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Fosun International Enters into Strategic Cooperation Agreement with Natixis CIB

HONG KONG, Jan. 17, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — On 16 January 2025, Fosun International Limited (“Fosun International”, HKEX stock code: 00656) and Natixis Corporate & Investment Banking (“Natixis CIB”) entered into a strategic cooperation agreement (“Agreement”), committing to collaborate closely in support of Fosun International and its subsidiaries’ (collectively as “Fosun”) future development strategies.

Under the witness of Wang Qunbin, Executive Director and Co-Chairman of Fosun International, Gong Ping, Executive Director and CFO of Fosun International, Bruno Le Saint, CEO of Natixis CIB, Asia Pacific, and Aurélien Lasjunies, Head of Coverage of Natixis CIB, Asia Pacific; Zhang Houlin, Senior Vice President and Co-CFO of Fosun International, and Liu Hong, Senior Country Manager, Greater China, Natixis CIB, signed a strategic cooperation agreement at the Bund Finance Center (BFC), marking further cooperation between Fosun and Natixis CIB.

Under the strategic cooperation agreement, Natixis CIB will fully leverage its strengths in specialized fields, its operations in Europe and the Americas, and its expertise in boutique investment banking mergers and acquisitions (M&A). With its high credit ratings and long-term stable funding sources, Natixis CIB will provide Fosun with the best consulting and financial services in areas such as financing, transaction structuring, and risk hedging.

Regarding the cooperation, Wang Qunbin remarked, “We are very pleased to continue strengthening our long-term strategic cooperation with Natixis CIB. Our cooperation began in 2010 and was further enhanced in 2014 when Natixis CIB provided financing for several of our operations in Europe. After more than 30 years of development, Fosun has established a global business presence while maintaining good relationships with financial institutions, with sufficient funds and stable operations. This cooperation enables Fosun to leverage Natixis CIB’s network and resources to continuously support the healthy development of Fosun and its industrial groups worldwide, and enhance our globalization and innovation capabilities.”

Bruno Le Saint stated, “With the signing of this new strategic cooperation agreement, we acknowledge two things: firstly, that our previous partnership signed in 2018 has been very successful and secondly that we are willing to do even more together going forward. With this new partnership, we will fully leverage our international expertise in specialized fields to provide Fosun with high-quality financial services in advisory, financing, transaction structuring, and risk hedging. We have enjoyed a long-standing partnership with Fosun since 2010, further strengthened in 2014, and we look forward to continuing this trajectory, with future collaborations based on strategic alignment, complementary advantages, and mutual support.”

Rooted in China, Fosun has been developing globally and has long adhered to the two core growth drivers of “globalization” and “innovation”. Currently, Fosun has established a business presence in more than 35 countries and regions worldwide. Natixis CIB, a subsidiary of Groupe BPCE, one of the largest banking groups in France, operates as a multinational bank specializing in corporate and investment banking, asset management, insurance and financial services. Through this Agreement, Fosun International and Natixis CIB are committed to strengthening their cooperation. Based on strategic alignment, complementary strengths, and mutual support, the two parties will engage in comprehensive collaboration in the future.

Yeahka’s Local Life Open Platform Achieves 894% YoY GMV Growth

SHENZHEN, China, Jan. 16, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Starting January 13, RedNote topped the App Store’s free download chart. As a lifestyle platform for young people, RedNote has rapidly expanded in the local life sector recently, creating new opportunities for upstream and downstream industries and further opening up market space.

Take Yeahka (9923.HK) as an example. Yeahka’s local life business continues to expand. Among them, Yeahka’s in-store open platform achieved steady GMV growth in 2024, with a month-on-month average growth rate of around 20%, and a year-on-year GMV growth of 894%. Another local life brand under Yeahka has become an official service provider for RedNote, helping merchants enhance their brand power and effectively drive traffic by precisely matching influencers, leveraging trending topics for exposure, and creating high-quality content.

Local life service providers are very optimistic about RedNote’s future in the local life sector and are rushing to enter the platform. RedNote, with its diverse and high-quality recommending content and a sincere sharing community atmosphere, has become an important platform that influences consumer decision-making. Yeahka has recognized RedNote’s commercialization potential and established a dedicated team for the platform’s “mindset” marketing last year.

Currently, Yeahka’s collaborating merchants on RedNote cover various sectors, including catering, leisure, entertainment, and health. In August 2024, Yeahka’s local life business promoted the opening of a new store of a snack brand Jianbingdao in Wuhan, using strategies such as trending topics, campaigns at tourist attractions, which resulted in over 1.5 million exposures and nearly 7,000 user interactions, increasing the store’s popularity. In another collaboration with the National Classics Museum, Yeahka helped drive traffic for its new exhibition. Through high-quality exploration posts, the platform users spontaneously posted commenting notes, leading to more than 120 related posts about the exhibition’s theme on RedNotes.

It is worth noting that Yeahka’s local life business is also actively expanding its global layout. Currently, RedNote marketing projects have been launched in Hong Kong (China), Singapore, and Japan, with cooperative clients including Art & Taste Taiwanese restaurant, W. K. Fine Dining Hong Kong-style tea restaurant, Golden Aroy Thai Restaurant, Lok Chui Yuen Seafood Restaurant, Eyeshome optical, Mr. Korea BBQ, Mashi No Mashi, and others. For example, through RedNote’s real exploration posts, Golden Aroy achieved over 100,000 exposures and more than 2,000 interactions without paid traffic, boosting the brand’s long-term customer goodwill and increasing foot traffic to the store.

Multiple platforms are flourishing in local life. Yeahka recognized this trend early on and developed a multi-platform and diversified strategy based on market demand. According to its financial report, in addition to RedNote, Yeahka’s in-store e-commerce business (i.e., local life business) has already covered multiple platforms such as Douyin, Kuaishou, WeChat Channels, and Meituan. The standardized middle platform tools developed by Yeahka can help merchants accurately target their consumer groups, provide various content services such as images, live streams, and short videos, tailored to different platform attributes and consumer groups, helping merchants attract and retain customers.

In the future, Yeahka will adopt more refined industry operation strategies for vertical merchants, refine middle platform operations, and integrate its payment and merchant solution capabilities, further enhancing its comprehensive digital marketing capabilities for merchants.

Innovent and ASK Pharm Jointly Announce NMPA Approval of Limertinib, a Third-generation EGFR TKI for the Treatment of Lung Cancer

SAN FRANCISCO and SUZHOU, China, Jan. 17, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Innovent Biologics, Inc. (“Innovent”) (HKEX: 01801), a world-class biopharmaceutical company that develops, manufactures and commercializes high-quality medicines for the treatment of oncologic, autoimmune, cardiovascular and metabolic, ophthalmologic and other major diseases, and Jiangsu Aosaikang Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd. (ASK Pharm, 002755.SZ), jointly announce that China’s National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) has approved the New Drug Application (NDA) of limertinib for the treatment of adult patients with locally advanced or metastatic EGFR T790M-mutated non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Limertinib is the 14th product in Innovent’s commercial portfolio and represents a cutting-edge addition to its strong TKI franchise, offering an innovative precision therapy option to lung cancer patients.

A Phase 2b pivotal study evaluating 301 patients with locally advanced or metastatic EGFR T790M-mutated NSCLC demonstrated limertinib’s robust efficacy and safety profile. Independent review committee(IRC) assessment showed an overall response rate (ORR) of 68.8% and a disease control rate (DCR) of 92.4%. The median progression-free survival (PFS) reached 11.0 months, with a median duration of response (DoR) of 11.1 months. For patients with assessable central nervous system (CNS) lesions (N=99), the CNS best-ORR was 65.9% with a median PFS of 10.6 months. The safety profile aligned with other EGFR-targeting agents in its class.

Additionally, limertinib met its primary endpoint in a Phase 3 clinical trial comparing it to gefitinib for first-line treatment of locally advanced or metastatic NSCLC harboring EGFR mutations. A separate NDA for the first-line treatment in adult patients with locally advanced or metastatic NSCLC carrying EGFR exon 19 deletions or exon 21 L858R mutations is currently under NMPA review.

“Limertinib has demonstrated significant efficacy and safety in NSCLC patients with EGFR T790M mutation and EGFR-sensitive mutations. Patients treated with limertinib showed a reduced risk of CNS progression or death. This approval brings new hope and options to patients with advanced EGFR-mutated NSCLC in China,” said Professor Shi Yuankai, MD, Department of Medical Oncology at Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Principal Investigator of the Phase 2b and Phase 3 clinical studies.

Dr. Hui Zhou, Senior Vice President of Innovent, stated:”The approval of limertinib’s first indication marks a significant milestone, providing new treatment options for T790 mutation-positive lung cancer patients who have progressed after previous EGFR-TKI treatments. We anticipate the first-line treatment indication will benefit even more patients in the near future. As our 14th commercial product, limertinib represents an important advancement in precision medicine for lung cancer. We look forward to working with ASK Pharm to bring limertinib to market and benefit Chinese patients with EGFR-mutated NSCLC.”

Mr. Jingfei Ma, CEO and Executive Director of ASK Pharm, stated: “Beyond the approval for EGFR T790M+ NSCLC, limertinib is also under regulatory review for first-line treatment of EGFR 19DEL+ or L858R+ NSCLC in China. ASKC202, a new highly selective c-Met inhibitor, is currently undergoing clinical study in combination with limertinib to treat patients with third-generation EGFR-TKI resistance. Together with Innovent, we look forward to limertinib benefiting more Chinese lung cancer patients in the near future. The first approval of limertinib, a Class I innovative product, represents significant progress in the company’s transformation toward innovative drug research and development. ”

About EGFR mutation-positive non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC)

Lung cancer remains one of the deadliest and most common cancers globally[i], with NSCLC accounting for about 85% of cases. Around 70% of NSCLC patients are diagnosed at locally advanced or metastatic disease stages that cannot be surgically resected. EGFR mutations are particularly prevalent in Asian NSCLC patients, affecting 30% to 50% of cases. EGFR-TKIs are the recommended first-line standard of care for this group, with third-generation EGFR inhibitors offering the broadest applicability.

About Limertinib

Limertinib is an orally-administrated, third-generation EGFR TKI with proprietary rights, approved by the China’s NMPA for the treatment of adult patients with locally advanced or metastatic EGFR T790M-mutated non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). A second NDA is under NMPA review for first-line treatment of adult patients with locally advanced or metastatic NSCLC carrying EGFR exon 19 deletions or exon 21 L858R mutations.

The drug demonstrated success in a multi-center, randomized, double-blind, controlled Phase 3 clinical trial comparing its efficacy and safety of to gefitinib in first-line treatment of patients with locally advanced or metastatic NSCLC harboring EGFR mutations. With the primary endpoint met, results will be presented at upcoming academic conferences or published in academic journals.

In October 2024, Innovent and ASK Pharm entered into a strategic collaboration and license agreement for limertinib in Mainland China.

About Innovent

Innovent is a leading biopharmaceutical company founded in 2011 with the mission to empower patients worldwide with affordable, high-quality biopharmaceuticals. The company discovers, develops, manufactures and commercializes innovative medicines that target some of the most intractable diseases. Its pioneering therapies treat cancer, cardiovascular and metabolic, autoimmune and eye diseases. Innovent has launched 14 products in the market. It has 3 new drug applications (NDA) under regulatory review, 3 assets in Phase III or pivotal clinical trials and 17 more molecules in early clinical stage. Innovent partners with over 30 global healthcare companies, including Eli Lilly, Sanofi, Incyte, Adimab, LG Chem and MD Anderson Cancer Center.

Guided by the motto, “Start with Integrity, Succeed through Action,” Innovent maintains the highest standard of industry practices and works collaboratively to advance the biopharmaceutical industry so that first-rate pharmaceutical drugs can become widely accessible. For more information, visit www.innoventbio.com, or follow Innovent on Facebook and LinkedIn.

About Jiangsu Aosaikang Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd. (ASK Pharm)

Founded in January 2003, Jiangsu Aosaikang Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd. (ASK Pharm) is a research-based pharmaceutical enterprise that integrates and streamlines innovative research and development with manufacture, marketing promotion and sales of proprietary pharmaceuticals, fine chemicals and health-care products. ASK Pharm specializes in digestive disease, multidrug resistant infection, oncology and chronic disease areas.

ASK Pharm focuses on the R&D of small-molecule targeted innovative drugs and immuno-oncology biologic drugs. Currently, there are 48 major research projects, including 11 disclosed key projects focused on innovative chemical and biologic drugs. Among these, the innovative anti-tumor drug Limertinib are in the NDA stage, while ASKC109 (maltol iron capsules) and ASKB589 (Claudin18.2 monoclonal antibody) are in Phase III clinical trials. ASK Pharm has Ranked among the top 20 best industrial enterprises in China’s pharmaceutical R&D pipeline for 14 consecutive years and it has also received numerous honors such as “Top Ten National R&D Innovators”, “Best National Enterprise for Investment”, and “National Torch Program High-Tech Enterprises”.

For more information, visit www.ask-pharm.com.

Innovent’s Forward-Looking Statements

This news release may contain certain forward-looking statements that are, by their nature, subject to significant risks and uncertainties. The words “anticipate”, “believe”, “estimate”, “expect”, “intend” and similar expressions, as they relate to Innovent, are intended to identify certain of such forward-looking statements. Innovent does not intend to update these forward-looking statements regularly.

These forward-looking statements are based on the existing beliefs, assumptions, expectations, estimates, projections and understandings of the management of Innovent with respect to future events at the time these statements are made. These statements are not a guarantee of future developments and are subject to risks, uncertainties and other factors, some of which are beyond Innovent’s control and are difficult to predict. Consequently, actual results may differ materially from information contained in the forward-looking statements as a result of future changes or developments in our business, Innovent’s competitive environment and political, economic, legal and social conditions.

Reference

[i] Bray F, et al. Global cancer statistics 2022. CA Cancer J Clin. 2024 May-Jun;74(3):229-263. doi: 10.3322/caac.21834. Epub 2024 Apr 4. PMID: 38572751.

IHG Hotels & Resorts marks 50 years since entering Greater China and celebrates over 800 open hotels in the region

SHANGHAI, Jan. 17, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — IHG Hotels & Resorts (IHG) marks an extraordinary milestone with its 50th anniversary in Greater China. From opening its first property in 1975 to operating 800 hotels today, IHG has played a pivotal role in driving industry growth, enhancing guest experiences, and supporting the region’s economic development. Looking to the future, IHG reaffirms its unwavering commitment to Greater China by leveraging global expertise and local insights to create enriching and rewarding experiences.

The IHG executive committee unveil the milestone of IHG's 50th anniversary in Greater China
The IHG executive committee unveil the milestone of IHG’s 50th anniversary in Greater China

Elie Maalouf, CEO of IHG Hotels & Resorts, stated: “I am proud to be celebrating this milestone for IHG. For 50 years, Greater China’s dynamic energy and immense potential has been instrumental in our success. Staying true to our purpose of ‘True Hospitality for Good’, we have seen incredible growth, expanding our presence and building a diverse portfolio of brands ranging from luxury and lifestyle to premium and essential stays. Partnering with regional stakeholders, we have delivered iconic hotels across the region. IHG is poised for an even brighter future in Greater China with the ongoing optimization of policies supporting foreign enterprises. We look forward to working with our guests and owners to deliver another 50 years of excellence and innovation in the hospitality industry.”

Pioneering the Future with Greater China

To commemorate this golden jubilee, IHG has embraced creative and diverse initiatives that highlight its rich heritage and leadership in the hospitality industry. From branding a high-speed train to showcasing it on iconic skyscraper facades in major cities with dynamic light displays, as well as strategic print placements with leading media outlets, IHG has innovatively engaged with consumers across Greater China. These campaigns not only strengthened the connection between IHG and its guests but also brought its diverse brand portfolio and service excellence closer to travelers, delivering unmatched experiences under the theme “Guest How You Guest.”

IHG celebrate the milestone of 50th anniversary in Greater China
IHG celebrate the milestone of 50th anniversary in Greater China

Reflecting on half a century of progress, IHG has consistently aligned its growth with Greater China’s economic evolution. From spearheading market innovations such as expanding social media and e-commerce channels, to creating iconic hotels like Regent Shanghai on the Bund, IHG’s ability to combine a global perspective with local expertise has continually advanced the hospitality industry in the region. This 50th anniversary celebrates past accomplishments and sets the stage for a new chapter of collaboration and innovation in Greater China.

Milestones of IHG in Greater China:

  • 1975: Opened its first hotel in Hong Kong, marking the beginning of a remarkable journey in Greater China.
  • 1991: Launched the Crowne Plaza Hotels & Resorts brand with the opening of Crowne Plaza Shanghai, catering to business travelers and conference needs.
  • 2000: Launched the InterContinental Hotels & Resorts brand, creating landmark luxury hotels and supporting the industry’s internationalization.
  • 2004: Opened the first Holiday Inn Express hotel in Greater China, offering efficient service and becoming a growth engine in the market.
  • 2008: Played a key role in accommodating global guests during the Beijing Olympics, with its 100th hotel opening in Greater China the same year.
  • 2011: Established Greater China as an independent business unit, reflecting its strategic importance.
  • 2012: Debuted the HUALUXE Hotels & Resorts brand, showing the art of Chinese hospitality.
  • 2016: Launched the “Franchise Plus” model to drive growth in emerging markets.
  • 2018: Participated in the first CIIE and introduced a WeChat Mini Program to enhance digital guest experiences.
  • 2021: Initiated the “Journey to Tomorrow” program, reinforcing its commitment to sustainability. In the same year, its combined open and pipeline hotel count in Greater China exceeded 1,000.
  • 2022: Revamped the IHG One Rewards program and accelerated growth with a record pace of hotel openings.
  • 2025: Celebrates 50 years in Greater China with 800 open hotels, a testament to its shared success with the region.

Celebrating ‘The IHG Greater China 800 Club’ Milestone

In 2025, IHG has reached a significant milestone in Greater China with 800 open hotels, underscoring its brand strength, localized strategy, and sustainable growth. By leveraging market insights and its diversified brand portfolio, IHG meets the diverse needs of guests and owners, achieving comprehensive coverage across luxury, premium, and essential segments.

To celebrate this achievement, IHG proudly unveiled the “The IHG Greater China 800 Club”, highlighting its recently opened flagship hotels in key destinations. These properties represent some of the most notable new openings in Greater China, chosen for their strategic locations, unique designs, and exceptional facilities that resonate with the preferences of local travelers.

The IHG Greater China 800 Club
The IHG Greater China 800 Club

The hotels in the “The IHG Greater China 800 Club” include:

  • Luxury & Lifestyle: InterContinental Taichung; Shanghai Snow World Hotel, Vignette Collection; Hotel Indigo Ningbo Riverside
  • Premium: HUALUXE Chongqing Science Hall; Crowne Plaza Jingmen; voco Zhengzhou Garden Expo
  • Essentials: Holiday Inn Chongqing Science Hall; Holiday Inn Express Shenzhen Guangming

Daniel Aylmer, CEO of IHG Greater China, said: “As we celebrate 50 remarkable years in Greater China, reaching the milestone of 800 open hotels is a testament to our strong partnerships and deep understanding of this dynamic market. The launch of the ‘The IHG Greater China 800 Club ‘ reflects our commitment to setting new benchmarks in hospitality—whether it’s the luxury of InterContinental Taichung, the distinct character of Vignette Collection Shanghai Snow World, or the convenience of Holiday Inn Express Shenzhen Guangming. These properties showcase how our brands resonate with diverse traveller needs while reflecting local culture and innovation.

Looking ahead, we will continue to expand into emerging cities, elevate digital guest experiences, and champion sustainable growth through initiatives like ‘Journey to Tomorrow.’ Our strategic focus on innovation and localization ensures that we remain a trusted partner to our owners and a preferred choice for guests. Together, we are shaping the future of hospitality in Greater China and building a legacy of shared success.”

Today, IHG boasts 13 brands and over 1,300 openings and pipelines in Greater China. This achievement reflects its five decades of dedication and innovation, resonating with the region’s aspirations. With its legacy of excellence and vision for the future, IHG is poised to embark on a new chapter alongside Greater China’s dynamic market.

END

For high-res images, please visit: 
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1zDKHe1tmaEGsnWh_ZGnOe3I2M1L_ZHoI?usp=drive_link

IHG Hotels & Resorts [LON:IHG, NYSE:IHG (ADRs)] is a global hospitality company, with a purpose to provide True Hospitality for Good.

With a family of 19 hotel brands and IHG One Rewards, one of the world’s largest hotel loyalty programmes, IHG has more than 6,500 open hotels in over 100 countries, and a development pipeline of over 2,200 properties.

InterContinental Hotels Group PLC is the Group’s holding company and is incorporated and registered in England and Wales. Approximately 375,000 people work across IHG’s hotels and corporate offices globally.

Visit us online for more about our hotels and reservations and IHG One Rewards. To download the new IHG One Rewards app, visit the Apple App or Google Play stores.

For our latest news, visit our Newsroom and follow us on LinkedIn.

 

State Grid Kashgar Power Supply Company has successfully implemented the “one-click smooth control” technology for the first time, achieving rapid load transfer

KASHGAR, China, Jan. 16, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — On January 14th, a significant breakthrough was made in the operation mode of the distribution network. The company introduced the “one-click smooth control” function to facilitate rapid load transfer. Through batch control remote operations, the distribution controller Rehem opened the 1019 kV Card Line 1011L001 connecting circuit breaker with the 10 kV Recumbent Line 1011L001 and closed the 10 kV Recumbent Line 1011095 pole FD002 circuit breaker. The entire process was completed in just 11 seconds.

This successful operation signifies the official entry of the Kashgar distribution network into an era of “second-level automatic operation.” Compared to traditional methods, where operators and supervisors had to repeatedly issue commands and confirmations, leading to time-consuming and labor-intensive processes, the new technology streamlines operations significantly. By applying “one-click control,” complex manual tasks have been transformed into automated digital procedures executed by the control host. Operators now only need to operate computers to remotely control relevant equipment.

The implementation of “one-click control” not only enhances operational efficiency and reduces outage times but also minimizes personal risks and addresses various practical challenges. Moving forward, State Grid Kashgar Power Supply Company will continue to refine its practices and promote the widespread adoption of “one-click control” to further advance the automation level of power distribution.

Fiji Airways Unveils Huge Sale to Fiji, Australia, New Zealand and Beyond!

NADI, Fiji, Jan. 17, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Fiji Airways, Fiji’s national airline, has launched incredible flight deals for Canadian travelers looking to escape the winter chills for tropical thrills.

Until February 7, 2025, Fiji Airways is offering significant savings on round-trip airfares to some of the world’s most sought-after destinations, including the pristine beaches of Fiji, the Great Barrier Reef in Cairns, the iconic landmarks of Sydney, the vibrant streets of Auckland and beyond.

Available on select travel dates, travelers can Fly from Vancouver, Canada to:

  • Fiji (Nadi) from just CAD $999, on a Roundtrip VALUE fare
  • Australia from CAD $1339, on a Roundtrip VALUE fare
  • New Zealand from CAD $1339, on a Roundtrip VALUE fare
  • Tonga & Western Samoa from CAD $1599, on a Return VALUE fare

All economy value fares include one checked bag of up to 30kg, a carry-on bag of up to 7kg, complimentary meals, beverages, and in-flight entertainment, with additional fare options available for those seeking added perks and convenience.

The sale ends February 7, 2025 and is valid for select travel dates across 2025, with limited seats available. Terms and conditions apply.

Travelers can book now on fijiairways.com or through a local travel agent to experience Fiji Airways’ award-winning hospitality.

This time of year is the perfect opportunity to take advantage of discounted airfares and plan your travel adventures for the year ahead. We’re excited to offer these incredible deals, making it easier than ever for Canadians to discover the warmth and beauty of Fiji or explore vibrant destinations like Australia and New Zealand” said Fiji Airways CEO and Managing Director Andre Viljoen.

Fiji Airways connects directly to 26 international destinations from its hub in Nadi, Fiji and offers seamless one-stop connections for Canadians to popular cities including but not limited to:

  • Australia: Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide, Canberra and Cairns from 10th April 2025
  • New Zealand: Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch
  • The South Pacific: Tonga, Western Samoa

About Fiji Airways:

Fiji Airways has been named SKYTRAX Best Airline in Australia and the Pacific 2024 for two consecutive years and is ranked 14th in SKYTRAX Global Top 100 Airlines.  The airline was also awarded Best Airline Staff, Best Cabin Crew, Best Economy Class and Best Business Class Onboard Catering in Australia and the Pacific at the 2024 SKYTRAX awards. Fiji Airways has also received the esteemed Five Star Major Airline Award at the 2024 APEX Official Airline Ratings™, an award the airline has been recognised with for three consecutive years.

Founded in 1951, the Fiji Airways airline group comprises Fiji Airways, Fiji’s international airline, and its wholly-owned domestic and regional subsidiary, Fiji Link. From its hubs at Nadi and Suva International Airports, Fiji Airways and Fiji Link serve 108 destinations in over 15 countries (including code-share). Destinations include Fiji, Australia, New Zealand, the US, Canada, the UK, Hong Kong (SAR China), Singapore, India, Japan, China, Samoa, Tonga, Tuvalu, Kiribati, Vanuatu, Solomon Islands and New Caledonia. The Fiji Airways Group brings in 70 percent of all visitors who fly to Fiji, employs over 2000 employees, and earns revenues of over FJD$1.7 billion (USD $770m) in 2023. Fiji Airways rebranded from Air Pacific in June 2013. Visit www.fijiairways.com for more information.

Kia India Begins Production of Syros SUV

  • Kia Syros SUV records 10,258 pre-orders, continuing impressive momentum following world premiere in December 2024
  • New family-focused SUV specifically designed for customers in India
  • Groundbreaking design, cutting-edge technology, advanced safety, sophisticated materials and exceptional space transform SUV sector
  • Kia Syros sales will begin on February 1; customer deliveries to follow shortly after

ANANTAPUR, India, Jan. 17, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Kia India has commenced mass production of the Kia Syros, a versatile SUV specifically designed to meet the needs of customers in India. Officially unveiled in December 2024, the Syros SUV sets new standards in design, technology, and space.

Kia India Begins Production of Syros SUV
Kia India Begins Production of Syros SUV

Kia held a milestone ceremony at its plant in Anantapur, Andhra Pradesh, India, to mark the beginning of Syros production, continuing the significant momentum built by the vehicle’s world premiere in December 2024. The event was attended by senior Kia executives and employees, including Ho Sung Song, President and CEO of Kia Corporation, and Gwanggu Lee, Managing Director of Kia India.

The Kia Syros recorded 10,258 pre-sales, signaling the significant market potential for the Syros in India.

The five-seat Syros SUV has been designed and engineered following in-depth analysis of local market trends to ensure that it precisely meets the needs of Indian consumers.

“We’re delighted with the interest our customers in India have already shown in the new Kia Syros SUV,” said Ho Sung Song, President and CEO of Kia. “This is a positive sign ahead of the Syros’s market introduction in India and a testament to Kia’s customer-centric focus, delivering vehicles that provide value to our customers through the innovative features and services on offer.”

The advanced design, practicality and connectivity features offered on the Syros have been key drivers in the initial market interest Kia has already received.

Kia’s ‘Opposites United’ design philosophy effortlessly blends bold lines with functional versatility to create a unique, family-focused SUV with a striking, futuristic and sophisticated aesthetic.

Inside, the Syros’s functionality and elegant design maximize interior space. The Syros also introduces innovative technology to set new standards in its class, meeting the demands of Indian consumers who are increasingly seeking the latest trends, features and sophisticated materials.

The model introduces first-in-segment rear sliding, reclining and ventilated seats, as well as cutting-edge connectivity with more than 80 connected features. The Syros also offers a dual-pane panoramic sunroof, a Harman Kardon Premium 8 Speaker Sound System, and first-in-segment Over-the-Air (OTA) software update capability.

Safety is further enhanced through Level 2 Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) with 16 autonomous safety features, including Forward Collision Avoidance Assist, Lane Keep Assist, a 360 Degree Camera with Blind View Monitor and Smart Cruise Control with Stop & Go. This is complemented by a comprehensive suite of 20 standard hi-safety features, such as Electronic Stability Control, Hill Start Assist control, six airbags, Vehicle Stability Management, and Electric Parking Brake with Auto Hold, ensuring maximum protection for both driver and passengers.

Kia Syros sales will officially begin in India from February 1, with first customer deliveries to follow shortly after. Kia plans to expand the Syros’s availability to markets in the Asia-Pacific, Latin America, and Middle East regions.

This new SUV is the latest locally tailored step in Kia’s global commitment to provide its customers with sustainable mobility solutions that offer industry-leading technology and services.

For more information on the new Kia Syros, including powertrain, design and further product features, click here for the full World Premiere press release.

About Kia India
In April 2017, Kia India signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the State Government of Andhra Pradesh, India, to build a new manufacturing facility at Anantapur District. Kia commenced mass production in August 2019 and has an installed annual production capacity of 300,000 units. In April 2021, Kia India reimagined itself in line with its new brand identity, “Movement that Inspires” aimed at offering customers meaningful experiences backed by innovative products and services. Under the new brand identity, Kia has set out to find ways to achieve new benchmarks and inspire consumers to be more and do more. Till date, Kia India has launched five vehicles for the Indian market – the Seltos, the Carnival, the Sonet, the Carens, and the EV6. Kia India has completed almost 1.6 million vehicle dispatches from its Anantapur plant, including over 1.2 million domestic sales and over 3.67 lakh exports. With more than 4.5 lakh connected cars on Indian roads, it is among the connected Car leaders in the country. The brand has a widespread network of 700 touchpoints across 300 cities and is focused on strengthening its footprints across the country.

Visit – Kia Showroom 

Kia Corporation – about us
Kia (www.kia.com) is a global mobility brand with a vision to create sustainable mobility solutions for consumers, communities, and societies around the world. Since 1944 Kia has been providing mobility solutions. With 52,000 employees worldwide, a presence in more than 190 markets, and manufacturing facilities in six countries, the company today sells around three million vehicles a year. Kia is spearheading the popularization of electrified and battery electric vehicles and developing a growing range of mobility services, encouraging millions of people around the world to explore the best ways of getting around. The company’s brand slogan – ‘Movement that inspires’ – reflects Kia’s commitment to inspire consumers through its products and services.

For more information, visit the Kia Global Media Center at www.kianewscenter.com

 

LOTTE BIOLOGICS to Present at the 2025 J.P. Morgan Healthcare Conference

  • New CEO James Park Delivers First Presentation at J.P. Morgan Healthcare Conference on “Advancing as a Global CDMO Leader”
  • Unveiling of Next-Generation ADC Platform ‘SoluFlex Link’: Enabling High-Potency, High-Yield ADC Development and Manufacturing
  • Incheon Songdo Bio Campus Plant 1 Under Construction, Targeting Commercial Production by 2027

SEOUL, South Korea, Jan. 17, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — LOTTE BIOLOGICS (CEO James Park) announced on January 16 that it had presented at the “Asia-Pacific (APAC)” track of the J.P. Morgan Healthcare Conference (JPMHC).

The 2025 J.P. Morgan Healthcare Conference, now in its 43rd year, is the largest event in the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries. Held in San Francisco, it runs from January 13 to 16 and brings together global pharmaceutical companies, biotech ventures, and healthcare investment professionals to discuss research and development (R&D), investment opportunities, and partnerships.

In his presentation, CEO James Park highlighted the successful transformation of the Syracuse Bio Campus in New York into a CDMO facility and outlined the vision for the Songdo Bio Campus. Notably, he unveiled the company’s innovative proprietary ADC platform, SoluFlex Link, and announced plans to collaborate with drug product partners in North America to provide a comprehensive one-stop ADC service. Through these initiatives, he expressed LOTTE BIOLOGICS’ ambition to accelerate its growth in the global CDMO market.

SoluFlex Link is a proprietary ADC platform featuring a linker technology jointly developed by LOTTE BIOLOGICS and Kanaph Therapeutics, a biotech venture specializing in drug-conjugation technology.

SoluFlex Link overcomes the major challenge of instability in antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) therapeutics. Its flexible design supports compatibility with a wide range of antibodies and payloads, empowering ADC developers to innovate with diverse applications. Additionally, the platform is engineered to boost both production efficiency and therapeutic performance, positioning it as an ideal solution for next-generation ADC development and manufacturing.

Meanwhile, LOTTE BIOLOGICS’ Syracuse Bio Campus received a flawless quality evaluation last year, with no findings reported during inspections by Japan’s Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices Agency (PMDA) and a routine audit by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). CEO Park emphasized, “Even after the acquisition of the facility, we have maintained a high-quality production system, demonstrating our capabilities as a global CDMO company.”

He explained that this served as an opportunity to demonstrate that LOTTE BIOLOGICS has established a global quality management system capable of producing high-quality biopharmaceuticals in compliance with international standards.

In addition, construction of Plant 1 at the Songdo Bio Campus began in March last year, with a total investment of $1 billion. The facility is currently under active development, aiming to commence full-scale commercial production by 2027.

CEO Park stated, “The Songdo Bio Campus Plant 1, scheduled for completion this year, will be a flexible, large-scale production facility equipped with an optimized operational system. By incorporating automated production processes and advanced manufacturing technologies, and leveraging the geographical advantages of Songdo and New York, we will maximize operational efficiency. We are committed to becoming a global company that not only ensures customer satisfaction but also achieves competitive quality standards.”

Yu-Yeol Shin, Vice President and Head of Global Strategy at LOTTE BIOLOGICS, also attended the J.P. Morgan Conference for the first time since his appointment in late 2023. During the event, he participated in presentation sessions by companies such as Roche, Johnson & Johnson (J&J), and BMS to gain insights into pharmaceutical and biotechnology trends. Additionally, alongside CEO James Park, he actively engaged in business and partnership meetings with global pharmaceutical companies and potential clients, demonstrating a strong commitment to advancing LOTTE Group’s new biopharmaceutical business.

[Appendix: Summary of CEO James Park’s 2025 JPMHC Presentation]

  • Unveiling of the Next-Generation ADC Platform ‘SoluFlex Link’

In this presentation, CEO James Park unveiled LOTTE BIOLOGICS’ innovative ADC platform, SoluFlex Link, for the first time. SoluFlex Link is an ADC platform with the flexibility to be applied to most linkers and payloads used in ADCs, meeting the diverse needs of various clients.

CEO Park explained, “SoluFlex Link enhances the hydrophilicity of ADCs, demonstrating improved efficacy in terms of in vivo performance, stability, productivity, and pharmacokinetics. This makes it an effective and accelerated drug development solution for next-generation ADC development and manufacturing.”

He added, “A key advantage is that the Syracuse Bio Campus in New York can meet a wide range of client needs, from clinical development-scale production to large-scale commercial manufacturing.”

  • Establishing ADC End-to-End Service Partnerships

Additionally, it was emphasized that with the operation of the ADC conjugation facility in Syracuse, the launch of the SoluFlex Link platform, and partnerships for ADC drug product (DP) manufacturing, the company is now capable of providing end-to-end ADC services within North America.

At the Syracuse Bio Campus, antibodies and ADC drug substances (DS) will be produced and supplied to drug product (DP) CDMO partners located on the East and West Coasts of the United States. The collaboration is structured to handle all stages of ADC drug development and production, from process development to manufacturing.

  • Accelerating Construction of the Songdo Bio Campus with Targeted Commercial Production by 2027

LOTTE BIOLOGICS also shared updates on the progress of the large-scale biopharmaceutical production facility under construction at the Songdo Bio Campus. CEO Park stated, “The construction of Plant 1 is progressing smoothly, with the goal of commencing full-scale commercial production in 2027.”

In addition, the “TiterFlex Quad Bioreactor System,” designed to meet the demand for high-titer drug production, is currently undergoing Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT). Alongside this, automation technologies are being implemented to enhance efficiency from raw material handling to production, with a strong focus on optimizing operational efficiency.

James Park, CEO, presenting at 2025 JPMHC
James Park, CEO, presenting at 2025 JPMHC

About LOTTE BIOLOGICS

Headquartered in Seoul, South Korea, LOTTE BIOLOGICS was founded in 2022 with a mission to deliver therapies that contribute to a healthier world.

At the Syracuse Bio Campus in New York, LOTTE BIOLOGICS provides high-quality GMP manufacturing services for drug substances. The facility offers a total production capacity of 40,000L, supported by eight 5,000L stainless steel bioreactors. Additionally, the campus includes extensive analytical QC testing laboratories and warehouse facilities that have received approval from over 62 regulatory agencies worldwide. LOTTE BIOLOGICS is also advancing into a new area of expertise with Antibody-Drug Conjugates (ADCs) conjugation services, expected to be fully operational by early 2025. With over $80 million invested in ADC modalities, including both drug substance and conjugation capabilities on-site, we offer a seamless, end-to-end service from drug substance manufacturing to conjugation.

Looking ahead to 2030, LOTTE BIOLOGICS is constructing three advanced bio plants in Songdo, South Korea. With construction of the first plant already underway and expected to be operational by 2027, each facility will feature eight 15,000L stainless steel bioreactors for large-scale commercial production, along with multiple 2,000L single-use bioreactors to meet clinical production needs. Collectively, these plants will provide a manufacturing volume exceeding 360,000L in bioreactor capacity.

More information about LOTTE BIOLOGICS, please visit: www.lottebiologics.com