Connect with us

Media OutReach

GWM Hosts World’s First Factory Marathon, Showcasing China’s Automotive Innovation to the World

Published

on

BAODING, CHINA – Media OutReach Newswire – 12 August 2025 – Great Wall Motor (GWM) has combined sport, technology, and industrial pride in a landmark event—the 2025 GWM Smart Factory Half Marathon—held inside its Xushui Smart Factory in Baoding, Hebei Province. Over 10,000 runners raced through stamping, welding, and assembly workshops, surrounded by a living showcase of China’s cutting-edge automotive manufacturing.

From the rhythmic movements of robotic arms to the precision of autonomous transport vehicles, participants witnessed first-hand how GWM’s fully automated production lines integrate intelligence and efficiency into every step of the manufacturing process. One runner, a GWM employee, recalled: “I was running alone when a robotic arm flashed ‘You can do it!’ on its screen. It was a small gesture, but it gave me real motivation.”

Today, GWM’s smart production systems seamlessly integrate automation into every step of the manufacturing process. Robotic arms now handle everything from body welding and materials handling to adhesive application and part transfers with speed and precision. Backed by continuous independent innovation, GWM has achieved in-house R&D and production of key components including engines, transmissions, and power batteries.

Relentless Pursuit of Core Technologies, GWM Accelerates Self-Reliant Innovation

GWM employs a formidable engineering workforce of 23,000 professionals, meaning one in every four employees is an engineer.

At the company’s Environmental Wind Tunnel Laboratory, new vehicle prototypes are put through rigorous simulations: searing sunlight, extreme heat, heavy rainfall, and hurricane-force winds. Inside the sealed chamber, these vehicles rotate through intense climate scenarios. Outside, technicians closely monitor real-time data on massive digital dashboards—precision and performance.

“Our Environmental Wind Tunnel is one of the most advanced in the industry, comprising 35 subsystems, including high-powered air blowers, chassis dynamometers, temperature and humidity controls, solar simulation, and centralized control systems,” said Li Can, Head of Environmental Simulation Testing Department of GWM Technical Center. “It can recreate temperatures from -40°C to +60°C, with wind speeds up to 250km/h—enabling us to simulate extreme climate conditions from around the world and ensure our vehicles meet global standards from day one.”

This facility is just one piece of GWM’s expansive innovation ecosystem demonstrating our commitment to technology. The company has invested nearly RMB 10 billion to establish a world-class testing complex, with more than 2,000 testing capabilities across new energy, thermal management, as well as dedicated facilities for crash safety, and comprehensive proving ground.

“Electrification and artificial intelligence have opened a new frontier for the automotive industry,” said Jack Wey, Chairman of GWM. We are leaning in—with a full-stack approach to intelligent vehicle technology, including our proprietary end-to-end intelligent driving models, next-generation AI data intelligence architecture, and the in-house Jiuzhou Supercomputing Center. Our next-generation advanced driver assistance system, developed entirely in-house, enabled real-world driving scenarios—from dense city streets to open highways, from rural roads to precision parking. We believe technology is not just a tool—it is the engine that drives our future,” Jack Wey added. “That’s why we are unwavering in our commitment to R&D and innovation.”

Driven as One, GWM Strengthens its Automotive Supply Chain Through Vertical Integration

In the 1990s, GWM was still a small manufacturer focused on pickup trucks, relying heavily on external suppliers for core components like engines and transmissions. To change that, the company established its own engine and component subsidiaries, gradually integrating its supply chain to enhance in-house R&D and manufacturing capabilities.

But such success also brought new challenges. These newly formed component subsidiaries depended almost entirely on internal orders from GWM, leaving them with little incentive for innovation. As a result, their costs exceeded those of third-party suppliers, and product competitiveness lagged behind.

In 2018, GWM made a bold move—all of its component subsidiaries were spun off as fully independent companies. Initially, this came at a cost. Without guaranteed orders from GWM, many struggled to survive. “That was one of the toughest periods we’ve been through,” recalled Zhang Dehui, Chairman of Nobo Automotive Systems. “We had to compete head-to-head with international suppliers for GWM’s business. It forced us to raise our quality standards and invest in core capabilities. It took several years of hard work before we could secure mass production contracts again.”

Yet that difficult transition unlocked new opportunities. Freed from internal dependency, Nobo began supplying global OEMs, including BMW, and officially entered the international supply chain.

GWM was among the first Chinese automakers to pursue vertical integration. Over the past 35 years, GWM has built a comprehensive and fully integrated supply chain ecosystem—one in which each part supports the others, and resources are circulated with maximum efficiency. “To build a globally competitive automotive brand, strength on the production and technology side is only part of the equation,” said Jack Wey, Chairman of GWM. “We must also develop unique advantages on our channels and customer touchpoints. Our suppliers and dealers are not just partners, they’re our teammates, standing shoulder to shoulder with us.” “In the future,” he added, “We must fully harness the power of digital technology to enable seamless collaboration across the entire ecosystem, future competition won’t just be about supply chains—it will be about industrial ecosystems.”

Driving Global Ambition, Spotlighting Chinese Brands

“This EV offers a 200km range on a single charge, with fuel consumption as low as 7L/100km in hybrid mode. It features surround-sound audio, a built-in AI large language model, and even a 12.5L independent refrigerator that cools down to 0°C…” This May, international delegates inspected our new models including the WEY G9, GWM TANK 300 Hi4-T, and HAVAL H9, each equipped with cutting-edge technologies designed for global consumers

Jack Wey shared that the new plant in São Paulo, Brazil—set to begin operations mid-year—will have an annual production capacity of 50,000 new energy vehicles and create 2,000 local jobs. The plant will adopt intelligent, digitalized production systems and produce a range of powertrains including BEVs and hybrids, all equipped with advanced intelligent connectivity features.

GWM’s “Ecological Globalization” strategy has drawn increasing attention for its “ecosystem-based” approach. The company believes that internationalization is not just about shipping products overseas—it’s about brand globalization and industrial capability transfer. What began as simple product exports has now evolved into a comprehensive strategy of establishing fully integrated manufacturing bases abroad. GWM’s overseas operations now span the full value chain—R&D, production, supply, sales, and service—marking a true shift from product-driven globalization to full-scale “Ecological Globalization.”

Today, at GWM’s Rayong NEV Plant in Thailand, locally produced EV – ORA03 EV is steadily rolling off production line with over 50% local content.

This facility is GWM’s second full-production vehicle manufacturing base outside China—and the first overseas plant dedicated to new energy vehicles. Spanning 658,800 square meters, the plant is set to produce 80,000 units annually during the first phase. Designed to the highest global manufacturing standards, the plant incorporates advanced systems for production, quality management, environmental protection, and digital technologies. With fully upgraded intelligent equipment and technologies, the plant sets a new benchmark for intelligent, sustainable manufacturing upgrade in Southeast Asia.

Wayne Zhou, Marketing General Manager of GWM Thailand, emphasized: “Every Chinese automaker’s global expansion represents Chinese manufacturing excellence – we’re China’s calling card. Chinese NEV brands are accelerating Thailand’s transition to the future of new energy mobility, bringing more NEVs to more Thai consumers.”

GWM’s global footprint continues to grow at pace. Its international sales network now covers over 170 countries and regions, supported by more than 1,400 overseas dealerships. The company has sold more than 2 million vehicles outside China, with a global user base exceeding 15 million. In 2024 alone, GWM recorded overseas sales of 450,000 units.

Hashtag: #GWM

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

Advertisement

Media OutReach

Etiqa’s Project Firefly Reinforces Mangrove Ecosystem in Sungai Panjang in Collaboration with Malaysian Nature Society

Published

on

SELANGOR, MALAYSIA – Media OutReach Newswire – 10 January 2026 – Etiqa has launched Etiqa’s Project Firefly a new environmental initiative dedicated to conserving one of Malaysia’s iconic firefly habitats while uplifting the livelihood of the communities living along Sungai Panjang in Sabak Bernam, who rely on eco-tourism and the mangrove ecosystem. The programme was carried out in collaboration with the Malaysian Nature Society (MNS), Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM), and the Sabak Bernam District Council.

(L to R) Raffi Ismail, Marketing & Partnership Manager, Malaysian Nature Society; Fukhairudin Mohd Yusof, CEO of Etiqa General Insurance Berhad; Zaki Parmin, Assistant Agricultural Officer, Sabak Bernam District Council; Amran Hassan, Chief Strategy Officer, Etiqa

Through Etiqa’s Project Firefly, Etiqa is taking proactive steps to preserve and sustain the ecosystem by planting 130 Sonneratia Caseolaris or locally known as Berembang saplings and 200 Sonneratia Caseolaris seeds, undertaking habitat restoration works, and mobilising 50 Etiqa volunteers for a community-driven initiative along Sungai Panjang, covering a total stretch of 10 kilometres. In addition, an awareness session was conducted by Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia’s Faculty of Science which aimed to educate participants on the ecological importance of fireflies and the need for long-term conservation.

Fireflies play an important role as indicators of mangrove ecosystem health, which in turn supports environmental balance and benefits surrounding communities. However, across Malaysia, firefly populations are declining due to rapid habitat loss caused by river pollution, deforestation, and increasing light pollution along mangrove-lined rivers. These threats not only endanger native species but also affect the livelihoods of local fishermen and villagers who rely on healthy river ecosystems and firefly-based eco-tourism. Protecting congregating firefly zones through the preservation of adequate vegetation buffers along riverbanks is therefore critical to ensuring the long-term survival of these species and the sustainability of local livelihoods.

Fukhairudin Mohd Yusof, CEO of Etiqa General Insurance Berhad (EGIB) said, “We initiated Etiqa’s Project Firefly as conserving native firefly species is deeply connected to the well-being of the communities that co-exist around them. By conserving firefly habitats, we are not only protecting an irreplaceable part of Malaysia’s biodiversity but also helping sustain the eco-tourism and river-based livelihoods of Sungai Panjang residents. This reflects Etiqa’s purpose in Making the World a Better Place that includes meaningful environmental action which strengthens both nature and society, creating long-term value for future generations.”

Mr. I.S Shanmugaraj, Executive Director of Malaysia Nature Society says, “Fireflies are natural indicators of a healthy mangrove ecosystem, and their presence reflects the overall condition of our rivers and surrounding environments. We commend Etiqa for taking proactive steps through Etiqa’s Project Firefly to address the growing threats of habitat degradation along fireflies corridor. Meaningful conservation requires collective action, and we hope this initiative will inspire more companies to collaborate with environmental organisations and local communities to protect biodiversity while supporting sustainable livelihoods for the long term.”Hashtag: #Etiqamy

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

About Etiqa

Etiqa is a multi-channel distributor of Insurance and Takaful products via its 10,000 agency force, 44 branches and 17 offices, over 490 bancassurance network (via Maybank branches, third-party banks, as well as co-operatives and brokers) through its presence in Malaysia, Singapore, the Philippines, Indonesia and Cambodia.

In striving to make the world a better place, Etiqa’s Sustainability journey focuses on internal initiatives that reduces its carbon footprint and increases its social impact, as well as external solutions that allow its clients to do the same.

Continue Reading

Media OutReach

PolyU research teams and startups shine at CES 2026, winning three prestigious innovation awards

Published

on

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 9 January 2026 – The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) led 19 startups to the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) 2026, held from 6 to 9 January. Alongside the groundbreaking technologies presented by participating startups, the University also showcased its research achievements, covering fields such as human security, digital health and energy optimisation. PolyU delivered an outstanding performance at this year’s Show, with three projects winning one “Best of Innovation Award” and two “Innovation Awards”. This not only marks the University’s best result since it first took part in this event, but also accounts for two-thirds of all awards received by the Hong Kong startup delegation, underscoring PolyU excellence in research, innovation and entrepreneurship.

PolyU delivered an outstanding performance at this year’s CES, with three projects winning one “Best of Innovation Award” and two “Innovation Awards”, underscoring the University’s excellence in research, innovation and entrepreneurship.

Prof. Christopher CHAO, PolyU Senior Vice President (Research and Innovation), remarked, “PolyU is committed to nurturing innovative research talent with both national and international outlooks. We empower our teams by leading them to major international innovation events and fostering close collaboration among industry, academia, research and investment sectors on a global level, creating opportunities for the overseas expansion of PolyU startups. PolyU was the sole university from Hong Kong to exhibit at the event, with its participating teams making up 30% of the Hong Kong delegation, contributing to Hong Kong’s advancement into an international innovation and technology hub. Our record-breaking performance at this year’s CES affirms international recognition of PolyU research and innovation, propelling our teams to continue striving along the path of innovation and technology to create even more profound social impact.”

PolyU led 19 startups to exhibit at CES 2026. Prof. Christopher Chao (centre) posed with representatives from the award-winning PolyU teams.
PolyU led 19 startups to exhibit at CES 2026. Prof. Christopher Chao (centre) posed with representatives from the award-winning PolyU teams.

Leveraging its robust research strengths and its unique startup ecosystem, PolyVentures, the University actively supports its research teams and startups in developing innovative technologies, bringing Hong Kong research achievements to the global stage. The Smart Firefighting Robot, developed by Mr WANG Meng, a PhD candidate of the Department of Building Environment and Energy Engineering as well as Founder of PolyU startup Widemount Dynamics Tech Limited, along with his team, achieved the highest score in the “Products in Support of Human Security for All” category and earned the prestigious “Best of Innovation Award”. The Powered Rehab Skateboard, developed by Prof. Kenneth FONG, Associate Dean of the Graduate School and Associate Head of the Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, received an “Innovation Award” in the “Accessibility and Longevity” category. The FattaLab® Fatty Liver Diagnostic Device, developed by a team spearheaded by Prof. ZHENG Yongping, Henry G. Leong Professor in Biomedical Engineering, Chair Professor of Biomedical Engineering, and Founder and Chief Scientist of PolyU startup Eieling Technology Limited, also won an “Innovation Award” in the “Digital Health” category.

The three award-winning innovations aim to enhance human security or health through cutting-edge technologies. The AI-driven Smart Firefighting Robot features autonomous patrol, burning materials classification, fire extinguishing and real-time data sharing functions in smoke-filled environments, protecting firefighters and the public simultaneously. The Powered Rehab Skateboard is a portable and cost-effective robotic system that supports home-based and community rehabilitation for stroke patients. The skateboard facilitates motor recovery in hemiparetic upper limbs and allows users to engage in effective therapy. The FattaLab® Fatty Liver Diagnostic Device is the world’s first lightweight intelligent assessment system for fatty liver detection. Weighs only 120 grams, the device can complete fatty liver assessment within 30 seconds, achieving detection accuracy at medical-grade standards.

Organised by the Consumer Technology Association, CES is one of the world’s largest and most influential consumer electronics exhibitions, spotlighting cutting-edge technologies for modern living. This year, CES attracted over 4,500 exhibitors from around the globe. The PolyU startups participating in the exhibition were as follows:

PolyU Startups Featured Innovations Company Representatives
AniMed Technology Limited Contactless real-time AI-driven health monitoring Dr LYU Weimin
Co-founder and CEO, AniMed Technology Limited
CyanSE Smart Energy Tech Limited AI-powered energy optimisation platforms for smart buildings Ms Amber ZHANG
Co-founder, CyanSE Smart Energy Tech Limited
DRESIO Limited AI-powered physiotherapy assessments software solution Mr Alexander YING
CEO, DRESIO Limited
Eieling Technology Limited FattaLab® Fatty Liver Diagnostic Device
(CES 2026 Innovation Award)
Prof. ZHENG Yongping
Henry G. Leong Professor in Biomedical Engineering, Chair Professor of Biomedical Engineering, PolyU; Founder and Chief Scientist, Eieling Technology Limited
Entoptica Limited Cutting-edge ophthalmic diagnostic technologies Dr Mukhit KULMAGANBETOV
Senior Research Fellow, InnoHK Centre for Eye and Vision Research; CEO, Entoptica Limited
Feelings Group Limited AI-powered computer vision solution Dr WONG Wing-sze
Research Assistant Professor, Department of Language Science and Technology, PolyU; Clinical Consultant and Co-inventor, Feelings Group Limited

Ms YIP Chi-hay
Partner, Feelings Group Limited

Gembody Limited Next-generation portable AI ultrasound system Ms MAO Qian
CEO, Gembody Limited

Dr YANG Fan
CTO, Gembody Limited
ImageVector MedTech Limited AI-Vision for Joint Degeneration

Dr JIANG Tianshu

Executive Director, ImageVector MedTech Limited

Immune Materials Limited Innovative long-lasting antimicrobial self-disinfection materials Prof. Chris LO Kwan-yu
Professor, Department of Logistics and Maritime Studies, PolyU; Co-founder, Immune Materials Limited

Prof. KAN Chi-wai
Associate Dean and Professor, School of Fashion and Textiles, PolyU; Co-founder, Immune Materials Limited

Innobound Limited Portable smart terminal for emotional interaction, health monitoring and daily living assistance Ms GAO Lan
CEO and Founder, Innobound Limited
MedVision Limited AI-powered medical imaging solution Prof. CAI Jing
Head and Professor, Department of Health Technology and Informatics, PolyU; Consultant, MedVision Limited

Dr MA Zongrui
Postdoctoral Fellow,Department of Health Technology and Informatics, PolyU; Founder, MedVision Limited

Mirror Caring Limited Knee health management solution Prof. Stephen WANG Jia
Professor, School of Design, PolyU; Founder, Mirror Caring Limited
Nuvatech Limited Next-Gen Fashion OS powered by Multi-modal AI Mr DENG Yanheng
Founder, Nuvatech Limited
On-Skin Wearable Technology Limited Wearable Biomedical Electronic Device Dr Rayman GONG
Founder and CEO, On-Skin Wearable Technology Limited
ReSaTech Limited AI solutions for product reliability Mr Ricky LAW
CEO, ReSaTech Limited
UbiquiTech Innovations Limited Edge-AI robot for autonomous inspection and cleaning in confined spaces Prof. CAO Jiannong
Vice President (Education), Otto Poon Charitable Foundation Professor in Data Science, Chair Professor of Distributed and Mobile Computing, PolyU;
Founder and Chief Scientist, UbiquiTech Innovations Limited

Dr LIANG Zhixuan
Postdoctoral Fellow, Department of Computing, PolyU; Founder and CEO, UbiquiTech Innovations Limited

Vcare Vision Technology Limited Non-invasive myopia prevention solution Dr TANG Yuk-ming
Senior Lecturer, Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering, PolyU; Co-founder, Vcare Vision Technology Limited
Widemount Dynamics Tech Limited Smart Firefighting Robot

(CES 2026 Best of Innovation Award)

Mr WANG Meng
PhD candidate, Building Environment and Energy Engineering, PolyU; Founder, Widemount Dynamics Tech Limited
XOXO Beverages Limited Automated Cocktail Machine for improvements event and hospitality efficiency Mr Nicholas YU Wo-ping
Founder, XOXO Beverages Limited

Hashtag: #PolyU

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

Continue Reading

Media OutReach

Starlight Centre Launches New Program For Students with Autism Entering Mainstream Primary Schools.

Published

on

SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 9 January 2026 – Starlight Centre has launched a new program designed for students with autism entering mainstream primary schools, including Pathlight and St. Andrew’s Mission School, next year. This school-readiness program is aimed at preschoolers (around 6 years old) in preparation for the challenges of primary school. Starlight Centre plans to utilise peer modelling and the RISE™ framework to equip these preschoolers with the essential skills needed for the transition to primary school.

Peer Modeling
Starlight Centre has provided specialised care services for children with high-functioning autism from primary 1 to 6 and have supported many students who are now ready to demonstrate positive behaviours from the programmes. Through peer modelling, younger students can observe and learn from their more experienced peers, helping them understand the acceptable boundaries of good behaviour.

RISE™
The Starlight RISE™ Primary School Readiness Program effectively prepares young children for formal education by developing their physical, social, emotional, and cognitive skills through engaging, play-based activities.

By actively involving parents in the process through comprehensive evaluations and strong partnerships, Starlight Centre aims to make parents feel valued and confident that their child’s development is being supported holistically, beyond just basic skills.

Hashtag: #AutismEducation #SpecialNeedsEducation #EarlyChildhoodEducation #ParentingSupport #StarlightCentre

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

About Starlight Centre

Starlight was founded by a group of parents and seasoned autism professionals who have experienced first-hand the challenges of finding the most effective therapy programs, preschools, and after-school care services. We understand what you’re going through and are here to help. No matter your child’s needs, come to us, and we will connect you with the right resources.

Continue Reading

Trending