LONDON, Sept 25, 2025 - (ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - A new life cycle assessment of 31 dry dog foods in the UK reveals that plant-based diets consistently outperform meat-based alternatives across every major environmental measure. Conducted by University of Nottingham veterinary researchers Rebecca Brociek and Professor David Gardner, and published in Frontiers in Sustainable Food Systems, the study underscores a major opportunity for pet owners and the pet food industry to shrink their ecological "pawprint."Key ResultsGreenhouse gas emissions: Plant-based foods produced just 2.82 kg CO₂-eq per 1,000 kcal, compared to 31.47 kg for beef-based formulas - over ten times higher.Land use: Plant-based diets required 2.73 m² per 1,000 kcal, versus 102.15 m² for beef-based products.Water use: Plant-based options consumed 249 L of freshwater per 1,000 kcal, far less than beef (575 L) or lamb (684 L).Nutrient and acidification pollution: Beef-based diets generated 14-16 times more acidifying and eutrophying emissions respectively, than plant-based equivalents.Middle ground: Poultry-based and semi-synthetic veterinary formulas had lower impacts than red meat, but still much higher than plant-based foods.Over a typical nine-year lifespan, feeding a 20 kg Labrador exclusively on plant-based dry food would require 8,964 m² of land and emit greenhouse gases equal to 2.8 London-New York return flights. The same dog fed on beef-based food would need 334,851 m² of land and emit the equivalent of 31.3 such flights.Why It MattersWith pet ownership on the rise worldwide and demand for pet foods increasing, the environmental impact of animal-based ingredients can no longer be overlooked. The researchers conclude that increasing plant-based ingredients in pet diets provides a practical and scalable way to reduce land use, emissions, nutrient pollution, and water stress - without compromising caloric value.They note, "feeding your dog plant-based will significantly improve a households' environmentally sustainability", and that, "… lower-impact pet food ingredients will be essential in reducing the [pet food] sector's ecological paw print."While some suggest that using meat by-products like ‘meat meals' is more sustainable, the study found these often ranked among the highest-impact ingredients, failing to bridge the gap.Broader ContextThis work supports earlier research. In 2023, veterinary professor Andrew Knight demonstrated that switching pet dogs worldwide to nutritionally sound vegan diets could save greenhouse gas emissions equivalent to 1.5 times the UK's annual output, while providing enough food energy to feed 450 million people, equivalent to the EU population. By late 2025, at least 11 peer-reviewed studies had also shown positive health outcomes for dogs fed plant-based diets.As Prof. Knight explained, "Higher proportions of plant-based ingredients, or nutritionally complete plant-based diets, can substantially reduce the ecological footprints of companion animals. As awareness grows, such diets may shift from niche to mainstream - aligning our care for pets with responsibility for the planet."Contact InformationAndrew KnightVeterinary Professor of Animal Welfareandrew.knight@murdoch.edu.au+44 7577 899 61SOURCE: Sustainable Pet Food Foundation Copyright 2025 ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com. All rights reserved. www.acnnewswire.com

The HKTDC will hold four major technology fairs in October, including the Hong Kong Electronics Fair (Autumn Edition), electronicAsia, the Hong Kong International Lighting Fair (Autumn Edition) and the Hong Kong International Outdoor and Tech Light ExpoThe four fairs bring together over 6,200 exhibitors from 27 countries and regionsThe Autumn Electronics Fair focuses on areas such as artificial intelligence (AI) and robotics, featuring a special “RoboPark” event space showcasing robots covering applications for commercial, rehabilitation and living; and a new exhibition zone, RISE Avenue, that will feature emerging brandsThe Autumn Lighting Fair will showcase a variety of award-winning designs with lighting products used in globally renowned projects – including LED drivers and fixtures applied at Gardens by the Bay in Singapore and lighting control systems used at the Sanxingdui Museum and the BBC’s London headquarters and M+ MuseumHONG KONG, Sep 25, 2025 - (ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) – The Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) is staging four major technology fairs this autumn. The Hong Kong Electronics Fair (Autumn Edition) and electronicAsia will run concurrently from 13 to 16 October at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC). These will be followed by the Hong Kong International Lighting Fair (Autumn Edition), taking place from 27 to 30 October at the HKCEC, and the Hong Kong International Outdoor and Tech Light Expo, which will be held from 28 to 31 October at AsiaWorld-Expo.At a press conference held today to introduce the fairs, Sophia Chong, Acting Executive Director of the HKTDC, said: “Our four major autumn technology fairs this year are attracting over 6,200 exhibitors from 27 countries and regions. The fairs will showcase a wide variety of innovative products and solutions, lighting products and advanced technologies, helping to facilitate cross-industry exchange within the sector and furthering the development of smart cities. These events will be attended by industry players from around the world, further underscoring Hong Kong's leading position as an international convention and exhibition centre.“In the Policy Address delivered last week by the Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, several measures relating to artificial intelligence (AI) and technological innovation were proposed, aiming to promote AI as a core industry for Hong Kong's future development. The four major autumn technology fairs closely align with this policy direction, featuring multiple exhibition areas and sessions focusing on AI, robotics, smart lighting and digital entertainment. These events provide a platform for the industry to showcase innovative achievements, foster collaboration, and leverage Hong Kong’s platform to ‘go global’, explore new markets and capture new business opportunities,” Ms Chong said.Electronics Fair aligns with technological trends and societal needsThe 45th Electronics Fair (Autumn Edition) and the 28th electronicAsia are expected to feature more than 3,200 exhibitors from 20 countries and regions. With the theme “World's Leading Electronics Marketplace”, the Electronics Fair highlights global exhibitors showcasing the latest electronic products and tech innovation concepts. These include innovative products for both home and commercial use as well as electronic devices, audiovisual equipment and more.The fair will feature products and solutions across various fields, with a special focus on AI and robotics, the silver economy and digital entertainment. Members of the “Hangzhou’s Six Little Dragons” will be present, including DEEP Robotics, which will present the X30 Quadruped Robodog, designed for applications in inspection and search-and-rescue operations, while BrainCo will display Revo2, a bionic dexterous hand which can be used as a prosthetic. It features multiple active joints that simulate natural movements of the human hand, enabling precise and flexible control. PaXini Tech, one of “Shenzhen’s Eight Great Guardians of Embodied Intelligence”, will showcase a humanoid robot equipped with advanced tactile sensing and AI vision, highlighting technological breakthroughs in perception, judgment and execution. The exhibition will also feature the special RoboPark event space, featuring over 30 sessions with speakers from leading robotics companies including Booster Robotics and Unitree Robotics from Chinese Mainland. Live demonstrations will take place in the event space to showcase how the latest robotics technologies can be applied in commercial, rehabilitation and living settings.Regarding new applications for the silver economy, some exhibitors will present smart GPS walking canes, specifically designed for older adults, that integrate advanced features such as GPS real-time tracking, emergency alert alarms and obstacle-detection systems. Another key area will be digital entertainment. The Immersive Experience zone will showcase a variety of interactive entertainment options that combine virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR) and AI, allowing buyers to test and experience different products in an immersive setting.The Autumn Electronics Fair will feature more than 20 exhibition zones. This year, the newly added RISE Avenue will showcase a range of emerging electronic technology brands, presenting the latest in smart devices, sensing technology and wearable equipment. Another new exhibition zone, the Adventure Hub, will feature local start-ups showcasing several vehicles converted from classic fuel cars to electric vehicles using oil-to-electric technology, including a classic 1989 BMW.The key exhibition zone, Hall of Fame, brings together more than 500 world-renowned electronic brands. Among the first-time exhibitors, Japanese brand AIWA will present smart audio products, while other notable brands include Chinese company Rapoo Technology, showcasing e-sports computer accessories, and Philips, which will introduce audio gadgets. Another highlight of the exhibition zone is the Tech Hall, where the new generation of cutting-edge electronic products and modern lifestyle appliances will be showcased. With funding support from the HKSAR Government, the new Hong Kong Tech Showcase has been added to this year's exhibition area to present high-quality innovation and technology products from local tech companies to global buyers. Among some 40 participating enterprises is Hong Kong's first embodied intelligent humanoid robot brand, Hong Kong Robotics Group Holding Ltd. The Startup Zone, meanwhile, will serve as an interactive platform for tech entrepreneurs and young business leaders to showcase their latest technologies.The Autumn Electronics Fair will feature several special activities. In addition to RoboPark, where a robot will prepare limited-edition coffee, attendees can collect stamps from various locations throughout the exhibition. They can present these stamps at the gift redemption counter to receive a complimentary capsule toy and a delightful gift. Visitors can redeem an additional gift by taking photos or short videos at the exhibition and sharing them on social media with the hashtag “#EFAE45”.Running concurrently with the Autumn Electronics Fair is electronicAsia, jointly organised by the HKTDC and MMI Asia Pte Ltd, showcasing electronic components, keyboards and switches, power supplies, printed circuit boards and electronic manufacturing services, display technologies and measuring instruments. Among the exhibitors from across the globe will be Australian company Masters & Young, which specialises in the design and manufacturing of printed circuit boards. Their services are widely applied in various fields, including aerospace, medical, industrial and renewable energy.The two fairs will feature a series of forums and seminars, including the 10th Symposium on Innovation & Technology, held on day one (13 October), co-organised by the HKTDC and the Hong Kong Electronics & Technologies Association. The symposium will open with remarks from Tony Wong, Commissioner for Digital Policy at the Innovation, Technology and Industry Bureau Digital Policy Office. Under the theme “Advancing Innovation Through Collaboration: Robotics Across Land, Sea, and Sky”, representatives from KPMG, S.F. Express, ASMPT, OceanAlpha and Alpha AI will share their insights on topics such as the development of the robotics economy, applications of smart logistics and the role of unmanned vessels in ocean exploration.Additionally, the Hong Kong Electronic Forum, co-organised by the HKTDC, MMI Asia Pte Ltd and the Hong Kong Electronic Industries Association, will explore innovative advancements in advanced battery technology and energy storage. The seminar titled “AI-Powered Monitoring and Smart Inspection in Construction”, co-organised by the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers and the Hong Kong Electronic Industries Association, will delve into the contributions of AI research to the construction industry. In addition, financial service providers will be present at the exhibition, including virtual bank Fusion Bank and cross-border payment platform Payoneer. They will offer practical insights to SME exhibitors and buyers on digital financial services, marketing strategies and customer analytics, empowering them to ‘go global’.Lighting Fair’s Hall of Connected Lighting brings together 60 leading brandsGlobally anticipated events in the lighting industry, this year’s Hong Kong International Lighting Fair (Autumn Edition) and Hong Kong International Outdoor and Tech Light Expo run under the theme “Illuminated Designs for a Smarter Future”. The fairs will feature some 3,000 exhibitors from more than 20 countries and regions, offering a wide range of lighting products and solutions that combine technology with innovative design. These events not only provide a one-stop business platform for the industry but also lead market trends, highlighting developments in sustainability, healthy living and silver economy technologies.A highlight zone of the Autumn Lighting Fair, the Hall of Connected Lighting makes a return in 2025, bringing together some 60 top-tier brands. They include local brand GRE Alpha, Foshan Electrical and Lighting, and TUYA Smart from Chinese Mainland, as well as international names such as Casambi from Finland, Moorgen from Germany, Koizumi from Japan and Signify from the Netherlands. The zone will showcase a variety of award-winning designs and immersive lighting experiences, allowing industry professionals to gain deeper insights into cutting-edge technologies and their applications.Moorgen will present collections created in collaboration with leading designers, including internationally renowned architect, interior and product designer Steve Leung and famous lighting designer Tino Kwan. The smart switch developed in collaboration with Chi Wing-lo, one of the recipients of the World's Outstanding Chinese Designer award, won the German iF Design Award. This switch can simultaneously control lighting, curtains, music and air conditioning, enabling unified smart management of living environments and greatly enhancing everyday convenience.Mainland company Bweetech will showcase its Fluorite lamp, which won the MUSE Design Award. Inspired by airplane windows, the lamp uses dual-colour moulding technology to create a serene, firefly-like glow. It can be operated via a mobile app and provides a flicker-free light source, creating a personalised and soothing atmosphere. The Filmbase flying screen, developed by Filmbase Tech, a national-level Specialised, Refined, Distinctive and Innovative high-tech enterprise, has set a new Guinness World Record as the world’s largest LED mesh flying screen. This exhibitor will showcase a series of self-developed products, including 3D media glass that can transform static building facades into 3D dynamic high-definition transparent displays, using only one-quarter of the energy consumption of traditional display screens.Buyers enjoy immersive lighting experiencesExhibitors have thoughtfully designed various settings to offer buyers hands-on experiences. For example, Casambi has curated an artisan café illuminated and supported by ERCO, a globally renowned architectural and commercial lighting brand, providing a relaxed atmosphere for attendees to connect and exchange ideas. Richard Lu, lighting designer for the Sanxingdui Museum in Sichuan Province, Luis Barahona, senior designer at ERCO, and Eugenia Cheng, founder of LightOrigin Studio, will be present to host sharing sessions in the space.TUYA Smart will construct scenes such as a living room and bedroom to demonstrate how lighting effects and AI technologies can be integrated into smart lighting solutions. FSL Lighting will cater to the silver economy by launching an Eye-care Ceiling Light designed specifically for seniors. Products will be showcased in bedroom and bathroom setups, featuring functions such as health monitoring and safety alerts.Lighting Fair showcases LED drivers and systems from Gardens by the Bay, Sanxingdui Museum and moreSeveral exhibitors that have contributed to globally renowned projects will present their products at the Lighting Fair. GRE Alpha’s LED drivers and light strings were used in the lighting show and horticultural system at Gardens by the Bay in Singapore. Nicolaudie Architectural’s lighting controllers were deployed in the transnational bridge project connecting Venezuela and Colombia. Koizumi’s lighting fixtures were used at the Yumeshima Station, World Expo in Osaka. Meanwhile, Casambi will present its lighting control systems that have been applied in the Sanxingdui Museum, the BBC’s London headquarters and M+ Museum in Hong Kong, giving buyers a chance to learn more about their project experience and latest innovations.Major industry alliances playing key roles in the fields of smart lighting and the Internet of Things will gather at the fair, including the DALI Alliance and SILA-EMN Alliance, as well as new participants this year such as the Connectivity Standards Alliance and the Zhaga Consortium, collectively presenting the full spectrum of the smart lighting ecosystem.Another highlight of the Autumn Lighting Fair is the Hall of Aurora, which brings together some 540 renowned brands offering high-quality lighting products. They include Prosperity Group and General Lighting from Hong Kong, LEEDARSON, Tospo and Je Woo from Chinese Mainland, Lival from Finland and Megaman from Germany. Other featured zones include Commercial Lighting, Residential Lighting and LED Lighting and LED Essentials.Outdoor and Tech Light Expo showcases smart city innovationsThis year’s Hong Kong International Outdoor and Tech Light Expo will feature a wide range of outdoor, commercial and industrial lighting products and technologies that support the development of smart cities. The Smart Pole and Solution Zone, introduced last year, will return to showcase innovative solutions that aid in smart city planning and energy efficiency optimisation.Among the expo highlights, Unilumin Group from Shenzhen will present its multi-functional Smart Light Pole, which integrates lighting, Wi-Fi, electric vehicle charging, environmental monitoring and other public services into a single unit. This helps reduce redundant infrastructure costs while enabling data sharing and efficient urban management.In addition, Shenzhen exhibitor Lamp Shining Technology, in the Technical & Professional Lighting zone, is an innovative SME that has been designated as a Specialized, Refined, Distinctive and Innovative enterprise in the mainland. Its sports lighting products are more energy-efficient and durable compared to traditional outdoor sports lighting fixtures, and the company has undertaken several international projects including a baseball field lighting upgrade project in Canada. Other featured zones include Horticultural Lighting and Outdoor & Public Lighting.A series of thematic forums, product launches, and networking events will be held during the two lighting fairs. The Innovative Lighting Design Forum, taking place on 27 October at the HKCEC, will explore two key themes: “City Designï¼'Design City: Lighting Design Bound Up with Daily Life” and “RCEP Opportunities Shining Through Cultural Lighting Design”. Speakers will include representatives from renowned international and local companies, as well as architects and lighting designers, who will share top design cases from various regions and analyse market trends.Another key event, the Connected Lighting Forum on 28 October, will discuss two main themes: “Smart Life: Beginning with Connected Eco-system” and “Healthy Net-zero Future Led by Sustainable Lighting”, which will delve into smart living ecosystems and sustainable lighting development. It will also feature the launch ceremony for “Edge Mixed Networking (EMN) Technical Requirements for Smart Buildings”. On the same afternoon, renowned lighting designer Tino Kwan will also host a masterclass on the integration of life and technology. Additionally, a seminar titled “Illuminating the Cycle: Outdoor Lighting Designs for a Sustainable Future” will be held on 28 October at AsiaWorld-Expo, focusing on how outdoor lighting can integrate sustainability concepts.During the exhibition period, shuttle bus services will be provided for exhibitors and buyers wishing to move between the HKCEC in Wan Chai and AsiaWorld-Expo, making it convenient for industry professionals to travel between the two venues for site visits and procurement.The four major technology exhibitions will continue to adopt the EXHIBITION+ hybrid model, which integrates both online and offline formats. In addition to participating in the physical fairs, exhibitors and buyers can use the Click2Match AI-driven business matching platform for online negotiations and matchmaking. Professionals from various industries and buyers are welcome to participate.The online edition of the Autumn Electronics Fair and electronicAsia will be held from 6 to 23 October, while the Autumn Lighting Fair and the International Outdoor and Tech Light Expo online edition will run from 20 October to 7 November. This dual format makes it convenient for businesses to expand their operations both online and offline.Photo download: https://bit.ly/3Kp3rA5Presenting highlights of the Autumn Electronics Fair, electronicAsia, the Autumn Lighting Fair and the International Outdoor and Tech Light Expo at today’s press conference are: Sophia Chong (centre), Acting Executive Director of the HKTDC; Steve Chuang (left), Chairman of the HKTDC Electronics/Electrical Appliances Industries Advisory Committee; and Alvin Lee (right), Chairman of the Hong Kong Electronics & Technologies AssociationDigit International Co., Limited showcases a robot that can communicate naturally through voice commands, facial expressions and gestures DEEP Robotics demonstrates its Robodog designed for inspection and surveying in challenging environments Momax Smart International Limited presents a vibration smart ring that combinesdiscreet notifications with emotion recognition technology The smart glasses presented by Unity Technology Development Corporation Limited feature built-in AI capabilities such as multilingual translation, voice transcription and navigation Refined Motor Company Limited showcases an electric vehicle converted from a classic Bentley using oil-to-electric technology Shenzhen LED Home Opto-Electronics Co., Ltd., an Autumn Lighting Fair exhibitor, showcases its linear light that features seamless joints, providing end-to-end continuous illumination The washi pendant light from Koizumi Sangyo (H.K.) Corporation Limited produces a nice even warm glow for a calm environmentThe multi-function dimming module from GRE Alpha Electronics Limited allows for seamless integration with Casambi-enabled luminaires, sensors, wall mounted and wireless switches Filmbase Tech's self-developed 3D media glass can transform static building facades into dynamic, high-definition 3D transparent displays, using only one-quarter of the energy consumption of traditional display screens Guangdong Concinnity Landscape Lighting Co., Ltd., an exhibitor at the Outdoor and Tech Light Expo, presents the SmartLink column, which has been successfully deployed in smart city projects across the Middle East. It enhances public areas, commercial districts and urban infrastructuresWebsitesHong Kong Electronics Fair (Autumn Edition): hkelectronicsfairae.hktdc.comelectronicAsia: www.electronicasia.comHong Kong International Lighting Fair (Autumn Edition): hklightingfairae.hktdc.comHong Kong International Outdoor and Tech Light Expo: hkotlexpo.hktdc.comMedia enquiriesPlease contact the HKTDC’s Communications & Public Affairs Department: Hong Kong Electronics Fair (Autumn Edition) & electronicAsiaJohnny TsuiTel: (852) 2584 4395Email: johnny.cy.tsui@hktdc.orgJane CheungTel: (852) 2584 4137Email: jane.mh.cheung@hktdc.orgHong Kong International Lighting Fair (Autumn Edition) & Hong Kong International Outdoor and Tech Light ExpoStanley SoTel: (852) 2584 4049Email: stanley.hp.so@hktdc.orgClayton LauwTel: (852) 2584 4472Email: clayton.y.lauw@hktdc.orgHKTDC Newsroom: http://mediaroom.hktdc.com/enAbout HKTDCThe Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) is a statutory body established in 1966 to promote, assist and develop Hong Kong's trade. With over 50 offices globally, including 13 in Chinese Mainland, the HKTDC promotes Hong Kong as a two-way global investment and business hub. The HKTDC organises international exhibitions, conferences and business missions to create business opportunities for companies, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), in the mainland and international markets. The HKTDC also provides up-to-date market insights and product information via research reports and digital news channels. For more information, please visit: www.hktdc.com/aboutus. Copyright 2025 ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com. All rights reserved. www.acnnewswire.com

PALO ALTO, CA, Sept 25, 2025 - (ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - Nanofiber Quantum Technologies, Inc. (NanoQT), a quantum computing company pioneering ultra-low-loss nanofiber cavity-QED interconnects for quantum processors, today announced the first closing of its $14 million Series A financing. Phoenix Venture Partners (PVP), an existing investor, led the round with participation from Brevan Howard Macro Venture Fund, a new investor. WASEDA University Ventures, Inc. (WUV), JAFCO Group Co Ltd, Mirai Creation Fund III (SPARX Asset Management Co., Ltd.), and Keio Innovation Initiative, Inc. (KII), each existing investors, also participated.NanoQT’s Proprietary Nanofiber-CavityThe financing follows more than US$20 million in government R&D grants across Japan and the United States that support NanoQT's roadmap. "An interconnect engineered for QPUs is the missing link in today's market and will soon be a major bottleneck to achieving scalable fault-tolerant quantum computing," said Masashi Hirose, Ph.D., CEO and Co-Founder of NanoQT. "Our proprietary nanofiber-cavity interconnect is highly demanded not only for scaling up quantum computing but also for integrating QPUs with quantum communication capabilities.""We are delighted to continue supporting NanoQT's breakthrough," said Nobi Kambe, Ph.D., Managing General Partner at Phoenix Venture Partners (PVP). "NanoQT has demonstrated steady R&D progress, and we believe the company will deliver a disruptive impact in the quantum computing and networking field." "NanoQT is the best positioned in the quantum field to disrupt interconnects."Why It MattersThe quantum interconnect is an emerging, critical device class-essential not only for modularizing quantum processors but also for extending them into networked and communication-enabled systems. NanoQT's approach is an ultra-low-loss nanofiber cavity that functions as an end-to-end fiber-optic interconnect, enabling extremely efficient conversion of qubit signals into photonic signals-a capability fundamentally grounded in cavity quantum electrodynamics (QED).NanoQT's initial product is highly engineered for neutral-atom QPUs, which today represent one of the most scalable quantum computing architectures. Yet these systems will face per-unit scalability limits within a few years. NanoQT's interconnect provides a path beyond those limits, while also positioning the company to address the emerging quantum repeater market, which is essential for building long-distance quantum networks.Use of Proceeds and Next MilestonesDemonstration of a distributed quantum computing system using NanoQT's interconnect and standard fiber linksProductization of the nanofiber cavity-QED interconnect for neutral-atom QPUsExpansion of engineering and manufacturing capacity in College Park, Maryland, and TokyoAbout NanoQTNanoQT is a quantum-hardware company building ultra-low-loss nanofiber cavity-QED interconnects that physically integrate with quantum processors to enable modular and networked quantum computing as well as compatibility with quantum communication. Headquartered in Palo Alto, California, with operations in College Park, Maryland and Tokyo, Japan, NanoQT combines Japan-born engineering excellence with a global commercialization strategy.Learn more: www.nano-qt.comContact InformationDai TsukadaHead of Operationsinfo@nano-qt.comSOURCE: Nanofiber Quantum Technologies, Inc. Copyright 2025 ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com. All rights reserved. www.acnnewswire.com

PHILADELPHIA, PA, Sept 25, 2025 - (ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - TruMerit, a leader in global healthcare workforce development, is partnering with EnGen, a workforce-aligned English language learning solution, to support foreign-educated nurses and other healthcare professionals in building the language skills to succeed in English-speaking work environments and to flourish in their new communities.This new collaboration enables current and past applicants for TruMerit's credential evaluation services to purchase individual access to EnGen's platform and state-of-the-art tools for building English skills. Through targeted, job-specific English training, learners will boost their confidence, enhance their job performance, and prepare for in-demand roles in healthcare systems facing critical staffing shortages.EnGen's innovative approach blends on-demand, AI-powered instruction with human-mediated support, including live online group workshops and coaching. The solution equips working adults with the English skills needed for specific jobs and career paths, including healthcare roles. Stronger English skills not only help them prepare for required language proficiency tests and licensure exams, but also to grow in their careers and thrive in workplace and community life in their new country.With thousands of foreign-educated nurses and allied professionals arriving in the U.S. each year to help fill staffing shortages in health systems, strong communication skills are a vital asset, enabling better collaboration, patient care, and overall outcomes. In addition to verification of their education and licensing in their home countries-services that TruMerit already provides-U.S. immigration law requires proof of English language proficiency to ensure clear communication across the healthcare teams and protect patient safety."Under TruMerit's expanded focus on healthcare career development, we are determined to help migrating nurses and other health professionals thrive at every stage of their careers. In the U.S., this means having the opportunity to take their understanding of the language from proficiency to mastery," said Dr. Peter Preziosi, President and CEO of TruMerit."We are delighted to be able to work with EnGen to address this challenge by making career-aligned English instruction available through the personalized, mobile-first learning experiences the company offers," he said."By equipping foreign-educated healthcare workers with job-specific English skills, we're empowering them to communicate confidently with patients, deliver high-quality care, and succeed in high-stakes environments-while also thriving off the clock in their communities," said Dr. Katie Brown, EnGen's Founder and Chief Education Officer. "EnGen's approach drives real-world results: 94% of our learners feel more confident using English at work, 93% save time on the job, and 92% have improved their job skills. Another 80% said they can navigate life better. We're proud to partner with TruMerit to help build a stronger, future-ready healthcare workforce."In addition to the healthcare-focused English instruction, EnGen also offers content aimed at helping learners navigate their new life in an English-speaking country, covering topics like social integration, legal, financial, and digital literacy, as well as U.S. citizenship test preparation.Additionally, to help accompanying spouses and other family members adjust, the offers available through TruMerit include special pricing on a family option, under which courses offered by EnGen can be accessed by family members aged 14 and above.About TruMeritTruMerit is a worldwide leader in healthcare workforce development. Formerly known as CGFNS International, the organization has a nearly 50-year history supporting the career mobility of nurses and other healthcare workers-and those who license and hire them-by validating their education, skills, and experience as they seek authorization to practice in the United States and other countries. As TruMerit, this mission has been expanded to building workforce capacity that meets the needs of people in a rapidly evolving global health landscape. Through its Global Health Workforce Development Institute, the organization is advancing evidence-based research, thought leadership, and advocacy in support of healthcare workforce development solutions, including globally recognized practice standards and certifications that will enhance career pathways for healthcare workers.About EnGenEnGen offers an at-scale, AI-powered approach to English instruction, designed to solve a systemic access issue: Adult English learners now represent 1 in 10 working-age adults in the U.S., yet the workforce system serves the needs of just 2% of these workers. A Certified B Corporation, EnGen is filling the gap by partnering with employers, adult educators, workforce development organizations, and state governments to connect job seekers and incumbent workers with English skills, career pathways, and employment in high-demand industries. EnGen's workforce-aligned approach addresses employers' recruitment and retention challenges and advances learners' economic mobility. Learn more at getengen.com.Contact InformationDavid St. Johndstjohn@trumerit.orgSOURCE: TruMerit Copyright 2025 ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com. All rights reserved. www.acnnewswire.com

Key Takeaways:WORK Medical has formed a new alliance with the Hong Kong Web3.0 Standardization Association and was appointed as the organization’s “council vice chairman.”The company has also entered into a collaboration with Ruijin Hospital’s Wuxi Branch to accelerate the development of a next-generation, AI-driven smart clinical ecosystemHONG KONG, Sep 24, 2025 - (ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) – Hong Kong kicked off a new era in its embrace of virtual assets on Aug. 1 with the official launch of a regulatory and licensing framework for virtual currencies known as stablecoins. A steady stream of Chinese companies has begun experimenting in the city with virtual assets and their underlying blockchain technology since then, covering a wide range of industries.Medical products seller WORK Medical Technology Group Ltd. (WOK.US) became the latest to join that parade, as it unveiled a major new initiative to explore real world asset (RWA) tokenization and related blockchain technology in a partnership with the Hong Kong Web3.0 Standardization Association, which promotes the high-quality development of the global Web3.0 industry through standardization research and efforts.The deal comes just over a year after WORK Medical listed on the Nasdaq, and is part of the company’s evolving “Healthcare + Payment + Technology = RWA + Web3 + AI” strategy. WORK Medical also plans to strategically collaborate with one or more qualified firms from the financial sector, which would provide a key compliance channel for its asset tokenization ambitions.Tokenized RWA, or real-world assets with value that have been digitalized, is projected to surge to over $50 billion by the end of this year, according to a report published in May by digital currency market-making firm Keyrock and tokenization platform Centrifuge. The report also pointed out that tokenized RWA will be dominated by U.S. treasuries, whose value alone will push the sector size to over $28 billion. Three areas for collaborationWORK Medical laid out three main areas for collaboration with its new Hong Kong partner. The first area involves the tokenization of “high-quality assets owned or invested in by WORK Medical,” the company said. It pointed out it can leverage both its status as a Nasdaq-listed company, as well as its expertise and assets related to its medical device business, including AI healthcare assets. It wasn’t more specific, but assets it could probably tokenize might include its receivables, investment products and intellectual property.The second area WORK Medical’s new partnership will explore is equity investments, which could include co-investments or participation in funds and other financial vehicles to accelerate its move into RWA for potential tokenization and achieve shared strategic goals.The third area involves development of RWA technology, which would leverage the Hong Kong Web30 Association’s recently launched RWA registration platform. That platform facilitates collaboration on a range of related functions, including blockchain-based title verification, asset issuance, and cross-chain transactions, while ensuring regulatory compliance and asset security.The company’s recent activities indicate it is already accumulating the expertise to develop and manage such assets. In February, it announced a partnership with another medical device company that included the potential establishment of “joint investment funds to align industrial and financial resources.” It said that partnership could also involve investment in healthcare infrastructure, development of advanced technologies and global acquisitions.WORK Medical’s new partnership puts it at the head of a nascent but rapidly growing wave of Chinese companies looking for new business opportunities in the fast-emerging business of digitalized RWAs. Any company owning or possessing rights to RWAs, both their own and assets owned by others, can technically enter the space.Building smart clinical ecosystemOn Monday, WORK Medical also announced another new partnership with the Wuxi Branch of the Ruijin Hospital-Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine. Under the partnership, WORK Medical will support Xin Rui Hospital’s efforts to advance hospital informatization. It will also assist in efforts to integrate AI with the hospital’s multimodal medical data, such as text, imaging, and lab results.https://www.globenewswire.com/news-release/2025/09/22/3153945/0/en/WORK-Medical-Technology-Group-LTD-Partners-with-Wuxi-Branch-of-Ruijin-Hospital-Shanghai-Jiao-Tong-University-School-of-Medicine-to-Develop-AI-Applications-in-Healthcare.htmlThe two sides plan to enhance WORK Medical’s multimodal AI solutions from single-image to complex data types by leveraging Xin Rui Hospital’s clinical and expert resources. The collaboration aims to develop AI models for diverse healthcare scenarios, establishing a framework for data governance, model training, and clinical translation. WORK Medical Chairman and CEO Wu Shuang said the two new partnerships – with the Hong Kong Web3.0 Standardization Association for RWA innovation and with Xin Rui Hospital for AI-driven healthcare – are strategic moves aimed at unlocking new growth avenues and building long-term value.The company’s inaugural annual earnings report for its fiscal year through September 2024, issued earlier this year, also contains hints that it was dabbling in financial markets, not only through its IPO but also through other investing activities, in the year before its listing.https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/work-medical-technology-group-ltd-reports-financial-results-for-fiscal-year-2024-302377075.htmlWORK Medical’s new alliance could take it in a completely new direction from its core business of producing and selling masks and other medical products like artery compression tourniquets. As the Covid pandemic receded and demand for masks declined, leading to falling prices, the company’s revenue from its mask business fell 69% in its fiscal year through September 2024 to $1.6 million from $5.1 million the previous year. That was partly offset by an 18% increase in its revenue for other medical devices, which rose to $9.4 million from $8 million.Its latest financial report also shows that WORK Medical has engaged in commodities trading, which generated $400,000 in income in its latest fiscal year through September 2024. The company also derived a sizable $15.7 million in cash from financing activities for the fiscal year, up sharply from a year earlier and greater than the $11.5 million in revenue it generated from sales of its core medical products for the year.In the finance sector, supply chain financier Linklogis late last month also formed a partnership with XRP Ledger, the organization overseeing the ripple cryptocurrency, aimed at exploring the digitalization and tokenization of RWA.Source: The Bamboo WorksBy Doug Young Copyright 2025 ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com. All rights reserved. www.acnnewswire.com