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Newmark Announces Expansion into India; Sathish Rajendren Hired to Lead Growth in Regional Property and Facilities Management

NEW YORK and BANGALORE, India, Oct. 27, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Newmark Group, Inc. (Nasdaq: NMRK) (“Newmark” or “the Company”), a leading commercial real estate advisor and service provider to large institutional investors, global corporations, and other owners and occupiers, announces it has expanded its Property and Facilities Management businesses into India, hiring Sathish Rajendren, FRICS, SLCR, MCR, as Executive Managing Director to head the operations across India and APAC. Based in Bangalore, Rajendren will be responsible for ensuring consistent, best-in-class Property and Facilities Management solutions for owners and occupiers in the region.

Image courtesy of Newmark.
Image courtesy of Newmark.

“Newmark continues to evolve to meet clients’ needs across every region and stage of the asset lifecycle,” said Luis Alvarado, Chief Operating Officer. “Our growth in India exemplifies our continued delivery of holistic, end-to-end solutions that create long-term value for investors and occupiers alike, while advancing our strategy to grow recurring Management Services and Servicing revenue globally.”

Richard Holden, President of Property and Facilities Management, added, “This marks a very meaningful step in the continued expansion of Newmark’s Property and Facilities Management business. India’s scale, growth trajectory and sophistication make it an essential market in our global strategy, and we are committed to being a frontrunner in these markets. Sathish’s extensive experience and vision across global and APAC markets reinforces our mission to deliver best-in-class management services.”

A seasoned leader with over 22 years of experience, Rajendren brings an impressive track record of transforming organizations and driving growth across diverse sectors, including occupiers, developers, investors and government entities. In his prior role at Knight Frank, where he served as Senior Executive Director, he was instrumental in scaling operations tenfold and elevating the firm’s market position, overseeing a portfolio exceeding 350 million square feet across India. Earlier in his career, he managed an additional 140 million square feet while leading property services at Cushman & Wakefield.

A distinguished alumnus of the Institut Européen d’Administration des Affaires (INSEAD) and the Indian Institute of Management Bangalore, Rajendren is recognized as a thought leader in property and facilities management. He was recently inducted into the 2025 CoreNet Global Distinguished Leaders Circle, a prestigious honor that will be celebrated at the upcoming CoreNet Global Summit in Anaheim, California.

India represents one of the fastest-growing commercial real estate markets in the world, fueled by urbanization, foreign investment and an expanding corporate occupier base,” said Rajendren. “Newmark’s global resources, advanced technology and client-first approach position us to redefine the management landscape in India. We see tremendous opportunity to deliver greater efficiency, sustainability and value for clients as the market continues to evolve.”

According to government data and industry estimates, office absorption approached 60 million square feet through the first nine months of 2025, driven by technology, financial services and global capability centers1. The country’s ongoing infrastructure build-out, coupled with increasing demand for institutional-grade management services, creates a strong foundation for Newmark’s entry. Establishing a property management hub in India will also enable closer collaboration with multinational occupiers and investors active across APAC and globally.

Newmark has recently unified its Property Management and Facilities Management service lines to deliver enhanced end-to-end solutions for owners and occupiers globally. As part of its Management Services businesses, Property Management and Facilities Management form a core vertical within Newmark’s global operations. These recurring businesses generated approximately USD 1.1 billion in total revenues, including USD 833 million from Management Services and USD 274 million from Servicing Fees and Other Revenues2 in 2024.

About Newmark
Newmark Group, Inc. (Nasdaq: NMRK), together with its subsidiaries (“Newmark”), is a world leader in commercial real estate, seamlessly powering every phase of the property life cycle. Newmark’s comprehensive suite of services and products is uniquely tailored to each client, from owners to occupiers, investors to founders, and startups to blue-chip companies. Combining the platform’s global reach with market intelligence in both established and emerging property markets, Newmark provides superior service to clients across the industry spectrum. For the twelve months ended June 30, 2025, Newmark generated revenues of over $2.9 billion. As of June 30, 2025, Newmark and its business partners together operated from 165 offices with over 8,400 professionals across four continents. To learn more, visit nmrk.com or follow @newmark.

Discussion of Forward-Looking Statements about Newmark
Statements in this document regarding Newmark that are not historical facts are “forward-looking statements” that involve risks and uncertainties, which could cause actual results to differ from those contained in the forward-looking statements. These include statements about the Company’s business, results, financial position, liquidity, and outlook, which may constitute forward-looking statements and are subject to the risk that the actual impact may differ, possibly materially, from what is currently expected. Except as required by law, Newmark undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking statements. For a discussion of additional risks and uncertainties, which could cause actual results to differ from those contained in the forward-looking statements, see Newmark’s Securities and Exchange Commission filings, including, but not limited to, the risk factors and Special Note on Forward-Looking Information set forth in these filings and any updates to such risk factors and Special Note on Forward-Looking Information contained in subsequent reports on Form 10-K, Form 10-Q or Form 8-K.

1 Ministry of Housing & Urban Affairs, Government of India; Economic Survey 2025; Union Budget 2025–26; World Bank Urbanization Data (2024).
2Newmark Group, Inc. Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2024, and Second Quarter 2025 Earnings Release, filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (available at nmrk.com/investor-relations).

Newmark Group, Inc.
Newmark Group, Inc.

 

Supercent launches two global AI video contests with a total prize pool of $1,000,000

SEOUL, South Korea, Oct. 27, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Supercent (CEO Junsik Kong), a leading global mobile game publisher, has announced two AI video contests — “AI Creator Challenge” and “Make AI Ads, Get Paid” — for creators around the world.

Applications are open from October 27 to November 23, with a total prize pool of $1 million.

Final results will be individually notified to the winners on December 19. Both events ensure an objective and transparent screening process by measuring performance through official YouTube uploads and real marketing campaign tests.

▲ “AI Creator Challenge” is a creative storytelling contest using AI technology.

Participants submit one main story video along with a short-form video. Selected works will be uploaded to Supercent’s official YouTube channel (2.39M subscribers, 400M monthly views), with final rankings determined by 14-day view and engagement metrics.

Prizes are awarded based on YouTube performance: ▲1st place $5,000 ▲2nd place $3,000 ▲3rd place $2,000, and $200 is given to 50 outstanding participants outside the top rankings. In addition, participants showing high potential may receive additional contract opportunities or copyright acquisition offers worth up to $1 million.

▲ “Make AI Ads, Get Paid” is a global competition that invites participants to produce AI-generated advertising videos based on Supercent’s popular games. Participants submit a 15–30-second ad video, which is featured in an actual global advertising campaign (Unity Ads) and evaluated through performance testing.

Videos that pass the first screening are rewarded with $100 each, with no limit on the number of submissions—allowing participants to earn multiple rewards. In addition to the base prize, top performers receive extra rewards: ▲1st place $5,000 ▲2nd place $3,000 ▲3rd place $2,000. Some participants may also receive additional contract opportunities or copyright acquisition offers worth up to $1 million.

Regardless of contest type, all participants who pass the first review automatically join Super Crew, Supercent’s global creator network. Super Crew is Supercent’s official creator community, where members receive an official certificate and gain eligibility to participate in AI video production projects with individual compensation.

This system reflects Supercent’s strategy to establish long-term partnerships with creators worldwide, going beyond one-off contests.

The foundation of this competition lies in the global operational capabilities Supercent has established. Unlike many domestic companies focused on the Korean market, Supercent continues to expand its global publishing pipeline through collaborations with developers, creators, and advertising media partners worldwide.

In particular, Supercent operates over $100 million in annual marketing under its “Content-Tech” model, which integrates performance marketing, creative production, and data-driven experimentation. This system simultaneously produces and tests hundreds of ad creatives, analyzes real-time data to identify the most effective combinations, and manages the entire user journey from advertising materials to in-game experiences.

Through these accumulated capabilities, Supercent has built a strong foundation for discovering AI creators worldwide, validating and rewarding their work, and fostering long-term partnerships.

As AI technology becomes more widespread, the barriers to creative production are rapidly disappearing, giving rise to a new creator ecosystem. Through this competition, Supercent aims to establish a system where AI-driven creations are recognized for their true value. The company seeks to help AI content generate tangible profits—beyond mere consumption—by providing rewards for creative performance, opportunities for real advertising campaigns, and long-term partnership programs.

CEO Junsik Kong stated, “We’ve entered an era where anyone can become a creator through the advancement of AI technology. However, the foundation for giving real economic value to content remains insufficient.”

He added, “Supercent will leverage its global campaign operation capabilities to discover AI creators worldwide and build an ecosystem where creativity directly leads to real economic value.

He noted that this contest serves as a key project within Supercent’s “Content-Tech” strategy and represents an effort to build a new AI content ecosystem by combining the creativity of global creators with Supercent’s technological infrastructure.

“Just as the global hit ‘Pizza Ready’ began with the Supercent Challenge, this contest will also create a new success story by uniting creators’ talent with Supercent’s technology,” he added.

Since its founding in 2021, Supercent has maintained a remarkable growth trajectory, achieving more than 1.3 billion cumulative downloads worldwide and over 60 million new installs each month. According to AppMagic, a global mobile app analytics platform, Supercent ranked sixth among global game publishers by downloads as of October 2025. During the same period, it ranked 14th among all app publishers, standing as the only Korean company in the top 20. The flagship title “Pizza Ready” has become a worldwide hit, surpassing 300 million downloads in 2025.

▲ Detailed information and application guidelines for the “AI Creator Challenge” and “Make AI Ads, Get Paid” contests are available on Supercent’s official website. (https://en.Supercent.io/)

Arspura Brings Technology and Taste Together at Immersive Cooking Experience in New York

NEW YORK, Oct. 27, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Arspura, the global smart kitchen ventilation brand rooted in fluid dynamics innovation, hosted its “Tech & Taste” Immersive Experience in New York City. The exclusive event brought together renowned chefs, culinary innovators, and select guests to see how advanced airflow technology can enhance both flavor and lifestyle in modern homes.

A Creative Fusion of Technology and Taste

Held in Manhattan, the experience offered a unique combination of culinary creativity and technical innovation. Guests joined Chef Paolo and Chef Stretch in an interactive cooking session featuring Szechuan Beef Stir-Fry and Cajun Chicken Pasta, with the opportunity to make the pasta by hand, experiencing firsthand how the Arspura P1 IQV Range Hood maintained a smoke-free kitchen environment through its 13 m/s ultra-speed suction and IQV™ (Inclined Quad-Vortex) System.

Three live demonstrations—the Smoke Suction Challenge, Easy Clean Experience, and Air Monitoring Test—showcased the P1’s ability to deliver industrial-grade smoke capture, filter-free maintenance, and real-time PM2.5 tracking and removal in a single intelligent system. The Arspura P1 features four airspeed settings and a robust Turbo Mode, efficiently tackling smoke from stir-frying or grilling while preventing odor residue. Suitable for everything from simmering to stir-frying, it maintains a fresh kitchen environment for any cooking task.

The event’s experiential format encouraged authentic content creation, with chefs, KOLs, and home design influencers capturing and sharing moments under the hashtags #Arspura, #IQVhood, and #P1RangeHood, extending the event’s impact beyond the venue.

Innovation Rooted in Science

Arspura was founded on extensive research in fluid dynamics and industrial ventilation. The company’s research and development team includes scientists ranked among the top two percent globally and holds more than 1,000 patent applications. These innovations have enabled the practical application of vortex airflow dynamics to home ventilation.

The Arspura P1 IQV Range Hood demonstrates this expertise with:

  • High-speed airflow at 13 m/s for instant smoke removal.
  • IQV™ Quad-Vortex Airflow introduces the Multiple Airflows System, breaking away from conventional single-stream extraction to capture smoke in just 0.03 seconds.
  • Powerful BLDC motor maintains high-speed suction while staying whisper-quiet (≈54 dB).
  • Filter-free design simplifies maintenance.
  • Real-time PM2.5 sensors ensure lasting air purity.

Independent tests show that indoor PM2.5 levels stay below 75 µg/m³ during use, a fraction of the 600 µg/m³ typically observed with traditional range hoods.

To celebrate the event, Arspura is offering $100 off the P1 IQV Range Hood with the promo code WBG2025 at checkout. For product information and purchase details, please visit www.arspura.com.

About Arspura

Arspura is a technology-driven home appliance brand dedicated to redefining the air we breathe. Built on principles of fluid dynamics and industrial ventilation, it innovates to make cooking cleaner, safer, and inspiring. Its mission is to use advanced ventilation technology to combat kitchen air pollution and empower homes with better air quality. Striving to lead in intelligent ventilation, Arspura aims to set new standards in air quality, quietness, and convenience. Inspired by Latin roots —”Ars” (art and technology) and “Pura” (purity) —Arspura embodies the fusion of intelligent design and clean living, with a clear vision to create home environments where technology elevates wellness and every breath is pure.

Shanton Pharma Completes EOP2 Meeting with US FDA for Refractory Gout Program

SAP-001 is Shanton’s lead investigational compound with First- and Best-in-Class potential in uncontrolled gout

SINGAPORE and PRINCETON, N.J., Oct. 27, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Shanton Pharma, a clinical-stage biotech developing a novel treatment for gout, today announced the successful completion of an End-of-Phase 2 meeting with US FDA for its Investigational New Drug SAP-001 for treatment of hyperuricemia with gout in adult patients who are refractory to conventional therapy. 

“This End-of-Phase 2 meeting is a crucial milestone for our refractory gout program” says Dr. Bing Li, Shanton’s CEO, “as it provides alignment with FDA on our upcoming Phase 3 pivotal program, including protocol, trial design, patient population, dose selection, proposed endpoints, and statistical analysis methods. Based on FDA’s feedback we are confident to enter into a Multi-Regional Clinical Trial program in the coming months, aiming to offer a much-needed solution for uncontrolled gout patients.”

About SAP-001

SAP-001 is Shanton’s lead investigational compound for once-a-day oral urate-lowering therapy that targets refractory gout. SAP-001’s urate lowering properties are based on a unique, First-in-Class mechanism-of-action and the program has shown Best-in-Class efficacy and safety in gout patients with hyperuricemia refractory to Standard of Care Xanthine Oxidase Inhibitor therapy in a recent Phase 2b study.

Earlier this year, Shanton received FDA’s Fast Track designation for SAP-001, based in part on its recent Phase 2b results demonstrating the drug’s potential to meaningfully improve upon currently available Urate Lowering Therapy for patients with refractory gout, a serious condition for which there are considerable unmet medical needs.

About Shanton Pharma

Shanton Pharma is a privately held, clinical-stage biotech founded in 2016 by experienced pharma entrepreneurs, focused on addressing unmet medical needs in patients with hyperuricemia and gout. The company is headquartered in Singapore with research and development activities in the US, China, and Singapore.

To learn more about Shanton Pharma, go to https://shantonpharma.com.

Media Contact

Pieter de Ridder
VP of Business Development
media@shantonpharma.com 

 

Makera Z1: Bringing Professional-Grade Manufacturing Back to Every Desk

A desktop CNC redefining who gets to create

MIDDLETOWN, Del., Oct. 27, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Makera is set to launch the Makera Z1 Desktop CNC Machine on Kickstarter this October 28 at 11 AM ET / 8 AM PT / 4 PM CET / 2 AM +1 AEDT, bringing compact, high-precision manufacturing to makers, educators, and small businesses. With only 1 day left until launch—exciting offers await: secure a VIP-Only Price of $799 with a $39 deposit (MSRP $1,199; deposit is 100% refundable if you change your mind, and the deposit purchase window closes at launch time). Plus, early backers can claim a 24-Hour Launch Giveaway — a FREE set of 5 CNC bits, exclusively for those who back the campaign in its first day. In an era when fabrication power has grown centralized and costly, the Makera Z1 delivers a disruptive alternative: professional-level machining capability packed into a desk-friendly, space-efficient design.


Meet Makera Z1: Entry-Level CNC, Pro-Level Power.

Makera’s CEO Qiuxi Zhang explained that the company’s goal with Makera Z1 was “to strip away the fear factor” that has long surrounded CNC technology. “By combining industrial accuracy with a plug-and-play experience, we’re opening manufacturing to classrooms, studios and homes  worldwide,” he said.

Makera Z1: Bringing Professional-Grade Manufacturing Back to Every Desk.
Makera Z1: Bringing Professional-Grade Manufacturing Back to Every Desk.

Compact Footprint, Industrial Precision

Barely larger than a coffee machine, the Makera Z1 integrates hardware features once confined to full-scale workshops:

  • 0.02 mm accuracy for prototype validation and precision component fabrication
  • 4-axis machining for complex engraving, jewellery, instrument and robotics parts
  • Smart auto-levelling and one-click tool calibration, flattening the learning curve

The Makera Z1 can be deployed instantly in classrooms, home studios or co-making spaces, without the need for a dedicated lab, costly maintenance or specialist operator.

From Factory Floor to Home Garage

Makera Z1, A desktop CNC redefining who gets to create.
Makera Z1, A desktop CNC redefining who gets to create.

CNC machining has long been synonymous with noise, heavy equipment and complex upkeep.
The Makera Z1 overturns that perception. Its one-piece die-cast frame and All-New AeroDust™ Collection System  allow a “mini-factory” to be set up in minutes, whether in a city apartment, a rural craft workshop or a hackathon venue.
Lightweight and quiet, it turns manufacturing into an everyday capability, not a specialist privilege.

Software and Community: Closing the Knowledge Gap

Makera Studio AI Craft, AI-Powered Workflow.
Makera Studio AI Craft, AI-Powered Workflow.

Makera pairs the Makera Z1 with its Makera Studio software and the online platform Makerables, designed to remove the intimidation barrier surrounding CNC use.

Makera Studio and the Makerables platform simplify the entire workflow. The Intelligent Machining Wizard handles toolpath generation automatically. AI modelling turns images into 3D designs in seconds, while an open online community connects makers to exchange ideas, remix projects and build together.

This combination of intuitive software and peer learning gives CNC machining the same accessibility once associated only with 3D printing, while enabling far greater material and functional freedom.

Democratising Fabrication: From Education to Entrepreneurship

Across Europe and North America, reskilling and reshoring have become defining themes in the future of work. As industries seek to rebuild local capability and schools race to teach new technical literacy, a new generation of creative infrastructure is taking shape. Within this landscape, the Makera Z1 stands out not simply as a product, but as enabling infrastructure for a distributed, creator-driven economy.

The Makera Z1 introduces hands-on digital manufacturing into environments that were once excluded from such access:

  • Schools and universities can now teach real material fabrication rather than relying on simulations or theory alone;
  • Design studios can iterate prototypes and produce small-batch parts directly on-site, cutting both time and outsourcing costs;
  • Community makerspaces gain a high-precision tool that fits within limited budgets and tight urban spaces;
  • Independent and female creators can bypass heavy industrial hierarchies and claim full control over their production processes.

Rather than turning more people into hobbyists, the Makera Z1 equips them to become creators.

Pricing and Availability

With an entry price of US $899 (£700–£900), the Makera Z1 brings industrial-grade precision into the same price range as a mid-tier 3D printer. It marks a decisive shift in who can afford to own professional-level manufacturing power.

Crowdfunding launches on Kickstarter on 28 October 2025, signalling the start of what Makera calls a “new chapter in desktop fabrication”, one that places accessible, high-precision tools within reach of classrooms, workshops and independent creators worldwide.

A Decade in the Making

Ten years ago, precision manufacturing belonged to a closed world: an ecosystem of factories, laboratories and specialists. Innovation depended on access, and access came at a price.
Today, that exclusivity is fading. A tool that once demanded an entire facility now fits beside a laptop, inviting anyone to explore, to learn and to make.

In that shift lies something greater than affordability. The Makera Z1 embodies a quiet redistribution of manufacturing power — a move from centralised production to individual capability. It stands as both an educational catalyst and a declaration of creative independence.

Makera Z1: bringing manufacturing back to everyone.

Makera Z1 on Kickstarter:
https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/makera-inc/makera-z1-entry-level-cnc-pro-level-power?ref=470tnv

Makera Z1 Website:
https://www.makera.com/pages/makera-z1?utm_source=prnewswire_tech&utm_medium=prnewswire_tech&utm_campaign=prnewswire_tech&utm_term=prnewswire_tech&utm_content=prnewswire_tech

Makera Z1 YouTube Video:
https://youtu.be/RPO3O0piUYk?si=JKTlILaKhEVpyqO0

Makera Studio, One-Click CAM Software.
Makera Studio, One-Click CAM Software.

Makerables, Makera's CNC Project Sharing Platform.
Makerables, Makera’s CNC Project Sharing Platform.

YY Group Outlines 2025 Growth Strategy Featuring Global Workforce Solutions and IFM Expansion

Strengthens Market Position Through Targeted Acquisitions and Cross-Border Integration

SINGAPORE, Oct. 27, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — YY Group Holding Limited (NASDAQ: YYGH) (“YY Group” or the “Company”), a global leader in on-demand workforce solutions and integrated facilities management (IFM), today issued a strategic update highlighting accelerated momentum in the Company’s global expansion and growth initiatives. Since the beginning of 2025, YY Group has made substantial progress executing its strategic roadmap to scale its two growth engines — YY Circle, the Company’s digital on-demand staffing platform, as well as the Company’s smart janitorial platform and cleaning service for the Singapore market.

Following a US$4 million registered direct offering completed on September 11, 2025, the Company has deployed proceeds toward acquisitions, international expansion, and technology development and integration. These investments have globalized YY Group’s on-demand staffing network and transformed its janitorial segment into a comprehensive Integrated Facilities Management (IFM) business spanning cleaning, pest control, landscaping, security, and related services, supported by a burgeoning smart tech and robotics business.

  • Global on-demand staffing expansion: YY Circle has launched in 3 new markets this year, with overseas operations now contributing approximately 45% of total staffing revenue. Bolstered by enhanced in-house digital marketing capabilities, the platform has onboarded over 80 new enterprise clients and added approximately 122,000 registered workers year over year as of June 30, 2025.
  • IFM Acquisitions: In February 2025, YY Group acquired Property Facility Services Pte. Ltd. (“PFS”), laying the groundwork for the Company’s consolidated approach to facility management services. Since then, the Company has broadened its IFM service portfolio and revenue streams substantially with the acquisition of Uniforce Security Pte. Ltd. and 24IFM (formerly Managing Facilities Applications) in June 2025 and Pesticide Pest Control Pte. Ltd. in July 2025.
  • IFM customer growth momentum: The IFM segment recently secured new service contracts totaling approximately US $5 million, which will augment the segment’s revenue by 9%. The Company continues to build a strong pipeline of commercial and institutional opportunities across Singapore.
  • Smart tech development: YY Group’s smart tech and robotics division is set to begin pilot deployments of autonomous cleaning and delivery robots in hospitality venues. These deployments are expected to generate incremental revenue beginning 2H 2025 while enhancing service consistency and operational efficiency.
  • Operational discipline: Productivity initiatives, supported by digital workflow tools and data analytics, are expected to improve operating margins by 200 bps over the next six to 12 months.

Mr. Mike Fu, CEO of YY Group, commented, “We’ve moved decisively this year to strengthen our platform and extend our reach into high-potential markets. These investments are already empowering us to seize compelling opportunities in both new and existing markets, propelling growth and advancing our mission of delivering reliable workforce and facility management solutions globally.”

These developments reflect the disciplined execution of YY Group’s growth strategy and prudent use of capital to fund high-impact, cash-generating projects. As a result, the Company has strengthened its recurring-revenue base, enhanced profitability prospects, and reinforced its ability to scale efficiently and sustainably across global markets.

About YY Holdings Limited

YY Group Holding Limited (Nasdaq: YYGH) is a Singapore-headquartered, technology-enabled platform providing flexible, scalable workforce solutions and integrated facility management (IFM) services across Asia and beyond. The Group operates through two core verticals: on-demand staffing and IFM, delivering agile, reliable support to industries such as hospitality, logistics, retail, and healthcare.

Leveraging proprietary digital platforms and IoT-driven systems, YY Group enables clients to meet fluctuating labor demands and maintain high-performance environments. In addition to its core operations in Singapore and Malaysia, the Group maintains a growing presence in Asia, Europe, Africa, Oceania and the Middle East.

Listed on the Nasdaq Capital Market, YY Group is committed to service excellence, operational innovation, and long-term value creation for clients and shareholders.

For more information on the Company, please visit https://yygroupholding.com/.

Safe Harbor Statement
This press release contains forward-looking statements. These statements are made under the “safe harbor” provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Statements that are not historical facts, including statements about the YY Group Holding Limited’s beliefs and expectations, are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements involve inherent risks and uncertainties, and a number of factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statement. These factors include, but are not limited to, (i) growth of the hospitality market in Hong Kong, (ii) capital and credit market volatility, (iii) local and global economic conditions, (iv) our anticipated growth strategies, (v) governmental approvals and regulations, and (vi) our future business development, results of operations and financial condition. In some cases, forward-looking statements can be identified by words or phrases such as “may,” “will,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “target,” “aim,” “estimate,” “intend,” “plan,” “believe,” “potential,” “continue,” “is/are likely to” or other similar expressions. All information provided in this press release is as of the date of this press release, and YY Group Holding Limited undertakes no duty to update such information, except as required under applicable law.

Investor Contact
Jason Phua Zhi Yong, Chief Financial Officer
YY Group
enquiries@yygroupholding.com 

Mark Niu, Chief Strategy Officer,
YY Group
mark.niu@yygroupholding.com

 

Kolmar Korea Selected for Government-Led ‘AI Factory’ Initiative — Driving Innovation in K-Beauty Manufacturing

  • The only cosmetics company chosen by the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources for the “AI Factory” project
  • Enables agile, small-batch, multi-product production to meet diverse client needs in real time

SEOUL, South Korea, Oct. 27, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Kolmar Korea announced that it has been selected as the sole cosmetics company to lead a government-funded AI Factory Alliance project organized by South Korea’s Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources (MOTIR). Through this initiative, the company aims to move beyond smart factory automation toward AI-driven manufacturing autonomy, enhancing the global competitiveness of the K-beauty industry.

Products being manufactured at Kolmar Korea’s Sejong plant.
Products being manufactured at Kolmar Korea’s Sejong plant.

Under the project, Kolmar Korea will develop an AI autonomous manufacturing system that integrates all cosmetic production processes—from planning and formulation to quality control, filling, and packaging. Unlike traditional smart factories, which operate based on pre-set human inputs, AI factories use artificial intelligence to analyze data in real time and autonomously optimize production operations.

The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources (MOTIR) is South Korea’s central government agency overseeing industrial technology, R&D, commerce, and trade. Under its national vision of becoming the “World’s Leading Manufacturing Power by 2030,” the ministry launched the AI Factory M.AX (AI Transformation) Alliance, selecting leading companies from each sector to drive AI innovation in manufacturing. Kolmar Korea was chosen as the sole cosmetics company to lead the initiative, recognized for its technological excellence and manufacturing capabilities that have positioned it at the forefront of the K-beauty industry.

Kolmar Korea plans to modularize each manufacturing stage and apply advanced AI models to achieve over 95% process accuracy, one of the highest standards in the industry. This will significantly reduce rework caused by defects and maximize production efficiency. The transition to an AI factory will also enable high-mix, low-volume production, allowing rapid response to diverse customer demands.

The project will run for four years and four months, from September 2025 to December 2029. As the lead company in the Bio Division of the AI Factory Alliance, Kolmar Korea will spearhead the AI Transformation (AX) of the cosmetics manufacturing sector. Key initiatives include:

  • Building an integrated data platform that connects all cosmetic production processes
  • Developing autonomous process-control AI models to enhance product quality and precision

With the global cosmetics market increasingly emphasizing personalization and speed, AI-driven manufacturing has become essential to sustaining K-beauty’s global leadership. Many production processes in the industry still rely heavily on manual labor, especially for customized product designs and packaging. Kolmar Korea intends to share best practices from its AI Factory implementation to accelerate digital innovation across Korea’s cosmetic manufacturing ecosystem.

Kolmar Korea has already laid the groundwork for AI-based manufacturing through its smart factory system, established in 2019, which reduced defect rates by 42%. The new AI Factory will build on that success, creating a next-generation manufacturing system optimized for flexible, small-batch production.

A Kolmar Korea official stated, “Being selected as the only cosmetics company for the government’s AI Factory project recognizes our technological leadership in AI-driven manufacturing. We will leverage our autonomous AI systems to advance Korea’s cosmetic manufacturing standards and strengthen K-beauty’s global competitiveness.”

Kolmar Korea operates manufacturing bases in Korea, the United States, Canada, and China, and plans to roll out the new AI systems across all global production sites. The company also intends to expand the application of AI Factory technology to other Kolmar Group affiliates, including Kolmar BNH (health supplements), HK inno.N (pharmaceuticals), and Yonwoo (cosmetic packaging).

Media Contact
Kolmar Holdings
Jang-Woo Lee
jay.lee@kolmar.co.kr 

Building a Greener Future: 138th Canton Fair Marks the Rise of Eco-Friendly Construction Solutions

GUANGZHOU, China, Oct. 27, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — As China accelerates its transition toward high-quality development, a new focus on sustainable productive forces are reshaping industries. At the 138th China Import and Export Fair (Canton Fair), the Building and Decorative Materials section in Phase 2 highlights how the construction sector is advancing this transformation. Exhibitors are presenting new generations of green and functional materials that meet evolving global demands.

One long-standing exhibitor, represented by a sales professional from its international trade center, showcased a diverse portfolio spanning architectural ceramics, environmentally friendly materials, and smart home solutions. This year’s highlights include ceramic tiles inspired by natural cave stone textures and foamed ceramic products made from recycled solid waste. These materials offer enhanced fire resistance, waterproofing, and sound insulation, while remaining lightweight and cost-effective, making them ideal for both indoor and outdoor applications. Their use promotes circular production and helps reduce construction waste.

Another exhibitor, led by its general manager, has participated in over 40 editions of the fair and maintains a presence in more than 50 countries. The company continues to view the Canton Fair as a strategic gateway to global markets. Its featured offerings include wall panels made from medical-grade PVC and bamboo fiber, designed for moisture resistance, mold prevention, and easy installation. The exhibitor also introduced WPC outdoor flooring, combining the natural appearance of wood with the strength and durability of plastic, making it well-suited for balconies and poolside areas. Additionally, its soft ceramic tiles stand out for consuming only one-third the energy of traditional ceramics while meeting top fire safety standards. These tiles are flexible, impact-resistant, and recyclable, aligning with principles of sustainable design.

A third exhibitor, recognized for its high-end ceramic innovations, returned to the Canton Fair to strengthen global connections and demonstrate its latest advancements in building materials. This year’s presentation revolves around the concept of “high, refined, and new,” highlighting breakthroughs in original design, material innovation, and advanced manufacturing. Key developments include product systems featuring textured surface technologies, digital molding, adhesive positioning for dry grains, and crystal-grain digital processing. The exhibitor also unveiled a new series that blends Eastern aesthetics with contemporary global design trends. Developed using proprietary technologies, these products exemplify how technological progress and creative artistry can converge to redefine modern living environments.

As the Canton Fair continues to connect Chinese manufacturers with global buyers, the growing presence of green technologies and design-driven solutions in the building and decorative materials sector reflects a steady shift toward new productive forces. Rather than a sudden transformation, this evolution is unfolding through practical innovation, sustainable practices, and a deeper understanding of market needs, laying the groundwork for more responsible and resilient development in the years ahead.

To register the 138th Canton Fair, please click https://buyer.cantonfair.org.cn/register/buyer/email?source_type=16