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Akeso Announces First Patient Enrollment in Phase III Trial of Ivonescimab for Pancreatic Cancer

HONG KONG, July 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Akeso, Inc. (9926.HK) (“Akeso” or the “Company”) is pleased to announce that the first patient has been enrolled in the pivotal/registration Phase III clinical trial (AK112-310/HARMONi-GI2) of ivonescimab, a first-in-class PD-1/VEGF bispecific antibody developed by the company. The trial is investigating ivonescimab in combination with chemotherapy, with or without ligufalimab (CD47 monoclonal antibody), for the first-line treatment of metastatic pancreatic cancer.

Pancreatic cancer remains one of the most challenging types of tumors to find effective treatments for. While immunotherapies have demonstrated significant efficacy in different types of of solid tumors, pancreatic cancer’s unique immune evasion mechanisms and its highly immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (TME) have rendered it resistant to current therapies. As a result, previous Phase III studies on using immunotherapies as first-line treatments for metastatic pancreatic cancer have mostly failed. To date, no immunotherapy has been approved for first line metastatic pancreatic cancer.

Ivonescimab, in combination with chemotherapy and/or ligufalimab, has the potential to address the current lack of effective options in first-line immunotherapy for metastatic pancreatic cancer. This randomized, controlled, multi-center Phase III trial is a key component of Akeso’s broader strategy to address the significant unmet clinical needs in global oncology.

Pancreatic cancer is an extremely aggressive form of malignancy that often result in poor patient prognosis. Its global incidence is on the rise, and the mortality rate closely mirrors the incidence, resulting in alarmingly low overall survival rates. In 2022, approximately 511,000 new cases of pancreatic cancer were diagnosed worldwide, and 467,000 deaths were recorded. Early diagnosis remains challenging, with around 80% of patients being diagnosed at an advanced stage. Even those diagnosed with early-stage or locally advanced disease may see progression to metastatic pancreatic cancer within a year following surgery or other treatments. Current first-line treatments are predominantly chemotherapies and have showed very limited success, with a median overall survival (OS) of less than one year.

PD-1 and VEGF are often co-expressed in the tumor microenvironment. As a PD-1/VEGF bispecific antibody, Ivonescimab can accumulate in the TME and effectively block both the PD-1 and the VEGF signaling pathways. While these pathways are independently active, they are also complementary.  Inhibition of both PD-1 and VEGF enhances immune cells’ ability to target and destroy tumor cells. In addition, ligufalimab binds to CD47 on tumor cells, disrupting the interaction with signal regulatory protein alpha (SIRPα) on phagocytic cells. This process boosts phagocytosis and inhibits tumor growth. The combination of ivonescimab with ligufalimab is expected to synergistically enhance anti-tumor activity, offering a potential breakthrough in the first-line treatment for metastatic pancreatic cancer.

Professor Yu Xianjun, Director of Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Professor Ying Jie‘er from Zhejiang Cancer Hospital, and Professor Tai Sheng from Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital are the co-principal investigators of HARMONi-GI2 study.

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

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

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

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

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

 

Desay Battery Unveils Proactive-Safety-Focused Energy Storage Technologies

CHANGSHA, China, July 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — On July 23, Desay Battery, a leading global provider of comprehensive energy storage solutions, held its mass production launch event in Changsha, China. The event showcased a new generation of proactive safety battery cells and systems, UPS 2.0, and Data Center Energy Integration: Source-Grid-Load-Storage Solution marking a key milestone in Desay’s mission for high-performance, safety-first technologies, bolstered by a series of strategic partnership signings aimed at accelerating regional energy structure transformation.

At the event’s core was Desay Battery’s renewed commitment to safety, which has long been the foundation of its innovation and growth. Company President Leon Cheng emphasized that safety is a top priority in product design and system architecture. Through advancements in digitalization, modularization, and intelligent manufacturing, Desay enhances battery performance while ensuring reliability and cost-efficiency. Cheng highlighted that the company’s commitment to the global energy transition is grounded in delivering safe, high-quality solutions that are built to last.

Desay Battery’s innovative safety battery cells and system highlight the company’s commitment to safety. Utilizing advanced smart manufacturing and rigorous quality control, these cutting-edge cells offer exceptional resistance to high temperatures and overcharging. Proprietary pressure sensing technology enables real-time health monitoring, while AI-driven predictive modeling provides rapid risk alerts and precise lifespan forecasts. Additionally, material-informed designs improve energy efficiency and durability, demonstrating Desay’s dedication to proactive safety through both intrinsic and active protection mechanisms.

Also unveiled was UPS 2.0, which utilizes high-discharge 8C-rate battery cells and provides emergency backup of up to 300KVA for 10 minutes. The Source-Grid-Load-Storage Solution offers a competitive LCOE of RMB 0.25/kWh, enabling data centers to save up to 79% on peak electricity costs.

Yu Qingjiao, Secretary-General of Zhongguancun New-Battery Technology-Innovation-Alliance, commended Desay Battery’s new products for addressing critical safety concerns and establishing benchmarks in lifecycle protection and integration. He described the release as an industry model that aligns with national priorities for technological safety and performance enhancement.

Recognizing that energy storage safety requires systemic collaboration, Desay Battery brought together industry experts at the event to explore the future of storage technologies, value-chain integration, and innovation-driven safety.

With its end-to-end solution capabilities and extensive design expertise, Desay Battery continues to serve global energy storage leaders with tailored lithium battery solutions. Its recent inclusion in BloombergNEF’s 2025 Q2 Energy Storage Tier 1 further affirms its standing as a globally recognized energy storage innovator.

Casio to Release MR-G with Iconic Form Finished in Traditional Japanese Tsuiki Artistry

Limited Edition G-SHOCK of Only 500 Worldwide

TOKYO, July 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Casio Computer Co., Ltd. announced today the release of a new MR-G timepiece, adding to the flagship line of the G-SHOCK brand of shock-resistant watches. The new MRG-B5000HT, featuring the iconic form of the G-SHOCK 5000 line and finished with the traditional Japanese tsuiki* hammering technique, is a timepiece of striking strength and stunning beauty. This very special timepiece is offered in a limited edition of only 500 pieces worldwide.

* A forging technique in which a metal plate is hammered to create a three-dimensional shape


The MRG-B5000HT inherits the iconic form of the first-ever G-SHOCK and takes on textural detail with bezel and bracelet individually hand-hammered by a tsuiki master craftsman, showcasing the profound beauty of the shock-resistant timepiece.

The tsuiki-finished bezel and bracelet are made of DAT55G, a special titanium alloy developed in Japan that is three times harder than pure titanium. Individually hand-hammered by master tsuiki artisan Kazuya Watanabe, the incredibly detailed pattern, unique to each watch, is forged by the shape of the chisel tip and the force with which he wields his hammer. The case’s oborogin color, the silver-gray with a unique luster of traditional sword fittings and ornaments, is achieved with diamond-like carbon (DLC) coating. The deep, shiny copper color of the screws and buttons add touches of glamor to the overall watch design.

Combining design that highlights traditional Japanese aesthetics with outstanding toughness, this is a bold and powerful MR-G worthy of the G-SHOCK flagship line.

Kazuya Watanabe
Born in 1978 in Sanjo City, Niigata Prefecture. After graduating from the Department of Arts and Crafts Design at Nagaoka Institute of Design in 2001, Watanabe joined Gyokusendo, a historic copperware factory. There, he studied traditional techniques of hammering copperware before establishing his own forge in 2005. Engaging in collaborations that span a range of genres, Watanabe explores modes and possibilities of contemporary craftsmanship.

Asia Pacific’s Mobile Sector Adds $950 Billion to GDP; On Track to Reach $1.4 Trillion by 2030, GSMA Report Reveals

New report warns of rising scams and spectrum costs as 5G poised to reach 50% of all mobile connections in Asia Pacific by 2030 

SINGAPORE, July 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Mobile technologies and services contributed US $950 billion to Asia Pacific’s economy in 2024 – 5.6% of regional GDP – according to the Mobile Economy Asia Pacific 2025 report released today by the GSMA at the Digital Nation Summit Singapore. This figure is forecasted to grow to US $1.4 trillion by 2030, as 5G, IoT and artificial intelligence continue to accelerate digital transformation across the region.

The mobile ecosystem also supported around 16 million jobs (11 million directly, 5 million indirectly) and generated over $90 billion in public revenue, excluding spectrum and regulatory fees. Between 2019 and 2024, operators invested $220 billion in 5G networks, with another $254 billion planned through 2030. However, the study cautions that rising spectrum costs and investment gaps – particularly in rural and emerging markets – could hinder progress without collaborative action.

Julian Gorman, Head of Asia Pacific at the GSMA, commented:

Mobile connectivity is the oxygen of Asia Pacific’s digital transformation – driving economic growth, innovation and inclusion. Yet our findings sound clear alarms: spectrum charges have tripled over the last decade, and 48% of the population remain offline. To sustain momentum, we need decisive action – affordable spectrum, smarter financing and collective action to tackle scams and cyber-threats.

The report also explores growing cybersecurity challenges, with scams siphoning over $1 trillion globally in 2024. In response, operators are adopting AI-based fraud detection, zero-trust architecture, and taskforces. One major initiative is ACAST – the GSMA-led Asia Pacific Cross-Sector Anti-Scam Taskforce – uniting operators and platforms across 16 countries. GSMA Open Gateway is also enabling better fraud protection via built-in identity and security features APIs.

Key findings from the Mobile Economy Asia Pacific 2025

  • Economic impact: $950 billion added to regional GDP in 2024; forecast to reach $1.4 trillion by 2030.
  • Share of GDP: 5.6% in 2024, projected to rise to 6.6% in 2030.
  • Employment: 11 million direct and 5 million indirect jobs supported in 2024.
  • Public revenues: Over $90 billion generated for governments in 2024 (excluding spectrum and regulatory fees).
  • 5G adoption: 18% of mobile connections on 5G in 2024, expected to rise to 50% by 2030.
  • Investment: Operators committed $220 billion on 5G networks from 2019–2024; $254 billion planned through 2030.
  • Rising costs: Spectrum cost-to-revenue ratios have increased from 3% in 2014 to 9% in 2023, limiting funds available for further expansion.

The Mobile Economy Asia Pacific 2025 is available to download here

Read the full press release here

 

Xinhua Silk Road: China’s TISCO leads green and low-carbon development in steel industry

BEIJING, July 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — In recent years, Taiyuan Iron and Steel (Group) or TISCO, a subsidiary of China Baowu Steel Group Corporation, has placed green and low-carbon development at the core of its sustainable development strategy. The company has been actively advancing carbon reduction, strengthening environmental governance, and embedding green principles into its corporate DNA.

 

To date, TISCO has reduced the carbon footprint of its products by over 60 percent, issued 11 Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs), and achieved a green logistics coverage rate of more than 80 percent. Green practices have been integrated throughout the entire production process, supporting the company’s transition toward a more sustainable future.

Original link: https://en.imsilkroad.com/p/346719.html

 

A List Development, a member of the comprehensive real estate company List Group, announces a new hotel resort project under the luxury hotel brand “Anantara”, marking the brand’s first entry into Japan

TOKYO, July 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — List Co., Ltd. (Representative Director and President: Naoyuki Kitami; Headquarters: Yokohama City, Kanagawa Prefecture), a comprehensive real estate company, announces that its consolidated subsidiary, List Development Co., Ltd. (Representative Director and President: Hiroyuki Kiuchi; Headquarters: Yokohama City, Kanagawa Prefecture; hereinafter “LD”), has entered into a hotel management agreement with Royal Minor Hotels Co., Ltd. (Representative Director and President: Kohei Motoyama; Headquarters: Setagaya-ku, Tokyo; hereinafter “Royal Minor Hotels”) on July 10, 2025.

At the signing event held on the same day at the Tokyo American Club, the two parties announced plans for a new luxury resort hotel under the “Anantara” brand — marking the brand’s first entry into Japan. The property, to be named Anantara Karuizawa Retreat (hereinafter “the Property”), is scheduled to open in 2030 in Karuizawa, Nagano Prefecture. Nestled in approximately 10 acres (approximately 40,000 square meters) of forestland with views of Mount Asama, the resort will feature a total of 51 guest accommodations, including suites and villas, and will be developed as a premium luxury retreat.

As a comprehensive developer that plans, develops, and produces high-quality residences and communities, List Development is engaged in a wide range of projects, including its proprietary condominium brand “List Residence” series, primarily in the Tokyo metropolitan area, as well as the development of office buildings, vacation homes, and resort properties. In recent years, the company has focused on the development of hotel condominiums and luxury residences. In December 2024, List Development completed a hotel condominium project in Hakuba Village, Nagano Prefecture. The current project marks List Development’s first venture into hotel resort development.

Anantara Karuizawa Retreat will harness the region’s year-round natural beauty and connectivity to offer travellers nature-led escapes. The property’s strategic location near the Karuizawa Hokuriku Shinkansen (bullet train) Station provides convenient access from Tokyo, which is just over an hour away by train, as well as from nearby cities such as Nagano, Kanazawa and Maebashi. Karuizawa is a favoured weekend escape getaway, renowned for its cool climate in the summer and abundant year-round outdoor attractions, including the Karuizawa Kazakoshi Park, golf courses, forests, hiking trails, hot springs and skiing. The destination’s international appeal is on the rise, especially among Asian travellers, and it is within two to three hours by train from Tokyo’s Haneda and Narita international airports.

Anantara Karuizawa Retreat will provide its guests with highly personalised service and exclusive accommodations, offering 23 suites measuring 60 to 120 sqm and 18 luxury two- and three-bedroom villas, which are being considered for future branded residence offerings, with further details to be announced as plans progress, ranging in size from 70 to 270 sqm. The villas will provide an additional 28 keys to the hotel’s inventory, with select two-bedroom villas available as 70 sqm standard and 130 sqm one-bedroom villas, bringing the total key count to 51. Guests will enjoy three on-site food and beverage outlets, including an all-day dining restaurant, a specialty concept and a bar. Wellness will be a fundamental part of the resort’s offering, centred around an Anantara Spa and onsen, and with additional wellness programming across the property. Other leisure facilities will include a swimming pool, fitness centre, library and resident’s lounge. Additionally, the property will offer flexible meeting facilities to meet the growing demand for corporate gatherings in the region. The design of Anantara Karuizawa is anticipated to blend modern design with the site’s natural surroundings, utilising natural materials such as exposed timber peaks and large windows to create harmony with the environment and offer sweeping views of Mount Asama.

Kohei Motoyama, President and CEO, Royal Minor Hotels Co., Ltd., commented:
“We are extremely proud to partner with List Development Co., Ltd. for the launch of the Anantara Karuizawa Retreat. The company brings exceptional expertise in creating luxury properties, aligning perfectly with Anantara’s philosophy of offering refined stays and distinctive design. Together, we aim to create a retreat that coexists harmoniously with Karuizawa’s rich natural surroundings and further enhances its unique appeal.”

Hiroyuki Kiuchi, President and COO, List Development Co., Ltd., commented:
“We are truly honoured to bring the renowned luxury hotel brand Anantara to Japan for the first time through this landmark project in partnership with Royal Minor. We have long been committed to enriching people’s lifestyles by creating high-quality homes and communities. In recent years, we have extended this philosophy to hotel condominiums and luxury residences, applying the know-how we have cultivated over time.

It is within this context that our vision has aligned with that of Royal Minor, resulting in the signing of this hotel management agreement.

Karuizawa is one of Japan’s premier resort destinations, offering excellent access from the Tokyo metropolitan area as well as rich natural surroundings and beautiful seasonal landscapes. We were particularly drawn to its global recognition and the growing demand among affluent travellers seeking high-quality experiences. The site also enjoys a rare vantage point overlooking Mount Asama, a symbol of Karuizawa, and we are confident that introducing the “Anantara” brand to this location will enable us to provide a truly luxurious experience that fully satisfies both the mind and body of our guests, from both Japan and abroad.

We are committed to dedicating our full efforts to ensure that this “Anantara Karuizawa Retreat” becomes a new landmark in Karuizawa and contributes to the revitalization of the local economy.”

Project Outline
Location: Happa, Karuizawa-machi, Kitasaku-gun, Nagano Prefecture
Access: Approximately 15 minutes by car from “Karuizawa” Station on the Hokuriku Shinkansen Line
Development Area: 41,933.01 sqm
Opening: 2030
Number of Guest Rooms: 23 Suites (approx. 60-120 sqm), 18 Villas with 28 rooms (approx. 70-270 sqm)

This project is currently awaiting building permit application. The content described in this press release may change in the future. Details on facilities and sales information will be announced again once finalized.

About Anantara Hotels
Anantara Hotels & Resorts are designed to maximize the unique charm of each destination within a luxurious setting, allowing travelers to experience the true essence of the locale through the brand’s attentive and personalized service. The brand has established a strong presence in Thailand, throughout Asia, the Middle East, the Indian Ocean, and Africa, and has recently expanded into major European capitals, gaining broader global recognition. Anantara currently operates 59 hotels across 25 countries.

About Minor Hotels
Minor Hotels is a global leader in the hospitality industry with over 560 hotels, resorts and branded residences across 57 countries. The group crafts innovative and insightful experiences through its hotel brands including Anantara, Elewana Collection, The Wolseley Hotels, Tivoli, Minor Reserve Collection, NH Collection, nhow, Avani, Colbert Collection, NH, Oaks, and iStay, as well as a diverse portfolio of restaurants and bars, travel experiences, and spa and wellness brands. With over four decades of expertise, Minor Hotels builds stronger brands, fosters lasting partnerships, and drives business success by always focusing on what matters most to our guests, team members and partners.

Minor Hotels is a proud member of the Global Hotel Alliance (GHA) and recognises its guests through one unified loyalty programme, Minor DISCOVERY, part of GHA DISCOVERY.

Discover our world at minorhotels.com and connect with Minor Hotels on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and YouTube.

About Royal Minor Hotels Co., Ltd.
Location: 1-34-6 Sakurashinmachi, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo
Representatives: Kohei Motoyama, President & CEO; Dilip Rajakariar, Representative Director & Vice President
Established: March 31, 2025
Business Overview: Hotel management and operation
URL: https://www.royal-minor-hotels.co.jp/

About List Development Co., Ltd.
Location: 4-47 Onoe-cho, Naka-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa Prefecture
Representative: Hiroyuki Kiuchi, President & CEO
Established: May 10, 1991
Business Overview: Planning, development, and sale of condominiums, detached houses, office buildings, and tenant buildings; Consulting on real estate sales, brokerage, and asset management; Real estate property management
URL: https://listdevelopment.jp/

About List Co., Ltd.
Location: 3-35 LIST EAST BLD., Onoe-cho, Naka-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa Prefecture
Representative: Hisashi Kitami, President & CEO
Founded: May 10, 1991
Established: May 20, 2016
Consolidated Sales: ¥56.2 billion (Fiscal Year ending December 2024)
Business Overview: Holding company, Group management
URL: https://www.list.co.jp/

In 1991, List Co., Ltd. was established as a real estate brokerage company. Since then, the company has consistently engaged in real estate-related businesses, including the development and sale of detached houses and condominiums, asset management, and urban redevelopment projects. In 2016, the company reorganized its group structure and transitioned to a holding company system, establishing the “List Group” with List Co., Ltd. at its core.

In 2010, List International Realty Co., Ltd. acquired the exclusive domestic rights to operate the real estate brokerage brand “Sotheby’s International Realty®,” which originates from one of the world’s largest auction houses, Sotheby’s. Under the brand name “List Sotheby’s International Realty,” the company has since expanded its real estate brokerage and development operations to locations including Hawaii, Singapore, Hong Kong SAR, and Thailand.

Through these businesses, the List Group remains committed to providing clients with “valuable real estate” around the world.

All other images (4pcs) – can be directly downloaded from the link below, please ensure to clearly credit the source when using these images.
Box URL: https://app.box.com/s/ugvl03yen8u7a1uib0xmzhmgpcn1pr56
*Link available until August 10,2025

Media Contact
List Group Public Relations & IR Department: Yukari Tajiri & Mayu Nishimoto
TEL: 03-6457-9401
MAIL: pr@list.co.jp 

Instructure and OpenAI Announce Global Partnership to Embed AI Learning Experiences within Canvas

First-of-its-kind integration transforms education by embedding OpenAI’s technology directly within the Canvas learning environment, empowering educators and amplifying student potential

SALT LAKE CITY and SAN FRANCISCO, July 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Instructure, the world’s leading edtech ecosystem and maker of Canvas Learning Management System (LMS) and OpenAI, the artificial intelligence research organization, today announced a global partnership that introduces a new integration that enables teachers to create Large Language Model (LLM) workflows directly in the LMS.

This groundbreaking collaboration represents a transformative step forward in education technology and will begin with, but is not limited to, an effort between Instructure and OpenAI to enhance the Canvas experience by embedding OpenAI’s next-generation AI technology into the platform.

IgniteAI announced earlier today, establishes Instructure’s future-ready, open ecosystem with agentic support as the AI landscape continues to evolve. This partnership with OpenAI exemplifies this bold vision for AI in education. Instructure’s strategic approach to AI emphasizes the enhancement of connections within an educational ecosystem comprising over 1,100 edtech partners and leading LLM providers.

“We’re committed to delivering next-generation LMS technologies designed with an open ecosystem that empowers educators and learners to adapt and thrive in a rapidly changing world,” said Steve Daly, CEO of Instructure. “This collaboration with OpenAI showcases our ambitious vision: creating a future-ready ecosystem that fosters meaningful learning and achievement at every stage of education. This is a significant step forward for the education community as we continuously amplify the learning experience and improve student outcomes.”

This initial Canvas-native functionality brings OpenAI’s technology into the classroom with educational integrity and privacy at the core of the experience:

Educator-guided, outcome-aligned AI – This integration enables educators to design learning activities that fully leverage the capabilities of OpenAI’s technology, fostering deeper engagement and more enriching educational outcomes. Educators maintain complete control over the interactions, ensuring they align with learning objectives.

Student agency meets teacher visibility – Through the integration, learners benefit from dynamic and personalized educational conversations within the Canvas LMS. Educators also gain insight into students’ assignment interactions with AI in Canvas. The learner information remains private to the Canvas user and is not shared with OpenAI.

Evidence-based learning, seamlessly integrated – As students interact with AI in Canvas, key learning evidence is captured and returned to the Gradebook — bridging AI-driven exploration with standards-aligned assessment.

Enhancing high-value educational experiences – By automating routine and low-value tasks, this integration creates space for educators and students to focus on more meaningful educational activities. Students experience personalized, adaptable learning journeys while educators gain valuable insights from learning artifacts directly captured within Canvas, reinforcing their ability to nurture higher-order skills.

“Now is the time to ensure AI benefits students, educators, and institutions, and partnerships like this are critical to making that happen,” said Leah Belsky, general manager and VP of education at OpenAI. “With Instructure’s global reach with OpenAI’s advanced AI models, we’ll give educators a tool to deliver richer, more personalized, and more connected learning experiences for students, and also help them reclaim time for the human side of teaching.”

Leading education toward the future
The global announcement by Instructure and OpenAI signals a strategic shift towards edtech and AI companies working side by side to shape the future of education and respond to the rapid pace of technological change, focusing on where education is headed. AI benefits learners most when their engagement reflects strong practices; industry partnerships can further strengthen this.

“We are harnessing powerful technology not simply because it’s innovative but because it fundamentally changes, and accelerates, the learning experience,” said Daly. “Our partnership with OpenAI clearly illustrates our commitment to delivering tools that allow educators and learners to thrive amid constant change.”

LLM-enabled assignment
The first tool Instructure is launching is a new type of assignment called the LLM-Enabled Assignment, designed to let educators create a custom GPT-like experience within Canvas. Teachers can define how AI interacts with students, set specific learning goals and objectives and determine what evidence of learning it should track. They can do this using natural language prompts or by leveraging an assistant within the assignment creation flow to guide them through the process.

“This new type of assignment allows students to have rich, casual and interactive conversations in a ChatGPT-like environment they already know they love,”  said Shiren Vijiasingam, chief product officer at Instructure. “In that process, they create visible learning evidence that teachers can confidently use, as it’s mapped to the learning objectives, rubrics and skills defined by the teacher.”

Through this tool, when students submit their assignments, teachers gain a high-level view of overall progress, key learning indicators and potential gaps, each supported by clear evidence. They can then dive into specific indicators to see exactly where and how a student demonstrated the required understanding in the conversation.

“What’s powerful about this tool is that it enables educators to assess the student’s learning process — not just the final outcome,” said Vijiasingam. “This is only the first in a set of tools we will develop with OpenAI over the coming quarters. This feature provides a meaningful way to teach students how to use these tools responsibly and effectively, all within a high-quality pedagogical framework that encourages critical thinking and supports higher-order skills.”

About OpenAI
OpenAI is an AI research and deployment company with a mission to ensure that artificial general intelligence benefits all of humanity.

About Instructure
Instructure powers the delivery of education globally and reimagines the technologies that turn teaching and learning into opportunities. Today, the Instructure ecosystem of products connects the dots for educators and institutions by improving educational experiences at every age, every stage and every transitional moment—across K-12, higher education and the workforce. We encourage you to discover more at www.instructure.com/ko.

Contact
Brian Watkins
Corporate Communications
Instructure

(801) 658-7525
brian.watkins@instructure.com
July 23, 2025

Logo – https://laotiantimes.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/instructure_logo-1.jpg 

Xinhua Silk Road: Datong rises as premier global tourism destination with 240-hour visa-free transit policy

BEIJING, July 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Datong, located in north China’s Shanxi Province, is fast becoming a premier cultural destination for international travelers. In the first half of 2025, its tourism sector experienced robust growth after the city was included among the designated areas under China’s expanded 240-hour visa-free transit policy.

This photo shows the Yungang Grottoes in Datong City in north China's Shanxi Province.
This photo shows the Yungang Grottoes in Datong City in north China’s Shanxi Province.

According to the China•Datong Tourism Development Index Report for the first half of 2025 released by Xinhua Index Research Institute, the city’s tourism development index reached a monthly average of 1,469.15 points, marking a 9.6 percent year-on-year increase.

To further enhance accessibility, a direct flight from Datong to Moscow was launched on July 6, making it easier for international visitors to explore this historic city.

A trip to Datong offers a deep dive into the richness of Chinese cultural heritage, the magnificence of artistic expression, and the profound integration of diverse ethnic groups.

As one of the key cultural settings in Chinese video game “Black Myth: Wukong”, Datong has drawn attention for its rich artistic heritage. The city features six prominent historic sites, including the Yungang Grottoes, the Hanging Temple, and the Huayan Temple. These landmarks reflect centuries of ethnic integration and artistic excellence.

Datong is also a culinary hub. Famous for its knife-cut noodles, the city offers a wide array of local dishes such as mixed hotpot, juicy flower-shaped steamed dumplings, and braised mutton, earning it growing recognition as an international food capital.

To ensure a seamless experience for international visitors, Datong has enhanced its multilingual services. Scenic spots offer smart audio guides, English signage, and online ticketing in foreign languages. Foreign currency payment systems and multilingual staff are now widely available, making Datong a friendly and accessible destination for global travelers.

Original link: https://en.imsilkroad.com/p/346756.html