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Aker Carbon Capture ASA announces that SLB Capturi and Aker Solutions win contract to deliver carbon capture solution for Hafslund Celsio

FORNEBU, Norway, Jan. 27, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Aker Carbon Capture (ACC ASA), an Aker Horizons portfolio company, today announced that SLB Capturi, in collaboration with Aker Solutions, has been awarded an engineering, procurement, construction, installation and commissioning (EPCIC) contract from Hafslund Celsio AS to deliver a carbon capture solution at their waste-to-energy facility at Klemetsrud, Oslo.

Hafslund Celsio is Norway’s largest district heating supplier and the owner and operator of Norway’s largest waste-to-energy plant. Hafslund Celsio’s carbon capture project is part of Longship, the Norwegian Government’s full value-chain carbon capture and storage project.

The contract award includes delivery of a carbon capture plant, liquefaction system, temporary storage, and loading facility at the waste incineration site. It also includes an intermediate CO2 storage and ship loading system at Oslo harbor, from where the CO2 will be transported to the Northern Lights permanent storage facility on the Norwegian continental shelf. When operational, which is anticipated by third quarter, 2029, the carbon capture plant is expected to capture 350,000 metric tons of CO2 annually.

The EPCIC award follows a cost reduction phase for Hafslund Celsio’s project, which identified opportunities for efficiencies, including layout optimization. Innovative capture technology design enables the project to move forward. The project will now be delivered based on SLB Capturi’s modularized Just Catch 400 unit. The space-efficient Just Catch design has been fundamental to enabling a viable, cost-effective solution by reducing onsite footprint, installation, and outfitting work.

For further information, please contact:
Jonas Gamre, Investor Relations, Tel: +47 97 11 82 92, jonas.gamre@akerhorizons.com
Mats Ektvedt, Media, Tel: +47 41 42 33 28, mats.ektvedt@corporatecommunications.no

About Aker Horizons:

Aker Horizons develops green energy and green industry to accelerate the transition to Net Zero. The company is active in renewable energy, carbon capture and sustainable industrial assets. As part of the Aker group, Aker Horizons applies industrial, technological and capital markets expertise with a planet-positive purpose to drive decarbonization globally. Aker Horizons is listed on the Oslo Stock Exchange and headquartered in Fornebu, Norway. Across its portfolio, the company is present on five continents.
www.akerhorizons.com

About Aker Carbon Capture

Aker Carbon Capture ASA was established as a separate entity in 2020, building on more than 20 years long experience and maturation of the carbon capture technology within Aker. Following an agreement with SLB, a joint venture between SLB and Aker Carbon Capture was established in June 2024. The JV, SLB Capturi, is headquartered in Oslo, with SLB owning 80% and Aker Carbon Capture ASA owning 20%, two strong companies with proven track record of building successful industrial businesses positioned for substantial growth.

This information was brought to you by Cision http://news.cision.com

https://news.cision.com/aker-horizons/r/aker-carbon-capture-asa-announces-that-slb-capturi-and-aker-solutions-win-contract-to-deliver-carbon,c4096026

Trip.com Group champions further recovery and long-term growth for ASEAN tourism

DAVOS, Switzerland, Jan. 27, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Trip.com Group, a leading global travel services provider, has reinforced its commitment to supporting the full recovery and continued growth of Southeast Asia’s travel and tourism industry. CEO Jane Sun participated in discussions with key government and business leaders at the 2025 World Economic Forum (WEF) Annual Meeting, including ASEAN Secretary-General Dr Kao Kim Hourn, Malaysia’s Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, Singapore’s Deputy Prime Minister Gan Kim Yong and Thailand’s Prime Minister Paethongtarn Shinawatra.

Ms Jane Sun, CEO of Trip.com Group (left), and Dr Kao Kim Hourn, Secretary-General of ASEAN, discuss partnerships to advance local and regional goals.
Ms Jane Sun, CEO of Trip.com Group (left), and Dr Kao Kim Hourn, Secretary-General of ASEAN, discuss partnerships to advance local and regional goals.

During her meeting with Secretary-General of ASEAN Dr Kao Kim Hourn, Ms Sun pointed to robust growth potential in the regional travel market and shared Trip.com Group’s strategic vision for positioning Southeast Asia as a top travel destination in 2025 and beyond.

ASEAN is leading the way in driving new growth against the backdrop of a near-full recovery for global tourism, reporting a total of over 123 million visitors to the region in 2024, an increase of 30.6% on 2023 volumes, according to the Joint Media Statement of the 28th Meeting of ASEAN Tourism Ministers issued on 19 January 2025. The sector now sets its sights on renewal, with plans to accelerate the completion of the ASEAN Tourism Strategic Plan 2016-2025 and to develop the ASEAN Tourism Sectoral Plan 2026-2030, with a focus on sustainability and resilience. These transformations will be key to realising the additional USD 300 billion in annual economic value and over 14 million new jobs that the sector is expected to create within the next decade, accounting for 11.7% of regional GDP and 56.55 million jobs by 2034, according to World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) projections.

Ms Sun and Dr Kao explored possibilities for greater alignment between businesses like Trip.com Group and local and regional governments in advancing shared priorities. Dr Kao also shared with Ms Sun the ongoing travel-related developments in the region, including airport projects and infrastructure upgrades. Central to discussions were strategies to close the gap in post-pandemic recovery and enable further benefits to local communities.

Dr Kao Kim Hourn, Secretary-General of ASEAN, said, “ASEAN is positioning itself as a premier quality tourism destination – one that not only fosters economic growth and job creation but also strengthens cross-cultural connections. We look forward to working with Trip.com in advancing this goal.”

“It was an honour to meet with Dr Kao Kim Hourn at the World Economic Forum and align our efforts with ASEAN’s forward-looking vision for the regional travel industry,” said Ms Jane Sun, CEO of Trip.com Group.

“With the anticipated increase in flight capacity and the expansion of visa-free policies, we expect travel demand to remain strong. We are committed to showcasing the rich cultural heritage and stunning natural beauty of Southeast Asia to the world while empowering local communities and driving growth in ASEAN’s tourism industry.”

Over the past year, regional partnerships, investments, and innovations have created new opportunities for connecting Trip.com Group’s 400 million users with Southeast Asia. Initiatives include the Trip.Best Global and Asia 100 rankings, featuring some of the best hotel, nightlife and gourmet experiences that the region has to offer.

These new offerings engage travellers in targeted and personalised ways. This also presents opportunities for tapping into emerging trends to drive growth. For example, with the increasing interest in entertainment travel, artists touring in Southeast Asia – such as Mandopop star Jay Chou and K-pop group Stray Kids – drove a surge in bookings on Trip.com Group’s newly launched “Events & Shows” channel in 2024.

These initiatives have helped to boost tourism in the region. In 2024, visitors from Thailand, Malaysia and the Philippines led intra-regional travel on Trip.com Group platforms, while China and Korea were some of the top source markets outside the region. For the upcoming Chinese New Year, Trip.com Group projects further increase in intra-regional and inbound travel volume in Southeast Asia for the upcoming Chinese New Year – with Universal Studios Singapore and the Kuala Lumpur Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour among the most sought-after experiences.

With new opportunities on the horizon for Southeast Asian tourism, Trip.com Group looks forward to continuing to innovate and collaborate with local and regional partners to inspire travellers and support the region’s long-term growth and prosperity.

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.

Chinese Men from Laos Rescued in Thailand After Ransom Kidnap

Chinese Men from Laos Rescued in Thailand After Ransom Kidnap
Police observing the arrested kidnappers (photo credit: Thairath)

Seven Chinese men were lured from Laos to Chanuman district, Amnat Charoen, Thailand, with false promises of high-paying jobs before being rescued by Thai authorities.

Sustainable Shared Transport and Fujitsu launch open platform for joint transportation and delivery in Japan, enhancing logistics efficiency across industries

TOKYO and KAWASAKI, Japan, Jan. 27, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Sustainable Shared Transport Inc. (SST), a subsidiary of Yamato Holdings Co., Ltd. and Fujitsu Limited, today announced the launch of a joint transportation and delivery system for shippers and logistics providers in Japan. SST will start providing the service on February 1, 2025.

SST, established on May 21, 2024, aims to build a sustainable supply chain through this platform, which utilizes standardized pallet transportation (physical) and standardized information exchange (digital). This new joint transportation and delivery service, provided by SST, matches shippers and logistics providers on the system, primarily focusing on trunk transport.

Fujitsu, recognizing the crucial role of responsible supply chain management in its commitment to developing a digital society, views solving logistics challenges as a key priority within its Materiality. Fujitsu will utilize SST’s joint transportation and delivery service as a shipper and has jointly built a data integration platform with the company. On February 1, 2025, Fujitsu will invest 50 million yen in SST.

This initiative comes as the logistics industry in Japan faces various challenges, including transportation capacity shortages and climate change concerns, and all companies are being urged to undergo significant transformations to further improve logistical efficiency and create an attractive work environment. Furthermore, to foster sustainable logistics growth, the Japanese government amended legislation, encouraging shippers and logistics companies to implement logistics optimization measures from April 2025 onwards.

However, industry-specific systems, standards, and business practices hinder widespread solutions. To address this task, the Yamato Group established SST in May 2024, fostering open collaboration across industries. Together with Fujitsu, SST has developed a foundational system for data integration across companies.

Future Plans

SST and Fujitsu aim to create a sustainable and cross-industry supply chain by combining Yamato Group’s partnerships with approximately 1.7 million corporate clients and over 3,500 logistics providers, its transportation network and operational expertise, and Fujitsu’s expertise in manufacturing, distribution, and system development. Furthermore, the two companies will build a digital infrastructure linking commercial and logistics information, and promote data integration with related organizations and platforms to optimize and strengthen the entire supply chain.

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Tiger Brokers Wins Two Prestigious Awards from CME Group, Strengthening Its Global Fintech Leadership

HONG KONG, Jan. 27, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Tiger Brokers (HK) Global Limited (“Tiger Brokers (HK)”) has been honored with two prestigious awards by the Chicago Mercantile Exchange Group (CME Group): “Broker Program Key Partner 2024” and “Futures and Options Nurturer 2024.” These accolades not only reinforce Tiger Brokers’ position as a leading global fintech broker but also recognize its outstanding achievements in the futures and options investment sector.


As a world-class online securities trading platform, Tiger Brokers is dedicated to providing clients with a superior trading experience and a diverse range of investment options. Last year, Tiger Brokers became one of the first mainstream online brokerage firms in Hong Kong to support the trading of both traditional securities and virtual assets on a single platform. Currently, professional investors in Hong Kong can access Tiger Brokers’ flagship platform, Tiger Trade, to conduct one-stop trading of 20 different virtual assets, including Bitcoin (BTC) and Ethereum (ETH), as well as stocks, options, futures, US Treasuries, funds, and other global assets. This integration allows customers to manage global asset allocation more conveniently and seamlessly without the need to open multiple accounts across different brokers and platforms.

Felix Huang, Deputy CEO of Tiger Brokers, said “The awards from the CME Group recognize outstanding Asian brokers in the marketing and promotion of CME Group products. This recognition is a testament to Tiger Brokers’ unwavering commitment to serving global investors and injects new momentum into the Company’s future business development. Tiger Brokers will continue to invest in technology, products, and services, constantly optimizing and expanding its trading product range to provide clients with a more premium, convenient, and comprehensive global financial investment experience. Additionally, we will further deepen our strategic cooperation with international exchanges to jointly drive fintech innovation and development in the Hong Kong and global financial markets.”

About Tiger Brokers (HK)

Tiger Brokers (HK) Global Limited (Central number: BMU940) holds type 1, 2, 4, 5 and 9 licenses of the Securities and Futures Commission. Starting from 30th November 2022, with Tiger Trade, Tiger Brokers’ flagship app, Hong Kong users can trade financial products from major markets around the world, such as Hong Kong stocks, warrants, options, US stocks, US fractional shares and ETFs, etc., providing a one-stop solution to their investment needs. In the future, we will continue to expand our trading markets and categories to better serve Hong Kong investors.

About Tiger Brokers

Tiger Brokers (Nasdaq: TIGR), founded in 2014, is a leading online brokerage group with a focus on redefining global investing with technologies for the next generation.

Since our inception, the company has relentlessly offered a superior user experience to let everyone enjoy efficient and smart global investing, by bringing a multitude of quality financial products and services across brokerage, employee stock ownership plan (ESOP) management, investment banking, wealth management, investor community, and investor education in our pursuit of becoming a world-leading online brokerage group.

We strive to elevate financial technology R&D to a new level. While we inherit the best traditions from the financial sector and blend them with the best minds of tech experts, we develop our own technology infrastructure—an aggregation that enables multi-currency trading of various products across markets, guaranteeing our reliable, secure, and scalable services accessible to all with low latency.

Currently, we serve over 10 million users and over 2 million account holders worldwide on our flagship platform “Tiger Trade”, own 77 licenses and qualifications in different markets, and have over 1,000 employees on the team in Hong Kong, Singapore, New Zealand, the US, Australia, and Mainland China. In 2019, the company was listed on Nasdaq as UP Fintech Holding Limited under the ticker TIGR.         

Innophys Launches Sales of “Muscle Suit (R)” Powered Exoskeletons in Singapore

– Addressing Needs of Aging Population and Reducing Workload, Aiming for Expansion in Southeast Asian Markets –

TOKYO, Jan. 27, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Innophys Co., Ltd. (hereinafter referred to as “Innophys”), a venture originating from Tokyo University of Science, located in Hachioji City, Tokyo, started sales in Singapore of its Muscle Suit (R) powered exoskeleton series on January 6.

Image1:
https://cdn.kyodonewsprwire.jp/prwfile/release/M106291/202501223205/_prw_PI1fl_V3mwXd0T.jpg

Innophys launched the lightweight model “Muscle Suit Soft-Power EASY-LIFT” in October last year. The company is progressing with its market expansion, tailoring its offerings to meet local needs.

Following its foray into Romania last year, Innophys has begun selling its Muscle Suit (R) in Singapore as part of its efforts to strengthen its presence in overseas markets. Singapore boasts a high economic standard and is proactive in enhancing labor conditions, adopting advanced technologies. Additionally, as an important logistics hub, Singapore has seen rising interest in the Muscle Suit (R) series for tasks such as cargo handling in factories and warehouses, as well as in the healthcare and caregiving sectors.

The country faces a growing need to address the aging population and reduce labor burdens. Through the Muscle Suit (R) model, Innophys aims to improve worker safety and productivity. Singapore is positioned as a hub for the Southeast Asian market. By leveraging the country as a base, Innophys is committed to further expanding into additional overseas markets.

The current overseas Muscle Suit (R) distributors are located in the following countries/regions (as January 27, 2025):

Asia: Mainland China, South Korea, Taiwan region, Hong Kong SAR & Macau SAR, Malaysia, Thailand, Singapore

– EU: France, Spain, Italy, Germany, Poland, Denmark, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Romania, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Slovenia

Latin America: Mexico

Official global websites of Muscle Suit (R):
Muscle Suit: https://innophys.net/musclesuit/
Information on oversea distributors: https://innophys.net/musclesuit/distributors-and-retailers/

About Muscle Suit Soft-Power EASY-LIFT

Image2:
https://cdn.kyodonewsprwire.jp/prwfile/release/M106291/202501223205/_prw_PI2fl_72dluVqM.jpg

Released on October 21, 2024, this entry-level model is designed for tasks like farming, construction, and transport, reducing lower back strain by 33%. Weighing only 310g, it is lightweight, flexible, easy to wear, washable, and affordable, making it highly practical for users.

129Knots launches with $10M investment led by Sing Fuels, over $500M deal pipeline, and first of its kind real-world asset origination to distribution (OTD) technology

SINGAPORE, Jan. 27, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Global fintech venture 129Knots has launched with a $10 million investment led by  Sing Fuels. Backed by a $500 million deal pipeline, it is set to revolutionize the industry  with its real-world asset origination to distribution (OTD) technology.

(L-R) Mahesh Kumar, Vikash Dhanuka
(L-R) Mahesh Kumar, Vikash Dhanuka

The OTD technology will reinvent deep-tier industries by delivering and deploying scalable liquidity solutions through secure chain technologies. This will elevate supply  chains into high-value assets that meet investment-grade standards. Moreover, the  platform is driven by a proprietary data driven credit engine named Tribal Knots. Tribal  Knots uses advanced machine learning and integrates both structured and  unstructured data from global networks to offer real-time insights into buyer behavior,  transaction patterns, and industry benchmarks.

129Knots was incubated and launched under the Singapore Economic Development  Board (EDB) Corporate Venture Launchpad programme, which supports companies  with venture creation and startup partnerships from Singapore. The corporation  partnered with McKinsey & Company to validate its market opportunity, which led to the  creation of 129Knots to drive innovation in the real-world asset economy. The  additional support from Enterprise Singapore and IBM consulting, combined with the  $10 million capital injection, will help scale 129Knots globally as it aims to solve the  $2.5 trillion gap between trade finance requests and approvals, which is its first market  entry value proposition.

129Knots will also offer a vast range of next-gen OTD solutions across trade credit,  asset tokenization, programmable money, stablecoin-powered transactions, blockchain  technology, advanced trade audit trails, innovative credit risk assessment models, and  trade governance. These technologies will redefine real-world asset management,  increase transparency, and enhance risk mitigation beginning in the marine energy  transition sector, with plans to expand into other high growth industries.

The pipeline of over $500 million in deals, combined with the financial vote of  confidence from one of Singapore’s fastest-growing companies, is clear evidence of the  overwhelming demand for state-of-the-art asset origination to distribution platform,  according to 129Knots.

Vikash Dhanuka, Founder & Group CEO, said: “The homogeneous approach of  balance-sheet led lending is obsolete. A one-size-fits-all approach simply fails in a  dynamic sector such as global trade. At 129Knots, we redefine the game with a tailored  integration of OTD technology, business risk management, and finance.

As an example, a small marine energy supplier in an emerging market can tokenize  receivables using programmable money, enabling instant credit disbursement upon  achieving predefined milestones verified in real-time through advanced governance  audit trails. This innovation provides financiers with full visibility into trade assets, mitigates risks and unlocks capital previously unavailable through conventional  channels.”

Mahesh Kumar, co-founder and interim CEO at 129Knots, said: “At the forefront of the  real-world asset economy, 129Knots strives to become the world’s most trusted  originator and distributor of real-world assets and to revolutionize deep-tier trade industries with safe, efficient, and next-gen secure chain technologies.

129Knots is therefore more than just a fintech platform; it is designed for scalability and  adaptability. Our cutting-edge OTD technology seamlessly provides end-to-end data  visibility from asset origination to distribution. 

About 129Knots:

129Knots is pioneering a state-of-the-art, real-world asset origination to distribution  (OTD) platform. Our breakthrough technology will reinvent deep-tier industries by  delivering and deploying scalable liquidity solutions through secure chain technologies.  Powered by a proprietary credit engine named Tribal Knots, 129Knots will elevate  supply chains into high-value assets that meet investment-grade standards. 

129Knots was incubated and launched under the Singapore Economic Development  Board (EDB) Corporate Venture Launchpad programme, with additional support from  McKinsey & Company, Enterprise Singapore and IBM consulting.

Visit 129Knots here for more info.

 

SERES Leads Chinese EV Innovation at Davos, Championing Global Collaboration for the Intelligent Age

CHONGQING, China, Jan. 27, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — During the World Economic Forum’s 2025 annual meeting held from January 20-24 in Davos-Klosters, Switzerland, nearly 3,000 representatives from 130 countries and regions discussed the theme “Collaboration for the Intelligent Age,” exploring topics such as reimagining growth and industries in the intelligent era. SERES Vice President Kang Bo was the sole Chinese new energy vehicle enterprise representative invited to attend and participate in multiple forum activities.

Media reports
Media reports

In today’s globalized landscape, open collaboration has become essential. By sharing resources and expertise across industries, innovative business models and development approaches are emerging, enabling high-quality collaboration in the intelligent age. Kang Bo emphasized that sector boundaries are becoming increasingly fluid, with cross-industry collaboration becoming critical. SERES has substantially benefited from this collaborative approach, building partnerships with global automotive suppliers and leading technology companies to enhance its products’ intelligence and connectivity. The company now shares its powertrain technology with 12 partners worldwide, driving collective progress in the automotive industry.

Media reports
Media reports

“Advancements in new quality productive forces have propelled China’s new energy vehicle industry to new heights,” Kang Bo highlighted. Domestic automakers have made significant strides in core competencies, developing cutting-edge technologies in electric powertrains, artificial intelligence, new materials, and advanced manufacturing processes. These innovations have strengthened the entire industry value chain, positioning Chinese vehicle enterprises competitively in the high-end market. SERES stands as a prime example of high-quality innovation, with its brand image and perceived value continuously evolving.

In 2024, SERES achieved remarkable results, with annual new energy vehicle sales exceeding 420,000 units, representing a year-on-year growth of over 182%. Kang Bo believes the core competitiveness of intelligent vehicles lies in Software-Defined Vehicles (SDV). Through continuous over-the-air (OTA) updates, they provide users with an innovative and frequently renewed driving experience, enhancing both software features and overall hardware performance throughout the vehicle’s lifecycle.

SERES has pioneered innovative technology in intelligent manufacturing, establishing a globally benchmarked Super Factory in Chongqing. The facility, housing over 3,000 robots, achieves 100% automation in critical processes and comprehensive vehicle inspections, significantly boosting production efficiency and product quality. The company has implemented 10,000-ton integrated die-casting technology, dramatically reducing component count and enhancing overall vehicle quality.