Key Takeaways

• At AAIC 2025, the Alzheimer’s Association released the first in a series of clinical practice guidelines for the diagnosis, treatment and care of Alzheimer’s and all other dementia.
• The guideline focuses on the use of blood-based biomarker tests by specialists to assess levels of Alzheimer’s disease pathology in people with cognitive impairment.
• The Alzheimer’s Association provides evidence-based resources to help clinicians identify the disease early and ensure patients receive the right treatment as quickly as possible.
• These and other planned guidelines are part of ALZPro™, the Alzheimer’s Association’s centralized hub for resources, support and information for dementia professionals.

TORONTO, July 30, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — In a landmark step toward transforming Alzheimer’s disease diagnosis in specialty care, the Alzheimer’s Association today released its first clinical practice guideline (CPG) on the use of blood-based biomarker (BBM) tests. The guideline is being reported at the Alzheimer’s Association International Conference^® 2025 (AAIC^®) in Toronto and online, and published in Alzheimer’s & Dementia®: The Journal of the Alzheimer’s Association.

The CPG provides clear evidence-based, brand-agnostic recommendations to support more accurate and accessible diagnosis of Alzheimer’s using blood-based biomarker tests. The recommendations are linked to a systematic review using a robust and transparent methodology, and will be updated regularly as evidence evolves.

“This is a pivotal moment in Alzheimer’s care,” said Maria C. Carrillo, Ph.D., Alzheimer’s Association chief science officer and medical affairs lead, and a co-author of the guideline. “For the first time, we have a rigorously evidence-based guideline that empowers clinicians to use blood biomarker tests confidently and consistently. Adoption of these recommendations will lead to quicker, more accessible, more accurate diagnoses — and better outcomes for individuals and families affected by Alzheimer’s.”

The recommendations in the new CPG — both of which apply only to patients with cognitive impairment being seen in specialized care for memory disorders — are:

• BBM tests with ≥90% sensitivity and ≥75% specificity can be used as a triaging test, in which a negative result rules out Alzheimer’s pathology with high probability. A positive result should also be confirmed with another method, such as a cerebral spinal fluid (CSF) or amyloid positron emission tomography (PET) test.
• BBM tests with ≥90% for both sensitivity and specificity can serve as a substitute for PET amyloid imaging or CSF Alzheimer’s biomarker testing.

The guideline cautions that there is significant variability in diagnostic test accuracy and many commercially available BBM tests do not meet these thresholds.

“Not all BBM tests have been validated to the same standard or tested broadly across patient populations and clinical settings, yet patients and clinicians may assume these tests are interchangeable,” said Rebecca M. Edelmayer, Ph.D., Alzheimer’s Association vice president of scientific engagement and a co-author of the guideline. “This guideline helps clinicians apply these tools responsibly, avoid overuse or inappropriate use, and ensure that patients have access to the latest scientific advancements.”

Compared to standard-of-care PET imaging and CSF tests, blood-based biomarkers are typically less costly, more accessible and more acceptable to patients. The guideline emphasizes that BBM tests do not substitute for a comprehensive clinical evaluation by a health care professional, and should be ordered and interpreted by a health care professional in the context of clinical care.

This is the first evidence-based guideline using Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) methodology in the Alzheimer’s space. The use of GRADE ensures a transparent, structured and evidence-based process for evaluating the certainty of evidence and formulating recommendations. This strengthens the credibility and reproducibility of the guideline and allows for explicit linkage between evidence and recommendations.

This guideline’s primary audience includes specialists involved in the diagnostic evaluation of cognitive impairment in specialized care settings. A specialist is defined as a health care provider, typically in neurology, psychiatry or geriatrics, who cares for adults with cognitive impairment or dementia. It also applies to primary care providers, nurse practitioners and physician assistants in specialized care settings.

A panel of 11 clinicians convened by the Alzheimer’s Association — including clinical neurologists, geriatricians, nurse practitioners, physician assistants and subject-matter experts — conducted a systematic review and formulated evidence-based recommendations for using blood-based biomarkers in individuals with objective cognitive impairment, including those with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) or dementia. Final recommendations were informed by public comments and input from the Association’s National Early-Stage Advisory Group, which includes people living with early-stage Alzheimer’s.

For this initial iteration of the guideline, the BBMs included plasma phosphorylated-tau (p-tau) and amyloid-beta (Aβ) tests measuring the following analytes: p-tau217, ratio of p-tau217 to non-p-tau217 ×100 (%p-tau217), p-tau181, p-tau231, and ratio of Aβ42 to Aβ40. The various BBM tests measure abnormal forms of either amyloid beta or tau protein, the two biomarkers associated with Alzheimer’s disease. Forty-nine (49) observational studies were reviewed and 31 BBM tests were evaluated.

The panel determined that endorsing specific tests was premature, opting for a brand-agnostic, performance-based approach that blinded panel members to the tests they were evaluating to minimize bias. This ensures the guideline’s credibility, durability and actionability. According to the panel: “Ranking or endorsing specific tests is premature at this time. Instead, test accuracy data and accuracy judgments reported in this guideline are meant to serve as a resource for clinicians … to aid them in choosing which test(s) to order.”

The panel formulated two recommendations and one Good Practice Statement for the use of BBM tests in the diagnostic workup of patients with objective cognitive impairment being seen in specialized care.

• Recommendation 1 — In patients with objective cognitive impairment presenting for specialized memory-care, the panel suggests using a high-sensitivity BBM test as a triaging test in the diagnostic workup of Alzheimer’s disease.
• Recommendation 2 — In patients with objective cognitive impairment presenting for specialized memory care, the panel suggests using a high-sensitivity and high-specificity BBM test as a confirmatory test in the diagnostic workup of Alzheimer’s disease.
• Good Practice Statement — A BBM test should not be obtained before a comprehensive clinical evaluation by a health care professional, and test results should always be interpreted within the clinical context. The panel urges clinicians to consider the pre-test probability of Alzheimer’s disease pathology for each patient when deciding whether or not to use a BBM test.

This CPG is part of ALZPro™, the Alzheimer’s Association’s comprehensive hub of resources to promote best practices, empowering health professionals across disciplines to reduce risk, advance early detection, improve care and expand equitable access for all communities. ALZPro unites care resources, relevant scientific findings, clinical guidelines and insights, continuing education and implementation tools on one platform.

Upcoming clinical practice guidelines will address cognitive assessment tools (Fall 2025), clinical implementation of staging criteria and treatment (2026) and prevention of Alzheimer’s and other dementias (2027). This clinical practice guideline was convened and funded by the Alzheimer’s Association, but the Association was not involved in formulating the clinical questions or recommendations.

About the Alzheimer’s Association International Conference^® (AAIC^®)
The Alzheimer’s Association International Conference (AAIC) is the world’s largest gathering of researchers from around the world focused on Alzheimer’s and other dementias. As a part of the Alzheimer’s Association’s research program, AAIC serves as a catalyst for generating new knowledge about dementia and fostering a vital, collegial research community.
AAIC 2025 home page: www.alz.org/aaic/  
AAIC 2025 newsroom: www.alz.org/aaic/pressroom.asp
AAIC 2025 hashtag: #AAIC25

About the Alzheimer’s Association^®
The Alzheimer’s Association is a worldwide voluntary health organization dedicated to Alzheimer’s care, support and research. Our mission is to lead the way to end Alzheimer’s and all other dementia — by accelerating global research, driving risk reduction and early detection, and maximizing quality care and support. Our vision is a world without Alzheimer’s and all other dementia^®. Visit alz.org or call 800.272.3900.

Session: Evidence-Based Clinical Practice Guidelines for Detection and Diagnosis of Cognitive Impairment using Blood-based Biomarkers and Cognitive Testing: Two Guideline Initiatives from the Alzheimer’s Association

Proposal ID: 108894
Oral Presentation: Tuesday, July 29, 2025: 2:00 P.M.-3:30 P.M. EDT (3-21-DEV)

Clinical practice guideline for blood-based biomarkers in the diagnostic workup of Alzheimer’s disease within specialized care settings: A report from the Alzheimer’s Association

Background: In recent years, blood-based biomarkers (BBMs) have transformed the diagnostic landscape of Alzheimer’s disease (AD), with some now approaching readiness for clinical implementation. This progress aligns with the growing importance of accurate early diagnostics and availability of anti-Aβ therapies for the treatment of early symptomatic AD, reinforcing the need for more rapid and early diagnostic capabilities. To address this need, the Alzheimer’s Association convened a multidisciplinary panel of clinical experts, subject-matter specialists, and guideline methodologists to conduct a systematic review and develop evidence-based recommendations for the use of BBMs in the diagnostic evaluation of AD. The scope of this guideline is focused on individuals with cognitive impairment – either MCI or dementia – who are undergoing diagnostic assessment in secondary or tertiary care settings.

Method: The panel conducted a systematic review to assess BBMs’ diagnostic test accuracy in detecting amyloid pathology for triaging (≥90% sensitivity, ≥75% specificity) and confirmatory (≥90% sensitivity and specificity) diagnostic workup. The BBMs of interest included plasma p-tau and Aβ tests measuring the following analytes: p-tau217, %p-tau217, p-tau181, p-tau231, and Aβ42/Aβ40 ratio. The reference standard tests included CSF, amyloid PET, or neuropathology examination. The panel applied the GRADE approach to assess the certainty of the evidence and the GRADE Evidence-to-Decision Framework to develop its recommendations.

Result: Across 49 observational studies meeting eligibility criteria, 31 different BBM tests were evaluated. Using predefined decision thresholds, the panel determined whether each test has 1) sufficient diagnostic test accuracy to be used as a triaging test where a positive test is to be confirmed by PET or CSF, 2) sufficient diagnostic test accuracy as a confirmatory test to replace PET or CSF, or 3) insufficient diagnostic test accuracy to recommend current use in clinical practice. Recommendations will be provided in case any BBMs met a priori DTA thresholds.

Conclusion: BBMs can improve early AD diagnosis and expand access to disease-modifying therapies. Evidence-based guidelines are key to standardizing their use and will be updated as new evidence and applications emerge.

DUBAI, UAE, July 30, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — The Blockchain for Good Alliance (BGA), a flagship non-profit founded by Bybit and championing responsible innovation, took center stage at the 20th anniversary of the United Nations Internet Governance Forum (UN IGF) in Oslo. In collaboration with the Singapore Internet Governance Forum (SGIGF), BGA co-hosted an exclusive, high-level dinner titled “Bridging the Future: Blockchain, Governance & Global Cooperation” at Oslo’s historic Akershus Fortress.

Held as an official side event supported by the UN IGF Secretariat, the dinner brought together global leaders from governments, multilateral organizations, blockchain, and AI to promote dialogue around inclusive, ethical, and interoperable digital infrastructure.

The event was led by Glenn Tan, Director of Global Affairs at BGA, and co-organized with SGIGF’s Founding Members Henry Wang and Una Wang. Distinguished guests included His Excellency Dharambeer Gokhool, President of Mauritius; National Deputy of Argentina Pamela Calletti; Senator Kenneth Pugh of Chile; as well as representatives from various UN agencies and national parliaments.

Central to the evening’s discussion was blockchain’s transformative role in shaping a trusted and collaborative global digital ecosystem.

“As we stand at the crossroads of a digital future, Mauritius reaffirms its commitment to an ethical, inclusive, and rights-based digital governance model. Events like the IGF 2025 remind us that trust, collaboration, and shared values must be the cornerstones of our collective journey in the age of AI and emerging technologies. The IGF 2025 was not just a conference — it was a collective call to conscience,” said His Excellency the President of the Republic of Mauritius, Dharambeer Gokhool.

BGA’s Glenn Tan emphasized the urgency of forward-looking infrastructure: “As blockchain transitions from hype cycles to hard infrastructure across the internet, we must ensure that systems built today serve the collective good of tomorrow. This gathering was a symbol of that shared commitment to a multistakeholder future, rooted in both trust and innovation.”

Adding a regional perspective, SGIGF Founding Member Henry Wang noted: “As the UN IGF celebrates 20 years of shaping global internet governance, this dinner was a timely reminder that the next 20 must be co-created across sectors, systems, and sovereignties. Blockchain, when aligned with responsible governance and AI ethics, can become the connective tissue of a truly inclusive, decentralized, and intelligent internet.”

The evening reaffirmed BGA’s mission to advance cross-border collaboration and responsible digital transformation. These conversations will continue at the inaugural Singapore IGF Conference on October 1, 2025, where regional stakeholders will lead the global dialogue on inclusive and resilient internet governance.

#Bybit / #TheCryptoArk / #BGA

About Blockchain for Good Alliance (BGA)

The Blockchain for Good Alliance (BGA) is a long-term collaborative non-profit initiative with key partners with the main aim to contribute to societal good by using blockchain technology to solve real world problems. By convening leaders, innovators, and organisations from across the blockchain community, BGA seeks to drive innovation, collaboration, and action towards a more sustainable and equitable world.

For more information
Email: hello@chainforgood.org
Website: www.chainforgood.org 
Twitter: www.x.com/chainforgood

Special Exhibition “Dopamine: Fountain of Happiness” and Collateral Exhibition “Beyond the Frame: International Contemporary Masterpieces”

Nine international artists reinterpret Sesame Street characters to create debut artworks

MACAO, July 29, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Sands China unveiled two themed exhibitions Tuesday as part of Macao International Art Biennale 2025: the Special Exhibition “Dopamine: Fountain of Happiness” at The Venetian^® Macao, showcasing exquisite artworks crafted by internationally renowned contemporary artists in collaboration with Sesame Street, and the Collateral Exhibition “Beyond the Frame: International Contemporary Masterpieces” at Sands Gallery. The exhibitions feature in total more than 80 artistic creations, on display July 29-Oct. 15, 2025.

Special Exhibition “Dopamine: Fountain of Happiness”

“Dopamine: Fountain of Happiness” at The Venetian Macao aims to rekindle happiness through the power of dopamine aesthetics, which centres on vivid colours, boundless imagination, and the expression of positive emotions. This vibrant showcase features nine outstanding artists from Asia, Europe and the United States: Craig & Karl, Bibi Lei, GRAFFLEX, Hei Lok, Ilya Milstein, Jun Oson, Jonni Cheatwood, and Song Zhou. The artists have reinterpreted globally renowned Sesame Street characters to craft original artworks debuting at Art Macao 2025.

Extending Macao’s curatorial vision of ‘Art + City,’ the exhibition is set against the picturesque architectural façade of The Venetian Macao. The artists have reinterpreted globally renowned Sesame Street characters – intertwining them with ancient Roman mythology and the striking palette of dopamine art, each with their own artistic flare. The result is a series of art pieces created exclusively for Macao, bringing art into genuine encounters with the public in a cross-medium, cross-temporal, and cross-cultural artistic journey. Macao, as a metropolitan city of arts, invites visitors to wander through and participate naturally in the exhibition – co-creating the emotional resonance of joy and happiness that arts at The Venetian Macao can offer.

At an opening ceremony for the Special Exhibition at The Venetian Macao Tuesday, Leong Wai Man, president of the Cultural Affairs Bureau, said: “Art Macao: Macao International Art Biennale has blossomed into its fourth edition this year, after debuting in 2019. This year’s special exhibitions have scaled new heights, with Sands China’s Dopamine: Fountain of Happiness transforming the European architecture of The Venetian Macao into a theatrical stage that traverses space and time, where Asian, European, and American artistic forces converge – reinterpreting the eternal beauty of ancient Roman mythology with a contemporary touch. Meanwhile, the exhibition’s Sesame Street characters seem to echo this year’s theme with their colourful art cascading across canvases and spaces to stir the deepest part of the viewer’s heart. This extraordinary artistry stands as the most eye-catchingly colourful highlight among this year’s special exhibition series.

“On behalf of the Macao SAR government, I would like to extend our sincere gratitude to Sands China’s management, curatorial team, global artists, and partners. Their passion and professionalism have not only brought this international spectacle to life, but also infused Macao’s cultural landscape with enduring momentum. Let us continue scripting Macao’s new chapter with art and building a more vibrant platform for global artistic exchange!”

Sands China Ltd. Executive Vice Chairman Dr. Wilfred Wong said: “Art Macao was first held in 2019 and has taken place every two years since, bringing an immersive cultural atmosphere to the entire city as a gallery and an art garden. We believe that the most important thing in promoting art is to set the target audience, so that everyone can resonate with it and be touched by it. For this special exhibition, international artists have collaborated with Sesame Street to intertwine their characters and style with ancient Roman mythology to create unique large-scale public artworks for Macao. They have combined the European-style exterior façade of The Venetian Macao with the constant flow of people to form a naturally generated art scene. Through this exhibition, we hope to create the factor of happiness for everyone – dopamine. At the same time, we are presenting the Collateral Exhibition ‘Beyond the Frame: International Contemporary Masterpieces’ at Sands Gallery, featuring six participating artists breaking through the framework of traditional forms to build one small universe after another, full of personal style. We would like to express our sincere gratitude to the Secretary for Social Affairs and Culture and the Cultural Affairs Bureau of the Macao SAR for their guidance. We would also like to thank the talented artists and the curatorial team ARTICROSS for their dedication and participation as we work together to tell the story of Macao through Art Macao.”

Ken Wong, co-founder and director of ARTICROSS, said: “We always believe that art is a force that can transcend language and culture. It is a great honour to collaborate with Sands China in curating the Special Exhibition ‘Dopamine: Fountain of Happiness’ and the Collateral Exhibition ‘Beyond the Frame: International Contemporary Masterpieces.’ By working with nine international artists, we transcend the boundaries of culture, language, and style to create a colourful and imaginative artistic dialogue in the multicultural city of Macao. Participating in Art Macao 2025 is a very challenging yet immensely honourable artistic journey. I would like to thank every artist for their trust and Sands China for the opportunity to collaborate.”

For over 55 years, the pioneering children’s television programme Sesame Street has been instilling positive values in children in an entertaining way and accompanying adults facing various social realities. With that inspiration in mind, the artists take visitors on a voyage of artistic exchange that reaches across borders and generations, as they convey the joy-producing power of dopamine through mood-brightening, colourful art.

Accompanying the exhibition, Sands China has joined hands with artist duo Craig & Karl to create an exclusive limited-edition of the block-stacking game Jenga for Art Macao 2025, specially designed to pay tribute to the spirit of the city – diverse, dynamic, and alive with cultural rhythm and creativity. Featuring six unique patterns infused with the artists’ signature vibrant aesthetic, each game piece transforms the classic game into a joyful art collectible – available exclusively at The Venetian Macao’s outdoor lagoon area.

Collateral Exhibition “Beyond the Frame: International Contemporary Masterpieces”

Running simultaneously with the Special Exhibition, this exhibition at Sands Gallery features six of the invited artists, who have undertaken a collective exploration of how artistic boundaries are being redefined in today’s global context. It encourages participation, provokes thought, and creates encounters that draw the viewer directly into a genuine dialogue with artistic expression.

As one of Macao’s international cultural portals, Sands Gallery continues to fulfil its role as a platform for “exchange, mutual inspiration, and elevation” with this exhibition, welcoming Bibi Lei, Song Zhou, Jun Oson, GRAFFLEX, Ilya Milstein, and Jonni Cheatwood to present more than 60 of their classic and new works that go beyond passive observation. 

The artists break conventional frameworks through distinctive visual languages, employing diverse mediums such as painting, sculpture, installation art, and mixed media. Their works navigate freely between materiality, space, and cultural narratives, forging new artistic frontiers while constructing deeply personal creative realms.

Extension Art and Culture Events

On July 30, Sands China is holding an “Art Macao 2025” – Sands China Extension Activity: Art Sharing Session at 3:30 p.m. at Greenwich Ballroom at The Londoner Macao^® with some of the exhibitions’ artists. The sessions aim to deepen exchange and connection between the Art Macao artists and Macao’s art and cultural community – building a bridge between Macao and the global art scene. Admission is free and all who are interested are invited to register at the following link: https://tinyurl.com/4j7r4swf.

On July 26, local contemporary artist Bibi Lei presented her first-ever The Home of Flower Energy Swirls Workshop at The Parisian^® Macao’s Qube Kingdom children’s play zone. She guided the attending families to create their own “Home of Flower Energy Swirls” using her unique hands-on painting method by directly touching the paint, centred around the theme of “home,” helping participants establish close connections through art.

Sands China’s support of Art Macao: Macao International Art Biennale 2025 is part of its effort to showcase the charm of Macao as a Culture City of East Asia. “Dopamine: Fountain of Happiness” and “Beyond the Frame: International Contemporary Masterpieces” are organised by Sands China Ltd., with curatorial and artistic management by ARTICROSS. Visit https://en.sandsresortsmacao.com/sands-lifestyle/events/artmacao-2025.html and https://en.sandsresortsmacao.com/sands-lifestyle/sands-art-gallery/beyond-the-frame-2025.html for more information of both exhibitions.

For high resolution photos, please access the link:
https://we.tl/t-w9JZU5lyHT

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About Sands China Ltd.

Sands China Ltd. (Sands China or the Company) is incorporated in the Cayman Islands with limited liability and is listed on The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited (HKEx: 1928). Sands China is the largest operator of integrated resorts in Macao. The Company’s integrated resorts on the Cotai Strip comprise The Venetian^® Macao, The Plaza^® Macao, The Parisian^® Macao and The Londoner Macao^®. The Company also owns and operates Sands^® Macao on the Macao peninsula. The Company’s portfolio features a diversified mix of leisure and business attractions and transportation operations, including large meeting and convention facilities; a wide range of restaurants; shopping malls; world-class entertainment at The Venetian Arena, The Londoner Arena, The Venetian Theatre, The Parisian Theatre, the Londoner Theatre and the Sands Theatre; and a high-speed Cotai Water Jet ferry service between Hong Kong and Macao. The Company’s Cotai Strip portfolio has the goal of contributing to Macao’s transformation into a world centre of tourism and leisure. Sands China is a subsidiary of global resort developer Las Vegas Sands Corp. (NYSE: LVS).

For more information, please visit www.sandschina.com.

About Sesame Workshop

Sesame Workshop is the global impact nonprofit behind Sesame Street and so much more. For over 50 years, we have worked at the intersection of education, media, and research, creating joyful experiences that enrich minds and expand hearts, all in service of empowering each generation to build a better world. Our beloved characters, iconic shows, outreach in communities, and more bring playful early learning to families in more than 150 countries and advance our mission to help children everywhere grow smarter, stronger, and kinder. Learn more at www.sesameworkshop.org.

Media contacts:
Corporate Communications, Sands China Ltd.
Mabel Wu
Tel: +853 8118 2268
Email: mabel.wu@sands.com.mo 

Jesse Chiang
Tel: +853 8118 2054
Email: jesse.chiang@sands.com.mo

HONG KONG and SHANGHAI, July 29, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Ping An Insurance (Group) Company of China, Ltd. (“Ping An“, the “Company” or the “Group”, HKEX: 2318; SSE: 601318) has announced the appointment of Mr. Ray Wang as the Group’s Chief Technology Officer (CTO) and General Manager of Ping An Technology. The appointment of Ray Wang will significantly enhance the Company’s research and development (R&D) and application capabilities in artificial intelligence (AI). His leadership is expected to drive the deep integration of Ping An’s self-developed large language models and open-source big data platforms, accelerating the establishment of five key digital systems “digital business, digital operations, digital management, digital marketing, and digital services.” This move aims to inject strong momentum into the Company’s technology-enabled “integrated finance + health and senior care” dual-driver strategy, further advancing its comprehensive digital transformation.

Ray Wang holds a master’s degree in computer science from the National University of Singapore. Prior to joining Ping An, he held senior technical management roles at globally renowned companies such as Google and Bloomberg. In 2015, Wang became Chief Architect at Baidu, where he spearheaded the development of Baidu Wallet and financial services. In 2016, he joined Ant Group, serving as Vice President and CTO of Ant Fortune and Ant Insurance. At Ant Group, he led innovations in digital finance and AI, managing technical and research teams across wealth management, insurance, consumer finance, MYbank, and Zhima Credit. He launched pioneering generative AI products such as AI financial assistant and AI financial business assistant. With nearly 20 years of experience in the “finance + technology” sector, Wang brings extensive expertise in the digital transformation of financial services, the development and application of financial large models, top-tier technical skills, and exceptional innovation capabilities. 

In recent years, Ping An has been oriented by customer needs, focusing on empowering business scenarios as its core strategy. Ping An has continuously invests in R&D to build leading technological capabilities, which have been widely utilized to enable its core financial businesses and accelerate the development of its “integrated finance + health and senior care” ecosystem. This strengthened Ping An’s internal smart application of business scenarios, while promoting the digital transformation of the industry as a whole. The Company has built a “953” technology foundation backed by the data of nine major databases, technical support from the five laboratories, and development and application services of the three technology companies, which creating an AI moat. As of the end of 2024, Ping An has a first-class technology team of over 21,000 technology developers and more than 3,000 scientists. As of March 31, 2025, Ping An cumulatively won 45 championships in domestic and overseas AI competitions and cumulatively filed 55,435 patent applications, leading most international financial institutions.

About Ping An Group

Ping An Insurance (Group) Company of China, Ltd. (HKEx:2318 / 82318; SSE:601318) is one of the largest financial services companies in the world. It strives to become a world-leading provider of integrated finance, health and senior care services. Under the technology-driven “integrated finance + health and senior care” strategy, the Group provides professional “financial advisory, family doctor, and senior care concierge” services to its nearly 240 million retail customers. Ping An advances intelligent digital transformation and employs technologies to improve financial businesses’ quality and efficiency and enhance risk management. The Group is listed on the stock exchanges in Hong Kong and Shanghai. As of the end of December 2024, Ping An had more than RMB12 trillion in total assets. The Group ranked 27^th in the Forbes Global 2000 list in 2025 and 47^th in the Fortune Global 500 list in 2025. 

For more information, please visit www.group.pingan.com and follow us on LinkedIn – PING AN.

Quarter-over-Quarter Shipment Growth in 2025 Indicates Early Signs of Recovery Beyond Memory

MILPITAS, Calif., July 29, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — The SEMI Silicon Manufacturers Group (SMG) reported, in its quarterly analysis of the silicon wafer industry, that worldwide silicon wafer shipments increased 9.6% year-on-year to 3,327 million square inches (MSI) from the 3,035 MSI recorded during the same quarter of 2024. Sequentially, shipments grew 14.9% quarter-over-quarter from the 2,896 MSI recorded during the first quarter of this year, indicating emerging signs of recovery for select business sectors outside of memory.

Worldwide Silicon Wafer Shipments (MSI)

“The silicon wafer demand for AI data-center chips, including high-bandwidth memory (HBM), continues to be very strong,” said Lee Chungwei (李崇偉), Chairman of SEMI SMG and Vice President and Chief Auditor at GlobalWafers. “Fab utilization for other devices generally remains low, although inventory levels appear to be normalizing. While the direction of silicon shipments indicates positive momentum, the future impact of geopolitical and supply chain dynamics remains uncertain.”

Silicon wafers are the fundamental building material for the majority of semiconductors, which are vital components of all electronic devices. The highly engineered thin disks are produced in diameters of up to 300 mm and serve as the substrate material on which most semiconductors are fabricated.

The SMG is a sub-committee of the SEMI Electronic Materials Group (EMG) and is open to SEMI members involved in manufacturing polycrystalline silicon, monocrystalline silicon or silicon wafers (e.g., as cut, polished, epitaxial). The SMG facilitates collective efforts on issues related to the silicon industry, including the development of market information and statistics about the silicon industry and the semiconductor market.

For more information, visit SEMI Worldwide Silicon Wafer Shipment Statistics.

About SEMI

SEMI^® is the global industry association connecting over 3,000 member companies and 1.5 million professionals worldwide across the semiconductor and electronics design and manufacturing supply chain. We accelerate member collaboration on solutions to top industry challenges through Advocacy, Workforce Development, Sustainability, Supply Chain Management and other programs. Our SEMICON^® expositions and events, technology communities, standards and market intelligence help advance our members’ business growth and innovations in design, devices, equipment, materials, services and software, enabling smarter, faster, more secure electronics. Visit www.semi.org, contact a regional office, and connect with SEMI on LinkedIn and X to learn more.

Association Contact
Sherrie Gutierrez/SEMI
Phone: 1.831.889.3800
Email: sgutierrez@semi.org