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2026 Global WLAN Industry Forum Convened in Barcelona, Fostering a New AI-WLAN Industry Ecosystem
Today, the deep integration of AI and WLAN has become an inevitable trend in the global short-range connectivity industry. As the world’s first international industry and standards organization dedicated to WLAN application experience, WAA has taken the lead in advancing the vision of building a global hub for AI–WLAN technical exchange and standardization. By convening this industry forum, WAA brought together global consensus and international momentum to address shared challenges in the sector, while jointly exploring new pathways and paradigms for the converged evolution of AI and WLAN.
This forum was hosted by Luis Jorge Romero, CSO of the Comentropy Industry and Standards Innovation Service Center. In his opening address, ZHANG Ping, President of WAA, stated that the forum’s theme of AI-WLAN: Envisioning a New Premium Intelligent WLAN Ecosystem not only reflects the shared vision of the industry, but also demonstrates a collective commitment to action, work together toward a better digital future. In his welcome address, Gan Bin, Vice President of Huawei, noted that AI is transforming WLAN from “passive response” to “proactive prediction,” enabling networks to better meet differentiated, scenario-specific needs across industries. He expressed his hope that industry partners will join forces to help the global WLAN sector play an even greater role in the AI era.
International cooperation remained a central thread throughout the Forum and emerged as a key focus for participants. Together with international organizations, operators, and leading equipment vendors, WAA jointly released the “International Cooperation Initiatives on AI-WLAN Standardization,” outlining priority areas for collaborative innovation in AI-WLAN technical standards on a global scale. The Initiative lays a solid foundation for reducing standard barriers and advancing coordinated technology development.
During the Forum, WAA signed two Memoranda of Understanding—one with WBBA and another with GIIC—further expanding its international cooperation landscape and joining forces to usher the WLAN industry into a new phase of intelligent and global development. The Forum also featured the launch ceremony of the “Establishment of the WLAN Intelligent Sensing Industry Ecosystem Organization & Release of High-Quality 10 Gbps AI Campus Technical and Standard White Paper Ceremony.” These milestones will continue to deepen industry collaboration, accelerate technological innovation, and optimize application scenarios—working collectively to deliver a higher-quality and more efficient network service experience for users.
In the keynote session, speakers engaged in in-depth discussions aligned with the Forum theme, focusing on core topics such as AI–WLAN technology convergence, standards evolution, scenario-based deployment, and ecosystem co-creation. They shared forward-looking insights and practical achievements, offering ideas and direction to advance coordinated development across the global industry.
In his address titled “WLAN in Era of AI,” ZHANG Ping, President of the WAA, outlined four core directions for the development of AI-WLAN: wireless intelligence, operational intelligence, AI-WLAN security, and WLAN sensing with embodied intelligence, charting the course for the technological path.
Jim Lansford, IEEE Life Fellow, Chair of lEEE 802.11 Wireless Next Generation Standing Committee, stated in his presentation “The Next Generation beyond 802.11bn: the Foundation for AI-Native WLAN” that AI and machine learning can effectively mitigate interference, defend against quantum attacks, optimize physical layer parameters, and drive wireless networks to achieve capabilities for immersive entertainment and high-reliability, low-latency industrial automation, approaching the performance of wired networks.
SHI Chao, Deputy General Manager, Home IoT Product Department, China Mobile (Hangzhou) Information Technology Co., Ltd, shared insights in his presentation “From Connectivity to Intelligent Networking: China Mobile’s Leadership in the Intelligent Upgrade of AI-WLAN Home Networks.” He proposed that AI-WLAN serves as the “brain” and “nervous system” of the digital home, enabling autonomous network intelligence to proactively resolve issues before users even notice, thereby achieving proactive service delivery.
XU Fan, Chief Architect of Huawei Optical Access Network Product Line, proposed in his presentation “AI-WLAN Enables Ultimate Home Network Experience” that deterministic low latency (within 20 milliseconds) is a key enabler for cloud-edge collaboration, embodied intelligence, remote robot control, and high-definition live streaming for influencers. AI-WLAN is becoming the core foundation of the digital experience.
Bocar Alpha BA, CEO of SAMENA Telecommunications Council, emphasized that building an industrial ecosystem integrating AI and WLAN is of paramount importance. The deep integration of AI and intelligent wireless networks has become a foundational pillar for cross-industry digital transformation. WLAN has evolved from a supportive technology into a strategic infrastructure underpinning economic development. Promoting cross-regional collaborative efforts in WLAN standardization is fundamentally significant for ensuring the sustainable development and digital resilience of the digital economy.
Marcos Martínez Vázquez, MaxLinear, Rapporteur ITU-T Q3/15, introduced “AI Technologies in ITU-T Q3/SG15,” proposing that AI provides a mechanisms for in-premises communications to achieve cross-layer, cross-device, and system-level optimization that are difficult to accomplish with traditional methods, and that subsequent efforts will be made to strengthen alignment with international organizations such as WAA to avoid duplicate work and create synergies in standards development.
Tiago Rodrigues, Wireless Broadband Alliance President and CEO, noted in “AI/ML For Wi-Fi: Enabling Scaleable, Intelligent Wi-Fi Ecosystems” with operational complexity, AI and machine learning are becoming essential to keep networks reliable, secure and efficient at scale. The industry must align on common data, interfaces and governance, so that intelligent Wi-Fi can work across real-world multi-vendor environments and deliver value for all who use it.
LIU Guangfeng, General Manager of H3C Spain Office, shared insights in his presentation titled “AI-Driven WLAN for Enterprise: From High Speed to True Intelligence” on how manufacturers translate standards into products and services, achieving issue prediction, adaptive policy management, and zero-trust security through cloud-based models.
ISO/IEC JTC 1/SC 6 Chair Shin-Gak Kang noted in “ISO/IEC JTC 1/SC 6 Standardization toward AI-Enhanced Network Control” that AI can significantly enhance WLAN performance and user experiences without changes to PHY/MAC standards, and that future efforts should accelerate standardization of control and management mechanisms for WLAN environments, while recognizing physical capacity limits and leveraging AI technologies.
Ganesh Swaminathan, Vice President and General Manager of the Wireless Infrastructure and Networking at Qualcomm Technologies, introduced in “Enabling Reliable AI-Driven WLAN Experiences with Wi-Fi 8” how the end-to-end full-stack connectivity and computing capabilities based on the latest Dragonwing chip platform, leveraging Wi-Fi 8 and an AI-native architecture, provide high-bandwidth, intelligent access for home, 5G FWA and Fiber Gateway and industry scenarios.
Following the keynote speeches, a roundtable forum was held on the topic “AI-WLAN Innovative Points on Application and Standardization.” Moderated by Li Li, Chief Scientist of Standards at Huawei, the panel brought together Jim Lansford (Chair of IEEE 802.11 Wireless Next Generation Standing Committee), Marcos Martínez Vázquez (MaxLinear, Rapporteur ITU-T Q3/15), Shin-Gak KANG (ISO/IEC JTC 1/SC 6 Chair), WANG Xuemin (Chair of WAA TCS), DU Peng (Technical Director of Europe, New H3C Technologies Co., Ltd. ), and Chano Gómez (Senior Director of Product Management, Qualcomm Technologies, Inc.). They engaged in in-depth discussions on topics including AI-WLAN security, performance enhancement, experience optimization, and standards collaboration, building consensus for the practical implementation and healthy development of the technology and industry.
As major industry gathering combining strong professionalism with a global outlook, the 2026 WLAN Global Industry Forum not only provided a core platform for worldwide collaboration and exchange across the WLAN value chain, but also strengthened international consensus on AI–WLAN convergence and reinforced the foundation for global industry cooperation. WAA Secretary-General YANG He stated: “Building on the momentum of this Forum, WAA will continue to deepen the two-way integration of AI and WLAN, further strengthen international collaboration, and continue to serve as a ‘coordinator’ and a ‘catalyst.’ We will keep bridging global industry resources, deepen international technical exchange and standards cooperation, and promote outcomes that enable premium WLAN experiences to benefit users worldwide—together writing the next chapter of the AI–WLAN intelligent network ecosystem.”
Hashtag: #WorldWLANApplicationAlliance
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ICONSIAM’s ‘THAICONIC SONGKRAN CELEBRATION 2026’ to Immerse Bangkok with Thailand’s Most Spectacular Water Festival
A UNESCO-Recognized Festival Reimagined Through Immersive Cultural Experiences, Iconic Entertainment, and Thailand’s Most Breathtaking Chao Phraya Riverfront Setting from April 10–15, 2026
BANGKOK, THAILAND –
A Global Celebration Driving Thailand’s Festival Economy
Mr. Supoj Chaiwatsirikul, Managing Director of ICONSIAM Co., Ltd., stated, “Songkran remains one of the most significant drivers of Thailand’s festival economy, particularly across the tourism, retail, and hospitality sectors. According to the Tourism Authority of Thailand, this year’s Songkran period is projected to generate over 30.35 billion baht in domestic economic circulation—an increase of 6% from the previous year, with approximately 500,000 international visitors expected to travel to Thailand, reflecting a 4% year-on-year growth. These figures underscore Songkran’s growing status as a truly global festival and one of Thailand’s most powerful attractions for international travelers.
As a leader in creating iconic, world-class experiences, ICONSIAM continues to elevate ‘ICONSIAM THAICONIC SONGKRAN 2026′ as a landmark celebration that showcases the rare and enduring beauty of Thai cultural traditions. Under the concept of ‘Splashing Fun, Joyful Celebrations, and Auspicious Thai New Year,’ the event brings together the very best of Thailand into one extraordinary riverside experience along the Chao Phraya River. More than a celebration, this festival is a powerful expression of national pride and cultural identity, reinforcing ICONSIAM’s position as a Global Experiential Destination. We are confident that this year’s event will further strengthen Bangkok’s reputation as one of the world’s most compelling cultural destinations, while driving tourism growth and stimulating economic momentum throughout the second quarter of the year.”
Highlights of the “4 THAICONIC Experiences – The Ultimate Songkran Journey”
- THAICONIC WATER FESTIVAL – The Ultimate Riverside Water
ExperienceExperience Songkran like never before with an extraordinary water playground inspired by Thailand’s beloved national symbol, the elephant. At its heart stands a spectacular 9-meter-tall water-spraying installation created in collaboration with Dee SweetDrug Studio. The vibrant space also features a dedicated Kids Zone for family-friendly fun, alongside solar-powered drying zones —reflecting ICONSIAM’s commitment to sustainability.
- THAICONIC ENTERTAINMENT – A Festival of Modern Icons
Immerse in an electrifying lineup of Thailand’s top artists and rising stars through dynamic mini concerts and live performances throughout the six-day celebration. Artists include Tle–Firstone, TeeTee–Por, Auau-Save, Daou–Offroad, KT Kratae, New Country, Sornram Namphet, and more.
- THAICONIC HERITAGE – A Living Showcase of Thai Identity
Witness a magnificent Songkran parade that brings Thailand’s cultural legacy to life through elaborately designed floats inspired by historical eras. For the first time, cultural icons LingOrm, a popular Thai actress duo, and 4EVE, Thailand’s leading T-pop girl group, embody the Songkran Goddess “Rakshasadevi,” reinterpreting Thai tradition through a contemporary global lens. Visitors can further explore authentic Thai culture through traditional performances and regional culinary delights at SOOKSIAM, alongside over 170 dining options across ICONSIAM.
- THAICONIC BLESSED BEGINNINGS – A Sacred Start to the Thai New Year
Embrace the spiritual essence of Songkran through a revered Buddha bathing ritual at River Park. Enhanced with holy water from nine esteemed temples across Thailand, this sacred ceremony symbolizes prosperity, renewal, and auspicious beginnings for the year ahead.
A Must-Visit Songkran Destination in Bangkok
Seamlessly blending cultural authenticity, rich traditions, and large-scale entertainment, ICONSIAM continues to redefine Songkran as a truly global celebration.
Join us at “ICONSIAM THAICONIC SONGKRAN CELEBRATION 2026,” where Thailand’s most cherished tradition is brought to life in an unforgettable riverside experience of water, culture, and joy—set against the iconic Chao Phraya River from April 10–15, 2026, with free entry for all visitors. As part of the celebration, international visitors dressed in traditional Thai attire will receive a 300-baht gift card, adding a special touch to their cultural experience.
For more information, please call 1338 or visit Facebook: ICONSIAM.
Hashtag: #ICONSIAMSongkran #ICONSIAM #SongkranFestival2026 #GlobalFestival #Thailand
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
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Money20/20 Asia Elevates Its 2026 Agenda with the Launch of The Intersection Stage, Featuring the Industry’s Most Influential Voices
Industry Leaders, Regulators, and Innovators to Convene in Bangkok at the Intersection Where Digital Assets and Traditional Banking Enter a New Era of Collaboration
BANGKOK, THAILAND – Media OutReach Newswire – 3 April 2026 – the world’s leading fintech show and the place where money does business, today announced the introduction of The Intersection Stage at Money20/20 Asia happening on April 21-23 at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Center in Bangkok bringing together the region’s most powerful voices across banking, payments, digital assets, and financial innovation.
This year’s theme, “From Infrastructure to Impact – Where Technology Meets Humanity,” underscores how the Intersection Stage will explore the real-world outcomes of Traditional Finance and Decentralized Finance convergence across APAC, addressing how banks, fintechs, and emerging technologies are reshaping the global financial ecosystem. The stage brings together leaders from major financial institutions and well-known fintech companies to discuss how innovation, regulation, and new financial infrastructure are transforming areas such as digital assets, trust and cybersecurity, and cross-border payments. [1]
Siva Kumar, APAC Legal Director, Sumsub, said, “The convergence of TradFi and DeFi can only succeed if trust, identity, and compliance evolve alongside technology. Asia is leading this shift by adopting regulatory models that enable innovation without compromising security. At Sumsub, we’re witnessing institutions accelerate digital identity and verification standards at unprecedented speed. The Intersection Stage brings these critical stakeholders together to turn regulatory progress into real‑world impact.”
Speakers include Siddharth Gupta of Bank of America, Dhiraj Bajaj of Standard Chartered Bank, Fangfang Jiang of the International Finance Corporation, Ran Goldi, SVP Payments & Network, Fireblocks and Kaushik Sthankiya of Kraken, who will share insights on regulatory innovation, digital asset adoption, developments in stablecoin, tokenization, blockchain‑enabled settlement, and how new payment rails are enabling faster and more efficient cross-border transactions.
For decades, Traditional Finance aimed to protect the system while Decentralized Finance wanted to reinvent it. Today, these two worlds are converging where digital money moves faster than ever, said Danny Levy, EVP & Managing Director for APAC & the Middle East at Money20/20. The Intersection Stage brings together the regulators and innovators driving the frameworks that will guide the next decade of global finance.”
The broader 2026 program also features keynote speakers such as Joseph Chan, Under Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury of the Government of Hong Kong SAR; Shahril Azuar Jimin, Group Chief Sustainability Officer at Maybank; and Sunita Kannan, Global Head of AI Product & Strategy at Microsoft, underscoring the calibre of leadership shaping the future of finance across the region.
From Asia’s pioneering regulatory sandboxes and CBDC initiatives to the Genius Act in the US to MiCA in Europe. Regulated institutions like AMINA Bank are at the forefront of this transformation, particularly in navigating the evolving regulatory landscape across key markets.
Cora Ang, Head of Legal & Compliance APAC, AMINA Bank said, “Asia is demonstrating what responsible innovation truly looks like. As digital assets, tokenization, and new payment rails gain momentum, strong legal and compliance frameworks are essential to scaling them safely. At AMINA Bank, we see the region embracing this balance with clarity and ambition. The Intersection Stage at Money20/20 Asia is the perfect forum to advance these conversations and align the industry on what the next generation of financial infrastructure should be.”
Key Sessions on The Intersection Stage
- Day 1: Tuesday 21 April, at 15:40 – Banking on Digital Transformation 101
By Barbaros Uygun, Chief Executive Officer, Mox Bank Limited, Jessica Lam, Group Chief Strategy Officer, WeLab, Vivien Tan, Senior Vice President, Alliance Bank Malaysia, Andy Wu, General Manager, Hong Kong, Yusys Technologies, Rupa Ramamurthy, Senior EVP, Banking Operations, TP
- Day 1: Tuesday, 21 April 2026 at 12:00 – Building the Golden Record for Tokenised Asset Markets
By Etelka Bogardi, Partner, Reed Smith Singapore, Aaron Gwak, CEO & Founder, Libeara, Alvin Chia, Head of Digital Assets Innovation APAC, Northern Trust, moderated by Tanzeel Akhtar, Journalist, Morley Sterling LLC
- Day 2: Wednesday, 22 April 2026 at 10:00 – The Rise of Blockchain and Stablecoin Payment Rails
By Tran Hung, CEO, Uquid, Paul Veradittakit, Managing Partner, Pantera Capital, Maggie Wu, Co-Founder & CEO, VelaFi, Facilitated by Amanda Pecanha, Chief Compliance Officer, Trace Finance
- Day 2: Wednesday 22 April, 15:45 – How Digital Asset Ecosystems Will Redefine Money
By Dhiraj Bajaj, Global Head of FI, Transaction Banking, Standard Chartered Bank, Julia Zhou, Chief Operating Officer, Caladan, Giorgia Pellizzari, Chief Product Officer & Head of Custody, Hex Trust, Dr. Karin Boonlertvanich, Executive Vice President, KASIKORNBANK & Chairperson of the Board, Orbix Group
- Day 3: Thursday, 23 April 2026 at 10:25 – Money’s Next Evolution, Stablecoins, CBDCs and the New Payment Stack
By Rahul Advani, Global Co-Head of Policy, Ripple, Lissele Pratt, Founder, Capitalixe, Bhau Kotecha, Co-Founder, Paxos Labs, Maria Oldham, COO, Yellow Card, moderated by David Birch, Global Ambassador, Consult Hyperion
Alongside the Intersection Stage, Money20/20 Asia will feature three additional stages: The Radiant Stage, uniting Asia’s most influential industry voices; The Inner Forum Stage for deep‑dive sessions and workshops; and The MoneyPot Stage that also includesfor live podcasting and networkingexperiences, creating a comprehensive ecosystem for learning, debate, and collaboration.
The show brings together leaders from more than 120 banks and the world’s largest payment providers, including Standard Chartered, Bank of America, Citi, Deutsche Bank, Maybank, and J.P. Morgan to name a few. Experts from leading payment providers including Visa, Nium, Thunes, Mastercard, Razorpay, PayPal, and Fiserv will discuss the evolution of payments across the region.
The show will also host the Startup & Investor Park, where 20 standout APAC startups will connect with global investors, enterprise partners, and decision‑makers, and compete for the Golden Ticket to the 2026 Startupbootcamp Sustainability Singapore Accelerator. [2]
Attending media can register for a press pass: HERE and the full agenda HERE.Hashtag: #Money20/20
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Media OutReach
Sanya, China Deepens Tourism Ties with Malaysia - Exclusive Benefits Launched for Malaysian Tourists, Ushering in a Tropical Island Getaway at a Moment’s Notice
In addition, the Sanya Tourism Development Bureau has entered into cooperative exchanges with the Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents (MATTA) and the Malaysian Budget Hotel Association (MBHA) to strengthen synergy in tourism management, product development, and visitor exchange. The newly established Sanya Tourism Overseas Promotion (Malaysia) Liaison Office will serve as a one-stop information and booking platform for Malaysian travelers, reinforcing Sanya’s position as a preferred gateway to China.
Seamless Entry, Fully Upgraded Travel Convenience
Visa-free access with zero barriers
Under China’s visa-free policy for Hainan, Malaysian citizens may enter with only a passport and stay for up to 15 days—no prior visa, financial proof, or invitation letter is required, allowing for truly spontaneous getaways.
Faster flights, greater efficiency
Direct flights from Kuala Lumpur to Sanya take just about three hours, with high occupancy rates during peak seasons reflecting strong demand. Plans to launch direct flights from Penang and Kota Kinabalu to Sanya are under discussion, promising greater accessibility and cost-effective travel options.
Streamlined clearance procedures
Efficiency is prioritized with paperless self-declaration at both Phoenix Cruise Port and Sanya Phoenix International Airport, significantly reducing clearance time. International arrival halls support payments via all major international credit cards, ensuring seamless transactions.
Comprehensive multilingual support
Multilingual support is in place across Sanya—from bilingual signage at attractions and hotels to a dedicated foreign-language service line via the 12345 hotline. The multilingual official website visitsanya.com provides comprehensive information, guaranteeing smooth communication for Malaysian tourists.
Exceptional Value: Exclusive Promotions for Malaysian Visitors
To offer a more value-packed holiday experience, Sanya has prepared tailored benefits and significant discounts, from customized packages to special Asian Beach Games offers, demonstrating its warm hospitality.
The newly established Sanya Tourism Overseas Promotion Liaison Office, in collaboration with the Malaysian Budget Hotel Association and the Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents, will launch specially curated travel packages that align with local preferences.
On Trip.com, the “Travel with the Asian Beach Games” promotion features discounted Sanya tourism products, covering hotels, attractions, and holiday packages, with exclusive offers for the Malaysian market.
The 2026 Asian Beach Games bring additional surprises: popular attractions like Wuzhizhou Island and Atlantis Sanya offer tickets at up to 73% off . Hotel rooms across categories—family, couples, and resort suites—enjoy discounts of up to RMB 5,899. Local delicacies and international cuisines are available at discounts of around 48% , promising a delightful culinary journey.
Moreover, 118,000 Asian Beach Games tickets are now on sale globally. With just a few clicks online, visitors can secure their seats to experience the excitement of the 6th Asian Beach Games up close.
Diverse Experiences for Every Traveler
Sanya offers far more than just sun and sand. Whether traveling with family, as a couple, or with friends, everyone can find their ideal way to enjoy the destination.
For families :
Atlantis Sanya Water Park, ranked among the “2026 Global Top 20 Water Parks” and tied for seventh place worldwide with Universal Orlando’s Volcano Bay, offers endless aquatic fun for children, while parents can explore the adjacent world-class duty-free complex for shopping and leisure.
For Adventure Seekers:
Wuzhizhou Island, known as “China’s Premier Diving Base,” features crystal-clear waters with visibility up to 27 meters and abundant coral reefs. A variety of water sports, including diving, parasailing, and jet skiing, deliver an adrenaline-filled coastal experience.
For Culture and Wellness:
The 108-meter-tall Guanyin statue at Nanshan and immersive Li and Miao ethnic cultural experiences provide a harmonious blend of spiritual reflection and cultural discovery.
For Luxury and Retail: Sanya’s world-class duty-free complex brings together international brands, art exhibitions, and immersive experiences, creating a high-value shopping and lifestyle destination.
Sanya’s commitment to visitor convenience, diverse offerings, and tailored benefits continues to strengthen its appeal among Malaysian travelers. Since the beginning of this year, Hainan has welcomed a remarkable 204% increase in Malaysian tourist arrivals, making Malaysia one of the fastest-growing Southeast Asian source markets for Sanya.From visa-free access and direct flights to enhanced services and multifaceted experiences, Sanya is positioning itself as a leading gateway for Malaysian tourists to China.
As the Hainan Free Trade Port continues to develop, tourism cooperation between Sanya and Malaysia is poised to deepen, evolving from one-way attraction to mutual engagement.For those planning their first trip to China, Sanya offers an ideal starting point—where azure seas, golden shores, modern amenities, and heartfelt hospitality come together to create the perfect tropical escape.
Hashtag: #SanyaTourismDevelopmentBureau
https://www.visitsanya.com/The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
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