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Hong Leong Bank Wins Top Euromoney Award for SME Banking Two Years Running

HLB has also received similar awards by The Asian Banker and Asian Banking & Finance, cementing its position as an industry leader in SME banking

KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia, Sept. 18, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Hong Leong Bank (“HLB” or the “Bank”) has been named Best SME Bank in Malaysia at the prestigious Euromoney Awards for Excellence for the second consecutive year. This latest recognition comes after the Bank received similar recognitions by The Asian Banker and Asian Banking & Finance this year, culminating a remarkable year where HLB’s consistent market leadership and unparalleled excellence in SME banking have been celebrated across three esteemed industry platforms.

Ng Wee Lee [2nd from right], Chief Executive of HL Bank Singapore, HLB’s Singapore arm, accepting the award at the Euromoney Awards for Excellence ceremony in Singapore.
Ng Wee Lee [2nd from right], Chief Executive of HL Bank Singapore, HLB’s Singapore arm, accepting the award at the Euromoney Awards for Excellence ceremony in Singapore.

HLB’s SME customer base has increased 18% year-on-year (“y-o-y”), rising to over 320,000 customers in 2024 across both borrowing and non-borrowing segments. This was supported by the Bank consistently providing innovative financing solutions, notably enabling over RM280 million being approved for over 360 SMEs through the Government Guarantee Scheme MADANI 1.0 (“GGSM 1.0”) program in 2024 and will continue to provide more financing via GGSM 2.0 in 2025 and beyond. HLB has also enabled full-digital onboarding for business accounts, including sole proprietorships, and provides enhanced business and foreign currency accounts for SMEs.

Kevin Lam, Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of HLB commented, “At HLB, our core purpose as a financial institution is simple: to empower our customers to grow their wealth. We believe that by championing the growth of SMEs, who form the backbone of the Malaysian economy, we are directly contributing to the nation’s prosperity.

“Our commitment to the SME community transcends traditional banking. We have a clear vision of the bigger picture, positioning ourselves not merely as a service provider but as a true value-adding partner. Through a powerful combination of innovative digital tools and expert advisory, we enable our SME customers to navigate a global economic landscape defined by continuous change and digital evolution. By forging strategic partnerships with both our clients and key industry players, we bridge the gap between opportunity and solution, empowering our customers to pursue their diversified business objectives while confidently managing industry headwinds and market trends.

“Therefore, these recent industry recognitions are a powerful testament to the trust and deep partnership we share with our SME customers, reaffirming our unwavering commitment to our goal of becoming the Best Run Bank in Malaysia.”

A key driving force of HLB’s SME banking success is its digital leadership, with HLB becoming the first bank in Malaysia to introduce fully digital eKYC onboarding for sole proprietors, which can be completed in under 10 minutes. Further enhancements such as tablet-based partnership onboarding, digital onboarding for foreign currency accounts, and the integration of Weixin Pay have further strengthened accessibility and convenience for SMEs, alongside improved advisory through expanded SME cash and FX teams and regional SME centres.

HLB also has operations in Vietnam, Singapore, Cambodia and Hong Kong SAR, reflecting its presence across key regional markets.

The Bank ended its Financial Year 2025 (ended 30 June 2025) with a 7.5% y-o-y growth in loans to domestic business enterprises, which has reached over RM70 billion. HLB has also expanded its loans and financing to SMEs by 8.1% y-o-y to over RM40 billion, while its community SME banking portfolio also grew by 10.4% y-o-y.

For more information, please visit https://www.hlb.com.my/en/business-banking/group-sme-banking.html

Altair and Gordon Murray Group Developing Groundbreaking Ultra Lightweight Platform

Collaboration leverages advanced simulation technology to drive innovation in next-generation vehicle design

TROY, Mich., Sept. 18, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Altair, a global leader in computational intelligence, announces the launch of a collaboration with Gordon Murray Group (GMG) as part of an Advanced Propulsion Centre UK (APC) facilitated project, M-LightEn. This project will utilize Altair’s leading optimization solutions and concept development processes to support the next generation ultra lightweight and low embedded CO2 platform development for Gordon Murray Automotive’s driver-focused vehicles.

Altair and Gordon Murray Group announce a collaboration to leverage advanced simulation technology to drive innovation in next-generation vehicle design.
Altair and Gordon Murray Group announce a collaboration to leverage advanced simulation technology to drive innovation in next-generation vehicle design.

The collaboration will utilize the Altair C123 process, designed specifically for rapid and collaborative simulation-led concept development. C123 enables efficient exploration of design trade-offs in structural mass and performance across various manufacturing methods, materials and vehicle architectures, ensuring innovative, optimized outcomes in record time.

“We are proud to support GMG on such a forward-looking program,” said Dr. Royston Jones, global head of automotive, Altair. “By applying our C123 digital concept development approach, we will help significantly reduce development time while enabling the creation of highly optimized, ultra lightweight structures. This aligns perfectly with GMG’s ambition to innovate rapidly and sustainably across its next generation of vehicle platforms.”

The Gordon Murray Group continues to pioneer innovation in vehicle engineering, following the principles of its founder, professor Gordon Murray CBE. His illustrious career spans 20 years as technical director to the Brabham and McLaren Formula One teams, the creation of the F1 road car, establishing Gordon Murray Automotive and its iconic products such as T.50, T.33, and the most recent Le Mans GTR.

Under Gordon’s direction, the M-LightEn collaborative research project—in partnership with Altair, Brunel University of London, Carbon ThreeSixty, and Constellium—aims to develop a production-ready, ultra lightweight, low CO₂ monocoque structure to support a range of future high-performance vehicles. This project is match-funded by the UK government’s Department for Business and Trade and facilitated through the APC in partnership with Innovate UK.

This collaboration underscores the mutual commitment to innovation and sustainability in the automotive industry and marks a significant milestone in the advancement of vehicle platform development.

Altair’s C123 is a unique three stage concept development process that integrates advanced optimization and simulation technology throughout the early design phases. It enables rapid, collaborative exploration of structural architectures across diverse vehicle platforms, manufacturing methods and materials. Supported by a bespoke toolbox built on the Altair® HyperWorks® design and simulation platform, C123 enhances CAD interoperability to streamline the transition from concept to production.

For more information about Altair HyperWorks, visit https://altair.com/altair-hyperworks. To learn more about Gordon Murray Group, visit https://www.gordonmurraygroup.com/.

About Altair
Altair is a global leader in computational intelligence that provides software and cloud solutions in simulation, high-performance computing (HPC), data analytics, and AI. Altair is part of Siemens Digital Industries Software. To learn more, please visit www.altair.com or sw.siemens.com.

Media contacts

Altair Corporate

Bridget Hagan

+1.216.769.2658

corp-newsroom@altair.com

Altair Europe/The Middle East/Africa

Altair Asia-Pacific

Louise Wilce

Man Wang

+44 (0)7392 437 635

86-21-5016635,,825

emea-newsroom@altair.com

apac-newsroom@altair.com

 

 

JinkoSolar Announces Completion of Sale of A Shares in Its Subsidiary, Jinko Solar Co., Ltd., through Inquiry Transfer and Placement

SHANGRAO, China, Sept. 18, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — JinkoSolar Holding Co., Ltd. (“JinkoSolar” or the “Company“) (NYSE: JKS), one of the largest and most innovative solar module manufacturers in the world, today announced that the Company has completed the sale of 300,156,075 A shares of Jinko Solar Co., Ltd. (“Jiangxi Jinko“), an indirect, majority-owned principal operating subsidiary of the Company incorporated in the PRC whose A shares are listed on the Shanghai Stock Exchange’s Sci-Tech Innovation Board (the “Sale of A Shares“). The A shares were sold to certain institutional investors at a price of RMB4.90 per A share. As previously announced, the Sale of A Shares was conducted through an inquiry transfer and placement pursuant to the rules of the Shanghai Stock Exchange.

After the Sale of A Shares, JinkoSolar currently owns approximately 55.59% equity interest in Jiangxi Jinko.

About JinkoSolar Holding Co., Ltd.

JinkoSolar (NYSE: JKS) is one of the largest and most innovative solar module manufacturers in the world. JinkoSolar distributes its solar products and sells its solutions and services to a diversified international utility, commercial and residential customer base in China, the United States, Japan, Germany, the United Kingdom, Chile, South Africa, India, Mexico, Brazil, the United Arab Emirates, Italy, Spain, France, Belgium, Netherlands, Poland, Austria, Switzerland, Greece and other countries and regions.

JinkoSolar had over 10 productions facilities globally, over 20 overseas subsidiaries in Japan, South Korea, Vietnam, India, Turkey, Germany, Italy, Switzerland, the United States, Mexico, and other countries, and a global sales network with sales teams in China, the United States, Canada, Brazil, Chile, Mexico, Italy, Germany, Turkey, Spain, Japan, the United Arab Emirates, Netherlands, Vietnam and India, as of June 30, 2025.

To find out more, please see: www.jinkosolar.com

For investor and media inquiries, please contact:

In China:

Ms. Stella Wang
JinkoSolar Holding Co., Ltd.
Tel: +86 21-5180-8777 ext.7806
Email: ir@jinkosolar.com

Mr. Rene Vanguestaine
Christensen
Tel: +86 178 1749 0483
Email: rene.vanguestaine@christensencomms.com

In the U.S.:

Ms. Linda Bergkamp
Christensen, Scottsdale, Arizona
Tel: +1-480-614-3004
Email: linda.bergkamp@christensencomms.com

iQIYI’s “The King of Stand-Up Comedy” Wraps Season 2, Proving Humor Drives Progress

BEIJING, Sept. 18, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — iQIYI’s original variety show, “The King of Stand-Up Comedy”, recently wrapped its second season, cementing the platform’s role in China’s growing comedy scene. With Jianing ZHAI crowned as the season’s champion, the show continued its successful run, generating over 5,100 trending topics and scoring an 8,121 on iQIYI’s peak content popularity index, a key metric for a show’s influence and reach.


The show’s appeal lies in its sharp take on modern life. Bringing together 48 comedians from China and abroad, the series finds humor in the everyday – from workplace challenges and family dynamics to broader social topics. This blend of relatability and humor sparks conversations beyond the screen.

For instance, one comedian’s routine on airline uniform policies helped trigger actual policy reviews at several airlines, showing how comedy can lead to tangible social progress. Other contestants brought fresh takes on trending topics like technology and education, offering diverse perspectives on the details of daily life.

Beyond its social impact, “The King of Stand-Up Comedy” is helping to grow China’s comedy industry. Initiated by the esteemed Hong Kong film star and director Stephen Chow, the show gives up-and-coming comedians a stage to find their voices and share their unique perspectives. This season continues the core spirit of season one with the theme “Life needs comedy, and comedy belongs to everyone,” while introducing innovative competition formats such as team battles and call-out duels, pushing comedians to explore new creative ground.

The show’s influence was felt beyond the stage. It topped major variety show charts across multiple third-party data platforms, including Enlightent, Guduo, Endata, and Dengta. Notably, “The King of Stand-Up Comedy” Season 2 was the No. 1 variety show in Enlightent’s August “Dominating Screen Chart of Variety Shows,” and the only comedy program to earn the spot in 2025.

As Season 2 closes, the appetite for stand-up comedy in China continues to grow. iQIYI is committed to supporting this ecosystem by giving new talent the stage to launch their careers. Through shows like “The King of Stand-Up Comedy,” comedians are turning their dreams into reality – rising from everyday individuals to celebrated stars and helping to shape the future of Chinese comedy.

Contact:
iQIYI Press, press@qiyi.com

iSee Taiwan Foundation Debuts Taiwan’s Gastronomy Culture in Singapore as a Platform to Bring It to the World

The foundation uses gastronomy and cultural design to call upon Asian enterprises to drive the next chapter of knowledge-service industries

SINGAPORE, Sept. 18, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — The iSee Taiwan Foundation made its international debut today at the opening ceremony of the World Design Business Forum, hosted by the Design Business Chamber Singapore (DBCS), with a keynote address by the Foundation’s Chief Executive Don Chen.

The iSee Taiwan Foundation was invited to deliver the opening keynote at the 40th anniversary of DBCS, Chief Executive Don Chen delivered “Taiwan’s Journey as an Economic Powerhouse Through Design,” urging Asian enterprises to advance the knowledge services industry.
The iSee Taiwan Foundation was invited to deliver the opening keynote at the 40th anniversary of DBCS, Chief Executive Don Chen delivered “Taiwan’s Journey as an Economic Powerhouse Through Design,” urging Asian enterprises to advance the knowledge services industry.

Mr. Chen shared the Foundation’s vision of showcasing Taiwan’s cultural identity by blending gastronomy with global design expertise. This approach, he emphasized, not only highlights Taiwan’s unique character but also creates extraordinary value and new opportunities for enterprises across Asia.

“With AI and robotics reshaping industries, businesses must move beyond past models and adopt strategies rooted in local values and design,” said Mr. Chen. “Taiwan’s experience shows that when manufacturing is integrated with design thinking, it strengthens brand equity and transitions into knowledge-based services and the experience economy. This transformation unlocks new value chains and offers a blueprint for Singaporean enterprises to embed design into services and innovation, fueling the next wave of growth.”

The iSee Taiwan Foundation is a core member of the ProFederal platform, which is committed to enhancing the value of the knowledge service industry and promoting high-quality services. The Foundation has long championed Taiwan’s unique cultural and geographic identity.

Singapore and Taiwan Region: Co-Creating a Design-Driven Future

Singapore’s role as a hub for business, design, and cross-cultural exchange has made it the natural first stage for the Foundation’s international debut. Last year, mutual trade between Taiwan Region and Singapore reached SGD 116.8 billion (US$85.9 billion), with Taiwan Region ranked as Singapore’s fourth-largest trading partner and Singapore as Taiwan Region’s sixth.

The Foundation’s iSee Taiwan Signature initiative illustrates the potential for Taiwan Region and Singapore to co-create a design-driven innovation ecosystem. By combining Taiwan’s strengths in design, technology, and culture with Singapore’s global platforms and investment capacity, the collaboration demonstrates how Asian economies can align their strengths to build future-ready industries.

From Gastronomy to the Knowledge Economy

The use of food and lifestyle items as demonstration pieces highlights how design bridges cultures and drives market opportunities.

Guided by the developmental directions of discovery, integration, marketing, and service, the iSee Taiwan Signature collection begins with fruit jam — a familiar item in daily life worldwide. Premium guava and lemon from smallholder farms are blended with roses and jasmine grown through natural farming methods, creating a jam that preserves the characteristic flavours of Taiwan’s fruits while highlighting the features of local agriculture. Through integrated design and packaging, the jam enhances both quality and value, showing how cultural richness can be reinterpreted into resilient supply chains with global resonance.

“Culture is part of everyday life, which is why the Foundation chose food as the entry point,” Mr. Chen noted. “By combining gastronomy with innovative design, Taiwan can showcase the quality and value of its gastronomy, while opening the door to deeper collaboration with global enterprises.”

Looking Ahead

Design-driven value creation lies at the core of the Foundation’s strategy. Mr. Chen outlined the organisation’s history of promoting knowledge-intensive service innovation, including:

  • Supporting the establishment of the Service Science Society of Taiwan (2011)
  • Hosting Taiwan’s first stage-based experiential showcase
  • Hosting cross-cultural gastronomy forums, invited 50 Best and Madrid Fusion
  • Launching the iSee Design platform (2015), collaborating with international organizations such as the World Design Organization (WDO) and DBCS, building a global network of 40 design associations across five continents

With Singapore as its first international stop, the iSee Taiwan Foundation aims to expand into a broader platform for dialogue and collaboration across Asia and beyond. Amid rapid technological transformation, the Foundation continues to champion human-centered creativity as a defining competitive advantage for the knowledge-service era.

About iSee Taiwan Foundation

Founded in 2003 by Sayling Wen and continued under Chairman Ted Wen since 2008, the iSee Taiwan Foundation (www.iseetaiwan.org) is guided by the vision of “becoming an essential portal for the world to see Taiwan.” Its mission is to bring Taiwan’s unique character and heritage to global audiences, making the world Taiwan’s service market. The Foundation pursues this goal through four strategic directions: discovery, integration, marketing, and service.

About ProFederal Platform

ProFederal (https://www.profederal.com/en/) is a business consulting platform with a vision to enhance the knowledge services industry by supporting member companies in delivering higher-quality services and products, thereby creating greater value. With ‘Meet Success’ as our guiding principle, ProFederal provides member companies with global resources—including talent, expertise, information, networks, and capital — and empowers business owners to achieve success. Together with an ever-growing number of successful member companies, we advance toward our vision.

VinFast announces strategic partnership with the Arabian automobile association to elevate aftersales service quality in the Middle East


DUBAI, UAE – Media OutReach Newswire – 18 September 2025 – VinFast has officially announced a strategic partnership with the Arabian Automobile Association (AAA), a leading provider of vehicle support services in the Middle East, to launch comprehensive roadside assistance for VinFast customers across six countries: the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain, and Oman. This collaboration marks a significant milestone in VinFast’s ongoing efforts to enhance customer experience and aftersales service quality in the region.

Ms. Do Hoai Linh, CEO of VinFast Middle East (second from left); Mr. Paul Joseph, Managing Director of AAA (far right), together with representatives of both parties at the MOU signing ceremony.
Ms. Do Hoai Linh, CEO of VinFast Middle East (second from left); Mr. Paul Joseph, Managing Director of AAA (far right), together with representatives of both parties at the MOU signing ceremony.

Under the agreement, AAA will deliver a full suite of professional roadside assistance services, including emergency towing, transport to charging stations for depleted batteries, 12V battery jump-starts, flat tire replacement, and vehicle lockout support. All services will be carried out by well-trained technicians in strict compliance with VinFast’s technical standards and local regulations. AAA guarantees rapid response times, with call center replies averaging under 45 seconds and on-site assistance within 60 to 90 minutes, depending on location and traffic conditions.

VinFast Middle East will support AAA by providing customer data, technical training, and establishing dedicated hotlines in each country to ensure seamless and timely service delivery. AAA is committed to maintaining a minimum customer satisfaction (CSAT) score of 90%, reflecting its dedication to service excellence.

Notably, the roadside assistance program offers 10 years of coverage from the date of vehicle purchase and is transferable within the country of purchase, providing added flexibility and peace of mind for VinFast owners.

Ms. Do Hoai Linh, CEO of VinFast Middle East, stated: “This partnership with the Arabian Automobile Association represents a strategic step forward in VinFast’s journey to expand and elevate service quality in the Middle East. It reflects our unwavering commitment to a customer-centric philosophy, where every touchpoint — from product to aftersales — is designed to deliver value, convenience, and peace of mind. By offering fast, reliable, and professional roadside assistance, we aim to strengthen customer trust and ensure that VinFast owners feel supported on every journey.”

Mr. Paul T Joseph, Managing Director at the Arabian Automobile Association AAA, commented: “We are proud to join forces with VinFast — a pioneering electric vehicle brand making waves globally. With over a decade of experience in roadside support, the Arabian Automobile Association is dedicated to delivering world-class service that enhances safety and satisfaction for VinFast customers throughout the Gulf region. We believe this partnership will set a new benchmark for EV service standards in the Middle East.”

In the region, VinFast has signed exclusive distribution agreements with three leading automotive partners: Al Tayer Motors (UAE), Al Mana Holdings (Qatar), and Bahwan Automobiles & Trading (Oman). Through strategic collaborations with top-tier local players, VinFast is actively contributing to the green mobility transformation in the Middle East, while reaffirming its mission to make electric vehicles more accessible to everyone.

Hashtag: #VinFast

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

About VinFast

VinFast (NASDAQ: VFS), a subsidiary of Vingroup JSC — one of Vietnam’s largest private conglomerates — is a pure electric vehicle (EV) manufacturer with a mission to make EVs more accessible to all. Its current product lineup includes a range of electric SUVs, e-scooters, e-bikes, and electric buses.

VinFast is entering its next phase of global growth by rapidly expanding its distribution and dealership network, strengthening manufacturing capabilities, and focusing on key markets in North America, Europe, and Asia.

Learn more

About AAA

For over 3 decades, the Arabian Automobile Association (AAA) has been the leading provider of 24/7 emergency roadside assistance services across the UAE and GCC. As the region’s vehicle population continues to grow, AAA has positioned itself as a trusted partner for motorists, delivering reliable support anytime, anywhere.

With a centralized control room, a multilingual team of customer-oriented representatives, and a state-of-the-art fleet ranging from tow trucks to motorcycles, AAA ensures fast, efficient, and professional assistance 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Our services are managed with the highest standards of professionalism, technology, and customer care, making AAA the most dependable name in roadside mobility solutions in the Middle East.

Learn more at:

KuCoin Pay Partners with DFX.swiss to Enable Compliant Crypto Payments at Over 100 SPAR Stores, Advancing Mainstream Adoption

PROVIDENCIALES, Turks and Caicos Islands, Sept. 18, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — KuCoin, a leading global crypto platform built on trust, today announced that its payment arm, KuCoin Pay, has partnered with DFX.swiss, a leading Swiss-based cryptocurrency services provider, to launch innovative crypto-to-fiat integrations in Switzerland. Through this collaboration, KuCoin Pay is now integrated with DFX.swiss’s OpenCryptoQR system, allowing users to pay with stablecoins and other cryptocurrencies at more than 100 SPAR stores for everyday purchases.


This partnership combines KuCoin Pay’s technology with DFX.swiss’s user-focused infrastructure, bridging digital assets with daily retail spending. It transforms cryptocurrencies from investment tools into practical means of payment, enabling seamless integration into activities such as grocery shopping while ensuring full user control through secure, non-custodial mechanisms.

Key benefits include zero gas fees for users, instant fiat settlements for merchants without conversion hassles, and lower commission fees compared with traditional payment methods. Payments are completed quickly and securely by scanning the OpenCryptoQR code through the KuCoin app.

Raymond Ngai, KuCoin Pay Lead, stated:
“We are thrilled to partner with DFX.swiss, whose innovative gateway supports popular payment methods while ensuring compliance with Swiss financial regulations. At KuCoin Pay, we are committed to making crypto part of daily life, enhancing its real-world utility, and creating seamless shopping experiences for our 41 million global users by bridging traditional retail and digital asset payments.”

Cyrill Thommen, Founder and CEO of DFX.swiss, added:

“The collaboration with KuCoin Pay is another step towards advancing crypto payments internationally. Our mission at DFX.swiss is to make digital assets accessible and usable in everyday life. With KuCoin Pay, we are creating an easy way for that. This is an important step towards a future in which digital payments are common and widespread.”

KuCoin Pay continues to expand into retail, e-commerce, global travel bookings, gaming, coupons, gift cards, and more. Its recently launched on-chain solution complements its off-chain services, providing a decentralized framework for direct cryptocurrency payments. These advancements underscore KuCoin Pay’s commitment to compliance, security, and global growth, as it works to broaden crypto adoption and strengthen crypto-fiat bridges worldwide.

About KuCoin Pay

KuCoin Pay is a pioneering merchant payment solution that enables businesses to integrate cryptocurrency transactions for both online and offline sales. Supporting over 50 cryptocurrencies including KCS, USDT, USDC, and BTC, KuCoin Pay delivers fast, secure, and borderless payments to its audience.

Learn more about KuCoin Pay: https://www.kucoin.com/pay

About DFX.swiss

DFX AG, based in Zug, Switzerland, is a provider of cryptocurrency services. The company sees itself as a bridge between the traditional banking system and the crypto ecosystem, enabling private and business customers to buy and sell digital assets directly. DFX operates an open-source-based fiat on- and off-ramp platform that enables transactions to and from self-hosted wallets. Among others, MetaMask, Rabby Wallet, WalletConnect, and hardware wallets from Ledger, Trezor, and BitBox are supported. Payments and withdrawals are made in multiple currencies via common interfaces such as SEPA, SWIFT, Visa, Mastercard, Google Pay, and Apple Pay. Learn more about DFX: https://dfx.swiss

Taiwan-Japan Cross-Listing Feeder ETFs Listed Simultaneously on Taiwan and Tokyo Stock Exchanges

TAIPEI and TOKYO, Sept. 18, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — The Taiwan Stock Exchange (TWSE) and Tokyo Stock Exchange (TSE) marked a milestone in regional financial integration today with the debut of their first cross-border exchange-traded funds (ETFs), reinforcing Taiwan’s ambition to become an Asian Asset Management Center.

Group photo of representatives at the listing ceremony of Nomura Asset Management Taiwan Ltd.’s feeder ETF, held at the Taiwan Stock Exchange on September 18, 2025.
Group photo of representatives at the listing ceremony of Nomura Asset Management Taiwan Ltd.’s feeder ETF, held at the Taiwan Stock Exchange on September 18, 2025.

Nomura Asset Management Taiwan Ltd. launched the Nomura TOPIX Feeder ETF (Ticker: 009812) on the TWSE, offering investors exposure to Japan’s equity market via the NEXT FUNDS TOPIX ETF (Ticker: 1306)— the largest ETF in Japan by assets under management. This fund is also included in Japan’s NISA tax-free investment program, making it one of the most widely held ETFs among Japanese retail investors.

Simultaneously, the NEXT FUNDS TIP FactSet Taiwan Innovative Technology 50 Index Exchange Traded Fund (Ticker: 412A) debuted on the TSE. The fund tracks the NEXT FUNDS – Nomura Taiwan Innovative Technology 50 ETF (Ticker: 00935), reflecting the strength and dynamism of Taiwan’s technology-driven economy. Notably, companies in the AI and semiconductor sectors account for 72% of the Index’s total market capitalization. Taiwan’s benchmark index has more than doubled since 2020, reaching an all-time high this month, with foreign ownership approaching 46%.

TWSE Chairman and CEO Sherman Lin said the cross-listings mark a new chapter in financial cooperation between Taiwan and Japan. “This achievement reflects growing market confidence and Taiwan’s commitment to innovation and global integration,” he noted. Chairman Lin also remarked that both TSE President Iwanaga and he wore golden ties today, symbolizing that the collaboration between the Taiwanese and Japanese capital markets is entering a brilliant new chapter.

The listings were marked by a joint ceremony attended by senior officials from both exchanges and financial regulators. Notable attendees at the TWSE included Dr. Yen-liang Chen, Vice Chairperson of the Financial Supervisory Commission; Kao Ching-ping, Deputy Director-General of the Financial Supervisory Commission Securities and Futures Bureau; Moriyuki Iwanaga, President and CEO of the Tokyo Stock Exchange; Nobuo Suzuki, Senior Corporate Managing Director of Nomura Asset Management Co., Ltd.; Gen Kawai, Deputy Representative of the Japan-Taiwan Exchange Association; Masaaki Fukuzawa, Director at Japan–Taiwan Exchange Association.

“This initiative underscores Taiwan’s strategic role in regional finance,” said Dr. Yen-liang Chen, Vice Chairperson of the Financial Supervisory Commission. “It reinforces our position within Asia’s asset management landscape and highlights the importance of cross-border innovation in driving sustainable growth.”

“The cross-listings provide investors in both markets with seamless access to diversified portfolios,” said Nobuo Suzuki, Senior Corporate Managing Director of Nomura Asset Management. “Our goal is to deliver globally relevant financial products that promote deeper market connectivity and investor engagement.”

TSE President and CEO Moriyuki Iwanaga emphasized the strategic significance of the partnership: “This collaboration bridges our capital markets, positioning Taiwan and Japan as key partners within Asia’s financial ecosystem.”

TWSE President Edith Lee, who attended the ceremony in Tokyo, noted the potential of Japan’s NISA program to enhance retail investor participation and market liquidity. “Taiwan’s capital market has experienced dynamic growth, and this ETF showcases our technological strength to global investors,” she said.

The dual listings represent a milestone in TaiwanJapan financial collaboration, broadening cross-border investment access and reinforcing Taiwan’s role in Asia’s asset management landscape.

About TWSE
The Taiwan Stock Exchange (the TWSE) started operations on February 9, 1962. The TWSE is responsible for operating and advancing the Taiwan securities market. The TWSE’s primary business operations include listing, trading, settlement, and surveillance. These comprise listing promotion and review, post-listing supervision and corporate governance, maintaining market trading and order, securities firms’ services, investor protection, clearing and settlement operations, safeguarding against market defaults and the monitoring of illegal transactions. The Exchange provides comprehensive services to the securities market.

Group photo of representatives at the listing ceremony of Nomura Asset Management Co., Ltd.’s feeder ETF, held at the Tokyo Stock Exchange on September 18, 2025.
Group photo of representatives at the listing ceremony of Nomura Asset Management Co., Ltd.’s feeder ETF, held at the Tokyo Stock Exchange on September 18, 2025.