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Techman Robot Partners with Panasonic Connect’s Welding Systems Division to Advance Welding Automation in Japan

TAIPEI, April 8, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Techman Robot has announced a strategic collaboration with Panasonic Connect’s Welding Systems Division, aiming to accelerate the development of welding automation solutions.

Techman Robot Partners with Panasonic Connect's Welding Systems Division to Advance Welding Automation in Japan
Techman Robot Partners with Panasonic Connect’s Welding Systems Division to Advance Welding Automation in Japan

By combining Techman Robot’s advanced collaborative robot technology with Panasonic’s extensive experience in the welding field, the two companies are opening new opportunities in the automation of welding processes. Since establishing their partnership in 2023, both parties have been working closely to meet market demands and will now strengthen their activities in the Japanese market.

To simplify robot welding setup, Techman Robot has developed the “Welding Node” module. This new solution integrates seamlessly with Panasonic’s fully digital welding machines, helping to address the growing labor shortage in the welding industry by streamlining automation.

Techman Robot’s built-in vision system and AI functionality also contribute to intuitive, simple, and flexible operation. These features are expected to further enhance automation on welding lines.

By combining their technologies, Techman Robot and Panasonic aim not only to accelerate automation but also to expand applications through evolving AI capabilities.

Hydra X Partners with Canton Network to Launch First Structured Product on the Network: Sigma Value Token

SINGAPORE, April 8, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Hydra X, a leading provider of end-to-end market infrastructure for digital and traditional financial markets for financial institutions, has announced the successful launch of the Sigma Value Token on the Canton Network—marking the first tokenized structured product to go live on the institutional-grade blockchain.

This milestone follows a strategic partnership between Hydra X and Canton Network, a purpose-built Layer 1 protocol designed to meet the compliance, privacy, and scalability needs of financial institutions.

“These types of structured investment opportunities are a great addition to the Canton Network ecosystem. Investors are looking for innovative ways to optimize yield and diversify their portfolios at the same time,” said Georg Schneider, Head of Financial Products at Digital Asset. “Hydra X’s Sigma Value Token showcases how institutions can leverage the Canton Network to deliver compliant, scalable, and privacy-preserving financial innovations to the market.”

The Sigma Value Token, developed by Sigma Value in partnership with Hydra X, is a market-neutral, high-yield note designed for institutional and accredited investors, and offers steady returns independent of ETH price movements.

“The Sigma Value Token is just the beginning,” said Mark Tang, VP of Client Solutions at Hydra X. “We’re excited to deepen our collaboration with the Canton Network and introduce more tokenized products that reshape how capital markets operate.”

About Hydra X

Hydra X is a leading provider of end-to-end market infrastructure for both digital and traditional financial markets. It offers a fully compliant digital asset ecosystem, designed to ensure seamless integration with traditional financial systems. With a strong focus on the tokenization of real-world assets, Hydra X enables institutions to unlock liquidity and efficiency in capital markets through secure, scalable, and interoperable infrastructure.

Regulated by the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) and other jurisdictions, the Hydra X group operates as a licensed broker for the distribution of securities, an exchange for secondary trading, and a custodian for secure safekeeping and settlement.

For more information, visit our website or LinkedIn.

About the Canton Network

The Canton Network is the financial industry’s first and only public chain that can achieve on-chain privacy, control, and interoperability, making it the most suitable network for institutional assets. The Network launched for testing with the participation of a group of leading financial institutions, infrastructure providers, technology firms, and consultants in August 2023. Initially built upon Digital Asset’s technology, the Network’s controls, governance, and app development have been open-sourced and decentralized to be managed by all participants, with the goal of fostering greater innovation and Network utility. The Canton Network’s design overcomes the shortfalls of existing blockchain networks by enabling previously siloed systems in finance to become interoperable and synchronized in ways that had been impossible before. Offering the privacy and controls required for highly regulated organizations, the Canton Network creates a safe environment in which assets, data, and cash can move freely across applications in real-time, unlocking new efficiencies and powering innovation.

Learn more at: www.canton.network

Coliwoo Strengthens Community Engagement Through Exclusive Upskilling Workshops for Members

  • Coliwoo is a leading co-living space provider in Singapore, offering flexible rental solutions with fully furnished units, communal facilities, and a community-focused living experience for professionals, students, and short- or long-term residents.
  • Coliwoo organises exclusive upskilling events focused on skill-building, wellness, and networking. It also engages in CSR initiatives, including a three-year partnership with Food from the Heart (FFTH), where members participate in food packing events to support underprivileged individuals.
  • Coliwoo is expanding with three new properties at Arab Street, Balestier Road, and Upper Bukit Timah Road, adding over 130 keys. These include a hotel, residence, and serviced apartment, providing more short- and long-term stay options in conservation, heritage, and city-centre locations.

SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 8 April 2025 – Coliwoo, a co-living subsidiary brand under real estate management services group, LHN Limited (“LHN, together with its subsidiaries, the “Group”), has introduced a series of exclusive upskilling events to support personal and professional development of its residents, referred to as members. Aligned with Coliwoo’s focus on community engagement and lifestyle enhancement, these events provide members with opportunities to acquire new skills, expand their networks, and participate in structured learning experiences.

Coliwoo Strengthens Community Engagement Through Exclusive Upskilling Workshops for Members
Coliwoo Strengthens Community Engagement Through Exclusive Upskilling Workshops for Members

Enhancing the Co-Living Experience Through Learning and Engagement

Coliwoo supports self-enrichment through exclusive upskilling events, skill-building sessions, cultural activities, and wellness programmes. These initiatives provide members with opportunities to enhance their personal and professional growth, catering to a diverse demographic, including students, working professionals, and expatriates.

By hosting these events at various Coliwoo locations, members can develop new skills and stay updated with industry trends. This approach aligns with Coliwoo’s commitment to integrating lifestyle experiences with flexible accommodation options, including studio apartment rentals, to support continuous learning and development.

“Coliwoo’s upcoming workshops provide our members with practical learning experiences led by industry experts. These events reflect our commitment to fostering a connected and engaging co-living environment,” shared Darren Loh, Chief Strategy Officer at Coliwoo.

Community Engagement and Future Initiatives

Coliwoo provides outdoor activities such as hiking and cycling, allowing members to explore new interests while complementing their living experience.

Coliwoo also engages in Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) efforts, including a three-year partnership with Food from the Heart (FFTH), where members participate in food packing events to support underprivileged individuals. Looking ahead, Coliwoo plans to expand its efforts by introducing new themes and strengthening partnerships with external facilitators. These initiatives will evolve based on member feedback, aligning with Coliwoo’s commitment to continuous learning and engagement.

Coliwoo’s Expansion and Upcoming Properties

Coliwoo continues to expand its co-living portfolio, introducing new properties to accommodate a growing demand for flexible and community-driven living solutions. In the coming months, Coliwoo will launch three new properties at Arab Street, Balestier Road, and Upper Bukit Timah Road, adding over 130 keys to its operations. These projects will include a hotel, a residence, and a serviced apartment, catering to various lifestyle needs.

Located in conservation, heritage, and city-centre areas, these properties will provide fully furnished units with modern amenities, offering both short- and long-term stay options. As Coliwoo expands, it remains committed to enhancing the co-living experience by integrating convenience, community engagement, and lifestyle-focused living across its properties.

For more information, visit Coliwoo’s website or follow its official social media channels below:

Facebook: @Coliwoo

Instagram: @coliwoosg

LinkedIn: @coliwoo-singapore

YouTube: @Coliwoo Singapore

Hashtag: #Coliwoo

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

About Coliwoo

Coliwoo is a subsidiary brand under the real estate management services group LHN Limited, offering flexible living solutions through thoughtfully designed and retrofitted spaces. As Singapore’s largest co-living operator, Coliwoo provides a range of accommodations, including co-living spaces, hotels, and , catering to professionals, students, and both short- and long-term members.

Strategically located near business hubs, educational institutions, and transport links, Coliwoo’s properties feature fully furnished units with communal amenities such as kitchenettes, lounges, and gyms. High-speed internet and dedicated workstations support remote work and study needs, while transparent pricing with no agent fees ensures a seamless rental experience. Coliwoo also welcomes short-term guests, including concertgoers, holiday travellers, and staycationers. With upcoming properties in Arab Street, Balestier Road, and Upper Bukit Timah Road, Coliwoo continues to expand its well-connected and practical co-living offerings.

Engine Biosciences and Experimental Drug Development Centre Partner to Advance Novel Therapies to Combat Cancer

  • This marks the first-ever collaboration between Engine Biosciences and Experimental Drug Development Centre (EDDC), Singapore’s national platform for drug discovery and development.
  • The partnership will advance the development of first-in-class precision therapeutics for multiple cancer types that are highly prevalent in Singapore and globally, including breast, liver, kidney and prostate cancers. 

SINGAPORE, April 8, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Engine Biosciences (Engine), a Singapore– and Silicon Valley-based biotechnology company pioneering precision medicine for cancer, announced a new partnership with the Experimental Drug Development Centre (EDDC), Singapore’s national platform for drug discovery and development hosted by the Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR). 

This first-of-its-kind collaboration unites Engine’s NetMAPPR platform and proprietary oncology intellectual property with EDDC’s drug discovery and development expertise to create first-in-class precision cancer treatments.

The first project under this partnership focuses on ENB-871, a novel pairing of a drug target and patient selection biomarkers discovered through Engine’s NetMAPPR platform. This platform combines AI, computation, biology, and chemistry to identify, validate, and prioritise drug targets with strong clinical and commercial potential, driving the development of new therapies that exploit specific vulnerabilities in tumours.

This program shows significant promise for treating tumours with particular genetic mutations that predict sensitivity to the ENB-871 targeted therapy, including breast, liver, kidney and prostate cancers – diseases afflicting large and growing patient populations in Singapore and worldwide. In total, the potential addressable population exceeds 500,000 patients per year.

The teams will collaborate to develop small molecule degraders targeting ENB-871, including demonstration of in vivo efficacy. By bringing together Engine’s proprietary technology and deep translational insights with EDDC’s strengths in designing and developing therapies, this partnership aims to create targeted cancer treatments tailored to patients’ specific profiles, improving treatment effectiveness and outcomes. Engine and EDDC may also identify additional drug targets and research programs for collaboration during the partnership.

“We’re excited by the synergies created by bringing together our two platforms, leveraging first-in-class Singapore research and innovation to advance transformative cancer therapies. This marks another key step in Engine’s mission to develop more effective, targeted and safer drugs for cancer patients.” said Jeffrey Lu, CEO and Co-Founder of Engine Biosciences.

“The future of drug development lies in precision-driven innovation. Our partnership with Engine enables us to develop therapies tailored to specific patient populations through Engine’s biomarker-driven patient selection approaches. We are particularly excited to launch our first collaborative project around monovalent small molecule degraders, building on EDDC’s expanding capabilities in this field. Beyond this, we look forward to strengthening our partnership by advancing more precision therapies that have the potential to transform the lives of cancer patients in need,” shared Damian O’Connell, CEO of EDDC.

About Engine Biosciences
Engine Biosciences (Engine) is a venture-backed Singapore and Silicon Valley based company discovering and developing impactful precision medicines by deciphering complex biology with integrated computation and experimentation, with particular depth in oncology gained over several years of substantial investment and focus. Having pinpointed many promising drug targets and predictive biomarkers for patients most likely to benefit, Engine is advancing its pipeline of oncology therapeutics towards the clinic internally and with collaborators, and in other disease areas through partnerships. Engine’s team is motivated by opportunities to address significant unmet needs with more selective and effective precision medicines. For more information, please visit www.enginebio.com, and follow Engine on LinkedIn.

About EDDC
The Experimental Drug Development Centre (EDDC) is Singapore’s national platform for drug discovery and development, formed from the integration of the Experimental Therapeutics Centre (ETC), Drug, Discovery and Development (D3), and Experimental Biotherapeutics Centre (EBC) in 2019. EDDC aims to develop therapeutics and diagnostics that save and improve the lives of patients in Singapore, Asia and around the world. Hosted by the Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), EDDC works collaboratively with public sector and industry partners to translate the great science arising from Singapore’s biomedical and clinical sciences R&D into innovative healthcare solutions. For more information about EDDC, please visit http://www.eddc.sg/

 

Award Spotlights Mitrade CFD Broker’s Role in Australia’s Forex Trading Landscape

MELBOURNE, Australia, April 8, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — In a forex market where Finance Magnates reports monthly volumes now hitting US$26.8 trillion globally, Mitrade has clinched the “Best Forex Broker Australia 2025” award from International Business Magazine amid the Australian Securities and Investments Commission’s (ASIC) stricter OTC derivative reporting rules. This marks the 43rd accolade for Mitrade Group and reflects how Australian traders increasingly seek platforms with proven reliability for trading forex in a regulated environment. 

The Australian retail forex and CFD trading market demonstrates resilience despite geopolitical uncertainties. Finance Magnates Q4 2024 Intelligence Report shows growing traffic to Australian forex brokers, with traders selecting the best trading platform Australia options based on execution speed, spreads and regulatory compliance—areas where Mitrade has distinguished itself as a leading CFD broker. 

“The Australian market is unique — many traders are beginners. They trade alongside sophisticated players who rely on institutional-grade tools,” said Elven Jong, CEO of Mitrade AU entity. “Rather than the platform being a barrier, the future of forex depends on online brokers that empower traders, bridging the knowledge gap while also maintaining depth for experienced investors. At Mitrade, we focus on responsible trading education, ensuring that platforms evolve with traders’ growing expertise. We strive to be the best Australian trading platform, setting new standards in CFD trading worldwide.” 

The Forex Trading Statistics 2025 report shows that 55% of forex traders prefer mobile apps, while 45% use desktops. Mitrade’s past recognition as “Best Forex Trading App Australia” among others, aligns with this shift and CFD traders’ demand for high-performance, compliant platforms. As technology and regulation continue to shape the industry, the broker continues advancing toward becoming one of the best brokers Australia prefers. 

About Mitrade  

Mitrade is an award-winning CFD trading platform founded in Melbourne, trusted by 5M+ traders worldwide. It operates under top-tier financial regulators—Australia’s ASIC (AFSL398528), Cyprus’ CySEC (CIF438/23), the Cayman Islands’ CIMA (SIB1612446), and Mauritius’s FSC (GB20025791)—delivering a secure, seamless, and intuitive trading experience. 

Powered by AI, Mitrade provides CFDs on indices, forex, commodities, ETFs, and shares. With microsecond execution, razor-thin spreads, robust risk management, and multi-device compatibility, it is redefining the future of fintech for every type of trader. 

Trading involves risk. This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice, an offer, or a solicitation. 

Visit https://www.mitrade.com for more information. 

Evolutionary: World’s Largest Class Single Crystal Diamond Radiation Detector

Opening new possibilities for medical and science

TOKYO, April 8, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Orbray Co., Ltd., has successfully developed a radiation detector utilizing its proprietary high-quality, large-diameter single-crystal diamond technology. The exceptional physical properties of diamond, including radiation hardness, allow Orbray’s diamond-based radiation detector to function in high-radiation environments where conventional detectors made from other materials would degrade. In addition, the composition of diamonds is closely equivalent to that of biological tissue, making it particularly well-suited for medical applications such as radiation diagnostics and therapy. Orbray has demonstrated that its diamond-based detector can achieve high-precision measurements across a wide range of radiation types—from low-energy diagnostic X-rays to high-energy therapeutic X-rays.

Fig.1 4mm square diamond radiation detector
Fig.1 4mm square diamond radiation detector

 

Fig.2 20mm square diamond radiation detector
Fig.2 20mm square diamond radiation detector

Diamonds have ideal physical properties for radiation detection, including high thermal and chemical stability and fast response. Additionally, diamonds are composed of carbon, with an atomic number of six, and are particularly closely equivalent to biological tissue. Diamonds have, therefore, been extensively studied as radiation detectors in the fields of nuclear engineering, nuclear fusion, high-energy physics, and medical applications. Until the 1990s, research relied on selected natural diamonds. Since the 2000s, advancements in chemical vapor deposition (CVD) technology have enabled the synthesis of high-purity diamonds, significantly improving detector performance. Single-crystal CVD diamonds offer high sensitivity and excellent spectral characteristics. Polycrystalline CVD diamonds have been used to obtain high sensitivity by increasing the detection area. However, they exhibit lower sensitivity and inferior spectral characteristics compared to single-crystal diamonds.

Orbray announced that it had developed a 2-inch diameter high-quality (100) free-standing diamond substrate utilizing its proprietary step-flow growth method in 2021. Based on the diamond, radiation detectors (Fig. 1) have been developed in collaboration with Tokyo Metropolitan University, Tohoku University, Tohoku Institute of Technology, and Osaka University. These radiation detectors have exhibited high sensitivity and excellent spectroscopic characteristics in X-ray systems in medical settings. The detector can be scaled to the large area configuration (Fig. 2), enabling ultra-high sensitivity. Orbray will continue to develop products while conducting user evaluations.

At the Japan Radiology Congress 2025 in Yokohama Japan from April 10th to 13th, the diamond manufacturing methods and evaluation results of the detectors will be presented. The developed actual radiation detectors will be exhibited at the Exhibition held alongside there.

【Contact】

Orbray Co., Ltd., Diamond Division

TEL:+81-3-3919-0101  E-mail: diamond-sales@orbray.com 

AIM’s Serum-Free Iterative Rabies Vaccine Receives Acceptance for Market Registration; Institutions Predict Significant Valuation Recovery Potential for the Company

HONG KONG, April 8, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — AIM Vaccine Co., Ltd. (06660.HK), a leading PRC vaccine company, announced on April 7, 2025 that the company’s research and development of the serum-free iterative rabies vaccine has received an “Acceptance Notice” from the National Medical Products Administration for market registration. In addition, the vaccine has obtained the corresponding product production license. Currently, there are no serum-free rabies vaccines approved for sale in the global market, and this product is expected to become the first of its kind to launch.

AIM Vaccine is rapidly advancing the market launch process for its iterative major vaccine products, confirming the optimistic forecasts made by investors. As noted in a research report published by Fosun International Securities on April 3, the operational improvements at AIM Vaccine have been validated, its innovative pipeline is ready to launch, and there is significant potential for valuation recovery. With the upcoming launches of three major new products, including the serum-free iterative rabies vaccine in the next 1-2 years, the company’s revenue is expected to accelerate, and profitability is projected to improve significantly, potentially achieving breakeven and quickly entering a profit period after 2025. The target price for the company is maintained at HKD 11.22, with a “Buy” rating.

According to the research report from Fosun International Securities, AIM’s serum-free rabies vaccine well represents the direction of technological upgrades in rabies vaccines. The production process does not use animal serum, significantly increasing safety and reducing allergy risks, with excellent efficacy and safety indicators shown in Phase III clinical trial results.

The serum-free iterative rabies vaccine is recognized as a high-value product in the industry. The report from Fosun International Securities points out that, based on solidifying its market share in Vero cell vaccines, AIM’s serum-free iterative rabies vaccine and its iterative high-yield diploid cell (HDC) vaccine represent significant technological upgrades and value enhancement capabilities. The HDC vaccine is priced significantly higher than the current Vero cell vaccine, which still holds 95% of the market share, while the serum-free vaccine, with its higher safety profile, is expected to further surpass the pricing of the HDC vaccine.

PRC is the largest rabies vaccine market globally. According to statistics from Frost & Sullivan, driven by product upgrades and increasing rabies vaccine awareness, it is expected to reach RMB 14.8 billion by 2030. According to the “National Regulation for the Rabies Exposure Prophylaxis (2023 Edition)” established by the National Disease Control and Prevention Administration (NDCPA) and the National Health Commission of PRC(NHC), rabies vaccination clinics are required to provide at least two different types of rabies vaccines. AIM’s serum-free rabies vaccine, with its technological advantages, is expected to become the first choice for vaccination institutions.

As such, the report from Fosun International Securities believes that AIM has not only maintained its strong market share acquisition and commercialization capabilities in the mature vaccine market but has also made crucial progress in its transition to high-value vaccines.

With the gradual realization of its product line, AIM is expected to continuously improve cash flow and achieve profitability after 2025. With its rich product pipeline, leading technology platform, and forward-looking strategic layout, AIM Vaccine is set to play an increasingly important role in both the PRC and global vaccine markets.

 

PRA Group Announces Leadership Succession Plan

Martin Sjolund appointed President and Chief Executive Officer, effective June 17, 2025

Vikram Atal to serve as senior advisor through December 31, 2025

NORFOLK, Va., April 8, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — PRA Group, Inc. (Nasdaq: PRAA), a global leader in acquiring and collecting nonperforming loans, today announced that its Board of Directors has appointed President of PRA Group Europe Martin Sjolund to serve as President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO), effective June 17, 2025. Sjolund succeeds current President and CEO Vikram Atal, who announced that he will retire and serve as a senior advisor through December 31, 2025. Sjolund will be appointed to the Board upon assuming the role of President and CEO, and Atal will retire from the Board at that time.

President of PRA Group Europe Martin Sjolund appointed President and CEO of PRA Group effective June 17, 2025.
President of PRA Group Europe Martin Sjolund appointed President and CEO of PRA Group effective June 17, 2025.

“On behalf of the Board, I want to thank Vik for his leadership of PRA Group during a pivotal time,” said Executive Chair of the Board Steve Fredrickson. “Today’s announcement is the culmination of the Board’s ongoing succession planning process and commitment to enabling long-term, profitable growth.”

“It has been a privilege to lead PRA Group through this transformative time in the company’s history,” said Atal. “Since March 2023, I have worked closely with Martin, and I am highly confident in his ability to further strengthen our global leadership position. His strong track record in our European business, extensive industry knowledge, thoughtful leadership and commitment to our culture and customers will build on our strengths and create meaningful value for our shareholders in the years to come.”

“I am honored to have the opportunity to lead PRA Group as we enter our next phase of growth,” said Sjolund. “As a team, we have already achieved record global portfolio purchases and double-digit cash growth, expanded our leadership team, improved operational processes and strengthened our capital structure. These actions have positioned us to continue driving the company forward while delivering value to our shareholders.”

About Martin Sjolund
Sjolund has served as President of PRA Group Europe since 2018, providing leadership across 15 markets in Europe, Canada and Australia. During his tenure, Sjolund oversaw nearly $3 billion of successful portfolio investments across Europe, all while significantly improving the profitability of the European business. He led our expansion into two new markets, modernized the IT infrastructure and contact platforms, enhanced the data and analytics function and ultimately created one of Europe’s most cost-efficient debt buying platforms.

Before being promoted to his current role, Sjolund served as Chief Operating Officer of Europe from 2015 until 2018. He was previously Director of Group Strategy and Corporate Development (Europe), a position he also held at Aktiv Kapital from 2011 until PRA Group acquired Aktiv Kapital in 2014.

Prior to joining Aktiv Kapital, Sjolund held leadership positions in global technology companies and was a management consultant with McKinsey & Company in Singapore and London. Sjolund holds an MBA from the University of Chicago and is a graduate of Georgetown University.

About PRA Group
As a global leader in acquiring and collecting nonperforming loans, PRA Group, Inc. returns capital to banks and other creditors to help expand financial services for consumers in the Americas, Europe and Australia. With thousands of employees worldwide, PRA Group companies collaborate with customers to help them resolve their debt. For more information, please visit www.pragroup.com.

News Media Contact:
Elizabeth Kersey
Senior Vice President, Communications and Public Policy
(757) 641-0558
Elizabeth.Kersey@PRAGroup.com

Investor Contact:
Najim Mostamand, CFA
Vice President, Investor Relations
(757) 431-7913
IR@PRAGroup.com