28 C
Vientiane
Saturday, May 3, 2025
spot_img
Home Blog Page 725

Schneider Electric named The World’s Most Sustainable Corporation for a second time

  • First-ever corporation to top Corporate Knights Global 100 twice
  • 14th consecutive year in Global 100 index, 7th top 10 ranking
  • Follows strong 2024 performance in other key ESG ratings

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 24 January 2025 – Schneider Electric, the leader in the digital transformation of energy management and automation, has been named the World’s Most Sustainable Corporation 2025 by Corporate Knights and is the only company to rank first in the Global 100 twice. Schneider Electric previously topped this annual list of the most sustainable publicly listed companies, generating annual revenues of over $1bn in 2021. This unique achievement underlines Schneider’s long-standing commitment and holistic approach to delivering the best environmental, social and governance (ESG) performance possible.

“For many years now, sustainability has been at the heart of what Schneider Electric does. For an IMPACT company it’s more than just a corporate goal, it’s the driving force that shapes our business decisions and inspires our employees,” said Olivier Blum, Schneider Electric’s Chief Executive Officer. “This second title as the World’s Most Sustainable Corporation from Corporate Knights, alongside other key ESG recognitions, is testimony to the valuable, long-term positive impact we have.”

This year, Schneider Electric’s number one position reflects the company’s leadership in sustainable development practices, such as the gender diversity of its executives and board directors, and its innovative solutions to facilitate energy efficiency, electrification and decarbonization. Schneider also obtained strong scores for efforts to decouple its energy consumption and carbon emissions from its business growth, and its strong investment in sustainable research and development. Corporate Knights also called out the link between executive pay incentives and Schneider Electric’s sustainability performance and ESG ratings.

“Schneider Electric’s position at the top of the Global 100 index is remarkable. No other company has accomplished this twice,” said Toby Heaps, Corporate Knights’ CEO. “This success stems from Schneider’s broad impact that goes beyond its own sustainability efforts. Schneider provides the technology to enhance energy efficiency, support decarbonization and help other companies in their sustainable transitions.”

Compiled by the Canadian media and research company, Corporate Knights, the annual Global 100 index is based on publicly disclosed, quantitative data related to resources, employees, suppliers, sustainable revenues, and investment. The Global 100 methodology uses fixed and variable key performance indicators to rank companies among their peers. Schneider Electric has been part of the Global 100 every year for the past 14 years and in the top 10 seven times — a record for its electrical equipment manufacturing peer group.

Being awarded this title in both 2021 and 2025 coincides with the beginning and end of the five-year period of the latest Schneider Sustainability Impact program. This program measures the company’s progress across a range of transformative ESG targets set for the end of 2025 and helps maintain an unwavering focus on achieving both its global and local ambitions.

Schneider’s sustainability leadership is further affirmed with these latest scores from prominent ESG rating providers:

Sustainability External ratings 2024 score Highlights Assessed universe (# companies)
S&P Global Corporate Sustainability Assessment (CSA) 86/100
  • Industry leader
  • Included in the DJSI World index for the 14th consecutive year and in the DJSI Europe index
13,000
EcoVadis (1) 85/100
  • Outstanding level for the 2nd consecutive year
  • Platinum medal (top 1% of all companies assessed) for 5th year
130,000
Moody’s Analytics (Vigeo Eiris) 73/100
  • Included in the Euronext Vigeo World 120, Europe 120, Euro 120, France 20, and CAC40 ESG indices
4,800
MSCI ESG rating AAA
  • Leader among 165 companies in its peer group
  • AAA for 14th year
  • Included in the World ESG leaders and Socially Responsible indices
8,500
Sustainalytics ESG Risk rating Low risk
  • Industry Top-Rated ESG Performer
  • 1st out of 301 companies in its peer group
16,000
(1)2025 score

Related resources:

Hashtag: #SchneiderElectric #Sustainability #ESG #Award

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

About Schneider Electric

Schneider’s purpose is to create Impact by empowering all to make the most of our energy and resources, bridging progress and sustainability for all. At Schneider, we call this Life Is On.

Our mission is to be the trusted partner in Sustainability and Efficiency.

We are a global industrial technology leader bringing world-leading expertise in electrification, automation and digitization to smart industries, resilient infrastructure, future-proof data centers, intelligent buildings, and intuitive homes. Anchored by our deep domain expertise, we provide integrated end-to-end lifecycle AI enabled Industrial IoT solutions with connected products, automation, software and services, delivering digital twins to enable profitable growth for our customers.

We are a people company with an ecosystem of 150,000 colleagues and more than a million partners operating in over 100 countries to ensure proximity to our customers and stakeholders. We embrace diversity and inclusion in everything we do, guided by our meaningful purpose of a sustainable future for all.

Discover the newest perspectives shaping sustainability, electricity 4.0, and next-generation automation on .

Webull Malaysia Launches US Options Trading for Retail Investors with 50% off on US stock trading commission fees

KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia, Jan. 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Webull Securities (Malaysia) Sdn. Bhd. (“Webull Malaysia”), a subsidiary of Webull Corporation, a leading digital investment platform, today announced the launch of US stock and index options trading for retail investors, which officially went live on December 23, 2024. This new feature provides retail investors that have a higher risk appetite with additional alternatives to diversify their portfolios and investment strategies in the US market.

With the introduction of US stock and index options to Webull Malaysia’s suite of products and tools, local retail investors can now explore a range of investment strategies, including hedging and leveraging. Investors will also be able to access real-time options price data such as OPRA and CSMI market data, empowering investors with additional information to make informed investment decisions and to capture market opportunities as they unfold. Furthermore, investors will be able tap on smart trading tools available on the Webull platform, including a customizable Options chain, real-time market charts and research tools to analyse their preferred US equities.

Webull’s tools empower investors to navigate the dynamic trends of US markets effectively while allowing investors to develop robust risk management strategies to manage their portfolio exposure and performance. The Webull platform also enables investors to execute various order types, including market orders, limit orders, stop orders, when trading US options. To celebrate the launch of US options trading and to thank our customers, Webull Malaysia is currently offering a 50% discount on US stock trading commission fees throughout January, which means US stock commission fees are available at only 0.025%, offering the most competitive commission fees across Malaysia. In addition, new users who open an account and trade with Webull can enjoy a 90-day commission-free period.


Webull’s US options feature adopts a flat fee system of USD0.55 per contract, offering greater transparency and a more competitive pricing model compared to other brokerages in the market. Regardless of whether trading US stocks or US options, Webull offers zero platform fees and no hidden charges. Webull’s transparent and straightforward fee structure ensures investors enjoy a stress-free trading experience, free from unexpected costs or fee traps.  As a leading US brokerage with more than 40 million downloads worldwide, Webull offers the best and most competitive trading fees for US stocks and US options in the market, complemented by a comprehensive suite of products and functions.


Kenneth Chan, CEO, Webull Malaysia, said, “At Webull Malaysia, we remain committed to introducing new products and features driven by investor feedback and demand. With the launch of US options, investors will be able to diversify their portfolios and trade US equities aligned with their risk appetite. By integrating user insights with our expertise, we will continue to deliver new features and products that provide investors with a seamless and rewarding trading experience.”

With this latest offering, Webull aims to strengthen its position as a market leader in Malaysia’s broking industry, delivering cutting-edge products and services tailored to meet the unique needs of Malaysian investors. In addition to the new US options product, Webull Malaysia currently offers investors a suite of professional trading tools, including over 17 charting tools and more than 58 technical indicators. The platform also provides timely and professional analyst ratings on various equities, helping investors refine their investment strategies and analysis.

To learn more about Webull Malaysia’s US options product, more information is available on the website: https://www.webull.com.my/us-options

Media contact:

Cognito for Webull
Webull@cognitomedia.com

About Webull:

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/.

China Automotive Systems Announces Subsidiary’s Annual Sales Milestone of 5 Million Units and New Driver Assist Products in Mass Production

WUHAN, China, Jan. 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — China Automotive Systems, Inc. (NASDAQ: CAAS) (“CAAS” or the “Company”), a leading power steering components and systems supplier in China, today announced that its largest  subsidiary by sales, Jingzhou Henglong Auto Parts Manufacturing Co., Ltd. (“Jingzhou Henglong”), achieved a  production and sales increase of 35% year-over-year in the fourth quarter of 2024, and reached a new single monthly record high sales and production in December 2024 of more than 620,000 units, a 46.7% year-over-year increase.  For 2024, annual production and sales volume exceeded 5 million units, representing an 18.5% year-over-year growth.

The Company also announced that the R-EPS steering product developed for Nanjing Iveco has entered mass production after successfully passing the Production Part Approval Process (“PPAP”) assessment.  The R-EPS steering gears feature an electric motor with control unit, and a ball nut and belt drive reduction system, compared with hydraulic pressure, to provide steering assist.  R-EPS is lighter with improved efficiency creating increased mileage and range.  R-EPS architecture is capable of performing autonomous driving functions such as Automatic Parking, Lane Keep Assist (LKA) and Lane Follow Assist (LFA).  R-EPS is compatible with medium- and heavy-duty passenger vehicles and light commercial vehicles.

The success of the R-EPS project is a further testament to CAAS’ superior engineering and technology development by incorporating artificial intelligence.  With the growing trend of embracing artificial intelligence in the automotive industry, CAAS accelerated the research and development of innovative electric products, focusing on improved material science and manufacturing processes.  All R-EPS products endured intense performance testing to ensure stability and durability.

Nanjing Iveco Automobile Co Ltd is a joint venture between Iveco and Nanjing Automobile (Group) Corporation.

Mr. Qizhou Wu, the Chief Executive Officer of CAAS, commented, “CAAS continues to march forward. In 2024, our existing R-EPS production line could produce 100,000 units per annum, and with the new R-EPS production line expansion, annual production capacity will reach 250,000 units in 2025 and is expected to reach 400,000 units by 2027.”

About China Automotive Systems, Inc.

Based in Hubei Province, the People’s Republic of China, China Automotive Systems, Inc. is a leading supplier of power steering components and systems to the Chinese automotive industry, operating through its sixteen Sino-foreign joint ventures and wholly owned subsidiaries. The Company offers a full range of steering system parts for passenger automobiles and commercial vehicles. The Company currently offers four separate series of power steering with an annual production capacity of over 8 million sets of steering gears, columns and steering hoses. Its customer base is comprised of leading auto manufacturers, such as China FAW Group, Corp., Dongfeng Auto Group Co., Ltd., BYD Auto Company Limited, Beiqi Foton Motor Co., Ltd. and Chery Automobile Co., Ltd. in China, and Stellantis N.V. and Ford Motor Company in North America. For more information, please visit: http://www.caasauto.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains statements that are “forward-looking statements” as defined under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements represent our estimates and assumptions only as of the date of this press release. Our actual results may differ materially from the results described in or anticipated by our forward-looking statements due to certain risks and uncertainties. As a result, the Company’s actual results could differ materially from those contained in these forward-looking statements due to a number of factors, including those described under the heading “Risk Factors” in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 28, 2024, and in documents subsequently filed by the Company from time to time with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Any of these factors and other factors beyond our control, could have an adverse effect on the overall business environment, cause uncertainties in the regions where we conduct business, cause our business to suffer in ways that we cannot predict, and materially and adversely impact our business, financial condition and results of operations. A prolonged disruption or any further unforeseen delay in our operations of the manufacturing, delivery and assembly process within any of our production facilities could continue to result in delays in the shipment of products to our customers, increased costs and reduced revenue. We expressly disclaim any duty to provide updates to any forward-looking statements made in this press release, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

For further information, please contact:

Jie Li
Chief Financial Officer
China Automotive Systems, Inc.
jieli@chl.com.cn

Kevin Theiss
Awaken Advisors
+1-212-521-4050
Kevin@awakenlab.com

iQIYI upgrades Diamond VIP benefits, enhancing unmatched membership experience

BEIJING, Jan. 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — On Jan. 21, iQIYI, China’s leading online entertainment platform, launched upgrades to its Diamond VIP membership, enabling members to unlock Member Express Packages without needing additional membership points or purchases. The upgrade continues iQIYI’s refinement of the platform’s diverse membership offerings.

As viewers continue to demonstrate a willingness to spend on good content, platforms in the long-form video industry increasingly prioritize member experience and satisfaction in tandem with quality content production. Beyond offering premium content, iQIYI continues to optimize the member experience through a variety of additional online and offline services, amplifying member interaction and engagement to widespread acclaim.

Continuously optimized membership system

iQIYI officially launched Member Express Packages in 2023 in mainland China, allowing VIP members exclusive access to unlock final episodes, behind the scenes extras and more of airing series through membership points or purchase. The service, first available through hit series “Mysterious Lotus Casebook,” received an enthusiastic response upon release, with over 2 million VIP members redeeming through membership points on the day of its launch. 2024 saw Member Express Packages increasingly become the standard for drama lovers, with more than 10 million VIP members using the service when viewing popular shows.

Now, iQIYI has once again upgraded benefits for the Diamond VIP membership, allowing members to automatically unlock Member Express Packages. This perk applies to any dramas offering the service across this year’s upcoming lineup. The service will also expand to members of iQIYI International.

Currently, iQIYI’s membership offerings accommodate two ways of consuming content in mainland China, targeting both “individual” and “family” scenarios. A total of five membership packages are available, encompassing Basic / Golden / Basic (TV) / Platinum / Diamond VIP memberships. Among these, the Basic and Golden VIP packages are designed for individual members, while the Basic (TV), Platinum, and Diamond VIP packages are tailored to meet the needs of family memberships. Across the lower-priced to premium tiers, each package offers members full access to iQIYI’s premium content, while providing personalized advertising and device options as well as membership benefits, satisfying all kinds of user preferences.

In 2024, alongside the widely subscribed Golden VIP membership, the lower-priced, ad-supported Basic VIP membership emerged as an option of choice for many new users, resonating especially with those in smaller markets and the younger demographic. Furthermore, iQIYI enhanced its subscription flexibility with the introduction of the Golden VIP Family membership service, allowing Golden VIP members to add an additional account for just RMB8 (US$1.1) per month, continuing to meet diverse member needs while improving affordability.

For the premium tiers, the platform’s membership benefits continue to grow. Last year, the device limit for Diamond VIP members increased from 5 to 8, and eXave MAX high-definition streaming – exclusively available for Platinum VIP and Diamond VIP members – expanded to over 23,000 episodes, with the number of views by VIP members nearly tripling compared to the previous year.

Diverse member interactions and experiences

From online benefits to offline events and IP-related offerings, iQIYI is exploring countless possibilities with its members to enrich the member experience.

The platform launched iQIYI Membership Day in 2024, which integrates information on new content, merchandise perks, and IP-event access monthly. By year’s end, iQIYI had provided members with over 40 IP-related events, including VIP advanced-screenings, set-visits, creator meet-and-greets and the like.

Additionally, the first ever 717 Member Day kicked-off last July, providing members with access to exclusive membership subscription discounts, culture and tourism tickets, and interactive livestreams from creators of upcoming content.

Moreover, members got to enjoy early access, exclusive discounts, and more for IP-related goods. iQIYI released merchandise for nearly 40 beloved IPs, including original novels and plushies, among others, from “Fangs of Fortune,” “Under The Skin II,” as well as other crowd favorites.

CONTACT: iQIYI Press, press@qiyi.com

Hong Kong Wraps Up Valuable Participation at WEF Annual Meeting


HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 24 January 2025 – Financial Secretary of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (SAR), Paul Chan, wrapped up his participation at the World Economic Forum (WEF) Annual Meeting in Davos, Switzerland (January 23) with a flurry of thematic meetings, panel discussions and high-level exchanges with global political, business and financial leaders.

As a panelist for a discussion session titled “Stemming Financial Fragmentation”, Mr Chan noted that while geopolitics may subject regional and global financial markets to greater volatility, Hong Kong boasts a robust financial system and strong buffer, maintains a free and open business environment, and steadfastly upholds the linked exchange rate system.

Hong Kong SAR's Financial Secretary, Paul Chan (second right), participating in the session
Hong Kong SAR’s Financial Secretary, Paul Chan (second right), participating in the session “Stemming Financial Fragmentation” of the WEF Annual Meeting.

He added that Hong Kong is actively embracing financial innovation, including the development of digital assets, with appropriate regulations in place to promote the responsible and sustainable growth.

In another thematic discussion, organised by the Giving to Amplify Earth Action launched by the WEF, the Financial Secretary noted that Hong Kong, as an international financial centre, plays to its strengths as a “super-connector” and “super value-adder” in promoting investment in climate projects. Hong Kong provides financial support for green and transition projects through its comprehensive financial services. It also seeks to facilitate co-operation among the public, private and philanthropic sectors.

In support of the city’s efforts to develop trade relations with “Global South” countries, Mr Chan held bilateral discussions with the Minister of Investment of Saudi Arabia, Khalid Al-Falih, and the Minister of Finance of Egypt, Ahmed Kouchouk, and invited them to lead business delegations to Hong Kong to explore mutually beneficial co-operation opportunities.

Mr Chan also met with the President and the Chief Executive Officer of Franklin Templeton, Jenny Johnson, to discuss the business expansion plans of the international fund group in the region.

A day earlier (January 22), Mr Chan met representatives from Coinbase, a United States cryptocurrency exchange platform, to learn about the company’s latest business development and exchange views on global trends and regulatory policies concerning digital assets.

Mr Chan also met with senior management from insurance provider Swiss Re, where he outlined Hong Kong’s initiatives to strengthen its role as an international risk management centre, including the development of innovative products such as catastrophe bonds. He emphasised that Hong Kong would continue to encourage businesses worldwide engaged in infrastructure and investment projects to leverage the city for comprehensive risk management, adding that Hong Kong seeks to attract more domestic and international companies to establish captive insurance companies in the city.

Other bilateral meeting included those with the Minister of Finance of Qatar, Ali bin Ahmed Al-Kuwari, and the State Secretary for International Finance, Federal Department of Finance of Switzerland, Daniela Stoffel, respectively. Exchanges focused on the latest global economic and financial landscapes and ways to enhance co-operation between Hong Kong and both economies in trade, financial services and infrastructure.

Mr Chan (left) meeting with the founder and executive chairman of the World Economic Forum, Professor Klaus Schwab.
Mr Chan (left) meeting with the founder and executive chairman of the World Economic Forum, Professor Klaus Schwab.

In discussion with Professor Klaus Schwab, founder and executive chairman of the WEF, Mr Chan said Hong Kong is willing to strengthen co-operation with the WEF in different areas, including green transition, financial services development, urban management, and more. He added that Hong Kong valued its participation in the WEF Annual Meeting, which provides an opportunity to showcase the city’s unique advantages under the “one country, two systems” principle and better understand international trends, exchange views with various economic and sectoral representatives, and present Hong Kong’s perspectives.
Hashtag: #hongkong #brandhongkong #asiasworldcity #WEF #financialservices





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

Mega Matrix Inc. Announced that the Tragic Romance Series “After All These Years” Premiered on FlexTV

SINGAPORE, Jan. 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Mega Matrix Inc. (NYSE American: MPU) announced that its global micro-drama streaming platform, FlexTV, has premiered its short series, After All These Years, on January 16. Featuring delicate emotional portrayals and intricate character dynamics, the series presents a bittersweet love story that lingers in the heart. When a love from the past resurfaces, is it too late to mend what was broken?

For five years, Grace and Andrew have been entangled in a complex relationship: Andrew sees Grace as a secret lover, seeking only fleeting pleasure, while Grace harbors unrequited feelings, longing to truly win Andrew’s heart. Their initial arrangement was simple—passion without attachment. However, everything changes when Grace unexpectedly becomes pregnant. Reluctantly, Andrew marries her out of duty, only to find himself bound by ties he cannot escape, forcing both to confront their true feelings.

As their relationship deepens, long-buried secrets from their college years begin to surface. What initially seemed like a series of coincidences reveals a pattern of deliberate actions, leaving doubts that cannot be ignored. The shadows of past pain, old flames, and buried truths linger relentlessly, shaping their present and threatening their future.

FlexTV now provides short series content to over 100 countries worldwide, offering multiple language versions, including English, Japanese, Korean, Portuguese, Spanish, French, and Arabic. Renowned for its high-quality productions and exceptional user experience, FlexTV has won the hearts of audiences across the globe. The premiere of After All These Years on January 16 delivers an emotional rollercoaster, illustrating the complexities of relationships and the importance of sincerity in resolving them. For more exciting content, please visit https://www.flextv.cc/.

#Love# #Urban# #Heartbreaking# #Marriage# #ShortDrama# #FlexTV# #MPU#

About Mega Matrix Inc.: Mega Matrix Inc. (NYSE American: MPU) is a holding company and operates FlexTV, a short-video streaming platform and producer of short dramas, through its subsidiary, Yuder Pte, Ltd.. Mega Matrix Inc. is a Cayman Island corporation headquartered in Singapore. For more information, please contact info@megamatrix.io or visit: http://www.megamatrix.io.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the “safe harbor” provisions of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. All statements in this press release other than statements that are purely historical are forward looking statements. When used in this press release, the words “estimates,” “projected,” “expects,” “anticipates,” “forecasts,” “plans,” “intends,” “believes,” “seeks,” “may,” “will,” “should,” “future,” “propose,” and variations of these words or similar expressions (or the negative versions of such words or expressions) are intended to identify forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are not guarantees for future performance, conditions or results, and involve a number of known and unknown risks, uncertainties, assumptions and other important factors, many of which are outside the Company’s control, that could cause actual results or outcomes to differ materially from those discussed in the forward-looking statements. Important factors, among others, are: the ability to manage growth; ability to identify and integrate future acquisitions; ability to grow and expand our FlexTV business; ability to execute the strategic cooperation with TopReels, ability to obtain additional financing in the future to fund capital expenditures; ability to establish the investment fund with 9 Yards Communications under the memorandum of understanding; fluctuations in general economic and business conditions; costs or other factors adversely affecting the Company’s profitability; litigation involving patents, intellectual property, and other matters; potential changes in the legislative and regulatory environment; a pandemic or epidemic; the possibility that the Company may not succeed in developing its new lines of businesses due to, among other things, changes in the business environment, competition, changes in regulation, or other economic and policy factors; and the possibility that the Company’s new lines of business may be adversely affected by other economic, business, and/or competitive factors. The forward-looking statements in this press release and the Company’s future results of operations are subject to additional risks and uncertainties set forth under the “Risk Factors” in documents filed by the Company’s predecessor, Mega Matrix Corp., with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including the Company’s latest annual report on Form 10-K, as amended, and are based on information available to the Company on the date hereof. In addition, such risks and uncertainties include the Company’s inability to predict or control bankruptcy proceedings and the uncertainties surrounding the ability to generate cash proceeds through the sale or other monetization of the Company’s assets. The Company undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by applicable law. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this press release.

Disclosure Channels

We announce material information about the Company and its services and for complying with our disclosure obligation under Regulation FD via the following social media channels:

The Company will also use its landing page on its corporate website (www.megamatrix.io) to host social media disclosures and/or links to/from such disclosures. The information we post through these social media channels may be deemed material. Accordingly, investors should monitor these social media channels in addition to following our website, press releases, SEC filings and public conference calls and webcasts. The social media channels that we intend to use as a means of disclosing the information described above may be updated from time to time as listed on our website.

Trip.com Group at the World Economic Forum calls for stronger private and public sector collaboration to counter “unbalanced tourism” and drive growth

DAVOS, Switzerland, Jan. 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Leading global travel services provider Trip.com Group has called for public and private stakeholders to step up collaboration to unlock new growth potential for the global tourism industry.

Speaking at the World Economic Forum (WEF) Annual Meeting 2025 in Davos — a platform convening leaders across government, business, and civil society to engage and advance solutions to evolving global challenges — Trip.com Group CEO Ms Jane Sun and other panellists at the discussion titled “The Way We Will Travel” shared that a key challenge faced by the industry is not over-tourism but “unbalanced tourism”.

Ms Jane Sun (fourth from the left) with the moderator, Mr Richard Quest (third from the left) and other panellists. Source: World Economic Forum
Ms Jane Sun (fourth from the left) with the moderator, Mr Richard Quest (third from the left) and other panellists. Source: World Economic Forum

The panel cited Europe where some of the popular cities appeared to be overwhelmed, resulting in over-crowding and a backlash from local residents. Ms Sun agreed that industry players such as Trip.com Group in tandem with local authorities and effective policy, can entice tourists to visit alternative and equally exciting destinations.

“In the past, language barriers tended to confine tourists to the best-known destinations, leading to unbalanced growth across regions,” said Ms Sun, “Today, travellers, armed with technology and improved access to information, are much more open to venturing beyond the traditional travel hotspots for unique experiences. With supportive government policies and attractive travel offerings, more travellers may be encouraged to visit and spend more time in new regional destinations, which will alleviate the burden on traditional sites. The concerted effort to re-direct travellers to different places may also stimulate economic growth in local communities.

“Another way to stagger tourist volumes across the year and avoid travel infrastructure from being overwhelmed is for the industry to market to different regions at different times, focusing on their school and cultural holidays, for example Chinese New Year and Christmas,” added Ms Sun.

As UN Tourism announced a virtual full recovery in 2024 with global travel at 99% of pre-pandemic levels, the travel and tourism sector is now focusing on building resilience and securing its future amidst various challenges. Joining this important conversation, Ms Sun spoke alongside distinguished panellists including Mr Edi Rama, Prime Minister of Albania; Mr Ahmed Al-Khateeb, Minister of Tourism of Saudi Arabia; Mr Xavier Rossinyol, CEO of Avolta AG; and Mr Apostolos Tzitzikostas, EU Commissioner for Sustainable Transport and Tourism.

Ms Sun particularly commended the efforts of Singapore as a sterling example of public-private partnership efforts to encourage a more in-depth exploration of a country’s sights and experiences, on top of an efficient, world-class air travel experience that Changi Airport is well known for. Situated at the heart of one of the world’s busiest airports, Jewel Changi Airport has transformed the routine airport experience into a fulfilling visit with its iconic waterfall, botanic garden, and shopping and gourmet options. As Changi Airport reported a total of 67.7 million passengers in 2024 and matched pre-pandemic levels in the last quarter, Jewel has offered a refreshing model for a travel hub that actively becomes part of the journey.

Capitalising on the rise of experiential travel, Ms Sun noted that emerging destinations could further embrace new growth by improving travel connectivity, cutting through the red tape and streamlining entry procedures.  “Travel connections are critical for markets to be accessible to travellers, with smooth border processes being the next step. Some countries have already made significant progress with visa-free policies or efficient online visa application processes. For regions looking to grow their tourism industry and maximise its economic and social impact, we urge the relevant authorities to consider making the visa process shorter and more efficient,” she urged.

Ms. Sun noted that countries that have wielded policy tools to boost inbound travel have seen remarkable results. Saudi Arabia, which has prioritised its investments in tourism as a key pillar of its Vision 2030, has experienced a meteoric rise since the launch of its eVisa programme in 2019. As one of the world’s fastest-growing country destinations, Saudi Arabia reported triple-digit year-on-year growth across Trip.com Group platforms in 2024. The expanded access for international tourists, marketing initiatives, and the upgraded tourism infrastructure have further encouraged tourists to pursue more in-depth exploration that enables more even growth across the country’s various destinations.

Trip.com Group is at the forefront of working with destinations and providers to leverage its technological capabilities, generating value for stakeholders and enriching traveller experiences. Incorporating insights into partner offerings into its knowledge base, Trip.com Group utilises AI-assisted tools, such as the intelligent travel assistant TripGenie and the Trip.Best rankings, to recommend hidden gems beyond the usual hotspots and generate itineraries that extend the suggested travel time. In addition to boosting user conversion and gross merchandise revenue, these projects seek to create mutually beneficial relationships between travel businesses and destinations, as well as between tourists and host communities.

Grasping these trends will be key to capturing the estimated additional USD 5 trillion in annual economic value that travel will generate within the next decade, as the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) forecasted. Driving and sustaining this growth demands a collective effort across sectors, combining policy, innovation, and investment to empower people, build collective talent, and share benefits with communities.

Having pioneered progressive innovations in travel and beyond for 25 years, Trip.com Group reaffirmed its commitment to shaping a more connected, sustainable, and inclusive future as Ms Sun engaged in forward-looking industry discussions at high-level events and meetings at WEF Davos 2025.

“There is much to be optimistic about as the travel industry stands poised for transformative growth,” said Ms Sun. “We look forward to working with peers to ensure that travel continues to deliver shared, positive, and lasting impact for all stakeholders.”

About Trip.com Group

Trip.com Group is a leading global travel service provider comprising of Trip.com, Ctrip, Skyscanner, and Qunar. Across its platforms, Trip.com Group helps travellers around the world make informed and cost-effective bookings for travel products and services and enables partners to connect their offerings with users through the aggregation of comprehensive travel-related content and resources, and an advanced transaction platform consisting of apps, websites and 24/7 customer service centres. Founded in 1999 and listed on NASDAQ in 2003 and HKEX in 2021, Trip.com Group has become one of the best-known travel groups in the world, with the mission “to pursue the perfect trip for a better world”. Find out more about Trip.com Group here: group.trip.com.

Professor Tinly Wong Tin-Chee Pre- and Post-Exercise Care Tips from a Traditional Chinese Medicine Perspective

HONG KONG, Jan. 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — The annual Hong Kong Marathon is just around the corner, and runners are actively preparing. In addition to physical training, proper warm-ups before the race and recovery after are equally important. Professor Tinly Wong Tin-Chee, founder of Herbalgy Pharmaceutical Ltd., offers the following advice from a Traditional Chinese Medicine perspective for all runners.


The Importance of Warm-Up Exercises

Warm-up exercises are recommended to last 5 to 10 minutes and should include dynamic stretching and light movements. These practices enhance blood flow and joint mobility. According to Traditional Chinese Medicine, the harmonious flow of “Qi” and blood is vital for overall bodily function; when “Qi” flows, blood flows, and vice versa. Engaging in warm-up exercises stimulates circulation, accelerating the flow of “Qi” and blood throughout the body, which enhances the activity of various organs. As “Qi” and blood circulate effectively, individuals naturally feel energised and better prepared for the upcoming physical challenges.

Additionally, warm-ups play a key role in preventing the invasion of cold and dampness. Traditional Chinese Medicine posits that warming up increases internal Yang energy and promotes sweat production, helping to dispel cold and moisture. Furthermore, appropriate warm-ups reduce the risk of muscle and joint injuries. By increasing blood flow, raising muscle temperature, and improving elasticity, the likelihood of strains or sprains during exercise is significantly diminished.

Three Steps to Enhance Recovery After Exercise

Professor Wong recommends following these three health steps before and after exercise to support recovery and maintain overall well-being:

  1. Pre-Exercise Massage: Utilizing “Touch Cool” for a simple self-massage before the event can help relax muscles and alleviate training-related fatigue, enhancing effectiveness by up to 51%*.
  2. Post-Exercise Rest and Relaxation: Allowing the body adequate recovery time is crucial for restoring muscle and joint function. Relaxation can mitigate fatigue and stress. If muscle soreness arises, runners may apply “Herbalgy Medicated Balm” to identify and massage painful areas for 1-3 minutes, 2-3 times daily. This can be complemented with  “Herbalgy Easy Analgesic Plasters” to alleviate post-exercise muscle discomfort, providing multiple benefits for flexibility and relaxation.
  3. For Sprains or Strains: Safflower has properties that invigorate blood flow and reduce swelling, promoting circulation and alleviating pain. Combined with frankincense and myrrh, it can effectively treat injuries. However, many runners may lack the time to prepare herbal remedies. Opting for a topical pain relief product containing safflower, such as “Carthami Flos Pain Relieving Oil”, and gently massaging the affected area can offer relief. Coupled with “Carthami Flos Analgesic Plaster”, which contains traditional herbs, these can penetrate the skin to enhance circulation and relax muscles, facilitating recovery.

Recovery time and methods may vary among individuals. Professor Wong advises runners to seek professional medical attention immediately if they experience severe pain, swelling, or other concerning symptoms.

Herbalgy Online Store Promotion

Herbalgy will offer a special promotion from February 5 to 13, 2025. By logging into the official Herbalgy online store and entering the promo code “HKM2025,” customers will receive a 10% discount on their entire order, along with a complimentary M3 targeted massager. This massager, designed to complement their pain relief products with a specially developed magnetic massage head, effectively penetrates tight tendons for deep relaxation, giving runners an extra boost.

*Source: Experiment report from City University of Hong Kong and Hong Kong Baptist University, February 2007.

About Herbalgy

Herbalgy Pharmaceutical Ltd. is a company that captures the essence of Hong Kong. Founded in 1999 by the esteemed Traditional Chinese Medicine Professor Wong Tin Chee, he has been inspired by his father, Wong To Yik, since childhood. With a deep passion for Traditional Chinese Medicine and herbal medicine research, Professor Wong has inherited his father’s wisdom and expertise.  He is committed to adhering to his father’s philosophy of “focusing on addressing the root cause rather than merely treating the symptoms” and the principle of “viewing pain as a crucial indicator for identifying underlying issues.”

Following the establishment of the family business, Professor Wong was encouraged by his father to create the well-known “Herbalgy” brand. This name reflects the company’s commitment to promoting healthy meridians and overall well-being. With decades of clinical experience and a love for Hong Kong’s traditional Chinese medicine, he established a GMP-standard factory in Hong Kong to ensure the scientific production of traditional medicinal oils and plasters. He has since launched the brands “Touch Cool,” “Herbalgy,” and “Tibet Red,” which blend the unique characteristics of Hong Kong with accessible medicinal oils, magnetic therapy, herbal remedies, and physical therapy, making them some of the most enduring and best-selling brands in the region.

These brands offer straightforward, medication-based home care solutions designed for the early prevention of chronic pain resulting from poor blood circulation in urban lifestyles.

For more information about Herbalgy, please visit:

Website: https://herbalgy.com 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Herbalgy/ 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/herbalgyhk/