Inaugural Conference by Saladplate.com (part of Informa Markets) Delivers High-Impact Programme on Sustainability, Technology, and Consumer Trends

KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia, Oct. 10, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — More than 200 hospitality and food & beverage professionals gathered at the EQ Kuala Lumpur on September 25, 2025, for the inaugural FutureFWD – Hospitality, Food & Beverage conference. The day-long event, presented by Saladplate.com in partnership with Food & Hospitality Malaysia (FHM), brought together industry thought leaders, trailblazers, and innovators to explore the transformative forces shaping the global hospitality and F&B landscape.

“What an incredible milestone for the Hospitality, Food & Beverage portfolio at Informa Markets -the inaugural FutureFWD conference by Saladplate.com has exceeded all expectations, bringing together over 200 industry professionals at EQ Kuala Lumpur for a seamlessly orchestrated day of high-impact conversations and presentations. The feedback has been outstanding, and we have successfully launched a brand-new conference format that has created meaningful dialogue around sustainability, technology, and consumer trends, facilitated valuable networking opportunities, and established FutureFWD as a must-attend industry event. This success has built strong momentum for our Singapore 2026 edition alongside FHA, where we’ll expand to a 3-day conference and showcase format” said Ian Roberts, Vice President – Asia, Informa Markets

Comprehensive Programme Addresses Critical Industry Challenges
The conference featured diverse session formats including keynote presentations, panel discussions, sustainability-focused sessions, and success story presentations. Expert emcee and a key industry figure Debbie Yong, founder of Atypical Media and former Regional Editorial Director at the Michelin Guide, guided attendees through a seamlessly orchestrated program that challenged convention and sparked meaningful industry dialogue.

Sessions covered essential topics, including:

•        Business Reset Strategies for adapting to market changes
•        Emerging Sustainability Practices redefining operational excellence
•        Tech-Driven Innovations powering new efficiencies and guest experiences
•        Shifting Consumer Behaviours demanding adaptive, agile strategies
•        Hospitality Design Concepts creating memorable and enduring impact

Sarissa Rodriguez-Schwartz, Co-Founder & CEO of SJS Group, praised the event’s impact: “What an incredible privilege it was to participate as a speaker at the FutureFWD Hospitality, Food & Beverage conference. Being part of this exceptional gathering of thought leaders who came together to explore the transformative forces reshaping our industry was truly inspiring.  This high-impact conference brought together international perspectives on the most pressing topics facing hospitality and F&B today.”

Kristian Olsen, Founder & Managing Director of Type A, emphasised the strategic focus of discussions: “It was a privilege to share how content fuels both digital presence and word-of-mouth at FutureFWD. What stood out across the sessions was how leaders are moving beyond surface-level marketing to tackle both industry and audience shifts head-on.”

Research-Backed Expert Perspectives Drive Actionable Outcomes
Jing Yong, Growth Director – Greater China at GlobalData, delivered insights on how authenticity and heritage are reshaping menus, brand strategies, and consumer expectations across the region, reinforcing the need for brands to embrace local relevance while scaling experiences globally.

Emma Maxwell, leading restaurant interior designer and Founder of Emma Maxwell Studio, highlighted key takeaways from her panel:

• Loyalty is built through ritual and behaviour, not aesthetics alone
• Independent operators succeed by being fearless, and hotels must adopt that spirit

Maxwell noted: “I was truly impressed by the calibre of discussion and the energy in the room. The programme was impeccably curated with breadth, depth, and rigour, featuring outstanding speakers addressing the most urgent industry challenges. It was a forum of rare substance, brilliantly executed in every detail.”

Networking Opportunities Foster Industry Collaboration
Beyond formal sessions, FutureFWD 2025 provided extensive networking opportunities where delegates connected, collaborated, and exchanged ideas. Networking breaks facilitated conversations that extended session themes, fostering new partnerships and reinforcing the value of collective industry dialogue.

The conference concluded with optimism and urgency, acknowledging that while the hospitality and F&B industry faces significant challenges—including rapid technological change, sustainability pressures, and shifting consumer expectations—innovation and collaboration will drive future progress.

FutureFWD Expands to Singapore at Food & Hospitality Asia (FHA) 2026
The next edition of FutureFWD will be launched as a 4-day conference and showcase alongside Food & Hospitality Asia (FHA) from 21 to 24 April 2026 at the Singapore EXPO.

Paving the way forward, Indiana Forrest-Bisley, Event Director of FHA, Informa Markets, said: “The future of Hospitality and F&B will be shaped by those who can integrate technology with service excellence. FutureFWD Singapore, is FHA’s dedication to Technology in Hospitality, Foodservice, and Retail. This groundbreaking platform will bring together global innovators and ASEAN industry leaders to exchange ideas, explore cutting-edge solutions, and forge actionable pathways toward smarter, greener, and more resilient businesses. FutureFWD is about more than innovation — it’s about empowering our community to lead and thrive in a fast-changing world.”

Programme themes at FutureFWD Singapore in 2026
FutureFWD Singapore will spotlight critical themes shaping the future of hospitality, foodservice, and retail. These programme pillars reflect the industry’s most urgent challenges and opportunities:

• Sustainability initiatives as Business Imperative – tackling food waste management, embracing green hospitality practices and energy-efficient management
• Technology-powered solutions – addressing changing consumer behaviours and experiences
• Process optimisation and operational efficiency – through smart systems and automation
• Revenue growth opportunities – unlock growth through innovation and adaptation

Industry Leaders Shaping the Future

FutureFWD Singapore is fuelled by a stellar Steering Committee bringing together some of the country’s most influential leaders across technology, operation excellence, and hospitality innovation:

• Andrew Cameron, Founder & CEO, Enzyme Consulting
• Han Wei Chew, President, HITAS (Hospitality Information Technology Association Singapore)
• Ivan Ng, Chief Technology Officer, City Developments Limited
• Khang Nguyen Trieu, Founder and Fractional Chief Information Officer / Chief Technology Officer, The Way Forward
• Nigel Ngan, Digital Strategy Lead & Head, (Product Development – Food Services), FairPrice Group
• Wilmos Lee, Assistant Vice President, IT, Tunglok Group

Reflecting on the vision of FutureFWD Singapore, Han Wei Chew, President of HITAS, shared: “My role as part of FutureFWD Steering Committee and as Head of the Hospitality IT Association Singapore is to bridge innovation with industry needs. Technology is no longer a back-end enabler — it is at the heart of how we drive service excellence, optimise energy use, reduce food waste, and create seamless guest journeys across Hospitality, Retail, and Food Services. Together, we can reimagine the way our industries serve and thrive in a digital-first economy.”

Expanding on the success of the Kuala Lumpur edition, FutureFWD Singapore promises a richer, more dynamic experience — empowering attendees with actionable insights, tangible examples, and meaningful connections to fuel industry transformation. More information and updates are available at https://www.foodnhotelasia.com/futurefwd.

About Hospitality, Food & Beverage and Saladplate at Informa Markets

Informa Markets’ Hospitality, Food & Beverage portfolio includes a series of global in-person trade events and an online content and insights platform Saladplate, aimed at fostering business relationships, enabling learning, and enhancing trade opportunities for the industry. With several established events within the portfolio, such as Hotelex Shanghai, FHA, HOFEX, Fispal Food Service, and Abastur, the portfolio together offers an unparalleled audience reach across the world. Staging 35 live and digital events in major cities, including Shanghai, Hong Kong, Singapore, Ho Chi Minh City, Seoul, Kuala Lumpur, Mumbai, Bangkok, Sao Paulo, and Mexico City. Working alongside established

industry partners, government bodies, and recognised professionals, the portfolio aims to bring companies, individuals, and the industry to the forefront of global business innovation by offering solutions and opportunities that meet today’s business needs.

Since its launch in October 2023 with a renewed focus, Saladplate has reached over 600,000 industry professionals globally through its platform and hosts various products, focusing on unbiased news, content, and insights. Features on the platform include networking and learning events – Business Breakfast, country reports – Focus On Reports, a global supplier directory with over 35,000 suppliers listed and refreshed monthly, news articles, an e-magazine with an average monthly readership of over 45,000 professionals, and whitepapers and category reports

For more information, please visit www.saladplate.com

About Informa Markets:

Informa Markets creates platforms for industries and specialist markets to trade, innovate and grow. We provide marketplace participants around the globe with opportunities to engage, experience and do business through face-to-face exhibitions, targeted digital services and actionable data solutions. We connect buyers and sellers across more than a dozen global verticals, including Pharmaceuticals, Food, Medical Technology and Infrastructure. As the world’s leading market-making company, we bring a diverse range of specialist markets to life, unlocking opportunities and helping them to thrive 365 days of the year.

For more information, please visit www.informamarkets.com

For more information, contact:

Gautam Jatwani
Senior Marketing Manager – Hospitality, Food & Beverage Portfolio (Global)
Informa Markets
gautam.jatwani@informa.com

• Completed Enrollment in First-In-Human Phase I study of Less Invasive Approach
• Expected to Present 6-Month data in 2026 at a major Cardiology Congress
• Via Less Invasive Approach, more Cardiologists could implant out-patient
• Additional studies expanding indications and level of evidence are planned next

ZUG, Switzerland, Oct. 10, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Berlin Heals Holding AG, a leading clinical-stage medical device company focused on revolutionizing the care of Heart Failure with a first of its kind durable treatment, today announced it has completed enrollment in the First-In-Human (FIH) CMIC-III study to evaluate the safety of a new Less Invasive approach to implanting the CMIC device. Topline data are expected in 2026 and will be submitted for presentation at a major Cardiology Congress. Berlin Heals is on track to expand this new Less Invasive approach to a wider population of patients and build on the body of evidence already seen in the first-generation surgical approach. As part of the FDA Breakthrough and TAP programs, we intend to pursue a pivotal FDA IDE trial that will lead to regulatory and reimbursement approvals for market launch.

“Completing enrollment in under 6 months since implanting our first patient marks a pivotal moment for the company and reflects the degree of unmet need we are hearing from people living with Heart Failure,” said Berlin Heals Holding Chief Executive Officer John Brumfield. “We are very grateful to the patients, their families and the trial investigators for their enthusiasm and look forward to sharing topline results from the Phase I study next year.”

“Based on results from the CMIC-I FIH and CMIC-II Randomized Controlled Trial (RCT), Microcurrent therapy showed great promise to positively transform the treatment for Heart Failure,” said Stefan Anker, M.D., Professor of Medicine at Charite, Berlin and Senior Author of the CMIC-II Manuscript. “If similar results can be shown in a less invasive implant approach, many more patients could benefit from this new therapy.”

About CMIC Therapy

Cardiac Microcurrent (CMIC) Therapy is delivered via a fully implantable medical device that consists of two electrodes connected to an implantable generator that provides constant direct microcurrent across the diseased heart. This constant DC current reduces inflammation and reverse remodels the heart that has been shown in previous studies to improve cardiac function and reduce symptoms. The first generation required a minimally invasive surgical procedure where a cardiothoracic surgeon placed an electrode on the outside of the heart. The new Less Invasive approach can be implanted in a cardiac catheterization lab through a conscious sedation out-patient procedure by a Cardiologist.

About Heart Failure

Heart Failure is a condition where the heart is weakened and cannot meet the body’s demand for blood flow. Symptoms include shortness of breath, fatigue and palpitations limiting ability to perform daily activities. The progressive disease leads to high frequency of hospital admissions, poor clinical outcomes and high cost of care. Heart Failure is a Global Pandemic that affects over 64 Million people around the world. In the western world, 1 in 4 people will develop the disease in their lifetime. The Global cost of Heart Failure care is $287Billion annually. The disease is a leading cause of death with worse mortality than cancer. There is currently no commercially available cure.

About Berlin Heals Holding AG

Berlin Heals Holding is developing a novel treatment to reverse remodel and recover from Heart Failure. After a successful First-In-Human study in 2019 followed by sustaining long-term results and a successful Randomized Controlled Trial completed in 2024, the company has been developing a new approach to implant the device less invasively in an outpatient cardiac cath lab procedure. The company is based in Zug, Switzerland with subsidiaries in Germany and the United States.

• Over 100 healthcare leaders from 11 countries/regions convene at APSMI Summit to advance consumer-led self-care in healthcare.
• The Summit highlights the importance of empowering individuals with knowledge and tools to support resilient health systems.

BALI, Indonesia, Oct. 10, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — More than 100 healthcare leaders from 11 Asia-Pacific countries and regions gathered at the Asia Pacific Self-Medication Industry (APSMI) Summit 2025 in Bali to accelerate self-care solutions for the region.

With the theme “Self-Care in Healthcare: From Shared Vision to Shared Action,” the Summit emphasized the need to turn shared understanding into practical, evidence-based actions across Asia Pacific. Recognized by the World Health Organization (WHO), self-care empowers individuals to maintain health, prevent illness, and manage conditions responsibly—strengthening both communities and health systems.

Rachmadi Joesoef, Chairman of APSMI, Representative GP Farmasi and CEO PT Konimex, said the Summit marks another milestone in promoting responsible self-care, bringing together regulators, industry, and healthcare experts to translate collaboration into impact.

Following the Bangkok Joint Initiative on Self-Care of Medical Products launched in 2024, this year’s Summit focused on moving from vision to action—developing frameworks and partnerships to close the “self-care gap” caused by non-communicable diseases (NCDs) and health literacy disparities. A key driver of this transformation is Self-CARER (Self-Medication Collaborative ASIAN Regulatory Expert Round Table), a platform that unites regulatory authorities, healthcare experts, and the self-medication industry to embed responsible self-care into national health frameworks.

Dr. Junko Sato, Co-Chair of Self-CARER (PMDA Japan), said, “Self-CARER is a strategic coalition uniting Regulatory Authorities, Healthcare Experts, and the Asia-Pacific Self-Medication Industry (APSMI) to embed responsible self-care into national health frameworks.”

Seema Sundaresan– Self-CARERs Regulatory Streamlining Work Group Leader & P&G Senior Director (Regulatory Affairs), added that collaboration and harmonized regulatory practices are essential to ensuring timely, affordable, and high-quality self-care solutions. Dr. Deepa Maharaj, Digital Work Group Leader and Opella Global HCP Expert, highlighted that with over 70% of Asia-Pacific consumers now digitally literate, digital health tools such as e-pharmacy and e-labelling are crucial to expanding safe and equitable access to healthcare information and products.

On the regulators’ perspectives, Dita Novianti Sugandi Argadiredja, Director of Pharmaceutical Production and Distribution, Indonesia Ministry of Health, said, “The Ministry of Health is driving a comprehensive transformation of our national healthcare system, built upon six key pillars: transforming primary services, referral services, health resilience system, reforming health financing, human resources, and technology. The central goal is to empower our communities to live healthier, more productive lives. Responsible self-care is a vital component of this vision, particularly through strengthening primary care and adoption of digital health technology. By increasing health literacy and ensuring the availability of safe, high-quality, and independent pharmaceutical products, we can foster a society proactive in managing its own health. APSMI Summit is critical for strengthening the collaboration needed to achieve these shared goals and build a healthier, more resilient Indonesia.”

Prof. Taruna Ikrar, Head of Indonesian FDA (BPOM) reaffirmed the commitment to advancing a modern regulatory framework that supports safe and responsible self-medication. BPOM believes that empowering the public through greater access to information and quality products is key to enhancing consumer protection. APSMI Summit 2025 provides an important platform for collaboration between regulators and industry to strengthen collective efforts and ensure that all citizens can practice self-medication safely and effectively. BPOM is committed to formulating regulations that balance technological progress with public protection, focused on 2 main objectives: a. Ensuring the safety, efficacy and quality of drug, provide complete, clear, objective information for patient use, b. Encouraging responsible health innovation.

The APSMI Summit 2025 concluded with a shared commitment to strengthening multi-sectoral collaboration, fostering public-private partnerships, and developing a clear roadmap for integrating self-care into national and regional health strategies.

By uniting regulators, industry leaders, and health experts, APSMI and Self-CARER are paving the way for a healthier, more resilient Asia-Pacific, where self-care becomes a cornerstone of universal health coverage.

Media Contacts:
APSMI
Ruchita Mehra – mehra.r@pg.com, M: +91 98209 86056
Anama O’Reilly – oreilly.anama@sanofi.com, M: +65 9616 9557

Ogilvy Indonesia
Kartika Sugiarto – Kartika.sugiarto@ogilvy.com, M: +62 813 8209 4435

TOKYO, Oct. 10, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Yamato Transport Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Chuo-ku, Tokyo; Representative Director and President: Seiichi Awa), Mitsubishi Fuso Truck and Bus Corporation (Headquarters: Kawasaki City, Kanagawa Prefecture, President and CEO: Karl Deppen; hereafter “MFTBC”), and TIER IV, Inc. (Headquarters: Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo; Representative Director and CEO: Shinpei Kato; hereafter “TIER IV”) have been selected for a Japanese government project to test autonomous trucks for long-haul transportation. Featuring a tractor developed by MFTBC and TIER IV, paired with a Yamato Group trailer, the proof of concept aims to validate vehicle performance, safety and operational feasibility under real-world conditions on Yamato Group’s Kanto–Kansai route.

The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism project will inform ongoing development of autonomous driving technology, paving the way for the deployment of Level 4 *1 autonomous semi-trailer trucks for long-haul operations on Yamato Group’s route.

Overview

*1 The vehicle can operate fully autonomously under specific conditions, such as designated areas, weather, or speed.

*2 A human driver is in the vehicle, but the system allows hands-off operation in certain scenarios.

Contact

Yamato Transport Co., Ltd.
Corporate Communications Department
TEL: 03-3248-5822

Mitsubishi Fuso Truck and Bus Corporation
Global Communications & Marketing Department
Mail: fuso.news@daimlertruck.com

TIER IV, Inc.
Marketing Communications Department
Mail: pr@tier4.jp

COLOGNE, Germany, Oct. 10, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — A news report from iQingdao:

From October 4^th to 8^th, 2025, a group of 21 local food industry export-oriented enterprises appeared at Anuga HORIZON 2025 (ANUGA for short), organized by China Council for the Promotion of International Trade, Qingdao Sub-Council (CCPIT, Qingdao for short). This event fully demonstrated the excellent quality and innovation capacity of “Made in Qingdao” to global purchasers by building the overall image of “Superior Products of Qingdao“.

As the largest Qingdao pavilion at European food exhibition, this “Superior Products of Qingdao” Pavilion at ANUGA 2025 covered 168.5 square meters. It showcased a dozen of quality specialities in Qingdao, such as nut baking, chilli products, frozen vegetables, and meat. A total of 2,783 customers were received and intention orders amounted to approximately 180 million RMB, among which the turnover of chilli products, nut baking, and meat dominated.

The food and beverage industry in Qingdao featured solid foundations, large scales, complete supply chains, and quality products. On this basis, several industrial clusters with distinctive characteristics and strong competitiveness have come into being. Accordingly, the “Superior Products of Qingdao” Pavilion at ANUGA 2025 attracted numerous overseas clients by its overall high-standard image.

According to Communist Party of China Qingdao Municipal Committee and Qingdao Municipal People’s Government, CCPIT, Qingdao sets up “Superior Products of Qingdao” Pavilion at influential overseas exhibitions to facilitate local enterprises to “go global”. Furthermore, it intends to optimize exhibition organization and strengthen liaisons at home and abroad. Specifically, CCPIT, Qingdao will realize its specialized trade promotion by virtue of upgraded overall image, precise business matching, and diversified advertising in the near future, etc. In this way, more and more superior export-oriented enterprises in Qingdao can expand markets and secure orders overseas.