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Vantage Foundation and Banking Academy of Vietnam Launch Nationwide AI Finance Education Programme for 1,500 Educators and Students

HANOI, Vietnam , March 17, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Vantage Foundation formalised a strategic academic collaboration with the Banking Academy of Vietnam (BAV), one of the country's leading finance universities, to advance financial education in the era of artificial intelligence. Hosted at the BAV campus on March 12 and 14, the programme brought together leading academic institutions across Vietnam to equip both educators and students with practical knowledge in AI-driven financial analysis and decision-making. Also in attendance were dozens of ecosystem partners who care deeply about Vietnam's economic and technological advancement, including distinguished figures from Vietnam's local fintech and high-tech sectors as well as introducing broker (IB) partners—all of whom are fully confident in the country's socioeconomic development. The initiative was co-organised with more than 10 leading universities nationwide, including University of Economics Ho Chi Minh City (UEH), National Economics University (NEU), Vietnam National University – Hanoi (VNU-Hanoi), Vietnam National University – Ho Chi Minh City (VNU-HCM), and Foreign Trade University (FTU). These institutions represent some of Vietnam's most respected centres for economics and financial education and collectively formed a national academic coalition supporting the programme. At the centre of the initiative was the jointly developed course "Financial Data Analysis and Decision-Making in the Era of Artificial Intelligence (AI)", designed to introduce practical applications of AI within modern financial systems. A defining feature of the programme was its Training-of-Trainers (ToT) model, which equipped lecturers and professors from participating universities with contemporary AI-finance teaching frameworks. By empowering educators, the initiative allowed knowledge to cascade across institutions, enabling trained lecturers to bring advanced financial analytics and AI-driven decision-making concepts back into their own classrooms. The faculty training session saw participation far exceed initial expectations. While the programme was originally designed for around 20 participants, more than 250 professors from over 10 leading universities across Vietnam ultimately joined the session, including over 50 attending in person and more than 200 participating online. Among them was a delegation from Can Tho University, one of Vietnam's leading finance universities, whose dean and lecturers travelled more than 1,500 kilometres from the Mekong Delta to Hanoi to attend the training in person, despite having the option to participate remotely. Following the faculty training session on March 12, the programme delivered in-person learning to 500 university students on March 14 at the BAV campus in Hanoi. To expand access beyond the capital, the programme was also broadcast nationwide, enabling up to 1,000 additional participants to join online. The programme's academic sessions were delivered by lecturers at BAV, namely Dr. Vu Xuan Tung, AI Solution Architect at Goline Financial Technology JSC; and Ms. Truong Thi Minh Trang, M.Sc., Managing Director of Financial Information Services at FiinGroup, Vietnam's leading financial data and analytics provider backed by global financial information institutions including Nikkei and S&P Global. Dr. Tung led sessions covering AI applications in finance, macroeconomic models, and credit decision making, while Ms. Trang guided participants through real time financial data dashboards and practical AI adoption cases. The programme concluded with a certificate presentation ceremony jointly conducted by Mr. Floyd Wong, Head of Vietnam representing Vantage Foundation, as well as representatives from the Banking Academy of Vietnam. In total, the programme reached approximately 1,500 students and educators nationwide. Participation was capped due to venue capacity and technical limitations, with demand for the programme exceeding available places. The organisers viewed this initiative as the foundation for future collaborations aimed at expanding AI-driven financial education to a broader audience across Vietnam. "At Vantage Foundation, we believe education is a catalyst for sustainable progress. Our collaboration with the Banking Academy of Vietnam on the training programme Financial Data Analysis and Decision Making in the Era of AI reflects our dedication to strengthening financial education in a rapidly evolving landscape," said Mr. Adam Siew, Vice President of Business Development representing Vantage Foundation, who delivered the opening address during the programme. "Co-organised with more than 10 leading institutions including University of Economics Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam National University, and National Economics University, the initiative equips lecturers through specialised ToT sessions while also engaging more than 1,500 students both in person and online. Through this effort, we are investing in the educators and future leaders who will shape the next era of intelligent, responsible finance." Nguyễn Thanh Phương, Associate Professor, PhD and Vice Director of the Banking Academy of Vietnam, said the programme reflected the growing need for financial professionals to adapt to rapid technological change. "The rapid rise of artificial intelligence (AI) is no longer a prediction; it has become a reality reshaping the structure of the global financial industry. In Vietnam, traditional financial professionals are facing critical challenges, including a shortage of specialised skills and tools for collecting, analysing, and processing data, as well as increasing pressure for high speed processing and absolute accuracy in real time transaction environments. The modern financial and banking sector also requires rigorous risk management thinking and the capability to personalise services. Each professional is no longer simply an operational executor but must become an expert who deeply understands customers and can design tailored financial solutions while still ensuring system safety." He added that the partnership also aligns with the Academy's broader strategy to strengthen international collaboration and innovation in financial education. "BAV has always been a pioneer in integrating financial technology and AI trends into its curriculum. Our decision to collaborate with Vantage Foundation is part of our roadmap for internationalisation and innovation in training methods. We believe this partnership will connect academic learning with international practice and create a solid launchpad for students to confidently enter the global labour market." Through this collaboration, Vantage Foundation continues to support youth development and financial literacy initiatives aligned with Vietnam's national focus on digital capability, fintech innovation, and workforce readiness in the financial sector. Vantage Foundation Vantage Foundation is an independent charitable organization launched at the McLaren Technology Centre in the UK in 2023. The foundation has partnered with organisations worldwide, including Grab Indonesia, the iREDE Foundation in Nigeria, Teach for Malaysia, and Instituto Claret in Brazil, to drive impactful social initiatives. For more information, please visit www.vantage.foundation Banking Academy of Vietnam The Banking Academy of Vietnam (BAV) is a leading public higher education institution specialising in banking, finance, economics, and business administration. Established under the State Bank of Vietnam, BAV has played a pivotal role in developing the nation's financial and banking workforce. With a strong emphasis on academic excellence, applied research, and industry relevance, the Academy serves as a key talent pipeline for Vietnam's public and private financial sectors. For more information, please visit https://en.hvnh.edu.vn/

2026-03-17
Explore More of Japan: Expanded JR EAST PASS Opens Access to the Underexplored Tohoku Region

New rail pass expands coverage across eastern Japan, making it easier for international travelers to explore Tohoku's seasonal landscapes, festivals, and cultural destinations. TOKYO, March 17, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- East Japan Railway Company (JR East) has announced the launch of a newly expanded JR EAST PASS, available from March 14, 2026. Tohoku, comprising six prefectures in northern Honshu, is emerging as one of Japan's most compelling year-round destinations for travelers venturing beyond the major metropolitan hubs. However, it currently accounts for just 1.5 percent of overnight stays by inbound visitors. Recognizing the significant potential for further growth, JR East aims to increase that share to 5 percent by 2034 by improving rail accessibility and encouraging deeper regional exploration. Tohoku Shinkansen passing through cherry blossoms in full bloom. (C) KENTA MUKAWA New JR EAST PASS: https://www.jreast.co.jp/en/multi/pass/eastpass.html The new JR EAST PASS replaces both the former JR EAST PASS (Tohoku area) and JR EAST PASS (Nagano, Niigata area) with a single consolidated pass that offers unlimited access to reserved seats in ordinary cars across all JR East lines, including Shinkansen, limited express, express, local, and rapid services. Coverage also includes select partner railways, such as Tokyo Monorail, and regional operators, ensuring smooth airport access and regional connectivity. The pass is available in two formats: 5 consecutive days – ¥35,000 (Child: ¥17,500) 10 consecutive days – ¥50,000 (Child: ¥25,000) *Note: Adult (12 years and older) / Child (6 to 11 years old) Unlocking Tohoku The JR EAST PASS unlocks multi-region travel, making Tohoku's year-round attractions more accessible than ever for inbound travelers. In spring, travelers can venture northwards, utilizing the 10-day pass to chase the cherry blossom season in April at spectacular sites such as Miharu Takizakura in Fukushima and Hirosaki Park in Aomori. Alternatively, they can escape the heat and humidity of summer in Tokyo to explore Tohoku's cooler coastlines and mountain villages. Summer also brings celebration across the region, with famous festivals, from the Aomori Nebuta Festival's huge illuminated floats to the vibrant streamers of the Sendai Tanabata Festival in Miyagi. In the fall, foliage paints the mountain landscapes a kaleidoscope of color, while winter transforms locations such as Yamagata's Zao Onsen and Iwate's Appi Kogen into 'Japow' powder-snow paradises. The unified JR EAST PASS offers a flexible, cost-effective solution for travelers planning multi-city itineraries across eastern Japan. Destinations such as Nagano, known for its alpine landscapes and winter sports, and Niigata, celebrated for its coastal scenery and sake breweries, are firm favorites with international visitors. The pass also includes Tokyo and the surrounding prefectures of Gunma, Kanagawa, and Chiba, as well as parts of Shizuoka, offering access to hot spring towns, mountain retreats, and coastal destinations within easy reach of the capital. *More high-res images of Tohoku throughout the year are available for download here. Please refer to the file names for image credit information. Images for Press: https://bit.ly/JRE-Tohoku-Media With the newly broadened coverage, travelers can now continue north into Tohoku, reaching cities such as Aomori, Akita, and Sendai, without purchasing multiple regional tickets. Journeys between Tokyo and these destinations can entail substantial transport costs when purchased individually, and reserving seats further enhances convenience during peak travel seasons. The expansion reflects JR East's broader strategy to encourage travelers to move beyond established hubs and support more balanced regional tourism growth across eastern Japan. [Ayumi Utagawa], Project Manager of East Japan Railway Company, said: "As global interest in Japan continues to rise, we want to support more balanced tourism growth and sustainable regional revitalization. The JR EAST PASS removes barriers to deeper exploration, allowing travelers to experience the full richness of regional Japan, from its metropolises to its rural communities, onsen towns, and expansive landscapes. This region offers remarkable natural beauty and cultural richness across all four seasons, yet it remains underrepresented in many itineraries. We sincerely hope you will discover the Japan that is still unknown to many through the "JR EAST PASS." Additional Benefits JR EAST PASS holders can also take advantage of JRE Rewards, offering hundreds of discounts and special offers at stations, restaurants, and local shops across eastern Japan when travelers present their pass. JRE Rewards: https://www.jreast.co.jp/en/multi/jreastrewards/ Simplified Purchasing The pass can be purchased through the JR-EAST Train Reservation online platform, JR EAST Travel Service Centers, major stations within the coverage area, and participating overseas travel agencies. The expanded JR EAST PASS is available to all non-Japanese passport holders, regardless of visa status, including foreign residents living in Japan. In addition, several other rail products were updated on March 14, 2026: JR East–South Hokkaido Rail Pass (6 days, ¥40,000) – Expanded to include Niigata. Hokuriku Arch Pass (7 days, ¥35,000) – Expanded to include the Tokyo metropolitan area, Chuo Line, and Oito Line. JR TOKYO Wide Pass (3 days, ¥16,000) – Revised pricing. N'EX TOKYO Round Trip Ticket (¥5,200) – Revised pricing. JR Tohoku–South Hokkaido Rail Pass (6 days, ¥32,000) – Revised pricing. SENDAI AREA PASS (1 day, ¥1,420) – Revised pricing. For detailed information on the JR EAST PASS and all other passes mentioned, please visit [Find Your Pass] https://www.jreast.co.jp/en/multi/pass/ About East Japan Railway Company (JR East):East Japan Railway Company (JR East) is one of the world's leading rail operators, managing an extensive network of approximately 7,500 kilometers and serving more than 16 million passengers each day across eastern Japan. Expanding beyond traditional rail operations, JR East is committed to supporting regional revitalization and enhancing the travel experience across Japan. Through its "Beyond the Border" strategy, the company integrates transportation with retail, hospitality, and digital services, including innovations such as the "Suica Renaissance." In July 2025, JR East unveiled its Group Management Vision, "To the Next Stage" 2034 (Yusho 2034). From a human-centric, market-in perspective, the company aims to create new value through "Lifestyle Transformation (LX)," delivering peace of mind and inspiration to all stakeholders. Company Name: East Japan Railway CompanyLocation: 2-2-2 Yoyogi, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo, JapanEstablishment: April 1, 1987Paid-In Capital: 200,000 million JPYTotal Number of Shares Issued: 1,134,412,200Listed stock exchange: Tokyo Stock Exchange Prime MarketRepresentative: Yoichi KISE, President and CEOCorporate Website: https://www.jreast.co.jp/en/company/ Press Release (PDF): https://bit.ly/JRE-Tohoku-Media-20260317-PressReleaseMedia Contact:Overseas PR Representatives, Bluemoon Marketing Inc.E-mail: jreast@bluemoonmarketing.jp* Media inquiries only

2026-03-17
ASUS Unveils Game-Changing Liquid-Cooled AI Infrastructure Powered by NVIDIA Vera Rubin Platform

Delivering trusted AI with total flexibility, from rack-scale AI factories to edge and enterprise deployment TAIPEI, March 17, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- ASUS today unveiled its fully liquid-cooled AI infrastructure at NVIDIA GTC 2026 (Booth# 421), delivering a comprehensive, end-to-end solution powered by the NVIDIA Vera Rubin platform. Under the theme Trusted AI, Total Flexibility, this customizable framework — from rack-scale AI Factories, desktop AI supercomputing, Edge AI to Enterprise AI solutions — enables enterprises and cloud providers to build high-performance, energy-efficient large-scale AI clusters with unmatched efficiency and dramatically reduced PUE and TCO. ASUS Unveils Game-Changing Liquid-Cooled AI Infrastructure As a provider of NVIDIA GB300 NVL72 and NVIDIA HGX B300 systems, the flagship ASUS offering is the ASUS AI POD built on the NVIDIA Vera Rubin platform — a liquid-cooled, rack-scale powerhouse designed for massive AI workloads. Through strategic partnerships with leading cooling and component providers, ASUS offers diverse cooling modalities, tailored thermal solutions, and redundancy to meet any enterprise requirement. Proven by global client successes, ASUS provides expert consultation, a broad portfolio of AI and storage solutions, seamless infrastructure deployment, application integration, and ongoing services — combining scalability, and sustainability to drive business value and intelligence. From infrastructure to implementation: The ASUS AI Factory in action At the forefront is the flagship XA VR721-E3 built on NVIDIA Vera Rubin NVL72, a 100% liquid-cooled rack-scale system. This offers a TDP of up to 227kW (MaxP) or 187kW (MaxQ), delivers up to 10X higher performance per watt, and is purpose-built for trillion-parameter models and delivering massive AI performance for large-scale AI factories. Partnering with Vertiv, a global leader in critical digital infrastructure, Schneider Electric and other leading providers, ASUS delivers a full-stack power and cooling infrastructure designed for zero-throttle performance from standard deployments to advanced liquid cooling, ensuring redundancy for each specific needs. Addressing rigorous data-center demands, ASUS also introduces its latest server series built on NVIDIA HGX Rubin NVL8 systems, featuring eight NVIDIA Rubin GPUs connected via sixth-generation NVIDIA NVLink with integrated 800G bandwidth per GPU. To facilitate a seamless and cost-effective transition to liquid cooling, ASUS offers two distinct solutions: the XA NR1I-E12L, an innovative hybrid-cooled option; and the XA NR1I-E12LR, a 100% liquid-cooled system. The hybrid-cooled XA NR1I-E12L specifically combines direct-to-chip (D2C) liquid cooling for the NVIDIA HGX Rubin NVL8 baseboard with air cooling for the dual Intel® Xeon® 6 processors. The portfolio is further strengthened by high-performance scalable servers like the XA NB3I-E12 built on NVIDIA HGX B300 systems to ensure a solution for every demanding AI workload, the ESC8000A-E13X based on NVIDIA MGX integrated with NVIDIA ConnectX-8 SuperNICs for extreme GPU to GPU connectivity and ESC8000A-E13P accelerated by NVIDIA RTX PRO 4500 Blackwell Server Edition or NVIDIA RTX PRO 6000 Blackwell Server Edition GPUs, delivering breakthrough performance for demanding data processing, AI, video, and visual computing workloads in a power efficient design. The tangible impact of the complete ASUS AI Factory concept is already demonstrated through several successful customer deployments, where ASUS ESC8000 series powered a production-line digital twin built on  NVIDIA Omniverse libraries and integrated with NVIDIA's customizable multi-camera tracking workflow, enabling remote simulation and significantly reducing deployment risks, managing the entire process for seamless, low-disruption deployment and maximizes value from day one. To support these powerful systems and democratize AI development, ASUS also has established a robust data ecosystem by partnering with NVIDIA-Certified storage providers — including IBM, DDN, WEKA and VAST Data — to deliver scalable, resilient solutions for memory-intensive AI. A full spectrum of storage solutions across block storage-VS320D-RS12, JBOD-VS320D-RS12J, object storage-OJ340A-RS60, and software-defined systems — ensuring flexibility from edge to cloud, and from enterprise applications to AI and HPC workloads. Realizing physical AI: Full-stack edge AI supercomputing from development to deployment As the domain expert in full-stack edge AI, ASUS establishes a complete ecosystem for physical AI, delivering the critical compute power required from initial development to final deployment. The journey begins at the developer's desk with ASUS ExpertCenter Pro ET900N G3, a deskside supercomputer powered by the NVIDIA Grace Blackwell Ultra platform. Featuring NVIDIA NVLink-C2C interconnects and 748GB of coherent unified memory, it handles the heavy lifting of training massive models. Alongside it, the ultrasmall ASUS Ascent GX10 offers agile petaflop-scale performance powered by NVIDIA Grace Blackwell Superchip, ideal for rapid model iteration and scalable edge setups. This development prowess seamlessly transitions to the PE3000N, a ruggedized inference engine powered by NVIDIA Jetson Thor. Delivering a staggering 2,070 TFLOPS, the PE3000N provides the real-time compute needed for sensor fusion and autonomous navigation. Together, these systems form a unified workflow where open models such as NVIDIA Cosmos and vision AI libraries from Metropolis can effectively perceive, reason, and act in the physical world. Secure and scalable agentic AI development To further enhance these capabilities, ASUS Ascent GX10 and ASUS ExpertCenter Pro ET900N G3 empower agentic AI development with NVIDIA NemoClaw. This integration establishes an agent-ready platform for developers to build safe, long-running autonomous agents locally. By leveraging isolated sandbox environments, governed access control, and private on-device inference, ensuring safe and scalable agent workflows for the most demanding enterprise AI applications. Enterprise AI: ASUS AI Hub with real-time business intelligence To accelerate enterprise AI, ASUS presents the ASUS AI Hub, a turnkey on-premises AI platform optimized with ESC8000-series servers and powered by open-source LLMs such as NVIDIA Nemotron, and Gemma, enabling enterprises to build custom AI assistants, implement RAG-enhanced document intelligence, and maintain full data sovereignty for security and compliance. Proven internally across over 10,000 employees with peak loads exceeding 600 requests per hour, >80% OCR accuracy, and >30% efficiency gains, the platform features domain-specific modules for diverse applications — including the newly-developed ASUS agentic internal business-intelligence platform — that allow senior leaders to instantly access critical insights on costs, sales, gross margins, factory operations, and other key metrics through simple natural-language Q&A, transforming complex data into immediate, actionable executive decision-making power. ASUS and NVIDIA are also working together on NVIDIA NemoClaw — an open source stack that simplifies running OpenClaw always-on assistants, more safely, with a single command. It installs the NVIDIA OpenShell runtime—a secure environment for running autonomous agents, and open source models like NVIDIA Nemotron. Green computing and sustainability at the core Sustainability is a foundational pillar of the ASUS design philosophy, with green computing innovations integrated across both hardware and software to minimize TCO and environmental impact. On the hardware level, ASUS servers feature Thermal Radar 2.0, which uses up to 56 sensors to intelligently optimize fan performance, cutting power consumption by up to 36% and saving approximately $29,000 annually in a 1,000-node cluster. This commitment extends to software with the ASUS Control Center (ACC) Data Center Edition, a unified management platform that enhances security and includes automated carbon emissions tracking, providing enterprises with the tools needed to achieve their critical ESG goals. ASUS, the AI supercomputing domain expert, provides comprehensive solutions and services, from consultation and deployment to user training and seamless integration via OpenAI-compatible APIs. As enterprises navigate the AI era, ASUS flexibly offers a cost-effective, secure, powerful and sustainable pathway to innovation and intelligent management. AVAILABILITY & PRICING ASUS servers are available worldwide. However, the availability of certain other ASUS products is subject to local regulatory requirements. For specific product availability and offerings in your region, please contact your local ASUS representative.

2026-03-17
TWSE Delegation Deepens U.S. Engagement to Advance Asian Asset Management Center Vision

TAIPEI, March 17, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Taiwan Stock Exchange (TWSE) Chairman & CEO Sherman Lin led a delegation to New York for meetings with exchanges, global asset managers, institutional investors and index providers as part of efforts to strengthen Taiwan's position as an Asian Asset Management Center and deepen engagement with international financial markets. The delegation met with representatives from more than ten institutions, outlining TWSE's latest initiatives to enhance market quality and strengthen corporate value creation, while responding to investor interest in Taiwan's ETF market development, exchange initiatives and measures aimed at maintaining a supportive investment environment. The discussions also centered on the forthcoming "Power Up Plan 2.0," which aims to encourage Taiwan-listed companies to provide more transparent disclosure on capital deployment and how it supports sustainable shareholder returns. "Power Up Plan 2.0 places a strong emphasis on greater transparency in strategy disclosure and more disciplined capital allocation," Lin said. "We encourage companies to demonstrate how their capital decisions support long-term business objectives and deliver sustainable shareholder returns." Under the initiative, TWSE will refine its disclosure guidance and strengthen its corporate governance evaluation framework to enhance consistency and comparability across the market. "Taiwan is home to many high-quality companies with significant potential," Lin added. "Through improved trading support, clearer disclosure and enhanced market visibility, we aim to help these companies attract broader institutional participation." Taiwan's equity market is the world's seventh largest by market capitalization, with foreign investors accounting for almost half of total holdings, underscoring strong international participation. The ETF market was another key area of discussion. Taiwan now ranks as the third-largest ETF market in Asia Pacific, supported by product diversification, an inclusive regulatory framework and collaboration across the wider ecosystem. The market has expanded to include both active and passive multi-asset ETFs, providing investors with a broader set of allocation tools. ETF participation continues to rise, with more than 14 million investors now active in the market. TWSE noted that mechanisms such as regular investment plans and odd-lot trading have played an important role in attracting younger investors. TWSE also highlighted the upcoming Taiwan Weeks 2026 initiative, which will showcase Taiwan's strengths in diversified financial products, sustainable governance and financial technology. Leveraging Taiwan's position as a global supply-chain hub and the depth of international capital flowing into its markets, TWSE said it will continue to maintain close engagement with global investors and financial institutions while promoting cross-border cooperation to support Taiwan's development as a leading regional asset management center. TWSE Chairman Sherman Lin (4th from right) and Nasdaq Executive Vice Chairman Edward Knight (3rd from left) join representatives for a group photo. About TWSE The Taiwan Stock Exchange (the TWSE) started operations on February 9, 1962. The TWSE is responsible for operating and advancing the Taiwan securities market. The TWSE's primary business operations include listing, trading, settlement, and surveillance. These comprise listing promotion and review, post-listing supervision and corporate governance, maintaining market trading and order, securities firms' services, investor protection, clearing and settlement operations, safeguarding against market defaults and the monitoring of illegal transactions. The Exchange provides comprehensive services to the securities market.

2026-03-17
MiTAC Accelerates Next-Gen AI with Turnkey Solutions and Flexible NVIDIA MGX at NVIDIA GTC 2026

SAN JOSE, Calif., March 17, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- MiTAC Computing Technology Corporation, a global leader in high-performance and energy-efficient server solutions, and a subsidiary of MiTAC Holdings Corporation (TSE:3706), is proud to announce its participation at NVIDIA GTC 2026 (Booth #100). Under the theme "Enterprise AI, Flexible by Design," MiTAC will showcase its latest breakthroughs in AI servers based on NVIDIA MGX and comprehensive AI turnkey solutions. MiTAC Accelerates Next-Gen AI with Turnkey Solutions and Flexible NVIDIA MGX at NVIDIA GTC 2026 In collaboration with industry leaders including NVIDIA, AMD, DDN, Intel, Micron, Rafay, Sandisk, and Solidigm, MiTAC advances accelerated computing and next-generation data centers, empowering customers with end-to-end capabilities for AI training, inference, and Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG) applications. Empowering AI Infrastructure Management Platform with Rafay To address the complexities of modern AI workloads, MiTAC has integrated its hardware with advanced software stacks to enable seamless GPU management and high-performance storage applications. Through a strategic partnership with Rafay, MiTAC enables a unified control plane capable of managing large-scale containerized environments. This collaboration empowers enterprises to streamline Kubernetes orchestration and the automated dispatching of HPC and AI workloads via Slurm controllers. By simplifying complex orchestrations, MiTAC and Rafay empower organizations to scale AI workloads efficiently while maintaining enterprise-grade operational governance. "Our collaboration with MiTAC simplifies the complexities of modern AI by providing a unified platform to manage massive container clusters. By integrating Rafay's software stack with MiTAC's systems based on the MGX architecture, we empower enterprises to automate Kubernetes orchestration and AI workload dispatching via Slurm, ensuring efficient scaling and rigorous operational control." — Haseeb Budhani, co-founder and CEO of Rafay. This advanced Pod Management Solution is powered by MiTAC's Next-gen G Series High-throughput 4U AI Powerhouse based on the NVIDIA MGX reference architecture. This 4U, 2-socket server features the latest dual AMD EPYCTM "Venice" processors and supports up to 8 double-width GPUs. Designed for deployment flexibility, this platform can be equipped with NVIDIA RTX PRO 4500 Blackwell Server Edition or NVIDIA RTX PRO 6000 Blackwell Server Edition as well as NVIDIA H200 GPU. It integrates Micron® 9550 NVMe™ SSD or Solidigm™ D7-PS1010 drives in the E3.S PCIe Gen 5 form factor, and offers high-speed networking via eight 400GbE LAN ports (powered by NVIDIA ConnectX-8 SuperNICs). Purpose-built for large-scale Generative AI training and inference, the system delivers the massive throughput, low latency, and scalability required for modern AI factories and enterprise AI deployments. For organizations seeking alternative configurations, MiTAC also presents the 4U platform based on MGX with 8 GPUs powered by dual Intel® Xeon® 6700P. This configuration integrates Micron® 9550 NVMe™ SSD or Solidigm™ D7-PS1010 drives in the E1.S PCIe Gen 5 form factor, alongside Micron® DDR5 DRAM. Enabling Turnkey AI Inference and RAG Solutions with DDN's Intelligent AI Data Platform Addressing the intensive data demands of multimodal RAG pipelines, MiTAC and DDN have partnered to showcase the world's fastest turnkey AI inference and RAG solutions. This collaboration features DDN Infinia, providing ultra-low latency document retrieval for instant AI inferencing responses and maximizing GPU utilization by minimizing data movement to support high-throughput AI workloads. Utilizing MiTAC's servers based on NVIDIA MGX equipped with RTX PRO GPUs, this solution is optimized for enterprise AI applications, offering seamless scalability across racks and clustered deployment. The solution architecture combines MiTAC's next-generation 4U AI platform based on NVIDIA MGX and is supported by the R1917GC management server based on NVIDIA MGX, forming a unified AI infrastructure spanning core, edge, and management layers. Powered by NVIDIA Grace or NVIDIA Vera CPUs, the R1917GC delivers exceptional compute density and memory bandwidth using LPDDR5X while operating within strict power constraints. Integrated with Micron® 6550 ION NVMe™ SSD, Sandisk SN861 or Solidigm™ D7-PS1010, drives in the U.2 PCIe Gen 5 form factor, alongside RDMA-enabled connectivity, the system can function as a Kubernetes control node, storage head, or edge AI compute platform—maximizing efficiency and reducing total cost of ownership across distributed deployments. To establish a robust foundation for AI-scale data lake architecture, the solution incorporates the GC68A-B8056 storage server. The GC68A-B8056 is a 1U, single-socket high-density platform featuring 24 DIMM slots supporting DDR5-4800 memory and 12 hot-swappable, tool-less NVMe U.2 drive bays for high-performance storage density. The system also includes a PCIe 5.0 x16 OCP v3.0 LAN mezzanine slot and dual NVMe M.2 slots for boot drives, enabling the high-speed data ingestion and sustained throughput required for large-scale AI datasets and analytics workloads. "Through our strategic partnerships with Rafay and DDN, MiTAC delivers comprehensive, turnkey AI infrastructure that addresses the entire lifecycle of training, inference, and RAG applications. By integrating our flexible server designs based on NVIDIA MGX architecture with Rafay's advanced AI infrastructure orchestration and DDN's intelligent AI data platform, we are providing customers with the world's advanced end-to-end solutions for next-generation data centers." — Rick Hwang, President of MiTAC Computing. For more GTC information and solution catalogs please visit: MiTAC Computing GTC 2026 event site NVIDIA Platform Brochure About MiTAC Computing Technology Corporation MiTAC Computing Technology Corp., a subsidiary of MiTAC Holdings, delivers comprehensive, energy-efficient server solutions backed by industry expertise dating back to the 1990s. Specializing in AI, HPC, cloud, and edge computing, MiTAC Computing employs rigorous methodologies to ensure uncompromising quality—across barebones, systems, racks, and cluster levels—fully achieving performance and integration. This commitment to quality at every level sets MiTAC Computing apart in the industry. With a worldwide presence and end-to-end capabilities—from R&D and manufacturing to global support—MiTAC Computing provides agile, customized platforms for hyperscale data centers, HPC, and AI applications, ensuring optimal performance and scalability to meet unique business needs. By leveraging the latest advancements in AI and liquid cooling, and unifying the MiTAC brand with Intel DSG and TYAN server products, MiTAC Computing stands out for its innovative, efficient, and reliable server technology as well as its hardware and software integrated solutions—empowering businesses to meet future challenges. MiTAC Computing Technology Corporation website: https://www.mitaccomputing.com/

2026-03-17
Hyundai Motor, Kia and NVIDIA Expand Strategic Partnership for Next-Generation Autonomous Driving Technology

Strategic collaboration combines Hyundai Motor Group's Software-Defined Vehicle expertise with NVIDIA's AI to accelerate data-driven autonomous vehicle development Expanded partnership positions Hyundai Motor Group as an autonomous driving ecosystem leader with scalable deployment strategy for Level 2 and above systems Collaboration to deploy safe, scalable autonomous driving across Hyundai Motor Group select vehicles and Motional robotaxi services SEOUL, South Korea, March 17, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Hyundai Motor Company and Kia Corporation announced today an expanded strategic partnership with NVIDIA to advance autonomous driving technology development. This broadened framework aims to drive the activation of the future autonomous vehicle ecosystem in the rapidly evolving global software-defined vehicle (SDV) and autonomous driving markets. Hyundai Motor, Kia and NVIDIA Expand Strategic Partnership for Next-Generation Autonomous Driving Technology Under this collaboration, Hyundai Motor, Kia, and NVIDIA will combine Hyundai Motor Group's proven SDV capabilities with NVIDIA's industry-leading autonomous driving technology to create next-generation autonomous driving solutions. Hyundai Motor Group – grounded in its customer-centric philosophy of quality and safety – will integrate NVIDIA's autonomous driving technology of Level 2 and above in select vehicle models. This integration will enhance customer safety and convenience, positioning Hyundai Motor Group at the forefront of AI-defined driving. Through its autonomous vehicle joint venture Motional, Hyundai Motor Group will advance discussions with NVIDIA to leverage new technologies in support of further advancements to its Level 4 robotaxi capabilities, while accelerating technology and service capability. This partnership represents a key milestone in Hyundai Motor Group's commitment to safe and reliable autonomous driving technology implementation. This partnership is a strategic step for Hyundai Motor Group to accelerate the internalization of its proprietary driving AI, with data as the central driver. In the autonomous driving domain, competitive advantage is determined by both the excellence of foundation models and platforms and the continuous ability to generate and learn from high-quality, real-world driving data at scale. As Hyundai Motor and Kia continuously train their models using data collected under real-world driving conditions, Hyundai Motor Group is positioned to significantly strengthen its autonomous driving capabilities, including the development of proprietary AI models. Hyundai Motor Group will leverage NVIDIA's expansive data platforms and AI technologies while systematically integrating all accumulated data into a unified learning pipeline. This strategic approach will enhance autonomous driving development maturity, enabling Hyundai Motor Group to respond comprehensively to market dynamics while accelerating the internalization of data-driven autonomous driving technology. Building on the NVIDIA DRIVE Hyperion platform, Hyundai Motor Group will establish an integrated autonomous driving architecture scalable from Level 2 through to Level 4. Through the convergence of its in-house developed SDV architecture with NVIDIA DRIVE Hyperion, Hyundai Motor Group aims to launch a data cycle of continuous improvement encompassing: Real-world driving data collection across Hyundai Motor Group's vehicle fleet AI model training and continuous performance improvement Deployment and validation in production vehicles Hyundai Motor Group, including Motional, aims to fully internalize state-of-the-art autonomous driving technology and will simultaneously advance its internal autonomous driving technology development initiatives in parallel, ensuring continuous enhancement and strengthening its flexible global response capabilities. "The expanded partnership with NVIDIA marks an important milestone in realizing Hyundai Motor Group's vision for safe and reliable autonomous driving technology. Based on a unified, Group‑wide collaborative framework, we will strengthen our differentiated technological competitiveness — from Level 2 and above autonomous driving technology to Level 4 robotaxi services." – Heung-Soo Kim, Executive Vice President and Head of Global Strategy Office of Hyundai Motor Group. "The future of mobility will be built on AI and software. We're combining Hyundai Motor Group's leadership in vehicle engineering with NVIDIA's accelerated computing and AI to build safe, intelligent, NVIDIA DRIVE-based autonomous driving systems — from advanced driver assistance in select production vehicles to scalable robotaxi services with Motional." – Rishi Dhall, Vice President of Automotive at NVIDIA. More information about Hyundai Motor Group can be found at: http://www.hyundaimotorgroup.com or Newsroom: Media Hub by Hyundai, Kia Global Media Center (kianewscenter.com), Genesis Newsroom * Disclaimer: The information contained in this press release relates to matters that are subject to ongoing discussions between the parties and may be amended or updated. The specific structure, scope, timeline, and other details of the proposed cooperation will be finalized through a separate definitive agreement to be executed by the parties.

2026-03-17
PC Partner Technology Pte. Limited at NVIDIA GTC 2026: Powering the Future of Industrial Digitalization and Physical AI

SAN JOSE, Calif., March 17, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- PC Partner Technology Pte. Limited, a leading global hardware solutions manufacturer, is attending NVIDIA GTC 2026 in San Jose, California from March 16 to March 19, 2026, to showcase the latest high-performance computing solutions powered by the latest NVIDIA technologies. These systems can support workflows built on NVIDIA Omniverse Enterprise, specifically focusing on industrial digitalization and the creation of large-scale digital twins, targeting key customers and industry leaders looking to accelerate their AI training and 3D workflows through robust, enterprise-grade hardware. ZRS-MGX-R1 4U GPU Server based on NVIDIA MGX integrating with NVIDIA ConnectX-8 SuperNICEnterprise-Scale Simulation Hub The 4U GPU Server based on NVIDIA MGX integrating with NVIDIA ConnectX-8 SuperNIC, powered by NVIDIA RTX PRO 6000 Blackwell Server Edition GPUs, was made to be the ultimate simulation hub for large-scale enterprise environments. Purpose-built for NVIDIA Omniverse workloads, this server provides the massive computational density required for Physical AI and high-fidelity digital twins of entire industrial facilities. Featuring a modular architecture that supports up to 8x GPUs and 96GB of GDDR7 memory per card, this system bridges the gap between physical operations and digital optimization at an industrial scale. ZRS-326SV2 6U 8GPU ServerAffordable On-Premises Solution The ZRS-326SV2 6U 8GPU Server offers a high-performance, affordable platform for companies looking to prioritize data security and on-premises AI deployment to retain sensitive digital twins and proprietary industrial data within their own secure firewall without sacrificing computational power. This system is highly flexible and scalable in hardware configuration with up to 8 GPUs possible, which allows clients to tailor internal components to meet specific budget and project profiles, making it a top-tier solution that balance reliability and cost-performance ratio. W511Z-1P6E GPU WorkstationInnovation on Your Desktop The GPU Workstation is engineered to be the desktop solution for professional creators and engineers who are driving the next wave of industrial digitalization. Powered by NVIDIA RTX PRO 4500 Blackwell Workstation GPUs, it is a powerful entry point into the NVIDIA Omniverse ecosystem, allowing users to develop, test and optimize complex 3D workflows and digital twins with real-time, local AI capabilities at a desktop scale. Visit Us at GTC 2026 Learn more about PC Partner's full range of HPC solutions firsthand at Booth 178, San Jose Convention Center, San Jose, California, on March 16 – 19, 2026. About PC Partner Technology Pte. LimitedPC Partner was founded in 1997. Over the years, the Company has grown into a leading global manufacturer of computer electronics with overseas offices selling products worldwide, and a full range product portfolio which includes video graphics cards, Mini PCs, motherboards, embedded systems, gaming hardware, and more. The company also offers one-stop electronic manufacturing services to reputable brands all over the world. PC Partner Technology Pte. Limited also address business and enterprise computing and visualization needs of today's ever-changing market with GPU Server offerings.

2026-03-17
5 Reasons To Smile - Tineco Delivers Up To 56% Off On Amazon This Week

The global #1 in wet and dry hard floor cleaning goes big for the Amazon Big Smile Sale SYDNEY, March 17, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Tineco, the global #1 leader in wet and dry hard floor cleaning, is bringing a smile to the faces of house-proud Australians this week, with up to 56% off its wet and dry floor cleaners and stick vacuums range as part of the Amazon Big Smile Sale. 5 Reasons To Smile – Tineco Delivers Up To 56% Off On Amazon This Week The start of autumn, wet weather and the extra dirt and mud coming through the house means it's a great time to invest in convenient, deep and hygienic cleaning at home. Running from today through to Sunday, March 22, the Amazon Big Smile Sale will give Australians access to Tineco's leading cleaning features, including its renowned HyperSteam, HyperStretch and FlashDry self-cleaning technologies, all at a fraction of the normal recommended retail prices. Tineco's model line-up for this year's Amazon Big Smile Sale deals combine design and performance, with hard to beat savings: FLOOR ONE Stretch S6 – RRP $899 reduced to $399 – 56% off FLOOR ONE i7 Stretch Steam – RRP $999 reduced to $599 – 40% off FLOOR ONE S7 Artist – RRP $899 reduced to $579 – 36% off FLOOR ONE Switch S7 Stretch – RRP $1199 reduced to $799 – 33% off PURE ONE Station 5 – RRP $799 reduced to $559 – 30% off A key feature that sets Tineco wet and dry floor cleaners apart is the brand's proprietary MHCBS (Maintain Hygiene Clean Brush System) Technology, which involves a floating scraper continuously washing and rinsing the roller brush with fresh water while also keeping it free from tangles, to ensure a spotless finish and hygienic floor after cleaning. This makes a significant difference in the effectiveness of the floor clean, with only clean water used at all times of the cleaning process. Tineco's ongoing commitment to provide feature-rich and value-for-money cleaning solutions for consumers has led the company to be recognised as the #1 global leader in the household wet & dry floor cleaner category* for the fourth consecutive year by Euromonitor International, the world's leading independent provider of strategic market research. Tineco has also been the #1 wet & dry floor cleaner brand on Amazon in Australia, United States, Canada, France, Italy, and Japan for three years running, with the brand working hard to deliver deep discounts once again as part of this year's Big Smile Sale. Chris Loong of Tineco says: "Millions of consumers around the world put their trust in the Tineco brand to deliver deep, effective floor cleaning solutions for their home. The Amazon Big Smile Sale is the ideal opportunity for Australians to secure significant savings on our range of wet and dry floor cleaners and stick vacuums, exclusively available through Amazon Australia." "Whether you live in an apartment or have a busy household with children and pets, our range of wet and dry floor cleaners integrate cleaning technologies such as steam power and HyperStretch Technology with 180° lay-flat design to ensure that dust, dirt and messes have nowhere to hide." Tineco's FLOOR ONE Stretch S6 (RRP $899, now $399 – 56% OFF) cleans up wet and dry messes in one step and offers Dual-sided Edge Cleaning to get close up to skirtings and walls. Its 45° swivel design helps easily manoeuvre around furniture such as chairs and table legs and combined with a lay-flat design that reduces to just 13cm to get under low furniture, the Stretch S6 has daily spot cleaning covered. The inclusion of Tineco's signature FlashDry self-cleaning system that uses 70° fresh water and air to clean and dry from the pipes to the rollers means hands-free maintenance and an appliance that is always at the ready for its next task. Featuring Tineco's premium HyperSteam Technology, the FLOOR ONE i7 Stretch Steam (RRP $999, now $599 – 40% OFF) uses super-heated steam (up to 140℃ and reaching the floor at no less than 99℃) to dissolve stubborn grease, stains and sticky residue from floor surfaces. The 180° lay-flat design effortlessly reaches low areas, enabling the cleaning of hidden dust at heights as low as 13 cm. An 80-min run time allows for whole-house cleaning on a single charge and FlashDry self-cleaning makes post-use clean up quick and easy. Boasting an elegant design, Tineco's FLOOR ONE S7 Artist (RRP $899, now $579 – 36% OFF) subtly blends into the aesthetic of modern homes while retaining high performance, effective deep cleaning with powerful 22kPa suction and a 50-min run time. Its ultra-slim lay-flat design means the appliance compresses to just 12.85cm to fit under beds and sofas, and DualBlock Anti-Tangle scrapers prevent hair tangling and clogging – ideal for homes with fur-friends sharing living areas. FlashDry self-cleaning also features in this model, giving consumers every reason to smile thanks to a value-packed deal. Tineco's FLOOR ONE Switch S7 Stretch (RRP $1,199, now $799 – 33% OFF) is a 5-in-1 multi-function cleaner that features a SwitchPro Motor to switch between floor washer and vacuum for whole-house cleaning on the go. DualBlock Anti-Tangle design and ZeroTangle Brush design targets hair messes and pet fur with ease and prevents tangling. An upgraded FlashDry self-cleaning system uses fresh water heated to 85°C to effectively dissolve stains from the pipe to the brush roller after use and the 85°C hot air effectively dries every part of the machine. Tineco's PURE ONE Station 5 (RRP $799, now $559 – 30% OFF) automatically self-cleans and recharges when returned to its station, saving users time and hassle of after-use cleaning. This model features full-path self-cleaning meaning the brush, tube, filter and dustbin are thoroughly cleaned after each use. Its Station Dura-cyclone System features multiple cyclones and a self-cleaning HEPA filter to maintain strong, consistent suction power over time, and a unique brush head design, combined with a wider tube and a larger connection port inside the vacuum, allows the Station5 to easily pick up large debris without clogging. Tineco's Amazon Big Smile Sale deals are available at www.amazon.com.au from 16th March to 22nd March 2026. To learn more about Tineco's Amazon range of intelligent stick vacuums, floor washers, and carpet cleaners, visit https://www.amazon.com.au/tineco ABOUT TINECOTineco ("tin-co") was founded in 1998 with its first product launch as a vacuum cleaner and, in 2019, pioneered the first-ever smart vacuum. Today, the brand has evolved into a global leader in intelligent appliances spanning floor care, kitchen, and personal care categories. With a growing user base of over 23 million households and availability in approximately 30 countries worldwide, Tineco remains committed to its brand vision of making life easier through smart technology and continuous innovation. For more information, visit https://au.tineco.com/

2026-03-17
LX Pantos Accelerates Global Expansion with Acquisition of Logistics Center in Poland

SEOUL, South Korea and KATOWICE, Poland, March 17, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- LX Pantos, a leading global logistics company (Global CEO: Lee Yong-ho), is accelerating its global expansion through strategic partnerships and infrastructure investments. On March 16, LX Pantos announced that a consortium including the Korea Overseas Infrastructure & Urban Development Corporation (KIND) and the PIS No. 2 Fund, a policy fund under Korea's Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, has acquired a newly built logistics complex in Katowice, southern Poland, in a transaction valued at approximately USD 148 million. The Katowice Logistics Center consists of five buildings with a combined total floor area of 109,000㎡. The complex is being developed and brought into operation in phases, with full completion scheduled for the first half of 2026. Several global and local companies have already secured leases. Through the Katowice Logistics Center, LX Pantos plans to establish an Eastern European logistics hub and expand services for key industries such as automotive parts, consumer goods, and home appliances. The facility is also expected to serve as a forward logistics base to support reconstruction-driven demand in Ukraine once rebuilding begins. Beyond Europe, the company is actively expanding its global operations in key strategic markets, including the United States and Asia. In the United States, LX Pantos established Boxlinks LLC, a joint venture with Ocean Network Express (ONE), and acquired a large-scale logistics center in Georgia with a site area of 304,769 m², equivalent to approximately 43 soccer fields, to strengthen its intermodal operations. In Northeast Asia, the company formed FutureLinks with Sinotrans to expand China–Korea multimodal transport and tap the fast-growing Sea & Air market driven by China-origin e-commerce cargo. "LX Pantos operates subsidiaries in 40 countries and more than 380 global networks, delivering integrated sea, air, rail, and contract logistics solutions," said Lee Yong-ho, Global CEO of LX Pantos. "Against this backdrop, the Katowice Logistics Center represents a strategic milestone in strengthening our presence in the European logistics market." About LX Pantos Established in 1977, LX Pantos is a leading global logistics provider headquartered in Korea. It delivers comprehensive logistics solutions across sea, air, rail, and contract logistics through a worldwide network spanning more than 40 countries. Rendering of the LX Pantos Katowice Logistics Center Lee Yong-ho, Global CEO of LX Pantos

2026-03-17
Nature's Capital: Why Asia's Governments Are Turning to Nature-Based Solutions

SINGAPORE, March 17, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Lester Chan, CEO & Chairman, The GrowHub Limited (Nasdaq: TGHL) explains how forests, mangroves, and peatlands are reshaping climate strategy The first wave of carbon markets was about avoidance. The second wave is about removal. The third—gathering momentum now—is about nature itself. Across Asia, governments are recognising a fundamental truth: their most valuable carbon assets are not in industrial parks or power grids, but in mangroves, peatlands, forests, and coastal ecosystems. Nature-based solutions are no longer a niche concern for conservationists. They are becoming central to national climate strategy, economic planning, and international cooperation under Article 6 of the Paris Agreement. The Asia Advantage Asia holds an extraordinary concentration of natural capital. Mangroves across the region store up to several times more carbon per hectare than many terrestrial forests. Tropical peatlands lock away carbon accumulated over thousands of years. Mountain and highland ecosystems provide both carbon sinks and water regulation for entire river basins. Many governments now explicitly frame NbS as core to their climate and development pathways. Sri Lanka's third NDC, submitted in September 2025, explicitly names nature-based solutions as critical for addressing the interconnected challenges of climate change, biodiversity loss, and land degradation. Bhutan, already carbon-negative, is structuring Article 6 partnerships around its forest estate. Yet despite this potential, natural capital remains underleveraged. The forest and land-use finance gap is still measured in the hundreds of billions of dollars annually—the shortfall between current investment and what is needed to meet global climate and biodiversity targets by 2030. In Asia, private capital still accounts for only a small fraction of NbS finance. The problem is not a lack of land or ideas. It is a lack of bankable, high‑integrity projects that governments can endorse and investors can trust. The Integrity Imperative The voluntary carbon market's growing pains have taught a clear lesson: volume without verification is worthless. For nature‑based credits to command premium pricing—and for host governments to be confident in authorising mitigation outcomes under Article 6—projects must meet exacting standards of durability, additionality, and transparency. This is particularly challenging in complex, dynamic ecosystems. Measuring biomass in dense tropical forests, tracking carbon accumulation in mangroves, and monitoring leakage across dispersed landscapes have historically been labour‑intensive, expensive, and prone to error. That is no longer acceptable. The solution lies in digital MRV. Satellite-based remote sensing, AI‑powered biomass and land‑use modelling, and blockchain‑secured data trails are moving from experimental to essential. Countries with large forest and peatland estates are refining emission factors, strengthening greenhouse gas inventories, and tightening land‑use governance. This level of scientific and institutional rigour is what separates projects that deliver real climate impact from those that merely produce paper credits. The Government Partnership Model Nature‑based solutions are inherently public goods. They operate across jurisdictional boundaries, involve local communities, and intersect with land rights, conservation policy, and rural development. Only governments can provide the enabling frameworks that make NbS investable at scale. This is why The GrowHub's approach has always centred on working with governments, not around them. Under Article 6 bilateral cooperation, host countries retain sovereignty over their natural assets and mitigation outcomes. Partner countries bring technology, finance, and demand for high‑integrity credits. The private sector then provides the project development, execution, and technology stack that turns policy into reality. Done well, this is not carbon colonialism; it is carbon partnership. Projects are designed to align with national development priorities—whether that is coastal protection, fire prevention, community forestry, or rural electrification—while meeting stringent requirements for quantification and verification. In practice, this often means sitting with environment ministries, planning agencies, and local authorities to translate national climate commitments into prioritised NbS portfolios, designing safeguards and benefit‑sharing mechanisms that communities can accept, and embedding digital MRV from day one so that every authorised tonne is traceable and defensible. Singapore's Catalytic Role Singapore, despite its limited land area, is positioning itself as a regional hub for high‑quality nature‑based carbon solutions. Policy and industry initiatives are increasingly focused on solving the technical bottlenecks that have held back blue carbon and forest projects—issues such as high sapling mortality, weak baselines, and inadequate monitoring. Multi‑year programmes now pair research institutions with project developers to improve mangrove and coastal restoration outcomes, backed by digital monitoring and standardised methodologies. Pilot efforts are also supporting a pipeline of blue carbon and forest projects across multiple Asian countries, linking them to emerging regional carbon markets. Support for remote‑sensing research, biomass measurement tools, and space‑based monitoring tailored to regional conditions all point in the same direction: if Asia's natural capital is to be mobilised at scale, the methodologies and technologies must be built, tested, and governed here—not simply imported. What Is at Stake for Governments For governments across Asia, the case for investing in nature‑based solutions goes well beyond carbon revenues. NbS deliver co‑benefits that engineered solutions cannot. Mangrove restoration, for instance, can reduce wave height by up to 66 percent and provide storm protection valued at over $65 billion annually—while sequestering carbon up to four times faster than terrestrial forests. Peatland rewetting reduces catastrophic fires and transboundary haze. Forest conservation safeguards biodiversity hotspots and cultural heritage, while supporting nature‑based tourism and ecosystem services. NbS also offer a structured pathway to attract international climate finance on terms that respect national sovereignty. Under Article 6.2, bilateral cooperation allows host countries to authorise the transfer of mitigation outcomes in line with their nationally determined contributions, while retaining control over how projects are designed, approved, and monitored. Finally, the quality premium is real. As corporate buyers become more sophisticated, they are increasingly willing to pay higher prices for credits that offer durability, transparency, and verified co‑benefits, rather than lowest‑cost tonnes with unclear impact. The market is steadily shifting toward integrity. The GrowHub's Role At The GrowHub, we work with governments to translate high‑level climate commitments into concrete NbS project pipelines that attract investment and deliver measurable outcomes. In one Southeast Asian coastal programme, for example, we combine satellite imagery, ground surveys, and sensor data to track mangrove recovery and link verified ecological performance directly to credit issuance. Our role typically spans three dimensions: Policy to pipeline: helping governments move from Article 6 frameworks and national strategies to prioritised portfolios of nature‑based projects aligned with national development plans. Technology to trust: deploying AI, remote sensing, and blockchain so that data across the project lifecycle—from field measurements and community engagement records to registry entries—is robust, traceable, and audit‑ready. Projects to markets: connecting verified credits and outcomes to corporate buyers and financiers who understand that price without integrity is a liability, not a discount. From highland reforestation to mangrove protection and regenerative land‑use, we are seeing the same shift: nature‑based solutions are moving from the margins to the mainstream of climate and development policy. Looking Ahead Asia's natural capital is extraordinary. But potential is not outcome. The next five years will determine whether our mangroves, forests, and peatlands become genuine climate solutions—or remain a missed opportunity. For governments, the path is clear: prioritise quality over volume, invest in the technology and capacity that make integrity possible, and partner with organisations that respect national priorities while bringing global market access and digital MRV capabilities. For the private sector, the mandate is equally clear: back projects with strong governance, credible host‑country alignment, and technology‑enabled transparency. The era of buying cheap, low‑integrity credits and hoping for the best is over. At The GrowHub, our focus remains the same: help governments and corporates turn Asia's natural capital into real, measurable, and trusted climate impact. The potential is here. The technology is ready. What matters now is execution.

2026-03-17