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Laos Faces Surge in Fraudulent Social Media Accounts

The officers are interrogating the offender (Phetmany) for her fraud crime.

Social media in Laos has seen a growing number of fraudulent accounts emerging on several platforms, particularly Facebook, which remains the most widely used application in the country, according to online reports.

1 Billion People, Trillions in Growth: Why LATAM & SEA Are The Next Economic Powerhouses by Leading Digital Finance Revolution

Developed by Valor Capital and Credit Saison, study points to a massive $1.67 trillion financing gap for SMEs and MSMEs in both regions, which can be unlocked by digital finance, cross-border collaboration and blockchain.

SAO PAULO and SINGAPORE, April 28, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Latin America and Southeast Asia, home to over one billion people, are emerging as global economic powerhouses — driven by investments in infrastructure, middle-class expansion, and digital transformation. This is according to a report by Valor Capital Group and Credit Saison, which highlights that despite their readiness for growth, both regions continue to face financial inefficiencies and regulatory barriers.

The first-of-its-kind comparative study calls for increased investments in digital finance, cross-border collaboration, and blockchain to unlock their full potential, emphasizing how these regions are reshaping global trade and finance. While economic expansion is evident, countries in LATAM and SEA remain financially fragmented — limiting access to credit and hindering commercial integration.

“Latin America and Southeast Asia are no longer just emerging markets; they are defining the future of digital finance, trade, and economic collaboration,” says Bruno Batavia, Director of Emerging Tech at Valor Capital. According to him, unlocking their full potential will require regulatory modernization, regional partnerships, and financial innovation to be central to the agenda. “The next decade will be crucial in determining whether these regions can overcome their historical financial limitations and emerge as fully integrated players in the global economy.”

Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are the backbone of these economies, but 87% of their financing needs in Latin America remain unmet, resulting in a $1.4 trillion financing gap. In Southeast Asia, 51% of micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) face difficulties accessing financial services, creating a $272 billion deficit. Traditional banking systems, still reliant on outdated credit assessment models and manual processes, are unable to keep up with growing demand, stifling the growth of millions of businesses.

“This report serves as a critical blueprint for stakeholders seeking to harness the immense potential these regions offer. Credit Saison has been in Brazil since 2023, and has been present in Southeast Asia for over ten years, with the unique ability to deploy investments via private credit and venture capital to support the growth of fintechs and founders in both debt and equity. Through our experiences as an operator in global markets with steep Japanese heritage, partnerships and knowledge exchange are critical to navigating and adapting to local nuances and forming successful strategies in the market. For Credit Saison, it’s always about winning together with our partners. We look forward to deepening our engagement in both regions to collaboratively unlock pathways to sustainable growth,”  said Qin En Looi, Partner at Saison Capital, the corporate venture capital arm of Credit Saison.

Cross-border payments represent another significant challenge. Remittance fees in both regions average 6.1% — more than double the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) target of 3%. This translates to an annual cost of $7 billion for consumers, reducing disposable income and limiting financial mobility. Additionally, international payments can take up to five business days to settle, undermining the efficiency of global trade networks.

Venture Capital and Fintechs Driving Change

In response to these challenges, innovation in the fintech sector and the rise of venture capital investments are transforming the financial landscape. Southeast Asia created 151 new venture capital funds in 2021, while Latin America peaked at 69 funds in 2019, indicating strong investor confidence. The total number of funding rounds nearly doubled in Southeast Asia, while in Latin America, the total volume of investments grew 8.7 times, underscoring the rapid evolution of the financial ecosystem.

This influx of capital has led to significant acquisitions in the fintech sector, expanding the region’s appeal to global investors. Notable examples include Visa’s $1 billion acquisition of Brazilian fintech Pismo, TikTok’s $1.5 billion investment in Indonesia’s Tokopedia, and PropertyGuru’s $1.1 billion acquisition in Southeast Asia. These transactions highlight the increasing volume of investments in financial infrastructure.

“In Brazil, although we lead in fintech innovation, we have one of the world’s most complex currency exchange systems, requiring over 100 transaction codes for financial operations, which creates operational inefficiencies. In Mexico, the lack of local debt funds forces fintech startups to rely on equity financing, which hinders their scalability,” explains Bruno Batavia, Director of Emerging Tech at Valor Capital.

About Valor Capital Group

Founded in 2011 and with a presence in New York, Silicon Valley, Rio de Janeiro, São Paulo, and Mexico City, Valor Capital is a pioneering Venture Capital and Growth Equity fund manager with a “cross-border” strategy, aiming to act as a bridge between the technology markets of the United States and Latin America. Its funds invest in transformative businesses, from early-stage startups to expansion-stage companies. Valor is committed to the success of its portfolio companies, offering capital, operational support, and global connections. Learn more at valorcapitalgroup.com.

About Credit Saison Brazil

Established in 2023, Credit Saison Brazil (CSBR) is a financial company with a mission to bring people, partners and technology together, creating resilient and innovative financial solutions for positive impact.

CSBR provides a comprehensive offering of both credit and equity investment opportunities to support the innovators and builders of Brazil, and is committed to being a transformative partner in creating opportunities and enabling dreams.

The company is part of Credit Saison Co. Ltd. from Japan, and Saison International as its international headquarters in Singapore with core businesses in lending and corporate venture capital. Founded in 1951, Credit Saison Co. Ltd is one of Japan’s largest non-bank financial companies with over 70 years of history and listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange. The Company has evolved from a credit-card issuer to a diversified financial services provider across payments, leasing, finance, real estate and entertainment.

Over 1,500 employees work across the company’s markets (ex-Japan) of Brazil, Mexico, India, Indonesia, Vietnam, Thailand and Singapore.

About Saison Capital

Saison Capital (saisoncapital.com) is an early-stage venture capital fund (pre-seed to Series B) with a focus on emerging markets. The firm backs ambitious founders at the pre-seed or seed stage and focuses on web3, fintech and commerce.

Operating from the Asia Pacific region but deploying capital on a global scale, Saison Capital harnesses Credit Saison’s extensive financial services operating background and resources across key markets, including Singapore, Indonesia, India, Vietnam, Thailand, Philippines, Cambodia, Japan, Brazil and Mexico. Saison Capital is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Credit Saison.

Xujialou Subdistrict, Taishan District, Tai’an City, Shandong Province: Spring Ushers in a New Journey, Exploring “Daguan Garden”

JINAN, China, April 16, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — A report from Qilu Yidian: As spring’s warm sunlight blankets the earth, Daguanzhuang Village in Xujialou Subdistrict, Taishan District, radiates vibrant energy. Intangible cultural heritage inheritance, pastoral picking, cultural experiences, and innovative economy interweave here into a moving symphony of rural revitalization. In Daguanzhuang, the distinctive development model of “civilization practice + agricultural-tourism integration” is showcasing unique charm, attracting more and more urban visitors to experience an idyllic life that “leaves the hustle but stays close to the city.”

Cultural Practices Nourish the Homeland, Vitalizing Cultural Spaces

In the Dandelion Cinema on the first floor of Daguanzhuang Village’s New Era Civilization Practice Station, villagers are watching the documentary Beautiful Countryside, My Home, which records the village’s development and changes. Seeing familiar faces and scenes of the old village and new buildings on screen, they can’t help but start discussing. In the historical and cultural exhibition room, weathered farm tools and yellowed photos tell the story of the village’s vicissitudes. In stark contrast, young people focus on reading in the study lounge, and laughter echoes in the digital cinema. Visitors can sense the village’s transformation in the “perception zone” while enjoying tranquility away from the hustle and bustle; in the “creation zone,” they can learn calligraphy and painting in the art studio, turning nostalgic feelings into landscapes and flowers on paper to experience cultural charm; in the “display zone,” they can learn about the village’s rich cultural activities and leave their impressions after the visit.

Urban Farm Awakens Nostalgia, Colorful Fields Draw Visitors

Stepping into the Colorful Fields Orchard in Daguanzhuang Village’s rural revitalization park, the sweet scent of strawberries mingles with the fragrance of soil. In the picking greenhouses of this urban farm, tourists bend to pick strawberries, savoring the joy of farming. The most eye-catching feature is the newly painted Nezha-themed murals on the exterior walls of the greenhouses. Lifelike anime images of Nezha, Ao Bing, Taiyi Zhenren, and the Dragon King have turned these “internet-famous walls” into new landmark photo spots. Members of a motorcycle club recently visited the renovated orchard, taking pictures in front of the murals to embrace the spring surprise. The “internet-famous walls” are now mostly complete, attracting many tourists—especially children—to 打卡 (visit and take photos).

Intangible Cultural Heritage Workshop Fills the Air with Wheat Aroma: Small Pancakes “Cook Up” a Big Industry

It is reported that Daguanzhuang pancakes are a municipal-level intangible cultural heritage. The pancake production base includes an intangible cultural heritage display area, processing workshop, experience and creation zone, and e-commerce live-streaming area. In the display area, visitors can learn about the history of Daguanzhuang pancakes; in the processing workshop, they can observe every step from raw materials to finished products and learn production techniques; in the experience and creation zone, they can make their own flavored pancakes on-site using the skills they’ve learned, even turning pancakes into artistic works to enjoy hands-on fun. Today, in Daguanzhuang Village, the humble pancake has grown into a characteristic industry integrating production, processing, sales, and cultural transmission. Elders and women in the village can find suitable jobs in the cooperative, achieving employment just steps from their homes.

(Note: “打卡” is translated as “visit and take photos” to convey the modern social media context of checking in at popular spots.)

Comac Medical Announces New Leadership Appointments and International Expansion

Leadership transition and strategic growth initiatives mark the next phase of Comac Medical’s development under EdgeCap Partners.

SOFIA, Bulgaria, April 28, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Comac Medical, a leading full-service Contract Research Organization (CRO) in Central and Eastern Europe, announced today the appointment of a new CEO and Board Chair and the launch of an international expansion initiative.

Leadership Appointments

Dr. Chris Smyth has been appointed as Chief Executive Officer, effective 1st September. Based in the UK, Dr. Smyth brings over two decades of executive leadership in global CROs and biotech-focused clinical research. Most recently, he served as President of ICON Biotech, and prior to that, held multiple senior roles at IQVIA Biotech including President and COO.

Comac Medical has also established a new Supervisory Board, chaired by Neil Ferguson. Mr. Ferguson is an experienced global commercial leader with over 35 years in the healthcare and pharmaceutical industries, with over 25 years in the outsourced services sector, including Syneos Health and Quintiles, where he held senior roles driving significant revenue growth and operational scale. Mr. Ferguson will lead the Supervisory Board consisting of Comac Medical’s founder and Honorary Chairman Dr. Milen Vrabevski and EdgeCap representatives Dr. Günter Schmid, Christopher Backes and Kristjan Piilmann.

Today’s appointments mark a significant milestone for Comac Medical as it enters its next phase of development, building upon the recent additions of two seasoned industry leaders based in Germany, Christian Buhlmann as Chief Commercial Officer and Peter Windisch as Chief Operations Officer.

International Expansion

Comac Medical has established local entities and teams in the United States, Germany, and the United Kingdom to supplement the strong presence Comac Medical already has in Central and Eastern Europe. Dedicated business development teams have been launched in those countries, including on the East and West Coasts of the US, to support biotech and pharma clients in key innovation hubs.

In parallel to its organic expansion, Comac Medical will continue its targeted M&A strategy with the goal of becoming the leading pan-European full-service CRO for biotech and biopharma customers.

Leadership Commentary

“I am thrilled to join Comac Medical at this exciting time of transformation and growth,” said Dr. Chris Smyth, incoming CEO. “We are building on a strong legacy, expanding our regional footprint, and staying focused on delivering exceptional value to our clients and providing opportunities for our teams.”

“It is an honor to support this leadership team and work with EdgeCap and Comac Medical on this next phase,” said Neil Ferguson, Chairman of the Supervisory Board. “We look forward to creating long-term value for our stakeholders and accelerating growth across key markets.”

“As founder of Comac Medical, I am immensely proud to see our organization — a champion of clinical research in Bulgaria and the CEE region — embark on a new chapter of international expansion,” said Dr. Milen Vrabevski, Honorary Chairman of the Supervisory Board. “This evolution reflects the strength of our foundation and the global relevance of our mission.”

“I would like to thank our co-CEOs, Dr. Rossitsa Vrabevska and Vladimir Goranov, for leading the company through a successful founder transition period. A warm welcome also to the incoming leadership team which will undoubtedly add significant momentum to our growth ambitions,” said Christopher Backes, Co-Founder of EdgeCap Partners.

About Comac Medical

Comac Medical, established in 1997 in Sofia, Bulgaria, is one of the largest full-service clinical research organizations (CRO) in Central and Eastern Europe, present in more than 30 countries, providing a comprehensive range of early to late-phase drug development services to the global pharmaceutical and biotech industries across a variety of therapeutic areas including oncology, rare diseases, dermatology, gastroenterology, and respiratory diseases.

The Company has a global customer base consisting of emerging biotech and established pharma companies, offering full outsourced clinical trial support across the entire clinical development spectrum. Comac Medical’s FDA and EMA-inspected Clinical Research Unit (CRU) for Phase I, Bioavailability and Bioequivalence studies has 20 years of experience in early phase clinical research. The facility is the largest in the region and comprises 42 beds, an on-site pharmacy as well as a clinical and bioanalytical laboratory.
Visit our company website.

About EdgeCap Partners

EdgeCap is a London- and Tallinn-based mid-market private equity and growth capital firm targeting investments in high-quality companies in Europe. We partner with ambitious founders and management teams to develop strong local businesses into pan-European and global champions. EdgeCap was founded in 2021 by Kristjan Piilmann and Chris Backes, who have 20+ years of combined private equity and investment banking experience at bulge bracket firms including PSG Equity LLP, Morgan Stanley, Citi and Goldman Sachs.

WSPN Launches Revolutionary Bank API Integration, Enabling WUSD Minting in Under 5 Minutes

SINGAPORE, April 28, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Worldwide Stablecoin Payment Network (WSPN) is pleased to announce a groundbreaking enhancement to its stablecoin infrastructure with the launch of a new bank API integration that enables users to mint WUSD in under 5 minutes, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

This technological advancement represents a significant milestone in the stablecoin industry, effectively eliminating the traditional waiting periods associated with fiat-to-crypto conversions and providing users with unprecedented access to digital assets regardless of banking hours or geographic location.

“Our mission has always been to break down barriers in the financial ecosystem,” said Raymond Yuan, Founder & CEO of WSPN. “This new integration revolutionizes the speed and efficiency with which users can access stablecoins. Minting WUSD in under 5 minutes, regardless of the time or day, creates unprecedented opportunities for both individual and institutional users in the digital asset space.”

Key Features of the Enhanced WSPN Portal:

  • Automated Fiat Deposits: Streamlined process for transferring USD from bank accounts to the WSPN platform
  • 5-Minute Minting Process: Complete end-to-end conversion from USD to WUSD in under 5 minutes
  • 24/7 Availability: Continuous service regardless of traditional banking hours
  • Multi-Bank Support: Integration with Green Link Digital Bank, FV Bank, and Banking Circle
  • Cross-Chain Compatibility: Easy withdrawal of newly minted WUSD to Ethereum or Polygon networks

The enhanced system operates through a simple three-step process: users deposit USD from their bank, mint WUSD from their USD balance, and can then withdraw WUSD to their preferred blockchain wallet. Each step has been optimized for speed and security, with the entire process taking less than 5 minutes from start to finish.

This development comes at a time when demand for efficient fiat-to-crypto on-ramps continues to grow, particularly for stablecoins that serve as a bridge between traditional finance and decentralized applications. By removing time constraints and simplifying the minting process, WSPN is positioning WUSD as a leading solution for users who require immediate access to digital assets.

About WSPN

WSPN is a leading provider of next-generation stablecoin infrastructure, committed to building a more secure, efficient, and transparent payment solution for the global economy. Their flagship product, WUSD stablecoin, is pegged 1:1 to the U.S. Dollar and aims to optimize secure digital payments for Web3 users. WSPN’s Stablecoin 2.0 approach prioritizes user-centricity, community governance, and accessibility, paving the way for widespread stablecoin adoption.

Learn more: www.wspn.ioX | LinkedIn

ICANN DNS Forum in Hanoi: Leaders Convene to Shape the Multilingual Internet

Fourth Asia Pacific DNS Forum runs from 8 to 9 May 2025

HANOI, Vietnam, April 28, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — The Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) will hold the fourth Domain Name System (DNS) Forum in the Asia Pacific (APAC) region at the InterContinental Hanoi Landmark 72 in Hanoi, Viet Nam, from 8 to 9 May 2025. ICANN is an international, nonprofit organization that coordinates the DNS and plays a key role in ensuring a global, interoperable, and secure Internet. Viet Nam Internet Network Information Center (VNNIC), the national Internet registry in Viet Nam, is the local host.

The APAC DNS Forum 2025 in Hanoi will bring together regional and international experts to discuss paths toward a more multilingual Internet. An important area of focus will be how language and script diversity can help achieve this. Enabling the use of additional scripts and languages in the DNS is essential in making the Internet more available to hundreds of millions of users around the world.

Highlights of the event include the opening plenary where panelists will discuss the future of the Internet and the domain name space, and the current and future initiatives to bring the next billion Internet users online. Another key session will explore the 20-year review of the World Summit on the Information Society outcomes (WSIS+20) and its potential implications for the APAC region.

ICANN Board Chair Tripti Sinha, ICANN President and CEO Kurtis Lindqvist, and several ICANN Board members, along with representatives from VNNIC, business and technical industries, and civil society will attend the APAC DNS Forum 2025 in Hanoi.

“This is the fourth year that we’re hosting the DNS Forum for our APAC community and we are excited to be in Hanoi, known for its rich history and vibrant culture,” said Samiran Gupta, Vice President and Managing Director of ICANN APAC. “We look forward to hearing the voices from the region on key topics concerning the future of the Internet.”

“VNNIC is very honored to be selected as the local host of APAC DNS Forum, a major event for experts and communities working in the domain name industry in the Asia Pacific region,” said Nguyen Hong Thang, Director General, VNNIC. “We hope that the community will have a great time meeting in Hanoi and discussing the safe, secure, and reliable development of domain names, the DNS, and the role of ccTLDs in promoting the development of the Internet for everyone with the key message ‘Internet for all’.”

ICANN, along with regional stakeholders, has held DNS Forums in Africa, Eastern Europe and Central Asia, Latin America and the Caribbean, and the Middle East, all with the same goal – for ICANN and the global DNS community to gather and collaborate, network, and exchange ideas about the domain name industry and the future of the Internet.

For the first time, the APAC DNS Forum 2025 is co-located with the 2025 Contracted Parties (CP) Summit and Universal Acceptance (UA) Day 2025. The CP Summit will be held 5 to 7 May while UA Day will be held as part of the Forum, on 8 May. A networking session on the evening of 7 May will start the Forum.

One-time registration will provide access to all sessions, including the APAC DNS Forum, CP Summit, and UA Day. To register for in-person or virtual participation for the events, please visit this link.

About ICANN

ICANN’s mission is to help ensure a stable, secure, and unified global Internet. To reach another person on the Internet, you need to type an address – a name or a number – into your computer or other device. That address must be unique so computers know where to find each other. ICANN helps coordinate and support these unique identifiers across the world. ICANN was formed in 1998 as a nonprofit public benefit corporation with a community of participants from all over the world.

SMU wins prestigious THE Awards Asia 2025 – Teaching & Learning Strategy of the Year

SINGAPORE, April 28, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Singapore Management University (SMU) is proud to announce that it has been named Winner in the ‘Teaching and Learning Strategy of the Year’ category at the prestigious Times Higher Education (THE) Awards Asia 2025. The accolade was awarded in recognition of SMU-X, the University’s flagship industry project-based experiential learning framework that integrates academic knowledge with real-world industry projects.

SMU wins Times Higher Education Awards Asia 2025 (photo credit - THE)
SMU wins Times Higher Education Awards Asia 2025 (photo credit – THE)

Held annually, the THE Awards Asia celebrate innovation and excellence across higher education institutions in Asia. Often dubbed the ‘Oscars of higher education’, the awards recognise outstanding leadership, impactful initiatives, and transformative educational practices across the region.

The accolade marks a significant milestone for SMU-X, pioneered 10 years ago as a differentiating pedagogy, underscoring the University’s longstanding commitment to redefining learning through interdisciplinary, collaborative, and experiential approaches.

SMU Provost, Professor Alan Chan, said, “We are deeply honoured to receive this recognition from THE Awards Asia, which is particularly meaningful this year as the University celebrates its 25th anniversary. SMU-X has evolved over the past decade into a distinctive hallmark of our undergraduate and postgraduate education; it exemplifies our belief that learning should not only be rigorous but also relevant, connected, and transformative.”

“As we look ahead to the next chapter of SMU-X, we will continue to innovate and scale its impact. We aim to further integrate technology, expand global project opportunities, and deepen partnerships that deliver meaningful and impactful multi-disciplinary solutions. This prestigious award is both a celebration and a call to action,” he added.

In the citation, THE Award Asia judges noted that situating learning in the real world is an effective way to prepare students for success beyond university, and lauded SMU for having overcome the challenging practicalities of extending teaching outside the classroom. “SMU fosters a sustainable ecosystem of learning and collaboration that strengthens university-industry synergy and drives continuous pedagogical improvement,” noted the judging panel.

SMU-X – an innovative pedagogy that has gained global recognition

Launched in 2015, SMU-X was designed to bridge the gap between classroom theory and industry practice. The framework, which spans undergraduate, postgraduate, and continuing education programmes, integrates academic coursework with experiential learning, enabling students to apply knowledge in practical settings. Students work in teams alongside industry professionals from corporations, non-profit organisations, government agencies and community partners to develop insights and recommendations, to tackle specific challenges that reflect evolving industry needs. Meanwhile, faculty members serve as academic mentors, guiding students through research, analysis, and solution development while embedding academic rigour into every project.

By allowing students to work with peers across different disciplines, SMU encourages collaboration and cultivates the teamwork and communication skills inherent to interdisciplinarity. By exposing students to diverse sectors, perspectives and real-world challenges, SMU also prepares them to be effective global citizens beyond Singapore and the region.

From a pilot of 58 students in two courses in 2015, SMU-X has grown to 40,000 enrolments in 170 courses a decade later. SMU-X has facilitated over 6,600 projects with more than 1,200 partners. In the current Academic Year 2024-2025, 78 SMU-X modules are being offered, with about 5,000 students partnering with organisations across all sectors, in Singapore and overseas. 

In addition to its local success, SMU-X has inspired global interest and institutional collaborations. The experiential learning model has been featured in global higher education forums as a best-practice case study in applied learning, and won multiple accolades on the global stage. These include the Green Gown Award 2024 – Next Generational Learning and Skills’ category; and the 2024 QS Reimagine Education Awards – Gold award and Innovation in Business Education Award

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About Singapore Management University

Established in 2000, Singapore Management University (SMU) is recognised for its disciplinary and multi-disciplinary research that address issues of global relevance, impacting business, government, and society. Its distinctive education incorporating innovative experiential learning, aims to nurture global citizens, entrepreneurs and change agents. Home to over 13,000 students, SMU offers a wide range of bachelor’s, master’s and PhD degree programmes in the disciplinary areas of Accountancy, Business, Economics, Computing, Law and Social Sciences, as well as in multi-disciplinary combinations of these areas. It also offers a growing number of executive development and continuing education programmes. Through its city campus, SMU focuses on making meaningful impact on Singapore and beyond through its partnerships with industry, policy makers and academic institutions. www.smu.edu.sg

Aice Strengthens Regional Leadership and Accelerates International Expansion

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 28 April 2025 – In early 2025, Aice, a leading ice cream brand in Southeast Asia, attracted significant attention from global investors following a new round of investment from major shareholders, including China Mengniu Dairy Group – its controlling shareholder. This capital injection is widely viewed as providing both financial and strategic support for Aice’s rapid expansion across Southeast Asia and other new international markets.

Strategic Market Positioning: From Indonesian Launch to Regional Leadership

Since its overseas launch in 2015, Aice has rapidly established itself as a pioneer in Southeast Asia’s ice cream industry. With annual revenues exceeding RMB3 billion, Aice now holds the leading market share in Indonesia, ranks second in the Philippines, and continues to strengthen its position in Vietnam.

Aice’s success is rooted in its precise regional market strategy. Following extensive market research, Aice identified Indonesia as its initial overseas market, targeting local demand for affordable, high-quality products. To address cross-border logistics challenges and offer its products at competitive prices, Aice established three local factories to ensure it can flexibly and rapidly adapt to local market preferences, optimize costs, and build a robust local distribution network.

Within just three years of entering Indonesia, Aice’s annual sales soared from RMB20 million to RMB1.2 billion. The Company has since expanded successfully into the Philippines, Vietnam, Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, and Timor-Leste, making it one of Southeast Asia’s fastest-growing companies and a benchmark for Chinese F&B brands going global. In 2024, its factory in the Philippines officially began operations, further enhancing its regional manufacturing footprint and enabling broader distribution across Southeast Asian and beyond.

Innovating Products, Channels, and Marketing: Building Differentiated Competitive Advantages

Aice has established strong competitive barriers and captured consumer mindshare through innovation in product development, distribution channels, and marketing.

Guided by its philosophy of delivering “healthy, innovative, quality products with value,” Aice conducts in-depth research into consumer habits and local dietary preferences, driving continuous innovation in product formats and flavours. Each year, it has launched multiple best-selling products, generating sales of over RMB100 million. Upon initial launch in Indonesia, Aice strategically focused on small and medium-sized retailers, providing free ice cabinets to communities in more than 100 cities. This approach secured extensive retail coverage of its products, activated previously untapped market demand, and differentiating Aice from international competitors, resulting in rapid market share gains. Through storefront branding and sponsorships of major sporting events, Aice consistently increased brand awareness and visibility throughout the region.

Capital-Driven Acceleration for Global Expansion

Following this round of financing, Aice plans to deepen its presence in existing Southeast Asian markets, further strengthening its supply chain and brand competitiveness, while actively expanding into new international markets.

As a key pillar of Mengniu’s “One Core, Two Wings” strategy, Aice has served as Mengniu’s strategic bridgehead in Southeast Asia, achieving significant milestones. This investment from Mengniu underscores its strong confidence in Aice’s in international growth potential and reflects its commitment to supporting it with additional resources and capital.

According to industry sources, while maintaining robust organic growth, Aice recently engaged with global investors to diversify its funding channels and accelerate its international expansion. Backed by a proven overseas track record and new capital, Aice is poised for a new phase of accelerated growth, leveraging Southeast Asia as a strategic steppingstone to broader international opportunities.Hashtag: #Aice

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