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SI GROUP OPENS NEW INNOVATION CENTER

State-of-the-art facility expands company’s global research and development capabilities

THE WOODLANDS, Texas, Oct. 28, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — SI Group, a leading global developer and manufacturer of performance additives, process solutions, and chemical intermediates, announced the official opening of its European Innovation Centre (EIC) in Four Ashes, United Kingdom. This milestone marks an important expansion of SI Group’s global innovation network, strengthening R&D and application development to better serve customers worldwide.

The new state-of-the-art facility is equipped with advanced tools and resources to support a wide range of research activities. With a focus on plastics and rubber application development, as well as analytical characterization, the EIC will serve as a collaborative hub for addressing technical challenges and driving sustainable innovation in partnership with customers and industry leaders.

In addition to the new Four Ashes, UK facility, SI Group also operates Innovation Centers in:

  • Houston, Texas, USA
  • Rotterdam Junction, New York, USA
  • Morgantown, West Virginia, USA
  • Lote, India
  • Shanghai, China

“The opening of the European Innovation Centre represents a significant investment in SI Group’s global innovation capabilities,” said Robert Kaiser, VP Strategic Marketing and Managing Director – EMEA at SI Group. “Together with our five additional Innovation Centers, we’re building a robust, globally connected R&D network that enhances competitiveness, delivers advanced solutions tailored to regional needs, and supports the long-term growth of our business.”

The inaugural event was held on October 23, 2025, featuring a tour of the facility and a keynote address by His Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant of Staffordshire, Professor Elizabeth Barnes CBE, on behalf of His Majesty King Charles III. Media representatives and industry professionals were invited to attend.

About SI Group
SI Group is a global leader in the innovative technology of performance additives, process solutions, active pharmaceutical ingredients, and chemical intermediates. SI Group solutions are essential to enhancing the quality and performance of countless industrial and consumer goods within plastics, rubber & adhesives, fuels & lubricants, oilfield, and pharmaceutical industries. SI Group’s global manufacturing footprint includes 19 facilities on three continents, serving customers in 80 countries with approximately 1,600 employees worldwide. In 2025, SI Group received a bronze award for corporate social responsibility by EcoVadis and is ranked among the top 35 percent of the more than 150,000 companies worldwide. SI Group innovates and drives change to create value with a passion for safety, chemistry, sustainability, and extraordinary results. Learn more at www.siigroup.com.

Media Contact:
Joseph Grande
ph: + 1.413.684.2463
joe@jgrandecommunications.com

Sisram Medical Delivers Strong Third-Quarter 2025 Performance with Robust Momentum Across Key Markets and Core Businesses

HONG KONG, Oct. 28, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Sisram Medical Ltd (the “Company” or “Sisram“, 1696.HK; together with its subsidiaries collectively referred to as the “Group“), a global consumer wellness group offering Energy-Based Devices (EBD), injectables, and other complementary solutions, today announced its business update for the third quarter of 2025, highlighting solid revenue growth and accelerated momentum across core product segments and key markets.

In the third quarter of 2025, the Company achieved double-digit revenue growth compared to the same period last year, driven by strong double-digit year-on-year growth in new orders, primarily supported by robust demand across key markets in China, South Korea, and Thailand.

The EBD business maintained strong growth, with sustained market momentum for Alma Harmony, the award-winning multiplatform launched globally in March 2025, which recorded a significant volume of new orders during the quarter. Building on this success, the Soprano family of laser devices delivered impressive performance in the APAC region, highlighted by the latest launch of Soprano in China that secured substantial new orders.

The injectables business continued its strategic expansion, serving as a key growth engine for Sisram. Notably, DAXXIFY received approval from the National Medical Products Administration, becoming the first botulinum toxin type A product approved in Mainland China that features a proprietary Peptide Exchange Technology (PXT) and a stabilized-peptide formulation. With dedicated efforts to accelerate commercial preparations, the launch of DAXXIFY in Mainland China remains on track, injecting renewed momentum into the Company’s injectables segment and overall ecosystem.

Globally, Sisram deepened its footprint in strategic markets, advancing its “glocalization” strategy through a series of focused initiatives. The newly established direct sales office in Thailand continued to deliver strong injectable sales, demonstrating effective localization. In the U.S., the Company officially launched Universkin by Alma, the world’s first AI-assisted skincare products, in July 2025, following a successful pilot. Additionally, the Alma IQ, Alma’s intelligent skin analysis platform continued its global expansion, enabling practitioners to offer holistic, intelligent medical aesthetic solutions that enhance clinical outcomes and elevate patient experiences.

Mr. Lior Dayan, CEO of Sisram and Alma, said: “Our strong third-quarter results underscore the effective execution of our growth strategy. With the EBD segment delivering consistent performance and the injectables portfolio entering its next phase of expansion, we are advancing balanced growth engines built for scale and long-term value creation. Today, we are proud to lead the next generation of intelligent aesthetic solutions that significantly enhance partner value and elevate patient experiences. With our diversified portfolio and strong market momentum, we are well positioned to capture new opportunities and further strengthen our leadership as a global provider of advanced, holistic medical aesthetic solutions.”

About Sisram Medical Ltd

Sisram Medical Ltd (1696.HK) is a global leader in medical aesthetic solutions with over 25 years of expertise in Energy-Based Devices (EBD). Built on a legacy of innovation and clinical excellence, the Company’s synergistic ecosystem spans EBD technologies, injectables, diagnostics, and complementary solutions. Serving customers in over 110 countries and regions, Sisram delivers award-winning products that set new standards in safety, efficacy, and personalized aesthetic care for millions of patients worldwide. Majority-owned by Fosun Pharma, Sisram has been listed on the Main Board of the Hong Kong Stock Exchange since September 2017.

For more information, please visit: https://sisram-medical.com/.

 

MOVUS wins the Mining Beacon Breakthrough Innovation Award at IMARC 2025 for its breakthrough in prescriptive AI for mining operations

SYDNEY, Oct. 28, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — MOVUS (now part of Infinite Uptime Inc.), an Australian pioneer in industrial asset intelligence, has been honored with the Mining Beacon Breakthrough Innovation Award at the International Mining and Resources Conference (IMARC) 2025. The award recognizes MOVUS’s contribution to transforming asset maintenance for the mining industry through its breakthrough innovation in intelligent industrial monitoring, which works seamlessly with its cloud-powered prescriptive AI platform, PlantOS™. 

Sanjeev Kumar, Business Unit Head – ANZ, Infinite Uptime, receiving the Mining Beacon Breakthrough Innovation Award from Rob Adamson, Executive Chairman, RFC Ambrian Limited, at IMARC 2025 in Sydney.
Sanjeev Kumar, Business Unit Head – ANZ, Infinite Uptime, receiving the Mining Beacon Breakthrough Innovation Award from Rob Adamson, Executive Chairman, RFC Ambrian Limited, at IMARC 2025 in Sydney.

Held in Sydney, Australia, from October 21–23, 2025, IMARC is among the world’s most influential gatherings for the mining and resources industry. The event brought together over 10,000 delegates from 120+ countries, including government leaders, mining majors, investors, and technology innovators, with a shared focus on sustainability, innovation, and operational excellence. 

MOVUS made a strong impact with live demonstrations of its PlantOS™ platform, attracting operators eager to explore smarter, AI-assisted decision-making to optimize reliability, productivity, and efficiency.

The Mining Beacon Breakthrough Innovation Award recognized MOVUS for its breakthrough innovation that combines advanced hardware with an AI-powered analytics engine. At its core is Ultra vSense, the world’s first piezoelectric sensor to integrate vibration, temperature, and RPM measurement in a single compact and rugged device built for mining’s toughest conditions. Ultra vSense transmits real-time data to PlantOS™, the Industrial Prescriptive AI platform, enabling fault diagnostics and prescriptive recommendations.

The jury noted, “MOVUS’ innovation addresses some of the key challenges facing the sector, replacing multiple sensors across sites and helping clients cut their costs by up to 40% while driving new levels of safety, efficiency, and reliability in mining.” 

Karthikeyan Natarajan, Co-CEO of Infinite Uptime Inc., said, “The Mining Beacon Breakthrough Innovation Award celebrates more than a product; it recognizes a mindset of an industry in transformation. At Infinite Uptime, we’re reimagining how complex industrial operations are run by combining data, AI, and deep domain expertise to predict and prevent failures before they happen and reduce the cost of production. This recognition reaffirms our mission to make reliability a science — helping the world’s leading manufacturers build smarter, safer, and more sustainable operations.” 

Malcolm Schulstad, COO of MOVUS, added, “IMARC was a great week for MOVUS. We had a lot of interest from mining companies and partners keen to modernize their maintenance practices with PlantOS, and taking home the Innovation Award shows how an Australian company can deliver technology that helps the industry boost reliability, cut costs, and make operations safer. It’s a privilege to be part of the mining community.”

About MOVUS: 

MOVUS (now part of Infinite Uptime Inc.) is an Australian technology innovator that extends the life of industrial assets, reduces unplanned downtime, and supports more sustainable operations through smart, scalable monitoring solutions. Powered by PlantOS™, the world’s most user-validated prescriptive AI platform, MOVUS combines AI-powered insights, continuous diagnostics, and hands-on support to help industries move from predictive to prescriptive maintenance with ease and precision. 

https://movus.com.au/

 

The MOVUS team, along with the Infinite Uptime leadership team at IMARC 2025, Sydney.
The MOVUS team, along with the Infinite Uptime leadership team at IMARC 2025, Sydney.

 

 

Fosun Pharma Announces 2025Q3 Financial Results

Innovative Achievements Continue to Come to Fruition, Revenue from Innovative Drugs Exceeding RMB6,700 Million in The First Three Quarters of 2025

SHANGHAI, Oct. 28, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — On October 28, 2025, Shanghai Fosun Pharmaceutical (Group) Co., Ltd. (“Fosun Pharma” or “the Group”; SSE: 600196, HKEX: 02196), a leading innovation-driven global healthcare company, announced its financial results for the first three quarters of 2025. In the first three quarters of 2025, Fosun Pharma achieved operating revenue of RMB29,393 million, net profit attributable to shareholders of RMB2,523 million. The revenue from Innovative Drugs grew steadily, exceeding RMB6,700 million in the first three quarters of 2025, up by 18.09% period-on-period, implying a continued optimization of revenue structure. Fosun Pharma

Meanwhile, Fosun Pharma continued to deepen lean operations, drive cost reduction and efficiency enhancement, and advance asset-light strategies to optimize assets and financial structure, actively strengthen supply chain management and operational efficiency, and achieve healthy operating cash flow. In the first three quarters of 2025, the net cash flow from operating activities of Fosun Pharma amounted to RMB3,382 million, up by 13.23% period-on-period, representing a sustained improvement in operational quality.

Revenue from Innovative Products Maintains Steady Growth

Fosun Pharma’s innovative products focus on core therapeutic areas such as solid tumors, hematologic tumors, and immune-inflammatory disorders, while emphasizing core technology platforms including antibodies/ADCs, cell therapy, and small molecules, building a synergistic, open, and global innovative R&D system.

In the third quarter of 2025, several self-developed Innovative Drugs from Fosun Pharma achieved key milestones in major markets. Notably, 1 additional indication for the innovative small molecule CDK4/6 inhibitor Fovinaciclib Citrate Capsules (Chinese trade name:复妥宁®), of which Fosun Pharma owns independent intellectual property rights, was approved in Chinese Mainland. The inhibitor is for the treatment of adult patients with hormone receptor (HR)-positive, human epidermal growth factor receptor-2 (HER2)-negative breast cancer, bringing more diverse treatment options to breast cancer patients in China.

In September 2025, the self-developed denosumab injection (project no.: HLX14), in both 60 mg/mL and 120 mg/1.7 mL presentations, was approved for launch successively in the United States and the European Union, becoming the first domestically developed denosumab to be approved overseas, covering all original indications. This provides additional therapeutic options in multiple areas related to bone loss, including osteoporosis.

In the hematology tumors field, the drug registration application of Brexucabtagene Autoleucel Injection (project code: FKC889) of Fosun Kairos was accepted by the National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) in September 2025. The declared indication for this application is for the treatment of adult patients with relapsed or refractory B-cell precursor acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL).

Strengthening Original Innovation Capability, Building a High-Value Pipeline Portfolio

Fosun Pharma committed to innovation-driven sustainable growth, emphasizing the rational allocation of R&D resources and efficiency enhancement. The Group has gradually built a high-value pipeline portfolio and deployed radiopharmaceuticals, RNA, gene therapy, AI drug R&D and other cutting-edge technologies in order to facilitate the R&D process. Meanwhile, Fosun Pharma continuously strengthens its fundamental innovation capabilities and advances the deep integration of scientific and industrial innovation.

In terms of R&D investment, in the first three quarters of 2025, Fosun Pharma’s R&D investment amounted to  RMB3,998 million in total, up by 2.12% period-on-period. In particular, R&D expenses amounted to RMB2,730 million. In the third quarter of 2025, R&D expenses amounted to RMB1,013 million, up by 28.81% period-on-period. The investment primarily focused on cutting-edge technology platforms such as radiopharmaceuticals and cell therapy, as well as global multicenter clinical trials of high-value pipelines, including HLX22 (recombinant humanized anti-HER2 monoclonal antibody injection) and HLX43 (PD-L1-targeted antibody-drug conjugate).

Fosun Pharma’s self-developed innovative anti-PD-1 monoclonal antibody (mAb) Han Si Zhuang (serplulimab injection) is making steady progress across multiple clinical studies. Among them, the phase 3 clinical study of Han Si Zhuang in combination with chemotherapy for the neo-/adjuvant treatment of gastric cancer has met the primary endpoint, supporting an early new drug application submission. Han Si Zhuang has become the world’s first perioperative (pre-/post-surgical) treatment regimen for gastric cancer in which an immunotherapy monotherapy replaces postoperative adjuvant chemotherapy, marking a major breakthrough in this field. In October, the U.S. bridging study of serplulimab injection in combination with chemotherapy for the first-line treatment of extensive-stage small cell lung cancer (ES-SCLC) has completed enrollment of all 200 patients, laying a solid foundation for the subsequent submission of a Biologics License Application (BLA) to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). As the world’s first anti-PD-1 mAb approved for 1L treatment of ES-SCLC, serplulimab has been approved in nearly 40 countries and regions including China, the U.K., Germany, Singapore and India, serving as a high-quality example of Chinese innovation drugs reaching global markets.

In October 2025, HLX43 (PD-L1-targetede antibody-drug conjugate) for injection was granted Orphan-Drug Designation (ODD) by the U.S. FDA for the treatment of thymic epithelial tumors (TETs). This designation will facilitate the subsequent R&D, registration, and commercialization of the product for the relevant indication in the United States. HLX43 is a potential best-in-class (BIC) broad-spectrum anti-tumor antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) that combines dual mechanisms of action—immune checkpoint blockade and payload-mediated cytotoxicity. As the world’s first PD-L1 ADC developed for TETs, HLX43 has demonstrated promising preliminary efficacy in the later-line treatment of patients with TC. It is positioned to address the unmet clinical need for ADC therapies in this rare and highly aggressive malignancy. Currently, Fosun Pharma’s subsidiary, Henlius, is advancing the clinical development of HLX43 at full speed, with over 400 patients enrolled globally.

In September 2025, Fosun Pharma established a radiotherapy business platform, Xingrui Jingxuan, which will deploy diagnosis-therapy integrated radiopharmaceuticals development in pan-tumor through both independent R&D and collaborative pathways, bringing more benefits to patients.

Launching Share Incentive Scheme, Successfully Issuing First Medium-to-Long Term Sci-Tech Innovation Bond in Private Pharmaceutical Industry

In addition, in the first three quarters of 2025, Fosun Pharma completed its A-share and H-share repurchase plans on schedule and proposed adoption of the 2025 A share option incentive scheme and the H share restricted share unit (RSU) scheme, further strengthening its long-term incentive mechanism. In August 2025, the Group successfully issued RMB 1 billion of medium-to-long-term Sci-Tech Innovation Bonds with a maturity of two years, becoming the first private pharmaceutical company to issue such bonds after the joint announcement of the People’s Bank of China and the China Securities Regulatory Commission in May 2025 regarding support for Sci-Tech Innovation Bonds. The bonds carry a coupon rate of 2.70% and will provide strong funding support for Fosun Pharma as it deploys in key scientific innovation areas, accelerating the transformation and commercialization of innovative products.

Looking forward, Fosun Pharma will continue to adhere to innovation-driven development, optimize R&D resource allocation, accelerate the clinical progress and commercialization of high-potential pipeline, and remain committed to delivering higher-quality and more accessible healthcare products and services to patients worldwide.

***

About Fosun Pharma

Founded in 1994, Shanghai Fosun Pharmaceutical (Group) Co., Ltd. (“Fosun Pharma”; SSE: 600196, HKEX: 02196) is a leading innovation-driven global healthcare company operating in the fields of pharmaceuticals, medical devices & diagnostics, and healthcare services. Through its strategic alliance with Sinopharm Group Co., Ltd., Fosun Pharma further extends its capabilities in pharmaceutical commerce.

Over the past 30 years since its establishment, Fosun Pharma has maintained deep roots in China while strategically expanding its global presence. The company has been actively implementing its “4IN” strategy – Innovation, Internationalization, Intelligentization, and Integration, with core business operations now spanning major overseas markets including the United States, Europe, Africa, India, and Southeast Asia. At present, Fosun Pharma has established an open and globally integrated pharmaceutical R&D ecosystem, focusing on core therapeutic areas including oncology (solid tumors and hematologic malignancies) and Immune-inflammatory disorders. The company is strategically enhancing its technological leadership in antibody/ADC platforms, cell therapies, and small molecule development, while collaborating with industry funds to pioneer next-generation modalities such as radiopharmaceuticals, RNA therapeutics, gene editing, and AI-powered drug discovery. This multidimensional approach accelerates the translation of innovative therapies into clinical practice, systematically addressing critical unmet medical needs worldwide.

Looking ahead, Fosun Pharma remains anchored in its core values of “Care for life, Continuous innovation, Pursuit of excellence, and Sustainable partnership”. By advancing its global innovation engine and operational excellence, the company strives to be a global leader to integrate pharmaceutical and healthcare innovations, creating better health for families worldwide.

  

Natura Bissé becomes the first and exclusive ‘OFFICIAL SPA BRAND’ OF The World’s 50 Best Hotels 2025

BARCELONA, Spain, Oct. 28, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — The Spanish skincare brand takes a key step in its commitment to remaining a global leader in the world of high-end wellness experiences and becomes the first and exclusive “Official Spa Brand” of The World’s 50 Best Hotels, the global authority in hospitality excellence. With this partnership, Natura Bissé strengthens its commitment to luxury hotels as part of its international growth strategy.

Natura Bissé First and Exclusive Official Spa Brand of The World's 50 Best Hotels.
Natura Bissé First and Exclusive Official Spa Brand of The World’s 50 Best Hotels.

The World’s 50 Best Hotels awards ceremony will be held in London this week, bringing together the world’s top hoteliers for a three-day event. For the occasion, Natura Bissé will curate a series of innovative experiences designed to inspire attendees in their continuous pursuit of excellence for their guests and to support a sustainable and profitable business model.

This is a key alliance at a time of unprecedented growth in luxury tourism. Demand for high-end, innovative experiences continues to rise, and wellness is becoming a core element of the new emotional and transformative luxury. The latest report from the Global Wellness Institute* states that the wellness sector has grown by 9% annually since 2020 and is projected to reach $9 trillion by 2028 – nearly double its size in 2019.

* Global Wellness Institute (2024). The Global Wellness Economy Reaches a New Peak of $6.3 Trillion And Is Forecast to Hit $9 Trillion by 2028. Link to the article.

“Natura Bissé was born as a spa brand, and for over four decades we have collaborated with some of the world’s most iconic hotels. It is an honor to become the first and exclusive official spa partner of The World’s 50 Best Hotels. We are convinced we can bring real value to an industry we strongly believe in—one that will play a key role in a new global paradigm that increasingly demands truly transformative wellness experiences.”, Lluis Uriach, Strategic Projects Director of Natura Bissé Group.

Natura Bissé is currently present in over 450 hotels around the world, including major groups such as The Ritz-Carlton, Four Seasons, Waldorf Astoria, Rosewood, Belmond, St. Regis, Fairmont, Mandarin Oriental and Grand Hyatt. The brand’s treatments make a true difference in the spa, its 100% charitable amenities—recently awarded by Condé Nast Traveler Spain— delight guests in their rooms, and a carefully curated retail selection allows them to continue their self-care at home.

“We are thrilled to partner with Natura Bissé, a leading name in skincare and spa, that shares our unwavering pursuit of excellence and unforgettable experiences. We are confident they will bring great added value to the 50 Best community and the properties on The World’s 50 Best Hotels list.”, Craig Hawtin-Butcher, 50 Best Managing Director.

Contact:

Mireia Gallart, mireiagallart@naturabisse.com + 34 93 591 0231

 

 

 

AFTEC Distils 16 Years of Arts Education Leadership into New Book, Offering a Roadmap for Hong Kong’s Creative Future

Igniting a Creative Renaissance, New Book Evolving Creative Mindsets Provides the Roadmap to Transform Hong Kong Schools


HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 28 October 2025 – AFTEC today hosted the official book launch for Evolving Creative Mindsets: Thinking Through the Arts, where leading experts from academia and policy research called for a systemic shift in education to secure Hong Kong’s future. The event, held at the Fringe Club, brought together educators, policymakers, and cultural leaders to discuss the critical role of creative learning in an era of global uncertainty.

Authored by Ms Lynn Yau, AFTEC’s Chief Executive Officer, and published by Hong Kong University Press, the book arrives at a pivotal moment. The latest OECD PISA creative thinking assessment has highlighted a global need to strengthen creative skills, and this book offers a timely roadmap for Hong Kong to address this challenge and cultivate a more innovative generation.

A Call to Action: Nurturing ‘First-Class Humans, Not Second-Class Robots’

Speaking at the launch, author Ms Yau said: “For too long, the arts have been perceived as peripheral—for entertainment or school portfolios, but not as a core driver of learning and innovation. This book is a call to action, built on 16 years of frontline work with AFTEC. It demonstrates through real-world case studies how we can bridge the gap between the arts and education. We need to move away from siloed thinking and build a true ecosystem where creative mindsets can flourish. This is not just about creating artists; it’s about nurturing what Andreas Schleicher, Director for Education and Skills at the OECD, calls ‘first-class humans, not second-class robots.'”

Although the arts have been firmly planted in the Hong Kong school system since the 1950s, they are often sacrificed in place of core subjects and preparation for examinations. Drawing on over 16 years of exploration and experience, Yau makes the case that arts are critical to cultivating creative mindsets, which are our best resource for innovating and responding to challenges in this complex world of sudden changes. Through case studies and conversations with practising artists and educators, the book demonstrates why arts and education, two normally discrete disciplines, should be broadly integrated into the local Hong Kong curriculum, and how this can be—and has been—achieved.

The book launch began with a guided exhibition tour led by the AFTEC team, followed by a dynamic panel discussion. Experts including Mr Victor Kwok, Deputy Director of Research at Our Hong Kong Foundation; Professor Anna Hui of City University of Hong Kong; and independent evaluator Mr Robert Li explored the policy barriers, the economic case for investing in creativity, and the practical steps needed to foster a more innovative education system.

Inside the Book: A Blueprint for Transforming Hong Kong’s Schools

Evolving Creative Mindsets: Thinking Through the Arts is a comprehensive guide that deconstructs the challenges and opportunities facing Hong Kong. It explores:

  • The “Poverty of Imagination”: An analysis of how economic and educational constraints can limit the cognitive and emotional growth of young people, and how the arts can redress this imbalance.
  • A Proven Pedagogical Model: Detailed case studies from AFTEC’s programmes, such as the Sm-ART Youth and Bravo! Hong Kong Youth Theatre Awards, which showcase practical methods for fostering creativity, critical thinking, and resilience.
  • A Blueprint for Policy: A proposal for a phased, 10-year human resources plan designed to cultivate a new generation of “Creative Practitioners” and build a more sophisticated, engaged audience.
  • The Future of Learning: An examination of how skills nurtured through the arts—such as abstract thinking, emotional intelligence, and collaboration—are precisely the competencies demanded by a future global economy where 47% of jobs may be automated.

The book challenges the status quo, urging a move from short-term, “copy-and-paste” collaborations to deep, sustainable partnerships. It critiques the current “service provider” model, where arts groups are hired for one-off school performances, and instead advocates for embedding creative practitioners within the educational fabric. The work has already received high praise from international and local leaders in arts education, policy, and culture (see appendix II).

In her closing remarks, Ms Yau reiterated the book’s central message: “The core question we must ask is how to empower our youth to navigate a world of increasing complexity and ambiguity. The answer lies in evolving our mindsets. This book is an invitation to our entire community—educators, artists, policymakers, and parents—to sit side-by-side and build a truly creative city together. The future starts now.”

This book is intended for policymakers, teaching and learning professionals at K-12 and tertiary levels, visual and performing arts establishments, and arts institutions that nurture educators and artists. The volume will also appeal to readers curious about how and why the arts should be foundational to education and capacity building in the twenty-first century.

The copy is available on https://hkupress.hku.hk/Evolving_Creative_Mindsets

Appendix I: Synopsis

Chapter Synopsis Selected Quote
Introduction The introduction establishes the book’s central thesis: Hong Kong’s education system sacrifices the arts, hindering the development of creative mindsets crucial for the 21st century. It defines key terms like “arts-in-education” and presents a roadmap for integrating the arts and education, framing the book as a call to action for policymakers, educators, and artists. “Our best resource is our creative mindset, hence the cultivation of our people.”
Part A: Origin
Chapter 1: Cracking the Creativity Code: The Future Starts Now This chapter traces two decades of Hong Kong’s education reforms, revealing a persistent gap between policy aspirations for creativity and classroom reality. It makes a powerful economic case for change, citing global reports on the future of work to argue that creative and social intelligence—skills honed by the arts—are essential for the jobs of tomorrow. “Rote learning cannot save jobs. Adaptability and flexibility to deal with suddenness are crucial.”
Chapter 2: The Power of Imagination: Redressing Poverty? The author introduces the concept of a “poverty of imagination” as a direct consequence of a deficit-based education system focused on rote learning. The chapter argues that redressing this requires a shift to an asset-based model that uses the arts to release the imagination, making empathy and a belief in alternative futures possible. “As dismal as economic poverty is the poverty of the imagination. In the end, these children may not see alternative ways of living, ways to gain a better quality of being because they are not exposed to, nor do they understand, possibilities and probabilities.”
Part B: Passage
Chapter 3: In Praise of Gaps: Programming with Voids This chapter details AFTEC’s core strategy: identifying and filling “gaps” in the arts and education ecosystem. Instead of routine programming, the organisation creates targeted projects—from theatre productions that embed learning to cross-sector collaborations with medical schools—that serve as proven models for change and capacity-building. “Gaps need not be ascribed as failings; they can be opportunities to create something of substance to fill the void.”
Chapter 4: Passivity to Engagement: Sm-ART Youth Case Study Through a detailed case study of the seminal Sm-ART Youth project, this chapter provides a practical roadmap for transforming passive students into engaged learners. It demonstrates how to cultivate a creative classroom by rethinking the physical environment, building trust, and integrating cultural outings and parent collaboration to foster autonomy and self-expression. “Cookie-cutter activities in which the standardised requirement of the teacher reigning as the sole source of information and students producing the same answers were replaced by authentic experiences that engaged the child’s own experiences, thoughts, and feelings.”
Chapter 5: Reflections as Assessment: Acknowledging Considered Thinking This chapter challenges the traditional view of assessment in the arts, moving “from measurement to judgement.” It champions reflective practice—through journals, dialogues, and guided questioning—as a powerful tool to assess and document qualitative growth. Using case studies, it shows how this approach makes intangible changes in students’ confidence and critical thinking visible and valuable. “Assessment and evaluation are about storytelling, that through narratives, we can tell how we are doing what we are doing, thereby giving confirmation to why we should continue (or not) doing it.”
Chapter 6: Those COVID Days: The Arts and Well-Being Using the disruption of the COVID-19 pandemic as a backdrop, this chapter explores the critical link between the arts and well-being. It documents how AFTEC adapted through a “growth mindset” and presents compelling case studies and international research showing how arts engagement promotes mental health, resilience, and social-emotional learning, especially for the vulnerable youth. “It took a global pandemic to start this conversation.”
Part C: Bearing
Chapter 7: Creative Mindsets, Creative City: OECD PISA Creative Thinking Test This chapter analyses Hong Kong’s lacklustre performance in the landmark 2022 PISA creative thinking assessment, contrasting it with top-performing economies like Singapore. It argues that the results are a direct reflection of a school system that, despite policy rhetoric, does not systematically cultivate the creative habits of mind needed for a truly innovative city. “If we are indeed to be the East-West Centre for International Cultural Exchange, then the degree of contentment, or complacency, should be a driving force.”
Chapter 8: Museums and Performing Spaces: Sites of Creative Learning The author reimagines museums and performance venues not just as places for consumption but as dynamic “Sites of Creative Learning.” The chapter argues that by moving beyond chronological displays and passive viewing, these spaces can become powerful environments for fostering inquiry, critical thinking, and deeper audience engagement. “The tightness of space need not hamper the expanse of the mind. Their evolution as sites of creative learning has immense possibilities.”
Chapter 9: Contextualising Human Resource Planning: A Triumvirate Concept This chapter presents a strategic blueprint for developing Hong Kong into an East-West cultural hub by strengthening the “triumvirate” of audience, schools, and creative practitioners. It argues that the current supply-demand imbalance in the arts can be rectified by investing in a recognised, professionalised corps of “Creative Practitioners” who can elevate both arts education and audience sophistication. “Quantity may be good as long as funding lasts; quality delivers higher sustainability through investing in current and future generations.”
Chapter 10: Myths and Misunderstandings: Musings and Replies In this concluding chapter, the author directly confronts and debunks common myths about the arts—from the idea that they are merely peripheral to education, to the belief that creativity is only for artists. It serves as a final, passionate plea for a more nuanced and accurate understanding of the value of the arts in society. “The arts have everything to do with everyone if only we manage to open up, through creative learning, to create curiosity and subsequent inquisitiveness.”
Epilogue: First-Class Humans The epilogue serves as a powerful concluding call to action. It poses a critical question for Hong Kong’s future: “How can we ensure our young people become first-class humans and not second-class robots?” The answer, the author concludes, lies in systemically embedding creative learning at the heart of education and society. “In space-constrained Hong Kong, physical limitations can inspire the growth of mental capacity when we nurture creative thinking and artistic expression.”

Appendix II: Testimonial
‘Our schools and professional communities increasingly need creatively vibrant learners to succeed. Evolving Creative Mindsets hits the bull’s-eye exactly, showing creative practitioners how the AFTEC approach, proven by research and by similar best practices around the world, effectively develops the innovative learners and active creators we want and need. Bravo.’

– Eric Booth, co-founder of International Teaching Artist Collaborative (ITAC) and author of Making Change: Teaching Artists and Their Role in Shaping a Better World

‘Lynn’s lived experiences are painstakingly distilled into a book that advocates the imminence of creative thinking as a top future skill set and how to cultivate it. This book speaks to those in education, culture and creativity, policy and grant-making, community NGOs, youth development, and even healthcare. Most importantly, this is one for all the parents in the city.’

– Helen So, board member of the Hong Kong Palace Museum

‘Evolving Creative Mindsets is an eloquent, evidence-rich treasure. Lynn Yau weaves Hong Kong’s vivid case studies with universal insights – uniting policy, assessment, well-being, and creative thinking in one compelling narrative. A practical handbook and visionary manifesto, it will inspire educators, policymakers, and artists striving for sustainable, globally resonant arts learning.’

– Anne Bamford, OBE, director of International Research Agency and former Strategic Education, Skills, and Culture Director for the City of London

Hashtag: #AFTEC

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

About AFTEC

Advancing creative learning and arts education in Hong Kong

Creativity allows us to recognise potential within ourselves and the world around us. It promotes problem-solving, nurtures relationships, cultivates resilience, and can transform lives in countless ways. At AFTEC, we work with students, educators, and creative practitioners to plant the seeds of creativity in our community—seeds we have seen yield season after season.

As a proudly homegrown Hong Kong organisation, we nurture the city’s greatest natural resource — its people. Through co-designed, collaborative, and inclusive bilingual educational programmes, we create supportive environments where young minds are free to explore, express, and flourish. We spark imagination, build confidence, and foster a sense of growth and belonging together.

MMTEC, Inc. Announces Receipt of Nasdaq Delisting Determination Regarding Minimum Bid Price Deficiency

HONG KONG, Oct. 28, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — MMTEC, Inc. (NASDAQ: MTC) (“MMTEC”, “we”, “our” or the “Company”), a China-based technology company that provides access to the U.S. financial markets, today announced that on October 27, 2025, the Company received a determination letter (the “Determination Letter”) from the Listings Qualifications Department of The Nasdaq Stock Market LLC (“Nasdaq”) regarding a failure to meet Nasdaq’s minimum bid price requirements. The Determination Letter advised that for the last 30 consecutive business the minimum closing bid price per share for the Company’s common stock was below the $1.00 per share requirement for continued listing under Nasdaq Listing Rule 5550(a)(2) (the “Bid Price Rule”). In addition, because the Company effected a one-for-eight reverse stock split on December 18, 2024, pursuant to Nasdaq Listing Rule 5810(c)(3)(A)(iv) the Company is not eligible for the 180-calendar day compliance period otherwise available under Nasdaq Listing Rule 5810(c)(3)(A). As a result, the Determination Letter states that Nasdaq has determined to delist the Company’s securities from The Nasdaq Capital Market.

The Determination Letter has no immediate effect on the listing or trading of the Company’s common stock on the Nasdaq Capital Market.

Unless the Company requests an appeal, trading in the Company’s securities will be suspended at the opening of business on November 5, 2025, and a Form 25-NSE will be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission to remove the Company’s securities from listing and registration on The Nasdaq Stock Market.

The Company has the right to request a hearing before a Nasdaq Hearings Panel (the “Panel”) to appeal this determination, with such request due by November 3, 2025. A request for a hearing would stay the suspension of the Company’s securities pending the Panel’s decision. The Company is currently evaluating the Nasdaq determination and considering its available options, including whether to request a hearing. The Company currently intends to appeal the determination; however, there can be no assurance that the Company will, in fact, move to appeal the determination, that any appeal would be successful, or that the Company will ultimately be able to regain compliance with the applicable Nasdaq listing requirements.

This press release is issued pursuant to Nasdaq Listing Rule 5810(b), which requires prompt disclosure of receipt of a delisting determination.

About MMTEC, Inc.

Headquartered in Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, our Company mainly focuses on investment banking and asset management business, providing customers with one-stop and all-round financial services.

More information about the Company can be found at: www.haisc.com. 

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements as defined by the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements include statements concerning plans, objectives, goals, strategies, future events or performance, and underlying assumptions and other statements that are other than statements of historical facts. When the Company uses words such as “may”, “will”, “intend”, “should”, “believe”, “expect”, “anticipate”, “project”, “estimate” or similar expressions that do not relate solely to historical matters, it is making forward-looking statements. Specifically, the Company’s statements regarding its ability to regain compliance with the Bid Price Rule, its continued growth, its business outlook, and other similar statements are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve risks and uncertainties that may cause the actual results to differ materially from the Company’s expectations discussed in the forward-looking statements. These statements are subject to uncertainties and risks including, but not limited to, the following: the Company’s goals and strategies; the Company’s future business development; product and service demand and acceptance; changes in technology; economic conditions; reputation and brand; the impact of competition and pricing; government regulations; fluctuations in general economic and business conditions in China and assumptions underlying or related to any of the foregoing and other risks contained in reports filed by the Company with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including the Company’s most recently filed Annual Report on Form 20-F and its subsequent filings. For these reasons, among others, investors are cautioned not to place undue reliance upon any forward-looking statements in this press release. Additional factors are discussed in the Company’s filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, which are available for review at www.sec.gov. The Company undertakes no obligation to publicly revise these forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances that arise after the date hereof.

 

Cognex Introduces the Solutions Experience (SLX) Logistics Portfolio

AI-Powered, Easy-to-Deploy Machine Vision Devices Solve the Most Critical Logistics Applications

NATICK, Mass., Oct. 28, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Cognex Corporation (NASDAQ: CGNX), the global technology leader in industrial machine vision, today announced the launch of its first line of Solutions Experience (SLX ™) devices, application-specific solutions designed to easily solve the most critical applications in key industrial verticals.

The Cognex SLX logistics devices are ready to take on specific logistics applications.
The Cognex SLX logistics devices are ready to take on specific logistics applications.

The first set of SLX devices is tailor-made for the logistics industry, serving as both an entry point for facilities that are just ramping up their automation and a complementary “bolt-on” solution to enhance existing automated systems. Each SLX device in the logistics portfolio is simple to deploy and provides reliable barcode reading and AI-driven item detection.

“The SLX-3816 is an enabling first step in our vision strategy, delivering on barcode capture, image capture, and package detection. Integration with our application was seamless and we are able to scale this solution easily across our terminals and network,” said Jay Fisher, Operations Systems Manager at Purolator.

The devices in the SLX logistics portfolio enhance operational equipment effectiveness (OEE) and reduce total cost of ownership (TCO) through innovative technology:

  • AI-powered detection: Built on a decade of industrial AI machine vision innovation from Cognex, the SLX logistics devices reliably detect items across a wide variety of conveyances and packages.
  • Shared web-based guided UI: SLX devices can be set up and deployed in minutes by non-technical staff, thanks to a guided web interface and user-friendly AI vision tools that are shared across all SLX devices to reduce training time and costs.
  • Dual-function performance: The SLX logistics portfolio combines both advanced barcode reading and AI-powered item detection in the same devices, reducing the number of devices needed and lowering maintenance costs.
  • Multi-device management: SLX devices enable scalable mass deployments and firmware updates directly from the device, reducing costs and saving time by eliminating the need for unnecessary software tools needed to download and run updates on each new device.

The Cognex SLX logistics portfolio currently includes three devices, each targeted at specific applications:

  • SLX-280D: Consistently reliable barcode reading for zone routing systems and tote inspection
  • SLX-290: High-performance classification and barcode reading
  • SLX-3816: High-resolution side-by-side detection and large-format top-side barcode reading

Cognex plans to expand its SLX offerings with innovative, AI-powered, user-friendly devices that support application-specific automation needs across many industries, delivering lower TCO and higher OEE. For more information, call 1-855-4-COGNEX or visit https://www.cognex.com/products/logistics-solutions.

About Cognex Corporation

For over 40 years, Cognex has been making advanced machine vision easy, paving the way for manufacturing and distribution companies to become faster, smarter, and more efficient through automation.

Innovative technology in our vision sensors and systems solves critical manufacturing and distribution challenges, providing unparalleled performance for industries from automotive to consumer electronics to packaged goods.

Cognex makes these tools more capable and easier to deploy thanks to a longstanding focus on AI, helping factories and warehouses improve quality and maximize efficiency without needing highly technical expertise.

We are headquartered near Boston, USA, with locations in over 30 countries and more than 30,000 customers worldwide. Learn more at cognex.com.

IR Contact
Greer Aviv 
Head of Investor Relations
Cognex Corporation 
ir@cognex.com

Media Contact
Jeremy Sacco
Senior Manager, Global Content Marketing
Cognex Corporation
pr@cognex.com