Cision PR Newswire Convenes Public Relations Leaders at Communications Forum and Award 2026 in Shanghai

HONG KONG, Feb. 3, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Cision PR Newswire successfully concluded the Cision PR Newswire Communications Forum and Award 2026 in Shanghai, marking the 10th edition of the event under the theme "Rethink. Reform." The forum brought together industry leaders from reputable brands, agencies, associations, and media organisations to explore the future of Public Relations.

The event welcomed nearly 3,000 participants both onsite and online, including PR and Communications professionals, brand leaders, and media representatives from across industries. High attendance and positive feedback reflected PR Newswire's growing influence in gathering the communications community and creating a trusted forum for strategic dialogue in mainland China and across APAC.

Speakers from organizations such as the China International Public Relations Association, Kunlun Tech, SANY Group, LONGi Green Energy, Energy Foundation, LEAD Intelligent, Hero Esports, alongside media including Yicai Global, FT Chinese, and Sina Finance, shared their perspectives on stage, shedding insight on topics ranging from media in the age of AI to brand localization and human-centred storytelling.

Opening the forum, Judy Wang, Head of Commercial Mainland China at PR Newswire, noted that the industry is undergoing a fundamental shift: new technologies are introduced every day, internet & Large Language Models (LLMs) algorithms are changing rapidly, and trust is becoming an increasingly scarce resource. She emphasized that PR professionals are now shifting to a more strategic position in the business. PR Newswire is delighted to create a platform for industry peers to rethink and reform a long-term business strategy and build global competitiveness.

Lynn Liu, Vice President of Audience Development and Distribution Services, APAC at PR Newswire, added that in the era of modern communications, reliable content plays a central role in shaping both public perception and AI platforms.
Research shows that LLMs derive 60% of information from authorised news, and 20% from official corporate websites. He emphasizes the importance of distributing corporate news, and getting exposure through reputable media, as this would become an organisation's growth engine. Lynn explains that PR Newswire's role goes beyond content creation and distribution; it provides verified news and reference for LLMs.

Jia Zhao, Deputy Chief Editor of Yicai and Chief Editor of Yicai Magazine, noted that the industry is entering an era of 'super individuals'. This is an era in which diverse content formats and channels complement one another, and the virtual and real worlds thrive together. Video remains the dominant medium, yet audiences will engage with information through an increasingly diverse set of channels. Meanwhile, the value of traditional offline media will also make a comeback.

During the first panel session, corporate and media representatives from PR Newswire, Sina Finance, Everyday Tech, Financial Times Chinese, Yongzhu Studio, and Hero Esports further explored the theme  "The Evolution of Communications in the Intelligent Age."  The panellists' engaging discussion concluded that while AI is advancing rapidly, the role of human creators and media is becoming increasingly critical. Panellists emphasized that humans must serve as gatekeepers for AI, building emotional connection and trust through authentic storytelling that technology alone cannot replace.

In the afternoon sessions, Dapeng Lv, Vice President of the China International Public Relations Association, discussed the challenges of Chinese brands' global expansion and highlighted three core elements for overseas communications: brand positioning, brand communications, and brand maintenance, stressing the need to differentiate between corporate and product brand strategies.

Furthermore on storytelling, Hui Yao, Marketing and PR Director at Kunlun Tech, shared that going global is a combination of technology and storytelling, emphasizing the need to translate "complex branding messages into clear, relatable stories that resonate with audiences across markets".

During the second panel discussion, corporate representatives from the Energy Foundation, LONGi Green Energy Technology, Sany Group, and Lead Intelligent Equipment discussed "Strategies and Practices for Brand Globalization." According to the panellists, companies must pursue both global and localized narratives simultaneously. Enterprises expanding overseas should not only emphasize industry and product content, but also prioritize communicating their sustainable values. They must adopt a human-centred approach to build brands with warmth and humanity.

The successful conclusion of the Cision PR Newswire Communications Forum 2026 brought more than an exchange of ideas, serving as a collective call to action to rethink strategy, channels, technology, and storytelling. The forum encourages professionals to reform their communications strategies to deliver greater results.

Following the forum, the winners of the Cision PR Newswire Corporate Communications Award 2026 were announced. The program features 19 award categories recognizing excellence in all aspects of PR and Communications, showcasing outstanding achievements in corporate communications throughout 2025.

The full list of winners is shown below. 

HONG KONG, Feb. 3, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Cision PR Newswire successfully concluded the Cision PR Newswire Communications Forum and Award 2026 in Shanghai, marking the 10th edition of the event under the theme "Rethink. Reform." The forum brought together industry leaders from reputable brands, agencies, associations, and media organisations to explore the future of Public Relations.

The event welcomed nearly 3,000 participants both onsite and online, including PR and Communications professionals, brand leaders, and media representatives from across industries. High attendance and positive feedback reflected PR Newswire's growing influence in gathering the communications community and creating a trusted forum for strategic dialogue in mainland China and across APAC.

Speakers from organizations such as the China International Public Relations Association, Kunlun Tech, SANY Group, LONGi Green Energy, Energy Foundation, LEAD Intelligent, Hero Esports, alongside media including Yicai Global, FT Chinese, and Sina Finance, shared their perspectives on stage, shedding insight on topics ranging from media in the age of AI to brand localization and human-centred storytelling.

Opening the forum, Judy Wang, Head of Commercial Mainland China at PR Newswire, noted that the industry is undergoing a fundamental shift: new technologies are introduced every day, internet & Large Language Models (LLMs) algorithms are changing rapidly, and trust is becoming an increasingly scarce resource. She emphasized that PR professionals are now shifting to a more strategic position in the business. PR Newswire is delighted to create a platform for industry peers to rethink and reform a long-term business strategy and build global competitiveness.

Lynn Liu, Vice President of Audience Development and Distribution Services, APAC at PR Newswire, added that in the era of modern communications, reliable content plays a central role in shaping both public perception and AI platforms.
Research shows that LLMs derive 60% of information from authorised news, and 20% from official corporate websites. He emphasizes the importance of distributing corporate news, and getting exposure through reputable media, as this would become an organisation's growth engine. Lynn explains that PR Newswire's role goes beyond content creation and distribution; it provides verified news and reference for LLMs.

Jia Zhao, Deputy Chief Editor of Yicai and Chief Editor of Yicai Magazine, noted that the industry is entering an era of 'super individuals'. This is an era in which diverse content formats and channels complement one another, and the virtual and real worlds thrive together. Video remains the dominant medium, yet audiences will engage with information through an increasingly diverse set of channels. Meanwhile, the value of traditional offline media will also make a comeback.

During the first panel session, corporate and media representatives from PR Newswire, Sina Finance, Everyday Tech, Financial Times Chinese, Yongzhu Studio, and Hero Esports further explored the theme  "The Evolution of Communications in the Intelligent Age."  The panellists' engaging discussion concluded that while AI is advancing rapidly, the role of human creators and media is becoming increasingly critical. Panellists emphasized that humans must serve as gatekeepers for AI, building emotional connection and trust through authentic storytelling that technology alone cannot replace.

In the afternoon sessions, Dapeng Lv, Vice President of the China International Public Relations Association, discussed the challenges of Chinese brands' global expansion and highlighted three core elements for overseas communications: brand positioning, brand communications, and brand maintenance, stressing the need to differentiate between corporate and product brand strategies.

Furthermore on storytelling, Hui Yao, Marketing and PR Director at Kunlun Tech, shared that going global is a combination of technology and storytelling, emphasizing the need to translate "complex branding messages into clear, relatable stories that resonate with audiences across markets".

During the second panel discussion, corporate representatives from the Energy Foundation, LONGi Green Energy Technology, Sany Group, and Lead Intelligent Equipment discussed "Strategies and Practices for Brand Globalization." According to the panellists, companies must pursue both global and localized narratives simultaneously. Enterprises expanding overseas should not only emphasize industry and product content, but also prioritize communicating their sustainable values. They must adopt a human-centred approach to build brands with warmth and humanity.

The successful conclusion of the Cision PR Newswire Communications Forum 2026 brought more than an exchange of ideas, serving as a collective call to action to rethink strategy, channels, technology, and storytelling. The forum encourages professionals to reform their communications strategies to deliver greater results.

Following the forum, the winners of the Cision PR Newswire Corporate Communications Award 2026 were announced. The program features 19 award categories recognizing excellence in all aspects of PR and Communications, showcasing outstanding achievements in corporate communications throughout 2025.

The full list of winners is shown below. 

** The press release content is from PR Newswire. Bastille Post is not involved in its creation. **

Cision PR Newswire Convenes Public Relations Leaders at Communications Forum and Award 2026 in Shanghai

Cision PR Newswire Convenes Public Relations Leaders at Communications Forum and Award 2026 in Shanghai

Cision PR Newswire Convenes Public Relations Leaders at Communications Forum and Award 2026 in Shanghai

Cision PR Newswire Convenes Public Relations Leaders at Communications Forum and Award 2026 in Shanghai

Cision PR Newswire Convenes Public Relations Leaders at Communications Forum and Award 2026 in Shanghai

Cision PR Newswire Convenes Public Relations Leaders at Communications Forum and Award 2026 in Shanghai

Cision PR Newswire Convenes Public Relations Leaders at Communications Forum and Award 2026 in Shanghai

Cision PR Newswire Convenes Public Relations Leaders at Communications Forum and Award 2026 in Shanghai

Cision PR Newswire Convenes Public Relations Leaders at Communications Forum and Award 2026 in Shanghai

Cision PR Newswire Convenes Public Relations Leaders at Communications Forum and Award 2026 in Shanghai

QINGDAO, China, Feb. 3, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Hisense, a leading brand in global consumer electronics and home appliances, announced that the Hisense Visual Technology Qingdao Factory has been recognized by the World Economic Forum (WEF) as a Customer Centricity Lighthouse, becoming the first and only Lighthouse factory in the global television industry.

The designation was announced as part of the WEF's Global Lighthouse Network, which recognizes industrial sites applying advanced digital technologies to improve customer value, speed-to-market, and operational performance.

Operating in a mature and highly competitive global TV market, the Hisense Visual Technology Qingdao Factory faced rapidly evolving consumer demand and increasing cost pressure. In response, the site undertook a comprehensive digital transformation, embedding artificial intelligence, big data, industrial simulation, and large-scale virtual reality (VR) across new product R&D and manufacturing.

As a result, the factory achieved a Net Promoter Score (NPS) of 84%, reduced R&D cycles by 34%, lowered material costs by 18%, and shortened new employee training time by 60%. The cycle from capturing customer needs to translating them into product functions was reduced by 62%, while production efficiency for 85-inch TVs improved to a 20-second manufacturing cycle.

"At Hisense, intelligent manufacturing starts from consumer needs," said Dennys Li, President at Hisense Visual Technology Co., Ltd. "By building a human-centric manufacturing system, we translate customer insights into real product value with greater speed and precision."

This marks Hisense's third Lighthouse designation within the WEF Global Lighthouse Network. Previously, Hisense Hitachi's Huangdao factory was recognized as the world's first Sustainability Lighthouse in the VRF sector and the industry's only dual Lighthouse factory, underscoring Hisense's leadership in AI-enabled sustainable manufacturing.

The Customer Centricity Lighthouse designation represents a key milestone in Hisense's human-centric digital transformation and intelligent manufacturing strategy.

About Hisense

Hisense, founded in 1969, is a globally recognized leader in home appliances and consumer electronics with operations in over 160 countries, specializing in delivering high-quality multimedia products, home appliances, and intelligent IT solutions. According to Omdia, Hisense ranks No. 1 globally in the 100-inch and over TV segment (2023-Q3 2025). As The Origin of RGB MiniLED, Hisense continues to lead the next-generation RGB MiniLED innovation. As the official sponsor of the FIFA World Cup 2026^TM, Hisense is committed to global sports partnerships as a way to connect with audiences worldwide.

** The press release content is from PR Newswire. Bastille Post is not involved in its creation. **

Hisense Named World's First Customer Centricity Lighthouse Factory in the TV Industry by World Economic Forum