Saudi Tourism Authority’s Roadshow brings a vibrant showcase of culture and heritage to Hong Kong, 
followed by the historic debut of the Saudi Super Cup highlighting Saudi’s growing global influence in events and elite sport.

Download high-res images here

HONG KONG, Aug. 1, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — The Saudi Tourism Authority (STA)’s national tourism brand, ‘Saudi, Welcome to Arabia‘ is set to transform Hong Kong this summer with a spectacular series of events showcasing Saudi’s unique blend of world-class sport, rich heritage, and warm hospitality.

STA will host an exclusive roadshow at the JW Marriott Hong Kong on 6 August, where this event will bring together 11 of STA’s key destination marketing partners, along with Qiddiya Investment Company, one of Saudi’s prominent destination development entities. During this roadshow, Saudi will spotlight its rich heritage, luxury experiences, and vibrant culture, reinforcing its appeal as one of the world’s most dynamic and inspiring new destinations for Hong Kong travelers.

Welcoming Hong Kong travelers to Saudi

With Saudi’s eVisa program now available to 66 countries and regions, and with direct Cathay Pacific flights between Hong Kong and Riyadh, it’s easier than before to experience Saudi’s warm hospitality and iconic welcome.

From indulgent shopping and fine dining in cosmopolitan hubs like Jeddah and Riyadh to serene retreats and curated cultural journeys, Saudi offers experiences tailored to every traveler’s desires. This summer, highlights include Jeddah Season 2025, the Esports World Cup in Riyadh, and AlUla Summer Nights, blending entertainment, heritage, and natural beauty. Visitors can explore the eight UNESCO World Heritage Sites, such as the Hegra Archaeological Site in AlUla, the Historic Jeddah old town, and the At-Turaif District in Diriyah—the birthplace of the Kingdom. Along the pristine Saudi Red Sea coast, a new chapter in luxury travel unfolds with world-class resorts and marine adventures set against breathtaking natural beauty. Whether visitors are seeking culture, adventure, relaxation or entertainment, Saudi promises a journey that is enriching, authentic, and unforgettable.

Saudi Super Cup in Kai Tak Stadium, Hong Kong

From 19 to 23 August, Saudi’s premier football competition heads to Hong Kong for the first time as the Saudi Super Cup takes over the Kai Tak Stadium. Leading clubs including Al-Ittihad, Al-Nassr, Al-Qadsiah, and Al-Ahli Saudi FC will battle for glory, with star players. More than just a sporting spectacle, this landmark occasion highlights Saudi’s growing influence on the world stage and its commitment to fostering cultural exchange, regional engagement, and world-class entertainment experiences. Hosting the tournament in Hong Kong reflects Saudi’s ambition to deepen ties with the city while offering fans across Asia a front-row seat to the energy and excitement of Saudi football at its finest.

Football fans can secure tickets for the Saudi Super Cup at Hong Kong Stadium from 19 to 23 August, priced between HK$499 and HK$2,990. You may find the information of Saudi Super Cup ticket from this link: https://www.klook.com/zh-HK/tetris/promo/saudisupercup/ 

To learn more about the very best attractions and experiences that Saudi has to offer, visit www.VisitSaudi.com

About “Saudi, Welcome to Arabia“

“Saudi, Welcome to Arabia” is a vibrant consumer brand dedicated to sharing Saudi Arabia with the world and welcoming travelers to explore all the country has to offer. The brand’s role is to drive forward the country’s tourism industry through awareness-raising campaigns and to provide a comprehensive array of information and resources for travelers to plan and enjoy unforgettable journeys. As the world’s fastest-growing destination, Saudi, the heart of Arabia, is the most exciting new year-round destination.

SAN DIEGO, Aug. 1, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — On July 30, 2025, Atombeat Inc., a leading force in AI for drug discovery, and BioDuro, a globally trusted Contract Research, Development, and Manufacturing Organization (CRDMO), announced a strategic collaboration to an AI powered platform for accelerated peptide drug discovery.

This collaboration brings together Atombeat’s in silico modeling expertise, AI-accelerated & data-driven design platform with BioDuro’s expertise in discovery chemistry, biology and DMPK to accelerate the development of next-generation peptides. By enabling a seamless end-to-end workflow — from molecular design to preclinical candidate — this platform aims to deliver high quality cyclic peptides with faster timelines and better economy across a broad range of therapeutic areas.

Atombeat accelerates AI-driven drug discovery through its proprietary Hermite® software and RiDYMO® platform, enhanced by technologies such as Reinforced Dynamics, Uni-Dock, Uni-FEP, and Uni-QSAR. These technologies combine advanced computer modeling, artificial intelligence, and specialized data to explore an enormous digital library of over one trillion potential peptide compounds — built from more than 1000 natural and non-natural amino acids. This exploration happens entirely in silico, before any lab testing begins. The platform rapidly filters and prioritizes these compounds based on key developability traits such as membrane permeability. This speeds up the early stages of drug discovery, helping scientists focus only on the most promising candidates while saving time, cost, and effort.

Once the design phase is complete, BioDuro leverages its high-throughput synthesis capability to produce hundreds of peptide compounds in parallel. In one week, the team could deliver high-purity peptides — ready for biological testing — without purification steps needed. Coupled with readily available biology assays, this seamless integration of in silico design and wet-lab validation significantly accelerates R&D timelines while reducing costs and risks.

“We are excited to advance peptide innovation through our strategic partnership with Atombeat. Atombeat brings extensive experience in AI-assisted drug design and optimization,” said Dr. Armin Spura, CEO of BioDuro. “Together, we aim to provide the industry with leading services in peptide drug development, accelerating smarter and more efficient peptide research, and delivering faster and comprehensive solutions to our global clients.”

“BioDuro’s deep expertise in peptide synthesis and testing complements our strengths in AI-driven drug design exceptionally well,” said Dr. Dongdong Wang, co-founder of Atombeat. “By integrating AI with experimental processes, we are committed to building an intelligent, integrated platform for peptide drug discovery and evaluation. Our shared commitment is to drive innovation in pharmaceutical development and help meet unmet clinical needs worldwide.”

About BioDuro

BioDuro, an Advent International portfolio company, is a CRDMO with a 29-year proven track record. Headquartered in Irvine, California, USA, our global presence spans 7 sites across the United States and China, and over 2,000 employees. Specializing in both small and large molecule discovery, development, scale-up, and manufacturing, we offer fully integrated services from early drug discovery to commercial manufacturing across chemistry, biology, drug metabolism and pharmacokinetics (DMPK), drug substance, and drug product.

About Atombeat

Atombeat Inc. is a dynamic, innovative company founded by a team of elite computational and medicinal chemists, with a mission to make advanced computational drug discovery accessible to all. Headquartered in New Jersey, USA, Atombeat has teams across United States and China. Combining deep expertise in modeling development, cloud infrastructure optimization and drug R&D, Atombeat offers a suite of powerful computational drug design software and early discovery services to tackle complex targets and explore emerging therapeutic modalities.

• Transaction accelerates the company’s transformation as a pure-play provider of innovative building solutions

CORK, Ireland, Aug. 1, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Johnson Controls International plc (NYSE: JCI), a global leader for smart, safe, healthy and sustainable buildings, today announced it has completed the sale of its Residential and Light Commercial (R&LC) HVAC business in an all-cash transaction to the Bosch Group.

“The completion of this transaction is an important milestone for Johnson Controls and positions our company as a leading pure-play provider of innovative building solutions,” said CEO Joakim Weidemanis. “Johnson Controls is embarking on its next era, and I’m confident in our ability to reach our full potential as a faster-growing, more profitable, technology-based and service-enabled company. I look forward to the journey ahead as we transform our industry for years to come and work together to deliver even greater value for our customers, team members and shareholders.”

Weidemanis continued, “I want to thank the Residential and Light Commercial HVAC team for their service and dedication and wish them the best of success as they join the Bosch Group.”

As previously announced, the total transaction is valued at $8.1 billion and the company’s portion of the consideration is approximately $6.7 billion. Net cash proceeds to Johnson Controls were approximately $5.0 billion after tax and transaction-related expenses.

The transaction includes the North America ducted business as well as the global residential joint venture with Hitachi, Ltd. As part of the transaction, Hitachi has retained certain ductless HVAC assets located in Shimizu, Japan.

Consistent with its capital allocation policy, Johnson Controls expects to return a portion of the net proceeds of the transaction to shareholders through the implementation of a $5.0 billion accelerated share repurchase program expected to commence in the coming weeks pursuant to its previously announced share repurchase authorization (with current overall availability of $9.8 billion).

Advisors

Centerview Partners and Citi served as financial advisors to Johnson Controls, Simpson Thacher served as legal advisor, and Joele Frank served as investor relations advisor.

JOHNSON CONTROLS INTERNATIONAL PLC CAUTIONARY STATEMENT REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

Johnson Controls International plc (“Johnson Controls”) has made statements in this communication that are forward-looking and therefore are subject to risks and uncertainties. All statements in this communication other than statements of historical fact are, or could be, “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. In this communication, statements regarding Johnson Controls’ sale of the R&LC business and future share repurchase activity are forward-looking statements. Words such as “may,” “will,” “expect,” “intend,” “estimate,” “anticipate,” “believe,” “should,” “forecast,” “project” or “plan” and terms of similar meaning are also generally intended to identify forward-looking statements. However, the absence of these words does not mean that a statement is not forward-looking. Johnson Controls cautions that these statements are subject to numerous important risks, uncertainties, assumptions and other factors, some of which are beyond its control, that could cause its actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements, including, among others, risks related to: Johnson Controls’ ability to manage macroeconomic and geopolitical volatility, including changes to laws or policies governing foreign trade, including tariffs, economic sanctions, foreign exchange and capital controls, import/export controls or other trade restrictions as well as any associated supply chain disruptions; the ability of Johnson Controls to manage general economic, business and capital market conditions, including the impacts of trade restrictions, recessions, economic downturns and global price inflation; Johnson Controls’ ability to develop or acquire new products and technologies that achieve market acceptance and meet applicable quality and regulatory requirements; the ability of Johnson Controls to execute on its operating model and drive organizational improvement; Johnson Controls’ ability to successfully execute and complete portfolio simplification, as well as the possibility that the expected benefits of such actions will not be realized or will not be realized within the expected time frame; the ability to innovate and adapt to emerging technologies, ideas and trends in the marketplace, including the incorporation of technologies such as artificial intelligence; fluctuations in the cost and availability of public and private financing for Johnson Controls’ customers; the ability to manage disruptions caused by international conflicts, including Russia and Ukraine and the ongoing conflicts in the Middle East; managing the risks and impacts of potential and actual security breaches, cyberattacks, privacy breaches or data breaches, maintaining and improving the capacity, reliability and security of Johnson Controls’ enterprise information technology infrastructure; the ability to manage the lifecycle cybersecurity risk in the development, deployment and operation of Johnson Controls’ digital platforms and services; fluctuations in currency exchange rates; the ability to hire and retain senior management and other key personnel; changes or uncertainty in laws, regulations, rates, policies, or interpretations that impact Johnson Controls’ business operations or tax status; the ability to adapt to global climate change, climate change regulation and successfully meet Johnson Controls’ public sustainability commitments; the outcome of litigation and governmental proceedings; the risk of infringement or expiration of intellectual property rights; Johnson Controls’ ability to manage disruptions caused by catastrophic or geopolitical events, such as natural disasters, armed conflict, political change, climate change, pandemics and outbreaks of contagious diseases and other adverse public health developments; any delay or inability of Johnson Controls to realize the expected benefits and synergies of recent portfolio transactions; the tax treatment of recent portfolio transactions; significant transaction costs and/or unknown liabilities associated with such transactions; labor shortages, work stoppages, union negotiations, labor disputes and other matters associated with the labor force; and the cancellation of or changes to commercial arrangements. A detailed discussion of risks related to Johnson Controls’ business is included in the section entitled “Risk Factors” in Johnson Controls’ Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2024 filed with the SEC on November 19, 2024, which is available at www.sec.gov and www.johnsoncontrols.com under the “Investors” tab. The description of certain of these risks is supplemented in Item 1A of Part II of Johnson Controls’ subsequently filed Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q. Shareholders, potential investors and others should consider these factors in evaluating the forward-looking statements and should not place undue reliance on such statements. The forward-looking statements included in this communication are made only as of the date of this communication, unless otherwise specified, and, except as required by law, Johnson Controls assumes no obligation, and disclaims any obligation, to update such statements to reflect events or circumstances occurring after the date of this communication.

About Johnson Controls: 

At Johnson Controls (NYSE:JCI), we transform the environments where people live, work, learn and play. As the global leader in smart, healthy and sustainable buildings, our mission is to reimagine the performance of buildings to serve people, places and the planet.

Building on a proud history of 140 years of innovation, we deliver the blueprint of the future for industries such as healthcare, schools, data centers, airports, stadiums, manufacturing and beyond through OpenBlue, our comprehensive digital offering.

Today, Johnson Controls offers the world`s largest portfolio of building technology and software as well as service solutions from some of the most trusted names in the industry.

Visit www.johnsoncontrols.com for more information and follow @Johnson Controls on social platforms.

Revolutionizing Real Estate Industry with 3D Tour Technology

SAN DIEGO, Aug. 1, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Realsee, the global leading provider of digital space solutions, concluded its highly anticipated debut at Inman Connect San Diego 2025. As the pioneer Chinese 3D tour technology company to participate in this iconic industry event, Realsee highlighted how its end-to-end solutions transform property marketing, remote transactions, and asset management.

Software and Hardware Integrated Services

Through years of industry expertise and technological investment, Realsee has developed and refined solutions to empower the real estate industry. By providing a complete product matrix of acquisition devices and all-in-one solution, Realsee offers flexible options for real estate enterprises, effectively meeting the diverse needs of businesses.

Realsee showcased two core devices at Inman Connect: Galois M2 and Poincare. Professional-grade capture device Galois M2 3D LiDAR Camera integrates imaging performance, precise modeling, and efficient operation, enabling the seamless process from capture to the creation of stunning 3D tours. While professional handheld 3D scanner Poincare pioneers the revolutionary transformation of room measurement from manual surveying to AI-powered, achieves an average measurement time of about 4 minutes per 1000ft², featuring fully automated processing throughout the entire workflow and direct CAD output in 15 minutes.

In addition, Realsee’s powerful editing system and software suite allow agents to label, measure, and enhance 3D tour outputs. Features like navigation, shared-screen co-viewing, AI-guided tours, and one-click communication access enable home seekers to gain the comprehensive, real-time property insights—via a “what you see is what you get” experience—thus elevating their virtual viewing journey.

Powerful Solutions to Accelerate Property Sales 

• Secure more leads, get higher-quality leads conversion

Realsee’s 3D tours deliver significant value for companies seeking to drive more leads. They expand listing visibility, drive prioritized platform traffic, and boost search engine ranking authority—all while enabling one-click sharing to expand reach to a broader audience. By integrating these advantages, Realsee effectively amplify a listing’s exposure and accessibility, directly translating to heightened engagement and more qualified leads for real estate businesses. 

Realsee offers a stepping multi-point roaming 3D virtual tour that truly restores the spatial and directional sense of a property. This provides users with an experience that is on par with physical property visits, winning their trust and significantly improving business opportunity conversion rates. Armed with rich information and robust functionalities, Realsee’ s 3D tour empowers clients to make decisions more swiftly. Key tools like space measurement offers precise spatial data; real-time renovation rendering that turns design visions into vivid previews, bridging imagination and reality; and multi-format information via text, images, and voice delivers comprehensive details at clients’ fingertips.

• Faster Listing Deployment with high-efficiency

By leveraging its industry-leading technical expertise, Realsee has not only minimized overall 3D tour production costs to deliver exceptional value but also streamlined the entire process. This dual innovation substantially helps enterprises reduce operational costs and enhance efficiency.

Realsee’s 3D tour solution features an incredibly user-friendly workflow, enabling seamless adoption across all skill levels. With a simple “move and click” interface, even users with zero experience can create 3D tours.

Backed by robust algorithmic platform and deep product expertise, Realsee has achieved end-to-end automation of the 3D tour production lifecycle. Manual processes—such as measuring/drafting floor plans, stitching panoramas, and creating 3D models—are now entirely automated, eliminating time-consuming labor and reducing operational costs.

With just one shooting session, you can get multiple outputs such as high-definition photos of the property, multi-angle walkthrough videos, standard floor plans, adapting to wide-ranging marketing demands.

The company will also announce new partnerships with U.S.-based platform like B&H to accelerate adoption of its solutions in North America.

To learn more about Realsee, please visit https://home.realsee.ai/en/home.

About Realsee

As a leading tech company providing digital space integrated solutions, Realsee has built the world’s largest 3D spatial database by replicating physical spaces, covering over 50 million spaces and boasting over 600 global authorized patents.

Realsee offers digital solutions for your space, spanning from its design and construction stage, to online marketing and visual operation.

Trust Realsee to elevate your real estate transactions, commercial retail, industrial facilities, cultural exhibitions, public affairs, and home decor to the next level.

HONORING OUR PAST,
CELEBRATING OUR PRESENT,
INSPIRING OUR FUTURE.

SINGAPORE, Aug. 1, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — A spectacular evening of legacy, leadership, and limitless vision unfolded at The BrandLaureate 20th Anniversary Special Limited Edition BESTBRANDS Awards 2025, held at the iconic Shangri-La, Singapore. This historic celebration marked two decades of branding excellence by honoring brands that pioneered transformative beginnings, drove today’s industry standards, and are setting the course for tomorrow’s innovations.

The ceremony served as a powerful tribute to the global branding journey, celebrating bold ideas, enduring values, and the transformative influence of brands worldwide. With the theme “Honoring our Past, Celebrating our Present, Inspiring our Future,” the evening highlighted branding’s transformative power across industries, borders, and generations.

More than just a celebration of The BrandLaureate’s 20th Anniversary, this award is a tribute to the extraordinary journeys of the brands that have grown alongside us. The atmosphere was filled with reverence, nostalgia, and reflection, as each accolade became a reminder of bold beginnings, visionary pursuits, and milestones achieved through resilience and purpose. From humble origins to global prominence, these brands exemplify what it means to lead with heart, evolve with intention, and leave behind legacies that transcend generations. Branding, as told through their stories, is not merely a strategy, it is the spirit of perseverance, the language of leadership, and the symbol of enduring impact.

Held in one of Asia’s most vibrant economic and innovation hubs, the ceremony underscored Singapore’s strategic relevance as a beacon of global enterprise. Celebrated for its culture of excellence, forward-thinking leadership, and dynamic business landscape, Singapore embodies the very spirit of branding that The BrandLaureate champions. Hosting this milestone event in the heart of Southeast Asia highlights the region’s growing influence on the global brandscape and pays tribute to a city that mirrors the values of vision, innovation, and impact.

In his inspiring address, The Honorable President Emeritus Prof. Dr. KKJohan, World President of The BrandLaureate, urged recipients to reflect on their brand journey and embrace the future with bold vision.

“Honoring our Past, Celebrating Our Present, Inspiring Our Future,“ he declared, as he reflected on the Foundation’s humble beginnings — from a blank sheet of paper to a global platform that has honored over 3,000 brands and 500 leaders across 80 countries.

On 23rd July 2025, The BrandLaureate proudly honored Madam Halimah Yacob, Former President of Singapore and current Chancellor of the Singapore University of Social Sciences, with The BrandLaureate Brand Icon Leadership Award 2025 – Hall of Fame Lifetime Achievement Award, in recognition of her exemplary leadership and enduring contributions to the nation. In addition, Madam Halimah was inducted into The BrandLaureate Book of World Records 2025 with the record title: “The First Woman to Hold the Office of President in The Republic of Singapore (2017–2023).”  The exclusive award presentation was held at Shangri-La, Singapore, where distinguished guests gathered to celebrate a legacy of courage, service, and purpose-driven leadership.

As the evening of celebration unfolded, The BrandLaureate 20th Anniversary Special Limited Edition BESTBRANDS Awards 2025 shone a spotlight on visionary brand leaders and pioneering businesses. These prestigious awards paid tribute to those who have demonstrated remarkable excellence, resilience, and transformative impact turning bold ideas into lasting legacies.

The Awards proudly celebrated a distinguished lineup of individuals and brands whose remarkable achievements have shaped industries and inspired generations. Among them, the recipients of The BrandLaureate Brand Icon Leadership Award 2025 stood out for their purpose-driven influence and global impact. Honorees include Prof. Datuk Jimmy Choo,OBE, Professor Wang Gungwu, Prof. Dr. Si-Hyung Lee, Prof. Ir. Ts. Dr. Chuah Joon Huang, Hajah Ida Riswana Idris, Professor Nancy Yuen, Tara Bhusan Dahal, and Nuseir Yassin (Nas Daily). Their journeys grounded in vision, innovation, and perseverance have transformed humble beginnings into global inspiration, truly embodying the spirit of brand leadership.

Cementing their remarkable achievements, several of these icons were also inducted into The BrandLaureate Book of World Records 2025. Professor Wang Gungwu was recognized as the Oldest Author to Write and Publish a Scholarly Book at age 95. Nas Daily received the title of First Creator to Complete 1,000 Daily One-Minute Videos, while Soh Wai Ching set the record for the Farthest Simulated Stair Climb in One Hour (Male) at 1.788km. Hon. Ky. Col. Prof. Dr. Edward Roy Krishnan was named the First Educationist to Establish Transnational Private Higher Education Pathways Across Three Continents. The Honorable President Emeritus, Prof. Dr. KKJohan, was also honoured as the First and Only Founder of The BrandLaureate Awards — the world’s most prestigious branding awards — and is widely recognised as The King of Branding and The King of Awards.

Also recognized were industry leaders whose vision and impact continue to shape their fields. Recipients of The BrandLaureate BrandLeadership Award 2025 include Dexter Allan, Chief Executive Officer & Director of Griffin Protection Integrated Security Pte. Ltd.(GPIS); Associate Professor, Surveyor Dr Eugene Seah, Chief Executive Officer of DLS Consultancy Pte Ltd; and Vijay K. Tirathrai, Managing Director of STS Capital Partners. YBhg Datuk Seri Mohd Shamil Ngoh Abdullah, Founder of Village Park Restaurant, and Katerina Delvina, Miss World Singapore 2025, were also honored for their outstanding contributions to brand excellence and cultural influence.

In recognition of longevity and brand resilience, The BrandLaureate 20th Anniversary Special Limited Edition BestBrands Award 2025, Singapore – Brand of The Year was presented to a distinguished group of leading companies, including Changi Airports International Pte Ltd, PropNex Realty, EMKAY Group, Great Eastern Takaful Berhad, Institut Jantung Negara (IJN), K.L. Airport Hotel Sdn Bhd (Sama-Sama Hotels KLIA), Tencent Cloud Singapore, Village Park, and Shangri-La Singapore. These brands have earned their status through decades of commitment, innovation, and trust.

Brands championing purpose and sustainability were honored with the The BrandLaureate 20th Anniversary Special Limited Edition BestBrands Award 2025, Singapore – Sustainable Brand, including Singlife, Alkanaah International Tours and Travel (Pte) Ltd, Andalusia Travel & Tours Sdn Bhd, DLS Consultancy Pte Ltd, EcoWorld Pharm Co., Ltd, Enercon Asia Pte Ltd, G-Cove Technology Asia Pte Ltd, Gamalux Oils Sdn Bhd, Paradigm – REIT Management Sdn Bhd, Prisma Advertising, and Chambers Property Management Services Pte Ltd. These brands are redefining success by extending their impact beyond commerce into communities, sustainability, and responsible enterprise.

The celebration also spotlighted consumer-driven excellence through the The BrandLaureate 20th Anniversary Special Limited Edition BestBrands Award 2025, Singapore – Preferred Brand, presented to Bubbles O2 Sdn Bhd, JSP Wellness and Healthcare Sdn Bhd, Loamete (South Korea), Regency Specialist Hospital Sdn Bhd, Hello Billionaires Sdn Bhd (Brand: Toujours), Imagine Sdn Bhd and Lord’s Tailor. Each of these brands has built a trusted reputation through consistent quality, care, and consumer-first innovation, shaping better lifestyles and well-being for the communities they serve.

For the full list of winners and award categories, click here.

The event also included a monumental occasion as the European International University (EIU–Paris) officially conferred the title of “President Emeritus” upon Prof. Dr. KKJohan. Presented by EIU–Paris Vice Chancellor Hon. Ky. Col. Prof. Dr. Edward Roy Krishnan, this prestigious honor recognized Prof. Dr. KKJohan’s exceptional global leadership, dedication to education, and lifelong contribution to branding excellence, filling the atmosphere with pride. In his inspiring acceptance speech, The Honorable President Emeritus, Prof. Dr. KKJohan, left the audience with a powerful reminder:

 “Dream boldly. Brand bravely. And always lead with purpose. Because in the end, we are not remembered for the titles we carry—but for the impact we leave behind.”

Further underscoring the event’s significance, The World Brands Foundation (TWBF) and EIU–Paris signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). This strategic alliance embodies a shared vision for thought leadership, capacity building, and brand transformation through education, aiming to cultivate new brand leaders, promote research, and create accessible transnational learning opportunities. The MoU stands as a powerful symbol of collaboration and the boundless future of purposeful leadership.

The event concluded with a celebratory toast in honor of The BrandLaureate’s 20th Anniversary. As we reflect on this landmark celebration, The BrandLaureate 20th Anniversary Special Limited Edition BESTBRANDS Awards 2025 stands as a proud testament to the bold minds and brilliant brands that continue to shape the global branding landscape. Your achievements are not only a mark of excellence today, they are part of a lasting legacy that will echo far into the future.

“Honoring our Past, Celebrating our Present, Inspiring our Future”, this guiding theme reminds us that great brands are built over time, with vision forged through challenges and success earned through unwavering dedication. Each recipient honored tonight carries forward the spirit of this journey, turning milestones into momentum and stories into standards.

To all honorees, may your journey ahead continue to inspire the world. The past has laid the foundation, the present is your moment, and the future is yours to define.

For latest news on The BrandLaureate Awards, visit www.thebrandlaureate.com or our social media – Instagram | Facebook | YouTube | LinkedIn | TikTok | Spotify | Whatsapp Channel  for updates and all of the evening’s major highlight moments. 

If you have a successful story to tell or wish to explore opportunities with us, please connect with us at pr@thebrandlaureate.com. 

About The World Brands Foundation (TWBF)

The World Brands Foundation (formerly known as the Asia Pacific Brands Foundation) is a non-profit branding foundation dedicated to promoting the importance of branding on a global scale. Established in 2005, the Foundation is led by World President Professor Dr. KKJohan, alongside a Board of Governors comprising esteemed industry captains and brand icons.

TWBF champions its mission to educate, elevate, and advocate the value of branding, firmly believing that “the brand is the business, and the business is the brand.” This encapsulates the Foundation’s philosophy on the critical role branding plays in today’s highly competitive business environment.

In 2006, TWBF launched The BrandLaureate BestBrands Awards—a prestigious mark of brand excellence that honours outstanding brands across various industries. These award-winning brands are recognized for their strategic brilliance, innovation, and exemplary brand leadership. Following its success, TWBF curated a series of specialized awards, including: The BrandLaureate SMEs BestBrands Awards, The BrandLaureate Brand ICON Leadership Awards, The BrandLaureate World Halal BestBrands Awards, The BrandLaureate DigiTech BestBrands Awards and several others over the years.

To date, over 3,000 brands and more than 500 international brand personalities—including statesmen, Nobel Laureates, corporate leaders, academicians, celebrities, and athletes—have been honoured through The BrandLaureate.

TWBF’s global footprint began expanding in 2017 with the BrandLaureate Special Edition Awards in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, followed by events in Singapore and Hanoi in 2018, and Singapore and Shenzhen, China in 2019. Strengthening its international presence further, 11 country presidents were appointed to represent Australia, Brunei, China, India, Japan, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, South Korea, Thailand, and Vietnam.

In line with its vision to establish a stronger global presence, Singapore was officially named the headquarters of TWBF and The BrandLaureate. The BrandLaureate International Pte Ltd was registered in September 2024, and the inaugural BrandLaureate Brand of the Year Awards Singapore was held on February 25, 2025.

Today, The BrandLaureate BestBrands Awards stands as a beacon of inspiration, motivating brands and individuals to lead with purpose, integrity, and vision. In addition to its awards, TWBF runs corporate education programs including Certification in Brand Management and Brand Leadership to further empower professionals.

With the world’s first Brand Gallery featuring over 400 international brand personalities, TWBF continues to push boundaries, serving as a dynamic global force in branding, and inspiring brands to achieve excellence and distinction on the world stage.

ABU DHABI, UAE, Aug. 1, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, and Chairman of the Executive Council, Abu Dhabi Finance Week (ADFW), the largest financial event in the region, will return for an ambitious fourth edition, which will see it double in size, and cement its status as a top global gathering of financial leaders.

The flagship financial event of the MEASA region, hosted by ADGM, the international financial centre of Abu Dhabi and headlined by ADQ, will run from 8th December to 11th December 2025.

The agenda for the 2025 edition is designed around the theme of ‘Engineering the Capital Network‘. ‘Engineering’ highlights the use of new technologies in re-architecting modern finance, particularly artificial intelligence and quantum technologies. ‘Capital Network’ reflects the evolving flows and dynamics of financial centres. In a world where gravitational forces from economic giants like China, India, the U.S., and Europe have increasingly centred the nexus of the global market in the Gulf, Abu Dhabi is at the heart of global capital flows and the destination of choice for global participants. The theme also underscores Abu Dhabi’s evolution from primarily a capital exporter to a two-way system of capital flows, powered by leading institutions and a world-class regulatory ecosystem at ADGM.

Commenting on this year’s ADFW, His Excellency Ahmed Jasim Al Zaabi, Chairman of ADGM, said, “ADFW 2025 is set to be our most ambitious edition of this hugely successful event. With this year’s edition to be held at a new location and double in size from last year’s ADFW venue, we are setting a new standard for financial gatherings in the region and beyond. This reflects Abu Dhabi’s growing influence in global capital markets and our commitment to continue creating a truly international financial platform.“

ADFW has become a launchpad and stage for international deals, partnerships and major announcements. In 2023, global financial institutions representing USD 450 billion of assets under management (AUM) announced at the event that they were setting up in ADGM. This momentum continued in 2024 and during last year’s ADFW, institutions representing USD 650 billion in AUM announced they were joining the ADGM community.

ADFW 2024 gathered over 20,000+ global leaders, experts, executives, and policymakers, collectively controlling USD 42.5 trillion of assets, and featured over 350 sessions across more than 60 industry-shaping events and strategic forums, with leaders gathering to address major market challenges in economics, asset management, technology and sustainability. 

Last year, Abu Dhabi’s sovereign wealth funds managed an unparalleled USD 1.7 trillion of assets, cementing its status as the world’s wealthiest city and empowering its financial might to drive long-term investments and economic resilience.

For more information, please visit: www.adfw.com

Applications Open for National University of Singapore – Asian Institute of Digital Finance (NUS-AIDF) Certificate in FinTech & InsurTech for Odisha-based Students.  

BHUBANESWAR, India, Aug. 1, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — The Government of Odisha, in partnership with the Global Finance & Technology Network (GFTN), announced the upcoming official launch of the Integrated Global Financial Technology Capability Hub (I-GFTCH) in Bhubaneswar, scheduled for 21 August 2025.  

This marks the first time Odisha is launching a FinTech capability initiative of this scale and global integration. The I-GFTCH launch positions Bhubaneswar at the forefront of India’s evolving financial technology ecosystem and aligns with its national development objectives. 

The Government of Odisha is undertaking a comprehensive, globally integrated four-pronged strategy to establish the state as a leader in Financial Technology innovation and capability.  

1. Global Learning: Odisha has partnered with NUS-AIDF and GFTN to launch a future-proof FinTech and InsurTech professional certification programme. This five-month hybrid course – combining online modules, two weeks of on-campus sessions in Bhubaneswar, hands-on projects, and internship placements – is designed to be inclusive and employment-oriented. The initiative aims to empower over 7,000 students from all districts across Odisha with pragmatic expertise spanning technology, regulatory frameworks, and business operations in Financial Technology and InsurTech sectors. The initiative will be supported by the Skill Development Institute and the Union Education Ministry.  
2. Global Mindshare: In the first quarter of 2026, Bhubaneswar will host the Black Swan Summit (BSS) India, a forward-looking global forum accelerating the adoption of frontier technologies. BSS convenes leading technologists, policymakers, investors, and innovators to explore paradigm shifts in tokenisation, AI, quantum computing, semiconductor breakthroughs, and digital infrastructure. Launched this year in Perth, Western Australia, the Summit now anchors the Black Swan Network, GFTN’s flagship multi-location, global platform for collective foresight and international collaboration. Beyond the Black Swan Network, GFTN also convenes a suite of high-impact forums, including Point Zero Forum (Zurich), GFTN Forum Japan (Tokyo), the Inclusion FinTech Forum (Rwanda) and the world’s largest FinTech gathering – the Singapore FinTech Festival. These forums span Asia, Europe, and Africa offering Odisha’s students, professionals and startups a direct gateway into global job pipelines, cross-border venture opportunities, and future-ready digital economy networks. 
3. Global Innovation: Odisha will establish a Centre of Excellence to drive digital transformation and advance pioneering solutions. The Hub will accelerate innovation through a full stack of support for startups – offering incubation, mentorship, masterclasses, bootcamps, market readiness programs, and venture development – drawing on GFTN’s international expertise to nurture a robust, future-ready Financial Technology ecosystem. 
4. Financial Technology Global Capability Hub: Odisha is also developing a strategic offshore or nearshore hub for global and national GFTN’s partner financial institutions, leveraging the I-GFTCH Global Learning talent pool. These centres will transcend traditional cost-efficient models to serve as dynamic nodes for business growth and agility, enabling collaboration among startups, corporates and innovators via shared workspaces and integrated resources. 

This multi-pronged approach underscores Odisha’s commitment to building an internationally competitive, innovation-led and inclusive Financial Technology landscape. 

The I-GFTCH initiative, under the leadership of the Honourable Chief Minister Mr. Mohan Charan Majhi and supported by the Department of Electronics & IT and the Department of Higher Education, will begin with the roll-out of its first pillar – Global Learning – in September 2025.  

The NUS-AIDF Certificate in FinTech & InsurTech (CFI) programme under the Global Learning pillar is supported by the Skill Development Institute, Bhubaneswar as a designated Centre of Excellence with a view toward future national accreditation, in consultation with the Indian Union Ministry of Education. 

“By combining local potential with world-class institutions like NUS-AIDF, we are investing in the youth of Odisha to thrive in the $1.8 trillion global digital economy,” said Shri Dr Mukesh Mahaling, Hon’ble Minister for Electronics & IT, Government of Odisha.  

“This partnership places Odisha on the global map of digital skilling,” said Shri Suryabanshi Suraj, Hon’ble Minister of Higher Education, Government of Odisha. “We are committed to building a talent pipeline that can power India’s innovation economy, and this certification is a powerful step forward.” 

“It’s remarkable to see how swiftly the leadership of Odisha has executed the Financial Technology partnership with Singapore – from an MoU signed during the 17 – 18 January 2025 State Visit of His Excellency Mr. Tharman Shanmugaratnam, President of Singapore – into tangible, forward-looking action,” said Sopnendu Mohanty, Group CEO of GFTN and former Chief FinTech Officer at the Monetary Authority of Singapore.  

“Odisha’s bold vision to become a global FinTech innovation hub is coming to life through world-class certification programmes and a cutting-edge Capability Hub – unlocking global opportunities for local talent and building a future-ready digital economy,” said Mr. Mohanty. 

About GFTN 

The Global Finance & Technology Network (GFTN) is a Singapore-headquartered organisation that leverages technology and innovation to create more efficient, resilient, and inclusive financial systems through global collaboration. GFTN hosts a worldwide network of forums (including its flagship event, the Singapore FinTech Festival); advises governments and companies on policies and the development of digital ecosystems and innovation within the financial sector; offers digital infrastructure solutions; and plans to invest in financial technology startups through its upcoming venture fund, with a focus on inclusion and sustainability. GFTN is a not-for-profit organisation established by the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) in 2024. 

About NUS-AIDF 

NUS-AIDF is jointly founded by the MAS, Singapore’s central bank, and the National Research Foundation (NRF), Singapore. AIDF aspires to be a thought leader, a FinTech knowledge hub, and an experimental site for developing digital financial technologies as well as for nurturing current and future FinTech researchers and practitioners in Asia. AIDF conducts the Master of Science in Digital Financial Technology and the PhD in Digital Financial Technology programmes, aimed at training the next generation of FinTech professionals. National University of Singapore (NUS) is ranked #8 globally and #1 in Asia (QS Rankings 2025).  

About the Black Swan Summit 

The Black Swan Summit is a global, forward-looking forum that accelerates the discovery of frontier technologies, fostering disruption, adoption, and capability development at the crossroads of global innovation hubs. It seeks to build global minds for a disruptive and inclusive future. Launched this year in Perth, Western Australia, the Black Swan Network is GFTN’s flagship multi-location global platform for collective foresight and international collaboration. 

Annex: Details of Certificate in FinTech & InsurTech 

Certificate from the National University of Singapore– Asian Institute of Digital Finance (NUS-AIDF) – Sponsored by the Government of Odisha in partnership with GFTN. 

Certificate in FinTech and InsurTech covers topics on: 

• Fundamentals of FinTech and Insurtech
• Al & Blockchain application
• InsurTech innovations
• Real-world case studies

Who Can Apply: 

• Final year undergraduate and postgraduate students seeking to build a career in the financial sector 

Course Format: 

• Virtual selection test – English comprehension
• Hybrid (55% online + 45% in-person) over 5 months
• Live project with industry partners and potential employers
• 2 weeks in person classes in Bhubaneswar*

*Accommodation & food will be provided 

Course Benefits: 

• Priority job opportunities
  • Access to placement fairs
  • Referrals to banking and insurance companies for internship placements.
• Global Visibility – GFTN Knowledge Circle™
  • Exclusive, free access to hundreds of articles and reports from GFTN
  • Complimentary access to GFTN Forums worldwide**

**Terms & conditions apply