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Kubix and D3 Labs Announce Strategic Collaboration to Explore Global Access for Thai Investment Tokens

BANGKOK, May 8, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Kubix Digital Asset, Thailand’s leading ICO portal under the Orbix Holdings, has entered into a strategic collaboration with D3 Labs, a leading Web3 infrastructure provider in Asia. The collaboration was officially announced at Money 20/20 Asia in Bangkok. This partnership aims to create a bridge between Thai digital token projects and global investors, focusing on cross-border accessibility, regulatory readiness, and technological scalability.

Partomchai Tangnoi, Managing Director of Kubix (left), and Lai Chung Ying, Co-Founder & Co-CEO of D3 Labs (right), during the official signing ceremony held in Bangkok, Thailand.
Partomchai Tangnoi, Managing Director of Kubix (left), and Lai Chung Ying, Co-Founder & Co-CEO of D3 Labs (right), during the official signing ceremony held in Bangkok, Thailand.

As Thailand’s digital token ecosystem continues to evolve with growing regulatory clarity and market maturity, Kubix and D3 Labs share a common vision: to unlock the full potential of tokenized fundraising, expand access to a wider variety of real-world asset investments for Web3 investors, and elevate Thai digital token products to the global stage.

Kubix: Bridging Thai Digital Tokens to the World

Kubix has played a pioneering role in Thailand’s digital asset ecosystem. With strong regulatory foundations now in place, Kubix is entering a new chapter: enabling Thai issuers to expand globally.

  • Cross-Border Pathways: The partnership with D3 Labs enables Thai issuers to access a broader investor base through compliant, borderless infrastructure.
  • Diverse Deal Expansion: Future-ready projects—such as alternative investments, innovation-based ventures, and commodity-linked tokens—are central to Kubix’s roadmap.
  • Regulatory Tailwinds: The recent revision by the SEC to Thailand’s digital asset criteria—allowing USDC and USDT to be used in ICO transactions and trading—highlights the country’s regulatory openness and strengthens the global viability of Thai-issued digital assets.

“We’re seeing growing demand from Thai issuers to scale beyond the local market,” said Partomchai Tangnoi, Managing Director of Kubix. “This partnership with D3 Labs is a key step toward building global bridges for our ecosystem and creating real impact for issuers and investors.”

D3 Labs: Unlocking Scalable Infrastructure for Cross-Border Tokenization

D3 Labs is building the foundational Web3 infrastructure that enables asset tokenization at scale, with compliance and interoperability at its core. As the Southeast Asian region advances its regulatory frameworks, D3 Labs is committed to empowering forward-thinking platforms like Kubix through enterprise-grade, cross-border, blockchain-agnostic, and regulator-aligned solutions.

The collaboration with Kubix reflects D3 Labs’ vision of unlocking the full potential of tokenized capital markets across Asia, starting with Thailand’s rapidly maturing ecosystem and expanding to new global investor bases.

Lai Chung Ying, Co-Founder and Co-CEO of D3 Labs, added, “This partnership with Kubix is not just a technical integration—it’s a strategic alignment of values. Together, we’re laying the infrastructure for compliant, borderless fundraising and helping to redefine how investment products can be accessed and distributed in the Web3 economy.”

Driving the Future of Global Tokenization

The collaboration marks a significant step toward making Thai digital tokens accessible beyond domestic borders. Combining Kubix’s leadership in approved and regulated ICO portals with D3 Labs’ global Web3 infrastructure, both parties share a common goal: to open new doors for cross-border fundraising, unlock fresh opportunities for investors, and drive the growth of the asset tokenization market in Southeast Asia and beyond.

About Kubix:

Kubix Digital Asset Co., Ltd., a subsidiary of Orbix Holdings under KASIKORNBANK Financial Conglomerate KASIKORNBANK operates as a licensed ICO portal in Thailand, facilitating capital raising through digital tokens and providing access to innovative investment opportunities. Learn more at: https://www.kubix.co

About D3 Labs:

D3 Labs, founded in September 2022, is a leading Asia-based Web3 infrastructure provider that delivers enterprise-grade Distributed Ledger Technology (DLT) solutions. Focused on empowering financial institutions and digital asset ecosystems, D3 Labs enhances operational efficiency, strengthens security, and increases the transparency and liquidity of tokenized assets. Learn more at: https://www.d3labs.io

ONERugged Debuts the Industry’s First Rugged AI-enabled PCs

SHENZHEN, China, May 8, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Is your current device truly ready for the AI-driven future? ONERugged has introduced a new generation of industrial AI PCs — Rugged AI Notebooks EM-X14M, EM-X15M, and Rugged AI Tablet EM-I14M. Designed for industries such as utilities, public safety, manufacturing, and automotive, these devices combine powerful on-device edge AI performance with industrial-grade durability. They help organizations accelerate digital transformation while enhancing security, efficiency, and operational resilience at the edge.


Driving Industrial Progress with Next-Gen Rugged AI PCs

As a pioneer in rugged computing, ONERugged is among the first[1] to integrate Intel® Core™ Ultra processors into rugged PCs, combining the latest advancements in CPU, GPU, and NPU technologies. With up to 32 TOPS of hybrid AI computing power, ONERugged industrial AI PCs enable users to deploy large language models and corporate knowledge bases directly on the device. This local AI processing capability enhances responsiveness, strengthens data security, and reduces reliance on constant cloud connectivity.

Rugged AI Notebooks and Tablets with Next-Level Graphics for Industrial AI Workloads

Built to meet the demands of AI-driven workloads, ONERugged AI PCs are equipped with Intel® Arc™ graphics. Powered by the Xe LPG architecture and up to 8 Xe cores, they support DX12 Ultimate, ray tracing, XeSS supersampling, and AV1 codec technologies. This discrete-level graphics performance allows for smooth 3D rendering, real-time AI image processing, and stable high-definition video playback, even in challenging outdoor environments.

Ruggedized Tablets and Laptops Designed for the Harshest Environments, Engineered for Total Security

Uncompromising Ruggedness: The rugged AI notebooks and AI tablets redefine durability across industries. Each device is tested and certified to MIL-STD-810H and IP65 standards, ensuring resistance to dust, water, shocks, and vibration. Constructed from robust ABS+PC materials, they deliver 3.94 ft (1.2 m) drop resistance and maintain stable operation across wide temperature ranges from -20°C to 60°C — making them the ideal choice for extreme field environments.

Professional Expandability: ONERugged devices are equipped with Thunderbolt 4 Type-C ports, delivering data transfer speeds of up to 40Gbps for ultra-fast connections to external storage, displays, and peripherals. In addition, a comprehensive selection of ports — including HDMI 2.0, three USB-A, two RJ45 Gigabit Ethernet, RS232, a 3.5mm audio jack, and a DC power port — ensures flexible expansion and seamless device integration, empowering users to stay connected and productive anywhere.

Built-In Privacy and Enterprise-Grade Security: With powerful on-device AI capabilities, ONERugged AI PCs minimize the need for cloud data uploads, protecting sensitive information by keeping operations local. To further enhance security, the devices feature enterprise-grade safeguards such as fingerprint authentication, a RF switch, and physical privacy shutters for camera, and encrypted card expansion options. These measures ensure that critical data and user privacy are protected against emerging threats.

Empowering Industries with Rugged Edge AI Performance and Industrial-Grade Reliability

ONERugged AI notebooks and tablets are designed to drive innovation across a wide range of industries.

In smart manufacturing, ruggedized notebooks and tablets enable AI-powered quality inspection, machine control, and predictive maintenance, eliminating the need for high-performance desktops and large-scale distributed systems.

In the automotive sector, rugged notebooks and tablets support diagnostic software and sensor data analysis, helping to identify issues remotely and reduce maintenance costs.

For outdoor surveying, ONERugged AI terminals facilitate mobile data collection and real-time AI map analysis, streamlining city planning and road optimization tasks.

In public safety and sensitive industries, on-device AI processing ensures data remains local, greatly enhancing security without relying on cloud connectivity.

With superior durability and powerful AI capabilities, ONERugged devices deliver reliable performance wherever it’s needed most.

Real-World Application: Rugged AI Notebooks Boost Smart Manufacturing Efficiency

A leading electronics company encountered significant challenges during the factory’s digital transformation. Traditional manual inspections were slow and prone to errors, especially when assembling and verifying tiny, high-precision components. As production volumes increased, conventional methods struggled to meet the company’s stringent quality and efficiency standards.

To address this, the company adopted AI-powered Automated Optical Inspection (AOI) systems, deploying the ONERugged EM-X14M rugged AI laptop to run AI-driven inspection models directly on the production line. Leveraging the notebook’s powerful on-device AI computing capabilities and rugged durability, the system automates appearance and functionality checks with high precision. The results were transformative: inspection speed increased severalfold, detection time was reduced to just a few seconds per unit, and human error rates dropped significantly, ensuring consistent, high-quality production output.

The rugged AI PCs are available now. For more information, visit www.onerugged.com

About ONERugged:

ONERugged, a brand of Emdoor Information Co., Ltd. (SZSE: 001314), is a leading provider of rugged computing solutions for enterprise users worldwide. Focused on durability, performance, and versatility, ONERugged designs products that can withstand the harshest environments and deliver reliable performance across a wide range of industries. Today, ONERugged serves clients in over 80 countries and regions, supporting sectors such as public safety, manufacturing, agriculture, automotive, and warehousing logistics.

For more information, visit www.onerugged.com. Follow us on LinkedIn, YouTube, and Facebook.

Contact:
ONERugged
inquiry@onerugged.com
+86 400-830-4882

[1] As of April 29, 2025, and to the best of our knowledge, the EM-X14M, EM-X15M, and EM-I14M are the first rugged AI PCs equipped with the latest Intel Core Ultra processor.

 

Osstem, the World’s No. 1 in Implant Sales Volume, Pioneers India’s future of implantology with High-quality products and Clinical trainings

SEOUL, South Korea, May 8, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Osstem Implant, a global leader in dental implant solutions, has been officially recognized as the world’s No.1 dental implant brand in terms of sales volume (According to the innovation research and support centre for dental science at Seoul National University Dental Hospital), driven by its unwavering commitment to research & development and comprehensive clinical training for dental professionals.

Founded by former dentist Choi Kyu-ok, Osstem Implant has rapidly expanded its influence across the globe through its investment in large-scale R&D initiatives. Today, more than 800 researchers at 20 research institutes specialize in developing advanced dental materials and equipment, including implants, contributing to Osstem’s position as the industry’s front-runner.

Since 2000, Osstem has also pioneered clinical implant training for dentists, establishing one of the world’s most robust education systems in the field. Over 120,000 dentists worldwide have completed Osstem’s programs, which have played a key role in the popularization and standardization of implant procedures, especially in South Korea.

With over 3,000 products across five implant designs and four surface technologies, Osstem’s product portfolio supports precise, personalized treatments for a wide range of clinical scenarios. Released in 2012, CA implant, which has been loved worldwide, significantly shortens recovery times using proprietary surface technology. So, even elderly patients or those with low bone density can quickly recover their daily lives after surgery.

In 2024, Osstem recorded global sales of USD 880 million, reflecting a robust 11.8% annual growth rate over the past three years. The company operates in 32 international markets through local subsidiaries, with plans to continue expanding its direct sales system and strengthen its global footprint.

Strong Growth in India

Osstem Implant entered the Indian market in 2006 and has since become the country’s top-selling implant brand, achieving about 225 Crores in sales of FY 2024-25. The company attributes its success to a dual focus on product quality and trusted clinical education for Indian dentists.

“While supplying high-quality implants to the Indian market, we are focusing on building trust from dentists through clinical education,” said an Osstem spokesperson. “We will become a brand loved by both patients and dentists in India.”

Looking ahead, Osstem aims to become the world’s No.1 dental company across all segments by 2036, with a sales target of USD 6.74 billion.

(The photos at the left) Indian dentists are participating in theoretical education and practice courses in Master Course of Osstem Implant. (The photos at the right) Consultations are taking place at the Osstem booth at a Dental Exhibition in India.
(The photos at the left) Indian dentists are participating in theoretical education and practice courses in Master Course of Osstem Implant. (The photos at the right) Consultations are taking place at the Osstem booth at a Dental Exhibition in India.

Photo – https://laotiantimes.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/the_photos_left__indian_dentists_participating_theoretical_education_practice_courses.jpg

GOODYEAR INTRODUCES RACE GRADE EAGLE F1 ASYMMETRIC 6 SUV TIRES ACROSS ASIA PACIFIC

SHANGHAI, May 8, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company recently launched Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 6 SUV tires across Asia Pacific, adding another milestone as it celebrates the 45th anniversary of the iconic Eagle F1 brand.  The tire demonstrates Goodyear’s continued focus on innovation and superiority, winning multiple awards and delivering superior handling and braking performance.

Since its 1980 debut, the Goodyear Eagle F1 series has been synonymous with motorsport-inspired innovation, powering championship-winning vehicles under the most extreme conditions. The Eagle F1 Asymmetric 6 SUV builds on this heritage, delivering cutting-edge technology and giving everyday consumers a chance to experience this whether in their passenger or SUV cars.  

Nathaniel Madarang, President of Goodyear Asia Pacific said, “The Asia Pacific automotive market continues to see remarkable growth in premium SUV segments. With Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 6 SUV tires, we’re offering tires that marries exhilarating performance with everyday practicality. This launch is indeed a celebration of 45 years of Eagle F1’s relentless pursuit of excellence.”

Greg Hanna, Vice President of Product Development & Quality, Goodyear Asia Pacific added, “By adapting the proven Eagle F1 Asymmetric 6 technology to larger SUV sizes, we’ve created a tire that excels in handling, exceptional wet and dry performance and comfort. Whether navigating city streets or winding roads, drivers gain a thrilling experience without sacrificing safety.” 

This tire is also compatible with electric vehicles (EVs) when specifications align with manufacturer requirements, catering to the region’s accelerating shift toward electrification. 

Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 6 SUV tires are now available in Greater China and will debut across the rest of Asia Pacific starting from June 2025.

About The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company

Goodyear is one of the world’s largest tire companies. It employs about 68,000 people and manufactures its products in 53 facilities in 20 countries around the world. Its two Innovation Centers in Akron, Ohio, and Colmar-Berg, Luxembourg, strive to develop state-of-the-art products and services that set the technology and performance standard for the industry. For more information about Goodyear and its products, go to www.goodyear.com/corporate.

United States Judge Blocks Deportation of Asian Migrants to Libya

United States Judge Blocks Deportation of Asian Migrants to Libya
Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents stand near a gate at Delaney Hall, a newly converted immigrant detention centre in Elizabeth, New Jersey 7 May 2025. (Photo by TIMOTHY A. CLARY / AFP)

AFP – A federal judge on Wednesday temporarily blocked the Trump administration from expelling Asian migrants to war-torn Libya after an emergency appeal from the would-be deportees’ lawyers.

Confessions Wraps Filming: A Collision of Human Darkness and Eastern Philosophical Aesthetics, Elevating Chinese Drama to New Heights

HONG KONG, May 8, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Following the success of The Pig, The Snake, and The Pigeon, which became a dark horse hit, director Ching-Po Wong reunites with lead actors Ethan Juan, Gingle Wang, and the original team to create a new psychological thriller, Confessions. After 120 days of shooting, the film officially wrapped on May 3, and a media conference for Confessions was held at The Red House. During the event, the host Bowie Tsang led the press conference, where the entire creative team and main cast, including Ethan Juan, Gingle Wang, Alyssa Chia, Yi-Wen Chen, Vivian Sung, Shih-ling Hsueh, Nikki Hsieh, Peggy Tseng, Chuan-Chen Yeh,Ben Yuen, Frederick Lee, Tracy Chou, Han Chang, Sean Lin and Troy Liu, made their appearances. The team revealed the first glimpse of Confessions and shared behind-the-scenes stories about the production. On May 8, the series also released its official 2025 Youku Spring Poster, themed “Under the Surface”, showcasing a powerful portrayal of the fissures in human nature. The series is reportedly set to be introduced to mainland China by Youhug Media and Youku, and exclusively streamed on Youku. Blending Eastern philosophical aesthetics with the universal resonance of the abyss of human nature, Confessions aims to redefine the psychological suspense genre and reach new heights for Chinese dramas.

The press conference was meticulously crafted by the powerhouse production team behind Confessions. Two-time Golden Horse Award-winning art director Shuo-lin Liang oversaw the event’s visual design, featuring exposed tree roots and ambient jungle sounds that echoed the drama’s key settings. The floor, inspired by Mondrian’s signature red, yellow, and blue geometric elements, created a visually abstract atmosphere. Renowned director of photography Chi-Wa Lee, known for his work on Kar-wai Wong’s The Grandmaster, led the visual direction for both the series and the event. Chris Hou- winner of Golden Bell, Golden Melody, and Golden Horse Awards served as music director, while still photographer Cheng-Chang Kuo captured the event’s most striking moments. According to reports, the series was meticulously prepared over four months, with multiple script revisions, location scouting, and casting efforts. The shooting intensity and complexity far exceeded that of The Pig, The Snake, and The Pigeon, aiming to present the truth hidden in silence with unparalleled detail.

First Concept Trailer Released: Stark Lighting and Suffocating Sound Effects Intertwine

At the press conference, the “Destined Suspense” trailer was unveiled for the first time. The story begins with a bombing and kidnapping case in Taipei in 2004- an incident that entwines the fates of three unrelated families and sets off two decades of intergenerational conflict. The teaser opens with a close-up of Golden Horse Best Actor Ethan Juan, his eyes brimming with confusion and unshed tears. It then cuts to Taipei Film Awards Best Actress Gingle Wang, her blood-streaked face twisted in an eerie smile. One by one, the ensemble cast is introduced: Golden Bell Best Actor Shih-Ling Hsueh, Golden Horse winner Nikki Hsieh, Golden Horse Best Actor Yi-Wen Chen, Golden Horse Best Actress Alyssa Chia, Taipei Film Awards Best Actor Joseph Chang, and Golden Horse nominee Vivian Sung. With intense, unsettling expressions, they each reflect on the theme of “trees” as a metaphor for hatred. The tension culminates with Ethan Juan’s haunting line- “What madness lies in us to believe this broken world is anything close to normal?”- followed by Gingle Wang aiming a gun in fury, leaving viewers on edge and eager for more.

The “Destined Suspense” teaser adopts a highly stylized audiovisual language to evoke a tense and oppressive atmosphere. Repeated close-ups of eyes and stark lighting ripple through suffocating sound design, revealing the characters’ psychological fractures amid intertwined fates and inherited trauma. It portrays an intense moral showdown between two generations caught in deep-seated family feuds and a web of interwoven destinies across multiple households. Viewers are drawn toward the hidden truths lurking beneath the silence- and the abyss of human nature. The creative team aims to heighten emotional tension through psychological thriller techniques, subverting perspective and sensory expectations, and turning viewers into active “co-conspirators” in the search for truth.

Creative Roundtable: The Fusion of Violent Aesthetics and Social Human Nature Suspense

Actor Breakthrough: The Ultimate Interpretation of Human Psychological Fractures

Confessions is not only crafted by the same team behind The Pig, The Snake, and The Pigeon but also continues the legacy of its predecessor’s “violent aesthetics and philosophical musings.” It incorporates elements of social suspense, delving into psychological themes such as the trauma of dysfunctional families and ethical dilemmas, while intensifying the narrative with a focus on social issues. The cast- including Ethan Juan, Gingle Wang, Alyssa Chia, Yi-Wen Chen, Vivian Sung, Shih-ling Hsueh, Nikki Hsieh, Peggy Tseng, Chuan-Chen Yeh, Ben Yuen, Frederick Lee, and Troy Liu- also took the stage at the press conference to share their reflections on filming and offer deep insights into the psychological complexity of their characters.

The first to speak was Ethan Juan, who plays the male lead San Lin. He revealed that the character’s complex emotional journey resonated deeply with his own life experience- he felt as if he had stepped into San Lin’s shoes, simultaneously portraying another life and making a personal choice in the process.

Gingle Wang, who plays the female lead, followed by sharing that she portrays four different characters in the series- a major milestone in her acting career. To fully embody each role, she took a specially designed voice training course to craft distinct traits for each persona.

Alyssa Chia, who plays forensic psychologist Xin Hu, expressed her admiration for the lead actors’ interpretations and noted that her own role centers on witnessing humanity and seeking redemption of the soul. She admitted feeling emotionally stifled at times due to the character’s unspoken inner struggles.

Other cast members then spoke in turn, offering reflections on their roles and creative experiences. Yi-Wen Chen remarked that Confessions feels closer to real life than The Pig, the Snake and the Pigeon, though both explore themes of good and evil, crime and punishment- this series, he said, offers broader scope and more possibilities. Vivian Sung described her character Yun-jia Xu as unlike any she had played before- a role she would have regretted turning down for the rest of her life.

Shih-ling Hsueh admitted that this was the most mentally exhausting production he’s worked on in recent years- often counting the minutes until wrap. Nikki Hsieh also called the script “absolutely insane,” saying, “I even told my agent to get me any role- I just had to be in this project.” Hong Kong actor Ben Yuen, who made a special trip to attend the event, shared that he filmed several major scenes within just six hours. Though it was intense, he was thrilled to reunite with the director and Yi-Wen Chen. The press conference was charged with energy, and the cast’s heartfelt insights into their characters further heightened audience anticipation for the drama’s suspense-filled storyline.

First Look at Character Stills and Poster | Suspense Captured in Shadows of Love and Hate

Alongside the press event, eight black-and-white character stills were unveiled, each one like a frozen fragment of time and space. Cloaked in stark contrasts of light and shadow, the images hint at the characters’ intricate inner worlds and the suspense lurking beneath the surface. The cast appear solemn, ambiguous, or lost in thought- every subtle expression quietly revealing buried truths and hidden lies. More than just atmospheric, the stills add a layer of mystery to the series, drawing viewers deeper into the psychological tension and compelling them to uncover the truth behind the silence.

The “Under the Surface” themed poster for Confessions was unveiled as part of the 2025 Youku Spring release. The poster features a distinctive black-and-white aesthetic, contrasted by the bold red title, creating a sense of suspenseful rebirth and mystery. Across the two versions of the poster, the lead characters appear with different expressions- either in a scream, a vacant stare, or deep thought- conveying the psychological turmoil they endure and the hidden pain of their pasts. Notably, the two posters mirror one another, seemingly embedded with clues from the storyline. Viewers were quick to comment, saying they had their “8x magnifying glasses ready,” urging the platform to unlock this 20-year psychological showdown.

Looking Ahead: Chinese Drama Steps onto the International Stage with New Horizons

As the press conference drew to a close, Confessions officially entered post-production. Leveraging cross-strait collaboration and a top-tier creative team, the series continues to embrace a fusion of Eastern and Western storytelling. Through refined editing and visual effects, the production aims to transcend linguistic and geographical boundaries, allowing global Chinese-speaking audiences to fully immerse themselves in the series’ exploration of moral dilemmas and the abyss of human nature. Confessions aspires to become a powerful window for Chinese-language storytelling to reach the world stage, showcasing the unique appeal and influence of Chinese drama on the international screen.

MetaAge Adopts ART Solutions’ UpGPT Knowledge Q&A System to Build a Collaborative Azure AI Ecosystem

TAIPEI, May 8, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — A Key to AI Transformation: Knowledge Systems Built on Azure AI

In the journey toward enterprise AI transformation, efficient knowledge management is one of the keys to success. MetaAge tackled challenges in retrieving and learning product information by introducing UpGPT, a knowledge Q&A system developed by ART Solutions and built on Azure AI. This allowed teams to focus more on business growth and strategic planning. The collaboration demonstrates the practical value of AI technology and further expands the development potential of the Azure AI ecosystem.

UpGPT intelligent assistant solution delivers uninterrupted AI-powered support 24/7. Pictured from left to right are James Lo, Business Director of ART Solutions; Jason Chen , Vice Present of MetaAge; and Ken Yim, CEO of ART Solutions.
UpGPT intelligent assistant solution delivers uninterrupted AI-powered support 24/7. Pictured from left to right are James Lo, Business Director of ART Solutions; Jason Chen , Vice Present of MetaAge; and Ken Yim, CEO of ART Solutions.

MetaAge: Your Trusted Partner in IT Intelligence

With over 25 years in the IT services market, MetaAge is a professional IT solutions provider with a strong focus on AI and digital transformation. The company collaborates closely with dozens of global technology vendors and represents a diverse range of advanced products in Taiwan. With exceptional integration capabilities, robust technical expertise, and flexible customization services, MetaAge offers efficient and tailored solutions to help enterprises adapt quickly to market changes and accelerate their AI journey.

AI Knowledge Q&A System: Enhancing Internal Efficiency

To provide cutting-edge IT products and services, MetaAge continuously introduces new offerings each year. Each product line involves different vendors, procedures, and unique features. While teams have well-established SOPs and documents, the sheer volume of data across departments leads to high learning and information retrieval costs. A user-friendly AI-powered knowledge Q&A system has become essential for supporting efficient business operations.

“Ensuring information security while enabling quick access to knowledge is vital,” said Lin Lizong, Vice President of Product Center at MetaAge. “Our goal was to implement an AI solution that reduces search time and improves decision-making.”

Collaborating with ART Solutions: Deploying UpGPT Based on Azure AI

As a trusted Microsoft Cloud Solutions Provider, MetaAge partnered with fellow Microsoft business partner ART Solutions to implement the UpGPT system. ART Solutions is both a Microsoft Business Applications and ISV partner, specializing in CDP, CRM, and ERP.

UpGPT leverages Microsoft Azure OpenAI services and integrates with tools such as Microsoft Copilot Studio and Power Platform, cutting development time by up to 50%.

A Model of Azure AI Enterprise Application

UpGPT serves as a generative AI assistant capable of answering previously unanswerable questions. It supports quality monitoring, unresolved query tracking, and live agent escalation. The system integrates various file formats and enables team members to access knowledge directly through Microsoft Teams, drastically reducing search time.

For example, MetaAge’s sales team now saves over 10 minutes daily in information retrieval, enabling faster decisions and real-time updates via SharePoint.

Training for Accuracy: Maximizing GenAI Capabilities

ART Solutions also provided training to improve employee understanding of GenAI and internal knowledge structuring. Since UpGPT’s launch in October 2024, MetaAge has uploaded product documentation, enabling cross-departmental AI interaction through Teams regardless of file category or access permissions. Standardized processes and structured data organization have improved AI precision.

UpGPT + AOAI + Azure AI Search = RAG

To further boost search capabilities, MetaAge deployed Azure OpenAI alongside Azure AI Search, achieving a RAG (Retrieval-Augmented Generation) architecture. This enables AI to process Word, PowerPoint, CSV, and even image-based content from eDMs.

Custom features like eDM image-to-text conversion and SharePoint integration ensure real-time access to up-to-date marketing materials.

UpGPT: Driving MetaAge’s AI-Powered Operations

With UpGPT, sales teams can now retrieve product info efficiently through a familiar Teams interface. The solution overcomes previous challenges related to file formats, access restrictions, and information silos, greatly reducing decision-making time and errors.

The system’s real-time sync with SharePoint ensures a unified and updated knowledge base.

ART Solutions × MetaAge: Expanding the Azure AI Ecosystem

Looking ahead, MetaAge plans to expand UpGPT’s usage and develop additional AI applications in partnership with ART Solutions. With over 70 Microsoft certifications across AI, cloud, and IT security, MetaAge is Taiwan’s first partner with both AI Platform and Database Migration Specializations.

Together with ART Solutions, which specializes in AI application development and digital transformation, the two companies are building a smarter future through enterprise-ready Azure AI solutions.

CONTACT:
Jimmy Lo
jimmy.lo@cm2.io

VINEXPO ASIA 2025 ROADSHOW HIGHLIGHTS INDUSTRY SHIFTS ACROSS 4 KEY ASIAN CITIES

From fluctuating tariffs and evolving trade regulations to changing consumer preferences and the emergence of new markets, industry experts shared valuable insights during the 2025 Vinexpo Asia roadshow held in Singapore, Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur and Shanghai.

SINGAPORE, May 8, 2025 /PRNewswire/Vinexposium successfully concluded its Vinexpo Asia 2025 roadshow, with events hosted in Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand and China. The roadshow gathered regional experts and thought leaders to examine the ongoing transformation of the global wine and spirits industry.

Key topics included the impact of shifting trade dynamics and tariff fluctuations, changing consumer expectations, growing demand for no/low alcohol products, and the implications of climate change on wine production.

Rodolphe Lameyse, CEO of Vinexposium shares, Vinexpo Asia reflects the agility and ambition of the wine and spirits industry as it navigates an increasingly complex global environment. Market shifts—whether geopolitical or consumer-driven—are reshaping our sector at speed. Through this roadshow and ahead of our Singapore edition in 2025, we reaffirm our position as a strategic meeting point for professionals seeking to better understand Asia’s dynamics and expand their reach. 

Through this roadshow, the Vinexpo Academy and upcoming initiatives such as Voice of the Industry, Vinexposium reinforces its role not only as a business facilitator, but also as a curator of expert-led content and market intelligence for the global wine and spirits community.

Market trends across Asia 

The 4 events were helmed by Rodolphe Lameyse (CEO of Vinexposium) along with Rob Temple (Managing Director, Sinowine Ltd) in Singapore and Malaysia, and with Natalie Wang (Founder & Editor, Vino Joy News) in Thailand and China. 

In a context of continuous global wine consumption decline, particularly among younger demographics, key insights shared across the Vinexpo Asia roadshow highlighted market shifts, emerging opportunities, and regional dynamics. 

During such uncertain times, the wine world looks to Asia, where growth and opportunities can be seized. Today, Asia’s population of 4.8 billion makes up 60% of global population, with 3.5 billion middle class by 2030 (as compared to only 689 million in U.S.). 

The ASEAN region alone, with a population of 677 million and a combine GDP of $3.8 trillion as of 2023, represents an immense potential.

Emerging Markets: Thailand, Vietnam and India

 “Wine imports to Thailand, Vietnam and India are around 2 million, 1.8 million and 1.4 million cases (9L) respectively but are growing. These emerging markets of Asia are some of the fastest growing economies in the World with rapidly expanding middle classes. This new spending power and high per capita alcohol consumption levels present a substantial opportunity to wines and premium spirits brands“, shares Rob Temple of Sinowine Ltd.

Thailand: Thailand’s GDP is projected to increase 3% in 2025, with optimistic forecasts of tourism recovery, increased consumer confidence, investment growth in infrastructure projects, digital economy and export expansion. The hospitality market size is also projected to grow from US$1.42 billion in 2024 to a healthy US$1.87 billion in 2029.

Thailand’s wine import market has also shown resilience and potential for long-term growth. After the post pandemic boom in 2022 and market correction in 2023, the renewed growth in 2024 indicates the stabilizing of the market.

One of the key reasons driving the growth is the drop of wine import tariffs from 54% to zero indefinitely. The reduction of excise tax to 5% has also set the stage for an exponential growth similar to Hong Kong’s sweeping decision in 2008. This has led to a lowering of prices, and when combined with promotions and on-the-ground activations, this has shaped demand for multi-bottle purchases in supermarket as well as a general move towards the premiumization of wine, Champagne and whisky.

India: India’s GDP and population growth, especially in the middle class, has opened a massive market for whisky and beer, with considerable opportunity for wine.

According to IWSR data, spirits, wine and RTDs in India see rising demand as consumers trade up, explore new formats and explore premium offering in the growing on trade and luxury off trade outlets.

As the number of consumers continue to rise, a considerable focus is on younger consumers. This category of drinkers is mindful about consumption and has a preference for choosing quality over quantity. This will lead to lesser, but better curated alcoholic choices.

Vietnam: Vietnam imported US$35 million worth of wine in 2022, mainly from Italy, France, Chile, Australia, which had made it a country to look out for. However, news of the government’s plans to double the wine taxes in 2030 has resulted a more cautious approach about the potential of Vietnam’s wine market.

Mature Markets: South Korea, Mainland China, Hong Kong 

“We are living in a time marked by unprecedented market volatility and unpredictable trade barriers; Asia, in contrast, offers stability through free trade and is poised to shape the future of the global wine trade. Established markets like Japan, Mainland China and Hong Kong provide a solid foundation for growth, while rapidly expanding markets in Thailand and India are emerging as vital drivers—making Asia indispensable to any forward-looking wine strategy,” explains Natalie Wang of Vino Joy News.

South Korea :  Despite the contraction in value and volume as compared to 2023, the import value for South Korea is still 47.1% higher than in 2020, indicating that the market has not regressed to pre-pandemic levels and still holds long term potential.

Mainland China : For the first time in five years, Mainland China’s wine market has rebounded. In 2024, wine imports totaled US$1.59 billion. With wine purchases moving away from gifting to consumer driven consumption, this has led to a trading down of price points and a white wine boom, with a focus on Riesling and New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc.

Hong Kong : Consumers are becoming more cost conscious, with many Hong Kong residents wining and dining in Shenzhen and Guangzhou, where prices are lower. With import figures falling every year since 2021, the value of wine imports has shrunk 61.01% of its 2021 value – the lowest since 2010.  Despite this, Hong Kong is still the centre of fine wine auction, and according to vivino data, Hong Kong still has the highest per capita spend on wine consumption.

Vinexpo Asia 2025 – What’s Ahead 

Vinexpo Asia 2025 will feature the launch of a special market insights report, a collaboration between YouGov, an international online research data and analytics technology group and wine consultancy SinowineLtd.

The study focuses on consumer trends, challenges and opportunities for the wines & spirits industry, deep diving into the markets of Hong Kong, The Greater Bay Area, Singapore, Thailand and Malaysia. This will cover topics such as top influencing factors when choosing wine and spirits, consumption frequency of red and white wines, the actual number of consumers for each drinks category and more. 

Alongside the show, the second edition of Vinexposium’s Voice of the Industry will be unveiled, delivering expert analysis, market trends, and strategic reflections shaping the future of wine and spirits in Asia.

Also, more details on the Vinexpo Academy programme will be unveiled shortly, offering a deep dive into key market trends and expert knowledge-sharing sessions.

Vinexpo Asia 2025 will take place in Singapore from May 27 to 29, where the momentum built during this roadshow will continue through in-depth discussions, business meetings and market insights.

For more information, visit the website of Vinexpo Asia
https://vinexpoasia.com/newfront/page/media

and register online
https://vinexposium.mybadgeonline.com/Pro-Login-en-US?trk=GPRONEW

Click to access photos of Vinexpo Asia 2023
https://public.joomeo.com/users/Vinexposium/albums/64468f379891f 

About Vinexpo Asia

Vinexpo Asia is a premier event for wine and spirits professionals, offering exclusive access to key stakeholders in the Asia-Pacific region. Taking place alternately in Singapore and Hong Kong, two major business hubs, it serves as a strategic platform for networking, discovering industry innovations, and fostering business opportunities in one of the most dynamic markets worldwide.

About Vinexposium

Vinexposium is the year-round ally to the global wine and spirits trade. Through international business events and editorial content, it brings together every segment of the industry to foster growth and visibility. By combining market insight and connection opportunities, including Voice of the Industry, Vinexposium helps professionals, around the world, navigate change, unlock opportunities, and stay aligned with emerging trends in sustainability, innovation, and consumer expectations.

VINEXPOSIUM MEDIA CONTACT

 

Jenny Tan

FoodCult Pte Ltd 

Email: words@foodcult.com.sg 

Tel: +65 9836 7653

 

Rachel Raeburn

FoodCult Pte Ltd 

Email: vinexpoasia@foodcult.com.sg 

Tel :  +65 9742 5770

 

Amelia Kwek 

Vinexposium

Email: amelia.kwek@comexposium.com 

Tel: +65 9797 7712