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Onward Therapeutics Announces IMPD Approval for Its Subsidiary Emercell to Start Clinical Investigation of Allogeneic NK Cell Therapy OT-C001 in Combination with Rituximab

EPALINGES, Switzerland and PARIS, April 22, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Onward Therapeutics SA, a biotechnology company dedicated to advancing innovative cancer immunotherapies, announced that its subsidiary, Emercell SAS, has received Investigational Medicinal Product Dossier (IMPD) approval from the European Medicines Agency (EMA) to initiate a Phase 1 clinical trial of OT-C001, an allogeneic natural killer (NK) cell therapy, in combination with an anti-CD20 monoclonal antibody, Rituximab.

The upcoming phase 1 study (C00101 study) will enroll patients with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL), who have relapsed after, or are refractory to CAR-T cell therapy, or ineligible for CAR-T cell infusion. OT-C001 will be evaluated with Rituximab across various dose levels. The trial will also examine cellular kinetics and biomarkers to characterize the specific mechanism associated with therapeutic responses.

“We are delighted to have reached an important milestone of entering clinical development of OT-C001 following our strategic investments in Emercell since 2021,” said Dr. C. Grace Yeh, Chairman and CEO of Onward Therapeutics,”This Phase 1 trial may validate Emercell’s patented platform technology for meaningful clinical outcomes. Along with the continued optimization of industrial manufacturing, these efforts will strengthen our ability to form strategic partnerships and advance this promising therapy.”

“OT-C001 sets itself apart by utilizing a pool of multiple umbilical cord blood (UCB) samples, offering both diversity in the product and consistency across GMP batches,” said Dr. Patrick Henno, Founder and ex-President of Emercell, “unlike the complex manufacturing processes of many engineered cell therapy products, OT-C001 provides a safe and scalable solution to unmet medical needs in targeted indications.”

“We are excited to initiate this multicenter phase 1 trial in one of the most common and aggressive forms of non-Hodgkin lymphoma,” said Dr. Alain Herrera, President of Emercell and CMO of Onward Therapeutics, “despite challenges in the cell therapy market, this achievement advances our mission to provide novel treatments for DLBCL patients in need of new therapeutic options. OT-C001 has the versatility to act as a universal platform through combinations with various monoclonal antibodies or targeted therapies; it may benefit patients across multiple indications beyond DLBCL.”

About OT-C001

OT-C001 is an allogeneic cell therapy of highly activated and expanded NK cells from UCB, manufactured using a patented expansion and activation process. It targets tumor cells through direct and indirect cytotoxicity, when combined with a monoclonal antibody targeting tumor specific antigens. OT-C001 is being evaluated as a potential new treatment for advanced hematologic malignancies with monoclonal antibodies. In non-clinical in vitro, in vivo models, and toxicology studies, it was well tolerated and displayed promising anti-tumor activities.

About Onward Therapeutics

Onward Therapeutics (www.onward-therapeutics.com) is a clinical-stage biotechnology company focused on developing innovative cancer therapies. Led by a seasoned team in translational science and drug development, the company advances promising candidates through a fast-track development model. Its portfolio includes a bispecific antibody (OT-A201) licensed from Biomunex, alongside an equity investment; and an allogeneic NK cell therapy (OT-C001) developed via its majority-owned subsidiary, Emercell. Additional programs in immunotherapy, targeted therapy, and onco-metabolism are in early development. Headquartered in Switzerland, Onward Therapeutics also operates in Paris and Taipei.

About Emercell

Emercell (www.emercell.com) develops off-the-shelf allogeneic NK cell therapies. Based at the IRMB at Saint-Éloi University Hospital Center in Montpellier, France, its lead candidate OT-C001 targets lymphoma patients resistant to standard treatments. The patented platform pre-activates and expands NK cells. In 2023, Emercell received support from Bpifrance under the France 2030 “Biotherapies and bioproduction of innovative therapies” acceleration strategy and the Occitanie Region.

Inner Mongolia acts as green power bank

BEIJING, April 21, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — A news report from chinadaily.com.cn:

The Inner Mongolia autonomous region, a vast territory in northern China with immense renewable energy potential, is powering the nation’s green transition and setting an example for the world.

Wang Lixia, chairwoman of Inner Mongolia, said in a recent interview that the region’s “experience has shown that developing renewable energy doesn’t have to come at the cost of the environment. Instead, it can drive ecological restoration”.

“Meanwhile, desertification control is not just an environmental imperative; it can also fuel high-quality development,” she added.

According to a report released in March by the International Renewable Energy Agency, the capacity of global renewable power increased substantially last year, with the addition of 585 gigawatts, a record growth of 15.1 percent. China played a significant role in this growth, accounting for nearly 64 percent of the added capacity, the report said.

Wang noted that Inner Mongolia, with its abundant wind and solar resources, plays a crucial role in China’s green transition. The region has an exploitable wind energy capacity of 1.46 billion kilowatts, accounting for 57 percent of the national total, and a solar energy potential of 9.4 billion kW, which is 21 percent of the national total, she said.

“This wealth of wind and solar resources gives us confidence, and opens up endless possibilities for the growth of Inner Mongolia’s renewable energy industry,” she said.

Last year, Inner Mongolia led the nation in six key areas, including new renewable energy installations, green hydrogen production, new energy storage installations and green electricity trading volume. This makes Inner Mongolia a green power bank for northern China, Wang said. “Of every 100,000 kW of newly installed renewable power capacity nationwide, over 10,000 kW is generated in Inner Mongolia,” she said.

“Our total installed renewable power capacity has surpassed 135 million kW, exceeding that of coal-fired power. We are the first provincial-level region in China to surpass 100 million kW of renewable power capacity,” she added.

Last year, Inner Mongolia’s renewable energy output increased 27.6 percent, exceeding 210 billion kilowatt-hours, which is equivalent to twice the annual output of the Three Gorges Dam.

Renewable energy contributes 25 percent of the region’s total electrical power generation. “It is equivalent to saving 66 million metric tons of standard coal, enough to meet Inner Mongolia’s heating needs for three years, while reducing carbon emissions by 180 million tons annually,” Wang said.

As the autonomous region pushes its renewable energy development, it is also exploring ways to utilize its renewable power resources and expand its electrical equipment manufacturing industry.

“We are advancing our green hydrogen, ammonia and methanol industries, converting green electricity into green products,” Wang said. “We have also established the nation’s largest computing power base with nearly 80 percent of the energy sourced from renewables.”

These efforts helped Inner Mongolia reach a renewable energy utilization rate of 94 percent last year, with green electricity accounting for nearly one-third of the total consumption.

The economic impact has also been impressive. In 2024, the total added value of renewable energy and related industries in Inner Mongolia grew 20.1 percent year-on-year, with new energy equipment manufacturing up more than 40 percent, Wang noted.

At the same time, exports of electric vehicles, lithium-ion batteries and solar panels soared 45.3 percent to 4.18 billion yuan ($573 million), according to customs data.

While the region is ramping up efforts for the manufacturing and export of new energy equipment, its ecological restoration efforts, particularly in the Kubuqi Desert, have gained global recognition.

Once known as the “Sea of Death”, the desert has become a model for integrating ecological restoration with new energy development. In 2014, the United Nations Environment Programme designated the desert as an ecological economy demonstration zone.

The Kubuqi model integrates solar power generation with agriculture and animal husbandry, as photovoltaic panels are used to provide canopies that help enhance plant survival and support the growth of drought-resistant crops, Wang said.

This approach tackles desertification, advances renewable energy development and helps increase local people’s income, achieving multiple benefits simultaneously, she said.

The area, which until 2017 remained largely barren, was covered by an array of solar panels by the end of last year. In December, the NASA Earth Observatory released satellite images showing what has been dubbed as Kubuqi’s “Solar Great Wall”.

“Stretching 400 kilometers, with an average width of 5 km, the project, once completed, will help restore vegetation on about 200,000 hectares of the desert and generate 180 billion kWh of electricity annually, serving as both a ‘blue energy wall’ and a green ecological barrier,” Wang said.

Teads and Mercedes-Benz Drive Brand Lift with Thailand’s First Connected TV Campaign

SINGAPORE, April 22, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Teads, the global media platform, has partnered with Mercedes-Benz to launch its first-ever Connected TV (CTV) campaign in Thailand, marking a new milestone in the luxury automotive market. Running from June to July 2024 as part of the Defining Class 2.0 initiative, the campaign targeted high-income audiences with an omnichannel approach, delivering substantial brand lift for Mercedes-Benz and reinforcing its position as a top luxury automotive brand in Thailand.

Teads and Mercedes-Benz Drive Brand Lift with Thailand’s First Connected TV Campaign
Teads and Mercedes-Benz Drive Brand Lift with Thailand’s First Connected TV Campaign

Pioneering a Strategic Omnichannel Execution for Maximum Brand Impact

The campaign marked Teads’ debut in the Thai CTV landscape, blending multiple digital touchpoints to maximize engagement with a premium audience:

  • CTV Native Placement (LG TV Homescreen) — This strategic placement delivered Mercedes-Benz’s first presence on LG Smart TVs in Thailand, reaching affluent consumers directly in their living rooms.
  • CTV Video Placements — By delivering instream video ads within premium in-app environments on both Smart TVs and Mobile/Tablet devices, Teads captured the attention of viewers in a high-quality, distraction-free setting.
  • Outstream Advertising — Targeted to audiences based on income and automotive interest, the outstream ads helped drive strong brand consideration.
Key Campaign Results: Significant Uplift Across Brand Metrics

The campaign’s effectiveness was evaluated using On Device’s methodology, which passively tracked exposure and surveyed their panellists 24-48 hours after ad interactions. Brand Lift Study offered granular insights, underscoring the campaign’s ability to achieve significant results in brand perception and favorability.

The Mercedes-Benz CTV campaign in Thailand exceeded expectations, achieving robust lifts across critical brand metrics:

  • Top-of-mind awareness saw a 5-point increase, outperforming industry benchmarks.
  • Ad recall increased by 7 points, demonstrating high retention rates among viewers.
  • Brand preference surged by 16 points, well above industry standards, suggesting that Mercedes-Benz has a strong positive presence in the Thai market.
  • Purchase intent rose by 10 points, with 83% of respondents considering Mercedes-Benz for their next luxury vehicle.

The campaign also achieved high baseline scores for brand familiarity and favorability, each exceeding 80%, indicating an already strong brand presence for Mercedes-Benz in Thailand.

High-Impact Creative Formats: Engagement Metrics at a Glance

A key contributor to the campaign’s success was the engagement with Teads’ premium creative formats, which effectively captured and retained audience attention:

  • 17 million impressions delivered across multiple devices, with smartphones achieving a click-through rate (CTR) of 0.22%.
  • The Performance Carousel V3 emerged as the top-performing creative unit, with a 0.21% CTR.
  • An impressive Video Completion Rate (VCR) of 95.46% was achieved in In-Stream placements, with 100% viewability across Teads’ scalable inventory, underscoring the quality of the ad experience.
Setting a New Benchmark for Luxury Automotive Advertising in Thailand

Our partnership with Teads for the Defining Class 2.0 campaign has been nothing short of transformative. As a brand that strives to stay ahead of the curve, Mercedes-Benz constantly seeks innovative and impactful ways to connect with our audiences.

Teads’ expertise in omnichannel media planning, combined with their cutting-edge Connected TV solutions, allowed us to deliver a highly immersive and memorable campaign.

The results speak for themselves—remarkable brand lift across awareness, preference, and purchase intent metrics, paired with unparalleled engagement on premium platforms.

The campaign’s strategic execution and high-quality creative formats resonated deeply with our target audience, reinforcing our position as the leading luxury automotive brand in Thailand.

We are thrilled with the success of this collaboration and look forward to further exploring the possibilities of CTV and premium digital advertising with Teads in the future.” Says the spokesperson from Mercedes Benz, Thailand.

This groundbreaking omnichannel campaign not only marks Teads’ entry into Thailand’s CTV space but also sets a new standard for luxury automotive advertising. The campaign highlights how strategic media planning combined with innovative technology can deliver measurable, impactful results in an increasingly competitive landscape.

Through this partnership, Mercedes-Benz and Teads have showcased the potential of an omnichannel CTV approach to enhance brand awareness, engagement, and consideration. The success of this campaign reaffirms Teads’ leadership in delivering premium, scalable advertising solutions and solidifies Mercedes-Benz’s position in Thailand as a leading choice in luxury automotive.

Shahzaib Shah: The Pakistani Ethical Hacker Catching Global Vulnerabilities

Empowering a new generation, Shahzaib Shah of SSSn is not only securing global systems but inspiring Pakistani youth to embrace ethical hacking and digital responsibility.

BALAKOT, Pakistan, April 22, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — In an era where cybersecurity threats dominate headlines, a young researcher from Balakot, Mansehra is gaining international attention for helping organizations detect and fix critical security vulnerabilities. Syed Shahzaib Shah, a 24-year-old self-taught ethical hacker, has quietly become a global name in responsible vulnerability disclosure — all from the hills of northern Pakistan.

Syed Shahzaib Shah, a cybersecurity researcher from Balakot, Pakistan, known for ethically reporting global digital vulnerabilities and inspiring a new generation of ethical hackers.
Syed Shahzaib Shah, a cybersecurity researcher from Balakot, Pakistan, known for ethically reporting global digital vulnerabilities and inspiring a new generation of ethical hackers.

Shahzaib’s work has been instrumental in uncovering previously unknown vulnerabilities affecting major web platforms, APIs, and enterprise systems. His reports, submitted through bug bounty programs and coordinated disclosure channels, have contributed to enhanced digital security for millions of users worldwide.

“Cybersecurity is about trust, not power. It’s about protecting people’s data, businesses, and national systems before someone with bad intentions gets there first,” says Shahzaib Shah.

Despite limited access to formal education and technology in his hometown, Shahzaib taught himself cybersecurity through online forums, open-source materials, and years of hands-on research. His rise to prominence demonstrates that talent in the tech world is no longer confined to major urban centers or elite universities.

Shahzaib’s ethical hacking work has been featured internationally in publications including AP News, Cybersecurity Dive, Benzinga, News Channel Nebraska, Beamstart, and Street Insider

These features highlight the growing relevance of Pakistan’s ethical hacking community and the emerging role of independent cybersecurity researchers from South Asia in protecting global digital assets.

While confidentiality agreements prevent him from naming all the companies he’s worked with, his public acknowledgments and growing presence on international bug bounty platforms speak to the consistency and impact of his research.

A Voice for Digital Education and Youth Empowerment

In addition to technical contributions, Shahzaib is a strong advocate for cybersecurity education among youth in Pakistan. He frequently speaks about the importance of ethical hacking, responsible digital behavior, and online protection through interviews, forums, and mentorship.

“We need to change the narrative. Hacking doesn’t always mean harm. In the right hands, it’s protection,” he says.

His message is particularly resonant in rural and underserved areas of Pakistan, where access to tech training is scarce. Through his outreach efforts, Shahzaib is encouraging young Pakistanis to explore ethical hacking as a career — one that promotes integrity, knowledge-sharing, and community protection.

Why This Matters

With cyberattacks on the rise globally, stories like Shahzaib Shah’s are not only inspiring but also critical. They highlight how grassroots cybersecurity talent can make a global difference when given the right platform. His rise also speaks to the growing need for governments, educational institutions, and tech companies to support local talent in digital security fields.

Pakistan, which has seen a growing number of cyber incidents in both public and private sectors, stands to benefit greatly from cultivating more researchers like Shahzaib. His success proves that with the right tools and ethical grounding, even the most remote regions can produce global cybersecurity defenders.

About Syed Shahzaib Shah

Syed Shahzaib Shah is an independent cybersecurity researcher and ethical hacker from Balakot, Mansehra, Pakistan. Specializing in web application security, vulnerability assessments, and responsible disclosure, Shahzaib has become one of the country’s most recognized voices in global digital protection. He is also the founder of awareness initiatives aimed at educating young Pakistanis about cybersecurity and digital ethics.

NEC Indonesia Achieves ISO/IEC 27001:2022 Certification, Demonstrating Commitment to Information Technology Security

JAKARTA, Indonesia, April 22, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — NEC Indonesia has successfully obtained the ISO/IEC 27001:2022 certification, the international standard for Information Security Management Systems (ISMS). This certification was awarded by Det Norske Veritas (DNV), a certification body known for conducting audits and certifications across various sectors, including information security. This achievement reinforces NEC Indonesia’s commitment to providing IT services that meet international standards, ensure high quality, and comply with regulations.

Joji Yamamoto, President Director of NEC Indonesia, receives the ISO/IEC 27001:2022 certificate from Achmad Zakky Ridwan, Country Chair of Det Norske Veritas (DNV) Indonesia on behalf of DNV. This certification reinforces NEC Indonesia’s commitment to delivering secure, reliable, and regulation-compliant IT services.
Joji Yamamoto, President Director of NEC Indonesia, receives the ISO/IEC 27001:2022 certificate from Achmad Zakky Ridwan, Country Chair of Det Norske Veritas (DNV) Indonesia on behalf of DNV. This certification reinforces NEC Indonesia’s commitment to delivering secure, reliable, and regulation-compliant IT services.

ISO/IEC 27001:2022 is a standard set by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) and the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) to assist organisations in establishing and maintaining an effective information security management system. This standard aims to reduce the risk of data breaches, protect sensitive information, and support compliance with applicable legal and regulatory requirements.

Through this certification, NEC Indonesia further strengthens its position as a provider of technically excellent and ethically responsible technology solutions. Implementing ISO 27001:2022 bolsters the company’s efforts to enhance operational efficiency, maintain the trust of customers and partners, and encourage continuous improvements in information security management.

Joji Yamamoto, President Director of NEC Indonesia, stated, “NEC Indonesia believes that secure information management is not merely a technical obligation but also a moral responsibility. This certification reflects our strong commitment to information security and catalyzes the quality improvement of our services.” He also appreciated the entire team who contributed to the certification process and this achievement reflects the high standards and preparedness of NEC Indonesia’s management system.

“NEC has shown exceptional commitment to building trust in their information security management system internally and externally. I would like to congratulate NEC for achieving certification to ISO/IEC 27001 in Indonesia,” says Mak Heng Chwin, Regional Manager for Business Assurance in DNV.

The certification process comprehensively evaluated information security policies, risk management, technical and administrative controls, and internal audits. It affirms the company’s commitment to maintaining global standards in information security. In the future, NEC Indonesia is committed to continuously maintaining and enhancing its information security system in line with the increasingly complex demands of digitalisation.

NEC’s 125 years of rich history as a transformation partner with a strong commitment to its customers is further amplified by this achievement. NEC Indonesia is even better positioned to deliver technology solutions that are innovative, responsive to customer needs, secure, and aligned with information security regulatory standards.

About PT NEC Indonesia

NEC first established its representative office in Jakarta in 1968. To this day, PT NEC Indonesia continues to play an important role in providing innovative ICT solutions to promote safety, security, and improve the quality of life for individuals and communities. As a leading provider of information and communication technology, PT NEC Indonesia provides world-class services and technology including telecommunications networks, biometric identification, intelligent solutions for Banks and other Financial Services, Public Transportation and Logistics, Manufacturing, Smart City, as well as government applications and infrastructure and business enterprises to support the digital transformation journey. For more information, visit us at http://id.nec.com/.

NopalCyber Hires New Head of Sales to Scale Impressive Growth in India

Industry veteran Manish Kalra will help drive growing demand in the region for holistic cybersecurity solutions

HYDERABAD, India, April 22, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — NopalCyber, a global provider of managed extended detection and response (MXDR) and attack surface management (ASM) solutions, today announced that Manish Kalra will join the company as the new Head of Sales for India. His leadership will spearhead efforts to scale NopalCyber’s growth in India further amid ongoing demand for cybersecurity solutions in that market.

“We could not be more excited to have Manish joining the NopalCyber team,” stated Varun Ira, chief executive officer at NopalCyber. “His decades of sales and leadership experience, combined with his creative thinking and innovative ideas will allow us to reach even more customers in India who need accessible yet effective cybersecurity solutions to combat rising cyber risk.”

Manish has served as a strategic and technical leader to executives in myriad sectors throughout India and Southeast Asia, bringing over 25 years of experience to his new role. Before starting his professional journey, Manish earned an MBA from MS Ramaiah Institute of Management, Bangalore, then went on to complete programs at Harvard Business Publishing, ISM, and IIM Lucknow. During his career, he has served as the Partner and Business Development Leader at Deloitte, where he led transformative growth in the Risk & Cyber business. He played a pivotal role at Grant Thornton Bharat LLP, where he helped set up the Business Development team and scale the business at 40% CAGR. Manish has also worked at EY, Escorts, and Tata Motors, among other high-performing organizations he has helped to build, scale, or lead.

On his new role, Manish commented, “I’m thrilled to be working with a company like NopalCyber that offers compelling products and services, and is backed by a strong leadership team. I believe that combining my skills and experience with NopalCyber’s strategy and offerings will make for a potent pairing that can lead to lower cyber risk and fewer digital disruptions for our clients.”

As businesses throughout India experience more frequent and damaging cyber attacks, demand for cybersecurity products, services, and solutions has grown, with many turning to NopalCyber to get the technical expertise and constant coverage they require in today’s climate. With his keen understanding of the Indian market and his wealth of experience, vision, and leadership, Manish will be an asset to NopalCyber, helping the company to serve more companies, secure more assets, and safeguard the digital future.

About NopalCyber

NopalCyber, LLC makes cybersecurity manageable, affordable and reliable. Managed extended detection and response (MXDR), attack surface management (ASM), breach and attack simulation (BAS) and advisory services fortify your offensive and defensive cybersecurity posture. AI-driven intelligence in its Nopal360° platform, NopalGo application and proprietary Cyber Intelligence Quotient (CIQ) lets anyone quantify, track and visualize a cybersecurity posture in real time. NopalCyber’s offensive and defensive services and external threat analysis are tailored to each client’s need. NopalCyber democratizes cybersecurity by making enterprise-grade security available to organizations of all sizes. For more information visit www.nopalcyber.com.

Media Contact:

Cyndy Hunter
cyndy@magnetudeconsulting.com
+1 (603) 490-9156

Banyan Group Publishes 2024 Sustainability Report

SINGAPORE, April 22, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Banyan Group (“Banyan Tree Holdings Limited” or the “Group” – SGX: B58), a leader in sustainable hospitality, unveils its 2024 Sustainability Report—One Banyan, One Sustainable Future. The 19th edition reports on the Group’s advancements in driving action and impact across key environmental, social, and economic dimensions, reaffirming sustainability as a core foundation of its business.

Highlights from Banyan Group’s 2024 Sustainability Report
Highlights from Banyan Group’s 2024 Sustainability Report

Guided by its founding mission of ‘Embracing the Environment, Empowering People’ and the belief that travel can be a force for good, the Group’s key progress in 2024 include:

  • Accelerating decarbonisation and energy transition: In line with its ongoing commitment to addressing the business’ environmental impact, Banyan Group continued to invest in energy-efficient infrastructure and on-site renewable energy. Upgrades in lighting systems, air conditioning and room control units, as well as the installation of solar panels and timer controls across properties, resulted in a 5.7% reduction in emissions intensity per occupied room over 2023.
  • Increasing waste management initiatives: Through an increased adoption of waste reduction, recycling and repurposing activities—including food donations, composting of kitchen waste and upcycling efforts—28% of total waste produced was diverted from landfill, a five-point increase from the previous year.
  • Upholding responsible water stewardship: As a result of the Group’s approach to water conservation—focused on infrastructure repairs, proactive leak detection, enhanced storage capacity, and water reuse—water efficiency per occupied room improved by 5.1% compared to 2023.
  • Championing marine conservation: Restorations and research projects play an important role in the way Banyan Group seeks to reduce the environmental impact of its operations—the expansion of Our Marine Lab in the Maldives alongside the launch of the Coral Reef Restoration Project in partnership with the China Environmental Protection Foundation (CEPF) in 2024 reinforced its commitment to such conservation efforts.
  • Deepening support for local communities: The Group maintained its commitment to uplifting local communities and fostering long-term resilience through education, engagement, and employment opportunities—its signature Seedlings programme nurtured 93 young individuals through training and mentorship, and provided 2,515 internship opportunities. In a continued effort to support heritage traditions and promote rural production to strengthen local economies, the Group expanded its artisan network—commissioning products that supported 306 artisan communities, including 66 newly engaged groups.
  • Driving change with Greater Good Grants: To commemorate Banyan Group’s 30th anniversary in 2024, the Banyan Global Foundation funded 30 associate-initiated projects addressing the key material topics identified by the Group. The projects were selected based on criteria including the long-term social, environmental, welfare, and/or financial benefits to the communities where the Group’s hotels and resorts operate. For more information on the projects, visit: Greater Good Grants

“Sustainability is a cornerstone of Banyan Group’s purpose, and our journey will continue to evolve as we look to scale increasingly impactful practices in the upcoming years—with more ambitious climate action, deeper community engagement, and greater support for our associates to take action,” said Ho Ren Yung, Deputy Chief Executive Officer, Banyan Group.

“To achieve this, we have introduced key performance metrics aligned with our identified material issues for all senior level associates in front-line and corporate roles, empowering them to champion our ambitions. As we track our progress in 2025, we will further refine our associates’ roles to more meaningfully support the integration of responsible practices across our operations,” she added.

To learn more about Banyan Group’s approach, actions, and journey in addressing material sustainability impacts, visit: Our Mission. To read the full report, visit: 2024 Sustainability Report

For high-resolution images, please download here.

ABOUT BANYAN GROUP

Banyan Group (“Banyan Tree Holdings Limited” or the “Group” – SGX: B58) is an independent, global hospitality company with purpose. The Group prides itself on its pioneering spirit, design-led experiences and commitment to responsible stewardship. Its extensive portfolio spans over 90 hotels and resorts, more than 140 spas and galleries, and 20 plus branded residences in over 20 countries. Comprising 12 global brands, including the flagship brand Banyan Tree, each distinct yet united under the experiential membership programme withBanyan. The founding ethos of “Embracing the Environment, Empowering People” is embodied through the Banyan Global Foundation and Banyan Academy. Banyan Group is committed to remaining the leading advocate of sustainable travel, with a focus on regenerative tourism and innovative programmes that elevate the guest experience.

City of Shells: Our Forgotten Oyster Reefs – Rediscovering the Past to Build a Thriving Future

New Documentary Explores Hong Kong’s Forgotten Oyster Reefs and Their Role in Securing a Sustainable Future

HONG KONG, April 22, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — This Earth Day (April 22, 2025) marks the online launch of a groundbreaking documentary, City of Shells: Our Forgotten Oyster Reefs (香江遺礁), which sheds light on this lost marine habitat and the urgent efforts to restore it. Produced and directed by Mike Sakas, the film follows researchers, historical ecologists, and restoration scientists as they explore the vital role oyster reefs played in Hong Kong’s history and economy, highlighting why their restoration is crucial for the city’s environmental resilience and sustainability.

This Earth Day (April 22, 2025) marks the online launch of City of Shells: Our Forgotten Oyster Reefs (香江遺礁).
This Earth Day (April 22, 2025) marks the online launch of City of Shells: Our Forgotten Oyster Reefs (香江遺礁).

The Silent Disappearance of Oyster Reefs

Oyster reefs are one of the most endangered marine habitats on the planet, with over 85% lAost globally due to overharvesting, pollution, and urban development. Hong Kong is no exception—once home to extensive shellfish ecosystems, its reefs have been relentlessly dredged, mined for lime production, and buried under reclamation projects over the centuries.

Despite their critical role in cleaning water, providing habitats for marine life, and protecting coastlines from erosion, these ecosystems remain largely absent from marine conservation policies. Unlike coral reefs and mangroves, oyster reefs lack formal recognition and official protection. Without an increase in local conservation efforts, they risk complete disappearance in Hong Kong waters—along with the immense environmental benefits they provide.

“Even for well-known marine species, conservation is a challenge due to inadequate protection, weak enforcement, and coastal development. But for oyster reefs, the situation is even worse. Without any form of recognition, they are left out of conservation policies entirely. If this doesn’t change, these already degraded, vulnerable ecosystems will disappear completely—along with the vast benefits they provide for ocean health,” says Marine Thomas, Associate Director of Conservation, The Nature Conservancy Hong Kong (TNC), who is featured in the film.

Professor Bayden Russell, from the Swire Institute of Marine Science (SWIMS), The University of Hong Kong, says that society has forgotten the vast benefits that oyster reefs provide both nature and society.

“Oyster reefs are extraordinary! It’s globally recognised that they house amazing biodiversity of other species, they fuel productivity in marine ecosystems, and are powerhouses for filtering and cleaning coastal waters. But, sadly, oyster reefs across the Pearl River Delta were almost completely gone before living memory due to overharvesting and coastal development. Until we started looking deep into the history of the area, we didn’t even know that they existed here! Just think of all the benefits to the environment and human society that we’re missing – we need to get it back! We need restoration.” 

Inside the Documentary

City of Shells: Our Forgotten Oyster Reefs is the culmination of three years of filming, chronicling over seven years of ongoing research and conservation efforts to restore oyster reefs in Hong Kong and the Pearl River Delta. Through historical research and scientific exploration, the film reveals how oysters have shaped the region’s development — delving deeper into the socio-cultural ties between oysters and coastal communities, the lime industry that fueled early infrastructure across the region, and the thriving marine ecosystems that once flourished beneath its waters.

The film follows a team of researchers, restoration ecologists, citizen explorers, and marine scientists as they search for remnant reefs, using historical maps, ecological surveys, and underwater expeditions to piece together clues about where these lost habitats might still perdure. Their findings suggest that not all is lost, and if restoration efforts are implemented at scale, oyster reefs could flourish once more. And the prospect is enormous—by filtering millions of liters of water daily, providing essential habitats for marine species, and acting as natural coastal barriers against storms and erosion, these restored ecosystems would significantly enhance biodiversity and ocean health, bringing life back to our waters.

“Conservation is a rather young concept, and its genesis lies in a reaction to the observed loss of habitat. So, when we think about conservation, we tend to approach it with the intent of minimizing damage, and we rarely think about conservation as an opportunity for enhancing benefits. Restoration is an opportunity to enrich our environment and improve the health of systems in the region, with knock-on benefits to everyone who lives and works in the Pearl River Delta,” says Mike Sakas, producer and director of the film. “Oyster reefs fulfilled a fundamental role in both Hong Kong’s marine landscape and the city’s evolution, and yet today, they are virtually forgotten.”

“This film is not just about oysters—it is about rebalancing our relationship with the ocean,” Sakas continues. “Environmental restoration and human progress can coexist; they must coexist. We got here because of a rich environment, why would we think we could go forward without it? The good news is, in the case of our oyster reefs anyway, if we give them a chance, they have the potential to regenerate. With a nudge from us and a bit of care, these little creatures can get on with the work of restoring balance to marine environments and strengthening coastlines.”

But Sakas warns that action must be taken soon. “We are approaching the deadline for action. Without immediate restoration efforts, these ecosystems—and their immense environmental benefits—could be lost forever. Oysters certainly aren’t going to win mass adoption based on looks. But if we want to swim in clean water, take our kids fishing, and see more wildlife along the shores, then we need to get down to the business of caring for oysters. If we do, the natural features we love about Hong Kong will be even more magnificent. If we don’t, it will be our loss and our failure to future generations.”

TNC is honored to be featured in the documentary, contributing its expertise in marine conservation and restoration. Through its ongoing efforts, TNC strives to protect and restore oyster reefs as part of a broader mission to safeguard Hong Kong’s marine ecosystems for future generations.

The Asia premiere of City of Shells: Our Forgotten Oyster Reefs took place in Hong Kong on April 14, aiming to raise public awareness and increase support for oyster reefs as the Hong Kong government updates its Biodiversity Strategy Action Plan (BSAP) later this year. It was a wonderful evening celebrating the importance of oyster reefs.

In addition to the premiere, TNC, in collaboration with other featured organizations, including The Swire Institute of Marine Science (SWIMS) of The University of Hong Kong, and The Explorers Club HK, will host private screenings and public talks featuring the film’s scientists and conservationists. These events will provide insights into the ecological significance of oysters and discuss actionable solutions for protecting these vital habitats.

The full documentary is now available to the public online at www.cityofshells.com, inviting viewers in Hong Kong to learn more and take part in raising awareness for marine restoration.

This documentary was made possible through the support of Hermès Asia Pacific Limited and the dedicated efforts of numerous organizations, including The Nature Conservancy Hong Kong Foundation Limited, The Swire Institute of Marine Science, The University of Hong Kong, The Explorers Club Hong Kong, Streamline Media / TNC Australia, Airport Authority Hong Kong, Dr. Boze Hancock, Prof. Daniel Pauly, Deep Bay Oyster Cultivation Association, Edges Of Earth, Hong Kong Oyster Hatchery and Innovation Research Unit, Marine Ecology Enhancement Fund, Marine Futures Laboratory, Shelly McLeod, Charlie and Rex, Simon F.S. Li Marine Science Laboratory, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, South China Diving Club, Way Foong Charters, William Meacham, and William Sargent. Their collective contributions to research, restoration, and education continue to drive meaningful change in the conservation of oyster reefs.

For more information about the documentary or to learn how to support oyster reef restoration, visit www.cityofshells.com.

About Director Mike Sakas

Mike Sakas is a professional photographer and documentary maker who has devoted his career to documenting projects of social and environmental significance. His passion for adventure, conservation, and an insatiable curiosity underpins the narrative of City of Shells: our Forgotten Oyster Reefs and highlights the pressing issues facing our oyster reefs.

About The Nature Conservancy Hong Kong (TNC)

The Nature Conservancy (TNC) is the world’s leading international conservation non-profit organization dedicated to protecting natural places and preserving life on Earth for future generations since 1951. TNC follows a science-based conservation approach to create innovative solutions to global conservation challenges and enable nature and people to thrive together. We are currently addressing climate change at an unprecedented scale by protecting lands, waters, and oceans in sustainable ways, providing food and water resources, and helping cities become more sustainable.  Our projects span 81 countries and territories, using collaborative approaches with local communities, governments, private sector and others, to carry out various conservation projects and activities, including biodiversity conservation, forest conservation, marine conservation, climate change, and sustainable land use. TNC organizes various community projects and educational activities, aiming to promote public awareness and action towards environmental protection and sustainable development and to raise public awareness of natural environments and wildlife. TNC has been in Asia Pacific for almost 30 years with projects in Australia, China, Hong Kong (SAR), Indonesia, Mongolia, New Zealand, and the Pacific Islands. TNC was awarded the 2019 Lui Che Woo Prize – Prize for Sustainable Development. For more about TNC’s work, please visit: The Nature Conservancy (tnc.org.hk)

If you also care about environmental protection and wildlife conservation, please support TNC’s work, participate in our community projects and activities, and work together to protect the natural environment and wildlife, follow TNC Hong Kong’s social platforms for more environmental conservation information:

Facebook: TNC HK 大自然保護協會
Instagram: @tnc_hk 

About The Explorers Club Hong Kong

The Explorers Club is an international multidisciplinary professional society dedicated to the advancement of field research and the ideal that it is vital to preserve the instinct to explore. Since its inception in 1904, the Club has served as a meeting point and unifying force for explorers and scientists worldwide, and its members have been responsible for an illustrious series of famous firsts, including first to the North Pole, first to the South Pole, first to the summit of Mount Everest, first to the deepest point in the ocean, and first to the surface of the moon. The Explorers Club Hong Kong Chapter was established in 2013 to expand the Club’s mission in Asia, and to create a modern base of operations for staging more inclusive and innovating scientific expeditions in the region and beyond. Today the HK Chapter is home to over 60 of Hong Kong’s most intrepid explorers, conservationists and hardcore field scientists as well as Explorers Club members from all over the world who are drawn to its unique “Collaboration over Conquest” approach to exploration.

About The Swire Institute of Marine Science (The University of Hong Kong)

The Swire Institute of Marine Science (SWIMS) is one of the world’s leading marine research institutions. The research of SWIMS’ scientists is focused on the interaction of humanity and the ocean – SWIMS specialises in the study of coastal ecosystems, the shallow seas that hundreds of millions of people depend on for their livelihood. Using leading technology and novel, interdisciplinary methods, SWIMS studies the impact of human actions, such as climate change and pollution, on marine ecosystems and biodiversity, providing science-based solutions to conservation, restoration, and sustainable management of marine resources. Hong Kong’s maritime traditions and marine biodiversity are SWIMS’ local roots, but the impact is global. Since its foundation in 1990, SWIMS has trained hundreds of scientists from over 30 countries, who have gone on to play leading roles in marine research and conservation.

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