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World Customs Organization praises ‘e-commerce platform’ in trilingual report

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Dubai: Global platform for digital commerce and new economy

DUBAI, UAE, Dec. 30, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — A new milestone reflecting Dubai’s global leadership in customs innovation, Dubai Customs’ innovative cross-border e-commerce platform has received widespread praise from the World Customs Organization (WCO), in a special trilingual report on it (French, English, and Spanish). The report confirms that Dubai Customs serves as a global model for digital transformation. This success story proves that customs services innovation and border control are attainable through effective policies, strong partnerships, and advanced technology.

 

Dubai Customs Building
Dubai Customs Building

 

This interest highlights the UAE’s thriving e-commerce sector, creating thousands of jobs and advancing our leadership’s vision for growth. The volume of goods transported by sea and air in the Emirate of Dubai has also recorded remarkable growth, achieving Dubai’s D33 vision of becoming a global hub for economic expansion driven by logistics and digital commerce.

Reflecting strong market growth, UAE e-commerce reached AED 32.3 billion ($8.8 billion) in 2024 and is forecast at AED 50.6 billion ($13.8 billion) by 2029. Supporting this, Dubai Customs targets converting 20–30% of low-value e-commerce shipments to its platform. Through cooperation with multinational express couriers and SMEs, Dubai Customs ensures that all parties benefit from advanced trade facilitation. The platform’s scope extends regionally, supporting e-commerce routes across the GCC. These goals support the Dubai Economic Agenda (D33) , which aims to double the economy within a decade , rank Dubai among the top three economic cities , and position it as a top five global logistics hub.

Commenting on this global achievement, Juma Al Ghaith, Advisor to the Director General and Chief Executive Officer of Artificial Intelligence at Dubai Customs, emphasized that the World Customs Organization’s praise reflects the depth of the transformation led by Dubai Customs in the world of trade and e-commerce, and embodies the vision of the wise leadership in making Dubai the city of the future and a global hub for the new economy.

Atiq Al Muhairi, Executive Director of Customs Development at Dubai Customs, said: “Dubai Customs’ e-commerce platform is a qualitative leap and a new benchmark in facilitating cross-border trade by strengthening the link between government entities and shipping companies, enabling companies to comply with customs requirements quickly and easily, and aligning the logistics system with e-commerce traffic.”

He added: “According to a report by the WCO, the platform globally demonstrates how technology effectively facilitates trade.”

 

 

 

Epicka to Debut World’s First 140W Touchscreen Smart Universal Travel Adapter at CES 2026

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LAS VEGAS, Dec. 30, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Epicka, a leading innovator in global charging solutions and among the top universal travel adapter brands in the U.S., announced it will participate in CES 2026 and present its new Pulse Duo series, a next-generation lineup of GaN travel adapters.

Looking back, the first product in this lineup, the Pulse 45W Universal Travel Adapter, has been recognized by multiple media outlets, including WSJ, NBC, and Travel + Leisure, among others, as the ‘Best Universal Travel Adapter.’

EPICKA & CES 2026 POSTER
EPICKA & CES 2026 POSTER

Compared with Epicka’s initial Pulse series, the new Pulse Duo series introduces two major upgrades to enhance real‑world travel flexibility: a Type‑A AC outlet on the side, and a updated universal AC outlet with more compatibility on the front, providing seamless coverage across 200+ countries and regions.

Technical Specifications (Concise)

  • Max Output: 45W (PD 3.0) / 65W (PD 3.0) / 140W (PD 3.1)
  • Ports:
    • 45W & 65W: 5‑in‑1 (2 USB‑C, 2 USB‑A, 1 universal AC)
    • 140W: 6‑in‑1 (2 USB‑C, 2 USB‑A, 2 AC; universal front + side Type‑A AC)
  • Indicators & Safety: LED power indicator (green), built‑in 10A replaceable fuse, GaN technology
  • Laptop Support:
    • 45W: limited/slow charging
    • 65W: standard speed for 13″/14″ ultrabooks
    • 140W: ultra‑fast for 16″ MacBook Pro (MagSafe 3)

Unsure which adapter you need? Check out Epicka’s Universal Travel Adapter Choosing Guide. Simply match your devices and travel habits.

About Epicka

Founded in 2017, Epicka has grown into a widely recognized universal travel adapter brand in the U.S. market. Guided by the core values of “exploration & innovation,” to create stress-free power solutions for global travelers.

For more details, visit Epicka.com or find us by searching ‘Epicka’ on Amazon.com.

Location:  Shenzhen, China

PR Contact:  marketing@epickatech.com / collab@epickatech.com

Mabwell Announces First Patient Dosed in Phase II Trial of Anti-IL-11 Antibody for Pathological Scarring

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SHANGHAI, Dec. 30, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Mabwell (688062.SH), an innovation-driven biopharmaceutical company with a fully integrated industry chain, announced that the Phase II clinical trial of its self-developed innovative anti-IL-11 monoclonal antibody (R&D code: 9MW3811) for pathological scarring recently completed the first patient dosing in China, becoming the world’s first IL-11 targeting drug candidate to initiate clinical trials for pathological scarring.

This Phase II clinical trial (CTR20254857) aims to evaluate the safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetics, and preliminary efficacy of 9MW3811 in patients with pathological scarring. The first patient was dosed at the Shanghai Ninth People’s Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine. Previously, 9MW3811 had completed Phase I trials in healthy subjects in Australia and China, with results showing good safety profile and a half-life of more than one month.

Interleukin-11 (IL-11) is a cytokine that plays a critical role in chronic inflammation and fibrosis-related diseases, and is widely involved in the fibrosis process of multiple organs. Preclinical research shows that 9MW3811 has demonstrated significant efficacy in various models such as pulmonary fibrosis, and has shown potential application value in fibrosis-related diseases such as hypertrophic scar and abnormal endometrial bleeding. Especially in human-derived keloid animal models, 9MW3811 can effectively alleviate the skin fibrosis process and reduce the volume of established scars. Currently, there is a lack of effective therapeutic drugs for hypertrophic scars and keloids, indicating significant unmet clinical needs. 9MW3811 is expected to bring new treatment options to patients.

About Mabwell

Mabwell (688062.SH) is an innovation-driven biopharmaceutical company with capabilities spanning the entire pharmaceutical value chain. The company is committed to providing more effective and accessible therapies to meet global medical needs, with a focus on oncology and aging-related diseases. Mabwell’s mission is “Explore Life, Benefit Health” and its vision is “Innovation, from Ideas to Reality.” For more information, please visit www.mabwell.com/en.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements including, but not limited to, the potential safety, efficacy, regulatory review or approval and commercial success of our product candidates and those relating to the Company’s product development, clinical studies, clinical and regulatory milestones and timelines, market opportunity, competitive position, possible or assumed future results of operations, business strategies, potential growth opportunities and other statements that are predictive in nature. “Forward-looking statements” are statements that are not historical facts and involve a number of risks and uncertainties, which may cause actual results to be materially different from any future results expressed or implied in the forward-looking statements. These statements may be identified by the use of forward-looking expressions, including, but not limited to, “expect,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “plan,” “believe,” “estimate,” “potential,” “predict,” “project,” “should,” “would,” and similar expressions and the negatives of those terms.

Forward-looking statements are based on the Company’s current expectations and assumptions. Forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks, uncertainties, and other factors, many of which are beyond the Company’s control, including, but not limited to: environment; politic; economy; society; legislation; our dependence on our product candidates, most of which are still in preclinical or various stages of clinical development; our reliance on third-party vendors, such as contract research organizations and contract manufacturing organizations; the uncertainties inherent in clinical testing; our ability to complete required clinical trials for our product candidates and obtain approval from regulatory authorities for our product candidates; our ability to protect our intellectual property; the loss of any executive officers or key personnel. In case one or more of these risks or uncertainties deteriorate, or any assumptions are incorrect, the actual results may be seriously inconsistent with the stated results.

The Company cautions all the persons not to place undue reliance on any such forward-looking statements, which speaks only as of the date of this press release. The Company disclaims any obligation, except as specifically required by law and the rules of the applicable Stock authority to publicly update or revise any such statements to reflect any change in expectations or in events, conditions, or circumstances on which any such statements may be based, or that may affect the likelihood that actual results will differ from those set forth in the forward-looking statements. All forward-looking descriptions, figures and assumptions in this press release are applicable to this statement.

NYSE Content Advisory: Pre-Market Update + Wall Street Awaits Fed Minutes after latest Rate Cut

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Advertorial Desk
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NEW YORK, Dec. 30, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — The New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) provides a daily pre-market update directly from the NYSE Trading Floor. Access today’s NYSE Pre-market update for market insights before trading begins. 

 

NYSE Content Advisory: Pre-Market Update + Traders Await Fed Minutes after its Third Straight Rate Cut

Kristen Scholer delivers the pre-market update on December 30th

  • Stocks are little changed Tuesday morning following back-to-back declines in the S&P 500. The year’s rally briefly paused amid profit-taking and volatility in precious metals, though the index remains on track for double-digit gains in 2025.
  • Wall Street awaits the release of minutes from the Fed’s latest meeting at 2 p.m. ET. The central bank cut rates for a third straight time in December and signaled one more cut in 2026. Odds are 84% the Fed holds rates steady at its January meeting.
  • Today marks the fourth day of the seven-session Santa Claus Rally, historically a bullish period. As of Monday’s close, the S&P is slightly lower over the first three days, but reaction to the Fed minutes could shift momentum.

Opening Bell
Girl Rising and She’s the First celebrate their merger, taking effect in 2026 under the Girl Rising Brand.

Closing Bell
Carnegie Investment Counsel celebrates their 50th anniversary

Click here to download the NYSE TV App

 

China’s Sleep Technology Pioneer Sleemon Draws Increasing Interest from the Global AI Community

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Advertorial Desk
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SHAOXING, China, Dec. 30, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — A long-established household brand in China with a comparatively limited international profile, Sleemon Healthy Sleep Technology Co., Ltd. is gaining attention from the global technology community as it expands its focus on advanced sleep technology solutions.

Founded in 1984, Sleemon was the first mattress manufacturer in China to list publicly (SSE: 603008). While the company adopted its current corporate name in recent years, it has long been recognized in the domestic market for its leadership and sustained investment in sleep technology.

In 2024, Sleemon unveiled its AI-powered mattress series, aise, positioned to deliver integrated sleep management through a proprietary system. The collection has also received China’s highest L4 certification for smart mattresses.

A New Global Breakthrough in Sleep Technology—Emerging from China
A New Global Breakthrough in Sleep Technology—Emerging from China

In addition, Sleemon has partnered with BrainCo, a global leader in non-invasive brain-computer interface (BCI) technology, to launch aise • BrainCo, a consumer-facing AI mattress incorporating BCI capabilities. By integrating electroencephalogram (EEG) monitoring technology into the mattress design, the product enables real-time detection of sleep states and provides early health-risk alerts, highlighting Sleemon’s expansion into adjacent technology domains, including neuroscience and biosensing.

Sleemon has established China’s first public-interest sleep research institute, developed dedicated research workstations in collaboration with several academicians, and jointly founded R&D centers with leading institutions, including Tsinghua University and the Shanghai Institute for Advanced Study of Zhejiang University. These initiatives are aimed at accelerating the transition from academic research to commercial application, fostering a continuous cycle of innovation across the company.

Sleemon is now setting its sights on an even broader frontier: healthcare. Looking ahead, its platform is expected to expand beyond sleep guidance to include the management of chronic conditions such as cardiovascular and respiratory diseases. By incorporating drug development and digital therapeutics into its platform, the company aims to support longer, healthier lifespans and improve overall quality of life. This strategic approach positions Sleemon to extend beyond the traditional bedding category and into competition with established health-monitoring and medical-technology providers, while placing the company within the evolving global landscape for health-data platforms.

From smartphones serving as hubs of the mobile internet to the automotive industry’s shift toward autonomous driving, waves of intelligent devices have been reshaping multiple industries. Against this backdrop, smart mattresses—closely linked to sleep and human health—are increasingly viewed as a potential next wave of connected, health-focused intelligent systems.

This year, several AI companies have visited China for in-depth discussions with Sleemon, laying the groundwork for potential strategic partnerships. As one of the world’s largest home-furnishing markets, China is witnessing significant advances in sleep technology by domestic players—developments that merit close attention from U.S.-based technology and consumer-electronics companies and may prompt a reassessment of competitive strategies in the sleep-technology sector.

 

FPT Exports Its First Commercial Chip Shipment to the Japanese Market

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Advertorial Desk
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HANOI, Vietnam, Dec. 30, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — FPT Corporation (hereafter “FPT”) officially delivered its first commercial shipment of power chips (Power ICs) to a leading Japanese electronics corporation, through the distribution of Restar Corporation (hereafter “Restar”) – a Japanese trading company for semiconductors and electronic components. 

It is also the first time a Vietnamese company has successfully introduced commercial semiconductor chips into the Japanese market, one of the world’s most demanding markets in terms of quality and reliability. 

The milestone comes at a strategic time: the global power chip market is set to hit $59 billion by 2030, including a $3 billion opportunity in Japan. This growth is fueled by robust demand across the consumer electronics, industrial, automotive, and high-tech landscapes.


The power chips recently exported to Japan are specifically designed for high-performance multi-function printers (MFPs) used in office and enterprise environments. Designed by FPT, these chips manage and stabilize internal power supply, protect components from voltage and current fluctuations, and ensure reliable operation under high-load conditions. Furthermore, FPT is now developing a comprehensive power IC ecosystem, encompassing multiple product lines such as PMICs, LDOs, BUCK converters, LED drivers, and Power MOSFETs.

Through months of rigorous optimization, FPT engineers ensured their ‘Make in Vietnam‘ power chips met the highest international standards. The chips successfully passed comprehensive evaluations – including electrical characterization, JEDEC reliability, and real-device validation—while satisfying Japan’s stringent industrial-grade safety requirements.

This milestone sets the stage for Restar to distribute 10 million FPT-designed chips throughout the Asia-Pacific by 2027. Following this initial delivery, both companies will ramp up volumes and collaborate on R&D. Future efforts will focus on next-generation power chips and integrated circuits specifically engineered for Japan’s imaging and industrial sectors.

Mr. Tran Dang Hoa, Chairman of FPT Semiconductor, FPT Corporation stated: “Semiconductors stand as a core strategic pillar at FPT. Our vision is to lead Vietnam’s ascent in the global tech wave, establishing the nation as a critical link in the international value chain.This inaugural shipment to Japan not only affirms Vietnam’s mastery of core technology but also signals its emergence as a vital hub in the global high-tech supply chain”. 

Recent supply chain disruptions, notably involving Nexperia, have intensified the global search for reliable alternatives. FPT is answering this demand by introducing a suite of discrete power devices—including ESD and Zener diodes—positioned as a strategic second source for the Japanese, Korean, and Taiwanese markets.

AMTD IDEA Group Achieved 150% Increase in Revenue for First Half in 2025

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Advertorial Desk
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  • AMTD IDEA Group Achieved ~150% Increase in Revenue
  • Total Net Income Surged 63.7% to US$68.8 million
  • Hospitality arm’s revenue increased by over 60%
  • Total Assets amounted to US$2.193 billion (US$3.82/share)
  • Net asset value amounted to US$1,799 million (US$3.13/share) 

PARIS and NEW YORK and SINGAPORE, Dec. 30, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — AMTD IDEA Group (“AMTD IDEA” or the “Company”, NYSE: AMTD; SGX: HKB), a NYSE and SGX-ST dual listed company and also a group holding platform for (i) digital solutions and business services, (ii) media, entertainment and cultural areas of businesses, and (iii) global property assets, hospitality and VIP services announced today its unaudited financial results for the six months ended June 30, 2025.

Highlights of Half Year Financial Results

  • The Company, through its subsidiary, The Generation Essentials Group (“TGE”, NYSE: TGE; LSE: TGE), owns the AMTD L’Officiel’s intellectual properties (“IP”) globally and maintains its operations through direct owner’s model and franchisee network in over 30 countries and regions. In the six months ended June 30, 2025, the Company started its first IP extended businesses sub-vertically to commence L’Officiel Coffee. Featuring carefully curated specialty coffees, beautifully crafted sweets including L’Officiel mousse cakes, L’Officiel magazine cakes, and a stylish space at Omotesando, Japan. L’Officiel Coffee’s popularity has grown rapidly, establishing it as a vibrant social and cultural hotspot beloved by influencers, local communities, and visitors alike. TGE has announced plans to roll out L’Officiel Coffee globally and target to open 15-20 L’Officiel Coffee shops worldwide over next three years.
  • Hotel operations, hospitality and VIP services income rose from US$7.9 million in the comparable period to US$12.7 million for the six months ended June 30, 2025, representing a 60.3% growth.
  • The Company recorded dividends, realized gains on disposed financial assets and unrealized fair value gain on financial assets at fair value through profit or loss for the six months ended June 30, 2025, totaling US$64.8 million.

Statement from the Board Members and Senior Management:

Mr. Xavier Zee, CFO of the Company and CEO of TGE Value Creative Solutions Corp (a subsidiary of the Company) specializing in SPAC sponsor manager services, “We are proud to deliver another half year of strong performance, reflecting our resilience and unwavering commitment to sustainable growth and long-term growth. Our impressive results demonstrate that our strategic vision and collaborative efforts across our diversified portfolio of businesses in media, entertainment, and hospitality sectors are driving meaningful outcome. With the successful listing of our first sponsored SPAC (TGE Value Creative Solutions Corp) in December 2025, we are confident of future value creation for our stakeholders through a continual diversification of our business portfolio”.

Financial Results for the Six Months Ended June 30, 2025

Revenue

The Company’s revenue for the six months ended increased from US$ 36 million in the first half in 2024 to US$89.0 million in the first half in 2025. The increment was primarily attributable to: –

  • Hotel operations, hospitality and VIP services income rose from US$7.9 million to US$12.7 million, representing a 60.3% growth.
  • Dividend and gain related to disposed financial assets at fair value through profit or loss changed from US$8.7 million, to US$8.6 million.

  • Net fair value changes on financial assets at fair value through profit or loss rose from US$7.2 million to US$56.2 million. The increase was mainly attributable to the unrealized gain on the Company’s investment portfolio in the first half in 2025.

Other Income And Gains

Other income decreased from US$37.5 million for the comparable period in 2024 to US$15.7 million for the current period, mainly due to the disposal of the entire equity interests in certain of the Company’s subsidiaries engaging in non-core business during 2024.

Other Operating Expenses

Other operating expenses for the six months ended June 30, 2025 increased by 22.4% as compared to the same period in prior year to US$20.6 million, primarily attributable to an increase in the Company’s hotels’ depreciation charges and other operating costs recognized from the Company’s hotels in line with the increase in revenue generated from the Company’s hotel operation, as well as the capital expenditures required to launch the Company’s L’Officiel Coffee in Japan.

Staff Costs

Staff costs for the six months ended June 30, 2025 remained relatively flat as compared to the same period in prior year at US$6.6 million.

Finance Costs

Finance costs for the six months ended June 30, 2025 increased slightly compared to the same period in prior year to US$7.1 million. The Company is committed towards continuous efforts in enhancing the Company’s asset liability management strategies.

Income Tax Expense

Income tax expense for the six months ended June 30, 2025 remained steady compared to the comparable period in 2024 at US$1.5 million.

Profit For The Period

The Company recorded a profit of US$68.8 million in the six months ended June 30, 2025, a growth of 63.7% as compared to the comparable period in 2024, mainly resulting from the additional contribution recognized from the Company’s hospitality businesses and the gain on its investment portfolio.

Subsequent events

TGE has successfully executed the sale and purchase agreement for the acquisition of 100% interests in the Hilton Garden Inn New York City Tribeca with the payment of an irrevocable deposit in December 2025, and the goal of closing the acquisition of this hotel within the next two months. Closing of the acquisition is subject to customary closing conditions.

TGE has successfully entered into a sale and purchase agreement to purchase an 80% stake in the Upper View Regalia Hotel in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. The aggregate consideration of the transaction is HK$300 million (equivalent to approximately US$38.6 million). Closing of the acquisition is subject to customary closing conditions.

TGE has successfully entered into a sale and purchase agreement with FEC Holdings and FEC Hotel (the “Vendors”), whereby the Vendors have agreed conditionally to sell, and the Purchaser has agreed conditionally to purchase a 50% stake in the Ritz Carlton Hotel in Perth Australia with a total value at A$280 million. Closing of the acquisition is subject to customary closing conditions.

TGE Value Creative Solutions Corp, a special purpose acquisition company (SPAC) sponsored by TGE, successfully completed its successful initial public offering of 15,000,000 units at $10.00 per unit in December 2025. The offering resulted in gross proceeds to the Company of US$150,000,000.

TGE successfully completed the secondary listing on the London Stock Exchange in December 2025. TGE’s entire issued Class A ordinary shares are traded on both NYSE and London Stock Exchange’s main market.

About AMTD IDEA Group

AMTD IDEA Group (NYSE: AMTD; SGX: HKB) represents a diversified institution and digital solutions group connecting companies and investors with global markets. Its comprehensive one-stop business services plus digital solutions platform addresses different clients’ diverse and inter-connected business needs and digital requirements across all phases of their life cycles. AMTD IDEA Group is uniquely positioned as an active super connector between clients, business partners, investee companies, and investors, connecting the East and the West. For more information, please visit www.amtdinc.com or follow us on X (formerly known as “Twitter”) at @AMTDGroup.

Safe Harbor Statement

This press release contains statements that may constitute “forward-looking” statements pursuant to the “safe harbor” provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements can be identified by terminology such as “will,” “expects,” “anticipates,” “aims,” “future,” “intends,” “plans,” “believes,” “estimates,” “likely to,” and similar statements. Statements that are not historical facts, including statements about the beliefs, plans, and expectations of AMTD IDEA Group are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements involve inherent risks and uncertainties. Further information regarding these and other risks is included in the filings of AMTD IDEA Group with the SEC. All information provided in this press release is as of the date of this press release, and AMTD IDEA Group does not undertake any obligation to update any forward-looking statement, except as required under applicable law.

AMTD IDEA GROUP
UNAUDITED INTERIM CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF PROFIT OR LOSS
FOR THE SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 2024 AND 2025

Six months ended June 30,

2024

2025

US$’000

US$’000

(audited)

(unaudited)

REVENUE

Digital solutions and other services income

1,722

1,607

Fashion, arts and luxury media advertising and marketing services income

10,446

9,976

Hotel operations, hospitality and VIP services income.

7,905

12,668

Dividends and gains from disposed financial assets

at fair value through profit or loss

8,660

8,612

Net fair value changes on financial assets at fair value through profit or loss

(except derivative financial assets and gains from disposed financial assets at fair value through profit or loss)

7,220

56,176

35,953

89,039

Other income and gains

37,454

15,664

Other operating expenses

(16,867)

(20,641)

Staff costs

(6,400)

(6,640)

Finance costs

(6,240)

(7,054)

PROFIT BEFORE TAX

43,900

70,368

Income tax expense

(1,868)

(1,544)

PROFIT FOR THE PERIOD

42,032

68,824

Attributable to:

Owners of the company

Ordinary shareholders

40,523

43,206

Holders of perpetual securities

2,141

2,157

Non-controlling interests

(632)

23,461

42,032

68,824

EARNINGS PER SHARE ATTRIBUTABLE TO ORDINARY 

EQUITY HOLDERS OF THE COMPANY

Class A ordinary shares:

Basic (US cents per share)

10.22

8.25

Diluted (US cents per share)

10.22

8.25

Class B ordinary shares:

Basic (US cents per share)

10.22

8.25

Diluted (US cents per share)

10.22

8.25

AMTD IDEA GROUP
UNAUDITED INTERIM CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF FINANCIAL POSITION
AS AT DECEMBER 31, 2024 AND JUNE 30, 2025

December 31, 2024

June 30, 2025

US$’000

US$’000

(audited)

(unaudited)

ASSETS

Current assets

Accounts receivable

7,029

6,379

Prepayments, deposits and other receivables

23,346

31,969

Due from immediate holding company

1,400,612

1,425,213

Financial assets at fair value through profit or loss

24,987

80,467

Other assets

609

–

Cash and bank balances

62,872

52,818

Total current assets

1,519,455

1,596,846

Non-current assets

Property, plant and equipment

291,449

340,195

Intangible assets

119,381

118,087

Financial assets at fair value through profit or loss

139,633

138,125

Total non-current assets

550,463

596,407

Total assets

2,069,918

2,193,253

LIABILITIES AND EQUITY

Current liabilities

Accounts payable

3,640

5,190

Bank borrowings

63,539

101,642

Due to a non-controlling shareholder

63,019

64,255

Other payables and accruals

10,396

21,709

Tax payable

2,539

3,074

Total current liabilities

143,133

195,870

Non-current liabilities

Bank borrowings

219,434

191,176

Deferred tax liabilities

5,658

5,597

Provisions

1,664

2,079

Total non-current liabilities

226,756

198,852

Total liabilities

369,889

394,722

AMTD IDEA GROUP
UNAUDITED INTERIM CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF FINANCIAL POSITION
(CONTINUED)
AS AT DECEMBER 31, 2024 AND JUNE 30, 2025

December 31, 2024

June 30, 2025

US$’000

US$’000

(audited)

(unaudited)

Equity

Share capital

48

76

Treasury shares

(734,658)

(728,932)

Reserves

2,092,270

2,115,664

Total equity attributable to ordinary shareholders of the Company

1,357,660

1,386,808

Non-controlling interests

108,124

180,436

Perpetual securities

234,245

231,277

Total equity

1,700,029

1,798,531

Total liabilities and equity

2,069,918

2,193,253

For AMTD IDEA Group:
IR Office
AMTD IDEA Group
EMAIL: ir@amtdinc.com

Kastar Brings Standard-Driven High-tack MS Polymer Sealants to Global Green Construction Markets

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Advertorial Desk
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FOSHAN, China, Dec. 30, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Kastar, a Chinese high-tech sealant manufacturer and contributor to the country’s silane-modified polymer (MS Polymer) sealant standards, has introduced high-tack MS Polymer sealants to address tightening environmental and performance requirements in global construction markets.

Kastar’s High-tack MS polymer sealant applied at a washbasin and wall joint, commonly used for bathroom sealing and interior construction applications.
Kastar’s High-tack MS polymer sealant applied at a washbasin and wall joint, commonly used for bathroom sealing and interior construction applications.

These days, low-emission materials and real staying power aren’t nice-to-haves anymore—they’re must-haves. Sealants are under the microscope more than ever when it comes to worker safety and how well they hold up over decades. In places like the U.S., UK, Australia and New Zealand, contractors and specifiers are ditching old-school solvent-based or polyurethane sealants for cleaner options that still deliver serious bonding strength without the health or compliance headaches.

The high-tack MS Polymer sealant is formulated without solvents or isocyanates and cures through moisture, combining early holding strength with long-term elastic performance. It bonds effectively with a broad range of commonly used construction substrates: concrete, metals, brickwork, even tricky coated surfaces. That makes it handy for new construction or fixing up older buildings.

From Standards Development to On-Site Performance

Kastar didn’t just read the standards, but helped write them. Sitting at the table for several of China’s national MS polymer sealant standards gave the team an inside look at exactly where products usually fail the tests and fall apart on site.

That firsthand standards experience shapes everything they do in the lab. Instead of chasing one standout spec, they build high-tack MS Polymer sealants that simply work reliably—no matter the weather, the surface, or the job site conditions.

“Being involved in standards work gives us a clearer view of where sealant failures tend to occur in real-world use,” said Tom Zhou, Chief Engineer at Kastar. “That experience allows us to focus product development on stability, compatibility, and long-term reliability, not just short-term adhesion.”

Addressing Real Construction Trade-Offs

On real job sites, sealants are rarely judged on one factor alone. Contractors need products that grab quickly, apply smoothly, and still hold up years down the line. Push too hard for speed, and long-term durability can suffer. Focus only on longevity, and installation efficiency often takes a hit.

Kastar’s high-tack MS Polymer sealant is designed with this balance in mind. It offers strong early adhesion to keep work moving, while maintaining the flexibility needed to handle joint movement and day-to-day exposure once cured. This helps contractors stay on schedule without having to compromise on performance later.

Once cured, the sealant can be painted over using many commonly used architectural coatings, making it easier to integrate into finished surfaces—particularly in interior spaces and renovation work where appearance and efficiency matter.

Quality Control Backed by Scale and Testing

Getting the same performance batch after batch is everything in this business, especially when product is shipping halfway around the world. Kastar runs a 50,000 m2 modern plant with its own CMA-certified lab that puts every run through rigorous checks. They keep samples from each batch on file and test across more than 100 parameters, supporting consistent product quality across production batches.

Kastar doesn’t rest on yesterday’s formula either. Three in-house R&D labs focus specifically on silicone sealants, MS polymer materials, and specialty functional sealants. It also works closely with Tsinghua University to tweak recipes and develop versions that handle everything from freezing winters to scorching summers.

Positioning for Global Markets

Backed by 27 years of experience specializing in construction adhesive sealants and strict quality control systems, Kastar supplies products across North America, Europe, Oceania, the Middle East, and Southeast Asia. The company offers OEM and ODM services, allowing partners to customize formulation characteristics, packaging, and branding to align with local regulations and market expectations.

As construction standards continue to evolve across regions, Kastar sees its MS polymer sealant portfolio as a practical response to growing demands for environmental compliance, performance reliability, and dependable supply.

About Kastar

Founded in 1997 and headquartered in Foshan, China, Kastar is a core brand of Kater Adhesive Industrial Co., Ltd., a national high-tech manufacturer specializing in construction sealants and adhesives, with a focus on MS polymer technologies. The brand offers a broad portfolio of solutions, including hybrid MS sealants, polyether sealants, silicone sealants, fireproof sealants, and nail-free sealants, serving both standard and customized construction applications.

As a contributor to industry standards and an experienced global exporter, Kater Adhesive Industrial Co., Ltd., through its Kastar brand, is committed to delivering environmentally responsible, performance-driven sealing solutions for safer and more reliable building projects worldwide.

Media Contact:
Email：sales@kastarsealant.com 
Website：https://www.kastargrout.com/ 

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