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Seoul Tourism Organization to Host “Seoul My Soul in Kuala Lumpur”

– Seoul Tourism Organization to launch Seoul tourism promotion event on Sunday, December 7, in Malaysia

– Seoul brand photo zones, postcard-making experiences, and more designed to appeal to the local MZ generation

– Mayor Oh to introduce Seoul’s signature tourism content and promote the city’s global appeal

– K-pop cover dance, K-Tigers performance, lucky draws for flight and hotel vouchers, K-snack giveaways, and ample on-site entertainment

SEOUL, South Korea, Dec. 5, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — The Seoul Tourism Organization (STO) will host Seoul My Soul in Kuala Lumpur on Sunday, December 7, at the main square of Fahrenheit 88 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Promotional poster for the "Seoul My Soul in Kuala Lumpur" Seoul tourism promotion event.
Promotional poster for the “Seoul My Soul in Kuala Lumpur” Seoul tourism promotion event.

The event aims to attract potential Malaysian visitors by enhancing awareness and interest in Seoul, a city that continues to see rapidly growing demand among Malaysian travelers.

The Malaysian tourism market is expected to continue its strong post-pandemic momentum into 2025, emerging as a highly important region for attracting international visitors.

Malaysia’s economy grew by 5.2% in the third quarter of this year, reflecting stable economic growth. The increased purchasing power of the expanding middle class is translating into growing demand for overseas travel.

Strengthened economic and tourism cooperation between Korea and Malaysia is driving continued growth in the number of Malaysian travelers visiting Korea.

The experience zone will feature Seoul-themed brand photo spots and Christmas-season installations, designed to capture the interest of the local MZ generation.

The Seoul brand photo zone includes a self-photo booth featuring “Haechi,” Seoul’s official mascot, and “Jennie,” Seoul Tourism’s promotional model, giving visitors the chance to take photos as if there were Seoul’s own promotional ambassadors.

In the experience zone, guests can create Christmas postcards featuring iconic Seoul attractions. With support from Nongshim, limited-edition K-pop Demon Hunters collaboration ramen will be provided as giveaway prizes.

Additional on-site programs include a Taekwondo performance by K-Tigers, celebratory stages by local cover dance teams, and an engaging lineup of prize events.

During the official program, which begins at 16:00 local time, Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon will introduce some of Seoul’s most popular filming locations, including Namsan Tower and Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP), sites that have recently gained global attention. He will also participate in the lighting ceremony for the Seoul Christmas Tree and “Santa Haechi,” a point-choreography session with audience participation, and a series of lucky draw events as part of proactive efforts to promote Seoul tourism.

Kil Ki-yeon, CEO of the Seoul Tourism Organization, stated, “Malaysia is one of the Southeast Asian markets with the highest interest in Korean tourism. Continuous economic growth and strong enthusiasm for K-content among the younger generation are driving demand for travel to Seoul,” adding, “Through this promotion, STO aims to build closer engagement with potential Malaysian visitors and showcase a wide range of cultural and experiential programs that encourage travel to Seoul.”

Great Place To Work™ Greater China Celebrates the Best Workplaces™ in Greater China 2025

Celebrate! — Recognizing success, empowering employees, and building great workplaces together. 

SHANGHAI, Dec. 5, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Great Place To Work™ proudly hosted the Best Workplaces™ in Greater China 2025 awards ceremony on December 4 at the Peninsula Hotel, honouring organizations that exemplify excellence in workplace culture.  

This year’s theme, “Celebrate!” underscores the vital role of recognition, empowerment, and shared success across industries. Celebration is recognized as a high‑trust leadership behavior, enabling leaders to foster connection, highlight achievements, and reinforce camaraderie among employees. Great workplaces strengthen their values and expected behaviors by honoring contributions, and when recognition is celebrated and properly incentivized, organizations transform their cultures. Moreover, employees increasingly seek workplaces that are engaging and enjoyable—an experience proven to be the leading driver of well‑being across generations. By embracing celebration, exceptional workplaces build stronger connections among co‑workers, ensuring that everyone is invested in collective success. 

The event at the Peninsula Hotel brought together leaders, employees, and community representatives to celebrate companies that have demonstrated an unwavering commitment to fostering environments where employees feel valued, respected, and empowered. Recognition was given to organizations that not only prioritize workplace culture but also actively invest in growth, collaboration, and long-term success. 

Mr. Jose Bezanilla, the CEO of Great Place to WorkTM Greater China emphasized the critical role that celebration plays in driving innovation, employee satisfaction, and sustainable growth. The Best Workplaces™ in Greater China 2025 is a proud moment for us all. It reflects the commitment to building a culture where every employee feels valued, respected, and empowered to succeed. By celebrating achievements and embracing learnings, we continue to strengthen our workplace and create an environment where growth and success are shared by all”, he commented. 

EVENT HIGHLIGHTS: 

Keynote Speeches by
Ms. Jenny Huang, Head of HR, Align China.
Ms. Li Ling, VP, ANTA Group.

“Best Workplaces™ in Greater China 2025 showcase how exceptional companies create cultures of trust and belonging. This year, we celebrate not only success but also the learnings that drive continuous improvement,” said Ms. Li Ling, from ANTA Group.

Award Ceremony:  

This year, 87,147 valid responses were collected, and 66 companies made it to the Best Workplaces™ in Greater China 2025 list -which is segmented in Small, Medium, and Large size categories- achieving an impressive average score of 92.9%. Great Place To Work™ conducted the survey across more than 250 companies in Greater China. To be considered for inclusion on the list, organizations must meet the established qualification criteria. Organizations must reach satisfactory requirements in both the Trust Index® Survey and Culture Audit®. The survey assesses employees’ perceptions of leadership, organizational culture and trust, and is decisive for being selected for the “Best Workplaces™ in Greater China” and all over the world. 

Best Workplaces™ in Greater China 2025
Small size category (20-250 employees):
(The lists are published in alphabetical order) 

Adobe

ARC Group

Atomy China

BCD Travel

Citadel | Citadel Securities

Edgewell Personal Care

Experian Greater China

Eyebuydirect (Danyang) Optical Co., Ltd Shanghai Branch

Insight Enterprises (Shanghai) Co Ltd

Kerry China

Kmind Consulting

LivaNova China

Meijer Global Sourcing Hong Kong

Olam Agri

Palo Alto Networks Greater China

Robert Half China

Sutherland (Suzhou) Information Consulting Co. Ltd.

Temenos

Teva Pharmaceutical

Toast

Trek China

Vector Automotive Technology (Shanghai) Co., Ltd.

VFS Global

Westcon Solutions China

World Wide Technology

Best Workplaces™ in Greater China 2025 
Medium size category (251-1000 employees):
(The lists are published in alphabetical order) 

Al-Dabbagh Group

Calix Network Technology Development (Nanjing) Co., Ltd

Capella Hotels and Resorts

CI&T China, Inc.

CNH China

DISCO

Eaton (China) Investments Co., Ltd.

embecta

EPL China

Fonterra

Hilti

IGT Solutions

Ipsen China

Jumeirah

Mastercard

Mayoly China

Royal FrieslandCampina

Stryker China Commercial / Stryker (Suzhou) Medical Technology Co., Ltd.

W. L. Gore & Associates

Zurich Insurance

Best Workplaces™ in Greater China 2025 
Large size category (1001+ employees):
(The lists are published in alphabetical order) 

AbbVie China

Accenture

ADATA

AIA Hong Kong and Macau

Align Technology

Allianz China

Amgen China

ANTA Group

Cadence

Cisco

DHL

EPO Fashion Group

EY

Hilton

Infosys Technologies (China) Co., Ltd.

Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group

Marriott International

MetLife

SIEMENS Healthineers

Sungrow Power Supply Co., Ltd.

TP China

Under the new For All™ methodology, companies are evaluated on how well they are creating an inclusive workplace experience for all employees no matter who they are or what they do.  

Core Findings: 

The 2025 data from the Best Workplaces in Greater China™ 2025 indicated that over 31% more employees shared the following experiences in their workplaces.  

  • Receiving special and unique benefits and a fair share of the profits made by the organization. 
  • Feeling that management hires people who fit in the organization.   
  • Feeling trusted by the management to do a good job without watching over their shoulders.  
  • Feeling agile to quickly adapt to changes.   

We applaud your continuous efforts to build great workplace cultures for your associates.

Hearty congratulations to all of this year’s winners!  

About Great Place To Work™ 

Great Place To Work™ is the global authority on high-trust, high-performance workplace cultures that provides executive advisory and culture consulting services to businesses in more than 180 countries and regions, through proprietary assessment tools, benchmarks, and certification programs. In Greater China, we work with different media partners to publish our lists namely, the ‘Best Workplaces™ in Greater China‘ list, a special list of ‘Best Workplaces for Women™ in Greater China‘ list, the ‘Best Workplaces™ in Hong Kong list and the Best Workplaces™ in Taiwan list. In the US, we work with Fortune Magazine to publish the 100 Best Companies to Work For® list. 

Follow Great Place To Work Greater China   
www.greatplacetowork.cn   
Join the community on LinkedIn and   
WeChat ID: greatplacetowork
Rednote ID: Great Place To Work

“The most important things to celebrate are the values of the organization
and how people help the organization achieve its purpose”
Michael C. Bush, CEO of Great Place To Work.

CONTACT:
Marissa Reyes
Marissa.Reyes@greatplacetowork.com

 

Innovent Biologics Announces Closing of Global Strategic Partnership with Takeda for Next-Generation IO and ADC Therapies

SAN FRANCISCO and SUZHOU, China, Dec. 5, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Innovent Biologics (HKEX: 01801) today announced that the global strategic collaboration with Takeda (TSE: 4502, NYSE: TAK) has closed and become effective following the satisfaction of all closing conditions. The collaboration, initially announced on October 22, 2025, aims to accelerate the global development and commercialization of Innovent’s next-generation immuno-oncology (IO) and antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) therapies, including the global partnership on IBI363 (PD-1/IL-2α-bias) and IBI343 (CLDN18.2 ADC), and an option for an early-stage program IBI3001 (EGFR/B7H3 ADC).

Dr. Hui Zhou, Chief R&D Officer for Oncology Pipeline at Innovent, stated, “IBI363 and IBI343 represent our next-generation therapies designed to address critical unmet needs in global cancer treatment. With clear, aligned development plans, Innovent’s deep understanding of these assets, combined with Takeda’s extensive experience and strong development and commercialization capabilities, we are poised to maximize the clinical potential of these assets across multiple indications. We look forward to the collaboration with our partner going forward.”

Under the agreement:

  • Innovent and Takeda will co-develop IBI363 globally, and co-commercialize IBI363 in the U.S., with Takeda leading the co-development and co-commercialization efforts under joint governance and aligned development plan. In addition, Innovent has granted Takeda exclusive commercialization rights for IBI363 outside Greater China and the U.S. Takeda has global manufacturing rights to supply IBI363 outside of Greater China, with such rights being co-exclusive with Innovent for commercial supply in the U.S.
  • Innovent has also granted Takeda exclusive global rights to develop, manufacture and commercialize IBI343 outside of Greater China.
  • Additionally, Takeda receives an exclusive option to license global rights for IBI3001, a first-in-class EGFR/B7H3 bispecific ADC in Phase 1 stage, outside Greater China.

Takeda will pay Innovent an upfront payment of US$1.2 billion, including a US$100 million equity investment in Innovent through new share issuance at premium, i.e., HK$112.56 per share. Furthermore, Innovent is eligible for development and sales milestone payments for IBI363, IBI343, and IBI3001 (if option exercised) totaling up to approximately $10.2 billion, for a total deal value of up to $11.4 billion. Innovent is also eligible to receive potential royalty payments for each molecule outside Greater China, except with respect to IBI363 in the U.S., where the parties will share profits or losses (40/60 Innovent/Takeda).

Detailed information about the collaboration can be found at the official website of Innovent Biologics.

About Innovent Biologics

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 17 products in the market. It has 1 new drug applications under regulatory review, 4 assets in Phase 3 or pivotal clinical trials and 15 more molecules in early clinical stage. Innovent partners with over 30 global healthcare companies, including Eli Lilly, Roche, Takeda, Sanofi, Incyte, 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.

Statement: Innovent does not recommend the use of any unapproved drug (s)/indication (s).

Forward-looking statement

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.

Innovent, the Directors and the employees of Innovent assume (a) no obligation to correct or update the forward-looking statements contained in this site; and (b) no liability in the event that any of the forward-looking statements does not materialize or turn out to be incorrect.

 

Fuel for Learning: Aschila’s Story

Education Cannot Wait-funded holistic education response, delivered by World Vision and partners, is helping displaced children regain hope, nutrition and access to learning in Ethiopia

NEW YORK, Dec. 5, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — At 11 years old, Aschila watched her life unravel as conflict swept through her village in northwestern Ethiopia. 

Aschila takes notes with a classmate at her ECW-supported school in Ethiopia. © World Vision/Daniel Kefela
Aschila takes notes with a classmate at her ECW-supported school in Ethiopia. © World Vision/Daniel Kefela

Forced to flee with her family, she left behind her home, friends and school. Settling in a new village, survival became the family’s focus. Education seemed like a distant dream, replaced by long days tending cattle to help earn a scant living. 

Hope returned when World Vision Ethiopia introduced a school feeding programme in the area – part of a holistic education response delivered by international, national and local partners through the Education Cannot Wait-funded (ECW) Multi-Year Resilience Programme in the country.

By providing school meals, educational materials and cash support – as well as rehabilitating classrooms and water points, constructing latrines, establishing safe learning spaces, offering catch-up and accelerated learning classes, and distributing menstrual hygiene management kits – the programme has made it possible for displaced families like Aschila’s to send their children back to school, and for students to learn in safety and with dignity.

Whole-of-Child support

For Aschila, the ECW-supported programme, which includes a school feeding initiative, was a bridge back to education. The homegrown initiative, using locally sourced ingredients, supplies bread, tea and rice daily, while World Vision’s cash support helps strengthen family livelihoods so children can focus on learning rather than survival. 

“The school feeding programme was a game-changer for me. It provided me with a nutritious meal every day, which gave me the energy and focus I needed to succeed in my studies,” she says. 

Now enrolled in an accelerated learning programme, Aschila is thriving. Her mornings are spent reading, writing and catching up on lessons she had once feared were lost forever. Her story reflects a broader transformation across Ethiopia, where thousands of children previously denied education are now returning to school thanks to partners like World Vision. 

Since the Multi-Year Resilience Programme began, more than 34,000 children – including over 16,400 girls – have benefited from support. Through the whole-of-child education response in the country, ECW partners are tackling barriers to learning, including child hunger and educational exclusion, and providing children like Aschila with a chance to thrive academically and socially. The cost per child for this multi-year programme is around US$65.

The power of such a holistic education response is clear. Quality education that also addresses a child’s mental, emotional and physical needs has the potential to protect, reduce poverty, lessen the chance of conflict, eliminate inequality, improve health, boost economic growth, enhance one’s life and restore peace and stability.

Crisis in Ethiopia

Across Ethiopia, the education system is under immense strain. Conflict, climate shocks, forced displacement and economic hardships are preventing millions of children from learning.

According to UNHCR, 6 million people were internally displaced, stateless or returning from forced displacement within the country at the end of 2024. At the same time, Ethiopia hosts over 1 million refugees and asylum seekers, primarily from South Sudan, Somalia and Eritrea, while also receiving thousands of forcibly displaced people from Sudan. This influx further stretches already limited resources, leaving urgent gaps in education access.

ECW in Ethiopia

Since 2020, ECW-funded programmes in Ethiopia have focused on addressing the critical educational needs of internally displaced and refugee children who are out of school, and improving access to education for girls and children with disabilities. 

To date, ECW investments in Ethiopia have totaled US$88 million. In late 2024, ECW announced an additional US$24 million catalyst grant to scale up the multi-year programme’s impact in increasing access and retention of out-of-school girls and boys into non-formal education, improving the quality of foundational learning, supporting children to transition from non-formal accelerated programmes to formal education and improving coordination mechanisms across the humanitarian-development-peace nexus. 

Through partnerships with organizations like World Vision, ECW investments are supporting back-to-school campaigns, early childhood education, accelerated learning programmes, catch-up classes, school feeding initiatives, teacher training and other interventions to ensure displaced and crisis-affected children can continue learning despite the multiple challenges around them. 

Yet, significant funding gaps remain. By the end of 2024, less than half of the US$101 million required for the education response was funded, according to the 2024 Humanitarian Response Plan. Without increased investment in teacher training, infrastructure repair and inclusive learning alternatives, an entire generation risks being left behind. 

By the end of 2024, an estimated 9 million children were out of school. More than 9,000 schools were damaged by conflict and climate shocks – around one-fifth of all schools in the country. The consequences are severe. Children who miss years of schooling face elevated risks of child marriage, child labour, forced recruitment into armed groups and exploitation. 

A Future Restored

Today, Aschila wakes each morning with renewed purpose – ready to learn, play, share a meal with her classmates and reclaim the childhood that conflict had taken from her. 

Aschila’s father reflects, “It was difficult to feed my child and purchase educational materials because we lost everything as a displaced family, but this initiative helped very much, not just me, but other community members as well, to send our children to school.” 

Through programmes like these, ECW and its partners are helping to ensure that children across Ethiopia not only regain their education but also their confidence and hope for a brighter future. For Aschila and thousands like her, every school day is a step toward rebuilding lives disrupted by crisis – and a reminder that learning, nourishment and opportunity can flourish even in the hardest circumstances.

CONTACT: Greg Benchwick, gbenchwick@unicef.org

PINTEC TO HOLD EXTRAORDINARY GENERAL MEETING ON JANUARY 8, 2026

BEIJING, Dec. 5, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Pintec Technology Holdings Limited (NASDAQ: PT) (“Pintec” or the “Company”), a technology platform committed to enabling innovative financial and digital solutions for businesses worldwide, today announced that the Company will hold its extraordinary general meeting of shareholders (the “EGM”) at 7th FL, Tower A Sino Ocean International Center, 56 East 4th Ring Road Middle, Chaoyang District, Beijing, the People’s Republic of China on January 8, 2026 at 10:00 a.m., Beijing time.

Holders of record of Class A ordinary shares and Class B ordinary shares of the Company at the close of business on December 8, 2025, Beijing time, are entitled to attend and vote at the EGM and any adjourned or postponed meeting thereof. Holders of record of ADSs as of the close of business on December 8, 2025, New York time, who wish to exercise their voting rights representing the underlying Class A ordinary shares will be able to directly instruct the Bank of New York Mellon (the “Depositary”) if ADSs are held directly by holders on the books and records of the Depositary, or indirectly through a bank, brokerage or other securities intermediary if the ADSs are held by any of them on behalf of holders, as to how to vote the Class A ordinary shares represented by such ADSs at the EGM.

The Notice of EGM, form of proxy card for the EGM and voting card for ADS holders are available on the Company’s website at https://ir.pintec.com/.

Safe Harbor Statement

This press release contains forward-looking statements. These statements constitute “forward-looking” statements within the meaning of Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and as defined in the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements can be identified by terminology such as “will,” “expects,” “anticipates,” “future,” “intends,” “plans,” “believes,” “estimates,” “target,” “confident” and similar statements. Among other things, the quotations from management in this announcement, as well as Pintec’s strategic and operational plans, contain forward-looking statements. Pintec may also make written or oral forward-looking statements in its periodic reports to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, in its annual report to shareholders, in press releases and other written materials and in oral statements made by its officers, directors or employees to third parties. Such statements are based upon management’s current expectations and current market and operating conditions, and relate to events that involve known or unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, all of which are difficult to predict and many of which are beyond the Company’s control. Forward-looking statements involve inherent risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any such statements. Potential risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, the Company’s limited operating history, regulatory uncertainties relating to the markets and industries where the Company operates, and the need to further diversify its financial partners, the Company’s reliance on a limited number of business partners, the impact of current or future PRC laws or regulations on wealth management financial products, and the Company’s ability to meet the standards necessary to maintain the listing of its ADSs on the Nasdaq Global Market, including its ability to cure any non-compliance with Nasdaq’s continued listing criteria. Further information regarding these and other risks, uncertainties or factors is included in the Company’s filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. All information provided in this press release is as of the date of this press release, and the Company does not undertake any obligation to update any forward-looking statement as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required under applicable law.

About Pintec

PINTEC is a Nasdaq-listed technology company dedicated to delivering innovative financial and digital solutions to micro, small, and medium enterprises worldwide. Through its open platform, PINTEC connects business partners and financial institutions, enabling them to provide efficient, technology-driven services to end users across international markets. By empowering partners with embedded financing capabilities and advanced digital tools, PINTEC helps businesses expand their offerings and supports financial institutions in reaching new customer segments in the digital economy. PINTEC continues to deliver exceptional digitization services, diversified financial products, and best-in-class solutions powered by cutting-edge technology, strengthening partnerships and meeting global client needs. For more information, please visit ir.Pintec.com.

DIRECT SELLING REMAINED STEADY IN 2024 AMID GLOBAL ECONOMIC SHIFTS, ACCORDING TO WFDSA STATS REPORT

WORLD FEDERATION OF DIRECT SELLING ASSOCIATIONS RELEASES ANNUAL DEFINITITVE DATA ON GLOBAL INDUSTRY SHOWING SIGNS OF STABILIZATION

WASHINGTON, Dec. 5, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — The World Federation of Direct Selling Associations (WFDSA), the global trade association representing the direct selling industry for 47 years, released its latest STATS report, showing global stability and potential growth.  Direct selling remained around $164 billion in global retail sales, an increase of $675 million over pre-pandemic sales, with 45% of markets in the study showing increases.  The number of independent representatives grew slightly over last year to 104.3 million, 72.1% of whom are women. 

“We are proud to represent an industry that enables opportunity for over 100 million entrepreneurs – making a difference for their families as well as contributions to counties in which we operate,” stated WFDSA Chairman and Shaklee Corporation CEO Roger Barnett. “The U.S. continues to be the dominant market in the world, but we’re also seeing growth in key markets like Brazil, India and China.”

The Asia-Pacific region continues to be the largest by market share, fueled by emerging players like Malaysia, but the Americas grew the most in 2024. In addition, the number of “billion-dollar markets” in 2024 stayed consistent at 21. The STATS report tracked demographic shifts among independent entrepreneurs and product categories. Wellness products continue to dominate the industry along with cosmetics and personal care – including K-beauty brands. 

“With its relatively low start-up costs, strong community support and high-quality products, direct selling is a resilient and appealing pathway for entrepreneurs around the world, especially women, and more men are becoming involved as well,” noted Shaila Manyam, Executive Director of WFDSA.   

The study is the definitive set of data and insights for the industry from 55 markets around the world, and looks ahead to potential factors affecting the industry in 2025, including the impact of tariffs and global trade, technology and growing interest in entrepreneurship.  The STATS Report is available at http://www.wfdsa.org/global-statistics

FAST FACTS

  • 2024 Global Retail Sales: $163.9 billion (essentially flat from 2023)
  • Top 10 Markets:
  1. U.S.
  2. Germany
  3. Mainland China
  4. Korea
  5. Malaysia
  6. Japan
  7. Brazil
  8. France
  9. Taiwan region
  10. India
  • Share: 21 markets posted sales of $1 billion or more, accounting for 92% of global sales
  • Key Sectors: Wellness, Cosmetics & Personal Care, Household Goods & Durables
  • Independent Contractors: 104.3 million (up 0.1%); 72.1% female.

Contact:
Maureen Paniagua
Membership Director
mpaniagua@wfdsa.org

About WFDSA
The World Federation of Direct Selling Associations (WFDSA) is the global trade association for the direct selling industry, upholding the highest standards of ethical conduct, advocating for the interests of the industry and convening over 55 national DSAs and prominent companies around the world. Founded in 1978 and headquartered in Washington, D.C., WFDSA serves as the world’s leading expert and trusted source of information and insights for and about direct selling. Learn more about WFDSA at www.wfdsa.org.

Newmark Appoints Globally Recognized Real Estate Executive Peter Trollope to Lead Occupier Solutions

Advancing Strategic Advisory Capabilities for Corporate Clients

NEW YORK, Dec. 5, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Newmark Group, Inc. (Nasdaq: NMRK) (“Newmark” or “the Company”), a leading commercial real estate advisor and service provider to large institutional investors, global corporations, and other owners and occupiers, announces the Company has hired Peter Trollope as Global Head of Occupier Solutions. A globally recognized real estate executive who has guided complex real estate strategies for some of the world’s largest corporations, Trollope will oversee the continued growth and evolution of Newmark’s integrated Occupier Solutions business, which serves clients through global strategy consulting, workplace strategy and human experience, tenant representation, transaction management, program and project management, lease administration and facilities management.  

Image courtesy of Newmark: Peter Trollope
Image courtesy of Newmark: Peter Trollope

“Our goal is to be the go-to end-to-end service provider for corporate occupiers, and we believe there is significant room to grow the Occupier Services part of our business under Peter’s leadership,” said Barry Gosin, Chief Executive Officer. “Corporate real estate leaders are prioritizing efficiency, culture and risk management alongside cost; our advantage will be speed, transparency and outcomes powered by modern technology, disciplined execution and a relentless focus on client value.”

With global experience spanning North America, Europe and Asia Pacific, Trollope has advised Fortune 500 clients across sectors on business-critical initiatives, including workplace reinvention, M&A integration and portfolio optimization. Prior to joining Newmark, he served as Global Head of Project Management Advisory at CBRE Group, where he led a $1 billion annual business with more than 5,000 professionals.

“Peter’s global perspective, operational discipline and track record driving client outcomes make him uniquely suited to scale our Occupier Solutions business and deepen the value we deliver to corporate clients worldwide,” said Lou Alvarado, Chief Operating Officer. “He is a leader who elevates every dimension of a business – people, process and performance – and will be instrumental as we advance toward our goal of generating more than $2 billion in revenues from Management Services, Servicing Fees and Other by 2029.”

Trollope’s appointment reflects Newmark’s broader strategy to invest in best-in-class talent and deliver high-impact advisory through a seamless integration of real estate, people and technology. He will work closely with Elizabeth Hart, President of Leasing for North America, to foster further collaboration between Newmark’s Leasing and Management Services businesses, while driving strategic planning, client outcomes and ensuring consistent client service at scale.

“Newmark has the momentum, leadership and client trust to engineer what occupier services can deliver,” said Trollope. “The industry is asking for a partner that moves quicker, integrates technology more natively and measures success by outcomes. That is Newmark’s bar of excellence.”

About Newmark
Newmark Group, Inc. (Nasdaq: NMRK), together with its subsidiaries (“Newmark”), is a world leader in commercial real estate, seamlessly powering every phase of the property life cycle. Newmark’s comprehensive suite of services and products is uniquely tailored to each client, from owners to occupiers, investors to founders, and startups to blue-chip companies. Combining the platform’s global reach with market intelligence in both established and emerging property markets, Newmark provides superior service to clients across the industry spectrum. For the twelve months ended September 30, 2025, Newmark generated revenues of over $3.1 billion. As of September 30, 2025, Newmark and its business partners together operated from approximately 170 offices with over 8,500 professionals across four continents. To learn more, visit nmrk.com or follow @newmark.

Discussion of Forward-Looking Statements about Newmark
Statements in this document regarding Newmark that are not historical facts are “forward-looking statements” that involve risks and uncertainties, which could cause actual results to differ from those contained in the forward-looking statements. These include statements about the Company’s business, results, financial position, liquidity, and outlook, which may constitute forward-looking statements and are subject to the risk that the actual impact may differ, possibly materially, from what is currently expected. Except as required by law, Newmark undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking statements. For a discussion of additional risks and uncertainties, which could cause actual results to differ from those contained in the forward-looking statements, see Newmark’s Securities and Exchange Commission filings, including, but not limited to, the risk factors and Special Note on Forward-Looking Information set forth in these filings and any updates to such risk factors and Special Note on Forward-Looking Information contained in subsequent reports on Form 10-K, Form 10-Q or Form 8-K.

Newmark Group, Inc.
Newmark Group, Inc.

 

KPM Analytics Enhances NIR Analyzers with New Ready-to-Use NIR Calibration Packages to Simplify Food & Feed Quality Analysis

SpectraStar™ XT Series Users Now Have Easier Access to KPM’s Extensive Calibration Library for Confident Quality Assurance

WESTBOROUGH, Mass., Dec. 5, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — KPM Analytics today announced the release of 10 new Near-Infrared (NIR) Calibration Packages for its SpectraStar™ XT NIR Analyzer Series. These ready-to-use packages provide food and agriculture producers with faster, simpler access to accurate, high-confidence quality measurements.

Food and feed processors rely on NIR technology to quickly assess key quality attributes such as moisture, protein, fat (oil), and fiber—measurements made possible by robust calibration models that convert spectral data into actionable results. KPM’s new calibration packages introduce more than 200 validated calibration models, expanding product coverage and giving SpectraStar™ XT users immediate access to precise, reliable analysis across a wide range of agricultural and processed food products. Combined with the SpectraStar XT’s high signal-to-noise optical design and patented TAS® (True Alignment Spectroscopy) technology, these packages deliver a powerful, ready-to-use quality control solution that supports consistent decision-making from day one.

“KPM Analytics has long been a leader in NIR innovation for the food and feed industries. SpectraStar™ XT analyzers are trusted for their accuracy and reliability, and these new Calibration Packages further strengthen that value,” says Yuegang Zhao, President of the KPM Analytics Laboratory Solutions Division and Chief Commercial Officer. “A calibration library of this depth and robustness takes years to build, and it enables producers to streamline workflows, maintain consistency, and make confident, data-driven decisions.”

The initial set of 10 calibration packages spans feed, feed ingredients, dairy products, grains, flours, oilseeds, snack foods, and more. Each package includes between 10 and more than 30 calibrations, depending on the application. Updates to the packages and additional packages will be released as KPM continues to expand its growing calibration library.

Calibration Deployment Simplified with KPMLink® Cloud Platform
Calibration packages can be distributed through KPMLink®, KPM’s cloud-based platform for networking, calibration deployment, and data management across multiple SpectraStar™ XT analyzers. The system centralizes and simplifies calibration control, ensuring consistent methods across all instruments. Through KPMLink®, teams can instantly deploy and synchronize updates—including the new NIR Calibration Packages—to every SpectraStar™ XT analyzer connected to their organization.

“KPMLink® allows organizations to manage all SpectraStar™ XT analyzers from anywhere in the world,” Zhao adds. “Instead of manually downloading individual calibrations, KPMLink® streamlines the entire process, ensuring every instrument remains up to date and operating correctly.”

Availability
Current SpectraStar XT Series users and prospective customers are encouraged to contact sales@kpmanalytics.com to learn more about KPM Analytics’ NIR Calibration Package offerings. For additional information about SpectraStar XT analyzers, KPMLink®, and other KPM solutions, visit www.kpmanalytics.com.

About KPM Analytics 

KPM Analytics is a global leader in scientific instrumentation and vision process machinery, focused primarily on analyzing critical parameters within the food, feed, agriculture, and environmental sectors. We provide a comprehensive range of products and services to solve our customers’ problems uniquely. Our brands include AMS, Bruins Instruments, CHOPIN Technologies, EyePro System, Process Sensors, Sensortech, Sightline, Smart Vision Works, and Unity Scientific. Each has a long history of delivering advanced and reliable analysis solutions to ensure product quality and optimize process efficiency, with customer service at the center of everything we do. Visit www.kpmanalytics.com to learn more.  

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