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Yiren Digital’s “Zhiyu Large Model” Gains Regulatory Approval for Commercial Use, Marking New Milestone in AI Innovation

BEIJING, April 11, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Yiren Digital Ltd. (NYSE: YRD) (“Yiren Digital”), an AI-powered platform providing a comprehensive suite of financial and lifestyle services in China, today announced that its proprietary “Zhiyu Large Model” (智语大模型) has received regulatory approval for commercialization through the successful filing under Interim Measures for the Management of Generative Artificial Intelligence Services. This milestone highlights Yiren Digital’s leadership in AI innovation, enabling the commercial deployment of secure and efficient intelligent solutions across diverse business applications.

The Zhiyu Large Model, a versatile foundation model, leverages Yiren Digital’s advanced AI capabilities to deliver a range of solutions, including real-time content processing and analysis, automated contract review, multilingual translation, intelligent Q&A and code generation capabilities. These features have been integrated into the company’s core workflows such as meeting management, legal document review, and tax/financial operations, driving measurable efficiency gains and fostering a smarter digital workplace.

Building on this success, Yiren Digital will actively broaden the model’s applications across diverse business scenarios, with particular focus on enhancing consumer-facing (2C) interactions. The goal is to deliver more natural and human-like engagement through AI-powered interfaces. Future integration with customer service systems will further elevate responsiveness and overall service quality.

Since its inception, Yiren Digital has consistently prioritized technological innovation and has developed a suite of seven proprietary AI systems that form the backbone of its operations, including the DiTing intelligent decision-making system, LingShu intelligent marketing platform, QingNiao smart customer service solution, and ZhuQue intelligent fund routing platform. The ZhuQue platform exemplifies the company’s technological prowess, employing sophisticated algorithms to optimize fund allocation based on dynamic analysis of borrower credit profiles, partner risk parameters, and cost structures. This system alone generated annual cost savings of RMB 44 million for the year 2024. With the commercial approval of the Zhiyu Large Model, Yiren Digital anticipates accelerated enhancement of its existing systems and smoother realization of its comprehensive AI commercialization strategy.

The regulatory approval positions Yiren Digital among an elite group of innovators. As of April 10, 2025, only 128 generative AI services in Beijing had successfully completed the filing process. Earlier this year, Yiren Digital became a member of China’s Artificial Intelligence Industry Alliance (AIIA), recognized for its cutting-edge advancements in AI development and applications. The company was also recognized among 2024 “Beijing’s Top 100 Software and Information Services Enterprises” and won the 2024 “Golden FinTech” Excellence Award by CAICT.

About Yiren Digital

Yiren Digital Ltd. is an advanced, AI-powered platform providing a comprehensive suite of financial and lifestyle services in China. Our mission is to elevate customers’ financial well-being and enhance their quality of life by delivering digital financial services, tailor-made insurance solutions, and premium lifestyle services. We support clients at various growth stages, addressing financing needs arising from consumption and production activities, while aiming to augment the overall well-being and security of individuals, families, and businesses.

Yum China to Report First Quarter 2025 Financial Results

SHANGHAI, April 11, 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 first quarter ended March 31, 2025 before the U.S. market opens on Wednesday, April 30, 2025 (after the trading hours of the Hong Kong Stock Exchange on Wednesday, April 30, 2025).

Yum China’s management will hold an earnings conference call at 7:00 a.m. U.S. Eastern Time on Wednesday, April 30, 2025 (7:00 p.m. Beijing/Hong Kong Time on Wednesday, April 30, 2025).

A live webcast of the call may be accessed at https://edge.media-server.com/mmc/p/jnrqo5nh

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-conf.media-server.com/register/BId802dc952e3f40ed86f25771a575618c 

A replay of the webcast will be available two hours after the event and will remain accessible until April 29, 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 operates over 16,000 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 

CGTN: Blooming ‘flower economy’ – Heze’s peony industry boosts development, cultural exchanges


BEIJING, CHINA – Media OutReach Newswire – 11 April 2025 – CGTN published an article on the Heze Peony International Communication Forum, which was held in Heze City in east China’s Shandong Province. Through a thorough introduction of how the peony industry drives the local development and promotes cultural exchanges, the article highlights the Heze Peony Festival’s important role in enhancing friendship, and strengthening cooperation and cultural exchanges.

CGTN: Blooming 'flower economy' - Heze's peony industry boosts development, cultural exchanges

In 2000, Li Xiaoqi, a graduate of China Agricultural University, returned to his hometown in Heze, Shandong Province, and began working in the peony industry. Through years of dedication, he expanded his family’s small 10-mu peony field into a 2,200-mu modern industrial park with facilities for seedling cultivation, flower processing, cold storage and research.

Beyond growing his own business, Li trained and supported hundreds of local farmers in peony cultivation, playing a key role in poverty alleviation and boosting the region’s peony industry.

The thriving peony industry has enabled Heze – “the peony capital of China” – to foster four major development sectors focusing on seedling breeding, flower cultivation, deep processing and cultural tourism.

The 2025 World Peony Conference and the 34th Heze International Peony Cultural Tourism Festival, collectively referred to as the 2025 Heze Peony Festival, officially kicked off on Tuesday. Featuring four sub-forums and 29 activities, the festival will last one month.

Blooming ‘flower economy’

As the world’s largest peony planting and scientific research and processing base, in recent years, Heze has continued to tap the advantages of peonies in areas such as variety cultivation, industrial expansion, and cultural and tourism integration.

The city has currently cultivated nine color systems, 10 flower shapes and 1,308 varieties, with its planting area and number of varieties ranking first globally.

Besides the peony, Heze has developed the cultivation of other flowers such as the herbaceous peony, rose and gerbera jamesonii. Last year, the city’s sales of fresh-cut herbaceous peony flowers reached 120 million pieces, which were exported to more than 20 countries and regions in the world.

In terms of industrial development, Heze has built a complete industrial chain from planting and processing to tourism and cultural creativity.

Having more than 120 peony production and processing enterprises and 20 scientific research institutions, the city has developed over 260 peony-derived products, ranging from seed oil, cosmetics and cultural products. Last year, the total output value of the peony industry reached 13 billion yuan (about $1.8 billion).

As Heze’s most beautiful business card, peony has become a powerful engine for the high-quality development of cultural tourism, said Yu Jiannan, head of the Shandong Provincial Department of Culture and Tourism.

Promoting cultural exchanges

On Wednesday and Thursday, the Heze Peony International Communication Forum was held. A series of activities, such as the digital interpretation of paintings which converts static paintings into dynamic images, and digital images of peonies generated by ChatGPT, have injected new impetus into the international dissemination of peony culture through technological empowerment.

In recent years, Heze has deeply explored the values of peonies, and actively created a friendly cultural symbol for global communication.

In addition to the holding of the forum, the city has established overseas sub-venues of the Peony Festival in countries such as the Netherlands, Japan and South Korea.

It has also set up peony culture communication stations in Brazil, Malaysia, Romania and other countries, and held award events related to the peony to introduce the beauty of peonies to more than 50 Belt and Road partner countries, offering an intriguing window into the popular perception of peony culture.

The festival has built an important platform for enhancing friendship, strengthening cooperation and cultural exchanges, said Yu.

For more information, please click:
https://news.cgtn.com/news/2025-04-10/Heze-s-peony-industry-boosts-development-cultural-exchanges-1Csq6ZnsAco/p.html

Hashtag: #CGTN

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

XTransfer Helps HK Companies Expand into Emerging Markets, Sees Soaring Collection Volume from Asia, Africa, and Latin America


HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 11 April 2025 – XTransfer, the world‘s leading and China’s No.1 B2B Cross-Border Trade Payment Platform, proudly returns to the Global Sources Consumer Electronics Show 2025 at AsiaWorld-Expo. As one of the most influential global sourcing events, the exhibition draws over 200,000 international buyers seeking to discover cutting-edge products and forge strategic partnerships with suppliers. XTransfer showcases its innovative “Global Business Account” and “Local Currency Account” solutions, offering Hong Kong and global SMEs a more efficient, secure, and cost-effective cross-border payment service.

XTransfer at the Global Sources 2025
XTransfer at the Global Sources 2025

In recent years, global enterprises have increasingly looked beyond traditional markets in Europe and the United States. Amid shifting global trade dynamics, commerce with emerging economies is projected to experience sustained growth. Hong Kong is seeing a notable rise in trade activity with emerging markets, particularly in ASEAN, South America, and Africa, reflecting a broader trend toward diversified global trade partnerships.

According to XTransfer’s latest data, the first quarter of 2025 (January–March) saw a remarkable surge in cross-border collections from emerging markets. Collection volume from XTransfer’s Hong Kong clients trading with ASEAN, Africa, and Latin America increased by an impressive 300% year-over-year, with Nigeria recording the highest growth. During this period, collections from these three regions accounted for nearly 50% of the total collection volume from XTransfer’s Hong Kong clients. Additionally, close to 70% of all clients on the XTransfer platform in Q1 of 2025 exported to Asia, Africa, or Latin America, underscoring a clear shift in trade focus toward high-growth emerging markets.

To support this trend, XTransfer not only provides Hong Kong clients with the “Global Business Account” but also offers the “Local Currency Account”, enabling clients to receive payments in local currencies from multiple emerging countries directly. In addition to traditional markets like the US, Canada, the Eurozone, and Australia, supported countries include ASEAN markets such as Indonesia and Vietnam, Latin American countries such as Brazil and Mexico, and African countries such as Nigeria and Kenya, covering over 30 countries and supporting more than 56 local currencies.

This service addresses the common issue of a lack of US dollars in emerging markets and avoids foreign exchange losses caused by necessary conversions through intermediary banks. For overseas buyers, paying in local currencies also significantly reduces remittance costs for both parties.

Additionally, XTransfer’s “Local Currency Account” support 24 types of local currency payments. Hong Kong companies that need to pay overseas partners in local currencies can do so easily through XTransfer. By using local clearing networks, there are no intermediary bank fees, and payments can be received instantly in the fastest cases. These services are estimated to reduce remittance fees by 95% and foreign exchange costs by 80%, significantly improving cash flow efficiency.

Bill Deng, Founder and CEO of XTransfer, said, “Over the past two years, we have actively participated in local events and exhibitions in Hong Kong, strengthening our presence in the market. This year, we are once again taking part in the Global Sources Consumer Electronics Show further to promote XTransfer’s innovative global trade payment solutions. We aim to help more Hong Kong enterprises adapt to the rapidly changing international trade environment, solve cross-border payment challenges, improve fund operation efficiency, and accelerate global business expansion.”

Hashtag: #XTransfer #EmergingCountries #SMEs #Trade #Crossborder #Payment





The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

About XTransfer

XTransfer, the world-leading and China’s No.1 B2B Cross-Border Trade Payment Platform, is dedicated to providing small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) with secure, compliant, fast, convenient and low-cost foreign trade payment and fund collection solutions, significantly reducing the cost of global expansion and enhancing global competitiveness. Founded in 2017, the company is headquartered in Shanghai and has branches in Hong Kong SAR, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, the United States, Canada, Australia, Singapore, Vietnam, Thailand, Malaysia, the Philippines, the UAE, and Nigeria. XTransfer has obtained local payment licences in Mainland China, Hong Kong SAR, Singapore, the United Kingdom, the United States, Canada, and Australia. With more than 600,000 enterprise clients, XTransfer has become the industry No.1 in China.

By cooperating with well-known multinational banks and financial institutions, XTransfer has built a unified global multi-currency clearing network and built a data-based, automated, internet-based and intelligent anti-money laundering risk control infrastructure centred on SMEs. XTransfer uses technology as a bridge to link large financial institutions and SMEs around the world, allowing SMEs to enjoy the same level of cross-border financial services as large multinational corporations.

XTransfer completed its Series D financing in September 2021 and achieved unicorn status. The Company possesses a diverse composition of international investors, including D1 Capital Partners LP, Telstra Ventures, China Merchants Venture, eWTP Capital, Yunqi Capital, Gaorong Capital, 01VC, MindWorks and Lavender Hill Capital Partners.

For more information, please visit:

Beerlao Earns Top Honors at Monde Selection Awards

Beerlao Earns Top Honors at Monde Selection Awards
Beerlao Earns Top Honors at Monde Selection Awards

Lao Brewery Company (LBC) has earned international acclaim after its flagship beers, Beerlao Lager and Beerlao Green, won Gold Quality Awards at the 64th Monde Selection World Quality Awards in Brussels, Belgium.

Vinmec becomes the first Vietnamese healthcare system honoured with two accolades at the Healthcare Asia Awards 2025


KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIAMedia OutReach Newswire11 April 2025 Vinmec, the most recognized healthcare system among foreigners in Vietnam, has made history as the first Vietnamese healthcare system to be honoured at the prestigious Healthcare Asia Awards 2025, receiving two of the event’s most significant accolades: Hospital Group of the Year and Technology Innovation of the Year.

Vinmec representatives received two of the most significant accolades: “Hospital Group of the Year” and “Technology Innovation of the Year” at the Healthcare Asia Awards 2025.
Vinmec representatives received two of the most significant accolades: “Hospital Group of the Year” and “Technology Innovation of the Year” at the Healthcare Asia Awards 2025.

Organised annually, the Healthcare Asia Awards recognises leading hospitals, healthcare systems, and service providers across the region for their excellence, innovation, and commitment to improving patient outcomes. Judged against a comprehensive and stringent set of criteria — including internationally recognised clinical achievements, technological innovation, service quality, patient safety, and sustainable community impact — the Awards are among the most respected in Asia’s healthcare sector.

Surpassing hundreds of nominations from across the continent, Vinmec stood out as a dual winner — an unprecedented achievement for a Vietnamese medical institution.

Vinmec was awarded Hospital Group of the Year for its robust and integrated healthcare network, exceptional clinical standards, and internationally accredited excellence. Notable recognitions include JCI (Joint Commission International – the global gold standard for patient safety and healthcare quality), ACC (American College of Cardiology – for heart failure treatment and management), RTAC (Asia-Pacific’s gold standard in assisted reproductive technology), and AABB (a leading global accreditation in the field of cell therapy). Vinmec was also praised for its internationally standardised services, operational sustainability, and strong community health initiatives.

In the Technology Innovation of the Year category, Vinmec earned recognition for performing Southeast Asia’s first successful 3D-printed titanium chest wall reconstruction — a groundbreaking procedure that not only saved a patient with a severe congenital defect but also opened new frontiers in personalised medicine. The achievement reinforces Vinmec’s pioneering role in the application of cutting-edge medical technology in Vietnam and across the region.

A representative of the Healthcare Asia Awards 2025 Organising Committee commented:
We are especially impressed by the strong and sustainable growth of Vietnam’s healthcare system – a country that is steadily establishing its position on Asia’s healthcare map. Among hundreds of nominations from across the region, Vinmec stood out not only for its internationally recognized medical expertise, but also for its spirit of innovation, pioneering technological approach, and comprehensive operational model. These strengths enabled Vinmec to fully meet our rigorous award criteria and become the first healthcare provider from Vietnam to be honored with both prestigious titles: Hospital Group of the Year and Technology Innovation of the Year.”

Ms. Le Thuy Anh, CEO of Vinmec Healthcare System, shared:
“This honour from the international medical community is a meaningful recognition of Vinmec’s continuous efforts to build a modern, compassionate, and benchmark-setting healthcare ecosystem. It is not only a milestone for Vinmec, but a proud moment for Vietnam’s healthcare sector as it steps confidently onto the regional stage. With humility and determination, we will continue to invest methodically and creatively, working to position Vietnam as a new centre of medical excellence in Asia.”

The international recognition also highlights Vinmec’s growing appeal as a premier healthcare destination in the region. As Vietnam’s most recognised healthcare brand among foreigners, Vinmec has long earned the trust of the expatriate community. In March 2025, an independent survey conducted by Indochina Research Vietnam revealed that Vinmec is the most well-known healthcare system among foreigners living and working in Vietnam — and their top choice when seeking medical care.

Vinmec is the first healthcare system in Vietnam to be honoured with two accolades at the Healthcare Asia Awards 2025.
Vinmec is the first healthcare system in Vietnam to be honoured with two accolades at the Healthcare Asia Awards 2025.

As the only academic healthcare system in Vietnam, Vinmec is also the country’s first and only institution eligible for membership in the Cleveland Clinic Connected network — affiliated with one of the top healthcare systems in the United States.

On the technology front, Vinmec has heavily invested in advanced solutions including the Da Vinci robotic surgical system, MRI 3.0 Tesla, 2560-slice CT scanner, and AI-integrated hybrid operating rooms. In parallel, Vinmec leads the way in applying cutting-edge therapies such as stem cell treatment, CAR-T cell therapy, and 3D printing of personalised implants.

In terms of specialised services, Vinmec is the first and only healthcare system in Vietnam to establish Centers of Excellence (CoEs) in four key areas: Cardiology, Oncology, Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine, and Clinical Immunology & Allergy.

Vinmec has also achieved numerous world- and region-first clinical milestones — including the world’s first simultaneous 3D-printed pelvis and femur replacement; Southeast Asia’s first 3D-printed titanium chest reconstruction surgery; the world’s second case of pseudotumour treatment caused by metal toxicity from an artificial joint; and Vietnam’s first use of stem cell therapy for conditions such as retroperitoneal Castleman disease and autoimmune encephalitis.

In February 2025, Vinmec was honoured as “Best Country Exellence Vietnam,” “Best Community Progamme Award,” and “Best Workplace Practises” at the 17th Global CSR & ESG Summit — further affirming its commitment to quality, sustainability, and social responsibility.

The Healthcare Asia Awards are organised annually by Healthcare Asia magazine, recognising outstanding achievements of healthcare organisations from 15 countries across Asia. Winners are selected by a judging panel comprising leading experts in the healthcare and life sciences sectors across the Asia-Pacific region.

Hashtag: #Vinmec #Vingroup

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

Cash No Longer Accepted for Land Sales in Laos Under New Regulation

Agricultural lands in Laos(Photo: Mekong Region Land Governance)

The Lao government has announced a new regulation requiring all land sale and purchase payments to be made exclusively through bank transfers using the Bank of Lao system, with transactions to be conducted in Lao Kip. 

International Entertainment Corporation: Sets Vision to Expand Investment in Philippine Casino Resorts


HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 11 April 2025 – Hong Kong-listed International Entertainment Corporation (1009.HK)(IEC or the Company), a Manila-based casino and hotel operator, has struck a provisional licensing deal with the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR), pledging $1 billion USD to $1.2 billion USD to fuel its forward-thinking growth plans in the Philippines’ booming gaming sector.

International Entertainment Corporation has struck a provisional licensing deal with the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR), pledging $1 billion USD to $1.2 billion USD to fuel its forward-thinking growth plans in the Philippines' booming gaming sector.
International Entertainment Corporation has struck a provisional licensing deal with the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR), pledging $1 billion USD to $1.2 billion USD to fuel its forward-thinking growth plans in the Philippines’ booming gaming sector.

The investment will fund a dual-pronged strategy: refurbishing existing properties and launching new developments to boost capacity and lure more tourists. Management also signaled an intent to pursue further casino resort opportunities in various regions, positioning the company for sustained expansion. To bankroll these efforts, the group is weighing equity financing and/or debt financing—a move that underscores confidence in its long-term vision.

Project Revamp to Attract Younger Clients

Vincent Li, Chief Financial Officer of the group, said that under new licensing requirements, they must fully oversee the operations of their venues and enhance services. This includes renovating existing properties, such as opening a sports bar in January, to draw in more young customers. Data from PAGCOR’s third-quarter operations this year shows that local gambling-related revenue surged nearly 40% year-on-year, signaling room for further market growth. As a result, the group plans to develop its remaining undeveloped land over the next three to five years, adding a new integrated complex.

Though not located in Manila’s emerging resort city, the project is well-positioned to attract a diverse group of customers, according to Executive Director and Hotel Operations Officer Aurelio Tablante. The property’s proximity to Manila Port, Chinatown, and Koreatown gives it access to affluent overseas visitors and draws interest from Japanese tourists. Tablante emphasized that the Philippines’ local and international guest markets have fully rebounded. To boost its appeal, the Company is now planning to connect with gambling groups from Japan, South Korea, and Southeast Asia to broaden its customer base.

Casino Ramps Up Expansion to 110 tables next year

According to the Company’s recent announcement, a series of renovation work have been carried out at the hotel and integrated resort of the Group with a view to maintaining the hotel in good service and condition, and upgrading infrastructures and facilities of the hotel to complement the operation of the casino. The renovation work will create additional gaming space on the ground floor of the casino, as a result, the maximum number of gaming tables in the casino will increase from the current number of approximately 80 to over 110, and the maximum number of slot machines in the casino will increase from the current number of approximately 500 to over 920.

The Chief Operating Officer Bernard How further elaborated that along with classic baccarat, new games like Pair and Three-Card Lucky 6 options, Caribbean poker, sic bo, and more progressive tables will be added to attract players. Since starting a membership program in May, over 50,000 people have joined. The Company hopes to team up with entertainment and golf partners to bring in even more members.

Renovations have limited the hotel to just around 200 active rooms for now, but the Company projected that the number will rise to 800 once all the work and new additions are finished. The extra rooms are designed to serve high-stakes players and gambling groups. With multiple projects underway, Li indicated the company could seek funding from shareholders and/or debt financing to support the liquidity needs. For now, the group plans to stay in the Philippines, hunting for more local investment options rather than expanding overseas.

Hashtag: #InternationalEntertainmentCorporation #IEC

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.