Technology

CGTN: How China-proposed BRI helps incense-makers go global

Published

9 months ago

March 4, 2024

BEIJING, March 4, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Pu Lianggong knows the art of incense-making, just like his Arab ancestors.

Now nearly 70 years old, Pu produces incense in Yongchun County in Quanzhou, a coastal city in east China’s Fujian Province.

The incense-making craft has its roots in the ancient Maritime Silk Road, which served as a vital conduit for both trade and cultural exchange between China’s southeastern coastal regions and foreign countries.

Pu belongs to a 10th-generation family of Arab descent who settled in Quanzhou, known as the starting point of the ancient Maritime Silk Road, in 1646. As China’s seaborne trade thrived during Song (960-1279) and Yuan (1271-1368) dynasties, Quanzhou became the largest port in eastern China.

Pu’s Arab ancestors brought aromatic ingredients with them along the ancient Maritime Silk Road, made a living by selling them and gradually integrated into life in Quanzhou, marrying locals and adopting the Chinese surname Pu.

The Pu family made incense with bamboo and aromatic ingredients from their homeland, which is different from the scented chips called “bakhoor” in most Arab countries. It is similar to a Chinese incense stick, with bamboo sticks wrapped in ground aromatic ingredients.

Boosted by the Pu family’s influence, incense has become a thriving industry in Yongchun. At present, there are nearly 300 incense-producing factories there, selling products to both domestic and foreign markets.

Thanks to the increase in international orders, workers and their families are enjoying more comfortable lives, an improvement partly driven by the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).

Proposed by China in 2013, the initiative aims to build trade and infrastructure networks connecting Asia with Europe and beyond along the ancient Silk Road trade routes for common development and prosperity.

Serving as a platform to foster cross-cultural exchange and mutual understanding as well, the initiative presents an opportunity to promote diversity and inclusivity.

Chinese President Xi Jinping once quoted an ancient Chinese saying, “Delicious soup is made by combining different ingredients,” to explain the importance of diversity.

A shared future for mankind

“Delicious soup is made by combining different ingredients.”

The saying comes from the Chinese classic “History of the Three Kingdoms,” literally reflecting the Chinese culinary tradition of using a variety of ingredients, such as herbs, spices and vegetables, to create a flavorful soup. It highlights the power of collaboration and that the value of diversity in human civilization is the source of human progress.

Xi cited it in a keynote speech at the United Nations Office at Geneva in January 2017, saying diversity is “an engine driving the advance of human civilizations.”

“There are more than 200 countries and regions, over 2,500 ethnic groups and multiple religions in our world. Different histories, national conditions, ethnic groups and customs give birth to different civilizations and make the world a colorful one,” said Xi.

“We should make exchanges among civilizations a source of inspiration for advancing human society and a bond that keeps the world in peace.”

Xi emphasized the necessity of building an open and inclusive world through exchanges and mutual learning, adding that exchange among civilizations is “a source of inspiration for advancing human society” and “a bond to keep the world in peace.”

The old Chinese saying is very much in line with the history of incense-making in Yongchun. Centuries ago, Arabic aromatic ingredients came to China as “messengers,” integrated and developed with Chinese aromatic ingredients, and finally spread around the world.

Nowadays, the Arab states, which were important participants along the ancient Silk Road trade routes, are crucial partners with China in the BRI.

Over the past decade, the BRI has positively impacted local residents in partner countries by providing them with job opportunities, as well as facilitating international trade.

From 2013 to 2022, the total trade between China and BRI partner countries reached $19.1 trillion, with an average annual growth rate of 6.4 percent, according to a white paper. By June 2023, China had signed more than 200 BRI cooperation agreements with more than 150 countries and 30 international organizations across five continents, yielding a number of signature projects and small-scale yet impactful projects.

China has also worked to bring BRI partner countries and organizations together through joint cultural activities, including the establishment of international alliances of theaters, museums, art festivals and libraries such as the International Alliance of Museums of the Silk Road and the Silk Road International League of Theaters.

By connecting diverse cultures and different countries, the BRI promotes cooperation, openness and inclusivity around the world, bringing China closer to its goal of building a community with a shared future for mankind to promote common development.

https://news.cgtn.com/news/2024-03-03/How-China-proposed-BRI-helps-incense-makers-go-global-1rFeyGs1XJS/p.html

SOURCE CGTN

Technology

Todd Tucker joins Parking Revenue Recovery Services as Chief Operating Officer to Guide Growth as PRRS expands as a Vehicle Identification and Monitoring Technology Platform

Published

6 minutes ago

November 15, 2024

DENVER, Nov. 15, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Parking Revenue Recovery Services (PRRS), Inc., a leader in AI-driven compliance and vehicle activity monitoring, is pleased to announce the appointment of Todd Tucker, JD, DBA, CAPP, CPP, as its new Chief Operating Officer, effective November 15, 2024. With over 30 years of experience in the parking industry, Tucker is a recognized leader, having held various senior executive roles. Todd assumes the role of Chris Conley, who has decided to retire and enjoy some well-earned time after 30 years in the parking industry.

Before joining PRRS, Tucker served as President at Parking Logix and has been a leader in multiple tech companies focused on mobility solutions, with two leading to strategic and/or investment transaction outcomes Todd’s experience as a parking operations leader/expert and his roles spearheading the development and growth of innovative technology offerings focused on parking provide him with a unique ability to build solutions that meet the needs of today’s parking operations.

PRRS is uniquely positioned in gateless parking technology solutions through its machine vision-based technology, which identifies all vehicle activity, enhances compliance, and enables clients to expand their service capabilities. Our technology allows clients to gather valuable insights into operation and consumer activity while helping our clients improve their customer experience. With Tucker’s extensive expertise in parking technology and leadership, PRRS aims to broaden its services across North America, solidifying its status as the premier provider of gateless technology solutions to operators and facilities.

“Todd’s proven track record of driving innovation and his dedication to enhancing technology-based services make him the ideal candidate to lead PRRS into its next growth phase,” said Gabor Burchner, Managing Director, GB & Partners IM. “As the demand for adaptable technology solutions providers continues to rise, Todd’s leadership and collaborative approach will be invaluable.”

PRRS, in partnership with Asura, has successfully implemented the ARC solution and its compliance services at over 400 parking sites across 29 states. With ongoing investment from GB & Partners IM, PRRS is set to expand beyond its current identity as a “parking notice firm” to become the leading gateless technology solution for the future.

“I am thrilled to join PRRS and enhance the value we provide to our parking operating partners,” said Todd Tucker. “Throughout my career, I’ve consistently sought to challenge the status quo by delivering innovative solutions in an ever-evolving industry. PRRS is at the forefront of leveraging technology to enhance its services, and with GB & Partners IM participation, we will continue to deliver exceptional value to the parking sector and beyond. I look forward to joining the PRRS team and collaborating with our clients to push boundaries and innovate in compliance and facility monitoring services.”

About Parking Revenue Recovery Services

Parking Revenue Recovery Services, Inc. (PRRS) is North America’s leading Parking Compliance and Facility Monitoring technology provider. PRRS is on track to provide over 1,000 parking locations and proudly supports national, regional, and local parking operators throughout the United States. Our client owners and parking operators use our monitoring and compliance services in all properties, including commercial lots and garages, municipal facilities, college and university facilities, airports, hospitals, commercial properties, and residential buildings. PRRS creates exceptional value for its parking operator clients through increased overall customer compliance and enhanced visibility into operating activity and usage while delivering excellent customer service. We maximize the value provided to our clients through excellence, innovation, and efficiency in its compliance and monitoring services, delivered by an outstanding team of parking professionals dedicated to the highest levels of customers.

About Asura Technologies

Asura Technologies specializes in next-generation video analytics and license plate recognition software, utilizing AI to create smart parking, traffic management, frictionless tolling, and safety security applications. Active globally since 2018, Asura Technologies USA collaborates with PRRS to provide highly effective, automated parking enforcement solutions through innovative technology.

About GB & Partners IM

GB & Partners IM is an independent private equity and venture capital firm focused on innovative city technologies, fashion, fintech, medical technologies, and mechanical engineering. As the largest Hungarian-based firm in its sector, GB & Partners IM offers extensive leadership experience in private equity and venture capital investments, M&A transactions, and IPOs, providing operational support to investment entities by international standards. In 2019, GB & Partners IM became the first Hungarian venture capital firm to gain membership in Invest Europe.

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SOURCE Parking Revenue Recovery Services, Inc.

Technology

Connect and Converse Across Borders with Moii: Now Available Worldwide

Published

6 minutes ago

November 15, 2024

SEOUL, South Korea, Nov. 15, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Moii, an innovative avatar-based interest-matching conversation service developed by tech startup illuni, has officially launched globally. Available on the Google Play Store and Apple App Store, Moii offers users a unique way to meet new friends, share stories and enjoy engaging conversations. The service allows people around the globe to experience safe, interest-based connections with like-minded people, fostering a sense of community across borders. Moii exemplifies illuni’s commitment to creating immersive digital experiences through advanced artificial intelligence (AI) technology.

To create heartfelt connections, download Moii from the Google Play Store (https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.illuni.moii&hl=en-US) and Apple App Store (https://apps.apple.com/us/app/moii-heartfelt-connections/id6456406927).

Create Moiiments, Connect Globally

In a world where genuine interaction can feel rare, Moii provides a space for simple, meaningful conversations without the pressure of video or photo sharing. By connecting users based on shared interests, Moii creates a relaxed environment for spontaneous chats, whether someone is looking for a listening ear, a language exchange, or a fresh global perspective. With engaging features such as avatar costumes and singing content in virtual karaoke – introduced in a recent November update – the app continues to attract a growing user base of young adults seeking meaningful connections beyond small talk.

“Since our global launch on the 1st of November, users from over 30 countries have come together on Moii to share interests, create unique content and enjoy friendly conversations,” said Byung-Hwa Park, CEO of Illuni. “We are thrilled by the enthusiasm for Moii as people around the world find it to be a fun and welcoming platform.”

Aimed at users in their 20s and 30s, Moii allows users to interact in a fully customizable 3D environment. Instead of revealing their actual appearance, users create avatars that reflect their personalities and interests, providing a sense of anonymity, security, and comfort. Once matched, users can personalize their avatars, use conversation cards, and enjoy mini games, making every interaction fun and engaging.

With a mission to create comfortable spaces for conversation, Moii promotes cross-cultural and language exchange on a global scale. Whether users want to make foreign friends, practice a new language, or simply chat with a friendly listener, Moii offers a low-pressure, refreshing way to connect.

Looking ahead, Illuni plans to expand Moii’s language support, making it accessible to even more users across the globe.

For more information about Moii, visit https://www.moii.net/en

About illuni

Illuni is a forward-thinking startup focused on developing immersive digital experiences through advanced AI technology. The company is committed to building innovative mixed-reality services that redefine user engagement in digital spaces. Alongside Moii, illuni’s portfolio includes Storyself (https://storyself.com), an interactive storybook app that transforms users’ pictures into story characters, allowing them to become the protagonists of various tales—making it both engaging and educational for children.

To learn more about illuni and its suite of mixed-reality projects, visit: https://www.illuni.com/en

For media inquiry, please contact: illuni Communications, e-mail: contact@illuni.com

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/apac/news-releases/connect-and-converse-across-borders-with-moii-now-available-worldwide-302306704.html

SOURCE illuni

Technology

LONGi’s Solar Panels Enhance Sustainability in Bengaluru’s Residential Complex

Published

6 minutes ago

November 15, 2024

BANGALORE, India, Nov. 15, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — LONGi, in partnership with SolarSquare, has completed a 342 kW solar project using advanced Hi-MO 5 solar panels for a residential apartment complex in Bengaluru.

Launched seven months ago, this solar project is set to save the residential complex up to $47,736 annually and has already generated an impressive 340,000 units of electricity. Thanks to the high efficiency of the solar modules, significant economies of scale, and the inherent advantages of rooftop solar, the project is projected to reach its break-even point within just 4.75 years.

Before the installation of the rooftop solar panels, residents faced annual electricity costs of approximately $143,305. The switch to solar energy is expected to result in annual savings between $47,768–$53,768, effectively reducing their electricity expenses by around 33%.

Nikhil Nahar, Co-founder and Director of SolarSquare, stated, “Through our strategic partnership with LONGi over the years, our customers have gained access to state-of-the-art technology for their projects. LONGi’s solar panels consistently deliver performance and help our customers save on electricity bills. With a shared vision to accelerate the mass adoption of renewable energy and enhance sustainability, our partnership has continually provided innovative solutions, earning the trust of our customers.”

LONGi remains committed to delivering advanced solar technology and helping more residential complexes achieve energy independence through its highly efficient and reliable products.

About LONGi

Founded in 2000, LONGi is committed to being the world’s leading solar technology company, focusing on customer-driven value creation for full scenario energy transformation.

Under its mission of ‘making the best of solar energy to build a green world’, LONGi has dedicated itself to technology innovation and established five business sectors, covering mono silicon wafers cells and modules, commercial & industrial distributed solar solutions, green energy solutions and hydrogen equipment. The company has honed its capabilities to provide green energy and has more recently, also embraced green hydrogen products and solutions to support global zero carbon development. www.longi.com

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/in/news-releases/longis-solar-panels-enhance-sustainability-in-bengalurus-residential-complex-302306744.html