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Syneron Bio Announces Completion of $150 Million Series B Financing

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Advertorial Desk
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BEIJING, April 3, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Syneron Bio, a leader in intelligent platform-driven macrocyclic peptide drug discovery, announced the successful closing of its Series B financing on March 31th. The round was led by an international life-science fund, with co-lead participation from Decheng Capital, and CDH VGC. Additional investors included a wholly owned subsidiary of the Abu Dhabi Investment Authority (“ADIA”), True Light Capital, — an independent, wholly-owned subsidiary of Temasek, Qiming Venture Partners, BioTrack Capital and well known industrial investors. Existing shareholders, including AstraZeneca, LAV, Sinovation Capital, 5Y Capital, GL Ventures, Biotech Development Fund and Lenovo Capital,  among others, also continued their support.

Proceeds from this financing will be primarily used to further advance the intelligent evolution of the company’s proprietary macrocyclic peptide discovery platform, Synova™, and to accelerate the progression of its diversified innovative pipeline into clinical development.

Dr. Frank Zhang, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Syneron Bio, commented:

“We are honored to receive support and recognition in this financing round from a distinguished group of leading global healthcare funds, tech venture capitals, reputable multi-national corporations, and prominent sovereign wealth funds. The completion of this financing further strengthens our cash position, enabling us to accelerate the development of multiple core pipeline programs across oncology, autoimmune, metabolic, and rare diseases, with the goal of benefiting patients worldwide. At the same time, our high-throughput, intelligence-driven Synova™ platform will continue to scale and evolve, significantly improving the efficiency and success rate of macrocyclic peptide drug discovery. With the continued support of our capital and industry partners, we look forward to delivering innovative therapies and addressing critical unmet medical needs for patients around the globe.”

Contact Person: Corrine.Chan
Email: public@syneronbio.com
Website: https://www.syneronbio.com/
Telephone:1801606886
Company: Syneron Bio
City: Beijing

iQIYI Launches Nadou Pro, China’s First AI Agent for Professional Film and TV Production

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Advertorial Desk
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BEIJING, April 3, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — On March 30, 2026, iQIYI, China’s leading online entertainment platform, launched Nadou Pro — the country’s first AI agent built specifically for professional film and TV production. Now in pre-commercial release, the agent marks iQIYI’s latest move to integrate AI across the entertainment production pipeline.

Nadou Pro combines leading foundation models with iQIYI’s production expertise, supporting end-to-end workflows from script development and storyboarding to final output. One of its standout features is “blockbuster prompts”, which translate abstract creative concepts into production-ready cinematic direction.

Wenfeng LIU, senior vice president of iQIYI, said: “Nadou Pro is built specifically for AI creators and filmmakers, integrating creation, production, and distribution into one seamless, intelligent workflow. Our goal is simple: to make AI the most powerful creative engine in professional filmmaking—where imagination is the only limit.”

Solving Long-Form AI Content’s Quality Gap
While AI can readily produce short-form videos within 30 seconds, creating long-form narratives at professional drama and film quality remains an industry challenge. Nadou Pro addresses this by combining vast content assets with proprietary algorithms that embed professional cinematic production methods into every workflow stage. Creators use natural language to access extensive resources for character design, shot composition, and narrative development, producing AI-generated stories that approach live-action quality.

Nadou Pro also streamlines production by integrating multiple AI models into one platform. Combining iQIYI’s proprietary QiZhi multimodal large models with third-party AI models -including SeeDance, Kling, Vidu, Hailuo, and WAN – it supports text, image, video, and audio generation without switching between platforms. Specialized agents for screenwriting, art direction, storyboarding, and visual effects reflect the structured workflows of traditional content production.

Early Validation from Filmmakers
Since internal testing began in late 2025, Nadou Pro has supported iQIYI’s teams and partners across film, drama, and animation projects. For example, “Peter Pau × iQIYI AI Theater,” an initiative co-launched with Academy Award-winning cinematographer Mr. Peter Pau, gave directors early access to the platform. All 16 upcoming works were created using Nadou Pro, spanning science fiction, fantasy, historical drama, and contemporary genres.

Filmmakers have validated the platform’s commercial production capabilities. Fangzhao ZHUANG, director of “Celestial Quest,” which premiered on iQIYI’s Chinese mainland platform and iQIYI International on March 31, credited Nadou Pro’s character design, scene creation, and storyboard tools for achieving the film’s apocalyptic mecha aesthetic.

iQIYI continues developing its AI-generated content ecosystem through initiatives including the 2025 Global Short Film Creation Competition, “Peter Pau × iQIYI AI Theater,” and the “Nadou AIGC Venture Conference.” The launch of Nadou Pro reinforces iQIYI’s position in AI-driven content production as the entertainment industry undergoes technological transformation.

Contact: iQIYI Press, press@qiyi.com

UnionPay Launches Agentic Payment Open Protocol Framework: Building an Open, Trusted Smart Payment Ecosystem

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Advertorial Desk
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SHANGHAI, April 3, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — On April 2, a special taxi booking transaction was successfully completed in Hong Kong, China. After entering the booking information into the AI assistant developed by the technology company Evonet, the tester quickly received a list of available taxi types and prices from the ride-hailing platform Hoppa, along with a recommended booking option.

As an international card scheme with a global footprint, UnionPay has officially released the Agentic Payment Open Protocol (APOP) framework – UnionPay’s solution for agent-based payments – leveraging its platform capabilities and neutrality.

Four critical capabilities underpinning the trust mechanism and interaction model for agentic payments

The APOP framework aims to establish a unified trust mechanism and interaction paradigm. By connecting players in the agentic payment ecosystem through trusted routing, it enables any compatible agent, merchant, financial institution, and technology platform to integrate on a plug-and-play basis, and to easily and securely participate in the complex processes of agentic payments. Specifically, the framework is built on four core capabilities.

First, it supports the lifecycle management of agent identity, ranging from registration and information updates to deregistration. Second, by offering end-to-end intent management covering generation, registration, and verification, the APOP framework establishes a trust mechanism centered on user intent. Third, it provides streamlined user identity management. The framework enables single sign-on (SSO) across participants such as agents, merchants, and financial institutions, allowing for credentials sharing mechanisms while safeguarding privacy and security. Fourth, the APOP framework offers a comprehensive set of payment authorization services, including activation authentication for agentic payments, payment debiting, and user consent verification.

Global industry players collaborating for an open and secure agentic payment ecosystem

The APOP framework follows the principle of openness and interoperability. Built upon UnionPay’s global acceptance network, it seeks to develop industry-wide standards and create an inclusive framework that enables interoperability across institutions, platforms, and use cases in and outside China’s mainland.

In addition, another four core principles feature prominently in the design of the APOP framework. First, compliance and controllability. Agentic payments must comply with existing regulatory requirements to ensure alignment of the business framework with evolving regulatory trends. Second, security as a priority. Through agent identity verification and intent management, the framework ensures that agentic payment processes are understandable, traceable, and can be fully reconstructed. Third, enhanced trust. The framework has clearly defined the responsibilities, rights, and risks of all stakeholders to provide a sound basis for dispute resolution. Fourth, broad compatibility. Multiple access solutions are on offer to enable participants to integrate into the ecosystem in a cost-effective and seamless manner, while maintaining a high level of scalability.

According to Dong Junfeng, Chairman of China UnionPay, the company will continue to uphold its vision of “Trusted Ties, Shared Success”, working closely with industry partners to actively embrace the transformative opportunities brought by AI. Leading a joint effort, UnionPay aims to chart a new blueprint for agentic payments that is secure, controllable, inclusive, efficient, and characterized by global connectivity, bringing the payment industry to a new height in the AI era.

 

VARON Marks Earth Hour 2026 with a Call for Sustainable Respiratory Care and Climate Action

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Advertorial Desk
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NEW YORK, March 27, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — In observance of Earth Hour 2026, VARON, a leading innovator in oxygen therapy solutions, reaffirms its commitment to advancing both respiratory health and environmental sustainability. As millions around the globe switch off their lights for one hour to raise awareness of climate change and nature loss, VARON highlights how everyday healthcare choices—such as using an oxygen concentrator machine—can contribute to a greener planet.

Organized annually by the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF), Earth Hour has evolved into a global movement that goes beyond the symbolic lights-off moment. It inspires individuals, businesses, and communities to take meaningful, long-term action for the environment. In 2026, the initiative continues to emphasize collective responsibility in addressing the climate crisis and protecting natural ecosystems.

“Earth Hour is more than a moment—it’s a movement,” said VARON CEO. “At VARON, we believe that supporting respiratory health and protecting the environment should go hand in hand. Our mission is to provide sustainable oxygen solutions that benefit both people and the planet.”

Sustainable Innovation in Oxygen Therapy

Traditional oxygen delivery systems, such as bulky oxygen tanks, require continuous refilling and transportation—resulting in significant carbon emissions. In contrast, VARON’s oxygen concentrator machine technology generates purified oxygen directly from ambient air, eliminating the need for refills and reducing environmental impact.

From the Stationary Oxygen Concentrator designed for home use to the portable oxygen concentrator built for mobility, VARON’s product lineup reflects a commitment to eco-conscious innovation. These devices not only enhance patient independence but also align with global sustainability goals.

Energy Efficiency at the Core

VARON integrates energy-saving features across its product range. The VP Series portable oxygen concentrator models, especially the latest VP-8G, utilize advanced pulse oxygen delivery systems that adapt to a user’s breathing pattern. This smart functionality can reduce power consumption by up to 30% compared to traditional continuous-flow systems.

Similarly, VARON’s Stationary Oxygen Concentrator units, such as the VH-3, include intelligent display technology that dims or turns off during operation, conserving energy and minimizing light pollution—an often-overlooked environmental concern.

Built to Last, Designed to Reduce Waste

Durability is a cornerstone of VARON’s sustainability strategy. Each oxygen concentrator machine is engineered with high-quality materials to ensure longevity, reducing the frequency of repairs and replacements. This approach helps minimize electronic waste and lowers the overall environmental footprint associated with device disposal.

Reducing Waste Through Recertification

As part of its sustainability efforts, VARON has introduced a comprehensive recertification program designed to extend the lifecycle of its oxygen concentrators. Each unit undergoes rigorous inspection, testing, and quality assurance to ensure reliable performance, helping reduce electronic waste while promoting more efficient use of resources.

A Greener Supply Chain

VARON’s environmental responsibility extends beyond product design. The company implements eco-friendly practices throughout its supply chain, including recyclable packaging, energy-efficient manufacturing processes, and optimized global logistics. By integrating sustainability at every stage, VARON ensures that each Stationary Oxygen Concentrator and portable oxygen concentrator supports a cleaner, healthier future.

A Message from Leadership

“Our responsibility goes beyond our customers’ lungs—it’s about the air we all breathe,” said the CEO of VARON. “We are proud to lead the way in sustainable respiratory care, especially during global initiatives like Earth Hour that remind us of our shared duty to protect the planet.

Turning One Hour into Lasting Impact

Earth Hour serves as a powerful reminder that small actions can lead to significant change. VARON encourages individuals and organizations to go beyond the hour by adopting sustainable practices in daily life—including choosing energy-efficient healthcare solutions like an oxygen concentrator machine.

By aligning innovation with environmental stewardship, VARON continues to empower users with reliable, eco-friendly oxygen therapy options—proving that better health and a healthier Earth can go hand in hand.

About VARON

VARON is a trusted provider of advanced oxygen therapy solutions, specializing in the development of Stationary Oxygen Concentrator and portable oxygen concentrator systems. Guided by core values of innovation, quality, affordability, and environmental responsibility, VARON is dedicated to improving lives through sustainable healthcare technology.

Media Contact:
VARON Oxygen Concentrator
Email: support@varoninc.com
Website:  https://varoninc.com/

Laos Completes First-Ever Digital Census in Major Statistical Overhaul

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Laotian Times
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Laos completes first fully digital census, transforming population data collection and national planning. (Photo supplies: UNFPA in Laos).

Laos has wrapped up the field phase of its 2025 Population and Housing Census (PHC), the country’s first conducted entirely on digital devices, a significant shift in how the nation collects and manages population data.

Over eight weeks from early November 2025, more than 12,000 enumerators deployed across the country with tablets, reaching 3.6 million buildings, 99 percent of the counting target, by late December. To ensure no household was overlooked, follow-up visits to over 3,500 areas were carried out in early 2026.

The shift replaced a system where paper questionnaires had to be physically transported from remote villages to processing centres, manually coded and entered into databases, a process taking weeks and prone to error. 

Under the new system, data synced in real-time to a secure central server at the Lao Statistics Bureau, giving managers an immediate view of field progress across all provinces. Built-in tablet validation checks further reduced errors by flagging missing or inconsistent entries before enumerators even left the household.

The technology also extended to the challenge of finding households in the first place.

Satellite imagery and digital mapping further supported the operation, helping field teams systematically locate and pre-identify households, particularly critical in a country where over 70 percent of the land is mountainous or hilly terrain, areas where previous censuses had historically struggled to achieve full coverage.

The four-year preparation behind the census was led by the Lao government, with The United Nations Fund for Population Activities (UNFPA) Laos providing sustained technical expertise and financial support throughout. 

Other partners included Australia, China, Germany, Switzerland, Luxembourg, the United States, and the World Bank. 

UNFPA Representative in Laos Bakhtiyor Kadyrov said the census went beyond a population count, arguing that the findings would help shape policies aimed at improving well-being and ensuring the country’s most vulnerable were not overlooked.

For UNFPA, the exercise is part of a longer-term push to strengthen Laos’ statistical infrastructure,  transferring knowledge and systems intended to outlast a single census cycle and support evidence-based policymaking for years ahead, Bakhtiyor added.

Census results are expected to feed directly into Laos’ five-year national development plan for 2026-2030, informing decisions on social policy, infrastructure, and resource allocation across the country’s diverse regions.

Lao Airlines, Lao Brewery Company Strengthen Partnership to Promote Lao Identity

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Advertorial Desk
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Lao Airlines and Lao Brewery Company collaboration formalised at a signing ceremony in Vientiane, Laos on 20 March. (Photo by LBC)

Lao Airlines and Lao Brewery Company have announced a strengthened partnership aimed at enhancing how Laos is presented to regional and international travellers.

The collaboration, formalised at a signing ceremony in Vientiane on 20 March, builds on an existing relationship and focuses on integrating Lao products and identity into the passenger experience.

As part of the partnership, a co-branded Tigerhead drinking water label will be introduced exclusively for Lao Airlines and made available onboard flights from mid-April. The initiative is designed to enhance the presentation of onboard products while maintaining existing quality.

Passengers will also continue to be served a range of beverages, including water and soft drink products, as part of efforts to provide a consistent onboard experience.

The partnership comes as Lao Airlines continues its development plans, including strengthening regional connectivity and improving service standards. The collaboration reflects a broader effort to position Laos as a country that meets international expectations while maintaining its national identity.

Representatives from both organisations said the initiative highlights the potential of Lao brands working together to strengthen the country’s image and presence beyond its borders.

The partnership is expected to support ongoing efforts to promote Laos through product quality, service experience, and coordinated brand representation.

JINRO Unveils JINRO MELON LIMITED EDITION: A Premium Fusion of Sweetness and Sophistication

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Advertorial Desk
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A limited-edition release blending natural sweetness with JINRO’S signature clean, crisp profile

SEOUL, South Korea, April 3, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — JINRO, a leading soju brand by HiteJinro, proudly announces the launch of its latest soju, JINRO MELON LIMITED EDITION.

JINRO MELON LIMITED EDITION Product Image
JINRO MELON LIMITED EDITION Product Image

JINRO MELON LIMITED EDITION captures the sweet essence of melon while retaining JINRO’s signature clean finish for a brighter, refreshing experience. With a subtle melon aroma and a smooth finish, it is curated to naturally fit into casual occasions or grand celebrations with 13% alcohol by volume (ABV) in each bottle.

A standout feature of this release is the packaging. Differentiating from its regular flavoured soju lineup, it takes on a sleek black colour palette that leans into a premium and trend-forward appeal.

Jung-ho Hwang, Head of Overseas Business at HiteJinro, said, “JINRO MELON LIMITED EDITION was developed to harmonise melon’s distinctive flavour with JINRO’s clean finish, making it easy for global consumers to enjoy. With a trend-forward design, we hope to bring an elevated sense of enjoyment through JINRO, and we will continue to drive brand outreach through approachable yet innovative products and marketing.”

This limited-edition soju will be rolled out across more than 20 countries, including the United States of America, Japan, Vietnam, Australia, and the United Kingdom. With this launch, JINRO aims to deliver a sense of novelty and strengthen consumer affinity across the globe.

In addition, JINRO will continue to engage global consumers by releasing product-related content through its official social media channels.

About JINRO

Far beyond just a drink, JINRO soju is a cultural connector—bringing people together across countries, communities, and conversations with a diverse portfolio that includes JINRO IS BACK, ORIGINAL, FRESH, and a vibrant fruit range of GRAPEFRUIT, GREEN GRAPE, PLUM, STRAWBERRY, PEACH, LEMON, and the JINRO MELON LIMITED EDITION.

Connect with JINRO via:

 

Key JINRO SOJU Product Lineup Image
Key JINRO SOJU Product Lineup Image

KuCoin Named Only Global Exchange to Participate in CBN Virtual Asset Supervisory Pilot, Reinforcing Global Compliance Strategy

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Advertorial Desk
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PROVIDENCIALES, Turks and Caicos Islands, April 3, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — KuCoin, a leading global crypto platform built on trust, has been invited to participate in a supervisory pilot programme launched by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) targeting Virtual Asset Service Providers (VASPs).

KuCoin is the only global exchange included in the initial cohort of invitees, which also features regional financial technology and digital asset firms. The initiative is designed to strengthen oversight of the digital asset sector and address financial crime risks through enhanced Anti-Money Laundering (AML), Counter-Financing of Terrorism (CFT), and Counter-Proliferation Financing (CPF) compliance.

The CBN pilot forms part of the regulator’s broader effort to reinforce financial system integrity under Nigeria’s evolving regulatory framework, in alignment with international standards such as those set by the Financial Action Task Force (FATF). It aims to deepen supervisory understanding of virtual asset business models, operational risks, and compliance practices.

Under the pilot, participating entities will engage in structured regulatory dialogue, submit periodic supervisory data, and demonstrate progress across key compliance areas, including governance, transaction monitoring, sanctions screening, and implementation of the Travel Rule for cross-border transactions.

“Constructive regulatory dialogue is essential to building a sustainable digital asset ecosystem,” said BC Wong, CEO of KuCoin. “We view this initiative as an important step toward enhancing transparency, strengthening risk management, and advancing regulatory clarity across emerging markets. As a global platform, KuCoin remains committed to working closely with regulators to support responsible innovation and long-term industry development.”

KuCoin’s shortlisting and selection for participation in the CBN pilot reflects its broader global compliance strategy, which focuses on aligning with evolving regulatory expectations across jurisdictions. The company will continue to invest in compliance infrastructure and risk management systems to support a trusted and resilient digital asset ecosystem.

The programme also highlights Nigeria’s shift toward more proactive engagement with the virtual asset sector, balancing innovation with increased regulatory oversight in one of the world’s fastest-growing digital asset markets.

About KuCoin

Founded in 2017, KuCoin is a leading global crypto platform built on trust and security, serving over 40 million users across 200+ countries and regions. Known for its reliability and user-first approach, the platform combines advanced technology, deep liquidity, and strong security safeguards to deliver a seamless trading experience. KuCoin provides access to 1,500+ digital assets through a broad product suite and remains committed to building transparent, compliant, and user-centric digital asset infrastructure for the future of finance, backed by SOC 2 Type II, ISO/IEC 27001:2022, and ISO/IEC 27701:2019 Certifications. In recent years, we have built a strong global compliance foundation, marked by key milestones including AUSTRAC registration in Australia, a MiCA license in Europe, and regulatory progress in other markets.

Learn more at www.kucoin.com.

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