• Leading private equity firms FountainVest and CPE join as investors, reflecting strong confidence in SML’s strategic direction and future growth
• SML continues to advance its core capabilities for global brand and retail customers through next-generation innovations, including RFID, Digital Product Passport (DPP), Factory Care Solutions (FCS), and Digital IDs
• The new investors will provide SML with additional resources, capital and relationships for the company to drive innovation, digital integration, geographic expansion and customer-centric growth

HONG KONG, Nov. 3, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — SML Group, a global leader in RFID and brand identification solutions, today announced that FountainVest and CPE have joined as new shareholders. The introduction of these two respected global private equity firms marks a pivotal milestone in the company’s growth journey.

SML is a trusted supply chain and digital transformation partner to the world’s leading apparel and retail brands. The company specialises in delivering innovative end-to-end solutions across RFID, Digital Product Passports (DPP), Factory Care Solutions (FCS), Digital IDs and Tags & Labels, enabling customers to improve inventory accuracy, operational efficiency, sustainability tracking, and future consumer engagement.

With a strong global manufacturing footprint and presence across over 20+ countries, SML combines deep technical expertise with agile execution to support clients throughout their product lifecycle, from concept and packaging to digital integration and analytics. The company’s ongoing investment in R&D and advanced digital solutions continues to position it as a leading innovator within the brand identification and digital intelligence ecosystem.

Following a record-breaking 2024 and a strong performance in 2025 despite global headwinds, SML has expanded its global footprint with new production sites, major client partnerships, and significant advancements in sustainability and innovation through initiatives such as InfuseRFID, Factory Care Solutions, and the upcoming Digital Product Passports (DPP). These achievements demonstrate the strength of SML’s strategy, its people, and its ability to evolve with agility and precision.

The transition will be guided collaboratively by the new shareholders and SML’s leadership team. With deep appreciation for the company’s four-decade legacy, SML enters this new chapter with renewed energy and a clear ambition for global growth.

Investor Confidence and Strategic Alignment

The investment from FountainVest and CPE underscores strong confidence in SML’s long-term trajectory and ongoing transformation within brand identification and digital intelligence.

Together, the investors bring both regional and global expertise, extensive networks, and a shared belief in entrepreneurship, innovation, and long-term value creation.

Leadership Perspectives

Mr. Ignatius K.C. Lau, Chief Executive Officer of SML Group, commented:
“2024 marked the most successful year in our history, and 2025 has continued our growth journey despite global challenges. These milestones reflect the strength of SML’s strategy, the dedication of our people, and our ability to adapt and execute with excellence. The investment from FountainVest and CPE is a powerful validation of what we have built over the last four decades and a catalyst for the next phase. We will continue to evolve with determination – advancing innovation, strengthening leadership, and investing in our people.”

Mr. Rishi Pardal, incoming Chairman of SML Group, noted:
“SML’s greatest strength lies in its people – their creativity, commitment, and customer-first mindset. As we enter this next phase, our focus will remain on attracting and empowering talent, investing in innovation, and preserving our agility to ensure we are well prepared to serve our customers as they embrace a digitally enabled future.”

Mr. Andrew Huang, Managing Director at FountainVest, said:
“We have been following SML for many years, and see tremendous potential in SML’s ongoing transformation. As a founder-led company with an agile, entrepreneurial spirit, SML’s culture of innovation and collaboration reflects values we deeply believe in – integrity, teamwork, and forward-thinking. FountainVest has a deep network across the consumer, retail and industrial sectors, and we are excited for our collaborative partnership with the leadership team to support the company’s next chapter of growth.”

Mr. Hemeng Dong, Managing Director at CPE, added:
“CPE has a broad investment ecosystem from key supply chain to potential customers, we are committed to supporting SML in delivering superior products and integrated digital solutions that enhance lead time, quality, and overall performance. We’ll help the company meet growing demand for RFID, DPP and FCS solutions, explore new opportunities in labels, packaging, and software, and create long-term value for our customers.”

The Road Ahead

SML is accelerating innovation in RFID, Digital Product Passports (DPP), Factory Care Solutions (FCS), and Digital IDs, building on its excellent labels and packaging capabilities. The company’s strategic direction remains focused on growth through enhanced commercial capabilities, innovation, and digital transformation, building a more agile, customer-centric, and globally integrated organisation.

About SML

A global leader in digital identification solutions, such as item-level Radio-Frequency Identification (RFID), SML is shaping the future of brand identification globally with smart, creative and sustainable solutions that elevate brands. With over 40 years of retail expertise, SML combines state-of-the-art technology with innovative design to help brands strengthen their identity, enhance security, and improve operational efficiency from factory to shelf – and beyond. As a global leader in item-level brand identification solutions, SML connects billions of items globally each year, powering data-driven operations and enabling smart and more agile retail.

Operating in 25+ locations across 20+ countries, SML delivers global insights and local expertise through a diverse and customer-focused team. Partnering with 600+ brands worldwide, SML provides scalable, high-quality solutions and ensures precision, sustainability, and consistency at every stage of the supply chain.

Trusted Solutions – Powered by People

For more information, please visit https://www.sml.com/.

About FountainVest

FountainVest Partners is an established, independent private equity firm in Asia. It focuses on long-term investments in industry leaders, partnering closely with management teams to unlock value and drive growth, all while seeking to make a positive impact in the communities in which it works. FountainVest has a strong track record, having completed numerous landmark investments across the globe in multiple sectors, including consumer, industrials, and business services. FountainVest manages assets on behalf of the world’s leading public pensions, sovereign wealth funds, and other institutional investors.

For more information, please visit: www.fountainvest.com  

About CPE

CPE is a leading Asia-based alternative asset manager with a global perspective and approximately US$22 billion in assets under management. Pursuing a long-term vision and value investment strategy, CPE provides innovative investment solutions to leading firms from the following three key sectors – technology and industrial, consumer and healthcare, infrastructure. Currently with successful long-term performance, CPE’s funds under management are supported by over 200 domestic and international institutional investors across North America, Europe, Asia and the Middle East. The core investment team has completed more than 300 investments globally, enabling the firm to accumulate key sector knowledge and a widespread business network. With a solid investment and research process, strong sector expertise and professional portfolio management capabilities, CPE builds long-term relationships with its portfolios in order to drive their value creation and sustainable growth.

For more information, please visit: www.cpe-fund.com

Advisors

Citigroup acted as exclusive financial advisor to FountainVest on the transaction. Jefferies acted as exclusive financial advisor to SML. Goodwin, DLA Piper, and Slaughter and May acted as legal advisors to FountainVest, CPE, and SML, respectively.

For media enquiries, please contact:

Rothman & Roman Group (Public Relations agency)

Diana Estella Peter | diana.estella@rothmanasia.com | +65 8498 9424
Olivia-Mae Tan | oliviamae.tan@rothmanasia.com | +65 9763 3312

GUILIN, China, Nov. 3, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — The three-day 2025 Integral Conversation, hosted by Integral Institute, successfully concluded in Guilin from October 30 to November 1. Under the theme “Universe, Earth & Humanity in Harmony: Designing Systems for a Balanced Future”, the event brought together leaders and experts from government, business, academia, research, and culture to explore how nature and industry can not only coexist but collaborate in harmony. This year’s dialogue was shaped by four thematic forums — Agriculture, Technology, Industry and Education — each exploring the future of sustainability through diverse perspectives and cross-sector collaboration. The event was held at Integral, Esquel Group’s sustainable development garden in Guilin, attracting nearly 300 participants.

On October 30, Mr. Edgar Tung, Council Member of Integral Institute and CEO of Tessellation Group, delivered the welcome remarks. He underscored the importance of redefining progress through balance and interconnection, urging collective action that advances innovation while preserving the vitality of nature. He noted, “True sustainability is about restoring ecosystems, supporting human well-being, and transforming industries to be resilient for the long haul.”

During the Fireside Chat moderated by Professor Wang Tianyi, Council Member of the Integral Institute, Mr. Daniel Zhang, Managing Partner of Firstlight Capital, shared his perspectives on the parallels between natural and business ecosystems, emphasizing that a successful business ecosystem should reflect the principles of nature, including diversity, harmonious coexistence, and adaptability. Exceptional leaders, he added, are those who can guide teams to remain steady and confident amid uncertainty.

On October 31, Ms. Teresa Yang, Council Member of the Integral Institute and Vice Chairman of Esquel Group, shared how “Integral” exemplifies the integration of sustainability into daily operations through scientific planning, technological innovation, and lean management. The site was recently recognized as one of China’s first certified Zero-Carbon Parks. She remarked, “Sustainability is not a goal we set for the future, but a commitment we live every day. Only when principles are practiced through consistent action can true harmony between industry and nature be achieved.”

At the opening ceremony, Mr. Sun Huan Zhi, Vice Mayor of the Guilin Municipal People’s Government, commended Integral Institute’s efforts in promoting sustainability dialogue and collaboration in Guilin and beyond. He remarked, “Integral has set a strong example for Guilin’s green transformation. The theme of the 2025 Integral Conversation aligns with the city’s goal of building a world-class tourism destination and exploring green industrial growth, bringing new ideas and momentum to Guilin’s sustainable future.”

Ms. Irene Lee, Chairman of Hysan Development Company Limited, delivered a keynote address at the opening ceremony, moderated by Professor Christine Loh, Council Member of the Integral Institute and Chief Development Strategist at the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology. Ms. Lee shared Hysan’s century-long journey of balancing heritage and innovation, emphasizing sustainable urban design and long-term stewardship. She emphasized, “True urban development lies in respecting the past while shaping a connected, sustainable future.”

The “CEO Plenary” gathered business leaders from the technology, finance, and cultural sectors to explore how harmony can drive sustainable transformation in a rapidly changing world. The discussion highlighted how innovation, responsibility, and long-term thinking can align commercial success with social and environmental value, demonstrating that true progress lies in achieving balance between growth, purpose, and sustainability.

Four thematic forums followed, echoing this year’s theme through perspectives in Agriculture, Technology, Industry and Education. Each session explored how systems thinking can foster balance and coexistence between humanity and nature.

In the forum “Regenerative Land: Where Vineyards Meet Verse“, Mr. Dan Fishman, Vice President of Winemaking and Vineyards at The Donum Estate, shared how vineyard management can embody harmony between agriculture and nature. Donum integrates fine winemaking, sustainable agriculture, and art to restore biodiversity and foster a deeper human-nature connection.

In the forum “Fashioning Harmony: From Growth to Balance“, Ms. Christiane Dolva, Head of Innovation, Research & Demonstration at the H&M Foundation, shared how the fashion and manufacturing industries can drive sustainable transformation through systems thinking. She remarked, “Achieving a climate-neutral industry requires finding balance between innovation and reality, speed and patience—this is the key to long-term sustainability.”

In the forum “Technology with Purpose: Innovation Rooted in Humanity“, Ms. Heng Li Lang, Head of Climate & Liveability at Temasek Foundation, shared how the Foundation applies its “triple bottom line” framework to advance climate innovation by balancing ecological integrity, social well-being, and economic viability. She emphasized, “A truly sustainable solution must be environmentally sound, socially meaningful, and economically effective.”

In the forum “Laying the Groundwork: Educating the Next Global Generation“, Ms. Lillian Kiang, Chief Executive Officer of Bei Shan Tang Foundation, highlighted how emotional health and well-being can redefine learning, noting that “prioritizing emotional well-being in education does not diminish achievement; it helps students stay balanced and resilient in an increasingly complex world.”

In his closing remarks, Professor Hau Lee, Council Chair of Integral Institute, stated, “The Integral Conversation is not only a platform for intellectual exchange but also a community that turns ideas into action. On the journey toward sustainability, we must continue to reflect, seek harmony and inclusiveness amid differing goals and perspectives, and move forward together to build a more resilient future.”

Now in its twelfth year, Integral Conversation has, since its founding in 2014, convened over 3,000 representatives from more than 100 industries around the world, fostering ongoing dialogue and collaboration on sustainable development. Looking ahead, the Integral Conversation will continue to bring together global minds and practitioners to advance action-driven dialogues and collaboration on sustainable development.

About Integral Conversation

Integral Conversation provides thought leaders and experts from diverse fields an independent platform to exchange insights and perspectives on sustainable development models. Discussion topics spanned culture, education, innovation, urban planning and architecture, health care, digital transformation, and how they are connected to the concept of sustainability.

Integral Conversation is organized by the Integral Institute.

About Integral Institute

The Integral Institute is a non-profit organization that brings together experts, educators, researchers, entrepreneurs and other stakeholders to explore and deliberate sustainability at personal, institutional, and social levels. We cultivate transformative models, best practices, and offer a diverse range of programs to empower like-minded individuals and organizations through our comprehensive education and research platform.

Our approach is grounded in integral sustainability, which recognizes the interconnectedness of all aspects of life and the importance of addressing social, economic, and environmental issues together. We stimulate innovation, foster a holistic perspective on sustainability, and tackle the complex challenges of our world today. Through collaboration, knowledge exchange, and collective action, we drive meaningful change and pave the way towards a sustainable future.

COPENHAGEN, Denmark, Nov. 3, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Anthill , a leading content excellence and technology partner to the life sciences industry, has announced the launch of Anthill Cloud™ — an innovative platform that combines AI, modular content, and personalized engagement in one connected cloud ecosystem. Designed specifically for Pharma, MedTech, and Biotech, Anthill Cloud unifies content creation, governance, and omnichannel activation, accelerates time-to-market, and elevates HCP engagement.

Anthill Cloud – next-generation content operations platform for pharma

Anthill Cloud brings together three powerful modules:

• Arcane™  – A generative AI tool that solves pharma’s content discovery, reuse, and creation challenges. It reduces costs, removes complexity, and accelerates content production.

• Activator™  – A content authoring tool that speeds up production using pre-approved templates and modular content—fully integrated with Veeva PromoMats and Veeva MedComms.

• Amplify™  – A self-detailing tool that enables personalized, omnichannel engagement with HCPs 24/7, improving medical reps’ performance and delivering measurable results.

“With Anthill Cloud, commercial and medical teams no longer need to choose between agility and compliance,” said Rasmus Kalms, CPO of Anthill. “We’ve created a new content excellence ecosystem that redefines how pharma companies approach their omnichannel strategy. By  combining AI, modular content, and automation, Anthill Cloud disrupts the entire process and  makes healthcare communication faster, more innovative, and truly efficient.”

Life science companies face growing content challenges: global product launches disconnected from local needs, overloaded digital libraries, overspending on unused digital assets, and lengthy approval processes with multiple regulatory checks.

Anthill Cloud addresses these challenges by offering:

• Scalable content creation and discovery, powered by compliant Generative AI.

• Fully automated and integrated modular content authoring for full discoverability.

• Highly personalized, interactive customer journeys tailored to HCPs’ needs and preferences.

• A unified ecosystem that integrates with Veeva PromoMats, and any other DAM.

Anthill will showcase Anthill Cloud at the upcoming Veeva Commercial Summit  Europe in Madrid. Attendees will have the opportunity to experience live demos and meet Anthill experts  to discuss modernizing their content excellence journey.

Media Contact:
Tetiana Lushchuk
Head of Marketing, Anthill
tlu@anthill.technology

About Anthill

Anthill is a transformational content excellence company. We empower pharma companies to meet growing HCP expectations for high-quality, personalized experiences. By applying content excellence principles and technologies, Anthill enables pharma companies to increase the volume of content produced for omnichannel strategies, speed MLR approvals, and drive the rapid creation of omnichannel tactics.

Exploring the infinite frontiers of an intelligent connected world

WUXI, China, Nov. 3, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — The World Internet of Things Exposition (WIoT) 2025, themed “Intelligent Connectivity, Infinite Frontiers”, took place in Wuxi from October 31 to November 2, 2025.

The opening ceremony featured the launch of two key Jiangsu provincial initiatives: the Key Laboratory of MEMS Sensor and ASIC Manufacturing Technology and the Industrial Internet Platform Enablement Center. At the same time, several important reports were released and project outcomes were announced, including the Top 10 IoT Trend Insights 2025 and the citywide pilot outcomes of the 5G-Advanced “Four-Integration” connected mobility initiative (integrating vehicles, roads, cloud, and network). Together, these efforts brought together global industry leaders and cutting-edge insights, setting the course for deeper IoT–AI integration and accelerating digital transformation across sectors.

A flagship awards program recognizing breakthrough IoT technologies, applications, and models drew strong participation from innovators and organizations across the IoT ecosystem. This year’s competition expanded to include both core tracks—Smart Sensors, Advanced Communications, Embodied Intelligence & Intelligent Connected Vehicles, and Industrial Internet—and emerging fields such as Satellite Internet and Quantum Sensing. From a pool of more than 800 global submissions, 50 projects were recognized, including 10 Gold Award winners announced during the ceremony.

WIoT 2025 brought together an outstanding lineup of experts and business leaders renowned for their forward-looking research and practical exploration in the IoT field, who delivered keynote sessions on key topics such as AI, satellite IoT, and brain-computer interfaces. Among the speakers was Zhang Yaqin, Foreign Member of the Chinese Academy of Engineering and Dean of the Institute for AI Industry Research (AIR) at Tsinghua University.

Building on its established market-oriented organizing approach, WIoT 2025 continued to emphasize collaboration and innovation at the intersection of AI and IoT. The Expo highlighted a global perspective, professional expertise, executive-level dialogue, and real-world industry application. Through a comprehensive program featuring an opening ceremony, seven themed forums, an industry exhibition, a flagship awards competition, and 16 ecosystem events, it brought together international expertise and industry resources to accelerate innovation and sustainable growth across the IoT sector.

• Wegovy^® (semaglutide) is a once-weekly injectable prescription medicine used in combination with a reduced calorie diet and increased physical activity for adults and adolescents aged 12 years old or above with obesity or adults with overweight in the presence of at least one related health condition.
• In Hong Kong, with over 30% of adults classified as obese^[1] and 20% of adolescents being overweight or obese^[2], Wegovy^® offers an effective treatment option to help combat the rising health burden.
• The launch of Wegovy^® in Hong Kong extends Novo Nordisk’s commitment to addressing obesity as a chronic disease through clinically proven treatments.

HONG KONG, Nov. 3, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Leading global healthcare company Novo Nordisk announces the launch of Wegovy^® in Hong Kong, now available at private clinics and selected pharmacies. Clinically proven for long-term weight management, Wegovy^® represents a significant step forward in addressing the city’s escalating health burden through evidence-based care for obesity as a chronic disease.

Wegovy^® is a once-weekly injectable prescription medication used as an adjunct to a reduced calorie diet and increased physical activity for effective long-term weight management. Wegovy^® is indicated for^[3]: 

• Adults with BMI ≥30 kg/m², or
• Adults with BMI ≥27 to <30 kg/m² and have at least one weight-related medical condition, such as dysglycaemia (prediabetes or type 2 diabetes mellitus), hypertension, dyslipidaemia, obstructive sleep apnoea or cardiovascular disease, or
• Adolescents aged 12 years and above with obesity (BMI ≥95th percentile, as defined on sex- and age-specific BMI growth charts [CDC.gov]) and a body weight above 60 kg

Wegovy^® is the first once-weekly prescription weight-loss medication approved for adolescents aged 12 and above in Hong Kong.

Wegovy^® contains semaglutide, a GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) receptor agonist that helps regulate appetite. By modulating brain’s central hub for hunger and satiety control, Wegovy^® helps patients lower their energy intake, enhances feelings of fullness and control over-eating, and experience fewer and less intense cravings.

As the world’s first once-weekly GLP-1 receptor agonist formulation for long-term weight management, global large-scale clinical studies – the STEP program and the SELECT study have demonstrated Wegovy^®‘s efficacy in achieving sustained weight loss and improving obesity-related health outcomes. In a 68-week STEP 1 clinical trial, about one-third of adults treated with Wegovy^® achieved an average weight reduction of 20% or more, compared to just 2% in a placebo group^[4]; the average weight loss achieved in the STEP trials is up to 17%^[5]. At the same time, Wegovy^®‘s safety has been extensively examined with its active ingredient semaglutide accumulating 33 million patient years of exposure^[6]. These findings reinforce Wegovy^® as an evidence-based treatment option for long-term obesity care under medical supervision.

Obesity is a complex chronic disease and an increasingly urgent health challenge in Hong Kong. According to the Hong Kong 2020-2022 Population Health Survey, 32.6% of adults aged 15 to 84 are classified as obese (BMI ≥ 25 kg/m²), and 22.0% as overweight (BMI 23-25 kg/m²)^[1]. Student Health Service Annual Health Report for 2023/24 School Year from the Department of Health indicates that 20% of secondary school students are classified as overweight or obese^[2]. Despite its high prevalence, public awareness remains low: a recent study found that over one-third of obese respondents considered themselves only “slightly overweight”, while 70% were unaware that obesity is defined by the World Health Organization as a chronic disease^[7],[8].

Being overweight or obese is associated with more than 200 diseases, including cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, hypertension, dyslipidemia, obstructive sleep apnoea, certain cancers, and metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD)^[9]. Among these, cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in patients with obese^[10]. Without effective intervention, the global economic burden of obesity and overweight is projected to exceed US$3 trillion annually by 2030 and US$18 trillion by 2060^[11]. These findings underscore the urgent need for long-term, evidence-based solutions to support healthier outcomes across all age groups.

Mr Anirvan Dutt-Chaudhuri, General Manager, Novo Nordisk Hong Kong, said: ” Wegovy^® ‘s benefits have been extensively demonstrated in individuals who are caring about obesity or overweight, with robust evidence supporting its impact on improving health outcomes. Its launch in Hong Kong marks a pivotal moment in recognizing obesity as a chronic medical condition that requires sustained, science-based care. As a global leader in obesity treatment for over 25 years, Novo Nordisk is proud to expand access to innovative therapies and offer healthcare professionals and patients more evidence-based options through a comprehensive, patient-centric approach to weight management.”

In Hong Kong, Novo Nordisk has been actively partnering with medical groups and professional associations to strengthen clinical collaboration and support long-term care initiatives. Over the years, the company has also led public awareness campaigns to emphasize the importance of addressing obesity. With the launch of Wegovy^®, Novo Nordisk reinforces its commitment to patients with weight management issues.

More photos can be downloaded from this link.

About Wegovy

Wegovy^® is a once-weekly injectable prescription medication used as an adjunct to a reduced calorie diet and increased physical activity for effective long-term weight management. Wegovy^® is indicated for:

• Adults with BMI ≥30 kg/m², or
• Adults with BMI ≥27 to <30 kg/m² and have at least one weight-related medical condition, such as dysglycaemia (prediabetes or type 2 diabetes mellitus), hypertension, dyslipidaemia, obstructive sleep apnoea or cardiovascular disease, or
• Adolescents aged 12 years and above with obesity (BMI ≥95th percentile, as defined on sex- and age-specific BMI growth charts [CDC.gov]) and a body weight above 60 kg

About the STEP clinical program

STEP (Semaglutide Treatment Effect in People with obesity) is a global clinical phase 3 program consists of multiple trials enrolling adults with overweight or obesity. STEP 1 is 68-week, randomized, double-blind, multicentre, placebo-controlled phase 3 clinical trial with semaglutide in obesity. The results revealed that semaglutide 2.4 mg shows superior weight loss compared to placebo in the trials.

About SELECT clinical study

SELECT (Semaglutide Effects on Cardiovascular Outcomes in People With Overweight or Obesity) is a randomised, double-blind, parallel-group, placebo-controlled trial designed to evaluate the efficacy of semaglutide 2.4 mg versus placebo as an adjunct to standard of care for the prevention of major adverse cardiac events (MACE) in people with overweight or obesity and established cardiovascular disease with no prior history of diabetes. Results demonstrated that semaglutide significantly lower the risk of MACE such as death, heart attack, or stroke compared to placebo in the trial.

About Novo Nordisk

Novo Nordisk is a leading global healthcare company founded in 1923 and headquartered in Denmark. Our purpose is to drive change to defeat serious chronic diseases built upon our heritage in diabetes and other serious chronic diseases such as obesity and rare blood and endocrine disorders. We do so by pioneering scientific breakthroughs, expanding access to our medicines, and working to prevent and ultimately cure disease. Novo Nordisk employs about 78,400 people in 80 countries and markets its products in around 170 countries.

For more information, visit novonordisk.com, Facebook, Instagram, X, LinkedIn and YouTube.

References

1.  Centre for Health Protection, Hong Kong. Obesity. 26 April 2023. https://www.chp.gov.hk/en/healthtopics/content/25/8802.html. As accessed on 21 August 2025.

2.  Department of Health, Hong Kong. Student Health Service Annual Health Report for 2023/24 School Year. April 2025.
https://www.studenthealth.gov.hk/english/annual_health/files/student_health_service_annual_health_report_for_2023_24_school_year.pdf. As accessed on 25 September 2025.

3.  Novo Nordisk. Wegovy^® Hong Kong Prescribing Information. June 2025

4.  Wilding JPH, Batterham RL, Calanna S, et al. Once-weekly Semaglutide in Adults with Overweight or Obesity. N Engl J Med. 2021;384(11):989-1002.

5.  Bergmann NC, et al. Semaglutide for the treatment of overweight and obesity: A review. Diabetes Obes Metab. 2022 Oct 18;25(1):18-35.

6.  Novo Nordisk – a focused healthcare company. Investor presentation: First three months of 2025. https://www.novonordisk.com/content/dam/nncorp/global/en/investors/pdfs/financial-results/2025/Q1-2025-investor-presentation.pdf. As accessed on 29 September 2025.

7.  Singtao Headline. News. 27 August 2025. https://www.stheadline.com/society/3493944/. As accessed on 29 August 2025.

8.  World Health Organization. 2000. Obesity: Preventing and managing the global epidemic (WHO Technical Report Series No. 894). https://apps.who.int/iris/handle/10665/42330. As accessed on 25 September 2025.

9.  De Lorenzo A, et al. Why primary obesity is a disease? J Transl Med. 2019 May 22;17:169. 

10.  Afshin A, et al.  Health Effects of Overweight and Obesity in 195 Countries over 25 Years. N Engl J Med. 2017 Jul 6;377(1):13-27.

11.  World Health Organization. Obesity and overweight. 7 May 2025. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/obesity-and-overweight. As accessed on 21 August 2025. 

Disclaimer

This press release is intended for the purpose of providing updated scientific and market information. This press release does not constitute a recommendation, promotion, or advertisement for any drug or treatment regimen. Readers should not make any decisions regarding the purchase or use of any drug or treatment regimen based on, by reference to, or in reliance upon any content herein. For any questions regarding drugs or treatments, readers should consult healthcare professionals.

Before forwarding, using, or otherwise processing the information contained in this press release, relevant parties shall be responsible for ensuring their actions comply with all applicable laws, regulations, and regulatory requirements of any relevant country or jurisdiction. Any direct or indirect consequences arising from the citation, reproduction, editing, or other use of the information contained in this press release shall be the sole responsibility of the relevant parties, and Novo Nordisk shall not be liable for any such consequences. It is recommended that relevant parties carefully assess risks before forwarding, using, or otherwise processing the information contained in this press release, and seek professional legal advice when necessary.

GYEONGJU, South Korea, Nov. 3, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — On November 3, 2025, Hong Kong-listed company Star Plus Legend Holdings Limited (Stock Code: 06683.HK) issued an announcement stating that it has completed a strategic investment in Galaxy, a well-known South Korean artist management company, through an industrial fund. The company subscribed for no more than 7% of Galaxy’s issued share capital, with an initial delivery contribution of USD 8 million, accounting for 16% of the fund’s equity. Galaxy represents internationally influential artists such as G-Dragon, Kim Jong-kook, and Song Kang-ho, and this cooperation is regarded by the market as a crucial step for Star Plus Legend Holdings Limited to accelerate its global IP layout.

Prior to this, G-Dragon, an iconic figure in the K-pop industry, made an appearance at the APEC Gyeongju Evening Gala, demonstrating his influence on the international stage. Star Plus Legend Holdings Limited’s investment in Galaxy will further strengthen its ties to such high-quality artist resources, endowing the investment with greater market imagination and laying the foundation for cooperation between the two parties in areas including global concert tours, large-scale theme exhibitions, and the development of artist IP and derivatives.

In recent years, Star Plus Legend Holdings Limited has centered its operations on super IPs such as “CHOUCHOU” and “Coach Liu”. It has accumulated 280 million fans and generated over RMB 1 billion in sales from authorized co-branded products, demonstrating strong IP operation capabilities. Artists under Galaxy have achieved outstanding results in music, variety shows, and film. G-Dragon’s influence in fashion and music, Kim Jong-kook’s national popularity in variety shows, and Song Kang-ho’s status in the international film industry will provide support for Star Plus Legend Holdings Limited to expand into Asian and even global markets.

Driven by this news, Star Plus Legend Holdings Limited’s stock price opened higher and moved upward on the day, with an intraday increase of more than 10% at one point, reflecting the market’s recognition of its strategic layout. Industry analysts believe that this investment will not only help Star Plus Legend Holdings Limited expand from the Chinese-speaking market to the global market but also realize the mutual empowerment of brand influence between the two parties, unlocking more possibilities for the “IP+” model.

Star Plus Legend Holdings Limited stated that it will conduct in-depth discussions with Galaxy on specific cooperation details, leverage its advantages in IP creation and full-link operation, promote the global market implementation of cooperative projects, and build a global ecosystem of “IP + Products + Technology + Channels”. This series of actions conveys the company’s determination to actively expand into the international market and strengthen the integration of top-tier IP resources, which is expected to bring long-term value growth to shareholders.