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K-Food Captivates Hong Kong, the Culinary Heart of Asia

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MAFRA and aT to Participate in the “2025 Hong Kong Food Expo” with a Unified Korea Pavilion

SEOUL, South Korea, Aug. 12, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — K-Food is accelerating the pace of its global expansion to elevate the international presence of the Korean food industry.

The Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (MAFRA) and the Korea Agro-Fisheries & Food Trade Corporation (aT) announced that they will establish a Unified Korea Pavilion at the “2025 Hong Kong Food Expo,” held at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC) from August 14 to 16, 2025. A total of 43 Korean food companies and local governments will participate, showcasing not only traditional foods but also a wide selection of new K-Food items in reflection of recent global consumer trends.

KOREA Pavilion @ Food Expo 2024
KOREA Pavilion @ Food Expo 2024

  • K-Food Exhibition Featuring “Flavor” and “Convenience”

Centered around K-Food’s core image of health and “swicy” (sweet + spicy) flavor, the following product categories will be presented. In particular, products tailored to the preferences of Hong Kong consumers — who value convenience and quality — will be spotlighted.

Ginseng-based Products: Easy-to-consume processed products such as ginseng chips, ginseng pills, ginseng extract tea, wild ginseng liquor, and ginseng beer

K-Ready Meals: Instant products that require no cooking, including K-BBQ dumplings, kimchi dumplings, bibimbap, and ramen rice bowls

Spicy Dishes: Popular “swicy” ready-to-eat meals like tteokbokki (spicy rice cakes), stir-fried spicy baby octopus, and spicy glass noodles

Traditional Seasoning Products: Versatile sauces and side dishes such as multi-use gochujang, soy sauce, and fermented seafood for home-style meals

  • From Buyer Consultations to Cooking Shows… Diverse On-site Programs

At the Korea Pavilion, B2B export consultation meetings will be held with prominent local buyers to actively support participating companies in helping them expand sales channels. During the event, interactive experiences will be available for visitors, including food performances, cooking shows, and tasting sessions. Chef Choi Jun-woo, honorary ambassador for Korean beef in Hong Kong, will demonstrate live cooking of 11 K-Food dishes, including Korean beef patties (tteokgalbi), tuna mayo gimbap, and rose tteokbokki, offering a rich tasting experience for attendees.

  • “Hong Kong is a Strategic Market for K-Food Promotion”… aT

Kim Hyun-hoo, Branch director of aT’s Hong Kong office, said, “Hong Kong has high demand for premium food and strong interest in K-content.” Through this expo, we aim to showcase the unique strengths of Korean foods — especially ready meals and health products gaining global popularity — to local consumers and buyers.” He added, “We will use on-site consultations to establish a bridgehead for expanding into the Greater China market.”

CIMB Singapore unveils FX Online platform to empower SMEs with seamless cross-border transactions and guaranteed* best exchange rates in ASEAN

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FX booking* made available digitally to all SMEs without having to open a business account.

SINGAPORE, Aug. 12, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — CIMB Singapore today unveils CIMB FX Online, a digital foreign exchange (FX) solution tailored to meet the cross-border trade payments needs of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) at every stage of growth – from startups managing initial overseas vendor payments to mature businesses servicing international loans. CIMB FX Online also enables non-CIMB customers to instantly make a one-time FX booking without having to open a business account.

CIMB’s FX solution offers guaranteed best exchange rates for Singapore Dollar (SGD) to Malaysian Ringgit (MYR), Indonesian Rupiah (IDR) and Thailand Baht (THB), real-time FX pricing, and zero FX fees for the first transfer. The platform gives businesses full transparency of live exchange rates, enabling them to transact confidently without hidden fees. With simpler, faster and more cost-effective ways to managing finances, CIMB helps SMEs address common pain points like high costs, limited transparency and frequent delays in overseas payments.

“At CIMB, we are constantly innovating to meet the evolving needs of Singapore SMEs as they set their sights on overseas expansion. CIMB FX Online underscores our commitment to helping SMEs thrive across markets with a more transparent and cost-effective way to manage regional transactions. Backed by our strong digital capabilities, deep regional expertise, and customer-first approach, we remain dedicated to empowering SMEs with the tools they need to grow with confidence,” said Benjamin Tan, Head of Commercial & Transaction Banking, CIMB Singapore.

Existing CIMB Business Current Account holders can transact directly within the business banking portal, without needing to switch platforms. SMEs can trial FX Online for the first time without a CIMB business account, giving them an opportunity to have a first-hand experience of the service.

Key Features and Benefits*:

  • Best exchange rates in ASEAN: Guaranteed best rates for SGD to MYR, IDR, and THB.
  • Instant FX booking for non-customers: Enjoy a one-time FX booking without the need for a CIMB business account.
  • Zero FX fees for first transfer: No hidden costs to help business owners reduce operating costs.
  • Real-Time FX Rates: Full transparency of live exchange rates.
  • Wide currency selection: Lock in preferred exchange rates for transactions in multiple currencies.
  • Quick and secure platform: Seamless experience with an intuitive interface designed for easy navigation and secure transactions via Singpass MyInfo.

*Terms & conditions apply. For more information about CIMB FX Online, visit cimb.sg/fx-pr.  

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About CIMB

CIMB is one of ASEAN’s leading banking groups and Malaysia’s second largest financial services provider, by assets. Listed on Bursa Malaysia via CIMB Group Holdings Berhad, it had a market capitalisation of approximately RM75.2 billion as at 31 March 2025. It offers consumer banking, commercial banking, wholesale banking, transaction banking, Islamic banking and asset management products and services. Headquartered in Kuala Lumpur, the Group is present across ASEAN in Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore, Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam and Philippines. Singapore is one of its key markets with approximately 1,000 employees serving clients across consumer, commercial, wholesale and transaction banking products and services.

Beyond ASEAN, the Group has market presence in China, Hong Kong SAR and UK. CIMB has one of the most extensive retail branch networks in ASEAN with 592 branches and over 33,000 employees as at 31 March 2025. CIMB’s investment banking arm is one of the largest Asia Pacific-based investment banks, which together with its award-winning treasury & markets and corporate banking units comprise the Group’s leading wholesale banking franchise. CIMB is also the 92.5% shareholder of Bank CIMB Niaga in Indonesia, and 94.8% shareholder of CIMB Thai in Thailand.

Sustainability is a core pillar of CIMB’s Forward30 strategy and 2030 roadmap. The Group is guided by its Green, Social, Sustainable Impact Products and Services (“GSSIPS”) framework, an internal taxonomy designed to deliver impactful sustainable finance. Since launching its sustainable finance framework in 2021, CIMB has progressively raised its ambitions, increasing its initial RM30 billion target to RM100 billion for 2021–2024. The Group now targets RM300 billion in sustainable finance by 2030, reinforcing its commitment to enabling a lower-carbon and more inclusive economy across the region.

Fosun Pharma’s Small Molecule Innovative Drug XH-S004 Achieves Overseas Licensing for a Potential Total of $645 Million

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SHANGHAI, Aug. 12, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — On August 11, Fosun Pharma (SSE:600196, HKEX: 02196) announced that its subsidiary Fosun Pharma Industrial has signed a License Agreement with Expedition Therapeutics Inc.(Expedition) to grant Expedition the rights to develop, manufacture, and commercialize XH-S004, an orally administered dipeptidyl peptidase 1 (DPP-1) inhibitor independently developed by Fosun Pharma, in all regions globally except Chinese Mainland, Hong Kong SAR and Macau SAR. Fosun Pharma will retain the rights to develop, manufacture, and commercialize XH-S004 in Chinese Mainland, Hong Kong SAR and Macau SAR.

Under the agreement, Expedition will pay Fosun Pharma up to US$120 million including upfront payment and development milestone payments. In addition, based on the annual net sales of XH-004 in the licensed territories, Expedition will pay up to US$525 million in sales milestone payments as stipulated in the contract.

XH-S004 is a small molecule orally administered DPP-1 inhibitor independently developed by Fosun Pharma. It reduces inflammatory responses and blocks the infection cycle and airway structural damage by inhibiting DPP-1 and the neutrophil serine proteases activated by it. As of now, XH-S004 is in Phase II clinical trials in China for the treatment of non-cystic fibrosis bronchiectasis and in Phase 1b clinical trials for the treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease(COPD). Currently, no small molecule orally administered inhibitors with the same mechanism of action have been approved for marketing worldwide.

“We are very pleased to have reached this collaboration with Expedition. XH-S004 is an innovative drug independently developed by Fosun Pharma for the treatment of respiratory system diseases, and its unique mechanism and clinical value have been highly recognized by our partners.” Chen Yuqing, Chairman of Fosun Pharma said, “By working together with Expedition, the professional teams and rich industry experience of both parties will provide strong support for the global development and commercialization of XH-S004, further expanding the accessibility of this product and enabling global patients to benefit from this innovative therapy as soon as possible.”

“We are pleased to be working with Fosun Pharma, one of the leading pharmaceutical companies in China. XH-S004 is an exciting compound that targets neutrophilic inflammation, an important underlying driver of a number of chronic respiratory diseases.” Yi Larson, Chairman and CEO of Expedition said, “We look forward to partnering with Fosun Pharma in the development of XH-S004 for COPD and other neutrophilic inflammatory diseases to address the significant unmet medical need.”

About Fosun Pharma

Founded in 1994, Shanghai Fosun Pharmaceutical (Group) Co., Ltd. (“Fosun Pharma”; SSE: 600196, HKEX: 02196) is a leading innovation-driven global healthcare company operating in the fields of pharmaceuticals, medical devices & diagnostics, and healthcare services. Through its strategic alliance with Sinopharm Group Co., Ltd., Fosun Pharma further extends its capabilities in pharmaceutical commerce.

Over the past 30 years since its establishment, Fosun Pharma has maintained deep roots in China while strategically expanding its global presence. The company has been actively implementing its “4IN” strategy – Innovation, Internationalization, Intelligentization, and Integration, with core business operations now spanning major overseas markets including the United States, Europe, Africa, India, and Southeast Asia. At present, Fosun Pharma has established an open and globally integrated pharmaceutical R&D ecosystem, focusing on core therapeutic areas including oncology (solid tumors and hematologic malignancies) and Immune-inflammatory disorders. The company is strategically enhancing its technological leadership in antibody/ADC platforms, cell therapies, and small molecule development, while collaborating with industry funds to pioneer next-generation modalities such as radiopharmaceuticals, RNA therapeutics, gene editing, and AI-powered drug discovery. This multidimensional approach accelerates the translation of innovative therapies into clinical practice, systematically addressing critical unmet medical needs worldwide.

Looking ahead, Fosun Pharma remains anchored in its core values of “Care for life, Continuous innovation, Pursuit of excellence, and Sustainable partnership”. By advancing its global innovation engine and operational excellence, the company strives to be a global leader to integrate pharmaceutical and healthcare innovations, creating better health for families worldwide.

About Expedition

Expedition Therapeutics was incorporated in Delaware in March 2024. It is a biotechnology company specializing in the research and development of innovative therapies for autoimmune diseases with a core management team of experienced professionals with deep expertise in multinational pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies R&D, business development and operational excellence. Expedition’s current investors include several well-known investment institutions in the United States with extensive industry investment experience.

MyRepublic Completes Sale of Remaining 49.9% Stake in Broadband Business to StarHub

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SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 12 August 2025 – MyRepublic today announced that StarHub has acquired the remaining 49.9% stake in MyRepublic’s flagship broadband business. From today, StarHub has full ownership of the broadband business.

The two companies began their partnership in 2021, with StarHub acquiring a 50.1% stake for an initial consideration of S$70.8 million.

Over the past four years, this collaboration has combined StarHub’s scale and resources with MyRepublic’s innovation DNA and customer-first approach, driving steady growth in market share and profitability in the broadband division.

“MyRepublic has always sought to push the boundaries of what’s possible in connectivity,” said Malcolm Rodrigues, Founder & CEO of MyRepublic . “As a premium broadband provider especially popular with gamers and customers who care deeply about speed and reliability, we were the first to launch 1Gbps residential broadband in 2014, helping Singapore become a ‘Gig-Nation’. Together with StarHub and with the support of IMDA’s NBN 2.0 initiative, we were again first in bringing nationwide 10Gbps to market.”

With effect from today, StarHub has purchased the remaining 49.9% stake, together with certain other complementary parts of MyRepublic’s business, for a consideration of S$105.2 million.

Rodrigues added “I want to thank MyRepublic customers, employees, partners, regulators, and investors for the opportunity to build this business. Together we’ve reimagined telecom in Singapore and the region.”

“StarHub shares the same customer obsession that has always driven MyRepublic, and our combined vision over the past four years has been a powerful force in delivering this success, and we are safe in the knowledge that the MyRepublic team will continue to deliver innovation and excitement to Singapore’s broadband consumers under StarHub’s stewardship”, said Rodrigues.

The other operations and business of the company, mobile businesses in Singapore and New Zealand, under the MyRepublic and Rocket Mobile brands respectively, as well as its platform and digital business, MyRepublic Digital, will continue as usual. The non-broadband customers can be rest assured that they will continue to enjoy MyRepublic services which will only continue to improve.
Hashtag: #StarHub #MyRepublic #Broadband #GigNation





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

MyRepublic Broadband Pte Ltd

Founded in Singapore in 2011, MyRepublic is a telecommunications company primarily known for providing high speed broadband and mobile services. Headquartered in Singapore, it operates in Singapore and New Zealand and licences its platform to an operator in Brunei. MyRepublic focuses on offering competitive packages to both consumers and businesses, with a strong emphasis on digital transformation within the telecom sector. premium broadband provider known for speed, reliability, and customer-first innovation, serving residential and business customers in Singapore.

eefit Returns to the International Academic Stage — Patented Far Infrared Technology Praised by Nobel Laureate and Renowned Scientists

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HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 12 August 2025 – With a rapidly increasing aging population, chronic non-communicable diseases and sub-health problems faced by middle-aged and elderly people have become even more prominent. Modern medicine has standardised our current diagnosis and treatment system, especially in the intervention of acute symptoms and pathological control. However, in the face of health needs such as long-term management of chronic diseases and conditioning of sub-health problems, which require a “holistic view” and “continuous repair”, its limitations in areas such as healthcare, functional restoration, and improvement of quality of life are gradually becoming apparent.

eefit

In the context of improving the lifestyle and functional regulation of middle-aged and elderly people, we seek to help improve their health in a gentle and sustainable manner by exploring new health protection paths outside of traditional medicine.

​​“The 9th Young Scholars Conference on Ion Channels and Receptors & Forum on Biophysics and Innovative Drug Discovery” was held in June 2025. As a leading energy healthcare technology company, “eefit” became the focus of the event, revealing to the world the innovative application of their patented far infrared technology in healthcare, with results verified by internationally renowned academics and authorities. The benefit provides systematic health management solutions for the middle-aged and elderly population through non-invasive and non-drug methods, creating a new chapter in health technology.

Recognized by Nobel Laureate and Renowned Scientists, eefit Far Infrared Technology is Acclaimed by International Authorities

Organized by the Macau University of Science and Technology (M.U.S.T.), this forum brought together experts in various disciplines from around the world, including neuroscientists and biophysicists. In attendance was 1991 Nobel Laureate in Physiology or Medicine Dr. Erwin Neher, who attended the event as the keynote speaker. It’s worth noting that eefit has been collaborating closely with “Dr. Neher’s Biophysics Laboratory for Innovative Drug Discovery” since 2021, promoting transformative scientific research in far infrared technology.

On a similar note, Prof. Vincent Wong of M.U.S.T. (among the top 2% of scientists in the world) introduced the significant effects of eefit’s patented far infrared technology in improving intestinal microecology, regulating cell immunity, and alleviating symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis. His team’s latest research has confirmed that this technology not only can enhance cerebral blood flow and reduce brain damage in patients with ischemic stroke but can also provide an innovative solution for rehabilitation treatment.

Far Infrared Technology is Changing Our Lives

eefit Has Constructed an All-encompassing “Prevention + Maintenance + Restoration” Health Management System

The middle-aged and elderly population is plagued by health issues, such as chronic pain, sleep disorders, immune system disorders, and Alzheimer’s disease. eefit provides comprehensive solutions to address these issues through developing innovative healthcare products. At the forum, experts gathered at the booth set up by eefit to experience firsthand how technology redefines the health management of the elderly.

Case 1: Disease prevention – protecting brain health at the source

eefit’s patented technology reduces the risk of Alzheimer’s disease by reducing Aβ deposits and abnormal tau proteins. The latest research paper presented on-site showed that eefit far infrared energy can penetrate the blood-brain barrier, intervene in pathological protein aggregation, and build a strong line of defense for brain health.

Case 2: Brain healthcare – improving stroke sequelae and neurological function

For patients suffering from sequelae of stroke, eefit Luminous Energy Helmet and Meridian Pro Illuminator can promote microcirculation in the head and improve cerebral blood flow. The research conducted by the research team of Prof. Vincent Wong has confirmed that this technology can reduce stroke sequelae symptoms and dizziness. An expert user at the forum excitedly shared his feedback, “I am a loyal fan of eefit products. I wear the Luminous Energy Helmet for 20 minutes daily. After one month, I find my memory improved, and I don’t get dizzy as often.”

Case 3: Chronic pain management – quick relief for joint and muscle pain

In the field of pain management, products like EEFit Lite can accurately irradiate pain points and inhibit the release of inflammatory factors. Experts verified that “10 minutes of irradiation can reduce knee pain on a pain scale from 6 to 3, with effects lasting for more than 2 hours”.

Case 4: Sleep quality – natural relief for nervous system

eefit far infrared technology can relieve insomnia by regulating nervous system functions. eefit data shows that after daily use for 2 weeks, over 80% of users experienced a 50% reduction in the time they took to fall asleep, as well as an increased duration of deep sleep.

Case 5: Digestive system repair – two-way regulation of intestinal microecology

eefit far infrared energy achieves two-way regulation of gut microbiota in an innovative manner by inhibiting the excessive proliferation of pathogens while promoting the growth of beneficial bacteria and regulating the imbalance of intestinal microecology. Experimental data shows that after two weeks of intervention, the alpha diversity of gut microbiota (Chao1 index) increased by 30%, and abdominal bloating decreased by 45%.

Nobel Laureate Dr. Neher and Prof. Vincent Wong expressed that the eefit technology system demonstrates innovation and practicality at the international forefront, establishing a new model for the health management of the elderly.

Integrating Industry, Academia and Research: Innovative Paths Leading Industry Development

eefit first introduced far infrared technology into health management through independent technology R&D and commercialization execution, which then attracted collaboration with reputable scientific research institutions. This closed-loop ecosystem of “Demand-Driven Innovation” demonstrates benefit’s ability to focus on the core benefits of products by starting from users’ pain points then feeding back technological improvements into scientific research.

At the forum banquet, eefit’s Founder and Chairman Prof. Nick Wang remarked, “We are honoured, looking back on our eight-year partnership between eefit and the research laboratory. This period of collaboration with deep integration of industry, academia and research has not only pioneered groundbreaking research but also produced fruitful scientific and technological achievements.” He emphasized that eefit has always been “user demand-oriented” at its core, by first verifying the value of technology through market research and then extending the application boundaries with the help of prominent scientific researchers to achieve a seamless connection “from lab to real life”.

The Future is Here: eefit’s Multi-dimensional Layout is Leading a New Era of Far Infrared Healthcare Technology

eefit’s future development focuses on three strategic directions: In terms of scaling technological capabilities, they will continue to increase their investment on R&D and explore new boundaries of far infrared technology applications in more areas that impact human health; In terms of advancing global collaboration, they will strengthen partnerships with notable international scientific research institutions and accelerate the process of global adoption; In the field of inclusive health accessibility, they will popularize home healthcare solutions through verified consumer-level healthcare products such as EEFit Lite, Chi Vitaliser, and Luminous Energy Helmet; and they will continue to pioneer the extension of far infrared technology in the field of health supplements, building an all-encompassing health management system of “External healthcare devices + Internal balancing nutrition”.

As a leading energy healthcare technology company in Hong Kong, eefit’s all-encompassing health management system has been universally recognized by respected international scientists. Leveraging their pioneering edge in commercialisation and the ability to transform based on scientific research, eefit will continue to spearhead global innovation of far infrared healthcare technology, ensuring the benefits of science-backed wellness reach everyone.

Hashtag: #eefit


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

About “The 9th Young Scholars Conference on Ion Channels and Receptors & Forum on Biophysics and Innovative Drug Discovery”

This forum was jointly organized by the Branch of Ion Channels & Receptors, Chinese Neuroscience Society, and Macau University of Science and Technology (M.U.S.T.). It is an important academic event in China focusing on the field of ion channels and receptors. This forum has been held for eight consecutive years and is an important platform for promoting cutting-edge research, innovative drug development and cooperation, and international academic exchanges.

Stripe users can now accept Pix in Brazil via EBANX

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Coverage of Brazilian payment methods expanded for businesses on Stripe to process cross-border payments

SAN FRANCISCO and CURITIBA, Brazil, Aug. 12, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — EBANX, a global technology company specializing in payment services for emerging markets, has deepened its four-year partnership with programmable financial services company Stripe to expand coverage of Brazilian payment methods worldwide. Businesses on Stripe can now offer Pix, the popular instant payment method developed by the Central Bank of Brazil. They are now able to process Pix payments from Brazilian customers in Brazilian Reais, with settlements available in the merchant’s domestic currency. 

Brazil's e-commerce growth powered by Pix
Brazil’s e-commerce growth powered by Pix

“Our partnership with EBANX is important for increasing Stripe users’ reach in Brazil, Latin America’s largest market. For global commerce today, enabling how customers pay is often just as important as what’s being sold. Customers prefer payment methods they know and trust, which directly impacts the bottom line. Our research found businesses on Stripe that offered at least one additional relevant payment method beyond cards grew revenue by 12% and improved conversion by 7% on average,” said Krishnan Rajagopalan, global head for Expansion, Strategics and Incubation Partnerships at Stripe.   

EBANX’s analysis of data from Payments and Commerce Market Intelligence (PCMI), the World Bank, and the Central Bank of Brazil revealed similar conclusions: by offering local payment methods in cross-border transactions, global e-commerce companies can reach twice as many consumers in Brazil compared to relying solely on international acquirers. EBANX’s data showed that merchants offering Pix experienced a 16% increase in revenue and a 25% growth in consumers within six months.

“Working with Stripe to offer Pix is a no-brainer. There are 60 million people in Brazil who lack a credit card. Meanwhile, 93% of Brazilian adults use Pix and, by the end of this year, its usage is projected to surpass credit cards in online purchases, according to PCMI in EBANX’s study Beyond Borders 2025. Working together with Stripe ultimately empowers Brazilian consumers and businesses to participate more fully in the global economy,” stated João Del Valle, CEO and Co-founder of EBANX. 

Both businesses directly integrated with Stripe and those using large e-commerce management platforms that use Stripe’s infrastructure can now offer Pix for cross-border transactions.

B2B businesses also stand to gain by transacting through Pix, which offers security and streamlines high-value payments. According to Beyond Borders 2025, it currently accounts for 51% of the value of online sales between businesses, more than double the value of consumer e-commerce transactions at 20%. Boleto Bancário, a type of bank slip that can be paid both online and offline, ranks second after Pix with 25% of online B2B value transacted in Brazil.

ABOUT STRIPE

Stripe is building programmable financial services for millions of businesses globally. Millions of companies use Stripe to accept payments online and in person, embed financial services, power custom revenue models, and build a more profitable business.

Headquartered in San Francisco and Dublin, Stripe processes over $1.4 trillion of payments annually, equivalent to 1.3% of global GDP. Stripe users include half of the Fortune 100, 80% of the Forbes Cloud 100 and 74% of the Forbes AI 50. 

Through its scale and investments in R&D—particularly artificial intelligence and stablecoins—Stripe accelerates the utility of frontier technology in the global economy.

For further information, please visit:

Website: https://stripe.com 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/stripe/ 

ABOUT EBANX

EBANX is the leading payments platform connecting global businesses to the world’s fastest-growing digital markets. Founded in 2012 in Brazil, EBANX was built with a mission to expand access to international digital commerce. Leveraging proprietary technology, deep market expertise, and robust infrastructure, EBANX enables global companies to offer hundreds of local payment methods and streamline cross-border payments across Latin America, Africa, and Asia. More than just payments, EBANX drives growth, enhances sales, and delivers seamless purchase experiences for businesses and end-users alike.

For further information, please visit:

Website: https://www.ebanx.com/en/ 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ebanx

Media Contact:
Shan Huang
shan.huang@ahgstrategies.com

FOOD & HOSPITALITY MALAYSIA 2025 CULTIVATES FUTURE-READY INDUSTRY SOLUTIONS

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Malaysia’s premier food and hospitality trade show returns in September with new features, alongside FutureFWD Conference by Saladplate

KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia, Aug. 12, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Food & Hospitality Malaysia (FHM) 2025, the nation’s premier trade-only exhibition for the food and hospitality industry, is making its highly-anticipated return to the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre (KLCC) from 23-26 September 2025. Now in its 18th edition, the event remains the definitive platform for food and hospitality professionals to connect, innovate, and drive industry transformation – united under the theme “Cultivating Solutions for the Food and Hospitality Industry.”

Gerard Leeuwenburgh, Country General Manager of Informa Markets Malaysia, speaking during the panel session at the PC, alongside event partners (from L to R) Chef Soon Pau Voon (Co-organising Chairman, Malaysia Pastry Week 2025), David Leong (Organising Chairman, Coffee Mixology Challenge – Zero Proof, and MFBEA-PCC), Shirley Lai (Organising Chairlady, Culinaire Malaysia 2025 and Vice President, Malaysian Association of Hotels (MAH)), and Rick Chee (Founder, Food Aid Found Aid Foundation).
Gerard Leeuwenburgh, Country General Manager of Informa Markets Malaysia, speaking during the panel session at the PC, alongside event partners (from L to R) Chef Soon Pau Voon (Co-organising Chairman, Malaysia Pastry Week 2025), David Leong (Organising Chairman, Coffee Mixology Challenge – Zero Proof, and MFBEA-PCC), Shirley Lai (Organising Chairlady, Culinaire Malaysia 2025 and Vice President, Malaysian Association of Hotels (MAH)), and Rick Chee (Founder, Food Aid Found Aid Foundation).

Organised by Informa Markets Malaysia, FHM 2025 is set to host over 1,500 participating brands and companies from 15 countries, with more than 25,000 trade visitors expected to attend. The four-day showcase will feature cutting-edge products, emerging industry trends, and breakthrough innovations, making it a must-attend for food and hospitality professionals across Southeast Asia.

A press conference held today at KLCC marked the countdown to the event, with Gerard Leeuwenburgh, Country General Manager of Informa Markets Malaysia, alongside representatives from key industry associations, the Malaysian Food and Beverage Executives Association – Professional Coffee Connoisseurs (MFBEA-PCC), Food Aid Foundation and organising committees of the various FHM 2025’s featured programmes.

“FHM 2025 is where tradition meets transformation,” said Gerard Leeuwenburgh, Country General Manager of Informa Markets Malaysia. “This year’s edition is designed to respond to the evolving needs of food and hospitality professionals, offering innovative solutions, strategic networking opportunities, and immersive experiences that drive long-term business growth.”

“Our expansion to all 11 halls at KLCC reflects the event’s growing scale and our commitment to addressing every industry facet, from equipment and supplies to ingredients, services, and technology solutions,” Leeuwenburgh added. To deliver on this comprehensive vision, this year’s event introduces several exciting new elements that spotlight product innovation, future-forward experiences, and cross-border collaboration:

  • International Signature Hall – A curated zone for premium international brands showcasing exclusive products and solutions.
  • Brew & Bake Hall – Dedicated to coffee culture, artisan beverages, and baked goods, featuring the latest equipment, ingredients, and techniques.
  • Malaysia Pastry Week – Featuring the World Pastry Cup – Team Malaysia National Selection organised by Club Coupe du Monde de la Pâtisserie Team Malaysia, alongside the return of the crowd favourite Pastry Innovation Lab presented by Boulangerie Malaysia.
  • Coffee Mixology Challenge – Zero Proof presented by BACFREE – Organised by MFBEA-PCC, this competition redefines beverage innovation as Malaysia’s top baristas craft sophisticated non-alcoholic coffee creations, a direct response to the sober curious movement.

“The rise of zero-proof beverages signals a new era of inclusive, conscious hospitality,” said David Leong, Organising Chairman of the Coffee Mixology Challenge – Zero Proof. “This innovative challenge celebrates the extraordinary sophistication and technical skill required to create alcohol-free beverages that are every bit as complex, nuanced, and memorable as their traditional counterparts.”

Building on its legacy of excellence, FHM 2025 proudly brings back its signature programmes that have long been crowd favourites, the 17th edition of Culinaire Malaysia organised by the Malaysian Association of Hotels (MAH), with Professional Culinaire Association (PCA) and Malaysian Food and Beverage Executives Association (MFBEA) as joint organisers, Housekeeping Malaysia in collaboration with Malaysia Association of Housekeepers (MAHIR), and Trend Talk.

Complementing the main exhibition, FHM 2025 will feature FutureFWD – Hospitality, Food & Beverage, a high-impact, one-day conference organised by Saladplate, in partnership with FHM. Taking place on 25 September 2025 at EQ Kuala Lumpur, this future-focused forum will bring together industry leaders, innovators, and trendsetters to explore the key forces shaping the next era of food and hospitality, including sustainability, technology integration, shifting consumer expectations, cutting-edge hospitality design, and transformative guest experiences.

The conference will feature distinguished speakers including Sarissa RodriguezSchwartz, CEO of SJS Hospitality Group; Oliver Truesdale-Jutras, ReGrowth Founder and Chef/ Founder of Folia Malaysia; Summer Le, Chef/Founder of Nen DaNang; Kristian Olsen, Founder and Managing Director of Type A; Emma Maxwell, Founder of Emma Maxwell Studio; Paul Gabie, CEO of ecoSpirits; and Debbie Yong, Founder of Atypical Media. Beyond business, FHM 2025 continues its commitment to sustainability through the Food Share Initiative, partnering with Food Aid Foundation, collecting untouched food items daily for distribution to community kitchens across Kuala Lumpur. “Events like FHM play a crucial role in addressing food security and sustainability challenges. By uniting industry leaders, innovators, and changemakers, we create powerful opportunities to discuss, develop, and implement meaningful solutions that benefit not only businesses but entire communities across Malaysia and throughout the region,” said Rick Chee, Founder of the Food Aid Foundation.

Trade professionals are encouraged to register early at www.foodandhotel.com. Registration is free until 21 September 2025. A fee of RM100 will apply for all registrations after this date, whether online or on-site. For more information about Food & Hospitality Malaysia 2025, visit FHM official event website at www.foodandhotel.com.

About Food & Hospitality Malaysia

Food & Hospitality Malaysia (FHM) is the nation’s premier trade-only exhibition dedicated to the food, beverage, and hospitality industry. Since its inception in 1993, this biennial event has been the leading business platform for professionals to discover the latest innovations, forge strategic partnerships, and drive industry growth. Organised by Informa Markets Malaysia, FHM brings together thousands of professionals – including suppliers, distributors, chefs, hoteliers, and decision-makers. The event features a dynamic mix of international showcases, high-level conferences, and celebrated competitions such as Culinaire Malaysia, Housekeeping Malaysia, Malaysia Pastry Week, and the FutureFWD – Hospitality, Food & Beverage conference. With more than 1,500 participating brands and over 25,000 trade visitors expected, FHM offers unparalleled exposure for sponsors and partners. It also provides a wealth of content opportunities for media covering key topics like sustainability, digital transformation, and the future of hospitality. For more information, visit www.foodandhotel.com.

About Informa Markets

 Informa Markets (www.informamarkets.com ) creates platforms for industries and specialist markets to trade, innovate, and grow. Our portfolio is comprised of more than 550 international B2B events and brands in markets including Healthcare & Pharmaceuticals, Infrastructure, Construction & Real Estate, Fashion & Apparel, Hospitality, Food & Beverage, and Health & Nutrition, among others. We provide customers and partners around the globe with opportunities to engage, experience, and do business through face-to-face exhibitions, specialist digital content, and actionable data solutions. As the world’s leading exhibition organiser, we bring a diverse range of specialist markets to life, unlocking opportunities and helping them to thrive 365 days of the year.

From L to R: Chef Soon Pau Voon (Co-organising Chairman, Malaysia Pastry Week 2025), David Leong (Organising Chairman, Coffee Mixology Challenge – Zero Proof, and MFBEA-PCC), Gerard Leeuwenburgh (Country Manager, Informa Markets Malaysia), Shirley Lai (Organising Chairman, Culinaire Malaysia 2025), and Rick Chee (Founder, Food Aid Foundation).
From L to R: Chef Soon Pau Voon (Co-organising Chairman, Malaysia Pastry Week 2025), David Leong (Organising Chairman, Coffee Mixology Challenge – Zero Proof, and MFBEA-PCC), Gerard Leeuwenburgh (Country Manager, Informa Markets Malaysia), Shirley Lai (Organising Chairman, Culinaire Malaysia 2025), and Rick Chee (Founder, Food Aid Foundation).

Key representatives of Food & Hospitality Malaysia 2025's event partners, and sponsors at the FHM 2025 press conference on 11 August 2025.
Key representatives of Food & Hospitality Malaysia 2025’s event partners, and sponsors at the FHM 2025 press conference on 11 August 2025.

Agoda Unveils Top Visa-Free Asian and European Destinations for South Korean Travelers

By
Advertorial Desk
-

– Japan, Vietnam, and Thailand top the list in Asia, while Italy, Spain, and France lead the rankings in Europe

SEOUL, South Korea, Aug. 12, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — With summer vacations in full swing and travelers looking ahead to the upcoming long Chuseok holiday, “visa-free travel” is gaining popularity for its convenience and simplicity. Digital travel platform Agoda has revealed a list of the top visa-free destinations in Asia and Europe where South Koreans can stay for over 30 days, based on accommodation searches on Agoda by South Korean travelers during the first five months of 2025.

In Asia, Japan ranked first, driven by the continued weakening of the yen, geographic proximity, and expanded flight options. Vietnam, Thailand, Philippines, and Taiwan followed to round out the top five, due to their affordability and accessibility via short-haul flights.

Notably, China (+202%) and Kazakhstan (+187%) emerged as trending visa-free destinations in Asia exhibiting the highest growth in interest from South Korean travelers. The increase is attributed to China’s newly implemented visa-free entry policy, which was implemented in November 2024. Meanwhile, interest in Central Asia is rising among travelers seeking lesser-known and unique destinations beyond the usual hotspots.

In Europe, Italy topped the list, followed by Spain, France, Switzerland, and Germany. Italy’s enduring appeal is attributed to its rich historical heritage and vibrant cultural scene. The destination captivates travelers with its breathtaking natural landscapes and diverse culinary experiences. Moreover, it continues to resonate with South Korean travelers, particularly for the chance to explore iconic filming locations from the beloved classic “Roman Holiday,” a film cherished by many South Koreans.

Jay Lee, Country Director, South Korea at Agoda, said, “As visa-free destinations continue to gain traction thanks to their accessibility and convenience, markets like China and those in Central Asia are emerging as new favorites alongside long-standing popular destinations such as Japan, Vietnam, and destinations in Europe. Agoda is thrilled to support more frictionless travel, making it easier for everyone to explore the world with great deals on accommodations, flights, and activities.”

With over 6 million holiday properties, 130,000 flight routes, and 300,000 activities available, Agoda makes it easy to plan the visa-free getaway. Visit Agoda.com/deals or download the Agoda mobile app for the best deals.

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