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Tag: pioneering

  • Lululemon Revives Like New Resale Program in Hong Kong, Pioneering a Sustainable Fashion Ecosystem

    Lululemon Revives Like New Resale Program in Hong Kong, Pioneering a Sustainable Fashion Ecosystem

    Lululemon, the renowned athletic apparel company, is reinitiating its Like New programme in Hong Kong, in collaboration with Redress, a local NGO. This endeavour aims to give a second life to pre-owned clothes and is part of Lululemon’s broader sustainability strategy.

    A Take-Back Scheme with a Difference

    The Like New programme, which was first piloted last year, is a comprehensive approach to keep used clothes in circulation by reselling, donating, or recycling them. Between July 2 and September 30, customers can bring their gently used Lululemon or non-Lululemon items to any of the six participating stores in Hong Kong, which includes Queen’s Road Central, Pacific Place, Times Square, Cityplaza, Elements, and New Town Plaza outlets.

    Once collected, Redress will sort the items. Those appropriate for resale will be listed accordingly, while others will be donated or recycled. Donations will be made via the charity Crossroads and other local organizations.

    Joey Chan, regional director of Lululemon Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan, expressed her pride in bringing Like New back to Hong Kong. “This initiative reflects our ongoing commitment to prolonging the lifespan of our products, as well as furthering our collaboration with partners and local communities to advance circularity,” he shared.

    Pop-Up Shop and Design Competition

    The program will reach its high point in November with a temporary Like New pop-up, where consumers will be able to buy a collection of pre-owned Lululemon items. More details about the pop-up, such as its location and opening dates, will be revealed in due course.

    In a related development, Lululemon has joined forces with the Hong Kong Polytechnic University for the launch of Re:Form, a circular design competition. This contest aims to instill circular design principles in fashion students and nurture the industry’s future talent.

    Questions & Answers

    What is the Like New programme?
    It is a take-back and resale initiative by Lululemon, where gently used items can be dropped off at selected stores for resale, donation, or recycling.

    Who is Lululemon collaborating with for this program?
    Lululemon is partnering with the NGO Redress for this initiative.

    What is the Re:Form circular design competition?
    Re:Form is a circular design competition launched by Lululemon with the Hong Kong Polytechnic University. This event aims to promote circular design principles among fashion students and foster the growth of future industry talent.

  • Tetra Pak Revolutionizes Food-Systems with Latvian Bioreactor Acquisition: A Pioneering Step towards Global Sustainability

    Tetra Pak Revolutionizes Food-Systems with Latvian Bioreactor Acquisition: A Pioneering Step towards Global Sustainability

    Tetra Pak, a global leader in food-processing and packaging solutions, has recently expanded its portfolio by acquiring Bioreactors.net, a Latvian-based firm with over 30 years of proficiency in bioreactors.

    The Acquisition and its Impact

    Tetra Pak, with a workforce of over 24,000, caters to a diverse clientele from more than 160 countries. The company anticipates that this acquisition will allow the integration of advanced production systems into Australian enterprises.

    Tetra Pak perceives bioreactors as instrumental in addressing the pressing issues of climate change and the increasing demand for food due to a growing world population. The company forecasts that fermentation and bioprocessing technologies will be significant game-changers in creating more sustainable and resilient food systems.

    Embracing Bioreactor Capabilities

    Blair Jordan, the Processing Director at Tetra Pak Oceania, commented on the acquisition. He noted that the integration of Bioreactors.net’s capabilities places Tetra Pak in a pole position regarding fermentation and new-food capabilities in the Oceania region.

    Jordan expressed his excitement about the potential to enhance Tetra Pak’s role in the global food system transformation. He believes that the innovative science will present strategic solutions to regional food security and sustainability, transforming the Australian industry towards more sustainable systems.

    Australian Government’s Recognition of Bioreactor Technology

    The technology of bioreactors has been acknowledged by the Australian government through initiatives like the Feeding Australia: National Food Security Strategy and the National Food Waste Strategy.

    As a result of the acquisition, approximately 15 employees from Bioreactors.net will join the workforce of Tetra Pak.

    Janis Misins-Jubels, the Head of Manufacturing at Bioreactors.net, regarded the integration into Tetra Pak as a significant milestone. Misins-Jubels expressed his optimism that their extensive expertise in bioreactors, complemented by Tetra Pak’s global outreach and resources, would expedite the delivery of world-class fermentation solutions to customers globally.

    Questions & Answers

    What does Tetra Pak anticipate from the acquisition of Bioreactors.net?

    Tetra Pak expects that the acquisition will bring advanced production systems to Australian businesses and enhance the company’s capabilities in fermentation and new-food production in the Oceania region.

    What role does Tetra Pak envision for bioreactors in the future?

    Tetra Pak believes that bioreactors will play a crucial role in tackling climate change and feeding a growing global population, by building more sustainable and resilient food systems using fermentation and bioprocessing technologies.

    How has the Australian government acknowledged the technology of bioreactors?

    The Australian government has recognized the potential of bioreactor technology through initiatives like the Feeding Australia: National Food Security Strategy and the National Food Waste Strategy.

  • Indosat, Nokia, and NVIDIA Unveil AI-RAN Research Center: Pioneering AI-Driven Telecom Networks in Indonesia

    Indosat, Nokia, and NVIDIA Unveil AI-RAN Research Center: Pioneering AI-Driven Telecom Networks in Indonesia

    Indosat Ooredoo Hutchison (IOH), in collaboration with Nokia and NVIDIA, has initiated a research center in Surabaya that concentrates on developing AI-powered radio access networks (RAN). This project marks the first Nokia-NVIDIA AI-RAN research site in Asia and is aimed at fostering AI-integrated telecommunications networks. It aligns with Indonesia’s Golden Indonesia Vision 2045 which is focused on promoting digital transformation and nurturing local AI talent.

    Facility Comprising Advanced RAN Technologies

    The research center comprises Nokia’s advanced RAN technologies, NVIDIA’s accelerated computing platforms, and IOH’s commercial network, creating AI-driven network capabilities. It will also connect to IOH’s current NVIDIA-powered sovereign AI Factory, which acts as a distributed computing hub. This hub will enhance network performance, improve energy efficiency and increase scalability, all while bringing AI closer to users.

    Developing AI-Driven Optimization for Wireless Networks

    The research and development at the center will focus on AI-driven optimization for wireless networks, utilizing AI/ML-powered radio signal processing techniques. It will support AI and RAN workloads on the NVIDIA Aerial RAN Computer 1 (ARC-1). It is expected to prepare the ground for commercial-grade AI-RAN deployment using NVIDIA ARC-Pro and Nokia CUDA-accelerated anyRAN software. These technologies aim to deliver more dynamic, adaptable, and intelligent mobile networks for IOH customers.

    Building an AI Grid

    IOH, Nokia, and NVIDIA are planning to establish an “AI Grid” that connects IOH’s central AI Factory with AI-RAN hubs across Indonesia. The grid is designed to host AI applications from data centers to distributed 5G networks, enabling broader access to AI-powered services for millions of Indonesians.

    Supporting Aivolusi5G Strategy

    IOH’s Aivolusi5G strategy is supported by the AI-RAN Research Center with the aim to provide intelligent connectivity for individuals and businesses. It plans to unlock AI-powered applications across sectors such as education, agriculture, and healthcare, transforming how Indonesians learn, work, and live.

    Nurturing the Next Generation of AI Specialists

    The center will serve as a hub to foster Indonesia’s next generation of AI and telecom specialists through hands-on research, mentorship, and training. This effort aligns with Indonesia’s ambition to become among the top five economies globally by 2045.

    Questions & Answers

    What is the role of the AI-RAN Research Center in Surabaya?
    The AI-RAN Research Center, a collaboration between IOH, Nokia, and NVIDIA, focuses on developing AI-powered radio access networks (RAN). It’s designed to foster AI-integrated telecommunications networks and nurture local AI talent.

    What are the AI-RAN Research Center’s areas of focus?
    The center will focus on developing AI-driven optimization for wireless networks, utilizing AI/ML-powered radio signal processing techniques. The goal is to deliver more dynamic, adaptable, and intelligent mobile networks for IOH customers.

    How does the AI-RAN Research Center align with Indonesia’s future goals?
    The center aligns with Indonesia’s Golden Indonesia Vision 2045, which aims to promote digital transformation and nurture AI talent. It also supports Indonesia’s ambition to become among the top five economies globally by 2045.

  • China Mobile Boosts Global Connectivity with Pioneering 2Africa and SEA-H2X Submarine Cable Initiatives

    China Mobile Boosts Global Connectivity with Pioneering 2Africa and SEA-H2X Submarine Cable Initiatives

    In the first half of November 2025, China Mobile achieved substantial growth in its underwater cable investments, strengthening its influence in promoting worldwide digital connectivity.

    China Mobile Activates 2Africa Submarine Cable

    In Nairobi, Kenya, China Mobile spearheaded a significant event to mark the activation of the 2Africa submarine cable’s eastern sections, connecting South Africa, Kenya, Djibouti, Marseille, and Egypt. The event aimed to showcase next-generation infrastructure and intelligent connectivity platforms, designed to speed up digital transformation for African service providers and businesses.

    Guo Haiyan, the Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to Kenya, emphasized that digital cooperation is becoming a crucial component of collaboration between China and Africa. The activation of the 2Africa submarine cable’s eastern section and the introduction of China Mobile’s AI+ Cloud-Network Convergence Industry Solutions are a testament to the robustness of China-Africa digital collaboration.

    Furthermore, she noted that Kenya is a crucial ally for China in pursuing digital transformation and pledged to continue sharing expertise to bolster Africa’s digital economy. Guo expressed hope that both nations would intensify collaboration to create an open and inclusive digital governance ecosystem that encourages mutual growth and prosperity.

    Simultaneously, Hon. William Kabogo Gitau, Kenya’s Cabinet Secretary for Information, Communications, and the Digital Economy, hailed the 2Africa project as a significant achievement in China-Africa collaboration. He believed the activation of the eastern section would greatly improve East Africa’s international communications capacity and strengthen digital connections between China and Africa.

    Li Huidi, Executive Vice President of China Mobile, stressed that AI and 5G technologies are powering Africa’s economic transformation and expressed readiness to cooperate closely with Kenya and other African countries to establish an intelligent foundation by integrating 2Africa cable resources and enhancing AI computing capabilities.

    SEA-H2X Cable Reaches Hong Kong

    In another notable achievement, China Mobile successfully completed the landing of the Hong Kong segment of the Southeast Asia-Hainan-Hong Kong (SEA-H2X) international submarine cable, marking an important milestone in the construction of the high-capacity network system.

    As the principal initiator and primary investor of the SEA-H2X project, China Mobile oversaw the Hong Kong landing, ensuring its smooth and timely execution.

    China Mobile’s investment in the SEA-H2X project strengthens its core capabilities in digital communication in the Asia-Pacific region and improves its overall competitiveness in global telecommunications. This venture laid a robust network foundation for the long-term growth of the regional digital economy and injected sustained impetus into worldwide digital interconnectivity.

    Questions & Answers

    What is the significance of the 2Africa submarine cable’s activation?
    The activation of the 2Africa submarine cable’s eastern sections presents a crucial step in enhancing digital collaboration between China and Africa. It will significantly improve East Africa’s international communications capacity and strengthen digital connections between the two regions.

    What is the SEA-H2X international submarine cable?
    The SEA-H2X is a high-capacity network system connecting several strategic locations across Asia. China Mobile successfully completed the landing of the Hong Kong segment of the SEA-H2X cable, marking a key milestone in its construction.

    How does China Mobile’s investment in SEA-H2X impact the company and the region?
    China Mobile’s investment in the SEA-H2X project solidifies its core strengths in digital communication in the Asia-Pacific region, enhancing its competitiveness in global telecommunications. It provides a robust network foundation for the growth of the regional digital economy and boosts worldwide digital interconnectivity.

  • Japan’s Telecom Titans: Pioneering Global Connectivity with Next-Gen Technologies

    Japan’s Telecom Titans: Pioneering Global Connectivity with Next-Gen Technologies

    As the international telecommunications sector experiences significant changes, companies from Japan are harnessing the power of emerging technologies, their established brands, and strategic partnerships to establish a foothold in the Asia Pacific and various emerging global markets. The Japanese approach is a blend of innovative thinking, collaboration, and long-term strategic planning, all aimed at enhancing regional connectivity.

    Japan’s Telecom Landscape

    In Japan, over 150% of the population owns a mobile phone. However, as the population ages and decreases in size, telecom operators are finding fewer opportunities to attract new subscribers within the country. As a result, they are looking beyond the Asia Pacific for growth opportunities. In terms of global positioning, Japan’s leading telecom companies hold strong. The NTT Group is ranked fifth worldwide with a brand value of $37.1 billion USD, SoftBank sits at 11th with $13.9 billion USD, and au by KDDI is 14th with $10.9 billion USD. These rankings illustrate the robustness of Japan’s telecom sector and highlight the need for these companies to penetrate new markets to maintain their growth. While domestic innovation will persist, international projects, consultations, and partnerships will drive Japan’s global initiatives.

    Leading the Charge in 6G and Intelligent Network Development

    Japan is at the forefront of the development of next-generation wireless technology, making it a primary focus for exports. Leading companies such as NTT DOCOMO, SoftBank, and KDDI are spearheading the profitable development of 6G technology. In December 2024, NTT DOCOMO announced a new 6G initiative following approval from the 3GPP Madrid meeting. Supported by 56 global companies, the project aims to standardize 6G technology, align with UN objectives, and accelerate AI-powered connectivity.

    In July 2025, SoftBank and Nokia conducted Japan’s first 7 GHz 6G outdoor trial, testing centimeter-wave frequencies in Tokyo. The project aims to compare 6G and 5G urban coverage, thereby providing key insights before the ITU-R WRC-27 discussions. Additionally, KDDI Research and Samsung signed a MoU to further AI-driven innovations for 6G. The partnership’s goal is to enhance D-MIMO systems, boost speeds, and broaden coverage using AI. The companies share a vision of a user-centric, AI-integrated 6G network.

    Technology as a Tool for Regional Leadership

    In 2024, Japan demonstrated its leadership in advanced communications with a significant Beyond 5G/6G research project, spearheaded by top firms and selected by the National Institute of Information and Communications Technology (NICT). This project aims to create seamless user connections across cloud data centers, improve fault tolerance, and advance all-photonics networks in rural areas, thereby bolstering Japan’s global standing in next-gen ICT.

    In the same vein, SoftBank unveiled a new AI system for wireless signals in 2025 based on the Transformer model. This AI system, part of the Artificial Intelligence Radio Access Network (AI-RAN) project, boosted 5G speeds by 30% in live tests, thus enhancing Japan’s role in developing AI-powered telecom and next-generation networks.

    Japan’s New Role in the Telecom Ecosystem

    Japan’s leading telecom companies are transitioning from being local market leaders to regional connectivity influencers. By exporting technology, expertise, and ethical standards, they are shaping Asia’s digital landscape. Japan’s influence, powered by 6G innovation, rural networking, and global collaborations, extends beyond its borders, fostering the development of smart, interconnected societies.

    The success of these regional strategies hinges on balancing ambition with caution, and innovation with teamwork. Japan’s telecom industry has set its sights on larger goals, aiming to connect Asia and beyond by focusing on quality, trust, and ongoing innovation.

    Questions & Answers

    What is the current state of Japan’s telecom industry?
    Japan’s telecom industry is robust and globally recognized, with leading telecom companies like NTT Group, SoftBank, and au by KDDI holding strong positions worldwide. However, due to Japan’s aging and declining population, these companies are looking for growth opportunities beyond the Asia Pacific.

    How are Japanese telecom companies advancing 6G technology?
    Japanese telecom companies such as NTT DOCOMO, SoftBank, and KDDI are spearheading the development of 6G technology. They are undertaking numerous initiatives, from standardizing 6G technology to conducting outdoor trials to comparing 6G and 5G urban coverage. They are also focusing on using AI to improve network systems, speed up connectivity, and broaden coverage.

    What is the future outlook for Japan’s telecom industry?
    Japan’s telecom industry is set to evolve from a domestic leader to a regional influencer, shaping Asia’s digital landscape and extending its impact beyond its borders. The industry is also aiming to connect Asia and the rest of the world by focusing on quality, trust, and ongoing innovation. The balance of ambition with caution and innovation with teamwork will be key to the success of these strategies.