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Laos, Myanmar Stuck at 40% Tariff Rate as US Reciprocal Trade Regime Takes Effect

Laos, Myanmar Stuck at 40% Tariff Rate as US Reciprocal Trade Regime Takes Effect
ASEAN flags (photo credit: Wikimedia Commons)

The United States’ updated reciprocal tariff regime officially took effect today, hitting several Southeast Asian economies with a range of steep new import taxes. 

Takashi Murakami’s Ohana Hatake Unleashes a Floral Fantasy: “Field of Flowers” Lands at Pacific Place

Ohana Hatake Pop-Up Blooms in Hong Kong Featuring the Global Debut of Four Vibrant New Colourways of Ohana Full-Bloom and Surippa Ohana


HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 1 August 2025 – This summer, Pacific Place blossoms into an imaginative, fashion-forward floral dreamscape with the debut of “Field of Flowers” — the first-ever Takashi Murakami’s Ohana Hatake pop-up in Hong Kong. This exclusive pop-up runs from 31 July to 13 August at Pacific Place, promising an immersive retail and visual experience for the style-savvy, the art-obsessed, and everyone in between. As ComplexCon Hong Kong 2025’s Official Mall Partner, Pacific Place merges retail, pop culture, and art, creating a bold space where creativity and fashion collide, all through its own unique lens.

Pacific Place Field of Flowers The first-ever Takashi Murakami’s Ohana Hatake pop-up in Hong Kong
Pacific Place Field of Flowers The first-ever Takashi Murakami’s Ohana Hatake pop-up in Hong Kong

First in Hong Kong: Ohana Hatake Blooms at Pacific Place

Marking its official Hong Kong debut with the “Field of Flowers”, Takashi Murakami’s Ohana Hatake pop-up offers an extraordinary opportunity to step inside Murakami’s fantastical floral universe. Known for his bold superflat aesthetic, Murakami infuses this retail space with his distinctive DNA, making it a must-see for cultural tastemakers and collectors alike.

Taking centre stage is a spectacular large-scale hanging cherry blossom installation — a sculptural masterpiece making its public debut. Indulge in a floral fantasy, the installation transforms Garden Court into a surreal dreamscape, where fashion flows into fine art. This immersive pop-up marks a cultural milestone for the city, blossoming into a vibrant garden shaped by Murakami’s signature visual language — playful, poetic, and bursting with imagination. Don’t forget to take a picture in front of the mirror wall for a cool aesthetic that’s filled with flowers!

Venue: “Field of Flowers” – Takashi Murakami’s Ohana Hatake Pop-Up (Garden Court, Level LG1)
Opening Hours: 11 am – 8 pm

Pacific Place x Ohana Hatake x Complex Chinese: Where Art Meets Fashion & Fun

As the Official Mall Partner of ComplexCon Hong Kong 2025, Pacific Place cements its role as a hub for boundary-pushing culture. This three-way collaboration unites retail innovation, pop culture, and contemporary art — creating a space where creative minds and fashion lovers collide, and blending the energy of ComplexCon with the unique spirit of Pacific Place.

Global Debut of Four Vibrant New Colourways of Ohana Full-Bloom and Surippa Ohana
Global Debut of Four Vibrant New Colourways of Ohana Full-Bloom and Surippa Ohana

Fashion-Forward Drops: Global Debut of Four Vibrant New Colourways of Ohana Full-Bloom and Surippa Ohana

Ohana Hatake is unveiling exclusive product drops at Pacific Place, featuring two signature styles in four new shades — part of twelve colourways rolling out across two weeks.

Headlining the lineup is the Ohana Full Bloom collection — a series of eight colourways in bold, floral-inspired slides featuring Murakami’s iconic motifs. Each pair is crafted for both comfort and statement-making, showcasing sculptural flower embellishments, vivid palettes, and distinctive design language true to Murakami’s superflat universe. Leading this seasonal bloom are two debut colourways — Buttercup and Lime Zest — offering a fresh take on wearable art with their bright and joyful energy for the summer.

Rounding out the collection is the Surippa Ohana style, available in four expressive colourways. The Sakura and Cherry Blossom editions both nod to Murakami’s recurring floral motifs, including the pop-up’s iconic installation centrepiece. Joining them are two bold new hues, Deep Forest and Sweet Grape — rich, nature-inspired tones that add fresh dimension to this sculptural silhouette.

This high-street-meets-art launch is set to resonate with today’s style-conscious tastemakers, offering wearable art infused with the joyful irreverence of Murakami’s visual world.

Shop, Sip and Be Rewarded

From 31 July to 13 August, stylish perks await at Pacific Place and Starstreet Precinct. Same-day electronic spending of HK$800 unlocks a specially brewed Ohana Hatake coffee, while HK$1,500 or more qualifies for a limited-edition tote bag — a perfect companion for the season.

Date: 31 July to 13 August 2025
Time: 11 am – 7 pm
Location: Ohana Hatake Coffee Counter (Level L1, near Theory)

What’s more, from 31 July to 24 August, discover an exclusive shopping rewards programme designed to elevate the summer experience. Eligible Standard Chartered Cathay Mastercard® holders can enjoy bonus vouchers to make their shopping experience even more rewarding!

Accumulated Same-day
Electronic Spending
General Rewards Standard Chartered Cathay Mastercard Cardholder Extra Rewards
HK$5,000 –
HK$29,999
HK$200 Pacific Place Shopping e-Voucher HK$100 Pacific Place Shopping e-Voucher
HK$30,000 – HK$79,999 HK$800 Pacific Place Shopping e-Voucher HK$250 Pacific Place Shopping e-Voucher
HK$80,000 – HK$119,999 HK$1,800 Pacific Place Shopping e-Voucher HK$800 Pacific Place Shopping e-Voucher
HK$120,000
or above
HK$2,600 Pacific Place Shopping e-Voucher HK$2,200 Pacific Place Shopping e-Voucher

Date: 31 July to 24 August 2025
Time: 11 am – 10 pm
Location: Redemption Counter (Level L2, near JOYCE)

Whether you’re a fashion aficionado, an art enthusiast, or simply looking for a joyful summer experience, the “Field of Flowers” – Takashi Murakami’s Ohana Hatake Pop-Up at Pacific Place is a must-visit destination this season. Come and see it for yourself!

Hashtag: #TakashiMurakamiOhanaHatakePopUp #FieldofFlowers #SummerInFullBloom #PacificPlaceHK #ComplexChinese

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

Fosun Tourism Group Signs Syndicated Loan Agreement with Seven International Banks

SHANGHAI, Aug. 1, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — On July 30, 2025, Fosun Tourism Group (“FTG”, or the “Company”) signed a €800 million syndicated loan agreement with Natixis, Crédit Agricole CIB, Deutsche Bank, Standard Chartered, HSBC, BNP Paribas, and Société Générale. The successful closing of this syndicated loan marks a key milestone in FTG’s ongoing efforts to optimize its capital structure and further its global expansion. It also reflects strong recognition and long-term confidence from leading financial institutions in FTG’s business strategy and growth prospects.

The signing ceremony was held at Club Med Joyview Heilongtan Resort. Mr. Choi Yin On, Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer (CFO) of FTG, and CFO of Club Med, signed the agreement on behalf of the Company, alongside representatives from the seven participating banks. Mr. Zhang Houlin, Senior Vice President and Co-CFO of Fosun International, also attended the ceremony and witnessed the signing.

Mr. Zhang Houlin stated, “As an important segment of Fosun’s global ecosystem, FTG has delivered strong performance amid the global tourism recovery in recent years. The successful closing of this syndicated loan reflects the high level of trust from international financial institutions in the Company’s business resilience, asset quality, and future development. Fosun International will continue to deepen partnerships with financial institutions to support the sustainable growth of its high-quality businesses.”

Mr. Choi Yin On remarked, “This syndicated loan further enhances our financial stability and liquidity, and provides robust support for our global strategic expansion. FTG will continue to leverage its brand equity and capabilities in global-local operations, stay focused on the needs of family customers, and strengthen our global vacation footprint as we work towards becoming the world’s leading brand in family vacation experiences.”

Representatives from the banking consortium commented that cultural and tourism consumption has become a new pillar of China’s domestic demand. As a leading global tourism group, FTG demonstrates sound financial performance, a clear strategic direction, and strong management capabilities. The banks look forward to advancing cooperation with FTG, as a trusted long-term partner, in integrating tourism and financial services to jointly promote the high-quality development of China’s tourism industry.

CleaDeep to Unveil New International Brand Arspura at IFA 2025

LOS ANGELES, Aug. 1, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — CleaDeep, a leading kitchen appliance manufacturer, will officially make its debut at IFA 2025 from September 4 to 9. The company will also unveil its new international brand, Arspura, with the brand’s latest products showcased on the Dream Stage at IFA Next on September 4. The brand launch marks a significant milestone in the company’s global expansion, highlighting a deepened commitment to combining technological innovation with aesthetic excellence in the home appliance sector.

 

“As awareness of healthy eating continues to grow, creating a kitchen environment that supports overall well-being is just as important,” said Dr. Ray Ren, CEO of Arspura. “Arspura was founded with a clear mission: to harness technology in safeguarding the health of home cooking for every household.”

The brand name Arspura draws inspiration from Latin roots—”Ars” meaning art or technology and “Pura” meaning pure—encapsulating a design philosophy that centers on clean living and intelligent functionality. With the slogan “Better Air, Pure Life,” Arspura positions itself at the intersection of advanced engineering and elevated living, committed to delivering products that improve indoor environments while enhancing the emotional and visual experience of modern homes.

Built upon the deep technical foundation of its parent company, CleaDeep, Arspura extends the company’s IQV (Inclined Quad-Vortex) technology and product design expertise into new global markets. With a long-standing focus on kitchen air ventilation, CleaDeep has earned international recognition, including the iF DESIGN AWARD 2025 and the Better Design Award. The company holds multiple design and utility patents, such as the EU Appearance Patent Certificate, IQV Technology Patent Certificate, and AU Design Registration. Its core products are also certified by major global standards, including CE and SGS.

Backed by CleaDeep, Arspura’s product line will introduce cutting-edge technologies aimed at transforming kitchen environments into healthier spaces. One notable innovation is the IQV Technology designed specifically to prevent fume particles from escaping during cooking processes and deliver cleaner kitchen air:

  • Low-Pressure Cyclones: Powered by IQV technology, stable low-pressure cyclones form above the cooktop, actively drawing in smoke, odors, and PM2.5 particles to prevent them from dispersing into your kitchen air.
  • Ultra-High Airspeed: With airflow speeds exceeding 13 m/s and enhanced by the Coandă effect, the hood rapidly channels smoke into the intake, significantly improving ventilation efficiency and minimizing indoor smoke.
  • Anti-Escape Air Curtains: Dual air curtains create an invisible barrier above the cooktop, effectively containing smoke and fumes. This advanced design ensures consistent extraction performance, even with nearby windows open.

As part of its debut event at IFA 2025, CleaDeep will also host a special industry dialogue. Renowned experts in respiratory health, lifestyle influencers, and real users will be invited to discuss challenges related to kitchen health and explore opportunities presented by advancements in appliance technologies. Additionally, the event will feature a live demonstration area where visitors can directly experience how Arspura’s products improve air quality in real-time cooking scenarios.

Details of Arspura’s brand launch now are available on the IFA Berlin website. Media representatives interested in exploring this transformation are invited to register at https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSchDOCvvWsuGnJgpX7BSJ3x03cFZ-XWEkwDhmNx-MsumJKJFA/viewform for more information or interview opportunities 

About CleaDeep

CleaDeep (https://us.cleadeep.com/) is a hard-tech company dedicated to transforming kitchen ventilation through cutting-edge fluid dynamics and industrial-grade engineering. As the first company to introduce vortex airflow technology to home kitchens, CleaDeep has set new benchmarks in suction power, air quality, and energy efficiency. Patented innovations, such as the IQVTM (Inclined Quad-Vortex) and Wind EngineTM systems, enable ultra-fast fume capture, filter-free operation, and quiet performance.

Media contact: https://us.cleadeep.com/pages/contact-us 

3rd China-ASEAN Innovation and Entrepreneurship Competition Finals Held in Malaysia

BEIJING, July 31, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — A news report from CRI Online:

The finals of the 3rd China-ASEAN Innovation and Entrepreneurship Competition were held on July 30 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Centered on the theme of “Innovation Cooperation for a Shared Dream”, the event attracted 329 submissions from 23 countries and regions, including Mainland China, Macao, Taiwan, all 10 ASEAN member states, as well as Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Canada, the U.S., the U.K., Pakistan, Afghanistan, Uzbekistan, Fiji, and the Netherlands. Following a competitive selection process, 19 outstanding projects from China, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, and Thailand advanced to the final round.

Final round of the competition. Photo courtesy of the Department of Science and Technology of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region
Final round of the competition. Photo courtesy of the Department of Science and Technology of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region

Finalists were divided into two tracks—startup teams and established companies—and pitched their innovations in what organizers called a “7+5” format—seven minutes to present and five for judges’ questions. The competition focused on developments in artificial intelligence-driven industrial transformation and renewable energy technologies, with first, second, and third prizes awarded in each track. In addition, eight projects earned “Cooperation Star” recognition, while seven were named “Innovation Stars.”

The event was co-hosted by China’s Ministry of Science and Technology (MOST) and the ASEAN Secretariat, and jointly organized by the Department of International Cooperation of MOST, the ASEAN Committee on Science, Technology, and Innovation (COSTI), and the Department of Science and Technology of Guangxi—home to the China-ASEAN Technology Transfer Center, (CATTC). The competition continues to serve as a strategic platform for cross-border technology collaboration, helping to accelerate China-ASEAN innovation partnerships and promote sustainable economic integration across the region.

GenScript Biotech’s MSCI ESG Rating Upgraded to AA, Recognized as a Global Leader

PISCATAWAY, N.J., Aug. 1, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — GenScript Biotech Corporation (HK.1548), a leading global provider of life science research and manufacturing services, today announced that its ESG rating has been upgraded to AA from A by MSCI in recognition of the company’s excellence in the areas of product safety & quality and human capital development, as well as continuous improvement in environment and governance practices.

MSCI, one of the world’s largest index providers, evaluates global public and private companies on a scale from CCC (laggard) to AAA (leader), according to exposure to industry-specific ESG risks and the ability to manage those risks relative to peers. MSCI ESG Ratings are a widely used benchmark for global capital markets. The AA rating recognizes GenScript as an ESG leader globally, showcasing its strong commitment to sustainability in the biotech industry.

“The AA rating from a globally recognized index is a testament to GenScript’s ESG performance. Embedding sustainability into our core business not only enhances our operational resilience but also creates long-term value for our investors and stakeholders worldwide,” said Sherry Shao, Rotating CEO of GenScript Biotech. “Going forward, we will continue to push the boundaries and drive sustainable growth of the industry, aligning with our mission to ‘Make People and Nature Healthier through Biotechnology’.”

The ongoing global recognition of GenScript’s sustainability initiatives underscores its commitment to responsible business practices. As a participant of the United Nations Global Compact (UNGC), GenScript adheres to its ten universal principles on human rights, labor, environment and anti-corruption. The company is also a supplier partner of the Pharmaceutical Supply Chain Initiative (PSCI), driving sustainable value chains for the pharmaceutical industry. This year, GenScript has achieved a Silver Medal from EcoVadis and a “Low Risk” ESG rating from Morningstar Sustainalytics, and has been included in the FTSE4Good Index Series. Additionally, its carbon reduction targets have been validated by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi), demonstrating GenScript’s strong commitment and actions toward combating climate change.

About GenScript Biotech Corporation

Founded in 2002 in New Jersey, GenScript Biotech Corporation accelerates innovation in healthcare and consumer goods by providing researchers and companies with the building blocks needed to develop groundbreaking treatments and products. Guided by its mission to Make People and Nature Healthier Through Biotechnology, and its role as a trusted global leader, GenScript has a team of over 5,500 employees and has served more than 200,000 customers across 100 countries and regions.

Learn more here: https://www.genscript.com

SIEW 2025 Registration Opens: Envisioning Energy Tomorrow, Building Systems Today

SINGAPORE, Aug. 1, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Registration is now open for the 18th Singapore International Energy Week (SIEW), happening from 27 to 31 October in Singapore. Organised by the Energy Market Authority (EMA), SIEW 2025 will explore the theme “Envisioning Energy Tomorrow, Building Systems Today“, highlighting the urgent need to develop secure, sustainable, and affordable energy systems for the future.

Singapore International Energy Week 2025
Singapore International Energy Week 2025

2.         SIEW 2025 will bring together key industry leaders including:

Governments and International Organisations

  • H.E. Dr Saleh Ali Hamed Al Kharabsheh, Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources, Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan
  • H.E. Eddy Soeparno, People’s Consultative Assembly Vice Speaker, Republic of Indonesia
  • Clare McLaughlin, Australia’s Governor to the International Energy Agency, and Head of Division, Energy Performance and Security, Australia
  • Dr Fatih Birol, Executive Director, International Energy Agency
  • Francesco La Camera, Director-General, International Renewable Energy Agency
  • Xin Bao‘an, Chairman, Global Energy Interconnection Development and Cooperation Organisation
  • Dr Sama Bilbao y León, Director General, World Nuclear Association
  • Dato’ Ir. Ts. Razib Dawood, Executive Director, ASEAN Centre for Energy

Regulators and Utilities

  • Judy Chang, Commissioner, United States Federal Energy Regulatory Commission
  • Siti Safinah binti Salleh, Chief Executive Officer, Energy Commission, Malaysia
  • Mark McAllister, Chairman, Office of Gas and Electricity Markets, United Kingdom
  • Datuk Ir. Megat Jalaluddin bin Megat Hassan, Chief Executive Officer, Tenaga Nasional Berhad, Malaysia

Industry

  • Andy Piepel, Vice President R&D, Electrical Markets Division, 3M
  • Dr Owen Chen, Chief Technology Officer & Vice President, Concord New Energy Group
  • Lim Wee Seng, Group Head of Sustainability, Energy, Renewables & Infrastructure, Project Finance and Strategic Advisory, Institutional Banking Group, DBS Bank
  • Dominic Genetti, Senior Vice President, Carbon Capture and Storage, ExxonMobil Low Carbon Solutions
  • Pablo Koziner, Chief Commercial & Operations Officer, GE Vernova
  • Peter Wong, Executive Director and Managing Director, Hong Kong and China Gas Company
  • Takao Tsukui, President and CEO, Mitsubishi Power
  • Leong Wei Hung, Chief Executive Officer, Singapore LNG Corporation
  • Thorbjörn Fors, Group Senior Vice President and Managing Director of Asia Pacific, Siemens Energy

3.         Flagship events at SIEW 2025 include:      

I.      SIEW Summit: Plenary sessions addressing energy resilience, the role of AI, grid integration, natural gas markets, and financing for infrastructure.    

II.    Singapore-IEA Forum: Explores AI’s role in smarter, more resilient energy systems and Asia’s energy landscape.      

III.   Fifth Singapore– IRENA High-Level Forum: Focuses on regional connectivity and renewable energy investments.

IV.  The Energy Insights, TechTable, and Thinktank Roundtables will spotlight innovations like small modular reactors, biomethane, and AI-powered low-carbon infrastructure.      

V.   25th Conference of the Electric Power Supply Industry (CEPSI): Hosted by SP Group, CEPSI will examine regional power sector collaboration and system modernisation across Asia Pacific.          

VI.  SG60@SIEW Energy Showcase: Marks Singapore’s 60-year energy journey, spotlighting policy innovations and technologies shaping its future to 2065.          

4.         Held alongside SIEW 2025, partner events will spotlight evolving energy solutions in Asia:      

I.      Asia Clean Energy Summit: Clean energy innovations from the private sector         

II.    Asia Gas Markets Conference: Role of gas, hydrogen and carbon capture in the energy mix

III.   Asian Downstream Summit (ADS) | Asian Refining Technology Conference (ARTC) | Ammonia & Carbon Capture Asia (ACCA):  Low-carbon tech and digitalisation in industrial energy transformation          

5.         Register  at www.siew.gov.sg to enjoy early bird rates and bundled discounts.

About the Singapore International Energy Week

SIEW is an official trademarked event by the EMA. It is an annual platform for energy professionals, policymakers and commentators to discuss and share best practices and solutions within the global energy space.

MemeStrategy (2440.HK) Partners with Leading Crypto Platform Helio, Providing Technical Advisory Support for AI-powered Meme Money Markets, Transforming Viral Memes into New Digital Era

HONG KONG, Aug. 1, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — MemeStrategy, Inc. (“MemeStrategy” or “the Company,” Stock Code: 2440.HK), Asia’s first publicly listed digital asset company, and Helio (a MoonPay company), a leading global crypto and stablecoin trading platform, today announced a strategic collaboration. The partnership aims to support Moonit, a cutting-edge launchpad and token trading platform developed by Helio, to amplify its innovation in advancing the creator economy through Web3 solutions centered on memes and tokenized ecosystems.

Moonit will launch the first AI-powered system, called Meme Money Markets, to instantly tokenize viral memes, converting cultural assets into on-chain assets.

MemeStrategy will leverage its extensive Web3 expertise to provide technical advisory services and strategic guidance for the platform’s development. Additionally, the Company will identify and recommend high-profile creators and digital platforms with robust creator networks to enhance the project’s reach. It will also offer strategic recommendations to boost public education and visibility.

“We are excited to partner with MoonPay and Helio to help realize Moonit’s vision for the creator economy – establishing a new monetization model for cultural assets,” said Ray Chan, Chairman and CEO of MemeStrategy. “With our deep expertise in Web3, MemeStrategy is uniquely positioned to support Moonit’s success and empower creators to unlock real-world value in an evolving digital landscape.”

“Meme Money Markets rewrite the rules by removing middlemen aka “the dev”  entirely,” said Stijn Paumen, CEO of Helio. “It doesn’t wait for permission or spin. It captures raw virality and injects it directly into the on-chain bloodstream. It’s the purest, most trustless expression of attention-as-value ever deployed.”

MoonPay, recognized as a CNBC Disruptor 50 company, is a trusted leader in the global crypto ecosystem, serving over 30 million users across 180 countries and powering infrastructure for nearly 500 companies, including major platforms such as PayPal, Venmo, and Mastercard. Fully licensed in the U.S. and regulated in the UK, EU, Canada, and Australia, MoonPay facilitates seamless fiat-to-crypto transactions, driving mainstream adoption of digital assets. This collaboration underscores MoonPay’s commitment to fostering innovation through Moonit, redefining how creators engage with tokenized platforms.

Born originally from DEX Screener’s Moonshot and reborn now as a collaboration between Helio, MoonPay, and DEX Screener, Moonit is now the definitive infrastructure for real-time culture-to-crypto conversion. To date, it has powered over 300,000 token launches and onboarded 700,000+ users.

About MemeStrategy
MemeStrategy (Stock Code: 2440) is Asia’s first publicly listed digital asset venture, managed by the team behind 9GAG, a globally acclaimed meme platform with over 200 million users. Leveraging its social media and Web3 expertise, MemeStrategy adopts a people-first approach to strategically invest in three key growth pillars: Artificial Intelligence (AI), Blockchain, and Culture, aiming to bridge the new economy with traditional finance and accelerate the development of decentralized technologies. MemeStrategy Website: https://memestrategy.com.hk/