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Inclusive Design Gains Momentum as Canton Fair Spotlights Senior-Friendly Innovation

GUANGZHOU, China, May 23, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — As global demographics shift, the aging population becomes a defining force in product innovation. At the 137th China Import and Export Fair (Canton Fair), Chinese companies have been embracing this trend with technology-driven, senior-centric solutions designed to promote safety, independence, and dignity for older adults.

One standout exhibitor, Guangzhou SELAQUA Sanitary Ware Co., Ltd. (Aicube Care), drew attention with its modular bathroom systems tailored to senior users. Since entering the sector in 2010, the company has focused on high-end accessible designs, including a thermostatic shower panel with a built-in seat, an adjustable ceramic basin with a height-adaptable holder, U-shaped grab bars, and wall-mounted shower seats with supportive armrests and backrests. “As aging becomes a global issue, many buyers are realizing the growing demand in this sector,” said Katie Peng, Sales Manager at Aicube Care. “Some who hadn’t considered it before are now actively exploring opportunities after seeing our solutions.”

Aging-focused innovation also featured prominently in the Canton Fair’s first-ever Service Robots Zone. Zhejiang Fubao Intelligent Technology Co., Ltd. showcased an advanced companion robot built for elderly care. Equipped with AI-powered health monitoring, real-time physiological tracking, and telemedicine capabilities, the robot offers features such as blood oxygen detection, medication reminders, and emergency alert systems, all essential for seniors living independently.

Other senior-centric everyday solutions were exhibited during the 137th Canton Fair. Bio-based insoles with over 25% corn-derived PU provide superior cushioning and durability, offering seniors enhanced support for extended walking or standing. Meanwhile, height-adjustable, remote-controlled kitchens enable wheelchair users to effortlessly adjust cabinets and stoves to a comfortable working height.

On May 3rd, the Canton Fair hosted a themed event titled “Silver Economy: A New Paradigm for Aging-Friendly Products,” further emphasizing its strong focus on this emerging trend.

From adaptive home fixtures to smart health monitoring systems, exhibitors at the 137th Canton Fair are redefining what it means to age with comfort and confidence. Their innovations show that designing for older adults is no longer a niche but a vital part of mainstream innovation. These companies are not just capitalizing on a significant growth opportunity. They are also advancing a broader social mission: making aging more inclusive, safe, and empowering. As these innovations reach global markets, the Fair continues to be a pivotal platform for shaping a future that embraces aging with compassion and foresight.

 

Inclusive Design Gains Momentum as Canton Fair Spotlights Senior-Friendly Innovation

GUANGZHOU, China, May 23, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — As global demographics shift, the aging population becomes a defining force in product innovation. At the 137th China Import and Export Fair (Canton Fair), Chinese companies have been embracing this trend with technology-driven, senior-centric solutions designed to promote safety, independence, and dignity for older adults.

One standout exhibitor, Guangzhou SELAQUA Sanitary Ware Co., Ltd. (Aicube Care), drew attention with its modular bathroom systems tailored to senior users. Since entering the sector in 2010, the company has focused on high-end accessible designs, including a thermostatic shower panel with a built-in seat, an adjustable ceramic basin with a height-adaptable holder, U-shaped grab bars, and wall-mounted shower seats with supportive armrests and backrests. “As aging becomes a global issue, many buyers are realizing the growing demand in this sector,” said Katie Peng, Sales Manager at Aicube Care. “Some who hadn’t considered it before are now actively exploring opportunities after seeing our solutions.”

Aging-focused innovation also featured prominently in the Canton Fair’s first-ever Service Robots Zone. Zhejiang Fubao Intelligent Technology Co., Ltd. showcased an advanced companion robot built for elderly care. Equipped with AI-powered health monitoring, real-time physiological tracking, and telemedicine capabilities, the robot offers features such as blood oxygen detection, medication reminders, and emergency alert systems, all essential for seniors living independently.

Other senior-centric everyday solutions were exhibited during the 137th Canton Fair. Bio-based insoles with over 25% corn-derived PU provide superior cushioning and durability, offering seniors enhanced support for extended walking or standing. Meanwhile, height-adjustable, remote-controlled kitchens enable wheelchair users to effortlessly adjust cabinets and stoves to a comfortable working height.

On May 3rd, the Canton Fair hosted a themed event titled “Silver Economy: A New Paradigm for Aging-Friendly Products,” further emphasizing its strong focus on this emerging trend.

From adaptive home fixtures to smart health monitoring systems, exhibitors at the 137th Canton Fair are redefining what it means to age with comfort and confidence. Their innovations show that designing for older adults is no longer a niche but a vital part of mainstream innovation. These companies are not just capitalizing on a significant growth opportunity. They are also advancing a broader social mission: making aging more inclusive, safe, and empowering. As these innovations reach global markets, the Fair continues to be a pivotal platform for shaping a future that embraces aging with compassion and foresight.


Photo – https://laotiantimes.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/image_969985_25478765-1.jpg 

Korean Megahit Shampoo, Grabity, Launches in Taiwan “Just wash your hair—and it’ll look thicker.”

  • The K-beauty shampoo developed by a world-renowned scientist from MIT has become a hot topic following its launch on Taiwan’s Momo Home Shopping channel

  • Clinically proven: one use increases hair thickness by 19.22% and volume by 87.27%

  • 100% vegan formula, Dermatest “Excellent” rating, eco-friendly packaging—epitomizing clean beauty

TAIPEI and SEOUL, South Korea, May 23, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — The Korean hair loss care brand Grabity, co-developed by world-renowned MIT scientist Professor Haeshin Lee and researchers from KAIST (Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology), officially launched in Taiwan on May 22 through Momo TV Shopping, where it received an explosive response—selling out mostly during its debut broadcast.

Korean Megahit Shampoo, Grabity, Launches in Taiwan “Just wash your hair—and it’ll look thicker.”
Korean Megahit Shampoo, Grabity, Launches in Taiwan “Just wash your hair—and it’ll look thicker.”

The live show aired at 8 PM on the 22nd, hosted by Sharon Tsui, a prominent Momo TV Shopping personality. Tsui emphasized the product’s scientific backing throughout the segment. The entire stock exhausted shortly in record time, and both Momo’s website and customer service center were soon overwhelmed with restock inquiries.

Grabity Shampoo features a high concentration of KAIST’s patented active ingredient, LiftMax 308™, a polyphenol-based complex that forms a protective barrier on hair strands to reduce damage. Clinical trials have proven that a single use increases hair thickness by 19.22% and volume by 87.27%.

Its delivery and sustained-release mechanisms were published in the peer-reviewed international journal Advanced Materials Interfaces, offering strong scientific validation.

Grabity is formulated with a 100% vegan blend using EWG Grade 1 ingredients and has earned an Excellent rating from Germany’s Dermatest, fully aligning with the rising global demand for clean beauty. The shampoo is also packaged in sustainable containers made from recycled coconut shells.

Since its launch in Korea just one year ago, Grabity has become a runaway hit—recording over 1.2 million units sold and KRW20 billion (approx. USD15M) in cumulative sales. It famously sold out in just 39 minutes at Korea’s top H&B store Olive Young, with resale prices reaching up to five times retail. Its rapid sellout in Taiwan is seen as a strong signal for further expansion across Asia’s premium beauty market.

A Momo TV Shopping spokesperson stated, “Grabity is the perfect global partner, offering functionality, a compelling brand story, and a commitment to sustainability. We look forward to bringing more world-class brands to Taiwanese consumers.”

About Polyphenol Factory
Polyphenol Factory was founded in 2023 as a startup by faculty members of KAIST (Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology). With a team of world-class scientists and young innovators, the company is commercializing cutting-edge technologies derived from natural polyphenols. With the vision of “innovating everyday life through science,” Polyphenol Factory is driving new waves of change in the global market.

Press Contact:
Anna Lee
yimijin@gmail.com

CARsgen’s Satri-cel Abstract Available on ASCO Website

SHANGHAI, May 23, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — CARsgen Therapeutics Holdings Limited (Stock Code: 2171.HK), a company focused on developing innovative CAR T-cell therapies, announces that an abstract of the research results of the confirmatory Phase II clinical trial of satricabtagene autoleucel (“satri-cel”, CT041) (an autologous CAR T-cell product candidate against protein Claudin18.2) for advanced gastric/gastroesophageal junction cancer (G/GEJC) in China (CT041-ST-01, NCT04581473) is available on the American Society of Clinical Oncology (“ASCO”) website.

Title

Claudin18.2-specific CAR T cells (Satri-cel) versus treatment of physician’s choice (TPC) for previously treated advanced gastric or gastroesophageal junction cancer (G/GEJC): Primary results from a randomized, open-label, phase II trial (CT041-ST-01)

Abstract Number

4003

Session Type and Title

Oral Abstract Session – Gastrointestinal Cancer— Gastroesophageal, Pancreatic, and Hepatobiliary

Session Date and Time

May 31, 2025, 3:00–6:00 PM CDT

This open-label, multicenter, randomized controlled trial (RCT) was conducted in China to compare the efficacy and safety of satri-cel versus standard of care (SOC) in CLDN18.2 positive, advanced G/GEJC patients with failure to at least 2 prior lines of treatment. The primary endpoint was PFS assessed by the Independent Review Committee (IRC). Key secondary endpoint was OS. Data cutoff date was Oct 18, 2024.

Patients were randomized (2:1) to satri-cel arm or TPC arm. For satri-cel arm, satri-cel dose of 250×106 cells were infused up to 3 times. For TPC arm, one of the standard of care (SOC) drugs (apatinib, paclitaxel, docetaxel, irinotecan or nivolumab) was given per physician’s decision. Those who experienced disease progression or drug intolerance in TPC arm could receive subsequent satri-cel, if eligible.

From Mar 29, 2022 to Aug 16, 2024, a total of 156 patients were randomized to satri-cel arm (n = 104) or TPC arm (n = 52). Twenty patients in TPC arm received subsequent satri-cel. Median number of prior systemic therapies was 2 in both arms, and 26.9% vs 19.2% had received ≥3 lines. 71.2% vs 65.4% were Lauren diffuse/mixed type. 69.2% vs 59.6% had peritoneal metastasis.

In ITT population (i.e., all randomized patients), satri-cel arm showed significant improvement in mPFS by IRC (3.25m vs 1.77m; HR 0.366, 95% CI:0.241, 0.557; p < 0.0001) meeting the primary endpoint with a 63% reduction in risk of disease progression or death. Even with 15.4% (n=16) patients in satri-cel arm failing to receive infusion and nearly 40% (n=20) patients in TPC arm receiving subsequent satri-cel, satri-cel arm still demonstrated a clear trend toward OS benefit (mOS 7.92m vs 5.49m; HR 0.693, 95% CI: 0.457, 1.051; one-sided p = 0.0416) , showing over 30% reduction in mortality risk.

More importantly, in mITT population (i.e. patients who were actually treated), 136 patients received study drug (satri-cel 88 patients vs TPC 48 patients), mPFS by IRC was 4.37m vs 1.84m, HR 0.304 (95% CI: 0.195, 0.474), representing a 70% reduction in risk of disease progression or death. The mOS was 8.61m vs 5.49m, HR 0.601 (95%CI: 0.385, 0.939), corresponding to 40% reduction in mortality risk. These results demonstrate that satri-cel treatment benefits were pronounced in patients who actually received CAR-T infusion.

Of particular note, 20 TPC patients with subsequent satri-cel infusion achieved an mOS of 9.20 months. When analyzing all 108 patients who received satri-cel infusion (88 patients in satri-cel arm and 20 patients in TPC arm), the mOS reached 9.17 months, while the mOS of 28 patients in TPC arm who did not receive satri-cel treatment was only 3.98 months (HR 0.288; 95% CI: 0.169-0.492). These findings provide further evidence that satri-cel infusion can deliver substantial survival benefits for patients.

Furthermore, satri-cel demonstrated a favorable overall safety profile. Only 4 cases of Grade 3 cytokine release syndrome (CRS) were reported, and no Grade 4-5 CRS events were observed. No immune effector cell-associated neurotoxicity syndrome (ICANS) was reported.

This is the first confirmatory RCT of CAR-T therapy in solid tumors. Satri-cel demonstrated significant PFS improvement and a clinically meaningful OS benefit with a manageable safety profile in CLDN18.2 positive G/GEJC patients with failure to at least 2 prior lines of treatment, compared to standard therapy. These results support satri-cel as a potential new SOC for advanced G/GEJC.

About Satri-cel

Satri-cel is an autologous CAR T-cell product candidate against the protein Claudin18.2 that has the potential to be the first-in-class globally. Satri-cel targets the treatment of Claudin18.2 positive solid tumors with a primary focus on G/GEJA and pancreatic cancer (PC). Initiated trials include investigator-initiated trials (CT041-CG4006, NCT03874897), a confirmatory Phase II clinical trial for advanced G/GEJA in China (CT041-ST-01, NCT04581473), a Phase I clinical trial for PC adjuvant therapy in China (CT041-ST-05, NCT05911217), an investigator-initiated trial for satri-cel be used as consolidation treatment following adjuvant therapy in patients with resected G/GEJA (CT041-CG4010, NCT06857786), and a Phase 1b/2 clinical trial for advanced gastric or pancreatic adenocarcinoma in North America (CT041-ST-02, NCT04404595). Satri-cel has been granted Breakthrough Therapy Designation by the Center for Drug Evaluation of China’s National Medical Products Administration for the treatment of Claudin18.2-positive advanced G/GEJA in patients who have failed at least two prior lines of therapy in March 2025. Satri-cel was granted Regenerative Medicine Advanced Therapy designation by U.S. FDA for the treatment of advanced G/GEJA with Claudin18.2-positive tumors in January 2022. Satri-cel received Orphan Drug designation from the U.S. FDA in September 2020 for the treatment of G/GEJA.

About CARsgen Therapeutics Holdings Limited

CARsgen is a biopharmaceutical company focusing on developing innovative CAR T-cell therapies to address the unmet clinical needs including but not limited to hematologic malignancies, solid tumors and autoimmune diseases. CARsgen has established end-to-end capabilities for CAR T-cell research and development covering target discovery, preclinical research, product clinical development, and commercial-scale production. CARsgen has developed novel in-house technologies and a product pipeline with global rights to address challenges faced by existing CAR T-cell therapies. Efforts include improving safety profile, enhancing the efficacy in treating solid tumors, and reducing treatment costs, etc. CARsgen’s mission is to be a global biopharmaceutical leader that provides innovative and differentiated cell therapies for patients worldwide and makes cancer and other diseases curable.

Forward-looking Statements

All statements in this press release that are not historical fact or that do not relate to present facts or current conditions are forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements express the Group’s current views, projections, beliefs and expectations with respect to future events as of the date of this press release. Such forward-looking statements are based on a number of assumptions and factors beyond the Group’s control. As a result, they are subject to significant risks and uncertainties, and actual events or results may differ materially from these forward-looking statements and the forward-looking events discussed in this press release might not occur. Such risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, those detailed under the heading “Principal Risks and Uncertainties” in our most recent annual report and interim report and other announcements and reports made available on our corporate website, https://www.carsgen.com. No representation or warranty is given as to the achievement or reasonableness of, and no reliance should be placed on, any projections, targets, estimates or forecasts contained in this press release.

Eisai to Present E7386, Co-created by PRISM BioLab and Eisai, at the ASCO (American Society of Clinical Oncology) Annual Meeting

Abstract Released for E7386, Co-Developed Through Collaborative Research Between Eisai and PRISM

TOKYO, May 23, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — PRISM BioLab, Co. Ltd. (“PRISM”), a leading discovery and development biotechnology company designing small molecule inhibitors of protein-protein interaction (PPI) targets, today announced that the analysis of a combination study of E7386(*1), created through collaboration research with Eisai Co., Ltd. (“Eisai”), and Lenvatinib mesylate (“lenvatinib”) (*2) will be presented by Eisai at the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) Congress 2025, held in Chicago, USA from May 30 to June 3, 2025. The abstract of the study has been released today.

To determine the optimal dose of E7386 in combination with Lenvatinib in the open-label Phase Ib study (NCT04008797(*3)), expansion cohort of advanced endometrial cancer patients progressed following platinum-based chemotherapy and anti-PD-(L)1 immunotherapy have been implemented by Eisai and the enrollment of 30 patients was completed. By data cutoff (Oct 22, 2024), with 9 patients remaining on treatment, 30% (9 patients) showed the confirmed response (decrease of tumor size > 30%) for an overall response rate of 30.0%. Furthermore, among patients without prior Lenvatinib treatment, the overall response rate was 42.9%.

Completing the enrollment of dose expansion cohort (n=30), the results confirmed promising preliminary antitumor activity of E7386 + Lenvatinib with a manageable safety profile. For the subsequent dose-optimization part for E7386 + LEN in advanced endometrial cancer, enrollment of patients had been initiated (NCT04008797).

(*1) E7386

E7386 is an orally available small molecule CBP/ β-catenin inhibitor that inhibits protein-protein interactions between the transcription factor CBP and β-catenin, and regulates the Wnt signaling. E7386 achieved clinical POC (Proof of concept) in October 2021 and following clinical studies are ongoing including phase I for solid tumors as monotherapy, Phase Ib for solid tumors in combination with tyrosine kinase inhibitor Lenvatinib, Phase Ib/II for solid tumors in combination with pembrolizumab, the anti-PD-1 antibody from Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, NJ, USA.

(*2) Lenvatinib

Lenvatinib is a multi-kinase inhibitor, discovered by Eisai and being co-developed and co-commercialized under a collaboration agreement with Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, NJ, USA, which inhibits vascular endothelial growth factor receptors (VEGFRs),VEGFR1, VEGR2, VEGFR3 and fibroblast growth factor receptors (FGFRs), FGFR1, FGFR2, FGFR3, FGFR4, and other receptor tyrosine kinases, PDGFR-alpha, KIT, RET. Lenvatinib have been approved for thyroid cancer, hepatocellular carcinoma, thymic caner and renal cell carcinoma (in combination with Everolimus or pembrolizumab, the anti-PD-1 antibody from Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, NJ, USA.). Lenvatinib is also approved for endometrium cancer in combination with pembrolizumab 

(*3) NCT04008797

NCT04008797 is an open-label Phase Ib study of E7386 in combination with other anticancer drug, Lenvatinib for the patients with solid tumors. The study has been implemented by Eisai in Japan, Korea, Taiwan region, US, and France determine the safety and the recommended phase 2 dose (RP2D) and also to see the pharmacokinetics and efficacy of E7386 + Lenvatinib. Enrolment of each cohort of hepatic, colon, endometrial cancers are ongoing. 

About PRISM BioLab

PRISM BioLab is a discovery and development biotechnology company utilizing proprietary PepMetics® technology to discover orally available small molecule inhibitors of protein-protein interaction (PPI) targets and transform lives of patients suffering from cancer, autoimmune, fibrosis and other diseases. PepMetics® are a unique class of small molecules that mimic three-dimensional structures of alpha-helix and beta-turn, the peptide structures commonly found in intracellular PPI interphases and receptor-ligand interactions. By combining proprietary chemistry, know-how around PPI targets and AI-supported design, PepMetics® technology can deliver inhibitors of challenging PPI targets. The technology holds promise to expand the field of drug discovery by turning previously undruggable PPIs into targets readily druggable with small molecules and by generating oral small molecule alternatives for injectable biologics.

PRISM BioLab is collaborating on new PPI targets with global and Japanese pharmaceutical companies. PepMetics® targeting CBP/beta-catenin PPIs licensed to Eisai Co., Ltd. and Ohara Pharmaceuticals Co., Ltd. are in clinical development for cancer and liver disease, respectively.

www.prismbiolab.com

Great Novel Therapeutics Biotech & Medicals Corporation (GNTbm) Presented Preclinical Data on GNTnm-38, an Novel Epigenetic Immune Activator, at the 2025 ASCO Annual Meeting

TAIPEI, May 23, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — GNTbm (stock code: 7427, Taiwan) announced the preclinical data on GNTbm-38, an novel epigenetic immune activator for cancer immunotherapy. GNTbm-38 was presented as posters at the 2025 American Association of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) Annual Meeting, which is held in Chicago, USA, from May 30 to Jun 04, 2025.

Abstract: 2574

Title: Preclinical development of GNTbm-38, a novel class I histone deacetylase inhibitor, while combined with anti-VEGFR TKI or anti-PD-1 Ab: Assessment of immune activation and immune memory in cancer immunotherapy.

Session Date/Time: 6/2/2025, 1:30 PM-4:30 PM CT

Poster Board Number: 221

At present, there is no ICI-based drug combination for the treatment of advanced MSS colorectal cancer, which is a cold tumor. Studies have shown that epigenetic regulators such as class I HDAC inhibitors are an emerging and important drug component for combination therapy that can greatly increase the anti-cancer benefits of cancer immunotherapy. Therefore, rational drug combinations, containing class I HDACi, may provide opportunities in cancer immunotherapy.

GNTbm-38 is a new drug candidate independently developed by GNTbm. GNTbm-38 acts as a TME reprogramming regulator in immunotherapy. When combined with TKI, GNTbm-38 significantly improved tumor response rate and survival rate through synergistic effect by normalizing tumor vessels, increasing tumor antigen presentation, increasing activated CD8+ T cell infiltration into tumors, inducing memory T cell persistence, and inhibiting mobilization of immunosuppressive cells into tumors. On the other hand, treatment with GNTbm-38 plus anti-PD-1 antibody in the CT-26 model showed greatly improved tumor response rate and survival rate with a strong synergistic effect. Furthermore, in B-hPD-1/hPD-L1 mice (humanized model) subcutaneously injected with B-hPD-L1 CT-26 cells, treatment of pembrolizumab and GNTbm-38 resulted in a 46.5% inhibition on tumor growth. Therefore, our data provided a strong rationale to explore the combination of GNTbm-38 with anti-VEGF TKI with or without ICI. From these data GNTm-38 has been shown to display powerful induction of immune activation and immune memory in combination therapy with TKI/ICI against colon CT-26 cold tumor. Based on the in vitro, in vivo and preclinical studies, these data show that GNTbm-38 exhibits markedly superior pharmacokinetics, tolerability, and efficacy in animal models. It is expected to complete the US IND application by the end of 2025 and enter the clinical study.

About GNTbm-38

GNTbm-38 is a new chemical entity with potential as a pivotal drug component of a new generation of cancer immunotherapy independently developed by GNTbm. It is a drug candidate selected by an immuno-competent tumor-bearing animal testing platform, and has undergone many preclinical research studies to confirm that it has very outstanding anti-cancer activity in tumor microenvironment. GNTbm-38 is an oral drug with dual effects of epigenetic regulation of gene expression and immune activation, which is unique when compared to the mechanism of other epigenetic drugs. GNTbm-38 can remodel the tumor microenvironment (TME) through a unique epigenetic regulatory mechanism, including the cell composition and gene expression that affect the TME, so that “cold tumors” can be transformed into “hot tumors”, which can attract CTL to infiltrate into the TME, and at the same time, it can also reduce the attraction of immunosuppressive cells (such as : TAM, Treg, and MDSCs) into the TME, so as to achieve the remodeling of the TME, which is more conducive to obtaining the therapeutic benefits of cancer immunotherapy. GNTbm-38 monotherapy can be used in the treatment of hematological tumors, and GNTbm-38 can also be combined with a unique multi-kinase inhibitor or immune checkpoint inhibitor for treatment of a variety of solid tumors, mainly through a unique anti-cancer immune-regulating mechanism to achieve anti-cancer treatment goals.

About GNTbm

GNTbm (stock code: 7427, Taiwan) is a company that has conducted clinical trials and developed a new drug against advanced breast cancer on the market in Taiwan. The GNTbm R&D team has the ability to independently develop new drugs, and has multiple anti-cancer drug candidates with global development rights, with the goal of meeting the unmet clinical needs of patients with advanced cancers. GNTbm mainly focuses on the development of drugs with innovative mechanisms for the new generation of cancer immunotherapy, conducts clinical validation, and hopes to successfully provide novel immunotherapy with excellent efficacy and safety for varieties of cancer indications, to fulfil the unmet medical needs of patients around the world and improve the quality of life of patients.

 

Manulife Shares Responsible AI Principles at Reuters Momentum AI Summit

Jodie Wallis, Global Chief Analytics Officer, Outlines How Manulife is Using AI Responsibly

C$ unless otherwise stated                                             TSX/NYSE/PSE: MFC     SEHK: 945

TORONTO, May 23, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Manulife’s Responsible AI Principles were shared during the Reuters Momentum AI Summit in New York last month. These principles guide the design, development, and deployment of Manulife’s Artificial Intelligence (AI) solutions, which includes over 43 GenAI use cases in production, as of Q1 2025, an equivalent amount slated to be deployed across the organization by year end and over 450 ideas in evaluation1.

Manulife’s Responsible AI Principles empower the firm to deliver value from AI for its customers, colleagues and society. With the fast pace of change in AI, Manulife will evolve its Principles as it learns and grows, as the industry matures, and as new or updated regulations emerge. Manulife’s Responsible AI Principles are:

  • To use data and AI in ways that are aligned to the company’s Code of Business Conduct and Ethics and Impact Agenda.
  • To prioritize the safety of customers, colleagues and organization through sound delivery and governance processes.
  • To endeavor to align AI efforts with a commitment to a sustainable future, by designing energy-efficient AI solutions and partnering with companies who share Manulife’s values.
  • To implement practices intended to make AI solutions and their use of data free from bias, explainable, and reliable, while maintaining the appropriate accountability for decision making.
  • To prioritize human agency and empower our colleagues to use AI tools to enhance their skills and experience, knowing these are crucial for the future.
  • To continually learn from and work with industry partners and AI experts to foster innovation and evolve our commitment to Responsible AI.

“As organizations increasingly rely on AI, being committed to responsible AI use is paramount and Manulife is proud to be a responsible AI steward,” says Karen Leggett, Global Chief Marketing Officer for Manulife. “GenAI is enabling us to better serve our customers, find innovative ways of working, and accelerate our ambition of becoming the most digital customer-centric company in our industry. At the same time, Manulife is taking great care to embed ethical AI principles in every application and workflow.”

______________________________

1 Manulife’s AI team has 450 employee-submitted ideas in queue for review.

Manulife is leading by example as Jodie Wallis, Global Chief Analytics Officer for Manulife, spoke at Reuters Momentum AI Summit in New York, where she, alongside industry leaders, discussed the future of artificial intelligence and its impact on global business. In her remarks, Wallis outlined how Manulife is using AI ethically and responsibly, providing benefits to customers while safeguarding their data and privacy.

“We are committed to harnessing AI responsibly, ensuring it aligns to our core values and supports our mission to make decisions easier and lives better,” says Wallis. “Our AI Principles highlight the importance of ethical adoption, and we are dedicated to cultivating a collaborative environment that tackles the complexities of AI while ensuring it remains safe, trustworthy, and beneficial for all.”

Manulife has been actively investing in and scaling AI capabilities since 2016. In the past three years, the firm has significantly increased the valuei enabled through advanced analytics and AI by expanding its AI solutions portfolio and increasing efficiency through data and AI platform investmentsii, all driven by the company’s responsible AI framework.

As of Q1 2025, Manulife has:

  • Over 43 GenAI use cases in production and over 450 ideas in evaluation
  • Approximately 200 data scientists and machine learning engineers
  • Global access to GenAI tools for all colleagues
  • A GenAI skills-building program for users, leaders and practitioners

The summit also provided a platform for Wallis to discuss the importance of educating and training colleagues on AI technologies.

“Empowering our workforce with the knowledge and skills to harness AI responsibly is crucial to our success and aligns with our commitment to a productive and ethical use of technology,” says Wallis.

Manulife expects its digital investments and capabilities, including AI-enabled enhancements, to generate a threefold return on investment over five years through 2027, with over $600 million of benefits2 realized in 2024 from our digital customer leadership initiatives globally. To learn more about Manulife’s AI progress, visit: manulife.com/AI

_____________________________________

2 The benefits from our global digital, customer leadership initiatives include expense saves, growth absorption, revenue benefits (margin businesses) and new business CSM growth (insurance). 

Caution regarding forward-looking statements

This document contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the “safe harbour” provisions of Canadian provincial securities laws and the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 with respect to Manulife’s use of its digital capabilities, including AI and AI-enabled tools, and the expected benefits it expects to realize. Although we believe that the expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements are reasonable, such statements involve risks and uncertainties, and undue reliance should not be placed on such statements. Certain material factors or assumptions are applied in making forward-looking statements, and actual results may differ materially from those expressed or implied in such statements. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from expectations include but are not limited to general business and economic conditions; changes in laws and regulations with respect to the use of AI-enabled tools; our ability to execute our digital plans and to deploy future digital use cases; our ability to adapt products and services to the changing market; our ability to attract and retain key employees; and our ability to protect our intellectual property and exposure to claims of infringement from others. Additional information about material risk factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from expectations may be found in our most recent annual and interim reports and elsewhere in our filings with Canadian and U.S. securities regulators.

The forward-looking statements in this document are, unless otherwise indicated, stated as of the date hereof. We do not undertake to update any forward-looking statements, except as required by law.

About Manulife  

Manulife Financial Corporation is a leading international financial services provider, helping our customers make their decisions easier and lives better. With our global headquarters in Toronto, Canada, we operate as Manulife across Canada, Asia, and Europe, and primarily as John Hancock in the United States, providing financial advice and insurance for individuals, groups and businesses. Through Manulife Wealth & Asset Management, we offer global investment, financial advice, and retirement plan services to individuals, institutions, and retirement plan members worldwide. At the end of 2024, we had more than 37,000 employees, over 109,000 agents, and thousands of distribution partners, serving over 36 million customers. We trade as ‘MFC’ on the Toronto, New York, and the Philippine stock exchanges, and under ‘945’ in Hong Kong. 
 
Not all offerings are available in all jurisdictions. For additional information, please visit manulife.com

Media Contact
Gina Simonis
617-840-4794
GSimonis@Manulife.com

Binggrae to Expand Presence in Southeast Asia Through Participation in ‘THAIFEX 2025’

SEOUL, South Korea, May 23, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Binggrae, South Korea’s leading food company, has announced its participation in ‘THAIFEX – Anuga Asia 2025,’ as part of its broader strategy to expand into Southeast Asian markets.

A bird's eye view of the booth of Binggrae 'THAIFEX 2025'
A bird’s eye view of the booth of Binggrae ‘THAIFEX 2025’

Binggrae is renowned for its diverse product lineup, including the best-selling Banana Flavored Milk and the iconic Melona ice bar. Since its founding in 1967, Binggrae has become a household name in Korea.

Binggrae will operate a promotional booth (1-KK29) at the exhibition, which will take place from May 27 to 31 in Bangkok, Thailand. Visitors will have the opportunity to explore Binggrae’s flagship products — such as Melona, Banana Flavored Milk, and Samanco (fish-shaped ice cream) — which are already available in Thailand and other Southeast Asian markets. Binggrae also aims to forge new global business partnerships during the event. Additionally, the company will showcase new product launches, as well as popular ice cream products from its subsidiary, Haitai Ice, positioning the event as a springboard for future sales growth across the region.

THAIFEX – Anuga Asia is Southeast Asia’s largest food and beverage trade show, co-hosted by Koelnmesse — the global exhibition organizer behind ANUGA, the world’s largest food trade fair held in Germany — and the Thai government. Alongside SEOUL FOOD and FOODEX Japan, it is considered one of the top three food industry exhibitions in Asia, drawing participation from over 3,100 companies representing 52 countries.

Binggrae has been exporting its ice cream products including Melona and Samanco to Thailand since 2007. These items are currently sold at premium supermarket chains such as Gourmet Market, Foodland, and Max Valu. The company has also installed branded freezers in these retail locations to enhance visibility and engagement with Thai consumers.

Looking ahead, Binggrae plans to accelerate its expansion in Southeast Asia by securing broader distribution across Thailand. The company intends to strengthen brand recognition for its ice cream portfolio through targeted marketing campaigns, with Melona at the forefront. Furthermore, Binggrae will introduce new export-exclusive Banana Flavored Milk products designed for ambient distribution, further diversifying its offerings in the region.

Meanwhile Binggrae recently launched an official global YouTube channel, O My Guide (www.youtube.com/@OMG_omyguide), which features engaging K-food content tailored to international audiences.

A Binggrae spokesperson commented, “Our participation in THAIFEX 2025 is a key step toward raising awareness of our core products among Thai consumers and accelerating our entry into the high-potential Southeast Asian market.”