World Bank Laos – East Asia and the Pacific continue to grow faster than most parts of the world, but countries need stronger reforms to create more jobs and keep their economies stable amid global uncertainty, the World Bank said in its latest report released on 7 October.
East Asia, Pacific Face Slower Growth Without Job-Focused Reforms

Colt DCS Strengthens Senior Leadership with Two Key Appointments
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LONDON, Oct. 7, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Colt Data Centre Services (Colt DCS), global provider of hyperscale and large enterprise data centre solutions, today announced the appointment of two new Senior Directors to support its rapid growth and drive the execution of hyperscale projects.
David Hyatt steps into the role of Senior Director of Development and Delivery UK & Europe.
With over 15 years in the hyperscale data centre industry, David has delivered hundreds of megawatts of capacity through high-performing teams. His career spans senior roles at Iron Mountain Data Centers, Yondr, and ISG, covering the full lifecycle from site selection to commissioning. Known for his strategic planning, sustainable design expertise, and commitment to safety, David will lead strategy and execution across Site Development, Design, Commercial, and Delivery for the UK and Europe.
Florian Hoyndorf joins Colt DCS as Global Senior Director of Commercial Investment & Asset Strategy.
With 25 years in corporate real estate and development, Florian has held senior positions at Cromwell Property Group, Logista, Amazon, ALDI, and co-led his own investment and development company. Most recently, Head of Development Europe at Cromwell, he brings deep expertise in major project financing, operational improvement, and team leadership. At Colt DCS, Florian will help shape the corporate development and asset strategy roadmap. He also serves as a visiting professor at ESCP Business School, sharing his knowledge across multiple campuses.
Niclas Sanfridsson, Colt DCS CEO stated: “I’m delighted to welcome David and Florian. Their extensive experience and strategic vision will accelerate growth, sharpen the execution of our hyperscale projects across Real Estate and Corporate Development teams, and strengthen collaboration at Colt DCS”.
About Colt DCS
We design, build and operate data centres for global hyperscalers and large enterprises.
Our global portfolio includes 13 operational data centres, with an additional 19 in development across 11 cities in the UK, Europe, and the APAC region.
We enable our customers to effectively plan for the growth of their business while also providing them with peace of mind. We provide secure, resilient, well-connected infrastructure with planned future capacity growth potential. We have over 25 years of experience in the data centre industry, delivering on our vision of being the most trusted and customer-centric data centre operator in the market.
We put the environment at the heart of everything we do by recognising this as a fundamental responsibility towards our planet. That’s why we’re taking ownership to reduce our environmental impact globally and make sustainability a key strategic driver. As part of our sustainability planning, Colt DCS has set comprehensive near-and long-term Science Based Targets to cut our emissions in line with the SBTi’s latest Net Zero Standard.
https://www.coltdatacentres.net
Colt DCS Strengthens Senior Leadership with Two Key Appointments
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LONDON, Oct. 7, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Colt Data Centre Services (Colt DCS), global provider of hyperscale and large enterprise data centre solutions, today announced the appointment of two new Senior Directors to support its rapid growth and drive the execution of hyperscale projects.
David Hyatt steps into the role of Senior Director of Development and Delivery UK & Europe.
With over 15 years in the hyperscale data centre industry, David has delivered hundreds of megawatts of capacity through high-performing teams. His career spans senior roles at Iron Mountain Data Centers, Yondr, and ISG, covering the full lifecycle from site selection to commissioning. Known for his strategic planning, sustainable design expertise, and commitment to safety, David will lead strategy and execution across Site Development, Design, Commercial, and Delivery for the UK and Europe.
Florian Hoyndorf joins Colt DCS as Global Senior Director of Commercial Investment & Asset Strategy.
With 25 years in corporate real estate and development, Florian has held senior positions at Cromwell Property Group, Logista, Amazon, ALDI, and co-led his own investment and development company. Most recently, Head of Development Europe at Cromwell, he brings deep expertise in major project financing, operational improvement, and team leadership. At Colt DCS, Florian will help shape the corporate development and asset strategy roadmap. He also serves as a visiting professor at ESCP Business School, sharing his knowledge across multiple campuses.
Niclas Sanfridsson, Colt DCS CEO stated: “I’m delighted to welcome David and Florian. Their extensive experience and strategic vision will accelerate growth, sharpen the execution of our hyperscale projects across Real Estate and Corporate Development teams, and strengthen collaboration at Colt DCS”.
About Colt DCS
We design, build and operate data centres for global hyperscalers and large enterprises.
Our global portfolio includes 13 operational data centres, with an additional 19 in development across 11 cities in the UK, Europe, and the APAC region.
We enable our customers to effectively plan for the growth of their business while also providing them with peace of mind. We provide secure, resilient, well-connected infrastructure with planned future capacity growth potential. We have over 25 years of experience in the data centre industry, delivering on our vision of being the most trusted and customer-centric data centre operator in the market.
We put the environment at the heart of everything we do by recognising this as a fundamental responsibility towards our planet. That’s why we’re taking ownership to reduce our environmental impact globally and make sustainability a key strategic driver. As part of our sustainability planning, Colt DCS has set comprehensive near-and long-term Science Based Targets to cut our emissions in line with the SBTi’s latest Net Zero Standard.
https://www.coltdatacentres.net
Photo – https://laotiantimes.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/dcs_david_florian-1.jpg
Logo – https://laotiantimes.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/colt_dcs_logo-1.jpg
Dubai Land Department Recognized as Inspirational Brand at the Asia Pacific Enterprise Awards 2025 Regional Edition
SINGAPORE, Oct. 7, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — The Dubai Land Department (DLD), established in 1960, has been honored at the Asia Pacific Enterprise Awards 2025 Regional Edition under the Inspirational Brand category for its outstanding contributions to innovation, governance, and sustainable real estate development. The award reflects DLD’s commitment to making Dubai the happiest city in the world through a transparent, efficient, and forward-thinking real estate environment. The prestigious awards program, organized by Enterprise Asia and supported by PR Newswire as the Official News Release Distribution Partner, continues to recognize organizations that set new benchmarks of excellence across the region.
DLD has positioned itself as a global hub for real estate investment, offering integrated services including investment facilitation, transaction documentation, and knowledge dissemination. By adopting global best practices tailored to Dubai’s market and leveraging advanced technologies, DLD has strengthened investor confidence while protecting stakeholders’ rights. Its initiatives have transformed Dubai’s real estate sector into one of the Middle East’s most vibrant and globally influential markets.
As a pioneer in digital innovation, DLD became the world’s first government entity to adopt blockchain technology in real estate. It has also hosted major global events such as the 20th World Land Registration Congress and the 69th FIABCI World Congress, further demonstrating its leadership and influence on the international stage.
DLD’s dedication to excellence is reflected in numerous achievements, including the electronic Mollak system and Smart Valuation initiative, recognized for technical innovation and excellent government service. It has also attained top international rankings, including first in the region in the 2018 Real Estate Transparency Index and seventh globally in property registration according to the World Bank’s 2019 Doing Business Index. The department has secured multiple prestigious certifications, including ISO 9001 for Quality Management, ISO 14001 for Environmental Management, ISO/IEC 27001 for Information Security, and the WELL Health-Safety Rating from IWBI.
Through these initiatives and accolades, DLD exemplifies a culture of continuous learning, collaboration, and agility. Its recognition at the Asia Pacific Enterprise Awards underscores its role as a catalyst for trust, transformation, and sustainable growth, not only shaping Dubai’s real estate sector but inspiring smart, happy, and resilient urban communities worldwide.
About Enterprise Asia
Enterprise Asia is a non-governmental organization in pursuit of creating an Asia that is rich in entrepreneurship as an engine toward sustainable and progressive economic and social development within a world of economic equality. Its two pillars of existence are investment in people and responsible entrepreneurship. Enterprise Asia works with governments, NGOs, and other organizations to promote competitiveness and entrepreneurial development, uplifting the economic status of people across Asia and ensuring a legacy of hope, innovation, and courage for future generations. Please visit https://www.enterpriseasia.org/ for more information.
About Asia Pacific Enterprise Awards
Launched in 2007, the Asia Pacific Enterprise Awards is the region’s most prestigious award for outstanding entrepreneurship, continuous innovation, and sustainable leadership. The Award provides a platform for companies and governments to recognize entrepreneurial excellence, hence spurring greater innovation, fair business practices, and growth in entrepreneurship. As a regional award, it groups together leading entrepreneurs as a powerful voice for entrepreneurship and serves as a by-invitation-only networking powerhouse. The program has grown to encompass 16 countries/ regions and markets all over Asia. For further information, please visit www.apea.asia.
Unlock Your Next Adventure to Asia with Trip.com’s Flight, Hotel, and Tour Deals
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- Exclusive flight deals from Melbourne to China
- Snag promo codes from Perth to multiple destinations in Asia
- Enjoy savings across hotels in China
SYDNEY, Oct. 7, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Trip.com dives into October with travel treats for Australian jetsetters, with exclusive flight deals[1] to China and other Asian destinations from 7 October to 29 October 2025, both dates inclusive. Travellers can also enjoy hotel deals across China and participate in exciting giveaways that could score them airfare savings.
Experience China: Fly Direct from Melbourne
From big cities like Shanghai to newly trending ones like Chengdu and Chongqing, unforgettable experiences in China are right at your fingertips with 10 Chinese airlines flying out from Melbourne daily. Score up to $150 off flights when you book via Trip.com using special promo codes.
Score Up to 50% off China’s Hotels, Tours, and Experiences
Escapades in China are made sweeter with Trip.com‘s hotel discounts of up to 50% off, so you can choose comfortable and convenient accommodation that best suits your needs.
Consider the rest of your trip’s logistics settled with 10% off Mainland Group/Private Tours, and 12% off airport transfers with no capping. Or, drive across the country with 10% off car rentals.
Fly from Perth to Asia for Big Savings
The rest of the region is also waiting to be explored, with up to $100 off flights to Asia departing from Perth (excluding Bali). Jet off for dream holidays to countries like Thailand, Japan, Vietnam and more, and save big when locking in bookings with Trip.com using exclusive promo codes.
Eligible airlines: All Nippon Airways, Batik Air, Cathay Pacific Airways, China Southern Airlines, Malaysia Airlines, Philippine Airlines, Thai Airways, and Vietnam Airlines.
Exciting Giveaways: Win $500 off Airfares
Trip.com is hosting exciting social media giveaways for its users, where winners will walk away with either $500 off a flight from Melbourne to China, or $500 off a flight from Perth to Asia.
Tick Asia off your travel bucket list today. Enjoy these deals and more via Trip.com.
About Trip.com
Trip.com is an international one-stop travel service provider, available in 24 languages across 39 countries and regions in 35 local currencies. Offering an extensive hotel and flight network of more than 1.5 million hotels and flights from over 640 airlines, along with over 200,000 attraction and tour products, Trip.com covers 3,400 airports in 220 countries and regions. Trip.com‘s world-class 24/7 multilingual customer service helps to ‘create the best travel experience’ for its millions of customers worldwide. To book your next trip, visit trip.com.
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[1] Subject to Terms and Conditions. All promotional offers are available on a first-come, first-served basis within the specified period and while stocks last. |
MYCentre4IR And World Economic Forum Position ASEAN As Global Voice In The Intelligent Age
The Co-Hosted With The World Economic Forum, The Summit Is Set To Launch Regional Initiatives on Sustainable and Safe AI and the Transitioning Industrial Cluster
KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA – Media OutReach Newswire – 7 October 2025 – The Malaysia Centre for the Fourth Industrial Revolution (MYCentre4IR) together with the World Economic Forum (WEF) will co-host the Powering the Intelligent Age: Driving Innovation with Southeast Asia and Beyond Summit, taking place on 28 October 2025 at Sasana Kijang, Kuala Lumpur. The Summit marks a key moment under the ASEAN-Malaysia Chairmanship 2025, bringing together policymakers, business leaders, technologists and academics to define how the region will navigate the Intelligent Age through common rules, scalable pilots, and cross-border partnerships.
Innovation will take centre stage as the catalyst to drive growth and collaboration across Southeast Asia and globally. Specifically, the focus will be on advancing shared frameworks for AI governance, clean industrial pathways and inclusive digital growth, ensuring that the region not only adapts to the Intelligent Age but also leads in setting global standards for innovation and cooperation. The Summit’s programme is designed to move from high-level perspectives to concrete initiatives, providing both policy direction and practical pathways for implementation.
“Malaysia is proud to advance with our fellow ASEAN nations into the Intelligent Age. Our partnership and joint efforts go beyond technology implementation; we are instead focused on shaping an inclusive and resilient future for the people of ASEAN. Together, through focused efforts on AI governance, clean industry, and energy transition, we are ensuring that innovation uplifts every community and positions our region as a global leader,” said Minister of Digital, YB Gobind Singh Deo.
The Intelligent Age signals a shift beyond the Fourth Industrial Revolution, where AI and converging technologies are reshaping societies, economies and industries in real time. With adoption accelerating and risks already evident, ASEAN is positioning itself as a convener to ensure innovation becomes a driver of inclusive growth, trusted governance and sustainable energy transition.
MYCentre4IR’s partnership with the WEF and being part of its global 4IR network adds further avenues for Malaysia to align its digital and energy initiatives with international best practices and frameworks, in turn expanding networks for ASEAN’s broader efforts in these areas.
The Summit will also feature high-level participation and showcase regional initiatives. YB Gobind Singh Deo will deliver the Opening Remarks, followed by a Keynote Address by ASEAN Secretariat. The Minister will also join the Leaders Dialogue: Malaysia’s AI Ambitions moderated by Cathy Li, Head of the Centre for AI Excellence, WEF.
In addition, the event will highlight key initiatives such as the ASEAN AI Safety Network (ASEAN AI SAFE), the Sustainable AI White Paper, and the Transitioning Industrial Clusters (TIC) initiative. Spearheaded by Malaysia, the ASEAN AI SAFE will serve as a regional platform to institutionalise AI governance and ethics, aligned with the ASEAN Responsible AI Roadmap (2025–2030). It aims to harmonise AI safety policies, promote responsible AI adoption, and foster collaboration across governments, industry, academia, and civil society, while also connecting with global AI safety institutes. A formal declaration is expected at the 47th ASEAN Leaders Summit in October 2025, ahead of its operational launch in 2026.
Meanwhile, TIC will make its official debut at the World Economic Forum Annual Meeting in Davos in January 2026, marking Sarawak’s entry onto the global stage. The summit’s discussions will also cover crucial topics such as industrial transformation, digitalisation and ESG, resilient ecosystems and regional energy cooperation, including the ASEAN Power Grid and nuclear readiness.
Jeremy Jurgens, Managing Director , World Economic Forum, said:”The Intelligent Age will be defined not only by the technologies we create, but by the responsibility we share in how they are applied. The World Economic Forum, through its 4IR Network, is proud to support ASEAN in bringing together government, industry and academia to shape trusted AI governance and drive industrial transformation that benefits all.”
The Powering the Intelligent Age Summit will set the stage to move from principles to implementation, driving innovation that resonates within Southeast Asia and extends its influence globally. By translating policy into action and regional adoption, the Summit will highlight how Malaysia and ASEAN can pioneer AI governance, clean industry transitions, and inclusive digital ecosystems. In doing so, the region would strengthen its competitiveness and also contribute to shaping global standards and charting pathways towards a more innovative, sustainable and connected future for all. To know more, visit https://www.centre4ir.my/poweringintelligentage .
Hashtag: #WorldEconomicForum
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About World Economic Forum
The World Economic Forum (WEF) is the International Organisation for Public-Private Cooperation. It engages leaders from government, business, academia, and civil society to shape global, regional, and industry agendas. Headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland, the Forum is committed to improving the state of the world by fostering dialogue, driving systems change, and advancing solutions on critical global issues including energy transition, climate action, technology governance, and inclusive economic development.
About Malaysia Centre for the Fourth Industrial Revolution (MYCentre4IR)
Hosted by MyDIGITAL Corporation, the Malaysia Centre for the Fourth Industrial Revolution (MYCentre4IR) is part of the World Economic Forum (WEF) global network of Centre 4IR. It is the 1st centre in Southeast Asia and 19th in WEF’s global network of Centre for Fourth Industrial Revolution. It is a dynamic and forward-thinking platform designed to ignite innovation, facilitate policy development, and drive collaboration on a global scale. The partnership with the Forum provides access and connection to a vast pool of knowledge, best practices, and global insights from a network of like-minded organisations and countries, enabling learning and collaboration on cutting-edge projects.
Website :
MYCentre4IR | Follow us at
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LinkedIn
About Transitioning Industrial Clusters (TIC)
The Transitioning Industrial Clusters (TIC) initiative was first introduced by the World Economic Forum (WEF) as a global framework to accelerate the energy transition and digital transformation of industries. In Malaysia, TIC is driven by the Malaysia Centre for the Fourth Industrial Revolution (MYCentre4IR) hosted by MyDIGITAL Corporation, in collaboration with WEF and local partners, positioning the country as a regional leader and testbed for industrial transformation.
TIC enables industries to adopt advanced technologies such as digital twins, data platforms, and artificial intelligence to decarbonise operations while unlocking new opportunities for competitiveness, innovation, and sustainability.
Malaysia’s first pilot, TIC Sarawak in Bintulu, focuses on petrochemical and resource-intensive industrial clusters. Leveraging Sarawak’s role as a key energy producer, the pilot integrates clean energy solutions with digital technologies to reduce emissions, optimise efficiency, and strengthen regional and national competitiveness. Insights from TIC Sarawak will serve as measurable, replicable, and scalable playbooks that can be applied across industries and regions, supporting Malaysia’s national priorities under the NETR, MDEB, NIMP and RMK13 while advancing ASEAN’s collective climate and innovation agenda.
Through TIC and its pilots, Malaysia is contributing to a global movement championed by WEF to build a more sustainable, innovative, and resilient future by laying the foundation for leadership in the Intelligent Age.
Azbil to Present Data-Driven Solutions at Industrial Transformation ASIA-PACIFIC (ITAP) 2025

TOKYO, JAPAN – Media OutReach Newswire – 7 October 2025 – Azbil Corporation (Tokyo Stock Exchange Code: 6845) announced its participation at the eighth Industrial Transformation ASIA-PACIFIC (ITAP) taking place from October 15 to 17. Themed “Automation Solutions Driving Evolution and Co-Creation,” Azbil will showcase a comprehensive suite of industrial and building automation solutions that drive sustainable, collaborative industry growth. Leveraging advanced technologies like AI and big data, these solutions provide data-driven insights and control for preventive maintenance, energy optimization, and reliable operations across plants, factories, and buildings.
ITAP, a Hannover Messe event organized by Constellar and Deutsche Messe AG, remains Asia Pacific’s leading advanced manufacturing event. Themed “Powering the Future with Technology”, the event will showcase how technology can solve real-world challenges—from complex supply chains and energy demands to building agile operations —to help manufacturers at every stage of innovation adapt and thrive.
ITAP is viewed as a key strategic platform to strengthen Azbil’s business collaboration in Southeast Asia and India.
Based on the azbil Group philosophy of “human-centered automation,” Azbil continues to provide customers with measurement and control technologies and services that contribute “in series” to creating a sustainable society.
■ Event overview
| Event | Industrial Transformation ASIA-PACIFIC (ITAP) | |
| Dates | Wednesday, October 15 to Friday, October 17, 2025 | |
| Location | Singapore EXPO, Hall 3 & 4 Booth 3D17 |
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| Registration | https://constellar.swoogo.com/ITAP2025/register?code=ITAP25TRACKAZBIL (Free registration for Trade Visitor Pass) |
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| ITAP 2025 Connected Platform | https://the.itap-connected.com/ (Available until October 26, 2025) |
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| Product Showcase | Process automation
・Valve Diagnostics Service Utilizes data to diagnose the condition of control valves and detect early signs of abnormalities, which supports optimized maintenance and stable operation. ・AI-Based CBM Platform (Reference Exhibit) Integrates seamlessly into any existing production environment, the platform autonomously monitors equipment to predict and prevent failures using AI, optimizing maintenance and ensuring stable, sustainable production. ・Control Valve 6000 Series Designed for high-performance, precise, and stable fluid control, the control valve with a compact actuator offers low seat leakage, ensuring a wide control range and stable operation. Factory automation ・NC Lathe Tool Fault Detection Unit Model U4DM1 (Reference Exhibit) Provides a simple, hassle-free solution that installs on any NC lathe without complex data analysis or program modifications. Building automation ・Intelligent Building Management System (IBMS) An open-architecture platform with intuitive visualization and actionable insights to provide a unified solution that optimizes performance, reduces energy costs, and enhances occupant comfort. ・Chiller Plant Digital Twin and Air Side Digital Twin Azbil’s digital twin solutions create real-time virtual models of chiller plant and HVAC systems, enabling advanced optimization and predictive insights for enhanced energy-efficient operations in buildings and factories. |
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| Event | Presentation Title:
Date: Time: Venue: |
Control Valve Total Solution: Comprehensive Excellence for Valves and Beyond
15 October 2025 15:30 – 15:45 (SG Time) Industrial Innovation Stage, In-between Hall 3 & 4 |
For details, please visit the following website.
https://www.azbil.com/corporate/seminar/index.html
Hashtag: #Azbil #ITAP
https://www.azbil.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/azbil-southeast-asia-and-india/
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About Azbil Corporation
Winbond Selects IPfolio from Clarivate
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Global Electronics Manufacturer to Modernize IP Management and Drive Digital Transformation
LONDON, Oct. 7, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Clarivate Plc (NYSE: CLVT), a leading global provider of transformative intelligence, today announced that Winbond Electronics Corporation (TSE: 2344) has selected and implemented IPfolio, a cloud-based intellectual property (IP) management platform from Clarivate. This solution has enabled Winbond to modernize its management of IP assets, improving efficiency and data accuracy while streamlining processes.
With the implementation of IPfolio, Winbond has achieved significant transformations in its IP management. The key results include a 90% improvement in data accuracy, thanks to seamless integration with Clarivate IP data, which has eliminated the need for error-prone manual data entry. Additionally, the frequency of real-time patent data updates has increased, and internal operational efficiency has improved by 25%.
Moreover, the implementation has freed up management resources by an estimated 15% due to automated data verification, collaboration with external partners, email document archiving, and real-time reporting. These features collectively function as a virtual IP administrator.
Maroun S. Mourad, President, Intellectual Property, Clarivate, said: “We are very pleased to provide our IPfolio solution to Winbond and support its seamless implementation. In 2025, Winbond was named a Top 100 Global Innovator by Clarivate for the third year in a row. Their commitment to innovation is a core company value, and we are very proud to collaborate with them to modernize their IP management and drive digital transformation.”
Glen Nath, Senior Vice President, Intellectual Property, Clarivate, said: “With IPfolio, Winbond can manage IP assets efficiently and with greater control, gaining a competitive edge. Their choice of IPfolio underscores our customer-focused approach, regional product capabilities, and local resource collaboration.”
Dr. Pei-Lin Pai, Chief Technology Officer at Winbond said, “After a comprehensive evaluation, we chose IPfolio due to its robust capabilities and features that aligned perfectly with our requirements. Key features that influenced our decision include IPfolio’s integrated design, advanced automation and synchronization features and secure collaboration capabilities, along with its user-friendly interface and visualization, and flexibility for continuous enhancement.”
Headquartered in Taichung, Taiwan, Winbond is one of the few companies worldwide that provides a global clientele with total integrated circuits solutions. Its products are used extensively in handheld devices, consumer electronics, computer peripherals, and the automotive and industrial electronics markets.
About Clarivate
Clarivate is a leading global provider of transformative intelligence. We offer enriched data, insights & analytics, workflow solutions and expert services in the areas of Academia & Government, Intellectual Property and Life Sciences & Healthcare. For more information, please visit clarivate.com.
Media Contact:
Jack Wan, Director, External Communications
newsroom@clarivate.com










