Singapore – January 10, 2025 – (SeaPRwire) – Mark calendars for a groundbreaking event that blends cutting-edge psychology insights with state-of-the-art technology – the Asian Conference on Applied Psychology (ACAP) 2025, hosted by East Asia Research, with the esteemed support of the Applied Psychological Research Program, Faculty of Psychology, Chulalongkorn University, and the Thai Psychology Association (TPA), will take place from 22-23 July 2025, online and at the Holiday Inn Singapore Atrium, Singapore.
In celebration of East Asia Research’s 10th anniversary, this year’s ACAP 2025 is redefining global collaboration by introducing an immersive Virtual Reality (VR) Meetup. This innovative feature provides a first-of-its-kind networking experience, seamlessly connecting both virtual and in-person attendees. With the academic endorsement of Chulalongkorn University’s Psychology Department, ACAP 2025 is set to be a landmark event for professionals, researchers, and students in applied psychology.
Mental Health and Well-being in a Diverse, Connected World
Under the theme “Mental Health and Well-being in a Diverse, Connected World,” ACAP 2025 invites academics, researchers, and professionals in applied psychology and related disciplines to present and discuss:
Recent innovations in applied psychology
Emerging trends and challenges
Practical solutions emphasizing mental health and well-being
Special focus will be placed on interdisciplinary approaches, addressing mental health and well-being in education, communities, workplaces, and online environments.
A Game-Changing Event like No Other
Highlights of ACAP 2025 include:
Southeast Asia Academic Powerhouse: Featuring an unparalleled lineup of sessions and research presentations, backed by Chulalongkorn University’s Psychology Department.
VR Meetup: Revolutionizing networking by enabling immersive connections among attendees, whether in-person or online.
Dr Ian Tim Heazlewood Best Paper Award: Honouring the most impactful psychology paper with this prestigious accolade.
Career Fair: Providing free display opportunities for academic institutions and creating meaningful connections between recruiters and top psychology talent.
Global Networking: A platform to foster enduring collaborations with leading experts, innovators, and peers shaping the future of applied psychology.
Empowering the Next Generation of Thinkers
For the first time, ACAP 2025 will unite in-person and virtual attendees in one shared space through VR technology, delivering an inclusive and transformative experience.
“We are redefining what it means to attend a global conference,” says Anthony Tan, Training and Development Head at East Asia Research. “With the support of Chulalongkorn University’s Psychology Department and the introduction of VR technology, ACAP 2025 promises to deliver an experience that is innovative, inclusive, and unforgettable. For the first time, in-person and virtual presenters will have the opportunity to meet in the same space.”
Join the Movement
Don’t miss this transformative event where psychology meets technology, and innovation meets opportunity.
Visit https://acap.ear.com.sg for registration and additional information.
About East Asia Research Pte Ltd
East Asia Research (EAR), based in Singapore, fosters intellectual exchange through inclusive and representative academic conferences and publications. Guided by Confucian principles, EAR promotes respect, integrity, and community, advancing research worldwide. Discover more about our other conferences at
2025 Asia-Singapore Conference on Sport Science
2025 Singapore Conference on Applied Psychology
2025 Asian Conference on Applied Psychology
2025 Asia-Pacific Conference on Economics & Finance
Media Contact
Anthony Tan, Training and Development Head
East Asia Research Pte Ltd
Email: anthonytan@ear.com.sg
Phone: +65 6203 3767
The article is provided by a third-party content provider. SeaPRwire ( https://www.seaprwire.com/ ) makes no warranties or representations in connection therewith.
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SINGAPORE, Jan 8, 2025 - (ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - Sparkline, a leading digital analytics consultancy in Southeast Asia, is proud to announce its upcoming webinar, "Unlocking E-Commerce Success with Google Analytics 4", designed to help marketers and e-commerce professionals harness the full potential of Google Analytics 4 (GA4). Taking place on 15 January 2025, this transformative session is tailored to empower businesses with advanced analytics strategies that enhance user journeys and maximize ROI.Why Google Analytics 4 is a Game-Changer for MarketersAs digital marketing trends evolve, GA4 emerges as an essential tool for businesses aiming to stay ahead in an increasingly data-driven environment. With its enhanced capabilities in tracking user behavior across multiple platforms, GA4 provides deeper insights into the customer journey, enabling marketers and e-commerce managers to:Streamline Tracking: Simplify and centralize tracking mechanisms for cross-platform interactions.Boost Engagement: Identify key touchpoints to foster better user engagement.Optimize ROI: Make data-backed decisions that translate into tangible business outcomes.In the era of first-party data, GA4’s emphasis on privacy-centric analytics ensures businesses remain compliant while delivering meaningful insights that drive growth.Webinar DetailsJoin Sparkline’s esteemed experts for an engaging and insightful session:Date: 15 January 2025Time: 11:30 AM – 12:30 PM SGTLocation: Zoom (Free Registration)Registration Link: Register HereMeet the SpeakersThe webinar will feature two industry experts who bring extensive experience in analytics and customer success:Timothy Paul – Analytics & Technical Integration Consultant at SparklineNur Raihana – Customer Success Manager at SparklineBoth speakers will provide actionable strategies and practical insights tailored to the unique challenges of the e-commerce sector.What Will be CoveredAttendees will gain access to:Advanced GA4 techniques to optimize every stage of the customer journey—from discovery to conversion.Tools to enhance engagement and improve tracking accuracy.Data-driven approaches to maximize ROI and drive sustainable growth.About SparklineSince its founding in 2013, Sparkline has been at the forefront of digital analytics in Southeast Asia. Headquartered in Singapore, the consultancy specializes in empowering businesses with practical, scalable solutions to navigate the complexities of today’s digital landscape. As a pioneering partner of Google’s Analytics Suite, Sparkline leverages its decade-long expertise to drive digital maturity, enhance organizational capabilities, and foster data-driven innovation.Through tailored consulting, training, and cutting-edge technology solutions, Sparkline partners with Fortune 500 companies and regional leaders to optimize customer experiences and achieve measurable growth. By championing first-party data strategies and streamlining digital processes, Sparkline helps businesses thrive in a competitive e-commerce environment. Copyright 2025 ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com.
HONG KONG, Jan 9, 2025 - (ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) – The trading of TCE (T Cell Engager) bispecific antibodies remains hot, and multinational pharmaceutical companies (MNCs) are still placing orders frantically.Recently, Candid Therapeutics, an American pharmaceutical company focusing on the field of autoimmunity, announced three R&D cooperation transactions on TCE bispecific antibodies with a total potential transaction amount of over $1.32 billion, equivalent to nearly RMB 10 billion at one time. All the transaction parties are Chinese companies.What is more noteworthy is that Candid just announced a round A financing of over $370 million three months ago,. The company’s two core products are TCE bispecific antibodies, both from China Biotech.In fact, from Merck's $1.3 billion deal to GSK's $850 million investment, the "gold content" of Chinese companies' self-developed TCE bispecific antibodies has already been well proven. The new moves by Candid Therapeutics indicate that the opportunities for TCE bispecific antibodies in the autoimmune field are far from over. The rush to register "Initial Seeds" by domestic and foreign companies and even capital is directly tied to the future competition landscape of "big drugs" in the autoimmune field. The rush by domestic and international companies, as well as capital, to secure early-stage "seedlings" is directly tied to the future competitive landscape for blockbuster drugs in the autoimmune sector.According to incomplete statistics, from the perspective of clinical trial progress, YK012 (targeting CD19/CD3) of Excyte Biopharma Ltd. (Hereinafter referred to as Excyte), a Chinese company, is ahead of the same target drugs. Public information shows that the company focuses on the research and development of innovative new bispecific and multifunctional antibody new drugs including TCE. Its autoimmune indication was approved for clinical trials in China in December 2024, and the FIH (first in human) will be enrolled in early March this year. The US Pre-IND application was officially accepted by the FDA in November 2024, therefore clinical trial approval anticipated in April this year. Due to the adoption of international multi-center clinical research strategy, the clinical development speed is expected to accelerate significantly. Overall, the progress of autoimmune indication development is in the first echelon globally.(1) Phase I clinical trial is in progress, showing the advantages of efficacy, safety, and long half-life, also low-cost CMCGlobally, the first TCE bispecific antibody that was successfully commercialized can be traced back to 10 years ago. To this day, TCE bispecific antibodies in the clinical stage of Chinese biotech are still frequently "raised" by MNCs. This is because the "blockbuster" era of this type of drug has arrived, with therapeutic potential far exceeding expectations. They are advancing from the last-line treatment to the first and second-line treatment breakthroughs. For example, AstraZeneca's AZD0486, intended to be used for relapsed and refractory follicular non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, is making strides from the last-line treatment to the first and second-line treatment impact, with an estimated annual sales peak of about $5 billion. Moreover, these drugs are expanding beyond the field of tumors into the field of autoimmune diseases, where there are significant unmet clinical needs across dozens of autoimmune conditions, representing a market potentially worth hundreds of billions of dollars.Among the TCE bispecific antibodies currently under development in China, YK012 from Excyte is a "seed player" that cannot be ignored. YK012 is the product with the greatest potential to become a BIC (best in class) product among competing products.Currently, there are 6 indications for YK012 disclosed on the official website, among which the Phase I clinical trial for non-Hodgkin's tumor (NHL) and the Phase Ib/II clinical trial for acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) are progressing the fastest.According to the latest news, the POC (Proof of Concept) on effectiveness of these two indications has been achieved, with multiple cases of sustained complete remission reported. Specifically, in the Phase I clinical trial of NHL, after a patient with transformed follicular lymphoma (FL) received a cycle of drug treatment for tumor evaluation, the PET-CT results showed that 5 tumors in the patient's body had completely disappeared, and the disease was completely relieved. After the second cycle of drug treatment, the patient's tumor evaluation was still in complete remission (CR), with remission sustained for two cycles.In the Phase Ib/II clinical trial of YK012 for the treatment of ALL, several patients have been enrolled and treated, including relapsed and refractory high-load severe patients. The proportion of blasts in the bone marrow before drug administration was as high as 81.6%. After receiving a cycle of drug treatment, the proportion of blasts dropped to less than 5%, achieving complete remission, which was sustained into the second treatment cycle. Remarkably, the patient achieving complete remission received a dose of only 5 μg/kg, a significantly lower effective dose compared to competing products. Similarly, the first NHL patient who achieved complete remission after receiving YK012 treatment was administrated with a dose of 20μg/kg, which is also significantly lower than the effective dose of the competing product under development. These findings suggest that YK012 may have best effectiveness among competing products.In addition, YK012 has demonstrated good clinical safety. In the two clinical trials mentioned above, patients exhibited excellent tolerability, with all adverse reactions fully resolving within 48 hours. The severity of cytokine release syndrome and neurotoxicity was controlled at level 2 or below. The long half-life of the drug has been confirmed and is expected to be developed into a low-frequency dosing drug. Furthermore, YK012 features an elegantly simple, symmetrical molecular structure, making its CMC process straightforward and offering significant low-cost advantages.(2) Leading in autoimmune R&D progress, with two complementary TCE assets that are unique in the industryExcyte is dedicated to developing drugs with global value and competitiveness. The company is based on a global layout, with its R&D headquarters in Beijing, a wholly-owned R&D subsidiary in the United States, and a commercial production facility in Changchun that meets Chinese and U.S. GMP standards. This setup provides a full-chain advantage in technology and manufacturing, from R&D to commercial production.When co-founders Meng Qingwu and Yuan Qingan founded Excyte, they had a clear prediction that immunotherapy would become a critical option for future disease treatment, particularly for autoimmune diseases.As early as 2022, Excyte’s research team developed B cell depletion therapy (BCDT) drugs with a focus on their advantages in treating autoimmune diseases. They began to deploy autoimmune diseases such as primary membranous nephropathy (PMN) and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), fully promoting global clinical trials and using this as entry points to expand into more autoimmune disease areas. According to the latest updates, the YK012 indication for membranous nephropathy has been approved for Phase I clinical trials in December last year, making it the world's first CD3/CD19 bispecific antibody drug approved for the treatment of membranous nephropathy. Its SLE indication is approved in January this year in China, positioning it among the global frontrunners in this field.In terms of therapeutic potential, in August this year, Excyte published a paper titled "Targeting CD19 for the Treatment of Autoimmune with a Novel T Cell Engager" in the British Biomedical Bulletin. The study revealed that YK012 can eliminate peripheral blood and spleen B cells in a dose-dependent manner and alleviate arthritis symptoms in a mouse CIA model. This demonstrates its potential to treat B cell-mediated human diseases, including autoimmune disorders, with expectations of better efficacy and fewer side effects in clinical practice.In addition, the two disclosed indications of YKST02 (targeting BCMA/CD3), Excyte’s second bispecific antibody product, includes an autoimmune disease - immunoglobulin A nephropathy (IgAN). The company has already initiated Chinese clinical applications for this indication. According to available information, in addition to IgAN, there is another tumor indication, relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma (MM), which is currently in Phase Ia clinical trials. At a 3 mg dose, partial response (PR) was observed in the first dosing cycle, and no adverse reactions occurred at doses of 6 mg or lower, indicating its potential as a "best-in-class" therapy.Meanwhile, the combination of YK012 and YKST02 can be developed as more effective treatment involved in all stages of B-cell related disease. As two TCE bispecific antibodies with complementary effects, they hold the potential to achieve optimal clinical efficacy through combination or sequential therapy.Specifically, CD19, a target of YK012, is a biomarker of B cells. It is expressed from the Pro-B cell stage to the late plasmablast stage but is low or not expressed at the plasma cell stage. On the other hand, BCMA, a target of YKST02, is primarily expressed in mature B lymphocytes and plasma cells, covering the plasma cell development stage. Therefore, the combination of YK012 and YKST02 can span the entire spectrum of B-cell and plasma cell development, leading to abnormal B cell and plasma cell depletion. This makes them a pair of highly rare and valuable TCE assets on a global scale.Beyond these two drugs, Excyte is also advancing the development of multiple pipeline products, including bispecific and trispecific antibodies for solid tumors, all progressing in an orderly manner.(3) B round financing and overseas BD are in progress, with multiple TS received from both domestic and international partiesAgainst the backdrop of a capital winter, Excyte's financing is thriving, highlighting the company's remarkable value and advantages. According to available information, following the completion of its A++ round of financing last year, the company is now in Round B and has already received several TS, far exceeding the anticipated funding target.YK012 and YKST02 are the two drugs most favored by multinational pharmaceutical companies in the wave of Chinese Biotech going overseas. According to a research report by SPDB International, since 2022, there have been continuous cross-border licensed-out projects for Chinese bispecific drugs, with the annual number of transactions rising from 3 in 2022 to 14 in 2024 (the first nine months), with total annual transaction amounts of $14.825 billion, $13.280 billion and $5.072 billion, respectively.This year's most high-profile deal involved Merck as the buyer. Through its subsidiary, Merck acquired Curon’s bispecific antibody CN201 (targeting CD19/CD3) for the treatment of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). The deal included a $700 million upfront cash payment and up to $600 million in milestone payments, fully demonstrating MNCs' strong confidence in the bispecific antibody track and their willingness to invest heavily in high-quality products.Traditional licensing-out deals do not fully capture the financing landscape for bispecific antibody drugs. In recent years, as the financing of Chinese innovative drugs has continued to tighten, the overseas expansion models of pharmaceutical companies have gradually been enriched and upgraded. Some companies, represented by Hengrui Pharmaceuticals and Keymed Biosciences, have used new models such as NewCo (a strategy for local innovative pharmaceutical companies to establish new companies through cooperation with overseas capital to achieve product internationalization) to transfer product rights. For example, Keymed Biosciences has successfully promoted the overseas expansion of three bispecific antibody products twice in five months this year using the Newco model.Regarding these two financing methods, Meng Qingwu, co-founder of Excyte, commented in an interview with the media that the traditional BD authorization and the currently popular NewCo overseas expansion have different "flexibility and risks". Nowadays, many biotech companies prefer NewCo because the value of the project will increase as the pipeline research and development progress. NewCo companies can also be transferred to MNCs at any time.This demonstrates that Excyte’s financing and business models are diversified, with significant growth potential in both the pharmaceutical market and capital gains. For example, through the transfer of overseas rights, the company can secure upfront payments, milestone payments, and a percentage of sales commissions, while the partner company takes responsibility for subsequent global clinical development and commercial sales. It is reported that the company is already in discussions with internationally renowned pharmaceutical companies regarding BD opportunities.The second type is NewCo, that is, a new overseas company is established by a listed company or fund, and the products of Excyte are integrated into it. The returns received by the company include NewCo’s equity, upfront payment and profit sharing. It is reported that many companies have conducted multiple rounds of in-depth negotiations with Excyte. Excyte received TS in the early stage and is expected to receive more TS soon.In addition, Excyte has adopted a strategy of advancing both domestically and internationally in terms of financing. Domestically, the company is advancing equity financing, with several well-known market-oriented private equity funds and government funds conducting due diligence. Meanwhile, Excyte’s founder and business team will participate in J.P. Morgan's annual healthcare conference in January 2025, where they have scheduled face-to-face meetings with multiple pharmaceutical companies and investment institutions. This is expected to further expand the company's influence overseas and potentially lead to significant deals in the near future. Copyright 2025 ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com.
HONG KONG, Jan 9, 2025 - (ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) – Chinese maritime environmental protection equipment and system provider - ContiOcean Environment Tech Group Co., Ltd. (the “ContiOcean” or the “Group”, stock code: 2613), officially listed and commenced trading on the Main Board of The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited (the “Stock Exchange”) today, with each board lot of 100 shares.CITIC Securities (Hong Kong) Limited and China Galaxy International Securities (Hong Kong) Co., Limited are the joint sponsors, overall coordinators, joint global coordinators, joint bookrunners, and joint lead managers. BNP Paribas Securities (Asia) Limited is the overall coordinator, joint global coordinator, joint bookrunner, and joint lead manager.The Group stated that as a leading enterprise focused on providing green environmental solutions for the global shipping industry, ContiOcean will uphold its mission of “enabling the effective adoption of green energy and protecting environment of the earth”, continue to adhere to technological innovation, expand its global maritime presence, and inject more green power into the shipping industry with greater strength. The Group anticipates leveraging the opportunity of listing to fully utilize the advantages of the capital market platform under the premise of strictly adhering to the Listing Rules, while remaining true to its original aspirations and moving forward with perseverance to create greater value for shareholders and investors.The net proceeds from the Global Offering are approximately HK$273.4 million, of which 50% will be used for our R&D, 15% for potential mergers and acquisitions, 15% for leasing a production facility in Mainland China or Southeast Asia, 10% for establishing new service centers and upgrading existing ones, and 10% for working capital and other general corporate purposes. Copyright 2025 ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com.
TOKYO & LONDON, Jan 10, 2025 - (JCN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - JCB International Co, Ltd, the international operations subsidiary of JCB Co, Ltd, Japan’s only international payment brand, has today released a new e-book "The Evolution of Payments: Key Growth Drivers across the European Region," providing expert insights into the key trends shaping the future of payments in Europe. The e-book explores:The 5 biggest growth drivers in the European marketHow to thrive in the new payments landscapeInsights from leading merchant acquirers, Worldpay, Nexi and WorldlineBy leveraging the strategies outlined in this guide, both merchants and acquirers can adapt to the evolving payments landscape and capitalise on the growing demand for seamless and secure transactions.The European region presents significant growth opportunities for merchants and acquirers, with consumers increasingly seeking frictionless payment experiences. The e-book highlights the rise in cross-border spending, fuelled by a resurgence in tourism and the continued growth of eCommerce. European tourism has rebounded, with visitor arrivals in 2024 exceeding pre-pandemic levels by 6% and spending up 13.7% compared to 2023.[1] This growth is particularly pronounced among Asian travellers, with arrivals from China and Japan up 64% and 53% respectively compared to 2023.[2]The e-book also addresses the growing importance of cybersecurity and fraud prevention, as digital payments become increasingly prevalent. It explores how innovations like AI, digital wallets, and contactless payments are transforming the payments landscape. By publishing this guide, JCB aims to showcase the need for businesses to adapt to evolving compliance and regulatory requirements to build trust and unlock new market opportunities. International travellers will enjoy a truly frictionless payment journey when merchants adopt these solutions and cater to their needs, enabling those businesses to thrive in today's dynamic digital marketplace.Omnichannel payments are also highlighted as a key driver of growth and customer loyalty. By providing seamless and personalised payment experiences across multiple channels, businesses can enhance customer engagement and drive repeat business.By combining industry research, data, and proprietary insights, JCB, Worldpay, Nexi and Worldline have shared a comprehensive perspective on the European payments landscape. As a result, this e-book aims to provide actionable steps for European business owners to adapt to the changing preferences of consumers, particularly digitally native generations, and create a payment experience that fosters loyalty and drives growth.Ray Shinzawa, Managing Director, JCB International (Europe) Ltd., commented: "In a fast-evolving payments landscape, growth is fuelled by trust, transparency, and partnership. Staying competitive requires a customer-first mindset, embracing change and collaborating across the ecosystem to innovate quickly and address challenges head-on. Our e-book is the perfect educational tool for businesses to understand and utilise the key growth drivers across the European region."Download and read the e-book:https://www.thepaymentshub.net/key-growth-drivers-across-the-european-region/About JCB JCB is a major global payment brand and a leading credit card issuer and acquirer in Japan. JCB launched its card business in Japan in 1961 and began expanding worldwide in 1981. Its acceptance network includes about 53 million merchants around the world. JCB Cards are now issued mainly in Asian countries and territories, with more than 164 million cardmembers. As part of its international growth strategy, JCB has formed alliances with hundreds of leading banks and financial institutions globally to increase its merchant coverage and cardmember base. As a comprehensive payment solution provider, JCB commits to providing responsive and high-quality service and products to all customers worldwide. For more information, please visit: www.global.jcb/en/MEDIA CONTACTS:JCB International (Europe) Ltd.Diana Lee: dlee@jcbeurope.euJCB (Head Office in Japan)Anna Takeda: jcb-pr@info.jcb.co.jp[1] European Tourism Soars in 2024 with Strong Revenues[2] Inbound Tourism to Europe is Set for a Record-Breaking Summer - ForwardKeys Copyright 2025 JCN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com.
TOKYO, Jan 10, 2025 - (JCN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - NEC Corporation (NEC; TSE: 6701) and Biomy, Inc. (Biomy) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for a joint marketing partnership to develop and expand artificial intelligence/deep learning (AI/DL)-based analytical platforms in the field of digital pathology(1). Through this partnership, the two companies aim to promote precision medicine for cancer patients and contribute to the advancement of the healthcare industry.BackgroundPrecision medicine, in which more effective treatments with fewer potential side effects are selected based on each patient's unique characteristics and disease profile, is becoming increasingly prevalent. In pathology diagnostics(2), the use of AI/DL algorithms to analyze digital pathology images is being explored to identify pathological biomarkers(3) that can stratify patients and facilitate the selection of the most patient-tailored and promising treatments and drugs.Objectives of the PartnershipAs a social value creation company focused on solving various societal issues through advanced technologies, NEC has positioned healthcare and life sciences as a core pillar of its growth strategy. With a strong foundation in image analysis and other AI technologies, NEC has a long history of providing medical information systems such as electronic medical records to healthcare institutions. Additionally, NEC has acquired a license for manufacturing and marketing Class I medical devices in Japan, demonstrating expertise in regulatory approval processes for medical devices, including AI/DL-based digital pathology systems.Biomy, which aims to realize personalized medicine through pathological AI technology, has developed DeepPathFinder™,(4), a proprietary, cloud-based, AI/DL automated digital pathology analytical platform. This platform automatically analyzes digital pathology images to classify cell and tissue types in specific regions and offers the unique ability to detect immune cells such as lymphocytes and plasma cells(5) from hematoxylin and eosin (H&E)-stained images6 only along with spatial biology features. It also quantifies characteristics related to drug efficacy and prognosis. By leveraging DeepPathFinder™, the efficiency and accuracy of analyses in the field of digital pathology can be dramatically enhanced.This partnership integrates the cutting-edge AI technologies developed by NEC and Biomy with the primary objectives to enhance the DeepPathFinder™ platform for discovering new pathological biomarkers through AI/DL-based digital pathology image analysis, leverage data derived from pathological images, and support precision medicine and treatment planning, particularly in the field of cancer care. The resulting AI/DL-driven pathological biomarker discovery tool will then be offered to pharmaceutical/biotech companies and academia through the provision of the following:An automated digital pathology platform for independently exploring pathological biomarkers from pathology images.Full-fledged digital pathological biomarker discovery services offered through partnerships with NEC and Biomy.Guidance and support for obtaining regulatory approval for medical devices utilizing the newly discovered pathological biomarkers.Future DevelopmentsBy advancing next-generation AI/DL-based pathology analysis platforms and promoting the use of the newly developed pathological biomarkers in clinical settings, NEC and Biomy aim to contribute significantly to the future of medical care and to deliver the promises of precision medicine to cancer patients.(1) Digital pathology: A field involving the digitization and computational analysis of pathology slides.(2) Pathology diagnostics: The study and diagnosis of disease through the examination of organs, tissues, cells, and bodily fluids.(3) Pathological biomarkers: Biological markers identifiable through pathology that can indicate disease states, stratify patients, and predict responses to treatment. In this press release, biomarkers identified based on morphological features of pathological images are referred to as "pathological biomarkers."(4) DeepPathFinder™: This platform is for research use only, not for clinical use.(5) Lymphocytes and plasma cells: Lymphocytes are a type of white blood cell with immune-related functions, categorized into T cells, B cells, and NK cells. Additionally, plasma cells are a mature stage of B cells that produce antibodies and play a key role in attacking cancer cells, providing insights into individual immune responses and tumor characteristics. This evaluation helps determine the effectiveness of immunotherapies or specific treatments and contributes to the selection of the most suitable patients for clinical trials and treatment strategies for patients, making personalized and precision medicine a reality.(6) Hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining: This is a fundamental staining method always performed on tissue specimens in pathological histological diagnosis in combination with a light microscope.About NEC CorporationNEC Corporation has established itself as a leader in the integration of IT and network technologies while promoting the brand statement of “Orchestrating a brighter world.” NEC enables businesses and communities to adapt to rapid changes taking place in both society and the market as it provides for the social values of safety, security, fairness and efficiency to promote a more sustainable world where everyone has the chance to reach their full potential. For more information, visit NEC at https://www.nec.com. Copyright 2025 JCN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com.
- Three fairs attracted over 80,000 buyers from 119 countries and regions- Buyer numbers from ASEAN countries including Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines and Thailand grew significantly- One green toys exhibitor expected new orders generated by this year’s fair to grow by 10-15 percent over last year’s fair- Tech toy products remained popular among buyers. A US buyer spent some US$450,000 on related products HONG KONG, Jan 9, 2025 - (ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) – The 51st HKTDC Hong Kong Toys & Games Fair, 16th HKTDC Hong Kong Baby Products Fair and 23rd Hong Kong International Stationery & School Supplies Fair concluded successfully today at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre. The Hong Kong Toys & Games Fair and Hong Kong Baby Products Fair were organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), while the Hong Kong International Stationery & School Supplies Fair was jointly organised by the HKTDC and Messe Frankfurt (HK) Ltd. The four-day physical fairs attracted over 80,000 buyers from 119 countries and regions, marking a promising start for the HKTDC trade shows this year, while promoting the development of Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions (MICE) and driving Hong Kong’s economic growth.As the first round of trade fairs this year, some 40,000 buyers visited the Toys & Games Fair, while more than 26,000 buyers attended the Baby Products Fair and over 14,000 buyers came to the Stationery & School Supplies Fair. The fairs adopted the HKTDC’s hybrid EXHIBITION+ model, which includes the physical shows and virtual access through the Click2Match smart business matching platform, connecting exhibitors and buyers until 16 January. Sophia Chong, HKTDC Deputy Executive Director, said: “This year's trio of fairs were very international, bringing together more than 2,500 exhibitors from 34 countries and regions to showcase innovative ideas from all around the globe, and kickstarting HKTDC's 2025 calendar of events. We have actively promoted the events through more than 50 HKTDC offices around the world, and online and offline channels to attract international buyers and exhibitors to participate in the fairs and stay overnight in Hong Kong, to promote MICE tourism and Hong Kong's economic development. This year, buyer numbers from ASEAN countries including Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines and Thailand grew significantly compared to 2024. The fairs also received European buyers from Germany, Italy, Russia and the United Kingdom, as well as those from Israel, Mexico and the US.”Expanded new customer base and created cross-industry business opportunitiesThemed New Play for All, the three exhibitions featured multiple zones, from toys for infants and toddlers to STEM education toys, smart-tech toys & games, green toys to collectible toys designed for adults with a childlike spirit, catering to the needs of all age groups and market demands.The Hong Kong Toys & Games Fair saw a floorspace expansion at the Electronic and Remote Control Toys and Educational Toys & Games zones. Funded by the Trade and Industrial Organisation Support Fund of the Trade and Industry Department, HKSAR Government, the Toys Manufacturers’ Association of Hong Kong and FHKI Group 19 (Hong Kong Toys Council) presented the first ESG pavilion, showcasing toys incorporating Environment, Social and Governance (ESG) elements. A Green Leaf Label was displayed at the booths of green exhibitors at the Toys and Stationery fairs for buyers’ easy reference. This year, over 370 exhibitors displayed products with a Green Leaf label, 70% more than last year.Panley (H.K.) Ltd., an exhibitor selling green toys made from Forest Stewardship Council - certificated paper, adopts soy ink printing and paper packaging in the production line. The company’s senior sales manager, Peter Law said: “Buyers’ feedback has been encouraging. The number of buyers visiting our booth increased by 30-40 percent as compared to last year. We have found more than 10 potential buyers from Bulgaria, the Czech Republic, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, Spain, Thailand, the United Arab Emirates and the US. They are leading importers, distributors and school supplies buyers with strong purchasing intention. Besides, the Click2Match smart business matching platform helped us connect buyers from the Czech Republic, Spain and Thailand in advance, before we meet at the physical fair. We expect new orders generated by this year’s fair to grow by 10-15 percent over last year’s fair. The ESG Pavilion provides an excellent platform for us to promote eco-friendly toys to international buyers and demonstrate our ESG pledge. We see a bright prospect for green toys.”Tech toy products remained popular among buyers. Odyssey Toys, a toys wholesaler from the US, sells high-tech toys, including drones, remote-controlled vehicles, and educational gadgets to retailers across the country. The company’s owner, Michael Irigoyen, said: “We found some suppliers from Mainland China and plan to spend some US$450,000 on products such as remote-controlled boats, drones, planes, and digital cameras for kids.”Johnny Mui, Vice President – Merchandise of the Toys”R”Us (Asia) Limited, said: “The Hong Kong Toys & Games Fair and Hong Kong Baby Products Fair are the must-attend international sourcing events for Toys“R”Us Asia each year. Looking ahead, we see tremendous opportunities in the growing kidult and plush segments. We are proud to contribute to and benefit from the momentum driven by Hong Kong’s pivotal role as a global hub for the toy industry.” The fair also attracted buyers from outside the toy industry. Media Prima Berhad, a multi-platform media group from Malaysia, attended the Toys & Games Fair to procure corporate promotional toys. The company's business lead, Hafiz Nazer, stated that the total value of the orders exceeds US$100,000.With more than 660 exhibitors, this year's Hong Kong Baby Products Fair boasted the most exhibitors ever with an increase of 7% more than last year. The popular ODM Strollers and Gear zone continued for the second consecutive year with over 80 exhibitors, made it easier than ever for buyers to source products from original design manufacturers.Korean exhibitor i-angel Co., Ltd.,has participated in the Hong Kong Baby Products Fair since 2008, and it’s CEO, Jinseop Lee said: “Hong Kong is an international trading hub, and a perfect place for us to look for new distributors and explore new business opportunities. In fact, the fair has helped us connect with our current distributors. We launched our new collection of hipseat baby carriers at the fair this year and have received positive feedback from international buyers. We have been in touch with a potential distributor from Canada and a potential buyer from a large department store chain in Thailand. We expect to generate at least US$1 million in new orders from the fair.”The Hong Kong International Stationery & School Supplies Fair showcased the latest in creative art supplies, gift stationery, school and office supplies. Türkish exhibitor, Mercanlar Mutfak Esyalari San. Tic. A.S., presented their water bottles and back-to-school sets at the fair. The exhibitor has connected with buyers from Belarus, Germany, Hong Kong, Taiwan, the UK and US. The company’s export manager, Özlem Durmaz said: We are in proactive discussion with serval new customers with potential orders estimated at a total of US$100,000. Two US retailers were also looking to source our products, with each order amounting to more than US$100,000.”Asian Toys & Games Forum explore social responsibility of toy makersThe flagship event Asian Toys & Games Forum was held during the Toys & Games fair. Themed Beyond Fun and Play: Fostering Social Responsibility in the Toy Industry, international toy and game industry experts discussed the role of toys and games in daily life. Terrence Hui, Executive Committee Member of Hong Kong Toys Council hosted the discussion with a panel of expert speakers and covered the opportunities for the toys industry in the health sector and the ageing market.For more comments from exhibitors and buyers, please visit the following websites:HKTDC Hong Kong Toys & Games Fair: https://www.hktdc.com/event/hktoyfair/en/success-storiesHKTDC Hong Kong Baby Products Fair: https://www.hktdc.com/event/hkbabyfair/en/success-storiesHong Kong International Stationery & School Supplies Fair: https://www.hktdc.com/event/hkstationeryfair/en/success-storiesFair WebsitesHKTDC Hong Kong Toys & Games Fair: hktoyfair.hktdc.comHKTDC Hong Kong Baby Products Fair: hkbabyfair.hktdc.comHong Kong International Stationery & School Supplies Fair: hkstationeryfair.comPhoto Download: https://bit.ly/3PvqA3gThe 51st HKTDC Hong Kong Toys & Games Fair, the 16th HKTDC Hong Kong Baby Products Fair and the 23rd Hong Kong International Stationery & School Supplies Fair ended today at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre. The Hong Kong Toys & Games Fair and Hong Kong Baby Products Fair were organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), while the Hong Kong International Stationery & School Supplies Fair was jointly organised by the HKTDC and Messe Frankfurt (HK) Ltd. The four-day physical fairs attracted over 80,000 buyers from 119 countries and regions.This year's Toys & Games Fair saw an expansion in exhibition space in two major zones. This included the Electronic and Remote Control Toys (shown in photo) and Educational Toys & Games zones.For buyers’ easy reference, toy and stationery fairs presented over 370 exhibitors with a Green Leaf label, an increase of 70% from last year.This year’s Toys Fair had an impressive pavilion lineup, including exhibitors from Mainland China, Korea (shown in photo), Taiwan, and selected European exhibitors at the Spielwarenmesse eG’s World of Toys Pavilion.The Toys & Games and Baby Products Fairs continued to feature the popular Brand Name Gallery bringing together over 380 well-known brands from around the globe.With more than 660 exhibitors, this year's Hong Kong Baby Products Fair boasted the most exhibitors ever, 7% more than last year. The popular ODM Strollers and Gear zone continued for the second consecutive year.Making their debut this year, the Zhejiang Zhili pavilion presented an array of high-quality infant and children’s clothing.The Hong Kong International Stationery & School Supplies Fair featured the latest in creative art supplies, gift stationery, school and office supplies.During the fair period, Hong Kong Tourism Board arranged an Evening Harbour Cruise for fair visitors, to promote MICE tourism.Themed Beyond Fun and Play: Fostering Social Responsibility in the Toy Industry, Asian Toys & Games Forum, the Toys & Games Fair’s flagship event, invited international toy and game industry experts to discuss the roles of toys in daily life.Media enquiresPlease contact HKTDC’s Communication & Public Affairs Department: Sharon HaTel:2584 4575Email:sharon.mt.ha@hktdc.orgJane CheungTel:2584 4137Email:jane.mh.cheung@hktdc.orgHKTDC Media Room: http://mediaroom.hktdc.comAbout the 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 Mainland China, 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.
- The Expo gathers over 820 institutions from 22 countries and regions, providing the latest education and employment information- The four themed days include “Arts & Sports,” “Tourism & Hospitality,” “Innovation & Technology,” and “Greater Bay Area Opportunities”- The event offers free "CV Clinic" services including AI CV enhancement, AI job matching, one-on-one resume consultation, and resume photo-taking- 23 government departments and public institutions will run booths, with a designated "Aviation Corner" featuring organisations providing training and employment information, including the Airport Authority Hong Kong- Over 100 seminars and activities will be held, featuring renowned figures like film artist Gordon Lam and former Hong Kong athletes Vivian Ma, and Yip Pui YinHONG KONG, Jan 9, 2025 - (ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) – Organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), the 34th Education & Careers Expo will be held from 16 to 19 January (Thursday to Sunday) at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre. The Expo is divided into "Education" and "Careers" sections, bringing together over 820 institutions from 22 countries and regions, offering more than 4,000 job opportunities as well as comprehensive education, training, and employment information for students and job seekers. This year's Expo also introduces a free “CV Clinic,” including AI resume enhancement, AI job matching, one-on-one resume consultations and resume photo-taking services, and is free to all members of the public. Pre-registered visitors will receive a complimentary gift, limited availability on a first-come, first-served basis. Early registration is encouraged.Jenny Koo, HKTDC Assistant Executive Director, said: "This year's Expo, titled ‘Go with Your Passion, Go Beyond Limits,’ features four themed days covering arts and sports, tourism and hospitality, innovation and technology, and opportunities in the Greater Bay Area, providing a comprehensive forum to develop social needs and address market demands. In the ‘Education’ section, students have the opportunity to interact directly with educational institutions and training organisations and explore programmes and admission guidelines worldwide; on the ‘Careers’ front, various government departments, public bodies, and private enterprises are actively recruiting. The Expo supports students and working professionals in pursuing their dreams and career development, aligning with the government's policies of finding high calibre talents and developing Hong Kong into an international hub for post-secondary education.Applied Gerontology degree programme offered by the Tung Wah College steers the development of the silver economyThe “Education” section of this year's Expo features four zones: “Local Studies,” “Non-Hong Kong Education,” “Lifelong Learning,” and “Youth Zone.” The “Local Studies” zone showcases numerous universities and tertiary institutions; the Tung Wah College offers a Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Applied Gerontology degree to train experts to serve the elderly and promote the silver economy and covers topics like end-of-life education related to issues raised in the film The Last Dance. The Vocational Training Council offers programmes like a Higher Diploma in Tourism and Mega Event Management to cultivate talent in the mega event industry. The government previously launched the “Blueprint for Arts and Culture and Creative Industries Development,” creating more opportunities for the industry. The Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts and the Hong Kong Art School will introduce programmes designed to foster talent in these fields at the Expo.Gathering education insights from across 22 countries and regionsThe Expo offers education insights from across 22 countries and regions in total. In particular, the “Non-Hong Kong Education” zone features exhibitors such as consulates, institutions, universities, and education centres from outside Hong Kong. They will offer consultation services and insights on pursuing education in various countries and regions including Mainland China, Europe, America, Asia and more. The “Lifelong Learning” zone caters to individuals of all ages, with exhibitors like the Table for Choices Limited using theatrical games to create a new educational model from a traditional setting. The “Youth Zone” offers career planning, continuous learning information, as well as various job opportunities like summer jobs, internships, and full-time positions for young people. For the first time, the Prince Philip Dental Hospital will participate in the Expo, bringing programmes for training dental assistants.The Expo’s Careers section offers free “CV Clinic” servicesThe “Careers” section of the Expo presents over 4,000 job opportunities, with a number of government departments and public institutions present, including the Fire Services Department, Civil Service Bureau, and the Immigration Department, along with social welfare organisations, banks, and insurance companies, all looking to recruit at the Expo. This year sees the introduction of the “Aviation Corner,” where aviation-related organisations like the Airport Authority Hong Kong will provide information for those aspiring to enter the aviation industry.The “Recruitment Square”, comprised of various recruitment platforms, will be accepting job applications on-site, with some offering on-the-spot interviews. Job seekers are encouraged to bring their resumes.This year the fair has introduced a new “CV Clinic” service in collaboration with recruitment platform TechJobAsia. The service helps job seekers review and enhance their resumes through an AI-powered system. They can also match their resumes with over 4,000 job vacancies from employers at the Expo and interact with potential employers on-site. Additionally, TechJobAsia will provide one-on-one resume consultation services on the second and fourth days (17 and 19 January) of the Expo. Employment consultants from recruitment platform Jobsdb will also offer one-on-one resume consultation services and free resume photos throughout the four-day exhibition. Job seekers can access the CV Clinic and make appointments for counselling through the Education & Careers Expo website. On-site services have limited places and will be available on a first-come, first-served basis so visitors are advised to register online in advance.Four themed days introduce career trends and industry prospectsDuring the Expo, over 100 exciting activities will be held, with four themed days offering job seekers strategies for entering different industries and inviting celebrities and industry professionals to share their experiences. Renowned actor, scriptwriter, and producer Gordon Lam will share his own experiences on 17 January, inspiring students to forge ahead in their learning and creative journeys.Four themed days and highlighted events16 January: Arts & Sports- Former Hong Kong athletes Vivian Ma and Yip Pui Yin will discuss the opportunities and challenges of transitioning from full-time athletes to the workplace.- Terry Lam, screenwriter of the film A Guilty Conscience, will deconstruct a fulfilling career in the arts and cultural industry.17 January: Tourism & Hospitality- Travel expert Victoria Yeung will share insights on embracing a diversified career path by taking on multiple careers as a slasher.- Amy Ho, Director of Human Resources of Cordis, Hong Kong, along with management trainees from the hotel, will discuss development prospects in the hotel industry and the benefits and challenges of the job.18 January: Innovation & Technology- John Hui, Chief Digital Officer of the Vocational Training Council and Principal of the Hong Kong Institute of Information Technology, will analyse the current employment market in information technology.- Tommie Lo, Founder and CEO of Preface, will explore how mastering artificial intelligence can enhance employability in the future workplace.19 January: Greater Bay Area Opportunities- Oliver Wan, Founding Chairman, Greater Bay Area Hong Kong & Macau Talents Association, along with young people developing in the Greater Bay Area, will share insights on integrating into the region, discussing the ups and downs faced by the youth from Hong Kong and Macau.Visitors can pre-register on the fair website to participate in the above events, as well as other seminars in the themed day series and star-sharing sessions. Seats are limited, and registration is on a first-come, first-served basis. Those who pre-register and attend the event will receive a dedicated gift.Photo download: https://bit.ly/4fQ4eURJenny Koo, HKTDC Assistant Executive Director, said this year's Education & Careers Expo titled “Go with Your Passion, Go Beyond Limits,” features four themed days covering arts and sports, tourism and hospitality, innovation and technology, and opportunities in the Greater Bay Area, comprehensively addressing social development and market demands.Last year's 33rd Education & Careers Expo gathered over 800 institutions from 17 countries and regions, providing comprehensive education, training, and employment information and offering over 3,000 job opportunities.Education & Careers Expo Website: https://www.hktdc.com/event/hkeducationexpo/enEvents’ information: https://www.hktdc.com/event/hkeducationexpo/en/intelligence-hubHKTDC Media Room: https://mediaroom.hktdc.com/enMedia enquiriesHKTDC's Corporate Communications Department:Clementine CheungTel: (852) 2584 4369Email: clementine.hm.cheung@hktdc.orgStanley So Tel: (852) 2584 4049Email: stanley.hp.so@hktdc.orgAbout 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 Mainland China, 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.
HONG KONG, Jan 9, 2025 - (ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) – More than 90% of manufacturing businesses in the Greater Bay Area (GBA) have either completed their supply chain transformation or have the process well underway. This is the key finding of GBA Supply Chain Diversity: Enhancing Connectivity Among ASEAN, Hong Kong, and the Mainland, a joint report published today by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) and UOB Hong Kong.The report also found that 72% of GBA-based manufacturing companies have already committed to actively bolstering the resilience of their supply chains, with the remainder expected to follow suit within two years. In another positive finding, a significant proportion of survey respondents saw Hong Kong as an indispensable link between the GBA and the ASEAN bloc, while also having a high regard for the city’s expertise in the green finance and professional services sectors.The report’s conclusions were based on an in-depth survey of more than 600 GBA-based companies conducted in the third quarter of 2024. Within its comprehensive remit, the research also set out to determine the key drivers of supply chain diversification, identify the overseas markets GBA businesses are primarily targeting and evaluate the success of the green and sustainable development initiatives implemented by such enterprises.In order to track the evolving trends, the survey findings were compared with the results of two HKTDC-UOB Hong Kong studies conducted in 2023: Navigating Connectivity – Exploring ASEAN Opportunities for the Greater Bay Area and Sustainability in the GBA: Unlocking Opportunities and Empowering Growth.Strengthening Supply Chain ResilienceFor most GBA-based businesses, the mainland remained their preferred choice when it came to both diversifying their supply chain arrangements and broadening their range of production options. For those looking to diversify their supply chains by incorporating overseas locations, ASEAN was the number one choice, with 84% of the surveyed enterprises indicating they had plans in place to maintain or expand their production/sourcing activities within the bloc. The primary reason for this preference (as cited by 39% of respondents) was the positive nature of China-ASEAN trade relations, with the benefits accruing from both the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) agreement and the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) also widely acknowledged.Of the individual ASEAN markets, Singapore, Malaysia and Indonesia were the preferred choices for both current and future business activities. The rising level of business interest in the Philippines, Cambodia, Laos and Brunei, however, was also notable.The key challenges to successfully entering the various ASEAN markets, meanwhile, were seen as finding suitable and capable local service providers (as cited by 32% of respondents), followed by maintaining data security (25%) and finding talent with the required expertise (25%). Tellingly, many of the issues designated as primary concerns in the 2023 study – difficulties in navigating local government policies and regulations relating to foreign investment and culture/language barriers – featured less prominently in the more recent survey.In line with the perceived success of the overall upgrade programme, the majority of survey respondents (60%) now see the GBA’s supply chains as characterised by a high level of innovation, collectively underpinned by the extensive deployment of effective digital solutions.ESG and SustainabilityIn addition to their focus on bolstering the resilience of their supply chains, many GBA businesses remained committed to accelerating their ESG initiatives. As a sign of this, 81% of survey respondents had active green and sustainable development programmes in place – 16 percentage points higher than the 65% recorded in 2023.Respondents also indicated a greater willingness to increase their level of ESG investment, with an average increase of about 25% planned over the next two years. This will see the relevant budget allocations average HK$462,535, well above the 2023 figure of HK$371,333.Commenting on the findings, Irina Fan, the HKTDC’s Director of Research said: “GBA companies are now demonstrating a real commitment to sustainability, as shown by the planned 25% increase in ESG investment over the next two years. As there are about three million enterprises in the GBA, this could equate to total ESG-related investment of some HK$1.3 trillion.”Adaline Zheng, CEO of UOB Hong Kong, said: “As businesses in GBA continue to evolve and adapt to emerging trends, we are committed to supporting their journey towards sustainable growth and resilience. By leveraging our robust foreign direct investment advisory unit and strong Hong Kong platform, we provide tailored solutions and insights to facilitate GBA companies’ expansion into ASEAN markets. The increasing focus on diversifying supply chains and enhancing connectivity with ASEAN underscores the pivotal role of collaboration and innovation in today’s dynamic market. Together, we empower businesses to not only thrive in a competitive landscape but also to contribute positively to our shared future.”Hong Kong: The GBA-ASEAN Super ConnectorAnother clear finding of the 2024 survey was the success Hong Kong has found in carving out its unique niche as the GBA-ASEAN super-connector.This was reflected in the score GBA-based businesses accorded both Hong Kong’s Connectivity with the ASEAN Bloc and Hong Kong's Connectivity with Mainland GBA Cities – eight out of 10, a one-point year-on-year increase.In a further endorsement, 80% of 2024 respondents indicated a willingness to both learn more about Hong Kong’s green professional services and to use such services more frequently, a significant increase on the 2023 figure of 70%.Notes for EditorsThe GBA is the Greater Bay Area (also known as the Guangdong–Hong Kong–Macao Greater Bay Area), a priority development area that comprises nine mainland cities in Guangdong province (Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Zhuhai, Foshan, Dongguan, Zhongshan, Jiangmen, Huizhou, and Zhaoqing) as well as two Special Administrative Regions, Hong Kong, and Macao.Related materials- HKTDC Research: https://research.hktdc.com/en- The report in Chinese – GBA Supply Chain Diversity: Enhancing Connectivity Among ASEAN, Hong Kong and Mainland China can be downloaded from the websites of HKTDC and UOB Hong Kong.Photos Download: https://bit.ly/4j6hvvjAdaline Zheng, CEO of UOB Hong Kong (left) and Irina Fan, Director of HKTDC Research (right), release the GBA Supply Chain Diversity: Enhancing Connectivity among ASEAN, Hong Kong and Mainland China research reportIrina Fan, Director of HKTDC ResearchAdaline Zheng, CEO of UOB Hong KongMedia enquiriesHKTDC’s Communications & Public Affairs Department:Katy Wong Tel: (852) 2584 4524 Email: katy.ky.wong@@hktdc.orgClayton Lauw Tel: (852) 2584 4472 Email: clayton.y.lauw@hktdc.orgUOB Hong Kong:Susanna Liu Tel: (852) 2123 7537 Email: susanna.liuwy@uobgroup.comSarah Tsang Tel: (852) 2123 7536 Email: sarah.tsangsw@uobgroup.comYuan Tung Financial Relations:Tiffany Leung Tel: (852) 3428 2361 Email: tleung@yuantung.com.hkHing-fung Wong Tel: (852) 3428 3122 Email: hfwong@yuantung.com.hkAbout 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 Mainland China, 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. About UOBUOB is a leading bank in Asia. Operating through its head office in Singapore and banking subsidiaries in China, Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand and Vietnam, UOB has a global network of around 500 offices in 19 countries and territories in Asia Pacific, Europe and North America. Since its incorporation in 1935, UOB has grown organically and through a series of strategic acquisitions. Today, UOB is rated among the world’s top banks: Aa1 by Moody’s Investors Service and AA- by both S&P Global Ratings and Fitch Ratings.For nearly nine decades, UOB has adopted a customer-centric approach to create long-term value by staying relevant through its enterprising spirit and doing right by its customers. UOB is focused on building the future of ASEAN – for the people and businesses within, and connecting with, ASEAN.The Bank connects businesses to opportunities in the region with its unparalleled regional footprint and leverages data and insights to innovate and create personalised banking experiences and solutions catering to each customer’s unique needs and evolving preferences. UOB is also committed to helping businesses forge a sustainable future, by fostering social inclusiveness, creating positive environmental impact and pursuing economic progress. UOB believes in being a responsible financial services provider and is steadfast in its support of art, social development of children and education, doing right by its communities and stakeholders. Copyright 2025 ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com.
TOKYO, Jan 10, 2025 - (JCN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - Mitsubishi Motors Corporation (hereafter, Mitsubishi Motors) announced that the plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) model of the Outlander crossover SUV achieved sales of over 14,290 units in Canada in 2024 – a 44% increase from the previous year – and became the best-selling PHEV1 for the second consecutive year.With high customer interest for electrified vehicles and strong demand for 4WDs that enable safe driving in severe winter conditions in Canada, the Outlander PHEV has received high acclaim for its safe, secure and smooth driving performance provided by the twin-motor 4WD and Super-All Wheel Control (S-AWC), as well as its high steering stability realized through the drive modes.Thanks to the strong sales of the Outlander PHEV, Mitsubishi Motors sold a total of 38,921 units in Canada in 2024, marking a 9% increase over 2023.The Outlander PHEV is Mitsubishi Motors’ flagship model which brings together the best of the brand’s electrification and all-wheel control technologies. Serving as an EV for daily use and a hybrid for long trips, the electrified SUV offers drivers quiet, smooth yet powerful acceleration unique to electrified vehicles, along with safe, secure rides in various weather and road conditions.The first-generation Outlander PHEV was launched in January 2013 in Japan as the world's first plug-in hybrid SUV and has been sold in over 60 countries, reaching total sales of over 390,000 units as of the end of last year2.In October 2024, Mitsubishi Motors released an updated model in Japan, which is also scheduled to be introduced in Europe this spring, followed by Australia, New Zealand and North America in due course. Through the use of electrification technologies, including PHEVs, Mitsubishi Motors will continue to strive to help tackle challenges for climate change and energy issues, as well as contribute to the realization of a carbon-neutral society.Desrosiers Automotive Consultants Alternative Propulsion Report for December 2024Based on in-house research.About Mitsubishi MotorsMitsubishi Motors Corporation (TSE:7211) — a member of the Alliance with Renault and Nissan — is a global automobile company based in Tokyo, Japan, which has about 28,000 employees and a global footprint with production facilities in Japan and the ASEAN region. Mitsubishi Motors has a competitive edge in SUVs, pickup trucks and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles, and appeals to ambitious drivers willing to challenge convention and embrace innovation. Since the production of our first vehicle more than a century ago, Mitsubishi Motors has been a leader in electrification — launched the i-MiEV, the world’s first mass-produced electric vehicle in 2009, followed by the Outlander PHEV, the world’s first plug-in hybrid electric SUV in 2013. With a target of increasing the sales ratio of electrified vehicles to 100% by 2035, Mitsubishi Motors will deliver models that embody Mitsubishi Motors-ness and contribute to the realization of a carbon-neutral society.For more information on Mitsubishi Motors, please visit the company's website athttps://www.mitsubishi-motors.com/en/ Copyright 2025 JCN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com.
