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Johnson Stokes & Master appoints new Senior Partner


HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 1 June 2026 – Johnson Stokes & Master (JSM) has appointed Geoffrey Chan as the Firm’s next Senior Partner, succeeding Terence Tung who served in the role for ten years.

Most recently Mr. Chan was the Firm’s Department Managing Partner for Litigation & Dispute Resolution, serving on the four-member Management Committee which he will now lead in overseeing the Firm’s operations and strategy.

Consistently recognised as a leading practitioner in construction law by the major legal directories, he has served on the Panel of Arbitrators of the Hong Kong International Arbitration Centre (HKIAC) and the China International Economic and Trade Arbitration Commission (CIETAC). He is chair of the 2036 Working Group, a Hong Kong-based coalition advocating for a joint 2036 Olympic bid with the Greater Bay Area (GBA).

Commenting on the appointment, Mr. Tung said: “I am delighted to hand over the Firm’s Senior Partner responsibilities to a successor of Geoffrey’s high calibre. He keenly understands the heritage of our Firm, the tremendous talent of our people and how to lead the next chapter for JSM as the pre-eminent law firm in Hong Kong, among the international elite of independent law firms around the world.” Mr. Tung will continue as a partner of the Firm focusing on his practice in Hong Kong and the Chinese Mainland.

“I would like to express my deep gratitude to Terence for his stewardship of the Firm throughout a tenure of significant transformation” said Mr. Chan. “Under his leadership, the Firm has redefined the legal market in Hong Kong and built upon the trust of our clients and the community we serve. Our leadership transition is about growing from these strong foundations so that the Firm is primed for the next generation of JSM lawyers. As an independent law firm in Hong Kong, we have a distinctive new vision for our future, underpinned by strong values and a client-focused strategy resilient to the challenges and responsive to the opportunities of an era of unprecedented global change.”

Since its formal relaunch as an independent law firm on 2 December 2024, JSM has achieved significant milestones in internal promotions, lateral recruitment and advising on landmark cases and transactions. The Firm has enhanced its pre-eminent status in the region through multiple high-profile accolades and was recently recognised by the Financial Times as a leading innovative law firm in the Asia-Pacific region.

Hashtag: #JSM

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

About JSM

Johnson Stokes & Master (JSM) is a pre-eminent law firm in Hong Kong with representative offices in Beijing and Shanghai and a Beijing IP agency which handles trademark registration matters in Mainland China. JSM advises clients on the full spectrum of legal issues arising on the most complex deals and disputes in and from Hong Kong and Mainland China. For more information, please visit .

Lao PM Calls for Greater Protection of Children on International Children’s Day

Children walking home from school in Laos. (Photo: World Bank)

Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone has called for stronger efforts to protect and support Lao children, warning that many continue to face challenges including poverty, school dropout, child labor, early marriage, drug abuse, and online risks.

In a message marking International Children’s Day on 1 June, the prime minister extended his greetings to Lao children across the country and abroad, describing them as “the hope, the important force and the future of the nation.”

He said the annual observance provides an opportunity for society to reaffirm its commitment to children’s rights and create a safe and supportive environment for young people to grow and develop.

“For the Lao PDR, the celebration of International Children’s Day is held in conjunction with National Arbor Day to instill in children a sense of responsibility and love for protecting nature and the environment from an early age,” he said.

The prime minister highlighted government efforts in recent years to improve children’s health, nutrition, education, gender equality, and protection. However, he acknowledged that many children, particularly those living in remote areas, continue to face significant difficulties.

He also warned about new threats emerging in the digital age, including risks linked to internet use and social media, and stressed the need to equip children with the knowledge and skills to use technology safely and responsibly.

Sonexay said the National Commission for the Advancement of Women, Mothers and Children is preparing a national action plan on children’s rights and a strategy to prevent violence against children for the 2026-2030 period.

The government, he said, remains committed to investing in children’s physical, intellectual, emotional, and moral development.

He called on parents, teachers, communities, businesses, and development partners to work together to support and protect children.

International Children’s Day, first observed in 1925, marks its 101st anniversary this year.

Siam Piwat Reinforces Its “Game Changer” Leadership, Expanding a Global Luxury Ecosystem with World-Class Partners to Unlock New Growth from the Rising HNWIs Economy


BANGKOK, THAILAND – Media OutReach Newswire – 1 June 2026 – Siam Piwat Group, owner and operator of Siam Paragon, Siam Center, and Siam Discovery, and joint-venture partner of ICONSIAM and Siam Premium Outlets Bangkok, reinforces its “Game Changer” status by announcing a strategic collaboration with world-class titans: BELMOND (LVMH), GALERIES LAFAYETTE, INSIGNIA, and MJETS.

A Monumental Alliance to Elevate ONESIAM Member Privileges
A Monumental Alliance to Elevate ONESIAM Member Privileges

This alliance strengthens the Global Privilege Partnership and elevates the Global Luxury Ecosystem. It connects the world of luxury for ONESIAM members and partner patrons through high-value experiences across Thailand and the globe. Currently, Siam Piwat commands over 70% of the luxury market share in Thailand, backed by Asia’s highest-purchasing-power customer base.

By integrating private aviation, ultra-luxury hospitality, premier department stores, and bespoke lifestyle management, Siam Piwat is shaping a “Borderless Luxury Ecosystem.” This milestone solidifies its retail leadership and drives Thailand to become a premier global luxury hub.

Siam Piwat Group, Belmond, Galeries Lafayette, Insignia, and MJets unite to elevate Borderless Luxury Ecosystem
Siam Piwat Group, Belmond, Galeries Lafayette, Insignia, and MJets unite to elevate Borderless Luxury Ecosystem

Mrs. Saruntorn Asaves, First Executive Vice President at Siam Piwat Co., Ltd., stated “Siam Piwat remains committed to its ‘Co-creation & Collaboration’ strategy. In the high-value luxury sector, we possess deep expertise in catering to global High-Net-Worth individuals. In 2025, our premium members recorded expenditures exceeding 1 million Baht per transaction, with annual spending surpassing average customers by 35 times. This year’s partnership aims to elevate Thailand into the Luxury Hub of the World by integrating databases and cross-industry advantages to deliver ultimate privileges.”

Uniting 4 World-Class Partners into the Global Partnership Ecosystem

  • Elevated Travel Experiences with BELMOND (LVMH): Revolutionizing travel through curated journeys. Members enjoy 1-1 travel planning and VIP welcomes at legendary hotels or traveling aboard Belmond’s iconic luxury trains worldwide.
  • Exceptional Services with INSIGNIA: Elevating lifestyles via 24/7 bespoke client services and highly personalized support, seamlessly curated to fulfil every desire without geographical boundaries, from securing reservations at sought-after restaurants and gaining access to exclusive global events.
  • Seamless Travels with MJETS: Completing the puzzle of limitless mobility through bespoke private jet services, elite airport lounge access, and luxury chauffeur transfers directly from the runway to Siam Piwat’s landmarks.
  • Seamless Shopping with GALERIES LAFAYETTE: Bestowing exclusive privileges across two continents. In Paris, members enjoy access to a Private Personal Shopping Lounge, dedicated personal shoppers, and expedited tax refunds.

Joining Forces with Global Partners to Offer Curated World-Class Privileges

Beyond these four titans, Siam Piwat’s Global Privilege Partnership network includes international retail leaders such as PARCO (Japan), TAIPEI 101 (Taiwan), Hong Kong Times Square, ION Orchard (Singapore), Pavilion Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia), Plaza Indonesia, FOSUN (China), and Hyundai Department Store (South Korea).

Siam Piwat expands its global luxury ecosystem, reinforcing its position as a game changer in luxury retail.
Siam Piwat expands its global luxury ecosystem, reinforcing its position as a game changer in luxury retail.

ONESIAM members receive exclusive discounts, promotions, and VIP hospitality abroad. Reciprocally, international partner members visiting Siam Piwat’s destinations enjoy premium privileges, including lounge access and dedicated customer relationship assistance. Furthermore, Siam Piwat has integrated database infrastructures with its partners to analyze customer insights, enabling hyper-personalized offers that foster long-term relationships.

“This synergy marks a monumental step toward borderless growth, establishing a definitive new benchmark for the ultimate luxury lifestyle experience,” concluded Mrs. Saruntorn.

Hashtag: #SiamPiwat #GameChanger #ONESIAMMember #GlobalPartnershipEcosystem #BorderlessPrivilege #GlobalLuxuryDestination #Bangkok #BELMOND #GALERIESLAFAYETTE #INSIGNIA #MJETS




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

Siam Piwat

Siam Piwat is a leading retail and real estate developer behind Bangkok’s most iconic destinations, including Siam Paragon, Siam Center, Siam Discovery, ICONSIAM, and Siam Premium Outlets Bangkok, globally recognized for pioneering experiential destinations.

For over six decades, Siam Piwat has been renowned for creating iconic destinations and world-class experiences, continuously redefining Bangkok’s retail landscape through award-winning developments that set new global benchmarks. Guided by creativity, innovation, and sustainability, the company continues to lead with a bold vision s that inspire, engage, and delight customers from around the world, while creating long-term value for society, businesses, and future generations.

United Imaging Spotlights Molecular Imaging Showstoppers at SNMMI 2026

LOS ANGELES, May 31, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — United Imaging, a global innovator in AI-powered advanced medical imaging technologies and intelligent healthcare solutions, is presenting its latest molecular imaging advancements at the Society of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging (SNMMI) 2026 Annual Meeting. Aligning with the official conference theme, “Science is the star,” the company is highlighting the clinical and research potential of its digital PET/CT and PET/MR portfolios through new product introductions and evidence-based discussions.

The company is expanding its presence in the North American market by introducing new members of the uMI Panvivo family. This scalable PET/CT platform provides clinical flexibility through multiple PET axial fields of views, with the 24 cm, 30 cm, 53 cm, 71 cm, and 107 cm all FDA 510(k) cleared. The family includes the uMI Panvivo Mobile, designed to bring molecular imaging closer to patients, wherever they need it. Its compact, patient centric design and intelligent workflow are intended to support versatile imaging applications. Depending on regional availability, it can be paired with an automated clinical workflow supported by an 80-slice CT configuration[1], or a 160-slice CT configuration[2] for cardiac and general imaging. The entire uMI Panvivo line is built on the uExcel platform, providing intelligent applications such as uExcel DPR and uExcel Focus to enhance image quality and quantitative accuracy.

United Imaging continues to reinforce its position in the next generation of digital PET/CT with the scalable uMI Panorama family, the first PET/CT family to deliver sub-200 ps TOF[3] for every patient scan every time. The flagship uMI Panorama GS features a 148 cm AFOV design that allows for comprehensive whole-body PET imaging. The company is highlighting the clinical and translational advantages of this design along with its growing global customer base as it continues to further establish technological leadership in the industry. At the exhibit, attendees can experience the efficient intuitive workflow of the console firsthand with the system simulator or see the benefit of optimizing sensitivity, true TOF, industry-leading resolution and axial coverage combined with innovative clinical applications like CT-free AC and AI-driven reconstructions in our clinical images that provide exemplary image quality with very fast scan times while achieving ALARA-focused low radiation dose for every patient.

In addition to its PET/CT offerings, the company is featuring the uPMR Zenith[4] representing the latest development in the company’s PET/MR portfolio. uPMR Zenith is developed for precision and in-depth molecular imaging by uniting a breakthrough in PET sensitivity with unique MR capabilities. With high-performance gradient and RF systems, it enables MR LIVE imaging, resolving true motion states of the human body, and in fact going from fighting motion to taking advantage of the physiological information it provides while simultaneously having the ability to capture real-time physiologic PET detail. An increased PET axial FOV and improved TOF resolution enable an effortless and comfortable whole-body scanning experience. It is designed for wide applications in oncology, neurology, new drug development, and theranostics.

The commitment to scientific exploration continues with a Satellite Symposium on Monday, June 1, from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. This session features a series of lectures from international experts. Soma Somanesan, Ph.D. of Singapore General Hospital, Frank M. Bengel, MD of Hannover, Germany and Ciprian Catana, M.D., Ph.D. of Massachusetts General Hospital will share insights related to the uMI Panorama GS. The session will conclude with a presentation by Richard Carson, Ph.D. of Yale University regarding the uNeuroEXPLORER, an ultra-high-resolution brain PET/CT system.

The depth and versatility of this PET/CT portfolio underscore a commitment to developing high-performance technology that remains adaptable to the evolving needs of the global healthcare community. By expanding access to these sophisticated diagnostic tools, United Imaging continues to advance its long-term mission of Equal Healthcare for All.

[1] Currently pending FDA 510(k) clearance and not available for sale for clinical use in the U.S.

[2] May not be available for all countries and the timing of availability cannot be guaranteed

[3] Data on file, available upon request.

[4] Currently pending FDA 510(k) clearance and not available for sale for clinical use in the U.S.; not CE marked

 

BLUETTI Launches EOFY Sale on Power Solutions with Up to 44% OFF

SYDNEY, June 1, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Clean energy leader BLUETTI is unleashing massive EOFY deals during June 1–30, up to 44% off its diverse portable power stations and home backup systems. The world’s smallest 3kWh power station Elite 300, the best entry-level Elite 100 V2, and the versatile Apex 300 headline the shopping spree of the year, with exciting online activities unlocking additional discounts, gifts, and exclusive offers.

BLUETTI EOFY Sale is On
BLUETTI EOFY Sale is On

Must-Buy EOFY Power Station Deals

From weekend camping trips to reliable off-grid home backup, BLUETTI’s comprehensive energy solutions have every scenario covered. Most of them are now available at the lowest EOFY prices:

Elite 100 V2 (1,800W/1,024Wh): Now at $899 (was $1,299), this 11.5kg lightweight unit moves easily between homes and outdoors to run fridge freezers, microwaves, and e-bike chargers. Adding the Charger 1 completes a 560W car charging kit together for only $1,199 (was $1,699). With a 200W solar panel, the bundle is also marked down to $1,349(was $1,899).

Elite 300 (2,400W/3,014Wh): A 3kWh beast in a 2kWh size, for only $2,499(was $3,199). Eight useful outlets, with 12V/30A DC output, and multi-source charging make it well-suited for outdoor scenarios, caravans and home backup. The Charger 2 kit enables quick top-ups via solar and alternator inputs, which is reduced to $2,899(was $3,799), while the Sora 500 solar combo hits an all-time low of $3,499(was $4,898).

Apex 300 (3,840W/2,764.8Wh): Down to $2,999 (was $3,599), it evolves with needs using modular accessories, forming a 58kWh home storage or a 19.2kW solar setup.

More Savings From BLUETTI

Beyond direct markdowns, buyers can maximise their EOFY budgets by participating:

Buy More, Save More: Get $80 off orders over $1500, $135 off $2500, and $240 off $4,000.

Lucky Draws: Subscribe to win coupons, BLUETTI Bucks, or Lifestyle gifts.

Point Redemption: Redeem Bucks for cash-value discounts at checkout.

BLUETTI is also offering bulk purchase discounts, social media giveaways, and exclusive member-only deals throughout the EOFY sale.

From off-grid adventures to home backup, BLUETTIs EOFY Sale brings some of the years best deals on portable power solutions. Explore the deals before June 30 on BLUETTI’s website.

About BLUETTI

Founded in 2013, BLUETTI is a technology pioneer in clean energy, specialising in top-notch portable power stations, home backup batteries, and solar solutions. Driven by a mission to provide sustainable power to all, BLUETTI is trusted by over 3.5 million households across 140 countries.

HARMONi-6 Demonstrates Significant Overall Survival Benefit (HR=0.66): Ivonescimab Plus Chemotherapy Superior to PD-1 Plus Chemotherapy in First-Line sq-NSCLC Landmark Results to Be Presented at ASCO 2026 Plenary Session

CHICAGO, May 31, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Akeso, Inc. (9926.HK) (“Akeso” or the “Company”) today announced that ivonescimab, the Company’s first-in-class PD-1/VEGF bispecific antibody, has achieved a statistically significant and clinically meaningful improvement in overall survival (OS) as a first-line treatment for patients with advanced squamous non-small cell lung cancer (sq-NSCLC) in the Phase III HARMONi-6 (AK112-306) study. These landmark findings will be featured in a Plenary Session at the 2026 American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) Annual Meeting. Professor Shun Lu, Director of the Lung Cancer Center at Shanghai Chest Hospital and Principal Investigator of HARMONi-6, presented the data in an oral Plenary Session presentation.

This marks the first time a China-originated investigational oncology drug has been selected for the ASCO Plenary Session in the society’s 61-year history. This moment is a definitive testament to the ivonescimab regimen’s role in ushering cancer immunotherapy into the ‘2.0 Era’.

The HARMONi-6 study results were simultaneously published in The Lancet.

The HARMONi-6 study enrolled a total of 532 patients. Among them, approximately 63% had centrally located squamous tumors, 39.0% had PD-L1 TPS <1%, and 33.8% had multi-site metastases, liver metastases, or brain metastases. At the pre-specified interim analysis, as assessed by the Independent Data Monitoring Committee (IDMC), the study met its key secondary endpoint of overall survival (OS), demonstrating both clinically a meaningful and statistically significant benefit.

As of the data cutoff date of February 27, 2026, with a median follow-up of 21.36 months:

34% reduction in the risk of death – ivonescimab plus chemotherapy significantly prolonged OS

  • In the intent-to-treat (ITT) population, ivonescimab plus chemotherapy reduced the risk of death by 34% versus tislelizumab plus chemotherapy (HR=0.66 [95% CI: 0.50–0.87], P=0.0017(<0.0049). Median OS was 27.9 months in the ivonescimab arm (the final death event in this arm caused the Kaplan-Meier curve to drop sharply to the median, thereby producing the mOS estimate) versus 23.7 months in the control arm.
  • The 12-month OS rate was 78.9% with ivonescimab plus chemotherapy versus 72.2% in the control arm, and the 24-month OS rate was 64.7% versus 48.6%, respectively. The survival benefit continued to widen over time, reflecting a more durable and clinically meaningful long-term survival advantage.

Consistent OS benefit across all prespecified subgroups

  • OS benefit with ivonescimab was observed consistently regardless of PD-L1 expression status: HR=0.68 in the PD-L1 TPS ≥1% subgroup and HR=0.64 in the TPS <1% subgroup; HR=0.67 in the PD-L1 TPS 1–49% subgroup and HR=0.64 in the TPS ≥50% subgroup.
  • The OS benefit was also consistent across subgroups defined by metastatic burden: HR=0.47 in patients with ≥3 metastatic sites and HR=0.69 in those with liver metastases.

Comparable subsequent anticancer therapy between the two arms

Proportions of patients in the two groups who subsequently received immunotherapy: 13.9% in the treatment group vs 19.2% in the control group; proportions receiving targeted therapy: 12.4% vs 17.3%; proportions receiving ADC therapy: 4.5% vs 5.6%; proportions participating in other clinical trials: 0.8% vs 2.3%.

Favorable safety profile comparable to tislelizumab plus chemotherapy

  • Grade ≥3 treatment-related adverse events (TRAEs) occurred in 69.2% of patients in the ivonescimab arm and 58.9% in the control arm.
  • Rates of adverse events leading to treatment discontinuation or death were similar between arms.

At the prespecified interim analysis for progression-free survival (PFS), ivonescimab plus chemotherapy had already demonstrated a clinically meaningful and statistically significant improvement in PFS compared with tislelizumab plus chemotherapy, with a median PFS of 11.1 months versus 6.9 months (HR=0.60 [95% CI: 0.46–0.78], P<0.0001).

Professor Shun Lu, Principal Investigator of HARMONi-6, Director of the Lung Cancer Center at Shanghai Chest Hospital and Tenured Professor:

“HARMONi-6 is the first global Phase III study in lung cancer to show statistically significant improvements in both OS and PFS compared with PD-1 plus chemotherapy. It is also the first in sq-NSCLC to achieve dual OS and PFS success through a pre-specified hypothesis test. The results significantly reduced the risk of death and disease progression, with consistent benefits across all subgroups, while enabling patients to maintain better quality of life for longer.

These strong head-to-head data redefine the gold standard for first-line sq-NSCLC treatment and fill a major clinical gap for anti-angiogenic therapy in this setting. We look forward to ivonescimab delivering broader benefits to patients worldwide as a next-generation immuno-oncology therapy.”

Dr. Yu Xia, Founder, Chairwoman, President and CEO of Akeso:

“Today, we are thrilled to announce that ivonescimab plus chemotherapy has successfully challenged PD-1 plus chemotherapy, achieving both clinically meaningful and statistically significant improvements in overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS). We extend our sincere gratitude to all investigators, clinical teams, and patients who participated in this study. Thanks to their efforts, Chinese patients with advanced sq-NSCLC are the first to benefit from this innovative, safe, and highly effective global therapy.

Prior to ivonescimab, no therapy had successfully challenged the dominance of PD-1-based regimens in a head-to-head Phase III trial. Ivonescimab has already demonstrated dual OS and PFS benefits in EGFR-mutant non-squamous NSCLC after TKI failure, becoming the first immunotherapy approved in this setting. It has also shown superior PFS versus pembrolizumab monotherapy in first-line PD-L1-positive NSCLC. These results have generated strong global anticipation for next-generation therapies. Since its launch, ivonescimab has been widely adopted by clinicians and patients.

PD-1 plus chemotherapy is currently the most broadly used first-line regimen in oncology. Following our previous success versus pembrolizumab monotherapy, the HARMONi-6 study now demonstrates for the first time that ivonescimab plus chemotherapy can achieve dual superiority in both OS and PFS over PD-1 plus chemotherapy. This landmark result solidifies ivonescimab’s position as a next-generation cornerstone of cancer immunotherapy.

The success of HARMONi-6 gives us even greater confidence to leverage global resources, fully unlock ivonescimab’s potential, reshape treatment paradigms, and deliver more effective and safer solutions to patients worldwide.”

Ivonescimab is currently being evaluated in more than 30 clinical settings across a wide range of tumors, including 15 Phase III trials, seven of which are head-to-head studies versus PD-1/PD-L1 therapies. The positive results from HARMONi-6 further strengthen its differentiated clinical profile. In partnership with Summit Therapeutics, Akeso remains fully committed to advancing the global development of ivonescimab to maximize its therapeutic benefit for patients worldwide.

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 established a robust R&D innovation ecosystem centered on its Tetrabody antibody technology platform, AI-powered drug R&D platform, Dual-Shield ADC technology platform, Dual-Lock T-cell engager (TCE) technology platform, Tissue-Smart siRNA/mRNA technology platform, and cell therapy technology platforms. Supported by a global-standard GMP manufacturing infrastructure and a highly efficient, integrated commercialization model, the company has evolved into a globally competitive biopharmaceutical 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, 27 candidates have entered clinical trials (including 15 bispecific/multispecific antibodies and bispecific ADCs. Additionally, 7 new drugs are commercially available. 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.

Forward-Looking Statements

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.

Relief as Firmable locates 15,000 accounting decision-makers reported missing at leading global B2B data provider

Sydney-based sales team initiates platform support ticket after discovering significantly more contacts than expected. Investigation concludes that data is correct.

MELBOURNE, Australia and SINGAPORE, May 31, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Firmable, Asia-Pacific’s leading AI-native sales platform, has confirmed the safe recovery of approximately 15,000 Australian accounting firm decision-makers previously unaccounted for in the data holdings of a leading global B2B data provider.

The contacts, which include finance directors, CFOs, managing partners, and senior decision-makers across accounting firms throughout Australia, were located on the Firmable platform during a routine free trial. The discovery was made by a Sydney-based sales professional who was trialing the platform.

The customer query that triggered the investigation
The customer query that triggered the investigation

Upon finding roughly 20,000 relevant contacts in Firmable compared to approximately 5,000 in the incumbent global provider’s database, he immediately suspected a technical error and contacted support.

After a thorough review, the Firmable team confirmed no error had occurred. The contacts had been there the whole time.

“We understand the confusion,” said Paul Perrett, co-CEO of Firmable. “When someone has been using a global platform and then opens ours, the difference in coverage can be genuinely disorienting. We want to reassure users that if Firmable is showing you significantly more contacts than you expected that is the platform working correctly. The data is real. The people exist. In this case, they are safely at work as finance decision makers in Australia.”

The incident is believed to be part of a broader pattern in which sales professionals transitioning from global data platform providers to Firmable report unexpectedly complete coverage across their markets. Firmable’s support team has noted a consistent theme: users assume the volume is a bug. It is not.

Unlike platforms built on recycled third-party data feeds optimised for North America, Firmable assembles its proprietary contact and account data through AI-driven web aggregation, LLM-based extraction, and continuous entity resolution across ANZ and APAC. The result is a dataset built for the region, rather than one in which the region is an afterthought.

The 15,000 recovered contacts are now available for immediate prospecting. Firmable wishes them well.

About Firmable

Firmable is Asia-Pacific’s leading AI-native sales platform. Over 1,000 customers across Australia, New Zealand, and markets in Southeast Asia use Firmable to build prospect lists, monitor buying signals, and run sales engagement on proprietary, continuously refreshed data. Firmable was co-founded by Leigh Jasper, Paul Perrett, and Karthik Venkatasubramanian, who previously scaled Aconex to a $1.6 billion acquisition by Oracle. For more information, visit firmable.com.

Village Voyage: Where China’s rural soul meets the world


FOSHAN, CHINA – Media OutReach Newswire – 31 May 2026 – As global travelers seek more diverse destinations, China has emerged as a top choice. In the first quarter of 2026, the country recorded 21.33 million border entries and exit checks involving international visitors. Among the growing array of destinations in the vast country, China’s villages have emerged as a compelling draw. To explore these gems, CGTN presents Village Voyage, a series following American host Julian Waghann and Namibian traveler Absalom Absalom through villages in Guangdong Province, located in the Pearl River Delta, north of Hong Kong. For Absalom, the journey offers what he sees as a replicable model of how villages can thrive without losing their “souls.”

IMG 8135

Ancestral halls and the scholars who never left

In Shunde’s Yang’e Village in southern Guangdong Province, Julian and Absalom step into the cultural space of a community – once the Lu Ancestral Hall, where scholar Lu Cang founded an academy after retiring from office. It is a small village but home to 14 civil and military jinshi scholars during the Ming (1368-1644) and Qing (1644-1911) dynasties, a reflection of its long-held reverence for education. A jinshi was the highest and most prestigious rank in China’s imperial civil service examination system – a scholar who passed the final court-administered exam. But the village’s living heritage does not stop at books. Here, the lion dance – an intangible cultural heritage item – passes down from old masters to children. “If they want to learn, we just provide the opportunity for the kids,” said lion dance coach Feng Jianhua. “So, they can carry forward our millennia-old culture.”

The village that gave the world kung fu

Few know Bruce Lee’s ancestral home stands in Jun’an, Shunde. Guangdong has long been the heartland of southern Chinese martial arts. Locals greet each other not with “Have you eaten?” but “Have you had your night porridge?” – a phrase that means “Have you been practicing kung fu?”

Luo Dezhi, a fifth-generation inheritor of Shaolin Wing Chun and Bruce Lee’s fellow disciple, has trained for over 50 years. “For a martial artist, virtue comes first, then a strong body,” he said. “Kung fu represents traditional Chinese culture – to strengthen the body, protect oneself, and help others.”

Soft gold from village waterways

A century ago, merchant He Mingshi shipped xiangyunsha – gambiered Canton gauze, known as “soft gold” – from Shunde’s villages down the Pearl River Delta to countries abroad, like Malaysia.

The saying goes: “A tael of gold for a tael of silk.” Today, this UNESCO-recognized intangible cultural heritage is still made by hand. “It’s way harder than it looks,” Absalom said as he tried the process. Inheritor Chen Hongfa watched and smiled. From Shunde, Guangdong, the craft reaches the world.

UNESCO gastronomy inside towns

Shunde is one of only a handful of UNESCO Cities of Gastronomy worldwide. Within Guangdong – a province famous for Cantonese cuisine – Shunde is widely regarded as its birthplace. “About ten years ago, they converted this place into a food street,” a fish skin vendor said. Now, visitors come for crispy African crucian carp skin, fried milk (a recipe unchanged since 2002), and Shunde raw fish slices. “This is the best choice I’ve made this year so far,” Absalom said. “I would never imagine tasting this in a village.”

More than a series – a travel companion

Village Voyage is more than a television feature. It is a living travel guide – a “road book” that maps Shunde’s hidden gems through detailed itineraries, rich photo essays, and short-form videos. The series expands beyond the screen with guest vlogs and first-person POV footage, placing viewers directly into the boat, the kung fu training hall, and the bustling food street. For armchair travelers and policymakers alike, it offers an immersive, replicable vision of rural development. Whether you seek cultural roots, martial arts legacy, merchant wisdom, or the simple warmth of a village meal, this series delivers it all, through the quiet rituals of daily life: a bowl of porridge, a punch practiced at dawn, a piece of silk dried in sunlight.

An open, confident rural China is not a relic. It is a flight or train ride away.

Hashtag: #CGTN

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