Globe Newswire

DEALISM Launches World’s First AI Agent Designed to Empower Individual Sales Professionals for WhatsApp Business

Singapore, Aug. 15, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — DEALISM PTE. LTD. announced the launch of DEALISM, the world’s first AI agent purpose-built to transform the daily workflow of individual salespeople for WhatsApp business. Powered by advanced large language model(LLM), deep learning, reasoning model, reinforce learning(RL) and multi-agent, DEALISM acts as a 24/7 intelligent sales partner—handling complex, proactive, multi-turn customer conversations, automating repetitive tasks, and continuously self-learning from each interaction to deliver better outcomes.

A Solution Born from Experience

DEALISM’s vision comes from the firsthand experience of its founder, Leo Huan. As the former president of China’s first publicly listed SaaS company, Leo has left behind a platform with over $15 billion in GMV to build something new: an AI-driven agent focused on empowering individual sales professionals.

Before founding his new venture, Leo was an investor at Hillhouse Capital, one of China’s top investment firms. In 2018, he joined the pioneering SaaS firm as COO and Co-President, where he managed a sales team of over 3,000 people, covering both direct sales and distributor channels.

Despite the company’s scale, Leo saw first-hand the inefficiencies—lengthy sales onboarding, underperforming CRM systems, and knowledge that was difficult to transfer and scale. Leo noticed that while many companies were starting to use AI to improve their sales processes, these changes were mostly limited to making existing workflows more efficient—like an engine running in place, rather than moving forward.

“I don’t want to create just another system that documents sales steps. I want AI to truly learn and apply sales experience, to understand brands and products, and to improve through real conversations. Just like what we are doing for WhatsApp business,” Leo says. “If we succeed, sales will no longer rely on the traditional ‘master-apprentice’ model, where experience and skills are shared only by word of mouth. Instead, sales knowledge can be updated, shared, and adapted automatically—just like a real person.”

 

CONTACT: SONG  YIHUI
isabella.song(at)dealism.ai

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LiTime 12V 100Ah Smart ComFlex Battery Enables External Communication—Starting with Victron Integration

Shenzhen, China, Aug. 15, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) —

LiTime, a global pioneer in energy innovation, reports that its flagship product—the 12V 100Ah Smart ComFlex Battery, featuring LiTime’s T5.0 external communication technology—has successfully achieved full compatibility and deep integration with the energy management systems of Victron Energy, a leading supplier of power solutions in the global marine market, delivering an intelligent, flexible, and affordable energy solution for users.

Full Integration Boosts Intelligent and Flexible Energy Management for RV and Marine Applications

Founded in 1975 and headquartered in the Netherlands, Victron Energy is renowned for delivering highly reliable off-grid energy solutions. With over one million active users on its VictronConnect app, the company has earned strong industry recognition for advanced user monitoring and remote energy management capabilities.

LiTime is a premium brand specializing in lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO₄) battery technology, backed by 16 years of innovation, technical expertise, and a global customer support network. The company is dedicated to advancing intelligent, safe, and flexible energy storage solutions. Its ComFlex series is the first to feature LiTime T5.0 external communication technology, offering robust system compatibility and exceptional openness for seamless integration.

As technical leaders in their respective fields, the successful integration of LiTime batteries with Victron Energy systems highlights both companies’ excellence in intelligent communication and system interoperability—delivering an intelligent and flexible energy management solution for RV and marine users worldwide.

Moving forward, LiTime will continue to enhance compatibility with more mainstream platforms to meet the diverse needs of users across a wide range of application scenarios.

Addressing Industry Pain Points: Breakthrough Connectivity Expands User Choice

For years, RV and marine users have faced a difficult trade-off when selecting batteries to integrate with third-party energy management systems and build a complete energy control solution:

  • Option 1: Purchase high-priced batteries to gain intelligent energy management.
  • Option 2: Choose lower-cost alternatives that lack cell-level monitoring and real-time, battery-driven charge optimization, often requiring extra wiring and manual parameter setup.

The market is calling for an intelligent yet affordable solution that empowers more users to enjoy intelligent, efficient, and seamless energy management.

The LiTime 12V 100Ah Smart ComFlex Battery breaks this long-standing deadlock. As the first battery among similarly priced connected solutions to achieve deep communication compatibility with Victron energy management systems, it delivers cell-level monitoring and intelligent, real-time charge optimization without extra accessories or complex setup—just plug and play. Compared to high-priced alternatives offering similar intelligent connectivity, this solution is expected to significantly reduce overall system integration costs, delivering an intelligent and more affordable energy management choice for RV and marine users worldwide.

User-Driven Value Delivered Through Seamless Integration with Victron Energy Systems

  • Intelligent Energy Management: The LiTime 12V 100Ah Smart ComFlex Battery supports up to 16 units in parallel and provides real-time reporting of critical data—including charge current limits, discharge current limits, charge voltage limits, and individual cell status—to the Victron system. This data, reported by the battery system, enables the system to dynamically optimize charge strategies, ensuring safe and stable operation while extending battery life and improving overall energy efficiency.
  • Visualized Energy Status: Once integrated with Victron systems, the battery allows users to monitor real-time data—such as state of charge and battery health—via Victron displays, mobile apps, the Victron Remote Management (VRM) system, and RV-C or NMEA2000-compatible vehicle or marine control panels. With all key energy metrics visible on a single screen, users gain full situational awareness. The system also supports intelligent alerts for voltage,  current, and temperature anomalies to avoid unexpected power shortages during the journey.
  • Plug-and-Play Installation Convenience: Featuring a built-in smart BMS and a native CAN communication interface, the LiTime battery connects directly to Victron GX communication series devices—eliminating the need for additional BMS or SmartShunt, simplifying wiring, and making installation easier than ever.
  •  Remote OTA Upgrades & Open Connectivity: The battery supports over-the-air (OTA) firmware updates, allowing users to receive the latest features and performance optimizations online without returning the unit for service. OTA updates also enable continuous expansion of compatibility with additional third-party energy management systems via RS485 and CAN communication protocols, ensuring an open and easily upgradable power solution.
  • Cost-Effective: With its native communication capability, the LiTime 12V 100Ah Smart ComFlex Battery seamlessly connects to Victron’s energy management framework, delivering premium-level functionality—comprehensive monitoring, intelligent energy management, and automated system configuration—at lower total cost.

 “We provide intelligent, affordable, and flexible energy solutions to power every adventure our users take,” said a LiTime specialist.

Global Product Roadmap: Accelerating the Buildout of an Intelligent Energy Ecosystem

LiTime plans to launch its 48V 100Ah Smart ComFlex Battery in the U.S. market in Q3 2025, followed by the 24V 100Ah model in Q4 2025. Both products are expected to make their German market debut later in Q4, with subsequent expansions into Australia, Japan.

The upcoming Smart ComFlex batteries are designed to fully support multiple external communication protocols and offer deep, seamless integration with the LiTime 48V 3500W and 24V 3000W All-in-One Solar inverter Charger, lowering total system integration costs even more significantly. This global rollout further accelerates the realization of LiTime’s intelligent energy ecosystem, delivering smarter, more convenient, and affordable energy management solutions for users worldwide.

Looking Ahead

LiTime’s latest technical breakthrough not only strengthens its global market competitiveness but also delivers more cost-effective and reliable energy solutions for RV and marine users worldwide.

Moving forward, LiTime will continue to expand compatibility with additional third-party brands such as SMA/GoodWe/DEYE/GROWATT based on customers’ needs, further enriching its technology ecosystem. The company is also planning to integrate AI-powered predictive analysis and edge-computing adaptive control, aiming to provide users with even more precise, intelligent, and energy-efficient power management experiences in the future.

About LiTime

LiTime is a premium brand specializing in lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO₄) battery technologies. With 16 years of expertise in the new energy storage industry, the company is committed to delivering safe, intelligent, and sustainable energy solutions to a global user base across RV, marine, solar, and off-grid applications. Guided by its brand philosophy, Life & Discovery, LiTime combines strong R&D capabilities, rigorous production standards, and top-tier service to meet evolving market needs. To date, LiTime’s advanced battery technology has earned over 380 product certifications worldwide. By reducing the global carbon footprint and transforming the future of energy systems, LiTime is trusted by both professionals and adventurers to power tomorrow’s clean energy journeys — Powering Outdoor Adventures for Generations. 

Learn More 

Company: LiTime USA/Germany/Japan

Visit:www.litime.com

Subscribe:

https://www.facebook.com/litimepower

https://www.instagram.com/litimepower/

https://www.youtube.com/@litimepower

CONTACT: Crush Chen
marketing(at)litime.com

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From Everyday to Extreme, toolant Launches Brand New Line of Hand Tools

This innovative collection includes a brand new cost-performance plier wrench as well as best-selling compact flex-head ratchet for tight spaces to revolutionize your toolbox

NEW YORK, Aug. 15, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Today, toolant, a tool and accessories brand built around real-world needs, announced the launch of its brand new hand tools collection designed for automotive enthusiasts and professional car detailers alike. From everyday to extreme use, the collection features two groundbreaking products: the toolant 10-inch Plier Wrench and the toolant ⅜’’ Drive Flex Head Ratchet Wrench.

Sick of rummaging through your toolbox from task to task for the right size wrench? The toolant Plier Wrench provides the ultimate cost-performance replacement for adjustable wrenches. With wide jaw capacity, opening up to 52 mm (2’’) and the fast, self-adjusting mechanism, which quickly adjusts the jaw size with a push-lock button, the Plier Wrench is extremely versatile for different spaces and tasks. With no repositioning required after each turn, users can stop adjusting and start wrenching with one tool for gripping, tightening and holding—without any slips.

The Plier Wrench is made up of a premium CR-V steel frame and parallel smooth jaws, engineered for a firm, slip-free grip, making it highly durable and effective – built to improve efficiency and resist corrosion for long-term use. It was designed with the user in mind, down to the lever, which consists of a 10:1 leverage ratio to reduce hand strain during extended use.

Plier Wrench

The collection also includes toolant’s Compact Drive Flex Head Ratchet Wrench, representing the smallest head in its class to provide unparalleled access in extremely tight spaces. No room? No problem. The combination of its compact design and advanced mechanics make it the perfect tool for intricate work in engines or machinery. It boasts an ultra-compact head, ⅜’’ drive in a ¼’’ body, for nearly unlimited access in tight spaces, as well as a 90-tooth, 4° swing and an 11-position locking flex head for maximum precision in these confined areas.

Flex Head Ratchet Wrench

With ergonomic leverage through the long handle and easy “on/off” switch, users experience 35% less fatigue, making getting to those hard-to-reach places a little less taxing.

The Drive Flex Head Ratchet Wrench is tough and durable. With 1.5x ASME torque ensuring this wrench can withstand up to 75,000 cycles, and a lifetime guarantee, users can rest easy knowing toolant is offering worry-free performance that will last.

Raising the standard for everyday tools, these products join toolant’s growing lineup of practical, high-performance solutions shaped by those who use them most including the toolant Impact Magnetic Nut Driver and the toolant Tap and Die Set.

The new innovative products – toolant Plier Wrench ($25.99) and the Compact Drive Flex Head Ratchet Wrench ($27.99) – are now available on Amazon, ensuring easy access for DIYers and professionals alike.

About toolant
toolant is a tool and accessories brand built around real-world needs with a mission to solve real problems through rapid, user-driven development. With a focus on engineering precision and continuous improvement, toolant turns feedback into function and measures progress through the lens of how meaningfully each new product outperforms its predecessor. Built on iteration and driven by innovation, toolant evolves with its users, one improvement at a time.

Photos accompanying this announcement are available at: 

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/86e4afa2-f93c-49d8-9c71-8e0243eec8a0

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/db7ae2ff-35b2-4d43-a504-be10932f34e5

CONTACT: toolant@finnpartners.com

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MarketsandMarkets Study Reveals the True Winner in AI SDR vs Traditional SDR Battle

New Comparative Analytics Feature Proves AI SDRs Outperform Human Teams by 60-75% in Key Metrics. Revolutionary Dashboard Provides Real-Time Performance Comparison and ROI Analysis

Delray Beach, FL, Aug. 15, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — MarketsandMarkets™ SalesPlay unveiled its comprehensive AI SDR vs Traditional SDR Analytics Dashboard, a powerful new feature that enables sales leaders to compare performance metrics between AI-powered and human sales development representatives in real-time.

This innovative capability provides unprecedented visibility to the effectiveness of different sales development approaches, helping organizations make data-driven decisions about resource allocation and team optimization.

Key Features of the AI vs Traditional SDR Dashboard:

  • Real-Time Performance Comparison: Live metrics showing response times, conversion rates, and cost-per-lead across AI and human teams
  • ROI Calculation Engine: Automated analysis of total cost ownership including hiring, training, and operational expenses
  • Volume Capacity Analytics: Visual representation of prospect handling capacity and scalability limitations
  • Quality Metrics Tracking: Detailed comparison of lead scoring accuracy, meeting show rates, and deal closure effectiveness
  • Hybrid Model Optimization: AI-powered recommendations for optimal AI-human team composition

“Sales leaders need concrete data to make strategic decisions about their team composition,” said Product Lead at MarketsandMarkets™. “Our new AI versus traditional SDR analytics remove guesswork by providing clear, measurable comparisons that demonstrate exactly where each approach excels.”

Initial data from the platform reveals that AI SDRs consistently outperform traditional teams in speed metrics, achieving sub-minute response times compared to industry averages of 42 hours. However, the dashboard also highlights human advantages in relationship building and complex deal management.

The feature enables sales organizations to optimize their approach by identifying the most effective hybrid models combining AI efficiency with human expertise for maximum revenue impact.

MarketsandMarkets™SalesPlay
SalesPlay revolutionizes B2B sales through AI-powered intelligence and automation. The platform’s comprehensive suite of AI agents delivers measurable results including 3x productivity gains and superior competitive positioning. Discover more at SalesPlay.

Book a Demo Now to explore how performance analytics can optimize your sales development strategy.

CONTACT: About MarketsandMarkets™

MarketsandMarkets™ has been recognized as one of America's Best Management Consulting Firms by Forbes, as per their recent report.

MarketsandMarkets™ is a blue ocean alternative in growth consulting and program management, leveraging a man-machine offering to drive supernormal growth for progressive organizations in the B2B space. With the widest lens on emerging technologies, we are proficient in co-creating supernormal growth for clients across the globe.

Today, 80% of Fortune 2000 companies rely on MarketsandMarkets, and 90 of the top 100 companies in each sector trust us to accelerate their revenue growth. With a global clientele of over 13,000 organizations, we help businesses thrive in a disruptive ecosystem.

The B2B economy is witnessing the emergence of $25 trillion in new revenue streams that are replacing existing ones within this decade. We work with clients on growth programs, helping them monetize this $25 trillion opportunity through our service lines – TAM Expansion, Go-to-Market (GTM) Strategy to Execution, Market Share Gain, Account Enablement, and Thought Leadership Marketing.

Built on the 'GIVE Growth' principle, we collaborate with several Forbes Global 2000 B2B companies to keep them future-ready. Our insights and strategies are powered by industry experts, cutting-edge AI, and our Market Intelligence Cloud, KnowledgeStore™, which integrates research and provides ecosystem-wide visibility into revenue shifts.

To find out more, visit www.MarketsandMarkets™.com or follow us on Twitter, LinkedIn and Facebook.

Contact:

Mr. Rohan Salgarkar
MarketsandMarkets™ INC.
1615 South Congress Ave.
Suite 103, Delray Beach, FL 33445,
USA: +1-888-600-6441
Email: sales@marketsandmarkets.com
Visit Our Website: www.marketsandmarkets.com

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Updated: UFC GYM Selects MMA.INC’s BJJLink.com Software as the Technology Engine to Power its Global Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (BJJ) Franchise Growth

Highlights

  • Landmark multi-year agreement strengthens UFC GYM and MMA.INC alliance, supporting the global rollout of 45 new gyms in 2025 and accelerating the expansion of UFC GYM’s high-growth BJJ program—powered by MMA.INC’s category-leading software.
  • BJJLink.com is the definitive all-in-one operating system for martial arts-first businesses—optimizing member management, driving revenue growth, and unlocking scalable monetization for franchisees.
  • Builds on MMA.INC and UFC GYM’s broader strategic partnership to integrate the Warrior Training Program across a network of 150+ locations worldwide.
  • The first franchise has been sold and is opening its doors in the Florida market.

New York, NY, Aug. 15, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Mixed Martial Arts Group Limited (NYSE American: MMA) (“MMA” or the “Company”), an NYSE American listed innovator at the intersection of combat sports and digital transformation, has announced an expansion of its strategic technology partnership with UFC Gym Group who are selecting BJJLink.com as the official gym management software platform for all new UFC GYM BJJ franchise studios.

This extension of the existing Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) agreement follows UFC GYM’s landmark global expansion announcement in February and solidifies a deeper alignment between UFC GYM’s fast-growing Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) program and MMA.INC’s category-leading gym software. This announcement capitalizes on the growth in BJJ, reinforced by UFC’s recent launch of their new premier BJJ live event series, UFC BJJ 1.

BJJLink.com, powered by MMA.INC’s Martial Arts Technology, will serve as the digital backbone of UFC GYM’S new BJJ franchise studios. Designed specifically for martial arts-first businesses, the platform equips franchisees with a modern, all-in-one operating system that streamlines member management, drives revenue, and unlocks new monetization opportunities. Key features include:

  • Mobile check-in and self-service kiosk systems to reduce front-desk friction and enhance member experience
  • Curriculum and belt progression management with digital tracking tools aligned to structured programs
  • Smart class and staff scheduling with real-time attendance and performance visibility
  • Payment infrastructure, including recurring billing, retail sales and a customizable in-app transaction layer that supports Stripe and a growing list of other global processors
  • Referral tracking and affiliate logic to power grassroots growth and incentive campaigns
  • Built-in CRM and e-commerce automation, enabling franchisees to engage leads, sell merchandise, and convert visitors, all from one centralized platform

Under the terms of the expanded agreement, UFC GYM franchisees will gain access to BJJLink Admin+, a powerful all-in-one platform designed to simplify operations and drive growth. UFC GYM BJJ Studio Franchisees will benefit from streamlined class scheduling, automated billing, digital curriculum tools, and built-in referral tracking, removing administrative overhead and enabling staff to focus on member experience. Standardized pricing across locations and centralized reporting through a master admin dashboard provide both flexibility and oversight, helping franchisees scale confidently while staying aligned with brand standards.

“The BJJLink platform offers an intuitive and powerful back-end that empowers our coaches and BJJ studio franchisees to focus on what matters most, training and community,” said Adam Sedlack, CEO of UFC GYM. “This agreement gives us the technical scalability and operational consistency needed to support our ambitious rollout of new BJJ studios globally.”

The new UFC GYM BJJ studios, purpose-built spaces dedicated to Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, are part of UFC GYM’s mission to redefine fitness and martial arts for modern athletes. The brand plans to open more than 45 new gyms in 2025, with many of the BJJ-first models ranging from 2,000 to 5,000 square feet and featuring advanced mat spaces, recovery zones, and family-friendly programming.

“This extension validates our shared belief that the future of martial arts training is both physical and digital,” said Nick Langton, CEO of MMA.INC. “We’re proud to be the technology engine behind UFC GYM’s BJJ studio model and to deepen our long-standing relationship with the preeminent name in martial arts training.”

BJJLink is already used by hundreds of martial arts academies around the world and has seen increased demand from franchise operators seeking more streamlined onboarding, revenue analytics, and student engagement tools.

MMA.INC and UFC GYM intend to co-launch the new BJJLink-powered UFC BJJ studio software at select international locations during H2 of 2025.

MMA.INC’s recently announced an international push, expanding BJJLink into Latin America and launching a marquee partnership with Gracie Allegiant HQ and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu legend Clark Gracie.

About Mixed Martial Arts Group Limited

MMA.INC (Mixed Martial Arts Group Limited) is revolutionizing the combat sports industry by driving participation and engagement across fans, athletes, coaches, and gym owners. The company operates four core business units:

  TrainAlta: A platform that transforms MMA fans into active participants through structured training programs.
  Hype: A marketing platform helping gym owners, coaches, and athletes grow revenue from their audiences.
  MixedMartialArts.com: The go-to resource for MMA news, fighter data, fight schedules, and the legendary Underground forum.
  BJJLink: A leading gym management platform designed for BJJ academies, offering tools for payment processing, marketing, student engagement, and content monetization.
     

With over 5 million social media followers, 530,000 user profiles, 50,000 active students, 18,000 published gyms and 800 verified gyms across 16 countries, MMA.inc continues to transform the martial arts landscape and deliver unparalleled value to its stakeholders.

For more information, visit www.mma.inc or follow us on social media:

  Facebook: TrainAlta
  Instagram: @TrainAlta
  X: @AltaGlobalGroup
  LinkedIn: MMA.inc
     

ABOUT UFC GYM®

UFC GYM® is the first major brand extension of UFC®, the world’s premier MMA organization, created in alliance with New Evolution Ventures (NeV), developers of many of the world’s most successful fitness brands. As the first to unite the benefits of MMA with fitness, the brand is not what you expect, and more than you can imagine. UFC GYM’s TRAIN DIFFERENT® approach provides members with the ultimate fitness experience and programming that secures results for all ages and training levels. With over 150 locations opened and 700 additional locations currently in development globally, UFC GYM has revolutionized the fitness industry and positively impacted countless lives worldwide. UFC GYM offers the opportunity to own and operate a franchise domestically and internationally. For more information, please visit www.ufcgym.com.

Follow UFC GYM through the below platforms:

  • FACEBOOK – Facebook.com/UFCGYM
  • YOUTUBE – Youtube.com/UFCGYM
  • INSTAGRAM, TIKTOK & X – @UFCGYM

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release may include forward-looking statements. Any statements contained herein regarding our strategy, future operations, financial position, future revenues, projected costs, prospects, plans and objectives of management, other than statements of historical facts, are forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements included herein include or may include, but are not limited to, statements that are predictive in nature, depend upon or refer to future events or conditions, or use or contain words, terms, phrases, or expressions such as “achieve,” “forecast,” “plan,” “propose,” “strategy,” “envision,” “hope,” “will,” “continue,” “potential,” “expect,” “believe,” “anticipate,” “project,” “estimate,” “predict,” “intend,” “should,” “could,” “may,” “might,” or similar words, terms, phrases, or expressions or the negative of any of these terms. Any statements contained in this press release that are not based upon historical fact are based on current expectations, estimates, projections, opinions and/or beliefs of the Company. Such statements are not facts and involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors. Prospective investors should not rely on these statements as if they were facts. Actual revenue may vary to current sales due to factors such as participant churn, cancellations, and changes in payment schedules, membership terms or pricing changes. Any references to verified gyms, partner gyms, user profiles refer to a profile that has been claimed or created across the MMA.inc platform, which includes TrainAlta.com, BJJ Link, Hype, MixedMartialArts.com and Steppen. Forward-looking statements involve a number of known and unknown risks and uncertainties, including, but not limited to, those discussed in the “Risk Factors” section of the Form 20-F for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2024 filed with the SEC. Given the risks and uncertainties, readers should not place undue reliance on any forward-looking statement and should recognize that the statements are predictions of future results which may not occur as anticipated. New risk factors emerge from time to time, and it is not possible for management to predict all such risk factors, nor can it assess the impact of all such factors on the Company’s business or the extent to which any factor, or combination of factors, may cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statements. You should carefully read the factors described in the “Risk Factors” section of the Form 20-F for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2024 filed with the SEC to better understand the risks and uncertainties inherent in our business and industry, and any underlying forward-looking statements. Except where required by law, the Company assumes no obligation to update, withdraw or revise any forward-looking statements to reflect actual results or changes in factors or assumptions affecting such forward-looking statements.

Media Contacts

Mixed Martial Arts Group Limited
E: peter@mma.inc

Updated: UFC GYM Selects MMA.INC’s BJJLink.com Software as the Technology Engine to Power its Global Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (BJJ) Franchise Growth Read More »

WeRide Secures Strategic Equity Investment from Grab, Partners to Deploy Robotaxis and Autonomous Shuttles in Southeast Asia

WeRide x Grab

NEW YORK, Aug. 15, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — WeRide (NASDAQ: WRD), a global leader in autonomous driving technology, announced today that Grab (NASDAQ: GRAB), Southeast Asia’s leading superapp, has committed to a strategic equity investment in WeRide. The investment is part of a strategic partnership between both companies to accelerate the deployment and commercialisation of Level 4 Robotaxis and shuttles in Southeast Asia, and reflects a shared vision to seamlessly integrate WeRide’s autonomous vehicles (AVs) into Grab’s network to enhance service and safety levels.     

Grab’s investment is expected to be completed by the first half of 2026, subject to customary closing conditions and WeRide’s preferred timing. It supports WeRide’s growth strategy to expand its commercial AV fleet in Southeast Asia and advance AI-driven mobility.

This partnership will establish a framework for deploying autonomous solutions across Grab’s network to enhance operational efficiency and scalability. As part of this strategic collaboration, WeRide will integrate its autonomous driving technology into Grab’s fleet management, vehicle matching and routing ecosystem. In addition, WeRide and Grab will train, upskill and transition interested Grab driver-partners and local communities to high-value career pathways within the AV industry.

“WeRide’s vision for Southeast Asia is to deploy thousands of Robotaxis across the region, through a progressive rollout aligned with local regulations and societal readiness. Grab, our newest partner and investor, is a household name in Southeast Asia with unmatched regional expertise and scale in ride-hailing and digital services. Together, we will combine WeRide’s advanced AV technology and operational know-how with Grab’s strengths to accelerate safe, efficient Robotaxi services, enter new markets, and reinforce our first-mover leadership in shaping the future of mobility,” said Dr. Tony Han, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of WeRide.     

“We want everyone in Southeast Asia to have access to reliable transportation whenever they need it. However, manpower constraints remain a challenge. We believe AVs can complement our driver network and be deployed in cities with significant driver shortages. We look forward to working with WeRide to extensively test their vehicles across diverse Southeast Asian environments. This will allow us to gain valuable insights into their real-world performance, adapt the technology to further enhance safety and reliability, and meet the region’s unique needs,” said Anthony Tan, Group Chief Executive Officer and Co-Founder of Grab.

A scalable approach to the deployment and management of AVs.
WeRide will collaborate with Grab on the technical and operational requirements for seamless, end-to-end integration into Grab’s fleet management system, in the following areas:

  1. Optimising dispatch and routing: Leveraging seamless integration of WeRide and Grab’s platforms to efficiently deploy and route AVs, enhancing passenger experience.
  2. Maximising vehicle uptime: Developing robust maintenance, repair, and charging protocols to ensure operational efficiency.
  3. Measuring safety performance: Leveraging WeRide’s regional operational experience to train AVs to navigate Southeast Asia’s traffic conditions, and assess their ability to reduce accidents caused by human errors.
  4. Remote monitoring and teleoperations: Establishing processes to ensure safety and provide remote support during emergency scenarios.
  5. Customer support: Implementing systems for rapid issue resolution to deliver seamless service.
  6. Training and upskilling: Tapping on WeRide trainers’ extensive AV remote supervision experience and GrabAcademy’s track record in upskilling driver-partners to prepare and transition driver-partners and local communities for future roles.

This expanded partnership builds on a Memorandum of Understanding signed in March 2025, where WeRide and Grab committed to exploring the technical feasibility, commercial viability, and job creation potential of AVs in the region.

About WeRide
WeRide is a global leader and a first mover in the autonomous driving industry, as well as the first publicly traded Robotaxi company. Our autonomous vehicles have been tested or operated in over 30 cities across 10 countries. We are also the first and only technology company whose products have received autonomous driving permits in six markets: China, Singapore, France, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and the US. Empowered by the smart, versatile, cost-effective, and highly adaptable WeRide One platform, WeRide provides autonomous driving products and services from L2 to L4, addressing transportation needs in the mobility, logistics, and sanitation industries. WeRide was named in Fortune Magazine’s 2024 “The Future 50” list.

Media Contact
pr@weride.ai

About Grab
Grab is a leading superapp in Southeast Asia, operating across the deliveries, mobility and digital financial services sectors. Serving over 800 cities in eight Southeast Asian countries – Cambodia, Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam – Grab enables millions of people everyday to order food or groceries, send packages, hail a ride or taxi, pay for online purchases or access services such as lending and insurance, all through a single app. We operate supermarkets in Malaysia under Jaya Grocer and Everrise, which enables us to bring the convenience of on-demand grocery delivery to more consumers in the country. As part of our financial services offerings, we also provide digital banking services through GXS Bank in Singapore and GXBank in Malaysia. Grab was founded in 2012 with the mission to drive Southeast Asia forward by creating economic empowerment for everyone. Grab strives to serve a triple bottom line – we aim to simultaneously deliver financial performance for our shareholders and have a positive social impact, which includes economic empowerment for millions of people in the region, while mitigating our environmental footprint.

Media Contact
grabsg@infom.asia

Safe Harbor Statement
This press release contains statements that may constitute “forward-looking” statements pursuant to the “safe harbor” provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements can be identified by terminology such as “will,” “expects,” “anticipates,” “aims,” “future,” “intends,” “plans,” “believes,” “estimates,” “likely to,” and similar statements. Statements that are not historical facts, including statements about WeRide and Grab’s beliefs, plans, and expectations, are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements involve inherent risks and uncertainties. Further information regarding these and other risks is included in WeRide and Grab’s filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. All information provided in this Report is as of the date of this Report. WeRide and Grab do not undertake any obligation to update any forward-looking statement, except as required under applicable law.

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/41ccc851-08da-427f-b4c6-57b5eb23f6b0

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To “Eat” or to “Escape”? NTHU Uncovers Olfactory Code of Fruit Fly Brain

HSINCHU, Taiwan, Aug. 15, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — The Director of the Brain Research Center at National Tsing Hua University (NTHU) in Taiwan, Ann-Shyn Chiang (江安世), Professor of the Institute for Systems Neuroscience, Chung-Chuan Lo (羅中泉), and Distinguished Chair Professor of the Department of Physics, Ting-Kuo Lee (李定國), led a cross-disciplinary team that has uncovered how fruit flies (Drosophila melanogaster) rapidly decide to either “eat” or “escape.” The study found that their brains transmit olfactory signals through a hybrid neural network, using so-called generalist neurons to process common odors such as pheromones and floral scents, and specialist neurons to handle the most crucial food-related odors.

Scientists once believed that neural connectivity in the fruit fly’s brain was random. However, Ann-Shyn Chiang discovered that these connections not only include random components but also feature dedicated “specialist lines” — precise and efficient pathways responsible for processing more critical information. The findings shed new light on the neural computing mechanisms of insect brains and may pave the way for future applications that bridge brain science and artificial intelligence. The research was recently published in Science Advances, a leading international journal.

The mushroom body, located at the center of the fruit fly’s brain, is the crucial hub for processing sensory information and supporting learning and memory. For the past two decades, scientists have held different views about the neural connectivity of the mushroom body. Nobel laureate Richard Axel (2004, Physiology or Medicine) analyzed roughly 10% of the relevant neurons and concluded that the neural connections were random. On the other hand, Ann-Shyn Chiang has argued that there may be specific patterns of connectivity within the fruit fly’s brain.

Chiang, a renowned neuroscientist and Academician of Academia Sinica, led a research team at NTHU that used neural connectome analysis, in vivo imaging technology, and computer simulation to study the hemibrain dataset. The team discovered that the connectivity between olfactory nerves and central neurons is neither entirely random nor completely stereotypic, but rather follows a hybrid pattern that combines both random and stereotypic features. Specific neural clusters exhibit clear preferences for connection partners, encoding different odors through both dispersed and convergent patterns, balancing the sensitivity and diversity of olfactory recognition.

The mushroom body in the fruit fly’s brain works like a miniature central processing unit (CPU), integrating various types of sensory input to assist the fruit fly in making decisions in complex environments, such as avoiding risks, finding food, or locating a mate.

The research team at NTHU found that the olfactory neurons of the fruit fly are divided into two functional types: “specialists” and “generalists.” Generalist neurons can respond to a wide range of odors — including food, pheromones, flowers, and trees — and diffuse signals to multiple neural circuits simultaneously, much like a radio transmission. In contrast, specialist neurons manage only key odors, such as those associated with food like fruit. They function more like a dedicated phone line, centralizing key information directly to designated neurons.

Professor Chung-Chuan Lo, from the Institute for Systems Neuroscience, further explained that the hybrid neural connections in fruit flies resemble a strong password — one that blends randomness and order. “Just like the way an ideal password combines familiar words with random characters, such as adding numbers or symbols to a name, the structure may seem illogical at first, but it is both easy to remember and difficult to decode,” Lo said.

Ann-Shyn Chiang noted that the discovery of hybrid neural connections in fruit flies, which combine both random and orderly features, sheds light on how the brain distributes and integrates information. It is also expected to offer new insights into the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases such as dementia and Parkinson’s disease, as well as provide inspiration for the design and application of AI neural networks.

The first authors of the paper are Li-Shan Cheng (鄭力珊), a master’s student from the Department of Physics, and Ching-Che Charng (強敬哲), a doctoral student in the Institute for Systems Neuroscience. The corresponding authors are Distinguished Chair Professor Ann-Shyn Chiang, Professor Chung-Chuan Lo, and Distinguished Chair Professor of the Department of Physics Ting-Kuo Lee. The NTHU research team also includes Kuan-Lin Feng (馮冠霖), a postdoctoral researcher at the Brain Research Center, and Ruei-Huang Chen (陳瑞煌), a doctoral student at the Department of Neuroscience. Feng was responsible for studying the biology and behavior of fruit flies, while Chen used functional imaging experiments to observe how olfactory information is transmitted in neural networks.

Ann-Shyn Chiang pointed out that Li-Shan Cheng and Ching-Che Charng led the team’s core theoretical analysis, while Ruei-Huang Chen and Kuan-Lin Feng were the scientists responsible for experimental testing. “The key to unraveling the neural connectivity of fruit flies is to combine cross-disciplinary collaboration in physics, neuroscience, and behavioral research,” Chiang said.

The NTHU Laboratory of Brain and Intelligence initiated the research on fruit fly neural connections in collaboration with Taiwan’s China Medical University (CMU), the National Health Research Institutes, Academia Sinica, and the Kavli Institute for Brain and Mind Research at the University of California, San Diego. The project received support from Taiwan’s Ministry of Education, the National Science and Technology Council (NSTC), and the Peng Education and Welfare Foundation.

Contact:
 Holly Hsueh
 NTHU
 (886)3-5162006
 hoyu@mx.nthu.edu.tw

Fruit Fly Brain

The Director of the NTHU Brain Research Center, Ann-Shyn Chiang (江安世, front-right), and Professor Chung-Chuan Lo (羅中泉, front-left) of the Institute for Systems Neuroscience led a cross-disciplinary team to crack the code of the fruit fly’s brain. The team included Ruei-Huang Chen (陳瑞煌, from back-left), a doctoral student at NTHU’s Institute of Systems Neuroscience; Li-Shan Cheng (鄭力珊), a master’s student in NTHU’s Department of Physics; Ching-Che Charng (強敬哲), a doctoral student from the Institute of Systems Neuroscience; and Guan-Lin Feng (馮冠霖), a postdoctoral researcher at the Brain Research Center. (Photo: National Tsing Hua University)

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China UnionPay’s Poetry POS Machine Campaign Starts Global Heart-Warming Journey in Thailand

China UnionPay

A Media Snippet accompanying this announcement is available by clicking on this link.

BANGKOK, Aug. 15, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Recently, alongside a Chinese lantern festival held in Thailand, UnionPay’s Poetry POS Machine public welfare initiative brought the poems of Chinese children in mountainous areas overseas for the very first time. During the event, the “Poetry Lights the Heart’s Lantern” Bangkok lantern and poem festival was also staged.

On-site, the overseas charity booth of UnionPay’s Poetry POS Machine, nestled beneath the China-Thailand friendship lantern display, stood out prominently. The large central lantern at the booth was breathtakingly beautiful, while the surrounding lanterns were adorned with children’s poems in both Chinese and Thai.

Thai children recited verses by their Chinese peers, savoring the childlike wonder and joy from China. Visitors to the booth could either make donations by swiping their UnionPay cards on the POS machine to receive a bilingual Chinese-Thai poetry receipt, or record a poetry-reading audio for free and get a postcard with an audio QR code — a unique memento to call their own.

Notably, all donations from the event will be channeled through a local Thai charity foundation to improve the lives and education of local children.

As a leading international card network, UnionPay is widely accepted in Thailand, with its global acceptance network spanning 183 countries and regions.

“We believe that despite the distance between China and Thailand, the sincerity and warmth in these poems are shared by all. For poetry is a universal language of humanity, a home where all souls can find solace; just as lanterns, no matter where they glow, embody our shared longing for light and warmth,” a China UnionPay spokesperson.

To shine a light on the talents of children in mountainous regions, China UnionPay took their poems beyond the mountains and launched the Poetry POS Machine initiative in 2019. To date, the initiative has reached over 400 schools in mountainous areas in Anhui, Henan, Sichuan, Guizhou, Yunnan, Xinjiang, and other regions, benefiting more than 7,000 local children with art education programs.

So far, the campaign has collected over 6,000 poems and published an anthology. Additionally, the first UnionPay public welfare library and 114 public welfare book corners have been put into use in Jinzhai County, central China’s Anhui Province.

Source: China UnionPay

CONTACT: Contact person: Ms. Liu, Tel: 86-10-63074558

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flynas Celebrates the Launch of Its First Direct Flights Between Riyadh and Moscow

Starting a new chapter in air connectivity

Riyadh, Aug. 14, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — flynas, the leading low-cost airline in the world and the best LCC in the Middle East, celebrated launching three direct weekly flights between Riyadh and Moscow as of the first of August, starting a new chapter in air connectivity, and becoming the first carrier to operate scheduled direct flights between Saudi Arabia and Russia, in collaboration with the Saudi Tourism Authority, and within flynas growth and expansion plan and parallel with the national objectives in the tourism and aviation sectors in the Kingdom.

Inauguration ceremonies were held at King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh and Vnukovo International Airport in Moscow on Friday, August 1. The ceremonies were attended by Abdulrahman Al-Ahmad, the Ambassador of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques to Russia, and representatives from flynas, Riyadh Airports Company, the Saudi Tourism Authority, and media members. Travelling guests were welcomed with gifts and giveaways.

Adding Moscow to flynas ever-expanding network of destinations and routes is in line with flynas growth and expansion plan, launched under the title “We Connect the World to the Kingdom”, in parallel with the objectives of the National Civil Aviation Strategy to enable national air carriers to contribute to connecting KSA with 250 International destinations and to accommodate 330 million passengers and to attract 150 million tourists yearly by 2030, and with the objectives of the Pilgrims Experience Program (PEP) to facilitate access to the Two Holy Mosques.

flynas, the leading low-cost airline in the world and the best LCC in the Middle East, and the first airline listed on the Saudi Exchange (Tadawul) operates 139 routes to more than 70 domestic and international destinations in 30 countries with more than 2000 weekly flights and has flown more than 80 million passengers since its launch in 2007, with the aim to reach 165 domestic and international destinations within its growth and expansion plan, and in line with the objectives of Vision 2030.

Passengers traveling with flynas can book their flights through all flynas booking channels: www.flynas.com, the flynas app, the call centre (920001234), or travel agents.

CONTACT: Company Name: flynas
Contact Person: flynas PR
Email: woahmed@flynas.com
Website: www.flynas.com

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UPCX KOL Tour Sets Sail in Tokyo: Official WebX 2025 Side Event

UPCX KOL Tour Sets Sail in Tokyo: Official WebX 2025 Side Event

TOKYO, Aug. 13, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — In the vibrant heart of Japan’s Web3 scene, UPCX is charting its next course. As the Title Sponsor of WebX Tokyo 2025, UPCX will host an exclusive side event — a luxury evening cruise in Tokyo Bay — in collaboration with AllSpark Research (ASR) and with the support of CoinPost, the official WebX organizer.

This is more than just another networking event. It’s the latest chapter in UPCX’s Global KOL Tour, a series of high-impact gatherings that began in Bangkok and Dubai, bringing together the sharpest minds in blockchain to explore one central question: How can blockchain payments move from concept to everyday reality?

Why UPCX Is Steering This Conversation

UPCX is a high-speed blockchain built for real-world payments, enabling instant, borderless, and even offline transactions via its Wallet and Pro-Apps. Listed on Japan’s regulated exchange BitTrade, with 1M+ UPC staked and a $350M+ market cap, UPCX bridges Web2 and Web3 through custom smart contracts, API/SDK integration, and cross-chain support.

The project’s mission is clear — to make payments as seamless as tapping your card, but with the security, speed, and openness of blockchain. Its focus on compliance and real-world utility has positioned UPCX as one of the few Web3 payment platforms earning trust not only from crypto natives but also from regulators and enterprise players.

Cruise. Connect. Go Beyond Payments.

Against the glittering backdrop of Tokyo Bay, the event will gather global KOLs, investors, builders, and media for an evening that blends premium networking with actionable insight:

  • Discussions on real-world blockchain payment applications and future adoption
  • Live UPCX ecosystem showcases and roadmap previews
  • Opportunities for strategic partnerships in a private, refined setting
  • ASR-led insights into KOL trends, content strategy, and community building in Web3 Asia

Event Details

  • Date: August 27, 2025
  • Time: 7:00 PM – 9:30 PM (JST)
  • Venue: Luxury cruise, Tokyo Bay
  • Audience: WebX attendees, KOLs, builders, investors, and media
  • Registration: lu.ma/jjdzofq7 (Limited seats available)

A Gathering Amplified Across Asia and Beyond

COINPOST – Japan’s top crypto news platform (also our official media partner)
TechFlow – Leading Web3, AI & tech insights across Asia
CoinGabbar – India’s bilingual crypto news & education platform
Marsbit – China’s go-to source for blockchain & fintech news
Coinsights – Analytics + news hub for crypto devs and traders
CoinRank – Ranking crypto trends and projects for investors
Foresight News – Deep-dive Chinese Web3 media & analysis
Góc Tiền Ảo – Vietnam’s local Web3 community voice
Blog Tiền Ảo – Vietnam’s OG crypto blog since 2017
Coin Edition – Global news outlet with interviews and daily updates
CoinDesk – The pioneer in global crypto journalism
CoinTelegraph – Known for expert analysis & infographics
BD Ventures – Asia-based VC backing early-stage Web3 innovation
​MediaX – is a leading crypto PR and marketing agency specializing in securing top-tier media coverage and building brand visibility for Web3 and blockchain projects.

About UPCX

UPCX is a blockchain-based, open-source payment platform delivering secure, transparent, and compliant financial services to users worldwide. Supporting instant transactions, smart contracts, cross-asset transfers, user-issued assets (UIA), market-pegged assets (MPA), and non-fungible assets (NFA), UPCX offers an integrated ecosystem with a decentralized exchange (DEX), APIs, SDKs, and POS solutions for merchants. With performance on par with traditional payment giants, UPCX is setting a new benchmark for blockchain-based payments.

Website (UPCX): https://upcx.io/
Twitter (UPCX): https://x.com/Upcxofficial
Telegram (UPCX): https://t.me/UPCXofficial

About AllSpark Research (ASR)

ASR is SEA & APAC’s premier Web3 KOL and marketing agency, connecting projects with KOLs, media, and investors through high-impact campaigns and offline activations. Specializing in KOL-centric ecosystems for L1s, DeFi, and blockchain innovators, ASR brings proven expertise in scaling projects through authentic community engagement.

Website (ASR): https://allsparkresearch.com/
Twitter (ASR): https://x.com/alsparkresearch?lang=en
LinkedIn (ASR): https://www.linkedin.com/company/100545876/admin/dashboard/
Official email id: business@allsparkresearch.com

Media Contact for this release:
MediaX Agency
Rachita Chettri
Contact@mediax.agency

Disclaimer: The information in this press release is provided by AllSpark . While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, neither this publication nor its affiliates accept responsibility for any errors, omissions, or loss arising from reliance on the content. This release is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, investment, or business advice. Readers should conduct their own research before making any decisions related to the companies or events mentioned. Globenewswire does not endorse any content on this page.

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