SINGAPORE, Aug. 11, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — La Maison du Whisky Asia-Pacific (LMDW APAC) will take over as the exclusive distributor of Maison Ferrand in Singapore, ensuring continued availability following the closure of Proof & Company of its acclaimed portfolio – Planteray Rum, Citadelle Gin, and Ferrand Cognac – for trade and consumers starting 14 August 2025.

This transition builds on a long-standing relationship: LMDW has represented Maison Ferrand in France for years, and now extends that collaboration to Singapore. Both houses share a philosophy rooted in craft and education, with a commitment to building brands for the long term and creating experiences that matter.

“Our collaboration with Maison Ferrand began in Paris, so extending that partnership to Singapore is a natural step,” said Diego Araud, Managing Director, LMDW APAC. “We share the same belief in championing spirits through knowledge, advocacy, and authenticity – values that resonate strongly with the region’s bar community.”

Maison Ferrand’s portfolio brings more than heritage; it brings ideas that work behind the bar. From bartender staples like Dry Curaçao to modern icons such as Planteray Stiggins’ Fancy Pineapple, these are spirits designed for flavour and function. Innovations like ecoPOUCH – a 2.8L format replacing four bottles while reducing carbon emissions by around 80% – show how sustainability can be practical, cutting waste and streamlining service without compromising quality.

“We are thrilled to begin this new chapter with La Maison du Whisky as our official distributor in Singapore,” shared Maylis Berger, APAC Manager, Maison Ferrand. “Their deep understanding of the market and commitment to craft make them the ideal partner to grow our brands in the region. Exciting times ahead.”

Together, LMDW and Maison Ferrand will focus on bringing these brands to life through education, immersive activations, and community-led experiences – reinforcing a shared vision to shape the future of drinking culture in Asia-Pacific, while continuing to educate and inspire the market.

Maison Ferrand products will be available through Whisky.SG, LMDW’s flagship Bar & Shop on Robertson Quay, and select hospitality and retail partners from 14 August 2025. 

For trade enquiries, please contact: orders@lmdw.com

– ENDS –

ABOUT LA MAISON DU WHISKY ASIA-PACIFIC (LMDW APAC)

Founded in Paris in 1956, La Maison du Whisky (LMDW) is a global leader in the distribution and curation of fine spirits, with expertise spanning rare single malts, world whiskies, rums, agaves, and craft spirits. Established in Singapore in 2006, LMDW APAC serves as the regional hub, shaping drinking culture through retail, e-commerce, trade education, and flagship events such as Whisky Live Singapore. Guided by a philosophy of brand-building, advocacy and authenticity, LMDW APAC partners with leading hospitality accounts to bring exceptional spirits and experiences to the region.

Discover more at: www.whisky.sg

ABOUT MAISON FERRAND

Maison Ferrand, based in Cognac, France, is an independent, family-owned spirits house recognised for its craftsmanship and innovation. Founded by Alexandre Gabriel, Maison Ferrand produces some of the industry’s most acclaimed brands, including Ferrand Cognac, Citadelle Gin, and Planteray Rum. The company has been a pioneer in sustainable solutions like ecoPOUCH and is celebrated for redefining traditional categories through flavour-driven innovation and education. Today, Maison Ferrand spirits are available in more than 90 countries, inspiring bartenders and enthusiasts worldwide.

Learn more at: https://planterayrum.com/ | www.citadellegin.com | www.ferrandcognac.com/en | www.maisonferrand.com

HONG KONG, Aug. 11, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Akeso, Inc. (9926.HK) (“Akeso” or the “Company”) announced that the first patient has been dosed in its multicenter, randomized, double-blind Phase III study (AK112-311/HARMONi-9), evaluating ivonescimab, a first-in-class PD-1/VEGF bispecific antibody developed by Akeso, in small cell lung cancer (SCLC). This study is designed to assess the efficacy and safety of ivonescimab as consolidation therapy in patients with limited-stage small cell lung cancer (LS-SCLC) who have not experienced progression following standard concurrent chemoradiotherapy (cCRT).

AK112-311/HARMONi-9 study is the eighth registrational Phase III clinical trial for ivonescimab in lung cancer (including three international multicenter studies). The initiation of this trial further expands ivonescimab’s therapeutic coverage across key lung cancer indications and different lines of treatment. As the world’s first PD-1/VEGF bispecific antibody, ivonescimab is driving significant transformation in the overall lung cancer treatment landscape and holds the potential to fundamentally improve global lung cancer therapies.

Small cell lung cancer (SCLC) represents approximately 15% of all lung cancers and is known for its aggressive nature, early metastasis, and poor prognosis. Around 30% of patients are diagnosed at the limited stage (LS-SCLC), with over 80% being ineligible for surgical intervention. The current standard of care involves concurrent or sequential chemoradiotherapy (cCRT/sCRT), where most patients face recurrence or develop drug resistance. To date, only one PD-L1 therapy has been approved for consolidation treatment for LS-SCLC, highlighting the significant unmet clinical need of this difficult to treat cancer.

In previous studies focused on extensive-stage SCLC (ES-SCLC), ivonescimab has demonstrated its ability to prolong progression-free survival (PFS), combining the synergistic benefits of PD-1/L1 inhibitors and anti-angiogenic agents. Ivonescimab is a cornerstone in Akeso’s “IO 2.0” strategy, and Akeso has already initiated a series of Phase III and Phase II clinical trials investigating ivonescimab as a first-line treatment across multiple cancer indications. The initiation of a Phase III study of ivonescimab for LS-SCLC is another key step in extending Akeso’s “IO 2.0” approach to earlier stages of lung cancer.

Forward-Looking Statement of Akeso, Inc.
This announcement by Akeso, Inc. (9926.HK, “Akeso”) contains “forward-looking statements”. These statements reflect the current beliefs and expectations of Akeso’s management and are subject to significant risks and uncertainties. These statements are not intended to form the basis of any investment decision or any decision to purchase securities of Akeso. There can be no assurance that the drug candidate(s) indicated in this announcement or Akeso’s other pipeline candidates will obtain the required regulatory approvals or achieve commercial success. If underlying assumptions prove inaccurate or risks or uncertainties materialize, actual results may differ materially from those set forth in the forward-looking statements.

Risks and uncertainties include but are not limited to, general industry conditions and competition; general economic factors, including interest rate and currency exchange rate fluctuations; the impact of pharmaceutical industry regulation and health care legislation in P.R.China, the United States and internationally; global trends toward health care cost containment; technological advances, new products and patents attained by competitors; challenges inherent in new product development, including obtaining regulatory approval; Akeso’s ability to accurately predict future market conditions; manufacturing difficulties or delays; financial instability of international economies and sovereign risk; dependence on the effectiveness of the Akeso’s patents and other protections for innovative products; and the exposure to litigation, including patent litigation, and/or regulatory actions.

Akeso does not undertake any obligation to publicly revise these forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date hereof, except as required by law.

About Akeso
Akeso (HKEX: 9926.HK) is a leading biopharmaceutical company committed to the research, development, manufacturing and commercialization of the world’s first or best-in-class innovative biological medicines. Founded in 2012, the company has created a unique integrated R&D innovation system with the comprehensive end-to-end drug development platform (ACE Platform) and bi-specific antibody drug development technology (Tetrabody) as the core, a GMP-compliant manufacturing system and a commercialization system with an advanced operation mode, and has gradually developed into a globally competitive biopharmaceutical company focused on innovative solutions. With fully integrated multi-functional platform, Akeso is internally working on a robust pipeline of over 50 innovative assets in the fields of cancer, autoimmune disease, inflammation, metabolic disease and other major diseases. Among them, 24 candidates have entered clinical trials (including 15 bispecific/multispecific antibodies and bispecific ADCs. Additionally, 7 new drugs are commercially available, and 2 new drugs with 2 new indications are under regulatory review for approval. Through efficient and breakthrough R&D innovation, Akeso always integrates superior global resources, develops the first-in-class and best-in-class new drugs, provides affordable therapeutic antibodies for patients worldwide, and continuously creates more commercial and social values to become a global leading biopharmaceutical enterprise.

For more information, please visit https://www.akesobio.com/en/about-us/corporate-profile/ and follow us on Linkedin.

BEIJING, Aug. 11, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Following the dance dramas Awakening Lion and LOONG, the large-scale ethnic dance drama Odes to Heroes, another masterpiece by the Guangzhou Song and Dance Theatre, was staged at the Beijing Tianqiao Performing Arts Center from July 31 to August 3, 2025.

It was jointly produced by the Publicity Department of the CPC Guangzhou Municipal Committee, the Guangzhou Municipal Bureau of Culture, Radio, Television and Tourism, and Guangzhou Cultural Development Group under the guidance of the Department of Culture and Tourism of Guangdong Province. This spectacular performance offered a double feast for both the eyes and souls to the capital’s audience. With the intangible cultural heritage “Yingge” at its core, the dance drama has quickly become a cultural sensation in Beijing, resonating deeply with the audience through its profound cultural roots and artistic expression on the modern stage.

A Phenomenal Dance Drama Sparkles in the Capital

As a blockbuster performance of the 2025 “Tianqiao Dance and Performance Season,” Odes to Heroes debuted alongside other acclaimed works such as The Eternal Wave and The Journey of a Legendary Landscape Painting, captivating the audience with its passionate patriotism and exquisite stage art. Excerpts from the drama had previously been featured in the “Hundred Flowers Welcoming Spring: Spring Festival Gala for the Chinese Literature and Art Circles” and the CCTV’s 2025 “Cultures of China, Festival of Spring” Global Chinese New Year Gala. This premiere in Beijing has presented a newly refined version to show the perfect blending of intangible cultural heritage and contemporary spirit.

Why Has the Fervor for “Odes to Heroes” Never Stopped?

The dance drama Odes to Heroes has ignited lasting fervor nationwide, not only for its top-tier creative team and star-studded cast, but for the emotional and cultural resonance it delivers on stage. Currently, the dance drama has undergone 38 tours in 19 cities across the country. It was further refined in June, evolving with the Yingge dance at its core and the epic history of overseas Chinese as its soul, reimagined through a contemporary lens to tell the epic story of overseas Chinese and their patriotic spirit during the War. As the drama unfolds through striking choreography, symbolic imagery, and a moving narrative of separation, reunion, and self-discovery, it awakens a profound “bloodline awakening” among audiences—a cultural self-confidence and pride in heritage. Blending rich elements of Lingnan culture such as wood carvings, embroidery, iron-branch puppetry, beef balls, oil-paper lanterns, and it’s worth mentioning that the theme song of Odes to Heroes is in the Chaoshan dialect rap style. The production bridges tradition and modernity. Each performance becomes a powerful expression of shared memory, identity, and hope—bringing the spirit of Yingge and the voices of generations past and present to life.

Curtain Falls and Echoes Remain

The year 2025 marks the 60th anniversary of the Guangzhou Song and Dance Theatre and the 80th anniversary of China’s victory in the Anti-Japanese War and the World Anti-Fascist War. To commemorate this historic year, the theatre presents its Lingnan trilogy—Awakening Lion, LOONG, and Odes to Heroes—as a tribute to six decades of artistic excellence. Odes to Heroes honors this immortal history through powerful stagecraft, where the clash of the Yingge mallet and the emotion in “overseas letters” evoke the patriotic spirit of two generations. Following a successful premiere in Beijing, the production has left a lasting cultural impression and rekindled public appreciation for traditional heritage. The theatre will continue telling Lingnan stories through contemporary dance, promoting Chinese culture on the global stage.

LOS ANGELES, Aug. 11, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — As 360° action cameras continue to evolve and push the boundaries of immersive storytelling, the tools that support these technologies are transforming just as rapidly. At the forefront of this shift is the Lancer300 from Coalax, a brand specializing in designing innovative outdoor and photography gear. Seamlessly blending power, protection, and portability, the Coalax Lancer300 is not only a gear-carrying solution but a full-on outdoor content creation workstation.

Magic Arm : Your Mobile Film Crew

The Lancer300’s most eye-catching innovation is the Magic Arm. Compatible with all major 360° cameras such as DJI’s newly revealed Osmo 360 or Insta360’s X5, the arm also supports lighting rigs, microphones, and other creative accessories, making it the ideal solution for a wide range of outdoor shooting scenarios, from solo travel vlogs to rugged documentary shoots.

The Magic Arm features full 360° adjustability. It is fully detachable and can extend up to 1.5 meters. With a simple push-pull motion, the arm transforms into a 1.8-meter quick monopod, providing a stable shooting platform in seconds. Whether mounted on the backpack or used standalone, this versatility offers creators an entirely new way to capture content hands-free.

A Creator-Centric System: Power, Protection, Portability

In addition to the Magic Arm, the Lancer300 features a fully modular design, a detachable power source, and a protective backpack frame inspired by exoskeletons, all engineered to support modern creators using increasingly diverse and power-intensive gear. More than just a camera bag, the Lancer300 is built as a fully integrated field system, combining six essential tools in one compact solution: a camera backpack, portable power station, drone case, modular rigging setup, monopod, and exoskeleton design.

At its core is a 300Wh power module that supports optional solar charging, offering a reliable energy solution for extended shoots in remote locations. A rugged IPX6-rated waterproof hard shell, reinforced by a durable exoskeleton frame, provides protection for sensitive equipment in challenging outdoor conditions. With expandable compartments tailored for drone storage, multiple mounting points, and a rail-based system for adaptable gear configurations, the Lancer300 is built to meet the complex demands of modern content creation.

Moreover, the Lancer300’s design goes beyond pure functionality. Drawing visual inspiration from iconic Western sci-fi and gaming culture such as Death Stranding, Helldivers, and Star Wars, the Lancer300 doesn’t just perform like professional gear. It looks like it belongs in a cinematic universe. Its rugged yet futuristic aesthetic turns it from a simple tool into a statement piece that reflects the identity of modern creators.

While the Lancer300 was developed with digital creators in mind, its versatility extends to a broad range of users. Professional photographers, drone enthusiasts, field researchers, geologists, musicians, and even wedding videographers can all benefit from Lancer300’s integrated support and power solutions. Now available at B&H, the Lancer300 signals a new trend for creators and other outdoor professionals looking to do more, anywhere.

As mobile-first content production continues to rise and remote shooting becomes more common in various sectors, the Lancer300 offers a next-generation solution that functions as both a mobile content creation hub and a fully integrated outdoor workstation. For more details about the solution, please visit https://www.coalax.com/products/lancer300-modular-backpack.

About Coalax

Coalax designs innovative, modular gear for outdoor enthusiasts and photographers. Built for durability and sustainability, their products feature organic components and user-driven improvements. By engaging closely with their community, Coalax empowers adventurers and creators with reliable, versatile tools that elevate outdoor experiences and support creative expression.

For more information, please visit: https://www.coalax.com/.

CONTACT: Wayne Wan, hello@coalax.com