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Sino Group and the Ng Teng Fong Charitable Foundation Launch 'Community Care Chinese Medicine Service' with Hong Kong Baptist University to
HONG KONG, Jan. 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Sino Group (the 'Group'), the Ng Teng Fong Charitable Foundation ('NTFCF'), and the School of Chinese Medicine at Hong Kong Baptist University ('HKBU') are committed to the well-being of underprivileged members of the community and have recently launched the 'Community Care Chinese Medicine Service' programme. This initiative offers free Chinese medicine consultations and essential medications to members of the Community Living Room, aligning with its goal of enhancing health and quality of life by providing convenient and holistic support. Professor Alex Wai, President and Vice-Chancellor of HKBU (second right), Ms Nikki Ng, Director of Philanthropy of Sino Group and Director of the Ng Teng Fong Charitable Foundation (second left), Professor Feng Sun, Director and Professor of Practice of the Clinical Division of School of Chinese Medicine, HKBU (first right) and Professor Junjun Yang, Executive Associate Director and Professor of Practice of the School of Chinese Medicine, HKBU (first left), hope to bring high-quality Traditional Chinese Medicine services to the community through the ‘Community Care Chinese Medicine Service’ programme. The 'Community Care Chinese Medicine Service' was launched in mid-August 2024 at the Sham Shui Po and Hung Hom Community Living Rooms. HKBU's Chinese medicine team offers in-person consultations in the Community Living Rooms on a weekly basis, providing personalised health advice and Chinese medicine prescriptions tailored to each member's lifestyle, psychological condition, and body constitution. Medications are delivered directly to the Community Living Rooms so that members can collect them conveniently. Professor Alex Wai, President and Vice-Chancellor of HKBU, said, "The School of Chinese Medicine has an extensive Chinese medicine clinical network. With the donation support by Sino Group and the Ng Teng Fong Charitable Foundation, we can further expand our service locations, bringing our professional Chinese medicine services closer to the community and supporting the grassroots families. This initiative embodies HKBU's spirit of helping the public with its expertise and benefiting more people in the community." Ms Nikki Ng, Director of Philanthropy of Sino Group and Director of the Ng Teng Fong Charitable Foundation, said, "We are committed to providing support to the community in various ways and are pleased to support the HKSAR Government's Pilot Programme on Community Living Room by offering venues in Sham Shui Po and Hung Hom. This initiative enables us to reach those in need with services like festive visits and youth study tours. We are grateful for the positive reception received by the Chinese Medicine Services programme, in partnership with HKBU, and appreciate the practitioners' attentive guidance, which has helped members improve their health and well-being. We would also like to extend our sincere gratitude to the two operators of the Community Living Rooms, the Lok Sin Tong Benevolent Society Kowloon and the Hong Kong Sheng Kung Hui Welfare Council, along with their teams, for their invaluable assistance and coordination." The Group's concern for the well-being of members of the community extends to its employees. In addition to providing Traditional Chinese Medicine services to Community Living Room members, the Group invites the Chinese medicine team from HKBU to offer free consultations, check-ups with a four-diagnostic instrument, and health talks at various work locations. The advanced four-diagnostic instrument collects health data through face, togue and pulse diagnosis, as well as medical interviews, enabling Chinese medicine practitioners to assess employees' physical conditions and develop personalised health management plans that address the diverse health needs of frontline staff.
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BOULARD CALVADOS A new stunning design FOR 200 YEARS OF EXCELLENCE
PARIS, Jan. 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- At the dawn of its 200th anniversary, Calvados Boulard breaks with convention and unveils its new packaging - a bold reinterpretation of its heritage and a tribute to its history heralding a daring future. The world's finest Calvados, acquires a new stunning look, combining authenticity and modernity. To view the Multimedia News Release, please click: https://www.multivu.com/boulard_calvados/9313251-en-new-stunning-design-200-years-excellence A design matching a unique character The new packaging style reinvents the codes of elegance and tradition with powerful visual impact. Each detail has been carefully revisited such as the prominence of the gold and the white branded square, the emblem of Boulard since the 70s. The matt black neck is reminiscent of the ancient iconic frosted Boulard bottles and creates a striking contrast with the gold liquid. Further streamlining the bottle's allure, the packaging enhances each expression with a refined palette of colors, reflecting its unique character. "We are proud to introduce this captivating new packaging, to mark the brand's 200th anniversary. This thoughtful redesign is a testament to our commitment to see Boulard Calvados thrive for another 200 years." said Serge Der Sahaguian, CEO of Spirit France Diffusion. About Boulard Calvados Boulard Calvados is not just a spirit; but a tale of craftsmanship and creativity since 1825. From the heart of Normandy, where the finest apples are harvested, pressed, and distilled in traditional pot stills Boulard Calvados emerges as an embodiment of French artistry. Pioneer of double distillation in the Pays d'Auge with a heritage dating back generations, Boulard Calvados is a symbol of excellence, celebrated for its unwavering dedication to quality. Sipped neat or savored in a cocktail, Boulard Calvados invites enthusiasts to experience the authenticity and allure of timeless craftsmanship. PRESS CONTACT: contact@spirit-france.com www.calvados-boulard.com Gamme Boulard Bar 60 Pc
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Professor Tinly Wong Tin-Chee Pre- and Post-Exercise Care Tips from a Traditional Chinese Medicine Perspective
HONG KONG, Jan. 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The annual Hong Kong Marathon is just around the corner, and runners are actively preparing. In addition to physical training, proper warm-ups before the race and recovery after are equally important. Professor Tinly Wong Tin-Chee, founder of Herbalgy Pharmaceutical Ltd., offers the following advice from a Traditional Chinese Medicine perspective for all runners. The Importance of Warm-Up Exercises Warm-up exercises are recommended to last 5 to 10 minutes and should include dynamic stretching and light movements. These practices enhance blood flow and joint mobility. According to Traditional Chinese Medicine, the harmonious flow of "Qi" and blood is vital for overall bodily function; when "Qi" flows, blood flows, and vice versa. Engaging in warm-up exercises stimulates circulation, accelerating the flow of "Qi" and blood throughout the body, which enhances the activity of various organs. As "Qi" and blood circulate effectively, individuals naturally feel energised and better prepared for the upcoming physical challenges. Additionally, warm-ups play a key role in preventing the invasion of cold and dampness. Traditional Chinese Medicine posits that warming up increases internal Yang energy and promotes sweat production, helping to dispel cold and moisture. Furthermore, appropriate warm-ups reduce the risk of muscle and joint injuries. By increasing blood flow, raising muscle temperature, and improving elasticity, the likelihood of strains or sprains during exercise is significantly diminished. Three Steps to Enhance Recovery After Exercise Professor Wong recommends following these three health steps before and after exercise to support recovery and maintain overall well-being: Pre-Exercise Massage: Utilizing "Touch Cool" for a simple self-massage before the event can help relax muscles and alleviate training-related fatigue, enhancing effectiveness by up to 51%*. Post-Exercise Rest and Relaxation: Allowing the body adequate recovery time is crucial for restoring muscle and joint function. Relaxation can mitigate fatigue and stress. If muscle soreness arises, runners may apply "Herbalgy Medicated Balm" to identify and massage painful areas for 1-3 minutes, 2-3 times daily. This can be complemented with "Herbalgy Easy Analgesic Plasters" to alleviate post-exercise muscle discomfort, providing multiple benefits for flexibility and relaxation. For Sprains or Strains: Safflower has properties that invigorate blood flow and reduce swelling, promoting circulation and alleviating pain. Combined with frankincense and myrrh, it can effectively treat injuries. However, many runners may lack the time to prepare herbal remedies. Opting for a topical pain relief product containing safflower, such as "Carthami Flos Pain Relieving Oil", and gently massaging the affected area can offer relief. Coupled with "Carthami Flos Analgesic Plaster", which contains traditional herbs, these can penetrate the skin to enhance circulation and relax muscles, facilitating recovery. Recovery time and methods may vary among individuals. Professor Wong advises runners to seek professional medical attention immediately if they experience severe pain, swelling, or other concerning symptoms. Herbalgy Online Store Promotion Herbalgy will offer a special promotion from February 5 to 13, 2025. By logging into the official Herbalgy online store and entering the promo code "HKM2025," customers will receive a 10% discount on their entire order, along with a complimentary M3 targeted massager. This massager, designed to complement their pain relief products with a specially developed magnetic massage head, effectively penetrates tight tendons for deep relaxation, giving runners an extra boost. *Source: Experiment report from City University of Hong Kong and Hong Kong Baptist University, February 2007. About Herbalgy Herbalgy Pharmaceutical Ltd. is a company that captures the essence of Hong Kong. Founded in 1999 by the esteemed Traditional Chinese Medicine Professor Wong Tin Chee, he has been inspired by his father, Wong To Yik, since childhood. With a deep passion for Traditional Chinese Medicine and herbal medicine research, Professor Wong has inherited his father's wisdom and expertise. He is committed to adhering to his father's philosophy of "focusing on addressing the root cause rather than merely treating the symptoms" and the principle of "viewing pain as a crucial indicator for identifying underlying issues." Following the establishment of the family business, Professor Wong was encouraged by his father to create the well-known "Herbalgy" brand. This name reflects the company's commitment to promoting healthy meridians and overall well-being. With decades of clinical experience and a love for Hong Kong's traditional Chinese medicine, he established a GMP-standard factory in Hong Kong to ensure the scientific production of traditional medicinal oils and plasters. He has since launched the brands "Touch Cool," "Herbalgy," and "Tibet Red," which blend the unique characteristics of Hong Kong with accessible medicinal oils, magnetic therapy, herbal remedies, and physical therapy, making them some of the most enduring and best-selling brands in the region. These brands offer straightforward, medication-based home care solutions designed for the early prevention of chronic pain resulting from poor blood circulation in urban lifestyles. For more information about Herbalgy, please visit: Website: https://herbalgy.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Herbalgy/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/herbalgyhk/
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Global Times: Your hope, our hope: Xi says people can always count on Party, government in difficult times
BEIJING, Jan. 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- "In just one day, it rained as much as it does in a whole year!" On August 20, 2024, an extremely rare and intense rainfall led to a severe flood disaster in Huludao, Northeast China's Liaoning Province. Zhujiagou village, located in a mountainous area with low-lying terrain, was one of the most severely affected villages. According to CCTV News, the deepest water accumulation in the village reached 6 meters, and 51 households' houses were damaged, among which 41 households no longer met the conditions for reconstruction on the original site. After the flood, the village built new homes for 41 of the most severely affected households, totaling 186 people, at a different location. Cement roads were built to the doorstep of each home, and water, electricity, and internet facilities were connected. The new homes were fitted with modern flushing toilets. In less than two months, a new Zhujiagou village rose from the ground. On Wednesday, Chinese President Xi Jinping, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, braved the cold to visit the village, ahead of the Spring Festival, which falls on January 29 this year, the Xinhua News Agency reported. Xi inspected the progress in post-disaster restoration and reconstruction. Visiting the villagers who had moved into their new houses just before this winter, Xi inquired about the quality of the reconstructed homes and whether their daily living conditions were adequate. A number of natural disasters occurred across the country last year, Xi said, expressing his belief that restoration and reconstruction in the affected areas will yield good results. "We have always put the people first," Xi said. "The people can always count on the Party and the government in their most difficult times, and we will help them overcome difficulties and rebuild their homes." Always keeping the safety and well-being of the people in mind, before the Spring Festival, the most important festival for the Chinese people, Xi's visit not only warmed people's hearts, but also conveyed strong confidence. 'I have always been concerned about people in disaster-affected areas' Xi has always been concerned about people in disaster-affected areas. In recent years, the Chinese president has made several visits to disaster-stricken areas to inspect and guide post-disaster recovery and reconstruction efforts. These visits include both pre-festival inspection tours and on-site inspections during domestic tours. A year ago, Xi visited a village affected by floods the summer before during his inspection tour in North China's Tianjin Municipality from February 1 to 2, 2024, spending time in this region just ahead of the 2024 Spring Festival. Villager Du told Xi that the family's more than 10 mu (about 0.67 hectares) of corn fields and vegetable patches were damaged by the flood, but with the help of the Party and the government, they managed to recover quickly, and their vegetable greenhouses were able to produce a good harvest, Xinhua reported. On September 7, 2023, in the village of Longwangmiao in Northeast China's Heilongjiang Province, Xi walked into the fields to check the impact of the floods on the rice crops. Visiting villagers' homes to learn about their losses and the supply of daily necessities, Xi encouraged them to bolster their confidence to overcome difficulties. In January 2022, braving the snow, Xi went to Fengnanyuan village of Huozhou city in North China's Shanxi Province, where he visited the flood-affected people and learned about local post-disaster reconstruction. "I came to Shanxi today primarily out of the concern for people whose work and lives were affected by last year's disaster," Xi told the villagers. "I am glad to observe that despite the severity of the disaster, you did a good job in reconstruction and replanting crops with the help of the Party and government," Xi said. "I feel assured." Back to January 2015, Ludian county, which experienced a 6.5 magnitude earthquake in August 2014, was the first on the president's domestic inspection agenda. While in Longtoushan Town, the epicenter of the quake, he reviewed post-disaster reconstruction efforts and advised that the buildings must be able to withstand a quake of a similar magnitude and above. The people staying in Ganjiazhai village, where a temporary camp was set up for those displaced by the quake, warmly welcomed Xi. He greeted the crowd and inspected inside the tents to check the quality and thickness of their quilts, Xinhua reported. "The disaster destroyed your homes, but the [Communist] Party [of China] and the government will help you build more beautiful ones," Xi said. "I have always been concerned about people in disaster-affected areas," he said, when leaving a village impacted by floods during the inspection tour to Beijing and Hebei Province in North China in November 2023. "The CPC is a party that serves the people wholeheartedly and always puts the people above everything else." Chinese speed, efficient action China has demonstrated its "speed" and "humanitarianism" in post-disaster responses, whether it is the rapid resettlement of people in disaster areas in Meizhou, South China's Guangdong Province, or the emergency rescue efforts in Xigaze, Southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region. "I never expected that we would have such a good Spring Festival this year," He Xinsheng, a villager from Shangtian, Meizhou, told Global Times on Thursday in an elated tone over the phone. During the storm disaster in June 2024, He's house collapsed, and his family of four had to temporarily live with relatives. But thankfully, their worries did not weigh them down for long. On January 16, they stood in their brand-new relocation apartment and began a new chapter of their lives. "We are satisfied with the facilities in the apartment," He smiled. "We just bought some electrical appliances, and everything else was provided by local government. Once again, I have a new understanding of our country's construction speed and quality." For him, this move was not just a change of residence, but also a deep expectation for the future. In June 2024, when China entered the flood season, Meizhou was hit by a severe rainstorm on June 16, causing the collapse and damage of houses in some areas, severely impacting the production and lives of the local population. On June 18, Xi delivered important instructions on the work to fight floods and droughts. The president called for all-out efforts to deal with the disaster, do everything possible to search and rescue those missing or trapped, properly resettle those affected, ensure production and life order, and minimize losses, according to Xinhua. The People's Government of Guangdong promptly assigned Guangzhou and Shenzhen to assist Meizhou in constructing four housing projects. The projects officially commenced on July 28, with the foundation work completed in just 14 days. The building's main structure was built in 69 days, and the project passed its final acceptance inspection in 138 days. Within 144 days, the handover was completed, and the project successfully passed safety production inspections at all levels, Diao Shangdong, deputy director of "Guangzhou town" project at the Guangzhou Key Public Construction Project Management Center, told the Global Times on Thursday. The houses, which incorporate traditional Hakka elements, are equipped with advanced flood prevention technology and roof-mounted photovoltaic systems, making them low-carbon, smart, and secure. According to Diao, by December 31, 2024, 383 families affected by the disaster had received the keys to their new homes. While in Xizang region, the recent earthquake that hit Xigaze has attracted significant international attention, not only due to humanitarian reasons, but also because it occurred in a multi-ethnic region. After the earthquake, Xi made an important instruction, demanding utmost efforts to carry out search and rescue and provide medical treatment for the injured. He also urged efforts to prevent secondary disasters, properly resettle affected residents, and handle the aftermath effectively, according to Xinhua. Ten minutes after the tremor, rescue helicopters had already reached the disaster area; within half an hour, rescue operations with debris removal began in the earthquake's epicenter. Nine hours after the quake, communication signals were restored, and all damaged roads were repaired and reopened. Eighteen hours after the disaster, power was restored in the hardest-hit areas, local media Tibet.cn reported. That night, people in disaster-stricken areas moved into warm tents and were provided with hot meals. Within a week, medical stations, libraries, and counseling rooms were gradually set up. The swift and effective response demonstrated a profound respect for life and a deep concern for the disaster-stricken people. Observing the rescue and reconstruction efforts in the wake of this earthquake, people see it clearly that while a natural disaster has torn a wound into the snowy plateau, the entire nation is working tirelessly to heal it. The motherland serves as a steadfast source of comfort and support for every individual affected by the disaster. This is the best example of how Xizang is an indispensable part of a people-centered national development effort. Putting the people first Wang Hongwei, a professor at the Renmin University of China's School of Public Administration and Policy, told the Global Times on Thursday that in recent years, the country's efficiency in responding to major emergencies has significantly improved, and a crucial reason behind this is China's institutional strength, which enables the integration of various forces to form a powerful collective effort in disaster relief. He pointed out that since the 18th CPC National Congress in 2012, there have been many new conceptual changes in disaster prevention, reduction, and relief. In the past, the focus was primarily put on post-disaster management, while now a stronger emphasis is put on risk management. In 2018, China established the Ministry of Emergency Management, which has the crucial responsibility of responding to natural disasters. One of the major tasks being undertaken is the comprehensive risk survey of natural disasters, which serves as a fundamental task for disaster prevention, reduction, and relief. Meanwhile, China has been accelerating the development of more advanced emergency-rescue equipment. Thanks to the collaborative efforts between government authorities and manufacturers, numerous new aircraft models, smart robots, drones, and other forms of emergency response equipment are rapidly being developed and implemented. Wang Tun, head of a key earthquake early warning laboratory in China's Sichuan Province, who has vast experience in disaster relief, told the Global Times that "China has formed a complete emergency management system based on a 'people-centered' philosophy, ensuring a full chain of work from disaster prevention to post-disaster recovery and reconstruction." In his new home in Meizhou, He is buying ingredients for the Spring Festival. During the holidays, He hopes to invite all the relatives and friends who have helped him to his new home for a reunion dinner. "I hope everyone can stay safe and sound, away from disasters," he said. https://www.globaltimes.cn/page/202501/1327476.shtml
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Pine Wind Power to Acquire 26% Interest in Formosa 2 Offshore Wind Farm
TAIPEI, Jan. 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Pine Wind Power Co., Ltd (Pine Wind) has entered into an agreement to acquire from Macquarie Asset Management (Macquarie) its 26% equity and debt interest in Formosa 2 International Investment Co., Ltd, a 376MW operational offshore wind farm located off the coast of Miaoli County (Formosa 2 Offshore Wind Farm). The proposed investment will be acquired through J&V Energy's wholly owned subsidiary, Pine Wind, and will be supported by capital commitments from its partners, Taiwan Life Insurance Co Ltd and He Jun Energy Co Ltd. As part of the transaction, JV Asset Management Co Ltd (JVAM), a J&V Energy affiliate, will provide long-term asset management services to its partners. The Formosa 2 Offshore Wind Farm is comprised of 47 Siemens Gamesa 8.0MW wind turbine generators which have been connected to the grid since March 2023, supplying power to approximately 380,000 Taiwanese households per year. Macquarie developed the Formosa 2 Offshore Wind Farm, one of Taiwan's first large scale offshore windfarms in partnership with JERA and Synera Renewable Energy. Kai Tan, Deputy CEO of J&V Energy, said: "Formosa 2 Offshore Wind Farm represents a compelling scale opportunity for J&V Energy to secure long-term contracted cashflows with Taipower and demonstrates our continuing commitment to Taiwan's energy transition ambitions. We look forward to joining JERA and Synera Renewable Energy in delivering lasting operational success for the asset." This transaction marks J&V Energy's first operational wind farm investment in Taiwan and comes on the back of its previous experience developing and investing into wind farms in Taiwan including Formosa 4 and 5, and Huan Yang Offshore Wind Farm. Jerome Tan, Chief Investment Officer of J&V Energy and CEO of JV Asset Management, said: "We are delighted to partner with Taiwan Life and He Jun Energy on this landmark transaction matching long-term Taiwanese capital with world-class income producing assets. JVAM is poised to be one of Taiwan's largest specialist renewable asset managers, with this transaction bringing JVAM's assets under management half of the way to our target of US$1 billion AUM by 2026." Edward Northam, Head of Renewable Energy and Head of Asia Pacific for MAM Green Investments, said: "Macquarie was an early participant in the Taiwan's offshore wind industry, combining local knowledge with extensive offshore wind expertise from Europe. We proudly supported the early development and construction of offshore wind projects, creating investment opportunities before bringing in long-term partners. We are delighted to welcome J&V Energy, Taiwan Life, and He Jun, three Taiwanese investors committed to supporting the Formosa 2 project during its operational life and Taiwan's energy transition." About J&V Energy Headquartered in Taipei, J&V Energy (6869.TW) is a publicly-listed leading circular economy and renewable energy developer. J&V Energy employs a team of over 350 renewable energy professionals with expertise in solar, wind, energy storage and water infrastructure. Its regional footprint spans across Taiwan, Japan, Philippines and Vietnam. In 2023, J&V Energy secured the #1 spot amongst the Top 100 Fastest Growing Companies by CommonWealth Magazine and is a constituent of the MSCI Global Small Cap Index. About JV Asset Management JV Asset Management is a specialist renewables asset manager headquartered in Taipei with ~US$500m of assets under management. JVAM delivers advisory, operations and asset management services through a turnkey end-to-end approach. Supported by our team of investment and technical professionals, JVAM is focused on delivering sustainable returns with a strong risk management approach. About Taiwan Life Founded in 1947, Taiwan Life is the country's oldest life insurance company. In 2015, Taiwan Life became a subsidiary of CTBC Holding. CTBC Financial Holding Co., Ltd is listed on the Taiwan Stock Exchange (2891.TW) with a market capitalization of c. US$25 billion. Taiwan Life is committed to building a sustainable financial ecosystem in support of the Government's Green Finance Action Plan 3.0, and has been recognized at The Asset's Triple A Sustainable Infrastructure Awards for three consecutive years. About He Jun Energy He Jun Energy was established in February 2022 with funding support from Hotai Finance (6592.TW) and Hotai Motor (2207.TW), both listed companies on the Taiwan Stock Exchange. He Jun Energy is dedicated to advancing ESG (Environmental Sustainability, Social Participation, Corporate Governance) principles. The company focuses on investing in and operating solar power plants, while also expanding into electric vehicle charging stations and energy storage solutions, aiming to create green energy and foster a sustainable financial ecosystem. About Macquarie Asset Management Macquarie Asset Management is a global asset manager, integrated across public and private markets. Trusted by institutions, governments, foundations and individuals to manage approximately US$633.7 billion in assets, Macquarie Asset Management provides a diverse range of investment solutions including real assets, real estate, credit and equities & multi-asset. Macquarie Asset Management is part of Macquarie Group, a diversified financial group providing clients with asset management, finance, banking, advisory, and risk and capital solutions across debt, equity and commodities. Founded in 1969, Macquarie Group employs over 20,600 people in 34 markets and is listed on the Australian Securities Exchange. All figures as at 30 September 2024. (1) Formosa 2 Offshore Wind Farm is one of the largest operating utility scale offshore wind power generation facilities in APAC. (2) Macquarie, JV Asset Management, J&V Energy, Taiwan Life and He Jun Energy at the Signing Ceremony in Taipei.
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NUS researchers pioneer DNA-tagged gold nanoparticles for targeted cancer treatment
Using DNA barcoding, the novel technique tracks and optimises gold nanoparticles for precise drug delivery to tumours, advancing cancer therapies that are safer and more effective SINGAPORE, Jan. 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- A team of researchers from the National University of Singapore (NUS) has developed a novel method to enhance the precision of cancer treatment using gold nanoparticles tagged with DNA barcodes. Led by Assistant Professor Andy Tay from the Department of Biomedical Engineering in the College of Design and Engineering and Institute of Health Innovation & Technology at NUS, the study demonstrates how gold nanoparticles of specific shapes, such as triangles, excel in delivering therapeutic nucleic acids and heating tumour cells during photothermal therapy. These findings uncover the distinct preferences of tumour cells for certain nanoparticle configurations, which could enable the development of personalised cancer treatments that are safer and more effective. The team's novel technique, detailed in a paper published in Advanced Functional Materials on 24 November 2024, enables high-throughput screening of nanoparticle shapes, sizes and modifications, reducing associated screening costs. Beyond cancer treatment, the method has broader therapeutic applications, including RNA delivery and targeting diseases at the organ-specific level. Size and shape matter Gold is more than just bling. When reduced to about one-thousandth the width of human hair, gold nanoparticles shine as therapeutic agents for cancer therapy. For instance, specks of the precious metal are used in photothermal therapy, where particles delivered to the tumour site convert specific wavelengths of light to heat, killing surrounding cancer cells. Gold nanoparticles can also serve as messengers to deliver drugs directly to specific locations within a tumour. "But for these gold nanoparticles to work, they first need to get into the targeted sites successfully," said Asst Prof Tay. "Think of it as a delivery person with a special key — if the key doesn't fit the lock, the package won't get through." Achieving this level of precision requires finding the right nanoparticle design — its shape, size and surface properties must align with the preferences of target cells. However, existing screening methods to pinpoint optimal designs are akin to searching for needles in a haystack. Moreover, these methods often overlook the preferences of different cell types within a tumour, from immune to endothelial to cancer cells. To tackle these challenges, the NUS researchers turned to DNA barcoding. Each nanoparticle is tagged with a unique DNA sequence, with which the researchers could tag and track individual designs, much like registering a parcel to be shipped by post in a delivery system. Importantly, these barcodes enabled the team to monitor multiple nanoparticle designs simultaneously in vivo, as their sequences could be easily extracted and analysed to locate the nanoparticles' whereabouts within the body. "We used thiol-functionalisation to securely anchor the DNA barcodes to the surface of the gold nanoparticles. This ensures the barcodes remain stable, resistant to enzymatic degradation and do not interfere with cellular uptake," said Asst Prof Tay, highlighting an important novelty of the team's work. To demonstrate this, the researchers prepared nanoparticles in six different shapes and sizes, where their distribution and uptake across various cell types were monitored. They found that round nanoparticles, despite showing poor uptake in cell culture studies, were excellent in targeting tumours in preclinical models as they were less likely to be eliminated by the immune system. On the other hand, triangular nanoparticles excelled in both in vitro and in vivo tests, resulting in high cellular uptake and strong photothermal properties. Making cancer treatments safer The team's work shines a light on nanoparticle interactions in biological systems and the need to bridge discrepancies between in vitro and in vivo findings, as evidenced by those revealed by the round gold nanoparticles. These insights could guide the development of shape-morphing nanoparticles or intermediate designs tailored to optimise different stages of drug delivery. Additionally, the research also illuminates the untapped potential of exploring nanoparticle shapes beyond spheres, which dominate those approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. The researchers' DNA barcoding method could also extend to screen other inorganic nanoparticles such as iron and silica in vivo, broadening the scope for drug delivery and precision medicine. Looking ahead, the researchers are expanding their nanoparticle library to include 30 designs to identify candidates capable of targeting subcellular organelles. Suitable ones will then be tested for their efficacy in gene silencing and photothermal therapy for breast cancer. Asst Prof Tay also shared that the findings could significantly improve our understanding of RNA biology and advance RNA delivery techniques, which are increasingly being applied in therapeutics for treatment of various diseases. "We have addressed a key challenge in cancer treatment — delivering drugs specifically to cancer tissues with greater efficiency," said Asst Prof Tay. "The Achilles' heel of existing nanoparticle-based drugs is their assumption of uniform delivery across all organs, but the reality is that different organs respond differently. Designing optimally-shaped nanoparticles for organ-specific targeting enhances the safety and efficacy of nanotherapeutics for cancer treatment — and beyond." Read more at: https://news.nus.edu.sg/dna-tagged-gold-nanoparticles-for-targeted-cancer-treatment/
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AIMA EBIKE Presents Innovative Lineup at CES 2025: Better Performance, More Freedom - Join Us for an Exclusive Test Ride Experience
LAS VEGAS, Jan. 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- AIMA EBike, a leader in sustainable electric mobility, is launching an exclusive campaign to connect with industry experts and lifestyle influencers, offering them the opportunity to experience the performance, design, and quality of AIMA's latest eBike lineup. This initiative showcases the brand's commitment to delivering exceptional eBikes that seamlessly blend cutting-edge technology with superior craftsmanship. AIMA's new line up of products Experience AIMA Ebike Next-Level Performance: A Perfect Blend of Power and Style AIMA's new eBike models are crafted for riders who demand not only high-performance but also unmatched reliability and style. Each model has been meticulously designed to elevate everyday commutes and weekend adventures, with a focus on: Performance Excellence: Featuring powerful motors and advanced battery systems, AIMA eBikes deliver robust power, long-lasting performance, and smooth, consistent rides across diverse terrains. Sleek, Fashion-Forward Design: From ergonomic details to modern aesthetics, every AIMA eBike reflects the brand's commitment to stylish, practical design that fits seamlessly into any lifestyle. Unparalleled Quality: AIMA partners with trusted industry leaders like Bafang and LG to integrate top-of-the-line components, ensuring each AIMA eBike is built for performance and durability. Why AIMA eBikes? AIMA's new lineup is designed with versatility in mind, offering eBikes that excel in various riding conditions—whether you're commuting through the city, tackling rugged terrains, or looking for a stylish, comfortable ride. By collaborating with influencers and experts in the field, AIMA E-Bike aims to highlight the standout features that set its eBikes apart: Reliable Performance: Equipped with high-performance motors and batteries, AIMA eBikes ensure a smooth, powerful ride every time. Stylish, Rider-Centric Design: The eBikes feature ergonomic elements and modern aesthetics that prioritize comfort and ease of use, making them perfect for everyday riders. Premium Quality: AIMA's dedication to quality is reflected in every detail, from motor integration to battery efficiency, ensuring a reliable and enjoyable riding experience. Get Involved AIMA EBIKE is extending an exclusive invitation to industry experts and influencers to immerse themselves in the unparalleled performance and design of its latest AIMA eBike models. Attendees will have the unique opportunity to test-ride these cutting-edge bikes and share their immediate experiences, highlighting the premium quality, comfort, and smart features that distinguish AIMA eBikes in the realm of electric mobility. For general inquiries, feel free to leave a message on AIMA's official Instagram page "@aimaebike". About AIMA EBIKE AIMA EBike is a leader in sustainable electric mobility, creating high-quality eBikes designed for riders who demand style, performance, and reliability. With a focus on innovation and collaboration, AIMA is transforming how people move and experience their world.
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Kexing Biopharm Participates in the 17th Biotech Showcase, with Multiple Innovation Pipelines Gaining Attention
SHENZHEN, China, Jan. 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- From January 13 to 16, Dr. Huiming Li, Deputy General Manager of Kexing Biopharm New Drug Research Center, attended the 17th Biotech Showcase Conference in San Francisco and the Global Biopharma Symposium hosted by Jones Day & MSQ Ventures. The Jones Day & MSQ Ventures Pre-JPM Symposium builds impactful partnerships for top leaders and investors in the biotechnology and pharmaceutical sectors, providing an opportunity to gain insight into the latest industry trends. The Biotech Showcase brings more than 400 selected global companies together, covering diverse fields such as innovative biopharmaceuticals, biotechnology platforms, digital health and diagnosis, attracting investors with more than USD 400 billion capital and active partners in the life science field. On the first day of Biotech Showcase on January 13, Dr. Huiming Li introduced Kexing Biopharm's innovative antibody technology platform KX-BODY and fusion protein technology platform KX-FUSION, as well as a number of anti-tumor and autoimmune pipelines built upon the two platforms, especially the new antibody that is about to enter the clinical trial stage for the treatment of cancer cachexia by targeting GDF-15, an emerging target. Kexing Biopharm's GB18 (target: GDF-15) program is intended to treat cancer cachexia and cachexia caused by other chronic diseases such as heart failure. The GB18 molecule has a unique nanobody-Fc fusion structure (VHH-Fc), and the Company has completed the submission of an international patent portfolio. In the preclinical research stage, GB18 has shown potent efficacy in a number of cancer cachexia models in mice, including HT1080 (human fibrosarcoma), Renca (mouse kidney tumor) and MC38-hGDF15 overexpression (mouse colon cancer) and chemotherapy-induced cachexia model by cisplatin, as well as MCT-induced heart failure model in rats. In addition to significant increase in body weight, muscle and fat weight, cachectic mice treated with GB18 also show pronounced improvement in motor function. According to the preclinical PK data, the clinical dosing frequency is predicted to be once per 3-4 weeks. In terms of CMC, GB18 shows good stability, and an expression yield of more than 10.0 g/L, and ultra-high solubility (more than 200 mg/mL), supporting the development of subcutaneous injections. At present, its 6-month stability data is favorable based on analysis of samples from two GMP batches at a scale of 200 L. As to the toxicology, the 13-week repeated dose toxicity studies of GB18 have been completed in rats and cynomolgus monkeys. No significant toxic reactions were observed in the two animal species, and the NOAELs were at a high dose. We believe that in the near future, this anti-GDF15 antibody will play an important role in improving the quality of life and restoring health for patients with cancer or other chronic diseases. After the conference, Dr. Huiming Li interacted with a number of well-known pharmaceutical companies and investment institutions, introducing the Company's pipeline, such as GB05 "Human Interferon α1b Inhalation Solution", GB18 for tumor cachexia (target: GDF-15), GB12 for atopic dermatitis (target: IL-4R/IL-31R), GB19 for lupus erythematosus (target: BDCA2), and GB24 (TL1A bispecific-antibody) for inflammatory bowel disease. Among them, GB12, GB18 and GB24 have received much attention. For GB24, one of its targets is TL1A, a popular target in the field of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that has seen several major transactions recently. In addition to TL1A, GB24 also targets another emerging pathway in IBD that has strong synergistic effects with TL1A in terms of function and mechanism of action, and may help to improve IBD treatment in a profound way. GB24 could be a high-quality innovative asset of Kexing Biopharm among its innovative pipelines. At this Conference, the rising influence of Chinese innovation in biopharma has become an undeniable trend. Pipelines of drugs invented in China have attracted investment from MNCs and venture capital, leading to multiple cross-border licensing deals in the past year. High quality and innovative science, cost-benefit and speed are among the major contributing factors. It is evident that the innovation ability of Chinese biotechs has been gradually recognized, and this will trigger an uptick in global collaboration in the biopharma industry. Adhering to the platform-based development strategy of "innovation + internationalization", Kexing Biopharm has accelerated its R&D and innovation since it was listed on the Shanghai Stock Exchange STAR Market, transforming its pipeline portfolio from modified drugs to innovative new drugs. With the advancement of various projects in antiviral, antitumor, and autoimmune research, there is hope to address more clinical gaps.
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LG Energy Solution Releases 2024 Financial Results
LG Energy Solution posts KRW 25.6 trillion in consolidated revenue and KRW 575.4 billion in operating profit in 2024 Company to focus on proactively responding to market volatilities in the short term and securing fundamental competitiveness in the mid-to-long term This year's guidance forecasts a 5-10 percent year-on-year increase in annual revenue, with capital expenditure expected to be reduced by 20-30 percent compared to last year SEOUL, South Korea, Jan. 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- LG Energy Solution (KRX: 373220) today announced its fourth-quarter and full-year earnings for 2024, along with its key business initiatives for 2025. For the full year, the company reported KRW 25.6 trillion in consolidated revenue and KRW 575.4 billion in operating profit, a year-on-year decrease of 24.1 percent and 73.4 percent, respectively. The operating profit margin was 2.2 percent, including the IRA tax credit effect. "Last year, we actively responded to EV demand in North America," said Chang Sil Lee, CFO of LG Energy Solution. "At the same time, sales in Europe decreased due to slow EV market growth, while average selling price (ASP) also declined because of continued metal price impact, leading to a decrease in our full-year revenue." "Although a lower utilization rate led to increased fixed costs and lower profitability, we saw continued improvements in material cost ratio last year," Lee said. In 2024, LG Energy Solution initiated the stable mass production its new joint venture plants in the U.S., Canada, and Indonesia, and achieved the record-high yield, securing capabilities for a stable global operation. In terms of the EV business, the company successfully expanded its product lineup with new chemistries and form factors, and also expanded its ESS business by accelerating its intake of large-scale power grid projects in North America. Last year marked a year of technological advancement for LG Energy Solution, as it prepared for the mass production of its 46-Series cylindrical batteries and pilot production line for dry electrodes in Ochang, Korea. In addition, the company secured high-quality, IRA-compliant critical minerals and LFP[1] cathode materials by taking various proactive measures, such as investing in a lithium mining company. In the fourth quarter, the company posted consolidated revenue of KRW 6.4512 trillion, a 6.2 percent decrease quarter-on-quarter. Its quarterly operating loss was KRW 225.5 billion, including the estimated IRA tax credit amount of KRW 377.3 billion. 2025 Market Forecast The global battery market, encompassing the EV, ESS, and IT sectors, is expected to grow by over 20 percent[2] annually starting in 2025. For the EV market, the company expects its first-mover advantages in the North American battery market to continue to expand, driven by the growing trend of protectionism. At the same time, the increasing volatility of green policies in major countries is expected to decelerate the growth of EV demand in the short term. Regarding the ESS market, LG Energy Solution foresees an increasing need for regional renewable energy infrastructure thanks to the emerging importance of energy security. The company also expects power demand to surge on the back of the expansion of AI-driven data centers and predicts securing local battery supplies will become ever more critical in response to the higher tariffs on batteries from China set to take effect in 2026. 2025 Key Business Initiatives In the short term, LG Energy Solution will focus on proactively responding to market volatilities. The company will enhance its financial stability by adjusting the timeline of investment for the construction of new facilities and prioritizing the execution of critical investments. At the same time, it will maximize the utilization of its existing capacity by processing new orders for LFP and high-voltage mid-nickel batteries on idle production lines within existing facilities. The company will also enhance its operational compatibility across production facilities, namely by diversifying form factors within each facility and converting production lines between EV and ESS batteries to proactively respond to local customer needs. In the mid-to-long term, LG Energy Solution will continue its efforts to reinforce its fundamental competitiveness. It will secure a competitive edge in products by offering optimized solutions for each EV segment and further differentiating its high-capacity LFP batteries for ESS systems. The company will also focus on enhancing product quality by advancing its BMS[3] diagnostic technologies and AI-based quality management system. Securing structural cost competitiveness is another long-term initiative. As part of this, the company will expand the use of cost-effective materials, promote investment in upstream companies, and reduce processing costs by expanding production automation. To prepare for the future, it will expedite the commercialization of dry electrodes and lithium-sulfur all-solid-state batteries by setting up their pilot lines, while also expanding the business from hardware to software by fostering its BaaS[4] and EaaS[5] businesses. Based on its key business initiatives for this year, LG Energy Solution announced its goal to achieve a 5-10 percent year-on-year increase in annual consolidated revenue in 2025. Although it predicts unfavorable ASP due to the continued trend of low metal prices, the company expects that the initiation of mass production at its new plants in North America and the increase in new product shipments will positively contribute to this year's revenue growth. The company also aims to reduce this year's capex by 20-30 percent compare to last year, by adjusting the pace of investment and maximizing the utilization of existing sites. In addition, the estimated capacity eligible for the IRA tax credits this year is expected to be around 45-50GWh, as the company is well positioned to realize its first-mover advantages in the region by starting operations at its new facilities and expediting the mass production of its ESS batteries. [1] LFP: lithium, iron, phosphate [2] GWh basis [3] BMS: battery management system [4] BaaS: battery-as-a-service [5] EaaS: energy-as-a-service About LG Energy Solution LG Energy Solution (KRX: 373220), a split-off from LG Chem, is a leading global manufacturer of lithium-ion batteries for electric vehicles, mobility, IT, and energy storage systems. With 30 years of experience in revolutionary battery technology and extensive research and development (R&D), the company is the top battery-related patent holder in the world with over 58,000 patents. Its robust global network, which spans North America, Europe, and Asia, includes battery manufacturing facilities established through joint ventures with major automakers. Committed to building sustainable battery ecosystem, LG Energy Solution aims to achieve carbon neutrality across its value chain by 2050, while embodying the value of shared growth and promoting diverse and inclusive corporate culture. To learn more about LG Energy Solution's ideas and innovations, visit https://news.lgensol.com.
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PANTAI HOSPITAL KUALA LUMPUR RECOGNISED AS ASIA'S TOP PRIVATE HOSPITAL FOR 2025 BY NEWSWEEK
KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia, Jan. 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Pantai Hospital Kuala Lumpur (PHKL) is proud to announce its recognition as Asia's Top Private Hospital for 2025, awarded by Newsweek in collaboration with Statista. This accolade underscores PHKL's unwavering dedication to delivering world-class healthcare, pioneering medical advancements, and exceptional patient care. Pantai Hospital Kuala Lumpur The prestigious ranking highlights hospitals across Asia renowned for excellence in specific disciplines. PHKL was lauded for its exceptional expertise in knee surgeries and knee replacements, solidifying its position as a leader in orthopaedic care. This recognition reflects the hospital's commitment to adopting cutting-edge technologies and patient-centred approaches that align with its mission to provide sustainable healthcare solutions. PHKL's orthopaedic team has long been at the forefront of medical innovation, performing minimally invasive procedures and introducing advanced robotic-assisted surgeries such as its use of the Mako Robotic-Arm Assisted Surgery System, which combining with advanced imaging technology with robotic assistance, enables orthopaedic surgeons to create customised surgical plans tailored to each patient's unique anatomy. The Mako system supports a range of robotic orthopaedic surgeries, including Robotic Knee Replacement (both Partial and Total Knee Arthroplasty) and Hip Arthroplasty, ensuring precision, improved outcomes, and faster recovery times for patients. These advancements not only enhance precision but also significantly improve patient recovery times. Patients benefit from tailored treatment plans and state-of-the-art care delivered in PHKL's newly remodelled facilities, ensuring both comfort and optimal outcomes. PHKL was previously ranked in the Top 5 for World's Best Hospitals - Malaysia by Newsweek in 2024. These accolades reinforce PHKL's legacy of excellence and its role as a trusted healthcare provider for generations. As PHKL looks to the future, it remains steadfast in its dedication to advancing healthcare through strategic investments in technology, facility upgrades, and collaborative partnerships. The hospital's continued focus on sustainability ensures it will meet the evolving needs of patients and set new benchmarks in medical excellence. For more information on Pantai Hospital Kuala Lumpur and its award-winning services, visit www.pantai.com.my/kuala-lumpur. Download the press release and images from this link. About Pantai Hospital Kuala Lumpur Pantai Hospital Kuala Lumpur has been the heartbeat of Kuala Lumpur, steadfastly delivering exceptional care to patients from all walks of life. Since its inception in 1974 with just 68 beds and 20 medical specialists, the hospital has grown into a healthcare icon today with 507 beds, over 200 consultants and counting. Our pursuit of quality healthcare, clinical excellence, and cutting-edge technology is underscored by our service quality and dedication towards clinical research. This has earned us accreditations from the Malaysian Society for Quality in Health (MSQH) and the Joint Commission International (JCI). Additionally, we hold certification as a Baby-Friendly Hospital and is a preferred hospital in Malaysia by the World Health Organization (WHO). As we celebrate our 50th anniversary, Pantai Hospital Kuala Lumpur looks to the future, unwaveringly committed to continuing its legacy of excellence with world-class healthcare services and innovative treatments for generations to come. Learn more at www.pantai.com.my/kuala-lumpur.
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The State Grid Changzhou Power Supply Company has implemented measures to guarantee smooth and reliable "charging services" for the Spring Festival tr
CHANGZHOU, China, Jan. 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- As people return home with a year's harvest and joy, highway traffic has surged, especially at key traffic nodes such as the Fangmaoshan service area on the Hurong Expressway in Changzhou, Jiangsu Province. The number of new energy vehicles (NEVs) requiring charging has significantly increased compared to usual. At the Fangmaoshan service area, numerous vehicles are parked for rest and charging. State Grid Changzhou Power Supply Company has installed eight charging stations to support NEV owners traveling during this period. One NEV owner remarked, "There are plenty of charging stations, and there wasn't much queuing today. I charged my car for about half an hour, reaching 80% capacity, which provides a range of approximately 400 kilometers. Getting home will be no problem." To alleviate charging pressure, State Grid Changzhou Power Supply Company has also installed a temporary high-power charging facility with four charging guns, each capable of delivering 240 kilowatts. This allows up to 20 NEVs to charge simultaneously, reaching 80% capacity within half an hour. According to Yin Yehong, the Comprehensive Director of State Grid Changzhou Electric Vehicle Service Co., Ltd., similar temporary charging facilities have been set up at other key service areas like Gehu to ensure timely charging for NEVs. In anticipation of the Spring Festival travel peak, the company's operation and maintenance personnel conduct regular inspections and targeted maintenance at charging stations with high usage. Additionally, the company has increased operation and maintenance staff, optimized the scheduling system for charging stations, and ensured fast response times to guarantee the normal operation of charging facilities during the holiday season.
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Korea Zinc Announces EGM Results, Affirming the Important Position the Company Holds in National Key Industry
SEOUL, South Korea, Jan. 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- On January 23, Korea Zinc (KRX:010130) held an extraordinary general meeting (EGM) at Grand Hyatt Seoul to vote on eight agenda items proposed for amendments to the company's articles. Among these, six proposals were approved, including adoption of cumulative voting system, limiting the maximum board size, stock split, appointment of an independent director as a board chair, changing the record date for dividends and adoption of quarterly dividends. However, the proposal to introduce an executive officer system, which was proposed by MBK Partners and Young Poong as part of their campaign to improve corporate governance, was rejected after the consortium voted against it, leading to failure to meet the special resolution requirement of needing approval from more than two-thirds of attending shareholders. The proposal to stipulate the protection for minority shareholders also failed to pass due to opposition from MBK and Young Poong. Approval of Cumulative Voting System and Limiting the Maximum Board Size Paves the Way for Strengthening Minority Shareholder Protection and Governance The first item to pass was the amendment to the company's articles to introduce a cumulative voting system. Designed to protect the rights of minority shareholders, the 3% rule was applied, and the proposal was approved with over 70% of the votes from the shares present. The cumulative voting system allows each shareholder to exercise voting rights equal to the number of directors to be elected per share owned. This system is praised for enhancing minority shareholder rights and promoting board diversity. It also serves as a check against dominant shareholders unilaterally influencing board elections, enabling minority shareholders to play a "casting vote" role in board composition. Advocacy groups for minority shareholders, civic organizations and some from politics have strongly supported the adoption of this system. The proposal to cap the number of directors at 19 was also approved, improving board stability and efficiency. This aligns with recommendations from domestic and international proxy advisory firms, such as Glass Lewis, ISS and SUSTINVEST, laying the groundwork for a globally standardized board structure. The proposal to appoint an independent director as the board chair also passed smoothly with strong support from attending shareholders. This is intended to strengthen governance independence by allowing an independent director to oversee the board, free from the influence of controlling shareholders. Proposals to adopt quarterly dividends and change the record date for dividends were also voted in favor. In addition to interim dividends, the company plans to return profits regularly to shareholders by paying quarterly dividends – at the end of March, June and September. The record date for dividends was also revised to enable investors to confirm dividend amounts in advance when making investment decisions. Stock split marks another significant change. The proposal involves reducing the par value per share from KRW 5,000 to KRW 500, a tenth of the original value. This will increase the number of shares in circulation and is expected to expand investment opportunities for minority investors. Board Members with Expertise and Independence Get Newly Appointed, Enhancing Management Transparency and diversity The EGM also voted to appoint new board members. Previously on the 21st, the court had granted Young Poong's injunction request to prohibit the proposal of appointing directors via a cumulative voting system at Korea Zinc's EGM on the 23rd, and as a result the proposal was proceeded based on ordinary resolution requirements with a presupposition that the number of board members had been capped at 19. As a result of this vote, all seven independent director candidates recommended by Korea Zinc were newly appointed. The new board members include Sanghoon Sam Lee, former representative of Affinity Equity Partners in Korea; Hyeong-Kyu Lee, emeritus professor at Hanyang University Law School; Kyeongwon Kim, dean and professor at Sejong University's College of Business and Economics; James Andrew Murphy, senior advisor at Oliver Wyman; Tammy Chung, dean of the College of Business at Myongji University; Jaiyong Lee, emeritus professor at Yonsei University's Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering; and Jaesik Choi, professor at Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST) Graduate School of AI. All 14 independent director candidates recommended by MBK and Young Poong failed to secure a majority vote. A Korea Zinc representative stated, "Many domestic and international proxy advisory firms, as well as many of our shareholders, including the National Pension Service, have made wise recommendations and decisions after deliberating over Korea Zinc's importance in the national economy, especially as a key player in core national technologies and advanced strategic industries. Using this EGM as a jumping-off point, all employees and executives of Korea Zinc will strive to meet the support of our shareholders." Young Poong's voting rights for the Korea Zinc shares they own were restricted at this EGM. The day before the EGM on the 22nd, Sun Metals Corporation (SMC), a subsidiary of Korea Zinc, acquired some of Young Poong's shares held by Young Poong Precision and the Choi family, citing stable business operations and reasonable pricing as the basis for the acquisition. Notably, SMC acquired shares from the Choi family at a 30% discount from the closing price on the 21st, which provided SMC with significant financial gain. In contrast, the Choi family gave up a considerable portion of potential profit from the sale. The number of Young Poong shares newly acquired by SMC amounts to about 10.3% of Young Poong's total issued shares, and according to the Commercial Act of Korea (Articles 369 (3) and 342-2 (3)), this means that Young Poong does not have voting rights for the shares of Korea Zinc that it holds. A large number of Korea Zinc labor union members gathered at the venue where the EGM was being held. The union members united under the shared mission of protecting a national key industry, appealing for shareholder support through an orderly protest with placards. Korea Zinc, along with its labor union, key technical team and all of its employees, has been working together to protect the company, a core pillar of the nation's key industry, and prevent the outflow of national core technologies, national high-tech strategic technologies and national strategic technologies to overseas entities. They have made full efforts to safeguard against serious concerns over employment insecurity, such as layoffs, restructuring and asset sales, which they deemed could potentially arise in the future. Korea Zinc emphasized that all members of the company are open to discussions and cooperation with MBK if it aligns with the company's growth and development. The company believes that coexistence, cooperation and achieving a great compromise are the best path forward for everyone involved. The company also emphasized its willingness to keep all options open and engage in dialogue at any time and has called for the cooperation and support of various stakeholders in reaching this goal. Korea Zinc's current management and employees believe that if MBK Partners can build mutual trust as a reputable and prestigious private equity firm capable of collaborating for the benefit of Korea Zinc, it could become a valuable partner in the company's journey toward becoming a national enterprise. In relation to recent developments, Korea Zinc's management will be holding a press conference on January 24 at Grand Hyatt Seoul, the same location where the EGM was held a day prior. They plan to provide their stance on various recent issues, including the results of the EGM, and conduct a Q&A session.
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ZO Motors North America Announces its First North American Manufacturing Plant and New Regional Headquarters in Fontana, California
LOS ANGELES, Jan. 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- ZO Motors, a global leader in innovative zero-emission vehicles, proudly announces the establishment of its first North American manufacturing plant in Fontana, California. This significant milestone also marks the relocation of the company's regional headquarters to the Fontana facility, solidifying its commitment to advancing sustainable transportation solutions in the USA. ZO Motors North America Announces its First North American Manufacturing Plant and New Regional Headquarters in Fontana, California The newly constructed facility spans 9.67 acres, with a factory floor area of 210,000 square feet. It is located in Fontana, approximately 49 miles from downtown Los Angeles. The new Fontana manufacturing plant will serve as the cornerstone of ZO Motors' operations in the United States, supporting series production of a diverse portfolio of zero-emission products under the ZM Trucks brand. These will include electric commercial trucks, terminal tractors, and airport ground service equipment initially. The state-of-the-art facility is expected to commence production in the first half of 2025. "Our new Fontana facility reflects ZO Motors' commitment to the U.S. market, U.S. domestic manufacturing and sustainable innovation," said Joost de Vries, CEO of ZO Motors. "This expansion allows us to deliver zero-emission solutions that lower total cost of ownership and drive long-term value for our customers." ZO Motors has already announced its cutting-edge manufacturing plant in Cambodia, which will be instrumental in supplying the Asian Pacific markets. The addition of the Fontana plant underscores the company's strategic commitment to scaling its operations in regional markets and grow its global footprint. The new regional headquarters and manufacturing facility in Fontana are expected to create significant job opportunities in the region while reinforcing ZO Motors' mission to lead the transition to cleaner, more sustainable transportation solutions. For more information about ZO Motors and its ZM Truck commercial vehicle brand, please visit ZMTRUCKS.COM About ZO Motors ZO Motors is a global leader in zero-emission commercial vehicles, dedicated to delivering sustainable transportation solutions for industries including commercial vehicle, port and aviation ground logistics as well as transit and tourist transportation. With manufacturing facilities in Asia and North America, ZO Motors is at the forefront of innovation, combining cutting-edge technology with a commitment to reducing environmental impact.
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Sephora Unveils Its First Film, "Beauty & Belonging" Celebrating Diversity and Authenticity
This exclusive film captures stories from around the world to shed light on the purpose of beauty, through the lens of committed documentary director Anastasia Mikova. SINGAPORE, Jan. 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Sephora is proud to announce the premiere of its inaugural global film "Beauty & Belonging,", directed by the acclaimed filmmaker Anastasia Mikova. This film was presented at BrandStorytelling at Sundance, offering a profound exploration of beauty and its diverse definitions around the globe. Watch the film here. "Beauty & Belonging" is an immersive documentary featuring conversations with over 75 Sephora employees and founders of iconic beauty brands. Filmed over six months across eight countries – Brazil, Canada, China, France, Poland, Thailand, UK and USA, the film explores individual experiences and perspectives on beauty from the importance of a diverse representation in society to embracing ones' authentic beauty. It also includes testimonials from brand founders such as Christine Chang and Sarah Lee from Glow Recipe, Danessa Myricks from Danessa Myricks Beauty, Mario Dedivanovic from Makeup by Mario, Mathilde Thomas from Caudalie, and Akash and Nikita Mehta from Fable & Mane. Jenny Cheah, Managing Director of Sephora Southeast Asia & Oceania said, "It's truly heartening to see the stories of our employees and brand partners come to life in this film. At Sephora, everything that we do – from deciding the brands to partner with to hosting large scale events for our loyal community of beauty enthusiasts - is guided by our purpose to champion a world of inspiration and inclusion where everyone can celebrate their beauty. Beauty & Belonging has succinctly and powerfully captured that essence." Through this film, Sephora celebrates its passionate worldwide community and reaffirms its commitment to fostering a world of inspiration and inclusion. "Beauty & Belonging" poignantly reflects how society, culture and peers influence our perception of beauty while Sephora's commitment is to welcome everyone for who they truly are and feel. By highlighting the unique personal stories of a diverse group of individuals, the film encapsulates Sephora's core values of inclusion, diversity, and equity, which have been central to the company since its inception. "It makes me so proud to be a part of Sephora when I watched the film," added Xia Ding, Managing Director of Sephora Greater China. "Our employees are the heartbeat of the organisation, and I am convinced that when they feel empowered to embrace and define their beauty, that will deepen the connection and impact that Sephora has with our customers and partners." Anastasia and Sephora first met, when Sephora sponsored WOMAN, the immersive exhibition based on "Woman", a film she co-directed with Yann Arthus-Bertrand. Her vision of the world, and her drive to uncover our world's most compelling societal issues by putting peoples' lives at the heart of meaningful storytelling strongly resonated with Sephora's purpose-driven and outward looking culture. Anastasia Mikova added, "I've always been fond of meeting people and discovering their stories - what makes them unique, their journeys, and their perspectives on life. At the same time, I love finding the threads that connect us all as humans and the meaning of beauty across cultures is one of them. Throughout the shoot of the movie, I was able to sense how rich, diverse, and sensitive the Sephora community is, but above all these people are part of one big inclusive family." The film is available on Sephora's YouTube channel and corporate site, Inside Sephora. About Sephora Sephora is the world's leading global prestige beauty retail brand. With 52,000 passionate employees operating in 35 markets, Sephora connects customers and beauty brands within the world's most trusted and dynamic beauty community. We serve a highly engaged community of hundreds of millions of beauty followers across our global omnichannel network of more than 3 000 stores and iconic flagships, and our e-commerce and digital platforms, offering personalised and immersive seamless experiences across every touchpoint. With our curation of close to 500 brands and our own label, Sephora Collection, we offer the most unique and diverse range of prestige beauty products, tailored to our customers' needs from fragrance to make-up, haircare, skincare and beyond, as we constantly reimagine the world of prestige beauty. Since our inception in 1969 in Limoges, France, and as part of the LVMH Group since 1997, we have been disrupting the prestige beauty retail industry. Today, we continue to break with convention to drive our mission: champion a world of inspiration and inclusion where everyone can celebrate their beauty.
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Datasea Announces Continued Expansion with Agreements to Place its Acoustic High-Tech Products in an Additional 200 Beauty Stores in Northern China
With the New Agreements, Products to be Placed in a Total of 463 New Stores with Total Projected Sales of 260,000 Units and Revenue of $19 Million Expected by Year End 2025 BEIJING, Jan. 23, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Datasea Inc. (Nasdaq: DTSS), a Nevada-based digital technology company specializing in acoustic high-tech and 5G AI multimodal digital innovation ("Datasea" or "the Company"), today announced a major update for its acoustic high-tech business. Following the successful signing of agreements with 263 beauty salons and body care stores in Northern China at the end of December 2024, Guozhong Haoze (Beijing) Technology Ltd. ("Guozhong Haoze"), a subsidiary of the Chinese operating company contractually controlled by the Company, has now entered into 12 additional agreements with health management companies in Tianjin, one of the largest cities in China, further expanding its reach in January 2025 (the "New Agreements"). The Agreements will place Datasea's acoustic high-tech products in an additional 200 beauty stores across key Northern Chinese markets, including Hebei Province, which are expected to drive sales of 120,000 additional units and provide added revenue of approximately $8.2 million by year end 2025. Pursuant to the New Agreements, the Company is targeting the sale of an estimated 120,000 units of Datasea's acoustic high-tech products which comprise acoustic sterilizers, sleep products and 5G+AI Digital Service Systems specifically developed for the beauty industry. The New Agreements demonstrate the growing market acceptance of Datasea's acoustic high-tech products and the successful implementation of its strategic plan to position these products in certain sectors including the beauty and body care industry. As of today, Datasea has placed its acoustic high-tech products in total 263 beauty salons and body care stores targeting a projected sale of 140,000 units and revenue of $11 million by calendar year end 2025. Ms. Zhixin Liu, CEO of Datasea, commented, "We are very pleased to announce our latest progress in the dynamic scaling of our acoustic high-tech products. We also anticipate developing additional avenues for our innovative healthy-living systems which will further amplify our sales of acoustic high-tech segment. The positive response from our new partners validates the market's confidence in our acoustic high-tech products and 5G+AI Digital Systems, and we expect that this momentum will continue to accelerate throughout 2025. We believe that those new Agreements will help us achieve our forecasted full-year revenue of $90 million for our fiscal year ended June 30, 2025." Key Aspects of the New Agreements Increased Reach for Acoustic High-Tech Products Datasea partners with 12 health management companies in Tianjin and Hebei to place its products in 200 additional beauty stores. The primary products in the agreements include the Ultrasonic Sterilizer and the Non-Contact Sleep Aid. These advanced acoustic products aim to improve service quality and enhance customer experience in partnered stores. Expansion of 5G+AI Digital Beauty System The Company will continue to deploy its 5G+AI Digital System tailored for beauty industry needs, offering personalized customer services, data-driven marketing, and efficient store management. The system enables optimized service workflows, AI-powered customer insights, and enhances retail store operations, helping stores offer more customized and efficient services to their customers. Revenue Growth and Market Validation New agreements to drive sales of 120,000 units with a projected additional revenue of approximately $8.2 Million by year end 2025. This expansion builds on the momentum from the 263 stores announced on January 6, 2025 and reinforces the positive market reception of Datasea's products and systems. Foundation for Continued Growth and Expansion The Company remains focused on expanding its footprint across Northern China, with plans to increase the number of partnered stores up to 10,000 beauty and body care locations in the coming years, covering additional provinces and Cities including Beijing and Inner Mongolia. Datasea aims to continue driving sales growth in its acoustic high-tech product segment while delivering value through its 5G+AI Digital System, which enhances customer service and helps its partners optimize business operations. About Datasea Inc. Datasea is a leading provider of products, services, and solutions for enterprise and retail customers in converging and innovative industries, Acoustics High tech, and 5G+AI multimodal digital platform, especially focusing on ultrasonic, infrasound, and directional sound technology. The Company's advanced R&D technology serves as the core infrastructure and backbone for its products. Its 5G multimodal digital segment operates on a cloud platform based on AI. Datasea leverages cutting-edge technologies in intelligent acoustics, utilizing ultrasonic sterilization to combat viruses and prevent human infections, and is also developing innovations in directional sound and medical ultrasonic cosmetology. In July 2023, Datasea established a wholly-owned subsidiary, Datasea Acoustics LLC, in Delaware, in a strategic move to mark its global presence. This underlies Datasea's commitment to Acoustics High tech and its intent to offer leading edge acoustic solutions to the U.S. market. For additional information, please visit: www.dataseainc.com. Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and as defined in the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements can be identified by terminology such as "will", "expects", "anticipates", "future", "intends", "plans", "believes", "estimates", "target", "going forward", "outlook," "objective" and similar terms. Such statements are based upon management's current expectations and current market and operating conditions, and relate to events that involve known or unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, all of which are difficult to predict and which are beyond Datasea's control, which may cause Datasea's actual results, performance or achievements (including the RMB/USD value of its anticipated benefit to Datasea as described herein) to differ materially and in an adverse manner from anticipated results contained or implied in the forward-looking statements. Further information regarding these and other risks, uncertainties or factors is included in Datasea's filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, which are available at www.sec.gov. Datasea does not undertake any obligation to update any forward-looking statement as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required under law. Investor and Media Contact: Datasea Inc. Investor relationsEmail: investorrelations@shuhaixinxi.com Precept Investor Relations LLCDavid Rudnick+1 646-694-8538david.rudnick@preceptir.com
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Lunit AI Enhances Precision in Predicting Outcomes for HER2-Targeted Therapy in Metastatic Colorectal Cancer - new study published in JCO Precision On
Newly published study in collaboration with Japan's NCCHE reveals how AI-powered HER2 and tumor microenvironment analysis improves patient stratification and clinical outcome predictions SEOUL, South Korea, Jan. 23, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Lunit (KRX:328130.KQ), a leading provider of AI-powered solutions for cancer diagnostics and therapeutics, today announced the publication of a new study in the Journal of Clinical Oncology Precision Oncology. Conducted in collaboration with Japan's National Cancer Center Hospital East (NCCHE), the study reveals how Lunit's cutting-edge AI-powered pathology solutions, Lunit SCOPE® HER2 and Lunit SCOPE IO, significantly improve HER2 biomarker evaluation and the prediction of clinical outcomes in metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) patients undergoing HER2-targeted therapy. "Lunit SCOPE HER2", Lunit's AI-powered solution designed to detect HER2 expression profile This study presents findings from the TRIUMPH phase II clinical trial, which evaluated 30 patients with HER2-positive metastatic colorectal cancer treated with dual HER2-targeted therapy using Trastuzumab and Pertuzumab. Lunit's AI solutions were applied to assess HER2 status and tumor microenvironment (TME) variables, with significant findings: Enhanced HER2 Assessment Accuracy Lunit SCOPE HER2 demonstrated 86.7% accuracy compared to pathologist assessments for HER2 immunohistochemistry (IHC), achieving 100% accuracy in identifying HER2 IHC 3+ cases. Improved Prediction of Treatment Response and Outcomes Patients identified by the AI model as having a high proportion of HER2 IHC 3+ staining tumor cells (AI-H3-high, >50%) exhibited better clinical outcomes than those identified through traditional HER2 evaluation methods: Objective Response Rate (ORR): 42.1% (AI-H3-high) vs. 26.7% (overall TRIUMPH trial) Progression-Free Survival (PFS): 4.4 months (AI-H3-high) vs. 1.4 months (AI-H3-low) Overall Survival (OS): 16.5 months (AI-H3-high) vs. 4.1 months (AI-H3-low) Deeper Insights into the Tumor Microenvironment (TME) Using Lunit SCOPE IO, the study performed detailed TME profiling, including lymphocyte, macrophage, and fibroblast densities. Among AI-H3-high patients, those with low stromal TME density (TME-low) achieved the most favorable outcomes: ORR: 57.1% PFS: 5.6 months OS: 26.0 months The findings underscore the transformative potential of AI-powered pathology tools in precision oncology. By providing a more accurate and detailed evaluation of HER2 status and TME characteristics, Lunit's solutions can better stratify patients and predict responses to HER2-targeted therapies currently available or in development. This capability may inform more tailored treatment strategies, ultimately improving patient outcomes in mCRC and potentially other HER2-amplified cancers. "This study underscores the potential of AI technology to redefine how we evaluate biomarkers and predict treatment responses," said Dr. Takayuki Yoshino of the National Cancer Center Hospital East, principal investigator of the research. "The ability to more precisely stratify patients will lead to more personalized treatment options, improving outcomes for patients with HER2-positive metastatic colorectal cancer." "The findings from this study demonstrate how Lunit's AI-powered solutions, Lunit SCOPE HER2 and Lunit SCOPE IO, can provide clinicians with actionable insights to refine treatment strategies," said Brandon Suh, CEO of Lunit. "Our continued collaboration with NCCHE showcases the transformative potential of AI in precision oncology." About Lunit Founded in 2013, Lunit (KRX:328130.KQ) is a medical AI company on a mission to conquer cancer. Lunit harnesses AI-powered medical image analytics and biomarker analysis to ensure accurate diagnosis and optimal treatment for each cancer patient. The FDA-cleared Lunit INSIGHT suite for cancer screening serves over 4,500 medical institutions across 55+ countries. Lunit clinical studies have been published in top journals, including the Journal of Clinical Oncology and the Lancet Digital Health, and presented at global conferences such as the ASCO and RSNA. In 2024, Lunit acquired Volpara Health Technologies, setting the stage for unparalleled synergy and accuracy, particularly in breast health and screening technologies. Headquartered in Seoul, South Korea, with a network of offices worldwide, Lunit leads the global fight against cancer. Discover more at lunit.io.
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Woolpert Appoints Neil Churman as Chief Executive Officer
Churman, who has served as Woolpert's president since 2024, emphasizes commitment to continued global growth, innovation, and strengthening the firm's culture. DAYTON, Ohio, Jan. 23, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Global architecture, engineering, and geospatial services firm Woolpert has promoted Neil Churman to chief executive officer. Churman has served as Woolpert's president since early 2024, leading Woolpert's business operations and mergers and acquisitions program. He succeeds Scott Cattran, who has led the company since 2015. As part of the firm's long-term succession plan, Cattran will take on a new role in Woolpert as executive chairman, supporting Churman with company strategy and continuing to lead its board of directors. Churman's background is in driving strategic growth and operational excellence in the architecture, engineering, geospatial, and technology services industries. Churman was recruited by Cattran in 2022 and brought on as the company's first chief corporate development officer. Churman has since led the company through five strategic acquisitions, adding over 800 employees and expanding the company's capabilities across the U.S., Europe, and Australia. In 2024, under his operational leadership as president, the company delivered the strongest financial performance of its 114-year history. Prior to Woolpert, Churman held roles at TRC Companies, 7 Mile Advisors, Morrissey Goodale, and Michael Baker International. Churman is a graduate of Carnegie Mellon University's Tepper School of Business, where he earned a Master of Business Administration, and the University of Pittsburgh's Swanson School of Engineering, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in civil and environmental engineering. Churman will continue to work out of the firm's Pittsburgh office. "I am honored to take on this role and am humbled by the responsibility to carry forward our legacy of over 100 years of supporting critical programs for our clients. I'm also committed to strengthening our culture and ensuring we create a great place to work for all our global employees," Churman said. "Woolpert has built a culture anchored by support, innovation, and a commitment to high performance, and we will remain on that continued path to success. I am proud to be a part of our fantastic global team, to continue the path forged by such an outstanding leader like Scott Cattran, and to lead us into the next chapter of this great company." Cattran started at Woolpert in 1999 and steadily moved up through the company. When Cattran was named CEO, the company had just over 600 U.S. staff members, recorded annual revenue of $97 million, and was listed as 135th on Engineering News-Record's Top 500 Design Firms, a key industry metric. Entering 2025, Woolpert has more than 2,700 staff across five continents, an annual revenue of more than $650 million, and is ranked 47th by ENR. Cattran also led Woolpert's successful private equity partnerships, including its current relationship with BDT&MSD Partners, and expanded the company shareholder program, adding over 500 new owners to ensure more staff members benefited from the company's success. "When I stepped into the CEO role about a decade ago, we developed a vision to not only be the leading architecture, engineering, and geospatial company in our industry, but one of the best companies in the world. Due to the hard work of all Woolpert employees, we are on an unprecedented trajectory in our 100-year+ history to achieve that very vision," Cattran said. "Neil's background of effectively integrating industry-leading acquisitions, leading operations and organic growth, and his commitment to building a world-class culture make him the absolute right leader to continue championing this vision. As I take on my new role as executive chairman, I look forward to supporting Neil and the entire global Woolpack continue forward with this ambitious pursuit." About WoolpertWoolpert is the premier architecture, engineering, and geospatial (AEG) firm, with a vision to become one of the best companies in the world. We innovate within and across markets to effectively serve public, private, and government clients worldwide. Woolpert is a Top 50 ENR Global Design firm, has earned eight Great Place to Work certifications, and actively nurtures a culture of growth, inclusion, diversity, and respect. Founded in 1911 in Dayton, Ohio, Woolpert has been America's fastest-growing AEG firm since 2015. Woolpert has over 2,700 employees and more than 60 offices on five continents. For more, visit woolpert.com. Media ContactLynn Rossi312-837-2017lynn.rossi@woolpert.com
