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Global hydrogen industry surpasses USD 110 billion in committed investment as 500+ projects worldwide reach maturity

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MILAN and BRUSSELS, Sept. 9, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — The clean hydrogen sector has reached a major milestone, with USD 110 billion in investment now committed across more than 500 projects worldwide that are past final investment decision (FID), in construction, or already operational; a USD 35 billion increase since last year. Since 2020, the sector has averaged a 50% year-over-year committed investment growth rate according to the Hydrogen Council’s inaugural Global Hydrogen Compass report, co-authored with McKinsey & Company.

This progress is accompanied by natural attrition, as projects with the strongest business cases advance and less viable ones are withdrawn, demonstrating continued maturation across the industry. Since 2020, more than 1,700 hydrogen projects have been announced globally, a 7.5-fold increase, while approximately 50 projects have been publicly cancelled in the past 18 months, representing about 3% of the total pipeline; most of them early-stage renewable hydrogen ventures. Structural challenges, including persistently high interest rates and delayed policy implementation in some regions, are adding pressure to this selection process.

On the supply side, total committed capacity now exceeds 6 million tonnes per year (mtpa), including 1 mtpa already in operation. After accounting for delays and expected attrition, the current project pipeline could support up to 9-14 mtpa of clean hydrogen capacity by 2030, but requires demand to materialize, and unlocking it is the next big challenge. On the demand side, about 3.6 mtpa of binding offtake has been secured. As policy clarity emerges in key markets such as the EU, US, Japan, and Korea, up to 8 mtpa of clean hydrogen demand could materialize by 2030.

China is leading the world in total committed investments (USD 33 billion) and renewable hydrogen production (over 50% of global renewable capacity), followed by North America (USD 23 billion), which is also home to 85 % of global low-carbon hydrogen production. Europe ranks third in committed investment (USD 19 billion), while accounting for nearly two thirds of expected 2030 global demand. 

The Global Hydrogen Compass builds on the Hydrogen Council’s Hydrogen Insights series, first launched in 2021, to offer a clear, fact-based view of the state of the global hydrogen industry. For the first time, the publication combines comprehensive industry data with direct perspectives from global CEOs and lessons learned from some of the world’s most significant hydrogen projects. It sends a message of confidence, clarity and urgency from industry leaders: despite a challenging environment, the majority of surveyed CEOs report stable or increased investment appetite over the last two years (74%), believe that hydrogen will be a critical decarbonization solution for hard-to-abate sectors (97%) as well as across the broader economy (65%), and expect industry growth to continue (83%).

Jaehoon Chang, Vice-Chair of Hyundai Motor Group and Co-Chair of the Hydrogen Council, said: “The Global Hydrogen Compass sends a strong message: our industry has entered the next chapter of build-out, moving from ambition to delivery. With more than 500 projects advancing past FID and investment commitments now exceeding USD 110 billion, a USD 35 billion increase from last year, we are seeing tangible proof of progress. This milestone also reminds us of the work ahead. To sustain this momentum and fully unlock hydrogen’s potential, consistent policy support and effective execution are essential in accelerating a clean, resilient and secure energy future.”

Sanjiv Lamba, CEO of Linde and Co-Chair of the Hydrogen Council, said: “The industry has made strong progress over the past five years, demonstrating its ability to innovate and scale. The Global Hydrogen Compass report shows we are now at a pivotal juncture: accelerating market creation and securing binding offtake agreements must become the priority to ensure today’s projects deliver real impact. Achieving this will require stronger collaboration between business and government to build the frameworks and partnerships essential for progress. By aligning our efforts, we can unlock the full potential of hydrogen to meet the challenges ahead.”

Ivana Jemelkova, CEO of the Hydrogen Council, said: “Bringing together direct perspectives from global CEOs, robust industry data, and insights from some of the world’s key hydrogen projects, our inaugural Global Hydrogen Compass report shows the industry’s steady growth trajectory over the last five years and provides the clarity and confidence businesses, investors, and policymakers need as we enter the next phase of build-out.”

About Global Hydrogen Compass

The Global Hydrogen Compass is the Hydrogen Council’s new annual publication tracking the progress and priorities of the global hydrogen industry. Building on the Council’s Hydrogen Insights series launched in 2021, it offers a clear, data-driven view of the sector’s evolution. Authored by the Hydrogen Council in collaboration with McKinsey & Company, the report combines comprehensive industry data with proprietary insights from Hydrogen Council members, direct perspectives from global CEO leaders, and lessons learned from key hydrogen projects worldwide.

Visit compass.hydrogencouncil.com for an interactive user experience, and access to key insights, dynamic dashboards and global maps.

About The Hydrogen Council

The Hydrogen Council is a global CEO-led initiative with a united vision and long-term ambition for hydrogen to accelerate the energy transition. It brings together some 140 companies from 20+ countries across the Americas, Europe, Africa, the Middle East and Asia Pacific.

ROHM Has Developed Ultra-compact CMOS Op Amp: Delivering Industry-leading Ultra-low Circuit Current

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Advertorial Desk
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KYOTO, Japan, Sept. 9, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — ROHM Co., Ltd. has announced that its ultra-compact CMOS Operational Amplifier (op amp) TLR1901GXZ achieves the industry’s lowest operating circuit current (*1). This IC is optimized to be applied as a measurement-sensing amplifier in size-constrained applications such as handheld measurement instruments, wearable devices, and indoor motion detectors.

Figures: Product features: https://cdn.kyodonewsprwire.jp/prwfile/release/M106254/202508284225/_prw_PI1fl_92DOFqxS.jpg 

ROHM has advanced its process, packaging, and proprietary Nano Energy (TM) (*2) circuit technologies to develop an op amp that addresses three key requirements: lower power consumption, higher accuracy, and compact size. The newly developed TLR1901GXZ achieves an ultra-compact footprint of less than 1mm2 by adopting a WLCSP (wafer-level chip scale package) with a fine ball pitch of 0.35mm while delivering an industry-leading low operating current of 160nA (typ.).

Moreover, the TLR1901GXZ features an exceptionally low input offset voltage of just 0.55mV (max.), one of the best among ultra-low current op amps. A maximum input offset voltage temperature drift of 7uV per degrees Celsius ensures high accuracy operation over the operating temperature range.

Figures: performance comparison: https://cdn.kyodonewsprwire.jp/prwfile/release/M106254/202508284225/_prw_PI2fl_3w155wO1.jpg 

Going forward, ROHM will continue to pursue further power savings in op amps by advancing both miniaturization and original ultra-low power technologies. At the same time, the company is committed to improving device performance by reducing noise and offset, expanding power supply voltage ranges, and contributing to solving social issues through more precise application control.

Figures: Key product characteristics: https://cdn.kyodonewsprwire.jp/prwfile/release/M106254/202508284225/_prw_PI3fl_59JR1Q5W.jpg 

(*1) September 9, 2025, ROHM study on ultra-low current products under 500nA
(*2) Nano Energy (TM) is a trademark or registered trademark of ROHM Co., Ltd.

Release: https://www.rohm.com/news-detail?news-title=2025-09-09_news_opamp&defaultGroupId=false 

TLR1901GXZ: https://www.rohm.com/products/amplifiers-and-linear/operational-amplifiers/low-power/input-output-full-swing/tlr1901gxz-product 

Application examples:
– Consumer devices: wearables, smart devices, motion sensors, etc.
– Industrial equipment: gas detectors, fire alarms, handheld measurement instruments, environmental sensors for IoT, etc.

Online sales information:
Sales launch: Now
Sample price: $2.1/unit (excluding tax)
Distributors:
DigiKey
https://www.digikey.com/en/products/result?s=N4IgTCBcDaIC4BsBOBGAnABhQcwB4C8BaAUzAB9FVMcCSA3Aa0IyxAF0BfIA
Mouser
https://www.mouser.com/new/rohm-semiconductor/rohm-tlr1901gxz-rail-to-rail-cmos-op-amps/
Applicable part No.: TLR1901GXZ-E2
https://www.rohm.com/distribution/-/dinventory/TLR1901GXZ-E2/sample/0
IC-Mounted adapter board: TLR1901GXZ-EVK-001
https://www.rohm.com/distribution?search-box4=TLR1901GXZ-EVK-001&SearchFlagValue=true
The product will be offered at other online distributors as it becomes available.

About ROHM: https://kyodonewsprwire.jp/attach/202508284225-O1-L8k1ec3A.pdf 

Logo: https://cdn.kyodonewsprwire.jp/prwfile/release/M106254/202508284225/_prw_PI4fl_JzHH9R40.jpg 

Official website: https://www.rohm.com/ 

UltiMaker Introduces Secure Line from the S series, Defense-Grade 3D Printing for High-Security, On-Demand Production

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Advertorial Desk
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The Secure Line transforms additive manufacturing into a frontline tactical capability across any environment.

NEW YORK and GELDERMALSEN, Netherlands, Sept. 9, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — UltiMaker, a global leader in 3D printing for defense, manufacturing, and education, today announces the launch of its new Secure Line of 3D printing products built for defense and high-security environments. Leading at launch are the UltiMaker S6 Secure and UltiMaker S8 Secure, two robust solutions designed to deliver trusted and reliable, on-demand production capabilities across land, sea, and air operations.

The Ultimaker B.V Secure Line transforms additive manufacturing into a frontline tactical capability across any defense and high-security environment.
The Ultimaker B.V Secure Line transforms additive manufacturing into a frontline tactical capability across any defense and high-security environment.

With rising demand for secure, resilient, and decentralized manufacturing, the Secure Line marks a major step forward in turning additive manufacturing into a deployable tactical asset. Built on UltiMaker’s proven platform, the S6 Secure and S8 Secure combine industrial performance with hardened security features designed to meet modern defense IT standards.

“The Secure Line represents a strategic leap in making additive manufacturing a trusted and deployable asset for defense organizations,” said Andy Middleton, SVP EMEA and Global Marketing at UltiMaker. “By combining industrial-grade 3D printing with uncompromising security, the Secure Line enables the production of mission-critical components at the point of need, safely, reliably, and with full control over their data and infrastructure.”

Designed for operations in extreme and temperate conditions, Secure Line printers offer air-gapped, USB-only workflows, with no Wi-Fi, no external cameras, and no unverified third-party devices, eliminating common vectors for espionage, data theft, or remote intrusion.

Key security features include:

  • Factory-flashed, tamper-resistant firmware
  • Encrypted and auditable file handling
  • Hardware-sealed components for field integrity
  • No cloud dependencies or external attack surfaces

These features ensure full operational control and auditability, empowering defense forces to manufacture mission-critical components while maintaining the highest levels of data control, protection, and system security.

The S6 Secure and S8 Secure are engineered to bring industrial additive manufacturing capabilities from the lab to the field. With compact form factors and rugged construction, they enable:

  • Reliable operation in mobile units, military bases, and naval deployments
  • Rapid on-demand production of critical parts and tools
  • Minimized downtime and reduced dependency on vulnerable supply chains

“With Secure Line, we give defense organizations something they have not had before: industrial 3D printers they can fully trust anywhere in the world,” said Arjen Dirks, CTO at UltiMaker. “We designed our Secure Line products with security built into every layer and to meet internationally recognized standards, combining reproducibility and long-term reliability in a form that guarantees tactical capability in defense environments.”

Powered by the UltiMaker Cheetah motion planner, high flow print cores, and an improved feeder system, S6 Secure and S8 Secure deliver up to 4x the productivity with improved print quality. Combined with the widest range of engineering-grade materials in the UltiMaker Marketplace and multi-material printing capabilities, the Secure Line offers material flexibility in a secure environment for complex applications.

The Secure Line is manufactured in UltiMaker’s manufacturing facility in Zaltbommel, Netherlands, adhering to strict European standards for quality, data security, and compliance. For years, UltiMaker 3D printing ecosystem has been used and trusted by NATO-aligned organizations around the world to power their parts production. Each Secure Line product is produced in limited batches and tailored to the specific requirements of Defense industry users. Broad availability of the Secure Line for qualified defense and aerospace organizations is expected to begin immediately.

UltiMaker offers a two-year UltiMakerCare service with every Secure Line printer, delivering peace of mind and rapid support to defense users wherever they are deployed.

To learn more about the Secure Line, visit http://ultimaker.com/3d-printers/s-series/ultimaker-secure/.

About UltiMaker

UltiMaker is a global leader in 3D printing for defense, manufacturing, and education industries. With a wide range of robust 3D printing solutions, including the award-winning S series, the industrial Factor series and the advanced Method series, one of the widest portfolios of 3D printing materials on the market, and leading 3D printing software platforms–Cura and Digital Factory, UltiMaker is enabling product design, development, and innovation across industries. Visit www.ultimaker.com.

UltiMaker is a registered trademark of UltiMaker. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

 

XTransfer and CZBank Shanghai Branch Sign the Strategic Partnership Agreement

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Advertorial Desk
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Help Chinese Foreign Trade Enterprises Expand Globally


GUANGZHOU, CHINA – Media OutReach Newswire – 9 September 2025 – XTransfer, the World’s Leading & China’s No.1 B2B Cross-Border Trade Payment Platform, announced the strategic partnership agreement with the CZBank Shanghai Branch during the “XTransfer TradeVision Summit 2025”. This partnership aims to enhance collaboration in cross-border finance, allowing both parties to jointly offer Chinese foreign trade enterprises more secure, efficient, and convenient global collection and cash management services.

Senior executives from both sides attended the signing ceremony, including Bill Deng, Founder and CEO of XTransfer, and Yan Jun, Vice President of CZBank Shanghai Branch.
Senior executives from both sides attended the signing ceremony, including Bill Deng, Founder and CEO of XTransfer, and Yan Jun, Vice President of CZBank Shanghai Branch.

Senior executives from both sides attended the signing ceremony, including Bill Deng, the Founder and CEO of XTransfer, and Yan Jun, the Vice President of CZBank Shanghai Branch. This partnership marks a significant step forward in supporting SMEs and promoting the digital transformation of international trade.

CZBank has consistently focused on its original mission, “Serving the real economy, Serving SMEs, and Serving innovative enterprises”. The bank has extensive experience in cross-border finance and supply chain finance, along with strong service capabilities and a proven track record of continuous innovation. This year, CZBank Shanghai Branch and XTransfer are further enhancing their strategic cooperation to support Chinese exporters in efficiently establishing global collection channels and strengthening the security and convenience of cross-border capital flows.

As the world’s leading and China’s top B2B foreign trade financial platform, XTransfer is dedicated to using technology to connect SMEs with global financial institutions. XTransfer offers a wide range of financial solutions, including foreign trade payment and collection services, multi-currency cash management, and risk control services. Currently, XTransfer serves over 700,000 corporate clients worldwide.

During the signing ceremony, Bill Deng, Founder and CEO of XTransfer, expressed enthusiasm about the new partnership, stating, “We are pleased to establish a comprehensive strategic partnership with the CZBank Shanghai Branch. CZBank possesses extensive experience and robust resources in cross-border financial services. By combining their strengths with XTransfer’s innovative technology and global network, we will work together to provide foreign trade enterprises with high-quality financial infrastructure, enabling them to grow steadily in global markets.”

Yan Jun, Vice President of CZBank Shanghai Branch, stated, “CZBank is dedicated to supporting SMEs in their efforts to develop cross-border trade. Our partnership with XTransfer marks an important step in expanding our global financial services network. We will leverage XTransfer’s platform advantages alongside our financial expertise to create a more professional and resilient cross-border financial service system, empowering Chinese enterprises to expand their reach and operate globally.”

Looking ahead, the two parties will engage in extensive cooperation in areas such as Local Account services, multi-currency settlement, risk control system development, and expansion into emerging markets, jointly promoting innovation and upgrades within China’s foreign trade financial ecosystem.

Hashtag: #XTransfer #CZBank #Crossborder #Payment #SMEs #Partnership





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

About XTransfer

XTransfer, the world-leading and China’s No.1 B2B Cross-Border Trade Payment Platform, is dedicated to providing small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) with secure, compliant, fast, convenient and low-cost foreign trade payment and fund collection solutions, significantly reducing the cost of global expansion and enhancing global competitiveness. Founded in 2017, the company is headquartered in Shanghai and has branches in Hong Kong SAR, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, the United States, Canada, Australia, Singapore, Vietnam, Thailand, Malaysia, the Philippines, the UAE, and Nigeria. XTransfer has obtained local payment licences in Mainland China, Hong Kong SAR, Singapore, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, the United States, Canada, and Australia. To date, XTransfer serves over 700,000 enterprise clients worldwide.

By cooperating with well-known multinational banks and financial institutions, XTransfer has built a unified global multi-currency clearing network and a data-based, automated, internet-based and intelligent anti-money laundering risk control infrastructure centred on SMEs. XTransfer uses technology as a bridge to link large financial institutions and SMEs around the world, allowing SMEs to enjoy the same level of cross-border financial services as large multinational corporations.

XTransfer completed its Series D financing in September 2021 and achieved unicorn status. The company has a diverse composition of international investors, including D1 Capital Partners LP, Telstra Ventures, China Merchants Venture, eWTP Capital, Yunqi Capital, Gaorong Capital, 01VC, MindWorks and Lavender Hill Capital Partners.

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

Four Asian companies are among world’s 20 largest corporate givers

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Advertorial Desk
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New research reveals how leading corporations are aligning social impact with business strategy


SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 9 September 2025 – A new report from The Bridgespan Group – backed by its Funder’s Council, including the Institute of Philanthropy (IoP), The Rockefeller Foundation, and the Gates Foundation – reveals the world’s largest corporate givers and how they are driving scalable, lasting social impact. Among the 20 largest corporate givers globally, four Asian organisations – The Hong Kong Jockey Club and its Charities Trust (8), Samsung (12), Tencent (14) and China Three Gorges Corporation (20) – collectively contribute more than US$1.6 billion annually to philanthropic causes.

“Companies describe their giving in many ways, from corporate social responsibility or ESG commitments to corporate sustainability efforts or as part of their core business purpose,” said Gwendolyn Lim, co-author and Bridgespan partner. “We use the term ‘corporate giving’ because it goes beyond traditional philanthropy to cover initiatives that support charitable activities that contribute positively to social and environmental outcomes.”

This second report in a multi-year series – originally led by Bridgespan with the support of IoP – not only lists the largest corporate givers but also uncovers how and why they give and what distinguishes high-impact corporate philanthropy.

“Corporate giving is no longer peripheral, it’s becoming central to how companies define success,” said Brian San, secretary-general of the Institute of Philanthropy. “The most forward-thinking firms embed social impact into their core strategy, not just their CSR teams. With scale, reach, and intent, corporate-led giving is uniquely positioned to drive meaningful change across diverse contexts.”

Drawing on Bridgespan’s global experience and interviews with corporate-giving leaders, the report highlights how Asia’s philanthropic landscape diverges from global norms, shaped by distinct business structures and cultural dynamics:

  • Founder, family, and state-linked leadership is far more common in Asia: Sixty percent of the region’s largest corporate givers are founder- or family-led, compared to just 20 percent globally, reflecting Asia’s deep tradition of family-owned enterprises. Notably, 25 percent of Asia’s top givers are state-linked, while none of the top global corporate givers are, highlighting how philanthropic priorities in Asia often align with state-led initiatives.
  • Conglomerates dominate the landscape: Only 10 percent of the world’s largest corporate givers are conglomerates, versus 60 percent in Asia, where multi-industry giants remain central to both business and philanthropy.
  • Direct giving is the norm: Eighty percent of global corporate givers rely on external partners, while Asian corporate givers are more likely to fund their own projects, suggesting a hands-on approach or gaps in local partnerships.

Building on these insights, the report outlines three proven approaches used by high-impact corporate givers:

  1. Place-based giving: Investing in communities near company operations to address local needs and build long-term resilience.
  2. Capability-led giving: Applying core business strengths – such as technology, supply chains, manufacturing processes, or talent – to create shared value for both society and the company.
  3. Business-aligned giving: Delivering high-value products or services to underserved populations in ways that complement and reinforce the company’s mission.

“When aligned with strategy and executed thoughtfully, corporate giving can shape real outcomes for society and the environment,” said Xueling Lee, co-author and Bridgespan partner. “For corporations looking to start this journey, our research offers practical guidance to maximise the impact of their giving.”

Explore the full report here.

Hashtag: #TheBridgespanGroup #Bridgespan #Philanthropy #CSR #ESG #CorporateGiving #InstituteofPhilanthropy



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

About The Bridgespan Group

The Bridgespan Group () is a global nonprofit that collaborates with social change organisations, philanthropists, and impact investors to make the world more equitable and just. Bridgespan’s services include strategy consulting and advising, sourcing and diligence, and leadership team support. We take what we learn from this work and build on it with original research, identifying best practices and innovative ideas to share with the social sector. We work from locations in Boston, Delhi, Johannesburg, Mumbai, New York, San Francisco, Singapore, and Washington, DC.

Jorakay Launches First-Ever Regional Tiling Competition in Laos

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Laotian Times
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Crocodile Tiler X competition to Laos for the first time on 6 September.

Jorakay Corporation, Thailand’s leading construction innovation company known for its “Crocodile” brand, has brought its groundbreaking Crocodile Tiler X competition to Laos for the first time on 6 September, giving professional tilers across ASEAN the opportunity to showcase their skills on the international stage.

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Jan Lambrechts Urges Ethical AI Adoption and Workforce Reinvention at World Chambers Congress

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Advertorial Desk
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MELBOURNE, Australia, Sept. 9, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — At the 14th World Chambers Congress in Melbourne, Jan Lambrechts, Founder & Global Managing Director of Epitome Global, delivered a compelling keynote to over 1,500 participants from more than 100 countries, including business and government leaders. Lambrechts’ address underscored the urgency of ethical AI adoption and workforce adaptability as drivers of resilient economies, with Epitome Global’s global rollout now amplified by the company’s strategic distribution partnership with RGH Global. Together, the two firms are transforming workforce optimisation for enterprises and governments across EMEA and Asia-Pacific.

Addressing the Jobs Debate

Lambrechts dispelled AI employment myths: “AI taking our jobs is 100% not true. In fact, new AI roles such as engineers and prompters are emerging rapidly.” He emphasised that, “People who embrace AI skills will thrive, while those who do not risk being left behind. When harnessed responsibly, AI offers the potential to increase freedom, creativity, and purpose in work.” Proactive workforce reinvention, through investment in retraining, remains essential for the relevance of economies in a shifting landscape.

Breaking Barriers to AI Adoption

Central to Lambrechts’ message was overcoming global barriers to the adoption of responsible AI. He cited procurement delays, the need for chambers of commerce to become workforce intelligence hubs, and risks tied to foreign platform dependencies threatening national data sovereignty and workforce control. Lambrechts called for urgent reforms ensuring technological progress translates into real workforce benefits. Paul Guerra, Victorian Chamber Chief Executive and Congress Chair, praised Lambrechts’ vision, describing it as a critical blueprint for chambers seeking resilience and future readiness.

Roadmap for Responsible Innovation

Lambrechts outlined a roadmap including:

  • Rapid proof-of-concept cycles (30–90 days) via industry partnerships.
  • New revenue models for chambers to monetise workforce insights and skills forecasting, enabling sustainable, community-focused growth.
  • Formation of agile AI governmental taskforces acting at private-sector speed for policy alignment.

With global AI regulation advancing, especially in the EU and South Korea, Lambrechts insisted: “AI must remain ethical, inclusive, and empowering. The future belongs to those who adapt and embrace these principles.”

RGH Global’s Integrated Role

By collaborating with RGH Global as its strategic distributor, Epitome Global leverages RGH’s extensive network across Europe, the Middle East, Asia-Pacific, and the Americas to accelerate the real-world impact of AI optimisation solutions. Justin Madgwick, RGH Co-Founder and Global CEO, commented, “RGH’s workforce optimisation platform represents the future of recruitment, where technology supports and enhances human capability. Partnering with Epitome allows us to deliver this vision globally in a way that is both ethical and purpose-driven.” This partnership reflects optimism for scaling Epitome’s platform worldwide, delivering trusted AI innovation and lasting economic impact.

—

About Jan Lambrechts

Jan Lambrechts is a serial entrepreneur with 20 years of global experience leading AI platforms that transform workforce data into strategic intelligence. As Managing Director of Epitome Global, he drives organisational reinvention and growth.

About Justin Madgwick

Justin Madgwick is a seasoned recruitment entrepreneur with over 30 years of experience building workforce optimisation businesses. As Co-Founder and Global CEO of RGH Global, he leads the company’s expansion and partnership with Epitome to deliver ethical, AI-driven talent solutions globally.

About Epitome Global

Epitome Global, distributed strategically through RGH Global, is an AI-driven workforce optimisation company serving enterprises and governments with actionable talent insights using psychometrics, data science, and real-time labour market intelligence. Its holistic matching, engagement, and performance solutions are delivered at scale via RGH’s extensive presence.

Media Contact
Melissa Teh, COO
Email: melissa.teh@epitome.global 
Phone: +60 12 306 0647

Investor Relations Contact
Email: investment@epitomeholdings.com 

Follow the conversation: #WorkforceOptimisation #EthicalAI #FutureOfWork

Jan Lambrechts (second from right), Founder & Global Managing Director of Epitome Global, underscores the urgency of ethical AI adoption and workforce reinvention at the 14th World Chambers Congress in Melbourne.
Jan Lambrechts (second from right), Founder & Global Managing Director of Epitome Global, underscores the urgency of ethical AI adoption and workforce reinvention at the 14th World Chambers Congress in Melbourne.

 

Jan Lambrechts (left), Founder & Global Managing Director of Epitome Global, with Justin Madgwick (right), Co-Founder and Global CEO of RGH Global
Jan Lambrechts (left), Founder & Global Managing Director of Epitome Global, with Justin Madgwick (right), Co-Founder and Global CEO of RGH Global

 

Honda Prize 2025 Awarded to Dr. Kenichi Iga of Japan

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Advertorial Desk
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– For Pioneering Contributions to Conception and Development of Vertical-Cavity Surface-Emitting Laser (VCSEL) and Leadership in Its Practical Application –

TOKYO, Sept. 9, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — The Honda Foundation has selected Dr. Kenichi Iga (honorary professor at the Institute of Science Tokyo and 18th president of former Tokyo Institute of Technology), as the recipient of the 2025 Honda Prize. The international award in science and technology honors his pioneering work in conceiving the Vertical-Cavity Surface-Emitting Laser (VCSEL) and his contributions to advancing fundamental research and practical applications. The foundation is a public interest incorporated foundation established by Soichiro Honda, founder of Honda Motor Co., Ltd., and his younger brother Benjiro.

Image 1:
https://cdn.kyodonewsprwire.jp/prwfile/release/M108819/202509034541/_prw_PI1fl_mU6cH3th.jpg 

In 1980, the Honda Foundation established the Honda Prize to acknowledge research achievements that contribute to “the creation of a truly humane civilization.” Foreseeing the new potential of ecotechnology,*1 the Honda Prize is Japan’s first international award for scientific and technological achievements across a wide range of academic fields, encompassing the entire research process from discovery and invention to application and widespread usage.

In 2025, the 46th Honda Prize will be awarded to Dr. Iga for his conception of VCSEL in 1977 and his pioneering contributions to its development and practical applications. The award ceremony will take place at the Imperial Hotel in Tokyo, Japan, on November 17, 2025. In addition to the prize medal and diploma, Dr. Iga will receive 10 million yen in prize money.

*1 Ecotechnology: Human-friendly philosophy founded on science and technology and designed to harmonize the natural and human environments and find resolutions to social issues, adopting a methodology that implies something more than just “being friendly to the Earth,” which is the meaning usually associated with the word “ecology.”

Image2:
https://cdn.kyodonewsprwire.jp/prwfile/release/M108819/202509034541/_prw_PI2fl_ru2TeeqC.jpg 

What is VCSEL

VCSEL, with a vertical resonator, is more compact than conventional Edge Emitting Laser (EEL), allowing dense integration, stable single-wavelength oscillation, mass production, continuous wavelength tuning and low power consumption. These features drive innovations in optoelectronics, including high-speed data communication, fiber optics, 3D facial recognition, computer mouses and LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) systems for autonomous vehicles.

When Dr. Iga first proposed VCSEL, his concept was met with skepticism from both academia and industry due to concerns about its feasibility. However, through persistent research and continuous advocacy, Dr. Iga and his team gradually established global recognition for this innovative technology. In 1988, his collaborator, Dr. Fumio Koyama, later a professor at former Tokyo Institute of Technology (now the Institute of Science Tokyo), achieved the first room-temperature continuous-wave operation of a VCSEL—a decisive step toward its commercialization. Since the late 1990s, VCSELs have been industrialized worldwide, transforming modern optoelectronics and shaping numerous industries.

– Details of achievement commentaries and past Honda Prize laureates
Please see the Honda Foundation official website.
Official Website: https://www.hondafoundation.jp/en/index.html
Achievement Commentary:
https://www.hondafoundation.jp/commemoration/index_en/285/year:2025
Honda Prize Laureates: https://www.hondafoundation.jp/en/winner.html 

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