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JOYY Reports First Quarter 2025 Financial Results: Non-livestreaming Revenues Grew 25.3% year over year, Driven by Diversified Growth Strategy

SINGAPORE, May 27, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — JOYY Inc. (NASDAQ: JOYY) (“JOYY” or the “Company”), a global leading technology company, announced its unaudited financial results for the first quarter of 2025.

In the first quarter of 2025, JOYY’s revenue reached US$494.4 million, with its non-livestreaming revenue reaching US$123.0 million, representing a year-over-year increase of 25.3%. Non-livestreaming revenues accounted for 24.9% of the Company’s total revenues. JOYY’s GAAP and non-GAAP1 operating profits increased approximately 244.5% and 24.9% year-over-year to US$12.2 million and US$31.0 million, with operating margins of 2.5% and 6.3%, respectively. The Company maintained strong operating cash flow, which reached US$58 million.

JOYY continued to deliver returns to shareholders. During the first quarter, the Company distributed US$49.1 million in dividends to shareholders. On top of that, the Company repurchased approximately US$22.5 million worth of its shares from January 1, 2025 through May 23, 2025, reinforcing its commitment to returning value to shareholders.

Ms. Ting Li, Chairperson and Chief Executive Officer of JOYY, commented, “As we celebrate the 20th anniversary of our operations, we have evolved beyond social entertainment, steadily fostering a multifaceted ecosystem. Our multi-engine growth strategy is yielding clear results, with our core livestreaming business achieving consistent profitability, and our programmatic advertising platform, BIGO Ads, demonstrating strong growth momentum, which is fueled by AI-driven innovations in user insights, intelligent creative development, and precise targeting. We expect these advances to further strengthen our competitive advantages and position our non-livestreaming businesses to become JOYY’s second growth engine.”

First Quarter 2025 Financial Highlights

  • Net revenues in the first quarter of 2025 were US$494.4 million.
  • Operating income was US$12.2 million in the first quarter of 2025, compared to US$3.5 million in the corresponding period of 2024, representing a 244.5% year-over-year increase.
  • Non-GAAP1 operating income was US$31.0 million in the first quarter of 2025, compared to US$24.8 million in the corresponding period of 2024, representing a 24.9% year-over-year increase.
  • Net income from continuing operations attributable to controlling interest of JOYY was US$45.4 million in the first quarter of 2025, compared to US$45.3 million in the corresponding period of 2024.
  • Non-GAAP1 net income from continuing operations attributable to controlling interest and common shareholders of JOYY was US$63.2 million in the first quarter of 2025.

First Quarter 2025 Business Highlights

Livestreaming Business

In the first quarter, JOYY’s livestreaming revenue was US$371.3 million, with BIGO contributing US$351.6 million.

The Company is continuously optimizing its user acquisition strategy by prioritizing advertising spend on higher quality paying users in core markets. In the first quarter, Bigo Live’s North American region saw Q1 MAU growth exceeding 7% year-over-year. At the same time, the number of paying users in the region increased by approximately 4% QoQ.

During the first quarter, JOYY’s products actively promoted a series of operational activities related to Ramadan in the Middle East region, which drove regional user activity and helped boost their brand influence among users. Notably, Likee achieved positive QoQ growth in the number of paying users.

JOYY continued to make important product feature updates that are creating clear operational benefits. In the first quarter, Bigo Live continued to enhance its user experience. Specifically, it improved its recommendation system, directed more traffic toward high-potential content creators, and upgraded its viewing interface. These changes led to a 4% QoQ increase in average viewing time per user. At the same time, Bigo Live launched an entirely redesigned VIP benefits system and improved its gifting experience, upgrading gift features for high-value users. These efforts delivered a 3% QoQ increase in ARPPU among Bigo Live’s high-end user cohort.

Likee also advanced its content strategy by building a more diverse and engaging content library. This led to impressive engagement metrics during the quarter. Videos viewed per user rose by 7% compared to the previous quarter, with overall video consumption time increasing by 10% over the same period. The refined approach to top streamer management and development also produced a notable 3% QoQ increase in Likee’s average paying ratio during the quarter.

Advertising Business

The BIGO Ads revenue grew 27% in the first quarter, supported by the Company’s comprehensive strengths, including local operations, extensive user base, industry-leading algorithms, and global network infrastructure, continuing to generate a positive profit contribution.

By integrating premium publisher traffic with the Company’s first-party traffic, BIGO Ads creates an advertising system that helps advertisers consistently reach their most valuable customers worldwide. BIGO Ads provides an intelligent, end-to-end advertising platform that covers user insights, creative development, precise targeting, and real-time optimization, leveraging its extensive global audience and years of quality data to build its own vertical model, integrating cutting-edge generative AI technologies. Its AI usage improves ad performance and ad returns while creating better revenue opportunities for the Company’s publisher partners. This success attracts both more advertiser spending and more publisher traffic, helping the BIGO Ads platform grow quickly.

1.This press release includes certain non-GAAP financial measures as additional clarifying items to aid investors in further understanding the Company’s performance and the impact that these items and events had on the financial results. The non-GAAP financial measures provided above should not be considered as a substitute for, or superior to, the measures of financial performance prepared in accordance with GAAP. For details of the non-GAAP measures, including the reconciliations of GAAP measures to non-GAAP measures, please refer to the press release titled “JOYY Reports First Quarter 2025 Unaudited Financial Results” issued by the Company on May 27, 2025.

ZYLOX Unicorn™ Vascular Closure Device Receives Regulatory Approval in Indonesia

HANGZHOU, China, May 27, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Zylox-Tonbridge Medical Technology Co., Ltd. (“Zylox-Tonbridge” or the “Company”) today announced that its proprietary ZYLOX Unicorn™ Vascular Closure Device (VCD) has received regulatory approval in Indonesia. This marks the ZYLOX Unicorn™ Vascular Closure Device’s first international market clearance and the Company’s first market authorization in Southeast Asia—representing a significant step forward in its international expansion strategy.

As China’s first domestically developed vascular closure device, the ZYLOX Unicorn™ VCD offers an extended closure range from 5F to 22F and is compatible with large-bore access sites (≥8F), enabling broader clinical applications and addressing previously unmet needs in vascular intervention. Designed to meet global standards, the ZYLOX Unicorn™ VCD has demonstrated strong safety and efficacy in premarket clinical trials. The system facilitates effective vascular closure, shortens patient immobilization time, and reduces the risk of puncture-site complications—delivering high-quality, affordable care to a wider patient population. The product was granted marketing authorization in China in June 2024.

Indonesia, the world’s fourth most populous country, represents a major opportunity for expanding access to advanced vascular intervention solutions. The approval of the ZYLOX Unicorn™ VCD in this key market will provide local physicians and patients with greater access to comprehensive vascular intervention solutions and support Zylox-Tonbridge’s continued expansion across Southeast Asia.

Zylox-Tonbridge’s overseas business has grown rapidly in recent years, generating approximately USD 3.1 million in revenue in 2024, with a four-year compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 87%. The Company’s business footprint spans Europe, the Americas, the Middle East, and Africa, covering countries such as France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, Argentina, Brazil, and South Africa. In 2025, Zylox-Tonbridge showcased key products at major global congresses including LINC, PAIRS, CICE, and ESOC, boosting its international brand visibility.

Looking ahead, Zylox-Tonbridge remains committed to its mission of “Innovation for Quality Life” and will continue expanding global access to high-quality, affordable treatment solutions through enhanced localization and strategic market entry.

Fresh Family Experiences for 2025 at Hyatt Regency Danang Resort and Spa

Exciting new facilities and immersive experiences enhance this award-winning beachfront retreat for every generation.

DA NANG, Vietnam, May 27, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — With a reputation for meaningful family getaways, Hyatt Regency Danang Resort and Spa continues to raise the bar with new, thoughtfully designed offerings in 2025. Spanning 49 acres of tropical gardens and 700 meters of pristine beach, the resort was recently named to Travel + Leisure’s 2025 T+L 500 list of the best hotels in the world, reinforcing its status as a premier destination for multigenerational travelers seeking both relaxation and enrichment.

Hyatt Regency Danang Resort and Spa
Hyatt Regency Danang Resort and Spa

In 2025, the resort introduces two signature experiences crafted especially for families. Launched this year, The Little Farm offers children a chance to slow down and connect with nature in a safe, engaging environment. Featuring friendly animals such as rabbits and goats, this gentle outdoor experience encourages empathy, wonder, and hands-on learning, creating cherished memories for young explorers and their families.

Also new is the latest chapter of Le Petit Chef. Titled In the Footsteps of Marco Polo, this immersive 3D dining journey blend storytelling, flavors, and captivating animation, offering an unforgettable multi-sensory adventure for guests of all ages.

Adding to the lineup of family-friendly facilities, the newly introduced Two Twin Beds with Garden room offers exclusive outdoor space just steps from the pool and beach, a perfect combination of relaxation and easy resort access.

These additions enhance a vibrant array of activities, joy, and discovery. Camp Hyatt remains a standout feature, boasting one of Southeast Asia’s largest kids’ zones with indoor and outdoor play areas, a dedicated children’s pool, and a full-day program of creative and active learning to keep little ones engaged throughout their stay.

Families can also enjoy lively moments together at Vive Océane – Beach Club & Restaurant, where French Mediterranean-inspired beachfront dining and monthly themed parties create festive, memorable occasions. For active bonding, The Sports Lounge offers squash courts, a golf 3D simulator, and coaching sessions in golf and tennis, blending fun with skill-building.

The resort’s extensive recreational program caters to all ages and interests, encouraging guests to explore, play, and unwind. With five outdoor pools and direct access to the beach, guests can paddleboard, bodyboard, kayak, or simply relax while soaking in the stunning coastline of Da Nang. Meanwhile, parents can retreat to VIE Spa, which offers family-friendly treatments and serene spaces for relaxation and rejuvenation.

Beyond the resort, families can deepen their connection with Vietnam’s rich cultural heritage through day trips to nearby UNESCO World Heritage Sites such as Hoi An and My Son Sanctuary. From 31 May to 12 July, the Danang International Fireworks Festival 2025, lights up the sky with dazzling displays just a short drive from the resort, offering magical moments for the entire family to treasure.

Hyatt Regency Danang Resort and Spa invites families to create lasting memories in the heart of central Vietnam. For more information, visit www.hyattregencydanang.com or contact danang.regency@hyatt.com.

Pedal Through Asia: Agoda Highlights 5 Cycling Destinations for World Bicycle Day

SINGAPORE, May 27, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — In celebration of World Bicycle Day on 3 June, digital travel platform Agoda is spotlighting five cycling destinations across Asia that offer unique experiences for travelers. From the tranquil trails of Hokkaido, Japan, to the historic charm of Sukhothai, Thailand, these destinations promise unforgettable adventures for cycling enthusiasts. 

With cycling tourism gaining global momentum, the Asia-Pacific region has emerged as the fastest-growing market for this trend, according to recent insights from The Business Research Company. Cycling is more than just a mode of transport; it’s a way to connect with nature, explore local cultures, and enjoy the freedom of the open road. Agoda has curated a list of five must-visit cycling spots across Asia, perfect for riders of all levels. 

Krishna Rathi, Senior Country Director at Agoda shared, “World Bicycle Day is the perfect occasion to celebrate the joy of cycling and the incredible destinations Asia has to offer. With interest in cycling tourism on the rise, particularly across Asia-Pacific where demand is growing rapidly, more travelers are turning to two wheels to explore the region’s diverse landscapes and cultures. By offering great value deals on accommodation, transport and experiences, Agoda is here to make it easier for travelers to plan their cycling adventures, whether they’re seeking scenic routes, cultural immersion, or a mix of both.” 

Five cycling destinations to explore in Asia: 

  1. Hokkaido, Japan 
    Known for its stunning landscapes, Hokkaido offers a variety of cycling routes through serene countryside, majestic mountains, and scenic coastal areas. Cyclists can immerse themselves in the natural beauty while staying at an authentic Ryokan, experiencing traditional Japanese hospitality. The region’s diverse terrain caters to both leisurely rides and challenging trails, making it a versatile destination for all cycling enthusiasts. 
  2. Luang Prabang, Laos 
    This UNESCO World Heritage site provides a cultural cycling experience, with routes that wind through historic streets, ancient temples, and along the picturesque Mekong River. Travelers can explore the rich heritage of Luang Prabang while enjoying comfortable stays at charming guesthouses that reflect the local architecture. The blend of cultural immersion and scenic beauty makes it a must-visit for those seeking a unique cycling adventure. 
  3. Sun Moon Lake, Taiwan 
    A favorite among cyclists, Sun Moon Lake features well-maintained trails that circle the lake, offering breathtaking views and a peaceful atmosphere. Visitors can enhance their experience by staying at lakeside resorts that provide stunning views and easy access to cycling paths. The tranquil environment and natural beauty make Sun Moon Lake an ideal spot for a relaxing yet invigorating cycling journey. 
  4. Sukhothai, Thailand 
    Step back in time as you cycle through Sukhothai’s historical parks, filled with ancient ruins and temples. The area offers highly rated hotels near Sukhothai Historical Park, providing convenient access to the historical park and a comfortable retreat after a day of exploration. This destination combines history and cycling for a truly unique experience, allowing travelers to delve into Thailand’s rich past. 
  5. Hoi An, Vietnam 
    Explore the charming old town and surrounding countryside of Hoi An. Cyclists can enjoy scenic routes through rice paddies, coastal paths, and vibrant local villages, with accommodations ranging from boutique hotels to luxurious resorts. The blend of cultural richness and natural beauty makes Hoi An a captivating destination for cyclists looking to experience Vietnam’s diverse landscapes. 

Agoda’s extensive offerings make it easy for travelers to plan their cycling adventures. With over 5 million holiday properties, more than 130,000 flight routes, and over 300,000 activities, Agoda provides everything needed for a seamless trip. For the best deals, visit Agoda’s mobile app and start planning your next cycling getaway. 

Zuellig Pharma Launches Lilly’s Innovative Obesity and Diabetes Medicine in Thailand

Mounjaro® (tirzepatide) will be available in the market from the end of May 2025


BANGKOK, THAILAND – Media OutReach Newswire – 27 May 2025 – Zuellig Pharma, a leading healthcare solutions company in Asia, has announced that Mounjaro® (tirzepatide), the innovative obesity and diabetes medicine developed by Eli Lilly and Company, will be launched in Thailand at the end of May 2025. Zuellig Pharma holds the marketing authorization for Mounjaro® (tirzepatide) in Thailand, having been granted the distribution and promotion rights for the medicine by Eli Lilly and Company this year.

Mounjaro® (tirzepatide) is a once-weekly prescription-only medicine indicated for the treatment of adults with insufficiently controlled type 2 diabetes mellitus as an adjunct to diet and exercise; as monotherapy when metformin is considered inappropriate due to intolerance or contraindications, in addition to other medicinal products for the treatment of diabetes; and as an adjunct to a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity for weight management, including weight loss and weight maintenance, in adults with an initial Body Mass Index (BMI) of ≥30 kg/m2 (obesity) or ≥27 kg/m2 to < 30 kg/m2 (overweight) in the presence of at least one weight-related comorbid condition (e.g., hypertension, dyslipidemia, obstructive sleep apnea, cardiovascular disease, prediabetes, or type 2 diabetes mellitus).

The availability of Mounjaro® (tirzepatide) is a significant advancement in the treatment of both obesity and type 2 diabetes, offering a single medication that can address both conditions through an easy-to-use prefilled pen. Mounjaro® KwikPen® (tirzepatide injection) is available in 2.5 mg, 5 mg, 7.5 mg and 10 mg, and gives healthcare providers the ability to personalize treatment plans better to meet individual patient needs.

Obesity is a critical public health concern in Thailand that affects 48% of the total population.2 The Ministry of Public Health classifies obesity as a Non-Communicable Disease (NCD) due to its strong link to rising rates for chronic illnesses, particularly type 2 diabetes. In 2024, the Department of Disease Control reported that 1 in 10 Thai individuals – a total of 6.5 million people – suffer from type 2 diabetes, impacting their physical, mental, and social well-being.2

People with diabetes face significant challenges in managing their blood sugar and preventing complications such as cardiovascular disease, chronic kidney disease, diabetic retinopathy, and diabetic foot ulcers, which can lead to severe infections and potential amputation.3

“Obesity and diabetes have gained prominence as significant health challenges in Thailand, and we are excited to accelerate the availability of Mounjaro® (tirzepatide) to patients in the region. With our deep understanding of the local regulatory landscape, as well as our proven track record of delivering innovative healthcare solutions in unmet disease areas, we are well placed to enhance the availability of the medicine in the market. This represents a significant step forward in our commitment to making healthcare more accessible, particularly in the chronic metabolic disease market,” said Rehan Saghir, Executive Vice President of Zuellig Pharma’s Commercialization division.

References:

  1. Mounjaro. Prescribing Information. Eli Lilly Asia, Inc.
  2. Division of Non-communicable Disease, Department of Disease Control, Ministry of Public Health)
  3. Yang, T., Qi, F., Guo, F. et al. An update on chronic complications of diabetes mellitus: from molecular mechanisms to therapeutic strategies with a focus on metabolic memory. Mol Med 30, 71 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1186/s10020-024-00824-9

Hashtag: #ZuelligPharma #EliLillyandCompany #Diabetes #Obesity #Healthcare #Pharmaceuticals


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

About Zuellig Pharma

Zuellig Pharma is a leading healthcare solutions company in Asia, and our purpose is to make healthcare more accessible to the communities we serve. We provide world-class distribution, digital and commercial services to support the growing healthcare needs in this region. The company was started a hundred years ago and has grown to become a multibillion-dollar business covering 17 markets with over 12,000 employees. Our people serve more than 200,000 medical facilities and work with over 450 clients, including the top 20 pharmaceutical companies in the world.

For more information, visit:

Experience as the New Destination: Trip.com Aims to Empower Global Partners in Attractions & Tours

SHANGHAI, May 27, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Trip.com, a leading one-stop travel service provider, unveiled the latest industry and sector trends, evolving traveller patterns, and future plans at its Attractions & Tours Global Partners Forum. The event is part of Trip.com Group’s annual global partner conference, Envision.2025, and was held on 26 May at the Shanghai Museum East – a cutting-edge landmark and cultural exchange hub, known for its wave-inspired architecture and immersive technology.


Empowering Global Partners through Innovative Technology and Marketing

Setting the stage, Mr. Jim Ji, Vice President of Trip.com Group, CEO of Attractions & Tours, shared that the travel industry has been recovering steadily, with international tourist arrivals expected to bounce back fully and exceed pre-pandemic levels this year based on industry forecasts. This is largely due to the relaxation of visa requirements and increasing flight capacity across the globe.

In his keynote speech titled ‘Empowering Global Partners’, Mr Ji emphasised how Trip.com is meeting this demand growth by building a global tourism industry ecosystem consisting of a wide distribution network including: 

  • 22 international offices
  • 2900+ affiliates & resellers, covering 150+ countries & regions, 300k+ products worldwide
  • 170+ marketing resources
  • 24 languages supported and 24/7 customer service
  • 33 currency options

Sharing strategies that will empower partners to reach international travellers more directly and effectively, Mr Ji explained how Trip.com’s ticket machines, onsite ticket operations and customisable online booking sites are helping partners to reduce manpower and improve operational efficiency. Measures to prevent fraudulent transactions as well as large-scale ticket bot activities have also been set up to enable partners to guard against such risks. 

He further highlighted the importance of engaging travellers through innovative marketing with partners. For example, to provide a more comfortable waiting experience for travellers at the Sanur Harbour in Bali, Indonesia, Trip.com Attractions & Tours worked with a local partner to build a Trip.com VIP lounge. This attracted nearly 200,000 customers and increased ferry ticket sales significantly.

Creating Deeper Travel Experiences

A key trend spotlighted during the forum was how travellers are increasingly making decisions based on the type of experiences they can enjoy during their trip. Forum speakers noted that the growth rate for experience-related searches on Trip.com is six times than that of destination or attraction-related searches. Keywords such as “food” and “spa” were among the top-searched keywords relating to experiences that international travellers were interested in.

“Travellers today are overwhelmed with options and increasingly seek experiences that resonate on a deeper level. Through collaboration with our global partners and the smart use of AI and consumer insights, we are curating personalised journeys that go beyond the expected and meet the evolving needs of international travellers,” said Mr Ji.

One way Trip.com is responding to this shift is through Trip.Best, an in-app collection of curated travel rankings based on user reviews, bookings and AI algorithms, inspiring travel through its destination guides and best-ranking lists. Users can easily find the most popular travel attractions across the world with Trip.Best’s global “Best Things to Do” rankings, including theme parks, museums, experiential activities and more. 

In recognition of the efforts by global partners to create a better experience for travellers, awards were also presented at the Envision forum to the best of the industry, such as top ranked attractions on Trip.Best, as well as the Excellent Partner Awards and the Most Promising Partner Awards.

About Trip.com

Trip.com is an international one-stop travel service provider, available in 24 languages across 39 countries and regions in 35 local currencies. Trip.com has an extensive hotel and flight network consisting of more than 1.5 million hotels and flights from over 640 airlines covering 3,400 airports in 220 countries and regions around the globe. Trip.com‘s world-class 24/7 multilingual customer service, as well as additional centres in Edinburgh, Tokyo and Seoul, help to ‘create the best travel experience’ for its millions of customers worldwide. To book your next trip, visit Trip.com.

Pony.ai Partners with Dubai RTA to Accelerate Autonomous Mobility in the Middle Eastern Metropolis

DUBAI, UAE, May 27, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Pony.ai (NASDAQ: PONY) today announces that it has entered a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Dubai‘s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) to deploy its advanced robotaxi fleet in the region. The collaboration underscores Pony.ai’s commitment to advancing autonomous driving technology in one of the world’s most dynamic metropolitan hubs.

Mr. Ahmed Bahrozyan, CEO of Public Transport Agency at RTA, stated: “The collaboration with Pony.ai marks another significant milestone in advancing Dubai‘s Self-Driving Transport Strategy. This partnership is integral to our goal of transforming 25% of all journeys in the city into autonomous trips by 2030, reinforcing Dubai‘s position as a global leader in autonomous mobility and innovation. We are excited to work with Pony.ai, a pioneer in autonomous driving technology, to further enhance the integration of smart transport solutions in Dubai.”

Dr. Leo Wang, CFO of Pony.ai said: “Dubai stands at the forefront of intelligent urban mobility innovation, and we are honored to collaborate with RTA on this transformative initiative. By combining our proven autonomous driving technology and extensive fleet operation experience, we are committed to accelerating Dubai‘s transition to autonomous transportation.”

Aligned with Dubai‘s 2030 Smart City Vision — which targets transitioning 25% of the city’s transportation to autonomous mode by 2030 — the collaboration will introduce Pony.ai’s autonomous driving technology through a multi-phase rollout. Initial supervised trials are set to launch in 2025, followed by fully driverless operations in 2026.

As a global leader in autonomous mobility solutions, Pony.ai plans to start mass production and deployment of its seventh-generation robotaxis in the second half of 2025. This initiative is expected to lay a robust foundation for the company’s global expansion.

The company aims to ramp up its robotaxi fleet globally to thousands of vehicles within the next 2 years, positioning 2025 as the inaugural year for large-scale commercial deployment. This accelerated timeline is enabled by technological maturity, vehicle engineering, and operational readiness.

Pony.ai’s seventh-generation autonomous driving system, recently showcased at Auto Shanghai 2025, exemplifies this technological readiness. The AD kit hardware suite achieves a 70% BOM cost reduction while meeting stringent automotive-grade standards. Its advanced sensor array handles complex scenarios ranging from high-speed highways to crowed urban centers like Dubai‘s business and financial districts. The platform-based design enables rapid adaptation across different vehicle types.

For vehicle production, Pony.ai collaborates with industry leaders including Toyota, GAC Motor, and BAIC Motor to develop its seventh-generation robotaxis. Mass deployment is slated for later this year following the vehicles’ successful debut in Shanghai in April.

The company has established a comprehensive robotaxi operation system featuring fully automated processes from vehicle dispatch to service conclusion. In China, Pony.ai was the first autonomous driving company to offer fully driverless ride-hailing services across Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Shenzhen. Its fleet of around 300 Robotaxi vehicles serves key hubs such as Beijing South Railway Station and Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport, while navigating complex environments such as Shenzhen’s densely populated Nanshan District, demonstrating scalable solutions adaptable to global urban environments.

“We’ve built up real expertise in robotaxis from years of operations in China, and now we’re bringing that know-how to Dubai. Our goal is to give residents and visitors here driverless tech that’s not just greener and safer, but genuinely makes getting around this city easier for everyone,” said Leo Wang.

Long-term plans include integrating robotaxi services with Dubai‘s multimodal transport network — encompassing metro, tram, and maritime routes — to create a future where autonomous vehicles complement existing infrastructure, enabling smoother journeys and reducing the city’s carbon footprint.

To date, Pony.ai has secured robotaxi testing permits across four major markets, including the United States, China, South Korea, and Luxembourg. The new partnership with Dubai further extends its global presence and represents a milestone in its expansion in the Middle East.

Pony.ai Robotaxi
Pony.ai Robotaxi

 

Danish government in collaboration with Preferred by Nature, Ferrero, SAN, Agriterra, and Musim Mas for Sustainable Palm Oil Production in Indonesia

The Rokan Hulu Landscape and Livelihoods Initiative drives sustainability and smallholder engagement

JAKARTA, Indonesia, May 27, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — A new partnership is set to advance palm oil production in Indonesia to make it more inclusive, sustainable, and resilient. The Rokan Hulu Landscape and Livelihoods Initiativebrings together global integrated palm oil group Musim Mas, sweet-packaged food company Ferrero, non-governmental organisations (NGOs) Preferred by Nature, Agriterra, and the Sustainable Agriculture Network (SAN). Funded by the Danish government’s Danida Green Business Partnerships (DGBP) programme, this initiative aims to enhance independent smallholder livelihoods, protect the environment, and promote sustainable palm oil production in line with global sustainability standards and regulatory frameworks, including the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR).

Representatives from the various partners at a technical on-site workshop in Medan, Indonesia, to plan the implementation of the Rokan Hulu Landscape and Livelihoods Initiative
Representatives from the various partners at a technical on-site workshop in Medan, Indonesia, to plan the implementation of the Rokan Hulu Landscape and Livelihoods Initiative

The Rokan Hulu Landscape and Livelihoods Initiative
This five-year project focuses on implementing scalable solutions for sustainable palm oil production. Its aim is to support 5,400 independent smallholders in adopting regenerative agricultural practices that improve farming conditions, reduce synthetic inputs, and strengthen climate resilience.

The Rokan Hulu Landscape and Livelihoods Initiative will also strengthen two farmer organisations and help 2,500 farmers achieve certification under the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO) and Indonesia Sustainable Palm Oil (ISPO) standards.

Additionally, it aims to create diversified income opportunities for 2,000 community members—60 percent of whom will be women—while implementing measures to safeguard biodiversity and mitigate deforestation risks. A key element of the initiative is establishing a multi-stakeholder jurisdictional alliance to promote ecosystem restoration and ensure alignment with sustainability standards.

Preferred by Nature, an international NGO headquartered in Denmark with extensive experience in sustainable agriculture and forestry projects, will lead project coordination, capacity building, and training in sustainable practices. Dutch agri-agency Stichting Agriterra will focus on strengthening farmer organisations, enabling financial sustainability, and fostering cooperative business models, while international NGO SAN will provide expertise in regenerative agriculture and deliver on-ground support through its Indonesian partners Kaleka and Setara Jambi.

Both Musim Mas and Ferrero have a shared interest in securing a sustainable and traceable palm oil supply chain that complies with regulatory standards and meets voluntary commitments.

Addressing Systemic Challenges in Palm Oil Supply Chains
This project aligns the shared objectives of Ferrero and Musim Mas with development goals by addressing systemic challenges within independent smallholder supply chains.

These challenges include low productivity, varying levels of familiarity with sustainable farming practices, and environmental degradation, such as declining soil health. Independent smallholders, who manage over 40 percent of Indonesia’s planted palm oil, often encounter barriers to meeting RSPO and ISPO standards, including resource constraints, uneven access to knowledge, and land tenure issues. This initiative seeks to tackle these barriers by equipping farmers with the necessary tools and training to adopt sustainable practices, achieve certifications, and improve market access.

At the landscape level, the project fosters a multi-stakeholder alliance involving corporate, governmental, and civil society actors to strengthen ecosystem protection. These efforts safeguard biodiversity and support alignment with global sustainability standards like the EUDR.

A Model for Sustainable Palm Oil Production
By combining private sector commitments with nonprofit expertise, the Rokan Hulu Landscape and Livelihoods Initiative sets a benchmark for sustainable palm oil production and creates a win-win scenario for all stakeholders. Farmers can benefit from increased productivity, improved market access, and diversified incomes. Meanwhile, partners like Ferrero and Musim Mas can secure a reliable, sustainable, and traceable palm oil supply chain.

This project also generates long-term economic benefits for rural communities, contributes to global climate goals, and positions the Rokan Hulu region as a leading example of sustainable palm oil production.

This transformative initiative sets the stage for a more sustainable and inclusive palm oil industry. By addressing systemic challenges and fostering collaboration, the project paves the way for a resilient and environmentally responsible supply chain that benefits all stakeholders.

Mr Olivier Tichit, Director of Communications and Sustainability at Musim Mas, said: “Empowering smallholders through training and support is key to building a resilient and sustainable palm oil supply chain. Musim Mas takes a landscape-based approach to sustainability. Across the Smallholder Hubs we operate, we work with governments, suppliers, smallholders, NGOs, and other players in the landscape to achieve sustainability transformation. This project will enable us to contribute in a new dimension with our new partners.”

Mr Nicola Somenzi,  Head of Responsible Sourcing at Ferrero, said: “We aim to create a thriving supply chain which benefits farmers’ livelihoods and communities, protecting people and nature. Beyond sourcing RSPO segregated palm oil for our products, our active participation in initiatives like this strengthens the foundation for a resilient and environmentally responsible supply chain that creates long-term value for all.”

Mr Jakob Ryding, Senior Director of Projects at Preferred by Nature, said: “At Preferred by Nature, we believe that sustainable palm oil production is only possible when smallholders are equipped with the right knowledge, resources and market access. This project demonstrates how collaboration between businesses and NGOs can address systemic challenges, empower farmers, and protect vital ecosystems. We are delighted to be part of this initiative.”

Mr Jose Joaquín Campos, Executive Director at SAN, said: “By integrating regenerative agriculture and nature-based solutions, this initiative demonstrates how sustainable farming can simultaneously revive ecosystems and enhance farmer livelihoods.”

Mr Marco Schouten, CEO of Stichting Agriterra, said: “Strengthening farmer organisations is at the heart of what we do. This project provides the tools needed to empower farmer organisations and their members, enabling them to cooperate to achieve financial sustainability and seize new market opportunities.”

Devane Sharma 
Musim Mas Corporate Communications
media@musimmas.com