SINGAPORE, Jan. 8, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Citrus and spice flavour pairings, once a mainstay in street food and home cooking, are now influencing menus across quick service restaurants (QSRs) and beverages, responding to consumer demand for bold yet balanced taste experiences, and shaping Kerry food service’s latest citrus and spice campaign.

Mintel GNPD data (2023–2025) shows a 42% CAGR in spicy-citrus flavour combinations in Southeast Asia, significantly outpacing many other flavour trends. Globally, spicy flavours have grown 22% in new product launches, with chili-lime emerging as a standout across snacks, sauces, and ready-to-eat formats. This momentum is mirrored in market value: the Asia-Pacific ghost pepper salsa market is now worth USD 210 million, growing at 9.1% CAGR through 2033, while products pairing pickled jalapeño with lime and related spicy-citrus profiles are forecast to reach USD 2.13 billion by the same year.

“This data signals how consumers define excitement on the menu,” said Angeline Ho, Marketing Lead, Food Service Chains, Southeast Asia, Kerry Group. “Across Asia, diners are gravitating toward flavours that excite but are clean, adventurous yet familiar. Citrus and spice succeed because they deliver contrast: brightness that cuts through richness and heat that energises rather than overwhelms. From a food service perspective, it’s a highly versatile pairing that works across cuisines, formats, and price points.”

The appeal of citrus and spice is deeply embedded in Southeast Asian culinary tradition. Thailand’s tom yum and som tum exemplify the balance of lime, chilli, and herbs; Vietnam’s lemon, tamarind, and chilli anchor lighter dishes; Indonesia layers lime, ginger, clove, and chilli into richly aromatic profiles; while the Philippines uses calamansi and chilli to add vibrancy to savoury dishes. Singapore and Malaysia continue to reinterpret sambal and citrus with contemporary ingredients such as gula melaka and black lime salt, blending tradition with modernity.

Award-winning Malaysian chef and restaurateur Yenni Law, co-founder of @meatfeds and recipient of the Le Cordon Bleu Ribbon ASEAN Award 2025, highlights the cultural resonance behind the trend. “In Asia, we share similar spices and herbs, and food is the language that unites us. Together, citrus and spices bring wholeness and harmony to a dish.”

For food service operators, citrus and spice profiles offer exceptional range. Citrus lifts fried or grilled proteins, while spice adds emotional warmth and depth, making the pairing ideal for limited time offers and cross-category menu innovation. Popular combinations such as lime and chilli, orange and chilli, and calamansi and chilli are now moving fluidly between food and beverage.

As flavour expectations rise, so too the importance of sourcing and sustainability. With 70% of global consumers preferring brands that demonstrate genuine sustainability commitments, responsibly sourced citrus and spices, along with transparency and traceability, are becoming critical components of menu development.

As Asia Pacific continues to influence global food service trends, citrus and spice stand out as an expression of balance, culture, and innovation, positioning the flavour pairing as a cornerstone of the region’s menu evolution.

Largest crypto exchange bridges traditional and crypto assets, unlocking new opportunities for both crypto and TradFi participants

ABU DHABI, UAE, Jan. 8, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Binance, the largest cryptocurrency exchange by volume and users, today announced the launch of TradFi Perpetual Contracts, an innovative product category enabling users to access traditional assets through USDT-settled perpetual contracts. This expansion of Binance’s derivatives offerings unlocks 24/7 access to diversified TradFi market exposure and offers new trading opportunities.

Jeff Li, VP of Product at Binance commented, “The launch of TradFi Perpetual Contracts marks a key step in bridging traditional finance and crypto innovation. By providing round-the-clock access to conventional assets with a seamless trading experience, we empower users to diversify and manage their portfolios more effectively. Backed by strong regulatory compliance and trust, this product creates new opportunities for crypto and TradFi traders on Binance.”

Binance is the first global digital assets trading platform to obtain a comprehensive suite of licenses under the Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM) framework, setting a new standard for digital asset regulation. TradFi Perpetual Contracts are offered by Nest Exchange Limited, a Binance entity regulated by the Financial Services Regulatory Authority (FSRA) of ADGM as a Recognized Investment Exchange.

The inaugural TradFi Perpetual Contracts, XAUUSDT and XAGUSDT, correspond to the respective precious metals gold and silver. Binance is actively working to expand the offering with more trading pairs to further bridge traditional and crypto markets.

This launch opens TradFi instruments to existing crypto users while also welcoming traditional market participants to explore digital assets on the regulated Binance platform. It reinforces Binance’s industry-leading commitment to increasing user choices and connecting traditional finance to crypto, all while adhering to high regulatory standards.

TradFi perpetual contracts are designed for a simple and seamless trading experience, with no expiry dates and eliminating the need for contract rollovers. Traders can use them to hedge, diversify, and amplify their portfolio strategies across traditional and digital assets.

Key Benefits and Features of TradFi Perpetual Contracts

• 24/7 Traditional Market Exposure: Unlike traditional markets limited to specific trading hours, Binance’s TradFi perpetual contracts allow continuous trading, covering pre-market, post-market, and night sessions for global accessibility and flexibility.
• Simple and Straightforward: Settled in USDT, these TradFi perpetual contracts feature a familiar settlement currency and a fee structure consistent with Binance’s current range of perpetual contracts. This offers users a straightforward, cost-effective way to diversify across asset classes on a trusted platform.
• Leverage to Amplify Trading: Users can amplify their exposure using available leverage, supporting diverse risk profiles and strategies.
• Robust and Reliable Pricing with Advanced Risk Management:
  Binance maintains continuous trading even when the underlying assets have limited market hours. To ensure fair and manage off-hour risk, Binance employs sophisticated pricing and risk management mechanisms:
  • Price Index: Aggregates data from multiple vendors, updating every second during market hours. Outside these hours, it remains fixed at the last value to maintain stability.
  • Mark Price: Updates every second during trading hours, applying a smoothed futures price calculated with an Exponentially Weighted Moving Average (EWMA) during off-hours to prevent sudden price swings.
  • Deviation Constraints: Limits divergence between Mark Price and Price Index (for example, ±3% for commodity contracts like XAUUSDT) to effectively manage risk in continuous trading.

TradFi Perpetual Contracts are available on Binance’s web platform, mobile app, and via API. Users can log into their Binance account, go to Binance Futures, and find the [TradFi] tab located under the symbol search bar to explore the available TradFi Perpetual contracts.

Disclaimer: Digital asset prices can be volatile. The value of your investment may go down or up and you may not get back the amount invested. You are solely responsible for your investment decisions and Binance is not liable for any losses you may incur. TradFi Perps are subject to high market risk and price volatility (particularly outside traditional market hours). You may be called upon at short notice to make additional margin deposits or interest payments. If the required margin deposits or interest payments are not made within the prescribed time, your collateral may be liquidated. Moreover, you will remain liable for any resulting deficit in your account and interest charged on your account. All of your margin balance may be liquidated in the event of adverse price movement. Past performance is not a reliable predictor of future performance. TradFi Perps do not represent ownership of the relevant underlying asset. Before trading, you should make an independent assessment of the appropriateness of the transaction in light of your own objectives and circumstances, including the risks and potential benefits. Consult your own advisers, where appropriate. This information should not be construed as financial or investment advice. To learn more about how to protect yourself, visit our Responsible Trading page. For more information, see our Terms of Use, Clearing Rules, Clearing Procedures, Contract Specifications and Risk Warning.

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.

BEIJING, Jan. 8, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — The Amgen Scholars Program (ASP) is an international program funded by the Amgen Foundation with the direction of Harvard University, aiming to increase research opportunities for students committed to pursuing careers in the field of biomedical science. Through the 8-or 10-weeks summer program, outstanding undergraduates from across the globe can undertake research projects under the instruction of world-class faculty, get involved in cutting-edge seminars and networking events, and take part in a symposium as representatives in their respective regions. From 2025-2027 there are (will be) 25 premier educational and research institutions across the U.S., Europe, Asia, Australia and Canada which can host the Amgen summer program. In Asia, there are 5 institutions, which are Tsinghua University, National University of Singapore, University of Tokyo，Kyoto University and International Institute of Information Technology, Hyderabad. Tsinghua’s main correspondent collaborator for the ASP is the School of Pharmaceutical Sciences (SPS), which has played an important role in the university’s life sciences development and frontier biomedical research.

12 excellent candidates studying in Asia will be selected for the coming program in 2026, whose part of meal allowance, student apartment or on-campus hotel are covered, and stipends and transport support will be offered. Each scholar will be assigned to a faculty member as his/her mentor during the research program. In addition, the scholar will have the opportunity to participate in lab and take part in a series of academic activities with postdocs, technicians or graduate students. These valuable experiences will stimulate scholars’ research interests and enhance their research ability, thus providing a stable foundation for their further study. Furthermore, we will organize other extra-curricular activities, such as networking events and culture exploration, to enable scholars to make acquaintance with new friends and learn more about Chinese culture. Our program turned out to be a meaningful and salutary one, as all scholars who participated in our program from 2019 to 2025 claimed that they benefited from it profoundly and created unforgettable memories together.

In recent years, Tsinghua University actively sought to cultivate diversified talents and facilitate international collaborations and has made significant progress in innovation-driven talent development. Tsinghua University will continue to provide an excellent program upon the success of previous programs with the Amgen Foundation.

For more information, please click:

http://tsinghuaamgenscholars.com/amgenscholars.html# 

HONG KONG, Jan. 8, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — CNN International Commercial (CNNIC) and NGK Insulators, LTD. (NGK), a global leader in ceramic technology, are launching a new cross-platform campaign to showcase cutting-edge technological advancements and their role in shaping a sustainable future. The campaign highlights how advanced technologies are addressing global challenges and driving digital transformation.

NGK is the exclusive sponsor of a special half-hour program, Innovate. Airing on CNN International in January 2026, the 30-minute special explores the stories behind business ideas, technological developments, and entrepreneurial breakthroughs that are reshaping our world. Digital content will also be available to further spotlight entrepreneurs, business leaders, and innovators who are moving the world toward a more sustainable future.

“We are thrilled to continue our long-standing partnership with NGK, a company that embodies the spirit of innovation and dedication to solving global challenges,” said Cathy Ibal, Senior Vice President, CNN International Commercial. “Through CNN’s compelling storytelling and deep audience engagement, we are confident that this cross-platform campaign will inspire global audiences with stories of innovative thinkers who are helping to shape a smarter and more sustainable future.”

“NGK Insulators will change its name to ‘NGK Corporation’ in April 2026 to accelerate the transformation of our business structure and advance our vision of becoming a company that contributes to carbon neutrality and a digital society through our unique ceramic technologies. Our partnership with CNN on Innovate, a program that spotlights forward-looking challenges and innovations, aligns perfectly with our commitment to pursue new opportunities and continue evolving as an organization. We are delighted that this collaboration will help further reinforce our pursuit of innovation,” said Shigeru Kobayashi, President, NGK INSULATORS, LTD.

The campaign also includes commercial production elements by CNNIC’s global brand studio, Create, including two branded videos, as well as a branded article exploring how advanced ceramic technologies are shaping an ideal world. Create also produced two branded films featuring Shigeru Kobayashi, President of NGK, where he discusses NGK’s vision to achieve full carbon neutrality by 2050 and the infinite possibilities of ceramics in contributing to the future of energy.

About CNN International Commercial

CNN International Commercial (CNNIC) is responsible for the business operations of CNN’s properties outside of the United States. All commercial activities for brands such as CNN International, CNN Arabic, CNN Style and CNN Business are aligned within the division. This encompasses advertising sales, sponsorship partnerships, commercial content development, content sales, brand licensing, distribution and out-of-home operations, business development and marketing for the world’s leading international news provider. CNNIC is a recognised industry leader in international advertising sales and its use of award-winning commercial content, produced through its Create unit and driven by its advanced data usage and digital capabilities, has resulted in strong and enduring partnerships with many of the world’s most recognised brands. Its Content Sales and Licensing unit has relationships with more than 1,000 affiliates ranging from licensing the CNN brand through to content supply contracts as well as offering consultancy services. For more information visit http://commercial.cnn.com

About NGK Insulators

NGK Insulators (NGK) is a leading company in the field of ceramics. Since its foundation in 1919, NGK has used its unique ceramic technology to provide numerous ground-breaking products that solve social issues. Today, NGK is active in more than 15 countries worldwide, with business foci including mobility, energy, IT and industry.

As one of the largest manufacturers of ceramic substrates for automotive catalytic converters, NGK is actively working to reduce the impact on the global environment. Under its medium- to long-term vision, “NGK Group Vision Road to 2050” looking ahead to 2050, the NGK Group is promoting a transformation of its business portfolio toward the Carbon Neutral (CN) and Digital Society (DS) fields. NGK’s advanced product lineup includes the “EnerCera” series — compact, thin, and high-energy-density lithium-ion rechargeable batteries that are essential for sustainable energy infrastructure. In addition, NGK has developed the Translucent Alumina Wafer, a key component that is gaining attention as an indispensable material for chiplet integration processes in semiconductor manufacturing.

Through providing innovative, high-quality products, NGK is committed to contributing to our society. In order to create a future where people can coexist with nature, we will continue to develop and provide products that support social infrastructure while preserving the environment. For more information visit https://www.ngk-insulators.com/en/

BEIJING, Jan. 8, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — At CES 2026, ROBOTERA showcases its flagship robotics lineup, including the L7 full-size humanoid robot, the Q5 wheeled humanoid robot, and the XHAND1 dexterous hand. Together, these products embody the “Hexa-Core” concept, highlighting strength, agility, precision, stability, durability, and adaptability across multiple application scenarios.

L7: Full-Size Humanoid with Strength, Dexterity, and Multi-Robot Collaboration

The L7 is the first full-size bipedal humanoid robot in China to combine large-scale dynamic motion with fine manipulation. At CES 2026, L7 demonstrates ultra-low-latency full-body teleoperation, showcasing how its human-scale structure enables precise manipulation while maintaining exceptional stability during complex movements.

Standing 171 cm tall and weighing 70 kg, L7 features human-like proportions, 55 degrees of freedom, and can carry up to 20 kg with both arms, delivering agile, powerful, and well-balanced motion. It supports full bipedal and upper-body configurations, adapting to different deployment scenarios and reducing on-site integration costs.

Q5: High-DOF Humanoid for Natural Motion Replication

Positioned to redefine service robots, the Q5 wheeled humanoid platform features 44 DoF across the body, enabling accurate replication of human motion. During on-site demonstrations, Q5 interacts naturally with visitors, delivers gifts, and performs actions such as squatting to pick up objects with smooth, coordinated movements. Its slim and refined design makes it suitable not only for research purposes, but also for highly interactive commercial service environments.

XHAND1: Fully Direct-Drive Dexterous Hand with Professional Precision

XHAND1 is a fully direct-drive, five-fingered dexterous hand with 12 active degrees of freedom. It offers a maximum single-hand grip force of 80 N and can lift objects weighing up to 25 kg. With fast response and precise control, XHAND1 demonstrates professional-level manipulation, including fine force and angle control during on-site interactive demonstrations.

XHAND1 is already adopted by leading robotics companies such as Skild AI, Humanoid AI, and Extend Robotics, as well as top universities and research institutions including UC Berkeley, MIT, and ByteDance Seed.

Hardware Portfolio Highlights

From L7’s powerful and dexterous full-body performance, to Q5’s ultra-human-like presence, and XHAND1’s high-precision manipulation, ROBOTERA’s hardware portfolio demonstrates strong capabilities in mechanical performance, stability, flexibility, and multi-scenario deployment.

To date, ROBOTERA has cumulatively delivered over 600 units, with its products deployed across global exhibition, retail, and logistics environments, underscoring the reliability and real-world value of its hardware platforms.