In an era defined by increasing volatility from climate change and complex infrastructure challenges, Canadian 6D simulation firm RUNWITHIT Synthetics is pioneering a novel approach to urban resilience. The company, a Certified Indigenous and women-led enterprise based in Edmonton, is building " live 6D AI-driven models of cities and regions" using its proprietary 6D simulation generative AI platforms.Myrna Bittner, Founder and CEO of RUNWITHIT Synthetics, describes the company's core mission as bridging the "critical gap between very complex data and real human experience." The goal is to make data accessible, enjoyable, and relevant for leaders-many of whom are not technologists-who are making critical policy and investment decisions around resilience, new energy technologies, and community welfare.The Power of the Living Digital TwinRUNWITHIT Synthetics does not rely solely on existing historical data, a significant differentiator in a field often constrained by data availability. Instead, their technology is built to thrive in scenarios where historical data is scarce or where anticipated events-like an extraordinary cold snap in a warm city-have never occurred."We shouldn't let data be our barrier when we need to be looking and planning in the future," Bittner states.The company's platform consumes diverse inputs-from spatial and satellite data to public census and research-to synthesize a "living form of reality." It then runs "superscalar simulations" on this digital twin, generating new, reliable data from configured, novel scenarios through emergent behavior modeling.This approach requires a highly diverse team, blending deep-tech social system engineers, AI programmers, game engine developers, designers, and animators. The inclusion of design is deliberate; as Bittner notes, making the future compelling and beautiful makes data more accessible.Furthermore, the company is highly focused on efficiency, utilizing clustering technology, parallel processing, and federated generative AI to minimize computing consumption, allowing complex simulations to be run even on a laptop.Versatility: Driving Strategic Decisions Across Multiple ScenariosThe power of RUNWITHIT Synthetics' platform lies in its modular and adaptable architecture, which allows customers to flexibly integrate modules for distinct strategic purposes. Applications span beyond disaster management to include long-term strategic advisory, community growth planning, and infrastructure design."Customers can choose a focus area and not even be limited by that one focus area," Bittner explains. The platform enables users to model the intricate connections between design response, energy resilience, public health, social infrastructure planning, and security environments. This interconnectedness allows clients to effectively navigate the comprehensive impact of various decisions on the built environment, the natural environment, and the community.Globally, the company is tackling major challenges such as modeling the impacts of extreme cold in Nashville and working with the Government of Canada to improve resilience in rural communities. This Canadian project, for example, models the interconnections between energy, health, and communication systems while assessing the benefits of implementing distributed energy resources like solar, wind, and virtual power.Asia Expansion: Applying Versatile Planning Tools in TaiwanA major focus for the company is market expansion, with Taiwan serving as a key strategic access point for Southeast Asia. The recent Hualien flood disaster provided a stark reminder of the challenges the region faces.In light of this, RUNWITHIT Synthetics has already established foundational relationships, notably with the Taiwan Indigenous Sustainable Development Association and the Council of Indigenous Peoples (TISDA). Their goal of joining the Canadian Technology Accelerator (CTA) program is to advance digital twin applications for rural and indigenous communities in Taiwan, focusing on emergency preparedness, improved health access, and sustainable energy development-precisely the kind of interlinked systems analysis needed for planning and disaster recovery. They are also seeking to reinvigorate conversations with the National Health Research Institutes (NHRI) regarding health research simulations involving population data, which is crucial for managing health crises following a natural event.Myrna Bittner, Founder and CEO of RUNWITHIT Synthetics. Credit: RUNWITHIT Synthetics

Gaming used to mean sitting down in a specific room. You powered up, stared at a glowing screen, and disappeared for hours. Now it's something people do on buses, at bus stops, in bed, or while waiting for a takeaway. The shift from console to mobile didn't just make games more convenient. It made them part of daily life. What was once an escape has become a companion.The rise of the smartphone didn't just give us better cameras or faster messaging. It handed us a new kind of playground. A billion pockets turned into arcades overnight. Games like Angry Birds, Temple Run, and Candy Crush weren't flukes. They were proof that entertainment didn't need a controller anymore. Mentioning a social casino game these days barely raises an eyebrow. People play for fun, for the challenge, or just to pass a dull minute. It's gaming stripped down to its essentials, accessible to anyone who can swipe a screen.The Old Console CrowdRemember when playing games meant being tethered to a television? The ritual of plugging in cables, picking up controllers, and arguing over who got player one. It was a production. Then came the phone. Suddenly, gaming was as easy as opening an app. It didn't matter if you had five minutes or fifty. You could dive in, make progress, and get on with your day.Classic titles noticed. Call of Duty, FIFA, even Grand Theft Auto showed up on mobile screens, adapted and alive. They weren't replacements; they were reinventions. For players who grew up glued to their consoles, this was liberation. You could take your favorite worlds with you. No more waiting until you got home to play. You already were home, in a way. It's as if the rules changed overnight and everyone who'd ever held a controller suddenly found the game following them instead of the other way around.Quick Fixes and Fast RewardsMobile games are built for the modern attention span. You don't need hours to get something out of them. You need thirty seconds and a thumb. They tap into something primal. The thrill of progress. The satisfaction of instant feedback. It's psychology cleverly disguised as play. Every level cleared, every reward unlocked, is another nudge to keep you hooked. The developers know exactly what they're doing-and we thank them for it.And that's what keeps people coming back. Mobile gaming doesn't demand loyalty. It earns it, one dopamine hit at a time. It fits between emails and errands, filling the gaps modern life leaves behind. A quick match here, a puzzle there, a sense of control in a world that often feels like it has none. You could call it escapism, but really, it's convenience disguised as joy.Everyone's a GamerThe stereotype of the gamer sitting in a dark room surrounded by empty cans is long gone. Your gran is probably playing Wordscapes. Your mate who hates "nerd stuff" has a Clash of Clans base he's been building for years. Mobile gaming didn't just grow the audience. It obliterated the walls that once defined it.Now, everyone's a gamer whether they admit it or not. It's a universal language. No tutorials needed. Just curiosity and a few taps. The accessibility is what made it unstoppable. You don't need to spend a fortune or dedicate your weekend. All you need is a phone and a spare moment. It's the great equalizer of entertainment-the one pastime that fits inside your pocket and asks for nothing but your attention.A Cultural ShiftMobile gaming's influence sits quietly in the background of pop culture. It's as normal as scrolling social media or watching short clips online. The way we interact with games mirrors how we consume everything else now.It's a bit like when Netflix changed how we watched TV. We stopped planning our lives around scheduled shows. We started watching on our terms. Mobile gaming did that for play. And if you've ever felt the heartbreak of losing your progress because your phone died mid-level, you've joined a global brotherhood of quiet, shared despair. Somewhere out there, millions know exactly how you feel.The Competitive EdgeCompetition has changed too. It's no longer about high scores on a single machine. It's global, constant, and always within reach. Daily missions, leaderboards, and events keep players locked in. It's not about beating the game anymore. It's about staying part of the loop.That endless engagement turned mobile gaming into a financial juggernaut. In 2024, it made up nearly half of all gaming revenue worldwide. The numbers prove what anyone with a smartphone already knows. We're all playing. Constantly. And most of us don't even realize because it has become second nature.The Next ChapterThe next leap won't be about screens or specs. It'll be about depth. Phones are getting faster, graphics sharper, and stories richer. Soon, the line between console and mobile will disappear. The best games will live everywhere. What matters won't be what you play on, but how easily you can lose yourself in it.The evolution of mobile gaming shows what happens when technology meets everyday life. It's no longer about finding time to play. It's about the moments between everything else when play finds you. Gaming didn't just survive the move to mobile. It thrived. It adapted, simplified, and conquered. The console might have started the story, but the phone made it impossible to put down.

BIWIN announces that its Mini SSD has been recognized by TIME magazine as one of the Best Inventions of 2025, making it the only storage product worldwide to earn a spot on this year's prestigious list.Each year, TIME highlights innovations that reshape industries and improve everyday life. The 2025 honorees span categories including AI, consumer electronics, and sustainability.The BIWIN Mini SSD stood out with its breakthrough design, exceptional performance, and bold re-imagination of portable storage.Redefining Performance and Portability for the AI EdgeBIWIN Mini SSD redefines the limits of portable storage, bridging performance and portability for the AI computing era. As AI models move from the cloud to the device, edge environments like local inference, high-resolution video, and immersive gaming demand ever-faster, more reliable storage in increasingly compact spaces. Traditional embedded storage solutions such as eMMC and UFS struggle to meet bandwidth requirements for AI workloads, while standard M.2 SSDs remain too large for next-generation, thinner and lighter designs.At just 15.0 x 17.0 x 1.4 mm, about the size of a coin, BIWIN Mini SSD delivers read speeds up to 3700 MB/s and write speeds up to 3400 MB/s, with capacities up to 2 TB. It empowers device manufacturers to create slimmer, smarter, and faster devices, from handheld gaming consoles to 3-in-1 AI PCs.BIWIN Mini SSD stands as a landmark example of how technology can keep devices thinner as data volumes keep growing.Redefining Performance and Portability for the AI Edge. Credit:BIWINSystem-Level Innovation: Technical Excellence Meets Advanced PackagingThe Mini SSD embodies BIWIN's system-level engineering approach, combining architecture design, firmware optimization, and advanced packaging to achieve the industry's best balance between miniature size, flagship-grade performance, and industrial reliability:Advanced LGA (Land Grid Array)Packaging: Integrates the controller and NAND flash on a single plane for maximum space efficiency and heat dissipation.Rugged Durability: IP68 dust- and water-resistance, plus drop protection from up to 3 meters, offering reliability in mobile or outdoor environments.Card-Tray Mechanism: Enables easy insertion and removal after power-down, simplifying upgrades and maintenance.Smart Firmware System: Dynamic SLC caching, wear-leveling, TRIM, and garbage-collection to deliver long-term stability.Broad Compatibility: Modular design adaptable for laptops, tablets, NAS, smart displays, handheld consoles, and edge-AI devices.This unified design philosophy reflects BIWIN's "Integrated R&D + Testing + Packaging 2.0" strategy, transforming compact form factors into complete system solutions.From Product Breakthrough to Ecosystem EmpowermentThe Mini SSD marks BIWIN's continued commitment to creating end-to-end storage solutions that empower partners and redefine the edge-AI landscape.Through close collaboration in product definition, joint validation, and large-scale production, BIWIN delivers scalable, energy-efficient storage optimized for AI computing and ultra-thin devices.Flagship products from One-Netbook, GPD, and other leading brands already integrate the Mini SSD, achieving a rare balance between AI performance and lightweight design.Building on this success, BIWIN is expanding its edge-AI storage portfolio, including ePOP and BGA SSD products, offering higher bandwidth, lower power consumption, and thinner form factors.BIWIN's AI-edge business is expected to grow by more than 500% year-over-year in 2025.For more information about BIWIN please visit.

Taiwanese power solutions leader Asian Power Devices Inc. (hereafter "APD") officially inaugurated its new factory on October 29 at Thang Long Industrial Park in Phu Tho Province, Northern Vietnam. The event brought together APD's international clients and supply chain partners to witness this significant milestone in the company's global expansion. APD's Vietnam factory specializes in the production of power supply units, with mass production having commenced in September 2024 and full-scale capacity expansion planned for 2025.Global Presence -Diversified Manufacturing BaseSince its founding in 1994, APD has been dedicated to the R&D and manufacturing of power systems and renewable energy products, serving as a long-term strategic partner for leading global networking and medical technology companies. Amid geopolitical uncertainties, evolving tariff policies, and supply chain risk mitigation strategies, global supply chains are undergoing rapid restructuring. Customers increasingly prioritize stable, flexible, and reliable supply sources.To meet these growing demands and ensure supply chain stability, APD is actively expanding its global production footprint. The launch of the Vietnam factory complements the company's Shenzhen and Taipei facilities, creating a comprehensive manufacturing network while enabling flexible capacity allocation to address diverse international market needs.Smart Manufacturing -Strengthening Competitive AdvantageAPD's Vietnam facility spans 12,000 square meters within Thang Long Industrial Park, the industrial hub of northern Vietnam. Strategically situated near Noi Bai International Airport and major ports, the factory facilitates seamless regional supply chain integration and rapid access to global markets.Since entering mass production in 2024, the facility has implemented Industry 4.0 smart manufacturing technologies. Highly automated AI-driven systems and high-speed SMT production lines enhance efficiency while strengthening product testing and reliability control. Through advanced production lines and rigorous quality management, APD consistently delivers high-quality power products that meet international standards. With production capacity steadily increasing, annual output is projected to reach 25 million power modules by the end of 2026.Looking ahead, APD will continue investing in smart manufacturing processes and line upgrades while deepening collaboration with local supply chains to provide customers with more competitive lead times, superior quality, and cost-effective solutions.Ongoing Commitment, Moving Toward New MilestonesAs global demand for networking and medical power solutions continues to grow, the launch of APD's Vietnam factory significantly boosts the group's overall production capacity. Rax Chuang, General Manager of APD's Power Systems Business, stated: The establishment of our Vietnam factory represents not only a key milestone in APD's global production expansion but also a clear demonstration of our ongoing commitment to meeting market and customer needs. We are confident that our enhanced manufacturing capabilities and flexible supply chain configuration will help our customers secure a competitive edge in the global market. Moving forward, APD will continue to uphold our spirit of "Innovative Quality, Unwavering Commitment' and collaborate closely with our global supply chain partners and customers to create the next phase of growth together."For more information about APD, please visit.Highly Automated Production Lines at APD Vietnam Factory. Credit:APD

SK hynix Inc. (or "the company", www.skhynix.com) announced today that it has recorded 24.4489 trillion won in revenues, 11.3834 trillion won in operating profit (with an operating margin of 47%), and 12.5975 trillion won in net profit (with a net margin of 52%) in the third quarter.Credit: DIGITIMESThe company achieved its highest-ever quarterly performance, driven by the full-scale rise in prices of DRAM and NAND, as well as the increasing shipments of high-performance products for AI servers. In particular, operating profit exceeded 10 trillion won for the first time in the company's history.As demand across the memory segment has soared due to customers' expanding investments in AI infrastructure, SK hynix once again surpassed the record-high performance of the previous quarter due to increased sales of high value-added products such as 12-high HBM3E and DDR5 for servers.Driven by surging demand for AI servers, shipments of high-capacity DDR5s of 128GB or more have more than doubled from the previous quarter. In NAND, the portion of AI server eSSD, which commands a price premium, expanded significantly as well.Building on this strong performance, the company's cash and cash equivalents at the end of the third quarter increased by 10.9 trillion won from the previous quarter, reaching 27.9 trillion won. Meanwhile, interest bearing debt stood at 24.1 trillion won, enabling the company to successfully transition to a net cash position of 3.8 trillion won.As the AI market rapidly shifts toward inference-driven workloads, there is growing interest in distributing computational loads of AI servers across broader infrastructures such as general servers. This trend is expected to further expand demand across the entire memory portfolio, including high-performance DDR5 and eSSD.In addition, the recent wave of strategic partnerships and AI data center expansion announcements by leading global AI players provides further momentum. This is expected to drive balanced demand growth not only for HBM, but also for various product lines including memory solutions for general servers.In response, SK hynix plans to accelerate the migration to its most advanced 1cnm process, or the sixth-generation of the 10-nanometer technology, which is already in stable mass production. This will enable the company to establish a full DRAM lineup across server, mobile, and graphics applications, and to flexibly respond to customer needs through expanded supply. In NAND, the company will also increase output of world's highest 321-layer TLC and QLC products to swiftly meet customer requirements.Meanwhile, the company has completed discussions with key customers regarding HBM supply for next year. HBM4, which completed development in September and entered mass production, fully meets customer performance requirements and supports industry-leading speeds. Shipments will begin in the fourth quarter this year, with full-scale sales expansion planned for next year.Furthermore, amid surging demand for AI memory, the company has already secured full customer demand for its entire DRAM and NAND production for next year.In order to address higher-than-expected customer demand, SK hynix plans to expand its production capacity through M15X, where equipment installation has recently begun after the early opening of a new cleanroom, and to accelerate the migration to advanced process technologies.As a result, investment for next year is expected to increase compared to this year, reflecting the company's continued commitment to a market-aligned investment strategy."With the innovation of AI technology, the memory market has shifted to a new paradigm and demand has begun to spread to all product areas," said Kim Woohyun, Chief Financial Officer. "We will continue to strengthen our AI memory leadership by responding to customer demand through market-leading products and differentiated technological capabilities."SK hynix 3Q25 Financial Results. SK hynix

Livestreaming has become a central part of Asia's digital life, spreading across shopping, gaming, entertainment, education, sports, and corporate sectors. Viewers can now watch everything from product launches to eSports tournaments in real time, often interacting directly with hosts or other audience members. Artificial intelligence is playing a big role in this growth.AI can provide real-time translations, auto-generated captions, and interactive overlays that make streams easier to follow. With faster internet and mobile technology, livestreams have become seamless experiences. Businesses, influencers, and content creators are using these tools to reach wider audiences, engage viewers, and create richer, more interactive broadcasts.Sports Streaming and In-Match FeaturesIn Asia, livestreaming is more than watching content. It is about interaction and immediacy. Platforms allow viewers to respond, ask questions, and even participate in polls or giveaways instantly. Sports fans in Asia can now watch matches live while accessing detailed analytics, player stats, and commentary simultaneously. AI-driven tools highlight scoring chances, track movements, and provide instant updates. For example, international betting sites, like non Gamstop sports betting platforms, integrate live betting, where viewers can adjust their wagers as events unfold, offering a highly interactive experience. Whether it is football, basketball, or martial arts competitions, live streams provide fans with insights that were once only available to professional analysts.This real-time access changes how audiences watch, follow, and participate in sporting events. Not only do these sites offer competitive odds and a variety of bet types, but users can often pay using crypto or e-wallets, adding flexibility. Watching a match this way is very different from traditional broadcasts, as every moment can affect decisions and strategies. This integration of live streams with betting creates a highly engaging experience that keeps audiences invested throughout an event.E-Commerce and Live ShoppingRetail has embraced livestreaming across Asia, turning product demonstrations into interactive shopping events. Platforms like Taobao Live, Douyin, Shopee, and Lazada allow influencers and brands to showcase products in real time. Viewers can ask questions about size, colour, or features while watching demonstrations.Many shopping events coincide with festivals or special promotions, driving huge sales. AI tools help highlight popular items, suggest similar products, and analyse viewer behaviour to make the experience more engaging. The combination of immediacy, interaction, and easy purchasing is transforming how people shop online, making livestreaming a vital sales channel.Gaming and eSports StreamingLivestreaming has reshaped the gaming scene in countries such as China, South Korea, Indonesia, and the Philippines. Players and fans watch tournaments, live matches, and speed runs on platforms like Douyin, Kick, and AfreecaTV. AI helps by automatically highlighting key moments, providing real-time stats, and moderating chat to keep interactions friendly.Viewers can now enjoy eSports with instant commentary and predictive analysis. Interactive features, such as live polls and fan competitions, create a sense of community while keeping the focus on the action. The combination of technology and interactivity makes gaming streams a leading form of entertainment across Asia.Media, Entertainment, and Live EventsLive performances, concerts, and cultural festivals are increasingly streamed to global audiences. Organisers use AI to improve camera angles, detect crowd reactions, and provide immersive experiences with AR and VR elements. Fans can watch in real time, comment, and share content on social media. Interactive features allow viewers to choose which performances or angles to follow.Streaming concerts or festivals offers a wider reach than traditional venues, bringing entertainment directly to people's devices. This accessibility is reshaping how audiences experience live shows while offering new opportunities for content creators and performers.Education and Corporate TrainingLivestreaming is also transforming education and business communications. Trainers can deliver live classes, workshops, or corporate presentations to students or employees across the region. AI assists by providing automated captions, translating lectures, and moderating questions in real time. Interactive quizzes and polls help maintain engagement, and analytics track participation and learning outcomes.For companies, live streams allow efficient communication, product demonstrations, or large-scale meetings without requiring physical presence. These tools are increasingly standard for schools, universities, and corporations looking to expand reach and efficiency.Technology Behind the StreamsThe growth of livestreaming relies on fast internet, widespread 5G coverage, and advanced mobile devices. AI enhances the viewing experience with features like automated highlights, translation, and smart camera control. Content creators can focus on producing engaging material while AI handles repetitive or technical tasks. This combination of human creativity and AI support ensures smooth, interactive broadcasts that attract and retain viewers. The rise of crypto payments, e-wallets, and flexible digital transactions also supports live commerce and live betting models.Livestreaming Across IndustriesFrom e-commerce and gaming to entertainment, education, sports, and corporate events, livestreaming is integrated into nearly every sector in Asia. Companies and creators now have the tools to engage audiences in real time, measure responses, and adjust content instantly. Interactive features such as live chats, polls, and tipping mechanisms make streams participatory rather than passive. AI-driven insights help identify popular content, analyse presentations, and tailor experiences to different audiences. The result is a digital ecosystem where livestreaming is central to business growth, entertainment, and communication.How AI is Revolutionising Livestreaming Across Asia's Expanding Digital Ecosystem. Credit: Pexels

SK hynix Inc. announced today that it presented its next-generation NAND storage product strategy at the '2025 OCP (Open Compute Project) Global Summit', held in San Jose, California, from October 13 to 16.SK hynix unveils AIN Family (P/B/D) and hosts HBF Night to expand the AIN B ecosystem. Credit: SK hynixSK hynix said that, with the rapid growth of the AI inference market, the demand for NAND storage products capable of process large volume data quickly and efficiently is increasing dramatically. The company will fulfill customer needs by establishing the 'AIN (AI-NAND) Family' lineup of solution products, optimized for the AI era.Chun Sung Kim, Head of eSSD Product Development at SK hynix, presented the AIN Family during the Executive Session on the second day of the event.The AIN Family consists of NAND solution products optimized for performance, bandwidth, and density respectively which is designed to enhanced data processing speed and storage capacity. AIN P (Performance) is a solution to efficiently process large volume data generated under large-scale AI inference workloads. The product significantly boosts processing speed and energy efficiency by minimizing the bottleneck between storage and AI operations. SK hynix is designing NAND and controllers with new structures and plans to release samples by the end of 2026.AIN D (Density) is a high density solution designed to store large amount of data with low power consumption and cost suitable for storing AI data. The company targets to increase density to petabyte (PB) level from terabyte (TB) of current QLC-based SSDs, and to aim for mid-end storage solution which implements both the speed of SSD and the cost efficiency of HDD.AIN B (Bandwidth) is SK hynix's solution leveraging HBF technology. This product expands bandwidth by vertically stacking multiple NANDs.With global top level HBM development and production capabilities, SK hynix has been conducting researches on AIN B from early stage to address the memory capacity gap driven by the expansion of AI inference and scaling up of LLMs. The key is to combine HBM's stacking structure with high density and cost efficient NAND flash. The company is taking various strategies for AIN B into consideration, such as placing together with HBM to enhance overall system capacity.SK hynix jointly hosted 'HBF Night' with Sandisk, after both parties entered an MOU for HBF standardization in August, to expand the technology ecosystem. The event was held at The Tech Interactive, near the OCP Global Summit venue, on the 14th.At the event, a panel discussion featuring Korean and foreign faculty members was held, with the participation of numerous industry architects and engineers participated. During the event, a collaborative effort across the industry was proposed to accelerate innovation in NAND storage products."Through OCP Global Summit and HBF Night, we were able to showcase SK hynix's present and future as a global AI memory solution provider, thriving in a rapidly evolving AI market," Ahn Hyun, President and Chief Development Officer said. "In the next generation NAND storage market, SK hynix will collaborate closely with customers and partners to become a key player."

Smiths Group plc ("Smiths") announces that it has entered into an agreement for the sale of Smiths Interconnect to Molex Electronic Technologies Holdings, LLC ("Molex", a Koch company) (the "Transaction"). The Transaction values Smiths Interconnect at an enterprise value of £1.3bn, representing 15.1x headline EBITDA of £86.1m1 for the fiscal year 2025. Smiths will receive cash consideration for the Transaction which is subject to customary adjustments for working capital, cash and debt. This announcement demonstrates clear progress against the strategic actions announced on 31 January 2025, designed to maximise value creation, unlock value in the portfolio, and enhance returns to shareholders. The sale of Smiths Interconnect is a notable step forward in the strategy to become a more focused industrial engineering company. Completion of the Transaction is expected to take place in the second half of fiscal year 2026.Credit: SmithsAs also announced in January, Smiths is executing against the delivery of enhanced returns to shareholders through its ongoing £500m buyback which is expected to complete by the end of calendar year 2025. Smiths remains committed to returning a large portion of disposal proceeds from the sale of Smiths Interconnect to shareholders and intends to maintain an investment grade credit rating with the desire to have an efficient balance sheet.  The Board of Smiths will provide an update on the use of proceeds in the Q1 FY2026 Trading Statement scheduled for release on 19 November 2025. Smiths continues to progress with both the sale and demerger processes in parallel for Smiths Detection, as previously stated.Roland Carter, Chief Executive of Smiths, said: "This is an important step as we deliver on our commitment to focus Smiths and unlock the inherent value in our business. Today's announcement, and our recent results, show we are delivering on our strategy with pace and purpose and I am confident that we will continue to do so as we further focus our business as a high-performing industrial engineering company.""We thank our Smiths Interconnect colleagues for their significant contribution to the Smiths Group over many years and wish them every success as they transition to their new owner, Molex, who is well placed to support their future growth."Under French employment laws, prior to making any decision to enter into the Transaction (including by way of entry into any binding share purchase agreement), Smiths is required to carry out an information and consultation process with its French works council (the "French Works Council"). It is intended that the consultation process regarding the Transaction will begin following this announcement.Whilst Smiths will ensure the views of the French Works Council are properly considered, the French Works Council opinion on the Transaction is consultative and not binding on Smiths or Molex.Following completion of the consultation with the French Works Council, the agreement that Smiths has entered into gives it the unilateral and unconditional right to require Molex to enter into a binding share purchase agreement to complete the Transaction, which is subject to the satisfaction of customary conditions and regulatory approvals.Based on headline FY2025 EBITDA, which excludes the contribution from the US sub-systems business unit of Smiths Interconnect, which was reported as agreed for sale in Smiths full year 2025 results, and which completed in October 2025.

In the fiercely competitive global power supply and renewable energy industries, Asian Power Devices Inc. (hereafter "APD") stands at the forefront of Taiwan's power sector. Backed by strong innovation and R&D capabilities and a distinctive organizational culture, APD continues to lead the market. As the company faces challenges from industrial upgrades, international market expansion, and business scale growth, APD leverages a highly efficient, innovation-driven team to advance organizational evolution, strengthen its competitive edge, and capture industry attention.APD's new factory in Vietnam is set to open at the end of October. Credit: APDStrong R&D and Efficient Teams Power Global ExpansionFounded in 1994, APD inherited a deep technological foundation and extensive industry resources from its Chairman, who established Phoenixtec Power in 1978.Phoenixtec's leadership in the UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supply) market laid a solid R&D and industry foundation for APD's formation. In 2007, Phoenixtec was acquired by U.S.-based Eaton Corporation, which quickly became a cornerstone of Taiwan's power supply industry. Today, APD continues to serve major global OEMs in electronics and medical equipment.In response to evolving market trends, APD has in recent years expanded into renewable energy, launching a line of photovoltaic inverters (PV inverters) under its brand PrimeVOLT, which has established a leading position in Taiwan through technological excellence and quality. The group's China-based subsidiary, Senergy, offers customized inverter and energy storage solutions, advancing steadily in global market development.500 Engineers Driving Innovation and Competitive StrengthAPD currently employs around 3,500 people, including over 500 R&D specialists, underscoring the company's strong commitment to technological innovation. With R&D centers in Xizhi, Taoyuan, and Shenzhen, and expanding production bases in Vietnam and Shenzhen, APD has established an integrated R&D and manufacturing network across Asia. This robust innovation force not only fuels APD's product development but also supports its leading position in both the power supply and PV inverter markets.APD Vietnam's new factory automation production line enhances production efficiency. Credit: APDTechnology-Oriented Management Philosophy: "No Benchmarks"Sara Tsai, General Manager of APD Group, with over a decade of experience in power product R&D and international management, has previously served in key roles at Phoenixtec Power and Eaton, gaining deep industry insight and managerial expertise. She emphasizes that APD is a technology-based, innovation-driven company focused on ODM business models, achieving profitability through differentiation rather than participating in OEM or own-brand competition - thereby avoiding conflicts of interest with clients.Known for her approachable yet confident leadership style, Sara Tsai is both decisive and meticulous in her decision-making. She advocates a management philosophy of "no benchmarks," believing that APD should remain technology-driven at its core while continuously optimizing its organizational structure and operational processes. Whether in Taiwan or mainland China, her goal is to build APD into a value-oriented enterprise capable of sustainable growth.She believes that a value-driven enterprise should have a solid structure that enables employees to find meaning and develop skills through their work. "Working together is a matter of fate," she says. "We don't pursue lofty declarations - just a genuine, practical approach to managing a happy, sustainable, and valuable enterprise." This sense of authenticity and persistence defines APD's unique competitive identity.A Simple Culture That Builds Soul and CohesionAPD believes that maintaining an optimal scale and stable operations helps keep the organization simple and efficient. From top to bottom, the company is guided by technology rather than politics. As Tsai humorously notes, "People who are too complicated soon realize that overthinking doesn't work here - before long, they become simple too." As Canadian scholar Henry Mintzberg once noted, "an organization without a well-defined culture resembles a person without a distinct personality - externally complete in form, yet revealing more of its structure than its spirit," and it is precisely APD's distinct organizational culture that gives the company both soul and cohesion.Employees are encouraged to anticipate and satisfy customer needs, identify problems, and propose innovative solutions. Cross-department collaboration fosters both product innovation and process optimization. This open, trust-based atmosphere enables teams to respond swiftly to market changes while maintaining operational efficiency. APD also emphasizes talent development and knowledge transfer, partnering with universities such as National Yunlin University of Science and Technology, National Taiwan University of Science and Technology, and local institutions in Vietnam to transform industry experience and technical expertise into core organizational strengths.Talent-First, Low Turnover, and Resilient WorkforceWhile many technology companies face labor shortages, APD experiences minimal impact. Tsai noted that APD's China operations, being less capital-intensive and supported by strong management and automation, have kept turnover in Shenzhen as low as 2-3%.Competitive compensation and benefits also contribute - "good enough to surprise even Simplo," she jokes. However, she notes that in Taiwan, technical talent is harder to find and the workforce is aging. The company anticipates similar challenges in Vietnam and has already begun planning accordingly.Regardless of labor market fluctuations, APD adheres to a talent-first approach. Many PrimeVOLT employees are long-time colleagues who have followed Tsai from previous companies - a rare phenomenon given current cross-strait realities. She attributes this loyalty to APD's approachable and empowering leadership, stable scale, and non-political work environment, which make the company an attractive and enduring workplace.Global Strategy: Playing on the World StageAs competition intensifies in China, APD is accelerating its global expansion, shifting its growth focus from China to international markets. Based in China, Senergy is gradually expanding its overseas business while adapting its services to meet the needs of each local market. APD's new Vietnam factory is scheduled to open in late October, and the Shenzhen facility will relocate and expand in Q1 2026. These moves not only address evolving operational requirements but also further optimize APD's global supply chain. Strategically, APD is following major electronics OEMs to establish its Vietnam operations, to supply products to the U.S. market.Tsai noted that the new Vietnam factory and the upcoming Shenzhen facility will initially focus solely on producing power supplies. The Shenzhen facility is planned as a Smart Factory, equipped with Industry 4.0-based automation and has already achieved Level 3 Smart Manufacturing certification. Serving as a manufacturing hub, it will support the group's future capabilities in AI technology, automation, and operational efficiency.In its international market expansion, APD adheres to the principle of "winning through technology, managing professionally," steadily growing its global customer network through high-quality products and tailored services. The group's two main business units will continue refining their products and services in selected strategic markets, while strengthening industry linkages and technical exchanges to enhance global competitiveness. "Our goal is not only Taiwan - we aim for the Asian Cup and the World Cup," Tsai emphasizes.Optimistic Outlook, Steadily Raising Revenue TargetsCurrently, APD's annual revenue is approximately NT$10 billion. Tsai believes this scale supports both management efficiency and a healthy corporate culture, enabling profitability while remaining flexible to market fluctuations. She admits that post-pandemic supply chain shifts, industry conditions, and the so-called "Trump 2.0 effect" have made the operating environment more complex, yet the group continues to expand steadily.Looking ahead, Tsai stated that she will build on the company's existing resources to drive performance growth, expressing confidence in APD's future prospects. She has set a revenue target of NT$15-30 billion and plans to pursue an IPO at the right time. In particular, for the China operations - where employees hold shares - the IPO commitment will be carried out under a win-win principle that benefits both the company and its employees.APD's power supply products are highly competitive in the market. Credit: APDContinuous Innovation, High-Performing Teams Infused with ColorTo sustain growth, APD will continue investing 8-10% of annual revenue in R&D and strategic development, strengthening collaborations to jointly leverage resources against China's aggressive market. Facing opportunities brought by industry digital transformation and the green energy wave, APD leverages its unique position as a Taiwanese enterprise to connect non-mainstream supply chains, gain competitive advantages, and expand diversified services.APD has "its own distinctive way of operating, creating an organization culture that touches the heart and infuses its structure with soul - like adding beautiful color to clear water with dye." Clearly, APD exemplifies the high-performing teams described by Henry Mintzberg.For more information about APD please visit.

Femtometrix, Inc., the premier provider of in-line nonlinear optical process control solutions for the semiconductor industry, proudly announces its recognition as Best Partner by the world's leading advanced memory manufacturer. This prestigious award celebrates Femtometrix's instrumental role in advancing the largest producer of advanced memory's technological leadership, particularly in the development of next-gen high bandwidth memory (HBM4) solutions that will power cutting-edge AI applications.Alon Raphael, CEO of Femtometrix received awards from CEO Kwak Noh-Jung. Credit : FemtometrixAs a trusted supplier, Femtometrix delivers advanced nonlinear optical in-line process control tools that support production of HBM, DRAM, 3D NAND, and other next-generation memory devices. These tools are critical to ensuring the precision and performance required for AI-driven workloads, where memory speed and reliability are paramount."We are deeply honored to receive the Best Partner Award," said Alon Raphael, CEO of Femtometrix. "The global leader in memory manufacturing's HBM4 capabilities are a testament to their relentless pursuit of innovation. Our collaboration reflects a shared vision for pushing the boundaries of semiconductor technology. By integrating our unique nonlinear optical solutions into high-volume production environments, we help enable the performance and scalability needed for the future of AI."This partnership has been particularly impactful in the development of HBM4, the latest evolution in high-bandwidth memory, which is essential for accelerating AI and machine learning workloads. Femtometrix's technologies provide the industry with unmatched insight into device performance and yield optimization, reinforcing their competitive edge in a rapidly evolving market.GH Han, KoreaAsia GM of Femtometrix with Customer awards. Credit: FemtometrixThe Best Partner Awards from the Number One producer of advanced memory in South Korea are presented annually to a select group of suppliers who demonstrate exceptional innovation, reliability, and strategic value. Femtometrix's recognition as Best Partner in Innovation underscores its vital contribution to the mission of delivering world-class HBM4 and other memory solutions.Credit: Femtometrix