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Prudential and Prudence Foundation Provide Free Mental Health Support to Vulnerable Communities

In partnership with Intellect, the programme will be launched in Malaysia and Vietnam to make mental healthcare more accessible for vulnerable or at-risk groups


HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 2 July 2025 – Prudential plc (“Prudential”) and Prudence Foundation, the community investment arm of Prudential, are collaborating to launch Talk it Out, a mental health initiative in partnership with digital mental health service provider Intellect. Through the programme, communities in need in Malaysia and Vietnam will have access to free mental health support.

Arjan Toor, CEO, Health, Prudential plc (third from right) and Diana Guzman, Chair of Prudence Foundation and Chief Sustainability Officer, Prudential plc (second from right) at the launch of Talk It Out in Vietnam
Arjan Toor, CEO, Health, Prudential plc (third from right) and Diana Guzman, Chair of Prudence Foundation and Chief Sustainability Officer, Prudential plc (second from right) at the launch of Talk It Out in Vietnam

Talk It Out reflects Prudence Foundation’s commitment to building long-term health resilience by addressing mental well-being as a vital component of overall health, particularly as mental health emerges as a growing challenge in Southeast Asia. Around one in seven people in the region, equivalent to 260 million, live with a mental health condition[1]. Many are also plagued by daily stress, burnout, relationship problems, and sleep issues. Barriers such as limited access to services, socioeconomic challenges, and financial constraints have resulted in widening gaps in mental healthcare in the region. In some countries, the treatment gap – defined as the percentage of individuals needing care but not receiving it – reaches up to 40 per cent[2].

Through the Intellect app, users will have access to a full spectrum of mental health services, including self-guided programmes, live consultations with licensed coaches, clinical psychologists and counsellors, and a 24/7 helpline that provides professional support in their local language. Where needed, users can also be connected to local mental health professionals for one-on-one coaching or counselling sessions, ensuring both scalability and personalised care for diverse community needs. To ensure accessibility and relevance to users in Malaysia and Vietnam, the app is available in multiple local languages such as Bahasa Malaysia, Chinese, Tamil, Vietnamese, French and English.

The programme will identify and engage vulnerable and at-risk groups in Malaysia and Vietnam, and work with local partners in healthcare, education, and community sectors. Talk It Out will be targeted to serve various local communities, including at-risk youth and women, low-income parents and families, marginalised and displaced communities. The programme will also be accompanied by targeted in-community workshops and awareness campaigns to help reduce stigma and equip users with essential knowledge.

Arjan Toor, CEO, Health, Prudential plc (third from right) and Diana Guzman, Chair of Prudence Foundation and Chief Sustainability Officer, Prudential plc (second from left) at the launch of Talk It Out in Vietnam
Arjan Toor, CEO, Health, Prudential plc (third from right) and Diana Guzman, Chair of Prudence Foundation and Chief Sustainability Officer, Prudential plc (second from left) at the launch of Talk It Out in Vietnam

Arjan Toor, CEO, Health, Prudential plc, said: “Our mission is to give our customers peace of mind by investing in and supporting initiatives that strengthen their ability to manage health challenges. Mental wellbeing is intrinsically linked with peace of mind, and enables people to lead resilient and meaningful lives. But there is a widening gap between the demand for mental health services and access to care, particularly within vulnerable communities. Through our collaboration with Prudence Foundation, we aim to end worry and hassle for people with a mental health condition. Launching this programme in two of our biggest health markets – Malaysia and Vietnam – is an important step forward in our commitment to helping our customers, and communities, when they need us most.”

Diana Guzman, Chair of Prudence Foundation and Chief Sustainability Officer, Prudential plc, said: “Our goal is to create meaningful, lasting change and build long-term health resilience. Across our markets, millions remain without health protection, not due to a lack of need, but because of affordability and access barriers. Mental health is a critical part of this equation. Without support for emotional and psychological wellbeing, individuals and families are left vulnerable to the pressures of daily life. That’s why we’re investing in targeted programmes like Talk It Out, which provide free, culturally relevant mental health support to those who need it most. By reaching vulnerable communities with accessible care, we’re not just filling a gap—we’re laying the foundation for stronger, more resilient lives.”

Theodoric Chew, CEO and Co-Founder, Intellect, said: “Our work with Prudence Foundation is a step towards building mental health resources and solutions that are universally accessible, especially for vulnerable and at-risk communities. By leveraging technology, our clinical expertise and on-the-ground networks, we are able to deliver meaningful care to those who need it most, in a way that’s scalable, localised, and sustainable.”

As a Tier 1 organisation in the 2025 CCLA Corporate Mental Health Benchmark, Prudential continues its commitment to supporting mental health wellbeing in the workplace and the community. For organisations interested to support their community’s mental health needs through this initiative, please contact prudencefoundation@prudential.com.hk.


[1] “Transforming mental health in the WHO South-East Asia Region – Annual Report 2024” by World Health Organisation
[2] Ibid

Hashtag: #Prudential

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

About Prudential plc

Prudential plc provides life and health insurance and asset management in 24 markets across Asia and Africa. Prudential’s mission is to be the most trusted partner and protector for this generation and generations to come, by providing simple and accessible financial and health solutions. The business has dual primary listings on the Stock Exchange of Hong Kong (2378) and the London Stock Exchange (PRU). It also has a secondary listing on the Singapore Stock Exchange (K6S) and a listing on the New York Stock Exchange (PUK) in the form of American Depositary Receipts. It is a constituent of the Hang Seng Composite Index and is also included for trading in the Shenzhen-Hong Kong Stock Connect programme and the Shanghai-Hong Kong Stock Connect programme.

Prudential is not affiliated in any manner with Prudential Financial, Inc. a company whose principal place of business is in the United States of America, nor with The Prudential Assurance Company Limited, a subsidiary of M&G plc, a company incorporated in the United Kingdom.

About Prudence Foundation

Established in 2011 in Hong Kong, Prudence Foundation is the community investment and philanthropic arm of Prudential plc.

The Foundation builds financial wellbeing, and climate and health resilience for underserved Asian and African communities. We are committed to sustainable, long-term solutions that empower individuals and communities to make informed financial decisions, access affordable financial products, as well as be more prepared and protected against climate related health risks. We actively engage in public-private partnerships, collaborate with governments, NGOs, communities and other private sector entities to build collective efforts for lasting change. To date, our programmes are implemented across 16 markets in Asia and Africa, reaching millions of people.

For more information:

About Intellect

Intellect is a trusted global leader in mental health care, providing accessible, culturally-localised support through comprehensive solutions that address diverse needs at every stage of the mental health journey. Available in 120+ languages, Intellect’s comprehensive local network of providers is accessible in 100+ countries. Online and offline, it has made a difference in the lives of over 4 million users around the world.

Intellect is backed by influential investors including Tiger Global, Insignia Ventures Partners, Y Combinator, HOF Capital, MS&AD Ventures, and East Ventures, alongside prominent venture funds, family offices, big tech executives, and angel investors. In 2025,

Intellect was named as one of Fast Company’s Most Innovative Companies and Human Resources Online’s Best Digital Wellness Platform (Gold) in 2023.

Aon Survey Highlights the Critical Role of Skills in Shaping the Future Workforce Across APAC

  • 90 percent of organisations consider skills-related initiatives to be highly important
  • 61 percent of organisations have implemented skills-based programs to address top talent priorities
  • Career development is emerging as the biggest use case for skills-related initiatives

SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 2 July 2025 – Aon plc (NYSE: AON), a leading global professional services firm, has released insights from its 2025 Asia Pacific (APAC) Skills Impact Survey Report, identifying critical skill gaps and assessing workforce readiness to guide strategic talent development across the APAC region.

The study gathered input from over 135 organisations across APAC to identify common challenges businesses face in integrating skills into workforce decision-making, strategies, and whether organisations are beginning to prioritise skills over experience.

“As businesses face an increasingly dynamic environment, there is a strong need for relevant future-ready skills over traditional work experience to build a resilient and agile workforce,” said Puneet Swani, head of Talent Solutions for APAC at Aon. “Organisations must prioritise skills development and leverage people analytics to improve HR and business outcomes. By doing so, they can foster a resilient and adaptable workforce ready to meet future challenges.”

The survey found that the value of skills is critical for attracting and retaining talent, enhancing workforce agility and resilience, and building strong leaders. Almost 40 percent of organisations are at the critical stage of developing talent strategies and programs tailored around new and future skills. Furthermore, 68 percent of organisations have an articulated skills framework as the foundation for such practices. Overall, 44 percent of organisations are exploring technology tools, assessment platforms and external benchmarks for skills identification, but over half (56 percent) still depend on traditional methods such as job descriptions and manager surveys.

Top skills influencing talent practices include career development and mobility, learning and development, recruitment and selection, succession planning and workforce planning.

The study also found organisations are using skills information for employee career development, with nearly 40 percent of respondents already aligning skills with lateral role opportunities for colleagues. This strategy enhances employee experience and data shows it boosts candidate success rates. The survey expects within the next 12 – 24 months, around 45 percent of organisations will adopt the practice of aligning skills with lateral opportunities for colleagues.

However, the survey respondents have identified barriers in advancing the skills agenda in their organisations.

Maggie You, head of people advisory for APAC at Aon, said, “The top challenges for progressing with skills initiatives include limited budget and resources, measuring program effectiveness, and identifying relevant skills. To overcome these barriers, organisations must take small steps by starting with pilot programs, using objective assessments and clear KPIs, engaging business stakeholders, and aligning skills frameworks with job architecture and external benchmarks.”

Aon’s 2025 Skills Survey report can be found here.
Hashtag: #Aon

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

About Aon

(NYSE: AON) exists to shape decisions for the better — to protect and enrich the lives of people around the world. Through actionable analytic insight, globally integrated Risk Capital and Human Capital expertise, and locally relevant solutions, our colleagues provide clients in over 120 countries with the clarity and confidence to make better risk and people decisions that protect and grow their businesses.

Follow Aon on , , and Stay up-to-date by visiting Aon’s and sign up for news alerts .

Disclaimer
The information contained in this document is solely for information purposes, for general guidance only and is not intended to address the circumstances of any particular individual or entity. Although Aon endeavours to provide accurate and timely information and uses sources that it considers reliable, the firm does not warrant, represent or guarantee the accuracy, adequacy, completeness or fitness for any purpose of any content of this document and can accept no liability for any loss incurred in any way by any person who may rely on it. There can be no guarantee that the information contained in this document will remain accurate as on the date it is received or that it will continue to be accurate in the future. No individual or entity should make decisions or act based solely on the information contained herein without appropriate professional advice and targeted research.

Hong Kong’s Revolutionary Sauce EXOTICA UMAMI [EX M] Stuns Industry Professionals with Its Instant Boost to Flavour, Texture, and Seasoning

Multifunctional Cooking Sauce Earns Chef Endorsements at Exclusive JW Marriott Tasting Event


HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 2 July 2025 – The culinary world is abuzz with excitement as the innovative EXOTICA UMAMI (fondly referred to by Chinese speakers as “EX M”) was unveiled at a high-profile tasting event held at the JW Marriott Hotel Hong Kong on 30th June 2025. This groundbreaking multifunctional cooking sauce, created as a modern alternative to salt, soy sauce, and MSG, captivated the palates of top chefs and hospitality professionals with its transformative ability to elevate dishes to extraordinary levels of flavour and texture.

Hong Kong’s Revolutionary Sauce EXOTICA UMAMI [EX M] Stuns Industry Professionals with Its Instant Boost to Flavour, Texture, and Seasoning

A Game-Changer for Chefs and Kitchens Worldwide
The versatile new seasoning and cooking sauce has been gaining attention from chefs in the restaurant industry. Invented in Hong Kong by food visionary Dan Gan, the consensus opinion agrees EXOTICA UMAMI makes food more succulent and juicy, while contributing its own distinctly addictive taste. In some cases, the sauce can further tenderize meat and produce for added .

The launch event brought together some of Hong Kong’s most esteemed culinary talents, including:

  • Cheuk Man Chung, Chinese Executive Chef at New World Millennium Hotel
  • Peter Lim, Executive Sous Chef at New World Millennium Hotel
  • Tony Wong, Executive Chef at JW Marriott Hotel Hong Kong
  • Kenneth Loo, renowned star chef and co-host of the event
  • Robert Chua, celebrated food entrepreneur

Live Demonstrations: The Taste Tests That Stole the Show

The Char Siu test
Chef Cheuk prepared two versions of char siu – the classic version and a new recipe simplified with mainly EXOTICA UMAMI 【EX M】to braise the pork before a quick roast. In the taste test, the assembled guests and audience unanimously preferred the samples incorporating [EX M] for seasoning and finishing. They suggested the flavouring liquid gave the char siu more depth in savouriness and umami, as well as making the pork more tender. Discussions concluded the sauce was able to maintain its taste integrity even after braising in high heat, something many other braised or cooking liquid agents cannot do. EXOTICA UMAMI retained its rich, deep flavour, where others began to taste sour after extended time under high heat. The herb and spice in Exotica Umami was also distinctly evident in the char siu giving the roast meat an authentically unique flavour.

The Salmon test
Chef Lim made two salmon samples using the sous vide method. A chilled fillet was vacuum marinated with just soy sauce, while a frozen (thus less flavourful and more dry) piece of fish was prepared with a EXOTICA UMAMI vacuum marinate and then finished with a brush of EX M as a finishing glaze. The post-tasting comments noted the added umami created a much stronger flavour and made the fish seem fresher even though it was previously frozen. The salmon also appeared more flaky and juicy.

The Flank Steak test
JW Marriott’s chef Wong took on the task of cooking cubes of flank steak, a traditionally tough cut, by pan-frying. He and his assistant first prepared one sample with just salt and pepper on a frying pan, and then on the other sample, he used EXOTICA UMAMI [EX M] to season the beef by drizzling directly onto the meat as it was being pan-fried. In the tasting session, people agreed flank with the natural seasoning can become very chewy, therefore, tougher to consume. However, the EXOTICA UMAMI drizzled beef instantly and noticeably had a more tender texture, along with greater flavour and juiciness. The evidence showed the liquid’s remarkable ability to raise the standard of certain meats for a higher quality eating experience. For chefs, this means saving time and costs.

EXOTICA UMAMI, as an all-in-one multifunctional cooking sauce and natural type flavour enhancer – with distinct acidic notes and a deep full-bodied umami richness – is ideal for marinating, seasoning, cooking, finishing a dish and taking it to new culinary heights.

A Culinary Innovation Rooted in History
This innovative sauce was inspired by an ancient Roman recipe but developed and created in Hong Kong at Gan’s Exotica Gelatea Restaurant. When his chef quit, Gan the proprietor was forced to take over. In an effort to improve his food, he created this marinate to add directly to his burger while grilling. The result helped earn a place on the “Ranked: the world’s best burgers” list by UK platform, Lovefood.

To further refine his revolutionary seasoning sauce, Gan put his outlet on pause for the time being. Using a mixture of pork, herb, spice and secret ingredients with time-tested fermenting techniques, Gan started experimenting with his sauce to improve it to complement the requirements for fine dining. Eventually, EXOTICA UMAMI [EX M] was created.

A Stamp of Approval from the Industry
Made in small batches, the unique sauce has already gained a stamp of approval from the hotel and restaurant industry. With the success of the dishes during the tasting event, New World Millennium Hotel has decided to launch the Exotica Umami Slow Cooked Salmon in La Table and [EX M] Char Siew in Tao Li Chinese Restaurant in addition to some menu items at their other outlets starting from July 1.

For chefs, it offers the benefit of producing consistent result, as well as saving time and money while generating more flavour. As a marinate or direct application, in some cases it can also help tenderize meat and produce.

Exclusively for Industry Professionals, Now Available for Home Chefs
Currently, EXOTICA UMAMI is exclusively available to industry professionals and not actively sold in retail. However, EXOTICA UMAMI can be purchased at the JW Marriott e-shop and will be available at Towngas Cooking Centre in Causeway Bay from 1 July for non industry professionals. For anyone interested in more information or details about the sauce or how to purchase, contact: info@exoticaconcepts.com.

More information can also be found at www.exotica-gelatea.com
Hashtag: #ExoticaUmami #Umami #ExM #鮮味 #萬能醬 #萬能烹飪醬料 #萬能調味料

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

Chilli Manis: From Zero to Singapore’s 4.8-Star Caterer in 7 Years


SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 2 July 2025 – In just seven years, Chilli Manis has grown from humble beginnings to become one of Singapore’s best-rated food caterers. Their swift ascent—marked by industry accolades and glowing customer reviews—is powered by a unique blend of Peranakan heritage, unshakable resilience, and a simple yet profound mantra: “Love Your Guests, Serve the Best.”

Chilli Manis: From Zero to Singapore's 4.8-Star Caterer in 7 Years

A Dream Built on Grit, Faith & Peranakan Heart

Launched in 2018 as a niche Peranakan catering concept, Chilli Manis was a bold experiment within its investor group. Managing Director Benjamin Seow, inspired by his mother, Madam Serene Hoh’s decades of Nyonya culinary wisdom, became the driving force behind the brand’s vision.

“We started from absolute zero,” Benjamin shares. “Everything—from menus to props—was built in-house. With no clients or reputation, morale was low. Every order felt like a miracle.” After a grueling first year, signs of progress began to show—only for COVID-19 to bring everything to a halt. “Our growing momentum vanished overnight,” Benjamin recalls. “But we saw it as a chance to focus on what truly mattered.”

With events on pause, the team turned inward. Every member—from chefs to delivery staff—underwent training in what would become their non-negotiable standard: True Peranakan hospitality goes beyond food—it’s about warmth, care, and treating every guest like family. “When the industry rebounded, we weren’t just ready with recipes—we were ready with heart,” Benjamin adds.

Celebrating SG60 with Chilli Manis

In celebration of this milestone and Singapore’s 60th National Day (SG60), Chilli Manis Catering is offering two heartfelt promotions:

  • $60 Off First Order. Enjoy $60 off your first order with promo code MANISSG60 (Min. $600 menu spend, valid for Full or Mini Buffet orders). Valid until 21 August 2025.
  • National Day Baby Giveaway
    • Six eligible individuals born on 9 August will be gifted a buffet worth $660.
  • To participate, those born on:
    • 9 August 1965, 9 August 2025, or 9 August (any year)
    • Follow @chillimanis on Instagram and send a DM with their birthdate.
    • Campaign Period: 16 June – 17 August 2025, 11:59 PM.
    • For full details, visit @chillimanis on Instagram.

These run from 16 June to 17 August 2025. For full details and terms, refer to @chillimanis’ post on Instagram.

What Makes Us ‘Best’ – The People Who Believe in Us

What defines the best food caterer? For some, it’s recognition. For others, it’s the memories created around a shared meal. At Chilli Manis, it’s both—and more.

In 2024, Chilli Manis was honoured as Singapore’s Most Popular Promising Brand at the Singapore Prestige Brand Awards (SPBA)—a milestone that reflects their deep respect for tradition, keen eye for detail, and unwavering commitment to innovation.

They are also Singapore’s highest-rated caterer on Google, with a 4.8-star rating from over 1,300 reviews. Customers often praise the brand’s authentic Peranakan flavours, elegant presentation, and a hospitality that feels like home.

“We began with a modest kitchen and big dreams,” Benjamin reflects. “Today, we’re living proof that when you pour heart into every dish and care into every event, success follows naturally. But our greatest reward isn’t the awards—it’s seeing first-time customers become regulars, and regulars become like family.”

Visit the website for full menus, bookings, and more on its comprehensive offerings — including popular halal catering buffet Singapore options, extensive Peranakan food catering, and specialised dessert tables.

Hashtag: #ChilliManis

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

About Chilli Manis Catering

Founded in 2018, Chilli Manis is a Peranakan catering brand where tradition meets heartfelt service. From halal-certified buffets to lavish wedding feasts, Chilli Manis transforms meals into cherished memories. Each dish carries Madam Serene Hoh’s lifetime of culinary wisdom—now passed on to a new generation of food lovers.

With accolades including the Singapore Prestige Brand Award and an outstanding 4.8-star Google rating, Chilli Manis continues to create manis experiences where heritage and hospitality come together—one unforgettable event at a time.

CyCraft Launches XecGuard: LLM Firewall for Trustworthy AI


TAIPEI, TAIWAN – Media OutReach Newswire – 1 July 2025 – CyCraft, a leading AI cybersecurity firm, today announced the global launch of XecGuard, the industry’s first plug-and-play LoRA security module purpose-built to defend Large Language Models (LLMs). XecGuard’s introduction marks a pivotal moment for secure, trustworthy AI, addressing the critical security challenges posed by the rapid adoption of LLMs.

CyCraft Co-Founders (from left to right): Benson Wu (CEO), Jeremy Chiu (CTO), and PK Tsung (CISO) are leading the mission to build the world’s most advanced AI security platform.
CyCraft Co-Founders (from left to right): Benson Wu (CEO), Jeremy Chiu (CTO), and PK Tsung (CISO) are leading the mission to build the world’s most advanced AI security platform.

Trustworthy AI Matters
The transformative power of Large Language Models (LLMs) brings significant security uncertainty, requiring enterprises to urgently safeguard their AI models from malicious attacks like prompt injection, prompt extraction, and jailbreak attempts. Historically, AI security has been an “optional add-on” rather than a fundamental feature, leaving valuable AI and data exposed. This oversight can compromise sensitive data, undermine service stability, and erode customer trust. CyCraft emphasizes that “AI security must be a standard feature—not an optional add-on,” believing it’s paramount for delivering stable and trustworthy intelligent services.

The Imminent Need for Proactive AI Defense
The need for immediate and effective AI security is more critical than ever before. As AI becomes increasingly embedded in core business operations, the attack surface expands exponentially, making proactive defenses an absolute necessity. CyCraft has leveraged its extensive “battle-tested expertise across critical domains—including government, finance, and high-tech manufacturing” to precisely address these emerging AI-specific threats. The development of XecGuard signifies a shift from “using AI to tackle cybersecurity challenges” to now “using AI to protect AI” , ensuring that security and resilience are embedded from day one.

“AI security must be a standard feature—not an optional add-on,” stated Benson Wu, CEO, highlighting XecGuard’s resilience and integration of experience from defending critical sectors. Jeremy Chiu, CTO and Co-Founder, emphasized, “In the past, we used AI to tackle cybersecurity challenges; now, we’re using AI to protect AI,” adding that XecGuard enables enterprises to confidently adopt AI and deliver trustworthy services. PK Tsung, CISO, concluded, “With XecGuard, we’re empowering enterprises to embed security and resilience from day one” as part of their vision for the world’s most advanced AI security platform.

CyCraft’s Solution: XecGuard Empowers Secure AI Deployment
CyCraft leads with the global launch of XecGuard, the industry’s first plug-and-play LoRA security module purpose-built to defend LLMs. XecGuard provides robust protection against prompt injection, prompt extraction, and jailbreak attacks, ensuring enterprise-grade resilience for AI models. Its seamless deployment allows instant integration with any LLM without architectural modification, delivering powerful autonomous defense out of the box. XecGuard is available as a SaaS, an OpenAI-compatible LLM firewall on your cloud (e.g., AWS or Cloudflare Workers AI), or an embedded firewall for on-premises, NVIDIA-powered custom LLM servers. Rigorously validated on major open-source models like Llama 3B, Qwen3 4B, Gemma3 4B, and DeepSeek 8B, it consistently improves security resilience while preserving core performance, enabling even small models to achieve protection comparable to large commercial-grade systems.

Even small models gain enterprise-level defenses, approaching large commercial-grade performance.
Even small models gain enterprise-level defenses, approaching large commercial-grade performance.

Real-world validation through collaboration with APMIC, an NVIDIA partner, integrated XecGuard into the F1 open-source model, demonstrating an average 17.3% improvement in overall security defense scores and up to 30.1% in specific attack scenarios via LLM Red Teaming exercises. With XecGuard and the Safety LLM service, CyCraft delivers enterprise-grade AI security, accelerating the adoption of resilient and trustworthy AI across industries, empowering organizations to deploy AI securely, protect sensitive data, and drive innovation with confidence.

To learn more about how XecGuard can protect your LLMs and to request a demo, visit: www.cycraft.com/en/xecguard
Hashtag: #CyCraft #LLMFirewall #AISecurity



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

About CyCraft Technology

is a leading AI-driven cybersecurity company in the Asia-Pacific region. Trusted by hundreds of organizations in defense, finance, and semiconductor industries, our AI is designed to prevent, preempt, and protect against cyber threats. Our expertise has been recognized by top-tier institutions like Gartner and IDC and showcased at prestigious global conferences, including Black Hat, DEFCON, EMNLP, and Code Blue.

China debuts first mixed-mode autonomous railway yard to boost logistics efficiency


YIWU, CHINA – Media OutReach Newswire – 1 July 2025 – China has launched its first railway container terminal with mixed-mode autonomous driving capabilities, a move aimed at building an efficient, low-carbon, and intelligent modern comprehensive transportation system and reducing whole society logistics costs.

The first train of the sea-rail intermodal service from Yiwu International Hub Port to Ningbo-Zhoushan Port has officially departed.
The first train of the sea-rail intermodal service from Yiwu International Hub Port to Ningbo-Zhoushan Port has officially departed.

The Suxi container handling station in Yiwu, east China’s Zhejiang Province, began operations on June 27, with a freight train carrying 100 standard containers departing for the Ningbo-Zhoushan Port, the world’s busiest cargo hub by tonnage, according to the Hangzhou Railway Logistics Center of the China Railway Shanghai Bureau Group.

The Suxi container handling station, the country's first railway terminal for automated driving in a mixed operation mode, has been opened for use.
The Suxi container handling station, the country’s first railway terminal for automated driving in a mixed operation mode, has been opened for use.

As part of the Yiwu (Suxi) International Hub Port, the terminal connects to the Ningbo-Jinhua Railway and has an annual design capacity of 660,000 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs). It features a rail loading zone, a container yard, a customs supervision area, and a digital management system.

The facility, approved as China’s first railway yard autonomous driving experimental zone, integrates remote-controlled gantry cranes, automated storage systems, and intelligent transporters to enable unmanned operations alongside traditional workflows. This hybrid model marks a milestone in China’s push to modernize logistics infrastructure, according to industry officials.

“This sets a new standard for autonomous operations in China’s railway network,” said Li Jinsong, deputy director of the Hangzhou Railway Logistics Center. “The mixed-mode design allows for seamless integration of automated and manual processes, enhancing efficiency while ensuring operational flexibility.”

Zhao Jianmin, general manager of Zhejiang Seaport Yiwu Hub Port Co., Ltd, highlighted the terminal’s role in connecting inland Yiwu with the Ningbo-Zhoushan Port, enabling “one-time declaration, inspection, and release” for goods.

By establishing a logistics corridor connecting the two regions, the terminal reduces transit times and costs, as cargo entering the Suxi station is treated as if it has arrived at the seaport, Zhao said.

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

VenHub Launches 24/7 Autonomous Smart Store in Hollywood, Expanding AI Retail in One of LA’s Busiest Districts


Los Angeles, California – Newsfile Corp. – 1 July 2025 – VenHub Global, Inc. (“VenHub” or the “Company”), a leader in fully autonomous, AI-powered retail, today announced the installation of its newest Smart Store at 1841 N Highland Avenue in Hollywood, California, just steps from the iconic Hollywood Bowl. Located in one of the city’s most active corridors, this 24/7 autonomous store will bring fast, precise, and contactless shopping to both the local community and the thousands of attendees visiting the Hollywood Bowl for concerts and events throughout the year.

This high-traffic deployment represents another strategic step in VenHub’s Southern California expansion following recent rollouts at Metro Transit Center at LAX, Glendale, and North Hollywood. Store assembly is currently underway and will be completed within days. A formal ribbon-cutting and press preview will follow next week.

A Store Designed for Today’s Retail Reality

“Launching in Hollywood is more than a location decision, it’s a service commitment,” said Shahan Ohanessian, Founder & CEO of VenHub. “We’re here to serve a vibrant community that never slows down. Whether it’s residents going about their day or guests heading to a show at the Bowl, people deserve retail that is fast, accurate, secure, and always open. That is what VenHub delivers.”

He continued, “There is extraordinary demand for what we’re building. We are in discussions with location leaders, public agencies, business owners, and enterprise partners across the country and around the world who recognize VenHub as a trusted solution for modern retail access. We are working tirelessly to expand our production capabilities. Several additional states are already in our expansion pipeline, and more updates will be shared soon as we grow our footprint in California and beyond.”

Shahan added, “To our stakeholders, we thank you. We hear you, we listen to you, and we are working tirelessly to meet your needs. We know how difficult the current conditions are in the retail world, and we are here to create solutions and open new opportunities for everyone. That is the mission, and we are proud to stand behind it.”

Each VenHub Smart Store is a fully autonomous unit that operates with no on-site staff. Customers enjoy mobile-first checkout and a seamless shopping experience powered by robotics and intelligent systems that ensure speed, precision, and security. The platform is built to meet the demands of today’s fast-moving environments and is designed for contactless, efficient, and around-the-clock retail service.

Building Across Communities

VenHub’s Hollywood launch is part of a broader rollout across Southern California in collaboration with municipalities and transportation partners. The Company remains focused on placing Smart Stores in locations where people live, move, and gather. This includes transit hubs, commercial corridors, and high-density residential areas. Every installation is designed to enhance access, support real-world convenience, and operate as reliable infrastructure communities can count on.

Media Contact:
Alyssa Barry, Alliance Advisors Investor Relations
abarry@allianceadvisors.com

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

About VenHub Global Inc.

VenHub is building the retail infrastructure of the future. With a bold vision to modernize access to goods and services, VenHub delivers scalable, autonomous Smart Store technology across the U.S. and beyond. From major metro regions to local neighborhoods, fixed units to mobile deployments, VenHub brings automation, intelligence, and convenience wherever people need it.

VenHub’s AI-powered Smart Stores operate 24/7 with no on-site employees, adapting dynamically to customer behavior, local conditions, and operator preferences. With a focus on safety, speed, and scale, VenHub is setting a new standard for retail that never sleeps.

To learn more, visit:

Safe Harbor Statement

VenHub Global Inc. and its subsidiaries (“VenHub” or the “Company”), may make forward-looking statements regarding future events or the future financial performance of the Company in press releases, presentations, conference calls, or other communications. These statements can be identified by terminology that includes “believes,” “expects,” “anticipates,” “foresees,” “forecasts,” “estimates,” “intends,” “plans,” “targets,” or other words conveying future outcomes or projections.

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Doi Ka Noi’s Final Dish: How a Lao Chef’s Cookbook Became Her Greatest Legacy

Doi Ka Noi’s Final Dish: How a Lao Chef’s Cookbook Became Her Greatest Legacy
photo credit: Mick Shippen

Doi Ka Noi, a renowned Lao restaurant in Vientiane Capital known for its ever-changing seasonal menu and commitment to authentic Lao recipes, closed permanently on 13 May.