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Cosmo Announces Leadership Transition; Mark Griffie appointed as Chief Executive Officer

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Advertorial Desk
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SINGAPORE and BOSTON, Jan. 13, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Cosmo, a global leader in performance textiles, composites, and advanced materials for the footwear and apparel industry, today announced a planned leadership transition. Josh VanDernoot will retire as Chief Executive Officer after six years in the role. The Board of Directors appointed Mark Griffie as CEO, effective 1 January 2026. Mark will be based in Singapore. Josh will remain on Cosmo’s Board of Directors and serve as an advisor to support Mark through a smooth transition.

Mark Griffie, CEO of Cosmo
Mark Griffie, CEO of Cosmo

Chairman of the Board, Doug Dossey said, “Josh led Cosmo through a period of significant industry change, maintaining operating discipline, honoring commitments to our brand and factory partners, and strengthening the foundation of the business. We are grateful for his leadership, and Cosmo is well positioned today because of it.”

Josh VanDernoot added, “It has been a privilege to lead Cosmo, and I am proud of the platform we have built over many years. The business is strong, the team is deeply capable, and Mark is well prepared to lead the business in its next phase. I look forward to continuing to support the Company as a Director and advisor.”

Mark Griffie joined Cosmo in 2024 and has worked closely with the leadership team to drive growth, sustainable innovation and operational excellence. Previously, he spent two decades at Nike, most recently as Senior Vice President of Materials Supply Chain, where he oversaw global procurement of over USD 8 billion in footwear and apparel materials. His earlier roles spanned product development and sourcing across Asia, including postings in China (2006–2008) and Singapore (2016–2020). Mark brings deep brand acumen, an extensive industry network, and a proven track record of executing at scale.

“Mark is a proven leader with deep operating expertise and a strong understanding of our customers, partners and industry,” noted Doug Dossey. “He has the full confidence of the Board and the leadership team, and he is incredibly well positioned to lead Cosmo into its next exciting phase of growth.”

Mark Griffie said, “I’m humbled by the trust placed in me by the Board, Josh and the Cosmo team. Our priorities remain unchanged. We will stay deeply connected to our brand and factory partners, ensuring reliability and consistency in everything we do. At the same time, we will continue strengthening our commercial and operational foundations.”

Cosmo operates in a dynamic part of the footwear and apparel value chain. With Mark as Chief Executive Officer, Cosmo will continue to lead with operational discipline and a strong customer focus. The Company is committed to supporting its brand and factory partners through reliable execution, close collaboration, and a relentless focus on delivering value.

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About Cosmo

Cosmo is a global leader in performance textiles, composites, and advanced materials for the footwear and apparel industries, and the #1 supplier of waterproof solutions worldwide. Through a versatile, multi-country manufacturing platform, Cosmo supplies innovative materials designed to meet a wide range of performance, aesthetic, and commercial requirements. Cosmo offers a tiered portfolio of solutions – spanning good, better, and best options across performance and price points – allowing brand and factory partners to select the right materials for each product and market. With manufacturing operations across Asia, Cosmo supports localized production, rapid development cycles, and fast-to-market delivery. The Company works closely with leading global brands through collaborative R&D partnerships and is committed to sustainable manufacturing, advancing initiatives such as recycled material systems, waterless dyeing, bio-based textiles, and closed-loop recycling. Together, these capabilities enable Cosmo to deliver high-quality, innovative, and environmentally conscious material solutions to partners worldwide. Learn more at https://cosmofabric.net/ 

Entering Its 16th Year: Vantage Markets Sets a New Standard for the “Ultimate Trading Machine”

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Advertorial Desk
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PORT VILA, Vanuatu, Jan. 13, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — For Vantage Markets, 2025 marked not only the company’s 16th year in operation, but also a significant milestone in its brand evolution. Founded in 2009, Vantage has grown from an industry challenger into a globally recognized multi-asset broker offering a comprehensive range of products, including foreign exchange, commodities, indices, equities, exchange-traded funds (ETFs) and Contracts for Difference (CFDs).

Entering a new phase of growth, Vantage reaffirms its commitment to the core vision of the “Ultimate Trading Machine,” demonstrating this commitment through continued investment in technology, brand development, and responsible business practices, supported by robust performance, strategic partnerships, and a continued focus on social responsibility.

I. Building Trust Through Independent Industry Recognition

In the over-the-counter derivatives market, platform credibility is a critical consideration guiding traders’ decisions. Through sustained efforts to strengthen compliance and transparency, Vantage has earned widespread recognition across the industry.

During the 2024-2025 award season, Vantage’s progress was reflected across multiple industry benchmarks. At the Professional Trader Awards 2024, the company was honored with the Most Trusted Broker award—an accolade that highlights its focus on fund security, regulatory compliance, and ethical business practices.

At the same time, in the rapidly maturing social trading segment, Vantage has received the Best in Class Award for Copy Trading from ForexBrokers.com for the fifth consecutive year (2021-2025). This achievement demonstrates the company’s success in building a resilient copy trading ecosystem—one that lowers the barrier to entry for newcomers while providing experienced traders with a reliable platform to share and scale their strategies.

II. The Ultimate Test Under Challenging Market Conditions

An “Ultimate Trading Machine” must be more than a marketing slogan—it must deliver consistent performance under extreme and volatile market conditions.

During the 2024 U.S. presidential election, when global financial markets experienced heightened turbulence, leading financial portal Investing.com conducted a comprehensive performance stress test on Vantage. The results not only affirmed the resilience of the company’s infrastructure but also provided data-driven validation of its claims to stability:

  • High zero-slippage execution: Under the STP account model, even during periods of severe liquidity strain surrounding the election, Vantage achieved a zero-slippage rate of up to 79%, enabling clients to execute trades with a high degree of price accuracy.
  • Exceptional spread control: Test data showed that Vantage’s gold spreads remained consistently within an ultra-tight range of 8-9 points throughout the election period, highlighting effective liquidity management and execution quality.

III. Brand Elevation: From McLaren to Ferrari

In articulating its brand ethos, Vantage has consistently drawn on elite motorsports partnerships to embody the values of speed and precision.

By the end of 2024, Vantage concluded its three-year partnership with the NEOM McLaren Extreme E team. Racing under some of the world’s most extreme conditions, Extreme E reflected the fast-paced and unpredictable nature of financial markets. Through the “Reborn a Trader” campaign, this journey resonated with a global community of traders seeking to push boundaries and pursue continuous improvement.

In 2025, Vantage formally announced its partnership with Scuderia Ferrari HP, marking a strategic move to the highest tier of sports marketing. Ferrari’s relentless pursuit of speed and unwavering drive for victory align closely with the discipline, precision, and focus required in financial trading. This new alliance is set to further strengthen Vantage’s brand presence in the global premium and professional trading market.

IV. Technology for All: Bridging the Gap Between Institutional and Retail Traders

Vantage’s technological vision has always focused on eliminating the divide between institutional and retail trading capabilities.

  • Infrastructure: By deploying server clusters in global financial hubs including New York and London, Vantage utilizes physical proximity to significantly reduce network latency.
  • Feature Innovation: The introduction of the “Multi-Strategy” function in copy trading allows users to combine different trading strategies within a single framework, diversifying risks and optimizing returns.
  • User Reputation: As of January 2025, Vantage had garnered over 5,000 reviews on Trustpilot, maintaining a strong 4-star rating. Users regularly cite system reliability and professional service as key strengths.

V. Business for Good: Strategic Practices in ESG

Long-term corporate value is defined not only by financial performance but also by a commitment to social responsibility. Through the Vantage Foundation, the company has positioned corporate social responsibility (CSR) as a strategic priority, illustrating a strong and timely response in disaster relief efforts:

  • Fire Relief in Hong Kong: In response to a recent major fire in the SAR, Vantage promptly donated HKD 1 million and supported local relief efforts through coordinated on-site assistance.
  • Typhoon Relief in Vietnam: Following a typhoon in the country, Vantage organized volunteer teams to deliver urgently needed supplies to affected communities.

Beyond disaster response, Vantage actively champions global initiatives, from supporting UNESCO’s efforts to enhance digital literacy to contributing to UNHCR programs that protect refugees, further establishing itself as a responsible and globally engaged financial brand.

Conclusion

Reflecting on the past fifteen years, Vantage Markets has evolved from an industry participant into a well-established and trusted market leader.

As it enters its sixteenth year and charts its path forward, Vantage’s strategic vision remains focused and resolute: to continue refining the technological core of the “Ultimate Trading Machine,” drive peak performance through its Ferrari partnership, and fulfill its commitment to responsible finance via the Vantage Foundation.

Vantage Markets – Born to Trade, Reborn to Lead.

aulumu Showcases High-Performance Design Philosophy at CES 2026 with G09 and M10

By
Advertorial Desk
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LAS VEGAS, Jan. 13, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — During CES 2026, aulumu, a design brand focused on high-performance gear, drew attention by showcasing a range of its flagship products, highlighting its distinctive approach to blending functionality with visual expression. Among the products featured at the show, the G09 Infinite Rotation Dual-Mag Stand and the M10 Multi-Charging Dual-Mag Power Bank stood out as core products.

This photo captures a busy exhibition scene at CES, showcasing the AULUMU booth.
This photo captures a busy exhibition scene at CES, showcasing the AULUMU booth.

“By combining absolute pragmatism with a distinctive visual language, aulumu aims to build a systematic ecosystem of high-performance gear for urban users who value efficiency. The products presented at this year’s CES are a direct reflection of this pursuit,” said Hou, CEO of aulumu.

Positioned as the world’s first smartphone stand to enable true three-axis, 360-degree rotation, the G09 Infinite Rotation Dual-Mag Stand rethinks how mobile devices are positioned and used throughout the day. The G09 Infinite Rotation Dual-Mag Stand is redefining smartphone positioning as the first stand to deliver true three-axis, 360-degree rotation. Engineered for versatility, it offers independent movement along the X, Y, and Z axes, giving users precise control for work, streaming, or recording, where traditional fixed-angle stands often fall short.

Lightweight yet durable, the G09 features a dual-sided magnetic design for MagSafe devices and attachment to other magnetic surfaces. A precision damping system keeps phones stable at extreme angles, while an aluminum grip ring with interchangeable silicone inserts adds comfort and style—one even glows in the dark for low-light use. From office desks to kitchen counters, gyms, and travel setups, the G09 adapts seamlessly for second-screen workflows, fitness tracking, vlogging, and everyday content creation.

Complementing G09 is the M10 Multi-Charging Dual-Mag Power Bank, a solution aimed at users juggling multiple devices in fast-paced settings. Packing a 10,000mAh battery and 35W fast-charging capability, it powers up to three devices at once via Type-C output, MagSafe, and wireless charging for compatible devices such as the Apple Watch. Compact yet powerful, it meets the growing need for all-in-one charging solutions for smartphones, wearables, and accessories.

A built-in Type-C cable eliminates extra clutter, while an advanced cooling system safeguards battery health. Its dual-sided magnetic design ensures secure MagSafe attachment, adding convenience on the go. Supporting a wide range of protocols, including PD, AFC, SCP, FCP, QC2.0, QC3.0, and Qi2, the M10 adapts to diverse devices and standards. Ideal for business travel, daily commutes, and extended trips, it delivers reliable, multi-device charging in a sleek, portable form.

Founded in 2022, aulumu is a design brand focused on high-performance gear, drawing inspiration from the functional aesthetics of cyberpunk and the philosophical roots of ancient Greek thought. Since its inception, the brand has launched dozens of digital accessory products, secured multiple utility and invention patents, and received the 2025 Red Dot Design Award. Today, aulumu products serve hundreds of thousands of users across more than 20 countries and regions, positioning the brand as a growing presence in the global high-performance accessories market.

For more information, visit: https://aulumu.com/, or follow aulumu on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aulumu_official/.

A flat-lay of AULUMU —A17 AF case, M10 Power Bank, Apple Watch with C03 band, and G09 Stand.
A flat-lay of AULUMU —A17 AF case, M10 Power Bank, Apple Watch with C03 band, and G09 Stand.

Delta Recognized by CDP with Double “A” Leadership Rating for Climate Change and Water Security for the Fifth Time

By
Advertorial Desk
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TAIPEI, Jan. 13, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Delta, a global leader in power management and smart green solutions, has been awarded double “A List” stature in the 2025 “Climate Change” and “Water Security” reports of CDP for the fifth time. This year, fewer than 1% out of 22,000+ participating companies worldwide achieved this top-tier double “A” score. Delta has integrated multiple environmental issues—including climate change, water security, and biodiversity—into its sustainability strategies, elevating its sustainability oversight to the board level and proactively driving Scope 3 emissions reductions across its value chain toward net-zero goals.

Jesse Chou, Delta’s Vice President and Chief Sustainability Officer, said, “Driven by the increasing frequency of extreme weather and the global emphasis on sustainability, Delta—with strong support from its management team— elevated its sustainability committee, established nearly two decades ago, to a board-level functional committee in 2025. This strategic shift ensures direct board oversight of Delta’s sustainability strategies and execution. Delta is an industry pioneer in climate action. Since 2021, our internal carbon fee mechanisms have been fully integrated into corporate decision-making, channeling funds toward energy and resource efficiency, renewable electricity, and low-carbon innovation, which has directly accelerated key emissions reduction and renewable electricity adoption milestones.”

Regarding climate governance, Delta achieved a 53.6% reduction in Scope 1 and Scope 2 greenhouse gas emissions in 2024 compared to the 2021 baseline, while global operational sites reached an 84% renewable electricity usage rate. Delta is also actively advancing Scope 3 carbon reduction efforts by establishing subcommittees focused on indirect emissions from upstream procurement and the use of downstream sold products, bringing together cross-functional teams to assess emissions and develop management strategies.

In 2024, Delta invested US$ 21 million through its internal carbon pricing mechanism fund, achieving carbon emission reductions exceeding 37,000 metric tons. The Company released the ICP Report in 2025 to share its implementation experience, which has garnered significant industry attention. Furthermore, Delta continues to strengthen supplier engagement and decarbonization capacity; over half of Delta’s procurement value comes from tier-1 suppliers committed to SBT targets, and over 60% of tier-1 significant suppliers have signed the “Carbon Reduction Commitment.”

Although Delta is not a high-water-consumption company, it proactively enhances dynamic resilience against increasing water stress. In 2024, Delta’s Board approved the Water Resource Policy aimed at strengthening resilience to climate change and water scarcity. That year, overall water productivity intensity (WPI) across manufacturing sites decreased by 30.7% compared to the 2020 baseline—far exceeding the 2025 target of a 10% reduction. Delta has also initiated assessments using the Science Based Targets Network (SBTN) framework to balance corporate water use with the needs of natural ecosystems.

CDP’s annual assessment and scoring process is globally recognized as the gold standard for corporate environmental transparency. More than 640 investors with over US$ 127 trillion in assets, and over 270 major procurement organizations with combined spending of US$ 6.4 trillion, request that their suppliers disclose information about their environmental impacts, risks, and opportunities. Delta has been listed on CDP’s “A List” for Water Security for six consecutive years and has maintained “Leadership” recognition for Climate Change ten times.

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About Delta

Delta, founded in 1971, and listed on the Taiwan Stock Exchange (code:2308), is a global leader in switching power supplies and thermal management products with a thriving portfolio of IoT-based smart energy-saving systems and solutions in the fields of industrial automation, building automation, telecom power, data center infrastructure, EV charging, renewable energy, energy storage and display, to nurture the development of smart manufacturing and sustainable cities. As a world-class corporate citizen guided by its mission statement, “To provide innovative, clean and energy-efficient solutions for a better tomorrow,” Delta leverages its core competence in high-efficiency power electronics and its ESG-embedded business model to address key environmental issues, such as climate change. Delta serves customers through its sales offices, R&D centers and manufacturing facilities spread over close to 200 locations across 5 continents.

Throughout its history, Delta has received various global awards and recognition for its business achievements, innovative technologies and dedication to ESG. Since 2011, Delta has been listed on the Dow Jones Best-in-Class World Index (formerly the DJSI World Index of Dow Jones Sustainability™ Indices) for 14 consecutive years. Delta has also won CDP with double A List for 5 times for its substantial contribution to climate change and water security issues and has been named Supplier Engagement Leader for its continuous development of a sustainable value chain for 8 consecutive years.

For detailed information about Delta, please visit: www.deltaww.com 

Rescue Dog Walks Across United States With Monks on Walk for Peace

By
Thongsavanh Souvannasane
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Aloka the Peace Dog accompanies Buddhist monks on a barefoot 120-day walk across the United States, promoting compassion and mindfulness from Texas to Washington, D.C. (Photo credit: Aloka the Peace Dog).

Aloka, a four-year-old rescue dog known as the “Peace Dog,” has become the unlikely face of a 120-day barefoot pilgrimage across the United States, walking alongside Buddhist monks from Laos, Thailand, Vietnam, Taiwan, and Cambodia.

The journey, known as the Walk for Peace, began in late October 2025 and covers approximately 3,700 kilometers on foot. The group is now heading through North Carolina, with Washington, D.C., as its final destination in mid-February.

Buddhist monks on a barefoot 120-day walk across the United States, promoting compassion and mindfulness as the journey continues toward Washington, D.C. (Photo credit: Walk for Peace)

Aloka was rescued during a 112-day pilgrimage in India in 2022. Since then, the dog has accompanied the monk who rescued it on long pilgrimages and walks.

Named after the Sanskrit word for “light,” Aloka is easily recognized by a heart-shaped mark on his forehead and has attracted a wide following through the Facebook page Aloka the Peace Dog. 

His presence has drawn attention far beyond Buddhist circles.

Aloka the Peace Dog accompanies Buddhist monks on a barefoot 120-day walk across the United States, promoting compassion and mindfulness as the journey continues toward Washington, D.C. (Photo credit: Aloka the Peace Dog)

Walking with the Monks

The Walk for Peace includes 24 monks who follow the strict Theravada dhutanga tradition. The monks sleep in tents, eat one meal a day, and walk barefoot or in simple sandals, accepting only food and water offered by supporters.

Twenty-four Buddhist monks walk barefoot on a 120-day, 3,700 km pilgrimage from Texas to Washington, D.C., starting 26 October 2025 and aiming to arrive mid-February 2026. (Photo credit: Walk for Peace).

Their disciplined journey has drawn thousands of in-person supporters and millions of online viewers, with Aloka often appearing at the front of the procession.

Injury and Recovery

In South Carolina, Aloka suffered a leg injury and underwent surgery on 12 January. According to an update shared the following day, he is recovering well and is expected to rejoin the walk soon.

Aloka on 12 January during surgery at Charleston Veterinary Referral Center, recovering under close medical care. (Photo credit: Walk for Peace)

The pilgrimage itself has faced serious challenges along the way. 

On 19 November 2025, a pickup truck struck a pilot vehicle escorting the group in Dayton, Texas. Maha Dam Phommasan, a Lao-American abbot based in Atlanta, suffered severe injuries that led to the amputation of his leg, while another monk sustained minor injuries.

Despite the incident, the group continued the journey, maintaining its message of forgiveness and non-violence.

Maha Dam Phommasan, a Lao-American abbot from Atlanta, suffered severe injuries and a leg amputation, but later rejoined the walk to greet fellow monks. 04 January 2026. (Photo credit: Walk for Peace).

Welcomed Along the Way

Communities across the United States have welcomed the walk. 

At each stop, the monks share teachings on mindfulness and compassion, accompanied by Aloka’s quiet presence.

Along the way, communities across the United States have welcomed the walk. (Photo credit: Walk for Peace)

As of 13 January, the group has around 700 kilometers remaining before reaching Washington, D.C. Organizers have said the Walk for Peace will expand internationally in 2026, with plans for a future pilgrimage from Amsterdam to northern Norway.

Along the way, communities across the United States have welcomed the walk. (Photo credit: Walk for Peace)

Immunofoco Presents Phase I/IIa Data of IMC002 at ASCO GI 2026, Highlighting a Durable Complete Response Beyond One Year and a 66.7% ORR in Advanced GC/GEJ

By
Advertorial Desk
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SHANGHAI, Jan. 13, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Immunofoco, a clinical-stage biotechnology company advancing innovative CAR-T cell therapies for solid tumors, recently announced clinical data from its Phase I/IIa study of IMC002, a VHH-based anti-CLDN18.2 CAR-T therapy, in patients with advanced gastric cancer and gastroesophageal junction cancer (GC/GEJ). The data were presented as a poster (Abstract No. 398) at the 2026 ASCO Gastrointestinal Cancers Symposium (ASCO GI 2026).

The study is a multicenter, open-label, dose-escalation Phase I/IIa trial designed to evaluate the safety, tolerability, and preliminary efficacy of IMC002 in patients with CLDN18.2-positive, locally advanced or metastatic GC/GEJ who had failed at least two prior lines of systemic therapy. The results presented at ASCO GI 2026 focus on the GC/GEJ cohort.

As of the data cutoff on August 8, 2025, 16 patients had received a single infusion of IMC002 and were included in the safety analysis, with 15 patients evaluable for efficacy. IMC002 demonstrated a favorable and manageable safety profile, with no dose-limiting toxicities observed during the dose-escalation phase. Cytokine release syndrome (CRS) occurred in all patients but was limited to Grade 1 or 2, and no Grade ≥3 CRS, ICANS, or treatment-related deaths were reported.

In evaluable patients, IMC002 achieved an objective response rate (ORR) of 66.7% (10/15). Survival data were immature at the time of analysis, with a median progression-free survival (mPFS) of 7.0 months (95% CI: 3.9, NA) and a median overall survival (OS) of 10.3 months (95% CI: 6.1, NA).

Notably, one patient in the 2.5×10⁸ CAR-T cell dose cohort achieved a complete response (CR) and has remained tumor-free for 60 weeks, demonstrating antitumor activity following IMC002 treatment in a heavily pretreated setting.

Further analyses indicated that IMC002 provided clinically meaningful PFS benefits in third-line and later-line GC/GEJ patients, comparing favorably with historical outcomes reported for this population. Together with its well-tolerated safety profile, these findings support the continued clinical development of IMC002 and its potential evaluation in earlier-line treatment settings.

“IMC002 demonstrated a controllable safety profile and encouraging antitumor activity in patients with advanced gastric and gastroesophageal junction cancers, including those who had failed multiple prior lines of therapy,” said Professor Jianming Xu, corresponding author of the study and Professor at the First Medical Center of the Chinese PLA General Hospital. “Of particular clinical significance, one patient achieved a complete response lasting for more than one year. These findings provide important clinical evidence supporting the application of CLDN18.2-targeted CAR-T therapy in solid tumors, and the favorable safety profile also opens the possibility for future exploration in earlier-line settings and strategies aimed at long-term clinical benefit.”

IMC002 is a novel CLDN18.2-targeted CAR-T cell therapy incorporating a highly specific VHH domain, designed to enhance tumor targeting while maintaining a favorable safety profile in solid tumors. Based on the encouraging results from this Phase I/IIa study, a Phase III randomized controlled trial of IMC002 in late-line GC/GEJ patients has been initiated.

The presentation at ASCO GI 2026 highlights Immunofoco’s continued progress in advancing CAR-T cell therapies for solid tumors and underscores the therapeutic potential of CLDN18.2-targeted approaches in addressing significant unmet medical needs in advanced gastrointestinal cancers.

About Immunofoco

Immunofoco is a clinical-stage biotech company, devoted to developing innovative immune cell therapies for patients with solid tumors worldwide. The company was established in September 2020 in Zhangjiang, Shanghai, by a team of renowned scientists and industry experts who achieved the approval of the first CAR-T product in China.

Immunofoco has developed several innovative platforms that overcome the treatment challenges of solid tumors. These platforms, such as Peri Cruiser, SNR, T-Booster, FOCO-CAR, Solid Guard  are designed to improve the safety and efficacy of CAR-T products by 1) limiting CART entry to normal tissues, 2) counteracting tumor heterogeneity, 3) enhancing CART activation, proliferation and infiltration,  We also developed iMagic platform that utilizes a noval fusogen and T-cell targeting modules to allow effecient T-cell transduction and CART generation in vivo.  

Committed to addressing unmet clinical needs, our company has built a diverse and robust product pipeline. Notably, IMC002, a CLDN18.2-targeted CAR-T therapy, has progressed to a Phase III pivotal trial in China. This milestone follows the U.S. FDA and Chinese NMPA approvals of its Investigational New Drug (IND) applications in April 2023. IMC002 has also received significant regulatory recognitions from the U.S. FDA, including Fast Track Designation (FTD), Regenerative Medicine Advanced Therapy (RMAT) designation, and Orphan Drug Designation for both gastric cancer and pancreatic cancer. Similarly, our IMC001 (EpCAM CAR-T) product obtained ODD from the U.S. FDA in August 2023, and its IND application has been approved in both the U.S. and China in February 2024, followed by the approval of a second IND in China in March 2025. The IMC008 (SNR CAR-T) product has rapidly moved to the IIT stage and received two ODD approvals from the U.S. FDA in August 2023. IMV101（in vivo CAR-T）has also rapidly moved to the IIT stage.

In August 2022, we successfully completed the construction validation of our nearly 2500m2 GMP plant in Suzhou and commenced operations. In December 2025, the company established its operational headquarters in the Shenzhen Qianhai Free Trade Zone to further promote the comprehensive development of the company’s international business.

The company upholds the development concept of “collaboration, aspirations, striving for new heights,” by assembling industry talents and expert support to jointly develop innovative cell therapies that provide long-term survival benefits to patients with solid tumors. For more information about Immunofoco, please visit the company’s website at www.immunofoco.com.

Former Ban Keun Zoo Reopens as Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre Near Nam Pien Yorlapa

By
Phoudasack Vongsay
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A birds eye view picture of the zoo in overall in their new location. (Picture by LCTW)

The former Ban Keun Zoo in Vientiane is set to begin a new chapter as a wildlife rehabilitation centre, with operations relocating near the Nam Pien Yorlapa tourist area in Vientiane Capital.

The new facility, run by the Lao Conservation Trust for Wildlife, will officially open to the public on 19 January, marking a shift away from a traditional zoo model toward wildlife rescue, rehabilitation, and release back into natural habitats.

A bear in habitats that similar to their natural environments. (Picture by LCTW)

“The new LCTW centre represents a major step forward in animal welfare and rehabilitation,” said Jeremy Phan, Director of the Lao Conservation Trust for Wildlife. “Many of the animals now live in large, forested habitats that closely mimic their natural environments, particularly species like gibbons, langurs, and bears.”

He said the redesigned enclosures reduce stress and limit human dependency, allowing animals to express natural behaviours and better prepare for eventual release. 

Some areas feature large viewing windows, enabling visitors to observe animals without disturbing them.

Large viewing windows for visitors to observe animals without disturbing them. (Picture by LCTW)

“It creates meaningful experiences for guests while still preserving the animals’ wildness and welfare,” Phan said.  

The new centre sits on the edge of Phou Khao Khouay National Protected Area and next to the Nampien Yorla Pa Ecoresort, placing rehabilitation efforts within a largely natural landscape.

“This gives us a unique opportunity, where appropriate, animals can be rehabilitated in a truly natural setting and even released directly back into the national park,” Phan said. 

Behind the Mission

Lao authorities and conservation groups report rescuing and seizing hundreds of wild animals each year as enforcement against illegal wildlife trade strengthens, alongside growing public awareness and tighter regulations on wildlife protection.  

A LCTW staff release Turtle release to the wild (Picture by LCTW)

The World Wide Fund for Nature reported that Lao authorities and partners removed more than 1,100 illegally traded wildlife specimens and over 570 kilograms of animal parts in 2023–24. Seizures included 115 live animals in Xieng Khouang and 189 parrots in Xayaboury, highlighting stronger enforcement against wildlife crime.

Phan attributed this rise to stronger outreach, increased public awareness, and closer cooperation with the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Inspection.

Still, returning animals to the wild is not always straightforward. “Habitat loss and hunting pressure are ongoing challenges,” he noted. “In some cases, habitat loss and fragmentation have eliminated wild populations or left them too fragmented to support reintroduction.”

He added that post-release monitoring remains limited by staff and resources, though release remains the goal whenever conditions allow.

National Role in Wildlife Protection

Education is another core part of the conservation effort, providing a learning space for both Lao and international visitors to better understand wildlife conservation, animal welfare, and the impacts of illegal wildlife trade.

A Wildlife Nutrition Center as one of the facilities for education programs in the zoo. (Picture by LCTW)

Laos continues to strengthen its approach to conservation, but authorities and organisations note that despite expanded rescue and release efforts in recent years, habitat loss, hunting, and illegal trade continue to place pressure on wildlife populations. 

In this context, long-term cooperation between government agencies, local communities, and conservation groups remain key to successful conservation.

BookAI Transforms Global IP Economy: Secures AIoT Partnership at CES and Opens Seed Round for Global Scalability

By
Advertorial Desk
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LAS VEGAS, Jan. 13, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — BookAI, the pioneer in cross-language Knowledge Computing, announced today the official opening of its Seed Round financing via SAFE notes. The announcement comes immediately after a breakthrough showcase at CES 2026, where BookAI validated its B2B2C model through strategic integrations with AIoT hardware, moving beyond concepts to commercial scalability.

BookAI validates US market demand at CES 2026: An attendee reads Traditional Chinese content instantly via IntelliBooks.
BookAI validates US market demand at CES 2026: An attendee reads Traditional Chinese content instantly via IntelliBooks.

From “Concept” to “Contract”: The Commercial Moat

Unlike many early-stage GenAI startups, BookAI demonstrated market-ready infrastructure capable of handling complex copyright compliance—a critical demand from global IP holders.

“We proved at CES that BookAI is not just a tool, but the ‘Intel Inside’ for the global knowledge economy,” said Kun-Lin Hsieh, Founder and CEO of BookAI. “By embedding our Nabu and Miva engines into third-party devices—like our new partnership with Korean smart lamp maker CN Inc.—we have unlocked a scalable path to transform static content into IntelliBooks and monetize them across borders instantly.”

Dual-Engine Growth Validation:

  • The Hardware Engine (CES 2026): Confirmed B2B2C traction. BookAI’s technology successfully powered the DAL:BIT smart lamp, allowing English speakers to interact with Traditional Chinese content in real-time. This “Knowledge-as-a-Service” model attracted immediate inquiries from Japanese venture capital (focused on IP expansion) and Silicon Valley investors (focused on scalable AI infra).
  • The Content Engine (Frankfurt Book Fair): Confirmed B2B demand. The Nabu platform was adopted by over 230 publishers from 15 countries, with 62% of traction coming from Western markets, proving a solved pain point in the $600B copyright trading market.

Investment Opportunity: The Seed Round

To capitalize on this global momentum, BookAI has initiated its Seed Round. The raise is structured via SAFE (Simple Agreement for Future Equity) to efficiently onboard strategic partners who align with BookAI’s vision of a borderless knowledge ecosystem.

About BookAI

BookAI is an AI Knowledge Computing Platform transforming how the world accesses information. Backed by Taiwan Tech Arena (TTA), BookAI connects global publishers with AIoT devices, turning static text into IntelliBooks—liquid, interactive, and tradable assets.

Media & Investor Contact: BookAI PR Team Email: support@bookai.com, LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bookai2024

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