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Students from Thailand Win ‘Best in World’ Cambridge Schools Science Competition

Winners developed innovative solution to address water scarcity

CAMBRIDGE, England, Jan. 31, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — The International Education group of Cambridge University Press & Assessment (Cambridge) is pleased to announce that the 2024 ‘Best in World’ winner of the prestigious Cambridge Science Competition is a team from Anglo Singapore International School in Thailand.


Cambridge Science Competition 2024 – what impressed the head judge?

The team—comprising ZiKe Huang, Tan Hiranwat, Jintaporn Seemunta, and Kunathorn Jesdaviriya—developed an atmospheric moisture condensation system to address water scarcity, a critical global challenge. Their innovative project harnessed water from the atmosphere using a refrigeration pump, cooling module, and collection surface. Once the system reached the air’s dew point, water condensed and was collected and air-purified to reduce contamination.

‘Best in World’ winners of the Cambridge Science Competition from Anglo Singapore International School,Thailand
‘Best in World’ winners of the Cambridge Science Competition from Anglo Singapore International School,Thailand

The water generated had a neutral pH level of 7, low salt concentration, and a mineral content comparable to distilled water with no detectable bacterial contamination. This led the team to conclude that atmospheric moisture condensation has potential for generating drinking water.

Rod Smith, Group Managing Director for International Education at Cambridge, highlighted the significance of the students’ achievements: “These projects exemplify how young minds can harness science to solve pressing challenges like sustainability. Cambridge remains committed to inspiring learners to shape the future and create a better world.”

Team member, Kunathorn Jesdaviriya (Ken), said: “Through this project, I realised the immense scale of water scarcity worldwide; ensuring access to clean water is a global sustainability challenge set by the United Nations. While our project may not immediately solve the problem, I am hopeful that one day, someone from our team will contribute to a lasting solution.”

‘Best in World’ winners of the Cambridge Science Competition from Anglo Singapore International School,Thailand
‘Best in World’ winners of the Cambridge Science Competition from Anglo Singapore International School,Thailand

Mr. Sajjath Ahmed, Teacher Mentor at Anglo Singapore International School, said: “Seeing the growth of these students as young scientists has been incredibly rewarding. They have become more confident, collaborative, and passionate, creating something truly impactful.”

The competition, which saw more teams enter than ever before (308), is aimed at students, aged 14 to 16, working in small teams to conduct independent scientific investigations as an extracurricular activity, complementing their Cambridge IGCSE or Cambridge O Level studies. The aim of the competition is to foster a passion for science and equip students with the practical skills to address real-world issues.  

Qudian Inc. Announces Appointment of Auditor

XIAMEN, China, Jan. 31, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Qudian Inc. (“Qudian” or “the Company” or “We”) (NYSE: QD), a consumer-oriented technology company, today announced the appointment of Marcum Asia CPAs LLP (“Marcum Asia”) as the Company’s new independent registered public accounting firm.

The Company previously announced the appointment of BDO China Shu Lun Pan Certified Public Accountants LLP (“BDO”) as its independent registered public accounting firm on September 6, 2024. After the announcement, BDO informed the Company’s management and audit committee that, due to constraints on its internal resources, BDO may not be able to complete its audit work according to the timetable proposed by the Company. After further discussions, the Company decided to revoke BDO’s appointment and BDO accepted the revocation. The revocation of BDO’s appointment was not as a result of any disagreement between the Company and BDO on any matter of accounting principles or practices, financial statement disclosure, or auditing scope or procedures.

After carefully considering additional candidates, the Company has appointed Marcum Asia CPAs LLP (“Marcum Asia”) to succeed Ernst & Young Hua Ming LLP (“EY”), which previously was the independent auditor providing audit services to the Company. The appointment of Marcum Asia was made after careful consideration and was approved by the Audit Committee of the Company.

During the Company’s two most recent fiscal years ended December 31, 2023, and during the subsequent interim period prior to January 31, 2025, neither the Company nor anyone acting on its behalf consulted with Marcum Asia on either (a) the application of accounting principles to a specified transaction, either completed or proposed, or the type of audit opinion that might be rendered on the Company’s financial statements, and neither a written report nor oral advice was provided to the Company by Marcum Asia that Marcum Asia concluded was an important factor considered by the Company in reaching a decision as to any accounting, auditing or financial reporting issue, or (b) any matter that was the subject of a disagreement, as that term is defined in Item 16F(a)(1)(iv) of Form 20-F (and the related instructions thereto) or a reportable event as set forth in Item 16F(a)(1)(v) of Form 20-F.

The Company is working closely with EY and Marcum Asia to ensure a seamless transition.

About Qudian Inc.

Qudian is a consumer-oriented technology company. The Company historically focused on providing credit solutions to consumers. Qudian is exploring innovative logistics services to satisfy consumers’ demand for e-commerce transactions by leveraging its technology capabilities.

Safe Harbor Statement

This announcement contains forward-looking statements. These statements are made under the “safe harbor” provisions of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements can be identified by terminology such as “will,” “expects,” “anticipates,” “future,” “intends,” “plans,” “believes,” “estimates” and similar statements. Among other things, the expectation of its collection efficiency and delinquency, contain forward-looking statements. Qudian may also make written or oral forward-looking statements in its periodic reports to the SEC, in its annual report to shareholders, in press releases and other written materials and in oral statements made by its officers, directors or employees to third parties. Statements that are not historical facts, including statements about Qudian’s beliefs and expectations, are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements involve inherent risks and uncertainties. A number of factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statement, including but not limited to the following: Qudian’s goal and strategies; Qudian’s expansion plans; Qudian’s future business development, financial condition and results of operations; Qudian’s expectations regarding demand for, and market acceptance of, its products; Qudian’s expectations regarding keeping and strengthening its relationships with customers, business partners and other parties it collaborates with; general economic and business conditions; and assumptions underlying or related to any of the foregoing. Further information regarding these and other risks is included in Qudian’s filings with the SEC. All information provided in this press release and in the attachments is as of the date of this press release, and Qudian does not undertake any obligation to update any forward-looking statement, except as required under applicable law.

For investor and media inquiries, please contact:

In China:
Qudian Inc.
Tel: +86-592-596-8208
E-mail: ir@qudian.com

Nationwide Raid Nets 1.44 Million Illegal Tobacco Packs in 2024

Nationwide Raid Nets 1.44 Million Illegal Tobacco Packs in 2024
The seized illegal tobaccos (photo credit: Lao National Radio)

On 29 January, the Ministry of Industry and Commerce reported the seizure of over 1.44 million packs of counterfeit tobacco products in 2024.

Traditionally-crafted Bamboo Brooms Earn National Recognition

Bamboo brooms of Kang village (photo credit: Phonesavanh Manisy)

Broom-making is more than just a craft in Bokeo’s Kang village, it’s a long standing tradition that has been passed down for generations. 

Vientiane Launches Sustainable Tourism Initiative with Innovative Technology for Growth

Patuxai in Vientiane Capital (Photo: Passport the World)

The Lao government has announced plans to boost tourism in Vientiane Capital with the theme “Vientiane’s Sustainable Tourism,” The initiative aims to incorporate innovative technologies into tourism management and create new attractions for visitors.

This project is a collaboration between the Department of Information, Culture, and Tourism of Vientiane Capital and Packon Company Limited from Thailand. A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was signed on 28 January to formalize the partnership and pave the way for tourism development in the capital.

A key focus will be conducting research to explore opportunities for expanding activities at existing and potential new attractions within the city. This includes studying the feasibility of sustainable tourism practices and developing a viable business model.

In addition to tourism, the project will address infrastructure improvements. Plans include enhancing water and clean energy management to support the growing needs of the tourism industry. Efforts will focus on reliable electricity and oil supplies, as well as efficient water management systems for drinking water, drainage, and wastewater treatment.

The initiative will also advance communication technologies, such as the implementation of 5G networks and expanded Wi-Fi coverage, to improve data management for city services. This will contribute to safer urban areas and better health standards for residents.

Further improvements will target key aspects of city infrastructure, including road construction, traffic management, transportation systems, waste management, and flood control measures.

In addition, the project aims to enhance tourist satisfaction by integrating technology to create a more seamless experience. Mobile applications will be developed to assist tourists, service providers, and business owners in areas such as entry and exit systems, tour guides, transportation, restaurants, shopping, and accommodations. These innovations are intended to meet international quality standards while preserving the unique aspects of Vientiane’s tourism offerings.

The initiative will also focus on developing new attractions along the Mekong River and at That Luang Lake, including upgrading the night market along the river, creating pedestrian-friendly walking streets, and enhancing other popular tourist sites. Electric tour buses will be introduced as a new symbol of Vientiane Capital, contributing to a greener, more sustainable tourism experience.

SKF Year-end report Q4 2024: Strong execution supporting margin resilience

GOTHENBURG, Sweden, Jan. 31, 2025 /PRNewswire/ —

Q4 2024

Net sales: SEK 24,725 million (24,438)
Organic growth: −3.1% (−1.9%), driven by lower market demand mainly in Europe and China, while Americas and India & Southeast Asia are showing positive sales development.
Adjusted operating profit: SEK 2,735 million (2,929). Continued strong price/mix contribution was offset by negative currency effects as well as lower volumes, which also resulted in decreased cost efficiency.
Adjusted operating margin: 11.1% (12.0%)
Net cash flow from operating activities: SEK 3,283 million (3,937)

Rickard Gustafson, President and CEO:

In 2024, we showed resilience in challenging market conditions thanks to diligent strategic execution. In the fourth quarter, we maintained solid margins given low demand and currency headwind.

Solid margin in week markets 

I’m pleased that we successfully navigated the challenging market conditions that prevailed throughout 2024, initiated a separation process for our Automotive business and continued to strengthen our operational and innovation capabilities. This positions us well to capture profitable growth opportunities as demand recovers. For the full year 2024, we upheld a resilient adjusted operating margin of 12.3% in a market that shifted from organic growth in 2023 to organic decline of −5.4%. Cash flow from operations was solid at approximately SEK 11 billion.

The weak demand environment remained also in the fourth quarter, partly offset by a solid price/mix through effective pricing activities, diligent portfolio management, and strong aftermarket focus. The organic sales decline in the quarter was −3.1% with large variations between regions. Our Industrial business in Americas and India & Southeast Asia showed positive organic growth, partly due to favorable timing of deliveries before year-end. Demand in Europe and China remained weak, which also was the case for Automotive in general, except for our EV business in China that performed well.

Our adjusted operating margin in Q4 of 11.1% represents another proof point of our improved resilience given the negative volume development and a negative margin impact from currency of −0.9 percentage points.

We have continued to work hard on cost reduction activities and fully offset high wage inflation. The fourth quarter, however, was the first since the low demand environment started in mid-2023 where these activities were not able to fully offset the negative impact from low volumes. Due to the product mix, we also saw an increase in material cost. Our diligent cost reduction activities will continue, including looking at the set up for our Industrial and Automotive businesses to create a strong foundation for the future.

Our Automotive business had a challenging quarter with volatile demand, impacted by customers’ reduced factory output. It is therefore encouraging that its underlying business performance is on a positive trajectory entering new margin accretive businesses. Our new Hub Bearing Unit for EVs, for example, provides significant customer value through increased mileage per battery charge by being 10% lighter than conventional wheel bearings and reducing friction by 30%.

Cash flow from operations was robust in the quarter at SEK 3.3 billion, supported by margin resilience and working capital reduction.

Investing in creating a stronger SKF

Regionalization is a key element of our strategy. In 2024, we continued to invest in further optimizing our footprint and in creating competitive and resilient regional value chains. These efforts improved our regionalization rates during the year from 63% to 68% in Asia and from 66% to 69% in Americas. Increased regionalization brings several market- and operational benefits. In China for example, it has shortened lead times from order to delivery with 25% since 2019.

To position us to benefit from the electrification megatrend and the increasing demand for high-speed rotation, we are investing in our ceramic bearing capacity and capabilities. To strengthen our competitiveness and secure the full value chain, we are investing in increased access to raw material as well as in accelerating our manufacturing and R&D processes.

Separation update–Capital Markets Day on 11 November

Our work to create two fit for purpose businesses, Industrial and Automotive, is in an intensive phase. More information about the progress will be shared on our Capital Markets Day which will be held on 11 November 2025 in Stockholm.

Outlook

The world is rapidly changing, with markets affected by geopolitical uncertainty, and we expect continued volatility. For the first quarter of 2025, we expect organic sales to weaken somewhat, year-over-year.

In recognition of the Group’s solid financial position, the Board has decided to propose to the Annual General Meeting a dividend of SEK 7.75 per share.”

Financial overview, MSEK unless otherwise stated

Q4 2024

Q4 2023

2024

2023

Net sales

24,725

24,438

98,722

103,881

Organic growth, %

−3.1

−1.9

−5.4

3.7

Adjusted operating profit

2,735

2,929

12,183

12,977

Adjusted operating margin, %

11.1

12.0

12.3

12.5

Operating profit

2,331

1,925

10,339

11,084

Operating margin, %

9.4

7.9

10.5

10.7

Adjusted profit before taxes

2,418

2,220

10,933

11,074

Profit before taxes

2,014

1,216

9,089

9,181

Net cash flow from operating activities

3,283

3,937

10,792

13,783

Basic earnings per share

3.31

1.37

14.22

14.04

Adjusted earnings per share

4.20

3.57

18.27

18.20

Net sales, change y-o-y, %, Q4

Organic1)

Structure

Currency

Total

SKF Group

−3.1

0.3

3.9

1.1

Industrial

−2.7

0.5

3.1

0.9

Automotive

−4.0

0.0

5.8

1.8

1) Price, mix and volume

Net sales, change y-o-y, %, Full year 2024

Organic1)

Structure

Currency

Total

SKF Group

−5.4

0.1

0.4

−4.9

Industrial

−5.7

0.1

0.3

−5.3

Automotive

−4.9

0.0

0.8

−4.1

1) Price, mix and volume

Organic sales in local currencies, change y-o-y, %, Q4

Europe, Middle East & Africa

The Americas

China & Northeast Asia

India & Southeast Asia

SKF Group

−7.9

5.3

−9.9

9.9

Industrial

+++

+++

Automotive

++

+++

Organic sales in local currencies, changey-o-y, %,
Full year 2024

Europe, Middle East & Africa

The Americas

China & Northeast Asia

India & Southeast Asia

SKF Group

−6.0

−4.0

−10.6

3.4

Industrial

+/-

+/-

Automotive

+/-

++

Outlook and Guidance

Outlook

  • Q1 2025: We expect organic sales to weaken somewhat, year-over-year.
  • SKF has decided to discontinue issuing full-year organic sales outlook.

Guidance Q1 2025

  • Currency impact on the operating profit is expected to be around SEK 200 million positive compared with the first quarter 2024, based on exchange rates per 31 December 2024.

Guidance FY 2025

  • Tax level excluding effects related to divested businesses: around 26%.
  • Additions to property, plant and equipment: around SEK 4.5 billion excluding separation of the Automotive business.

A webcast will be held on 31 January 2025 at 08:00 (CET):
Sweden +46 (0)8 5051 0031
UK/International +44 (0)207 107 0613
https://investors.skf.com

Aktiebolaget SKF
(publ)

The financial information in this press release contains inside information that AB SKF is obliged to make public pursuant to the EU Market Abuse Regulation. The information was submitted for publication through the agency of the contact person set out below on 31 January 2025 at 07.00 CET.

For further information, please contact:
PRESS: Carl Bjernstam, Head of Media Relations
tel: 46 31-337 2517; mobile: 46 722-201 893; e-mail: carl.bjernstam@skf.com

INVESTOR RELATIONS: Sophie Arnius, Head of Investor Relations
tel: 46 31-337 8072; mobile: 46 705-908 072; e-mail: sophie.arnius@skf.com

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

https://news.cision.com/skf/r/skf-year-end-report-q4-2024–strong-execution-supporting-margin-resilience,c4098728

The following files are available for download:

Tokyo Unicorn Summit 2025: Uniting Asia’s Leading Startup Visionaries for Cross-Border Innovation

TOKYO, Jan. 31, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Tokyo-based global media agency Pacific Bridge Media and Consulting Inc. (PBMC) is pleased to announce that the inaugural Tokyo Unicorn Summit will be held on May 7th, 2025 at Azabudai Hills in Tokyo, bringing together approximately 100 unicorn and soon-to-be-unicorn companies from across Asia. This exclusive, invitation-only event will feature networking opportunities, private sessions, and Asia’s top leaders as guest speakers.

PBMC, which runs solutions-focused multilingual news service J-Stories, will co-host the event with a major Korean-language newspaper, The Chosun Ilbo, with the support from various startup support organizations from Korea, Taiwan region, Japan and other Asian countries.

In a world increasingly fragmented by conflict and discord, the need for collaboration and unity has never been greater. The Tokyo Unicorn Summit seeks to transcend borders and bring together Asia’s most influential innovators and visionaries. This unprecedented event is a dynamic platform where diverse ideas converge, exploring ways for top decision-makers in the startup ecosystems across Asia to collaborate and together solve social and environmental issues throughout the region.

The Tokyo Unicorn Summit aims to serve as a catalyst for Asia’s top entrepreneurs to unite and make the region the world’s innovation hub for the next generation. By uniting visionary entrepreneurs, we aim to bridge divides, spark collaboration, and address today’s challenges while unlocking tomorrow’s opportunities.

[Event Overview]

https://tokyounicornsummit.peatix.com/view 

Date: Wednesday, May 7, 2025

Time: 12:00-21:00 JST (Tentative; Subject to change)

Venue: Azabudai Hills (Tokyo)

Language: English

Organizer: Tokyo Unicorn Summit 2025 Committee

Co-Hosts: The Chosun Ilbo, J-Stories/Pacific Bridge Media & Consulting (PBMC), Korea Startup Forum

Partners and Supporters: SusHI Tech Tokyo, Startup Island TAIWAN and more

Participating Startups:

CxOs of

  • Unicorns
  • Recently IPO’ed unicorns
  • Series B to pre-IPO

from Korea, Taiwan region, Japan, and other Asian countries

Financial-sector Participants:

  • Investment banks
  • Cross-border VCs / CVCs
  • M&A specialists

For Inquiries Regarding This Matter

Pacific Bridge Media & Consulting Inc.
Email:
jstories@pacificbridge.jp / info@pacificbridge.jp
Phone: +81-50-5527-0955

Tokyo office of The Chosun ilbo
Email:
tokyo_office@chosun.com
Phone: +81-3-3214-5256 

About J-Stories

J-Stories is a solutions-focused media platform dedicated to introducing Japan-origin innovations that address global challenges such as environmental issues and food shortages. Since its launch in April 2022, J-Stories has published over 500 articles and has been widely disseminating innovations and ideas from Japanese startups, NGOs, and university research institutions through articles and videos.

J-Stories Website:
(English)   https://jstories.media
(Japanese)  https://jstories.media/jp

Pacific Bridge Media and Consulting, Inc. (PBMC)

Founded in 2010 by experienced international journalist Toshi Maeda with the mission to “connect the world with trusted content and realize a rich and equitable human society,” PBMC specializes in creating diverse multilingual content that combines video, language, and technology. The company provides comprehensive services for enterprises looking to share information globally, including planning and producing articles, visual content such as videos and photos, CGI, website creation, and multilingual live event broadcasting. PBMC has a strong track record working with a wide range of clients—from major domestic and international corporations and media to startups and government agencies—establishing itself as a highly regarded international multimedia content provider.

Company Overview

Pacific Bridge Media and Consulting, Inc.

  • Main Fields of Business: Multilingual content strategy-building, production and distribution; Cross-border public, media and investor relations, Multilingual event planning, hosting and technical & editorial support; live-streaming and news/event conference support, News and media release production and distribution worldwide; Startup & corporate media platform management and content production
  • Headquarters: 22nd Floor, Shiroyama Trust Tower, 4-3-1 Toranomon, Minato-ku, Tokyo
  • CEO: Toshi Maeda
  • Founded: June 30, 2010
  • URL: https://pacificbridge.jp

CONTACT:

PACIFIC BRIDGE MEDIA AND CONSULTING

Editorial department: Toshi Maeda (Executive Editor)・Takanori Isshiki (Deputy Executive Editor)・Anita De Michele (Editorial Coordinator)
email: info@pacificbridge.jp 
phone: +81- 50-5527-0955

World Famous Snow Festival Held in Sapporo Strives for Sustainability amid “Unprecedented Challenges” Caused by Climate Change

SAPPORO, Japan, Jan. 31, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — The 75th Sapporo Snow Festival will be held on February 4 – 11, 2025, in the City of Sapporo, Japan’s Northern Capital. As one of the world’s largest snow sculpture festivals, the city will be transformed into a winter wonderland featuring over 200 snow sculptures, some towering over 12 meters tall. With 2 million people from around the globe attending each year, the festival has become one of the most anticipated events on Japan’s calendar.

Image1:
https://cdn.kyodonewsprwire.jp/prwfile/release/M107897/202501233278/_prw_PI1fl_7va6XTbR.jpg

However, the festival is currently facing a variety of unprecedented challenges. There are financial problems arising due to the increased operating costs and a decrease in advertising revenue, as well as a shortage of large sculpture production staff. Additionally, the festival is facing the ongoing threat of global warming. In recent years, increasingly irregular snowfall patterns have made it harder to gather the required amount of snow, and the rising temperatures are causing the sculptures to melt and lose their shape. Hidenori Takagi, a veteran snow sculpture maker reflects, “When I started (17 years ago), global warming wasn’t as terrible and the temperatures tended to be low. But these days, it can get up to 5 to 6 degrees, which melts the snow, and we lose all our progress.”

Image2:
https://cdn.kyodonewsprwire.jp/prwfile/release/M107897/202501233278/_prw_PI2fl_GKWSsuSZ.jpg

To address these impending issues, the city is currently exploring ways to create a more sustainable festival. As Tomonori Aoyama, Director General for Sapporo City Tourism & MICE Promotion Department, states, “To address the unprecedented challenges, we need to find imaginative solutions with the help of domestic and international co-operation.” This year, to limit carbon dioxide emissions, there are hydrogen energy trials and solar panels in some areas of the festival.

Image3:
https://cdn.kyodonewsprwire.jp/prwfile/release/M107897/202501233278/_prw_PI3fl_OI88o3Ey.jpg

The snow sculptors are not deterred by the challenges ahead. Takagi shares the profound effect of the experience, saying, “Creating large snow sculptures is a big challenge. There are more and more things we must think about every year, from designing the models to building the sculptures, it takes about three months of preparation, which is extremely tough. But when people from all around the world come to see what we’ve made and we see their reactions, I know that it is worth doing. To put it a little dramatically — it feels like we’re receiving energy to live.”

Despite the ongoing challenges, Sapporo is taking on the task to preserve the Snow Festival tradition, while adapting to new changes. The City welcomes those who come and witness firsthand its efforts towards the future of the Snow Festival.

Image4:
https://cdn.kyodonewsprwire.jp/prwfile/release/M107897/202501233278/_prw_PI4fl_NKUDrJ23.jpg

Please refer to the links below for additional information about the festival and Sapporo tourism.

Snow Festival’s official website: https://www.snowfes.com/en/
The Untold Story behind the Sculptures: https://visit.sapporo.travel/topics/2025/01/16/the-sapporo-snow-festival-the-untold-story-behind-the-sculptures/
Sapporo City official tourism website: https://visit.sapporo.travel/