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Officials Inspect 475 Buildings in Golden Triangle SEZ, Find No Online Gaming Operations

475 Buildings in Golden Triangle SEZ, Find No Online Gaming Operations

Authorities in the Golden Triangle Special Economic Zone have reported full compliance with orders to suspend online gaming operations following a four-day inspection of buildings across the zone.

The Golden Triangle Special Economic Zone Police Department said on 17 December that inspections were carried out under the guidance of the SEZ’s Management Authority. A special task force conducted checks from 8 to 11 December, focusing on buildings previously notified to cease online gaming activities.

The task force comprised 77 officials divided into four teams. They inspected a total of 475 buildings throughout the zone.

According to the police department, inspectors found that all buildings subject to the notice had complied with the suspension order.

Officials noted that some buildings were found to be vacant, while others had temporarily suspended services. No illegal online gaming activities were detected during the inspections.

Authorities said the inspections aimed to confirm compliance with the online gaming suspension and to maintain peace, order, and security within the Golden Triangle Special Economic Zone.

The inspection exercise also sought to create transparency and confidence for potential investors interested in lawful business activities within the zone, as authorities continue efforts to promote orderly and sustainable economic development.

Officials said monitoring and enforcement measures will continue to ensure ongoing compliance with regulations governing activities in the Golden Triangle Special Economic Zone.

KLN Wins Arcelik Hitachi Hong Kong Contract for Repair Hub Setup and Aftersales Services

HONG KONG, Dec. 17, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — KLN Logistics Group Limited (‘KLN’; Stock Code 0636.HK) is pleased to announce a new partnership with Arcelik Hitachi Home Appliances Sales Hong Kong Limited (‘AHHK’) to support its aftersales logistics and repair hub setup in Hong Kong. This collaboration strengthens KLN’s position in delivering tailored, high-performance logistics solutions for global home appliance leaders.

Under the agreement, KLN will manage the setup of repair hub facilities, warehousing operations, aftersales delivery, installation and One Bell services for AHHK’s consumer products. KLN is serving the Hitachi workshop and warehouse parts area with 15,000 square feet, while handling 800 aftersales service delivery orders per month. This partnership builds on KLN’s proven expertise in scalable, tech-enabled logistics for multinational clients.

Samuel Lau, Managing Director – Integrated Logistics of KLN, said, “We are honoured to be selected by Arcelik Hitachi Hong Kong, a global leader in the home appliance industry. This partnership reflects our shared commitment to excellence, agility and digital transformation in supply chain management.”

Eiji Taninaka, Managing Director of Arcelik Hitachi Hong Kong, said, “An efficient and responsive supply chain is vital to the success of the electronics and home appliance sector. KLN’s logistics expertise and regional strength will empower our distribution network to deliver exceptional aftersales support, ensuring customers in Hong Kong receive timely services and dependable solutions.”

This partnership reinforces KLN’s role as a trusted logistics partner to global enterprises seeking operational excellence, digital integration and sustainable growth.

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About KLN Logistics Group Limited (Stock Code 0636.HK)

KLN (formerly Kerry Logistics Network Limited) is an Asia-based, global 3PL with a highly diversified business portfolio and extensive coverage in Asia. It offers a broad range of supply chain solutions from integrated logistics, international freight forwarding (air, ocean, road, rail and multimodal) and e-commerce to industrial project logistics and infrastructure investment.

With a global presence across 59 countries and territories, KLN has established a solid foothold in half of the world’s emerging markets. Its diverse infrastructure, extensive coverage in international gateways and local expertise span across the Chinese Mainland, India, Southeast Asia, the CIS, Middle East, LATAM and other locations.

KLN generated a revenue* of close to HK$60 billion in 2024. It is listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange and is a constituent of the Hang Seng Corporate Sustainability Benchmark Index.

* For continuing operations only

About Arçelik Hitachi Home Appliances

Arçelik Hitachi Home Appliances was established on July 1, 2021, as a joint venture between Arçelik A.S. and Hitachi Global Life Solutions, Inc. to manufacture, sell and provide after-sales services of Hitachi branded home appliances including refrigerators, washing machines, air-conditioner and vacuum cleaners globally (outside of the Japanese market). Arçelik acquired 60% ownership in the new company while Hitachi Global Life Solutions, Inc. still holds 40% shares of the company. This joint venture has combined expertise and strengths of the two brands such as R&D, procurement and production systems to optimize the joint venture’s global supply chain and strengthen its competitive positioning in the market.

Arcelik Hitachi’s official website: https://www.arcelik-hitachi-homeappliances.com/

Samsung TV Plus Marks 1st Anniversary in Southeast Asia with 13 New Channels Coming to the Platform


● 10 new channels from A+E Global Media and three of wedotv’s FAST channels will make their debut on Samsung TV Plus in Southeast Asia
● Since launching, the service expanded the number of channels across the region by over six-fold to 230+ channels across Southeast Asia, with a 70% rise in viewership year-on-year

SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 17 December 2025 – Samsung TV Plus, Samsung’s free ad-supported streaming TV (FAST) service is celebrating its first anniversary in Southeast Asia with the addition of 13 new channels – 10 from A+E Global Media and three from wedotv – to the platform. With this addition, entertainment-seekers in the region can enjoy round-the-clock access to hundreds of hours of new content, including popular hit series, action-packed reality shows, inspiring true stories and compelling documentaries, all at no cost.

Samsung TV Plus interface on a Samsung Smart TV
Samsung TV Plus interface on a Samsung Smart TV

Since its launch, Samsung TV Plus has been delivering free, instant access to a wide range of live TV channels across entertainment, news, movies and more via Samsung Smart TVs across the region. Today, the service is a trusted destination for free, premium content in Southeast Asia, offering over 230 channels across the total region– an over six-fold increase from the 20+ channels available in each country a year ago. As more people turn to ad-supported streaming platforms for content, Samsung TV Plus also saw a 70% rise in monthly active users and an 125% increase in total viewing hours year-on-year[i]. This rapid growth underscores the service’s content quality and widespread appeal to entertainment seekers in the region.

“Free streaming, and Smart TV penetration is rapidly growing across Southeast Asia, and Samsung TV plus is proud to be at the forefront in helping audiences discover the content they know and love all for free. As we mark our 1st anniversary, we are delighted to bring global partners like A+E Global Media and wedotv to further enhance the quality and diversity of content on our platform. As the service evolves, the focus is on collaborating with even more local creators and global partners to showcase the full richness of Asia across the region,” said Brigitte Slattery, Regional Head for Samsung TV Plus Asia-Pacific.

Enhancing Content Diversity with 10 New Channels from A+E Global Media

Launching in Singapore and Philippines in early 2026, the 10 new dedicated channels from A+E Global Media add to the diversity of content choices available on Samsung TV Plus. With hit series such as Ax Men, Dog The Bounty Hunter and Little Women: LA, viewers can immerse themselves in gripping real-life adventures and inspiring personal journeys.

From competitive dance in Bring It to survival stories in I Survived, and the adrenaline-fuelled challenges of Ice Road Truckers, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Fans of family drama and sharp humour will enjoy Duck Dynasty, while those who love the thrill of the unknown can dive into the mysteries of Ghost. Evolution Earth and Modern Marvels round up the line-up, offering 24/7 coverage of the wonders, ingenuity and imagination found in the world around us and beyond.

wedotv Brings Three New Channels to Asia Pacific

Launching in early 2026 in Singapore, Philippines and Thailand, wedotv is bringing three exciting new channels to Samsung TV Plus. wedotv sports will feature a diverse range of international events, including horse racing, Asian Tour golf, and SailGP, along with weekly highlight programs and documentaries about legendary athletes and teams. wedotv movies will cater to female audiences with popular romantic comedy, Hollywood and global films and will be available with local language subtitles. wedotv’s Time2rlx channel will offer viewers stunning environmental scenes paired with soothing sounds and music.

“We are pleased to announce that our partnership with Samsung TV Plus has grown to include the APAC region,” said Iza Piotrowska, Global Business Development Director, wedotv. “We recognise the particular needs of this market by continually refreshing and customising our programming offerings across all of our channels to ensure an exceptional entertainment experience for this highly diverse region.”

Celebrating a Year of Streaming Innovation with Samsung TV Plus

As Samsung TV Plus marks its 1st anniversary in Southeast Asia, the service has garnered a strong foothold, having amassed over 4.4 million SMART TVs across the region, reaching over 12 million unique audiences[ii].

To cater to the diverse languages and interests of viewers in the region, Samsung TV Plus has doubled down on its localisation efforts in the past year, adding channels like Premier Sports, Tap Sports, and UFC TV in the Philippines where viewers can catch live sporting events like the Ryder Cup and the UFC 321 fight nights for free. In Thailand, viewers can sit back and watch Zee Nung and Stingray Thai Pop with local language subtitles.

With the addition of 10 new channels from A+E Global Media and three new channels from wedotv, bringing hundreds of hours of content to Samsung TV Plus, this will further strengthen the service’s position as a trusted destination for free premium content, and expand the service’s appeal to more entertainment seekers across the region.


[i] Source: Data sourced from STVP Cascada database

Hashtag: #Samsung #SamsungTVPlus

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

About Samsung TV Plus

Samsung TV Plus is a premium global entertainment service and is the most used streaming app on Samsung Smart TVs. As a leader in FAST, Samsung TV Plus offers hundreds of channels and thousands of shows and movies on-demand in the U.S. Globally, the streaming service carries over 3,500 ad-supported linear channels in 30 countries and is accessible on over 630M active devices. Samsung TV Plus is the exclusive home of Conan O’Brien TV, Letterman TV, and hundreds of additional exclusive channels available worldwide. Samsung TV Plus is available on Samsung TVs, Galaxy devices, Samsung Smart Monitors, and Family Hub in selected regions. To learn more, visit

Singapore:
Philippines:
Thailand:

Malaysian SMEs Turn Market Turbulence into Opportunity with SME100 Awards Leading the Movement


KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA – Media OutReach Newswire – 17 December 2025 – The SME100 Awards has become one of the most trusted and influential platforms for high growth Malaysian enterprises, recognised for its rigorous evaluation standards and its role in identifying the country’s most promising businesses. Over the years, the programme has evolved into more than an award. It has become a springboard for SMEs seeking credibility, visibility and a supportive ecosystem in an increasingly volatile business landscape.

That landscape has grown more challenging than ever. Malaysian SMEs are operating in a climate defined by rising costs, talent shortages, complex regulatory requirements and tightening cash flow. Inflation continues to push operational expenses upward, while difficulties in hiring and retaining skilled talent have slowed growth for many. These pressures have created a harsh reality. Companies that lack adaptability risk losing market share, while those that act decisively are discovering opportunities in places previously overlooked.

Despite these obstacles, the SME sector has demonstrated a remarkable ability to rebound. Recent data shows that SME GDP grew by 11.6 percent, surpassing the national average and signalling that transformation, not stability, is driving growth. Many businesses have embraced digital tools, streamlined operations and explored new revenue pathways. The divide between surviving and thriving is becoming clearer, and it is defined by mindset, capability and speed.

In this environment, the SME100 Awards serves as a crucial platform for SMEs to strengthen their position. The programme provides a structured pathway for benchmarking performance, accessing regional networks and gaining recognition that matters to customers, partners and investors. By combining quantitative financial indicators with qualitative assessments and a full interview process, SME100 identifies companies that are not only resilient, but ready for the next phase of growth. For winners, the programme offers visibility, connection to a strong ASEAN SME community and access to continuous learning and collaboration opportunities.

Datuk William Ng, National President of SAMENTA, underscored the importance of this support. He said, “Malaysian SMEs are confronting some of the toughest market realities in decades. Yet the most progressive among them are proving that adversity can be a turning point. The SME100 Awards highlight these companies not simply for their achievements, but for the mindset they represent. They show the entire SME sector what is possible when we combine innovation, discipline and the willingness to change.”

The SME100 programme is further strengthened by the involvement of key industry partners. CTOS serves as the official credit reporting partner, Baker Tilly Malaysia as the official auditor and CGC Digital as the gold sponsor. Together, they enhance the transparency, credibility and relevance of the awards while reinforcing the broader ecosystem that supports SME growth.

For more information about the SME100 Awards 2025 Malaysia and the complete list of winners, please visit www.sme100.asia

LIST OF WINNERS OF THE MALAYSIA SME100 AWARDS 2025 (IN ALPHABETICAL ORDER):

  1. AA AVIATION SDN BHD
  2. AGENSI PEKERJAAN KAWA GLOBAL SDN BHD
  3. AL HIJRA HEALTHCARE SDN BHD
  4. AMD SOLUTIONS SDN BHD
  5. ARVIA SOLUTIONS
  6. AUTHENTIC TIMBER RESOURCES SDN BHD
  7. BIMAGE CONSULTING (M) SDN BHD
  8. BINA SKK SDN BHD
  9. BLACK GOLD SECURITY SDN BHD
  10. BUMI SENDAYAN SDN BHD
  11. CASA ENTERTAINMENT GROUP SDN BHD
  12. CEE INDUSTRIES SDN BHD
  13. CRILIGHT MARKETING (M) SDN BHD
  14. CRT INSIGHTS TECHNOLOGIES SDN BHD
  15. CTRM TESTING LABORATORY SDN BHD
  16. DAYASAKTI TRAVEL & TOURS SDN BHD
  17. DREAMAZE SDN BHD
  18. EDCA ENERGY SDN BHD
  19. EF STORE SDN BHD
  20. EG TECH SYSTEM SDN BHD
  21. ELITE MARKETING GROUP SDN BHD
  22. EVOPOINT SDN BHD
  23. FLEX SEAL & PUMP ENGINEERING SDN BHD
  24. FLEXI FLEX HYDRAULICS SDN BHD
  25. GREEN EXCEL ENGINEERING AND CONSULTANCY SDN BHD
  26. HAI SUAR HUAT PILING SDN BHD
  27. HEAP WAH BARAKAH SDN BHD
  28. IDMS TECHNOLOGIES SDN BHD
  29. IDPM ENGINEERING SDN BHD
  30. INDAH CLEANING SERVICES & MAINTENANCE (M) SDN BHD
  31. INDS CAPITAL SDN BHD
  32. IX REALTY SDN BHD
  33. J20 ADVANCE SDN BHD
  34. JIN SAN CONCRETE SDN BHD
  35. JNDESIGN MARKETING SDN BHD
  36. KIMAL AWNING & IRON WORKS SDN BHD
  37. KMS MANUFACTORY SDN BHD
  38. KPRJ E&C SDN BHD
  39. LES’ COPAQUE PRODUCTION SDN BHD
  40. LOGIX EXPRESS SDN BHD
  41. MABUCO SDN BHD
  42. MALGAZ INDUSTRIES SDN BHD
  43. MARCH INTERIOR STUDIO SDN BHD
  44. MATTECH MANUFACTURING SDN BHD
  45. MEOFCO SDN BHD
  46. MK HARAMAIN TRAVEL & TOURS SDN BHD
  47. MK PORRIDGE SDN BHD
  48. MTC CAFE AND RESTAURANT
  49. NEW KC TRADING SDN BHD
  50. NURSERY HONG SOON SDN BHD
  51. OG MARKETING GROUP SDN BHD
  52. QUANTUM COMPUTING SDN BHD
  53. RADDISH TECHNOLOGY SDN BHD
  54. RAY TECH (MALAYSIA) SDN BHD
  55. RFY ACES (M) SDN BHD
  56. SAI COND SALES & ENGINEERING SDN BHD
  57. SALAM MEDICAL CENTRE SDN BHD
  58. SARAMOLY (M) SDN BHD
  59. SATRIA TECHNOLOGIES SDN BHD
  60. SAUDAGAAR ASIA SDN BHD
  61. SIN THYE & COMPANY (PRO SAFETY)
  62. SIS INTEGRATED SDN BHD
  63. SK GLOBE BUSINESS CAPITAL SDN BHD
  64. SKA TRANSPORT (M) SDN BHD
  65. SKINVILLE SOLUTION SDN BHD
  66. SKY POWER SDN BHD
  67. SOFTWELL SDN BHD
  68. SOLAR VOLTECH SDN BHD
  69. SOLARLINK ENERGY SDN BHD
  70. SOON LEE STEEL SDN BHD
  71. SPEEDBRICK SDN BHD
  72. SSEMEDX SERVICES SDN BHD
  73. SUPER EDUCATIONAL ALLIANCE SDN BHD
  74. SUSTEN SDN BHD
  75. TERAS IMPIANA SDN BHD
  76. THONG WORLD SDN BHD
  77. TONG SHENG ENGINEERING SDN BHD
  78. TRUZ HOME SDN BHD
  79. UBINGO VACATIONS SDN BHD
  80. V CRITICAL ENGINEERING SDN BHD
  81. VIRTUAL ECONOMY TECHNOLOGY SDN BHD
  82. YPS TECHNOLOGY SDN BHD
  83. ZABSI INDUSTRIAL VENTILATION SDN BHD

SME100 OUTSTANDING INSPIRATIONAL ENTREPRENEUR AWARDS 2025

  • MR. DONAHUE CHONG – BIMAGE CONSULTING (M) SDN BHD
  • MR. EDWARD CHYE WEI YANG – EDCA ENERGY SDN BHD
  • MR. KALVIN CHUA – EVOPOINT SDN BHD
  • YBHG. DATO’ RAVINTHRAN S/O BALAH – INDAH CLEANING SERVICES & MAINTENANCE (M) SDN BHD
  • MR. BENJAMIN GUNG SIE KAI – JIN SAN CONCRETE SDN BHD
  • MR. CHIN KAH SHING – NURSERY HONG SOON SDN BHD
  • MR. YEE HONG HO – RFY ACES (M) SDN BHD
  • MR. DESMOND GOH – SKY POWER SDN BHD
  • MR. SIEW YOUNG MING – SSEMEDX SERVICES SDN BHD
  • IR. BAVANANTHAN A/L SELVAMANY – TERAS IMPIANA SDN BHD

SME100 SUSTAINABLE BRAND AWARDS 2025
  • EDCA ENERGY – EDCA ENERGY SDN BHD
  • JardinPèau – SKINVILLE SOLUTION SDN BHD
  • SAI COND – SAI COND SALES & ENGINEERING SDN BHD
  • IDMS TECHNOLOGIES – IDMS TECHNOLOGIES SDN BHD
  • UbinGO VACATIONS – UBINGO VACATIONS SDN BHD
SME100 WOMEN ENTREPRENEUR AWARDS 2025
  • MS. YUNLU LEE – AUTHENTIC TIMBER RESOURCES SDN BHD
  • MS. NURUL AIN BINTI MOHAMAD KHDRI – ARVIA SOLUTIONS
  • MS. FLORENCE GOH SIEW BOEY – CRT INSIGHTS TECHNOLOGIES SDN BHD
  • MS. DOREEN DING – INDS CAPITAL SDN BHD
  • MRS. SURIA HANI BINTI AFFANDI CHEW – MERAQUE SERVICES SDN BHD
  • MS. ELLEN LIM – SKA TRANSPORT (M) SDN BHD
  • TS. KOK SHIN LIN – SUSTEN SDN BHD
  • MS. MICHELLE YEONG – THONG WORLD SDN BHD

SME100 CTOS CREDIT EXCELLENCE AWARDS 2025

  • BUMI SENDAYAN SDN BHD
  • IDPM ENGINEERING SDN BHD
  • JNDESIGN MARKETING SDN BHD
  • KMS MANUFACTORY SDN BHD
  • NURSERY HONG SOON SDN BHD

Hashtag: #SME100Awards

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

About SAMENTA

Established in 1986, SAMENTA is Malaysia’s largest association of SMEs, with over 5,500 members across the country. A multi-racial, multi-sector association, SAMENTA has been at the forefront of championing a SME-friendly business environment and connecting SMEs to regional and global opportunities.

About Business Media International

Business Media International is a subsidiary of Audience Analytics Limited, a regional leader in promoting growth for companies in Asia through data-driven brands and initiatives. We own renowned media brands such as SME Magazine, HR Asia, Capital Asia, Energy Asia, Logistics Asia, TruthTV, and CXP Asia as well as business impact assessment brands such as SME100, HR Asia Best Companies to Work for in Asia, Golden Bull Awards and CXP Asia Best Customer Experience Awards. Audience Analytics also owns a number of exhibition brands and has the proprietary software-as-a-service – Total Engagement Assessment Model.

New Lao-Thai Friendship Bridge Set for Inauguration on 25 December

The 5th Lao-Thai Friendship Bridge, linking Bolikhamxay and Bueng Kan, is fully completed and set to open on 25 December.

The fifth Lao-Thai Friendship Bridge, spanning 1,350 meters, connects Bolikhamxay Province in Laos with Bueng Kan Province in Thailand. The bridge has been fully completed and is scheduled for official inauguration on 25 December.

Funded through a THB 1.38 billion (approximately USD 38 million) concessional loan from Thailand’s Neighboring Countries Economic Development Cooperation Agency (NEDA), construction of the bridge began in January 2021. Once operational, it is expected to reduce travel time between Bolikhamxay and Bueng Kan by up to three hours while supporting Laos’ national development strategy of transforming from landlocked to land-linked.

Lao President Thongloun Sisoulith and Thailand’s King Maha Vajiralongkorn (Rama X) are expected to attend the inauguration ceremony.

Once operational the fifth friendship bridge will also facilitate a new highway corridor linking Vientiane Capital, passing through Bolikhamxay Province, and extending to Hanoi, Vietnam, enhancing regional transport and trade connectivity.

Currently, four Lao-Thai Friendship Bridges are in operation. 

The first bridge, connecting Vientiane and Nong Khai, is 1,174 meters long and opened in April 1994. The second one links Savannakhet Province with Mukdahan Province in Thailand, and was inaugurated in late 2006. 

The third bridge, connecting Khammouane Province and Nakhon Phanom Province opened in November 2011. Lastly, the fourth bridge, so far the longest at 2,480 meters, links Huay Xay district in Bokeo Province with Chiang Khong district in Chiang Rai Province and opened in December 2013.

With the fifth bridge set to open, Laos and Thailand are also planning the construction of a sixth Mekong River bridge, which would link Salavanh in southern Laos with Ubon Ratchathani in Thailand, further strengthening cross-border connectivity.

Samson Food Co Ltd Expands Product Lineup as a Traditional Food Specialist Centered on Hwangto Salt and Fish Sauce

SEOUL, South Korea, Dec. 17, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Samson Food Co Ltd, an agricultural corporation specializing in traditional foods based on hwangto salt and fermented anchovy extract, is accelerating the development of healthier food products while modernizing Korea’s culinary heritage.

Recently, the company expanded its lineup of processed seafood products utilizing hwangto salt and fish sauce, introducing vacuum-packed series such as Hwangto Salt Mackerel and Hwangto Barley Yellow Croaker. In particular, the newly launched premium “Wang-Wang Series,” featuring increased portion sizes, is designed for the gift market and is being actively distributed through online malls and regional specialty stores.

Located in Jangseong-gun, South Jeolla Province, Samson Food Co Ltd is a specialized manufacturer and distributor of hwangto salt and fermented food ingredients. Its flagship product, Directly Roasted Alkaline Salt with Hwangto, is produced by roasting salt at high temperatures in hwangto earthenware jars to remove impurities and enhance alkaline properties. The product has gained popularity across various consumer segments, including oral care, cooking, and gift markets.

In addition, the company’s 15-year-aged fermented anchovy extract and anchovy-based soy sauce are recognized for delivering deep, natural umami flavors without the use of chemical additives, highlighting the value of traditional fermentation methods.

A company representative stated, “Hwangto symbolizes purification. Our philosophy is to create the best taste through honest ingredients and the patience of time, without going against nature.” The new products have been available for full-scale distribution since October and can be purchased through the company’s official online store as well as distribution channels across South Jeolla Province.

BioTec Sets New Market Standards with Fusion-Based Bio Solutions, Aiming for Global Expansion

SEOUL, South Korea, Dec. 17, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — BioTec’s new releases are attracting attention as technology-fusion solutions rarely seen in the current market. The company’s supplement developed with processed sulfur and microbial fermentation offers improved gut health and immune support for livestock and companion animals. Meanwhile, the ORP-reducing antioxidant salt provides differentiated functional benefits compared to standard refined salt, introducing a new paradigm in the functional food market.

One of the key advantages of these solutions is their ability to integrate seamlessly into existing farm infrastructures while delivering high-performance results, reducing cost burdens for both producers and consumers. With these innovations, BioTec expects to set a new benchmark that satisfies both sustainability and health value in the agricultural and consumer health sectors.

Looking ahead, BioTec plans to expand its pet supplement product line, develop functional foods based on antioxidant salt, and advance soy- and microbe-based alternative food research, aiming to evolve into a comprehensive bio-solution provider. The company is also preparing for global expansion through international patent acquisitions and expanded HACCP certifications, while continuing to invest in technologies that support sustainable agriculture and healthier dietary lifestyles.

Agricultural Corporation Joeunsul Co., Ltd. Considers Entry into Indonesia, Expanding ASEAN Presence with Premium Traditional Rice Wine “Cheonbiyang Yakju”

SEOUL, South Korea, Dec. 17, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Korean traditional liquor brand Agricultural Corporation Joeunsul Co., Ltd. is exploring the possibility of entering the Indonesian market, led by its flagship product Cheonbiyang Yakju, which won the Presidential Award in 2025. Building on the depth of flavor, quality craftsmanship, and premium positioning of Korean traditional liquor, the company aims to nurture Cheonbiyang into a representative K-traditional liquor brand within the Southeast Asian market.

Joeunsul’s core product, Cheonbiyang Yakju, is meticulously brewed using only glutinous rice, non-glutinous rice, and house-made nuruk, following the traditional Oyangju (five-stage brewing) method. The product gained national recognition for its excellence after receiving the Presidential Award at the 2025 Korea Traditional Liquor Awards, establishing strong credibility in both taste and quality.

The company is closely monitoring rapidly evolving consumer trends across the ASEAN region. In parts of Southeast Asia, including Indonesia, rising tourism and increasing income levels have driven growing demand for premium imported alcoholic beverages and high-end drinks. In particular, tourist destinations such as Bali are seeing heightened interest in unique and culturally distinctive liquors among foreign visitors and affluent consumers. Against this backdrop, Joeunsul expects quality-driven products like Cheonbiyang Yakju to find market potential within niche premium segments.

However, Indonesia presents significant regulatory challenges. According to local alcoholic beverage market reports, the country enforces strict regulations, including high import tariffs and excise taxes, licensing requirements, and restrictions on sales channels. Imported alcoholic beverages face substantial tax burdens, and sales are generally limited to licensed hotels, bars, and authorized retail outlets.

Taking these constraints into account, Joeunsul is strategically reviewing export opportunities centered on tourist areas, foreign resident hubs, and high-income districts within Indonesia. Rather than pursuing mass distribution in the initial phase, the company is considering a premium-focused approach targeting hotels, resorts, upscale restaurants, and buyers serving international customers.

A Joeunsul representative stated, “Cheonbiyang Yakju is more than an alcoholic beverage—it is a premium expression of Korea’s culture, tradition, and fermentation heritage. We hope to help shape a new traditional liquor market in Indonesia that can be enjoyed by both Korean and ASEAN consumers.” The representative added, “We are fully aware of regulatory and taxation challenges and are preparing for market entry through lawful distribution structures and strong local partnerships.”

Industry experts note that entering a tightly regulated market like Indonesia requires careful management of regulatory compliance, pricing strategy, distribution infrastructure, and cultural acceptance. Nevertheless, they also point out that if K-traditional liquor is positioned as a premium, high-value cultural product, it could secure meaningful competitiveness within niche segments of the Indonesian market.