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Smartpay Announces Japan’s First “Embedded Insurance Service” in BNPL in Partnership with Chubb

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~ Launching New Insurance Experience Integrating Payments and Insurance in Summer 2025

TOKYO, March 6, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Smartpay Corporation (Headquarters: Minato-ku, Tokyo; Sam Pemberton-Ahmed, CEO and Founder of Smartpay; hereinafter “the Company”), provider of the “Smartpay” Buy Now Pay Later service, announces the launch of embedded insurance products in the Japanese market, following one year of partnership with Chubb Insurance Japan (Headquarters: Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo; President: Edward Kopp; hereinafter “Chubb Japan”), the Japanese subsidiary of Chubb Group, a world leader in insurance.


Current Challenges in the Insurance Industry

The traditional insurance industry faces challenges in meeting the evolving needs of modern consumers. Insurance contracting still largely relies on paper-based analog processes, leaving significant room for improvement in digitalization, personalization, real-time capabilities, and security.

According to the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry survey[1], cashless payments now account for approximately 50% of consumer monthly spending, with widespread adoption of diverse payment methods including credit cards and electronic money. The insurance industry has an opportunity to enhance consumer experience by embracing digitalization to capitalize on this trend.

Changes in the insurance industry are becoming evident across various sectors. For example, Japan’s travel insurance market reached $678 million (approximately ¥101.7 billion) in 2023 and is projected to grow to $1.523 billion (approximately ¥228.5 billion) by 2028[2]. Furthermore, post-pandemic surveys indicate that 47% of Japanese travelers are seeking new ways to purchase travel insurance that differ from traditional methods[3].

Additionally, Generation Z consumers tend to prioritize convenience and speed in payment experiences and dislike complicated procedures[4]. These changes in young consumers’ behavior are driving the demand for embedded insurance that can be completed with simple operations.

What is Embedded Insurance?


Embedded insurance is a mechanism that provides insurance seamlessly integrated into the payment process when consumers purchase products or services. For example, this includes options to purchase travel insurance simultaneously when buying airline tickets online. This method simplifies the insurance application process and enables appropriate coverage to be provided at the optimal timing for consumers.

Through its partnership with Chubb Japan, Smartpay is bringing innovation to the insurance industry. By providing solutions at the moment of need, we are transforming the nature of insurance. Our embedded insurance technology is seamlessly integrated into the payment process, providing appropriate coverage instantly when customers need it.

Growth Outlook for the Embedded Insurance Market

The global embedded insurance market size is projected to grow CAGR of 11.6% from 2024 to 2030, reaching approximately $175.25 billion (about ¥26.3 trillion) by 2030[5]. Another report predicts the embedded insurance market will grow at an annual rate of 4.8% from 2025 to 2032[6].

By region, the Asia-Pacific region is the largest market, accounting for approximately 39% of share. This is followed by Europe at 32% and North America at 21%. By product type, life insurance is the largest segment, accounting for 51% of share. By application, the automotive sector is the largest, accounting for approximately 26% of share.

These data suggest that the embedded insurance market will continue to show steady growth.

Fusion of Technological Innovation and Customer-Centric Design

Embedded insurance goes beyond simply incorporating insurance at the point of payment, achieving comprehensive fintech innovation. It combines the following:

Real-time Risk Assessment and Dynamic Pricing – A system that provides optimal coverage and pricing for each customer, often making it possible to keep insurance premiums lower

Highly Secure Complex Infrastructure – Integration of Smartpay’s payment system and Chubb’s insurance infrastructure

Seamless Customer Experience – Eliminating complicated procedures, enabling appropriate insurance enrollment at the time of purchase with intuitive and user-friendly experience.

Strategic Partnership with Chubb

Chubb is a global company with a track record of successful partnerships with major financial institutions worldwide. In 2018, it partnered with Grab, Southeast Asia’s largest super app, to provide insurance products to millions of Grab users. Additionally, it has led digital transformation and technological innovation in the insurance industry, such as partnering with Nubank, Brazil’s largest digital bank, to provide fully digitalized life insurance.

In this context, Chubb’s selection of Smartpay as its first embedded insurance business partner in Japan demonstrates strong confidence in our innovative approach, technological capabilities, and market potential.

Smartpay to Launch First Embedded Insurance Product in Summer 2025

Smartpay and Chubb Japan plan to provide their first embedded insurance product in BNPL in partnership with Fútbol Opción, a soccer cultural exchange program provider operated by Actif LLC, in summer 2025.

While soccer cultural exchange programs represent a significant investment for families, Smartpay’s installment payment option makes it possible to realize children’s dreams while reducing the burden on household finances. Additionally, having insurance coverage during international travel is a crucial element for parents’ peace of mind. Through this partnership, families can now handle both program fee installments and insurance enrollment in one process, making soccer exchange opportunities accessible to more young people.

Additionally, Smartpay announced details of this initiative at the “Global Financial Technology Network Forum” held in March 2025.

About Smartpay

Smartpay is a fintech company that develops and provides smart solutions to help consumers manage their daily expenses and improve their financial well-being. In addition to realizing Japan’s first one-click credit card-based BNPL solution, Smartpay was the first in Japan to introduce “Smartpay Bank Direct” enabling immediate withdrawals from bank accounts[8].

Through Smartpay Bank Direct, developed in partnership with the Japan Electronic Payment Promotion Organization (JEPPO), we provide payment services accessible to 90% of the population with bank accounts, partnering with 20 major banks including megabanks and over 200 credit unions in Japan. For more information, please visit https://smartpay.co/.

In addition, Smartpay is also focusing on unprecedented initiatives, such as being the first BNPL solution in Japan to establish processor agreements with both Adyen and Stripe[9], in order to pursue convenience for both businesses and consumers.

About Chubb Japan

Chubb Japan provides innovative property and casualty insurance products to both individuals and corporations, based on innovative thinking and Chubb Group’s global network. With a history in Japan reaching its 100th anniversary in 2020, it has the longest presence among foreign property and casualty insurance companies. It has received an “AA-” rating for both insurance financial strength and issuer credit rating from U.S. rating agency Standard & Poor’s (as of March 2025).

About Chubb Group and Chubb Limited

Chubb is a world leader in insurance. With operations in 54 countries and territories, Chubb provides commercial and personal property and casualty insurance, personal accident and supplemental health insurance, reinsurance and life insurance to a diverse group of clients. The company is defined by its extensive product and service offerings, broad distribution capabilities, exceptional financial strength and local operations globally. Parent company Chubb Limited is listed on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE: CB) and is a component of the S&P 500 index. Chubb employs approximately 43,000 people worldwide.

1: Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry Commerce and Service Group Cashless Promotion Office, “Consumer Survey Analysis Results” https://www.meti.go.jp/shingikai/mono_info_service/cashless_future/pdf/005_05_00.pdf

2: Japan Travel Insurance Market (2023-2028) https://www.researchandmarkets.com/reports/5566829/japan-travel-insurance-market-2023-2028-by

3: Research shows Japanese travelers desire embedded protection and improved claims experiences in a post-pandemic world https://covergenius.com/embedded-insurance-travel-japan/

4: Deloitte Tohmatsu Group, “2024 Domestic Generation Z Awareness and Purchase Behavior Survey” https://www2.deloitte.com/jp/ja/pages/consumer-business/articles/cp/generationz-behavior-survey.html

5:Global Embedded Insurance Market Size, Share, and Trend Analysis Research Report 2024-2030 https://newscast.jp/news/5752394

6: Global Embedded Insurance Market Research Report 2024 https://www.reliableresearchtimes.com/embedded-insurance-r1837378

7,9: As a BNPL service in Japan that utilizes credit card’s credit limit (as of November 2021)

8: As a “BNPL service that connects with Bank Pay and allows for immediate withdrawal from bank accounts in Japan” (as of December 2022)

 

Transforming Sales: 6D Technologies Empowers Filipino Mobile Services Provider Smart

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BARCELONA, Spain, March 6, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — 6D Technologies announces the successful deployment of Ventas, its advanced Sales & Distribution solution, for Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart), the wireless unit of PLDT Inc. (PLDT), the Philippines’ largest integrated telco. This implementation optimizes the supply chain, vendor purchases, and channel distribution, ensuring efficiency and scalability.

Empowering Sales Transformation: 6D Technologies Fuels Growth for Smart, the Leading Filipino Mobile Provider
Empowering Sales Transformation: 6D Technologies Fuels Growth for Smart, the Leading Filipino Mobile Provider

Ventas modernizes Smart’s legacy system with advanced automation, reducing sales costs, accelerating time-to-market, and streamlining operations. Key components include Sales Partner Management, Order Management, Logistics Tracking, Advanced Commissions Management, and Sell-Through Capabilities.

Gilbert Gaw, FVP Head of IT for PLDT and Smart, said: “Our collaboration with 6D Technologies is vital to our Sales and Distribution transformation. Their seamless execution and innovation have enabled us to begin migrating partners from legacy systems to Ventas, with completion targeted early this year. This transition will enhance efficiency, accelerate time-to-market, and position us for future growth, reinforcing our commitment to agility, innovation, and excellence.”

Howard Atienza, IT AVP for Application Delivery of PLDT and Smart, added: “Transforming our legacy trade systems to an all-in-one modern system was a big task and we are happy to work hand-in-hand with 6D Technologies in this initiative. Our Sales and Key-Account partners will greatly benefit from the automation and modernized tools that this new system brings.

Manish Arora, Executive Director and Chief Revenue Officer of 6D Technologies, stated, ”The ‘Digital-First’ partnership between Smart and 6D Technologies leverages intelligent technology to drive innovation and growth. Ventas enhances operational excellence by optimizing supply chains, improving distribution, and increasing business visibility. We remain committed to helping our partners unlock their full potential.”

Kunal Nidhi, Vice President Sales of 6D Technologies added, “We are thrilled to see the successful deployment of Ventas, our Sales & Distribution solution, a testament to our commitment to empowering businesses with Smart PLDT.

About Smart:

Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart) is a wholly owned subsidiary of PLDT, the Philippines’ largest integrated telco. Covering 97% of the population, Smart delivers 2G, 3G, 4G LTE, and 5G services, providing mobile connectivity, high-speed internet, and digital access to support the country’s growing digital economy and enhance customer experience.

About 6D Technologies:

6D Technologies is a global leader in telecom, digital transformation, and sales & distribution solutions. It empowers businesses with innovative, tailor-made solutions to drive operational excellence, enhance customer experiences, and foster sustainable growth in an evolving digital landscape. For more information, visit https://www.6dtechnologies.com/

 

Akeso Announces Completion of Patient Enrollment in The Phase III Clinical Trial of Cadonilimab for Adjuvant Treatment of High-Risk Recurrent Hepatocellular Carcinoma

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HONG KONG, March 6, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Akeso, Inc. (9926. HK) (“Akeso” or the “Company”) is pleased to announce the completion of patient enrollment for its Phase III registrational clinical trial (COMPASSION-22/AK104-306) evaluating cadonilimab, the world’s first PD-1/CTLA-4 bispecific antibody independently developed by the company, as an adjuvant treatment for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) with high recurrence risk following curative resection or ablation.

The completion of patient enrollment in the COMPASSION-22/AK104-306 trial marks a significant milestone in the clinical development of cadonilimab for HCC. In addition to this Phase III study, another Phase III trial investigating cadonilimab in combination with lenvatinib and transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) for the treatment of unresectable intermediate to advanced HCC is currently progressing on schedule. The extensive exploration of combination therapies involving cadonilimab for HCC is expected to offer more effective treatment options for both early-stage and advanced HCC patients.

HCC is one of the most common malignant tumors globally. According to 2024 data, there are about 865,000 new cases of liver cancer worldwide, with 370,000 occurring in China. The recurrence rate after surgery is high, especially in patients with high-risk factors, with a five-year recurrence rate exceeding 70%. Currently, no standard adjuvant treatment exists for HCC in clinical practice. Identifying effective adjuvant therapies to reduce recurrence risk and extend survival is a critical unmet need in HCC treatment.

Cadonilimab is the world’s first approved bispecific immunotherapy for cancer. Previous studies have shown its significant efficacy and favorable safety profile in treating HCC. Research presented at the 2023 European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO) Asia Annual Meeting demonstrated that cadonilimab combined with FOLFOX-HAIC as neoadjuvant therapy for resectable multinodular HCC achieved a 100% disease control rate (DCR) with manageable safety. Furthermore, data from the 2023 ESMO Congress highlighted that cadonilimab combined with lenvatinib as a first-line treatment for advanced HCC showed superior antitumor activity compared to approved therapies, effectively controlling tumor progression and offering long-term survival benefits over current treatment options.

Akeso will continue to advance cadonilimab clinical development for multiple malignant tumors, with the aim to provide more therapeutic options for patients worldwide. Currently, cadonilimab is currently involved in over 23 clinical studies across 16 indications, including gastric cancer, lung cancer, liver cancer, cervical cancer, and pancreatic cancer. It has already received approval for the treatment of recurrent/metastatic cervical cancer and first-line gastric cancer. The sNDA for cadonilimab for the treatment of first-line cervical cancer is currently under review. Additionally, five Phase III trials for HCC, non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), and gastric cancer are underway. Studies across multiple indications, including cervical cancer, gastric cancer, and NSCLC, have shown that cadonilimab offers meaningful efficacy benefits in all patient populations, regardless of PD-L1 expression levels (high, low, or negative). These patient data indicates that cadonilimab can also significantly broadens the eligible patient population that can benefit from cancer immunotherapies.

About Akeso
Akeso (HKEX: 9926.HK) is a leading biopharmaceutical company committed to the research, development, manufacturing and commercialization of the world’s first or best-in-class innovative biological medicines. Founded in 2012, the company has created a unique integrated R&D innovation system with the comprehensive end-to-end drug development platform (ACE Platform) and bi-specific antibody drug development technology (Tetrabody) as the core, a GMP-compliant manufacturing system and a commercialization system with an advanced operation mode, and has gradually developed into a globally competitive biopharmaceutical company focused on innovative solutions. With fully integrated multi-functional platform, Akeso is internally working on a robust pipeline of over 50 innovative assets in the fields of cancer, autoimmune disease, inflammation, metabolic disease and other major diseases. Among them, 23 candidates have entered clinical trials (including 11 bispecific/multispecific antibodies and bispecific antibody-drug conjugates). Additionally, 5 new drugs are commercially available, and 5 new drugs across 7 indications are currently under regulatory review for approval. Through efficient and breakthrough R&D innovation, Akeso always integrates superior global resources, develops the first-in-class and best-in-class new drugs, provides affordable therapeutic antibodies for patients worldwide, and continuously creates more commercial and social values to become a global leading biopharmaceutical enterprise.

For more information, please visit https://www.akesobio.com/en/about-us/corporate-profile/ and follow us on Linkedin.

CStone Submits Clinical Trial Application in Australia for CS5001 (ROR1 ADC) in Combination with First-Line Standard-of-Care for DLBCL

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  • Phase Ib trial to evaluate CS5001 in combination with R-CHOP as a first-line treatment for diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL), aiming to reshape the standard-of-care landscape.
  • CS5001 is also being investigated globally in a multi-center Phase Ib clinical trial for multiple solid tumor types.

SUZHOU, China, March 6, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — CStone Pharmaceuticals (“CStone”, HKEX: 2616), a biopharmaceutical company dedicated to developing innovative cancer therapies, today announced the submission of a Phase Ib clinical trial application in Australia for CS5001, its ROR1-targeting antibody-drug conjugate (ADC), in combination with first-line standard-of-care (SoC) for DLBCL. CS5001 is also being evaluated as both a monotherapy and in combination with a PD-L1 inhibitor for advanced solid tumors in an ongoing global multi-center clinical trial.

Building on promising data from CS5001 monotherapy in later-line aggressive and indolent lymphomas, this Phase Ib trial aims to expand the therapeutic potential of CS5001 across all DLBCL stages and solid tumors. The study will explore:

  • CS5001 + R-CHOP: First-line treatment for DLBCL patients who have not received prior systemic therapy.
  • CS5001 + SoC: For patients with relapsed or refractory DLBCL.
  • CS5001 Monotherapy: Targeting ROR1-expressing solid tumors.
  • CS5001 + Sugemalimab: Combination therapy for advanced solid tumors.

Dr. Jason Yang, CEO, President of R&D, and Executive Director at CStone, stated: “We are thrilled to reach another key clinical milestone for CS5001. The existing data underscore its broad potential in both lymphomas and solid tumors. Notably, a ROR1 ADC combined with R-CHP has demonstrated an impressive complete response (CR) rate in a Phase II trial for first-line DLBCL. As we advance from late-line monotherapy to frontline combination therapy, we are optimistic that CS5001 will provide significant clinical benefits to DLBCL patients and establish itself as a first-line treatment option. Meanwhile, we continue to explore CS5001’s potential in solid tumors and eagerly anticipate further positive outcomes.”

The global multi-center Phase Ib trial for CS5001 is actively enrolling patients across the United States, Australia, and China. Recruitment is ongoing for monotherapy cohorts targeting aggressive and indolent advanced lymphomas, which could potentially expand into a Phase II single-arm registrational study. Additional cohorts, including the first-line DLBCL combination therapy and solid tumor monotherapy and combination therapy arms, will be initiated soon.

About CS5001 (ROR1 ADC)

CS5001 is a clinical-stage antibody-drug conjugate (“ADC”) targeting ROR1 (receptor tyrosine kinase-like orphan receptor 1). CS5001 has been uniquely designed with proprietary tumor-cleavable linker and pyrrolobenzodiazepine (“PBD”) prodrug. Only after reaching the tumor, the linker and prodrug are cleaved to release the PBD toxin, resulting in lethal DNA cross-links in cancer cells. The use of the linker plus PBD prodrug effectively helps address the toxicity associated with traditional PBD payloads, leading to a better safety profile. CS5001 has demonstrated complete tumor suppression in several preclinical cancer models and demonstrated favorable serum half-life and pharmacokinetic characteristics. CS5001 is a promising candidate drug with precision treatment potential in both hematologic tumors and malignant solid tumors. Additionally, CS5001 utilizes site-specific conjugation for a precise drug antibody ratio of which enables homogeneous production and large-scale manufacturing.

In October 2020, CStone signed a licensing agreement with LigaChem Biosciences, Inc. (LCB) for the development and commercialization of CS5001 which was originally generated by collaboration of LCB and ABL Bio, both South Korea-based leading biotech companies. Under the agreement, CStone obtains the exclusive global right to develop and commercialize CS5001 outside the Republic of Korea.

The first-in-human data for CS5001 in patients with advanced solid tumors and lymphomas was presented at the 2024 American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) Annual Meeting. Additionally, the latest clinical data on CS5001 as a monotherapy in patients with advanced lymphomas has recently been presented at the 66th American Society of Hematology (ASH) Annual Meeting.

CS5001 has demonstrated encouraging safety and robust anti-tumor activity in the Phase 1a dose escalation trials across 10 dose levels.

  • At the tentative recommended Phase 2 dose (RP2D) of DL8 (125 μg/kg), CS5001 achieved objective response rates (ORRs) of 70% in advanced B-cell lymphoma and 100% in Hodgkin lymphoma.
  • Encouraging efficacy signals were also observed in advanced solid tumors, including non-small cell lung cancer and pancreatic cancer.
  • CS5001 was well tolerated in heavily pre-treated patients with advanced B-cell lymphomas and solid tumors.

About CStone

CStone (HKEX: 2616), established in late 2015, is an innovation-driven biopharmaceutical company focused on the research and development of anti-cancer therapies. Dedicated to addressing patients’ unmet medical needs in China and globally, the Company has made significant strides since its inception. To date, the Company has successfully launched 4 innovative drugs and secured approvals for 16 new drug applications (NDAs) covering 9 indications. The company’s pipeline is balanced by 16 promising candidates, featuring potentially first-in-class or best-in-class antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs), multispecific antibodies, immunotherapies and precision medicines. CStone also prides itself on a management team with comprehensive experiences and capabilities that span the entire drug development spectrum, from preclinical and translational research to clinical development, drug manufacturing, business development, and commercialization. For more information about CStone, please visit www.cstonepharma.com.

Forward-looking statements

The forward-looking statements made in this article only relate to events or information as of the date when the statements are made in this article. Except as required by law, we undertake no obligation to update or publicly revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, after the date on which the statements are made or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events. You should read this article completely and with the understanding that our actual future results or performance may be materially different from what we expect. All statements in this article are made on the date of publication of this article and may change due to future developments.

Disclaimer: only for communication and scientific use by medical and health professionals, it is not intended for promotional purposes.

FARMLORE IN BENGALURU IS UNVEILED AS THE WINNER OF THE AMERICAN EXPRESS ONE TO WATCH AWARD 2025 AS PART OF ASIA’S 50 BEST RESTAURANTS

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LONDON, March 6, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Farmlore in Bengaluru has been honoured as the 2025 recipient of the prestigious American Express One To Watch Award. Selected by the 50 Best team based on the votes of its Academy and specific editorial criteria, this award highlights dining establishments that showcase exceptional culinary talent, creativity and the potential to secure a spot in the Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants list over the coming years.

Asia's 50 Best Restaurants announces Bengaluru-based restaurant Farmlore as the recipient of the American Express One To Watch Award 2025
Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants announces Bengaluru-based restaurant Farmlore as the recipient of the American Express One To Watch Award 2025

Farmlore, an 18-seater dining experience on a 37-acre farm near Bengaluru, India, is the brainchild of chef Johnson Ebenezer and entrepreneur Kaushik Raju. The restaurant embodies a farm-to-table ethos, driven by seasonality, sustainability and local produce. Its name cleverly combines ‘folklore’ and ‘locavore,’ reflecting its dedication to celebrating regional ingredients and cultural narratives.

William Drew, Director of Content for Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants, says: “Amid the restaurants with a ‘farm-to-table’ philosophy, Farmlore stands apart with its immersive experience, nestled within an actual working farm. We congratulate chef Johnson and the teams behind the kitchens and farms at Farmlore, on this very well-earned accolade.”

The restaurant’s menus, shaped by the freshest harvests from its farm, consistently highlight core themes, including a strong South Indian influence. Here they prioritise ethical, organic farming principles passed down through generations that also preserve soil health while creating nutrient-rich produce. The design harmonises with its natural surroundings, featuring earthy tones, open spaces and a minimalist aesthetic that fosters an intimate yet direct connection to nature.

On winning, Chef Johnson says, “We are truly humbled to be recognised by Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants. This award is a testament to our unwavering commitment to doing things the right way while staying true to our values and prioritising ethics over expediency. It’s also a testament to the younger generation of chefs who dare to stick to their strengths and roots.”

Farmlore will be further celebrated at the in-person awards ceremony held on 25 March 2025 in Seoul in collaboration with host destination partner, the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs and the Seoul Metropolitan Government. The awards ceremony will be streamed live via the link here. The announcement of the list and individual awards can be followed via the 50 Best social media channels, with the livestream beginning at 20:00 Korea time.

Media Centre:
https://mediacentre.theworlds50best.com/

SK keyfoundry Launches 3D Hall-effect Sensor Technology Capable of Measuring Speed and Direction

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SEOUL, South Korea, March 6, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — SK keyfoundry, an 8-inch pure-play foundry in Korea, announced today that it offers a new 3D Hall-effect sensor technology that can measure speed and direction through three-dimensional magnetic field detection for its foundry customers.

The Hall-effect sensor is a device that measures the strength of a magnetic field using the Hall-effect, which detects the voltage difference generated when a conductor or semiconductor passes through a magnetic field. The measured magnetic field is utilized in applications that leverage the position, speed, rotation, direction, and current of devices.

SK keyfoundry has provided a variety of products using existing 1D (one-dimensional) and 2D (two-dimensional) Hall-effect sensors, and this new 3D Hall-effect sensor integrates both Vertical and Planar Hall-effect sensors on a single chip. It features enhanced sensitivity beyond that of existing 2D products, enabling real-time measurement of minute three-dimensional direction and speed changes with rapid response times.

Another important feature of the 3D Hall-effect sensor provided by SK keyfounrdry is that it can be designed to easily integrate into customer products by adding masks to existing processes. Additionally, the integration of the 3D Hall-effect sensor is offered across multiple nodes in the range of 0.13μm to 0.18μm while maintaining electrical characteristics.

The new 3D Hall-effect sensor is expected to be utilized in various fields. In particular, it can be applied in the automotive sector for safe driving assistance and autonomous driving systems, in consumer electronics for smart appliances and gaming consoles, and in industrial automation for robot control, drones, virtual reality, augmented reality, and wearable devices.

Derek D. Lee, the CEO of SK keyfoundry, stated, “The newly launched 3D Hall-effect sensor technology is expected to be utilized in the design of products across various industries, including home appliances, automotive, robotics, and drones, due to its high sensitivity and ability to detect minute three-dimensional movements.” He added, “We plan to support our customers in integrating more diverse functions into a single semiconductor through ongoing technology openness.”

About SK keyfoundry

Headquartered in Korea, SK keyfoundry provides specialty Analog and Mixed-Signal foundry services for semiconductor companies to serve a wide range of applications in the consumer, communications, computing, automotive and industrial industries. With a broad range of technology portfolios and process nodes, SK keyfoundry has the flexibility and capability to meet the ever-evolving needs of semiconductor companies across the globe. Please visit https://www.skkeyfoundry.com for more information.

Apollo Group TV Expands Payment Options Making Premium Streaming More Accessible with Raydium Solutions

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BOSTON, March 6, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — In a strategic partnership with Raydium Solutions, Apollo Group TV is making premium streaming more accessible by introducing credit card payments for the first time. Previously limited to Bitcoin transactions, this major shift allows more users to enjoy secure, high-quality streaming with greater flexibility. As a leading provider of IPTV services, Apollo Group TV continues to redefine home entertainment with a vast selection of content, cutting-edge streaming technology, and customer-focused innovations.


Unmatched Variety of Live TV and On-Demand Content

Apollo Group TV offers an impressive catalog of 24,000+ live channels and 95,000+ Video-on-Demand (VOD) titles, spanning movies, TV series, news, sports, and international programming. With access to premium channels across multiple genres, subscribers can enjoy the best in live television, blockbuster films, and exclusive series all in one place.

Designed to meet the needs of a diverse audience, Apollo Group TV ensures that viewers always have access to the latest Hollywood hits, classic films, trending TV shows, and live sports events without limitations.

Expanding Payment Options: Now Accepting Credit Cards

Through its collaboration with Raydium Solutions, Apollo Group TV has expanded its payment options, now accepting credit cards alongside cryptocurrency payments. This move reflects Apollo TV’s commitment to making its premium IPTV service more accessible to a wider audience.

“With consumer demand for seamless and secure transactions rising, expanding payment methods was a natural step,” said a spokesperson from Raydium Solutions, the technology partner supporting this transition. “This collaboration ensures that more users can access Apollo TV’s premium streaming service with ease.”

High-Definition Streaming with Advanced Technology

Apollo Group TV delivers an unparalleled viewing experience, offering crystal-clear HD and 4K resolution for a cinematic feel at home. The platform utilizes anti-freeze technology to eliminate buffering, ensuring smooth and uninterrupted playback.

With a 99.9% uptime guarantee, Apollo TV users can rely on a stable, high-performance streaming service at any time—whether watching live TV, sports, or on-demand content.

Seamless User Experience & Smart Device Compatibility

Apollo Group TV enhances navigation with an Electronic Program Guide (EPG) TV Guide, making it easy to browse and manage content. The intuitive interface allows users to switch between channels effortlessly and discover new content.

The platform is compatible with a wide range of devices, including smart TVs, streaming boxes, mobile devices, and tablets, ensuring maximum flexibility for subscribers.

Reliable Customer Support and Lifetime Assistance

Apollo Group TV is dedicated to customer satisfaction, offering 24/7 live chat support to assist with technical issues, account management, and content recommendations.

Through its strategic technology partnership with Raydium Solutions, Apollo TV ensures that its platform remains highly secure, accessible, and future-ready, continuously improving the user experience.

Join the Future of Streaming with Apollo Group TV

With its expansive content library, advanced streaming technology, and newly expanded payment options, Apollo Group TV is setting new standards in digital entertainment.

For more details on subscription plans and the latest updates, visit ApolloTVsGroup.com.

About Apollo Group TV

Apollo Group TV is a leading IPTV streaming service, providing access to thousands of live TV channels, movies, and series in high-definition quality. With a commitment to innovation, top-tier customer support, and a seamless viewing experience, Apollo Group TV continues to revolutionize premium home entertainment.

Baidu Announces Pricing of CNY10 Billion CNY-denominated Senior Notes

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BEIJING, March 6, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Baidu, Inc. (NASDAQ: BIDU and HKEX: 9888 (HKD Counter) and 89888 (RMB Counter)), (“Baidu” or the “Company”), a leading AI company with strong Internet foundation, today announced the pricing of its offering of CNY10 billion aggregate principal amount of CNY-denominated senior unsecured notes (the “Notes”). The Notes were offered in offshore transactions outside the United States to certain non-U.S. persons (the “Notes Offering”) in reliance on Regulation S under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”). 

The Notes Offering consists of CNY7.5 billion of 2.70% notes due 2030 and CNY2.5 billion of 3.00% notes due 2035. The Company expects to close the Notes Offering on or about March 12, 2025, subject to the satisfaction of customary closing conditions.

The Company intends to use the net proceeds from the Notes Offering for general corporate purposes, including repayment of certain existing indebtedness, payment of interest and general corporate purposes.

The Notes have not been and will not be registered under the Securities Act or any state securities laws. They may not be offered or sold in the United States or to, or for the account or benefits of, U.S. persons (as defined in Regulation S under the Securities Act) except pursuant to an exemption from, or in a transaction not subject to, the registration requirements of the Securities Act.

The Notes are expected to be listed on The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited (the “Hong Kong Stock Exchange”).

This announcement shall not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to purchase any securities, in the United States or elsewhere, and shall not constitute an offer, solicitation or sale of the securities in any state or jurisdiction in which such an offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful. Any offering of securities will be made by means of one or more offering documents, which will contain detailed material information about the Company and its operational and financial performance.

This announcement contains information about the pending Notes Offering, and there can be no assurance that the Notes Offering will be completed.

About Baidu

Founded in 2000, Baidu’s mission is to make the complicated world simpler through technology. Baidu is a leading AI company with strong Internet foundation, trading on Nasdaq under “BIDU” and HKEX under “9888”. One Baidu ADS represents eight Class A ordinary shares.

Safe Harbor Statement

This announcement contains forward-looking statements. These statements are made under the “safe harbor” provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements can be identified by terminology such as “will,” “expects,” “anticipates,” “future,” “intends,” “plans,” “believes,” “estimates,” “confident” and similar statements. Baidu may also make written or oral forward-looking statements in its periodic reports to the SEC, in announcements made on the website of the Hong Kong Stock Exchange, in its annual report to shareholders, in press releases and other written materials and in oral statements made by its officers, directors or employees to third parties. Statements that are not historical facts, including but not limited to statements about Baidu’s beliefs and expectations, are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements involve inherent risks and uncertainties. A number of factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statement, including but not limited to the following: Baidu’s growth strategies; its future business development, including development of new products and services; its ability to attract and retain users and customers; competition in the Chinese Internet search and newsfeed market; competition for online marketing customers; changes in the Company’s revenues and certain cost or expense items as a percentage of its revenues; the outcome of ongoing, or any future, litigation or arbitration, including those relating to intellectual property rights; the expected growth of the Chinese-language Internet search and newsfeed market and the number of Internet and broadband users in China; Chinese governmental policies relating to the Internet and Internet search providers, and general economic conditions in China and elsewhere. Further information regarding these and other risks is included in the Company’s annual report on Form 20-F and other documents filed with the SEC, and announcements on the website of the Hong Kong Stock Exchange. Baidu does not undertake any obligation to update any forward-looking statement, except as required under applicable law. All information provided in this announcement is as of the date of the announcement, and Baidu undertakes no duty to update such information, except as required under applicable law.

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