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Vientiane’s Wat Tay Canal Could Become Floating Night Market Under New City Proposal

This photo is used for representational purpose only.

Vientiane is considering a proposed floating night market project along the Wat Tay canal in Sikhottabong district to boost tourism and the nighttime economy.

Following public scrutiny and a series of adjustments to the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) project, Vientiane Capital authorities are now considering this new urban development initiative aimed at enhancing tourism, supporting local businesses, and boosting the city’s nighttime economy.

The proposal to develop a floating night market along the Wat Tay drainage canal was presented during the Vientiane Capital Administration Meeting on 30 December 2025, chaired by Mayor Atsaphangthong Siphandone, according to Vientiane Mai Newspaper.

Authorities plan to first conduct a feasibility study for Phase 2 of the Wat Tay drainage canal development, covering sections running through South Dongnasok, South Phonsavath, and North Nongbouathong villages in Sikhottabong district. The plan envisions transforming the canal area into a floating night market featuring trading spaces, tourism activities, and evening food and beverage services.

The joint-venture proposal with a private firm was presented by the Vientiane Capital Investment Promotion and Management Committee. If approved, the project would create income opportunities for local vendors, improve existing urban waterways, and introduce a new attraction for residents and visitors.

During the meeting, officials exchanged views on the proposal before the mayor delivered concluding remarks. Further technical assessments will be required before any final decision is made.

The floating market proposal comes as authorities continue reviewing the BRT system, which was launched in late November 2025 under the Vientiane Urban Sustainable Transport Project. Public concern intensified after several traffic accidents were reported during the trial phase in November.

In early December 2025, the Office of the Prime Minister approved payments to contractors and ordered project adjustments, including changes to BRT lane arrangements. This was followed by a directive from the Ministry of Public Works and Transport on 16 December 2025, ordering the removal of concrete curbs and a shift to painted lane markings. 

Authorities warned that the project could be suspended if donor funding is discontinued.

MARUHAN Japan Bank Lao Announces the Appointment of a New Chief Executive Officer

MARUHAN Japan Bank Lao Announces the Appointment of a New Chief Executive Officer Amarnath Janardhan. (Photo supplies)

MARUHAN Japan Bank Lao (MJBL) announces that Mr. Amarnath Janardhan has assumed the position of Chief Executive Officer (CEO), effective 5 January 2026.

Mr. Janardhan is a seasoned banking executive with over 28 years of experience in the banking, financial services, and insurance sector. He possesses extensive expertise in retail, SME, and consumer banking, having built a distinguished career across a broad spectrum of banking operations.

Throughout his career, Mr. Janardhan has held senior positions at leading Indian financial institutions, including ICICI Bank, HDFC Bank, and Kotak Mahindra Bank. His experience spans large-scale operations across diverse market settings, ranging from urban and semi-urban areas to rural regions.

Most recently, at Kotak Mahindra Bank, Mr. Janardhan served as Head of Retail Banking, where he oversaw the retail and SME businesses and managed an extensive branch and agency network, contributing to stable operations and the strengthening of the bank’s management foundation.

His long-standing involvement in the core domains of bank management, including operational oversight and risk management, is expected to support the stability of MJBL’s management structure and its sustainable operations.

Upon his appointment, Mr. Janardhan commented:

“I am honored to join MARUHAN Japan Bank Lao. As CEO, I am committed to fulfilling my responsibilities with integrity and to working closely with our employees to ensure the stable and sound operation of the Bank.”

Esco Aster Signs Exosome Clinical cGMP Manufacturing Contract With Shine-On Biomedical For A Novel First-In-Class HLA-G Targeting Exosome Drug Delivery Platform

SINGAPORE, Jan. 6, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Esco Aster, a vertically integrated cell and derivatives CRDMO based at JTC LaunchPad Singapore, announced CMC manufacturing support for Shine-On Biomedical’s HLA-G targeted exosome program.  Shine-On Biomedical sponsored Esco Aster in 2023 for cGMP services, starting with high-yield exosome development using Esco Aster’s cell line platform. The technical reports of process, analytical, and formulation development, exosome drug loading, GMP engineering runs, and stability studies supported Shine-On’s IND submission. The IND was cleared by the U.S. FDA in Q1 2025.  

Furthermore, Esco Aster is providing technical services for exploratory exosome loading feasibility studies per Shine-On’s instruction. Shine-On Biomedical is an emerging innovator in exosome-based drug delivery.  

ShineOn’s proprietary product, SOB100, a HLA-G targeted exosome drug delivery carrier, has passed the U.S. FDA IND review and ongoing Phase I study, making it as a first-in-class–potential HLA-G targeted exosome platform for drug development.  

Statement From Hung-Che Chiang, General Manager of Shine-On Biomedical

“Preclinical studies have shown promising biodistribution characteristics supporting further exploration across small-molecule, nucleic acid, and protein-based payloads.”

In parallel, Esco Aster, providing Mitosis™ Enterprise Solutions to support potential future evaluation of single-use cGMP workflows at China Medical University Hospital. 

This collaboration strengthens Esco Aster’s position as Singapore’s first fully homegrown CRDMO offering end-to-end engineered cancer exosome development—from cell line creation to GMP manufacturing using its patented 3D Tide Motion™ bioreactor. This technology lowers COGS by enabling multiple conditioned media harvests per run. Esco Aster also co-develops autologous cell therapy programs in ASEAN, including a T-cell reactivation platform targeting non-G12C KRAS mutation NSCLC.

Esco Aster supports Asia-Pacific innovators through biomanufacturing scale-up, market access, and commercialization across South Asia, ASEAN, and Oceania—a region valued at ~USD 10.5 trillion GDP with ~2.6 billion people. Supported by a network of medical centres and clinician-scientists, Esco Aster facilitates IIT and FIM studies, especially in Australia, where R&D incentives lower costs. The company advances its “One World BioSolutions for One Health” vision, enabling high yield at low GMP cost to strengthen Singapore’s and Asia’s bioeconomy.

Contacts
Esco Aster Pte. Ltd.
mail@escoaster.com
Website: https://escoaster.com/

Shine-On Biomedical Co., Ltd.
service@shineon-bio.com 
Website: https://en.shineon-bio.com/

© 2025 Esco Aster Pte. Ltd. and Shine-On Biomedical Co., Ltd. All rights reserved.

Singapore’s Quantum Ambitions Accelerate as Homegrown Company Aires Applied Quantum Technology Advances Region’s First PQC and Quantum Technology Patents


SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 6 January 2026 – Singapore has opened doors to commercialise quantum technology in 2026, and Aires Applied Quantum Technology has built itself to become a key player in strengthening the nation’s homegrown quantum capabilities. Founded and developed entirely in Singapore, Aires pioneers Southeast Asia’s internationally filed post-quantum cryptography (PQC) patents, spanning encryption, IoT security and quantum simulation algorithms.

As one of the only deep-tech startups in the region to eye profitability at a stage where most quantum companies remain in research or pilot phases, the company’s technology is built by an independent Singapore-based research team rather than through external licensing, overseas dependencies or defence-restricted collaborations. Its IP portfolio currently includes three in-house developed patents filed in Singapore, the United States and Japan, and two patents developed from the founding team. The patents are locally and internationally recognised with grant awards from government bodies and agencies like Enterprise SG, Innovate UK, Monetary Authority of Singapore, Eureka and Tubitak.

Local innovation that gained momentum in a global deep-tech race

Aires began during the COVID-19 period, when Co-founder and mathematician Lim Meng Liang revisited his earlier research in Diophantine equations. That work became the mathematical foundation for Aires’ first patent, which drew early support from Enterprise Singapore and NUS Enterprise.

Since its launch in 2023, the company has been selected for international quantum showcases in Berlin, Tokyo, and Korea, including the inaugural Berlin Quantum Pioneer, where it was one of six and the only Asian company selected among more than 60 global entrants. Interest began pouring in from the US, UK, Spain, Canada, Norway, Japan, and even national intelligence and research communities, underscoring global demand for independent IP holders in the quantum landscape.

From research to real-world applications

Singapore’s quantum technology landscape is entering a new phase of maturity, and as global players race to consolidate critical intellectual property, the expansion of the nation’s own ecosystem is increasingly aligned with these international shifts.

In this evolving environment, Aires intends to support the national efforts through cost-efficient deep-tech innovation with a highly specialised research team capable of building proprietary quantum technologies from Singapore. As part of this approach, the company has focused on practical software-based applications that do not require capital intensive hardware, extending quantum-safe cryptography to organisations with limited capital and, for the first time in Asia, to individual users.

Their quantum-resistant encryption APIs integrate into common enterprise systems such as HRMS, payroll, Customer Relationship Management (CRM) and cloud platforms. LionGuard, Aires’ proprietary consumer app provides quantum-safe cryptography and encryption on Windows, iOS and Android; and their quantum education and training programmes, accredited by Institute of Banking and Finance (IBF) Singapore, are used in financial sector upskilling.

“The quantum sector is clearly shifting toward an IP-driven model,” shares Ken Lin, Co-founder and Managing Director at Aires. “Recent patent consolidations by leading global firms underline how quickly proprietary algorithms and in-house research are becoming the core determinants of value. That is where our patents, technology and R&D capabilities contribute meaningfully to both Singapore and Southeast Asia at large, as they are developed end-to-end right here at home.”

A rare commercially viable deep-tech model in the region

Quantum startups globally often face long R&D cycles, high capital expenditure and extended pre-revenue phases. Aires has taken an alternative path by focusing on lean algorithmic development supported by an efficient cost leadership model, which would enable the company to operate profitably while continuing to build its patent portfolio and international partnerships. This approach allows Aires to develop quantum technologies at notably lower R&D overheads than is typical in the sector.

The company has been approached by investors for fundraising and is exploring global expansion as Singapore strengthens its quantum ecosystem in collaboration with partners across Europe and Asia.

Part of the Singapore story

Singapore’s long-term quantum strategy aims to secure digital infrastructure, develop sovereign capabilities and strengthen economic competitiveness in emerging technologies. Aires’ development reflects a growing recognition that local innovation must be built not only in universities and national laboratories, but also within private companies capable of commercial delivery, so that the country and the region at large remains competitive.

The presence of homegrown firms with independent IP, practical applications and sustainable business models like Aires contributes to Singapore’s aim of establishing a diverse and resilient quantum ecosystem. As quantum hardware and computing becomes more accessible through public-private partnerships, it plays an increasingly important role in helping businesses adopt quantum-safe practices.

Hashtag: #AiresAppliedQuantumTechnology

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

About Aires Applied Quantum Technology

Aires Applied Quantum Technology is a Singapore-based quantum technology company developing proprietary post-quantum cryptography, quantum simulation algorithms and quantum communication technologies. Its patented systems span encryption, IoT-level security and mathematical models for quantum optimisation. Supported by Enterprise Singapore and NUS Enterprise, Aires participates in global quantum showcases and contributes to Singapore’s broader quantum readiness efforts.

GIGABYTE Unleashes the Full Power of X3D Enabled AMD Ryzen™ 9000 Series Processors with AI-powered X3D Turbo Mode 2.0 at CES 2026

TAIPEI, Jan. 6, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — At CES 2026, GIGABYTE is unlocking the full potential of AMD Ryzen™ 9000 Series Processors with AMD 3D V-Cache technology. Through its exclusive, AI-powered X3D Turbo Mode 2.0, GIGABYTE delivers real-time, adaptive performance tuning that pushes X3D CPUs beyond traditional limits. Built as a true hardware–software fusion and trained with massive real-world datasets, X3D Turbo Mode 2.0 is fully optimized and ready for the latest X3D Powered Ryzen™ 9000 Series Processors—right from day one.

GIGABYTE Unleashes the Full Power of X3D Enabled AMD Ryzen™ 9000 Series Processors with AI-powered X3D Turbo Mode 2.0 at CES 2026
GIGABYTE Unleashes the Full Power of X3D Enabled AMD Ryzen™ 9000 Series Processors with AI-powered X3D Turbo Mode 2.0 at CES 2026

Highlighting this breakthrough is the flagship X870E AORUS XTREME X3D AI TOP, engineered for users seeking uncompromising performance. It supports DDR5 speeds up to 9000+ MT/s, enabling exceptional memory bandwidth and stability. Its advanced thermal architecture includes the CPU Thermal Matrix, reducing VRM and DDR temperatures by up to 8.5°C, while DDR Wind Blade XTREME lowers module temperatures by up to 9°C. To maintain storage reliability under heavy workloads, the M.2 Thermal Guard XTREME reduces SSD temperatures by up to 22°C, ensuring sustained speed and endurance.

GIGABYTE further expands its lineup with new design-forward and builder-friendly options. The X870E AERO X3D WOOD model introduces warm wood-grain textures, refined leather pull tabs, and detailed craftsmanship to bring a natural, modern aesthetic to PC builds. To respond to the needs of the community, GIGABYTE introduces the latest sleek black additions to the PROJECT STEALTH series, featuring the X870 and B850 AORUS STEALTH motherboards. By adopting a reverse-connector layout, the motherboard provides a clean, cableless visual appearance and an easier assembly experience, offering creators and gamers more freedom to express their style.

GIGABYTE introduces more than a lineup of new technologies at CES 2026, please visit the GIGABYTE EVENT | CES 2026  for more information. To experience all showcased products in person, visit the GIGABYTE Booth #8519 at LVCC North Hall during CES 2026 or join media and VIP sessions at Venetian Ballroom Level 3 Lido 3004, 3005, and 3104.

KuCoin Releases Australia Market Report: Over Half of Australian Crypto Funding Comes from Bank Transfers

The findings highlight growing demand for regulated exchanges that support seamless fiat on- and off-ramps

SYDNEY, Jan. 6, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — KuCoin, a leading global cryptocurrency platform built on trust, today released its latest market insights report, Into the Cryptoverse: Australia 2025 Edition. The findings signal a definitive shift away from early-stage experimentation toward a mature phase of pragmatic growth, where accessibility, trust, and seamless integration with traditional finance are paramount.


Set against the backdrop of a rapidly expanding national landscape—where 22% of Australian adults now hold digital assets [1]—the report draws on a targeted survey of active investors, traders, and builders conducted during a major industry event in November 2025. The data reveals a sophisticated user base that is moving beyond speculative trading toward real-world utility. Crucially, these users are prioritizing platforms that reduce friction, enabling smooth movement between fiat currency and digital assets.

Funding accessibility emerges as a defining theme of the report. The survey data clearly shows that traditional fiat rails dominate crypto onboarding in Australia. Bank transfers are the most widely used funding method, cited by 52.4% of respondents, followed by credit and debit cards at 40.1%. In comparison, 38.8% of participants reported using direct crypto deposits, while alternative methods such as digital wallets (29.5%) and P2P trading (22.0%) play a secondary role.

This distribution highlights that ease of access to familiar, locally supported fiat payment channels remains the primary driver of exchange choice, underscoring the importance of robust bank transfer and card-based infrastructure in the Australian market.


Aligning directly with these market demands, KuCoin currently provides Australian users with direct AUD fiat deposit and withdrawal services, enabling funds to move instantly between local bank accounts and the exchange. This capability is central to KuCoin’s strategy of building infrastructure that supports both new entrants and experienced traders as the market infrastructure solidifies.

The report further highlights a community driven by working-age professionals who exhibit long-term investment horizons. While spot trading remains the foundation of engagement, the growing use of crypto for everyday payments suggests that digital assets are graduating from “speculative assets” to “routine financial tools.”

These insights validate KuCoin’s recent strategic expansion. Addressing the local emphasis on trust and regulatory compliance, KuCoin has secured its AUSTRAC Digital Currency Exchange (DCE) registration and established a physical headquarters in Sydney’s CBD. Under the leadership of Managing Director James Pinch, the company is dedicated to delivering a compliant, transparent, and localized trading experience tailored to the high standards of the Australian market.

Together, these findings underscore that the Australian market has entered a new era of maturity—one where trusted platforms, compliant operations, and accessible fiat services are the pillars of sustainable growth. KuCoin’s continued investment in local capabilities positions the platform to lead this transition.

For more details, readers are invited to explore the full Into the Cryptoverse: Australia 2025 Edition report.

[1] https://cfotech.com.au/story/australian-crypto-adoption-grows-as-22-invest-in-digital-assets

About KuCoin

Founded in 2017, KuCoin is a leading global crypto platform trusted by over 40 million users across 200+ countries and regions. The platform delivers innovative and compliant digital asset services, offering access to 1,000+ listed tokens, spot and futures trading, institutional wealth management, and a Web3 wallet.

Recognized by Forbes and Hurun, KuCoin holds SOC 2 Type II and ISO 27001:2022 certifications, underscoring its commitment to top-tier security. With AUSTRAC registration in Australia and a MiCA license in Austria, KuCoin continues expanding its regulated footprint under CEO BC Wong, building a reliable and trusted digital-asset ecosystem.

Learn more: www.kucoin.com

KuCoin Releases Australia Market Report: Over Half of Australian Crypto Funding Comes from Bank Transfers

The findings highlight growing demand for regulated exchanges that support seamless fiat on- and off-ramps

SYDNEY, Jan. 6, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — KuCoin, a leading global cryptocurrency platform built on trust, today released its latest market insights report, Into the Cryptoverse: Australia 2025 Edition. The findings signal a definitive shift away from early-stage experimentation toward a mature phase of pragmatic growth, where accessibility, trust, and seamless integration with traditional finance are paramount.


Set against the backdrop of a rapidly expanding national landscape—where 22% of Australian adults now hold digital assets[1]—the report draws on a targeted survey of active investors, traders, and builders conducted during a major industry event in November 2025. The data reveals a sophisticated user base that is moving beyond speculative trading toward real-world utility. Crucially, these users are prioritizing platforms that reduce friction, enabling smooth movement between fiat currency and digital assets.

Funding accessibility emerges as a defining theme of the report. The survey data clearly shows that traditional fiat rails dominate crypto onboarding in Australia. Bank transfers are the most widely used funding method, cited by 52.4% of respondents, followed by credit and debit cards at 40.1%. In comparison, 38.8% of participants reported using direct crypto deposits, while alternative methods such as digital wallets (29.5%) and P2P trading (22.0%) play a secondary role.

This distribution highlights that ease of access to familiar, locally supported fiat payment channels remains the primary driver of exchange choice, underscoring the importance of robust bank transfer and card-based infrastructure in the Australian market.


Aligning directly with these market demands, KuCoin currently provides Australian users with direct AUD fiat deposit and withdrawal services, enabling funds to move instantly between local bank accounts and the exchange. This capability is central to KuCoin’s strategy of building infrastructure that supports both new entrants and experienced traders as the market infrastructure solidifies.

The report further highlights a community driven by working-age professionals who exhibit long-term investment horizons. While spot trading remains the foundation of engagement, the growing use of crypto for everyday payments suggests that digital assets are graduating from “speculative assets” to “routine financial tools.”

These insights validate KuCoin’s recent strategic expansion. Addressing the local emphasis on trust and regulatory compliance, KuCoin has secured its AUSTRAC Digital Currency Exchange (DCE) registration and established a physical headquarters in Sydney’s CBD. Under the leadership of Managing Director James Pinch, the company is dedicated to delivering a compliant, transparent, and localized trading experience tailored to the high standards of the Australian market.

Together, these findings underscore that the Australian market has entered a new era of maturity—one where trusted platforms, compliant operations, and accessible fiat services are the pillars of sustainable growth. KuCoin’s continued investment in local capabilities positions the platform to lead this transition.

For more details, readers are invited to explore the full Into the Cryptoverse: Australia 2025 Edition report.

[1]https://cfotech.com.au/story/australian-crypto-adoption-grows-as-22-invest-in-digital-assets

About KuCoin

Founded in 2017, KuCoin is a leading global crypto platform trusted by over 40 million users across 200+ countries and regions. The platform delivers innovative and compliant digital asset services, offering access to 1,000+ listed tokens, spot and futures trading, institutional wealth management, and a Web3 wallet.

Recognized by Forbes and Hurun, KuCoin holds SOC 2 Type II and ISO 27001:2022 certifications, underscoring its commitment to top-tier security. With AUSTRAC registration in Australia and a MiCA license in Austria, KuCoin continues expanding its regulated footprint under CEO BC Wong, building a reliable and trusted digital-asset ecosystem.

Learn more: www.kucoin.com

 

GIGABYTE Unveils “Refine & Define” Shaping Future of AI Computing at CES 2026

TAIPEI, Jan. 6, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — GIGABYTE, the world’s leading computer brand, today unveiled its new philosophy, “Refine & Define,” at CES 2026. By refining the foundations of performance across hardware and software, GIGABYTE defines the future of AI computing, enhancing AI responsiveness, efficiency, and intuitiveness across motherboards, graphics cards, AI BOX, AI gaming laptops, and OLED gaming monitors through GIGABYTE’s unified AI ecosystem.

GIGABYTE Unveils "Refine & Define" Shaping Future of AI Computing at CES 2026
GIGABYTE Unveils “Refine & Define” Shaping Future of AI Computing at CES 2026

Led by X3D Turbo Mode 2.0, GIGABYTE’s exclusive software-hardware fusion is fully ready for the latest AMD Ryzen 9000 Series X3D processors. Leveraging an on-board hardware chip and Dynamic AI Overclocking for real-time optimization and peak performance, the flagship X870E AORUS XTREME X3D AI TOP and X870E AERO X3D WOOD in lifestyle set the new standard.

In graphics cards, the new AORUS GeForce RTX 5090 INFINITY features WINDFORCE HYPERBURST Cooling, combining a separated PCB design with penetrating airflow to deliver unobstructed cooling and unlock full RTX AI computing potential. GIGABYTE also announced the availability of the AORUS RTX 5060 Ti AI BOX, a portable eGPU with 16GB VRAM, instantly supercharging ultrabook performance. The new GPU Selector application enables users to assign specific applications to designated GPUs, optimizing efficiency for demanding Generative AI workloads such as ComfyUI and LM Studio.

Extending AI performance to laptops, GiMATE, GIGABYTE’s exclusive AI agent, integrates an advanced LLM with a natural “Press and Speak” feature for intuitive control. GIGABYTE redesigned the GiMATE interface, allowing AI Power Gear III to perform direct MUX switching without entering the BIOS, while GiMATE Creator adds Qwen-image capabilities, and GiMATE Coder expands intuitive coding functionality. Hardware upgrades across the AORUS MASTER 16, AERO X16, and GAMING A18 PRO further elevate AI creation, productivity, and gaming performance. Complementing the experience, GIGABYTE introduces HyperNits to enhance HDR and AI Picture Mode to elevate SDR, maximizing OLED performance across the ultra-wide QD-OLED MO34WQC36, 4K QD-OLED MO32U24, glossy 4th-gen WOLED MO27Q28GR, and the new white 27-inch QD-OLED MO27Q2A ICE gaming monitors.

GIGABYTE’s AI innovations firsthand through live demonstrations across motherboards, graphics cards, AI gaming laptops, OLED gaming monitors, and the AI TOP System at CES 2026. For further details, please visit the GIGABYTE EVENT | CES 2026, or visit the GIGABYTE Booth (#8519 at LVCC North Hall), or GIGABYTE Ballroom for media and VIPs at The Venetian Convention and Expo Center.