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SY Holdings Invited to Attend 2025 Hong Kong FinTech Week, Leveraging AI to Boost the Development and Global Expansion of SMEs

HONG KONG, Nov. 7, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — From November 3 to 4, 2025, “Hong Kong FinTech Week x StartmeupHK Festival 2025” (hereinafter referred to as “Hong Kong FinTech Week”) was grandly held at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre. The event is organized by the Hong Kong Financial Services and the Treasury Bureau, the Hong Kong Commerce and Economic Development Bureau, and Invest Hong Kong, in collaboration with the Hong Kong Monetary Authority, the Securities and Futures Commission, and the Insurance Authority. The opening ceremony was attended by several officials, including John KC Lee, Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, Christopher Hui, Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury, and Eddie Yue, Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Monetary Authority.


This year’s event, under the theme “Curating the New Fintech Era,” brought together more than 37,000 participants from over 100 economies, over 800 speakers, and more than 700 exhibiting institutions to explore cutting-edge technological trends. As a partner of the Hong Kong FinTech Week, SY Holdings Group Limited (“SY Holdings”, stock code: 6069.HK) was once again invited to attend. The Company participated in the “Digital Finance” forum alongside companies such as HSBC, Porrima, and FundPark, engaging in in-depth discussions and sharing insights on the topic of “How AI is Unlocking Lending for SMEs.”

SY Holdings is a partner of the Hong Kong FinTech Week
SY Holdings is a partner of the Hong Kong FinTech Week

Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Chief Executive John KC Lee emphasized in his opening speech that Hong Kong’s unique positioning as an international financial center has gained widespread international recognition. Currently, Hong Kong is home to over 1,200 financial technology enterprises, representing a 10% increase compared to last year. It is projected that by 2032, the revenue of Hong Kong’s financial technology industry will exceed $600 billion. Additionally, John KC Lee stated that Hong Kong will assist Chinese Mainland enterprises in using the city as a springboard to expand their overseas operations. Through collaboration among various government departments of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, pathways will be paved for Chinese Mainland companies to access foreign markets and global capital, which signifies substantial opportunities for all parties involved.

SY Holdings' Darrell Lua at the Hong Kong FinTech Week
SY Holdings’ Darrell Lua at the Hong Kong FinTech Week “Digital Finance” Forum

During the sharing session of the “Digital Finance” forum, Darrell Lua, Director of International Business at SY Holdings, addressed the topic of “AI and Data Empowering the Development of SMEs.” He pointed out that enterprises naturally generate supply chain data—such as order processing, logistics and transportation, payment settlements, and performance evaluations—in their daily operations. Therefore, the key to addressing the financing challenges faced by SMEs lies not in the absence of data, but in the ability to leverage cutting-edge technologies to transform this data into credible evidence for the financial sector. By applying AI technology to deeply correlate, cross-verify, and dynamically analyze fragmented data, SY Holdings accurately maps the operational trajectories and transaction profiles of SMEs. This differentiated “transaction-focused, entity-light” model, which prioritizes transactions over corporate entities, effectively overcomes the reliance of traditional financial services on corporate creditworthiness and collateral. Through the deep integration of AI and data, SY Holdings enables finance to “understand” the actual operational needs of SMEs and provides them with more precise and suitable working capital solutions.

Regarding the working capital needs of emerging scenarios such as live-streaming e-commerce, Darrell Lua further shared SY Holdings’ practical applications of AI. He emphasized that the integration of AI and finance should go beyond mere “speed” and achieve a synergy between “velocity” and “understanding”—specifically, a deep comprehension of industrial ecosystems and data. Rather than simply developing new AI agents and risk control models, SY Holdings empowers AI with the ability to “understand” multidimensional real-world information, covering logistics trajectories, tax and invoice records, and even external variables like weather forecasts. This extends the risk assessment model to “dynamic scenarios,” as risks may lurk not only in static reports but also in delayed port shipments, supply chains disrupted by heavy rain, or suddenly adjusted policies. By focusing on “the transaction itself” as the core assessment criterion and leveraging cross-verified data from multiple supply chain nodes for dynamic control, SY Holdings ultimately provides “end-to-end, minute-level” working capital services for live-streaming e-commerce merchants. To date, the company has helped over 21,000 SMEs secure over RMB 300 billion in order acquisition and working capital turnover. The value of integrating AI with finance lies not in replacing humans but in enabling trust to transcend boundaries and continuously amplify.

When discussing linkages and collaboration with financial institutions, Darrell Lua emphasized that SY Holdings consistently adheres to a platform-based strategy, committed to building a bridge for the intelligent matching of high-quality assets and diverse funding sources. Currently, the platform has connected with over 190 funding partners. He expressed SY Holdings’ expectation to strengthen collaboration with financial institutions in two key areas: First, enhancing the supply of scalable, low-cost inclusive funding by leveraging the SY Cloud Platform’s ability to accurately identify genuine corporate financing needs, thereby helping more SMEs efficiently access working capital services. Second, promoting the deep integration of risk control models and ecosystem resources by combining the mature credit assessment systems of financial institutions with SY Holdings’ “transaction-focused, entity-light” risk control logic to jointly serve SMEs segments that are traditionally underserved by conventional finance. Additionally, SY Holdings aims to leverage financial institutions’ extensive service networks, cross-border business experience, and diverse customer resources to further expand into domestic underserved markets and international markets such as Southeast Asia, extending the platform’s technology services to broader domains.

It is worth noting that SY Holdings has initiated its global layout this year, increasing R&D investments in innovative technologies such as AI agents to build a new “AI + International Supply Chain Technology Platform.” This platform will focus on serving SMEs across global supply chain ecosystems, providing one-stop solutions encompassing supply chain services, financing, FX management, and digital operation empowerment, with the goal of becoming an integral component of the global supply chain.

SY Holdings’ reappearance at the Hong Kong FinTech Week attracted attention from financial institutions and technology enterprises worldwide. It not only demonstrated the company’s comprehensive capabilities in digital finance and technology output but also reflected its strategic determination to use Hong Kong as a bridgehead to connect global innovation resources and expand into international markets. This further advances its mission to “empowering Chinese SMEs to reshape the global supply chain.”

About SY Holdings

SY Holdings Group Limited (“SY Holdings” or the “Group”, stock code: 6069.HK) is the first “AI+Industrial Supply Chain” digital intelligence technology company listed on the Main Board of the Hong Kong Stock Exchange. The major institutional shareholders of SY Holdings include Temasek Holdings of Singapore, Wuxi Communications Group, XtalPi and Be Friends. The Group has been included in the MSCI series indices, Hang Seng Composite Index, FTSE Index, Shenzhen-Hong Kong Stock Connect, and Shanghai-Hong Kong Stock Connect programs. It was recognized in 2023 as one of “CNBC’s Top 200 Global Fintech Companies” and in 2024 as a “Forbes China Top 50 Fintech Influential Enterprise,” demonstrating international market recognition of its development.

While deepening its presence in national pillar industries such as infrastructure, pharmaceuticals, and commodities, SY Holdings is actively expanding into strategic emerging sectors including e-commerce, robotics. SY Holdings adopts the differentiated “transaction-focused, entity-light” model, uses AI Agent to link industrial ecosystem and conduct data analysis, and helps the growth of small and medium enterprises (“SMEs”) through Platform technology science. Up to now, SY Holdings has helped over 21,000 SMEs secure over RMB 300 billion in order acquisition and working capital turnover.

In August 2025, while intensifying its global expansion, SY Holdings positioned its Singapore international headquarters as the strategic bridgehead and formally launched its global strategy. The Group will build a new “International Supply Chain Technology Platform” powered by AI, which focuses on serving SMEs in the upstream and downstream of the global supply chain and provides one-stop solutions encompassing flexible supply chain services, cross-border working capital, exchange rate management and digital empowerment. The Group is committed to supporting SMEs in efficiently expanding into global markets, while fulfilling its mission of “Empowering Chinese SMEs to reshape the global supply chain” and jointly opening a new era of growth in resonance with global development.

LEPAS Elegant Technology Safeguards Every Elegant Journey with Global Five-Star Safety Standards

WUHU, China, Nov. 7, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — As automobiles evolve from mere transportation tools into extensions of everyday lifestyle, safety has become a defining element of modern mobility—and the foundation of sustainable brand development. As Chery Group’s new global new-energy brand, LEPAS positions itself as the Preferred Brand for Elegant Mobility Life and anchors safety at the core of Elegant Driving, guided by its brand philosophy, “Drive Your Elegance”.

LEPAS L8 is engineered with a wading depth over 600 mm for secure passage through water-logged roads
LEPAS L8 is engineered with a wading depth over 600 mm for secure passage through water-logged roads

Developed to meet the 2026 Euro NCAP five-star standard, LEPAS reinterprets Euro NCAP’s four independent modules into a crash-scenario-based four-stage framework—risk prediction, collision protection, and post-accident rescue—creating a closed-loop and highly robust safety system.

In body-structure safety, Elegant Technology establishes a formidable protective barrier. The vehicle adopts a three-path front impact design and an 8-longitudinal, 5-transverse floor layout to efficiently disperse energy and preserve cabin integrity. The body structure uses 75% high-strength steel and aluminum, including 22% hot-formed materials, with 1500 MPa ultra-high-strength steel applied to 28 critical components to form a “mobile safety capsule.” This structural protection works in tandem with four major body-safety technologies and a restraint system equipped with 10 airbags, delivering holistic protection from structural resistance to impact buffering. Multiple rescue-assistance mechanisms further reduce secondary-injury risks after a collision.

LEPAS Elegant Technology is grounded in real global lifestyle scenarios. Accident data shows that underbody damage is most likely at 30–70 km/h, prompting targeted chassis reinforcement. Considering Southeast Asia’s long rainy seasons, the LEPAS L8 is engineered with a wading depth over 600 mm for secure passage through water-logged roads. Rollover scenarios—responsible for 20% of single-vehicle accidents—also undergo comprehensive validation. At the 2025 Chery International User Summit, the flagship LEPAS L8 completed underbody-scrape, deep-water, and collision-rollover demonstrations, proving its uncompromising safety strength. A full suite of active-safety and parking-assistance systems ensures confidence and control throughout every stage of Elegant Driving.

Built upon Chery Group’s most rigorous global safety standards and an all-scenario, all-process, all-market safety framework, LEPAS delivers comprehensive protection for users worldwide.

True elegance is not about speed, but composure and assurance. From global five-star standards to real-world adaptability, Elegant Technology embodies the safety essence of Elegant Driving—safeguarding every journey and empowering every owner to “Drive Your Elegance”.

ChainUp Named Best Digital Assets Technology Solution Provider as Institutional Adoption Reaches Critical Mass

SINGAPORE, Nov. 7, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — ChainUp, a Singapore-headquartered provider of core digital assets infrastructure, has been named Best Technology Solution Provider for Digital Assets APAC at the Digital Assets Awards 2025 by The Digital Banker.

This award reflects the accelerating digital asset market shift in Asia-Pacific, marking the transition from speculative innovation to a core pillar of institutional finance. Major players are moving past early experimentation and demanding enterprise-grade infrastructure built for execution at scale. This demand is driven by mission-critical use cases, including the deployment of tokenized Real-World Assets (RWA), sophisticated high-volume institutional trading, and the management of corporate crypto treasuries. This structural pivot has created an urgent, defining need for technology that provides strict regulatory and security guarantees.

The Digital Banker’s rigorous assessment, which emphasized Risk Management, Interoperability, and Transaction Capability, validates ChainUp’s role as an essential utility. This recognition underscores the critical behind-the-scenes engineering necessary to transition finance onto stable digital rails.

The awards committee cited: “ChainUp is a leader in the APAC region for delivering a comprehensive suite of digital asset solutions, including white-label crypto exchange software, non-custodial MPC wallets, KYT crypto tracing, and beyond. The firm’s integrated turnkey platforms empower institutions with unmatched liquidity, security, and compliance—building seamless bridges to the future of finance.”

Sailor Zhong, Founder & CEO of ChainUp commented: “Digital assets are no longer a frontier market, but a critical layer of finance. This award affirms that ChainUp delivers the secure, scalable infrastructure institutions need to move confidently into this new era. We empower major players to safeguard billions in assets, execute high-volume trading strategies, and scale across multiple jurisdictions with trust and precision.”

About ChainUp

ChainUp, a leading global provider of digital asset solutions, empowers businesses to navigate the complexities of this evolving ecosystem. Founded in 2017 and headquartered in Singapore, ChainUp serves a diverse clientele, from Web3 companies to established financial institutions.

ChainUp’s comprehensive suite of solutions includes crypto exchange solutions, liquidity technology, white label MPC wallet, KYT crypto tracing analytics tool, asset tokenization, crypto asset management, and Web3 infrastructure such as mining, staking, and blockchain APIs. For more information, visit: https://www.chainup.com/.

Whispers of Fate: Migu Video Redefines the Aesthetics of Fantasy Martial Arts with an “Oriental Palette”

BEIJING, Nov. 7, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — The fantasy martial arts drama Whispers of Fate, presented by Migu—China Mobile’s subsidiary—has become a breakout hit on Migu Video. As of November 6, the show’s popularity index on the platform exceeded 14,000, setting a new record. Since its premiere, the series’ distinctive aesthetic—rooted in traditional Eastern color philosophy—has drawn widespread attention across mainstream media and among viewers, inspiring renewed appreciation for the cultural and artistic depth of traditional Chinese hues.

Guided by the creative concept of “expressing meaning through color,” the production team behind Whispers of Fate drew deeply on traditional Chinese culture to build a cohesive visual framework centered on five primary hues—gold, red, black, white, and green. These colors are not mere decorative choices; each carries specific symbolic and philosophical meanings. Gold suggests divinity and nobility, red evokes karmic connection, black conveys mystery and the unknown, white represents transcendence and purity, and green symbolizes the vitality of nature and life itself.

The series adopts an innovative “one realm, one color” approach, allowing color itself to function as a narrative element in worldbuilding. Mortal realms such as the Sword King City are rendered in warm tones of red, gold, and yellow to evoke epic grandeur, while transcendent spaces like the Palace of Fallen Jade are bathed in icy blues and snowy whites, creating an atmosphere of serenity and isolation. In character design, costume palettes externalize personality and fate: Tang Lici’s white and gold signal the purity and power of a divine spirit entering the mortal world, while Shen Langhun’s darker tones reflect his restraint and inner resolve. The production team incorporated techniques inspired by mineral pigment painting and integrated more than a dozen forms of traditional craftsmanship—including Su embroidery, Panjin embroidery, and metal engraving—all recognized as elements of intangible cultural heritage. The result is a costume system that is both meticulously made and able to serve as a visual narrative of cultural inheritance.

Through the meticulous production of Whispers of Fate, Migu Video has created an “Oriental palette” that connects artistic imagination with the foundations of Chinese civilization. The show’s success marks an important milestone in Migu Video’s content innovation and demonstrates the platform’s commitment to revitalizing traditional culture for contemporary audiences. It sets a new benchmark for the aesthetic evolution—and international visibility—of Chinese television and film.

 

iQIYI Concludes First Virtual Production Open Day, Showcasing How AI and Technology are Transforming Filmmaking

BEIJING, Nov. 7, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — iQIYI, China’s leading online entertainment platform, successfully hosted its inaugural Virtual Production Open Day on November 2 in Hengdian, Zhejiang Province, attracting nearly 200 seasoned film and television professionals. Liang ZHU, Vice President of iQIYI and Head of Intelligent Production, shared iQIYI’s pragmatic approach to virtual production – developing efficient, user-friendly tools for content creators. The event further underscored iQIYI’s pioneering leadership in technological innovation and industrialization.

iQIYI is rapidly transforming China’s content production landscape through virtual production technology. In 2025, the company’s virtual production projects surged by 125% year-over-year, underscoring its growing influence. Notably, iQIYI achieved its first full-cycle collaboration on a major theatrical film.

iQIYI has significantly reduced production costs – cutting daily studio rates to RMB 35,000 – making advanced virtual production technology more accessible and economically viable across the industry. As the first in China to deploy virtual production for commercial drama series, iQIYI has powered over a dozen projects since 2021, setting new benchmarks through patented innovations like advanced color and lighting matching, virtual depth of field automatic compensation algorithm, and waterproof rotating platforms.

At the Open Day, iQIYI showcased its award-winning IQStage virtual production platform – a sophisticated integration of custom hardware and 20+ patented technologies – recognized for driving immersive and efficient filmmaking in China and beyond.

Accelerating Creativity through Virtual Production

Virtual production is redefining filmmaking by merging technology with artistic imagination. At iQIYI’s Open Day, creators from diverse roles – including directors, art directors, and visual effects supervisors – shared how the technology enhances storytelling, boosts creative control, and makes once-impossible scenes achievable.

From expansive fantasy worlds to complex, high-impact scenes, virtual production enables content creators to visualize and adjust shots in real time, turning ideas into reality on set. The discussion underscored how this technology is not just improving efficiency, but fundamentally expanding creative possibilities across genres.

Reflecting on this synergy, Zhu said, “Successful virtual production is built on close collaboration between technology and creative teams.” To support creators, iQIYI offers competitively priced studio time and comprehensive production services, bridging artistry with cutting-edge technology.

AI: Fueling the Future of Virtual Production

iQIYI is also pushing the frontier of virtual production through AI integration. From automated concept art generation to advanced 3DGS(3D Gaussian Splatting) scene scanning, AI accelerates every step of the filmmaking process. The upcoming series “Shadow Punisher” exemplifies this synergy, blending AI-generated digital assets with 3D-printed physical props to merge digital and real-world elements seamlessly.

With a proprietary digital asset library exceeding 30,000 items, iQIYI supports not only virtual production and visual effects, but also game development and immersive VR/XR experiences – cementing its role as a cross-industry innovator.

Zhu also stressed the importance of virtual production adoption in early decision-making, urging creators to innovate from the scriptwriting phase and experiment with the technology’s possibilities to achieve groundbreaking creativity.

Through an industrialized, intelligent approach, iQIYI remains committed to advancing film and television production in China, partnering with creators to chart new creative horizons.

Contact:
iQIYI Press, press@qiyi.com 

Workato Launches AI Lab in Singapore to Accelerate Applied AI Innovation and Talent Development

Supported by the Digital Industry Singapore (DISG), the AI Lab aims to advance Singapore’s leadership in building an AI-enabled workforce for the future

SINGAPORE, Nov. 7, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Workato®, the leader in agentic orchestration, announced today the launch of the Workato AI Lab in Singapore, marking a major milestone in its commitment to nurturing AI talent and driving real-world innovation through industry-academia collaboration. A strategic initiative supported by the Digital Industry Singapore (DISG), the AI Lab underscores Workato’s commitment to accelerating AI adoption for businesses both locally and across the region.

(L to R) Philbert Gomez, Executive Director and SVP, Digital Industry Singapore, Amlan Debnath, COO and Co-founder of Workato, Minister Josephine Teo, Minister for Digital Development and Information and Minister-in-charge of the Cyber Security Agency and Smart Nation Initiative and June Lee, SVP and GM, APAC, Workato
(L to R) Philbert Gomez, Executive Director and SVP, Digital Industry Singapore, Amlan Debnath, COO and Co-founder of Workato, Minister Josephine Teo, Minister for Digital Development and Information and Minister-in-charge of the Cyber Security Agency and Smart Nation Initiative and June Lee, SVP and GM, APAC, Workato

The lab will focus on translational AI research, enabling the development of deployable solutions that address real-world business challenges. It will serve as a hub for collaboration between Workato, Institutes of Higher Learning (IHLs), and industry partners.

Ee Shan Sim, Head of Workato’s AI Lab Singapore, said: “The launch of the AI Lab marks a significant step in Workato’s ongoing commitment to advancing AI innovation through close collaboration with industry, public sector partners, and academia. By working together with postgraduate students, researchers, and business leaders, we are co-developing practical AI solutions that address real-world challenges and help shape the workforce of the future. This initiative is about creating meaningful connections between research and enterprise, ensuring that Singapore remains at the forefront of applied AI and talent development.”

“We welcome Workato’s decision to establish its first AI Lab outside of the US, in Singapore,” said Philbert Gomez, Senior Vice President, Head and Executive Director, Digital Industry Singapore. “This initiative will foster greater collaboration between Singapore’s institutes of higher learning and industry partners, accelerating the translation of AI research into innovative applications. The co-development of automation and agentic AI solutions across multiple industry sectors will reinforce Singapore’s position as a global leader in AI, and create exciting opportunities for our local workforce.”

AI Singapore to empower next generation of AI leaders

The Lab is designed to create 65 high-value skilled jobs, foster breakthrough innovation, and deepen public-private partnerships within the Singapore AI ecosystem. By collaborating closely with Institutes of Higher Learning (IHLs), the AI Lab will advance applied AI research and practical solution deployment, providing thousands of students and educators with direct access to advanced AI automation tools and opportunities to participate in real-world industry projects. This initiative directly addresses the skills gap, equipping the workforce to meet evolving global hiring demands and ensuring Singapore remains at the forefront of digital transformation.

The Lab will drive advancements in autonomous agents and multi-agent orchestration, enabling intelligent systems that can collaborate, adapt, and learn to address complex business challenges. By serving as a bridge between research and enterprise, it will translate breakthrough ideas into practical, deployable AI solutions that deliver measurable impact for organizations. Through close collaboration with academia, industry partners, government, and community, the Lab will also accelerate innovation in applied AI and cultivate a new generation of talent equipped with the skills and experience to thrive in an AI-powered economy.

“The launch of our AI Lab in Singapore marks a pivotal step toward realizing our vision of an AI-powered enterprise future. As we advance autonomous agents and multi-agent orchestration, we’re not just building new technology—we’re deepening the connection between people, processes, and technology. Singapore’s vibrant innovation ecosystem and rich talent base make it the ideal hub to accelerate applied AI,” said Vijay Tella, CEO and Co-founder, Workato. “Through this Lab, we’re uniting industry, academia, government and community to shape the next generation of intelligent, connected enterprises.”

The launch of the AI Lab builds on Workato’s broader initiative—the AI Institute Alliance—which was unveiled during the World of Workato (WOW) 2025 conference in September. The alliance includes partnerships with leading education institutions such as Nanyang Polytechnic, Republic Polytechnic, Temasek Polytechnic, Singapore Polytechnic, Ngee Ann Polytechnic, Singapore University of Social Sciences, and the National University of Singapore.

Through this alliance, Workato has already equipped over 3,000 students and educators with automation and integration skills. The AI Lab will deepen this impact by offering hands-on experience in building AI agents, digital twins, and generative AI applications for business transformation.

Workato, recognized worldwide as the leading Agentic Orchestration company, empowers organizations to unify data, processes, and experiences through its AI-driven platform. With a strong and growing presence in Singapore and a global workforce exceeding 1,000 employees, Workato continues to set new benchmarks in business automation and workforce development, supporting over 12,000 customers worldwide.

About Workato

Workato transforms technology complexity into business opportunity. As the leading Agentic Orchestration company, Workato empowers enterprises to connect and unify data, processes, applications, and experiences. Its AI-driven platform enables teams to navigate complex workflows in real-time, driving efficiency and agility. Trusted by more than 12,000 global customers, Workato empowers organizations of every size to unlock new value and lead in today’s fast-changing world. Learn how Workato helps businesses of all sizes achieve more at workato.com.

Contacts
Kye Vern Lee
We. Communications on behalf of Workato
WE-SGWorkato@we-worldwide.com 

The MEC Foods Hosts an Exclusive Egg Tasting Event in Singapore

SINGAPORE, Nov. 7, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — The MEC Foods will hold an exclusive, invitation-only event in Singapore to promote its premium “Jiyouran” eggs.

Picture of "Jiyouran" eggs
Picture of “Jiyouran” eggs

Renowned for their vivid color and rich flavor, Jiyouran eggs are the result of MEC Foods’ dedication to producing high-quality eggs using a meticulously balanced mixed feed that enhances both taste and nutritional value. A unique wood-vinegar-based feed gives the yolk its signature sweetness, deep orange hue, and elasticity — a hallmark of its rich, concentrated flavor.

Singapore is now the second-largest importer of Japanese eggs, after Hong Kong SAR and Mainland China. To celebrate this growing appreciation, MEC Foods will host a special promotional event outside Japan for media representatives and F&B professionals.

The session will feature:

  • An introduction to the characteristics and benefits of Jiyouran eggs
  • A live tasting of Japanese egg-based dishes created specially for the event
  • An open discussion and networking opportunity for media and food industry guests

We warmly invite you to experience Japan’s world-class Jiyouran eggs firsthand at this exclusive event.

Event Overview (for Media & Food Industry Professionals)

Event Name: Japanese “Jiyouran” Business Briefing & Tasting Event
 Venue: Goodwood Park Hotel – Gordon Grill, 22 Scotts Road, Singapore 228221
 Date: Wednesday, 19 November 2024
 Time: 12:00 PM2:30 PM
 Participants: By invitation only (approx. 30 guests)

 

Trip.com Group Shapes Global Travel Trends through AI Innovation, Sustainability and New Consumer Insights at WTM London 2025

LONDON, Nov. 7, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — As World Travel Market (WTM) 2025 draws to a close at Excel London, Trip.com Group showcased its global leadership by sharing insights and innovations shaping the future of travel. Across key sessions, the company led conversations from global and European perspectives, focusing on the strategic evolution of travel, from digital transformation and personalisation to sustainability.

Evolving Travel Motivations

Second from right, Mr Boon Sian Chai, Managing Director and Vice President of International Markets at Trip.com Group, discusses the Chinese traveller
Second from right, Mr Boon Sian Chai, Managing Director and Vice President of International Markets at Trip.com Group, discusses the Chinese traveller

In his panel on From Snowfields to Screens: How Sports, Stories and AI Are Powering the Next Wave of Chinese Outbound Travel, Mr Boon Sian Chai, Managing Director and Vice President of International Markets at Trip.com Group, highlighted how the company is driving the next phase of global travel recovery through collaboration and technology. Drawing on insights from the Group’s joint report with Google, Why Travel?, he noted that the motivations behind travel have shifted from escape to connection.

“Travellers today are more intentional, seeking meaning, authenticity, and value in every journey,” he shared. “Our Why Travel? report shows a shift from escape to connection, with longer stays, rising interest in nature- and culture-based itineraries, and greater engagement with eco-certified accommodation. For Trip.com Group, that means partnering globally to create accessible, personalised, and responsible travel experiences.”

For instance, the report notes a 53% year-on-year rise in searches for slower-paced cultural experiences such as “Japanese tea ceremonies,” alongside surging wellness demand, with searches for wellness-sport pairings such as “golf & spa resorts” up 300% and “ski & spa” packages up 250% year-over-year.

AI-Driven Personalisation and Support

Mr Andy Washington, General Manager for Europe, is taking interviews at the Trip.com Group booth
Mr Andy Washington, General Manager for Europe, is taking interviews at the Trip.com Group booth

At the Future of Travel Technology session, Mr Andy Washington, General Manager for Europe, introduced Trip.Planner, a one-stop travel planning hub that combines trip building, bookings, and curated inspiration to enable travellers to seamlessly design end-to-end trips.

“Trip.Planner combines itinerary creation, dynamic recommendations, and real-time updates in a single intuitive platform,” said Mr Washington. “It is built for today’s travellers who crave flexibility, transparency, and inspiration in how they explore the world.”

He added that the UK launch marks the start of broader European expansion, aligning with the Group’s mission to localise innovation. “Our investment in smart planning tools is about empowering both travellers and partners, making travel hyper-personalised to the unique needs of every market and individual.”

Mr James Spalding, Regional Flights Director at Trip.com Group, on the Purple Theatre stage, discussing AI efficiency and personalisation
Mr James Spalding, Regional Flights Director at Trip.com Group, on the Purple Theatre stage, discussing AI efficiency and personalisation

Building on this, Mr James Spalding, Regional Flights Director at Trip.com Group, highlighted how the Group’s AI systems are redefining customer engagement and supportive service across the customer journey.

“AI isn’t replacing the human touch, it’s amplifying it,” he emphasised. “By combining data intelligence with empathy, we’re transforming how travellers interact with us before, during, and after their trip.”

Sustainability: Turning Intent into Action

Ms Jane McFadzean, Senior Director of Global Sustainability, talking at the Cool Tripping panel
Ms Jane McFadzean, Senior Director of Global Sustainability, talking at the Cool Tripping panel

In a session on Cool Tripping, Slow Tourism and the Sophisticated Traveller, Ms Jane McFadzean, Senior Director of Global Sustainability, highlighted rising interest in more responsible travel and emphasised the travel industry’s role in turning consumer intent into action.

“Our research shows that 92% of travellers express interest in more sustainable travel, but fewer than 60% have acted on it,” Ms McFadzean noted. “The gap between awareness and action shows why platforms like Trip.com play a role in making responsible choices visible and effortless.”

Trip.com Group’s presence at WTM London 2025 highlights the full breadth of its global expertise, spanning AI innovation, sustainability leadership, and insights into evolving travel trends. Together, these pillars underscore the company’s commitment to shaping a smarter, more sustainable future for global travel.

About Trip.com Group

Trip.com Group is a leading global travel service provider comprising of Trip.com, Ctrip, Skyscanner, and Qunar. Across its platforms, Trip.com Group helps travellers around the world make informed and cost-effective bookings for travel products and services and enables partners to connect their offerings with users through the aggregation of comprehensive travel-related content and resources, and an advanced transaction platform consisting of apps, websites and 24/7 customer service centres. Founded in 1999 and listed on NASDAQ in 2003 and HKEX in 2021, Trip.com Group has become one of the best-known travel groups in the world, with the mission “to pursue the perfect trip for a better world”. Find out more about Trip.com Group here. Follow us on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, and YouTube.