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MTR Lab and ZGC Science City Ltd Establish Ecosystem Partnership

Propel Investment in Chinese Tech Startups, Support Their Global Expansion, and Accelerate Smart City, Sustainability and AI Innovation

BEIJING and HONG KONG, March 18, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — MTR Lab Company Limited (“MTR Lab”, a wholly owned subsidiary of MTR Corporation) and Beijing Zhongguancun Science City Innovation Development Co., Ltd. (“ZGC Science City Ltd”) are forming an ecosystem partnership. Focusing on smart city and sustainable development, the collaboration will accelerate the investments in and global expansion of frontier tech enterprises across AI, robotics, smart mobility, rail, retail, property and construction. This cross‑border partnership between Hong Kong and Beijing leverages the strengths of both ecosystems to accelerate the deep integration of technological and industrial innovation, aligning with the national development strategy of “new quality productive forces (新質生產力).”

MTR Lab and ZGC Science City Ltd establish an ecosystem partnership to jointly drive innovative and technological development in Beijing and Hong Kong.
MTR Lab and ZGC Science City Ltd establish an ecosystem partnership to jointly drive innovative and technological development in Beijing and Hong Kong.

Chinese Mainland’s innovation ecosystem has surged in recent times with rapid advances in AI and related technologies, powering a major acceleration in smart city and sustainability development. According to the China Academy of Information and Communications Technology, as of September 2025, there were 5,300+ AI companies in the Chinese Mainland, accounting for around 15% of the global total. Beijing’s Haidian District, the AI innovation hub of China, is home to over 35% of China’s AI companies, with a significant concentration of “specialised and sophisticated (專精特新)” enterprises and unicorns. These emerging trends align closely with MTR Lab’s strategic investments in smart‑city and sustainable development. Last year, MTR Lab received nearly double the number of investment proposals and opportunities in AI and robotics compared with 2024. Among them, proposals originated from the Chinese Mainland accounted for more than 30%.

As a core element of the partnership, while continuing to deepen the integration of innovation resources, ZGC Science City Ltd will invite industry leader MTR Lab into its innovation ecosystem and refer MTR Lab to high‑potential startups in AI, smart city and sustainable development for prospective investment and collaboration. Through MTR Lab’s extensive global innovation network, the two parties will jointly explore pilot application opportunities, technology implementation and cross‑border expansion, supporting Chinese startups in accessing broader global markets.

Deepening innovation ecosystem partnerships, Uniting to “Go Global”
As an international I&T investor, MTR Lab creates strategic value through investments and ecosystem partnerships. Following its collaboration with TusStar, the partnership with ZGC Science City Ltd marks another strategic step in deepening MTR Lab’s global collaborative exchange and strengthens MTR Lab’s innovation network in the Chinese Mainland.

Haidian District, the core area of Beijing’s International Science and Technology Innovation Center, fosters high‑quality technological and industrial development and hosts over 2,950 specialised and sophisticated enterprises and 49 unicorns as of January 2026. Through this partnership, ZGC Science City Ltd will recommend quality startups to MTR Lab. By leveraging MTR Lab’s extensive experience in the overseas startup market and the complementary resources of its collaborative platform, both parties will drive cross-border collaboration and explore potential co‑investment opportunities, connecting more Chinese tech startups with global capital and overseas market resources.

“As a global strategic I&T investor and collaborative platform, MTR Lab has been partnering with innovators worldwide to drive next‑generation technologies,” said Jing Shi, Head of Investment of MTR Lab. “Our investment portfolio spans Hong Kong, Chinese Mainland and developed markets. We strategically help Chinese innovators expand overseas, with examples such as acoustic AI monitoring leader Ensonic and AI‑powered retail tech company Whale. ZGC Science City Ltd ‘s rich ecosystem of R&D institutions, incubators and innovative enterprises will help us connect with more high‑tech, high‑potential startups and further strengthen our investment network in the Chinese Mainland. We look forward to combining our strengths to help tech startups land in Hong Kong and scale internationally, also to deepen collaboration between Beijing and Hong Kong.”

“Haidian District is at the core of Beijing’s International Science and Technology Innovation Center and is committed to driving the integration of technological innovation and industrial development. We nurture tech enterprises through an international cooperation ecosystem that helps companies ‘go global’ and expand into new markets,” said Mary Huang, Ecosystem Partnership Division Deputy Division Manager of ZGC Science City Ltd. “AI is a key engine for sustainable development. As of December 2025, Haidian District is home to more than 1,900 AI companies, including 26 unicorns, accounting for about 70% of Beijing’s total. Under the 15th five-year plan, ZGC Science City Ltd will prioritise advancing broad AI adoption across traditional industries, deepening innovation ecosystem development, and driving high‑quality growth of Haidian District. We look forward to leveraging MTR Lab’s global network and extensive international market experience to help Chinese tech enterprises access overseas opportunities and pilot application scenarios, strengthen the broader industry ecosystem, and support their global expansion and business growth.”

Through this partnership, MTR Lab and ZGC Science City Ltd will focus on exploring investment and collaboration opportunities in smart city and sustainable development, identifying more high‑potential tech startups from the Chinese Mainland, attracting global capital for high-quality technology brands and supporting their internation expansion. MTR Lab will officially join the Z Hub scenario acceleration platform of ZGC Science City Ltd to deepen its presence in the Chinese Mainland, and work with innovation partners to build carbon‑neutral smart communities and co-create a smarter, greener future.

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ABOUT MTR LAB
MTR Lab Company Limited (“MTR Lab”) is a wholly owned subsidiary of MTR Corporation Limited. MTR Lab creates strategic value through investment in technologies and formulates innovative solutions that support the long-term growth of communities. With a commitment to co-creating a smarter, greener future, MTR Lab aims to benefit communities by investing in and introducing technologies across different sectors, including mobility (MaaS, new mobility modes, rail tech), new retail technology, property and construction technology, and financial and data services, driving positive impact within two overarching themes: smart city and sustainability. Its unique position as an innovation investor enables MTR Lab and its partners to strategically collaborate toward creating a carbon-neutral smart community. Together, let’s Keep Cities Moving! 

ABOUT BEIJING ZGC SCIENCE CITY INNOVATION DEVELOPMENT CO., LTD 
Beijing ZGC Science City Innovation Development Co., Ltd., established in May 2019, is a technology investment and sector services platform driven by ecosystem development, dedicated to supporting the construction of a world-leading science and technology park. The company operates through five core business divisions: sector services, ecosystem partnerships, technology investment, property operations, and international collaboration.

The company has established a comprehensive service system that covers the full lifecycle of technology enterprises across all elements, value chains, and operational scenarios. This promotes deep integration of technological innovation and industrial development in Haidian District, striving to create a hub for New Quality Productive Forces and supporting the development of world-leading science and technology park.

Innodisk at NVIDIA GTC 2026: Accelerating Real-World AI for Healthcare and Mobility with Full-Stack Edge Solutions

SAN JOSE, Calif., March 18, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Innodisk, a leading global AI solution provider, today announced its participation in NVIDIA GTC 2026. Alongside subsidiary Aetina, Innodisk Group is showcasing the seamless integration of NVIDIA AI architectures into scalable, deployable edge AI applications. By converging its high-performance computing platforms and the proprietary vision sensing camera modules, Innodisk is translating cutting-edge technology into field-ready industrial AI solutions across two verticals: smart healthcare and intelligent mobility.

Innodisk today announced its participation in NVIDIA GTC 2026. Alongside subsidiary Aetina, Innodisk Group is showcasing the seamless integration of NVIDIA AI architectures into scalable, deployable edge AI applications.
Innodisk today announced its participation in NVIDIA GTC 2026. Alongside subsidiary Aetina, Innodisk Group is showcasing the seamless integration of NVIDIA AI architectures into scalable, deployable edge AI applications.

Bridging Innovation and Implementation

As the global AI landscape shifts from cloud-based models to edge execution, Innodisk delivers the hardware-software integration depth that industrial-scale edge AI adoption demands.

“NVIDIA technologies are driving the AI revolution, and Innodisk is where that innovation meets industry reality,” said Randy Chien, Chairman of Innodisk Group. “Through close collaboration with NVIDIA and two decades of vertical market expertise, we help customers cut through integration complexity and accelerate their journey from advanced algorithms to field-ready solutions.”

Smart Healthcare: Powerful Medical VLM at the Clinical Edge

Innodisk is demonstrating a Medical Multimodal Vision Language Model (Medical VLM) powered by NVIDIA Blackwell architecture and NVIDIA TensorRT, running on the APEX-X200 Edge AI Computing Platform. Housed in a 16.5-liter chassis, the system integrates an NVIDIA RTX PRO 6000 Blackwell Server Edition GPU (24,064 CUDA cores; 752 Tensor cores), bringing enterprise data-center-level compute to space-constrained clinical settings.

By enabling fully local inference to eliminate cloud dependency, the solution ensures ultra-low latency and absolute data privacy. Live demos show the system analyzing X-ray and CT images in real time, auto-generating diagnostic report drafts, and converting medical findings into patient-friendly explanations — streamlining radiologist workflows and improving clinical communication.

Intelligent Mobility: Surround Perception and AI Safety for Heavy Vehicles

Innodisk and Aetina have jointly developed an Intelligent Mobility Solution powered by NVIDIA Jetson AGX Orin platform. By leveraging Innodisk’s custom capture card, the team integrated eight GMSL2 camera modules on a single platform, overcoming hardware integration challenges to deliver real-time multi-channel video. The solution features Surround-View Stitching and active Blind Spot Detection (BSD), while an integrated AI Driver Monitoring System (DMS) alerts against fatigue, distraction, and mobile phone use, delivering comprehensive safety coverage for heavy-duty vehicle operations.

Visit Innodisk at NVIDIA GTC 2026

Join Innodisk at Booth #7039 and Aetina at Booth #139, San Jose McEnery Convention Center, March 16–19. Explore the full portfolio of edge AI infrastructure engineered for demanding workloads.

MVC’s ENVACGEN® is Granted First Enterovirus A71 Vaccine Marketing Authorization in Vietnam; Joins Forces with Substipharm Biologics to Expand Southeast Asian Market

TAIPEI and GENEVA, March 18, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Medigen Vaccine Biologics Corp. (MVC) and Substipharm Biologics announced on March 17 that ENVACGEN®, an Enterovirus 71 (EV-A71) vaccine, has received marketing authorization from the Drug Administration of Vietnam (DAV). Substipharm Biologics will spearhead the marketing and distribution activities in Vietnam. Maintaining a dominant market share of over 97% in Taiwan, ENVACGEN® now achieves a historic milestone as the first-ever EV-A71 vaccine authorized in Vietnam. This breakthrough sets a strong foundation for both parties to expand their commercial footprint across Southeast Asia.

Enterovirus 71 (EV-A71) is a primary cause of severe neurological complications and mortality in young children across Asia. Vietnam has been severely impacted by cyclical outbreaks, reporting approximately 180,000 cases and 31 deaths in 2023 alone. These recurring crises pose a grave threat to pediatric health and exert a heavy burden on the local healthcare system.

Standing out as a “Best-in-class” vaccine, ENVACGEN® delivers exceptional clinical performance: 100% efficacy[1], early protection for infants from two months of age, and long-term immunogenicity lasting over five years. With Vietnam’s 1.36 million annual births, the synergy of MVC’s high-quality manufacturing and Substipharm Biologics’ marketing expertise will rapidly address the region’s significant unmet medical needs.

Statements from Leadership

Leo Lee, CEO of MVC, stated: “The successful marketing authorization of ENVACGEN® as Vietnam’s first EV71 vaccine is a pivotal milestone in MVC’s global expansion. We are eager to work with our experienced partner, Substipharm Biologics, to provide this high-quality vaccine to local children. Facing the vast demand in Southeast Asia, MVC has already initiated capacity expansion plans to ensure a stable supply of premium vaccines.”

Fabrice Baschiera, CEO of Substipharm Biologics, commented:  “With the recurrent, large-scale outbreaks of hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD) over the past decade , EV71 has long posed a severe challenge to pediatric health in Vietnam. In 2025, 107,249 HFMD cases were reported, a 28.9% increase compared to the previous year. We are thrilled to partner with MVC to introduce this breakthrough, first-of-its-kind vaccine to the local market. Substipharm Biologics is fully committed to collaborate with the Vietnam health authorities and health care professionals to bring the vaccine to Vietnam as early as possible to protect the Vietnamese children against HFMD caused by EV71 virus.”  

[1] Vaccine Efficacy: 100%. All confirmed cases occurred in the placebo group, with no infections among the vaccinated group during the follow-up period. The statistical Poisson regression analysis showed an efficacy of 96.8% (CI: 85.5%, 100%).

About Medigen Vaccine Biologics Corp (MVC)

Founded in 2012, MVC is dedicated to combating infectious diseases through the development and mass production of innovative vaccines. Utilizing advanced cell-culture technology and a PIC/S GMP-certified biopharmaceutical facility, MVC notably served as the only domestic manufacturer to receive Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) in Taiwan during the COVID-19 pandemic, demonstrating its robust R&D capabilities. MVC’s current commercial products include vaccines for enterovirus and seasonal influenza, with R&D pipelines featuring Enterovirus D68, and multivalent enterovirus vaccines. By collaborating with global partners, MVC is committed to providing innovative public health solutions worldwide.

About Substipharm & Substipharm Biologics

Substipharm is a private French pharmaceutical company that develops, supplies, and distributes medications in over 100 countries, offering a robust portfolio of more than 90 products. Among the last 25 acquisitions done in the last 10 years, Substipharm has acquired in 2022 IMOJEV® Japanese Encephalitis Vaccine from Sanofi, along with a 49% stake in the Japanese Encephalitis vaccine plant in Bangkok, Thailand. It has established its subsidiaries in Geneva, Switzerland, Thailand and Vietnam to focus on vaccines. Substipharm Biologics’ IMOJEV® vaccine is available in 14 countries across the Asia-Pacific region, Southeast Asia, and Australia, where it is recognized as the best-in-class Japanese encephalitis vaccine.

Website: www.medigenvac.com
Website: www.substipharm.com 

AEON Bank Champions Community Impact Financial Inclusion and Rewarding Raya Campaign Anchored on “Niat di Hati, Budi Terpateri”

KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA – Media OutReach Newswire – 18 March 2026 – Inspired by the values of compassion and the importance of sharing rezeki (blessings) during this blessed month, AEON Bank, Malaysia’s first digital Islamic bank, has brought to life its Ramadan and Syawal campaign themed “Niat di Hati, Budi Terpateri.
The campaign is anchored on the principle that good intentions (niat yang baik), when demonstrated through kind and thoughtful actions (amal budi yang indah) will lead to meaningful outcomes. This theme is brought to life through a self-produced Ramadan Aidilfitri 2026 brand video, available on the Bank’s official YouTube channel.

NIAT TO EMPOWER THE COMMUNITY : SALAM PRIHATIN 4.0

The beneficiaries of Salam Prihatin 4.0, alongside the committee of Pertubuhan Kebajikan Masyarakat Penyayang Lembah Pantai (PERKEMP), senior leadership of AEON Bank and AEON BiG, and AEON Bank’s volunteers
The beneficiaries of Salam Prihatin 4.0, alongside the committee of Pertubuhan Kebajikan Masyarakat Penyayang Lembah Pantai (PERKEMP), senior leadership of AEON Bank and AEON BiG, and AEON Bank’s volunteers

As part of its Shared Value Creation (SVC) commitment, AEON Bank continues to drive its flagship community impact initiative, Salam Prihatin.

Targeted Support and Value Added Impact

This year, Salam Prihatin 4.0 engaged 100 households, amounting to more than 400 beneficiaries from the community Perumahan Pantai Permai, Kuala Lumpur. The engagement was held on 3 March 2026, in collaboration with AEON BiG Wangsa Maju and a local NGO, Pertubuhan Kebajikan Masyarakat Penyayang Lembah Pantai (PERKEMP) Lembah Pantai.

Fostering Financial Inclusion and Enabling Budget Savvy Autonomy Among the Beneficiaries

Fostering financial inclusion among the community, the beneficiary families were guided by AEON Bank team to plan for purposeful purchase of grocery and essential items, giving them the autonomy to optimise their budget, based on the needs of their respective families – be it multigenerational households, or families with small children or those caring for persons with disabilities (PWD).

Each beneficiary family received a RM300 grocery budget, which rounded up AEON Bank’s contribution this year to RM30,000 in total. In order to assist the families with their grocery shopping on the event day, more than 50 of AEON Bank employees, including the Bank’s senior leadership, were paired up with the families during the engagement. To date, AEON Bank has engaged almost 2,000 beneficiaries throughout 4 years, under its Salam Prihatin community impact initiative.

Now in its fourth year, AEON Bank has engaged almost 2,000 beneficiaries throughout 4 years, under its Salam Prihatin community impact initiative.

NIAT TO BE MORE RINGGIT SAVVY : SMART SAVINGS AND VALUE ADDED REWARDS

In the effort to help Malaysians manage the rising cost of living, AEON Bank has introduced several financial tools in its digital banking app and meaningful rewards for its customers, including :

(i) Neko Sensei : AEON Bank’s very own in-app financial coach designed to empower customers to track and manage their finances wisely.

(ii) RM30 Raya Cashback : Customers can earn RM30 cashback when paying with their AEON Bank Debit Card-i at stores participating in the MyDebit campaign, valid from 1 February to 15 April 2026.

(iii) Competitive Rate for Savings Pot : Enjoy a high 3.00% p.a. profit rate for the Savings Pot to help keep your financial goals on track, valid until 31 May 2026.

(iv) Personal Financing-i (PF-i) : Financing options from RM1,000 to RM100,000 with a profit rate starting at 3.88% p.a. and flexible tenures from 3 to 84 months. PF-i application process fully takes place online via the app, available to Malaysians with a minimum monthly gross income of RM2,500 including salaried employees, self-employed individuals, freelancers and gig economy workers.

(v) Neko Missions : A gamified digital banking experience that offers RM5 cashback for DuitNow QR transactions via AEON Bank app, valid until 15 May 2026.

(vi) JomPay : Customers can also make their JomPay transactions, including telco and utility bills via the AEON Bank app. providing a centralised platform for all essential online payments.

(vii) Inclusivity and Flexibility : Effective 17 March 2026, AEON Bank has removed the minimum balance requirement, ensuring Shariah-compliant digital banking is more inclusive and accessible for Malaysians.

NIAT TO FULFILL RELIGIOUS OBLIGATIONS : SAH AND SEAMLESS ZAKAT PAYMENT VIA AEON BANK APP

Starting from the month of Ramadan this year, Zakat payment feature has been made available on the AEON Bank app. With just a few easy steps, customers can fulfill the contribution for 11 types of Zakat with a sah Aqad, including Zakat Fitrah, Zakat Pendapatan (Income), Zakat Perniagaan (Business), Zakat Emas (Gold) and more.

Made possible through the strategic partnership with Tulus Digital, the Zakat payment feature currently facilitates payments to Lembaga Zakat Selangor and PPZ-MAIWP, with more states and Zakat authority to be added in the near future.

NIAT TO BRING DIGITAL BANKING TO THE MASSES : O2O WONDERS

Beyond the digital screens, throughout four weeks of Ramadan, AEON Bank brought the O2O (online to offline) wonders to the crowd at the Bazaar Ramadan Seksyen 2 and 23, Shah Alam, in partnership with Persatuan Penjaja & Peniaga Kecil Melayu Negeri Selangor (PPPKMNS). On 16 March 2026, from 4.00 pm onwards, come on over to the Bazaar Ramadan Seksyen 23 and stand a chance to win AEON Bank merchandise and surprise goodies.

Better Banking – The Digital Way, Better Banking – The Shariah Way

As a cloud-native AI-powered digital bank, AEON Bank remains dedicated in its commitment to provide accessible financial solutions for Malaysians, while empowering communities to pursue their financial aspirations and achieve economic independence. Striving to foster a more inclusive financial future for all, AEON Bank will continue to offer a better banking experience for the larger demographic and contribute towards the development of Islamic banking in the region and the nation’s digital economy.

Click HERE to visit AEON Bank’s website and download the AEON Bank app. Don’t forget to view AEON Bank’s Ramadan Aidilfitri 2026 video, available on the Bank’s official YouTube channel.

Hashtag: #AEONBank



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

ABOUT AEON BANK (M) BERHAD

AEON Bank (M) Berhad is the first digital Islamic bank in Malaysia, licensed and regulated by Bank Negara Malaysia and the Ministry of Finance. Officially launched on 26 May 2024, we currently offer a suite of Shariah-compliant products and services under the Personal Banking and Business Banking (AEON Bank Biz).
Our Personal Banking offerings are 100% accessible via the AEON Bank app, namely the deposit Savings Account-i, AEON Bank x Visa Debit Card-i, Personal Financing-i, Term Deposit-i, Savings Pots, DuitNow QR, utility bill payments, personal financial management and budgeting tools with Neko Sensei, and a range of digital payment services with strategic partners and merchants, as well as Neko Missions, Malaysia’s first gamified digital banking interactive rewards programme.
On 8 August 2025, AEON Bank (M) Berhad officially launched AEON Bank Biz, anchored by the Current Business Account-i and integrated cash management capabilities, alongside Biz Term Deposit-i. AEON Bank Biz offers streamlined processes for account onboarding, credit assessments and financial services, utilising AI-driven fintech solutions to enable simplified procedures, faster approvals, and an enhanced digital banking experience for SMEs and micro entrepreneurs.
Being part of the AEON Group conglomerate, AEON Bank (M) Berhad is equally held by AEON Financial Service Co. Ltd. (AFS Japan) and AEON Credit Service (M) Berhad (ACSM). AFS Japan is responsible for the AEON Group’s financial services businesses, with strong roots in the retail sector which operates in Japan and 10 countries across Asia. AEON Group is Japan’s largest retail group and it is a pure holding company that comprises eight core businesses.
AEON Group Malaysia consists of several entities, namely, AEON Co. (M) Bhd, AEON Credit Service (M) Berhad, AEON Bank (M) Berhad, AEON BiG (M) Sdn Bhd, AEON Fantasy (M) Sdn Bhd, AEON Delight (M) Sdn Bhd, AEON Global Supply Chain Sdn Bhd and Malaysian AEON Foundation (MAF). AEON Group has been a recognizable household brand with more than 200 years of history and evolution in Japan since the Edo era, along with 4 decades of growth in Malaysia, providing consumers with daily financial solutions and diversified retail convenience.
Our cloud native agility and AI optimisation, combined with the strength of our Shariah DNA, Malaysian roots and Japanese heritage are our distinguishing factors, while the integration with the AEON ecosystem gives us a competitive advantage of being the only bank in Malaysia with its own nationwide retail network. On top of that, AEON Points loyalty programme offers customers value-added benefits and meaningful rewards, as the AEON Points can be redeemed into cash value, deposited directly into customers’ AEON Bank Savings Account-i.
AEON Bank (M) Berhad is committed to provide accessible financial solutions for Malaysians and we aim to empower the community in pursuing their financial aspirations and achieve economic independence, hence fostering a more inclusive financial future for all. We will continue to contribute towards the Islamic banking development in the region and the nation’s digital economy.

Thailand to Begin Construction of Border Fence with Cambodia

Cambodia and Thailand: Border dispute intensifies with legal and diplomatic efforts underway.

Thailand will begin construction of a border fence along its frontier with Cambodia in April, Thai military officials said.

The project aims to stregthen security and curb cross-border crime, according to the Royal Thai Armed Forces.

Officials said the pilot phase would cover approximately 1.3 kilometres in Chanthaburi Province, between border markers 52 to 54. The district borders the Cambodian provinces of Pailin and Battambang.

The stretch represents a small section of the nearly 800-kilometre border between the two countries and is expected to take around 45 days to complete. 

Vithai said the project was not linked to any territorial dispute and had been agreed upon with Cambodian authorities, who have also built a parallel road on their side. Future phases will add electronic fencing fitted with sensors and CCTV cameras for round-the-clock monitoring.

The fence comes against a backdrop of long-running tensions between the two neighbours. 

A Long-Standing Dispute

At the heart of the dispute is the 11th-century Preah Vihear temple, contested under the colonial-era Franco-Siamese Treaty of 1907. The International Court of Justice ruled in 1962 and 2013 that the temple belongs to Cambodia, though Thailand has continued to claim parts of the surrounding area. 

Armed clashes between 2008 and 2011 killed dozens and displaced thousands of civilians.

The most recent conflict began in May 2025 with a skirmish near Preah Vihear that left a Cambodian soldier dead. Fighting escalated through the year.

A first ceasefire in October collapsed within weeks. A second, signed in late December, ended 20 days of fighting. The clashes killed dozens and displaced more than half a million people on both sides.

Everest Medicines Enters into Letter of Intent with Hasten Biopharmaceuticals (Asia) Limited

SHANGHAI, March 18, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Everest Medicines (HKEX 1952.HK, “Everest”, or the “Company”), a biopharmaceutical company focused on the discovery, clinical development, manufacturing, and commercialization of innovative therapeutics, today announced that it has entered into a letter of intent (the “Letter of Intent”) with Hasten Biopharmaceuticals (Asia) Limited (the ”Seller”) in relation to the possible acquisition (the ”Possible Acquisition”) of the entire equity interest in Hasten Biopharmaceuticals (SG) Pte. Ltd., a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Seller (the ”Target Company”). The Possible Acquisition is expected to supplement the Company’s existing pipeline and is intended to further expand its scale and strategic presence across the Asia-Pacific region.  

Hasten Biopharmaceuticals (SG) Pte. Ltd. is a company incorporated in Singapore principally engaged in the commercialization of prescription pharmaceutical products, with a strategic focus on chronic diseases and acute/critical care areas, in particular in the cardiovascular and metabolic segments. It has built a commercial platform, and holds asset rights, including Marketing Authorization Holder (MAH) rights, trademarks and broad commercial rights for 14 branded chronic disease products across the Asia-Pacific region, benefiting tens of millions of patients with chronic diseases.

Everest Medicines shall pay to the Seller a refundable deposit (the ”Refundable Deposit”) of RMB200 million no later than five business days following the execution of the Letter of Intent. The Refundable Deposit shall be converted into a part of the consideration under a Possible Acquisition (if it materializes), or refunded to the Company, as mutually agreed between the parties. The Company plans to fund the Refundable Deposit with its existing resources.

Following the signing of the Letter of Intent, the Seller will authorize Hasten Biopharmaceuticals (SG) Pte. Ltd management to allow the Company to conduct due diligence, and agree to a six-month exclusivity period (the ”Exclusivity Period”).

With a population of approximately 600 million, the Southeast Asia region has significant unmet medical needs and substantial market potential in chronic disease management. Everest’s product pipeline also focuses on chronic disease therapeutic areas such as CKM (cardiovascular, kidney, and metabolic diseases), demonstrating potential synergies with Hasten Biopharmaceuticals’ product portfolio and commercial platform.

Over the past three years, Everest Medicines has established a leading commercialization platform for innovative therapies in chronic diseases in China, as evidenced by the robust sales and growth of NEFECON®. The Company aims to expand its presence in the Asia-Pacific region and, over time, evolve into a leading global biopharmaceutical company. Beyond Mainland China, the Company’s commercialized products, including NEFECON®, VELSIPITY® and XERAVA®, have received or are progressing toward new drug application approvals in authorized Asian markets, with inclusion in local reimbursement regimes.

Through the Possible Acquisition, Everest Medicines could accelerate the commercialization of its existing products in Asian markets, thereby driving growth in overseas sales revenue, and would represent a significant step toward its broader global expansion strategy by extending its commercial footprint across Asia.

About Everest Medicines

Everest Medicines is a biopharmaceutical company focused on discovering, developing, manufacturing and commercializing innovative pharmaceutical products that address critical unmet medical needs for patients in global markets. The management team of Everest Medicines has deep expertise and an extensive track record both in China and with leading global pharmaceutical companies.

The Company’s therapeutic areas of focus include CKM (cardiovascular, kidney, and metabolic), autoimmune, ophthalmology and critical care. Everest Medicines has developed a fully integrated commercialization platform that combines omnichannel commercial capabilities with end-to-end product lifecycle management. Leveraging its proprietary mRNA platform, the Company is advancing its existing pipeline, including mRNA in vivo CAR-T and mRNA cancer vaccines, while selectively expanding into additional high-value therapeutic areas with blockbuster potential, and accelerating its global expansion. For more information, please visit the Company’s website: www.everestmedicines.com.

About Hasten Biopharmaceuticals (Asia) Limited and Hasten Biopharmaceuticals (SG) Pte. Ltd.

Hasten Biopharmaceuticals (Asia) Limited is a company incorporated in the Cayman Islands with limited liability and is principally engaged in investment holding.

Hasten Biopharmaceuticals (SG) Pte. Ltd. is a company incorporated in Singapore with limited liability and principally engaged in commercialization of prescription pharmaceutical products with strategic focus on chronic diseases and acute/critical care areas, in particular in the cardiovascular and metabolism segments. Hasten Biopharmaceuticals (SG) Pte. Ltd. holds the asset rights, including Marketing Authorization Holder (MAH) rights, trademark and broad commercial rights for 14 branded chronic disease products across multiple countries and regions in the Asia-Pacific region.

Forward-Looking Statements:

This news release may make statements that constitute forward-looking statements, including descriptions regarding the intent, belief or current expectations of the Company or its officers with respect to the business operations and financial condition of the Company, which can be identified by terminology such as “will,” “expects,” “anticipates,” “future,” “intends,” “plans,” “believes,” “estimates,” “confident” and similar statements. Such forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve risks and uncertainties, or other factors, some of which are beyond the control of the Company and are unforeseeable. Therefore, the actual results may differ from those in the forward-looking statements as a result of various factors and assumptions, such as future changes and developments in our business, competitive environment, political, economic, legal and social conditions. The Company or any of its affiliates, directors, officers, advisors or representatives has no obligation and does not undertake to revise forward-looking statements to reflect new information, future events or circumstances after the date of this news release, except as required by law.

WePlay Launches Charity Initiative in Malaysia, Bringing Warmth and Care to Children at a Kuala Lumpur Orphanage

KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia, March 18, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — The new-generation global social entertainment platform WePlay organized a charity initiative in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia on March 3, 2026, visiting a local orphanage to deliver care and support to the children. Through this activity, WePlay demonstrated its commitment to corporate social responsibility while sharing goodwill and compassion across cultures.

The event took place at Pusat Jagaan Rumah Bakti Nur Syaheera, located in the Cheras area of Kuala Lumpur. The organization has long been dedicated to providing daily care and developmental support for orphans and children from underprivileged families, helping them grow and learn in a stable and safe environment.

Warm Interactions and Cultural Respect

During the visit, the WePlay team spent the afternoon interacting with the children and donating daily necessities to support their everyday needs. Although the orphanage building appeared somewhat old from the outside, the children were in good spirits and warmly welcomed the visitors.

At the event, several young girls approached the team and greeted them with the traditional local gesture “Salim”, a respectful greeting in which the hand is touched to the forehead as a sign of respect and blessing. This heartfelt cultural moment added warmth to the entire visit and highlighted the meaningful exchange between the team and the children.

WePlay Launches Charity Initiative in Malaysia, Bringing Warmth and Care to Children at a Kuala Lumpur Orphanage
WePlay Launches Charity Initiative in Malaysia, Bringing Warmth and Care to Children at a Kuala Lumpur Orphanage

About WePlay

WePlay is a global social entertainment platform operated by WEJOY PTE. LTD., headquartered in Singapore. With the mission to “Bring joy and friends to young people around the world,” it is dedicated to connecting the global younger generation through voice and interactive entertainment. The platform integrates gaming, voice rooms, party interactions, and other features, providing users with low-barrier, highly interactive social experiences.

About WEJOY PTE. LTD.

WEJOY PTE. LTD. is an internet company based in Singapore, founded on October 23, 2020. As a company with a global vision and innovative spirit, we are dedicated to expanding in the social and gaming business sectors worldwide. We focus on the development and operation of social board games and casual games, with a particular emphasis on creating innovative and engaging gaming experiences that connect people around the world. Currently, we are actively expanding into international markets, and in the future, we aim to make a significant impact on the global stage.

Media Contact

Company Name: WEJOY PTE. LTD.
Contact Person: Bryant
Email: bryant@wejoysg.com
WePlay Official Website: https://weplayapp.com/ 
WeJoy Official Website: https://wejoyhub.com/ 

 

Vinova Named to Financial Times Top 500 High-Growth Companies Asia-Pacific for Third Consecutive Year

SINGAPORE, March 18, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Vinova, a leading name in the APAC regional technology landscape, has officially been recognized by the Financial Times and Statista as one of the Top 500 High-Growth Companies in Asia-Pacific for 2026. This achievement marks a rare “three-peat” for the firm, following consecutive growth recognitions in 2024 and 2025, cementing its reputation for stability and Singapore’s standards of excellence. 

From Software House to AI Solutions Partner 

The ranking arrives at a pivotal moment. Vinova is announcing a significant strategic shift, transitioning from its roots as a premier Software House to a comprehensive AI Solutions Partner. This evolution is driven by the company’s “passion for perfection” and a deep-seated commitment to solving the most complex challenges in high-stakes industries. 

With its growing team of specialists in the AI sector, Vinova is now deploying advanced Artificial Intelligence to transform the Finance, Education, Government, and Healthcare sectors. By moving beyond traditional coding to focus on AI-driven clinical workflows, financial predictive modeling, and secure government infrastructure, Vinova is positioning itself at the very top of the technology value chain. 

Scaling for Enterprise-Grade ITO 

For global corporations, scaling technical capacity isn’t just a logistics challenge, but a governance one. Vinova’s IT Outsourcing (ITO) and Staff Augmentation model is built around that reality: a structured deployment framework that enables partners to expand their technical headcount rapidly while meeting the compliance standards, security requirements, and performance KPIs that enterprise contracts demand. 

The results speak in long-term relationships. Samsung, FWD, and PwC rely on Vinova to staff their most mission-critical digital initiatives. Our mutual trust was built not on a single engagement, but on consistent delivery of AI-augmented technical teams operating under a proven governance structure. 

For organizations managing high-budget, multi-year digital programs, consistency is a baseline requirement. And Vinova is designed to deliver it. 

Leadership Vision 

“Our inclusion in the Financial Times Top 500 for the third consecutive year is not just a growth metric; it is a validation of our trajectory,” said Vinova’s leadership, CEO Mike Nguyen. “We are no longer just building software; we are building the intelligent brains of future enterprises. By combining Singapore’s standards of integrity with a Passion for Perfection, we are ready to handle the scale and complexity of the global AI era.” 

About Vinova 

Founded in Singapore, Vinova is an award-winning AI Solutions Partner dedicated to driving digital transformation. Recognized as one of Singapore’s Fastest-Growing Companies, Vinova provides high-end IT outsourcing and AI consultancy, serving as a trusted bridge between cutting-edge innovation and enterprise-grade stability. 

Media Contact: 

Email: hello@vinova.sg
Phone Number (Singapore HQ): +65 6707 3597