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Laos Provinces Show Steady Economic Growth in First Half of 2025

This photo is for representational purpose only. (Photo credit: Cary Springfield)

Several provinces across Laos have reported solid economic progress in the first half of 2025, according to recent updates from local government offices.

Vientiane Province posted moderate growth of around 3.8 percent, supported by a balance of services, industry, and agriculture. Private investment exceeded expectations, and revenue collection reached over half of the province’s annual target.

Khammouane Province led the way with over 6 percent growth, already surpassing its full-year goal. Local authorities pointed to strong business activity and rising incomes as key drivers.

Savannakhet also showed encouraging signs, with nearly 6 percent growth. The province benefited from mining, renewable energy, and improved farming. Revenue collections were up significantly from last year.

In the northwestern province of Xayabouly, growth reached 5 percent, with local production and government income steadily increasing.

Nationally, Laos’ economy grew by about 4.5 percent, thanks to industry and a rise in foreign investment and tourism. Still, the country faces ongoing challenges, including rising living costs, poor infrastructure, and difficulties collecting taxes.

Government officials have acknowledged that while the growth is welcome, more work is needed to ensure long-term stability and development. Reforms in key areas are expected to be a priority in the months ahead.

Life Sciences on the Chinese Mainland – Vital signs: Diagnosing trends in the life sciences real estate market on the Chinese mainland


HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 1 August 2025 – Cushman & Wakefield, a leading global real estate services firm, today released its Life Sciences on the Chinese Mainland Vital signs: Diagnosing trends in the life sciences real estate market on the Chinese mainland report. It is based on in-depth interview surveys we conducted on professionals active in the life sciences sector on the Chinese mainland. The life sciences industry on the Chinese mainland is undergoing a transformative phase, driven by progressive policies, groundbreaking innovations, the emergence of influential life sciences companies, and strategic regional development. This report delves into the latest trends shaping the sector.

Policy Landscape National and Local Catalysts

Reforms enacted in 2024-2025 have significantly accelerated sector development. Nationally, China relaxed restrictions on foreign investment in gene and cell therapy and allowed the establishment of wholly foreign-owned hospitals in key cities. Regulatory incentives – such as data protection and marketing exclusivity – have improved market access for innovative drugs. Locally, cities like Beijing, Shanghai, Shenzhen, Guangzhou, and Suzhou are rolling out targeted subsidies, fast-track approvals, and ecosystem-building programmes that directly benefit biotech development.

Recent national policy initiatives on the Chinese mainland

Types of policies Detail information
Opening to Foreign Investment In 2024, China eased restrictions on foreign investments in stem cell research, gene therapy, and genetic diagnostics within Free Trade Zones (FTZs) like Beijing, Shanghai, Guangdong, and Hainan.
Regulatory Incentives The State Council’s Circular No. 53 introduced measures such as regulatory data protection and marketing exclusivity for select pharmaceutical products, including orphan and paediatric drugs.
Wholly Foreign-Owned Hospitals China now permits the establishment of wholly foreign-owned hospitals in cities like Beijing, Shanghai, and Shenzhen, enhancing healthcare services and encouraging foreign investment.

Source: Cushman & Wakefield Research

Industry Innovation and Company Growth

Chinese life sciences companies are moving beyond generic drug manufacturing toward innovative therapies. Firms like Akeso, BeiGene, Gracell, and Legend Biotech are now global players, leading in CAR-T, bispecific antibodies, and AI-assisted R&D. These companies are not only commercialising cutting-edge treatments but also attracting international investment and licensing agreements, reinforcing the Chinese mainland’s global relevance in life sciences.

Real Estate Development and Regional Hubs

Innovation hubs such as Suzhou BioBAY, Zhangjiang Hi-Tech Park (Shanghai), and the Bioisland Innovation Centre (Guangdong) are central to regional clustering. These hubs offer end-to-end support, including shared labs, venture capital access, GMP-compliant facilities, and proximity to academic and clinical networks. The rise of second-tier innovation cities like Chengdu and Ningbo further expands growth corridors.

The R&D + Manufacturing + Service” ecosystem
Source: Cushman & Wakefield Research

Landlord Perspectives Evolving Real Estate Models

Real estate developers and landlords are adapting to sector-specific requirements through asset-light models, flexible leasing, and high-specification lab and production space. Tier-1 cities face saturation, but central and western regions exhibit healthy demand. Developers are incorporating advanced sustainability and compliance features to meet growing regulatory and ESG expectations, particularly in GMP and cleanroom environments.

Digitalisation, environmental policies, and differentiated tenant strategies are shaping performance. Operators now focus on integrated ecosystems with platforms that link tenants to R&D services, policy benefits, and technology partners.

Occupier Perspectives Growth, Innovation, and Challenges

Life sciences occupiers are navigating regulatory reform, rising compliance demands, and intensified market competition. Many are localising production and R&D, leveraging regional subsidies, and investing in AI-powered innovation platforms. Occupiers seek flexibility, proximity to talent and infrastructure, and co-located R&D and manufacturing to support accelerated innovation and operational agility.

In real estate, demand is strongest for GMP-certified labs, modular production facilities, and shared innovation platforms. Occupiers emphasise location advantages, sustainability certifications (e.g., LEED, WELL), and integration into clusters that enable faster time-to-market.

Tony Su, Managing Director, National Head of Industrial & Logistics Property Services, China, said, “Life sciences business parks on the Chinese mainland demonstrated clear regional differentiation, highlighting opportunities for strategic positioning. While Tier-1 cities saw more moderate performance due to broader macroeconomic factors and abundant supply, core cities in central and western regions recorded healthy occupancy rates, underpinned by strong industrial clustering and increasingly sophisticated ecosystems – contributing to steady growth in asset value.”

Johnathan Wei, President, Project & Occupier Services, China, said, “Several interviewed life sciences companies on the Chinese mainland achieved revenue growth supported by innovative products and favourable policy tailwinds. While overall growth remained modest for many, a select group reported strong performance, highlighting opportunities for differentiation”.

Andrew Chan, Managing Director, Head of Valuation & Advisory Services, Greater China, said,” Looking ahead to 2025 and beyond, growth opportunities lie in AI-driven drug discovery, personalised medicine, advanced therapeutics (CGT, RNA), and green-certified facilities. Government policies continue to support innovation through fast-track approvals, rare disease funding, and subsidies aligned with dual-carbon and ESG goals”.

Shaun Brodie, Head of Research Content, Greater China, “Life sciences real estate is shifting from generic parks to specialised, digitally enabled campuses with high compliance and flexibility. Investment strategies increasingly emphasise long-term partnerships, collaborative operating models, and digital infrastructure. Both landlords and occupiers express cautious optimism, with strategic differentiation and regional targeting seen as keys to unlocking future value”.

Please click here to download the full report.

Hashtag: #Cushman&Wakefield

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

About Cushman & Wakefield

Cushman & Wakefield (NYSE: CWK) is a leading global commercial real estate services firm for property owners and occupiers with approximately 52,000 employees in nearly 400 offices and 60 countries. In Greater China, a network of 23 offices serves local markets across the region. In 2024, the firm reported revenue of $9.4 billion across its core services of Valuation, Consulting, Project & Development Services, Capital Markets, Project & Occupier Services, Industrial & Logistics, Retail, and others. Built around the belief that Better never settles, the firm receives numerous industry and business accolades for its award-winning culture. For additional information, visit or follow us on LinkedIn ().

Life Sciences on the Chinese Mainland – Vital signs: Diagnosing trends in the life sciences real estate market on the Chinese mainland


HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 1 August 2025 – Cushman & Wakefield, a leading global real estate services firm, today released its Life Sciences on the Chinese Mainland Vital signs: Diagnosing trends in the life sciences real estate market on the Chinese mainland report. It is based on in-depth interview surveys we conducted on professionals active in the life sciences sector on the Chinese mainland. The life sciences industry on the Chinese mainland is undergoing a transformative phase, driven by progressive policies, groundbreaking innovations, the emergence of influential life sciences companies, and strategic regional development. This report delves into the latest trends shaping the sector.

Policy Landscape National and Local Catalysts

Reforms enacted in 2024-2025 have significantly accelerated sector development. Nationally, China relaxed restrictions on foreign investment in gene and cell therapy and allowed the establishment of wholly foreign-owned hospitals in key cities. Regulatory incentives – such as data protection and marketing exclusivity – have improved market access for innovative drugs. Locally, cities like Beijing, Shanghai, Shenzhen, Guangzhou, and Suzhou are rolling out targeted subsidies, fast-track approvals, and ecosystem-building programmes that directly benefit biotech development.

Recent national policy initiatives on the Chinese mainland

Types of policies Detail information
Opening to Foreign Investment In 2024, China eased restrictions on foreign investments in stem cell research, gene therapy, and genetic diagnostics within Free Trade Zones (FTZs) like Beijing, Shanghai, Guangdong, and Hainan.
Regulatory Incentives The State Council’s Circular No. 53 introduced measures such as regulatory data protection and marketing exclusivity for select pharmaceutical products, including orphan and paediatric drugs.
Wholly Foreign-Owned Hospitals China now permits the establishment of wholly foreign-owned hospitals in cities like Beijing, Shanghai, and Shenzhen, enhancing healthcare services and encouraging foreign investment.

Source: Cushman & Wakefield Research

Industry Innovation and Company Growth

Chinese life sciences companies are moving beyond generic drug manufacturing toward innovative therapies. Firms like Akeso, BeiGene, Gracell, and Legend Biotech are now global players, leading in CAR-T, bispecific antibodies, and AI-assisted R&D. These companies are not only commercialising cutting-edge treatments but also attracting international investment and licensing agreements, reinforcing the Chinese mainland’s global relevance in life sciences.

Real Estate Development and Regional Hubs

Innovation hubs such as Suzhou BioBAY, Zhangjiang Hi-Tech Park (Shanghai), and the Bioisland Innovation Centre (Guangdong) are central to regional clustering. These hubs offer end-to-end support, including shared labs, venture capital access, GMP-compliant facilities, and proximity to academic and clinical networks. The rise of second-tier innovation cities like Chengdu and Ningbo further expands growth corridors.

The R&D + Manufacturing + Service” ecosystem
Source: Cushman & Wakefield Research

Landlord Perspectives Evolving Real Estate Models

Real estate developers and landlords are adapting to sector-specific requirements through asset-light models, flexible leasing, and high-specification lab and production space. Tier-1 cities face saturation, but central and western regions exhibit healthy demand. Developers are incorporating advanced sustainability and compliance features to meet growing regulatory and ESG expectations, particularly in GMP and cleanroom environments.

Digitalisation, environmental policies, and differentiated tenant strategies are shaping performance. Operators now focus on integrated ecosystems with platforms that link tenants to R&D services, policy benefits, and technology partners.

Occupier Perspectives Growth, Innovation, and Challenges

Life sciences occupiers are navigating regulatory reform, rising compliance demands, and intensified market competition. Many are localising production and R&D, leveraging regional subsidies, and investing in AI-powered innovation platforms. Occupiers seek flexibility, proximity to talent and infrastructure, and co-located R&D and manufacturing to support accelerated innovation and operational agility.

In real estate, demand is strongest for GMP-certified labs, modular production facilities, and shared innovation platforms. Occupiers emphasise location advantages, sustainability certifications (e.g., LEED, WELL), and integration into clusters that enable faster time-to-market.

Tony Su, Managing Director, National Head of Industrial & Logistics Property Services, China, said, “Life sciences business parks on the Chinese mainland demonstrated clear regional differentiation, highlighting opportunities for strategic positioning. While Tier-1 cities saw more moderate performance due to broader macroeconomic factors and abundant supply, core cities in central and western regions recorded healthy occupancy rates, underpinned by strong industrial clustering and increasingly sophisticated ecosystems – contributing to steady growth in asset value.”

Johnathan Wei, President, Project & Occupier Services, China, said, “Several interviewed life sciences companies on the Chinese mainland achieved revenue growth supported by innovative products and favourable policy tailwinds. While overall growth remained modest for many, a select group reported strong performance, highlighting opportunities for differentiation”.

Andrew Chan, Managing Director, Head of Valuation & Advisory Services, Greater China, said,” Looking ahead to 2025 and beyond, growth opportunities lie in AI-driven drug discovery, personalised medicine, advanced therapeutics (CGT, RNA), and green-certified facilities. Government policies continue to support innovation through fast-track approvals, rare disease funding, and subsidies aligned with dual-carbon and ESG goals”.

Shaun Brodie, Head of Research Content, Greater China, “Life sciences real estate is shifting from generic parks to specialised, digitally enabled campuses with high compliance and flexibility. Investment strategies increasingly emphasise long-term partnerships, collaborative operating models, and digital infrastructure. Both landlords and occupiers express cautious optimism, with strategic differentiation and regional targeting seen as keys to unlocking future value”.

Please click here to download the full report.

Hashtag: #Cushman&Wakefield

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

About Cushman & Wakefield

Cushman & Wakefield (NYSE: CWK) is a leading global commercial real estate services firm for property owners and occupiers with approximately 52,000 employees in nearly 400 offices and 60 countries. In Greater China, a network of 23 offices serves local markets across the region. In 2024, the firm reported revenue of $9.4 billion across its core services of Valuation, Consulting, Project & Development Services, Capital Markets, Project & Occupier Services, Industrial & Logistics, Retail, and others. Built around the belief that Better never settles, the firm receives numerous industry and business accolades for its award-winning culture. For additional information, visit or follow us on LinkedIn ().

Argon & Co Launches ‘MODE’ with goal to unlock $3B for Australia’s manufacturing industry

SYDNEY, Aug. 1, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Global management consultancy firm Argon & Co has launched its own work system for operations optimisation with the potential to create approximately $3 billion in productivity gains for Australia’s struggling $47 billion manufacturing industry.

Paul Eastwood, Managing Partner at Argon & Co
Paul Eastwood, Managing Partner at Argon & Co

“MODE” – an acronym that joins “Manufacturing Optimisation” and “Daily Execution” – combines a structured performance roadmap with coaching and real-time digital tools to improve execution of manufacturing lines at the coalface.

An early pilot achieved a staggering 100 percent increase in line productivity, with the vision to deliver between 2-5% EBIT improvements through direct cost improvements within 2 years of implementation.

MODE was launched in response to global supply chain uncertainty, rising labour costs, and weak capital investment that are currently negatively impacting productivity in Australian manufacturing.

Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) data shows that Australia’s Q1 2025 manufacturing share of GDP fell to just 5.1 percent, down from 8.9 percent two decades ago and from 15 percent in the mid-1970s.

Manufacturing production in Australia also decreased 2.5 percent in March of 2025 over the same month in 2024.

Argon & Co Managing Partner, Paul Eastwood, estimates that if MODE was implemented across Australia’s entire manufacturing output and delivered a highly conservative improvement of just 10 percent productivity uplift and 2% improvement in other cost levers, this would translate to nearly $3 billion in bottom line benefits.

Spread across the economy, these gains would materially raise GDP, reshape industry competitiveness, and enhance inflation control and living standards, helping to ease pressure on wages and prices, according to Eastwood.

In an environment with such an urgent need for scalable, front-line solutions, MODE’s approach of fast wins plus capability building could rapidly inject much-needed tangible productivity gains into Australian manufacturing, according to Argon & Co.

Paul Eastwood, Managing Partner at Argon & Co said: “Australian manufacturing has spent too long investing in solutions that don’t stick. It’s time to instead build long-term solutions that are appropriate for the realities of our factories today – tight margins, lean teams, and the need to show progress fast.

“Australian manufacturers desperately need to embed a system that drives performance every day, year after year, regardless of who’s on shift or who’s in charge.”

MODE is designed to generate measurable improvements in months, not years, while built-in monitoring and capability enablement ensure the sustainability of these improvements over the long term.

“As a new and agile platform, we have very quickly adopted AI into our thinking, within the next months MODE users will have access to our MODE agent, who will provide insights and analytics to identify the right focus areas for improvement on an daily, weekly and monthly basis ensuring teams are focused on improvement not analysis.” Eastwood said.

Its flexible, modular framework works across diverse sites and sectors, creating scalability and resistance, while supporting government goals for driving national productivity and inflation control.

For the frontline workers, achieving a certain level of capability in MODE can be maintained as they move from one business to the next, with our vision to create a benchmark for the industry when recruiting.

Argon & Co (www.argonandco.com/en/about/) is a global management consultancy that specialises in operations strategy and transformation. Its expertise spans supply chain planning, manufacturing, logistics, procurement, finance, and shared services, working together with clients to transform their businesses and generate real change.

Its people are engaging to work with and trusted by clients to get the job done.

Argon & Co has 17 offices across Europe, Australasia, America, Asia and the Middle East.

Johnson & Johnson launches The 3rd Opinion in Asia Pacific: a new term to elevate the patient voice in the lung cancer treatment journey

  • Newly published research shows up to 77% of patients in Asia Pacific trust and rely on their physicians to decide their treatment for them despite 69% of physicians encouraging patients to engage in shared decision making1.
  • A new term, coined The 3rd Opinion, is designed to spark a social movement that empowers patients to recognize their vital role in shared decision-making, in a region that is disproportionately impacted by lung cancer2.

SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 1 August 2025 – Today, on World Lung Cancer Day, Johnson & Johnson announced the launch of The 3rd Opinion, the patient’s own opinion, a new term that seeks to elevate the patient voice and transform the treatment journey of lung cancer across Asia Pacific by enhancing shared decision making. With significant scientific advancements and more lung cancer treatments becoming available, it is essential for patients to understand their options and actively engage in their care. Johnson & Johnson seeks to empower patients, amplify their voices and ensure that collaborative care becomes a reality for every patient.

image-1.jpeg

According to newly published data on NSCLC patient preferences in Future Oncology, up to 77% of patients in Asia Pacific trust and rely on their physicians to decide their treatment for them despite 69% of physicians encouraging patients to engage in shared decision making[1]. Cultural norms around stigma, not questioning authority, and limited understanding of the disease can often be major barriers causing patients not to voice concerns or ask questions, even when healthcare professionals actively encourage their input.

“Being diagnosed with lung cancer is overwhelming. It’s natural for patients to seek clarity, often by pursuing a second opinion, to better understand their condition and treatment options. However, patients often hesitate to express their concerns and treatment goals, causing them to be overlooked in the decision-making process. By creating space for the patient’s own opinion, The 3rd Opinion, creates a new way of thinking about lung cancer treatment and empowers patients to find their voice,” said Anthony Elgamal, Vice President of Oncology, Johnson & Johnson Innovative Medicine Asia Pacific.

J&J IM Key Visual Reunion The 3rd Opinion

Lung cancer has the highest incidence and mortality rate of all cancers worldwide, with more than 2.5 million people diagnosed every year, and Asia makes up 63% of all patients[2]. Up to 85% of lung cancers are non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and Asians are more prone to certain genetic mutations than the rest of the world. One of the most prevalent is a mutation known as EGFR where 30-40% of all NSCLC diagnoses are in Asia, compared to 10-15% in the United States and Europe[3][4][5]. Often being diagnosed at a late stage, less than 20% of people with these genetic mutations survive beyond five years[6], and up to 40% never get the chance to receive a subsequent therapy after first-line treatment.[7][8][9]

“With the disproportionately high prevalence of certain NSCLC mutations in Asia Pacific, we need to think differently about how we treat patients and what more we can achieve with the first treatment. Treatment options have become increasingly complex and clinical decision making should comprehensively consider disease characteristics, patient treatment goals and values, and aim for an individualized balance between survival, longer lasting disease control and side effects. When shared decision making includes all available options, the final decision can be made collaboratively,” said Prof James Chih-Hsin Yang, Director of National Taiwan University Cancer Center and key advocate for The 3rd Opinion initiative.

J&J IM Key Visual Wedding The 3rd Opinion

Mark Brooke, Chief Executive Officer of Lung Foundation Australia, co-author of the Future Oncology publication and an advocate of The 3rd Opinion agreed, “The physician and patient dynamic is one of trust, but we cannot rely on that alone. The consequence is a potential disconnect between the patient and their healthcare professional around treatment preferences and personal goals. For patients, they often want more time above all else – to witness life’s milestones, more moments with loved ones, and more opportunities to simply live. Patients need to be equipped with adequate disease and treatment information, so they can communicate what matters most to them”.

J&J IM Key Visual Grandchild The 3rd Opinion

The 3rd Opinion will be launched across multiple markets with educational resources, including a Lung Cancer Book of Answers in China, a patient empowerment video and various shared decision making tools across Asia Pacific to spark a social movement that encourages patients to confidently articulate their personal goals for treatment. The creation of a neologism, like The 3rd Opinion, ensures shared decision making becomes accepted into clinical practice and in turn fosters an environment where the doctor’s expertise and the patient goals come together to design the best treatment plan.


[1] Chee Khoon Lee et al. Navigating advanced lung cancer care, patient–physician alliance, cancer stigma, and psychosocial support in Asia-Pacific: perspectives from patients, caregivers, and physicians. DOI: 10.1080/14796694.2025.2499511

[2] Natia Jokhadze MD, Arunangshu Das MBBS, Don S. Dizon MD. Global cancer statistics 2022: GLOBOCAN estimates of incidence and mortality worldwide for 36 cancers in 185 countries. Volume 74Issue 3CA: A Cancer Journal for Clinicians pages: 224-226 First Published online: April 4, 2024

[3] Keedy VL, et al. American Society of Clinical Oncology Provisional Clinical Opinion: Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor (EGFR) Mutation Testing for Patients with Advanced Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer Considering First-Line EGFR Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitor Therapy. Journal of Clinical Oncology. 2011; 29(15): 2121-2127.

[4] Ellison G, et al. EGFR Mutation Testing in Lung Cancer: a Review of Available Methods and Their Use for Analysis of Tumour Tissue and Cytology Samples. Journal of Clinical Oncology. 2013; 66(2): 79-89.

[5] Korpanty G, et al. Biomarkers That Currently Affect Clinical Practice in Lung Cancer: EGFR, ALK, MET, ROS-1, and KRAS. Frontiers in Oncology. 2014; 4: 204.

[6] Bazhenova L, Minchom A, Viteri S, et al. Comparative clinical outcomes for patients with advanced NSCLC harboring EGFR exon 20 insertion mutations and common EGFR mutations. Lung Cancer. 2021;162:154-161.​

[7] Nieva J, Karia PS, Okhuoya P, et al. A real-world (rw) observational study of long-term survival (LTS) and treatment patterns after first-line (1L) osimertinib in patients (pts) with epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutation-positive (m) advanced non-small cell lung cancer [ESMO abstract 1344P]. Ann Oncol. 2023;34(suppl 2):S774 ​

[8] Lee JY, Mai V, Garcia M, et al. Treatment patterns and outcomes of first-line osimertinib-treated advanced EGFR mutated NSCLC patients: a real-world study [IASLC abstract EP08.02-082]. Presented at: IASLC 2022 World Lung Conference on Lung Cancer; August 6-9, 2022; Vienna, Austria.​

[9] Girard N, Leighl NB, Ohe Y, et al. Mortality among EGFR-mutated advanced NSCLC patients after starting frontline osimertinib treatment: a real-world, US attrition analysis. Presented at: the European Lung Cancer Congress; March 29-April 1, 2023; Copenhagen, Denmark. Poster 19P.​

Hashtag: #Johnson&Johnson

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

About The 3rd Opinion

“The 3rd Opinion”, the patients own opinion, is a new term that sparks a social movement in the lung cancer treatment journey – designed to elevate the patient voice and empower individuals to take an active role in shaping their treatment plan. By prioritizing shared decision-making between patients and healthcare professionals, this collaborative approach ensures that treatment choices are aligned to each patient’s goals, preferences and circumstances. This results in more informed decisions, greater patient satisfaction, and the best possible outcomes.

About Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer

Worldwide, lung cancer is one of the most common cancers, with NSCLC making up 80 to 85 percent of all lung cancer cases.[10], [11] The main subtypes of NSCLC are adenocarcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and large cell carcinoma.[12] Among the most common driver mutations in NSCLC are alterations in EGFR, which is a receptor tyrosine kinase controlling cell growth and division.[13] EGFR mutations are present in 10 to 15 percent of Western patients with NSCLC with adenocarcinoma histology and occur in 40 to 50 percent of Asian patients.[14], [15],[16],[17],[18],[19] EGFR ex19del or EGFR L858R mutations are the most common EGFR mutations.[20] The five-year survival rate for all people with advanced NSCLC and EGFR mutations treated with EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) is less than 20 percent. [21], [22] EGFR exon 20 insertion mutations are the third most prevalent activating EGFR mutation.[23] Patients with EGFR exon 20 insertion mutations have a real-world five-year overall survival (OS) of eight percent in the frontline setting, which is worse than patients with EGFR ex19del or L858R mutations, who have a real-world five-year OS of 19 percent.[24]By comparison, other common cancers, such as breast and prostate cancer have a 5-year real world OS of 90% and 97% respectively[25].


[10]The World Health Organization. Cancer. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/cancer. Accessed March 2025.

[11] American Cancer Society. What is Lung Cancer? https://www.cancer.org/content/cancer/en/cancer/lung-cancer/about/what-is.html. Accessed March 2025.

[12] Oxnard JR, et al. Natural history and molecular characteristics of lung cancers harboring EGFR exon 20 insertions. J Thorac Oncol. 2013 Feb;8(2):179-84. doi: 10.1097/JTO.0b013e3182779d18.

[13] Bauml JM, et al. Underdiagnosis of EGFR Exon 20 Insertion Mutation Variants: Estimates from NGS-based Real World Datasets. Abstract presented at: World Conference on Lung Cancer Annual Meeting; January 29, 2021; Singapore.

[14] The World Health Organization. Cancer. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/cancer. Accessed March 2025.

[15] American Cancer Society. What is Lung Cancer? https://www.cancer.org/content/cancer/en/cancer/lung-cancer/about/what-is.html. Accessed March 2025.

[16] Pennell NA, et al. A phase II trial of adjuvant erlotinib in patients with resected epidermal growth factor receptor-mutant non-small cell lung cancer. J Clin Oncol. 37:97-104.

[17] Burnett H, et al. Epidemiological and clinical burden of EGFR exon 20 insertion in advanced non-small cell lung cancer: a systematic literature review. Abstract presented at: World Conference on Lung Cancer Annual Meeting; January 29, 2021; Singapore.

[18] Zhang YL, et al. The prevalence of EGFR mutation in patients with non-small cell lung cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Oncotarget. 2016;7(48):78985-78993.

[19] Midha A, et al. EGFR mutation incidence in non-small-cell lung cancer of adenocarcinoma histology: a systematic review and global map by ethnicity. Am J Cancer Res. 2015;5(9):2892-2911.

[20] American Lung Association. EGFR and Lung Cancer. https://www.lung.org/lung-health-diseases/lung-disease-lookup/lung-cancer/symptoms-diagnosis/biomarker-testing/egfr. Accessed March 2025.

[21] Howlader N, et al. SEER Cancer Statistics Review, 1975-2016, National Cancer Institute. Bethesda, MD, https://seer.cancer.gov/csr/1975_2016/, based on November 2018 SEER data submission, posted to the SEER web site.

[22] Lin JJ, et al. Five-Year Survival in EGFR-Mutant Metastatic Lung Adenocarcinoma Treated with EGFR-TKIs. J Thorac Oncol. 2016 Apr;11(4):556-65

[23] Arcila, M. et al. EGFR exon 20 insertion mutations in lung adenocarcinomas: prevalence, molecular heterogeneity, and clinicopathologic characteristics. Mol Cancer Ther. 2013 Feb; 12(2):220-9.

[24] Girard N, et al. Comparative clinical outcomes for patients with NSCLC harboring EGFR exon 20 insertion mutations and common EGFR mutations. Abstract presented at: World Conference on Lung Cancer Annual Meeting; January 29, 2021; Singapore.

[25] Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) Program, National Cancer Institute, 2024.

About Johnson & Johnson

At Johnson & Johnson, we believe health is everything. Our strength in healthcare innovation empowers us to build a world where complex diseases are prevented, treated, and cured, where treatments are smarter and less invasive, and solutions are personal. Through our expertise in Innovative Medicine and MedTech, we are uniquely positioned to innovate across the full spectrum of healthcare solutions today to deliver the breakthroughs of tomorrow, and profoundly impact health for humanity.

Learn more at or at . Follow us at .

WePlay Teams Up with Popular IP “NaiLoong” for a Triple Treat Summer Fiesta

BANGKOK, Aug. 1, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — WePlay, a globally leading social entertainment platform, today officially announced a major collaboration with the phenomenal IP, “NaiLoong“! Starting now, this adorable little foodie from another planet – known for its squishy and boundless curiosity – will officially land on WePlay, bringing global users a summer celebration filled with surprises, joy, and culinary exploration.

WePlay x Nailoong Summer Celebration Poster
WePlay x Nailoong Summer Celebration Poster

Cuteness Overload: NaiLoong Arrives on WePlay!

NaiLoong has captured the hearts of countless fans with its iconic chubby yellow body, round head, expressive big eyes, and its “everything is edible” foodie spirit. Its innocent, optimistic, and brave personality, coupled with its endearingly clumsy traits that sometimes lead to small troubles due to its gluttony, make it the perfect messenger of love and joy. This collaboration will infuse WePlay’s social entertainment ecosystem with this unique blend of charm and fun.

Three Major Themed Events to Ignite Summer Passion!

This collaboration features three meticulously planned themed events, allowing users to deeply immerse themselves in a wonderful journey interacting with NaiLoong:

  1. “NaiLoong is Here!”: NaiLoong will make a surprise appearance on WePlay with its soft, squishy, and incredibly cute big belly!
  2. “NaiLoong’s Gourmet Adventure”: Centered around NaiLoong’s “everything is edible” nature, embark on a food exploration journey.
  3. “NaiLoong Grand Carnival!”: Want to experience NaiLoong’s charm amidst the excitement? Enter any voice room, and you might just trigger a “NaiLoong Carnival Party” at any moment!

Achieving New Heights: WePlay’s Continuous Breakthrough in IP Collaboration Strategy

This collaboration not only continues NaiLoong’s humorous and witty brand tone but also showcases WePlay’s innovative capabilities and operational strength in IP partnerships. By continuously introducing beloved top-tier IPs like NaiLoong, WePlay constantly enriches its platform ecosystem, creating more attractive and immersive entertainment and social experiences for users, further solidifying its position as an industry leader.

About WePlay:

WePlay is a next-generation global social entertainment platform under Singapore-based company WeJoy, integrating multiple functions like gaming and entertainment into one comprehensive application. With the mission to “Bring joy and friends to young people around the world” and the vision to “Bring people together through games, lead the trend of global online social entertainment,” WePlay will continue to expand collaborations with top-tier global IPs, fostering cultural exchange through IP brand synergy to build a social ecosystem that better meets the needs of the younger generation.

CONTACT: qipeinan@wejoysg.com 

Laos, Myanmar Stuck at 40% Tariff Rate as US Reciprocal Trade Regime Takes Effect

Laos, Myanmar Stuck at 40% Tariff Rate as US Reciprocal Trade Regime Takes Effect
ASEAN flags (photo credit: Wikimedia Commons)

The United States’ updated reciprocal tariff regime officially took effect today, hitting several Southeast Asian economies with a range of steep new import taxes. 

Takashi Murakami’s Ohana Hatake Unleashes a Floral Fantasy: “Field of Flowers” Lands at Pacific Place

Ohana Hatake Pop-Up Blooms in Hong Kong Featuring the Global Debut of Four Vibrant New Colourways of Ohana Full-Bloom and Surippa Ohana


HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 1 August 2025 – This summer, Pacific Place blossoms into an imaginative, fashion-forward floral dreamscape with the debut of “Field of Flowers” — the first-ever Takashi Murakami’s Ohana Hatake pop-up in Hong Kong. This exclusive pop-up runs from 31 July to 13 August at Pacific Place, promising an immersive retail and visual experience for the style-savvy, the art-obsessed, and everyone in between. As ComplexCon Hong Kong 2025’s Official Mall Partner, Pacific Place merges retail, pop culture, and art, creating a bold space where creativity and fashion collide, all through its own unique lens.

Pacific Place Field of Flowers The first-ever Takashi Murakami’s Ohana Hatake pop-up in Hong Kong
Pacific Place Field of Flowers The first-ever Takashi Murakami’s Ohana Hatake pop-up in Hong Kong

First in Hong Kong: Ohana Hatake Blooms at Pacific Place

Marking its official Hong Kong debut with the “Field of Flowers”, Takashi Murakami’s Ohana Hatake pop-up offers an extraordinary opportunity to step inside Murakami’s fantastical floral universe. Known for his bold superflat aesthetic, Murakami infuses this retail space with his distinctive DNA, making it a must-see for cultural tastemakers and collectors alike.

Taking centre stage is a spectacular large-scale hanging cherry blossom installation — a sculptural masterpiece making its public debut. Indulge in a floral fantasy, the installation transforms Garden Court into a surreal dreamscape, where fashion flows into fine art. This immersive pop-up marks a cultural milestone for the city, blossoming into a vibrant garden shaped by Murakami’s signature visual language — playful, poetic, and bursting with imagination. Don’t forget to take a picture in front of the mirror wall for a cool aesthetic that’s filled with flowers!

Venue: “Field of Flowers” – Takashi Murakami’s Ohana Hatake Pop-Up (Garden Court, Level LG1)
Opening Hours: 11 am – 8 pm

Pacific Place x Ohana Hatake x Complex Chinese: Where Art Meets Fashion & Fun

As the Official Mall Partner of ComplexCon Hong Kong 2025, Pacific Place cements its role as a hub for boundary-pushing culture. This three-way collaboration unites retail innovation, pop culture, and contemporary art — creating a space where creative minds and fashion lovers collide, and blending the energy of ComplexCon with the unique spirit of Pacific Place.

Global Debut of Four Vibrant New Colourways of Ohana Full-Bloom and Surippa Ohana
Global Debut of Four Vibrant New Colourways of Ohana Full-Bloom and Surippa Ohana

Fashion-Forward Drops: Global Debut of Four Vibrant New Colourways of Ohana Full-Bloom and Surippa Ohana

Ohana Hatake is unveiling exclusive product drops at Pacific Place, featuring two signature styles in four new shades — part of twelve colourways rolling out across two weeks.

Headlining the lineup is the Ohana Full Bloom collection — a series of eight colourways in bold, floral-inspired slides featuring Murakami’s iconic motifs. Each pair is crafted for both comfort and statement-making, showcasing sculptural flower embellishments, vivid palettes, and distinctive design language true to Murakami’s superflat universe. Leading this seasonal bloom are two debut colourways — Buttercup and Lime Zest — offering a fresh take on wearable art with their bright and joyful energy for the summer.

Rounding out the collection is the Surippa Ohana style, available in four expressive colourways. The Sakura and Cherry Blossom editions both nod to Murakami’s recurring floral motifs, including the pop-up’s iconic installation centrepiece. Joining them are two bold new hues, Deep Forest and Sweet Grape — rich, nature-inspired tones that add fresh dimension to this sculptural silhouette.

This high-street-meets-art launch is set to resonate with today’s style-conscious tastemakers, offering wearable art infused with the joyful irreverence of Murakami’s visual world.

Shop, Sip and Be Rewarded

From 31 July to 13 August, stylish perks await at Pacific Place and Starstreet Precinct. Same-day electronic spending of HK$800 unlocks a specially brewed Ohana Hatake coffee, while HK$1,500 or more qualifies for a limited-edition tote bag — a perfect companion for the season.

Date: 31 July to 13 August 2025
Time: 11 am – 7 pm
Location: Ohana Hatake Coffee Counter (Level L1, near Theory)

What’s more, from 31 July to 24 August, discover an exclusive shopping rewards programme designed to elevate the summer experience. Eligible Standard Chartered Cathay Mastercard® holders can enjoy bonus vouchers to make their shopping experience even more rewarding!

Accumulated Same-day
Electronic Spending
General Rewards Standard Chartered Cathay Mastercard Cardholder Extra Rewards
HK$5,000 –
HK$29,999
HK$200 Pacific Place Shopping e-Voucher HK$100 Pacific Place Shopping e-Voucher
HK$30,000 – HK$79,999 HK$800 Pacific Place Shopping e-Voucher HK$250 Pacific Place Shopping e-Voucher
HK$80,000 – HK$119,999 HK$1,800 Pacific Place Shopping e-Voucher HK$800 Pacific Place Shopping e-Voucher
HK$120,000
or above
HK$2,600 Pacific Place Shopping e-Voucher HK$2,200 Pacific Place Shopping e-Voucher

Date: 31 July to 24 August 2025
Time: 11 am – 10 pm
Location: Redemption Counter (Level L2, near JOYCE)

Whether you’re a fashion aficionado, an art enthusiast, or simply looking for a joyful summer experience, the “Field of Flowers” – Takashi Murakami’s Ohana Hatake Pop-Up at Pacific Place is a must-visit destination this season. Come and see it for yourself!

Hashtag: #TakashiMurakamiOhanaHatakePopUp #FieldofFlowers #SummerInFullBloom #PacificPlaceHK #ComplexChinese

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