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INCUBASE Studio Debuts New Curation “Dragon Ball: Heroes Rise” Asia Tour in Thailand, Expanding Its Creative Portfolio of Immersive IP Curations Across Asia

HONG KONG, Aug. 15, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — INCUBASE Studio proudly unveils its latest original curation, “Dragon Ball: Heroes Rise”, marking its debut in Bangkok, Thailand at ICONSIAM from August 1 to October 19, 2025. This large-scale immersive experience celebrates the legendary Dragon Ball franchise, reimagined through INCUBASE Studio‘s distinctive approach to narrative-led design, interactive storytelling and emotionally charged fan engagement.

Representatives gathered on stage for the opening ceremony of “Dragon Ball: Heroes Rise” Asia Tour in Thailand, celebrating the grand launch together with fans.
Representatives gathered on stage for the opening ceremony of “Dragon Ball: Heroes Rise” Asia Tour in Thailand, celebrating the grand launch together with fans.

Curated in close collaboration with TOEI Animation, the experience takes visitors on a dynamic journey through the defining eras of Goku and other iconic characters who constantly push their limits in pursuit of strength and worthy rivals. Life-sized character installations, meticulously recreated animation scenes, interactive game challenges and photo spots are woven together in a story-driven flow, capturing the series’ energy, humour and heart. Inspired by the tension and spectacle of its most iconic battles, the design ensures every encounter draws visitors deeper into the Dragon Ball universe.

“As the curator of this exhibition, we are honoured to bring this legendary world to life through INCUBASE’s creativity and imagination, transforming it into a brand-new immersive experience for fans to see in a whole new light,” said Sion Yip, Founder and CEO of INCUBASE Studio. “I believe this journey will resonate deeply with fans, rekindling the excitement and joy of those cherished days.”

The launch of “Dragon Ball: Heroes Rise” Asia Tour comes as INCUBASE Studio‘s other acclaimed curations continue to captivate audiences across Asia. In Hong Kong, the debut “Crayon Shinchan: Space & Time Adventure Interactive Exhibition” has entered its highly anticipated second phase and will conclude on 31 August. In Seoul, The Conjuring Universe Tour is delivering a spine-chilling, walk-through horror experience from 26 July to 19 October, immersing visitors in the terrifying world of the blockbuster film series. Meanwhile, the One Piece “The Great Era of Piracy” Exhibition Asia Tour has just wrapped its seventh stop in Shanghai, with its eighth stop now running in Taiwan from 21 June to 19 October, continuing to bring the beloved pirate adventure to fans across the region.

These milestones reflect INCUBASE Studio‘s unwavering passion for creating immersive, authentic and culturally resonant experiences. Every curation is carefully crafted to merge compelling storytelling with design innovation, transforming beloved IPs into multi-sensory worlds that engage, inspire and connect people. With a growing portfolio that spans genres, generations and geographies, INCUBASE Studio remains dedicated to setting new benchmarks in exhibition experiences, continuing to expand its creative footprint across Asia and beyond.

About INCUBASE Studio
INCUBASE Studio curates diverse IP-themed exhibition experiences that celebrate and connect fandoms worldwide. The Studio brings stories to life by blending captivating content with engaging installations and interactive devices. Since its establishment in Hong Kong in 2021, INCUBASE Studio has been committed to realising and promoting Touring Experiences across Asia, pushing the boundaries of physical venues and experiences.

In 2024, INCUBASE Studio established INCUBASE Arena in Hong Kong and Malaysia as hubs for Japanese anime culture and entertainment experiences, continuously hosting a variety of popular anime IP exhibitions and related events to build a vibrant community for anime fans in both regions and the surrounding areas.
www.incubasestudio.com 

 

Clarivate Partners with the University of Melbourne to Transform Library Systems

Delivering World-class Solutions and Services to Drive Academic Success

LONDON, Aug. 15, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Clarivate Plc (NYSE: CLVT), a leading provider of transformative intelligence, has signed an agreement with the University of Melbourne, Australia’s leading university, to provide a comprehensive suite of library solutions and services. The solutions include Alma, Primo, Leganto, Rapido and Library Open Workflows, encompassing library management systems, information resource discovery, sharing and subject reading lists. This collaboration will provide the University of Melbourne with a world-class library systems platform that is purpose-fit, efficient, and user-focused.

The solutions will enable library users to access resources through advanced discovery systems, streamline operations and enhance data-driven decision-making. By integrating academic artificial intelligence (AI) and linked data, these solutions will enhance teaching and learning, research and broader community scholarly experience.

Asaf Kline, Vice President of Academic Libraries solutions, Clarivate said: “The collaboration between the University of Melbourne and Clarivate dates back two decades. We are very proud to collaborate with the University again to transform its library systems and drive scholarly success. Our proven solutions enable libraries to enhance their operational efficiency and effectiveness, driving impactful change and delivering improved user experiences for both students and faculty. At Clarivate, we are always committed to helping academic institutions think forward by connecting them to trusted content, deep expertise and responsible innovation.”

Gwenda Thomas, Director, Scholarly Services and University Librarian at the University of Melbourne, said: “Our important work in Scholarly Services builds and manages one of the most diverse and significant collections of scholarly and research resources in Australia. The implementation of the Alma platform will align the University with leading institutions globally, as it is a proven, flexible, and integrated solution currently used by over 2,700 libraries worldwide.”

About Clarivate
Clarivate is a leading global provider of transformative intelligence. We offer enriched data, insights & analytics, workflow solutions and expert services in the areas of Academia & Government, Intellectual Property and Life Sciences & Healthcare.

For more information, please visit www.clarivate.com 

Media contact:
Jack Wan, External Communications Director
newsroom@clarivate.com 

About the University of Melbourne
Established in 1853, the University of Melbourne is one of Australia’s oldest universities and the first in Victoria. Today, the University’s vibrant community comprises over 77,000 students, including 46 per cent international students from more than 150 countries, who are supported by over 13,000 academic and professional staff. A network of more than 500,000 alumni around the world attests to the transformative impact of a University of Melbourne education. The University is home to nine faculties with state-of-the-art facilities and a commitment to interdisciplinary collaboration, it remains a driving force in shaping the future through impactful research. The University’s commitment to excellence has earned its place among the world’s best universities, delivering education and research outcomes that are global in reach, ambition and impact.

Media contact:
media-enquiries@unimelb.edu.au | +61 3 8344 4123

 

Global Times: From mines to green hills – two generations witness 20 years of China’s ecological development miracle under ‘two mountains’ concept

BEIJING, Aug. 15, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — August’s summer heat is no match for the lively atmosphere in Yucun.

In front of a stone tablet inscribed “lucid waters and lush mountains are invaluable assets,” tourists often stop to take photos. From the village post office, vibrant rice paddies stretch all the way to the foot of the mountains, swaying in the breeze. Parents ride shared e-bikes with their children along country paths, feeling the air filled with fresh scent of bamboo and tea – this is the bucolic lifestyle many people now long for.

It’s hard to imagine that 20 years ago, this was a mining village shrouded in dust and filled with the din of quarries. From “selling ore” to “selling scenery,” to “selling lifestyle and quality,” this development path is deeply etched in the memories of residents in Yucun.

During an inspection tour to Yucun on August 15, 2005, Xi Jinping, then secretary of the Zhejiang Provincial Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC), for the first time put forward the concept of “lucid waters and lush mountains are invaluable assets.”

Pan Wenge, who was on site for Xi’s field visit and symposium in Yucun, and later served as Yucun village Party chief, is a key witness and promoter of the concept’s inception and practice in the village. Now a member of the Party Committee at the Anji County Party School, Pan recently told the Global Times how that day changed the future of the village, as well as many people’s life trajectories.

In Volume V of the book series Xi Jinping: The Governance of China, President Xi emphasized that “I hope our whole society acts now to promote and apply the concept that lucid waters and lush mountains are invaluable assets. Through solid and sustained efforts, we will make a greater contribution to building a clean and beautiful world,” in the article titled “Promote and Apply the Concept that Lucid Waters and Lush Mountains Are Invaluable Assets.” This is Xi’s directive on the first National Ecology Day on August 14, 2023.

Today, more and more young people are travelling to Yucun, to Anji to start careers there, becoming a new generation of “two mountains” concept practitioners. The seeds planted 20 years ago are now taking root in many people’s lives, growing toward broader horizons.

A 20-Year Green Transition

On August 15, 2005, when Pan attended the symposium, he was a young official in Yucun village, and the only university graduate there. For the day, he made a trip to the county town to buy a white shirt.

At the time, Pan silently made a vow to lead Yucun onto a long-term path of green development and build a “paradise of bamboos and peach trees.”

Yucun was, in fact, under great pressure to explore economic transformation. In the 1980s and 1990s, thanks to high-quality limestone resources, the village had become the “richest village” in Anji. At its peak, Yucun boasted three mines, one cement plant, and over 100 tractors shuttling back and forth.

However, this model of “living off the mountain” came at the cost of an overexploited environment – vegetation was destroyed, air was polluted, rivers had been turned black, and pedestrians were perpetually covered in dust.

For Pan, a Yucun native, the childhood memories of peach and plum trees in front of homes and clear blue skies had long disappeared.

According to the Xinhua News Agency, in December 2002, Xi, then secretary of the Zhejiang Provincial Committee of the CPC, proposed during the second plenary session of the 11th provincial Party committee the active implementation of a sustainable development strategy, aiming to build a “Green Zhejiang.” Using the construction of an ecological province as the main vehicle, the province should strive to achieve coordinated development among the population, resources, environment, and the economy.

In June 2003, Zhejiang Province launched the “Thousand Villages Demonstration and Ten Thousand Villages Renovation” project, with the aim of comprehensively renovating ten thousand administrative villages in the province and building a thousand key villages of them into all-round well-off model villages.

Guided by the policy, the officials of Yucun village made the resolute decision to close its quarries and cement factory, and began exploring the development of ecological tourism.

On August 15, 2005, Xi visited Yucun and highly affirmed its approach. According to Xinhua, Xi noted that in the past, we said we want both lucid waters and lush mountains, and invaluable assets. In fact, lucid waters and lush mountains are invaluable assets – they themselves have value.

The proposal of the “two mountains” concept further strengthened the confidence of Yucun officials and villagers in pursuing green development. Pan recalled that in the years that followed, Yucun undertook mine rehabilitation, expanded greenery, and mobilized villagers to clean ditches, repair roads, and repaint walls, transforming the previously shabby village into public spaces resembling scenic spots.

In addition, the previously scattered household workshops and small factories were reorganized into collective businesses such as farm stays, specialty product sales, and experience-based tourism. For the first time, villagers realized that working together could also generate wealth.

Before each step was taken, Pan would clearly explain the financial and logic, striving to safeguard villagers’ interests. Though disagreements inevitably arose, the villagers’ sincerity and reasonableness helped resolve conflicts.

Yucun’s exploration ultimately paid off. The implementation of the “two mountains” concept has led to significant ecological improvement, economic growth, and social progress.

Today, in this small village of only 4.86 square kilometers, hundreds of thousands of tourists visit annually.

According to Pan, more than 100 households in the village now run their own businesses, from farm stays to specialty stores, experience centers to social media hotspots. Business is booming, popularity is rising, and with that, villagers’ incomes and life satisfaction have increased.

“After 20 years of development, mountains turned green, waters became clear, and every household has a business, with expanding range. We don’t need to leave the village to find work anymore,” said Pan Chunlin, owner of Chunlin Mountain Lodge in Yucun.

“The concept of ‘lucid waters and lush mountains are invaluable assets’ has not only significantly raised our income and happiness, but also changed the fate of several generations of our family,” he said.

Xi returned to Yucun 15 years later during an inspection tour in Zhejiang in March 2020. He said time had flown, but memories of that year were still vivid. This time, what he saw was completely different, and the vision of a beautiful countryside had become reality in Yucun. The village’s achievements prove that the path of green development is correct, and once chosen, it must be followed through.

New Generation of Practitioners

On the lawn in Yucun, frisbees arc through the air in the hands of young people. The “most beautiful” rural library has also become a popular selfie-taking spot. Further out, in Anji’s cafes, a few “digital nomads” close their laptops and make plans to stroll through the tea fields.

Today’s Anji has become a hub for young people – they work, study, and live here, turning “lucid waters and lush mountains” into a sustainable lifestyle, while becoming the new generation of practitioners of the “two mountains” concept.

One of them is young millennial entrepreneur Li Yanyi. Originally from Shanghai, she has taken root in Anji’s Xilong township since 2019, where she runs the “Anji Hood” project, a tourism integration complex based on the culture of Anji’s famous white tea. She and her team systematically revitalize old spaces, transforming abandoned structures into public venues, shops, or guesthouses, redefining rural aesthetics through a more international lens.

Unlike the traditional “build a view to attract people” model, Li focuses on building communities. She transformed an abandoned bamboo and timber factory into a multifunctional community space, launching the “DNA (Digital Nomad Anji)” project in 2021.

Programmers, designers, and creatives have moved their studios into this mountain-water setting, working remotely during the day and chatting in the fields at night. This has become a unique part of Anji’s landscape.

If we say Pan’s generation answered the era’s call to “close the mines,” then new Anji residents like Li are now exploring the question of “how to open up new ways of life.”

“For young people just out of university, Anji is a great option – it’s close to big cities, has a low trial and error cost, and offers a taste of rural life without leaving familiar circles all at once,” she told the Global Times.

“Lucid waters and lush mountains are a timeless human aspiration. As rural populations decline, the challenge is how to keep people here and how to make them want to live here,” she said.

This is also a concern for Pan. “In the past, once young people went to college, they left the countryside. Now the key is how to attract talented individuals to return and start new lives and businesses in the countryside.”

Statistics show that since 2019, over 50,000 young people have chosen to work and start businesses in Anji, gradually making it known as a “top destination for youth returning to the countryside.”

From Beautiful Villages to a Beautiful China

At the entrance to Yucun, nestled among lush greenery beside a small bridge over flowing water, a large stone bears the inscription “lucid waters and lush mountains are invaluable assets” – now one of the most iconic symbols of China’s ecological civilization efforts.

As the birthplace of the “two mountains” concept, Yucun draws in many visitors. During the Global Times’ visit, a group of faculty and students from Fujian Province’s Xiamen University were conducting a summer research program titled “Retracing the Two Mountains Path: Co-building the Ecological Circle.”

Jiang Yizhou, a master’s student from the College of Environment and Ecology at Xiamen University, told the Global Times that “we wanted to see how the past 20 years were actually lived. Traditionally, people view ecology and the economy as a seesaw – gains in one mean losses in the other. But here, we see they are not merely balanced – they are synergized. Both ecological protection and economic growth rise together, achieving a kind of decoupling.”

Today, the concept that “lucid waters and lush mountains are invaluable assets” has become a widespread consensus and shared action across society. According to Xinhua, regions nationwide are exploring various “two mountains” transformation paths. Models such as “protecting green for gold,” “aggregating green into gold,” and “leveraging green for gold” have been refined across 572 ecological civilization demonstration zones and 240 “two mountains” bases, with ecological dividends continuing to emerge.

At the post office at Yucun’s entrance, Global Times reporters saw several tourists writing postcards about their trip – on the back of each card was an aerial snapshot of a green and lush Yucun. Pan Chunlin’s “Chunlin Mountain Lodge” was welcoming a new group of guests. The students from Xiamen University took a group photo in front of the stone monument before heading to their next research destination.

When asked whether the vision he had for Yucun 20 years ago had come true, Pan raised his fist and replied, “That goal has been achieved, and I believe tomorrow will be even better!”

When the concept of “lucid waters and lush mountains are invaluable assets” transforms from the choice of one village into the choice of millions of lives, a Beautiful China comes into view.

Shandong Inspur Intelligent Building Technology Showcases AI-Driven Solutions at Inaugural ASEAN AI Summit

Company highlights industry breakthroughs and gains international recognition with future-ready smart building technologies

KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia, Aug. 14, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Shandong Inspur Intelligent Building Technology Co., Ltd., a leading innovator in smart building solutions, took center stage at the inaugural ASEAN AI Summit 2025, unveiling its latest advancements in AI-enabled construction technologies. Organized by Malaysia’s National Artificial Intelligence Office under the Ministry of Digital, the landmark summit opened on August 12 at the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre (MITEC) in Kuala Lumpur. The event brought together global leaders, entrepreneurs, and policymakers, featuring more than 150 exhibition booths with strong participation from industry frontrunners.

Exhibition booth at ASEAN AI Summit
Exhibition booth at ASEAN AI Summit

At this summit, Inspur Intelligent Building showcased its integrated applications of artificial intelligence across the construction lifecycle:

– Modular Construction: Combining high-efficiency prefabrication, flexible assembly, and intelligent adaptation to deliver cost-effective residential and commercial spaces, reinforcing competitiveness in global markets and its commitment to sustainable building practices;

– AI+ Automated Design: Integrating human-machine collaboration to standardize and streamline the development of construction blueprints;

– Smart Site Management Platform: Incorporating AI-powered image recognition, intelligent query tools, building information modeling (BIM), and point-cloud imaging to enable real-time monitoring and precision management of project resources;

– Smart Home Solutions: Delivering a whole-home IoT platform for device interconnectivity and intelligent automation, enhanced by large AI models to create personalized living experiences;

– PV-Storage-Charging System: Consolidating solar power generation, energy storage, rapid charging, and vehicle diagnostics into a unified monitoring platform to reduce operational costs, boost renewable energy adoption, and accelerate digital transformation across the industry.

On-site consultation with a customer
On-site consultation with a customer

Throughout the exhibition, visitors from Malaysia, Singapore, Europe, Africa, and other global markets engaged with Inspur Intelligent Building’s technical team to explore its comprehensive solutions for AI-based energy and carbon management platforms, smart industrial park systems, and next-generation smart home and hospitality technologies. Live demonstrations and case studies illustrated the company’s engineering expertise and real-world applications, earning strong praise from industry partners.

This debut appearance at the ASEAN AI Summit enhanced Inspur Intelligent Building’s international profile and opened new growth opportunities in Southeast Asia. Looking ahead, the company plans to continue investing in R&D for AI-driven construction technologies, strengthen its product ecosystem, and accelerate its global expansion strategy—contributing to the digital, intelligent, and sustainable transformation of the worldwide construction industry.

 

Etrasimod Receives Strong Recommendation in the ACG Clinical Guideline Update: Ulcerative Colitis in Adults for Induction and Maintenance Phase of Moderately to Severely Active UC

Shanghai, Aug. 15, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Everest Medicines (HKEX 1952.HK, “Everest”, or the “Company”), a biopharmaceutical company focused on the discovery, clinical development, manufacturing, and commercialization of innovative therapeutics, today announced that etrasimod (VELSIPITY®) has been included in the ACG Clinical Guideline Update: Ulcerative Colitis in Adults (the “Updated Guidelines”). In patients with moderately to severely active ulcerative colitis (UC), the updated guidelines recommend S1P receptor modulators, including etrasimod, are recommended for induction of remission in patients with moderately to severely active UC, and are recommended to be continued for maintenance of remission as compared with no treatment after induction of remission with these agents. Both recommendations are strong, with moderate quality of evidence.

The updated guidelines were developed by the American College of Gastroenterology (ACG) including the latest evidence from the past five years. They provide a comprehensive summary of new approaches and advances in the treatment and prevention of complications in UC, with the goal of offering clinicians standardized and evidence-based recommendations to better manage patients with varying degrees of disease severity.

The updated guidelines note that, etrasimod is an oral, once-daily, selective sphingosine 1-phosphate (S1P) 1,4,5 receptor modulator for the treatment of moderately to severely active UC. The S1P 1 receptor modulation regulates the trafficking of specific lymphocyte subsets out of the lymph nodes, leaving fewer peripheral immune cells available to traffic to sites of inflammation. . The updated guidelines also reference the Phase III ELEVATE UC clinical study for etrasimod (ELEVATE UC 52 and ELEVATE UC 12). Both studies achieved all primary and key secondary efficacy endpoints, with a favorable safety profile consistent with previous studies of etrasimod. Etrasimod has been included in the AGA Living Clinical Practice Guideline on the pharmacological management of moderately to severely UC as one of the higher-efficacy medications suggested for first line use in advanced therapy-naïve patients.

“The updated guidelines further emphasize that achieving endoscopic mucosal healing to enable sustained, steroid-free remission is a core treatment goal for patients. This is not only critical for the long-term and safe management of the disease but is also closely tied to improving patients’ quality of life. The strong recommendation of etrasimod for both induction and maintenance therapy in this population reflects the high level of recognition from an internationally authoritative medical authority,” said Prof. Wu Kaichun at the First Affiliated Hospital of AFMU who is the principal investigator for etrasimod’s Asia clinical trial.“As a next-generation selective S1P receptor modulator, once-daily oral etrasimod has a rapid onset of action, significantly increases the proportion of patients with clinical remission,endoscopic normalization and mucosal healing, and helps patients to reach their treatment goals sooner. Notably, in the phase III ELEVATE UC studies, all patients who achieved clinical remission did so without the use of steroids, fully demonstrating etrasimod’s potential to help patients overcome steroid dependence and achieve long-term remission..”

“The inclusion of etrasimod in the 2025 American College of Gastroenterology (ACG) Clinical Guideline for Adult Ulcerative Colitis, with a strong recommendation, is a clear recognition of its clinical efficacy and favorable safety profile. Mucosal healing is a recognized treatment goal in both domestic and international clinical guidelines for UC. Achieving mucosal healing at an early stage can significantly reduce the risk of disease relapse, hospitalization, colectomy, and the development of colorectal cancer.” said Rogers Yongqing Luo, Chief Executive Officer of Everest Medicines. “In Asia, the number of UC patients continues to rise, while treatment options remain limited, highlighting an urgent need for innovative therapies that balance efficacy, safety, and convenience. In China alone, the UC patient population was estimated at approximately 800,000 in 2024 and is projected to reach 1 million by 2030, placing an increasing burden on the healthcare system.

As a key innovative asset in Everest Medicines’ autoimmune disease portfolio, etrasimod’s inclusion in the clinical guidelines underscores its global therapeutic potential as a new treatment option for UC patients across Asia, including in China. We remain committed to accelerating the regulatory approval process for etrasimod in Mainland China, South Korea, and other Asian markets to enhance patient access and help more individuals achieve higher-quality, longer-lasting disease remission.”

As a core product of Everest Medicines, etrasimod has been approved in Singapore, Macao SAR, and Hong Kong SAR, and its NDA has been accepted in South Korea. In December 2024, China’s National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) officially accepted the NDA for VELSIPITY®. As Everest’s third commercialized product, VELSIPITY® has been officially approved by the Guangdong Provincial Medical Products Administration for adult patients with moderately to severely active UC. It is now available at medical institutions designated under the Connect Policy in the Greater Bay Area. Additionally, Everest has launched a factory construction project at its Jiashan site to support local production of VELSIPITY®.

About VELSIPITY® (etrasimod)

VELSIPITY® is a once-daily, oral, sphingosine 1-phosphate (S1P) receptor modulator that selectively binds with S1P receptor subtypes 1, 4, and 5. Regulatory approvals have been granted in US, EU, Canada, Japan, Australia, Singapore, UK, Switzerland, Israel and the Macau SAR, China for VELSIPITY® in ulcerative colitis, as well as additional countries.

About Everest Medicines

Everest Medicines is a biopharmaceutical company focused on discovering, developing, manufacturing and commercializing transformative pharmaceutical products and vaccines that address critical unmet medical needs for patients in Asian markets. The management team of Everest Medicines has deep expertise and an extensive track record from both leading global pharmaceutical companies and local Chinese pharmaceutical companies in high-quality discovery, clinical development, regulatory affairs, CMC, business development and operations. Everest Medicines has built a portfolio of potentially global first-in-class or best-in-class molecules in the company’s core therapeutic areas of renal diseases, infectious diseases and autoimmune disorders. For more information, please visit its website at www.everestmedicines.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

This news release may make statements that constitute forward-looking statements, including descriptions regarding the intent, belief or current expectations of the Company or its officers with respect to the business operations and financial condition of the Company, which can be identified by terminology such as “will,” “expects,” “anticipates,” “future,” “intends,” “plans,” “believes,” “estimates,” “confident” and similar statements. Such forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve risks and uncertainties, or other factors, some of which are beyond the control of the Company and are unforeseeable. Therefore, the actual results may differ from those in the forward-looking statements as a result of various factors and assumptions, such as future changes and developments in our business, competitive environment, political, economic, legal and social conditions. The Company or any of its affiliates, directors, officers, advisors or representatives has no obligation and does not undertake to revise forward-looking statements to reflect new information, future events or circumstances after the date of this news release, except as required by law.

ASMALLWORLD Launches New Membership Tier and New Global Strategic Airline Partner

ZURICH, SWITZERLAND – EQS Newswire – 15 August 2025 – ASMALLWORLD AG announces the arrival of its Advantage Membership, an exclusive new tier within its membership portfolio, together with the launch of its newest global airline partner, Cathay Pacific.

Designed for travellers looking for premium travel benefits, while earning air miles to fly with some of the world’s most iconic airlines, the Advantage Membership provides an attractive entry point into ASMALLWORLD’s world of elevated travel experiences.

Among other benefits, Advantage members can choose between 35,000 miles in the form of Cathay’s Asia Miles or Miles & More from Lufthansa Group, allowing members to access two of world’s largest airline alliance networks.

Alongside other travel benefits, Advantage members will also receive D$250 (GHA Discovery Dollars), which can be spent at over 850 hotels and 45+ brands around the world participating in the Global Hotel Alliance (GHA).

“ASMALLWORLD Advantage is the next step in our mission to make luxury travel more rewarding and offer valuable benefits to our community members. In addition to expanding our longstanding partnership with Lufthansa Group we have also chosen to launch a new strategic airline partnership with Cathay Pacific, with whom we are excited to grow further in Asia and beyond” said Zain Richardson, CEO of ASMALLWORLD.

Welcoming Cathay Pacific as a New Strategic Partner
As part of the Advantage Membership launch, ASMALLWORLD is pleased to announce a new partnership with Cathay Pacific, one of Asia’s leading premium airlines. Founded in 1946 and based in Hong Kong, Cathay Pacific has established a global reputation for excellence, with a strong focus on service, comfort, and innovation.

Advantage members selecting Cathay Pacific as their airline partner will receive 35,000 Asia Miles, which can be used towards redeeming award flights or upgrades across the airline’s extensive network. Cathay Pacific is a founding member of the oneworld alliance, which offers access to a global network of 15 member airlines, including British Airways, American Airlines, and Japan Airlines, unlocking additional opportunities for international travel.

Expanding the Miles & More Partnership
The launch of the Advantage Membership also marks an expanded collaboration with Miles & More, part of Lufthansa Group, and one of Europe’s leading frequent flyer programmes. A longstanding partner for the Prestige membership tier, ASMALLWORLD members can now access Miles & More packages of 35,000 miles via the new Advantage tier – perfect for award flights or upgrades.

This evolution of the partnership reflects ASMALLWORLD’s commitment to offering valuable membership benefits at different price points to service different member needs, while continuing to deepen its collaboration with key loyalty partners in the travel sector.

Hotel Benefits Powered by GHA DISCOVERY
Expanding the partnership with Global Hotel Alliance, ASMALLWORLD is now including GHA DISCOVERY Dollars (D$) as a permanent membership benefit for the first time. Advantage members will receive D$250, which can be used for hotel stays, dining, or even spa treatments. Advantage members will also be granted GHA DISCOVERY Platinum Status, offering room upgrades, late check-out, and additional in-stay privileges at over 850 hotels across 45+ brands in the GHA alliance.

Additional Membership Benefits
In addition to airline miles and hotel perks, the Advantage Membership includes a wide range of travel and lifestyle benefits. Members receive:

  • Priority Pass with 4 complimentary airport lounge visits
  • SIXT Platinum Status for enhanced rental car benefits
  • ASMALLWORLD Premium Membership, which includes:
    • VIP hotel benefits and complimentary nights at 1,700+ luxury hotels worldwide
    • Exclusive travel offers and product discounts
    • Access to 800+ global social and cultural events
    • Enhanced features within the ASMALLWORLD platform

With this new tier, ASMALLWORLD continues to develop its global suite of membership offerings, delivering exclusive travel benefits and services, while also deepening and expanding its portfolio of prestigious travel partnerships.

This press release can be found at www.asmallworldag.com.

Disclaimer
The statements contained in this press release may constitute “forward-looking statements”. Such can be identified, for example, by the use of the words “may,” “will,” “should,” “plan,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “estimate,” “believe,” “intend,” “project,” “target,” “seek,” or “aim,” or the negative of these words or comparable expressions.

Forward-looking statements involve a number of known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results, level of activity, performance or achievements of the Issuer or its industry to be materially different from any future results, level of activity, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements.

The issuer undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements contained herein, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

Hashtag: #ASMALLWORLD

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

The ASMALLWORLD Group:

Centred around the ASMALLWORLD social network, the company operates a luxury travel ecosystem that serves discerning travellers and industry partners.

At its core, the ASMALLWORLD social network is the trusted community for modern luxury travellers, offering a platform to connect, share experiences and enjoy a wealth of travel privileges.

ASMALLWORLD members can engage through its app and website, receive travel inspiration, and meet in person at over 800 global ASMALLWORLD events every year, ranging from casual get-togethers, access to exclusive launches, galas, major global sporting events, and larger flagship weekend experiences hosted in iconic destinations such as Saint-Tropez and St. Moritz.

Beyond the social network, the ASMALLWORLD Group extends into bespoke travel planning, luxury hospitality, and strategic B2B collaborations. Through its diverse portfolio, the Group fosters a like-minded global community, curated experiences, and tailored solutions, shaping the evolution of luxury travel.

Other businesses in the ASMALLWORLD travel ecosystem include:

ASMALLWORLD Collection, an online hotel booking platform focused on the world’s most coveted hotels, offering the unique “ASMALLWORLD VIP Rate,” which offers exclusive travel benefits at no extra cost to ASMALLWORLD members.

ASMALLWORLD Bespoke Travel, a luxury travel agency offering personalised travel curation and booking services.

ASMALLWORLD DISCOVERY, part of Global Hotel Alliance alongside 45 leading hotel brands, services independent hotels, providing access to the GHA DISCOVERY loyalty and distribution network.

ASMALLWORLD Hospitality, a hospitality and management consultancy that supports owners and developers of hospitality assets throughout the different lifecycle stages of their assets, including acquisition, development, operations, and exit.

First Class & More, a subscription-based smart luxury travel service that allows members to enjoy luxury travel at insider prices.

The World’s Finest Clubs, the world’s leading nightlife concierge offers its members VIP access to the most exclusive nightlife venues around the world.

Jetbeds, a premier booking platform specialising in Business and First-Class flights, offering exclusive deals, expert advice, and personalised service to secure the most attractive flight options.

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CCTV+: China Up Close: Zhejiang Tour Explores Deqing

BEIJING, Aug. 15, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — From August 8 to 10, 2025, the “China Up Close Series: Zhejiang Tour” brought a contingent of nearly 70 journalists and editors from South Korea, Spain, Bulgaria, and Iceland to Deqing, a county in Zhejiang province. Alongside CGTN (China Global Television Network), they trained their cameras and notebooks on the area, aiming to capture its landscapes, history and cultural rhythms for audiences abroad.

 

Independent study reveals USD 1.2 billion economic impact of foodpanda in Pakistan for 2023-2024

KARACHI, Pakistan, Aug. 15, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — foodpanda, Pakistan’s leading online delivery platform, today announced the release of its comprehensive ‘Economic Impact Assessment of foodpanda in Pakistan‘ study, independently conducted by the Lahore University of Management Sciences (LUMS). The first-of-its-kind study unveils the significant economic contributions of foodpanda to Pakistan’s economy.

The study, spearheaded by an accomplished team at LUMS, utilised primary and secondary data sources, including input output multipliers for the local economy to establish a technical assessment of the businesses’ contribution to the fabric of the economy.

Interestingly, the study reveals a projected USD 1.2 Billion (PKR 335 billion) contribution to Pakistan’s economy in FY 2023-24, with the number continuing to increase compared to the previous 2 years. The study also finds strong multiplier effects across food, hospitality, manufacturing, transport, and retail. In FY 2023-2024, foodpanda facilitated PKR 75 billion in restaurant GMV (total revenue accruing to restaurants through the platform), significantly boosting income and jobs in the sector. In the same year, the platform also contributed PKR 9.76 billion in taxes and has empowered over 50,000 riders and numerous entrepreneurs, driving financial inclusion via fintech.

Commenting on the collaborative effort, Muntaqa Peracha, CEO foodpanda Pakistan stated, “This in-depth study by LUMS is a powerful validation of foodpanda’s significant role in Pakistan’s economic landscape. It showcases strong multiplier effects across industries and highlights our role in directly boosting income and jobs, along with a significant tax contribution. The insights provided by the research are invaluable, and fuel our determination to continue innovating, expanding our services, and improving financial inclusion and social responsibility, all while building a truly prosperous digital future for Pakistan.”

Also speaking on foodpanda’s impact on the nation’s economy, Dr. Kashif Z. Malik, Associate Professor, Department of Economics at LUMS, commented, “Our research at LUMS reveals that foodpanda’s impact extends far beyond just food and grocery delivery. This study highlights its fundamental role in stimulating growth across a diverse range of sectors, empowering a significant number of individuals through entrepreneurship and livelihood opportunities, and contributing substantially to the digital and financial inclusion landscape of Pakistan.”

The study unequivocally demonstrates the platform’s transformative impact on Pakistan’s food delivery ecosystem, creating substantial opportunities for small businesses and gig workers while making a significant contribution to the national economy. Micro-level impacts include 100% income growth for 13,000+ partner restaurants, an average PKR 120,000 monthly income for 7,000+ HomeChefs (primarily women), and income increases for 57% of 50,000+ freelance riders. foodpanda is  steadfast in its commitment to enabling an inclusive digital economy and  continues to innovate and expand, it remains dedicated to empowering individuals, supporting businesses, and enabling sustainable growth, solidifying its position as a key contributor to the nation’s prosperity. Moreover, the scale of foodpanda’s investment and the resulting economic and financial inclusion highlight the immense potential within Pakistan and the strength of its evolving digital ecosystem, encouraging further investment in the sector.