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TIER IV certified for Level 4 autonomous bus service in Ishikawa Prefecture

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TOKYO, March 28, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — TIER IV, the pioneering force behind the world’s first open-source software for autonomous driving, is proud to announce Level 4 certification for an autonomous bus service in Komatsu, Ishikawa Prefecture. This certification applies to the entire route from Komatsu Station to Komatsu Airport and a designated section of the return route, marking a significant milestone achieved through collaboration with local authorities and service operators.

This certification, granted under the Road Transport Vehicle Act, classifies the bus as a Level 4 autonomous vehicle. Upon receiving a permit under the Road Traffic Act, the bus will be authorized to operate autonomously within predefined routes, detecting surrounding vehicles and pedestrians while adhering to designated environmental conditions.

In August 2022, TIER IV joined forces with Komatsu City, BOLDLY, Aisan Technology, and Sompo Japan in a strategic partnership to establish a year-round autonomous bus service. This service was designed to enhance connectivity between Komatsu Station and Komatsu Airport, aligning with the launch of the Hokuriku Shinkansen Komatsu Station.

Since 2023, the initiative has leveraged TIER IV’s Minibus, powered by Autoware*, the open-source software for autonomous driving championed by TIER IV. The project also incorporated a comprehensive risk assessment conducted by Sompo Japan, high-precision 3D mapping technology developed by Aisan Technology, and remote monitoring and fleet management supported by BOLDLY.

Following extensive testing and operator training, the paid year-round autonomous bus service began in March 2024. By the end of February 2025, the service had transported over 18,000 passengers, demonstrating the growing demand and feasibility of autonomous public transit solutions.

Looking ahead, TIER IV will continue to drive research, development, and proof of concept tests to accelerate the widespread rollout of autonomous driving.

*Autoware is a registered trademark of the Autoware Foundation.

About TIER IV

TIER IV stands at the forefront of deep tech innovation, pioneering Autoware, the world’s first open-source software for autonomous driving. Harnessing Autoware, we build scalable platforms and deliver comprehensive solutions across software development, vehicle manufacturing, and service operations. As a founding member of the Autoware Foundation, we are committed to reshaping the future of intelligent vehicles with open-source software, enabling individuals and organizations to thrive in the evolving field of autonomous driving.

 

Firstsource in S&P Global Sustainability Yearbook 2025 for second consecutive year

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– Top 99th percentile
– Named ‘Industry Mover’
– Among ‘Top 5% S&P Global CSA Score’

MELBOURNE, Australia, March 28, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Firstsource Solutions Limited (NSE: FSL) (BSE: 532809), an RP-Sanjiv Goenka Group company, today announced its inclusion in the prestigious S&P Global Sustainability Yearbook for the second consecutive year—this time with an even greater impact, earning recognition as an ‘Industry Mover’ and achieving a ‘Top 5% S&P Global CSA Score’ for FY2025. Further solidifying its ESG leadership, Firstsource achieved an S&P Global Sustainable1 ESG Score and CSA Score of 81—a significant 19-point increase from 2023—featuring in the top 99th percentile, and a top performer in the ‘Professional Services’ category.

Companies that demonstrate an improvement of at least five percent in their S&P Global Corporate Sustainability Assessment (CSA) Score – representing the strongest performance enhancement within their industry – are considered ‘Industry Movers’. In addition, the ‘Top 5% S&P Global CSA Score’ recognition is awarded to companies whose scores rank within 1% to 5% of the industry’s top-performing organization.

Dr. Sanjiv Goenka, Chairman of RPSG Group and Firstsource, shared, “Being recognized in the top 99th percentile, as an ‘Industry Mover’ and ranking in the ‘Top 5% S&P Global CSA Score’, among those featured in the S&P Global Sustainability Yearbook is a proud moment for Firstsource. This achievement reaffirms our commitment to embedding sustainability at the core of our business strategy – where responsible growth, innovation, and long-term value creation go hand-in-hand.  As we continue to advance our ESG initiatives, from climate action to stronger governance and social impact, we remain focused on driving meaningful change for our clients, employees, communities, and the environment.”

At Firstsource, sustainability is embedded into their operations through FirstConscious—their holistic ESG framework that drives responsible growth and long-term impact. Over the past year, Firstsource has accelerated its ESG journey by achieving key milestones, including:

  • Strengthened GHG Inventory & Assurance – Enhancing transparency and accountability in emissions reporting
  • Comprehensive Climate Risk Assessment – Evaluated climate risks across geographies to build resilience
  • Committed to SBTi and achieving NetZero emissions by 2050, with validation process currently underway.
  • Adopted the Taskforce on Climate related Financial Disclosures (TCFD) framework to ensure transparency in climate-related risks and opportunities.
  • Strengthened ESG Policies & Processes – Embedding sustainability deeper into governance and operations
  • Aligning towards UN Global Compact’s Ten Principles on human rights, labor, environment, and anti-corruption

The S&P Global Sustainability Yearbook identifies industry leaders demonstrating outstanding corporate sustainability performance. Companies are rigorously evaluated through S&P Global’s Sustainable1 Corporate Sustainability Assessment (CSA), and only the top performers within each sector earn a place in the Yearbook. Out of over 7,690 companies across 62 industries that were assessed for this year’s Sustainability Yearbook, only 780 are Yearbook Members.

The S&P Global Sustainability Yearbook is a trusted benchmark for corporate sustainability, assessing companies across environmental, social, and governance dimensions. For more details on the S&P Global Sustainability Yearbook 2025, visit https://www.spglobal.com/esg/csa/yearbook/

About Firstsource

Firstsource Solutions Limited, an RP-Sanjiv Goenka Group company (NSE: FSL) (BSE: 532809) (Reuters: FISO.BO) (Bloomberg: FSOL:IN), is a global leader providing transformational solutions and services spanning the customer lifecycle across Healthcare, Banking and Financial Services, Communications, Media and Technology, Retail, and other diverse industries. With an established presence in the US, the UK, India, Mexico, Australia, South Africa, and the Philippines, we make it happen for our clients, solving their biggest challenges with hyper-focused, domain-centered teams and cutting-edge tech, data, and analytics. Our real-world practitioners work collaboratively to deliver future-focused outcomes. (www.firstsource.com)

HashKey Group and Bosera Launch World’s First Tokenised Money Market ETF

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The newly launched Money Market ETF will pioneer the integration of traditional finance and blockchain technology

HONG KONG, March 28, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — HashKey Group (“HashKey”), a leading end-to-end digital asset financial services group in Asia, and Bosera Asset Management (International) Co., Limited (“Bosera”) today announce the launch of the tokenised money market ETFs, Bosera HKD Money Market ETF (Tokenised Class) and Bosera USD Money Market ETF (Tokenised Class), which have been approved by Hong Kong Securities and Futures Commission (SFC) and will be formally launched in April.

The ETFs are one of the use cases in the Hong Kong Monetary Authority’s (HKMA’s) Project Ensemble Sandbox, which explores innovative tokenisation of real-world assets (RWAs). HashKey Group, as a member of the HKMA’s Project Ensemble sandbox, will continue to collaborate with HKMA and SFC to support the development of Hong Kong’s tokenised ecosystem.

The upcoming tokenised shares are the Bosera HKD Money Market ETF and the Bosera USD Money Market ETF. Money market funds are known for their low risk and high liquidity, making them an essential tool for cash management. Bosera’s use of advanced blockchain technology has enabled the offering of an innovative investment product that balances traditional stability with the agility and flexibility of digital assets.

In comparison to traditional money market funds, this product greatly improves transparency and operational efficiency through blockchain technology, enabling investors to gain direct exposure to high-quality money market instruments by tokens, thereby fulfilling their asset allocation and risk management needs. DeFi investors seeking to balance their yields or virtual asset investors looking to mitigate market risk can find a reliable solution in Bosera’s tokenised money market fund, serving as a “yield stabiliser” for on-chain investors.

By leveraging the collaborative power of the Web3 ecosystem, HashKey Group provides a comprehensive tokenisation solution and full-chain technical support for the product, ensuring seamless integration from technology to operations. HashKey Tokenisation provides a full-process design and execution for tokenised issuance during the entire process. The product is then deployed on HashKey Chain, a public chain preferred by financial institutions and real-world asset (RWA) issuers, and utilises HashKey’s NexaToken service to ensure secure on-chain asset management. Subsequently, HashKey Exchange, the largest licensed virtual asset trading platform in Hong Kong, will serve as the primary distribution channel while also providing custody services through its upcoming Earn Channel.

CMB Wing Lung (Trustee) Limited and BOCI-Prudential Trustee Limited act as the custodians and administrators for the Bosera HKD Money Market ETF and Bosera USD Money Market ETF, respectively, providing fund administration services, including transfer agent services and fund valuation services, which are crucial to the successful issuance of products’ tokenised shares.

“Bringing money market ETFs on-chain through blockchain technology is a crucial step for traditional finance to embrace Web3,” said Dr. Xiao Feng, Chairman and CEO of HashKey Group. “As an important bridge connecting traditional finance and crypto finance, HashKey Group has established a complete Web3 financial infrastructure. Under the current market trend of compliance, we expect more traditional financial institutions to actively enter the crypto finance sector through innovative tokenisation products. This will not only drive the development of the crypto finance market, but also promote the integration of blockchain technology and mainstream financial systems, creating sustainable investment value for institutional and individual investors.”

“As an investment value discoverer, Bosera International has always been committed to providing professional and comprehensive asset management services to all kinds of institutional and individual investors at home and abroad. One of Bosera International’s key strategies is to leverage financial innovation to promote financial inclusion and empower investor services through financial technology,” said Ms. Lian Shaodong M.H., Chairman and CEO, Bosera Asset Management (International) Co., Limited. This issuance is our latest product in the Web 3.0 sector, after our Virtual Asset Spot ETF, and we hope to create value for investors. As a leading asset management institution in Hong Kong, we attach great importance to innovation in the financial sector and continuously explore changes in business models through technological advancements. We also pay close attention to the investment preferences and demands of on-chain investors and Generation Z investors. In the future, we will further summarise the experience of this project, apply blockchain technology to more products, and provide investors with more investment options and a better investment experience.”

Mr. Andrew Law, CEO of BOCI Prudential, stated “As a leading custodian of tokenized funds, BOCPT leverages blockchain technology to enhance transfer agency and registry services, paving the way for a new digital era in the industry. As the digital asset ecosystem continues to mature, we remain focused on delivering efficient settlement services to create a more transparent, faster, and more convenient experience for investors – driving greater values across the fund administration industry.”

About HashKey Group

HashKey Group is a leading digital asset financial services group in Asia with global operations in regions such as Hong Kong, Singapore, Japan, Ireland and Bermuda. Since 2018, HashKey Group has built a global Web3 ecosystem within a high-compliance regulatory framework, including HashKey Exchange, a licensed virtual asset exchange regulated by the Hong Kong SFC; HashKey Global, the global flagship digital asset exchange; HashKey Capital, a global asset manager investing exclusively in blockchain technology and digital assets; HashKey OTC, the compliant over-the-counter (OTC) trading arm of HashKey Group, HashKey Cloud, a leading provider of global Web3 infrastructure; and HashKey Tokenisation, a tokenisation services provider.

HashKey Group also possesses a rich on-chain ecosystem, having developed the Ethereum Layer 2, HashKey Chain, and has listed the HashKey platform tokenHSK. HashKey Group is committed to driving the mass application of blockchain technology, aiming to provide trustworthy and accessible digital asset services to one billion global users.

Disclaimer:https://group.hashkey.com/disclaimer-group/blank-1

*As of January 15, 2025, HashKey Exchange ranks 7th on CoinGecko’s global exchange list and is the highest-ranked licensed virtual asset exchange in Hong Kong.

About Bosera

Bosera Funds, as one of the pioneering Chinese asset managers to establish operations in Hong Kong, has consistently capitalized on global asset allocation opportunities while upholding its value investment philosophy. The firm has developed a comprehensive product suite anchored by stable fixed-income investments, complemented by active equity and passive index offerings. Through strategic partnerships with international institutions, Bosera Funds provides global investors with bidirectional and cross-border asset management solutions. With a client base spanning major financial hubs including the United States, Europe, South Korea, Singapore, and Hong Kong, Bosera Funds has solidified its market position over 15 years of dedicated operations. Today, it ranks among Hong Kong’s largest Chinese asset management firms.

About BOCI-Prudential Trustee Limited

BOCI-Prudential Trustee Limited (“BOCI Prudential”)l has over 20 years of experience in trustee management and mainly provides trustee and fund administration, custody, as well as transfer agency and registry services for a variety of funds and retirement protection schemes. As at the end of Dec 2024, BOCI Prudential has MPF assets under administration of over HKD95 billion and serves around 900,000 MPF accounts under the schemes.

In the third quarter of 2024, the Hong Kong Monetary Authority, in collaboration with the industry participants, launched the “Project Ensemble” sandbox to test interbank settlement of tokenized mutual fund assets using wholesale Central Bank Digital Currency(wCBDC). BOCI Prudential played an active role in the technology design and development of tokenisation assets.

In its capacity as a fund transfer agent and fund administrator, BOCI Prudential successfully tokenized a money market fund – validating the end-to-end process of fund tokenisation and demonstrating its ability to standardize securities services for digital assets. This sandbox collaboration not only reinforces BOCI Prudential’s industry-leading position in serving clients such as fund companies, brokerages, and asset management institutions, but also pushes the boundaries of our services to cover a wider spectrum of digital assets, including stablecoins. We aim to further expand our offerings to a broader range of institutional investors, and continuously meet the market’s grown demand for innovation.

Seoul Opens Applications for 3rd Seoul Smart City Prize to Recognize Global Smart City Champions

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  • Seoul calls for outstanding smart-city innovation projects from around the world until May 30th
  • A total of 21 prizes in three categories: Projects (Human-Centered & Technological Innovation Projects), Leadership, and Special Mention.
  • Awards ceremony to be held in conjunction with Smart Life Week (SLW) 2025 from September 30 to October 1, with international mayors and experts in attendance
  • Winners will gain opportunities for international promotion, including exhibitions and capacity-building programs

SEOUL, South Korea, March 28, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — The Seoul Metropolitan Government (SMG) has announced that applications for the 3rd Seoul Smart City Prize are open until May 30. The competition is open to city governments, institutions, corporations, and individuals worldwide to recognize outstanding smart city innovation policies.

3rd Seoul Smart City Prize Poster
3rd Seoul Smart City Prize Poster

  • Now in its third year, the Seoul Smart City Prize was established in 2023 by the Seoul Metropolitan Government in collaboration with the World Smart Sustainable Cities Organization (WeGO). Leveraging Seoul’s world-class digital government capabilities, the award aims to present a vision for the future of smart cities and promote the global adoption of smart-city ideas.

In the first competition in 2023, 240 entries were submitted from 93 cities across 47 countries, including Los Angeles (USA), Madrid (Spain), and São Paulo (Brazil). Last year, a total of 216 projects incorporating various innovative technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), the Internet of Things (IoT), and Digital Twins were submitted by 123 cities from 58 countries, including London (UK), Helsinki (Finland), and Abu Dhabi (UAE).

  • Last year’s winners: the gold prize was awarded to two projects — ‘BIAG’, a health governance system from Baguio, Philippines, and ‘Improving the School System through Digital Transformation’ from Reykjavik, Iceland.

This year’s competition features a total of 21 awards across three main categories: Projects, Leadership, and Special Mention. Specifically, there are 16 awards in the Project category (8 for human-centered projects and 8 for technological innovation projects), 2 awards in the Leadership category, and 3 awards in the Special Mention category.

PRIZE CATEGORY

  • Human-Centered: Projects that are designed to prioritize digital inclusion in smart city development, thereby overcoming or mitigating the digital divide, and that aim to serve specific target groups among the citizen population, such as the elderly, youth, and the disabled.
  • Tech-Innovation: Projects that focus on integration of innovative policies and technologies in all sectors of society and domains ranging from mobility, safety, welfare, environment, energy, culture and governance.
  • Leadership: Individuals that have demonstrated leadership in developing or promoting the innovative use of technology and data to impact the lives of global citizens.
  • Special Mention: Projects selected together with a partner organization or corporation of WeGO on the basis of the project’s alignment with the values and missions of the partner organization or corporation.

Applications must be submitted by May 30, 2025, through the official Seoul Smart City Prize website (https://seoulsmartcityprize.com).

  • More information on the application process, evaluation criteria, and other relevant details is available in the Seoul Smart City Prize 2025 Guidelines on the website.

The awards ceremony will take place on September 30 at COEX, in conjunction with Smart Life Week (SLW) 2025. Approximately 300 participants, including mayors from around the world, experts, and scholars, are expected to attend the ceremony, making it a key platform for sharing excellent smart-city projects and facilitating policy exchange.

  • Winning cities will receive various benefits and support to enhance their global reputation and promote their best practices worldwide. The benefits include a dedicated exhibition booth at the SLW International City Pavilion and access to a smart city capacity-building program.

 

South Asian University (SAU), New Delhi Expands Academic Offerings and Opens Admissions for 2025-26

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1,370 seats available for the 2025-26 session

NEW DELHI, March 28, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — South Asian University (SAU), established with the vision of ‘Knowledge Without Borders’, has opened admissions for the 2025-26 academic session. Prof. K K Aggarwal, President of SAU, reaffirmed the university’s commitment to world-class education and expanding academic opportunities across South Asia.

Beyond Borders, Beyond Limits: South Asian University (SAU), New Delhi Admissions Open Now
Beyond Borders, Beyond Limits: South Asian University (SAU), New Delhi Admissions Open Now

SAU, founded by the eight SAARC nations, has significantly expanded since moving to its 100-acre modern campus near Gurugram. After operating from a temporary location at Akbar Bhawan until 2022, SAU has embarked on a major growth phase. The introduction of a B.Tech in Computer Science and Engineering in 2024-25 marked the beginning of this expansion. Now, SAU is offering new programs, increasing its academic reach with approximately 1,370 seats available for the 2025-26 session.

Key highlights of SAU’s expansion include specialized B.Tech programs in Computer Science & Engineering with specializations in Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning, Business Systems & Intelligence, Cybersecurity, and Data Science & AI. Additionally, a B.Tech in Mathematics and Computing has been introduced to equip students with advanced computational and analytical skills.

SAU has also launched Integrated Programs, such as the Integrated BS-MS in Interdisciplinary Sciences and the Integrated BBA-MBA program, ensuring a seamless transition from undergraduate to postgraduate studies. In alignment with global trends, the university now offers one-year Master’s programs for students with four-year undergraduate degrees, providing an accelerated path to postgraduate education. Expanded postgraduate offerings include an MBA, Executive MBA, MCA, and MS Climate Change and Sustainability, complementing existing programs like M.Tech, MSc (Computer Science), MSc Biotechnology, MA Sociology, MA International Relations, MA Economics, and LLM.

To strengthen research opportunities, SAU has introduced an Executive PhD program for working professionals. Admissions will be conducted through SAU’s entrance test and recognized national-level eligibility tests across SAARC nations, including CUET, JEE Mains, and CAT in India. Candidates from other SAARC nations can take a secure, proctored online entrance test or gain admission based on merit in their qualifying examinations.

SAU has also launched its Virtual Campus, offering online degree and certificate programs, such as BBA (Hons), BCA (Hons), Integrated BBA-MBA, BS and MS (Data Science & AI), MBA, and MCA, along with courses in vocal music, fashion design, and communication design.

Applications for the 2025-26 academic session are now open. For details, visit www.sau.int.

 

 

IASO Bio Announces Approval of New Drug Application for Equecabtagene Autoleucel by the Macau Pharmaceutical Administration Bureau

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SHANGHAI, NANJING, China and SAN JOSE, Calif., March 28, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — IASO Biotherapeutics (“IASO Bio”), a biopharmaceutical company focused on the discovery, development, manufacturing, and commercialization of innovative cell therapies and biologics, today announced that the Pharmaceutical Administration Bureau of the Macao Special Administrative Region (ISAF) has approved the New Drug Application (NDA) for Equecabtagene Autoleucel. This treatment is indicated for adult patients with relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma (R/RMM) who have received three or more lines of prior therapies, including at least one proteasome inhibitor and an immunomodulatory agent.

This is the first NDA approval for Equecabtagene Autoleucel outside Mainland China. Equecabtagene Autoleucel (trade name: FUCASO) was approved by China’s National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) on June 30, 2023, for treating adult patients with relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma (R/RMM) who have received three or more lines of prior therapies, including at least one proteasome inhibitor and an immunomodulatory agent. On January 29 and February 14, 2025, the NDA for this product for the above indications was formally accepted by the Health Sciences Authority of Singapore and the Department of Health of Hong Kong, China, respectively.

The Macau NDA approval is based on data from the pivotal FUMANBA-1 trial (CTR20192510, NCT05066646), a China-based, multi-site, Phase I/II registrational study evaluating the efficacy and safety of equecabtagene autoleucel in patients with relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma (R/R MM). The results demonstrated that equecabtagene autoleucel achieves outstanding efficacy and a favorable safety profile.

Ms. Zhang Jinhua, Founder, Chairperson, and CEO of IASO Biotherapeutics, stated: 
“We are delighted that the New Drug Application (NDA) for equecabtagene autoleucel has been approved by the Macau Drug Administration—the product’s first NDA approval outside Mainland China, marking a significant milestone. Through our innovative ‘Manufactured in Nanjing, Supplied Globally’ model, we will ensure timely access to this CAR-T therapy for multiple myeloma patients in Macau.

In December last year, we successfully delivered our Nanjing-manufactured CAR-T therapy to patients in Hong Kong through the Named Patient Program (NPP). Subsequently, in January and February of this year, the NDAs for equecabtagene autoleucel were officially accepted by the Singapore Health Sciences Authority and the Hong Kong Department of Health, respectively. We are actively collaborating with regulatory authorities to advance the approval processes and look forward to delivering clinical benefits to patients in these regions at the earliest opportunity. Meanwhile, IASO Bio remains committed to expanding the global footprint of our CAR-T therapies, dedicated to providing more treatment options for multiple myeloma patients worldwide.”

About Multiple Myeloma（MM)

Multiple myeloma (MM) is the second most common hematological malignancy globally. According to Globocan data, the global incidence of multiple myeloma in 2022 was 1.8 per 100,000 people, with a 5-year prevalence of 6.8 per 100,000. Despite progress in current anti-myeloma treatments, MM remains largely incurable with multiple relapses and tendency to develop refractoriness to several drug classes, presenting a major therapeutic challenge. Thus, there is an unmet need for new treatment options beyond these current anti-myeloma therapies for the treatment of relapsed or refractory MM, capable of achieving deep and durable responses.

About Equecabtagene Autoleucel

Equecabtagene Autoleucel is an innovative fully human anti-BCMA CAR-T cell therapy which uses lentivirus as a gene vector to transfect autologous T cells. The CAR contains a fully human scFv, CD8a hinge and transmembrane, and 4-1BB co-stimulatory and CD3ζactivation domains. Based on rigorous molecular structure screening and comprehensive in vitro and in vivo functional evaluations, FUCASO demonstrates rapid and potent efficacy, accompanied by exceptional long-term persistence in vivo, enabling patients to achieve higher and deeper responses, providing continuous protection and care for patients with multiple myeloma.

About IASO Bio

IASO Bio Founded in 2017, IASO Bio is a leading biopharmaceutical company specializing in the discovery, development, manufacturing, and commercialization of cutting-edge cell therapies and biologics. Initially focused on treatments for blood cancers, the company has strategically expanded into autoimmune diseases.

IASO Bio boasts a robust drug development platform, encompassing early discovery to clinical trials, regulatory approval, and commercialization. The company is advancing a diverse pipeline of over 10 innovative products. Notably, Equecabtagene Autoleucel (FUCASO), the world’s first fully human CAR-T therapy developed by IASO Bio was approved by Chinese National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) in June 2023 for the treatment of relapsed and/or refractory multiple myeloma (R/R MM) who received ≥3 lines of prior therapies containing at least one proteasome inhibitor and an immunomodulatory agent. relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma (R/RMM) in patients at the fourth line and beyond. This product is also in Phase III clinical trials for second and third-line multiple myeloma (MM) and has received Investigational New Drug (IND) approvals in both China and US for autoimmune diseases. Meanwhile, the dual-target (CD19/CD22) product, CT120, for lymphoma is entering Phase II clinical trials. Additionally, RD118, another product targeting GPRC5D for the treatment of R/R MM, has received IND approval in China.

In addition to CAR-T therapies, IASO Bio is advancing IASO-782, a fully human anti-CD19 monoclonal antibody. This product has secured IND approvals in China and USA for several autoimmune diseases, with plans to explore additional autoimmune indications.

IASO Bio has established multiple global collaborations and licensing agreements with leading cell therapy companies, such as Sana Therapeutics, Cabaletta Bio, and Umoja Biopharma, underscoring its superior technology platform and commitment to next-generation cell therapies.

With a strong management team, a robust pipeline, high-standard manufacturing and advanced clinical development capabilities, the company is well-positioned to drive innovation. It remains committed to accelerating the development of transformative therapies that address unmet medical needs for patients worldwide. For more information, please visit http://www.iasobio.com or www.linkedin.com/company/iasobiotherapeutics.

Rhenus Group expands Management Board to drive transformation and growth

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  • Rhenus Group expands Management Board from four to seven members to reflect the Group’s significant transformation and growth ambition, elevating crucial roles to the highest level of decision-taking
  • Dr. Joana Bätz appointed member of the Rhenus Group Management Board with responsibility for the Group functions for Human Resources, Sustainability and Compliance
  • Jan Harnisch appointed member of the Rhenus Group Management Board for the Air & Ocean Division
  • Dr. Marcus Ewig appointed member of the Rhenus Group Management Board for the Automotive Division and Group Procurement, Health & Safety and Quality Management

SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 28 March 2025 – Effective 1 April 2025, the Rhenus Group has appointed three experienced leaders from within the company to the Management Board. Dr. Joana Bätz will be representing the Group functions for Human Resources, Sustainability and Compliance, Jan Harnisch for Air & Ocean and Dr. Marcus Ewig for Automotive as well as the Group functions Procurement, Health & Safety and Quality Management. The expansion of the Management Board reflects the company’s transformation into a leading global logistics company, lifting crucial roles to the highest level of decision-taking and reinforcing the Group’s commitment to future growth.

Over the past three decades, Rhenus has evolved from a mid-sized German logistics company into the world’s largest family-owned logistics provider, offering resilient and integrated supply chain solutions tailored to the rapidly changing needs of diverse industries. To navigate the complexities of the global logistics market and drive sustainable transformation, Rhenus has recognized the need for enhanced leadership and strategic guidance at the highest level. The expansion of the Management Board is a key step in this direction.

“We are delighted to welcome three accomplished leaders in their respective areas of responsibility to the Management Board,” says Dr. Marco Schröter, Chairman of the Supervisory Board Rhenus Group. “These appointments demonstrate our commitment to leveraging our own talent and the deep expertise within Rhenus Group. Their combined experience will be invaluable as we navigate the evolving logistics landscape and pursue our ambitious growth path.”

“With the expansion of our Management Board we are reinforcing our people-centered approach and our commitment to future-proofing our company for generations to come. In addition, we are setting an important focus on strengthening all our divisions on a global level: in times of geopolitical volatility and rapidly changing market environments, we are ensuring that we can provide even more resilient, tailor-made logistics solutions for our customers and meet the specific needs of each industry even better,” adds Tobias Bartz, CEO Rhenus Group. “I have had the pleasure of working alongside these great colleagues for many years. Their operational expertise, strategic mindset, deep industry knowledge and their alignment with the unique Rhenus family values will be strong assets to the board. I’m delighted to welcome them and wish them every success in their new roles.”

New Board Member Appointments

With the appointment of Dr. Joana Bätz, Rhenus is giving top priority to its employees, the driving force behind the company’s success. Overseeing the Group functions for Human Resources, Compliance and Sustainability, she holds a key role in shaping the Group’s long-term strategy. Joana Bätz brings almost two decades of experience in the logistics sector, seven years of those spent with the Rhenus Group. She rapidly advanced into global leadership roles, before she was appointed Group CHRO in 2022. In this role, she implemented a professionalized Group-wide HR organization, significantly drove the company’s cultural change and brought people management to the next level by introducing HR technology solutions and launching a global employer brand. She received her doctorate from the Johann Wolfgang Goethe University, Frankfurt (Main), with a focus on Human Resources and Organizational Development.

Air & Ocean is now represented on the Board by its global CEO, Jan Harnisch, who has been with Rhenus since 2012. He has held leadership roles within the Air & Ocean Division at both global and regional levels, including Global COO since 2020 and Global CEO since 2022. Jan played a pivotal role in the division’s expansion into new international markets while driving operational excellence, digital transformation, and strategic growth. His focus is on scaling Rhenus Air & Ocean’s position as a global top player in freight forwarding by accelerating its international footprint, increasing agility, and advancing customer-centric logistics solutions that drive long-term value.

Dr. Marcus Ewig has been elevated to the Management Board from his role as CEO of Rhenus Automotive, a position he has held since 2017. His key achievements include leading the international expansion of Rhenus Automotive into China and the US, establishing a joint venture for battery lifecycle management, and continuously driving the divisions growth and success. Marcus Ewig can tap into his vast experience in the automotive sector, having held various leadership positions at Porsche. In addition to Automotive, he will also be responsible for the Group functions Procurement, Health & Safety and Quality Management. He earned his doctorate in business informatics at the University of Leipzig.

Moving forward, the Management Board of the Rhenus Group will have seven members: Tobias Bartz (CEO & Chairman), Gilles Delarue, Dr. Stephan Peters, Andreas Stöckli, Dr. Joana Bätz, Jan Harnisch, and Dr. Marcus Ewig, each contributing their unique expertise to drive the company’s continued success.
Hashtag: #Rhenus

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

About Rhenus Group

The Rhenus Group is one of the leading logistics specialists with global business operations and annual turnover amounting to EUR 7.5 billion. 40,000 employees work at 1,320 business sites in more than 70 countries and develop innovative solutions along the complete supply chain. Whether providing transport, warehousing, customs clearance or value-added services, the family-owned business pools its operations in various business units where the needs of customers are the major focus at all times.

Yanchang Petroleum International Announces 2024 Annual Results

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Revenue and Profit of the Group Reached HK$29.18 Billion and HK$55.6 Million Respectively

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Novus‘ operating performance remained resilience

Downstream oil and by-products trading business in China continued to growth

Results Highlights:

  • The Group’s revenue amounted to approximately (approx.) HK$29.18 billion, increased by 5% year-on-year (YoY);
  • Novus’ overall operating performance remained resilience in the face of sharp declines in oil and gas prices, exchange rates and production volume. It sold a total of 843,000 barrels of oil equivalent (BoE), generating sales revenue of CAD60,800,000. Benefiting from the impairment recovery of oil and gas assets of CAD25,260,000, Novus recorded a net profit of CAD11,600,000;
  • Cumulative oil sales volume of oil and by-product trading business in China amounted to 3,838,500 tonnes with an operating revenue of RMB27.034 billion and a net profit of RMB4.56 million.

HONG KONG, March 28, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Yanchang Petroleum International Limited (“Yanchang Petroleum International” or the “Company“, together with its subsidiaries, the “Group“; Stock code: 346.HK) today announced its audited annual results for the year ended 31 December 2024 (“year under review”).

In 2024, the market maintained a “tight balance and weak” trend due to multiple factors such as the volatility in international oil prices, increasing geopolitical risk events and financial market turbulence. Facing external challenges, the Group adhered to its business philosophy, deepened the cost reduction and efficiency improvement of its oil and gas business, and strengthened its ability to hedge risks in the industrial chain. During the year under review, the Group actively engaged in technological innovation to improve recovery rates and operational efficiency in the upstream business, while the downstream business consolidated market resilience by promoting market expansion and deepening business cooperation. The Group’s revenue increased by 5% YoY to HK$29.18 billion in 2024, resulting in a profit of HK$55.6 million.

Upstream Oil and Gas Production Business in Canada

In 2024, Novus Energy Inc. (“Novus”) was committed to implementing the various work plans for 2024 and fully organised production and operations by focusing on key objectives of the year. During the year under review, Novus sold a total of 843,000 BoE, a decrease of 22.95% from the previous year. Sales revenue was CAD60,800,000, a decrease of 29.61% YoY. Natural gas sales prices continued to decline, representing a significant 41.02% YoY decrease. Sales prices of oil and gas mixtures decreased by 8.65%. Benefiting from the impairment recovery of oil and gas assets of CAD25,260,000, Novus recorded a net profit of CAD11,600,000.

During the year under review, Novus focused on the production targets for the year and made a concerted efforts to coordinate the production of new wells as well as control and reduction of production decline of old wells. In addition, Novus actively implemented effective optimisation measures for production and effectively controlled the decline in production for old wells. Novus produced a total of 837,000 BoE last year, successfully reaching the annual production target for the year.

In terms of reserves, Novus has taken a series of effective measures to maintain the sustainability of the reserves. Firstly, Novus has taken a number of initiatives to preserve the mining rights of lands and successfully preserved 68 square kilometers of lands. Secondly, through extensive drilling activities in recent years, the 2P reserves reached 18,520,000 BoE at the end of 2024, an increase of 2.3% YoY, which continuously consolidated the Group’s reserves. In addition, Novus successfully drilled an exploration well and put it into operation under the Madison Group, with cumulative production of 5,000 BoE in six months, laying the foundation for further exploration and development as well as reserves succession.

Downstream Oil and By-product Trading Business in China

In 2024, Henan Yanchang Petroleum Sales Co Ltd (“Henan Yanchang”) adhered to safe and compliant operations and firmly promoted market-oriented reforms. In the year under review, Henan Yanchang recorded cumulative oil sales volume of 3,838,500 tonnes, with an operating revenue of RMB27.034 billion and net profit of RMB4.56 million.

During the year under review, Henan Yanchang actively expanded its business development. In the retail terminal business, Henan Yanchang expanded the surrounding markets of gas stations and secured 36 new major customers. In terms of railway channel sales, benefited from its proactive expansion of sales channels and established long-term and stable cooperation with Sinopec, CNPC, as well as local state reserve and private enterprises, Henan Yanchang successfully cultivated partnerships with 10 new customers and realized a sales volume of 64,900 tonnes, with sales amounted to RMB464 million. In terms of external sourcing and sales, Henan Yanchang established stable cooperation with CNOOC Huadong Company, CNPC Hubei Company, Shell Chongqing Company and Shell Wuhan Company. Leveraging its core business, Henan Yanchang has expanded its sales in the Hubei, Hunan and Chongqing regions. During the year, the centralised procurement business reached 42,740 tonnes, establishing a strong market presence along the Yangtze River.

Mr. Feng Yinguo, Chairman of Yanchang Petroleum International, said, “In 2025, the international oil and gas market may face the two headwinds of weak demand recovery and high volatility in supply. The threat of a tariff war may slow down global economic growth, coupled with persistent geopolitical risks and energy policy uncertainties may further aggravate downward pressure on oil prices. The Group will continue to enhance the efficiency of its oil and gas business across the entire industry chain and strengthen its cost control and market responsiveness through digital tools, with a strategic focus on consolidating fundamentals and fostering new growth drivers. The Group is committed to excellence in its upstream and downstream businesses, creating sustainable value for our shareholders.”

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About Yanchang Petroleum International Limited (Stock code: 346.HK)

Yanchang Petroleum International is principally engaged in the following activities (i) exploration, exploitation, and operation of oil and gas; and (ii) fuel oil trading and distribution. In its upstream operations, Yanchang Petroleum International possesses operating oilfields in Saskatchewan and Alberta, Canada, through its wholly owned subsidiary Novus Energy Inc., a Canadian enterprise. Novus engages in the business of acquiring, exploring for, developing and producing crude oil and natural gas. In its downstream operations, Yanchang Petroleum International is principally engaged in wholesale, retail, storage and transportation of oil products through its 70% owned subsidiary, Henan Yanchang Petroleum Sales Co., Limited, and which has been granted valid licenses for distribution and sales of oil products in China.

For details, please refer to http://www.yanchanginternational.com

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