahead of the fair’s opening, bringing an artistic ambience to the neighbourhood. DeeKay’s new digital animation artwork, DeePle the People, will bring digital art from the fair into the urban space of Central. The artwork presents a vibrant, all‑over Hong Kong street scene, with people of different ages, races and occupations weaving through a busy intersection. DeeKay created around 100 individually designed characters, and incorporated elements from the city’s signature mega events—including dragon boat paddlers, jockeys, chefs and performers—bringing a distinctly Hong Kong character to the work. DeeKay said he was thrilled to collaborate with the HKTB, and particularly appreciates presenting digital art in a public space, as it allows the work to reach a broader and more diverse audience. “Beyond the skyline and landmarks, I wanted to reflect the city as a living, moving place shaped by its people, its rhythm, and its cultural vibrancy.” From 24 to 29 March, the artwork will be projected onto the façade of the Hong Kong Club Building from 7 pm to 11 pm daily, allowing locals and visitors to enjoy a worldclass, large-scale public art experience in the centre of the city.

Promoting Local Arts Guides ＆ Community Arts Experiences for In‑Depth Cultural Exploration

Promoting Local Arts Guides ＆ Community Arts Experiences for In‑Depth Cultural Exploration

Meanwhile, HKTB has collaborated with Art Central to launch the digital “Hong Kong Art Month Discovery Guide”. The guide will provide all-in-one travel information and compiles exciting events across the city’s art districts, covering gallery exhibitions, special museum showcases, and performing arts programmes across Central, Sheung Wan, Wan Chai, Tai Hang, the Southern District, Tsim Sha Tsui, and the West Kowloon Cultural District and includes dining recommendations in the vicinity to help visitors plan their cultural journeys and explore arts events in various parts of the city, promoting in-depth cultural tourism. Art Central also offers travel and experience packages featuring accommodation, dining, attractions and transportation, facilitating a smooth arts and cultural journey in Hong Kong for visitors.

In addition to the major art events, various districts across Hong Kong will showcase artistic vibrancy during the period. ArtHouse Tai Hang 2026 is transforming 10 historic houses in Tai Hang into a pop‑up hub of art and local dining, featuring art exhibitions, installations, guided tours, talks and performances. The festival invites both locals and visitors to explore the neighbourhood, enjoying a city-walk style art experience while driving spending at dining and retail establishments in the vicinity.

Furthermore, Hongkong Land will transform the heart of Central into a vibrant cultural journey with Art Walk in Central. Featuring guided tours, performance-led walks, and public art encounters across the district, the programme invites visitors to rediscover iconic sculptures at Hongkong Land Portfolios. At LANDMARK Atrium, talented artist Ayako Rokkaku, who will present her solo debut and largest interactive art installation. The season culminates in a spectacular finale — OPEN and Art on the Move trucks — a dynamic open-air street celebration that will transform Chater Road on 29 March.

WestK’s world-class museums also unveils a series of new exhibitions and events in March, all of which are unmissable. M+ proudly presents Lee Bul: From 1998 to Now (until 9 August 2026), tracing the evolution of pioneering Korean artist Lee Bul’s groundbreaking practice. Zao Wou-Ki: Master Printmaker (until 3 May 2026) offers new perspectives of the career of the celebrated Chinese French master, marking Asia’s first major retrospective of the artist’s graphic works. The Hong Kong Palace Museum celebrates the Year of the Horse in Heavenly Horses: Masterpieces from the Palace Museum (20 March 2026 – 17 March 2027), showcasing the artistic achievement of Chinese horse painting. Presented by WestK Performing Arts, WestK FunFest also returns from 19 March to 12 April 2026 with over 120 family-friendly arts and cultural experiences, including the Asian debut of the large-scale interactive art installation.

ArtHouse Tai Hang
Date: 21 – 25 Mar 2026 (Sat – Wed)
Venue: From 8 Wun Sha Street to Little Tai Hang

Through a group exhibition featuring over 50 artists, 10 exhibiting houses will host art exhibitions, installations, guided tours, talks and performances, revitalising Tai Hang into a hub of art and dining and offering a city walk art experience.

Art Walk in Central
Date: 21 Mar – 4 Apr 2026
Venue: Central

Hongkong Land will transform the heart of Central into a vibrant cultural journey with Art Walk in Central. Featuring guided tours, performance-led walks, and public art encounters across the district, the program invites visitors to rediscover iconic sculptures at Hongkong Land Portfolios. At LANDMARK Atrium, talented artist Ayako Rokkaku, who will present her solo debut and largest interactive art installation. The season culminates in a spectacular finale — OPEN and Art on the Move trucks — a dynamic open-air street celebration that will transform Chater Road on 29 March.

Art Central 2026
Date: 25 – 29 Mar 2026 (Wed – Sun)
Venue: Central Harbourfront

Featuring pioneering galleries from Hong Kong, Asia and beyond to showcase a diverse and vibrant range of contemporary art. It includes a five-day programme of performances, installations, video art and talks, complemented by exceptional dining.

Art Basel Hong Kong 2026
Date: 27 – 29 Mar 2026 (Fri – Sun)
Venue: Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre

Uniting established and emerging voices from across the globe with a focus on artistic innovation and regional diversity, along with the next generation of galleries, artists and curators.

Zao Wou-Ki: Master Printmaker
Date: Until 3 May 2026
Venue: M+

The celebrated Chinese French Zao Wou-Ki is the most influential abstract artists of the mid- and late twentieth-century. The Exhibition offers new perspectives into the career of the artist, this is also Asia’s first major retrospective of the artist’s graphic works.

Heavenly Horses: Masterpieces from the Palace Museum
Date: 20 Mar 2026 – 17 Mar 2027
Venue: Hong Kong Palace Museum

The Hong Kong Palace Museum celebrates the Year of the Horse in Heavenly Horses: Masterpieces from the Palace Museum (20 March 2026 – 17 March 2027), showcasing the artistic achievement of Chinese horse painting and fostering dialogue between courtly and literati renderings of horses, classical and modern styles, and Chinese and European painting traditions.

WestK FunFest
Date: 19 Mar – 12 Apr 2026
Venue: West Kowloon Cultural District (Art Park, Freespace and Xiqu Centre)

Presented by WestK Performing Arts, WestK FunFest returns from 19 March to 12 April 2026 with family-friendly programmes for audiences of all ages. The Festival brings over 120 arts and cultural experiences by renowned local and international artists. This year’s highlights include the Asian debut of the large-scale interactive art installation from the UK, The Cats that Slept for a Thousand Years, a HK-style retro playground, DJ parties, and a wide variety of free performances.

One-Stop Platform Enhances Visitor Experiences of Citywide Events

Hong Kong welcomes overseas visitors to immerse themselves in the city’s unique experiences and exciting mega-events. Don’t miss the latest event schedule and special offers, available on the dedicated “Hong Kong Mega 8” page of the HKTB’s one-stop travel information portal!

Please visit the following website for more details: https://www.discoverhongkong.com/eng/what-s-new/events/hong-kong-mega-8.html

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