Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, India and Singapore record massive smartphone user bases
KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia, Jan. 20, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Global cloud communication platform, Infobip has unveiled a new report titled ‘RCS: A New Era of Customer Engagement,’ which highlights research by IDC on the transformative potential of Rich Communication Services (RCS) in the Asia-Pacific region. The research reveals how a global smartphone user base of 5.1 billion presents new opportunities for brands to deliver personalized, interactive, and secure messaging experiences through RCS, particularly in countries such as Indonesia (146.3 million users), Malaysia (28.6 million users), Philippines (60.4 million users), India (653.1 million users), and Singapore (6.4 million users). With iOS now supporting RCS, brands can reach a broader audience with rich, engaging content directly on users’ mobile phones.
RCS: A New Era of Customer Engagement
As businesses increasingly adopt digital communication channels, the need for secure messaging has become critical with the rise in phishing attacks in 2024. With India, Japan, and Australia ranking among the top 10 most targeted countries, RCS helps businesses protect their customers from falling victim to phishing. By integrating verified sender IDs and brand logos, which add a vital layer of legitimacy to messaging campaigns, this security feature of RCS ensures that customers can easily distinguish authentic messages from malicious ones.
Beyond security, RCS empowers brands to deliver contextually relevant communication throughout the customer journey, fostering long-term customer value and loyalty. By 2029, the report predicts that 60% of G2000 firms will shift from traditional KPIs like sales and profit to experience-oriented metrics, such as customer journey analytics and omnichannel engagement. The effectiveness of RCS is already evident. In India, fintech platform BankBazaar saw an 80% higher click-through rate with RCS compared to SMS, which further increased to 130% with the use of GIFs. This innovation has doubled customer response rates and established RCS as a core component of their marketing strategy. Similarly, Niva Bupa, a leading insurance provider in India, achieved a 75% ROI and improved customer retention with RCS.
Ivan Ostojic, Chief Business Officer, Infobip, said, “As RCS becomes widely available on both Android and iOS, it is transforming the way brands interact with their customers. Highly personalized interactions have proven to be effective, with response rates several times higher than traditional communication channels, underscoring the value of tailoring communication to individual needs. With RCS, businesses can engage directly with customers through the native messaging app, delivering a more personalized and seamless experience.” He added, “RCS is not just a messaging channel but a vital component of a brand’s omnichannel strategy. In today’s competitive digital landscape, it empowers brands to build trust, drive engagement, and foster lasting relationships while meeting evolving customer expectations.”
Gain deeper insights into RCS and its impact on the APAC region by downloading the report. Click here.
About Infobip
Infobip is a global cloud communications platform that enables businesses to build connected experiences across all stages of the customer journey. Accessed through a single platform, Infobip’s omnichannel engagement, identity, user authentication and contact centre solutions help businesses and partners overcome the complexity of consumer communications to grow business and increase loyalty. It offers natively built technology with the capacity to reach over seven billion mobile devices and ‘things’ in 6 continents connected to over 9,700+ connections of which 800+ are direct operator connections. Infobip was established in 2006 and is led by its co-founders, CEO Silvio Kutić, Roberto Kutić and Izabel Jelenić.
Recent award wins include:
Infobip named number one among Established Leaders in RCS Business Messaging in Juniper Research’s RCS Business Messaging Competitor Leaderboard 2024 (Nov 2024)
Infobip named a Leader in the Gartner® Magic Quadrant™ for Communications Platform as a Service (CPaaS) 2024 for the second year running (June 2024)
Infobip named to Fast Company’s Annual List of the World’s Most Innovative Companies (March 2024)
Infobip named a leader in the CPaaS Leaderboard, Juniper Research (March 2024)
Infobip ranked as number one Communications Platform as a Service (CPaaS) provider, in the inaugural MetriRank CPaaS Report from Metrigy (Dec 2023)
Infobip named a leader in the CCaaS Leaderboard, Juniper Research (Dec 2023)
Omdia Ranks Infobip as Leader for the second year running in its CPaaS Universe Report (Nov 2023)
Infobip named a Leader in the Gartner® Magic Quadrant™ for Communications Platform as a Service (CPaaS) 2023 (Sept 2023)
Infobip named a leader in the Juniper Customer Data Platform Leaderboard Report (July 2023)
Infobip named a Leader in the IDC MarketScape: Worldwide Communications Platform-as-a-Service (CPaaS) 2023 Vendor Assessment (doc #US50607923, May 2023)
HONG KONG, Jan. 20, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Baguio Green Group Limited (”Baguio” or the ”Group”, Stock Code: 01397.HK) is pleased to announce that following success in securing contracts for private residential estates for the provision of smart food waste recycling machines (“Smart Food Waste Recycling Machines”) and maintenance services, the Group has recently won the following two service contracts from the Environmental Protection Department (“EPD”) of the HKSAR Government (“Government”):
Smart Food Waste Recycling Machines: An 18-month service contract to provide Smart Food Waste Recycling Machines to the EPD-designated locations across Hong Kong, supporting food waste recycling and waste reduction initiatives.
Smart Balances: A 22-month service contract to provide smart balances (“Smart Balances”) to the “GREEN@COMMUNITY” recycling stores and other locations, enabling and incentivizing public participation in recycling activities.
Winning these two new contracts demonstrates the Group’s outstanding capabilities in product innovation, research and development, and leading market position in the green technology sector as well as its alignment with Hong Kong’s goal of becoming a smart city.
In recent years, Baguio has been actively expanding its green technology business and successfully launched the all-in-one smart recycling system through the integration of smart digital solutions, big data analytics, and Internet of Things (IoT) technologies. Users can track recycling volumes in real time, enabling precise logistics planning, reducing logistics costs and carbon footprint. The Group’s green technology products including smart recycling machines, Smart Food Waste Recycling Machines, and Smart Balances are widely used in Government organizations, public housing and private residential estates, shopping malls, universities, hospitals, large-scale exhibition centers, etc. It not only provides convenient recycling experience to the public but also improve the recycling efficiency, thus supporting the sustainable development of Hong Kong.
According to the latest statistics from the EPD, Hong Kong landfills received an average of 10,884 tonnes of municipal solid waste per day in 2023, of which approximately 30% was food waste. Addressing food waste problem is a key priority for achieving the Government’s goal of “Zero Landfill” by 2035. With a series of initiatives put forth by the Government to expand food waste recycling, including extending food waste recycling programs to public housing and private residential estates, as well as establishing public food waste collection points in suitable locations, gradually achieving the ultimate goals outlined in the “Waste Blueprint for Hong Kong 2035″. The Group will continue to capitalize favorable Government opportunities and expand its Smart Food Waste Recycling Machine business to further facilitate the development of food waste recycling market in Hong Kong.
In addition, Baguio’s Smart Balances support a wide variety of recyclables, including plastics, paper, metals, etc. Designed for flexible deployment at fixed and mobile recycling points, Smart Balances enhance accessibility and convenience for the public. By incorporating a points-based rewards system, they also incentivize public participation in recycling, enhancing recycling experience.
The Group is committed to promote green technology innovation and will continue to contribute to the Hong Kong’s sustainable development.
HONG KONG, Jan. 20, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Hong Kong Airlines resumed direct flights to Vancouver, Canada, on 18 January. Celebrations were held at Hong Kong International Airport and Vancouver International Airport to mark the relaunch.
Before the flight took off, senior management from Hong Kong Airlines and senior representatives from the Airport Authority Hong Kong attended a ceremony at the boarding gate, interacted with the first flight’s passengers, and distributed bespoke souvenirs.
Hong Kong Airlines Chairman Mr Yan Bo said: “We are delighted to reinstate the Vancouver service, offering passengers more flight choices. Vancouver was Hong Kong Airlines’ first North American destination, which was first launched in June 2017, and has always been popular. Resuming this route not only marks our official return to the North American market but also demonstrates the progress of our strategic transformation from a regional to an international airline earlier this year and boosting our confidence in expanding our global route network coverage.”
To further enhance the passenger experience, the airline has curated a selection of Hong Kong-style in-flight meals for this route, offering a variety of Chinese, Western, and vegetarian options for both business and economy-class passengers.
Multiple choices are available for Business Class
Hong Kong’s signature “This this rice” is incorporated in the Economy class meal choice
Hong Kong Airlines President Mr Jeff Sun said, “Our Hong Kong-Vancouver route is operated by Airbus A330-300 aircraft, providing a high-quality and unique long-haul flight experience. Passengers from both Hong Kong and Canada can experience our attentive service and delicious meals, reflecting Hong Kong Airlines’ customer-centric service approach and commitment to serving passengers in North America and around the world. This also underscores our vision of becoming a leading full-service airline in the region and internationally.”
As a full-service airline, Hong Kong Airlines has actively improved its services and expanded its operations in recent years. Through strategic route network optimisation and fleet adjustments, it now serves over 30 destinations, demonstrating a strong recovery. Last year, flight numbers fully recovered to pre-pandemic levels, with an average passenger load factor of approximately 85% and over 5 million passengers carried. To support business growth, the company will continue to expand its fleet size as needed to further increase its capacity. By then, a fleet with diverse configurations will enhance operational flexibility and coverage, providing passengers convenient access to travel across mainland China, Japan, South Korea, and Southeast Asia via Hong Kong, as well as popular global travel destinations such as Australia, the United States, Canada, and Europe.
Hong Kong Airlines flight schedule* between Hong Kong and Vancouver is as follows (All times local):
Route
Flight Number
Departure
Arrival
Frequency
HKG – YVR
HX080
22:10
18:10
Tue
23:50
19:50
Sat
YVR – HKG
HX081
01:50
07:00+1
Wed, Sun
* Flight number and schedule may change without prior notice
Established in 2006, Hong Kong Airlines is a full-service airline firmly rooted in Hong Kong. The airline flies to 30 destinations across the Asia Pacific, and currently maintains interline and codeshares with multiple airline partners and ferry service providers. Hong Kong Airlines operates an all-Airbus fleet. It has been awarded the internationally acclaimed four-star rating from Skytrax since 2011. For more information, please visit hongkongairlines.com or our social media channels on LinkedIn, Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.
As the launch in China draws massive fans, this unique collection will hit international markets later this year.
BEIJING, Jan. 20, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — On January 15, the MINISO×Black Myth: Wukong joint-themed store officially opened in Beijing, marking MINISO as the exclusive global offline distributor for official merchandise of the highly popular game, Black Myth: Wukong.
MINISO Launches Exclusive Black Myth Wukong Merchandise in Beijing MINISO Land
As one of the newly built MINISO LAND, Beijing MINISO LAND, situated in The Box Youth Energy Center in Beijing’s Chaoyang District, served as the Black Myth: Wukong joint-themed store and hosted the offline launch event, drawing long lines of fans eager to be among the first to purchase exclusive launch products. The store exterior was fully integrated with Black Myth: Wukong elements, creating an immersive atmosphere that brought iconic scenes from the game to life. The flagship stores in other launch cities, including Shanghai, Guangzhou, Hangzhou, and Chengdu, were similarly transformed to reflect the rich universe of Black Myth: Wukong, offering fans a diverse, immersive shopping experience.
The joint-themed store introduced an exclusive Black Myth: Wukong merchandise section featuring plush toys, badges, socks, plush pendants, and more. Special collaborative items like IP-themed red envelopes, couplets, and shaker cards blind bags were also distributed as gifts. Popular items such as plush toys and blankets sold out within just a few days of release, highlighting the intense excitement and enthusiasm among fans.
Consumers in Beijing MINISO Land Store
Black Myth: Wukong, has captivated the gaming community and quickly became a global phenomenon as soon as it launched. It has sparked widespread interest in Chinese mythology, such as Journey to the West, among international players and online communities. The partnership between MINISO and Black Myth: Wukong will span with plans already in motion to extend its reach. Black Myth: Wukong merchandise will land in markets beyond China later this year, positioning the collaboration for a broader international presence and appeal.
It is worth mentioning that this joint-themed store is a MINISO LAND, the brand’s top-level store. MINISO LAND is an immersive IP-themed paradise created by MINISO for fans worldwide. The one in Beijing boasts a space of over 1,000 square meters dedicated to more than 40 globally renowned IPs, including Harry Potter, Disney, and Sanrio. The store offers an exceptional shopping experience, combining diverse co-branded merchandise with dedicated spaces for relaxation and entertainment that cater to modern consumer interests.
MINISO x Black Myth: Wukong – Expanding IP Horizons with Innovative Partnership
The collaboration between MINISO and Black Myth: Wukong represents an innovative exploration of IP partnerships. It integrates MINISO’s strengths in advanced supply chains with extensive IP resources. Capitalizing on the rising trend of interest-driven consumption, MINISO has identified the demands of the ACG good products. By partnering with popular gaming IPs such as Black Myth: Wukong, MINISO has introduced a range of appealing merchandise that resonate deeply with players’ passion for gaming. The result is a growing base of fans enjoying premium-quality merchandise at affordable prices, allowing MINISO to stand out in the competitive landscape of interest-based consumer markets.
Exclusive Black Myth Wukong Merchandise in MINISO Store
This venture with Black Myth: Wukong marks a significant step for MINISO in leading the interest-driven consumption trend and expanding its IP landscape. Each year, the company introduces more than 10,000 new IP products. Over the next decade, MINISO plans to bring 100 Chinese IPs to the global market.
As the collection rolls out in these five cities, MINISO plans to introduce the Black Myth: Wukong merchandise to more markets outside China. Leveraging its global network and IP strategy, MINISO also aims to launch a range of original, high-quality products of various IPs globally, bringing popular IPs from China and other countries to audiences worldwide.
An Exclusive Collaboration of Iconic Artistic IPs by Talented Artists from the Greater Bay Area, Celebrating Chinese Culture with Prosperity and Joy
MACAU SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 20 January 2025 – Today, Galaxy Entertainment Group (“GEG”) proudly unveiled the Boom and Bloom Exhibition, which has transformed the GalaxyArt, located within Galaxy Macau™, the world-class luxurious integrated resort (Galaxy Macau), into an artistic paradise. The exhibition brings together leading artistic talents from the Greater Bay Area and exclusively debuts the collaborative creations of two iconic IPs by Shenzhen based artist Ray Chan and Macau based artist Sanchia Lau. Curated by renowned Hong Kong art advocate Gary Mok, this vibrant art journey seamlessly blends creativity with Chinese cultural traditions, offering blessings of prosperity and joy for the festive season.
Distinguished guests including Mr. Cheang Kai Meng, Vice President of the Cultural Affairs Bureau of the Macao SAR Government (middle), Ms. Jennifer Si Tou, Head of Tourism Product and Events Department of the Macao Government Tourism Office (third from left), curator Mr. Gary Mok (first from right), artists Ms. Sanchia Lau (first from left) and Mr. Ray Chan (second from right), Mr. Buddy Lam, Director of Corporate Affairs of GEG (third from right) and Ms. Hazel Wong, Executive Vice President of Retail of GEG (second from left), honored the opening ceremony of the Boom and Bloom Exhibition with their presence.
This exhibition is supported by the Cultural Affairs Bureau of the Macao SAR Government and Macao Government Tourism Office. The opening ceremony was graced by Mr. Cheang Kai Meng, Vice President of the Cultural Affairs Bureau of the Macao SAR Government and Ms. Jennifer Si Tou, Head of Tourism Product and Events Department of the Macao Government Tourism Office. Also, in attendance were curator Mr. Gary Mok, Shenzhen based artist Ray Chan, and Macau based artist, Macau Cultural Ambassador Sanchia Lau, Mr. Buddy Lam, Director of Corporate Affairs of Galaxy Entertainment Group (“GEG”) and Ms. Hazel Wong, Executive Vice President of Retail of GEG, celebrating together the launching of the remarkable exhibition. Adding to the day’s festivities, the artists hosted an engaging workshop with students from local universities, sharing not only their creative concepts and inspirations but also their IP’s collaborations across different fields.
Speaking at the ceremony, Ms. Hazel Wong remarked: “Through our ongoing commitment to promoting local Macau talents and introducing international artists, GalaxyArt strives to foster cultural and artistic innovation and exchange within the Greater Bay Area through our ‘Culture + Art’ initiatives. The Boom and Bloom Exhibition showcases the creativity of a new generation of artists from Guangdong, Hong Kong, and Macau. In this auspicious time of renewal, we are thrilled to present this extraordinary artistic journey of Chinese culture, offering Macau locals and global visitors alike an inspiring start to 2025”.
As the Chinese New Year approaches, The Boom and Bloom Exhibition emerges as a highlight of Galaxy Macau’s New Year celebrations. Curator Gary Mok has creatively transformed the 6,500-square-foot GalaxyArt into a traditional Chinese garden, complete with signature architectural features, vibrant plants, and colorful blooms. This serene and meandering landscape serves as the backdrop for the debut collaboration between Sanchia Lau’s Wishing Doll and Ray Chan’s Shake Money Tree.
Curator Mr. Gary Mok, artists Sanchia Lau and Ray Chan have joined forces for the first time to merge their well acclaimed artistic IPs — Wishing Doll and Shake Money Tree.
At the opening ceremony, the curator and two artists expressed their heartfelt gratitude to the Macao SAR government and GEG for their generous support. Ray Chan shared the artistic vision behind their collaboration, blending pop art with trends popular among young people to reinterpret traditional Chinese New Year blessings. He remarked, “This is not just a visual and artistic feast; it’s a journey of cultural heritage.” Sanchia Lau introduced a new series of blessing-themed characters created for the exhibition, explaining, “The combination of the money tree and wish doll represents love and wealth.” Gary Mok highlighted GEG’s exemplary role in supporting the arts, noting that the exhibition offers both visual appeal and entertainment, benefiting artists and art enthusiasts alike.
Ray Chan’s Shake Money Tree centers around a fortune-attracting pine tree, symbolizing the harmonious coexistence of wealth and nature while emphasizing the importance of financial management. Designed as a roly-poly toy, it inspires young people to maintain a positive mindset and embrace hope and aspirations in life. Meanwhile, Sanchia Lau’s Wishing Doll reflects a profound understanding of the pursuit of dreams. Together, their works merge auspicious Chinese symbols with modern design, sparking a compelling dialogue between tradition and contemporary art that resonates deeply with younger audiences.
The exhibition features three specially commissioned thematic artworks premiering in Macau, alongside five captivating creations from the Shake Money Tree series. The three exclusive designs, known for their intricate craftsmanship and auspicious symbolism, are particularly noteworthy: “Joy and Glory” is inspired by precious jewels and metals, featuring large, lustrous “pearls” and glittering “gold ingots” that symbolize opulence and blessings for a prosperous year ahead. “Boom and Bloom” is an interactive installation that brings the Shake Money Tree to life. Guests can shake the golden tree to release symbolic gold ingots, attracting endless prosperity. Meanwhile, “A Propitious Omen” embodies the concepts of love and prosperity, with the lotus — the symbol of Macau — adding a unique touch and representing fortune and harmony for the new year.
The Boom and Bloom Exhibition showcases three specially commissioned thematic artworks —Boom and Bloom, A Propitious Omen, Joy and Glory— exclusively created for Galaxy Entertainment Group and premiering for the first time in Macau.
Throughout the exhibition, GalaxyArt transforms into a dazzling artistic paradise. Guests can explore the newly launched art boutique, showcasing limited-edition collectibles and exclusive merchandise inspired by the artists’ creations. The exhibition also features interactive photo zones and regular art workshops, offering a vibrant experience for visitors of all ages.
GalaxyArt unveiled an exclusive art boutique, offering a curated collection of meticulously crafted merchandise and limited-edition blind boxes by the featured artists, inviting guests to bring home a piece of this artistic journey.
GEG upholds its “Culture + Art” philosophy, actively fostering artistic exchange within the Greater Bay Area and establishing GalaxyArt as a premier hub for contemporary art and interactive experiences. Since its opening in July 2021, GalaxyArt has hosted an impressive array of solo and group exhibitions, featuring art talents from Macau, Hong Kong, and international artists. Spanning a variety of art forms and themes, these exhibitions have included live mural painting by resident artists, immersive digital art installations, cinematic photography, and large-scale installations. GalaxyArt has become a cornerstone of GEG’s commitment to advancing art and culture, while also playing a pivotal role in supporting the Macao SAR Government’s initiatives to promote the diversified development of the city’s tourism industry.
On the opening day, students from the local universities joined the artists for a special sharing session.
Exhibition Details
Event: Boom and Bloom Exhibition
Date & Time: 10am – 10pm, now until March 9, 2025 (Free Admission)
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
ABOUT GALAXY MACAU INTEGRATED RESORT
Galaxy Macau™, The World-class Luxury Integrated Resort delivers the “Most Spectacular Entertainment and Leisure Destination in the World”. Developed at an investment of HK$43 billion, the property covers 1.1 million-square-meter of unique entertainment and leisure attractions that are unlike anything else in Macau. Eight award-winning world-class luxury hotels provide close to 5,000 rooms, suites and villas. They include Banyan Tree Macau, Galaxy Hotel™, Hotel Okura Macau, JW Marriott Hotel Macau, The Ritz-Carlton, Macau, Broadway Hotel, Raffles at Galaxy Macau, Andaz Macau. Unique to Galaxy Macau, the 75,000-square-meter Grand Resort Deck features the world’s longest Skytop Adventure Rapids at 575-meters, the largest Skytop Wave Pool with waves up to 1.5-meters high and 150-meters pristine white sand beach. Two five-star spas from Banyan Tree Spa Macau and The Ritz- Carlton Spa, Macau help guests relax and rejuvenate.
As the dining destination in Asia, Galaxy Macau offers a wide variety of gastronomic delights, exquisite experiences and ingredients of the finest quality with over 120 dining options from Michelin dining to authentic delicacies.
Embark on a delightful and rewarding journey at Galaxy Promenade, the one-stop shopping destination boasting some of the world’s most iconic luxury brands. Be the first to get the latest limited-edition items; explore fascinating pop-ups by coveted labels and revel in fabulous shopping rewards and privileges. Our VIPs are entitled to a highly-curated experience with dedicated personal shoppers at guests’ service, and be invited to exclusive luxury brand events. A different caliber of privileges and rewards also await. Discover the joys of fashion and stand at the forefront of style and sophistication—Galaxy Promenade has everything guests need to stay ahead of the style game.
Galaxy Cinemas takes immersive movie experiences to the next level with the latest audio-visual technology, ultra-luxurious facilities and bespoke services; CHINA ROUGE, one-of-a-kind deluxe lounge that evokes the glitz and glamor of Shanghai’s golden era with entertainment in luxury and style; and Foot Hub presents the traditional art of reflexology to make you feel more relaxed and revitalized. For Authentic Macau Flavors & Vibrant Asian Experiences, Broadway Macau – just a 90-second walk via a bridge from Galaxy Macau, has over 35 Authentic Macau & Asian Flavors at its Broadway Food Street. The 2,500-seat Broadway Theatre plays host to world-class entertainers and a diverse array of cultural events.
Meeting, incentive and banquet groups are also well looked after with a portfolio of unique venues in Galaxy Macau and a professional service staff. Galaxy International Convention Center (GICC) is the latest addition to the Group’s ever-expanding integrated resort precinct and will usher in a new era for the MICE industry in Macau. GICC is a world- class event venue featuring 40,000-square-meter of total flexible MICE, and a 16,000-seat Galaxy Arena – the largest indoor arena in Macau.
HONG KONG, Jan. 20, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Researchers from the School of Engineering of the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) have successfully developed the world’s smallest multifunctional biomedical robot, which is 60% smaller than current models. Capable of imaging, high-precision motion, and multifunctional operations like sampling, drug delivery, and laser ablation, the robot offers competitive imaging performance and a tenfold improvement in obstacle detection, paving the way for robotic applications in narrow and challenging channels of the human body, such as the lung’s end bronchi and the oviducts.
With a slim profile of just 0.95 mm—60% smaller than current endoscopic robots—this robot has accomplished an “impossible trinity” by simultaneously integrating all three significant specifications in one robot. It offers competitive imaging performance and extends obstacle detection distance up to ~9.4 mm, a tenfold improvement from theoretical limits. It also achieves remarkable motion precision (less than 30 μm) and substantially widens the imaging region by ~25 times the inherent view.
Developed by Prof. SHEN Yajing, Associate Professor at the Department of Electronic and Computer Engineering (ECE) and his team, the robot’s tiny size is made possible with four major components. These include an optical fiber array for capturing images inside the body, a custom tool for delivering treatments precisely where needed, a hollow skeleton to hold the fibers and tools in place, and a functionalized skin that enables precise control of the robot’s movements. The hollow skeleton is created by a microscale 3D printer, while the functionalized skin is produced through a magnetic spray technique, which helps keep the robot small and allows it to glide easily during surgery. It also features a gel-like outer layer that reduces friction. The team has tested this robot within in vitro bronchial models and ex-vivo porcine lungs, demonstrating smooth navigation in tight spaces while successfully capturing clear images and performing treatments on difficult areas.
Prof. Shen said that this groundbreaking robot holds tremendous potential for clinical applications. “Small-scale continuum robots hold promise for interventional diagnosis and treatment, yet existing models often struggle with compactness, precise navigation, and visualized functional treatment all in one. Our study provides a significant solution for developing a surgical robot aimed at achieving early diagnosis and therapeutic goals in hard-to-reach areas of the body. With ongoing technological advancements, we believe that the fiberscopic robot will make greater contributions to human health in the foreseeable future,” he said.
Thanks to their ability to navigate narrow cavities while enabling quick recovery and low infection risk, small continuum robots have been employed in the treatment of several diseases, including heart disease—through the deployment of stents and electrophysiology catheters—as well as the repair of perforations in gastric and duodenal ulcers using single-port laparoscopy, among other applications. Building on this successful invention, the research team plans to further refine the robot’s features to fit them into practical settings.
“We aim to further optimize the design and control of the fiberscopic robot, prioritizing safety and reliability during interventional surgery. We look forward to implementing in vivo trials to demonstrate its performance in clinical scenarios,” said Dr. ZHANG Tieshan, a postdoctoral fellow at HKUST. He is one of the two co-first authors of the study, along with Dr. LI Gen. Other co-authors from HKUST include Research Assistant Professor Dr. YANG Xiong and PhD student ZHAO Haoxiang, also from the ECE Department. Their findings have been recently published in Nature Communications.
DUBAI, UAE, Jan. 20, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Bybit, the world’s second-largest cryptocurrency exchange by trading volume, was presented by Shunyet Jan, Head of Derivatives Business and Institutional Sales, at the iFX EXPO.
From DeFi to Tokenization: Bybit’s Shunyet Jan Explores the Future of Crypto Trading at iFX EXPO
Shunyet joined an expert panel titled “Crypto Trading: Finding the Evergreen” to discuss the evolving dynamics of the cryptocurrency market. The session, moderated by Karnika E. Yashwant, Founder and Chairman of KEY Difference, featured Wael Makarem, Financial Markets Strategists Lead at Exness, alongside Shunyet. Together, the panelists explored the concept of “evergreen” strategies in crypto trading, examining how to identify and implement approaches that stand the test of time.
Reflecting on the discussion, Shunyet Jan said, “The iFX EXPO brought together some of the sharpest minds in trading and crypto to tackle the hard questions that define success in a volatile market. Sitting alongside Wael Makarem and Mr. Key on the panel, we delved into the forces shaping crypto’s future – from the integration of AI to the shifting role of institutional players and evolving regulations. Conversations like these are crucial for advancing the industry and helping participants find the ‘evergreen’ in an ever-changing landscape.“
Key discussion points included navigating market volatility, leveraging AI and machine learning for sustainable strategies, the role of institutional players and evolving regulations, and the importance of psychological resilience in long-term trading success. They also analyzed emerging market trends, such as DeFi and tokenization, and shared practical tips for avoiding common pitfalls and building diversified portfolios that thrive in a volatile environment.
Shunyet Jan also led a Gold and Forex workshop at Bybit’s Dubai HQ, generating strong interest in the platform. Bybit’s new MetaTrader-5 license provides professional traders with access to gold, forex, and cryptocurrencies, offering advanced tools, up to 500x leverage, competitive fees, and an intuitive interface for a seamless trading experience.
The iFX EXPO, the online trading industry’s biggest event series, bridges the world’s top brands with like-minded professionals, traders, and more. It has grown into a global standard, providing every individual a hub to network, exchange ideas, and grow their business. The iFX EXPO remains a vital platform for fostering dialogue and collaboration among industry leaders, and Shunyet’s contributions underscore Bybit’s commitment to advancing the cryptocurrency space.
#Bybit / #TheCryptoArk
About Bybit
Bybit is the world’s second-largest cryptocurrency exchange by trading volume, serving a global community of over 60 million users. Founded in 2018, Bybit is redefining openness in the decentralized world by creating a simpler, open and equal ecosystem for everyone. With a strong focus on Web3, Bybit partners strategically with leading blockchain protocols to provide robust infrastructure and drive on-chain innovation. Renowned for its secure custody, diverse marketplaces, intuitive user experience, and advanced blockchain tools, Bybit bridges the gap between TradFi and DeFi, empowering builders, creators, and enthusiasts to unlock the full potential of Web3. Discover the future of decentralized finance at Bybit.com.
SEOUL, South Korea, Jan. 20, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Korea Zinc has announced that the National Pension Service (NPS) has decided on its voting direction for Korea Zinc’s Extraordinary General Meeting (EGM). As the world’s third-largest pension fund and Korea’s representative public pension, this decision will no doubt carry substantial significance.
This decision holds implications beyond a simple institutional investor’s resolution. Politicians from both ruling and opposition parties have emphasized the need to protect Korea Zinc, a key contributor to national industry. Members of the National Assembly’s Industry Committee have pointed out the risks of technological leakage to countries like China, calling on the government to address the issue proactively.
Concerns over the Korea Zinc situation have also been raised in U.S. political circles. U.S. Representative Eric Swalwell, co-chair of the Critical Minerals Caucus, sent an official letter to the Department of States expressing concerns that the China Investment Corporation (CIC) is among the key investors in MBK Partners. He urged an evaluation of the Korea Zinc situation in consideration of the shared national security interests of South Korea and the United States. Former White House National Security Advisor Robert O’Brien also warned in a media article of the risks of key mineral technologies being transferred to China if Korea Zinc is sold.
A notable aspect is that the NPS is a major limited partner (LP) in MBK Partners. As the most influential investor in Korea’s private equity sector, the NPS’s decision reflects considerations beyond investment interests, likely reflecting broader national industrial policy concerns.
A Korea Zinc official stated, “This decision by the NPS recognizes the importance of Korea Zinc’s sustainable development and technological competitiveness as a key component of national industry. We will continue to enhance shareholder value and contribute to national industrial development.”
Industry experts predict that this decision will serve as an important signal for future policies aimed at protecting domestic key industries. Considering the symbolic nature of the NPS as a public institution, this decision transcends a routine voting action and carries implications for consensus among industrial policy.