GUANGZHOU, China, Oct. 3, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — On September 24, Chinese tech giant Midea, teaming up with an “Avengers squad” of internet influencers—including Ye Yun, Brother Ga, and Bao Zou Brother, who had previously experienced drinking Ganges water firsthand—returned to the “Ganges River” to launch the “Ganges River Water Purification Cooking Feast” challenge. This initiative demonstrates the robust strength of Chinese smart manufacturing through innovative water purification technology.

The Ganges River, revered as the mother river of South Asia, has experienced declining water quality in certain sections due to issues like unregulated industrial wastewater discharge and improper household waste disposal. This has led to elevated levels of heavy metals, viruses, and bacteria in the water.

Yet, it was this challenging water source that a Chinese tech company dared to use for a challenge—purifying Ganges River water with its self-developed water purifier to prepare a feast. This idea was initially met with widespread doubt and amusement online. Comments flooded in, with netizens joking, “Is this going to work?”, “Is this just going to lead to collective stomach issues?”, and “Waiting to see this fail,” sparking a firestorm of discussion across the internet. At the live event, Midea publicly demonstrated the purifier’s powerful capabilities. The team scooped up the murky and yellowish-brown Ganges water, which, after settling for just a moment, revealed a layer of sediment. To increase the challenge, they even added curry powder, chili powder, soy sauce, and other condiments, turning the water turbid and viscous. After being treated by Midea Purifier, the water was instantly transformed into transparent and clean water.

What was even more astonishing was that the challenge team then used the purified Ganges water to cook a feast. Every step—from washing potatoes and preparing Silver Aroma Oolong Lemon Tea to simmering lentil paste—was clearly captured on camera. The most compelling proof, however, came from the reactions of local residents who tasted the dishes; the look of amazement in their eyes and their enthusiastic thumbs-up spoke volumes.

Midea Purifier’s “Ganges Feast” Challenge

Behind this “transformation of polluted water into a feast” lies China’s cutting-edge water purification technology. Midea Purifiers utilize self-developed technologies such as the high-desalination Pascal RO membrane, which boasts a desalination rate of over 97%. It effectively filters out more than 140 harmful substances without any scale inhibitors, meeting stringent safety standards for infant-and mother-friendly drinking water. In recent years, Chinese tech companies represented by Midea have deepened their expertise in the water purification sector. Through continuous technological innovation, they are consistently pushing the boundaries in tackling extreme water quality conditions worldwide. From purifying water from the Seine River in Paris and “oil-contaminated water” in Saudi Arabia to tackling water from Malaysia’s tropical rainforests inhabited by crocodiles, and now taking on the Ganges River feast challenge, these efforts demonstrate the robust and formidable capabilities of Chinese water purification technology.

Furthermore, Midea extended this power of clean water to the local community by donating all the purifiers they had brought with them. This initiative allows residents along the Ganges to have access to safe, drinkable water directly from the purifiers. Such a gesture was truly heartwarming and touching.

The journey from initial public skepticism to the collective amazement at the successful purification of Ganges water not only showcases the strength of China’s technological innovation but also underscores the growing confidence and capability of the Chinese people. We look forward to continued innovation from Chinese tech companies, eager to see more of China’s technological prowess on the global stage.

SINGAPORE, Oct. 3, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Singapore General Hospital (SGH) has announced the launch of a Centre of Excellence (CoE) for robotic-assisted surgery, ensuring orthopaedic surgeons are equipped with knowledge of emerging technologies as the population ages and surgical needs evolve.   

The Centre is established as part of a two-year strategic collaboration, formalised through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), with Johnson & Johnson MedTech with an initial focus on training and research in total knee replacement.  

Regional Training Hub for Southeast Asia  

The CoE will serve as the primary training destination for surgeons across Southeast Asia, and host comprehensive training programmes and regional preceptorship sessions.

“This collaboration establishes Singapore as a centre for advanced surgical training and gives surgeons a platform to share knowledge, and learn best practices, raising surgical standards in the region on the whole,” said Professor Tan Mann Hong, Chairman, Division of Musculoskeletal Sciences, and Senior Consultant, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery at SGH.

The collaboration encompasses three key areas:  

1. Training Curriculum: SGH and Johnson & Johnson MedTech will co-develop comprehensive training curriculum incorporating the latest breakthroughs and best practices in robotic-assisted total knee replacement surgery for medical professionals, including nurses, from Singapore and Southeast Asia.

2. Training Facilities: SGH’s state-of-the-art facilities, together with early access to Johnson & Johnson MedTech’s advanced robotic technology, will serve as a regional hub for robotic-assisted surgery training. As the designated centre, SGH will host in-person training sessions and regional preceptorship programmes for surgeons in Singapore and Southeast Asia.   

3. Ongoing Research and Innovation: SGH and Johnson & Johnson MedTech will explore novel surgical approaches to improve patient outcomes. This includes optimising workflows in robotic-assisted surgery environments to improve surgical planning and reduce operating room turnaround times, ultimately enhancing surgical efficiency.  

Recent research led by SGH’s Associate Professor Lincoln Liow, Consultant, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, is a prime example of what could be achieved under the MoU. The team studied the differences in early post-operative and 6-month functional outcomes of 65 patients who had conventional total knee replacement surgery, and another 65 who underwent robotic-assisted surgery using Johnson & Johnson MedTech’s VELYS as there were limited literature. These patients have a mean age of 70 and had their surgeries done between January 2021 and December 2024.  

They found that patients who underwent robotic-assisted surgery had shorter surgical duration (78.2 versus 85.5 minutes), improved early mobility with ambulation distances of 22.2 versus 11.3 metres, and shorter hospital stays (2.48 versus 3.66 days). At six months, patients showed improvements in quality-of-life measures, with 76.9 per cent versus 60.0 per cent achieving clinically meaningful improvements in pain management.  

The study findings were presented at the International Society of Orthopaedic Surgery and Traumatology (SICOT) 2025 conference held in September in Madrid, Spain.

Preparing for Ageing Population  

SGH currently performs more than 2,500 total knee replacement procedures annually and its demand is projected to grow significantly as Singapore’s population ages. The situation is similar for countries in the region albeit at different rates.

“Ageing populations in the region deserve surgeons who understand the options available – conventional or cutting edge – and can deliver the care necessary. At the end of the day, it’s about being patient-centred rather than the use of technology for its own sake,” said Associate Professor Darren Tay, Head and Senior Consultant, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery at SGH.

The MoU was signed by Prof Tan and Guillermo Frydman, Area Managing Director, MedTech Southeast Asia, Johnson & Johnson MedTech, on 30 September 2025.

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About Singapore General Hospital (SGH)

Singapore General Hospital, established in 1821, is the largest tertiary hospital in Singapore and ranked among the world’s best. It provides the most comprehensive patient-centred care with over 50 clinical specialties on its campus. As an Academic Medical Centre, it takes pride in training healthcare professionals and conducting cutting edge research to meet evolving needs of the nation as well as the region. Driven by a strong sense of purpose, SGH is committed to give of its best to heal and bring hope, as it has for over 200 years.

For more information, please visit www.sgh.com.sg

BERLIN, Oct. 3, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Growatt, a world-leading provider of distributed solar and energy storage solutions (ESS), proudly announces its recognition as a Tier 1 PV inverter supplier by S&P Global Commodity Insights. This milestone reinforces Growatt’ s position as a global leader in solar energy and reflects the company’s long-standing commitment to making sustainable energy accessible for homeowners, businesses, and communities worldwide.

Tier 1 Recognition: A Testament to Innovation and Trust

Being ranked as a Tier 1 solar inverter supplier underscores Growatt’s strength across diverse solar markets and its consistent delivery of high-efficiency, reliable, and user-focused clean energy solutions. The recognition is based on S&P Global’   s rigorous evaluation of global PV inverter manufacturers, further validating Growatt’   s strong partnerships, trusted brand reputation, and outstanding global performance.

Growatt’s Tier 1 inverter portfolio covers the full spectrum of applications:

• Microinverters (NEO Series): Designed with a compact form factor and easy plug-and-play installation, the NEO series delivers maximum safety and module-level optimization for residential rooftops. By mitigating shading and mismatch losses, Growatt’ s microinverters help homeowners achieve higher yields and greater flexibility in system design.
• Residential Inverters (MOD & MIN Series): Built for homeowners seeking energy independence and resilience, these battery-ready inverters support both self-consumption optimization and backup power. With smart features like AI-powered scheduling, negative tariff mode, and flexible battery compatibility, the MOD and MIN series help users cut electricity bills and safeguard their homes against outages.
• Commercial & Industrial Inverters (MID, WIT, and MAX Series): Engineered for C&I rooftop and ground-mounted projects, these inverters feature multiple MPPT trackers, advanced grid support functions, and high efficiency ratings that reduce balance-of-system (BoS) costs. With scalable power output options, they enable businesses and industrial facilities to maximize solar ROI while supporting long-term sustainability goals.

Beyond inverters, Growatt builds a complete clean energy ecosystem with energy storage  systems, EV chargers, and portable power solutions, enabling users to achieve true energy independence and sustainability.

Supporting Global Growth: New Solutions for Key Markets

In addition to its Tier 1 ranking, Growatt is preparing to expand its product lineup with next-generation solutions tailored for regional energy needs. The WIT 8-25K series, will provide flexible power outputs and advanced grid support functions for residential and commercial users, helping accelerate solar adoption across diverse market conditions. Meanwhile, the MID  HU series, optimized for Europe, will bring higher efficiency, robust grid compliance, and smart energy features to meet the region’s growing demand for reliable distributed solar.

These upcoming innovations underscore Growatt’s commitment to delivering localized solutions that combine global expertise with market-specific adaptability—ensuring customers everywhere benefit from clean, resilient, and cost-effective energy.

Driving the Global Energy Transition

With installations in over 180 countries, Growatt continues to rank among the top global residential PV inverter suppliers and remains a trusted partner for millions of solar users. From rooftop solar inverters and hybrid energy storage systems to utility-scale PV plants, Growatt empowers people and organizations to generate, store, and consume energy more sustainably.

“Being recognized as a Tier 1 PV inverter supplier by S&P Global is a true honor,” said Lisa Zhang, Vice President of Growatt. “This achievement reflects the trust of our partners and  customers worldwide, and we will continue to innovate and deliver solutions that enable everyone to benefit from clean, reliable, and affordable energy.”

About Growatt

Founded in 2011, Growatt is a global leader in distributed energy, offering solar PV inverters, energy storage systems, EV chargers, and smart energy solutions for homes and businesses. With R&D centers in China and Germany and 1,100+ engineers, Growatt delivers innovative and reliable products worldwide. The company has 63+ offices and subsidiaries across 30+ countries, serving users in over 180 regions. Growatt continues to lead in technology innovation and customer satisfaction, empowering a greener, more sustainable future. For media inquiries or partnership opportunities, please contact: marketing@growatt.com | en.growatt.com

KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia, Oct. 3, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — With the launch of its brand video and refreshed brand identity, HLB Private Bank (or the “Bank”) has unveiled its enhanced proposition for serving high net-worth (“HNW”) and ultra high net-worth (“UHNW”) clients, along with their family offices. Building on a 120-year institutional heritage, the Bank has articulated a clear mandate: to be the partner of choice for HNW and UHNW clients, seamlessly bridging tradition with innovation to facilitate inter-generational wealth transfer, sophisticated asset management, and enduring legacy planning.

This core ethos to bridge the generational divide and secure a lasting family legacy is powerfully encapsulated in the Bank’s new brand video, which is now featured on all Malaysia Airlines flights. The campaign illustrates the essential role of communication in aligning families, mirroring the Bank’s commitment to facilitating seamless wealth transfer and legacy planning by focusing on the human value underpinning the financial value in their portfolios.

This emphasis on comprehensive, responsible legacy stewardship is especially salient as Asia stands at the center of the largest wealth transfer in human history, with an estimated $5.8 trillion slated to change hands. Given that research indicates approximately 70% of families lose their wealth by the second generation, the value of HLB Private Bank’s methodology that transcends traditional portfolio management is clear in securing a sustainable, multi-generational legacy.

Jeffrey Yap, Hong Leong Bank’s Managing Director and Head of Regional Wealth Management, commented, “The modern wealthy family requires wealth management that extends far beyond mere portfolio optimization and financial advisory. They demand a partner who provides a holistic perspective, one that not only supports robust wealth accretion but responsibly facilitates the seamless transfer and preservation of legacy. Our HLB Private Bank proposition is founded on the understanding that securing a legacy involves more than just managing financial assets. It necessitates navigating the intricate dynamics of sophisticated estate planning, international tax considerations, wealth preservation, and complex family governance.

We are committed to initiating crucial dialogue between generations, acting as the essential bridge that helps families align on capital structure, asset disposition, and, most importantly, the unified vision that will carry their shared purpose into the future. Our definitive role is to facilitate the conversation that prepares the next generation for responsible stewardship and ensures an enduring, multi-generational legacy.”        

The Bank’s mandate to ensure multi-generational wealth growth and preservation is significantly amplified by its strategic alliance with Lombard Odier, Switzerland’s oldest private bank with over two centuries of global experience. This powerful collaboration provides customers with privileged access to Lombard Odier’s profound global expertise and sophisticated wealth architecture, seamlessly combined with HLB Private Bank’s deep, localized insights across the Southeast Asian market.

Through this alliance, HLB Private Bank is equipped to deliver thoughtful, responsible, and compelling solutions for multi-generational asset stewardship. Customers gain access to world-class investment strategies and advisory services necessary not only to protect but to grow their wealth. This synergy ensures that every wealth plan is optimally balanced between global opportunity and regional specificity, securing an enduring financial legacy.

Reflecting this elevated promise, the new brand identity features a refreshed logo and elevated office spaces in key financial hubs like Kuala Lumpur and Singapore that embody the Bank’s sophisticated yet grounded philosophy, designed to represent and facilitate the private, essential dialogue required for bespoke wealth planning.

To watch HLB Private Bank’s brand video, please visit:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mX0YYhMF9_Q 

For more information, please visit:
https://www.hlb.com.my/en/private-banking/home.html 

PHNOM PENH, Cambodia, Oct. 3, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — A report from Cambodia Investment Review:  

Cambodia’s banking sector is entering a period of both challenge and opportunity. Rising non-performing loans (NPLs), slowing credit growth, and global headwinds are testing the resilience of the financial system, even as digitalization and governance reforms reshape the industry. Against this backdrop, the Association of Banks in Cambodia (ABC) is seeking to redefine its role under the leadership of Chairman Rath Sophoan.

Founded in 1994 and formally recognized by the Royal Government, the ABC is the official body representing Cambodia’s private banking sector. It became the eighth member of the ASEAN Bankers Association in 1999 and today counts both local and foreign-owned banks among its members. As Mr. Sophoan explains, the association’s mandate remains the same: to promote the development of Cambodia’s financial system while safeguarding the interests of its members. But in 2025, the challenges are very different.

“Fast forward to today, we are actively reviewing how best the association can serve its members, customers, and the overall industry,” he said. “That means listening closely to stakeholders and adapting our structure to ensure relevance.”

Addressing Sector Headwinds

At the ABC’s 2025 Annual General Meeting, delegates underscored three pressing issues: slowing credit growth, rising asset quality risks, and mounting external pressures. Credit growth has slowed to just 1% with housing loans experienced a negative growth, while non-performing loans are estimated to reach ~8% at the end of Jun 2025.

“These numbers are a clear signal of stress in the market,” said Sophoan. “We take the rise in NPLs very seriously. Banks are working to provide restructuring options, repayment holidays, and faster recovery & collection for defaults. With many of our members supported by well-capitalized local and international shareholders, the issue is more about profitability than systemic risk.”

Global factors are also weighing heavily on Cambodia’s financial system. U.S. tariffs on key exports and protectionist trends worldwide have created an uncertain environment for growth. “The headwinds are real,” Sophoan noted. “That’s why our focus is on building resilience—through digital adoption, strengthening regulatory & prudential and risk management framework including the consumer protections.”

Balancing Advocacy and Stability

The ABC’s role is not only to protect the interests of member banks but also to ensure stability and public confidence in the financial system. That balance has been central to its recent agenda.

In collaboration with the National Bank of Cambodia (NBC) and international partners such as the United Nations, the ABC has been monitoring the implementation of 22 priority actions endorsed in 2024. Ten have been completed, with 12 still underway. These initiatives span regulation, borrower protection, data sharing, informal lending, and alternative financing.

Highlights include the establishment of a Financial Consumer Center, promoting responsible lending and borrowing, consumer protection, and complaint and disputes handling. The Association has recently approved the sectoral fund pool set-up to support financial literacy and debt counseling and dispute resolution in order to address the industry’s challenges.

Sophoan said: “These measures are crucial. They show that the ABC is not just advocating for banks, but also ensuring that the industry delivers fair and transparent business that safeguard the customers’ interests.”

Market Fragmentation and Consolidation

With more than 50 commercial banks and dozens of microfinance institutions, Cambodia’s financial sector is among the most fragmented in ASEAN. While this has contributed to financial inclusion, it has also created inefficiencies and risks.

“Fragmentation means higher competition, higher operations & compliance costs, and challenges for smaller institutions,” said Sophoan. “Consolidation is a natural evolution. While the NBC’s $75 million capital requirement is a factor in the current structure, any changes would clearly shape how many players can remain viable.”

Despite these pressures, Sophoan believes competition still benefits consumers. “We don’t take a position on whether the capital requirement should increase, but in any market, healthy competition drives better services and lower costs.”

Cambodia’s removal from the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) grey list in 2023 marked a milestone for the banking sector. After years of enhanced monitoring, FATF recognized significant improvements in anti-money laundering and counter-terrorist financing measures.

“The NBC has done an excellent job in oversight, and the ABC works closely with them to maintain and enhance this progress,” Sophoan explained. “Being off the grey list restores credibility and positions Cambodia more strongly for international investment.”

ESG and Reputation

Globally, banks are under increasing pressure to integrate environmental, social, and governance (ESG) principles into their operations. In Cambodia, this remains a work in progress.

“Cambodian companies, not just banks, have generally been behind their international peers on ESG,” Sophoan admitted. “But interest is growing, especially as foreign-owned banks ensure their local operations align with global best practices. The ABC is driving this shift by promoting awareness and capacity building including changing the common misperception that the corporate social responsibility (CSR) and ESG are the same. ESG is much more broader and deeper encompassing environment, social and governance,.”

Recent initiatives include the Institute of Banking and Finance’s (IBF) Directorship Program, developed with the Singapore Institute of Directors. The program, launched in 2025, aims to elevate governance standards and prepare a new generation of leaders in Cambodia, especially in banking and financial services sector.

“This is about aligning with international standards,” said Sophoan. “Good governance is essential not only for attracting international capital but also for maintaining the sector’s credibility.” The board plays critical oversight role in this process.

At the same time, Sophoan highlighted the importance of better storytelling in the media. Cambodia’s banking sector is frequently targeted in international coverage over issues such as over-indebtedness and allegations of unethical lending practices. Sophoan stressed that while these concerns cannot be dismissed, both the banks and regulators are making serious efforts to address them.

“We recognize the narrative challenge,” he said. “That’s why the association, the banks, and the regulators are actively working to showcase the reforms underway and engage more constructively with international media. It’s important that the whole picture is told.”

This includes highlighting “good news” stories that often go under-reported. Digital banking adoption has accelerated dramatically, while financial inclusion has reached millions of Cambodians within just a decade. “These are significant achievements,” Sophoan said. “We must communicate them better, so investors and observers abroad understand not just the risks, but also the real progress happening in Cambodia’s financial sector.”

Guarding Against Reputation Risks

Like any industry, Cambodia’s banking system risks may arise by the actions of a few. Sophoan emphasized that the ABC takes this issue seriously. “Our job, working alongside the NBC, is to ensure that all members meet regulatory requirements and adhere to our code of ethics. A strong reputation is vital for the entire sector.”

Technology, AI, and the Future of Banking

Looking ahead, Sophoan sees technology as the defining factor for Cambodia’s financial sector. Artificial intelligence is already being used to replace repetitive roles in loan approvals and data analytics, while self-service banking infrastructure is growing in importance.

“This is a game changer,” Sophoan said. “AI will streamline risk management and customer onboarding and servicing. At the same time, we’re seeing a shift toward digital-first banking, with less reliance on physical branches beyond key flagship locations in Phnom Penh and other hubs.”

On digital assets, Sophoan is cautious. “For now, crypto and stablecoins remain in the sandbox. Regulators are rightly limiting direct bank involvement with crypto exchanges. Public awareness and trust are low, with many seeing crypto as volatile and open to scams. I don’t see that changing in the short term.”

Instead, he pointed to other innovations—open banking, regional payment connectivity, and green finance & new economies—as the real drivers of change in the next decade. “We will see more cross-border payment linkages within ASEAN, greater promotion of the riel, and increased financing opportunities tied to sustainability and new economies.”

A Sector at a Crossroads

Cambodia’s banking system has grown rapidly over the past two decades, contributing to financial inclusion and economic development. But with growth slowing and risks rising, the sector faces a critical juncture.

For Sophoan, the ABC’s role is clear: to help banks adapt, raise our business and governance standards to align with global standards and customer protection is an integrate part.  “We are here to make sure our sector remains resilient, credible, and ready for the future,” he concluded.

BANGKOK, Oct. 3, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Digital travel platform Agoda has launched the Agoda Ambassador program, a new initiative designed to strengthen commercial ties with travel creators on social media. The initiative will see Agoda working directly with travel creators to inspire their audiences to book travel through the platform.

Under the program, participating travel creators will be given unique promo codes to share with their followers. For every booking made with these codes, they will receive a commission. Agoda will also offer sponsored stays and activities valued at up to USD 225 per month enabling them to showcase first-hand experiences of Agoda’s partner hotels and destinations of their choice. The program also aims to enhance exposure for creators by featuring them in Agoda campaigns, thereby expanding their reach.

Matteo Frigerio, Chief Marketing Officer at Agoda, shared, “Travel creators play an increasingly important role in how travelers discover and choose their next trip. By giving them the tools to share authentic experiences and rewarding them for the bookings they generate, we’re building a partnership model that benefits travel creators, travelers and our hotel partners alike.”

Rewards range from earning profits and receiving exclusive Agoda swag packs to winning special trophies and accumulating travel credits of up to USD 1,000. Agoda’s offerings include over 6 million holiday properties, more than 130,000 flight routes, and over 300,000 activities, all of which can be combined in the same booking. Creators can explore and sign up on the Agoda Ambassador page via Agoda.com/agoda-ambassador.

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