29.3 C
Vientiane
Wednesday, August 13, 2025
spot_img
Home Blog Page 145

SMU issues its inaugural Sustainability Bond, raising S$150 million to advance environmental and social initiatives

SINGAPORE, July 28, 2025 /PRNewswire/ –– Singapore Management University (SMU) today announced that it has completed the issuance of a S$150 million Sustainability Bond. The proceeds of the Bond are earmarked for financing and refinancing green and social projects that deliver clear environmental and social benefits, as guided by SMU’s newly established Sustainable Financing Framework.

The Sustainability Bond, the first such bond by an Autonomous University (AU) in Singapore, was issued on 28 July 2025 at a coupon rate of 2.022% and will mature on 28 July 2032. The Sole Lead Manager and Bookrunner for the bond issuance was Oversea-Chinese Banking Corporation Limited (OCBC).

SMU President, Professor Lily Kong, said, “This inaugural Sustainability Bond is more than just a financial instrument — it reflects our belief that universities must play a leading role in building a more sustainable and inclusive future. We’ve been guided by our Sustainability Blueprint since 2022 and are proud to contribute to the priorities set out in the Singapore Green Plan 2030. As a university, we take seriously our role in shaping future-ready graduates who are not only intellectually agile, but also attuned to the pressing challenges of our time. By embedding sustainability in our operations and investments, we hope to lead with purpose and conviction.”

“Launching this bond in our 25th anniversary year feels especially meaningful — it signals our intent to grow with purpose, and to leave a positive, lasting impact on the communities we serve,” she added.

SMU Sustainable Finance Framework

In June 2025, SMU established a holistic and comprehensive Sustainable Financing Framework which aligns SMU’s financial practice with its sustainability goals (outlined in the SMU Sustainability Blueprint) and embodies SMU’s deep commitment to sustainability and corporate social responsibility. The Framework outlines the criteria and guidelines for SMU to allocate and manage the proceeds raised from sustainable finance transactions.

Developed in collaboration with its sole sustainability advisor, OCBC, the Framework provides the foundation for SMU to engage in sustainable finance transactions such as green, social and sustainability bonds and loans. It guides SMU’s issuance of sustainable finance debt instruments to finance or refinance projects and assets that deliver measurable environmental and/ or social benefits. These include green buildings, energy efficiency upgrades, green infocommunications technology infrastructure, sustainable water and waste management, as well as programmes that promote inclusive education, knowledge sharing, and mental health and wellbeing.

Mr Lim Boon Wee, SMU’s Senior Vice President, Administration, said, “This bond issuance is a strategic milestone for SMU as we align our financial strategy with our sustainability goals, and channel capital to where it matters most. It enables us to finance infrastructure and initiatives that enhance environmental performance and social impact, while ensuring transparency and accountability to our stakeholders.”

The Framework received a Second Party Opinion from ratings agency, Moody’s Investors Service (Moody’s), affirming its alignment with internationally recognised standards and its significant contribution to sustainable outcomes. Moody’s further assessed the Framework as having a significant contribution to sustainability, giving it an overall Sustainability Quality Score of SQS2 – Very Good.

SMU also maintains a Aaa rating by Moody’s, the highest possible rating in assessing creditworthiness, reflecting the University’s robust institutional framework and healthy operating performance.

First Sustainability Bond issuance by a Singapore university

SMU’s Sustainability Bond is the first such bond issued by an AU in Singapore, and is differentiated in the scope of impact. Apart from green initiatives with environmental benefits, SMU is committing a portion of the proceeds raised to fund social programmes that promote inclusive education benefitting its students from low-income families. This differs from Green Bonds (focusing solely on projects with environmental benefits) and Sustainability-Linked Bonds (which are tied to predefined sustainability performance targets only) previously issued by other universities in Singapore.

Ms Elaine Lam, Head of Global Corporate Banking, OCBC, said, “With our strong track record in guiding clients through their green transition with strategic advisory and targeted financing solutions, we are excited to strengthen our long-standing partnership with SMU by supporting its first Sustainability Bond issuance covering both environmental projects as well as social programmes that promote inclusive education. A first by an autonomous university in Singapore, this bond issuance speaks to SMU’s leadership in integrating sustainability into its core mission, potentially inspiring its students to become future leaders who advocate for both environmental stewardship and social equity.”

Highlights of SMU’s sustainability-related achievements

  • Ranked 18th globally in the Environmental Sustainability lens, Environmental Impact category for the QS World University Rankings: Sustainability 2025
  • Winner, Sustainability Institution of the Year, 2024 International Green Gown Awards
  • Won the fifth consecutive Silver Ribbon Mental Health Award in as many years since the awards were inaugurated by Silver Ribbon (Singapore) in 2020
  • Entire campus awarded the Green Mark Platinum certification, with the first Green Mark Platinum Zero Energy building in the city centre
  • First university in Singapore to introduce sustainability literacy and community service as graduation requirements

– End –

Antengene Announces Poster Presentation of ATG-022 (Claudin 18.2 ADC) at ESMO 2025

SHANGHAI and HONG KONG, July 28, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Antengene Corporation Limited (“Antengene”, SEHK: 6996.HK), a leading innovative, commercial-stage global biopharmaceutical company dedicated to discovering, developing and commercialising first-in-class and/or best-in-class medicines for cancer, today announced that an abstract featuring the latest data from a Phase I/II study of the Claudin 18.2 antibody-drug conjugate (ADC), ATG-022, has been accepted for poster presentation at the 2025 European Society for Medical Oncology Annual Congress (ESMO 2025), taking place from October 17th to October 21st at the Messe Berlin in Berlin, Germany.

Details of the Poster Presentation:

ATG-022 (Claudin 18.2 antibody-drug conjugate)
Title:
Phase I/II study of Claudin 18.2 ADC ATG-022 in patients with advanced gastric/ gastroesophageal junction cancer (CLINCH)
Abstract Number:
2907
Presentation Number:
2113P
Date: 
October 19, 2025 

About ATG-022

ATG-022 is an antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) designed to target CLDN18.2, a member of the Claudin family of cell adhesion molecules. Under normal conditions, Claudins are located within tight junctions between cells, forming a barrier to regulate cell permeability. However, in cancer, Claudins are aberrantly expressed on the cell surface due to changes in cell polarity. CLDN18.2 is frequently overexpressed in a range of primary malignant tumors, including gastric, esophageal, cholangiocarcinoma, and pancreatic cancers. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has awarded Orphan Drug Designations to ATG-022, for gastric and pancreatic cancers.

Data from the ongoing CLINCH study demonstrated that ATG-022 delivers robust efficacy across all levels of CLDN18.2 expression in gastric cancer patients, including those with high, low, and ultra-low expression. This broad activity positions ATG-022 as a potential market leader, capable of addressing the largest patient population with CLDN18.2-positive tumors. Furthermore, the strong efficacy observed in patients with low CLDN18.2 expression suggests promise for treating other tumor types with similar expression profiles.

About Antengene

Antengene Corporation Limited (“Antengene”, SEHK: 6996.HK) is a leading commercial-stage R&D-driven global biopharmaceutical company focused on the discovery, development, manufacturing and commercialization of innovative first-in-class/best-in-class therapeutics for the treatment of hematologic malignancies and solid tumors, in realizing its vision of “Treating Patients Beyond Borders”.

Antengene has built a pipeline of 9 oncology assets at various stages going from clinical to commercial, including 6 with global rights, and 3 with rights for the APAC region. To date, Antengene has obtained 31 investigational new drug (IND) approvals in the U.S. and Asia, and submitted new drug applications (NDAs) in 11 Asia Pacific markets, with the NDA for XPOVIO® (selinexor) already approved in Mainland of China, Taiwan China, Hong Kong China, Macau China, South Korea, Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia and Australia.

Forward-looking statements

The forward-looking statements made in this article relate only to the events or information as of the date on which the statements are made in this article. Except as required by law, we undertake no obligation to update or revise publicly any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, after the date on which the statements are made or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events. You should read this article completely and with the understanding that our actual future results or performance may be materially different from what we expect. In this article, statements of, or references to, our intentions or those of any of our Directors or our Company are made as of the date of this article. Any of these intentions may alter in light of future development. For a further discussion of these and other factors that could cause future results to differ materially from any forward-looking statement, please see the other risks and uncertainties described in the Company’s Annual Report for the year ended December 31, 2024, and the documents subsequently submitted to the Hong Kong Stock Exchange.

For more information, please contact:

Investor Contacts: 
Donald Lung
E-mail: Donald.Lung@antengene.com  
Mobile: +86 18420672158 

PR Contacts:
Peter Qian
E-mail: Peter.Qian@antengene.com 
Mobile: +86 13062747000

Antengene Announces Poster Presentation of ATG-022 (Claudin 18.2 ADC) at ESMO 2025

SHANGHAI and HONG KONG, July 28, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Antengene Corporation Limited (“Antengene”, SEHK: 6996.HK), a leading innovative, commercial-stage global biopharmaceutical company dedicated to discovering, developing and commercialising first-in-class and/or best-in-class medicines for cancer, today announced that an abstract featuring the latest data from a Phase I/II study of the Claudin 18.2 antibody-drug conjugate (ADC), ATG-022, has been accepted for poster presentation at the 2025 European Society for Medical Oncology Annual Congress (ESMO 2025), taking place from October 17th to October 21st at the Messe Berlin in Berlin, Germany.

Details of the Poster Presentation:

ATG-022 (Claudin 18.2 antibody-drug conjugate)
Title:
Phase I/II study of Claudin 18.2 ADC ATG-022 in patients with advanced gastric/ gastroesophageal junction cancer (CLINCH)
Abstract Number:
2907
Presentation Number:
2113P
Date: 
October 19, 2025 

About ATG-022

ATG-022 is an antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) designed to target CLDN18.2, a member of the Claudin family of cell adhesion molecules. Under normal conditions, Claudins are located within tight junctions between cells, forming a barrier to regulate cell permeability. However, in cancer, Claudins are aberrantly expressed on the cell surface due to changes in cell polarity. CLDN18.2 is frequently overexpressed in a range of primary malignant tumors, including gastric, esophageal, cholangiocarcinoma, and pancreatic cancers. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has awarded Orphan Drug Designations to ATG-022, for gastric and pancreatic cancers.

Data from the ongoing CLINCH study demonstrated that ATG-022 delivers robust efficacy across all levels of CLDN18.2 expression in gastric cancer patients, including those with high, low, and ultra-low expression. This broad activity positions ATG-022 as a potential market leader, capable of addressing the largest patient population with CLDN18.2-positive tumors. Furthermore, the strong efficacy observed in patients with low CLDN18.2 expression suggests promise for treating other tumor types with similar expression profiles.

About Antengene

Antengene Corporation Limited (“Antengene”, SEHK: 6996.HK) is a leading commercial-stage R&D-driven global biopharmaceutical company focused on the discovery, development, manufacturing and commercialization of innovative first-in-class/best-in-class therapeutics for the treatment of hematologic malignancies and solid tumors, in realizing its vision of “Treating Patients Beyond Borders”.

Antengene has built a pipeline of 9 oncology assets at various stages going from clinical to commercial, including 6 with global rights, and 3 with rights for the APAC region. To date, Antengene has obtained 31 investigational new drug (IND) approvals in the U.S. and Asia, and submitted new drug applications (NDAs) in 11 Asia Pacific markets, with the NDA for XPOVIO® (selinexor) already approved in Mainland of China, Taiwan China, Hong Kong China, Macau China, South Korea, Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia and Australia.

Forward-looking statements

The forward-looking statements made in this article relate only to the events or information as of the date on which the statements are made in this article. Except as required by law, we undertake no obligation to update or revise publicly any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, after the date on which the statements are made or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events. You should read this article completely and with the understanding that our actual future results or performance may be materially different from what we expect. In this article, statements of, or references to, our intentions or those of any of our Directors or our Company are made as of the date of this article. Any of these intentions may alter in light of future development. For a further discussion of these and other factors that could cause future results to differ materially from any forward-looking statement, please see the other risks and uncertainties described in the Company’s Annual Report for the year ended December 31, 2024, and the documents subsequently submitted to the Hong Kong Stock Exchange.

For more information, please contact:

Investor Contacts: 
Donald Lung
E-mail: Donald.Lung@antengene.com  
Mobile: +86 18420672158 

PR Contacts:
Peter Qian
E-mail: Peter.Qian@antengene.com 
Mobile: +86 13062747000

SMU issues its inaugural Sustainability Bond, raising S$150 million to advance environmental and social initiatives

SINGAPORE, July 28, 2025 /PRNewswire/ –– Singapore Management University (SMU) today announced that it has completed the issuance of a S$150 million Sustainability Bond. The proceeds of the Bond are earmarked for financing and refinancing green and social projects that deliver clear environmental and social benefits, as guided by SMU’s newly established Sustainable Financing Framework.

The Sustainability Bond, the first such bond by an Autonomous University (AU) in Singapore, was issued on 28 July 2025 at a coupon rate of 2.022% and will mature on 28 July 2032. The Sole Lead Manager and Bookrunner for the bond issuance was Oversea-Chinese Banking Corporation Limited (OCBC).

SMU President, Professor Lily Kong, said, “This inaugural Sustainability Bond is more than just a financial instrument — it reflects our belief that universities must play a leading role in building a more sustainable and inclusive future. We’ve been guided by our Sustainability Blueprint since 2022 and are proud to contribute to the priorities set out in the Singapore Green Plan 2030. As a university, we take seriously our role in shaping future-ready graduates who are not only intellectually agile, but also attuned to the pressing challenges of our time. By embedding sustainability in our operations and investments, we hope to lead with purpose and conviction.”

“Launching this bond in our 25th anniversary year feels especially meaningful — it signals our intent to grow with purpose, and to leave a positive, lasting impact on the communities we serve,” she added.

SMU Sustainable Finance Framework

In June 2025, SMU established a holistic and comprehensive Sustainable Financing Framework which aligns SMU’s financial practice with its sustainability goals (outlined in the SMU Sustainability Blueprint) and embodies SMU’s deep commitment to sustainability and corporate social responsibility. The Framework outlines the criteria and guidelines for SMU to allocate and manage the proceeds raised from sustainable finance transactions.

Developed in collaboration with its sole sustainability advisor, OCBC, the Framework provides the foundation for SMU to engage in sustainable finance transactions such as green, social and sustainability bonds and loans. It guides SMU’s issuance of sustainable finance debt instruments to finance or refinance projects and assets that deliver measurable environmental and/ or social benefits. These include green buildings, energy efficiency upgrades, green infocommunications technology infrastructure, sustainable water and waste management, as well as programmes that promote inclusive education, knowledge sharing, and mental health and wellbeing.

Mr Lim Boon Wee, SMU’s Senior Vice President, Administration, said, “This bond issuance is a strategic milestone for SMU as we align our financial strategy with our sustainability goals, and channel capital to where it matters most. It enables us to finance infrastructure and initiatives that enhance environmental performance and social impact, while ensuring transparency and accountability to our stakeholders.”

The Framework received a Second Party Opinion from ratings agency, Moody’s Investors Service (Moody’s), affirming its alignment with internationally recognised standards and its significant contribution to sustainable outcomes. Moody’s further assessed the Framework as having a significant contribution to sustainability, giving it an overall Sustainability Quality Score of SQS2 – Very Good.

SMU also maintains a Aaa rating by Moody’s, the highest possible rating in assessing creditworthiness, reflecting the University’s robust institutional framework and healthy operating performance.

First Sustainability Bond issuance by a Singapore university

SMU’s Sustainability Bond is the first such bond issued by an AU in Singapore, and is differentiated in the scope of impact. Apart from green initiatives with environmental benefits, SMU is committing a portion of the proceeds raised to fund social programmes that promote inclusive education benefitting its students from low-income families. This differs from Green Bonds (focusing solely on projects with environmental benefits) and Sustainability-Linked Bonds (which are tied to predefined sustainability performance targets only) previously issued by other universities in Singapore.

Ms Elaine Lam, Head of Global Corporate Banking, OCBC, said, “With our strong track record in guiding clients through their green transition with strategic advisory and targeted financing solutions, we are excited to strengthen our long-standing partnership with SMU by supporting its first Sustainability Bond issuance covering both environmental projects as well as social programmes that promote inclusive education. A first by an autonomous university in Singapore, this bond issuance speaks to SMU’s leadership in integrating sustainability into its core mission, potentially inspiring its students to become future leaders who advocate for both environmental stewardship and social equity.”

Highlights of SMU’s sustainability-related achievements

  • Ranked 18th globally in the Environmental Sustainability lens, Environmental Impact category for the QS World University Rankings: Sustainability 2025
  • Winner, Sustainability Institution of the Year, 2024 International Green Gown Awards
  • Won the fifth consecutive Silver Ribbon Mental Health Award in as many years since the awards were inaugurated by Silver Ribbon (Singapore) in 2020
  • Entire campus awarded the Green Mark Platinum certification, with the first Green Mark Platinum Zero Energy building in the city centre
  • First university in Singapore to introduce sustainability literacy and community service as graduation requirements

– End –

Antengene Announces XPOVIO® Approved in China for the Second-Line Treatment of Multiple Myeloma, Marking the Third Approved Indication of the Drug

  • This approval for XPOVIO® in combination with bortezomib and dexamethasone (XVd) for the treatment of adult patients with multiple myeloma (MM) who have received at least one prior therapy marks the third approved indication of the drug in China.
  • XPOVIO® as a monotherapy in patients with relapsed/refractory diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (R/R DLBCL) and in combination with dexamethasone in patients with R/R MM, two of the three approved indications of XPOVIO® in China, have already been included into China’s National Reimbursement Drug List.
  • Results from the BENCH study show that, compared to the Vd regimen (bortezomib in combination dexamethasone), the XVd regimen offers greater efficacy, a longer progression-free survival (PFS), a longer duration of response (DOR), a higher objective response rate (ORR), and a trend of prolonged overall survival (OS) in Chinese patients with R/R MM who have received at least one prior therapy.
  • XPOVIO® has already been approved in ten countries and regions in APAC, and has been included in the national insurance schemes in five of these markets (the mainland of China, Taiwan market , Australia, Singapore and South Korea).

SHANGHAI and HONG KONG, July 28, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Antengene Corporation Limited (“Antengene”, SEHK: 6996.HK), a leading innovative, commercial-stage global biopharmaceutical company dedicated to discovering, developing and commercializing first-in-class and/or best-in-class medicines for hematologic malignancies and solid tumors, today announced that the China National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) has approved XPOVIO® (selinexor) in combination with bortezomib and dexamethasone (XVd) for the treatment of adult patients with multiple myeloma (MM) who have received at least one prior therapy, a new indication of XPOVIO®.

This approval for XPOVIO® is based on the data of the BENCH trial, a randomized, controlled, open-label, multicenter Phase III bridging study which compared the safety and efficacy of XVd and Vd regimens in 154 Chinese patients with R/R MM who have received one to three prior lines of therapy. The efficacy and safety data of the BENCH study are generally consistent with those from the global, multicenter, Phase III BOSTON study and met the objectives of the bridging study which showed:
Clear superiority of the XVd regimen: compared to the Vd regimen, the XVd regimen demonstrated better clinical efficacy, longer PFS and DOR, a higher ORR, a higher rate of very good partial response (VGPR) or deeper responses and minimal residual disease (MRD) negativity, as well as a trend of prolonged OS.
Notable clinical benefits for elderly patients: the study observed particularly notable efficacy in the cohort of elderly patients aged ≥65, validating XPOVIO® as a better treatment option for this patient population.

Prof. Jin Lu, principal investigator of the BENCH study from Peking University Peoples Hospital, said, “MM is the second most common hematologic malignancy. The clinical application of autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (ASCT) and novel agents in the first-line setting have resulted in longer overall survival for patients. However, the condition remains incurable with most patients end up relapsing. As a novel inhibitor of the nuclear export protein that adopts a novel mechanism of action, selinexor was proven by the BENCH study to be significantly efficacious in Chinese patients with MM. This approval for XPOVIO® is a great news for patients with R/R MM, especially those relapsing for the first time.”

Prof. Jian Hou, principal investigator of the BENCH study from Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine Affiliated Renji Hospital, commented, “The incidence of MM has been steadily rising year after year. According to the Globocan statistics for 2022, there were 30,300 new cases of MM and 18,662 MM related deaths in China, a figure that highlights an urgent unmet clinical need. Selinexor in combination with bortezomib and dexamethasone incorporates a unique mechanism of action and demonstrated significant efficacy. Moreover, XPOVIO® does not require intravenous administration, therefore provides clinicians a new treatment strategy that can effectively reduce burden on patients.”

With a novel mechanism of action, XPOVIO® is the world’s first approved orally-available, selective XPO1 inhibitor, which has already been approved in ten countries and regions in APAC, and has been included in the national insurance schemes in five of these markets (the mainland of China, Taiwan market, Australia, Singapore and South Korea).

While bringing XPOVIO® to more APAC markets, Antengene is also striving to expand the indications of XPOVIO®. Leveraging the drug’s novel mechanism of action, Antengene is currently developing multiple combination regimens of XPOVIO® for the treatment of various indications including myelofibrosis (MF) and endometrial cancer.

About Antengene

Antengene Corporation Limited (“Antengene”, SEHK: 6996.HK) is a leading commercial-stage R&D-driven global biopharmaceutical company focused on the discovery, development, manufacturing and commercialization of innovative first-in-class/best-in-class therapeutics for the treatment of hematologic malignancies and solid tumors, in realizing its vision of “Treating Patients Beyond Borders”.

Antengene has built a pipeline of 9 oncology assets at various stages going from clinical to commercial, including 6 with global rights, and 3 with rights for the APAC region. To date, Antengene has obtained 31 investigational new drug (IND) approvals in the U.S. and Asia, and submitted new drug applications (NDAs) in 11 Asia Pacific markets, with the NDA for XPOVIO® (selinexor) already approved in Mainland of China, Taiwan China, Hong Kong China, Macau China, South Korea, Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia and Australia.

Forward-looking statements

The forward-looking statements made in this article relate only to the events or information as of the date on which the statements are made in this article. Except as required by law, we undertake no obligation to update or revise publicly any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, after the date on which the statements are made or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events. You should read this article completely and with the understanding that our actual future results or performance may be materially different from what we expect. In this article, statements of, or references to, our intentions or those of any of our Directors or our Company are made as of the date of this article. Any of these intentions may alter in light of future development. For a further discussion of these and other factors that could cause future results to differ materially from any forward-looking statement, please see the other risks and uncertainties described in the Company’s Annual Report for the year ended December 31, 2024, and the documents subsequently submitted to the Hong Kong Stock Exchange.

For more information, please contact:

Investor Contacts: 
Donald Lung
E-mail: Donald.Lung@antengene.com
Mobile: +86 18420672158

PR Contacts:
Peter Qian
E-mail: Peter.Qian@antengene.com
Mobile: +86 13062747000

YBUOJ Responds to BaFin Announcement, Reaffirms Compliance Credentials and Global Regulatory Commitment

COLORADO, USA – Media OutReach Newswire – 28 July 2025 – YBUOJ has issued an official response to a recent notice from the Federal Financial Supervisory Authority of Germany (BaFin), which alleged that the platform was offering crypto asset services in Germany without the necessary authorization. In its statement, YBUOJ firmly reaffirmed its commitment to regulatory compliance, emphasizing that it operates under a robust legal framework and actively seeks licenses across global jurisdictions.

YBUOJ currently holds a U.S. Money Services Business (MSB) license issued by the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) and is also registered with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). These federal-level credentials confirm the lawful status and adherence of YBUOJ to high compliance standards.

YBUOJ emphasizes that its possession of an MSB license and SEC registration signifies its adherence to strict compliance standards, with trading activities subject to oversight by authoritative regulators. This indicates that YBUOJ operates not only legally and compliantly in the U.S. market, but also meets high standards in terms of operational transparency and security.

The BaFin announcement to jurisdictional differences in how licensing of foreign entities is interpreted. YBUOJ clarified that it is headquartered in the United States and does not maintain a legal entity in Germany. As such, it is regulated under U.S. law and aligned with internationally recognized compliance norms. The notice, YBUOJ suggested, likely stems from a regulatory communication gap rather than a breach of German financial law.

Drawing a broader parallel, YBUOJ pointed to similar cases involving major exchanges like Binance, which faces varying degrees of regulatory acceptance across markets despite holding valid licenses elsewhere. Such discrepancies are common in the fragmented global crypto regulatory landscape.

In its response, YBUOJ reaffirmed its commitment to compliance and welcomed regulatory guidance. It pledged full cooperation with German authorities to clarify the facts, stressing that the notice of BaFin relates only to licensing declarations and does not affect operations or asset security.

YBUOJ clarified that the announcement of BaFin was a routine consumer advisory, not a penalty, and urged rational interpretation. European users can continue accessing the platform and trading as usual.

YBUOJ will use this opportunity to enhance communication with regulators in Germany and other regions, maintaining its commitment to compliant, reliable global digital asset services.

Hashtag: #YBUOJ

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

The Shilla Hotels & Resorts Leads the “K- Luxperience” Trend Amid Growing Demand for Premium Tourism Among Travelers from Greater China

  • The Shilla H&R redefines premium travel for tourists from Greater China through its signature
  • K-Luxperiencephilosophy.
  • Shilla Rewards sign-ups from Greater China rose 181% YoY, indicating rising loyalty and intent to return.
  • Shilla’s fine dining appeal grows with Chinese visits up 8.1% at La Yeon and 40.6% at Palsun.

SEOUL, South Korea, July 28, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — A new wave of luxury travel to Korea is seeing strong momentum among Chinese-speaking tourists in 2025, with a sharp rise in demand for high-end accommodations, fine dining, and culturally immersive experiences. According to The Shilla Hotels & Resorts (The Shilla H&R), Korea’s leading luxury hospitality group known for blending traditional Korean aesthetics with world-class service, visitors from Greater China, spanning mainland China, Hong Kong China, and Taiwan China, are increasingly opting for premium stays that reflect a deeper interest in Korea’s luxury-driven wellness and lifestyle.

The Shilla Seoul
The Shilla Seoul

Amid this shift, the term “K-Luxperience” has emerged to describe a distinctive pattern of travel behavior, where luxury is not only desired emotionally but actively pursued through spending choices. From luxury hotels and Michelin-starred dining to personalized spa and beauty treatments, travelers from Greater China are showing a clear preference for experiences that are refined, curated, and unmistakably Korean. The concept blends “luxury,” and “experience” in Korea, capturing both the emotional richness and tangible quality that define the new era of high-end travel.

This shift in traveler behavior is mirrored in digital activity. Data from leading platforms including Baidu, RED, and Douyin indicates that mainland China travelers are increasingly drawn not only to the Korea-related travel content but also to more refined, experience-based premium travel in Korea. In Q1 2025, year-on-year content volume related to five-star and luxury hotels rose by 21%, while interest in Korea’s Michelin culinary experiences and restaurants surged by 37%. Cultural performance-related content also climbed by 56%, with medical aesthetics and premium facial treatments seeing notable increases of 54% and 25%, respectively, signaling deeper interest in indulgent, high-touch experiences beyond just where to stay.

Driving this growth were users in their 20s to 40s from Tier 1 and Tier 2 cities, indicating a generational shift toward high-end travel that blends indulgence with identity. For this emerging cohort of travelers, luxury is no longer defined solely by price or prestige; it is reflected in how emotionally engaging and culturally rich each aspect of their journey feels, from accommodations and dining to wellness and beauty. These are the very qualities at the heart of what The Shilla Hotels & Resorts defines as “K-Luxperience”.

Reflecting this momentum, The Shilla H&R has observed tangible shifts in guest behavior. In the accommodations category, premium room usage among Chinese guests rose modestly year-on-year, showing a steady sign of changing booking preferences. The proportion of guests spending over KRW 1 million during their stay has also increased, signaling stronger demand for personalized and high-value experiences.

Among them, Taiwanese travelers stood out with a 26.4% rise in high-spending behavior, indicating a growing appetite for investment in luxury experiences they find emotionally meaningful and culturally enriching. This signals a deeper shift toward intentional luxury, where value is measured not just in price, but in personal resonance and authenticity.

This growing appetite for intentional luxury is also evident in the F&B sector. At The Shilla Seoul, Chinese guest visits to fine dining restaurants rose by 8.1% at La Yeon and surged by 40.6% at Palsun, highlighting gastronomy as a core value in the premium travel experience.

Further illustrating this growing affinity, new member sign-ups for the Shilla Rewards program from Greater China rose significantly year-on-year. Among Greater China regions, the highest growth in sign-ups came from mainland China (+232.5%), followed by Hong Kong region (+152.6%) and Taiwan region(+87.9%). More than just a numerical increase, this surge reflects a rising desire among travelers to return, not merely for a one-off stay, but to build an ongoing, emotionally resonant relationship with Korean hospitality. For many, joining Shilla Rewards represents a step toward a lifestyle that values consistency, elegance, and curated meaning.

Among The Shilla H&R’s guests from Greater China, there has been a marked rise in those fully embracing the spirit of K-Luxperience: spending a relaxing day in a luxurious room with a view of Namsan, savoring a tasting menu at the Michelin two-star restaurant La Yeon, receiving treatments at the world-exclusive Clé de Peau Beauté spa, or enjoying a sip of whiskey at the private whiskey boutique and lounge, The Distillers Library. What were once seen as rare indulgences have become part of a growing pattern of emotionally resonant, high-end travel choices among Chinese-speaking visitors.

Jooyoung Lee, Head of Marketing Communications at The Shilla H&R, said: “The concept of ‘K-Luxperience’ is emerging as a defining keyword among travelers from Greater China visiting Korea. Rather than simply seeking one-dimensional pleasures, today’s travelers are pursuing elevated, multifaceted experiences that touch every aspect of their journey.”

She added, “To cater to these evolving preferences, The Shilla Seoul offers a series of emotionally resonant experiences tied to personal milestones. The ‘Everlasting Moment’ package includes a romantic suite stay with floral in-room décor, champagne, and private in-room dining. The ‘An Enchanting Memory’ experience features a curated French tasting menu with wine pairings at a candlelit table, designed exclusively for proposals. For weddings, the Dynasty Hall provides a refined setting for up to 600 guests, blending scale with elegance. At Shilla, we recognize this shift and are committed to expanding our offerings to meet the evolving expectations of our guests by delivering high-end moments that are thoughtful, culturally immersive, and distinctly Korean.” Hotel Shilla currently offers products and services that meet evolving consumer demands and trends, which have been gaining popularity across various platforms, including Chinese social media.

About Shilla

Hotel Shilla, an affiliate of the Samsung Group, is a leading hospitality and travel retail operator based in South Korea, committed to delivering outstanding customer experiences through innovation and service excellence. Its hospitality division, The Shilla Hotels & Resorts, includes three hotel brands: The Shilla, Shilla Monogram, and Shilla Stay, with 20 properties across South Korea and Vietnam. The Shilla Seoul, the company’s flagship luxury property, is a member of the Leading Hotels of the World (LHW) and an APAC Regional Program Partner of Virtuoso, recognized globally for excellence in service and sophistication. In its travel retail division, The Shilla Duty Free is a leading duty-free powerhouse, operating three domestic stores, three overseas branches, and an online platform. Drawing on decades of expertise, Hotel Shilla continues to pursue new opportunities for growth, aiming to become a world-class service distribution leader.

TotalEnergies ENEOS completes rooftop solar project with TechnipFMC in Malaysia

JOHOR BAHRU, Malaysia, July 28, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — TotalEnergies ENEOS successfully commissioned a 680 kilowatt-peak (kWp) rooftop solar photovoltaic (PV) system in collaboration with TechnipFMC, a leading technology provider to the traditional and new energy industries.

With over 1,100 solar modules installed, the PV system generates around 915 megawatt-hours (MWh) of renewable electricity annually, powering 20% of the facility’s energy needs. This helps TechnipFMC to avoid approximately 500 tons of CO2 emissions each year.

Under the 18-year Power Purchase Agreement (PPA), there is no upfront investment required by TechnipFMC. TotalEnergies ENEOS fully funded, installed, and will operate and maintain the solar system, with TechnipFMC purchasing the electricity produced for the duration of the PPA.

Alexandru Buzatu, Director of TotalEnergies ENEOS Renewables Distributed Generation Asia Pacific said: “This project marks a significant advancement in TechnipFMC’s sustainability journey. As TechnipFMC’s preferred energy partner, we take proactive steps in helping to reduce their carbon emissions in the Asia Pacific region. Our knowledge of the regional market and engineering excellence see us work with key industry players towards a shared vision for a sustainable future.”

Alberto Oliveira, Manufacturing Director – Nusajaya, TechnipFMC, said: “We are proud to be part of this renewable power initiative with TotalEnergies ENEOS. It reflects our deep commitment to responsible operations and a sustainable future. By harnessing clean energy, we are reducing our carbon footprint and advancing our ambition to drive meaningful, lasting change for our communities”.

rooftop solar project at TechnipFMC’s facility in Johor, Malaysia, installed by TotalEnergies ENEOS
rooftop solar project at TechnipFMC’s facility in Johor, Malaysia, installed by TotalEnergies ENEOS

To learn more about TotalEnergies ENEOS tailored solar solutions, check out the free brochure, or contact directly for more information.

About TotalEnergies ENEOS Renewables Distributed Generation Asia Pte. Ltd.
The company is a 50/50 joint venture between TotalEnergies and ENEOS to develop onsite B2B solar distributed generation across Asia. It is headquartered in Singapore with a plan to develop 2 GW of decentralized solar capacity over the next five years. https://solar.totalenergies.asia

TotalEnergies and electricity
TotalEnergies is building a competitive portfolio that combines renewables (solar, onshore wind, offshore wind) and flexible assets (CCGT, storage) to deliver clean firm power to its customers. As of the end of June 2025, TotalEnergies has 30 GW of installed gross renewable electricity generation capacity and aims to reach 35 GW by the end of 2025, and more than 100 TWh of net electricity production by 2030. https://renewables.totalenergies.com/en 

ENEOS Corporation and renewables electricity
ENEOS Group operates solar power plants in Japan and is also participating in renewable energy projects in the United States, Australia, Vietnam and Taiwan. Furthermore, ENEOS is actively engaged in power generation projects using biomass, hydroelectric power, wind power, etc. This joint venture is ENEOS’ first overseas renewable energy project using distributed power sources. 

About TotalEnergies
TotalEnergies is a global integrated energy company that produces and markets energies: oil and biofuels, natural gas, biogas and low-carbon hydrogen, renewables and electricity. Our more than 100,000 employees are committed to providing as many people as possible with energy that is more reliable, more affordable and more sustainable. Active in about 120 countries, TotalEnergies places sustainability at the heart of its strategy, its projects and its operations.

About ENEOS Corporation
ENEOS Group has developed businesses in the energy and nonferrous metals segments, from upstream to downstream. The Group’s envisioned goals for 2040 are: becoming one of the most prominent and internationally competitive energy and materials company groups in Asia, creating value by transforming our current business structure, and contributing to the development of a low-carbon, recycling-oriented society with the pursuit of carbon-neutral status in its own CO2 emissions. ENEOS Corporation, one of the principal operating companies in the Group, is contributing to achievement of the Group’s envisioned goals through a broad range of energy businesses. 

TotalEnergies on social media

Cautionary Note TotalEnergies
The terms “TotalEnergies”, “TotalEnergies company” or “Company” in this document are used to designate TotalEnergies SE and the consolidated entities that are directly or indirectly controlled by TotalEnergies SE. Likewise, the words “we”, “us” and “our” may also be used to refer to these entities or to their employees. The entities in which TotalEnergies SE directly or indirectly owns a shareholding are separate legal entities. This document may contain forward-looking information and statements that are based on a number of economic data and assumptions made in a given economic, competitive and regulatory environment. They may prove to be inaccurate in the future and are subject to a number of risk factors. Neither TotalEnergies SE nor any of its subsidiaries assumes any obligation to update publicly any forward-looking information or statement, objectives or trends contained in this document whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. Information concerning risk factors, that may affect TotalEnergies’ financial results or activities is provided in the most recent Registration Document, the French-language version of which is filed by TotalEnergies SE with the French securities regulator Autorité des Marchés Financiers (AMF), and in the Form 20-F filed with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).

Cautionary Note ENEOS Corporation
The terms “ENEOS”, “ENEOS Group” in this document are used to designate ENEOS Corporation and the consolidated entities that are directly or indirectly controlled by ENEOS Corporation. This document contains certain forward-looking statements. Actual results may differ materially from those reflected in any forward-looking statement due to various factors, which include, but are not limited to, the following: (1) macroeconomic conditions and changes in the competitive environment in the energy, resources, and materials industries; (2) the impact of COVID-19 on economic activity; (3) changes in laws and regulations; and (4) risks related to litigation and other legal proceedings.