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M7 World Championship unveils first Opening Ceremony, tournament draw, and M7 Pass–elevates Indonesia on global stage

The Swiss Stage sets up early mouthwatering clashes between tournament favourites—Team Liquid face Aurora Gaming PH in a Filipino showdown, while Selangor Red Giants face CG Esports in a Malaysian rivalry.

JAKARTA, Indonesia, Dec. 13, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — The M7 World Championship (M7) is set to place Indonesia at the forefront of global esports. Returning to the home ground of Mobile Legends: Bang Bang (MLBB) Esports, the M7 will elevate Indonesia on the world stage, showcasing the nation’s vibrant culture through the flagship tournament of 2024’s most popular mobile esports title. At the M7 Press Conference, international video game company, MOONTON Games, unveiled the first Opening Ceremony for the title’s world championship. The event will turn Jakarta into a living stage for esports in a citywide takeover and draws inspiration from the grandeur of major sporting events. The press conference also revealed the tournament draw alongside the M7 Pass, headlined by heroes, Gatotkaca and Granger.

Rise As One: The Dream That Made Us

Scheduled for 9 January, the M7 Opening Ceremony marks the first grand opening in M Series history. The ceremony will celebrate the game and the nation by blending the passion of MLBB Esports with Indonesia’s rich cultural heritage. Through a cinematic story where tradition meets modernity, audiences will journey through Jakarta’s iconic landmarks in a showcase that unites culture and esports.

Tiger Xu, Global Head of MLBB Esports at MOONTON Games, said: “The M7 Opening Ceremony will celebrate MLBB Esports’ rise as an integral part of Indonesia’s sporting landscape. Over the past five seasons, MLBB Professional League (MPL) Indonesia has drawn more than 100 million watch hours each season, rivalling the popularity of well-loved sports like football and badminton. With its growing influence, the Opening Ceremony will highlight MLBB Esports’ journey as a national sporting phenomenon by honouring its past and present, while looking to its future. Through the stories of teams, players, and fans, we also hope to showcase Indonesia’s traditions and give the world a glimpse of the nation’s vibrant gaming and esports culture.”

Through music, performances, and visual storytelling, Jakarta will become a living stage that brings the nation’s passion and heritage to life. Fans from across the world are invited to #RiseAsOne alongside appearances from M7 Main Stage teams, MLBB Esports legends, and surprise guests.

Riezha Haryo Wiguna, Member of the Competition Division at the Indonesian Esports Central Board (PBESI), said: “The M Series has become one of the most influential mobile esports tournaments around the world. Indonesia is privileged to host this extraordinary event once again… To MOONTON [Games] your commitment to building a sustainable esports ecosystem in Indonesia deserves the highest appreciation. Together with PBESI, [we] have opened pathways for young talent in local communities and brought global attention to our nation. The M7 is not just a competition. [The tagline], Let the World See Us, means it’s a celebration of legacy, community, and the future of the esports industry. Welcome to Indonesia, we hope you feel the warmth of our culture, the strength of our ecosystem, and the patience that makes Indonesia a global esports powerhouse. May the M7 World championship inspire new champions, ignite new stories, and show the world why Indonesia continues to be the home of esports excellence.”

22 Teams, One Dream

22 teams will vie to be crowned the next MLBB world champions from 3 to 25 January. Competing on the home ground of MLBB Esports, teams will aim to claim the title in front of the game’s most passionate fanbase and their share of the USD 1,000,000 prize pool. The tournament draw, unveiled at the M7 Press Conference, outlines the road ahead as the world’s best teams embark on their title campaigns.

The Wild Card Stage heats up as eight teams are split into two groups, each fighting for a spot in the Swiss Stage. Virtus Pro (VP) and ZETA DIVISION (ZETA) headline the action, with VP making a splash earlier in the year by winning the MLBB Mid Season Cup (MSC) at the 2025 Esports World Cup (EWC) Wild Card. Meanwhile, ZETA returns to the international MLBB stage following their MSC at EWC 25 campaign. This will mark Japan’s first M Series appearance in five editions since the M2.

In the Swiss Stage, fans are in for a country-versus-country showdown, featuring two headline matchups. All eyes will be on Team Liquid (TL) take on Aurora Gaming PH (RORA). TL will be aiming to make history by completing the Golden Road (winning all major MLBB Esports titles in a single year)—a feat no team has achieved to date. Meanwhile, fans can anticipate a fierce battle as Selangor Red Giants (SRG) face off against CG Esports (CG) in the other headline matchup of the group.

Step into the battlefield with the M7 Pass

From 1 January to 25 January, fans can join the MLBB action through the M7 Pass. Players can unlock a suite of exclusive in-game rewards, including the free Gatotkaca “Solar Spark” skin. Inspired by the Indonesian folklore warrior, the Mighty Legend takes centre stage, embodying the nation’s esports spirit as it ushers in the M7.  Players will also be able to obtain the Granger “Thunder Ascendant” skin, M7 Lottery Coins, Battle Effects, Avatar Borders, and more. Fans who reach level 150 will secure the M7 Granger Figurine—an exclusive reward that celebrates the pinnacle of MLBB Esports. The celebration of Indonesia will continue with the Granger “Cosmic Finality” Painted skin, available through the M7 Pass Plus.

The M7 Lottery Coins will bring the legacy of the M Series to life. In the Event Shop, players can redeem the M5 Yu Zhong “Dragon’s Shade” skin, the Yu Zhong “Cosmic Dragon” Painted skin, and the new Yu Zhong “Dragon’s Shroud” skin. Returning M Series skins—M1 Aldous “King of Supremacy,” M2 Clint “Shadow Omen,” and M3 Roger “Phantom Ranger”—will feature revamped effects and new looks, inviting players to revisit the heroes who shaped the tournament over the years.

Global brands level up the MLBB celebration

The M Series continues to strengthen its global esports leadership through expansive partnerships. The upcoming M7 collaborations will showcase the stratetgic and commercial value of MLBB Esports while giving fans access to experience-driven initiatives.

Visa made its debut in the MLBB Esports arena with a mission to empower the youth by combining financial inclusion with access to world-class esports experiences. The partnership will introduce the first Mythic VIP experience, offering premium seating, behind-the-scenes access, exclusive merchandise, and a 20% discount on tickets. Meanwhile, realme and MOONTON Games unveiled the realme 15 Pro as the M7 Official Gaming Phone. The device’s dedicated esports functions will enhance the tournament experience for fans and elevate mobile esports on the global stage.

MOONTON Games has also teamed up with 1Play to launch the first M Series Trading Card Collection. The cards allow fans to engage with the tournament’s legacy through physical collectibles and feature teams, players, and key competitive moments. At the same time, luxury accessories brand, Fairrie, will activate fans through a play-to-win mechanic inviting them to play MLBB while unlocking prizes through the Fairrie Games app. The partnership aims to converge lifestyle and esports through an interactive experience. Secretlab marks their fifth consecutive year with the M Series, providing players with ergonomic seating designed to support peak performance.

M7 Carnival lights up Jakarta

From 23 to 25 January, the M7 Carnival will transform Jakarta into a gaming and esports fanfare. Festival-goers can explore six interactive zones and step inside MLBB’s first official pop-up store, offering limited-edition merchandise and immersive experiences that bring the game to life. Over three days, over 15,000 prizes—including exclusive M7 merchandise, limited-time skins, and partner giveaways—will be up for grabs. Fans will also have the chance to meet MPL Indonesia stars, M7 teams, and popular content creators, celebrating the passion that make MLBB Esports a global phenomenon. Tickets can be purchased at: https://id-mpl.com/m7.

According to Esports Charts, MLBB was crowned 2024’s most popular mobile esports title with over 475 million Hours Watched (HW). The year capped off with the M6 amassing over 85 million HW to become the most-watched in M Series history. This momentum continued into 2025, with MLBB emerging as the most popular title in Esports World Cup (EWC) history. Headlining the world’s largest multi-title esports event, the Mid Season Cup (MSC) at EWC 25 became the event’s first tournament to surpass 3 million Peak Concurrent Viewers (PCV).

Looking ahead, MLBB will take its place alongside traditional sporting disciplines at the 33rd Southeast Asian (SEA) Games in Bangkok, Thailand. The title will also feature at the upcoming 2026 Asian Games as a medalled event, cementing its presence on some of the region’s largest multi-sport stages.

Learn more about MLBB Esports via the following social media channels:

Region

Channels

MLBB Women’s Esports

•              Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/mlbbesports_women 

•              TikTok:  https://www.tiktok.com/@mlbbesports_women 

Global

•              Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MLBBEsportsOfficial

•              Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mlbbesports_official/

•              TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mlbbesports_official

•              YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/MLBBeSports

MPL ID

•              Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mpl.id.official

•              Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mpl.id.official

•              TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@mpl.id.official

•              YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/MPLIndonesia

MPL PH

•              Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mplph.official

•              Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mpl.ph

•              TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@mplph_official

•              YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/MPLPhilippines

MPL MY

•              Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mplmy.official

•              Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mplmy.official

•              TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@mplmy

•              YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@MPL-Malaysia

MPL MENA

 

•              Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/mlbbesportsmena/ 

•              Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mlbbesportsmena/

•              TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mlbbesportsmena

•              YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/@MLBBEsportsMENA 

MPL KH

•              Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mplkh.official

•              Instagram: https://instagram.com/mplkh.official

•              TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@mplkh.official

•              YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@mobilelegendsbangbangcambo4981

MPL SG

•              Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mpl.sg.official

•              Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mpl.sg.official/

•              TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@mplsingapore

MM

•              Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MobileLegendsEsportsMyanmar

•              YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@mobilelegendsbangbangchann6106

TR

•              Facebook: https://facebook.com/MobileLegendsGameTR

•              Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mlbbespor

•              TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mobilelegendstrofficial

•              YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@mobilelegendstr

LATAM

•              Facebook: https://facebook.com/MobileLegendsGameES

•              Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/mlbbesesports 

•              TikTok:  https://www.tiktok.com/@mlbbesesports 

•              YouTube:  https://www.facebook.com/mlbbesesports 

SA

•              Facebook: https://facebook.com/mlbbnppage

•              YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@mlbbnepalofficial

NA

•              Facebook: https://facebook.com/MobileLegendsNorthAmerica

•              Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mlbbnorthamericaofficial

•              TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@mobilelegendsnaofficial

•              YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/MobileLegendsNorthAmerica

EECA

•              Telegram: https://t.me/mlbbesports

•              VK: https://vk.com/mlbbesports

•              TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mlbbcis

•              YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@mlbbcis

Mekong

•              Facebook: https://facebook.com/MCCMEKONG

Mongolia

•              Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/gaming/mlbbmnpage

•              Facebook: https://facebook.com/esn.esportsnetwork

•              YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@mobilelegendsmn

CN

•              Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61573947116176

•              Douyin: https://v.douyin.com/pn43Plhc9AM/ 

•              Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/mlbbchinaesports

•              YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/@MLBBChinaEsports

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About Mobile Legends: Bang Bang

Mobile Legends: Bang Bang is one of the most popular mobile Multiplayer Online Battle Arena (MOBA) games worldwide that brings communities together through teamwork and strategy. With over 1.5 billion installations and 110 million active monthly users, the award-winning game is among the top 10 most played in over 80 countries. With an extensive reach across the Asia Pacific region, the multiplayer is available in 139 countries with an expansive global esports presence.

About Mobile Legends: Bang Bang Esports

Established in 2017, Mobile Legends: Bang Bang Esports serves as a platform for players to pursue their dreams of becoming esports athletes and illuminate opportunities within the international esports ecosystem. MLBB Esports has since expanded to multiple leagues, including the MPL series hosted in Southeast Asia, Middle East, and Latin America; MPL is the first esports event series to surpass 1 billion hours of watch time globally.

About MOONTON Games

Established in 2014, MOONTON Games is a global video game company dedicated to gaming development, publication, and esports. With more than 2,000 employees worldwide, the company operates offices in Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, the Philippines, Latin America, and China. It has successfully launched several high-profile mobile games globally and has built long-term relationships with governments and esports organizations in more than 30 countries around the world. Mobile Legends: Bang Bang is its current star game and the leading mobile multiplayer online battle arena (MOBA) game worldwide. For more information, visit  https://en.moonton.com.

For media queries or interview requests, please contact:

Amanda Wan
Senior PR Executive at MOONTON Games
Mobile: +65 98110188
Email: amandajuliawan@moonton.com

HTX Approved for Pakistan Crypto Exchange Registration

ISLAMABAD, Pakistan, Dec. 12, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — HTX, one of the world’s leading digital asset exchanges with over 50 million registered users globally, today announced that it has officially obtained a No Objection Certificate (NoC) from the Pakistan Virtual Asset Regulation Authority (PVARA) to initiate the licensing process in terms of the Virtual Assets Ordinance, 2025.

This landmark NoC makes HTX amongst one of the first global digital asset platforms to begin the formal licensing journey in Pakistan, marking a major milestone in the country’s progression toward a regulated and innovative digital asset ecosystem. Following the issuance of the NoC, HTX will proceed with the necessary steps under the Ordinance to secure full authorization while engaging closely with PVARA throughout the process.

By securing this NoC from PVARA, HTX will register with the Financial Monitoring Unit (FMU) for anti-money laundering (AML) -registered services, which include Exchange, Broker dealer, custody and derivatives services, while preparing for full Virtual Asset Service Provider (VASP) licensing.

Justin Sun, Global Advisor to HTX, commented:
Pakistan is one of the fastest-growing crypto markets in the world, with millions of young, tech-savvy users eager to participate in the global digital economy. We are honored to be granted this NoC by PVARA and are committed to working closely with the Authority to set the highest industry standards of compliance, transparency, and user protection. Today’s approval is not just a recognition for HTX—it is a vote of confidence in Pakistan’s vision for crypto adoption.”

About HTX

Founded in 2013, HTX (formerly Huobi) has evolved from a virtual asset exchange into a comprehensive ecosystem of blockchain businesses that span digital asset trading, financial derivatives, research, investments, incubation, and other businesses.

As a world-leading gateway to Web3, HTX harbors global capabilities that enable it to provide users with safe and reliable services. Adhering to the growth strategy of “Global Expansion, Thriving Ecosystem, Wealth Effect, Security & Compliance,” HTX is dedicated to providing quality services and values to virtual asset enthusiasts worldwide.

To learn more about HTX, please visit https://www.htx.com/ or HTX Square , and follow HTX on X, Telegram, and Discord.

 

Binance and Pakistan Collaborate to Foster Digital Asset Growth and Regulatory Development

ISLAMABAD, Dec. 12, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Binance today announced a regulatory licensing development in Pakistan, building on a history of positive and strategic discussions between Binance’s senior leadership and Pakistani government officials. These ongoing engagements, led by Binance Co-CEO, Richard Teng, highlight our continued commitment to supporting the establishment of a regulated and secure digital asset ecosystem in the country.

Binance and Pakistan Collaborate to Foster Digital Asset Growth and Regulatory Development
Binance and Pakistan Collaborate to Foster Digital Asset Growth and Regulatory Development

Throughout Binance’s ongoing engagements, its leadership has collaborated closely with key policymakers in Pakistan, focusing on the regulatory process, industry transparency, and the advancement of the digital assets sector. These discussions have reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to developing a clear and forward-looking regulatory framework for virtual assets.

Binance has obtained an AML registration under PVARA’s framework, marking a crucial step toward full licensing and local incorporation in Pakistan. This phased approach will enable Binance to register with FMU for AML-registered services, which include Exchange, Broker-Dealer, Custody and Derivatives Services, while preparing for full Virtual Asset Service Provider (VASP) licensing, in alignment with Pakistan’s regulatory roadmap.

Richard Teng, Co-CEO of Binance, said: “We are proud to continue our collaboration with PVARA to build a robust, transparent, and inclusive virtual asset ecosystem. Together, we share a commitment to unlocking the potential of blockchain technology for millions of Pakistanis and beyond.”

“Our ongoing partnership with Binance continues to strengthen as we work together to build a transparent and innovative future for digital assets in Pakistan. The recent meeting highlighted the positive regulatory progress Binance is making through the AML registration and licensing process, marking an important step forward in advancing this shared vision,” said Bilal Bin Saqib, Chairman of the Pakistan Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (PVARA).

Binance remains committed to supporting digital economies across South Asia and looks forward to continuing its collaboration with regulators and stakeholders in the region to build a robust, transparent, and inclusive virtual asset ecosystem.

About Binance

Binance is a leading global blockchain ecosystem behind the world’s largest cryptocurrency exchange by trading volume and registered users. Binance is trusted by more than 300 million people in 100+ countries for its industry-leading security, transparency, trading engine speed, protections for investors, and unmatched portfolio of digital asset products and offerings from trading and finance to education, research, social good, payments, institutional services, and Web3 features. Binance is devoted to building an inclusive crypto ecosystem to increase the freedom of money and financial access for people around the world with crypto as the fundamental means. For more information, visit: https://www.binance.com.

Contact: pr@binance.com

Keeping Loved Ones Active and Healthy During the Holidays with VARON Oxygen Concentrators

NEW YORK, Dec. 12, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — The holiday season is a time for family, celebration, and cherished moments. For individuals who rely on respiratory support, maintaining energy and wellness can be a challenge amid busy schedules, colder weather, and seasonal changes. VARON highlights practical solutions to help families ensure their loved ones stay active, healthy, and engaged throughout the festive season.

Supporting Respiratory Health Through the Holidays

For many seniors and individuals with chronic respiratory conditions, having access to reliable oxygen therapy is essential. VARON oxygen concentrators provide reliable oxygen solution both at home and on the go, helping users maintain stamina, comfort, and independence. Families looking for oxygen concentrators for sale this season can explore devices designed to meet different lifestyles and activity levels.

For this year’s holiday specials, VARON is including a $30 gift card with every oxygen concentrator purchase, alongside a 20% sitewide discount and select models marked down by up to 40%. The added savings allow families to choose high-quality oxygen support while setting aside extra resources for holiday needs, travel, or caregiving essentials.

Strengthening Community Wellness Through the FOSSVI Partnership

In the spirit of giving, VARON has extended its holiday commitment beyond individual households—joining hands with FOSSVI (Fundación Obras Sociales de San Vicente, IAP) to strengthen respiratory care for some of Mexico’s most vulnerable communities.

Through this collaboration, VARON donated Serene 5 home oxygen concentrators to elderly residents and Sisters of the Hogar San Vicente and Santa Luisa Annex. These homes serve individuals who often face chronic respiratory challenges, and access to dependable oxygen therapy is essential to their comfort and daily well-being. The equipment provided by VARON is already helping residents breathe more easily, rest more peacefully, and experience a noticeable improvement in their overall quality of life.

This partnership reflects VARON’s belief that wellness should be accessible to every family and every community—not only during the holiday season, but throughout the year. The impactful collaboration with FOSSVI demonstrates how community support, combined with advanced respiratory technology, can transform lives and bring renewed comfort to those who have spent decades in service to others.

For more information about this partnership visit: VARON Mexico

A Thoughtful Holiday Gift

VARON has partnered with Kokorosa Studio to make wellness and creativity part of the same festive experience. For any purchase over $500, customers receive a free craft cutting machine, ideal for creating holiday cards, decorations, scrapbooks, and small DIY gifts. This combination allows families to integrate health and creativity, creating opportunities for shared moments with grandchildren or loved ones.

Best-Selling VARON Oxygen Concentrators for Holiday Wellness

VARON offers a range of home and portable oxygen concentrator machine to fit different lifestyles:

  • Serene 3L Premium Home Oxygen Concentrator – A reliable home oxygen concentrator, delivering 93 ± 3% oxygen at 1–3 L/min. Features include quiet operation, nebulizer function, and a large humidification bottle for comfortable therapy.
  • Serene 5L Home Oxygen Concentrator – Provides 93 ± 3% medical-grade oxygen at 0.5–5 L/min, FDA-approved, low-noise, and energy-efficient. Ideal for families seeking dependable home oxygen concentrators.
  • VP-8G Portable Oxygen Concentrator – Lightweight (4.37 lbs) and compact, delivering 1–8 L/min pulse flow. It allows users to enjoy mobility, indoor or outdoor activity, and safe travel during the holidays.
  • VP-6 Portable Oxygen Concentrator – Continuous flow from 1–6 L/min, with a built-in nebulizer and replaceable battery. Designed for everyday use, it provides steady oxygen support while promoting confidence and independence.

These VARON oxygen concentrators are chosen not only for their reliability but also for their ease of use, portability, and ability to help loved ones maintain an active lifestyle.

Order in Time for the Holidays

To ensure delivery before Christmas, VARON encourages customers to place their orders by December 20, 2025. Ordering early ensures both timely holiday gifting and uninterrupted respiratory support, giving recipients the comfort and confidence to fully enjoy the season.

Wellness, Comfort, and Love

VARON’s holiday offerings combine health, functionality, and family engagement. By supporting respiratory wellness and providing tools for creativity and shared experiences, VARON helps families celebrate a season that is both safe and joyful. With the right support, seniors and individuals with respiratory needs can participate fully in holiday traditions while staying healthy and energized.

For more information and guidance on oxygen support this holiday season, visit VARON website.

Media Contact:

VARON Oxygen Solutions

Email: official@varoninc.com 
Website: www.varoninc.com

Business of Design Week 2025 Concludes

Three-Day Summit Draws Over 15,000 Participants 

Hong Kong SAR and Italy Foster Cross-Disciplinary Innovation Driven by Curiosity

Switzerland Named as Partner Country for the Coming Year 

HONG KONG, Dec. 12, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — The three-day Business of Design Week (BODW) 2025 Summit, Asia’s premier annual flagship event on design, innovation and brands, successfully concluded at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre on 5 December. This year’s Summit, themed “Curiosity Provokes Design Innovation”, partnered with Italy to convene nearly 50 experts and business leaders from leading international brands across diverse fields including eyewear, jewellery, automobiles, yachts, and sporting events such as the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic and Paralympic games, and many more. The Summit attracted over 15,000 live participants and a global online viewership, exemplifying Hong Kong’s position as a “Super-Connector” and “Super Value-Adder” in the global design community, and reinforcing its position as a hub for international cultural and artistic dialogue between East and West.

BODW 2025 Summit was sponsored by the Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency (CCIDA) under the Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau of the Government of the Hong Kong SAR. Centred around six key topic pillars — Urban Visions, Mobility Revolution, Crafted Living, Luxury Reimagined, Innovating with AI & Technology, and Cultural Innovation & Creativity, the event featured keynote speeches, panels and fireside chats. To facilitate seamless exchanges, it introduced large-scale, AI-powered live interpretation in 10 languages, alongside live English captioning.

The bodw Future Lab is a concurrent programme that partners with creative consultancy INSTILL to create a new space for experimental, collaborative, and creative exchanges. Global participants shared forward-looking ideas on emerging technologies, and brainstormed new collaborative avenues across design, business, and innovation, with a special focus on generational exchange and collaboration between Hong Kong SAR and Italy. Together with a local illustrator, live sketches were captured in the “bodw Future Lab Report” and “Visual Record”, documenting insights and creative outcomes for the wider industry.

During closing remarks, Mr Carmelo Ficarra, Consul General of Italy in Hong Kong SAR and Macao SAR said “For all the work that we have done together in the past 12 months, I think we have started something important, which is a long-term cooperation. I received a lot of positive feedbacks from participants and speakers who participated in the event this year. Thank you so much for having us. We are very privileged to be your partner this year,and are looking forward to strengthening relations between Italy and Hong Kong SAR. As a last word, I would like to congratulate Switzerland as the next partner country of the Business of Design Week 2026.”

Prof Viveca Chan, Vice Chairman of HKDC, shared, “We’ve worked so closely together over the past year, doing exhibitions, workshops and training together. Participants and designers I talked to were very inspired by the rich heritage, culture and history of Italy, which they blend with modern design and technology. On the other hand, our cross-cultural discipline and cross-sectoral exchange in Hong Kong, dynamism and entrepreneurship also inspired our Italian delegation. Altogether, it has been an extremely fruitful and rewarding experience for both sides.”

Switzerland will succeed Italy as the year-round Partner Country for Business of Design Week in 2026. Renowned for precision craftsmanship and innovative thinking, Switzerland will collaborate with HKDC through the Consulate General of Switzerland in Hong Kong SAR to present the BODW 2026 Summit and a year-round series of cross-disciplinary design initiatives, bringing renowned Swiss design masters, creative leaders, and industry pioneers to the city. This cross-cultural creative dialogue is set to inject fresh inspiration into Hong Kong’s design scene, making it a highly anticipated event.

Mr Daniel Freihofer, Consul General of Switzerland in Hong Kong SAR, remarked: “It is the very first time Switzerland will be the official partner of BODW, and it was about time, given the long-standing history and expertise Switzerland has in design excellence. We think this collaboration is perfectly complementary, as Hong Kong and Switzerland share many similar traits, characteristics, and are all positive. We are looking forward to spotlighting Swiss excellence in design across multiple disciplines here at the BODW next year, underpinned by Switzerland’s globally recognised characteristics like precision, high quality craftsmanship and reliability.”

Highlighted sessions of the BODW 2025 Summit include:

3 December: Urban Visions, Mobility Revolution 

OPENING KEYNOTE: Curiosity. Adaptation. Collaboration 

Dr Carlo Ratti, Co-founder of CRA – CARLO RATTI ASSOCIATI, shared the urgent necessity of design thinking, cross-disciplinary solutions, and cross-generational collaboration in addressing the issues of climate crisis and declining population faced all over the world. Challenging “the idea of the Promethean architect or designer”, Dr Ratti emphasised that “Today, at the point when the planet has already changed, [design] still needs to focus on mitigation but also focus on ‘adaptation’.” Dr Ratti provided examples of responsive design in action by sharing details of his team’s works in designing autonomous boats uniquely adapted for the canals of Amsterdam city, and the “Helsinki’s Hot Heart”, a floating, carbon-neutral heating system for the city that harnesses renewable energy.

PANEL: Curiosity Beyond Boundaries: Redefining Architecture and Urban Futures

Dr Carlo Ratti, Michele De Lucchi, Founder of AMDL CIRCLE, Ma Yansong, Architect, Artist, Founder & Principal Partner of MAD architects, Patricia Viel, Architect & Co-founder of ACPV ARCHITECTS Antonio Citterio Patricia Viel, and Ole Scheeren, Founder & Chief Designer of Büro Ole Scheeren, spoke on a panel about architecture and urban futures in a session moderated by Walter Mariotti, Editorial Executive Director of Editoriale Domus

Speaking on equipping individuals for the future, De Lucchi believes that “Education is really the key. Not just to share knowledge, but to use imagination, curiosity, and to be conscious about our choices. This is something that has to grow more in the human mentality.”

Scheeren echoed the essence of diligence in knowledge acquisition, saying: “I think this methodology of disruption is very important. Because suddenly, knowledge is easily available. You have access to all knowledge on the planet, but that doesn’t mean you really know it. What you really know you can subsume in your consciousness. It is the only way that it fuels your true curiosity and creativity.”

Viel stated, “Luxury is quality, and the power to live your time how you need it. This is something that is happening more after COVID, because life has been changing a lot, time and space are not the same as before. This is very much impacting the sense of luxury and the sense of power attached to it.”

KEYNOTE: When Curiosity Designs the Future

Matteo Fioravanti, Senior Vice President Design of Pininfarina, showcased iconic case studies from Pininfarina – spanning classic cars, architecture, and yachts, and a fusion of art, technology and emotion that gave rise to a timeless vision for design. He stated “The original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) of the past were product-focused. The OEM in the future will be a service provider, a system with a strong DNA. Defined with strategy, and then selling services such as mobility, living, insurance and holidays under the umbrella of one brand. If we want to keep our Italianity alive, we have to look very forward.”

KEYNOTE: The Culture of Curiosity

David Imai, Chief Designer at Arc and Former Design Director at Tesla, drew from his experience at Tesla and shared: “The biggest difference at Telsa compared to other places I’ve worked at, is that curiosity is an explicit cultural value that is promoted from top to bottom. They truly believe that great ideas can come from anywhere.  Failure is understood to be a crucial part of experimentation. And what that means in practice is that you’d have broad cross-pollination between teams regularly working outside of their wheelhouse,” 

4 December: Crafted Living, Luxury Reimagined

KEYNOTE: Update Tradition

Min Chen, Industrial Designer & Founder of Chen Min office, spoke of his identity and creative practice as a bridge connecting past to present, and carrying tradition into the future. “I’m a big fan of Hong Kong because Hong Kong is and has always been the place where East meets West. It will still keep its own identity. So Hong Kong also inspires me a lot in searching for more meeting points for different cultures to come together. I also find a lot of modernity in our tradition. So although it’s called ‘tradition’, it doesn’t necessarily to look outdated.”

FIRESIDE CHAT: Reimagining Everyday Design⁠⁠⁠⁠: Material Intelligence and Living Form⁠⁠⁠⁠

Prof Ron Arad, Founder & Director of Ron Arad Studio, was joined by his long-term collaborator Patrizia Moroso, Art Director of Moroso S.p.A., in a fire side chat moderated by Sean Dix, Founder of dix design+architecture. They shared an open conversation about how pieces are realised, whether they begin in the art studio or as an industrial product. Prof Arad said: I have pieces that started off as an industrial piece and then was dragged into the art pieces [and vice versa]. It’s not one direction or the other.” Moroso, said, To me the subject is never to make one thing. I try to work with a designer to imagine their world, to realise something that is as close as possible to the designer’s imagination. Ron is a very big talent, and that gives me a great satisfaction to work with him and to realise not one just thing, but [an entire] collection.

FIRESIDE CHAT: FERRAGAMO: Our Heritage

From the luxury house FERRAGAMO, Dr Stefania Ricci, Director of Museo Ferragamo & Fondazione Ferragamo and Angelica Visconti, Vice Chairman, told the story of the brand’s heritage, evolution and future through the art of shoemaking.  Visconti, speaking of the brand’s future, shared: “We give the utmost importance to the creativity, design, and style, but also the perfect construction of the shoe. Our shoe philosophy is based on supporting the arch of the feet, having studied for a long time the anatomy of the foot, to discover that the weight really falls on the arch.” This has guided the brand’s unwavering principles across design, material and craftsmanship decisions across the years.

KEYNOTE: Curiosity Meets Passion: Buccellati’s Innovation and Timeless Artistry

Nicolas François Luchsinger, CEO of Buccellati Holding Italia S.p.A., explained how the brand is upholding craftsmanship at its academy, with rigorous standards of material selection, and fostering new visions of luxury through an ongoing dialogue with art. Luchsinger noted, Craftmanship is very important to Buccellati jewellery. Our distinctive techniques are what make the brand so special and unique. Rather than adding value through stones and gold, we enhance our pieces through specialised engraving—a signature of our artistry.”

5 December: Innovating with AI & Technology, Cultural Innovation & Creativity 

KEYNOTE: What if? – Reinventing Heritage, Crafting the Future

Matteo Battiston, Chief Design Officer at EssilorLuxottica, explored the core principles of Italian design and how they guide innovation, especially in the face of modern technological change. He shared, “This is our future, a future where technology is not going to replace presence, but it’s going to amplify it… we don’t design to impress people. We design to let people be themselves. We are not chasing what is coming next. We are just creating for what is timeless, which is us and the story we are able to tell.”

PANEL DISCUSSION: A New Blueprint: Cultural Curation and Memorable Moments

Presented by MGM China, and featuring Patti Wong, Co-Founder & Partner of Patti Wong & Associates, Dr Iwan R Dietschi, Senior Vice President of Hospitality at MGM, Kevin Bethune, Founder & Chief Creative Officer of dreams • design + life, and moderated by Nicholas Gordon, Asia Editor, FORTUNE, this session featured MGM as a case study on how the hospitality industry can innovate upon tradition. Speaking on the curatorial and customer engagement strategy at the POLY MGM MUSEUM, Wong said “In MGM, we have showcases that are state-of-the-art that audiences can participate in. We want people to react to the piece and have an emotional engagement. It’s not what you see in the first instance, it’s how you feel afterwards.” Dr Dietschi described a certain rigour necessary in achieving a memorable experience for MGM guests during their stays, saying: “All our employees are part of the experience that we want to create. We learn from customers – the customer has changed and is continuously changing. Personalised and curated for the customers – that’s where service comes in.”

PANEL DISCUSSION: Curiosity Engines: Rewiring Museums for the Future of Design

Tim Marlow, Chief Executive & Director of the Design Museum, joined Paola Antonelli, Senior Curator, Department of Architecture and Design of MoMA and Suhanya Raffel, Museum Director of M+, compared their diverse perspectives on stewarding the brand identity and market positionings of museums today. Raffel set the scene with a picture of M+’s guiding vision, saying, “M+ is the only institution that has this cross disciplinary interest in Asia. A lot of thinking [went into] building an institution with a vision for visual culture. When we think about what is visual culture – design, architecture, moving image and art, and our root in Hong Kong informs this.” Antonelli responded on the importance of museums having differentiated curatorial angles: “Museums are an ecosystem right now, there are many museums covering the same topics. But it’s great when museums cover them from a very personal viewpoint, knowing their own personality.” Marlow, speaking on the museum’s role in fostering community, shared that “The idea of letting the public design the use of public spaces is really interesting. Architects and designers obviously have a major role to play, and they can help frame public spaces. I think that’s an interesting model for museums, because we want to not author things all the time. Museums need to learn to give the public the chance to see how they respond.”

KEYNOTE: Designing the Spirit of a Nation: The Creative Journey Behind Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic and Paralympic

Raffaella Paniè, Director of Brand, Identity and Look of the Games at Milano Cortina 2026, shared: “It goes back to our brand personality at the beginning that has really guided us through this project. And that concept of talent is something that we have represented – through the gesture of the Italian talent. We feel that there is a lot of talent to be represented in our graphic design, and when you think about talent and athletes and their gestures, that also matches very well with this whole concept. We’ve created a language – we call them vibes – called energy, creativity, imagination, style, passion.” Follow BODW on social media for the latest updates: Facebook (bodw+), Instagram (@bodwplus), X (@bodwplus), LinkedIn (bodw+), and YouTube (bodw+).

-End-

With thanks to:

Media partners (in no particular order) 

Art Map, art4d, Creative Home, DESIGN COOL, Designboom, Designspeak Asia, Dezeen, DOMUS, EveryArt, FRAME, Friday Ming Pao, GRT Greater Bay Area TV, Guangdong Radio and TV, Home Journal, Hong Kong Economic Journal, Jessica, Lifestyle Asia, Lifestyle Journal, Localiiz, L’OFFICIEL CHINA, LUXE, Prestige, ROBB REPORT, Sing Tao Art Can, The Culturist, Ztylez, Design More, people.cn, Furniture Today Design, 最设计,  IDEAT,  Yangcheng Evening News, , 艺术中国 , 设计在线 , Design Gravity, 设计癖, 青年建筑杂志, F Magazine, Zolima CityMag.

/DISREGARD RELEASE: Ractigen Therapeutics/

We are advised by Ractigen Therapeutics that journalists and other readers should disregard the news release, Ractigen Therapeutics Doses First Patient in IIT Study of RAG-18 for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, issued 7:30AM 12-Dec-2025 over PR Newswire, as the release contained erroneous information.

Breescape® Launches America’s Most Breathable AiryWeave Cooling Pillow

AiryWeave Cooling Pillow makes its U.S. debut, offering hot sleepers a cooling option unseen in the market.

NEW YORK, Dec. 12, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Breescape®, the bedding brand dedicated to uninterrupted cooling comfort for hot sleepers, unveiled the AiryWeave Cooling Pillow — a first-of-its-kind, revolutionary cooling design in the U.S. that features a 90% open-air channel core for maximum airflow, and a dual-height structure for customizable support, a BlendTek™ pillowcase that delivers lasting cooling comfort. The launch comes as people shift focus from holiday shopping to year-end wellness and personal care.

The Truly Most Breathable Pillow — Keeps You Cool All Night

While cooling technologies have transformed mattresses and toppers over the past decade, pillows have largely remained unchanged — with most products still relying on traditional foam or basic fill constructions. Many report waking up with damp hair, sticky pillowcases, or pillows that lose shape quickly. Others experience insufficient neck support when sleeping on their back.

Breescape’s AiryWeave Pillow is designed to address these common sleep complaints. Its 3D AiryWeave core features 90% open-air channels, delivering up to 17 times the breathability of traditional foam and preventing heat from being trapped near the neck and face. The pillow also provides consistent support for back and side sleepers, with a design that aligns ergonomically with the spine. For added convenience, the core can be easily rinsed and air-dried in seconds for immediate reuse.

Compared with common alternatives such as bamboo rayon, the AiryWeave Pillow delivers 4.5× more breathability, 3.1× greater cooling, and 1.5× higher moisture absorption, making it particularly suitable for hot sleepers and those prone to night sweats.

Timed for the Wellness Season

With the holiday shopping season winding down, people are entering one of the strongest periods for wellness-focused spending. Products that address temperature discomfort — one of the most common yet overlooked barriers to restful sleep—are expected to play a key role in purchasing decisions.

“Overheating at night is one of the most persistent complaints we hear from hot sleepers, but pillow innovation has lagged behind,” said Eric, CMO of Breescape. “Unlike gel-infused memory foam or phase-change treated pillows currently available in the U.S., AiryWeave addresses this overlooked problem with a design that delivers breathable support, enhanced cooling, and moisture-wicking comfort.”

Start Your Wellness with Better Sleep

As the year winds down and wellness takes center stage, caring for yourself can start with the simplest nightly ritual — your sleep. By choosing the AiryWeave Pillow, hot sleepers can experience uninterrupted comfort, stay cool through the night, and wake up refreshed. Small changes, like upgrading your pillow, can make a meaningful difference in overall well-being, helping you prioritize rest as part of your year-end wellness routine.

About Breescape®

Breescape®  is a specialized bedding brand engineered for hot sleepers, offering the ultimate solution for a refreshing, sweat-free sleep experience, even during the hottest months of the year. Our patented fabric technology, BlendTek™, blends multiple fibers in the golden ratio to deliver real, long-lasting coolness with an instant cool-to-the-touch sensation, enhanced breathability, and efficient moisture-wicking, ensuring all-night comfort.

 

A First in the Asia-Pacific – Taiwan Leads the Launch of the Early Kidney Disease Annual Report, Opening a New Era in Advancing Kidney Care


TAIPEI, TAIWAN – Media OutReach Newswire – 11 December 2025 – Taiwan’s chronic disease care is once again at the forefront internationally, taking new strides with the release of the Asia-Pacific’s first “Early Chronic Kidney Disease Annual Report,” jointly published by the Ministry of Health and Welfare, the National Health Research Institutes, and the Taiwan Society of Nephrology. This report not only comprehensively covers the information on various stages of chronic kidney disease but also provides timely and internationally relevant data that has garnered high attention from the Asia-Pacific medical community.

Domestic and international leaders gathered at the launch ceremony of the 2025 Early CKD Annual Report Press Conference, symbolizing the formal release of the first early kidney disease annual report in the Asia-Pacific region and showcasing Taiwan's international leadership position in precise kidney care. From left to right are:
Domestic and international leaders gathered at the launch ceremony of the 2025 Early CKD Annual Report Press Conference, symbolizing the formal release of the first early kidney disease annual report in the Asia-Pacific region and showcasing Taiwan’s international leadership position in precise kidney care. From left to right are:

  • Yung-Ho Hsu, Secretary General of the Taiwan Society of Nephrology
  • Shang-Jyh Hwang, Honorary President of the Taiwan Society of Nephrology
  • Masaomi Nangaku, Immediate Past-President of the International Society of Nephrology
  • Marcello Tonelli, President of the International Society of Nephrology
  • Mai-Szu Wu, President of the Taiwan Society of Nephrology
  • Chung-Liang Shih, Minister of the Ministry of Health and Welfare
  • Ching-Fen Shen, Director General of the Health Promotion Administration, Ministry of Health and Welfare
  • Chih-Cheng Hsu, Professor at the National Health Research Institutes
  • Hyeong-Cheon Park, President Elect of the Asia Pacific Society of Nephrology
  • Rajnish Mehrotra, President of the International Society of Peritoneal Dialysis

The complete and immediate analysis aids in reversing the past trend where most patients were diagnosed at late stages and required dialysis, ushering in a new era of early detection and treatment. Minister of Health and Welfare, Chung-Liang Shih, stated at a press conference that this annual report serves as a new engine for promoting precise care, integrating complete data and risk classification indicators for Early CKD P4P(Pay for Performance) and Pre-ESRD P4P. This fills the gap in early kidney disease data and strengthens the quantitative basis for policy and clinical decision-making, facilitating early intervention and delaying disease progression. The goal is to achieve the Healthy Taiwan Policy target of reducing the standardized mortality rate for chronic diseases by one-third by 2030, and for Taiwan’s care model to become an example in the Asia-Pacific, establishing a sustainable and precise new framework for kidney care.

The early kidney disease annual report reveals several key trends. According to KDIGO risk classification, the proportion of high-risk and very high-risk patients in the P4P program has gradually decreased in recent years, reflecting a shift in treatment strategies toward early intervention and prevention. This trend not only highlights the medical team’s emphasis on the care of early-stage chronic kidney disease patients but also helps delay disease progression and reduce the incidence of later-stage complications. In terms of controlling the “three highs” (hyperglycemia, hypertension, and hyperlipidemia), data shows that approximately 80% of patients meet lipid targets and nearly 60% maintain stable blood sugar levels. However, only about 30% meet the target for blood pressure below 130/80 mmHg, indicating significant challenges remain in blood pressure control. The “three highs” are important risk factors for the progression and deterioration of chronic kidney disease, making it crucial to further improve control rates. The implementation of the P4P program has already shown preliminary results, and there are expectations for more immediate, comprehensive, and rigorous data collection and tracking, which will more fully demonstrate the long-term benefits of this care model.

Data-Driven: Taiwan’s First Early Kidney Disease Annual Report Fills Care Gaps

Professor Chih-Cheng Hsu from the National Health Research Institutes pointed out that past domestic kidney disease care has primarily focused on dialysis and end-stage disease, with limited understanding of early stages and delayed updates on data. This annual report breaks through traditional reporting frameworks and represents the first integration of complete data and risk classification indicators for Early CKD P4P and Pre-ESRD P4P. Utilizing big data for in-depth analysis, it outlines the disease progression and comorbidity trends of patients at different risk levels, successfully filling the long-term gap in early kidney disease care. He noted that grasping information on early stages of disease helps clinicians intervene earlier and delay deterioration while providing quantitative evidence for health policies to promote proactive and timely kidney care strategies, enhancing Taiwan’s international competitiveness in precise health governance.

Early CKD P4P and Pre-ESRD P4P are two phased quality-based reimbursement programs promoted by the National Health Insurance Administration, addressing key care needs for early chronic kidney disease and pre-dialysis patients, respectively. Early CKD P4P primarily targets patients in CKD stages 1-3a, aiding healthcare institutions in early identification of kidney deterioration risks through disease tracking and integrated care models, providing personalized management. Pre-ESRD P4P focuses on patients in CKD stages 3b, 4-5, enhancing control of complications, medication, and nutritional management while utilizing data feedback to support treatment decisions, aiming to delay dialysis and improve care efficiency. Both programs link the complete processes from early prevention to pre-dialysis intervention, contributing to improved overall CKD care quality and patient long-term prognosis.

Precise Kidney Care: Holistic and Continuous CKD Care as a Model for Chronic Disease

Taiwan centers its approach on “precise care,” continuously optimizing the integrated chronic kidney disease care system to implement policy blueprints in clinical practice. Director General of National Health Insurance Administration, Lian-Yu Chen, mentioned that Taiwan has progressively refined various measures, from educational programs for pre-end-stage renal disease patients to integrated care plans for early chronic kidney disease. The medical team can adjust personalized treatment strategies based on patient risk classification and clinical data, strengthening disease management and follow-up effectiveness for early-stage patients. She indicated that by integrating and providing feedback across units, care gaps could be minimized to ensure that patients receive consistent medical services across different levels of care. Director General of Health Promotion Administration, Ching-Fen Shen, remarked that grassroots health education and community health advocacy go hand in hand to enhance public awareness of kidney health. Years of efforts have significantly slowed the deterioration of early kidney disease progression, with patients participating in integrated care exhibiting a lower future risk of dialysis compared to those who do not participate, showing tangible effectiveness of the Taiwan model.

Policy Linkage and Sustainable Vision: Achieving the Healthy Taiwan Goals and Leading the New Landscape of Asia-Pacific

In response to the government’s “Healthy Taiwan” policy, Taiwan is implementing a preventive kidney care model based on the Early CKD P4P and Pre-ESRD P4P systems and the Early Kidney Disease Annual Report. President of the Taiwan Society of Nephrology, Mai-Szu Wu, stated that investing in early chronic kidney disease management not only contributes to health sustainability but also reduces waste of medical resources, achieving dual benefits of health outcomes and environmental sustainability, assisting the government in its goal to reduce chronic disease mortality by one-third by 2030.

During the Asia-Pacific Nephrology Conference (APCN) held in Taipei this year, the Asia-Pacific’s first Early Kidney Disease Annual Report was officially unveiled. President of the International Society of Nephrology, Marcello Tonelli, and Immediate Past-President , Masaomi Nangaku, along with the President Elect of the Asia Pacific Society of Nephrology Hyeong-Cheon Park and Honorary Secretary Sunita Bavanandan attended as witnesses, attracting experts from South Korea, Japan, Thailand, Malaysia, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, Hong Kong, Mongolia, Indonesia, and the Philippines. Additionally, various important domestic academic societies, including the Taiwan Academy of Family Medicine, Taiwan Society of Cardiology, the Diabetes Association of the Republic of China (Taiwan), the Taiwan Association of Clinical Diabetes, and the Taiwan Medical Clinics Association also participated and supported the event. Minister Chung-Liang Shih expressed gratitude for the collective efforts and emphasized that this kidney annual report showcases Taiwan’s leading position in medical data integration and clinical evidence, hoping that real-time and comprehensive data analysis will once again showcase Taiwan’s precision care model to the international community, working together with other countries to create a new global framework for chronic kidney disease prevention and treatment.

Hashtag: #TaiwanSocietyofNephrology

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