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Xinhua Silk Road: Evan Kail explores porcelain cultural legacy in SE. China’s Fujian Dehua

BEIJING, March 31, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — “I’m very honored to have the opportunity to witness the production process of Dehua porcelain. This has deepened my understanding of Chinese culture,” said Evan Kail, an American friend of China, during his hands-on ceramic experience on March 19 in Dehua County, southeast China’s Fujian Province.

Photo shows Evan Kail admires Dehua ceramics in Dehua County, Quanzhou City in southeast China's Fujian Province. (Source: Dehua Converged Media Center)
Photo shows Evan Kail admires Dehua ceramics in Dehua County, Quanzhou City in southeast China’s Fujian Province. (Source: Dehua Converged Media Center)

In 2022, Kail donated a photobook documenting the behaviors of Japanese forces in China during World War II. In recognition of his contribution, he was presented with a Dehua porcelain artwork designated as a national gift. Later, he showcased this gift at China Media Group’s 2025 Spring Festival Gala, introducing its elegance to millions.

During his recent visit to Dehua, the birthplace of plain white porcelain famously dubbed “Blanc de Chine” or white from China, Kail delved deep into ceramic heritage. “Dehua white ceramics are not just art. They are bridges for cultural exchanges between China and the rest of the world,” he remarked.

Xie Jinhua, creator of the porcelain gift Kail received, stated that this artwork exemplifies Dehua porcelain-making techniques. He moved on to note that the pure white clays with jade-like glaze embody China’s traditional culture, conveying good wishes to friends across the world.

Historically, Dehua porcelain wares were cornerstone exports on the Maritime Silk Road during the Song and Yuan dynasties (960-1368). Today, they continue the role as cultural exchange emblems, selected as Paris 2024 Olympic Games merchandise and presented as state gifts and mascots for many international events.

As a “World Ceramics City”, Dehua now boasts an annual ceramic output value of 66.3 billion yuan (about 9.1 billion U.S. dollars), with over 60 percent of its products shipped to more than 190 countries and regions. The county has taken moves to expand overseas markets, including establishing seven white porcelain promotion and exhibition centers in places like Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, and Malacca, and organizing international showcases in Malaysia, the United Arab Emirates, and France among others.

Dehua will keep going global, using its ceramics to build global understanding of China, said Fang Junqin, head of Dehua County.

2025 Taipei Cycle Show: CHC Drives Innovation in Sustainability and Common Protocol for Green Transportation

SANTA BARBARA, California, March 30, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — The 2025 Taipei Cycle Show highlighted Taiwan’s advancements in sustainable cycling under the theme “Green Forward,” aligning with global environmental goals and the push for carbon reduction. This effort supports the Bicycling Alliance for Sustainability (BAS) and the Cycling & Health Tech Industry R&D Center (CHC), which is committed to achieving net-zero emissions.

The Taiwanese government actively encourages green transformation in the bicycle industry, BAS has been established to focus on achieving the Taiwan government’s goal of net-zero transformation by 2050. CHC, as the secretariat of BAS, is dedicated to promoting the development of sustainable practices.

At the show, BAS hosted the ESG Global Initiative Forum, showcasing the industry’s environmental, social, and governance efforts. This included BAS’s development of a Net-Zero Carbon Emission Roadmap, organizing 12 meetings of carbon-reduction case studies in 2024, and working on Product Category Rules (PCR) to refine carbon footprint assessments. These efforts encourage collaboration between local and international stakeholders, exchanging actionable solutions and ideas, and promoting sustainable development.

Besides environmental awareness, there’s a new wave of digital transformation in the cycling industry. In 2024, CHC launched the Cycling Common Protocol Alliance with the Taiwan Bicycle Association (TBA) to create a platform for industry-wide cooperation. The alliance aims to strengthen the relevant agreements and standards within the electric-assisted bicycle sector, including electric bicycles, handcycles, and electric tricycles. It focuses on communication, connectors, power, and sensors, driving innovation and collaboration.

At the show, CHC unveiled two sample bikes, the E-Trekking and E-MTB, showcasing the progress of the Cycling Common Protocol Alliance. The E-Trekking features IoT, radar, and cloud platform technology developed by CHC, enabling real-time uploading of component information to the cloud and displaying component data and riding stats. The E-MTB emphasizes indoor interactive riding scenarios, and service system connections, and integrates a composite control system for shifting, assistance, suspension, and seat height adjustments. The alliance also established four task forces to enhance the collaboration.

By focusing on sustainability and common protocol, Taiwan’s bicycle industry is paving its way for a greener future. With CHC playing a key role in promoting green practices and e-bike standards, the industry is driving environmental responsibility and innovation. As a result, Taiwan is setting the stage for sustainable transportation solutions and shifting towards greener and smarter mobility.

The VIP Group Photo of the Bicycling Alliance for Sustainability (BAS) at Taipei Cycle Show.
The VIP Group Photo of the Bicycling Alliance for Sustainability (BAS) at Taipei Cycle Show.

Acer Medical Debuts VeriSee AI-assisted Screening Solutions at the Malaysian Ophthalmology Society Annual Congress

Collaboration with Intel® for AI-powered medical screening optimizations

TAIPEI, March 31, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Acer Medical has recently launched its AI-assisted screening software, VeriSee Diabetic Retinopathy and VeriSee Age-Related Macular Degeneration. These innovative solutions will be showcased at the Malaysian Ophthalmology Society (MSO) Annual Congress, bringing cutting-edge AI screening technology to Malaysia’s ophthalmic community.


Acer Medical collaborates with Intel® to optimize AI-powered medical screening.

In collaboration with Intel, Acer Medical is advancing AI-driven medical imaging by accelerating AI inferencing and optimizing resource use with OpenVINO™ technology running on Intel® Core™ Ultra processors. OpenVINO™ is an open-source software toolkit designed for optimizing and deploying deep learning models. It significantly reduces development time by streamlining code implementation, facilitates rapid scalability, and enhances the efficiency of AI solutions. This collaboration ensures that advanced medical AI solutions can be deployed across all levels of medical institutions to process color retinal images in real-time, thereby making the solution more accessible while enhancing diagnostic efficiency and accuracy.

Rising Diabetes Prevalence and Aging Population in Malaysia Drive AI Ophthalmology Adoption

According to data from the Malaysian Medical Device Authority (MDA), Malaysia has one of the highest diabetes prevalence rates in Southeast Asia. Diabetes affects 18.3% of adults aged 18 and above, meaning approximately one in five Malaysians is diagnosed with the disease. With an aging population, the incidence of diabetic complications, including diabetic retinopathy, is expected to rise.

Additionally, Malaysia is transitioning into an aging society, with the proportion of individuals aged 65 and above projected to reach 15.3%* by 2040. Age-related macular degeneration has become a leading cause of vision impairment among the elderly, underscoring the urgent need for early detection and preventive ophthalmic care.

Acer Medical collaborates with hospitals and clinics in Malaysia to evaluate AI-driven medical solutions, enhancing diagnostic accuracy and efficiency. The VeriSee AI ophthalmic screening software analyzes color fundus images within seconds, providing high-accuracy detection of diabetic retinopathy and age-related macular degeneration. AI screening technology improves medical efficiency, enabling faster diagnoses at primary care facilities and ensuring timely treatment recommendations.

Intel® OpenVINO™ Enhances AI Performance and Accessibility in Clinical Settings

To ensure the seamless operation of AI medical solutions in clinical settings, Acer Medical has partnered with Intel to offer a trial program featuring the VeriSee series AI solutions with OpenVINO™ technology deployed on laptops powered by Intel® Core™ Ultra processors. This collaboration is being implemented in leading hospitals such as Universiti Malaysia Sabah Hospital (HUMS) and International Medical University (IMU) Hospital.

OpenVINO™ accelerates AI inference with lower latency and higher throughput while maintaining accuracy, allowing real-time image analysis for healthcare professionals, thereby improving decision-making accuracy. In this collaboration, it optimizes the VeriSee AI series workflow, including though processing and diagnostic efficiencies.

Expanding AI Healthcare Solutions Across Southeast Asia

Acer Medical’s VeriSee AI solutions have been adopted by leading medical institutions globally and obtained regulatory certifications from Thailand, Indonesia and the Philippines. The company remains committed to improving AI-assisted medical solutions by collaborating with local healthcare institutions. In the coming years, Acer Medical aims to further deploy AI medical solutions, optimize medical resource allocation, and improve early disease detection capabilities through strategic collaborations and continuous innovation in AI healthcare technologies.

*Diabetes Medication Therapy Adherence Clinic Protocol from MOH Malaysia
https://pharmacy.moh.gov.my/sites/default/files/document-upload/dmtac-protocol-2022.pdf 

*Healthy Ageing in Malaysia by 2030: Needs, Challenges and Future Directions
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11376998/

Webull Launches SMSF Offering for Australian Investors

  • Webull’s new SMSF offering allows investors to preserve performance by avoiding unnecessary fees
  • Webull SMSF accounts gain access to zero brokerage fees on over 3,500 US and Australian ETFs
  • Enhanced portfolio management tools for SMSF accounts, including auto-investing, DIY portfolio management, and cash management to help manage investments for retirement

SYDNEY, March 31, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Webull Securities (Australia) Pty Ltd (‘Webull Australia’), a subsidiary of Webull Corporation, the owner of the popular Webull trading platform, today announced the launch of its Self-Managed Superannuation Fund (SMSF) offering in Australia.

This new offering makes SMSF investing easier by providing a platform with no monthly fees while offering advanced features like live streaming ASX prices, live support, free trade ideas, and Webull’s Learning Centre alongside a range of screening and charting tools. On the Webull platform, Australian investors can now manage their SMSFs and other key investments in one place.

With $0 commission trading on ASX and US ETFs, full portfolio control, and comprehensive investment tools, Webull aims to improve market accessibility for SMSFs, especially for younger investors looking to lower costs, while gaining more control over their super fund and retirement savings.

Lower costs improve gains

Lower brokerage fees, commission-free trading on over 3,500 ETFs and zero monthly platform costs reduce the overall running expenses of an SMSF, which, in turn, can help investors improve the SMSF’s annual performance. Regulatory and other fees may apply.

While lower fees are attractive to SMSF investors, the usual payoff is a no-frills trading platform. But SMSF investors need more tools and more control, not less – for this reason, we’ve built a full-service suite that allows for institutional-grade cash management, professional trading tools and live support, alongside features that are associated with platforms that charge high monthly fees,” says Rob Talevski, CEO of Webull Securities Australia

“We believe that Webull offers the ultimate trading and investing portal to house and manage SMSF investors’ cash, equity, ETF, warrants and options holdings, allowing investors to log in and get full control over their investments.”

Meeting the Growing Demand for SMSF and Company Accounts

Listed shares and cash are the two biggest asset classes for SMSFs in Australia, which has resulted in greater demand for services that support these investments. Younger investors, in particular, are driving this trend, as they seek platforms that minimise fees and maximise control.

By providing a flexible, low-cost, and transparent platform, Webull is ensuring that Australians can plan for their retirement on their own terms, without unnecessary costs eroding their long-term SMSF performance.

To find out more, visit  www.webull.com.au/smsfs

ENDS

Media contact:
Cognito for Webull
Webull@cognitomedia.com

About Webull Australia

Webull Securities (Australia) Pty. Ltd. is a leading financial services provider, holding an Australian Financial Services Licence (AFSL 536980) and regulated by the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC). As a trading participant of both the Australian Securities Exchange (ASX) and Cboe Australia, and a principal member of the Stockbrokers and Investment Advisers Association, Webull ensures the highest standards of service and security. All client funds are securely held in client money trust accounts at an approved Authorized Deposit-taking Institution (ADI), and all Australian shares are CHESS-sponsored.

About Webull Group

Webull is a leading digital investment platform built on next generation global infrastructure. The Webull Group operates in 15 regions globally and is backed by private equity investors located in the United States, Europe and Asia. Webull serves more than 20 million registered users globally, providing retail investors with 24/7 access to global financial markets. Users can put investment strategies to work by trading global stocks, ETFs, options, futures and fractional shares through Webull’s trading platform, which seamlessly integrates market data and information, its user community, and investor education resources. Learn more at https://www.webullcorp.com/.

Myanmar Earthquake: Death Toll Rises to 1,700 as International Aid Arrives

Myanmar Earthquake: Death Toll Rises to 1,700 as International Aid Arrives
Medical officers rescuing people from the collapse building (photo credit: outroteaddict on X)

Myanmar is grappling with the devastating aftermath of a magnitude-7.7 earthquake that struck on 28 March, leaving more than 1,700 people dead and over 3,400 injured. 

Odoo in Vietnam: Supporting SME Growth and Digital Transformation

HANOI, Vietnam, March 31, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Business management software Odoo wrapped up successful Business Shows themed “Explore and Grow Business Potential Through ERP System” in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City together with sponsoring partners A1 Consulting, SGH Asia, Portcities Việt Nam, and customers fashion retailers BOO, Kính Mắt Anna, and Thế Giới Skin Food.

Greeting 750 industry pioneers in person, Odoo announced the €500 million transaction led by CapitalG and Sequoia Capital and showcased its latest product version, Odoo 18.

Odoo received 750 industry pioneers at Business Shows 2025 in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City.
Odoo received 750 industry pioneers at Business Shows 2025 in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City.

Live Product Showcase

Guests in attendance witnessed Odoo’s capacity to centralize sales, projects, inventory, and more business management online in real-time into one platform, as well as flexibility in low-code customizations for different sectors to optimize operational efficiency in the modern workplace.

Scalable yet no less comprehensive, Odoo powers through every stage of its customers’ business expansion, supporting each operation with one of the thousands of official and third-party apps.

Implementation Partner Panel & Customer Testimonial

“Odoo offers an open-source, flexible, and comprehensive suite to manage business. As local partners, our job is to ensure a seamless digital transformation with clear roadmap and support,” said Nguyễn Đình Anh, Hanoi Branch Director & Head of Delivery of A1 Consulting.

During the partner panel, Odoo’s local implementers, A1 Consulting, SGH Asia, and Portcities Việt Nam stressed digital adoption importance in modern business. Given Odoo’s flexibility, partners acknowledged Odoo as a choice for SMEs to transform digitally, scale businesses, and exchanged tips on smooth transition.

CTO of BlueOcean Trading Limited and legal presenter of Thế Giới Skin Food, Tony Lê Thảo, testified onstage in praise of the software’s power to unify all retail business activities into one platform, backing faster communication.

Off stage, local fashion and accessory houses BOO and Anna Eyeglasses shared their experiences utilizing Odoo for integrated sales, inventory, and finance management over the latest fashion and business trends.

View Odoo’s upcoming event schedule to connect with your local IT service providers and industry leaders, or schedule an online call with Odoo to learn more about its services in Vietnam.

About Odoo

With 70+ official apps and 57k+ third-party apps, Odoo manages businesses’ finance, sales, inventory & manufacturing processes, human resources, marketing, team productivity, and more. The Belgian open-source service provider operates in 19 countries and regions worldwide, including the United States, Indonesia, Dubai, and Hong Kong SAR.

TEQUILA DON JULIO 1942 PARTNERS WITH SUPERSTAR DJ AND STYLE ICON PEGGY GOU TO DESIGN ITS FIRST-EVER GLOBAL PRODUCT COLLABORATION

Available in limited quantities worldwide, Tequila Don Julio 194구 ( pronounced “Gou”) is a special edition bottle celebrating the brand’s deep roots in nightlife and music culture

ATOTONILCO EL ALTO, Mexico, March 31, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Tequila Don Julio, the world’s #1 tequila brand[1], today announced a new creative partnership with world-renowned DJ, producer and culture powerhouse Peggy Gou. As part of this global collaboration, the brand is launching Don Julio 194구, a limited-edition bottle available at select retailers worldwide while supplies last. Don Julio 194 is the first-ever global collaboration from Tequila Don Julio 1942, celebrating and sharing the renowned Mexico product around the world. Designed in collaboration with Peggy, the bottle stands as the ultimate statement piece, perfectly embodying her signature aesthetic (a blend of high-end fashion and bleeding-edge street style) while pushing the boundaries of artistry and craftsmanship. It’s the perfect complement to the ultra-smooth, luxurious taste of Tequila Don Julio 1942, with its exquisite notes of caramel and oak and its lingering sweet warmth.

Experience the interactive Multimedia News Release here: https://www.multivu.com/tequila-don-julio/9325651-en-tequila-don-julio-1942-peggy-gou-global-product-collaboration 

The epitome of a collector’s item and a celebration of luxury, Peggy’s striking take on the iconic Don Julio 1942 bottle masterfully fuses heritage with modern touches like its lush mint-green and deep purple colorways. The contrasting holographic “194구” label melds Peggy’s signature branding with Don Julio’s recognizable iconography. With its sleek reflective finish, the elevated chrome cap adds a refined touch that’s befitting of a creative partnership between two titanic tastemakers.

In a nod to Peggy’s eclectic sense of street style, there is a hand-drawn illustration  inset on the carton of each box, incorporating an alluring “shimmer” effect on her jewelry and nails to add a welcome touch of glamour and mystery. The inside of the box is emblazoned with a personal message from Peggy, sharing her passion for this one-of-a-kind collaboration. 

“When it comes to design, balance is so important,” said Peggy Gou. “Sometimes less is more. Sometimes more is more. I wanted to create a bottle that stops you in your tracks the moment you see it. I’m so grateful for the opportunity to collaborate with Tequila Don Julio 1942, because this collaboration offers supporters a taste of a superior tequila and a taste of my own personal aesthetic, all in one stunning package that I was fortunate enough to design.”

“Peggy’s genuine love for Don Julio 1942 made this collaboration natural and organic,” says Jamie Hakim, Global Director of Culture for Tequila Don Julio. “Both Peggy and Don Julio 1942 are arbiters of celebration – from intimate nightclubs in Seoul to massive stages in Mexico City with a hundred thousand people, we both hold the distinct privilege of making those moments unforgettable for our fans. Peggy’s impeccable sense of style and design, paired with our timeless bottle and award-winning tequila, has resulted in a partnership that embodies refinement and cultural influence. We couldn’t be more thrilled to have collaborated with her on this iconic partnership, and we hope fans enjoy this exclusive bottle.”

This latest offering from Tequila Don Julio debuts with digital spots directed by acclaimed filmmaker Nabil Elderkin. Known for merging art, music and culture, Nabil brings a future-forward vision to life in a striking film that captures the essence of Don Julio 194구. Every frame reflects the sleek, modern aesthetic of the collaboration while honoring the brand’s legacy of luxury and craftsmanship. Filmed in high-contrast settings, the campaign blurs the line between reality and a dreamlike nightlife fantasy. Accompanying still imagery by renowned Korean photographer Hong Jang Hyun and longtime partner of Peggy Gou, further elevates the campaign’s refined visual identity. The campaign will be featured in digital, social and OOH globally – from New York to London to Seoul.

After weeks of teasing the campaign through cryptic clues, including sightings of the “194구” logo in several high-traffic areas around the world and Peggy conspicuously wearing the “194구” logo at recent shows, the official global launch activations will kick off in New York City on April 2nd – a deliberate nod to 19(4/2), the year Don Julio Gonzalez founded the brand. The event will feature a souvenir shop façade with “194구” merch, leading guests into a hidden space where a vibrant party will bring the collaboration to life, immersing attendees in the inspiration behind the bottle redesign. Following, Peggy and Don Julio will pop up in leading cities including London, Milan, Seoul and Hong Kong to keep the global celebration going.

The limited-edition Don Julio 194구 bottle designed in collaboration with Peggy Gou will be available globally in a standard 750ml or 700cl bottle dependent on market, at select retailers until supplies last – including the United States, Great Britain, Italy, Spain, South Korea, Hong Kong, Singapore, Japan, Dubai, Mexico and more.

Tequila Don Julio encourages consumers of legal drinking age to celebrate responsibly.

ABOUT TEQUILA DON JULIO:
Founded on the pioneering agricultural principles of Don Julio González and his personal pursuit of perfection, Tequila Don Julio revolutionized the tequila industry and set the standard for ultra-premium tequila. Tequila Don Julio, Mexico’s original luxury tequila, uses only the highest caliber, fully matured and ripened Blue Agave that has been hand-selected from the rich, clay soils of the Los Altos region of the state of Jalisco. The Tequila Don Julio portfolio includes Tequila Don Julio Blanco, Tequila Don Julio Reposado, Tequila Don Julio Añejo, Tequila Don Julio 70 Cristalino, Tequila Don Julio Alma Miel, Tequila Don Julio Rosado, Tequila Don Julio 1942, and Tequila Don Julio Ultima Reserva. For more information on Tequila Don Julio, please visit www.DonJulio.com.

ABOUT DIAGEO
DIAGEO is a global leader in beverage alcohol with an outstanding collection of brands including Johnnie Walker, Crown Royal, Bulleit and Buchanan’s whiskies, Smirnoff, Cîroc and Ketel One vodkas, Casamigos, DeLeon and Don Julio tequilas, Captain Morgan, Baileys, Tanqueray and Guinness.

DIAGEO is listed on both the New York Stock Exchange (DEO) and the London Stock Exchange (DGE) and our products are sold in more than 180 countries around the world. For more information about DIAGEO, our people, our brands, and performance, visit  www.diageo.com. Visit DIAGEO’s global responsible drinking resource, www.DRINKiQ.com, for information, initiatives, and ways to share best practice.

Follow us on Instagram for news and information about DIAGEO North America:
@Diageo_NA. Celebrating life, every day, everywhere.

_____________________________

1 According to data from 2023 IWSR Retail Sales Value

 

Singapore Business Show: Odoo Highlights Scalable ERP Solutions & Shopee Integration

SINGAPORE, March 31, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Business management software Odoo wrapped up successful Business Show themed “Leverage Scalable ERP Software to Accelerate Your Business” together with sponsoring partners Alitec, Brainvire, AARAV Solutions, and customers steel fabricator BRC and footwear retailer Enviably Me. 

Greeting 300 industry pioneers in person, Odoo announced the €500 million transaction led by CapitalG and Sequoia Capital and showcased its latest product version, Odoo 18.

Odoo introduced the latest product version, Odoo 18, at Business Show 2025 Singapore.
Odoo introduced the latest product version, Odoo 18, at Business Show 2025 Singapore.

Live Product Showcase

User-friendly yet no less comprehensive, Odoo powers through every stage of its customers’ business expansion. The event showcased:

  • Odoo’s real-time centralization of sales, projects, inventory, and other business functions.
  • Odoo 18’s latest features, including the Shopee Connector and improved Project/Manufacturing app integration.
  • A phased business development roadmap for smooth digital transformation.

Implementation Partner Panel & Customer Testimonial

At the partner panel and customer testimonial session, Odoo implementers Alitec, Brainvire, and AARAV Solutions shared digital transformation tips. Local customers BRC and Enviably Me then highlighted effective strategies for scaling businesses with Odoo.

Both implementers and customers highlighted Odoo’s key strengths: its comprehensive features and scalability for managing cross-regional businesses, its customization options for sales and inventory management, and its ability to support growth through e-commerce and integrated marketing in Singapore.

“I love Odoo’s scalability in helping BRC grow and flexibility that allows us to customize the system to our needs,” says Christophe Ng, Head of Information and Technology of BRC.

View Odoo’s upcoming event schedule to connect with your local IT service providers and industry leaders, or schedule an online call with Odoo to learn more about its services in Singapore.

About Odoo

With 70+ official apps and 57k+ third-party apps, Odoo manages businesses’ finance, sales, inventory & manufacturing processes, human resources, marketing, team productivity, and more. The Belgian open-source service provider operates in 19 countries and regions worldwide, including the United States, Indonesia, Dubai, and Hong Kong SAR.