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Huntsman Corporation Announces New Purification and Packaging Capability through its E-GRADE® Unit in Conroe, Texas

THE WOODLANDS, Texas, May 22, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Huntsman Corporation (NYSE: HUN), a global manufacturer and marketer of differentiated and specialty chemicals, is pleased to announce that its Performance Products division has expanded its manufacturing site in Conroe, Texas to better serve the growing needs of its global customers in the semiconductor industry.

Peter Huntsman, Chairman, President, and CEO of Huntsman Corporation, stated, “With the rapid growth of AI and the need for high-quality advanced node chips, our investment in Conroe marks our commitment to developing new semiconductor-grade products and enhancing supply chain security to support the demands of our customers worldwide.”

The new E-GRADE® unit will bolster Huntsman’s portfolio by providing high-purity, low-trace metal amines, including quaternary amines and amine oxides, essential for semiconductor chip manufacturing. Huntsman’s commitment to safety, quality, reliability, and manufacturing excellence will help ensure a consistent production process – from blending, purification through packaging.

“With this unique offering, we are well positioned to become a world-leading supplier of semiconductor-grade amines,” said Jan Buberl, President of Performance Products. “We now have the global manufacturing capability, R&D expertise, and broad portfolio to offer our customers with solutions that meet the industry’s highest quality standards.”

Conroe City Mayor, Duke Coon, commented, “Huntsman’s new E-GRADE® unit provides a significant boost for our local economy, helping to create numerous job opportunities and further solidifying Conroe’s position as a hub for advanced manufacturing and technology.”

About Huntsman:
Huntsman Corporation is a publicly traded global manufacturer and marketer of differentiated and specialty chemicals with 2024 revenues of approximately $6 billion. Our chemical products number in the thousands and are sold worldwide to manufacturers serving a broad and diverse range of consumer and industrial end markets. We operate more than 60 manufacturing, R&D and operations facilities in approximately 25 countries and employ approximately 6,300 associates within our continuing operations. For more information about Huntsman, visit the company’s website at  www.huntsman.com.                            

To learn more about E-GRADE® products, visit www.huntsman.com/EGRADE

Social Media:
LinkedIn:  www.linkedin.com/company/huntsman
X:  https://x.com/Huntsman_Corp
Facebook: 
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Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/huntsman_corp/  

Huntsman Corporation Announces New Purification and Packaging Capability through its E-GRADE® Unit in Conroe, Texas
Huntsman Corporation Announces New Purification and Packaging Capability through its E-GRADE® Unit in Conroe, Texas

 

 

Weichai’s M-series large-bore engines reinforce their leadership in the global premium power sector

SYDNEY, May 21, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — From May 16 to 18, Australia’s largest construction machinery exhibition — The National Diesel Dirt and Turf Expo (DDT) — grandly opened in Sydney. Weichai showcased its Baudouin M-series 6M33 pump diesel engine and 20M33 large-bore generator set at the event.

At the exhibition site, the 20M33 large-bore generator set showcased itself as a “high-performance beauty,” featuring a high-strength alloy steel crankshaft for enhanced structural integrity. Equipped with Weichai’s proprietary ECU system optimized through advanced algorithms, it demonstrates exceptional step-loading capabilities. The standard high-flow fuel filter extends oil change intervals, effectively reducing operational costs.

The 6M33 pump diesel engine also attracted crowds of clients at the event. Its critical components have undergone rigorous testing and market validation, ensuring high strength and reliability. Capable of operating in high-temperature environments up to 50°C, it has already accumulated over 12,000 hours of service in an Indonesian mine. With comprehensive system optimization, it achieves a minimum fuel consumption rate of 187.4 g/kWh.

Leveraging advantages such as ultra-low fuel consumption, excellent transient load response, and superior noise reduction capabilities, Weichai’s M-series large-bore engines have been widely adopted across diverse sectors including data centers, oil and gas, healthcare, high-altitude regions, railways, field rescue operations, and agriculture. The brand continues to strengthen its competitiveness in the global high-end power market.

Celltrion’s YUFLYMA® (adalimumab-aaty) receives FDA interchangeability designation for all its approved dosage forms and strengths

  • YUFLYMA® (adalimumab-aaty) is a high-concentration (100mg/mL) and citrate-free formulation of Humira® (adalimumab) biosimilar[1]
  • Celltrion previously received interchangeability (IC) designation for YUFLYMA® (adalimumab-aaty) in prefilled syringes (20mg & 80mg); Expanded interchangeability (IC) designation applies to prefilled syringe (40mg) and autoinjectors (40mg and 80mg)

INCHEON, South Korea, May 22, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Celltrion, Inc. today announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has granted an expanded interchangeable designation for YUFLYMA® (adalimumab-aaty), now including prefilled syringe (40mg) and autoinjectors (40mg and 80mg) presentations. With this approval, YUFLYMA is now fully interchangeable with the reference product, Humira® (adalimumab), across all marketed dosage forms and strengths.

YUFLYMA is a high-concentration, citrate-free biosimilar to Humira, approved for multiple inflammatory indications including rheumatoid arthritis (RA), psoriatic arthritis (PsA), ankylosing spondylitis (AS), ulcerative colitis (UC), plaque psoriasis (Ps), hidradenitis suppurativa (HS), and uveitis (UV) in adult patients; Crohn’s disease (CD) in adults and pediatric patients 6 years of age and older; and juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) in patients 2 years of age and older.[1]

“This full interchangeability designation comes at a pivotal time as Celltrion continues to lead in the evolving biosimilar landscape,” said Thomas Nusbickel, Chief Commercial Officer at Celltrion USA. “In alignment with recent federal initiatives aimed at lowering drug costs, we’ve taken timely action to enhance patient access and affordability. YUFLYMA – a high-concentration, citrate-free adalimumab biosimilar now fully interchangeable with Humira – reflects our long-standing commitment to delivering high-quality, accessible treatment options. Going forward, Celltrion will continue to put patients first by keeping drug costs affordable and remaining at the forefront of the U.S. biosimilar market, bringing competitive pricing and high-quality, accessible treatment options.”

The interchangeable designation builds on the Phase III interchangeability study, which demonstrated similar outcomes in terms of pharmacokinetics, efficacy, safety and immunogenicity in patients with moderately to severely active plaque psoriasis who received reference adalimumab (ADA) continuously and those who alternated between reference ADA and YUFLYMA during the dosing interval of Weeks 25-27. The result of the interchangeability study was presented at the European Academy of Dermatology & Venereology (EADV), September 2024, in the Netherlands.[2] 

The expanded interchangeability designation for YUFLYMA is complemented by a strategic price reduction that reflects Celltrion’s ongoing commitment to improving patient access while aligning with federal efforts to lower drug prices. Effective immediately, the wholesale acquisition cost (WAC) list price of YUFLYMA has been reduced to $948 per syringe, and the updated pricing has been uploaded to the national pricing compendia.

YUFLYMA was first introduced in the U.S. market in July 2023 and is currently available as a 20mg, 40mg, and 80mg solution for injection in prefilled syringes and as 40mg and 80mg in autoinjectors. Celltrion offers adalimumab-aaty in both branded and unbranded versions, with two pricing options to meet different patient needs and improve patient affordability.

Notes to Editors:

About YUFLYMA® (CT-P17, biosimilar adalimumab-aaty)[1]

YUFLYMA is a high-concentration, low-volume and citrate-free adalimumab biosimilar to receive European Commission approval. YUFLYMA is FDA approved for the treatment of patients with rheumatoid arthritis, juvenile idiopathic arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, plaque psoriasis, hidradenitis suppurativa and uveitis. YUFLYMA has been designated by the FDA as an interchangeable biosimilar in a prefilled syringe and autoinjector. YUFLYMA is a recombinant fully human anti–tumor necrosis factor α (anti-TNFα) monoclonal antibody. YUFLYMA is available in prefilled syringe as 20mg/0.2mL, 40mg/0.4mL and 80mg/0.8mL and autoinjector as 40mg/0.4mL and 80mg/0.8mL. Additionally, YUFLYMA features one of the longest shelf lives in its class, maintaining stability at room temperature (77 °F, 25 °C) for up to 31 days.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION[1]This important safety information also applies to YUFLYMA® (adalimumab-aaty).

SERIOUS INFECTIONS

Patients treated with adalimumab-aaty are at increased risk for developing serious infections that may lead to hospitalization or death. Most patients who developed these infections were taking concomitant immunosuppressants such as methotrexate or corticosteroids.

Discontinue adalimumab-aaty if a patient develops a serious infection or sepsis.

Reported infections include:

  • Active tuberculosis (TB), including reactivation of latent TB. Patients with TB have frequently presented with disseminated or extrapulmonary disease. Test patients for latent TB before adalimumab-aaty use and during therapy. Initiate treatment for latent TB prior to adalimumab-aaty use.
  • Invasive fungal infections, including histoplasmosis, coccidioidomycosis, candidiasis, aspergillosis, blastomycosis, and pneumocystosis. Patients with histoplasmosis or other invasive fungal infections may present with disseminated, rather than localized, disease. Antigen and antibody testing for histoplasmosis may be negative in some patients with active infection. Consider empiric antifungal therapy in patients at risk for invasive fungal infections who develop severe systemic illness.
  • Bacterial, viral, and other infections due to opportunistic pathogens, including Legionella and Listeria.

Carefully consider the risks and benefits of treatment with adalimumab-aaty prior to initiating therapy in patients with chronic or recurrent infection.

Monitor patients closely for the development of signs and symptoms of infection during and after treatment with adalimumab-aaty, including the possible development of TB in patients who tested negative for latent TB infection prior to initiating therapy.

  • Treatment with adalimumab-aaty should not be initiated in patients with an active infection, including localized infections.
  • Patients over 65 years of age, patients with co-morbid conditions and/or patients taking concomitant immunosuppressants (such as corticosteroids or methotrexate), may be at greater risk of infection. Discontinue adalimumab-aaty if a patient develops a serious infection or sepsis. For a patient who develops a new infection during treatment with adalimumab-aaty, closely monitor them, perform a prompt and complete diagnostic workup appropriate for an immunocompromised patient, and initiate appropriate antimicrobial therapy.
  • Drug interactions with biologic products: In clinical studies in patients with RA, an increased risk of serious infections has been observed with the combination of TNF blockers with anakinra or abatacept, with no added benefit; therefore, use of adalimumab-aaty with abatacept or anakinra is not recommended in patients with RA. A higher rate of serious infections has also been observed in patients with RA treated with rituximab who received subsequent treatment with a TNF blocker. There is insufficient information regarding the concomitant use of adalimumab-aaty and other biologic products for the treatment of RA, PsA, AS, CD, UC, PS, and HS. Concomitant administration of adalimumab-aaty with other biologic disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) (e.g., anakinra and abatacept) or other TNF blockers is not recommended based upon the possible increased risk for infections and other potential pharmacological interactions. A higher rate of serious infections has been observed in RA patients treated with rituximab who received subsequent treatment with a TNF blocker.

MALIGNANCY

Lymphoma and other malignancies, some fatal, have been reported in children and adolescent patients treated with TNF blockers, including adalimumab products. Postmarketing cases of hepatosplenic T-cell lymphoma (HSTCL), a rare type of T-cell lymphoma, have been reported in patients treated with TNF blockers, including adalimumab products. These cases have had a very aggressive disease course and have been fatal. The majority of reported TNF blocker cases have occurred in patients with Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis and the majority were in adolescent and young adult males. Almost all of these patients had received treatment with azathioprine or 6-mercaptopurine concomitantly with a TNF blocker at or prior to diagnosis. It is uncertain whether the occurrence of HSTCL is related to the use of a TNF blocker or a TNF blocker in combination with these other immunosuppressants.

  • Consider the risks and benefits of TNF blocker treatment including adalimumab-aaty prior to initiating therapy in patients with a known malignancy other than a successfully treated non-melanoma skin cancer (NMSC), or when considering continuing a TNF blocker in patients who develop a malignancy.
  • In controlled portions of clinical trials of some adalimumab products, more cases of malignancies have been observed compared to control-treated adult patients.
  • NMSC was reported during clinical trials for patients treated with adalimumab products. During the controlled portions of 39 global adalimumab clinical trials in adult patients with RA, PsA, AS, CD, UC, PS, HS and UV, the rate (95% confidence interval) of NMSC was 0.8 (0.52, 1.09) per 100 patient-years among adalimumab-treated patients and 0.2 (0.10, 0.59) per 100 patient-years among control-treated patients. Examine all patients, particularly those with a medical history of prior prolonged immunosuppressant therapy or psoriasis patients with a history of psoralen + ultraviolet light A (PUVA) treatment, for the presence of NMSC prior to and during treatment with adalimumab-aaty.
  • In clinical trials of some adalimumab products, there was an approximately threefold higher rate of lymphoma than expected in the general U.S. population. Patients with RA and other chronic inflammatory diseases, particularly those with highly active disease and/or chronic exposure to immunosuppressant therapies, may be at a higher risk (up to severalfold) than the general population for the development of lymphoma, even in the absence of TNF blockers.
  • Postmarketing cases of acute and chronic leukemia were reported with the use of a TNF blocker in RA and other indications. Approximately half of the postmarketing cases of malignancies in children, adolescents, and young adults receiving adalimumab were lymphomas; other cases represented a variety of different malignancies and included rare malignancies usually associated with immunosuppression and malignancies that are not usually observed in children and adolescents.

HYPERSENSITIVITY

  • Anaphylaxis and angioneurotic edema have been reported following administration of adalimumab products. If an anaphylactic or other serious allergic reaction occurs, immediately discontinue administration of adalimumab-aaty and institute appropriate therapy.

HEPATITIS B VIRUS REACTIVATION

  • Use of TNF blockers, including adalimumab-aaty, may increase the risk of reactivation of hepatitis B virus (HBV) in patients who are chronic carriers. In some instances, HBV reactivation occurring in conjunction with TNF blocker therapy has been fatal.
  • Evaluate patients at risk for HBV infection for prior evidence of HBV infection before initiating TNF blocker therapy.
  • Exercise caution in prescribing TNF blockers for patients identified as carriers of HBV and closely monitor such patients for clinical and laboratory signs of active HBV infection throughout therapy and for several months following termination of therapy.
  • In patients who develop HBV reactivation, stop adalimumab-aaty and initiate effective antiviral therapy with appropriate supportive treatment. The safety of resuming TNF blocker therapy after HBV reactivation is controlled is not known. Therefore, exercise caution when considering resumption of adalimumab-aaty therapy in this situation and monitor patients closely.

NEUROLOGIC REACTIONS

  • Use of TNF blocking agents, including adalimumab products, has been associated with rare cases of new onset or exacerbation of clinical symptoms and/or radiographic evidence of central nervous system demyelinating disease, including multiple sclerosis (MS) and optic neuritis, and peripheral demyelinating disease, including Guillain-Barré syndrome.
  • Exercise caution in considering the use of adalimumab-aaty in patients with preexisting or recent-onset central or peripheral nervous system demyelinating disorders; discontinuation of adalimumab-aaty should be considered if any of these disorders develop.
  • There is a known association between intermediate uveitis and central demyelinating disorders.

HEMATOLOGIC REACTIONS

  • Rare reports of pancytopenia including aplastic anemia have been reported with TNF blocking agents.
  • Adverse reactions of the hematologic system, including medically significant cytopenia, have been infrequently reported with adalimumab products.
  • Consider discontinuation of adalimumab-aaty therapy in patients with confirmed significant hematologic abnormalities.

HEART FAILURE

  • Cases of worsening congestive heart failure (CHF) and new-onset CHF have been reported with TNF blockers. Cases of worsening CHF have also been observed with adalimumab products.
  • Exercise caution when using adalimumab-aaty in patients who have heart failure and monitor them carefully.

AUTOIMMUNITY

  • Treatment with adalimumab products may result in the formation of autoantibodies and, rarely, in the development of a lupus-like syndrome. If a patient develops symptoms suggestive of a lupus-like syndrome following treatment with adalimumab-aaty, discontinue treatment.

IMMUNIZATIONS

  • Patients on adalimumab-aaty may receive concurrent vaccinations, except for live vaccines.
  • It is recommended that pediatric patients, if possible, be brought up to date with all immunizations in agreement with current immunization guidelines prior to initiating adalimumab-aaty therapy.
  • No data are available on the secondary transmission of infection by live vaccines in patients receiving adalimumab products.
  • The safety of administering live or live-attenuated vaccines in infants exposed to adalimumab in utero is unknown. Risks and benefits should be considered prior to vaccinating (live or live-attenuated) exposed infants.

ADVERSE REACTIONS

  • The most common adverse reactions in adalimumab clinical trials (>10%) were infections (e.g., upper respiratory, sinusitis), injection site reactions, headache, and rash.

INDICATIONS

Adalimumab-aaty is a tumor necrosis factor (TNF) blocker indicated for:

  • Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA): reducing signs and symptoms, inducing major clinical response, inhibiting the progression of structural damage, and improving physical function in adult patients with moderately to severely active RA
  • Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA): reducing signs and symptoms of moderately to severely active polyarticular JIA in patients 2 years of age and older
  • Psoriatic Arthritis (PsA): reducing signs and symptoms, inhibiting the progression of structural damage, and improving physical function in adult patients with active PsA
  • Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS): reducing signs and symptoms in adult patients with active AS
  • Crohn’s Disease (CD): treatment of moderately to severely active Crohn’s disease in adults and pediatric patients 6 years of age and older
  • Ulcerative Colitis (UC): treatment of moderately to severely active ulcerative colitis in adults Limitations of Use: Effectiveness has not been established in patients who have lost response to or were intolerant to TNF blockers
  • Plaque Psoriasis (Ps): treatment of adult patients with moderate to severe chronic plaque psoriasis who are candidates for systemic therapy or phototherapy, and when other systemic therapies are medically less appropriate
  • Hidradenitis Suppurativa (HS): treatment of adult patients with moderate to severe hidradenitis suppurativa
  • Uveitis (UV): treatment of non-infectious intermediate, posterior, and panuveitis in adult patients

For Yuflyma (adalimumab-aaty): Please click for Full U.S. Prescribing Information.

For adalimumab-aaty: Please see Full U.S. Prescribing Information.

Globally, prescribing information varies; refer to the individual country product label for complete information.

About Celltrion, Inc.

Celltrion is a leading biopharmaceutical company that specializes in researching, developing, manufacturing, marketing and sales of innovative therapeutics that improve people’s lives worldwide. Celltrion is a pioneer in the biosimilar space, having launched the world’s first monoclonal antibody biosimilar. Our global pharmaceutical portfolio addresses a range of therapeutic areas including immunology, oncology, hematology, ophthalmology and endocrinology. Beyond biosimilar products, we are committed to advancing our pipeline with novel drugs to push the boundaries of scientific innovation and deliver quality medicines. For more information, please visit our website www.celltrion.com/en-us  and stay updated with our latest news and events on our social media: LinkedIn, Instagram, X, and Facebook.

About Celltrion USA

Celltrion USA is Celltrion’s U.S. subsidiary established in 2018. Headquartered in New Jersey, Celltrion USA is committed to expanding access to innovative biologics to improve care for U.S. patients. Celltrion’s FDA-approved biosimilar products in immunology, oncology, hematology, and endocrinology include: INFLECTRA® (infliximab-dyyb), TRUXIMA® (rituximab-abbs), HERZUMA® (trastuzumab-pkrb), VEGZELMA® (bevacizumab-adcd), YUFLYMA®(adalimumab-aaty), AVTOZMA® (tocilizumab-anho), STEQEYMA® (ustekinumab-stba), STOBOCLO® (denosumab-bmwo), OSENVELT® (denosumab-bmwo) and OMLYCLO® (omalizumab-igec), as well as the novel biologic ZYMFENTRA® (infliximab-dyyb). Celltrion USA will continue to leverage Celltrion’s unique heritage in biotechnology, supply chain excellence and best-in-class sales capabilities to improve access to high-quality biopharmaceuticals for U.S. patients. For more information, please visit www.celltrionusa.com and stay updated with our latest news and events on LinkedIn.

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENT

Certain information set forth in this press release contains statements related to our future business and financial performance and future events or developments involving Celltrion, Inc. and its subsidiaries that may constitute forward-looking statements under pertinent securities laws. This press release contains forward looking statements. These statements may be also identified by words such as “prepares”, “hopes to”, “upcoming”, “plans to”, “aims to”, “to be launched”, “is preparing”, “once gained”, “could”, “with the aim of”, “may”, “once identified”, “will”, “working towards”, “is due”, “become available”, “has potential to”, “anticipate” the negative of these words or such other variations thereon or comparable terminology.

In addition, our representatives may make oral forward-looking statements. Such statements are based on the current expectations and certain assumptions of Celltrion, Inc. and its subsidiaries’ management, of which many are beyond its control.

Forward-looking statements are provided to allow potential investors the opportunity to understand management’s beliefs and opinions in respect of the future so that they may use such beliefs and opinions as one factor in evaluating an investment. These statements are not guarantees of future performance and undue reliance should not be placed on them.

Such forward-looking statements necessarily involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties associated with the company’s business, including the risk factors disclosed in its Annual Report and/or Quarterly Reports, which may cause actual performance and financial results in future periods to differ materially from any projections of future performance or results expressed or implied by such statements.

Celltrion, Inc. and its subsidiaries undertake no obligation to update forward-looking statements if circumstances or management’s estimates or opinions should change except as required by applicable securities laws.

Trademarks

Humira is a registered trademark of AbbVie.

YUFLYMA® is a registered trademark of Celltrion, Inc., used under license.

References

[1] YUFLYMA US prescribing information (2023)

[2] Lebwohl M et al., Pharmacokinetics, Efficacy and Safety after Multiple Switches from Reference Adalimumab to Adalimumab Biosimilar (CT-P17) in comparison with the Maintenance Group (Reference Adalimumab) in Patients with Moderate-toSevere Plaque Psoriasis: Week 27 Results from the Phase III Interchangeability Study. [EADV 2024, Poster number P0931]. Available at:

https://s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/m-anage.com.storage.eadv/abstracts_congress_2024/41489.pdf

For further information please contact: 
Andria Arena
aarena@jpa.com
+1 516-578-0057

Dave & Buster’s Breaks Ground on First Location in the Philippines at Opus Mall

MANILA, Philippines, May 22, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Dave & Buster’s has officially broken ground on its first location in the Philippines, marking a major milestone in its global expansion. Located at the vibrant Opus Mall in Manila, the new venue will introduce Dave & Buster’s unique blend of games, food, and sports viewing to the Filipino market.

Dave & Buster's Breaks Ground on First Location in the Philippines at Opus Mall
Dave & Buster’s Breaks Ground on First Location in the Philippines at Opus Mall

The groundbreaking ceremony, held in partnership with local franchisee The Bistro Group, welcomed company executives, local officials, and community leaders. This flagship venue is poised to become a premier destination for immersive entertainment, dynamic sports viewing, and craveable American fare.

“This is more than a groundbreaking—it’s a landmark moment in our international story,” said Antonio Bautista, Chief International Development Officer for Dave & Buster’s. “With the strength of our partnership with The Bistro Group, we’re bringing an exciting new concept to Manila that delivers fun, flavor, and unforgettable experiences.”

Jean Paul Manuud, President of The Bistro Group, added: “Dave & Buster’s is a game-changing brand. We’re proud to launch this first-of-its-kind experience in the Philippines where great food, cutting-edge games, and community come together.”

The Manila location will feature a curated mix of American classics and localized dishes, state-of-the-art games, and multi-use spaces for events and sports fans. This opening kicks off a broader multi-unit development plan in the country.

This milestone reinforces Dave & Buster’s commitment to international growth, with additional venues planned this year in India (second location), Australia, Mexico, and the Dominican Republic. The brand currently operates over 220 locations across North America and is now expanding across five continents.

About Dave & Buster’s
Founded in 1982 and headquartered in Coppell, Texas, Dave & Buster’s Entertainment, Inc. operates leading entertainment and dining venues across North America under the Dave & Buster’s and Main Event brands. For more information, visit www.daveandbusters.com.

About The Bistro Group
The Bistro Group is a leading restaurant operator in the Philippines, known for introducing iconic international brands like TGIFridays, Denny’s, Texas Roadhouse, and Hard Rock Café to the local market. For more information, visit www.bistro.com.ph.

 

Dave & Buster’s Breaks Ground on First Location in the Philippines at Opus Mall

MANILA, Philippines, May 22, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Dave & Buster’s has officially broken ground on its first location in the Philippines, marking a major milestone in its global expansion. Located at the vibrant Opus Mall in Manila, the new venue will introduce Dave & Buster’s unique blend of games, food, and sports viewing to the Filipino market.

Dave & Buster's Breaks Ground on First Location in the Philippines at Opus Mall
Dave & Buster’s Breaks Ground on First Location in the Philippines at Opus Mall

The groundbreaking ceremony, held in partnership with local franchisee The Bistro Group, welcomed company executives, local officials, and community leaders. This flagship venue is poised to become a premier destination for immersive entertainment, dynamic sports viewing, and craveable American fare.

“This is more than a groundbreaking—it’s a landmark moment in our international story,” said Antonio Bautista, Chief International Development Officer for Dave & Buster’s. “With the strength of our partnership with The Bistro Group, we’re bringing an exciting new concept to Manila that delivers fun, flavor, and unforgettable experiences.”

Jean Paul Manuud, President of The Bistro Group, added: “Dave & Buster’s is a game-changing brand. We’re proud to launch this first-of-its-kind experience in the Philippines where great food, cutting-edge games, and community come together.”

The Manila location will feature a curated mix of American classics and localized dishes, state-of-the-art games, and multi-use spaces for events and sports fans. This opening kicks off a broader multi-unit development plan in the country.

This milestone reinforces Dave & Buster’s commitment to international growth, with additional venues planned this year in India (second location), Australia, Mexico, and the Dominican Republic. The brand currently operates over 220 locations across North America and is now expanding across five continents.

About Dave & Buster’s
Founded in 1982 and headquartered in Coppell, Texas, Dave & Buster’s Entertainment, Inc. operates leading entertainment and dining venues across North America under the Dave & Buster’s and Main Event brands. For more information, visit www.daveandbusters.com.

About The Bistro Group
The Bistro Group is a leading restaurant operator in the Philippines, known for introducing iconic international brands like TGIFridays, Denny’s, Texas Roadhouse, and Hard Rock Café to the local market. For more information, visit www.bistro.com.ph.

Photo – https://laotiantimes.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/davebustersimage-1.jpg 
Logo – https://laotiantimes.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/d_b_logo_logo-1.jpg

 

Luoyang’s historical legacy: where ancient art meets modern innovation

BEIJING, May 22, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — A report from People’s Daily:

On May 19, Chinese President Xi Jinping toured the Longmen Grottoes in Luoyang, central China’s Henan province, to learn about local efforts to enhance the protection and utilization of historical and cultural heritage and promote the high-quality development of the cultural and tourism sector.

The Longmen Grottoes trace their origins to the Northern Wei Dynasty (386-534), when Emperor Xiaowen relocated the capital to Luoyang. Excavation continued through successive dynasties — including the Eastern Wei Dynasty (534-550), the Western Wei Dynasty (535-556), the Northern Qi Dynasty (550-557), the Sui Dynasty (581-618), the Tang Dynasty (618-907), and the Song Dynasty (960-1279).

The grottoes stand as a testament to the craftsmanship and devotion of countless artisans. Today, the site encompasses more than 2,300 caves and niches, over 2,800 inscriptions, and nearly 110,000 Buddhist statues — bearing witness to a profound cultural legacy.

Drawing on the artistic traditions of Indian cave temples and building upon the elegance of the Yungang Grottoes in north China’s Shanxi province, the Longmen Grottoes bring together the style of Northern Wei sculptures and the majestic aesthetic of Tang Dynasty carvings. The result is a harmonious convergence of artistic traditions — a brilliant expression of Eastern aesthetics that continues to captivate global audiences.

In recent years, China has made significant strides in preserving and revitalizing grotto temples. From structural reinforcement and environmental management to digital preservation and monitoring, a range of innovative practices have been made.

At the Longmen Grottoes, high-resolution 3D scanning and printing techniques are being used to virtually reconstruct scattered artifacts and restore damaged sculptures, seamlessly integrating fragments through digital technology. A smart digital twin platform brings cultural relics to life online, allows visitors to interact with virtual replicas. The focus has expanded beyond preservation — heritage is being reimagined as a dynamic narrative, shared through immersive storytelling and innovation.

The grottoes, however, are just one piece of Luoyang’s broader cultural preservation. Renowned for its rich history and cultural heritage, the city is captivating global visitors with its history and creative approaches to cultural expression. It has made great strides in transforming the deep historical legacy into a vibrant contemporary experience.

Drawing from over 5,000 years of Chinese civilization, 4,000 years of urban history, and 1,500 years as an imperial capital, Luoyang is positioning itself as a “City of Museums in the East,” with more than 100 museums and memorial halls chronicling its evolution.

Digital technology is reviving the past in vivid detail. Scenes of ancient canal transport along a grand canal built during the Sui and Tang dynasties are being reimagined through interactive digital displays. Mobile applications allow users around the world to virtually explore the Longmen Grottoes, while technologies like virtual reality bring Buddhist niches back to life. Meanwhile, creative experiences such as overnight stays in museums that combine immersive role-play with cutting-edge technology are redefining how people engage with cultural heritage. In Luoyang, cultural tourism has become not just popular, but fashionable.

Ancient cities and historic streets, long viewed as vessels of history, are increasingly recognized as valuable resources in the cultural economy. Across China, cultural tourism is becoming a powerful driver of economic growth. In Suzhou, east China’s Jiangsu province, the integration of industry, urban lifestyles, and traditional culture is producing tangible results. In Hangzhou, east China’s Zhejiang province, a modern identity has taken root — where centuries-old charm meets digital-age influencers and innovation.

By enriching cultural offerings and reimagining the tourism experience, Chinese cities are composing modern chapters in the grand narrative of their historical legacies. The story of Luoyang — and of many ancient capitals — is far from over. It is being told anew, with creativity, technology, and a renewed sense of purpose.

 

SK hynix Develops UFS 4.1 Solution Based on 321-High NAND

  • Optimized for on-device AI with best-in-class sequential reading performance, low power requirement
  • Thickness reduced by 15% to fit into ultra-slim flagship smartphones
  • Portfolio with world’s highest 321-layer product to enhance SK hynix’s leadership as full stack AI memory provider

SEOUL, South Korea, May 22, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — SK hynix Inc. (or “the company”, www.skhynix.com) announced today that it has developed UFS 4.1 solution product adopting the world’s highest 321-layer 1Tb triple level cell 4D NAND flash for mobile applications.

The development comes amid increasing requirements for high performance and low power of a NAND solution product to ensure a stable operation of on-device AI. The company expects the UFS 4.1 product, optimized for AI workload, to help enhance its memory leadership in the flagship smartphone markets.

With an increase in demand for on-device AI leading to greater importance of the balance between computation capabilities and battery efficiency of a device, the mobile market is now requiring thinness and low power from a mobile device.

The latest product comes with a 7% improvement in power efficiency, compared with the previous generation based on 238-high NAND and a slimmer 0.85mm thickness, down from 1mm before, to fit into a ultra-slim smartphone.

The product also supports data transfer speed of 4300MB/s, the fastest sequential read* for a fourth-generation of UFS, while providing the best-in-class performance by also improving random read and write speed**, critical for multitasking, by 15% and 40%, respectively.  Immediate provision of the required data for on-device AI and faster running speed and the responsivity of an application are expected to enhance user experience.

* Sequential Read/Write: speed to read and write data of a file sequentially

* Random Read/Write: speed to read and write data of dispersed files

SK hynix plans to win customer qualification within the year and ship in volume from the first quarter of next year. The product will be provided in two capacity types – 512GB and 1TB.

Ahn Hyun, President and Chief Development Officer, said that SK hynix plans to complete development of the 321-high 4D NAND-based SSD for both consumers and data centers within the year. “We are on track to expand our position as a full-stack AI memory provider in the NAND space by building a product portfolio with AI technological edge.”

About SK hynix Inc.

SK hynix Inc., headquartered in Korea, is the world’s top tier semiconductor supplier offering Dynamic Random Access Memory chips (“DRAM”) and flash memory chips (“NAND flash”) for a wide range of distinguished customers globally. The Company’s shares are traded on the Korea Exchange, and the Global Depository shares are listed on the Luxembourg Stock Exchange. Further information about SK hynix is available at www.skhynix.com, news.skhynix.com.

2024-2025 Digital Accessibility Recognition Scheme Awards Presentation Ceremony Successfully Concluded

Record-High Number of Awardees Drives a Digitally Inclusive Society

HONG KONG, May 22, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — The 2024-2025 Digital Accessibility Recognition Scheme, organised by Hong Kong Internet Registration Corporation Limited (HKIRC), co-organised by the Digital Policy Office, and with the Equal Opportunities Commission as Independent Advisor, held its awards presentation ceremony today at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre. The Scheme aims to promote digital inclusion, ensuring equal access to digital services for all members of society. With enthusiastic participation from enterprises across various sectors and robust support from multiple stakeholders, the Scheme achieved remarkable success, recording significant growth in both participation and awards, advancing the vision of a digitally inclusive society.

This year’s Scheme received an overwhelming response, reflecting growing societal emphasis on digital accessibility. A record-breaking number of awards were presented, including 439 and 102 for websites and mobile applications respectively. Notably, the newly introduced “Elderly-friendly Award” was conferred upon 119 websites and mobile applications, addressing the needs of an ageing population and fostering a more inclusive digital environment. Among industries, the transportation sector, media sectors and public services stood out with participation and awards showing substantial increases—70%, 33% and 23% growth respectively, demonstrating their proactive commitment.

The ceremony was officiated by Mr. Tony Wong Chi-kwong, Commissioner for Digital Policy; Mr. Simon Chan Sai-ming, Chairman of HKIRC; and Ms. Linda Lam Mei-sau, Chairperson of the Equal Opportunities Commission.

Speaking at the ceremony, Mr. Tony Wong commended awardees for “actively enhancing the accessibility of their websites and mobile applications, not only enabling persons with disabilities and the elderly in need to access electronic information and services so that they can fully integrate into the digital society, but also serving as role models for promoting accessibility design.”

Mr. Simon Chan expressed gratitude for the collective efforts in building an inclusive society, stating, “The social responsibility and innovative spirit demonstrated by participating enterprises form a cornerstone of Hong Kong’s development as a smart city.”

Ms. Linda Lam added, “The Equal Opportunities Commission has been committed to promoting equal opportunities for people with different abilities to participate in all aspects of life, including independent access to both physical and digital environments, and to obtain information and participate in activities. The awardees have set powerful examples in promoting digital inclusion, inspiring more enterprises and organisations to contribute to a more equitable and inclusive Hong Kong, where everyone can enjoy equal opportunities.”

In addition to presenting awards to recognise participants’ efforts, the organiser invited representatives from CareER, a platform supporting jobseekers with disabilities, and the Hong Kong Blind Union’s member to share digital barriers in their daily lives. They highlighted past digital barriers faced by visually impaired individuals and the positive changes driven by increasing corporate commitment to accessibility. They expressed hope that more organisations will embrace digital inclusion, further enhancing the digital environment.

Since launching the Scheme in 2018, HKIRC has been dedicated to promoting digital accessibility. Mr. Simon Chan noted, “This year’s record participation is truly encouraging. The introduction of the Elderly-friendly Award aims to raise awareness of the elderly’s needs in accessing digital services.” He highlighted examples of applications with simplified interfaces, larger fonts, and voice navigation, which enhance user experience and demonstrate care for elderly users. “We are delighted to see many enterprises receiving the Elderly-friendly Award, reflecting their efforts to extend digital inclusion to diverse groups. Moving forward, we will intensify promotional efforts and offer technical workshops to deepen corporate understanding of digital inclusion, collectively building an equitable and accessible digital society.”

Looking ahead, HKIRC will continue to embed the concept of “digital accessibility” into everyday life, encouraging industries, especially those integral to daily living to embrace accessibility. By fostering a digitally inclusive society and supporting innovation, HKIRC aims to contribute to Hong Kong’s smart city development, ensuring all citizens can share in the benefits of the digital era.

For more details on the Digital Accessibility Recognition Scheme, please visit:
https://www.digital-accessibility.hk/

About Hong Kong Internet Registration Corporation Limited (HKIRC)
Hong Kong Internet Registration Corporation Limited (HKIRC) is a non-profit-distributing, non-statutory corporation designated by the HKSAR Government to administer the registration of Internet domain names under the .hk and .香港 top-level domains. As a key driver of Hong Kong’s Internet development, HKIRC is committed to fostering an inclusive, secure, innovative, and international digital ecosystem, promoting the adoption of Internet and related technologies.