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Aquilius Raises Largest Ever Asia Pacific Real Estate Secondaries Program at $1.1 Billion

  • AIP Secondary Fund II L.P., Aquilius’ second real estate secondaries flagship fund, closed on total capital commitments of over US$750 million. The fund was significantly oversubscribed at the hard cap, surpassing its original US$700 million target.

  • The Firm raised US$1.1 billion in capital commitments for its second flagship fund and associated vehicles. The program attracted diverse global institutional investors, including leading sovereign wealth funds and pension funds.

  • Aquilius seeks to capitalize on the region’s fast-growing, untapped real estate secondaries market, with the aim of building highly diversified, shorter duration portfolios across ‘new economy’ sectors at attractive, risk-adjusted return profiles.

  • Founded in 2021 by ex-Partners Group and ex-Blackstone Asia private markets industry veterans Bastian Wolff and Christian Keiber, Aquilius has established itself as the largest real estate secondaries platform in Asia, with 30 on-the-ground professionals.

SINGAPORE, Nov. 3, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Aquilius Investment Partners (“Aquilius” or the “Firm”), a leading provider of secondaries solutions in the Asia Pacific region, completes fundraising of its second real estate secondaries flagship fund, AIP Secondary Fund II L.P. (“AIP SF II”).

Aquilius Investment Partners - Founding Partners Bastian Wolff (l) and Christian Keiber (r)
Aquilius Investment Partners – Founding Partners Bastian Wolff (l) and Christian Keiber (r)

AIP SF II was significantly oversubscribed at the hard cap and closed on over US$750 million in capital commitments, surpassing its original US$700 million target. In aggregate, the Firm has raised US$1.1 billion in capital commitments across its flagship fund and associated vehicles.

Aquilius’ Asia Pacific secondaries program attracted a wide range of global institutional investors, including leading sovereign wealth funds, pension funds, financial institutions, and family offices.

AIP SF II is Aquilius’ second real estate secondaries flagship fund targeting LP-led and GP-led transactions across Asia Pacific, with exposure to ‘new economy’ sectors supported by structural tailwinds including logistics, life sciences, data centers, hospitality and living. AIP SF II has already deployed approximately 50% of total commitments across eight secondaries transactions.

Bastian Wolff, Founding Partner at Aquilius, commented: “We are actively capitalizing on a generational buying opportunity for secondaries in Asia. This milestone fundraise is a testament to our strong track record and highlights the continued and growing appetite for Asian real estate secondaries investments among LPs, as market volatility and the need for liquidity drives deal volume to record highs. It’s incredibly rewarding to see our Firm recognized and supported by such a broad and global group of high-profile institutional investors. We are deeply thankful for the trust of existing and new investors, whose partnership makes this milestone possible.”

Christian Keiber, Founding Partner at Aquilius, commented: “The past 12 months marked a record-breaking year for secondaries volume. We are committed to being the leading provider of secondaries solutions in the Asia Pacific region — partnering with institutional investors and fund managers to deliver value through creative, efficient and scalable liquidity solutions while delivering compelling returns to our investors.”

ABOUT AQUILIUS 

Aquilius was founded in 2021 by Bastian Wolff (former Managing Director and Head of Asia Pacific Real Estate for Partners Group) and Christian Keiber (former Managing Director for The Blackstone Group). Both Founders have invested in Asia for the past 15+ years, having collectively deployed over US$4 billion of equity across some of the region’s most complex LP-led and GP-led liquidity solutions, including LP interest transfers, single and multi-asset recapitalizations, strip sales, continuation vehicles, and structured equity.

Aquilius’ team consists of 30 dedicated professionals and collectively brings decades of experience in sourcing, investing and structuring secondaries transactions in the Asia Pacific region. Aquilius focuses on building long-term, scalable, and mutually beneficial partnerships with funds and their managers by providing customized liquidity solutions. The Firm’s independent nature and institutional backing enable Aquilius to transact with speed and certainty on a discreet and strictly friendly basis.

MEDIA CONTACT

Evelyn Tan, Partner, Aquilius Investment Partners
Email: media@aquilius.com

Xinhua Silk Road: Int’l guests immerse in Chinese baijiu culture

BEIJING, Nov. 3, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — The 2025 Chishui River Forum was held in Maotai Town of Guizhou Province in southwest China on October 28 with the theme of “Interweaving Harmony”, attracting nearly 400 participants from home and abroad, including representatives of renowned liquor companies and industry experts, to jointly explore the sustainable development of the global liquor industry.

 

Following the forum, international guests explored the Moutai Chinese Liquor Culture City on October 29. After learning about the rich heritage of Chinese baijiu, they spoke highly of the iconic beverage.

Original link: https://en.imsilkroad.com/p/348125.html

CUSTA Renews Platform with 4,000-Item Catalogue and Unlimited Customisation, First of Its Kind in Singapore at Scale

2nd anniversary marks service upgrade introducing instant pricing & design flexibility; aligned with Singapore’s $113.2B digital economy growth and strong SME tech adoption.

SINGAPORE, Nov. 3, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — CUSTA, a leading regional customisation e-commerce platform, today announced a full-scale renewal of its service for Singapore customers. The upgrade doubles its catalogue to 4,000 products, introduces unlimited customisation combinations, and integrates instant best-price and lead-time features, replacing legacy processes that depended on manual templates and back-and-forth quotations.

CUSTA New Website Layout
CUSTA New Website Layout

This makes Singapore one of the first markets in the region to access unlimited customisation specifications combined with instant pricing at scale, setting a new benchmark for speed and flexibility. The renewed interface now features a streamlined catalogue page capable of displaying thousands of items with clarity, and a product page where users can freely adjust specifications while instantly viewing quotes, prices, and delivery times. Where traditional offline procurement often stretched from 8 to 15 business days, from quotation to final order, CUSTA reduces that process to within a week, with some orders fulfilled on the very same day.

The relaunch comes as Singapore’s digital economy accelerates, contributing S$113.2 billion in 2023 and growing at an 11.2% CAGR since 2018. While 83% of SMEs have digital strategies, fewer than half succeed, citing costs and skill shortages. In the past year alone, more than 7,200 businesses adopted AI-enabled and cloud solutions, underscoring demand for platforms that simplify workflows and reduce friction.

Since launching in 2023, CUSTA has delivered more than 500,000 customised items across Malaysia and Singapore. The company has recorded more than seven times year-on-year sales growth and supports businesses across sectors, from corporate gifting and merchandising to events and creative industries.

Singapore’s businesses and creators demand speed and flexibility. Yet too many services still rely on fixed templates and manual back-and-forth that slow ideas down. The relaunch of CUSTA fills that gap by combining unlimited design freedom with instant price transparency, making customisation accessible to every person and business in Singapore. By bringing together unlimited combinations and instant quoting at scale, Singapore is now one of the first markets in the region to experience customisation at the true pace of business.” said Joe Takagi, Chief Executive Officer of CUSTA.

Looking forward, CUSTA plans to expand its customisation methods and product categories, while developing new services tailored for professionals and enterprises. As Singapore continues to advance under the Digital Enterprise Blueprint and national productivity agenda, CUSTA aims to empower SMEs and creators with faster, more flexible, and more accessible customisation, contributing to competitiveness and growth in the digital economy.

To mark its 2nd anniversary, CUSTA has launched the “CUSTA Service Renewal Campaign”, running until 30 November 2025. Customers can enjoy a 10% discount with the promo code NEWCUSTA and receive free design support for orders above SGD 100. More information is available at http://custa.sg.

About CUSTA
Founded in 2023, CUSTA is a regional customisation platform with headquarters in Kuala Lumpur and operations across Malaysia and Singapore. The platform enables businesses and individuals to design and order custom products, from apparel to accessories and branded merchandise, across a wide range of options. With a catalogue of over 4,000 SKUs, unlimited design combinations, and instant quoting features, CUSTA has processed more than 500,000 customised items to date. The company’s mission is to democratise access to customisation, providing SMEs, corporates, creators, and consumers with a one-stop solution that bridges creativity, production, and fulfilment in Southeast Asia.

Star Plus Legend Holdings Limited Steps In as Investor, Perfecting Galaxy’s Capital Framework for Its Korean IPO Drive

HONG KONG, Nov. 3, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — As a pioneer in the AI entertainment technology space, Galaxy Corporation delivered growth against the market tide in the first half of 2025: its sales hit 126 billion Korean won and net profit reached 13 billion Korean won. This marks a twofold increase in sales from the entire year of 2024, representing a pivotal shift from losses to profitability. Such a strong performance has significantly bolstered the company’s confidence and momentum in preparing for its 2026 listing on the KOSDAQ (Korea Securities Dealers Automated Quotations) market—operated by the Korea Exchange (KRX). Currently, Galaxy’s valuation has surged to 1 trillion Korean won.

ADATA Technology, a giant in the storage industry, and Star Plus Legend Holdings Limited, a “Jay Chou concept stock” listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange, successively announced in 2025 that the two parties had jointly injected 50 million US dollars into Galaxy through a fund, becoming its important strategic investors.

Star Plus Legend specializes in IP creation and operation, with its core strength lying in building iconic celebrity-driven IPs. Centering on Mandopop superstar Jay Chou and renowned Chinese fitness coach Liu Keng-hung, the company has developed two flagship IPs: CHOUCHOU (Jay Chou’s official Nijgen-style personality) and Coach Liu. Together with its broader IP portfolio, these two core IPs have amassed a cumulative fan base of 280 million, establishing Star Plus Legend as a formidable force in the global cultural entertainment industry. Since its launch in 2019, the CHOUCHOU IP has forged partnerships with over 200 brands worldwide, driving cumulative sales of authorized co-branded products to exceed RMB 1 billion.

Mandopop superstar Jay Chou and his official nijigen-style personality “CHOUCHOU”
Mandopop superstar Jay Chou and his official nijigen-style personality “CHOUCHOU”

In the realm of content and scenario-based operations, Star Plus Legend has seamlessly integrated the CHOUCHOU IP into Jay Chou’s “Carnival” World Tour. For example, during Jay Chou’s Bangkok concert, the company joined hands with the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) to include the CHOUCHOU giant figure attraction in TAT’s recommended CityWalk routes. In July 2024, it also hosted the CHOUCHOU World Tour in Tokyo Tower exhibition at Tokyo Tower in Japan—further expanding the IP’s global footprint. Additionally, Star Plus Legend launched the “Hundred International Trend Artists Co-creation Initiative,” teaming up with artists from China, South Korea, the United States, Thailand, and beyond to craft new artworks and derivatives centered on the CHOUCHOU IP. This move marks a milestone step in the company’s push to internationalize its IP operations.

In media operations, Star Plus Legend tailored Jay Chou’s first outdoor reality show, “J-Style Trip”, in 2020. Across three seasons, the show has sustained immense popularity, with its ratings consistently topping all variety shows in the same time slot on its broadcasting channel.

The celebrity IPs under Star Plus Legend—particularly those linked to Jay Chou—boast enormous commercial potential, a robust fan base, and strong market appeal. Star Plus Legend’s entry as a strategic shareholder of Galaxy is more than just a resource integration; it is a two-way empowerment of brand influence. This partnership is poised to significantly elevate both entities’ global visibility and unlock a broader range of international collaboration opportunities.

MIMO Launches: The End of the AI Storage Mismatch


HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 3 November 2025 – Today marks the end of an era of compromise for AI infrastructure. Ridger launches MIMO, the industry’s first true AI-Native storage architecture, purpose-built to finally meet the demands of diverse AI workloads, from large-scale training to real-time inference.

MIMO-PR-Large

MIMO represents a fundamental breakthrough at the architectural level. Designed from the ground up for AI scenarios, it delivers precise performance matching across the full spectrum of AI applications. The innovative architecture not only achieves quantum leaps in performance but also sets new standards in power efficiency, making sustainable computing compatible with extreme performance.

“The AI industry has been waiting for a storage system that truly understands its needs,” stated the technical lead. “With MIMO’s memory-tier performance and native GPU access protocols, data flow is no longer a bottleneck for AI acceleration, but a driving force. We’ve finally enabled storage to keep pace with AI computing power.”

The product’s core advantages manifest in three dimensions: memory-tier throughput with microsecond-level latency enabled by native GPU access, revolutionary physical-layer data mobility, and industry-leading power efficiency. Crucially, these breakthrough capabilities require no modifications to existing infrastructure while delivering performance previously only achievable with in-memory systems.

Testing data reveals that MIMO delivers orders-of-magnitude performance improvements over traditional solutions across various AI workloads. Its innovative data migration architecture enables seamless global movement of petabyte-scale datasets, removing barriers for distributed training and international collaboration.

Effective immediately, Ridger is initiating an Early Access Program, offering product testing and technical exchange opportunities to select customers and partners. This initiative will allow leading AI enterprises and research institutions to be among the first to experience this transformative storage solution.

Hashtag: #Technology #ESG #AI #GPU #Enterprise #Finance #Storage #Flash #Compute



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

Ridger

Ridger is a global technology pioneer building next-generation computing&storage infrastructure for the AI era. Born in the East and operating worldwide, Ridger challenges conventional paths to create new technological paradigms.

The team unites seasoned experts from global storage leaders with visionary AI architects, all driven by a shared mission to democratize cutting-edge technology, rejects incremental improvements and hollow prestige, focusing exclusively on foundational breakthroughs that deliver tangible value and sustainable impact.

From architecture to implementation and from service to empowerment, Ridger provides end-to-end solutions that help clients worldwide ascend to their highest summits.

NAVER D2SF-backed Nota AI Lists on KOSDAQ, Embarking on Global Expansion in AI Model Compression and Optimization

  • Successfully listed on KOSDAQ with unique competitiveness for AI lightweighting and optimization technology

  • Driving rapid annual revenue growth through collaborations with global leaders including NVIDIA, Samsung Electronics, and Qualcomm

  • Focusing post-IPO efforts on developing a next-generation optimization platform and expanding global markets

SEOUL, South Korea, Nov. 3, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — NAVER D2SF–backed Nota AI, a company specializing in AI model compression and optimization technologies, announced its listing on the KOSDAQ market as of November. NAVER D2SF, NAVER’s corporate venture capital (CVC), made an early investment in Nota AI shortly after its founding in 2015 and has since continuously supported the company’s growth. Through its KOSDAQ listing, Nota AI has once again demonstrated the growth potential of its unique AI lightweighting and optimization technologies.

Nota AI
Nota AI

Nota AI has secured technological competitiveness through its independently developed AI model optimization platform, ‘NetsPresso®,’ and its on-device AI solutions. AI lightweighting and optimization technology is gaining significant global attention as it effectively reduces the burden of surging adoption and operational costs associated with high-performance AI models, whose recent emergence has increased enterprises’ expenditure on AI implementation.

AI model optimization technology of Nota AI is currently being advanced through collaboration with global industry leaders, including NVIDIA, Samsung Electronics, Qualcomm, Arm, and Sony. This technology is increasingly recognized as a core capability, particularly with the growth of Physical AI sectors such as autonomous driving and robotics. Furthermore, Nota AI was named one of the ‘2025 Global Innovative AI Startups 100’ by CB Insights this year.

Furthermore, Nota AI continues to expand the applicability of AI across diverse industries including industrial safety, traffic control, selective surveillance, retail, and healthcare through ‘Nota Vision Agent(NVA),’ a video monitoring solution that applies a generative AI-based Vision-Language Model(VLM) to on-device environments.

Nota AI is focusing its post-IPO efforts on enhancing its AI optimization technology competitiveness and expanding its target markets where Edge AI can be utilized. The company plans to strengthen its market position through proactive sales and marketing targeting global semiconductor companies and device manufacturers in key markets such as the United States, Europe, and the Middle East, and will heavily invest in developing a next-generation platform capable of optimizing an even wider variety of AI models. In particular, strategic collaborations with global embedded industry leaders are expected to increase market share and drive sales growth in high-growth sectors like defense and aerospace.

Nota AI has secured a broad base of global clients, including Fortune Global 500 companies and the UAE’s Dubai Roads and Transport Authority(RTA), driving rapid annual revenue growth. The company achieved more than double its revenue, increasing from approximately $2.52 million in 2023 to approximately $5.89 million in 2024. Nota AI is targeting approximately $10.17 million in revenue for 2025 and aims to achieve a turnaround to profitability by 2027.

Myungsu Chae, CEO of Nota AI, said, “This IPO is a crucial strategic decision that goes beyond mere capital procurement, serving instead as a definitive opportunity to earn the trust of the global market and establish a robust foundation for exponential future growth. We will continue to lead innovation across industries through our AI optimization technologies and realize the vision of ‘AI Everywhere,’ enabling intelligent systems to operate seamlessly across diverse environments.”

Creative Secondary School Open Day: Nurturing Today’s Minds for a Sustainable Tomorrow


HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 3 November 2025 – The community unites this year under the theme of sustainability. Friends and families are warmly invited to the vibrant CSS Open Day 2025 at Creative Secondary School on Saturday, 15 November 2025, from 11:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. The event showcases how students are empowered to become thoughtful global citizens, equipped to build a better future.

“Through this place, we thrive, we serve, and find our place in the world.”
“Through this place, we thrive, we serve, and find our place in the world.”

In anticipation of the school’s 20th anniversary in 2026, two decades of fostering innovation and responsibility will be celebrated. The event also marks the 40th anniversary of the primary and kindergarten schools, Creative Primary School (CPS) and Creative Primary School’s Kindergarten (CPSKG), in 2025.

The inquiry-based learning model within the IB MYP, IBDP, and HKDSE curricula has a transformative impact. Teaching strategies are employed to cultivate critical and creative thinking, drive academic excellence, and support personal growth, while nurturing confidence, responsible citizenship, and international-mindedness.

Sign Up
Interested parties for the CSS Open Day 2025 can fill in the Online Form (forms.gle/5JimXqKQAYk2jFa77)

More Information


Open Day Highlights

  • Meeting students, parents, teachers, faculty, and student support teams
  • Enjoying live student performances and showcases of their work
  • Participating in student-led, interactive charity booths
  • Touring the learning spaces and facilities, including the Design Technology Centre, Visual Art Studios, STEAM Education Suite, Music centres, recording and digital composing facilities, Black-box Drama Theatre, School Library, Chinese Arts & Culture Hub, Indoor & Outdoor Multi-sports spaces, Gym facilities, and Bouldering Wall

Admissions Talks

There will be two Admissions Talks during the CSS Open Day. Students and parents can choose to attend one of the sessions or simply explore the CSS campus on that day.

  • Session 1: 12:15 p.m. – 1:15 p.m.
  • Session 2: 2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.


When
Saturday, 15 November 2025, 11:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Location
Creative Secondary School, 3 Pung Loi Road, Tseung Kwan O, Hong Kong

Free Shuttle Bus Service
Operating from 10:30 a.m. between Hang Hau MTR Exit A and CSS every 15 minutes (On Ming Shing Street, near Green Minibus 109M station)

Walking to Our Campus
The campus is only a 15-minute walk from Hang Hau MTR station, making it a quick and pleasant journey.

Parking
Please note that no parking is available on campus. Extra time is recommended to find parking in nearby lots. Parents can make use of the hourly parking facility provided by the residential property Oscar by the Sea right opposite the school if necessary.

Points to Note

● Priority for booking the CSS Open Day 2025 will be given to families who are applying for 2026/27 entry


Hashtag: #CSS #OpenDay #啓思中學 #直資中學開放日 #CreativeSecondarySchool




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

SAMURAI Paint Celebrates 28 Years of Excellence with the Launch of Its First-Ever Car Spray Paint Series

KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia, Nov. 3, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — SAMURAI Paint, the internationally trusted name in motorcycle spray paints, proudly celebrates its 28th anniversary with a major milestone — the launch of its first-ever car spray paint series.

(Name from Second Left to Right)  1.⁠ ⁠Dato’ Loh Shin Siong (Non-Executive Director) 2.⁠ ⁠Ms Lim Lay Yong (Executive Director & Chief Operation Officer) 3.⁠ ⁠Mr. Lim Chong Huat (Independent Director) 4.⁠ ⁠Mr. Lim Siang Kai (Non-Executive Director & Lead Independent Director) 5.⁠ ⁠Dato’ Chang Chor Choong ( Non-Executive Director) 6.⁠ ⁠Mr. Ian Ong Yoke En (Founder, Executive Director, Chief Executive Officer) 7.⁠ ⁠Mr. Hau Hock Khun (Independent Director)
(Name from Second Left to Right) 1.⁠ ⁠Dato’ Loh Shin Siong (Non-Executive Director) 2.⁠ ⁠Ms Lim Lay Yong (Executive Director & Chief Operation Officer) 3.⁠ ⁠Mr. Lim Chong Huat (Independent Director) 4.⁠ ⁠Mr. Lim Siang Kai (Non-Executive Director & Lead Independent Director) 5.⁠ ⁠Dato’ Chang Chor Choong ( Non-Executive Director) 6.⁠ ⁠Mr. Ian Ong Yoke En (Founder, Executive Director, Chief Executive Officer) 7.⁠ ⁠Mr. Hau Hock Khun (Independent Director)

This exciting expansion marks a new chapter for the brand, which has built its reputation since 1997 on quality, creativity, and customer-focused innovation. For nearly three decades, SAMURAI Paint has been the go-to choice for motorcycle enthusiasts worldwide, recognized for its advanced technology, long-lasting durability, and professional-grade finishes that are easy to use.

Today, the brand extends its expertise to a broader audience — bringing the same craftsmanship, technology, and passion for innovation to car owners.

A Bold Step Forward: From Two Wheels to Four

For years, car owners have faced a common frustration — finding an exact color match for vehicle touch-ups has often been costly, time-consuming, and unreliable. Addressing this gap, SAMURAI Paint has leveraged 28 years of coating expertise to develop a new color-matching aerosol spray system for automobiles.

At the heart of this innovation is SAMURAI’s proprietary color-mixing technology, allowing users to customize and fine-tune shades with exceptional precision before application. Supporting this breakthrough is the brand’s post-fill technology, which fills paint directly into cans without traditional machinery — improving efficiency, customization, and product consistency.

By transforming a long-standing challenge into a DIY-friendly solution, SAMURAI Paint evolves into a comprehensive automotive coating brand defined by innovation, precision, and performance.

New Headquarters, New Era

Coinciding with its 28th anniversary, SAMURAI Paint has also inaugurated its new headquarters in downtown Johor Bahru, symbolizing a major step forward for the company and its people-first philosophy.

Built to encourage creativity, collaboration, and innovation, the new HQ provides a modern, inspiring workspace for employees while complementing ongoing operations at its manufacturing facility. The city-based office also helps attract new talent and features eight purpose-built livestream studios, reinforcing SAMURAI Paint’s growing digital presence and customer engagement worldwide.

Driving Sustainability Through Partnerships

Even as the brand expands, sustainability remains a cornerstone of SAMURAI Paint’s vision. Chief Executive Officer Mr. Ian Ong Yoke En emphasized the company’s commitment “Each year, more than fifteen billion aerosol cans are discarded globally. Recognizing the scale of this environmental challenge, SAMURAI Paint is actively developing solutions to address it.”

Aligned with this goal, the company is building strategic partnerships with key players in the global automotive and aerosol industries, particularly across India and the United States. These alliances aim to create mutually beneficial collaborations, strengthen SAMURAI Paint’s international footprint, and accelerate its entry into larger markets.

28 Years Strong — Building the Future of Color

Looking ahead, SAMURAI Paint remains driven by innovation, sustainability, and expansion. Guided by Mr. Ong’s belief that “where there is market, there is talent — and where there is talent, there is opportunity,” the company continues to empower its people and push the boundaries of coating technology.

With its forward-thinking mindset, people-oriented culture, and commitment to sustainable innovation, SAMURAI Paint is poised to shape the future of automotive coatings — proving that after 28 years of excellence, its spirit of innovation still burns bright. For more information, please log on to www.samurai2kaerosol.com