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HLB Private Bank Elevates Private Wealth Proposition, Focuses on Stewarding Inter-Generational Legacy and Wealth Transfer

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.

HLB Private Bank unveils refreshed brand identity and enhanced proposition to support multi-generational wealth and legacy, bridging 120 years of heritage with innovation and strengthened by its strategic alliance with Lombard Odier.
HLB Private Bank unveils refreshed brand identity and enhanced proposition to support multi-generational wealth and legacy, bridging 120 years of heritage with innovation and strengthened by its strategic alliance with Lombard Odier.

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 

Leader Talks: Rath Sophoan Association of Banks in Cambodia Chairman on Navigating Cambodia’s Banking Future

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.

Rath Sophoan Chairman of the Association of Banks in Cambodia.
Rath Sophoan Chairman of the Association of Banks in Cambodia.

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.

Geely Riddara Launches RD6 Econ All-electric Pickup in Southeast Asia


HANGZHOU, CHINA – Media OutReach Newswire – 3 October 2025 – Geely Riddara launches the RD6 Econ all-electric pickup in Laos and the Philippines, with rollouts to Thailand, Malaysia, and Pakistan—Positioned as an economical, dual-use pickup for commercial and personal needs, the RD6 Econ combines outstanding cost efficiency with optimized energy consumption to offer global markets a more sustainable, value-driven choice.

Geely Riddara Launches RD6 Econ All-electric Pickup in Southeast Asia
Geely Riddara Launches RD6 Econ All-electric Pickup in Southeast Asia

The RD6 “Econ” designation derives from “Economic,” reflecting the pickup’s core values of being Eco-Friendly, Efficient and Economical. With the five major advantages of “Economy, Power, Loading Capacity , Maneuverability and Safety”, this model focuses on commercial scenarios, while taking into account the multi-functional needs of family use. The RD6 Econ completely overturns the pain points of traditional fuel pickups such as high energy consumption, low response, and high maintenance.

Economy — Compared with ICE pickups, the RD6 Econ achieves significantly lower running costs in energy and maintenance, with measured consumption as low as 16.2 kWh/100 km.

Power — With a maximum output of 280 kW and peak torque of 485 N·m, the 4WD system ensures confident performance on rugged climbs.

Loading Capacity — A 1,765 mm truck bed and a 1,235 kg loading capacity meet heavy-duty needs; STC surface treatment adds wear resistance and anti-corrosion protection for high-humidity coastal use.

Maneuverability —A 6.1 m minimum turning radius (0.4 m tighter than mainstream ICE pickups) enhances agility in narrow alleys and work sites, while the exceptionally quiet cabin elevates extended driving comfort.

Safety — An integrated skeleton body (70% high-strength steel; 30,300 N·m/deg body torsional stiffness) and 225 mm ground clearance help withstand potholes, gravel, and site scrapes.

Geely Riddara has been China’s No. 1 NEV pickup brand for three consecutive years. This achievement reflects broad user trust and support. Building on this foundation, the RD6 Econ (BEV) and RD6 PHEV establish a “BEV + PHEV” dual-technology lineup that complements existing offerings in Southeast Asia, Latin America and Africa, broadens choice in value-driven commercial segments, and accelerates the electrification of regional commercial pickup markets.

Advancing its “Tech-driven, Scenario-defined” strategy, Geely Riddara pairs this lineup with localized energy and service solutions to reduce energy consumption and optimize total cost of ownership. With the RD6 Econ at its core, Geely Riddara brings better choices to the global commercial pickup market, expanding practical options for fleets and businesses.

Hashtag: #GeelyRiddara

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

Agoda Launches New Program to Partner with Travel Creators and Drive Bookings

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.

Agoda Ambassador Program
Agoda Ambassador Program

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.

— ENDS —

Nutromics unveils world-first real-time in vivo multiplexing data at IATDMCT

MELBOURNE, Australia, Oct. 3, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Diagnostics company Nutromics has presented the world’s first real-time, continuous data on two critical antibiotics – vancomycin and tobramycin – measured simultaneously on the same device in animal models. The breakthrough was unveiled at the International Congress of Therapeutic Drug Monitoring and Clinical Toxicology (IATDMCT) in Singapore.

The study, conducted in rats, demonstrated the Nutromics platform’s ability to continuously track levels of multiple targets on the one device (‘multiplexing’). Both vancomycin, among the most frequently dosed IV antibiotics in U.S. hospitals, and tobramycin, one of the 300 most commonly prescribed U.S. drugs, are frontline treatments for infections such as sepsis and MRSA. While lifesaving, they pose risks: overdosing can cause nephrotoxicity, while underdosing fuels antimicrobial resistance. Real-time monitoring will enable clinicians to optimize dosing for safety and efficacy.

“Our goal is to start providing real-time molecular data in critical care settings,” said COO Hitesh Mehta. “Clinicians often tell us that today they are currently flying blind, relying on delayed point-in-time data. The Nutromics Lab-on-a-Patch® has the potential to transform healthcare, starting with how we approach Therapeutic Drug Monitoring. Demonstrating multiplexing proves this technology is a true platform and affirms Nutromics’ larger goal: real-time data for drugs and biomarkers, aiding clinicians in other areas such as cardiology and triage – and following the patient seamlessly from hospital to hospital in home care and broader community settings.”

To achieve dual detection, the Nutromics team deployed a wearable patch with microneedles coated in synthetic DNA-based sensors (or aptamers), one specific to vancomycin, the other tobramycin. Each aptamer responded selectively to its target drug without interference when both were administered at separate time points, demonstrating both sensitivity and specificity. The devices were fabricated using the same process Nutromics’ uses today for a single sensor device in its ongoing human studies.

“While numerous biosensors have been shown to work in a beaker, transitioning from bench to body requires the technology to function reliably and accurately under diverse, dynamic biological conditions outside of a controlled lab environment. This is often where failure occurs.,” said lead scientist Julian Gerson. “Building on the validation of our lead sensor for vancomycin in first-in-human studies over the last two years, this work further demonstrates Nutromics’ ability to translate aptamer technologies from bench to in vivo. Importantly, we are the first to show multiplexed measurement of antibiotics in vivo, something existing technologies have not achieved. By proving this is not only possible but high-fidelity, Nutromics is now adding high-value biomarkers to its sensor library, moving towards diagnostic ‘panels’ that can give doctors the critical information they need in real time.”

In August, the company announced A$7.5 million in new funding and has already completed first-in-human studies with its wearable patches. Clinical trials in multiple hospital ICUs are now underway in Australia, with US hospital trials slated for 2026.

GORDON & MACPHAIL REVEALS ‘ARTISTRY IN OAK’ DECANTER DESIGN BY ACCLAIMED ARCHITECT JEANNE GANG FOR THE WORLD’S OLDEST SINGLE MALT SCOTCH WHISKY

ELGIN, Scotland, Oct. 3, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Gordon & MacPhail has revealed the ‘Artistry in Oak’ decanter design by internationally acclaimed American architect Jeanne Gang, marking the release of the oldest single malt Scotch ever bottled – Gordon & MacPhail 85 Years Old from Glenlivet Distillery.

 

Gordon & MacPhail 85 Years Old from Glenlivet Distillery – Credit: GORDON & MACPHAIL

Gordon & MacPhail sought to commission a creative partner to design a unique decanter to house their most precious whisky to date. A partnership built on common values and a shared commitment to leave a legacy for future generations, Jeanne Gang’s design is shaped through her close observation of growth and form in nature. The four branches which suspend the glass decanter are made from solid bronze, providing an armature that cradles the precious liquid in the same way the oak cask has nurtured the whisky for eight and a half decades.

Only 125 decanters are available worldwide, each with an RSP of £125,000.

Over the last 130 years, Gordon & MacPhail has been driven by a simple mission: to create single malt Scotch whisky of exceptional quality. Through four generations of family ownership, the company has matched its own specially selected casks with spirit from over 100 Scottish distilleries. Managing a portfolio of casks requires a complex level of expertise which Gordon & MacPhail has honed to fully understand cask maturation matched to different styles of spirit. Patience is undoubtedly a virtue in this realm and Gordon & MacPhail’s whiskies are often the oldest expression ever to be released from a particular distillery.

The decanter design by Jeanne Gang is a celebration of the profound artistry, craft, care and time alongside nature that went into the liquid it encases. The maturation of whisky over very long periods of time is a very challenging proposition often quoted as more art than science. As the oldest single malt Scotch ever bottled, this release is the ultimate expression of this art and testament to the foresight of George Urquhart and his father, John, who selected cask 336 in 1940 to cradle this liquid for decades to come.

“One of the greatest challenges was that this has never been done before. We’re the first to mature a whisky for 85 years. Every year that goes by is a year into the unknown. We have to appreciate we’re always dealing with mother nature so the key traits of this process are patience and trust,” comments Stephen Rankin Director of Prestige at Gordon & MacPhail, and member of the fourth generation of the family that owns the company.

Embracing the creative theme of ‘Artistry in Oak’, the design evokes the idea of a tree slowly entwining a piece of amber. Four separate branches spiral upward, wrapping around a suspended glass vessel that contains the amber liquid originally distilled at Glenlivet Distillery. American oak informed the branches’ design, a nod to the wood used to comprise the Gordon & MacPhail cask which cradled the spirit for 85 years.

“It was of utmost importance that the quality of the whisky itself be manifest in the design of the decanter. Made from handblown glass and cast bronze, I thought about how each material would exhibit its own inherent qualities while fulfilling its purpose to hold and protect the liquid,” explains Jeanne Gang.

The design was conceived as a single object, with the suspended glass vessel relying on the branches for support, evoking the reciprocity between whisky and its cask.  Jeanne chose bronze for the four entwining branches that cradle the vessel because it is an enduring material; one that evolves slowly and beautifully over time, much like whisky. As bronze develops a patina, it mirrors the way whisky deepens in colour and character over the years.

“Standing tall and strong, the patinated bronze entwines the vessel, suspending it while revealing the amber colour of the whisky within. Together, the elements depend on and complement each other, in a reciprocal dance whose form, like the whisky it holds, is a product of both natural growth and the nature of its materiality,” expresses Gang.

As part of this landmark release, Gordon & MacPhail is supporting American Forests, the oldest national non-profit conservation organisation in the United States – a leader in forest restoration – via the online auction of Decanter #1 in partnership with Christie’s.

“Given the importance of oak in our craft, this partnership was a natural fit, aligning with our mission to leave a meaningful legacy for ongoing generations via fundraising for the sustainable future of American oak trees,” adds Stephen Rankin.

The auction conducted online by Christie’s, opening for bids on Friday 7th November and concluding on Friday 21st November 2025, will see proceeds of the lot (minus costs) donated to the American Forests, to support their work dedicated to creating healthy and resilient forests in cities and large landscapes, including the regeneration and long-term sustainability of America’s oak-dominated forests essential for whisky maturation.

As well as Decanter #1, the lot will include a personalised whisky tasting hosted by Gordon & MacPhail’s Director of Prestige Stephen Rankin or Richard Urquhart, Sales Director, both fourth generation family members; a framed, signed sketch of an oak tree by Jeanne Gang, which informed the decanter’s design; and the cask end of cask 336 which nurtured the single malt Scotch whisky, presented in a bespoke frame.

Adam Bilbey, Christie’s Global Head of Wine and Spirits says: “Partnering with Gordon & MacPhail for Artistry in Oak is a moment of pride for Christie’s. The unveiling of Decanter No. 1 from Gordon & MacPhail 85 Years Old is not just a highlight of our season—it’s a celebration of time, tradition, and craftsmanship. Over the last 85yrs this extraordinary spirit has been carefully and patiently nurtured by Gordon & MacPhail, culminating in the extraordinary moment.”

A TASTE OF LIQUID HISTORY

At 85 years old, this historical liquid has spent decades maturing in a unique cask that has had a profound impact on its flavour. Cask 336 had previously held mature sherry before being re-filled on 3 February 1940 with spirit at the Glenlivet Distillery. This was a time when production across Scotland was much reduced due to the raw materials required being diverted for other uses or there being a shortage in them created by the war.

This long maturation has imparted deep, complex flavours to the whisky, with vibrant, full-bodied notes that remain remarkably robust at 43.7% ABV. The influence of the cask, combined with the rarity and incredible scarcity of the liquid, creates a whisky that is not only extraordinary in its taste but also a living piece of history.

Aroma: Soft, aged leather aromas lead to apricot compote, cinnamon, and subtle waxy, citrus fruit notes. Vanilla gives way to dried sultana and aniseed with underlying beeswax polish. Subtle smoky undertones develop.

Flavours: Smooth and vibrant with cracked black pepper and sweet dried tobacco flavours, followed by Seville Orange peel. Morello cherry and plum flavours are balanced by subtle oak.

Finish: A full-bodied finish with lingering herbal notes.

This exceptional release represents the pinnacle of whisky craftsmanship – an 85-year-old single malt matured over four generations. Not only is it the oldest whisky ever bottled, but its extreme rarity, scarcity and provenance, coupled with the artistry of Jeanne Gang’s design, make it an unparalleled collector’s piece.

Gordon & Macphail 85 Years Old From Glenlivet Distillery
Available worldwide, priced at £125,000
WWW.GORDONANDMACPHAIL.COM

Christie’s Online Auction of Decanter #1
Bidding opens Friday 7 November and closed Friday 21 November 2025
Proceeds of the lot (minus costs) donated to the American Forests
WWW.CHRISTIES.COM

@GORDONANDMACPHAIL

Gordon & MacPhail 85 Years Old from Glenlivet Distillery – Credit: GORDON & MACPHAIL
Gordon & MacPhail 85 Years Old from Glenlivet Distillery – Credit: GORDON & MACPHAIL

 

Jeanne Gang and Gordon & MacPhail 85 Years Old from Glenlivet Distillery Decanter – Credit: GORDON & MACPHAIL
Jeanne Gang and Gordon & MacPhail 85 Years Old from Glenlivet Distillery Decanter – Credit: GORDON & MACPHAIL

 

Cask End 336, Gordon & MacPhail 85 Years Old from Glenlivet Distillery – Credit: GORDON & MACPHAIL
Cask End 336, Gordon & MacPhail 85 Years Old from Glenlivet Distillery – Credit: GORDON & MACPHAIL

 

Gordon & MacPhail 85 Years Old from Glenlivet Distillery – Credit: GORDON & MACPHAIL
Gordon & MacPhail 85 Years Old from Glenlivet Distillery – Credit: GORDON & MACPHAIL

 

 

MedHub-AI Announces National Reimbursement Approval in Japan for AutocathFFR™

TEL AVIV, Israel, Oct. 3, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — MedHub-AI today announced that the Japanese Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare (MHLW) has approved national reimbursement for the company’s AutocathFFR™ System, effective October 1, 2025. The decision follows regulatory approval by the Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices Agency (PMDA) earlier this year and marks a significant milestone in expanding access to advanced coronary physiology assessment in Japan.

The approval provides physicians and hospitals across Japan with broad access to AutocathFFR, the first fully automated, real-time AI-based fractional flow reserve (FFR) solution performed intra-procedurally during coronary angiography. By removing the need for pressure wires or hyperemic agents, AutocathFFR integrates seamlessly into the cath lab workflow, enabling fast and precise assessment of coronary artery disease (CAD).

Addressing a Critical Healthcare Need

Coronary artery disease is the number one cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide, including in Japan where the burden of cardiovascular disease continues to rise. The introduction of AI-driven, non-invasive physiology represents an important advancement for both clinicians and patients by supporting evidence-based decision-making, reducing procedural complexity, and potentially lowering overall healthcare costs.

With reimbursement now established, AutocathFFR is positioned to play a central role in improving access to advanced CAD assessment throughout Japan. This milestone further strengthens MedHub-AI’s strategic collaboration with Terumo Corporation to accelerate adoption and integration of AutocathFFR across hundreds of hospitals nationwide.

Differentiation from 3D-Based FFR Solutions

Unlike 3D image reconstruction-based physiology technologies that require complex processing, manual steps, and time-consuming analysis, AutocathFFR is fully automated and does not rely on 3D modeling of coronary anatomy. Instead, it applies advanced AI algorithms directly to routine angiographic images, producing physiology results instantly and reproducibly within the procedure.

This unique approach reduces operator dependency, shortens analysis time, and enhances consistency across patients and centers. These advantages make AutocathFFR ideally suited for broad adoption in daily practice, ensuring that physiology assessment is available for every case, not just selected patients.

Advancing Global Strategy

“Reimbursement approval in Japan represents a major achievement for MedHub-AI and validates the clinical and economic value of AutocathFFR,” said Or Bruch-El, Chief Executive Officer of MedHub-AI. “This milestone underscores our commitment to advancing coronary physiology worldwide and to ensuring that patients and physicians have access to innovative, AI-driven solutions that transform clinical practice.”

About AutocathFFR™

AutocathFFR is the first fully automated AI-based system that enables real-time, intra-procedural physiology assessment during coronary angiography. The system is:

  • Non-invasive: Requires no pressure wires or pharmacologic hyperemia.
  • Fast and efficient: Provides results in seconds in real time without disrupting workflow.
  • Reproducible: Automated AI eliminates variability and ensures consistent results.
  • Clinically validated: Multi-center studies have demonstrated equivalence to invasive FFR methods.

AutocathFFR has received regulatory approvals in Japan and is part of MedHub-AI’s broader global strategy to expand access to AI-driven solutions for cardiovascular care.

Contacts:
MedHub
Or Bruch-El, Founder & CEO
Email: Or@medhub-ai.com

Yarden Bruch-El, COO
Email: Yarden@medhub-ai.com
Website: www.MedHub-AI.com 

Logo: https://laotiantimes.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/medhub_logo.jpg

 

Emeren Group Announces Cancellation and Rescheduling of Extraordinary General Meeting

NORWALK, Conn., Oct. 3, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Emeren Group Ltd (“Emeren” or the “Company“) (www.emeren.com) (NYSE: SOL), a leading global solar and storage project developer, owner, and operator, today announced that its extraordinary general meeting previously scheduled to be held at 10:00 a.m. Eastern Standard Time on October 21, 2025 (the “Previously Scheduled EGM“), to consider and vote on, among other things, the proposal to authorize and approve the Agreement and Plan of Merger (as amended), dated as of June 18, 2025, by and among the Company, Shurya Vitra Ltd., and Emeren Holdings Ltd, and the transactions contemplated thereby (the “Merger Proposal“), is cancelled with immediate effect, and the Company plans to announce the date of a new extraordinary general meeting (the “New EGM“) to consider and vote on, among other things, the Merger Proposal, as soon as it has finalized and filed the definitive proxy statement on Schedule 14A and the definitive transaction statement on Schedule 13E-3 related to the Merger Proposal.

As previously announced on September 2, 2025, the date of the Previously Scheduled EGM is subject to postponement depending on the review by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC“) of the proxy statement on Schedule 14A and the transaction statement on Schedule 13E-3 related to the Merger Proposal filed by the Company on September 2, 2025. In light of the time it would require to make further amendments to these filings, the Company decided to cancel the Previously Scheduled EGM and convene a New EGM on a later date to consider and vote on, among other things, the Merger Proposal. The Company will provide notice of the New EGM, including the record date for the New EGM, in accordance with relevant laws and regulations and the Company’s memorandum and articles of association.

About Emeren Group Ltd

Emeren Group Ltd (NYSE: SOL), a renewable energy leader, showcases a comprehensive portfolio of solar and storage projects and Independent Power Producer (IPP) assets, complemented by a significant global Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) capacity. Specializing in the entire solar project lifecycle — from development through construction to financing — we excel by leveraging local talent in each market, ensuring our sustainable energy solutions are at the forefront of efficiency and impact. Our commitment to enhancing solar power and energy storage underlines our dedication to innovation, excellence, and environmental responsibility. For more information, go to www.emeren.com.

Safe Harbor Statement

This announcement contains forward-looking statements. These statements are made under the “safe harbor” provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements can be identified by terminology such as “will,” “expects,” “anticipates,” “future,” “intends,” “plans,” “believes,” “estimates,” “targets, “confident” and similar statements. Among other things, statements that are not historical facts, including statements about Emeren’s beliefs and expectations, the business outlook and quotations from management in this announcement, as well as Emeren’s strategic and operational plans, are or contain forward-looking statements. Emeren may also make written or oral forward-looking statements in its periodic reports to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, in its periodic reports to shareholders, in press releases and other written materials and in oral statements made by its officers, directors or employees to third parties. All forward-looking statements are based upon management’s expectations at the time of the statements and involve inherent risks and uncertainties. A number of factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statement, including but not limited to the following: execution of Emeren’s strategies and business plans; growth and trends of the industries in which Emeren operates; market acceptance of Emeren’s products and services; competition in the industries in which Emeren operates; Emeren’s ability to control costs and expenses; Emeren’s ability to retain key personnel and attract new talent; relevant government policies and regulations relating to Emeren’s industry, corporate structure and business operations; seasonality in the business; fluctuations in currencies exchange rates; risks related to acquisitions or investments Emeren has made or will make in the future; accounting adjustments that may occur during the quarterly or annual close or auditing process; and fluctuations in general economic, political, geopolitical and business conditions. Further information regarding these and other risks are included in Emeren’s filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. All information provided in this press release and in the attachments is as of the date of the press release and based on assumptions that Emeren believes to be reasonable as of this date, and Emeren undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking statement, except as required under applicable law.

For investor and media inquiries, please contact:

Emeren Group Ltd – Investor Relations
ir@emeren.com