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Colt DCS appoints Xavier Matagne as Chief Real Estate Officer – Matagne to drive further growth of Colt DCS towards 1GW of data centre capacity

LONDON, May 7, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Colt Data Centre Services (Colt DCS), global provider of hyperscale and large enterprise data centre facilities, today announced the appointment of Xavier Matagne to the role of Chief Real Estate Officer. Matagne will be responsible for leading Colt DCS’ Development, Engineering and Construction teams.

Xavier Matagne
Xavier Matagne

Xavier Matagne joins us with a wealth of expertise. He has worked in the data centre industry for over 17 years, holding global leadership roles with a strong track record in strategic development and large-scale infrastructure delivery across Europe and Africa. Matagne, most recently served as Chief Development Officer at Africa Data Centres, where he led the expansion strategy across multiple markets. Having worked in over 15 countries, including France, the UK, the Netherlands, Italy, Sweden, Poland, and South Africa, Matagne, is known for his ability to simplify complex projects, bringing innovative thinking to fast-growing environments.

Niclas Sanfridsson, CEO of Colt DCS, said: “The Executive Leadership Team and I are delighted to welcome Xavier to Colt DCS at such a pivotal moment in our growth. He will be instrumental to the success of our ambitious expansion plans and further enhancing the outstanding calibre of our teams”.

Xavier Matagne, Chief Real Estate Officer of Colt DCS, said: “I am thrilled to be joining Colt DCS at such an exciting time. Colt DCS has a world-class team of Development, Engineering and Construction professionals. They are also in a fantastic position of having secured powered land enabling capacity expansion up to 1GW. I am very much looking forward to helping continue Colt DCS’ tremendous growth, to 1GW and beyond”.

About Colt DCS
We design, build and operate data centres for global hyperscalers and large enterprises. 

Our global portfolio includes 13 operational data centres, with an additional 9 in development across 11 cities in the UK, Europe, and the APAC region.
We enable our customers to effectively plan for the growth of their business while also providing them with peace of mind. We provide secure, resilient, well-connected infrastructure with planned future capacity growth potential. We have over 25 years of experience in the data centre industry, delivering on our vision of being the most trusted and customer-centric data centre operator in the market.

We put the environment at the heart of everything we do by recognising this as a fundamental responsibility towards our planet. That’s why we’re taking ownership to reduce our environmental impact globally and make sustainability a key strategic driver. As part of our sustainability planning, Colt DCS has set comprehensive near-and long-term Science Based Targets to cut our emissions in line with the SBTi’s latest Net Zero Standard.

https://www.coltdatacentres.net

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Dozens Killed as India, Pakistan Clash in Worst Violence in Decades

Dozens Killed as India, Pakistan Clash in Worst Violence in Decades
A bulldozer carries a damaged part of an aircraft in Wuyan, near Srinagar on May 7, 2025. (Photo by Tauseef MUSTAFA / AFP)

Hong Leong Bank Redefines Branch Banking with Meet @ HLB Eco Majestic, Semenyih


KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA – Media OutReach Newswire – 7 May 2025 – Following its first Iconic branch in Penang, Hong Leong Bank (“HLB” or “the Bank”) has launched its innovative Meet @ HLB branch concept in Eco Majestic, Semenyih. This community-centric branch is central to HLB’s bank-wide transformation plan, which includes upgrading existing branches and strategically tailoring service offerings.

Lee Ee Hui, HLB’s Head of Business Channels, together with a representative from EcoWorld at the launch of Meet @ HLB in Eco Majestic, Semenyih
Lee Ee Hui, HLB’s Head of Business Channels, together with a representative from EcoWorld at the launch of Meet @ HLB in Eco Majestic, Semenyih

Designed for the Eco Majestic community, Meet @ HLB provides convenient access to ATMs, retail banking, and cash deposit machines. The branch’s daily operations from 12:30 pm to 7:00 pm, including weekends, have been a welcome surprise for residents who greatly appreciate this convenience, allowing for easy integration of banking needs around their busy schedules.

Kevin Lam, Group Managing Director and CEO of HLB, emphasised, “Meet @ HLB perfectly encapsulates our vision of being a “Digital Bank Plus Much More” – creating a powerful synergy of cutting-edge digital convenience and genuine human connection. This initiative is a vital part of our broader branch transformation strategy, where we are strategically evolving our physical network to better serve our diverse customer base through upgrades, service enhancements, and the introduction of innovative branch formats like Meet @ HLB.”

“Our collaboration with EcoWorld has been invaluable in bringing this vision to life. By understanding the unique characteristics of the Eco Majestic community, we have been able to create a banking space that truly resonates with its residents. This underscores our belief in the enduring value of physical presence within communities, transforming branches into vibrant hubs where we can truly understand and serve our customers’ evolving needs. It also helps us serve new and developing communities, where we can become the first bank for its residents and businesses, and work to meet their unique yet diversified banking needs.

Evon Yap, Divisional General Manager of Eco World commented, “We are truly grateful to HLB for recognising the importance of a physical banking presence in a growing, dynamic township like Eco Majestic. While digital banking offers convenience, there are still essential services that benefit from personal, face-to-face interaction. The Meet @ HLB branch is a thoughtful addition that brings everyday banking closer to our residents—accessible, reliable and seamlessly integrated into the fabric of our community. We deeply appreciate HLB’s effort in understanding the needs of Eco Majestic and designing a space that naturally complements Eco-township’s character.”

The branch recently hosted a Raya Open House, inviting Eco Majestic residents to connect with HLB staff, explore the branch’s offerings, and enjoy a vibrant festive atmosphere with food and family activities like colouring and jawi calligraphy. This event highlighted the Bank’s commitment to designing community-centric branches and offered a glimpse into the future of branch banking with HLB.

Customers can visit the Meet @ HLB branch in Eco Majestic at:
Block 1, Jalan Eco Majestic 10/1, Eco Majestic, 43500, Semenyih, Selangor
Banking Services: Monday – Sunday, 12.30pm – 7pm (closed on public holidays)
Express Banking: Monday – Sunday, 6am – 12am

Hashtag: #HongLeongBankBerhad #HLB



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

Students Hospitalized After Collagen Drug Mix Causes Convulsions

The rescue teams were sending a sutdent to an emergency room (Photo: Vientiane Capital Rescue)

Three primary school students in Vientiane were hospitalized on 5 May after consuming a drug mixed with collagen, prompting renewed attention to student drug use.

ProLogium Collaborates with Kyushu Electric on Next-Gen Batteries for Heavy Machinery

TAIPEI, May 7, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — ProLogium Technology, the global leader in LCB-based next-generation battery innovation, today announced a strategic partnership with Japan’s Kyushu Electric Power. Together, the two companies will co-develop a 24V LCB (Lithium Ceramic Battery) module tailored for construction machinery applications, with plans to jointly unveil the technology at CES 2026.

This collaboration marks another significant milestone in ProLogium’s global new energy strategy, showcasing its technological prowess and growing market influence. Looking ahead, the two parties will continue deepening their cooperation—expanding the deployment of clean energy solutions not only in construction but also across broader energy sectors, paving the way for a more sustainable industrial future.

Synergy-Driven Innovation for Heavy Machinery

This partnership combines ProLogium’s cutting-edge battery technology with Kyushu Electric Power’s expertise in module design and end-user integration. The result: a high-performance, durable, and versatile energy solution tailored to the demanding operational needs of construction machinery. ProLogium will supply its industry-leading lithium ceramic batteries, while Kyushu Electric Power will take the lead in developing the 24V modules and integrating them into heavy equipment for end users.

Compared to conventional lithium-ion batteries, ProLogium’s LCB modules offer several compelling advantages:

  • Enhanced Safety: ProLogium’s next-generation battery utilizes a fully inorganic electrolyte and highly stable cathode and anode materials, effectively minimizing risks of thermal runaway and fire. It is equipped with an Active Safety Mechanism (ASM) that automatically activates under high-temperature conditions, significantly improving safety performance in demanding operational environments.
  • High Energy Density: Without compromising safety, ProLogium employs high-activity materials such as a 100% silicon composite anode to substantially boost energy density. This allows for a more compact and lightweight battery pack while delivering outstanding range and power performance—ideal for heavy machinery where both performance and space efficiency are critical.
  • Outstanding Low-Temperature Performance: Engineered to operate reliably in extreme cold, the battery ensures stable operation and sustained power output, supporting heavy machinery in prolonged, high-intensity tasks under low-temperature conditions.
  • Fast Charging × Durability for Optimized Operational Efficiency: With outstanding fast-charging capability, ProLogium batteries significantly reduce charging time, lowering equipment downtime and replacement frequency. This not only eases the burden of procuring backup vehicles but also enhances operational continuity. Coupled with long service life and high performance, the solution offers greater stability, reduced maintenance costs, and improved overall operational efficiency.

The collaboration will make its first public appearance at CES 2026, where the companies will jointly showcase their technical achievements and engage with potential partners.

Advancing Low-Carbon Transformation in the Heavy Industry Sector

Beyond improving operational efficiency, the partnership aims to promote greener, more resource-efficient industrial practices. By cutting carbon emissions, reducing pollution, and increasing energy utilization, ProLogium and Kyushu Electric Power aspire to offer sustainable battery solutions for the future. ProLogium’s next-gen LCBs maintain stable performance under harsh environmental conditions—maximizing energy efficiency.

The collaboration aligns with global trends toward carbon neutrality and green technology, leading the construction machinery industry toward a cleaner, low-carbon future. With its high safety standards, energy density, fast-charging capability, and excellent low-temperature discharge performance, ProLogium’s lithium ceramic battery is not only ideal for electric vehicles but also well-suited for heavy-duty applications and beyond.

Vincent Yang, founder and chairman of ProLogium stated:

“As the world accelerates its shift toward sustainability, electrification in construction and heavy industries is both urgent and inevitable. We are honored to partner with Kyushu Electric Power to bring our next-generation LCB technology into the heavy machinery sector, elevating energy efficiency, safety, and endurance.

Together, we are committed to advancing green energy transformation and building a low-carbon, sustainable future. This partnership enables us to deliver longer-range energy solutions for heavy-duty operations, enhance productivity with fast-charging capabilities, and ensure stable battery performance in extreme cold—all contributing to the electrification of heavy industry and a cleaner future for global infrastructure.”

ST Engineering iDirect Leads the European Protected Waveform Consortium into Phase 2

Setting the EU standard for secure, adaptable and interoperable satellite communications to support military operations and the IRIS² constellation

SINT-NIKLAAS, Belgium, May 7, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — ST Engineering iDirect’s EU Satcom Centre of Excellence, ST Engineering iDirect Europe, based in Sint-Niklaas, Belgium, today announced the advancement of the European Protected Waveform (EPW) project to its second phase. Under the leadership of Belgium’s Ministry of Defence and with ST Engineering iDirect Europe as the consortium lead, this milestone marks significant progress in enhancing secure and autonomous satellite communications for Europe.

The project brings together a consortium of 22 organisations from 12 EU Member States, encompassing experts from industry, government and academia.
The project brings together a consortium of 22 organisations from 12 EU Member States, encompassing experts from industry, government and academia.

The project brings together a consortium of 22 organisations from 12 EU Member States, encompassing experts from industry, government and academia. This collaborative effort aims to develop a comprehensive, end-to-end waveform solution designed to ensure resilient and secure communications for military operations and critical government needs in increasingly complex operational environments.

With the foundation established during Phase 1 that laid the framework for the waveform’s initial development, Phase 2 focuses on the prototyping and integration of the EPW system. The goal is to provide secure, interoperable systems that align with Europe’s strategic initiatives, including the future IRIS² satellite constellation and the EU GovSatCom programme.

“Together with ST Engineering iDirect Europe, we are investing in the backbone of modern military operations: secure and reliable communication,” said Theo Francken, Belgian Minister of Defence. “With support from the European Defence Fund, we are advancing technological innovation, strengthening strategic autonomy, and enhancing the safety of our troops. In today’s uncertain world, European cooperation in research and development is not a luxury — it’s an absolute necessity. This project aligns perfectly with our broader mission to modernise Defence and deepen European collaboration in R&D.”

“The advancement to EPW Phase 2 underscores the strategic importance of this initiative to bolster European autonomy in secure satellite communications,” said Koen Willems, Vice President, EU Programmes, at ST Engineering iDirect Europe. “This recognition by the European Defence Fund demonstrates the urgent necessity to address emerging threats and foster resilience for critical operations across Europe.”

The total investment in the EPW project now stands at €65 million, with €35 million dedicated to Phase 2 following the €30 million allocation in Phase 1. This investment highlights Europe’s commitment to advancing protected satellite communications and strengthening collaborative defence capabilities among its Member States.

The European Protected Waveform (Phase 2)  is funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of ST Engineering iDirect Europe only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Commission. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them. 

About ST Engineering iDirect Europe

ST Engineering iDirect Europe, located in Sint-Niklaas, Belgium, is ST Engineering iDirect’s EU Satcom Center of Excellence specialising in the development of ground segment technology and solutions specifically for the EU. As a legal Belgian entity, ST Engineering iDirect Europe has its own board of directors to comply to the guidelines and conditions as put forward by the EU Commission and the Belgian Government. With over 35 years of experience, the ST Engineering iDirect portfolio of high-value product lines and services in addition to a dedicated team of domain specialists, and a ISO9001 certified manufacturing center the team has a portfolio of capabilities to cater to the specific needs of European funded satcoms programs. 

For more information visit https://www.idirect.net/st-engineering-idirect-europe/

 

The world’s first: Grand Pharma’s global innovative product STC3141 successfully reached the clinical endpoint in the Phase II clinical study in China

  • The results showed that the SOFA scores of the drug treatment groups on the 7th day were significantly lower than those of the baseline, especially in the high-dose group, where the decrease was significantly greater than that in the placebo group, of which the difference was statistically significant and clinically significant.
  • The trend of the secondary endpoints was consistent with the primary endpoints, which was in line with expectations.
  • STC3141 is the first sepsis treatment program centered on rebuilding immune homeostasis in the world, achieving a major upgrade in the treatment dimension.

HONG KONG, May 7, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Grand Pharmaceutical Group Limited (0512.HK, “Grand Pharma” or the “Group“) announces that the Phase II clinical study for the treatment of sepsis in China of the global innovative drug STC3141, which is independently developed by the Group, has successfully reached the clinical endpoint. The progress of this clinical study is at the forefront of global sepsis research.

STC3141 is the first sepsis treatment program centered on rebuilding immune homeostasis in the world, achieving a major upgrade in the treatment dimension. On the basis of existing symptomatic supportive treatments such as anti-infection, fluid resuscitation, and maintaining organ function, it precisely regulates the core cause of the disease, immune disorder, to help the body restore balance, filling the current clinical gap in etiology-oriented treatment of sepsis. The success of this clinical study is expected to usher in a new era of sepsis treatment.

A new breakthrough in critical care treatment that may fill clinical gap in sepsis treatment

About the clinical study:

This study is a multi-center, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled Phase II dose-finding clinical study, to evaluate the efficacy, safety, and pharmacokinetic features of intravenous infusion of STC3141 injection in patients with sepsis. It enrolled 180 patients with sepsis who received standard treatment and care, continuously dosed the drug for 5 days, and followed up until day 28. The primary clinical endpoint of the study was the change in the Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (“SOFA“) score (a standard for diagnosing sepsis and assessing disease severity) from baseline on day 7; Secondary endpoints included effectiveness indicators such as the proportion of subjects whose SOFA score decreased by 25% from baseline on day 7, etc., and safety indicators such as adverse events within 28 days, aiming to explore the effectiveness and safety of different doses of the drug in the treatment of patients with sepsis.

The results showed that the SOFA scores of the drug treatment groups on the 7th day were significantly lower than those of the baseline, especially in the high-dose group, where the decrease was significantly greater than that in the placebo group. The difference was statistically significant and clinically significant. The trend of the secondary endpoints was consistent with the primary endpoints, which was in line with expectations. In addition, STC3141 has favorable safety and tolerability, and its pharmacokinetic characteristics are also in line with expectations. The results confirmed the effectiveness and safety of STC3141 in the treatment of sepsis, bringing new breakthroughs in the field of critical care. Subsequently, the Group will actively conduct in-depth communication with the NMPA, and apply the qualification of breakthrough therapeutic drug designation, so that STC3141 could benefit the vast number of sepsis patients as soon as possible and fill the clinical gap.

About sepsis:

Sepsis is a life-threatening organ dysfunction caused by a dysregulated host response to acute infection, and is one of the leading causes of death and long-term disability worldwide. Despite the continuous advancement of medical technology, the morbidity and mortality of sepsis remain high. There are approximately 49 million new cases of sepsis worldwide each year, and more than 1/5 of patients die, accounting for approximately 20% of the total global mortality. The incidence of sepsis intensive care units in China is 20.6% to 50.8%, and about 1/3 of patients die in the hospital. In high-income countries, the average full-hospital cost of treating a sepsis patient exceeds US$32,000.

At present, the treatment of sepsis primarily involves anti-infection, fluid resuscitation, and functional support for organ damage, with no targeted treatment method yet. There is a huge unmet clinical demand in the global market for the treatment of severe diseases such as sepsis.

About STC3141:

STC3141 is a small molecule compound with a new mechanism of action that independently developed by the Group with global intellectual property rights. It can reverse organ damage caused by excessive immune responses of the body by neutralizing extracellular free histones and neutrophil trap nets and is applicable to multiple severe diseases. The product has an innovative mechanism, and the results of related preclinical research have been published in the top academic journal “Nature Communications” and “Critical Care”, which has far-reaching academic influence.

In terms of clinical development, the Group has adopted a global development strategy, and has obtained seven clinical approvals in five countries on three continents, namely China, Australia, Belgium, the United Kingdom, and Poland. It has completed four clinical studies on patients, and all of them successfully reached the clinical endpoints. Based on the previous Phase Ib clinical studies in Australia and Belgium for the treatment of sepsis, the Phase Ib clinical studies in China for the treatment of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), and the Phase IIa clinical study in Europe for the treatment of severe SARS-CoV-2 infection (COVID-19), STC3141 has demonstrated favorable safety and tolerability, and has shown positive signals in terms of effectiveness indicators such as helping patients getting off the ventilator and vasopressors, and shortening the length of ICU hospitalization.

The Phase II clinical trial for sepsis this time progressed smoothly that it was approved by the NMPA in July 2023, and all subjects were enrolled in December 2024, which is six months ahead of schedule. It fully demonstrates the Group’s strong R&D capabilities, and also illustrates the urgent need for targeted therapeutic drugs in the field of critical care. This product is expected to break the long-standing lack of targeted drugs in the field of sepsis, and become the first pioneering breakthrough therapy in the field of critical care, accurately responding to and meeting the urgent needs of clinical treatment.

About Grand Pharma:

Grand Pharma is an international pharmaceutical company of technological innovation. Its core businesses cover three major areas, namely nuclear medicine anti-tumor diagnosis and treatment and cerebrocardiovascular precision interventional diagnosis and treatment technology, pharmaceutical technology and biotechnology. Based on the pharmaceutical and biological industries, the Group focuses on the needs of patients, and take technological innovation as the driving force. In response to the unmet clinical needs, the Group will increase its investment in global innovative products and advanced technologies, enrich and improve its product pipelines, consolidate and strengthen its industrial chain layout, and fully leverage the Group’s industrial strengths and R&D capabilities to provide more advanced and diverse treatment solutions to patients worldwide.

CIMC Modular Building Systems Triumphs with Dual International Awards at 2025 World of Modular Conference

SHENZHEN, China, May 7, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — CIMC Modular Building Systems (CIMC MBS), a global leader in advanced modular construction, has earned two prestigious awards at the 2025 World of Modular Conference, organized by the Modular Building Institute (MBI). The company received Permanent Modular Dormitory of the Year and Relocatable Modular Affordable Housing of the Year, marking its second consecutive year as a multi-award winner.

Recognized by Global Industry Leaders

The World of Modular Conference, the premier global event in the modular construction industry, honors excellence in design, innovation, sustainability, efficiency, and architectural quality. The Awards of Distinction are presented based on votes from a panel of experts and industry leaders across North America, as well as votes from conference attendees, making it a highly collaborative and prestigious benchmark in the field.

CIMC MBS was selected from hundreds of global entries, underscoring its strength in industrialized precision, smart construction applications, carbon-reduction strategies, and human-centered design.

2025 Award-Winning Projects

The CIMC MBS team receiving awards on-site
The CIMC MBS team receiving awards on-site

The Student Hostel at City University of Hong Kong (Whitehead, Ma On Shan) was awarded First Place in the Permanent Modular Dormitory category. As the world’s largest modular student housing project, it was completed two years ahead of schedule. The project achieved a 50% faster delivery and reduced waste by 68% compared to traditional construction. Featuring advanced MiMEP integration and low-carbon solutions, it sets a new standard for high-density, sustainable urban development.

The “T-Loft@Lok Wo” transitional housing project in Hong Kong received First Place in the Relocatable Modular Social & Supportive Housing category. With its fully relocatable design, the project integrates safety, efficiency, and comfort with aesthetic appeal. It offers a forward-thinking solution to global housing challenges, showcasing exceptional design and quality in social housing.


These accolades follow CIMC MBS’s success at the 2024 World of Modular Conference, where it received awards for its citizenM Hotel in Menlo Park, USA, and United Court Transitional Housing in Hong Kong—both recognized for their energy efficiency, mobility, and construction speed.

“We are honored to receive this international recognition once again,” said Victor Zhu, General Manager of CIMC Modular Building Systems. “These awards affirm the global impact of our technology and our unwavering commitment to building smarter, greener, and more sustainable spaces for communities around the world.”