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Xinhua Silk Road: Chinese martial arts promote cultural exchange in Spain

BEIJING, May 30, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — During a recently-held event featuring martial arts, Zhang Daojin, the seventh-generation inheritor of the Six-harmony Mantis Boxing, left audience in awe with the charm of eastern martial arts at the Confucius Institute of Granada University, Spain.

Zhang, from Longkou City of east China’s Shandong Province, eloquently explained the historical origins and unique characteristics of the traditional Chinese boxing, noting that the Six-harmony Mantis Boxing embodies traditional philosophical concepts and integrates the agility and power of the praying mantis into its techniques.

At the event, Zhang also demonstrated his exquisite techniques, attracting other martial arts experts to study his movements on site. The audience, from children to seniors, with their focused attentions on the charm of the Chinese martial arts, were brought together regardless of their different ages and cultural backgrounds.

For years, Zhang has dedicated himself to preserving and promoting the Six-harmony Mantis Boxing, with his footprint extending across China and abroad. He has taught over 10,000 students and has hundreds of disciples, some among which are from the United States, Japan, Canada, Italy, Spain, and other countries. During this trip to Spain, Zhang exchanged insights and explored the essence of martial arts with his European disciples.

People are thrilled by Zhang’s visit, as he has deeply moved many people in Granada with his personality, his knowledge, and his mastery of traditional Chinese martial arts, said a Spanish student.

In 2024, a total of about 100 foreign students traveled to Longkou in five batches to experience the charm of the Six-harmony Mantis Boxing and learn authentic Chinese martial arts firsthand.

The Mantis Boxing was included in the fourth representative list of state-level intangible cultural heritage items in the year 2014, infusing new vitality into this ancient art.

Original link: https://en.imsilkroad.com/p/345866.html

 

Aiper Launches Global Strategic Hub in Singapore Following USD 100 Million Strategic Investment from Fluidra

SINGAPORE, May 30, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Aiper, a global leading player in cordless robotic pool cleaning, is celebrating the strategic partnership with Fluidra, a global leader in pool equipment and connected solutions in the pool and wellness sector. The USD 100 million investment marks the largest single funding deal in the global robotic pool cleaners to date and was commemorated at a signing ceremony held at Sofitel Singapore Sentosa Resort & Spa. Additionally, Singapore has been designated as Aiper’s Global Strategic Hub, playing a central role in coordinating the company’s international resources and operations. 

Already present in 45 countries and stocked in over 7,000 retail stores globally — Aiper has reached 2 million consumers worldwide. As the demand for smart, sustainable home living solutions grows, Aiper’s vision to “Bring Vacation Home” is resonating with pool owners and homeowners alike. 

Leading the Way in AI Driven, Cordless Robotic Cleaning Globally

This partnership launches Singapore as the key anchor of Aiper’s Global Strategic Hub, from which the company will coordinate international operations and accelerate “Singapore+1” regional expansion strategy. By tapping into Singapore’s strengths in geographic advantages, robust industrial infrastructure, and business-friendly environment, Aiper aims to scale its operations globally.

Aiper’s strategic investment of USD 100 million from Fluidra reflects a shared confidence in the company’s vision and innovation capabilities. Amid ongoing strategic alignment, operational independence will be preserved and respective core strengths fully leveraged. The investment will further support Aiper’s advancement in core technologies and accelerate the development of its smart backyard ecosystem.

By leveraging their respective strengths, the two companies will work in close synergy across technology, brand development, and global service networks—advancing the pool cleaning industry and delivering enhanced value to customers worldwide.

While continuing to deepen its presence in the pool cleaning sector and key markets such as North America and Europe, Aiper is accelerating its global expansion into high-potential regions including Asia-Pacific, the Middle East, and Latin America. In the Asia-Pacific region, Aiper has established a comprehensive operational ecosystem—including supply chain, customer service and branding. This ecosystem provides a strong platform for global growth and regional collaboration.

At the signing ceremony, Richard Wang, Founder and CEO of Aiper, remarked: “The partnership between Aiper and Fluidra marks a win-win collaboration and a key milestone in Aiper’s global expansion journey. Looking ahead, we will continue to drive progress in product innovation, brand influence, and global service capabilities—always placing user needs at the center. Our goal is to solve real-world cleaning challenges and empower customers to enjoy a truly smart, worry-free, and effortless outdoor living experience by leaving the hard work to Aiper.”

For more information about Aiper visit aiper.com and follow Aiper on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and X.

About Aiper

Aiper is the global pioneer of cordless robotic pool cleaning technology and a leader in smart yard product solutions. Through its “Bring Vacation Home” campaign, Aiper empowers homeowners to transform their backyards into a personal vacation retreat with the help of innovative, smarter, and greener product solutions that effortlessly handle pool and lawn maintenance to save time, money, and energy. From state-of-the-art pool cleaners to intelligent irrigation systems, Aiper delivers a comprehensive backyard ecosystem of products that simplify outdoor maintenance so users can enjoy more leisure and fun. Renowned for excellence, Aiper products have garnered prestigious awards, including the Red Dot Design Award, the iF Design Award, and editorial awards from USA Today and TWICE. Additionally, Aiper has been recognized as a CES Innovation Awards honoree in 2023, 2024, and 2025, underscoring its commitment to pioneering smart yard solutions.

GAR’s Sustainability Report 2024 Shows Company, Customers and Communities Growing Together with Purpose

SINGAPORE, May 30, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Golden Agri-Resources (GAR) today published its Sustainability Report 2024, covering a year that saw the company establish the scale and scope of its climate ambitions while continuing to deliver on core commitments to tackle deforestation, enhance traceability and promote thriving, resilient agricultural communities.

GAR Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Franky O. Widjaja, explained how the company’s sustainability foundations have helped GAR to navigate a year of global challenges, from economic shifts and evolving regulatory demands to extreme weather conditions.

“The world is changing, and so is the future of agribusiness,” he said. “At GAR, sustainability isn’t just a part of our business strategy; it is our business strategy. We believe that sustainability leadership starts with action; with choices that reflect our values and shape a better future.”

For the first time, GAR has published a double materiality assessment, addressing both the company’s impact on environmental and social issues and how these topics may influence GAR’s operations, long-term resilience, and financial performance. In addition to preparing the company for upcoming reporting requirements, this assessment validates GAR’s priorities for action on sustainability.

Widjaja continued: “As extreme weather and regulations intensify, investing in responsible agriculture matters more than ever. Our 2024 theme of Growing Together with Purpose reflects a year of evolution for GAR’s sustainability policies and practice. Over the past year, we have set bold targets for emissions reduction by 2030 and developed a new sustainability framework, Collective for Impact, that provides a clear path forward for the next stage of our sustainability journey – a journey we’re taking together with partners, suppliers and smallholders.”

Notable developments include:

Launching Collective for Impact

Since 2015, the GAR Social and Environmental Policy (GSEP) has been the foundation of the company’s sustainability commitments, implemented in its own operations and across the company’s palm oil supply chain in Indonesia.

Now, GAR has launched a new framework, Collective for Impact, marking the next phase of its sustainability ambitions. Covering three key areas: Sourcing Responsibly, Caring for our Planet, and Empowering People, this new business strategy extends beyond GAR’s Indonesian palm oil supply chain to include its entire business and value chain, operationally and geographically.

Anita Neville, GAR’s Chief Sustainability and Communications Officer, described how this framework builds on the company’s existing initiatives to address critical areas for action. “It has never been more urgent to act on climate change, eliminate exploitation, and protect natural ecosystems,” she said.

“We know that what got us here will not necessarily get us where we want and need to go,” she continued. “Collective for Impact strengthens our resilience, creates long-term value and builds trust to keep us ahead of global expectations. This is not just a sustainability vision; it is a business strategy that touches every part of GAR.”

Advancing Net Zero Commitments

In 2024, GAR set bold 2030 targets to cut absolute emissions as a milestone on its pathway to net zero emissions by 2050. The company will cut Forest, Land, and Agriculture (FLAG) emissions by 30% and non-FLAG emissions by 42% from its 2022 baseline.

Last year, GAR reduced Scope 1 and 2 emissions from its direct operations by 3% through continued implementation of No Deforestation, No Peat and No Exploitation (NDPE) policies, coupled with energy efficiency initiatives and increased renewable energy use.  

However, GAR’s total emissions increased by 7% year on year, from 32.7 million tonnes of CO2 equivalent in 2023 to 35 million tonnes in 2024, driven by a 10% increase in Scope 3 emissions. These supply chain emissions account for 79% of GAR’s total carbon footprint, underscoring the critical role of ongoing supplier engagement and collecting first party emissions data; two core pillars of the company’s Scope 3 reduction efforts.

Leading in Transparency and Traceability

GAR has continued to map its Indonesian palm oil supply chain and has now reached 99.5% Traceability to the Plantation (TTP). The company is intensifying efforts to address the final 0.5% of TTP, addressing variability within its supply chain and extending its partnerships with smallholders to implement traceability while supporting them to improve yields and livelihoods.

Elsewhere, the company has successfully expanded its traceability commitments to its other commodities, implementing 100% Traceability to the Mill (TTM) for soy, sugar, sunflower and coconut globally.

The company has also launched the blockchain-powered SmartTrace system, giving users a window on the full journey of a palm oil product from plantation to purchase. Together with satellite monitoring, mapping, and supplier transformation initiatives, GAR is continuing to ensure responsible production across its supply chain, helping customers to prepare for the European Union Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) and future regulations.

Action for Communities

GAR’s Bright Future Initiative continues to help communities build better livelihoods. In 2024, the company supported 189 projects, and empowering 113 Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) with skills from farming and technology to operations training, helping them grow and reach new markets.

About Golden Agri-Resources Ltd (GAR)

GAR is a leading fully-integrated agribusiness company. In Indonesia, it manages an oil palm plantation area of more than 500,000 hectares (including plasma smallholders) as of 31 March 2025. It has integrated operations focused on the technology-driven production and distribution of an extensive portfolio of palm-based products throughout its established international marketing network.

Founded in 1996, GAR was listed on the Singapore Exchange in 1999 and has a market capitalisation of US$ 2.6 billion as of 31 March 2025. Flambo International Limited, an investment company, is GAR’s largest shareholder, with a 50.56% stake. In addition, GAR’s subsidiary, PT SMART Tbk was listed on the Indonesia Stock Exchange in 1992.

As an integrated agribusiness, GAR delivers an efficient end-to-end supply chain, from responsible production to global delivery. In Indonesia, its primary activities include cultivating and harvesting oil palm trees; the processing of fresh fruit bunch into crude palm oil (CPO) and palm kernel; refining CPO into value-added products such as cooking oil, margarine, shortening, biodiesel and oleo-chemicals; as well as merchandising palm products globally.

GAR’s products are delivered to a diversified customer base in over 110 countries through its global distribution network with shipping and logistics capabilities, destination marketing, onshore refining and ex-tank operations. GAR also has complementary businesses such as soybean-based products in China, sunflower-based products in India, and sugar businesses.

Valvoline™ Global Operations Confirmed as Official FIFA World Cup 26™ Supporter

  • Valvoline Global is set to make its partnership debut with FIFA’s flagship tournament.
  • The sponsorship reflects the rapid international expansion of America’s first engine oil brand as it approaches its 160th anniversary.
  • Valvoline Global will engage fans through various creative retail and experiential activations in the build-up to the global showpiece event.

LEXINGTON, Ky., May 30, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Valvoline™ Global, a worldwide leader in automotive and industrial solutions, has been announced as an Official FIFA World Cup 26™ Supporter ahead of the global extravaganza set to take place across Canada, Mexico and the United States next year.

Valvoline™ Global, a worldwide leader in automotive and industrial solutions, has been announced as an Official FIFA World Cup 26™ Supporter ahead of the global extravaganza set to take place across Canada, Mexico and the United States next year.
Valvoline™ Global, a worldwide leader in automotive and industrial solutions, has been announced as an Official FIFA World Cup 26™ Supporter ahead of the global extravaganza set to take place across Canada, Mexico and the United States next year.

Valvoline Global’s sponsorship of the FIFA World Cup 26 builds on its rapid international growth. As the company approaches its 160th anniversary with sales in more than 140 countries and territories, Valvoline has become one of the fastest growing lubricants brands worldwide.

Set to be the biggest and most inclusive edition of the FIFA World Cup™, the 2026 tournament will feature 48 national teams from across the globe competing in 104 matches in 16 Host Cities throughout Canada, Mexico and the United States. The company plans to offer experiences for fans in select Host Cities and exclusive promotions with key Valvoline retail partners, with more details to be released later this year.

“The FIFA World Cup 26 will bring people together like nothing else – through passion, performance and the power of possibility,” said Valvoline Global CEO Jamal Muashsher.

“As we approach our 160th anniversary, Valvoline Global is proud to be part of an event that celebrates not just the greatness of the game, but the potential within us all to move the world forward.”

This will be the first time that Valvoline Global has been involved in a sporting event of such scale. The company’s partnership with FIFA underscores its commitment to world-class innovation and outstanding service, objectives that are shared by both organizations.

“We are thrilled to welcome Valvoline Global, a respected global force in the automotive and industrial sectors, as an official supporter of this historic tournament,” said FIFA Secretary General Mattias Grafström.

“The company’s innovative vision aligns with the dynamic spirit of the FIFA World Cup. Valvoline Global’s commitment to driving progress through cutting-edge solutions resonates with our values, and we are excited to embark on this journey together.”

To learn more about Valvoline Global’s partnership with the World Cup 2026, click here.

About Valvoline™ Global Operations
Valvoline Global, the creator of the world’s first branded motor oil is powering the next generation of mobility through innovation for customers in 140+ countries and at more than 80,000 points of distribution. A worldwide leader in future-ready automotive and industrial solutions and best-in-class services for partners around the globe, our legacy of firsts spans nearly 160 years.

With solutions available for every engine and drivetrain, from high-mileage and heavy-duty to electric vehicles, Valvoline Global is inventing the way forward for mobility and beyond, expanding its heat transfer solutions to high performance computing.

Together with our parent company Aramco, one of the world’s largest integrated energy and chemicals companies, we are driving unparalleled product innovation and sustainable business solutions for what the future holds – on and off the road.

Learn more at www.ValvolineGlobal.com and follow us on Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn.™ Trademark, Valvoline Global or its subsidiaries, registered in various countries.

About The FIFA World Cup 26™
The FIFA World Cup 26™ will be the biggest sporting event ever, with three Host Countries, 16 Host Cities, 48 teams and 104 matches uniting an entire continent to showcase a momentous new tournament format. With more countries, cities, teams, and games, the FIFA World Cup 26™ will be the most inclusive edition of the competition, engaging millions of fans across unique stadiums and billions worldwide. The tournament will take place in June and July 2026. For the latest FIFA World Cup 26™ information, please visit FIFA.com/WorldCup. For media representatives wishing to stay up to date on all things 2026, please register via the FIFA Media Hub.

 

UBTS and Cuber AI Launch Exploratory Study into Next-Gen Agentic AI for Logistics Innovation

Joint initiative to evaluate Agentic AI-driven transformation of supply chain operations across ASEAN

SINGAPORE, May 30, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — UBTS Pte Ltd, a leading Singapore homegrown logistics player, has embarked on an exploratory partnership with Cuber AI, a pioneer in agentic AI systems, to jointly assess the impact of advanced artificial intelligence on optimising supply chain and logistics operations. The study reflects both organisations’ shared vision of shaping the future of intelligent logistics across the region’s dynamic $2.9 trillion market.

Scope of the Study
The collaboration will involve a focused evaluation of Cuber AI’s autonomous decision-making platform in key areas such as:

  • Predictive Demand Forecasting – Using Agentic AI to analyze regional trade flow and forecast demand shifts
  • Dynamic Risk Mitigation – Enhancing response capabilities to route disruptions in real time
  • Intelligent Resource Allocation – Optimizing fleet and asset deployment through machine learning
  • Regulatory Compliance Automation – Streamlining cross-border logistics documentation with Agentic AI

“We view this as a collaborative exploration of what Agentic AI can enable in logistics—not just in terms of efficiency, but in rethinking supply chain adaptability itself,” said Mr. Jimmy Ng, UBTS Chairman. “Working with Cuber AI allows us to study innovative capabilities that could shape our next phase of growth.”

Strategic Outlook
This initiative complements UBTS’ ongoing digital transformation efforts, with key evaluation areas including:

  • Operational Agility – Potential to reduce crisis-response decision time by up to 60%
  • Sustainability Goals – Assessing Agentic AI’s ability to reduce emissions through smarter routing
  • Talent Evolution – Exploring hybrid workforce models that integrate human expertise and Agentic AI-driven support

“Our collaboration with UBTS is about jointly discovering what’s possible,” said [Mr. Ng Chee Keong Cuber AI Managing Director]. “This study will lay the foundation for cognitive supply chains that learn, adapt, and evolve in sync with market realities.”

About UBTS Group

Established in the 1960s, UBTS began operations in Singapore as a fledgling transportation company with only a dozen staff and several trucks. The 1980s saw the commencement of our warehousing, distribution and logistics services where we also began manufacturing 20-45 foot trailers. Since then, we have grown significantly to a staff size of 300 and a fleet of over 1000 vehicles, always making sure never to lose sight of our customers’ current and future needs.

About Cuber AI

Cuber AI, founded in 2024, is a global leader in digital employee robotics and AI hyperautomation. Headquartered in Singapore, with a growing presence across Asia, Cuber AI specializes in transforming the supply chain sector, encompassing manufacturing, logistics, and new retail, through state-of-the-art solutions powered by AI, digital robotics, and big data mining.

Teddy Laboratory (GuanHe Pharmaceuticals) Signs Strategic Cooperation Agreement with LabConnect to Forge a New Landscape in Laboratory Services Collaboration

JOHNSON CITY, Tenn., May 30, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Teddy Laboratory, a subsidiary of Tigermed, officially signed a strategic cooperation agreement with LabConnect, LLC, a global leader in central laboratory services. The two parties will jointly build a full-chain laboratory service system covering both China and international markets to accelerate the development and commercialization of innovative drugs worldwide.

With this agreement, Teddy Laboratory will become LabConnect’s preferred laboratory partner in China, providing lab services that meet international regulatory standards and supporting multinational pharmaceutical companies conducting clinical trials in China. Meanwhile, LabConnect will become Teddy Lab’s preferred central lab partner for overseas operations, leveraging its extensive presence in key markets such as North America and Europe to help Chinese pharmaceutical companies expand globally.

Teddy Laboratory and LabConnect will establish a long-term preferred partnership, forming a complementary model of “China-based capabilities + global service network.”  “By fully leveraging our respective resources and technological strengths, we aim to further enhance global clinical trial service standards,” said Jeff Mayhew Chief Development Officer of LabConnect.

At the signing ceremony, Ms. Xu Yi, Chairwoman of Teddy Laboratory/GuanHe Pharmaceuticals, stated “LabConnect’s unique business model aligns well with Teddy’s localized strengths. Since our first Phase III clinical project together in 2022, we have successfully completed multiple international clinical trial collaborations.”

This strategic partnership marks not only a key milestone in Teddy Laboratories global expansion but also a deep integration of domestic and international central lab resources. In the future, both parties will continue working together to enhance global clinical trial service capabilities, support the development and launch of innovative drugs worldwide, and bring more advanced treatment options to patients.

About LabConnect

LabConnect is the leading provider of Central Laboratory Services, FSP and Scientific Consulting, and Data Integration and Transformation Services for analytically and logistically complex studies such as immuno-oncology, cell and gene therapies, and rare & orphan diseases. LabConnect’s unique combination of state-of-the-art technology, world-class laboratories, easy access to major and emerging markets, and extensive specialized testing expertise means that drug development companies can rely on one provider for all their central laboratory service needs. Learn more at www.labconnect.com and follow on LinkedIn.

About Teddy Laboratory/GuanHe Pharmaceuticals

Shanghai GuanHe Pharmaceutical Technology Co., Ltd., established in 2016, is a leading innovative and integrated lab service platform in the clinical research industry. With branches in Shanghai, Wuxi, Hangzhou, and Hong Kong, the company has built a one-stop service capability in central laboratory and bioanalysis, becoming an important player in full-chain clinical trial services. Teddy is a subsidiary controlled by Tigermed (300347.SZ / 3347.HK).

Teddy provides laboratory and scientific solutions to innovative drug companies to accelerate drug development and regulatory submissions. Its services span from biomarker discovery, target validation, patient enrichment, PK/PD studies, safety evaluation, to efficacy assessment and sample analysis. Teddy is committed to supporting clinical drug development with cutting-edge lab technologies. As of March 2025, Teddy has supported the approval of 37 new drugs and therapeutic products by China’s NMPA.

 

/C O R R E C T I O N — OHI Group S.A./

In the news release, OHI Group S.A. Announces Intention to Submit Confidential Draft Registration Statement for Proposed U.S. Initial Public Offering, issued 29-May-2025 by OHI Group S.A. over PR Newswire, we are advised by the company of an update to the media contact. The complete, corrected release follows:

OHI Group S.A. Announces Intention to Submit Confidential Draft Registration Statement for Proposed U.S. Initial Public Offering

LUXEMBOURG, May 30, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — OHI Group S.A., a société anonyme organized under laws of Luxembourg (the “Issuer”), today announced that it intends to confidentially submit a draft registration statement on Form F-1 with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) relating to a proposed initial public offering of its ordinary shares in the United States.

The timing, number of ordinary shares to be offered and the price range for the proposed offering have not yet been determined. The proposed initial public offering is subject to market and other conditions, including completion of the SEC’s review of the registration statement.

This press release does not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any securities. Any offers, solicitations of offers to buy, or any sales of securities will be made in accordance with the registration requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”). This announcement is being issued in accordance with Rule 135 under the Securities Act.

Contact:
Ivan Coyard
Group CFO
Phone: (+351) 910019317
e-mail: ivan.coyard@ohi.pt 

 

/C O R R E C T I O N — OHI Group S.A./

LUXEMBOURG, May 30, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — OHI Group S.A., a société anonyme organized under laws of Luxembourg (the “Issuer”), today announced that it intends to confidentially submit a draft registration statement on Form F-1 with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) relating to a proposed initial public offering of its ordinary shares in the United States.

The timing, number of ordinary shares to be offered and the price range for the proposed offering have not yet been determined. The proposed initial public offering is subject to market and other conditions, including completion of the SEC’s review of the registration statement.

This press release does not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any securities. Any offers, solicitations of offers to buy, or any sales of securities will be made in accordance with the registration requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”). This announcement is being issued in accordance with Rule 135 under the Securities Act.

Contact:
Ivan Coyard
Group CFO
Phone: (+351) 910019317
e-mail: ivan.coyard@ohi.pt