Lao Minister of Industry and Commerce Malaithong Kommasith has confirmed that all oil imported from Thailand is strictly reserved for domestic use within Laos, dismissing concerns that fuel supplies are being re-exported to Cambodia.
Laos Rejects Claims of Oil Re-exports to Cambodia, Assures Compliance with Law
Basware’s Acquisition of Redmap Signals a New Era for AP in Australia
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Global leader in Invoice Lifecycle Management combines with Australia’s leading provider of accounts payable automation to bring next generation, AI-powered solutions to fast-growing middle market
SYDNEY, Dec. 17, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Basware, a global leader in Invoice Lifecycle Management, today announced that it has acquired Redmap, a leading Australian provider of Accounts Payable (AP) automation software. Together, Basware and Redmap will deliver a portfolio of AI-driven solutions to middle market and enterprise companies, empowering them to manage the entire invoice lifecycle.
Redmap is now part of Basware
“Today’s finance environments are more complex than ever, and every organization – not just the largest companies – needs solutions to streamline and simplify financial processes,” said Jason Kurtz, CEO Basware. “Redmap understands this, and their team has built a great product tailored for middle market companies and ERP platforms. Together, we can bring innovation, capabilities and resources often reserved for large enterprises, to transform finance organizations and accounts payable operations for these customers and drive long-term efficiency and growth.”
Tapping a Fast-Growing Market
The opportunity is significant. Australia and the broader APAC region are primed for rapid adoption of invoice management solutions. As governments push e-invoicing standards and companies adapt to ever-changing regulatory standards, such as Australia’s new Aged Care Act, organisations across the region are seeking smarter, faster and more compliant ways to manage growing invoice volumes.
Grand View Research values the 2025 market for AP automation solutions in the APAC region at $770 million and expects it to double to $1.4 billion by 2030. With the acquisition of Redmap, Basware is strongly positioned to capitalise on this opportunity.
Redmap’s solutions help hundreds of organisations across multiple industries, including retail, mining, and aged care, achieve faster invoice processing, improved accuracy, and greater financial visibility. This has helped them become a trusted partner for their customers, such as Evolution Mining, Lowes Menswear and Officemax, and ERP partners, such as Melbourne based Pronto Software.
Basware’s Invoice Lifecycle Management Platform™ is the industry’s leading AI-driven unified invoice automation platform. Built on decades of AP innovation, the platform combines AI-driven automation with the world’s largest AP dataset, built-in compliance and an open invoice network to give finance teams complete control over the entire invoice process and the visibility they need to make smarter, faster decisions. And leading brands such as DHL, Heineken and Sony use the platform to manage over 230 million invoice transactions per year.
Democratising AP Automation
“With the acquisition of Redmap, companies of all sizes can access world-class invoice automation solutions tailored to their specific needs and ERP systems,” Kurtz said. “Whether a business is running SAP or Pronto Xi, Basware is committed to being a customer first, partner-enabled provider that delivers purpose-built solutions to transform their AP operations and lead them to the future of intelligent finance.”
Pronto Software Managing Director Chad Gates applauds the move. “The combination of Basware’s global invoice-automation capabilities and partner commitment, along with Redmap’s local and domain expertise creates a powerful value proposition for Australian businesses,” he said. “Together, they deliver the kind of seamless, intelligent workflow automation that aligns perfectly with the direction we see the market and our customers heading.”
Redmap CEO Ben Woolley agrees. “I’m proud of what we’ve built at Redmap,” he said. “Our partnerships have been the foundation of our success, and this acquisition will allow us to scale and bring our proven ERP integration model to more companies worldwide.”
Driving the Future of Finance
The acquisition will also allow Redmap to accelerate and expand development of its AP automation platform, leveraging Basware’s advanced AI innovations to deliver the future of intelligent finance for its customers.
“Basware’s long-standing legacy in invoice lifecycle management and commitment to ongoing innovation connects us to the reach, resources, and proven practices to accelerate what we do best, while opening new paths for our people to grow, lead, and build the future of automation,” Woolley added. The acquisition follows Basware’s acquisition of Glantus in 2023 and AP Matching in 2024.
About Basware
Basware is how finance leaders in global enterprises can finally automate their complex, labor-intensive invoice processes and stay compliant with regulatory change. Our AP automation and invoicing platform helps you achieve a new level of efficiency – in a matter of months – while reducing errors and risks. We bring a unique combination of true automation, complete coverage, and deeper expertise to make it all just happen for our customers. That’s why the world’s most efficient AP departments at thousands of companies rely on Basware to handle over 220 million invoices per year. Basware. Now it all just happens. ™
About Redmap
Redmap is Australia’s leading provider of Accounts Payable (AP) automation software for middle market ERPs, delivering seamless and intelligent automation solutions. With deep expertise in document automation, intelligent data capture, and workflow optimisation, Redmap empowers businesses to streamline their AP processes, reduce manual intervention, and enhance operational efficiency.
ATFX Group Honoured with Two Major Awards at FinanceFeeds Awards 2025
HONG KONG, Dec. 17, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — ATFX Group is proud to announce that it has received two major distinctions at the FinanceFeeds Awards 2025, reflecting the Group’s strong performance across both retail and institutional markets. ATFX won the “Broker of the Year” award, while ATFX Connect, the Group’s institutional division, earned the title of “Outstanding FX Liquidity Provider.”
Strength Across Retail Markets: ATFX Named Broker of the Year
ATFX’s recognition as “Broker of the Year” highlights the strength of its retail division, driven by transparent service, robust execution, and the continuous enhancement of the client trading experience. In 2025, ATFX maintained solid momentum globally, supported by strong trading activity and expanding market reach across Europe, MENA, APAC, Africa, and Latin America. ATFX achieved a cumulative trading volume exceeding USD 2.3479 trillion in the first three quarters of 2025, demonstrating its significant scale and growing client engagement worldwide.
The award reflects ATFX’s continued investment in advanced trading technology, trader education, and reliable customer support. These core pillars have strengthened its position as a trusted leader in the retail trading industry.
Institutional Excellence: ATFX Connect Recognized for Liquidity Quality
ATFX Connect’s achievement as “Outstanding FX Liquidity Provider” emphasizes the rising influence of the Group’s institutional service. The division is recognized for providing authentic Prime of Prime services, ensuring efficient and deep liquidity sourced from Tier 1 banks and non-bank providers.
ATFX Connect has strengthened its capabilities through enhanced liquidity partnerships and ongoing service improvements. These efforts enable the division to offer institutions flexible, efficient, and transparent liquidity solutions.
Joe Li, Chairman of ATFX Group, remarked on winning the awards,
“Receiving these two honours is an important recognition of the effort our global team puts in every day, both on the retail and institutional side. Our goal has always been to deliver a trading experience that is transparent, innovative, and built on trust. These achievements reflect the confidence that our clients place in us and our continued commitment to raising the standard across both retail and institutional markets.”
A Milestone Year for ATFX Group
These two prestigious awards demonstrate ATFX Group’s growing leadership and strong commitment across both retail and institutional markets. As the Group continues to innovate, maintain regulatory excellence, and deliver outstanding service quality, it is well positioned for sustained global growth and success.
ATFX Group sincerely thanks its clients, partners, and dedicated teams worldwide for their ongoing trust and support, which fuel its achievements and future ambitions.
About ATFX
ATFX is a leading global fintech broker with a local presence in 24 locations and holds 9 licenses from regulatory authorities, including the UK’s FCA, Australia’s ASIC, Cyprus’ CySEC, the UAE’s SCA, Hong Kong’s SFC, South Africa’s FSCA, Mauritius’ FSC, Seychelles’ FSA, and Cambodia’s SERC. With a strong commitment to customer satisfaction, innovative technology, and strict regulatory compliance, ATFX delivers exceptional trading experiences to clients worldwide.
For further information on ATFX, please visit ATFX website https://www.atfx.com.
A New Industrial Benchmark – Niutech Intelligent Pyrolysis Equipment Empowering a World- Renowned Group for Chemical Recycling Project of Waste Plastic
JINAN, China, Dec. 17, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — A well-known international group conducted rigorous worldwide evaluations on both domestic and international suppliers in the same industry. After comprehensive assessments of technological equipment’s advancement, maturity, and stability, the group ultimately selected Niutech’s “Next-Generation of Large-Scale Industrial Continuous Intelligent Waste Plastic Pyrolysis Technology and Complete Equipment Set”. This decision led to the investment and construction of a high-end waste plastic chemical recycling plant in Vietnam.
At present, the plant has been successfully put into operation and running continuously and efficiently for several months, with all indicators of the pyrolysis products meeting expectations. The advanced technical equipment of Niutech has demonstrated outstanding safety, reliability and environmental protection performance during actual operation, earning high praise from the client. It has also verified the power of China’s high-end environmental protection equipment and is another important achievement of the in-depth cooperation between Niutech and the international group in the field of waste plastic chemical recycling. Currently, the expansion preparations for the project have been basically completed, and the replication and expansion plans for other regions are also in progress.
This project takes plastic waste from industrial production as feedstock, leveraging Niutech’s unique patented technology and equipment to convert waste plastics into high-quality pyrolysis oil. This pyrolysis oil is subsequently processed at the client’s own chemical plants, achieving a complete chemical cycle from “waste plastic to new plastic.” This approach significantly reduces carbon emissions while decreasing reliance on fossil fuels. The innovative model of integrating Niutech’s technology and equipment with the coordinated development of the industry has created multiple world-firsts, providing a verifiable, replicable and scalable demonstration case for promoting the development of chemical recycling of waste plastics.
Niutech’s Large-Sale of Industrial Continuous Intelligent Waste Plastic Pyrolysis Production Line
Professional creates benchmarks. The successful commissioning of this project is another significant achievement of Niutech in continuously exploring the international high-end market, following its collaboration with BASF plastics chemical recycling project in Denmark. Currently, a large-scale waste plastic pyrolysis project in the UK, adopting the same advanced technology of Niutech, is being implemented smoothly. Relying on over 30 years of technological accumulation and engineering practice experience in the pyrolysis field, Niutech has provided the partner with a full-process service covering technical solution design, core equipment manufacturing, and on-site commissioning guidance.
In recent years, chemical recycling of plastics has become a hot trend globally. Niutech’s exclusive and reliable pyrolysis process and technics has provide an efficient and low-carbon disposal solution for the resource utilization of massive low-value mixed waste plastic, attracting much attention from the international market. As the constitutor of China’s pyrolysis technology standards and an industry leader, Niutech has always adhered to a path of high-end, intelligent and green development, which meets the demands of both domestic and international markets. Through constant innovation, the company has overcome multiple world-class challenges in the industrialization and scale-up process of waste plastic chemical recycling, and has established a complete “research and application” innovation system, enhancing the development of technological advantages. Currently, Niutech’s technology has been applied throughout China and in dozens of countries and regions worldwide. Numerous demonstration projects have fully validated that Niutech’s pyrolysis solution represents a revolutionary approach to resource recovery from organic waste.
More Information:
Niutech Website: www.niutechenergy.com
Niutech Business Email: sales@niutech.com
Niutech Youtube: www.youtube.com/@niutechpyrolysis
Laos Begins Nationwide Rollout of Digital National ID Cards
The Lao government officially launched the nationwide issuance of digital national identity cards on 17 December, expanding access to all provinces and districts across the country.
The Ministry of Public Security announced on 16 December that Lao citizens can now apply for digital ID cards at designated locations nationwide. During the pilot phase, which began in October, applications were limited to the Department of Census Management and Grassroot Development (CMGD) in Vientiane Capital.
According to CMGD, the expansion responds to public demand and aims to improve the efficiency and reliability of citizen identity verification.
Authorities said the digital ID system will support easier access to public services and contribute to the country’s broader digital transformation efforts.
Officials encouraged citizens to submit applications at provincial public security departments and district or municipal offices where their household registrations are recorded. The ministry confirmed that preparations have been completed nationwide, with additional personnel deployed to assist with data collection and card issuance at local levels.
Applicants are required to bring their household registration book, an existing national ID card, and a passport copy if available.
The project was initially launched in July 2024 during high-level talks between Lao President Thongloun Sisoulith and then-Vietnamese President To Lam. Later in July 2025, Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone ordered full nationwide integration.
The new digital ID card will serve as official proof of identity from birth to death, replacing the old paper-based system.
The Largest-Scale Globally: Realsee Open-Sources Indoor 3D Dataset Realsee3D
BEIJING, Dec. 17, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Realsee announced the official opening of Realsee3D, a dataset of 10,000 indoor 3D scenes, for academic research and non-commercial purposes.
Realsee3D
This is potentially the world’s largest spatial 3D dataset to date, aiming to provide a high-quality data foundation for researchers and developers in the field of spatial intelligence, and accelerate the technological iteration and application implementation of the entire industry.
Prior to this, Realsee released Argus 1.0, a large model for spatial depth estimation. As the first large model for spatial depth estimation that supports panoramic image input, Argus 1.0 was trained based on the 10-million-level 3D spatial database accumulated by Realsee. The Realsee3D 3D dataset opened this time is precisely a selection of high-quality samples from this massive database.
Overview
Realsee3D is a large-scale multi-view RGB-D dataset designed to advance research in indoor 3D perception, reconstruction, and scene understanding.
Features
- Large Scale: 10,000 unique indoor scenes, comprising 95,962 rooms and 299,073 viewpoints/RGB-D pairs.
- Rich Data: Panoramic RGB-D captures with complete room-level coverage.
- Comprehensive Annotations: Includes CAD drawings, floor plans, semantic segmentation, 3D detection labels and more (forthcoming).
- Diverse Scenes: Comprising 1,000 real-world scenes with varied layouts and decoration styles, and 9,000 procedurally generated scenes utilizing over 100 designer-curated style templates, ensuring diverse furniture models and styles for robust training and testing.
Data Types
- HDR RGB Panoramic
- Depth Map
- Poses
- CAD Drawings
- Floorplans
- Segmentation
- 3D object detection information
Applicable Research Directions
For a long time, research and applications in the field of spatial intelligence have faced a bottleneck challenge: there has always been a huge gap in high-quality spatial data. Relying on its technological accumulation and resource reserves in the field of 3D spatial data, Realsee is filling this gap.
This dataset is suitable for core research directions in spatial intelligence such as geometric reconstruction, multi-modal learning, and embodied AI. Researchers and developers worldwide are welcome to download and use the Realsee3D 3D dataset to jointly explore the future boundaries of spatial intelligence research.
Data Organization & Access
Currently, the Realsee3D dataset is open for application through official channels.
Visit the Realsee GitHub repository to access it:
https://github.com/realsee-developer/RealSee3D
About Realsee
As a leading tech company providing digital space integrated solutions, Realsee has built the world’s largest 3D spatial database by replicating physical spaces, covering over 50 million spaces and boasting over 600 global authorized patents.
Realsee offers digital solutions for your space, spanning from its design and construction stage, to online marketing and visual operation.
Trust Realsee to elevate your real estate transactions, commercial retail, industrial facilities, cultural exhibitions, public affairs, and home decor to the next level.
Everest Medicines Announces that Licensing Partner LIB Therapeutics has Received U.S. FDA Approval of LEROCHOL™ (lerodalcibep-liga) for Adults with Elevated LDL Cholesterol
SHANGHAI, Dec. 17, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Everest Medicines (HKEX 1952.HK, “Everest”, or the “Company”), a biopharmaceutical company focused on the discovery, clinical development, manufacturing, and commercialization of innovative therapeutics, today announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved LEROCHOL™ (lerodalcibep-liga) injection from LIB Therapeutics, for subcutaneous use as an adjunct to diet and exercise to reduce low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) in adults with hypercholesterolemia, including heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia (HeFH). Everest has exclusive rights to develop, register and commercialize Lerodalcibep (“LEROCHOL”) in Greater China.
LEROCHOL is a novel, third-generation PCSK9 inhibitor designed to help patients achieve and maintain their LDL-C targets. It is self-administered as a once-monthly, single small-volume subcutaneous injection with extended room-temperature stability (up to 3 months), giving patients the freedom to administer it where and when they choose. These features make LEROCHOL a unique alternative to other PCSK9 inhibitors.
The FDA approval of LEROCHOL was based on data from the comprehensive global Phase 3 LIBerate Clinical Trial Program, which enrolled a diverse population of over 2,900 patients with cardiovascular disease (CVD), or without but at very high or high risk for CVD, including HeFH.
In clinical trials, LEROCHOL demonstrated sustained LDL-C reductions of ≥60% in patients with, or at very-high or high risk of CVD and 59% in those with HeFH who have more severe LDL-C elevations. LEROCHOL was generally well tolerated across the LIBerate Clinical Trial Program. Lerodalcibep is expected to expand treatment options for millions of patients around the world with CVD, including the 30 million individuals with FH.
CVD remains the leading cause of death globally and in China, and lower LDL-C levels have been demonstrated to lead to better outcomes. Despite the availability of statins and other lipid-lowering therapies, millions of patients with or at risk of CVD, including those with FH, fail to achieve updated guideline-recommended LDL-C targets. Despite an estimated 400 million individuals in China with dyslipidemia, only ~14% receive lipid-lowering treatment, reflecting low penetration and significant unmet medical need. PCSK9 inhibitors offer the most effective and safe LDL-C lowering.
Multiple PCSK9 inhibitors are currently approved and marketed in China, with a combined market size of approximately RMB 3 billion and year-over-year revenue growth of 95% in 2024. The market is expected to further increase to approximately RMB10 billion in 2030, according to a Frost & Sullivan report. Lerodalcibep has patent exclusivity in China through 2039.
In December 2025, Everest entered into strategic agreement with Hasten Biopharmaceutical Co., Ltd. (“Hasten”), granting Everest the exclusive license to develop, register and commercialize Lerodalcibep (“LEROCHOL”) in Greater China, together with a royalty-free, exclusive license to use Hasten’s trademarks for the product in the territory.
In China, Lerodalcibep’s key registrational trial for Chinese patients with hypercholesterolemia, including HeFH, has completed the topline data analysis of the 12-week randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled treatment period. The trial met its primary efficacy endpoint of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) efficacy at Week 12, as well as secondary efficacy endpoints involving other atherogenic lipids and apolipoproteins. The trial also demonstrated a favorable safety and tolerability profile versus placebo.
Lerodalcibep is currently under regulatory review by both the European Medicines Agency (EMA). In Greater China, Biologics License Application (BLA) submission is expected in 1H 2026, with the potential for approval in 2027.
About LEROCHOL™ (lerodalcibep-liga)
LEROCHOL is a novel, small protein-binding, third-generation PCSK9 inhibitor, and has been developed as a more convenient, once-monthly, single small-volume, subcutaneous injection with extended room temperature stability up to three months. These features make lerodalcibep a unique alternative to other PCSK9 inhibitors. The anti-PCSK9 binding domain of lerodalcibep is an 11-kDa polypeptide called adnectin, engineered for high-affinity subnanomolar binding to human PCSK9 and fused to human serum albumin to enhance plasma half-life.
About Everest Medicines
Everest Medicines is a biopharmaceutical company focused on discovering, developing, manufacturing and commercializing transformative pharmaceutical products and vaccines that address critical unmet medical needs for patients in Asian markets. The management team of Everest Medicines has deep expertise and an extensive track record from both leading global pharmaceutical companies and local Chinese pharmaceutical companies in high-quality discovery, clinical development, regulatory affairs, CMC, business development and operations. Everest Medicines has built a portfolio of potentially global first-in-class or best-in-class molecules in the company’s core therapeutic areas of renal, autoimmune, critical care, cardiovascular, and ophthalmic diseases. For more information, please visit its website at www.everestmedicines.com.
About LIB Therapeutics, Inc.
LIB Therapeutics is a privately held, commercial-stage biopharmaceutical company dedicated to bringing novel, highly effective, and safe therapies to help the millions of people with cardiovascular disease and familial hypercholesterolemia finally achieve their LDL-C goals.
For more information, please visit: www.libtherapeutics.com.
Forward-Looking Statements
This news release may make statements that constitute forward-looking statements, including descriptions regarding the intent, belief or current expectations of the Company or its officers with respect to the business operations and financial condition of the Company, which can be identified by terminology such as “will,” “expects,” “anticipates,” “future,” “intends,” “plans,” “believes,” “estimates,” “confident” and similar statements. Such forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve risks and uncertainties, or other factors, some of which are beyond the control of the Company and are unforeseeable. Therefore, the actual results may differ from those in the forward-looking statements as a result of various factors and assumptions, such as future changes and developments in our business, competitive environment, political, economic, legal and social conditions. The Company or any of its affiliates, directors, officers, advisors or representatives has no obligation and does not undertake to revise forward-looking statements to reflect new information, future events or circumstances after the date of this news release, except as required by law.
Japan Celebrates First-Ever Exhibition in Vientiane
Japan is wrapping its first-ever exhibition in Vientiane to mark 70 years of diplomatic relations between Japan and Laos. The exhibition runs from 13 to 17 December at Parkson Laos and presents a range of cultural displays and activities that reflect long-standing ties between the two countries.
Titled “Japan Exhibition: 70 Years of Diplomatic Relations and Moving Toward the Next Era,” the event brings together cultural exhibits, live performances, and interactive sessions for the public.
The exhibition features Japanese kimonos, Lao textiles, Japanese and Lao postage stamps, and photographs showing the work of Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) volunteers in Laos over the past six decades. One section displays Japanese kimonos made from traditional Lao fabrics, combining Lao dyeing and weaving techniques with Japanese design.
Visitors could also watch live performances, including accordion music, kimono dressing demonstrations, and talk shows.
“Nowadays, there aren’t many opportunities for people to see, feel, and learn about kimonos,” said Yoshihashi Asuka, Head of the Culture and Public Relations Section.“This event allows visitors to explore the similarities and differences between Lao and Japanese textiles and clothing.”
She added that the exhibition showcases kimonos for all life stages, from birth to adulthood, illustrating the cultural significance and inspiration behind each style.
“Beyond clothing, visitors can also explore stamps, postcards, and letters featuring flowers, temples, and landmarks, reflecting historical and cultural ties between the two nations,” she said.
Volunteers also shared their experiences at the event.
Dalaphone Panyasith, a first-time volunteer, said, “This exhibition allows me to see how two Asian cultures can share similarities while maintaining their unique artistic essence. The clothing is simple yet elegant, showcasing each country’s traditions.”
The exhibition also highlights Laos–Japan cooperation projects, including the Mekong River Bridge in Champassak Province and the Lao-Nippon Bridge in Pakse, which has operated since 2000 with Japanese support.
Organisers say the exhibition marks 70 years of bilateral relations and gives visitors in Vientiane a chance to learn more about Japanese culture alongside the history of cooperation between the two countries.
