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Not Just a Sporting Event, but Also a Technological Test: Insights into the World’s First Human-Robot Co-Run Marathon

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BEIJING, CHINA – Media OutReach Newswire – 9 April 2025 – A scene even science fiction has yet to depict—humans and humanoid robots running side by side in a half-marathon — will become reality on ​April 13 in Beijing E-Town. Every spring, marathons sprout across China like bamboo shoots after rain. In Beijing, the world’s only “Dual Olympic City” and a global hub for science and innovation, the ​2025 Beijing E-Town Half-Marathon and Humanoid Robot Half-Marathon, scheduled for ​April 13, will pioneer a “sports + technology” format. For the first time, humanoid robots will register alongside human runners, start simultaneously, and share the 21.0975-kilometer course in an unprecedented fusion of innovation.

The humanoid robot “Tiangong” made its debut at the Beijing E-Town Half-Marathon in November 2024.

Li Quan, Member of the Party Working Committee and Deputy Director of the Administrative Committee of Beijing E-Town, revealed that the event has already attracted over ​30,000 human applicants. On the robotics front, global humanoid robot companies, research institutes, robotics clubs, universities, and other innovators have shown immense enthusiasm, with registration numbers soaring.

Notably, to ensure safety, ​physical barriers will separate human and robot runners, with distinct race rules and completion time standards. Yet this groundbreaking human-robot collaboration undeniably signals a bold leap for “technology stepping into reality.”

During a visit to training facilities, reporters observed teams racing against time to upgrade robotic components and intelligence levels, tackling technical challenges to enhance mobility. Some competing robots now reach a ​top speed of 12 km/h. To mitigate the physical strain of road running, some models have added shock-absorbing mechanisms, while others wear customized running shoes.

Liang Liang, Deputy Director of the Beijing E-Town Administrative Committee, explained that as the event is a ​global first with no prior experience or data to reference, both logistics and participants face significant hurdles. To support the robots, organizers have deployed dedicated support vehicles and robotic aid stations. Additionally, they are working closely with each team to refine technology, troubleshoot functions, and achieve developmental goals through pre-race collaboration.

At the ​2024 Paris Olympics, artificial intelligence revolutionized real-time data monitoring, 3D motion capture, and referee decision-making—boosting athlete training efficiency and competitive fairness while showcasing how technology elevates life’s value.

The upcoming human-robot “half-marathon” collaboration represents a ​new frontier where the humanoid robotics industry intersects with humanity, sports, and endurance challenges. Industry experts note that half-marathons strike an ideal balance between “challenge and accessibility”: the event’s low entry barrier contrasts with its rigorous test of physical stamina and mental resilience, culminating in profound personal achievement. By completing the same course, humanoid robots aim to validate industrial progress and refine human-centric technologies.

“This isn’t just a sports competition—it’s a ​stress test for technological breakthroughs and industrial growth,” asserted Xiong Youjun, CEO of the Beijing Humanoid Robot Innovation Center.

A participating robotics executive stated that “marathon-running robots” could accelerate technical maturity, spur industry standards, and drive innovation. On one front, the effort pushes upgrades in high-torque motors, flexible joints, and wear-resistant materials. On another, running’s demand for full-body coordination forces tighter integration of hardware-software systems and deeper partnerships between manufacturers and AI algorithm firms.

These advances promise to unlock ​transformative applications: deploying humanoid robots in disaster relief, long-range inspections, hazardous operations, smart manufacturing, and even elderly home care. As capabilities grow, such robots could also serve as AI training partners for elite athletes, “giving back” to sports development.

Industry experts emphasize that humanoid robots—comprising thousands of components—still face significant hurdles in maintaining stable, prolonged running.

Xiong Youjun explained, “Real-world road conditions differ vastly from lab environments.” To complete the race, robots require ​high-density integrated joints and bodies capable of enduring long distances with efficient heat dissipation. Second, precise coordination of all joints is critical for running, positioning, and dynamic obstacle avoidance—a test of core algorithm development and adaptability. Third, the marathon’s demands on stability, reliability, and battery life are immense, with slopes, turns, and uneven terrain pushing machine performance to its limits.

Humanoid robot "Tiangong," developed by the National-Local Joint Embodied Intelligence Robotics Innovation Center, demonstrates its running capabilities at the Beijing Robotics Industrial Park (E-Town) on February 24.
Humanoid robot “Tiangong,” developed by the National-Local Joint Embodied Intelligence Robotics Innovation Center, demonstrates its running capabilities at the Beijing Robotics Industrial Park (E-Town) on February 24.

Given ​persistent technical challenges requiring breakthroughs in industrial development, alongside the disruptive impact of complex outdoor environments on robotic operations, current capabilities allow robots to run alongside humans but not truly compete with them. Thus, this event functions more as an ​industry dialogue and a ​robotic stress test than a traditional race.

For human participants and spectators, sharing the track with robots offers sensory thrills and intellectual expansion. These benefits are concrete: the “constructive interplay” between technology and society clarifies the boundaries of human-robot collaboration, reinforces the principle of “technology for humanity,” and accelerates the shift from ​coexistence to ​co-prosperity.

“As the essence of this event, humanoid robots ‘running marathons’ symbolize humanity’s imagination and dreams in motion—that’s the ultimate highlight,” said Li Quan. “Regardless of rankings or speed, the footprints left by these robots at the finish line hold greater value than any medal. The 21-kilometer course will end, but our quest for human-robot synergy never will.”

Hashtag: #ShangE-Town

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

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Kenanga Investors Awarded Best Malaysia Large-Cap Equity Fund at Morningstar Awards

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KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA – Media OutReach Newswire – 5 May 2025 – Kenanga Investors Berhad (“Kenanga Investors”) has been awarded Best Malaysia Large-Cap Equity Fund at the Morningstar Awards 2025, recognising the strong performance of the Kenanga Blue Chip Fund (“KBCF”). This achievement marks a significant milestone for the firm, as KBCF celebrates its third win at this prestigious award and continues to deliver consistent results across varying market conditions.

From left: Christopher Kok, Head of Equities; Liong Chee How, Senior Portfolio Manager; Julianna Lim, Sales Director, South East Asia, Morningstar Research Pte Limited; Lee Sook Yee, Chief Investment Officer.

Datuk Wira Ismitz Matthew De Alwis, Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer of Kenanga Investors, said, “We are honoured to receive this recognition from Morningstar, one of the most trusted names in investment research. Awards like these reaffirm the value of our investing approach and the importance of staying true to our philosophy.”

The KBCF is guided by a bottom-up investment strategy. It aims to achieve long-term capital growth by investing in companies with relatively larger market capitalisation, with a clear focus on what represents fair value for their expected earnings potential.

Lee Sook Yee, Chief Investment Officer of Kenanga Investors, shared, “KBCF’s performance reflects the strength of our research-driven process. The team works closely to identify the right opportunities, backed by data and an understanding of market dynamics. In Malaysia, domestic growth outlook continues to be strongly driven by an investment upcycle in infrastructure and property. With that in mind, we intend to focus on stock picking for 2025. We maintain a favourable view on sectors such as financials, construction, property, new energy, utilities and healthcare. Ultimately, we believe staying nimble and responsive will allow us to navigate both uncertainty and opportunity.”

“Our focus is always on creating long-term value for our investors through performance, transparency, and sound governance,” added Datuk Wira De Alwis. “We are grateful for the continued trust our clients and investors place in us, as well as for the dedication of our team.”

The Morningstar fund category awards are based on Morningstar fund data as of 31 December 2024. The awards methodology emphasises the one-year period, but funds must also have delivered strong three-year returns after adjusting for risk within the award peer groups in order to obtain an award. In selecting winners, fund returns are adjusted for risk using the Morningstar Risk, a measure which imposes a higher penalty for downside variation in a fund’s return than it does for upside volatility.

The Award is the latest addition to Kenanga Investors’ recent string of recognitions from the likes of LSEG Lipper Fund Awards 2025 and Asia Asset Management’s 2025 Best of the Best Awards. The firm aims to continue building upon its track record through a robust investment process and a clear, long-term vision that helps clients navigate markets with confidence.

For more information about Kenanga Investors, please visit www.kenangainvestors.com.my.

Hashtag: #Kenanga

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

Kenanga Investors Berhad 199501024358 (353563-P)

We provide investment solutions ranging from collective investment schemes, portfolio management services, alternative investments, as well as wills and trusts for retail, corporate, institutional, and high net worth clients via a multi-distribution network.

The Morningstar Award 2025 has recognised the Kenanga Blue Chip Fund as Best Malaysia Large-Cap Equity Fund.

At the LSEG Lipper Fund Awards Malaysia 2025, KIB received awards for the Kenanga DividendExtra Fund (“KDEF”) under the Best Equity Malaysia Diversified – Malaysia Funds over 3 years , Kenanga Malaysian Inc Fund (“KMIF”) under the Best Equity Malaysia Diversified – Malaysia Provident Funds over 10 years, Kenanga Balanced Fund (“KBF”) under the Best Mixed Asset MYR Balanced – Malaysia Provident Funds over 10 years, Kenanga Managed Growth Fund (“KMGF”) under Best Mixed Asset MYR Flexible – Malaysia Provident Funds over 10 years, and Kenanga SyariahEXTRA Fund (“KSEF”) under the Best Mixed Asset MYR Balanced – Malaysia Islamic Funds Awards over 10 years.

The Hong Kong-based Asia Asset Management’s 2025 Best of the Best Awards awarded KIG under the following categories, Malaysia Best Impact Investing Manager, Best Impact Investing Manager in ASEAN, Malaysia Best Equity Manager, Malaysia CEO of the Year (Co-Winner), Malaysia CIO of the Year, Malaysia Best House for Alternatives, Malaysia Best ESG Engagement Initiative, Malaysia Fund Launch of the Year, and Malaysia Best Retail Asset Management Company.

The FSMOne Recommended Unit Trusts Awards 2024/2025 has awarded the Kenanga Growth Fund Series 2 with the “Sector Equity – Malaysia Focused” award for the third consecutive year since 2022. We were also recognised at The BrandLaureate BestBrands Awards 2024 – Brand of the Year under the category Wealth Management & Investment Solutions. For the eighth consecutive year, KIB was affirmed an investment manager rating of IMR-2 by Malaysian Rating Corporation Berhad, since first rated in 2017. The IMR rating on KIB reflects the fund management company’s well-established investment processes and sound risk management practices.

This Press Release was issued by Kenanga Group’s Marketing, Communications & Sustainability department.

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Organized by JCI Victoria – “Boundless Dreams: The Journey of Infinity Hope” Survey Result Announcement and Press Conference

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HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 4 May 2025 – From March to April 2025, JCI Victoria conducted an online survey to examine the current situation, barriers, and needs of people with disabilities in Hong Kong regarding sports participation. The survey received responses from 285 participants. Over half of the respondents felt that the current sports resources provided by the government or sports organizations do not meet the developmental needs of people with disabilities in sports.

On May 3, 2025, JCI Victoria held a press conference at Hong Kong Red Cross Margaret Trench School to announce the survey findings. The event featured special guests, including Ms. Ho Yuen Kei, a Paralympic gold medalist in boccia and one of the Ten Outstanding Young Persons in 2023; Mr. Ho Nim Ching, a Deaflympics taekwondo bronze medalist; and two young hearing-impaired athletes from Hong Kong’s first “Deaf-Inclusive Taekwondo Team” (sponsored by JCI Victoria), who recently returned from a training camp in South Korea. The speakers shared their experiences and insights, aiming to raise public awareness of the challenges faced by athletes with disabilities and propose concrete policy recommendations.

Key Survey Findings:

  1. Demographics of Respondents

The survey encompassed a diverse range of respondents in terms of age, gender, and disability type. Approximately 60% of participants were male, while 30% were female, with half of all respondents under the age of 18. The most common disabilities reported included autism spectrum disorder (44%), intellectual disabilities (29%), and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) (27%).

  1. Strong Motivation for Sports Participation – Health and Social Engagement

Despite facing physical limitations, people with disabilities exhibit a strong motivation to engage in sports. Nearly 70% of respondents maintain a regular exercise routine, with running, basketball, and swimming being the most popular activities. Their primary motivations for participating in sports are to improve health (87%), expand social circles (56%), and boost confidence and a sense of achievement (56%).

  1. Lack of Accessibility and Disability-Friendly Facilities

Only 24% of respondents expressed satisfaction with the current sports facilities available in schools or communities, citing issues such as difficulty booking venues (42%), inadequate changing room space (38%), and a lack of accessible facilities and equipment tailored to their needs (29%). Many also highlighted challenges in traveling to sports venues, which discourages them from engaging in physical activity.

  1. Lack of Coach Support for People with Disabilities

Another critical issue is the insufficient support from sports coaches. Many respondents noted that few coaches possess the necessary skills and experience to work effectively with people with disabilities. Key gaps include managing the emotions of children with special educational needs (SEN), providing clear verbal instructions for visually impaired individuals, and using sign language or gestures to guide hearing-impaired participants.

  1. Insufficient Government Promotion – Low Awareness of Sports Resources

Only 30% of respondents had ever applied for sports-related support, such as competitions, public facilities, or funding. While 45% had participated in government or sports organization events for people with disabilities in the past three years, a mere 12% had attended five or more such events. This underscores the need for better promotion and transparency regarding existing programs.

Conclusion & Recommendations

The survey results show that despite physical limitations, people with disabilities remain highly motivated to engage in sports to broaden their social networks and boost self-confidence. However, Hong Kong currently fails to meet their needs due to inadequate facilities and insufficient support, which negatively impacts their sports experience and participation willingness.

While the government and some organizations offer sports resources and support programs, most people with disabilities are unaware of them due to poor promotion and transparency.

Respondents called for the government and sports institutions to take actionable steps, including increasing competition opportunities, enhancing professional training for coaches, improving publicity for disability sports programs, and providing better career planning and funding for elite athletes with disabilities. Such measures would empower them to represent Hong Kong on the international stage and inspire others to pursue their athletic dreams.

Speeches & Highlights from the Event

Ms. Jay Lee, President of JCI Victoria, emphasized that sports serve as a universal language to foster an inclusive and harmonious society. She accompanied taekwondo athletes with disabilities to a training camp in South Korea, describing “Boundless Dreams” as not just an event, but the starting point of a dream—where everyone can work together to achieve limitless possibilities.

Mr. Rafael Wong, National President of JCI Hong Kong China, praised the young leaders for organizing events that encourage sports participation among people with disabilities, including upcoming activities in Singapore. He highlighted the Seven Principles of Human Responsibility: protecting life, serving communities, sustainable futures, pursuing prosperity, teaching oneself and others, respecting individuality, and understanding diverse responsibilities. He stressed that people with disabilities can excel beyond expectations and encouraged greater support for their inclusion in sports.

Mr. Johnny Kwan, Guest of Honor (Member of North District Fight Crime Committee, Past President of JCI Hong Kong, President of GBA Education Development Association Hong Kong), noted that 2025 marks a significant year for sports in Hong Kong, with the opening of the Kai Tak Sports Village as a key venue for the National Games, which will also include Paralympic events. He urged public support, as sports can unite society and drive awareness of diversity issues.

Mr. Ho Nim Ching (Deaflympics Taekwondo Bronze Medalist & Event Ambassador) shared his struggles in securing resources for his athletic career, including self-funded overseas exchanges and difficulties in obtaining coaching qualifications. Despite challenges, his perseverance led to a bronze medal, proving that disabilities do not limit dreams.

Two young athletes from Hong Kong’s first “Deaf-Inclusive Taekwondo Team” shared their experiences from training in South Korea:

  • Ng Hoi Wang: Compared to Hong Kong, training in Korea was faster-paced and more intensive, involving running, jumping, and kicking drills. He expressed gratitude for the sponsorship and his mother’s support.
  • Law Pak Kiu: Aspires to become a taekwondo coach to support his family. Despite injuries, he persisted and hopes to pass on the skills he learned in Korea to fellow trainees.

“Boundless Dreams: Achieving Infinite Possibilities” Program Series

Despite Hong Kong’s success in international para-sports, local athletes still face challenges. JCI Victoria’s “Boundless Dreams” initiative, co-organized with Inclusive Sports Foundation and Feng Sheng Taekwondo Hong Kong, aims to break barriers and encourage people with disabilities to pursue sports.

Upcoming Events:

  • “Boundless Sports Day” (May 31, 2025) – Boccia workshop and exhibition match led by Ms. Ho Yuen Kei.
  • “Deaf Dream Day” (July 2025) – Table tennis training for hearing-impaired individuals by professional coaches.

JCI Victoria believes that promoting sports for people with disabilities not only advances athletic development but also fosters an inclusive, diverse society.

Hashtag: #JCIVictoria


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

About JCI Victoria

Established in 1950, JCI Victoria is the first bilingual and mixed-gender chapter under JCI Hong Kong. As a non-profit organization, it brings together young professionals to develop leadership skills while serving society.

Flagship Programs in 2025:

  • “Boundless Dreams: The Journey of Infinity Hope”
  • “SDG Enterprise Awards 2025”
  • “36th Grandparents’ Day”

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Vietnam sets world record with dazzling drone show featuring 10,500 drones

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HO CHI MINH CITY, VIETNAM – Media OutReach Newswire – 4 May 2025 – A standout moment in the celebrations marking the 50th anniversary of the Liberation of the South and National Reunification (April 30, 1975 – April 30, 2025) was an extraordinary drone light show that lit up the skies over Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, on April 28.

The drone light show in Ho Chi Minh City on April 28 featured an impressive fleet of 10,500 drones. Photo: Nguyễn Thế Dương

Featuring an impressive fleet of 10,500 drones, the performance dazzled spectators with vibrant, emotionally charged visuals that transformed the night sky and left an indelible impression on both locals and visitors.

The show dazzled spectators with vibrant, emotionally charged visuals that left an indelible impression on both locals and visitors. Photo: Nguyễn Thế Dương
The show dazzled spectators with vibrant, emotionally charged visuals that left an indelible impression on both locals and visitors. Photo: Nguyễn Thế Dương

The show was produced by Prowtech International Vina Joint Stock Company in partnership with domestic and international collaborators. More than a large-scale entertainment showcase, the spectacle embodied Vietnam’s spirit of innovation, resilience, and bold ambition in the digital era.

The performance was certified by Guinness World Records as the "largest drone light show by number of drones flying simultaneously."
The performance was certified by Guinness World Records as the “largest drone light show by number of drones flying simultaneously.”

Most notably, the performance was officially certified by Guinness World Records as the “largest drone light show by number of drones flying simultaneously.”

For full event coverage and media assets, please visit:

https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1lWjW-5faZbNqd3YsL3Fomxz6cWyf3vEf

Hashtag: #Prowtech

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

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