Laos is leveraging satellite remote sensing technology to calculate carbon stocks across nine forest areas in the country totaling 170,556 hectares.
FinVolution’s SVP Ming Gu speaks at Asian Financial Forum, highlighting opportunities in CreditTech for Southeast Asia’s underserved
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HONG KONG, Jan. 15, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — FinVolution Group (NYSE: FINV), a leading fintech service provider in the pan-Asian region, reaffirmed its commitment yesterday to advancing financial inclusion through cutting-edge credit technology and strategic partnerships at the Asian Financial Forum 2025 in Hong Kong.
Dr. Ming Gu, Senior Vice President of FinVolution Group, shared his insights on how fintech innovation is transforming access to credit for underserved populations in Southeast Asia.
“Fintech is creating new pathways for underserved populations to access credit and financial support, empowering them to invest in their futures,” he said at a thematic workshop on the future of fintech in Southeast Asia.
Driving financial inclusion through innovation
Gu emphasized FinVolution’s mission to bridge the gap between financial institutions and underserved communities by leveraging advanced credit technology.
The company has built its business around serving young workers and small business owners from grassroots backgrounds, whose financial needs are often overlooked by traditional banks and other financial institutions.
Through user-friendly digital lending platforms and collaborations with local partners, FinVolution has supported over 6 million borrowers and facilitated loans exceeding US$3 billion in its markets outside China as of Q3 2024.
FinVolution’s AI-powered tools enable financial institutions to better assess creditworthiness, particularly for those without traditional credit histories, Gu explained.
Opportunities and challenges in Southeast Asia’s market
Gu highlighted Southeast Asia’s potential as a key growth market for fintech, driven by its young population, e-commerce growth, and credit-driven consumption habits.
“Very few regions in this world can meet all these criteria,” he said, highlighting the underpinnings of Southeast Asia’s ascent as a fintech powerhouse. “Digital lending always goes hand in hand with the growth of e-commerce.”
“The number one factor driving financial inclusion and literacy is GDP per capita,” Gu said. “Fintech and other technologies serve as a tool to facilitate this process, but it is GDP per capita that remains the cornerstone of development.”
For instance, Indonesia’s ambitious Golden Indonesia 2045 Vision aims to accelerate the nation’s economic growth by at least 5% annually over the next two decades.
This initiative reflects the nation’s commitment to fostering financial inclusion and leveraging technology as a catalyst for sustainable progress.
“Indonesia is the place to watch over the next five to 10 years,” Gu added. “We are very bullish on Southeast Asia.”
Symbiotic relationship with regulators and financial partners
Despite these opportunities, challenges such as the lack of credit histories and increasing fraud risks persist, threatening the future of fintech in this region.
FinVolution combats these issues with advanced proprietary risk management systems and fraud prevention technologies.
Gu stressed the collaboration with regulators and financial institutions in creating a robust and inclusive financial ecosystem.
FinVolution itself adheres to stringent regulatory standards, securing necessary licenses and aligning with local laws. This endeavor coincides with steady improvements to Southeast Asia’s regulatory stringency in recent years, which are credited for creating an environment conducive to fintech innovation.
“I believe a symbiotic relationship between regulators and fintechs like us is crucial to Southeast Asia’s rise as a key global fintech hub,” Gu noted.
With over 100 financial institution partners, including digital banks and consumer finance companies, FinVolution provides end-to-end credit tech solutions that streamline processes and expand outreach.
FinVolution Group remains dedicated to driving financial inclusion and innovation in Southeast Asia. With a focus on technology and collaboration, the company aims to empower individuals and communities while fostering a thriving fintech ecosystem in the region.
ZICC: The Incredible Yiwu Market
BEIJING, Jan. 15, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — In Yiwu, David W. Ferguson, honorary chief English editor at Foreign Languages Press and the author of China’s Development in the New Era – the Zhejiang Experience, encountered many incredible things.
“Why is this clearly intelligent and accomplished young lady with a degree in finance and accounting and a Master in Economics selling soft toys from a market stall in Yiwu?” A vendor at Yiwu International Trade Market drew his attention.
This girl, who spent her childhood at the market, went to the UK for study at the age of 16. After completing her master’s degree, she returned to the market. Her family, together with tens of thousands of individual entrepreneurs in Yiwu, has created the world’s largest small commodity market.
Zhejiang International Communication Center (ZICC) and Foreign Languages Press jointly launched the first episode, Decode China: the Incredible Yiwu Market, inviting Ferguson to share the Yiwu story. Stay tuned.
A co-production by Zhejiang International Communication Center and Foreign Languages Press
Shining at CES 2025, TCL Garners Multiple Awards for Display Innovations and Smart Home Solutions
LAS VEGAS, Jan. 15, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — TCL Electronics, a leading consumer electronics brand and the world’s top two TV brand, has been honored with multiple awards at CES 2025, demonstrating its technological excellence in display innovations and smart home solutions. Among the highlights is the TCL 50 PRO NXTPAPER 5G smartphone, which received the prestigious CES 2025 Innovation Award in the Mobile Devices, Accessories & Apps category.
Additionally, TCL also garnered six accolades at the 2024-2025 Global Top Brands Awards Ceremony (GTB), recognized across a broad range of product categories, from TVs and air conditioners to washing machines. The TCL Premium QD-Mini LED TV X11K received the “Mini LED Display Technology Innovation Award” for its unparalleled visual detail, clarity, and depth. The FreshIN Series Air Conditioner was recognized with the “Smart Fresh Air Technology Innovation Award”, while the TCL Super Drum Series Front Load Washing Machine earned the “Clean Technology Innovation Gold Award”. Furthermore, TCL was named among the “2024-2025 CE Brands Top 10” and “2024-2025 Global TV Brands Top 10”, underscoring its leadership and influence in the industry.
Founded by the International Data Group (IDG) in 2006, these awards, organized by Asia Digital Group and Europe Digital Group, and co-hosted by TWICE with support from IDC, are among the most influential recognitions in the consumer electronics sector. Bill Jiang, Vice President of TCL Industries and General Manager of the Global Marketing Center, accepted the awards on behalf of the company.
Other TCL product categories, such as smart locks, RayNeo AR Glasses, and mobile routers, also received multiple “Best of CES 2025” awards from international media.Besides, TCL’s 5G RedCap dongle, the TCL LINKPORT IK511, along with TCL 50 PRO NXTPAPER 5G were honored with the 2025 CES Picks Award in the TechRadar Pro category. On the eve of CES, TCL was awarded the 2025 Circana Consumer Electronics Performance Award for Top Increase in TV market share in North America.
About TCL Electronics
TCL Electronics (1070.HK) is a leading consumer electronics brand and leader in the global television industry. TCL now operates in more than 160 markets around the world. The company specializes in the research, development, and manufacturing of consumer electronics products ranging from TVs, audio, home appliances, mobile devices, smart glasses, commercial displays, and more. Visit the TCL website at https://www.tcl.com.
Yum China to Report Fourth Quarter and Fiscal Year 2024 Financial Results
SHANGHAI, Jan. 15, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Yum China Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: YUMC and HKEX: 9987, “Yum China” or the “Company”) today announced that it will report its unaudited financial results for the fourth quarter and fiscal year ending December 31, 2024, before the U.S. market opens on Thursday, February 6, 2025 (after the trading hours of the Hong Kong Stock Exchange on Thursday, February 6, 2025).
Yum China’s management will hold an earnings conference call at 7:00 a.m. U.S. Eastern Time on Thursday, February 6, 2025 (8:00 p.m. Beijing/Hong Kong Time on Thursday, February 6, 2025).
A live webcast of the call may be accessed at https://edge.media-server.com/mmc/p/v2wgc5an.
To join by phone, please register in advance of the conference through the link provided below. Upon registering, you will be provided with participant dial-in numbers and a unique access PIN.
Pre-registration Link: https://register.vevent.com/register/BI475e24b0874041078f0918c1c1fc901a
A replay of the webcast will be available two hours after the event and will remain accessible until February 5, 2026. Additionally, earnings release accompanying slides will be available at the Company’s Investor Relations website http://ir.yumchina.com.
About Yum China Holdings, Inc.
Yum China is the largest restaurant company in China with a mission to make every life taste beautiful. The Company has approximately 400,000 employees and operates over 15,000 restaurants under six brands across around 2,200 cities in China. KFC and Pizza Hut are the leading brands in the quick-service and casual dining restaurant spaces in China, respectively. In addition, Yum China has also partnered with Lavazza to develop the Lavazza coffee concept in China. Little Sheep and Huang Ji Huang specialize in Chinese cuisine. Taco Bell offers innovative Mexican-inspired food. Yum China has a world-class, digitalized supply chain which includes an extensive network of logistics centers nationwide and an in-house supply chain management system. Its strong digital capabilities and loyalty program enable the Company to reach customers faster and serve them better. Yum China is a Fortune 500 company with the vision to be the world’s most innovative pioneer in the restaurant industry. For more information, please visit http://ir.yumchina.com.
Investor Relations Contact
Tel: +86 21 2407 7556
E-mail: IR@yumchina.com
Media Contact
Tel: +86 21 2407 8288 / +852 2267 5807
E-mail: Media@yumchina.com
MAX to Exhibit at World of Concrete 2025: Introducing Autonomous Mobile Tying Robot, Rebar Tying Unit for Automation
– Exhibiting Automated Equipment That Aims to Solve Issues in Construction Industry, Including Labor Shortage –
TOKYO, Jan. 15, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — MAX CO., LTD. (hereinafter “MAX,” based in Japan), the world’s first company to release a battery-operated rebar tying tool, is pleased to announce that it will exhibit at the “World of Concrete 2025,” one of the world’s largest exhibitions for the concrete construction industry, to be held in Las Vegas from January 21 to 23 (PST). This will be the first time for MAX to exhibit at this event.
During this exhibition, MAX will be introducing an Autonomous Mobile Tying Robot and a Rebar Tying Unit for Automation that are currently under development. In addition, MAX will introduce the CONNECTED TWINTIER (with 4G LTE communication and GPS functions), which is scheduled to be released in North America in the spring of 2025.
Image1: https://cdn.kyodonewsprwire.jp/prwfile/release/M108510/202501082574/_prw_PI1fl_vkKT56xU.jpg
Since the release of the world’s first battery-operated rebar tying tool in 1993, MAX has been working on product improvement and new product development. The TWINTIER, which was released in 2017, is used as an indispensable tool at many construction sites and precast plants in Japan, Europe, and the United States, and its use is spreading gradually. It is used for construction of social infrastructure such as buildings, logistics facilities, roads, and bridges around the world.
In the construction industry nowadays, where the shortage of labor is becoming more serious due to workforce aging, there is a lively movement toward automation and robotization in various fields to improve productivity at construction sites. The Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry of Japan predicts that the robotics industry market, which was worth 2.85 trillion yen in 2020, is expected to nearly double to 5.26 trillion yen by 2025. Considering this background, MAX is promoting research and development while designing and manufacturing in-house to meet the needs of construction sites through automation and robotics, combined with the rebar tying techniques MAX has cultivated and refined over many years using hand tools.
MAX’s exhibition overview
Theme: REVOLUTIONIZE REBAR TYING — Continuing to create new standards for rebar tying —
Logo: https://cdn.kyodonewsprwire.jp/prwfile/release/M108510/202501082574/_prw_PI2fl_81nhGXn8.png
The design, characterized by countless overlapping colors and the corporate colors of black and red, represents the layers of technology and culture MAX has cultivated over time. It expresses how MAX harnesses new insights in manufacturing, reflecting them in its growth and transcend to new frontiers and more advanced future products.
Booth images for illustrative purposes only: https://cdn.kyodonewsprwire.jp/prwfile/release/M108510/202501082574/_prw_PI3fl_Z46dyKI6.png
Main exhibits
Image2: https://cdn.kyodonewsprwire.jp/prwfile/release/M108510/202501082574/_prw_PI4fl_z1UtNhx4.png
Autonomous Mobile Tying Robot
In floor rebar tying operations, the robot autonomously generates optimal routes, patrols designated areas, and ties rebar. Equipped with adaptive capabilities, it instantly regenerates a new route when detecting obstacles, ensuring seamless operation. Furthermore, through a centralized system for swarm control, multiple units can work in coordination. Swift and precise tying is achieved with cutting-edge intelligence. By integrating advanced technologies, the Autonomous Mobile Tying Robot creates new value for the future.
Rebar Tying Unit for Automation
The specialized unit, developed by fully utilizing the company’s TWINTIER technology and integrating suitable automation innovations, can be customized to suit various devices, including robotic arms. It automatically detects the tying target area, adjusts to the optimal position, angle, and stroke, and ties rebar with accuracy. Also, it detects rebar misalignment or obstacles and autonomously executes adjustments or avoidance measures. The Rebar Tying Unit for Automation aims to deliver exceptional tying quality and outstanding operational performance.
CONNECTED TWINTIER
With 4G LTE communication and GPS functions integrated into the TWINTIER, it is possible to remotely monitor the location and operational status of tools. Security alerts and real-time tracking can remotely lock tools to prevent unauthorized use when the tools are taken outside designated areas.
Additionally, the visualization of work performance for each tool, combined with troubleshooting and maintenance alerts, maximizes tool efficiency. This drastically enhances productivity and security at job sites.
Future plans and prospects
MAX has a corporate vision of “Making work life easier and more enjoyable worldwide” and aims to “Creating new standard and maximizing life fulfilment” as the value it provides to achieve this. “New standards” are created by listening to the voices of its customers and thoroughly pursuing user-friendly, efficient, and safe products and services. In order to realize this, MAX will continue to create new products and services with its unique technology and ideas, and, while providing high-quality products, will continue to improve and evolve its products by placing importance on the “strict adherence to the principle of three realities” of listening directly to the voices of its customers.
MAX aims to achieve an overseas sales ratio of over 55% by fiscal 2030. The first step in this initiative is to showcase its products at the “World of Concrete.” MAX will listen to the opinions and requests of visitors to the exhibition and reflect them in future product development. MAX will also convey how its rebar tying tools can contribute to solving social issues such as the labor shortage and improving work efficiency at construction sites. Through this event, MAX hopes visitors can witness the company working on achieving its medium-term management plan and creating the future.
About World of Concrete: https://kyodonewsprwire.jp/attach/202501082574-O3-DVQgPQ3e.pdf
Interview inquiries
To conduct interviews, please register to attend the event via the following website and visit MAX’s booth: https://www.worldofconcrete.com/en/press.html
About MAX: https://kyodonewsprwire.jp/attach/202501082574-O2-66Py4pZe.pdf
Official website: https://www.max-ltd.co.jp/en/about/
Notes:
*The information contained in this press release is correct at the time of publication, but please note that this information is subject to change.
*TWINTIER is a registered trademark of MAX CO., LTD.
Yeastar Unveils PBX-inbuilt Hotel Management Module to Transform Hotel Operations
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XIAMEN, China, Jan. 15, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Yeastar, a global leader in Unified Communications (UC) solutions, has launched a groundbreaking Hotel Management module integrated into its P-Series Phone System. Tailored for small and medium-sized hotels, this new feature combines hospitality communications with lightweight property management to streamline hotel daily operations and enhance guest satisfaction.
The Hotel Management Module provides a comprehensive suite of hospitality-centric features with dedicated service panels. With it, hotel staff can efficiently manage room assignments, guest check-ins/outs, housekeeping updates, wake-up calls, room moves, service billing, and more day-to-day operations with just a few clicks in one unified interface. Back-office features such as custom room status, class of service, guest stay history, call accounting, and branded invoice are also included to further optimize workflows.
For small-scale hotels, the PBX-inbuilt hotel management provides a cost-efficient way to simplify day-to-day hotel operations without incurring the high costs of traditional property management systems. Hotel staff can effortlessly handle guest services, room management, and hotel communications in one unified system, eliminating the complexity of juggling multiple platforms. This ease of use reduces training time and improves operational efficiency, ultimately enhancing the guest experience.
“The addition of the Hotel Management module to our P-Series Phone System underscores Yeastar’s commitment to delivering value-added hotel communications solution,” said Arya Zhou, Head of Global Sales at Yeastar. “As hotels seek to enhance their operational efficiency and guest experience, our all-in-one solution offers the tools they need to succeed in a competitive market.”
Key Advantages of Yeastar P-Series Phone System for Hospitality
- Unify all future-proof UC capabilities for scalable business growth, including PBX, call center, live chat, SMS, omnichannel messaging, Linkus UC Clients, and more.
- PBX-inbuilt Hotel Management module for lightweight hotel management
- Support a wide range of PMS integrations including Oracle Hospitality Opera
- Support auto-provisioning 400+ popular hotel phone models in the market
- Effortless deployment & excellent compatibility in different hotel setups
About Yeastar
Yeastar makes digital value easily accessible from ownership and adoption to daily usage and management by transforming how businesses connect and communicate. Yeastar has established itself as a leading provider of UC solutions with a strong ecosystem, a global network of channel partners, and over 450,000 customers worldwide. For more information about Yeastar or to become a Yeastar partner, please visit https://www.yeastar.com/.
Media Contact:
Nicole Liu
+86-592-5503309
marketing@yeastar.com
Lenovo Launches World’s First Camera-under-display Laptop with TCL CSOT’s 4K PureSight Pro OLED Display
LAS VEGAS, Jan. 15, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Lenovo has unveiled a groundbreaking collaboration at CES 2025 with the launch of the Lenovo Yoga Slim 9i (14″ Intel) Laptop, featuring TCL CSOT’s 4K PureSight Pro OLED display. This innovative device features the world’s first Camera-Under-Display Screen in mid-sized display product, powered by TCL CSOT’s cutting-edge flexible OLED screen technology.
The new laptop showcases TCL CSOT’s advanced Camera-under-panel (CUP) technology, achieving an astonishing 98% screen-to-body ratio on its 14-inch display. This technological breakthrough not only delivers a truly immersive viewing experience by seamlessly integrating the camera beneath the screen surface but also empowers content creators with an unprecedented canvas for their work. The borderless design removes traditional constraints, offering content creators and designers a more expansive and inspiring workspace.
The Lenovo Yoga Slim 9i (14″, 10) Laptop’s display sets new standards in professional-grade visual performance. The 4K PureSight Pro OLED screen offers complete coverage of sRGB, P3, and Adobe RGB color gamut, with exceptional color accuracy (Delta E<1). Combined with a 120Hz refresh rate, it delivers stunning visual clarity and smooth motion that caters to both creative professionals and entertainment enthusiasts.
This launch represents TCL CSOT’s first successful implementation of FMM OLED technology in mid-sized displays, making it the world’s first mass-produced mid-sized panel to integrate 4K resolution, 120Hz refresh rate, and CUP technology. This achievement underscores the strong innovation of TCL CSOT in display technology development.
TCL CSOT’s APEX display technology brand continues to push boundaries in visual experience. APEX is built on the brand core of “PACE TO APEX”. It is set to deliver pleasant display experience, reliable vision health, sustainable green and low carbon, and unlimited future imagination for users worldwide. The Lenovo Yoga Slim 9i Laptop embodies these principles with its exceptional visual performance, eye-friendly display, and innovative design.
Looking ahead, TCL CSOT remains committed to driving innovation in display technology through strategic partnerships. By continuing to develop diverse display solutions and breakthrough products with partners like Lenovo, TCL CSOT aims to expand the possibilities of display technology while delivering superior visual experiences to consumers worldwide.
Visit TCL CSOT’s YouTube for more information: https://www.youtube.com/@TCLCSOT
About TCL CSOT
TCL CSOT (TCL China Star Optoelectronics Technology Co., Ltd.), established in 2009, is committed to developing innovative technologies in the display industry. With a “3+2+N” – “3” representing TV commercial display, IT, and MC; “2” representing automotive and professional displays; and “N” signifying the exploration of more application scenarios – TCL CSOT continuously empowers customers’ needs with full-scenario product services. With manufacturing and R&D bases in Shenzhen, Wuhan, Huizhou, Suzhou, Guangzhou, and India, TCL CSOT has established 11 production lines. TCL CSOT’s business encompasses producing display panels from 1 to 115 inches. From LCD to OLED to MLED, TCL CSOT offers solutions across a wide array of applications, including TVs, mobile phones, tablets, laptops, monitors, automotive displays, XR (Extended Reality) devices, wearables, commercial displays, and other fields. The company leads the market in several of these areas and is dedicated to ongoing technological innovation, providing advanced products for customers and building a vibrant display industry ecosystem.