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2025 IMS | IASO Bio Highlights Three-Year Follow-Up Data of CAR-T Cell Therapy Fucaso for Multiple Myeloma Treatment

SHANGHAI, NANJING, China and PLEASANTON, Calif., Sept. 19, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — IASO Biotherapeutics (“IASO Bio”), a biopharmaceutical company focused on the discovery, development, manufacturing, and commercialization of innovative cell therapies, today announced that the 36-month long-term follow-up data from the FUMANBA-1 study of its independently developed fully human anti-BCMA CAR-T cell therapy Fucaso (Equecabtagene Autoleucel, Eque-cel), for the treatment of relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma (R/R MM), were presented at the 2025 International Myeloma Society (IMS) Annual Meeting. The results further demonstrate that Fucaso delivers deep and durable efficacy in patients with relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma (R/R MM), including those with high-risk features, along with a manageable long-term safety profile that significantly enhances overall survival quality[1].

The results of this study were presented by Professor Lugui Qiu from Institute of Hematology & Blood Diseases Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences in an oral presentation at the IMS Annual Meeting (Abstract Number: 2142568). This presentation is based on findings from FUMANBA-1, a phase 1b/2 study evaluating the safety and efficacy of Fucaso, which was conducted at 14 sites in China. R/R MM patients who had received at least three prior lines of therapy and with progressive disease after the last line of therapy were enrolled. And patients with extramedullary disease (EMD) or prior exposure to anti-BCMA CAR-T therapy were included.

Prof. Lugui Qiu delivering an oral presentation at the 2025 IMS Annual Meeting in Toronto, Canada, on September 18
Prof. Lugui Qiu delivering an oral presentation at the 2025 IMS Annual Meeting in Toronto, Canada, on September 18

As of December 31, 2024, a total of 109 patients with R/R MM had received Fucaso, 12.8% had EMD and 11% had received prior BCMA CAR-T therapy. Following lymphodepletion with cyclophosphamide and fludarabine for three consecutive days, a single infusion of CAR-T cells (1×10⁶ cells/kg) was administered.

Deep and durable efficacy

Among 107 evaluable patients, the overall response rate (ORR) was 96.3%, including a complete or stringent complete response (CR/sCR) in 83.2%. In CAR-T–naïve patients, ORR and CR/sCR rates were 98.9% and 88.4%, respectively. Among 109 patients who received Eque-cel, the median progression-free survival (PFS) was 30.5 months, extending to 35.9 months in CAR-T–naïve patients. Median overall survival (OS) was not reached. Minimal residual disease (MRD) negativity was achieved in 95.3% (102/107) of evaluable patients, including all patients who achieved CR or sCR, the median duration of MRD negativity was 36.5 months.

Manageable long-term safety profile

  • CRS occurred in 93.6% of patients, with only one case≥grade 3;
  • ICANS was reported in two patients (grade 1–2);
  • No late-onset neurotoxicity or secondary malignancies were observed.

Conclusion: At a median follow-up of 36.0 months, Fucaso therapy demonstrated deep, durable responses and sustained MRD negativity in heavily pretreated R/R MM patients, including those with high-risk features. The long-term safety profile remained manageable, with no new safety signals identified.

The principal investigators of this study, Professor Lugui Qiu, from Institute of Hematology & Blood Diseases Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, and Professor Chunrui Li, from Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science & Technology, remarked: “We are delighted to present the three-year follow-up data from the FUMANBA-1 study of Eque-cel injection at this year’s IMS Annual Meeting, and the results are highly encouraging. Due to its moderate antigen affinity, Eque-cel enables rapid binding and dissociation between CAR-T cells and tumor cells, contributing to a rapid onset of action and potent tumor clearance, thereby leading to deep responses in patients with relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma (R/R MM). Furthermore, as a human-derived CAR-T product, it exhibits low immunogenicity. While maintaining a low exhaustion phenotype, it achieves prolonged persistence, resulting in sustained antitumor activity and extended patient survival. It is particularly noteworthy that Eque-cel achieved a median progression-free survival (mPFS) of 35.9 months in CAR-T–naïve patients. These results indicate that the therapy can provide a longer treatment-free interval, significantly improve patients’ quality of life[1,3].”

Ms. Jinhua Zhang, Founder, Chairwoman, and CEO of IASO Biotherapeutics, remarked: “We are greatly encouraged to see that the three-year follow-up data from the FUMANBA-1 study of Fucaso has once again confirmed its outstanding long-term efficacy and reliable safety profile. Notably, the complete response/stringent complete response rate among patients receiving BCMA CAR-T therapy for the first time has increased to 88.4%. Delivering sustained clinical benefits to patients with relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma remains our greatest motivation. The achievement of this important milestone is made possible through the collective efforts and unwavering dedication of both the investigator team and the IASO team. Building on the remarkable efficacy and safety profile of Fucaso, we are vigorously advancing the FUMANBA-3 clinical study for its second- and third-line treatments, while accelerating global registration and market access efforts to actively expand its presence in international markets. We look forward to making this high-quality CAR-T cell therapy accessible to a broader patient population worldwide.”

References:

[1]. Chunrui L, et al. 2025 IMS. Oral 08.

[2]. Chunrui L, et al. 2023 lMS. Abstract P-290

[3]. Mao R, et al. Front Immunol. 2022;13:1032403

 

About Equecabtagene Autoleucel (Fucaso) 

Equecabtagene Autoleucel (Fucaso) is an innovative fully human anti-BCMA CAR-T cell therapy which uses lentivirus as a gene vector to transfect autologous T cells. The CAR contains a fully human scFv, CD8a hinge and transmembrane domain, and 4-1BB co-stimulatory molecule and CD3ζactivation domains. Based on rigorous molecular structure screening and comprehensive in vitro and in vivo functional evaluations, Fucaso demonstrates rapid and potent efficacy, accompanied by exceptional long-term persistence in vivo, enabling patients to achieve deep and durable remission, providing continuous protection and care for patients with multiple myeloma.

About Multiple Myeloma (MM)

Multiple myeloma (MM) is the second most common hematological malignancy globally. According to Globocan data, the global incidence of multiple myeloma in 2022 was 1.8 per 100,000 people, with a 5-year prevalence of 6.8 per 100,000. Despite progress in current anti-myeloma treatments, MM remains largely incurable with multiple relapses and tendency to develop refractoriness to several drug classes, presenting a major therapeutic challenge. Thus, there is an unmet need for new treatment options beyond these current anti-myeloma therapies for the treatment of relapsed or refractory MM, capable of achieving deep and durable responses.

About IASO Bio

Founded in 2017, IASO Bio is a leading biopharmaceutical company specializing in the discovery, development, manufacturing, and commercialization of cutting-edge cell therapies and biologics. Initially focused on treatments for hematological malignancies, the company has strategically expanded into autoimmune diseases.

IASO Bio boasts a robust drug development platform, encompassing early discovery to clinical trials, regulatory approval, and commercialization. The company is advancing a diverse pipeline of over 10 innovative products. Notably, Equecabtagene Autoleucel (Fucaso), the world’ s first fully human CAR-T therapy developed by IASO Bio was approved by Chinese National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) in June 2023 for the treatment of relapsed and/or refractory multiple myeloma (R/R MM). The product has also been approved in Macau China; and its New Drug Application (NDA) in Hong Kong China, Singapore, and Saudi Arabia are currently under review; it has also received Orphan Drug Designation in South Korea; registration efforts in other countries are also steadily progressing. This product is also in Phase III clinical trials for second and third-line multiple myeloma (MM) and has received Investigational New Drug (IND) approvals in both China and US for autoimmune diseases. Meanwhile, the dual-target (CD19/CD22) product, CT120, for lymphoma was approved for Phase II clinical trials. Additionally, IASO118, another product targeting GPRC5D for the treatment of R/R MM, has received IND approval in China.

In addition to CAR-T therapies, IASO Bio is advancing IASO-782, a fully human anti-CD19 monoclonal antibody. This product has secured IND approvals in China and USA for several autoimmune diseases, with plans to explore additional autoimmune indications.

IASO Bio has established multiple global collaborations and licensing agreements with leading cell therapy companies, such as Sana Therapeutics, Cabaletta Bio, and Umoja Biopharma, underscoring its superior technology platform and commitment to next-generation cell therapies.

With a strong management team and execution capabilities, a robust pipeline, high-standard manufacturing and advanced clinical development capabilities, the company is well-positioned to drive innovation. It remains committed to accelerating the development of transformative therapies that address unmet medical needs for patients worldwide. For more information, please visit http://www.iasobio.com or www.linkedin.com/company/iasobiotherapeutics.

BANNER (BEVERIDGE) BONDS PTY LTD ANNOUNCES OFFERING OF AUD 53,666,147 BONDS OFFER

MELBOURNE, Australia, Sept. 19, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Banner (Beveridge) Bonds Pty Ltd ACN 688 861 823 (Banner or the Issuer) is seeking to raise a total of AUD 53,666,147 in funds by the issue of bonds, according to an announcement today by the Issuer. The issue comprises fully subscribed bonds as detailed below.

The following is a text of the announcement:

The Issuer has announced today that the Issuer is seeking to raise AUD 53,666,147 through the issue of a series of debentures (in the form of bonds) for the purposes set out below.  

The bonds (the Bonds) to be issued represent a subscription of up to AUD 53,666,147.

The offer is made by the Issuer to investors who are qualified as ‘wholesale investors’ as defined in the Corporations Act 2001 (Cth). 

This open letter constitutes an offer of the Bonds for the purposes of the ‘public offer test’ in section 128F(3)(d) of the Income Tax Assessment Act 1936 (Cth). That provision provides an exemption from Australian interest withholding tax in relation to interest paid on the Bonds to non-Australian bondholders.

Financiers and those in the business of dealing in debentures or other debt interests and who are interested in subscribing for the Bonds will be required to give customary representations, warranties and information about their status, to assist the Issuer to demonstrate compliance with section 128F of the Income Tax Assessment Act (Cth). 

KEY FEATURES OF THE OFFER

Issuer

Banner (Beveridge) Bonds Pty Ltd ACN 688 861 823

The Offer

An offer to subscribe for Bonds on the terms described in the offer
documents. The general terms of the offer documents are set out in
this Term Sheet.

Security

General Security Deed over the Issuer

Deed Poll – Bonds

 

Purpose

The proceeds of the issue of the Bonds will be on-lent by the Issuer to
170-194 Donovans Lane Pty Ltd and 615 Hume Freeway Pty Ltd (the
Development Companies) for the acquisition and development of
the land at 194 Donovans Lane, Beveridge VIC 3753 and 615 Hume
Highway, Beveridge VIC 3753.

Settlement Date

On or about 10 October 2025

Term

5-7 years from the settlement date

Type of Instrument

Bonds

Issue amount

AUD 53,666,147 (fully drawn and exclusive of interest).

Interest Rate

Variable Interest Rate subject to payments received from the
Development Companies under the on-lending agreements.
Targeting a 20% IRR per annum over the Term of the Bond.

Transferability

The Bonds are transferable subject to Clause 10 of the Deed Poll –
Bonds  

Governing Law

Victoria, Australia

 

The Issuer reserves the right in its absolute discretion to vary the terms set out above and accept or reject any offer.  This offer will expire on 30 November 2025.

For further information and to obtain a copy of the offer documents, please contact Brett Macgillivray at Banner (Beveridge) Bonds Pty Ltd – on +61 (3) 9929 6400 Email: enquiries@bannerassetmanagement.com 

Restrictions in certain jurisdictions, including Australia

The distribution of this announcement and the offering and sale of the Bonds in certain jurisdictions may be restricted by law. This message does not constitute an offer, invitation or solicitation to participate in the offer and be issued Bonds in any jurisdiction where, or to any person or entity to whom, it would be unlawful to make such an offer, invitation or solicitation.

This message is not a prospectus or disclosure document and it has not been lodged with the Australian Securities & Investments Commission under Chapter 6D of the Corporations Act 2001 (Cth) (Corporations Act). The offer of Bonds is only available to domestic and foreign investors who are qualified as “professional investors” or “sophisticated investors” as defined under the Corporations Act (Wholesale Investors). By accepting the offer, an offeree represents that the offeree is a Wholesale Investor. No Bonds will be issued or sold in circumstances that would require the giving of a disclosure document under Chapter 6D of the Corporations Act.

The Bonds referred to in this message have not been nor will they be registered under the US Securities Act of 1933, as amended (Securities Act), or with any securities regulatory authority of any state or other jurisdiction of the United States and may not be offered, sold or delivered within the United States or to, or for the account or benefit of, U.S. persons (as defined in Regulation S under the Securities Act) except pursuant to an exemption from, or in a transaction not subject to, the registration requirements of the Securities Act and applicable state securities laws. There will be no public offering of the Bonds referred to in this message in the United States.

 

Noguchi Coin Debuts First-Ever Pop-Up Store Outside Japan, with Exclusive Launch of Jewel Special Edition Coin

The pop-up will feature Exclusive Noguchi Coin x Jewel Limited-Edition Commemorative Coin and GST-exempt Coins from Mints across the World


SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 19 September 2025 – Noguchi Coin will unveil the first-ever Jewel Special Edition Commemorative Coin at its debut overseas pop-up in Jewel Changi Airport, Singapore. Strictly limited to 100 pieces and available only for a limited time, the release marks a milestone collaboration with Jewel Singapore.

As Japan’s trusted curator of rare and high-quality collectible coins, Noguchi Coin is recognised for its leading online platform and extensive range of internationally renowned coins. This landmark launch brings Noguchi Coin’s passion for numismatics beyond Japan, introducing Singapore’s collectors and enthusiasts to a world of exquisite coins sourced globally from trusted mints in Canada, Austria, and beyond.

Noguchi Coin and Jewel Singapore Collaboration Coin
At the heart of this pop-up is the unveiling of the exclusive Jewel × Noguchi Limited-Edition Commemorative Coin on 19 September 2025, with only 100 pieces available at $88 (inclusive of GST), created specially and available only at the Singapore pop-up.

The coin design features Jewel Changi Airport’s world-renowned Rain Vortex, the tallest indoor waterfall on the planet and an emblem of Singapore’s identity as a crossroads of the world. More than a landmark, the Rain Vortex represents the flow of commerce, culture, and innovation, drawing people together in harmony under one roof.

By capturing this symbol on a commemorative coin, Noguchi Coin celebrates Singapore’s role on the global stage while also reflecting its own philosophy, connecting tradition with the future, Japan with Singapore, and collectors with enduring value.

Bringing World-Class Coins at Accessible Prices
Noguchi Coin is dedicated to making high-quality collectibles more accessible without compromising authenticity or rarity. By sourcing directly from official local channels in countries such as Canada and Austria, and reducing unnecessary distribution layers and labor costs, Noguchi Coin ensures that its customers receive the highest quality coins at the most competitive prices.

In addition to the limited-edition coin, the pop-up will also feature a selection of GST-exempt coins, making them even more attractive to collectors and investors in Singapore. These include internationally recognised bullion coins such as the Vienna Philharmonic, Canadian Maple Leaf, Britannia, Australian Kangaroo, Chinese Panda, American Eagle, South African Krugerrand, and more, all valued for their purity, liquidity, and global reputation.

A Milestone for Collectors in Singapore
Strategically located at Jewel Changi Airport, one of Singapore’s most recognisable landmarks and a gateway for international travellers, the pop-up marks Noguchi Coin’s first step into Southeast Asia. Beyond being a retail showcase, it offers collectors the rare opportunity to access exclusive coins at GST-exempt prices, appealing to both local enthusiasts and global visitors.

The event is expected to draw coin collectors, design lovers, and cultural enthusiasts alike, offering a rare chance to view and own coins not normally available in Singapore. Early visitors will also enjoy access to the limited-edition of the Jewel × Noguchi Rain Vortex Coin.

Noguchi Coin Pop-Up at Jewel
Date: 4 September – 4 December 2025
Time: 10am – 10pm daily
Venue: Jewel Changi Airport, L1 (Outside Imperial Treasure)

For more information: https://noguchicoin-jp.com/ instagram @noguchicoin.en
Hashtag: #NoguchiCoin #Jewel #Coincollector #coincollection #Singapore



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

About Noguchi Coin

Noguchi Coin is a trusted Japanese brand dedicated to providing authentic collectible and investment-grade coins sourced directly from official overseas channels such as The Royal Mint, Royal Australian Mint, and South African Mint. With a philosophy of delivering “only the genuine, at a fair price”, Noguchi Coin combines efficient logistics with transparent pricing to eliminate unnecessary middle costs and give customers confidence in every purchase.

Founded on a reputation for trust and peace of mind in Japan, Noguchi Coin has built a loyal customer base through repeat purchases, referrals, and consistent service, including reliable buyback options.

ASUS Redefines Sovereign AI with Next-Generation Professional Services at Inaugural ASUS AI Tech Summit in Dubai

The announcement reinforces the company’s position as a global leader in AI-driven digital transformation

KEY POINTS

  • ASUS unveils its comprehensive Professional Services for Sovereign AI Solutions, reinforcing its global leadership in AI-driven digital transformation
  • ASUS underscores the critical importance of national autonomy in AI development, deployment, and governance
  • ASUS sovereign AI is developed within a strategic ecosystem, including NVIDIA, AMD, Micron, Weka, Foxlink, Schneider Electric, and DataDirect Networks

DUBAI, UAE, Sept. 19, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — ASUS today announced, at the prestigious inaugural ASUS AI Tech event in Dubai, the unveiling of its comprehensive Professional Services for Sovereign AI Solutions. The announcement reinforces the company’s position as a global leader in AI-driven digital transformation. In strategic collaboration with industry leaders—including NVIDIA, AMD, Micron, Weka, Foxlink, Schneider Electric, and DataDirect Networks—ASUS led the conversation on the future of sovereign AI, underscoring the critical importance of national autonomy in AI development, deployment, and governance.

XA NB3I-E12 with NVIDIA HGX B300 now shipping worldwide
XA NB3I-E12 with NVIDIA HGX B300 now shipping worldwide

A new era for AI sovereignty The ASUS commitment to sovereign AI highlights the vital role of innovation in securing data sovereignty and security. “Sovereign AI has evolved from a strategic advantage to a national imperative,” said Paul Ju, Senior Vice President, Co-head of Open Platform BG. “Through deep engineering expertise and robust ecosystem partnerships, ASUS delivers future-proof AI infrastructure that meets the most stringent requirements for security, performance, and compliance—ensuring our partners lead the AI revolution.”

During the summit, ASUS demonstrated its Total Infrastructure Solutions, reaffirming its commitment to accelerating AI adoption through close collaboration with ecosystem partners. From high-performance computing and scalable storage to sustainable energy and next-generation cooling, ASUS provides end-to-end sovereign AI infrastructure aligned with local policies and the highest security standards.

The company’s sovereign AI expertise is proven by seven successful national-level AI project deployments, including flagship supercomputing initiatives such as Taiwania 2 and Forerunner 1, cementing its leadership in high-performance computing and AI.

Customer-centric professional services

ASUS Professional Services, which includes Sovereign AI Solutions, support organizations throughout the entire AI lifecycle, delivering five core offerings: strategic infrastructure design, seamless computing implementation, advanced performance tuning, AI platform development, and comprehensive lifecycle management. Every service is meticulously engineered for security, scalability, and regulatory compliance—empowering clients to achieve operational excellence and true digital sovereignty.

In particular, ASUS expertise in performance tuning is unmatched. ASUS infrastructure engineers custom-build GPU architectures for each project, consistently aiming not just to meet, but to exceed industry benchmarks. Each configuration undergoes a rigorous 168-hour non-stop stress test, ensuring breakthrough performance and unwavering reliability for mission-critical AI workloads. By leveraging advanced verification protocols, ASUS delivers peak performance and instills confidence that every infrastructure solution is built on a foundation of true excellence. 

The summit showcased compelling case studies from government, manufacturing, smart city, and healthcare sectors—underscoring the company’s proven expertise in delivering real-world sovereign AI solutions. For supercomputing clients, ASUS set a new industry benchmark in rapid data center deployment with the ASUS AIDC (ASUS Infrastructure Deployment Center) platform. Leveraging this platform, ASUS successfully completed the large-scale custom installation of ASUS AI PODs, each equipped with NVIDIA GB200 NVL72 systems, in just 30 minutes—including OS deployment, system configuration with memory and storage, network integration, GPU/IB driver installation, and security settings for account management. This end-to-end efficiency empowers clients to accelerate their time to market and achieve operational excellence.

In healthcare, the company has partnered with national health research centers to revolutionize research and precision medicine using an advanced AI platform developed in-house by ASUS. This powerful platform has enabled breakthrough innovations in genomic analysis, molecular simulations, and AI image annotation and language processing compared to traditional CPU-based systems.

The latest technologies from ASUS partners

During the summit, a range of industry leaders also presented their latest advancements:

  • NVIDIA highlighted its latest NVIDIA GB300 NVL72 infrastructure, NVIDIA Omniverse platform, and advanced AI ecosystems, underscoring AI’s transformative impact across industries.
  • AMD showcased its AMD EPYC™ -powered servers, RS501A-E12-RS12U, ESC8000A-E13P, and RS720A-E13-RS8G, featuring AMD EPYC 9005 “Zen5/5c” processors with up to 192 cores, delivering exceptional localized AI acceleration for next-generation data center workloads.
  • Micron showcased the world’s first PCIe® Gen6 SSD — the Micron 9650 — which also supports liquid-cooled systems and delivers unmatched performance for AI training and inference. Micron also highlighted the industry-leading Micron 6600 ION SSD, which offers up to 245TB capacity supporting massive AI data lakes, as well as the high-bandwidth MRDIMM, which is designed to power tomorrow’s AI workloads.    
  • WEKA showcased high-performance storage purpose-built to accelerate sovereign AI pipelines.
  • Schneider Electric unveiled sustainable power and cooling innovations purpose-built for regional AI infrastructure.
  • Foxlink introduced advanced robotic intelligence solutions optimized for AI, underscoring its drive for innovation. With dedicated data centers, Foxlink is rapidly accelerating robot development and paving the way toward fully automated factories.
  • DataDirect Networks introduced DDN Infinia, its next-generation Data Intelligence Platform for end-to-end AI that enables enterprises to seamlessly manage, accelerate, and scale AI data pipelines.

Build you AI infrastructure with ASUS

ASUS invites forward-thinking businesses and governments to embark on their next phase of AI transformation. To discover more about how ASUS Professional Services can help design, deploy, and optimize a secure, sovereign AI infrastructure tailored to unique needs, please see here or schedule a consultation with one of ASUS’s worldwide sales representatives.

About ASUS

ASUS is a global technology leader that provides the world’s most innovative and intuitive devices, components, and solutions to deliver incredible experiences that enhance the lives of people everywhere. With its team of 5,000 in-house R&D experts, the company is world-renowned for continuously reimagining today’s technologies. Consistently ranked as one of Fortune’s World’s Most Admired Companies, ASUS is also committed to sustaining an incredible future. The goal is to create a net zero enterprise that helps drive the shift towards a circular economy, with a responsible supply chain creating shared value for every one of us.

UOB and UnionPay International Launch SplendorPlus Campaign: Up to 5% Cashback for Singapore Travellers Spending in China’s Mainland

SINGAPORE, Sept. 19, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — As Singaporeans flock to China in record numbers, UOB and UnionPay International are thrilled to introduce the SplendorPlus Campaign, offering UOB UnionPay cardholders up to 5% cashback on purchases in China’s mainland until 31 December 2025.

Robust Growth in SingaporeChina Travel

China remains a top destination for Singaporean travellers, with Changi Airport reporting a 15.8% year-on-year surge in SingaporeChina passenger traffic in Q2 2025—nearly three times the airport’s overall growth of 5.9%. The SplendorPlus Campaign taps into this vibrant travel trend, rewarding cardholders as they explore one of Asia’s most dynamic destinations.

Benefits for UOB UnionPay Cardholders

Under the SplendorPlus campaign, UOB UnionPay cardholders can enjoy:

  • 2% base cashback on all eligible local and overseas retail purchases (no minimum spend required).
  • Additional 3% cashback on eligible in-store and online purchases in China’s mainland processed through the UnionPay network. This excludes transactions charged to UOB UnionPay Cards which are effected through third-party mobile wallets such as Alipay, WeixinPay.
  • Total cashback of up to 5% on China’s mainland spending (2% + 3%), with a monthly cap of S$50 per card.

Strategic Partnership Between UOB and UnionPay

UOB and UnionPay have established a long-term strategic partnership aimed at enhancing cross-border payment solutions and enriching customer experiences across Asia. As one of the leading local banks issuing a UnionPay credit card, UOB plays a key role in expanding UnionPay’s reach within Singapore and beyond. UnionPay cardholders enjoy broad acceptance across Singapore, including in retail, dining, transport, and tourist hubs, thanks to deep merchant integration and support from UOB.

Enhancing Cross-Border Experiences

The SplendorPlus campaign reflects UnionPay’s ongoing efforts to simplify overseas payments for global cardholders. Through its expansive acceptance network in China, UnionPay enables Singaporean travellers to enjoy smooth, cashless transactions wherever they go. This initiative supports UnionPay’s broader goal of making international payments more intuitive, reliable, and accessible for both consumers and merchants.

For full campaign details and terms & conditions, please visit uob.com.sg/personal/cards/cashback/unionpay-card.page or unionpayintl.com.

World Manufacturing Convention to Spotlight Smart Manufacturing, Frontier Tech in Hefei

HEFEI, China, Sept. 19, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — The 2025 World Manufacturing Convention will be held from Sept. 20 to 23 in Hefei, capital of east China’s Anhui Province, with a focus on advanced manufacturing and frontier technologies, organizers said.

Under the theme “Smart Manufacturing World, Creating Beauty“, the four-day event will bring together representatives from more than 40 countries and regions, including government officials, business leaders, representatives of international organizations and heads of trade associations. Foreign guests are expected to account for over half of all participants.

For the first time, the convention will include an intelligent robotics exhibition. Robots will be displayed in simulated community and household settings such as shops, elderly care centers, and service stations — rather than on conventional production lines — to demonstrate their potential applications in daily life, according to the organizers.

Once an agricultural province and raw materials base, Anhui has grown into a hub for emerging industries. In the first half of this year, its automobile production, new energy vehicle (NEV) output and auto exports all ranked first nationwide.

The province now produces about 10% of the world’s display panels, 8% of China’s industrial robots, 11% of the country’s NEVs and half of its photovoltaic glass, according to Chang Yejun, deputy secretary-general of the provincial government.

Building on the province’s strong industrial foundation, NEVs are expected to be a highlight at the convention. Companies such as JAC Motors, Huawei and Chery will showcase new smart electric models, along with automotive-grade chips, intelligent driving systems and quantum-secure communication technologies.

The event will also spotlight frontier industries. A model of the Burning Plasma Experimental Superconducting Tokamak (BEST), which is a compact fusion experiment device now under construction in Hefei, will be on display, as will the Origin Wukong quantum computer, which has so far completed more than 690,000 computing tasks for users in 163 countries and regions, with global visits exceeding 34 million.

 

Tiger Research: Blockchain Enters Its Golden Era – Five Success Factors for Blockchain Business

Featuring Avalanche as a Case Study

SEOUL, South Korea, Sept. 19, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Tiger Research, a Seoul-based blockchain research firm, reports that the blockchain industry is entering a decisive turning point. With the approval of crypto ETFs, the EU’s MiCA framework taking effect, and the passage of the U.S. FIT21 bill, regulatory foundations are now firmly in place. Tiger Research calls this moment the “golden time” for blockchain business adoption. Stablecoin transaction volumes reached USD 27.6 trillion in 2024, surpassing Visa and Mastercard combined and signaling blockchain’s shift from speculative trend to practical financial infrastructure.

The report identifies five key success factors for blockchain business success: transaction finality, resources, references, security, and cost structure. These criteria form the basis of Tiger Research’s five-step adoption framework: validate business cases, assess internal capacity, select blockchain, implement in phased MVPs, and integrate into broader ecosystems.

According to Tiger Research, blockchain selection is the most decisive of these steps, as it determines the infrastructure on which all subsequent implementation depends. Building a proprietary blockchain can require years and major investment, so most enterprises adopt existing networks. To illustrate how these success factors are applied in practice, the report features Avalanche as a case study, noting its more than 100 documented institutional deployments worldwide.

Tiger Research observes that Avalanche’s architecture demonstrates alignment with all five success factors. Its two-second finality supports near-real-time settlement, while its global support team of more than 280 specialists — including Asia-based regulatory experts — provides structured assistance. Independent Layer 1 chains help isolate risk and prevent congestion while maintaining interoperability. Predictable fees and the AvaCloud no-code deployment service lower development overhead and accelerate time-to-market.

The report attributes Avalanche’s broad adoption — across enterprise, government-linked, and consumer deployments — to its comprehensive fulfillment of the five key success factors defined in the study. It cites real-world examples — including asset tokenization pilots, state-level digital currency programs, and large-scale gaming ecosystems — indicating that these success factors are critical across major sectors of the blockchain industry.

Tiger Research concludes that the convergence of regulatory clarity, enterprise demand, and scalable technology represents the most favorable environment yet for organizations evaluating blockchain integration.

The full report, Why Global Enterprises Choose Avalanche – The Blockchain Transformation Led by Avalanche, can be accessed here.

Atradius Appoints Bart Poublon as Director, Risk Services for Asia and Oceania


HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 19 September 2025 – Bart Poublon has been appointed Director of Risk Services for Asia and Oceania, effective September 2025. He also joins the Atradius Leadership Team, expanding his role within the organisation.

Bart Poublon
Bart Poublon

Previously serving as Head of Risk Services for APAC, Bart has been a key contributor to Atradius’ regional success since joining the Asia team in 2005.

Eric den Boogert, Managing Director for Asia, commented on Bart’s promotion:
“Having worked closely with Bart for over a decade, I’ve witnessed his results-driven mindset, agility in driving change, and ability to lead high-performing teams. His promotion is a testament to the immense value he brings to our business and stakeholders.”

He added, “Bart has consistently contributed to our profitable growth in Asia. His expanded scope will further enhance our capabilities across the region, including the Middle East, as we continue to focus on growth, transformation, and customer excellence.”

Expressing his enthusiasm for the new role, Bart Poublon stated:
“I am honoured to take on this new position and look forward to collaborating with our leadership team and colleagues. In today’s dynamic business environment, companies face ever-evolving challenges in their pursuit of growth. We will continue to support our clients with expert risk management solutions that enable sustainable success.”

With over 20 years of experience in trade credit insurance, Bart has held senior roles in risk services, claims, and recoveries at Atradius since joining the company in 2001. His career has spanned key international markets, including France, the UK, Japan, Australia, and Hong Kong, where he has been based since 2012. Bart’s global expertise and leadership across diverse portfolios position him well to lead the region’s risk strategy effectively.
Hashtag: #AtradiusAsia #LeadershipAppointment #AtradiusLeadership #CorporateUpdate #CreditInsurance #BartPoublon


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

About Atradius

Atradius is a global provider of credit insurance, bond and surety, collections and information services, with a strategic presence in over 50 countries. The products offered by Atradius protect companies around the world against the default risks associated with selling goods and services on credit. Atradius is a member of GCO, one of the leading companies in the Spanish insurance sector and one of the largest credit insurers in the world. You can find more information online at .