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Angel Yeast Indonesia Project: Strengthening Foundations through Technical Training and Building Consensus through Cultural Exchange

YICHANG, China, Feb. 6, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Angel Yeast Group (SH600298) recently welcomed 29 employees from Indonesia to its headquarters in Yichang, China, for a six-month structured training program. The initiative is designed to develop a cohort of skilled professionals to support the commissioning and operations of Angel’s Indonesia facility. As the Chinese Lunar New Year approaches, these young Indonesian trainees are not only learning yeast production techniques but are also gaining firsthand exposure to Spring Festival traditions.

29 Angel Yeast Indonesia employees participating in training at the Yichang headquarters celebrate in anticipation of the Spring Festival
29 Angel Yeast Indonesia employees participating in training at the Yichang headquarters celebrate in anticipation of the Spring Festival

In preparation for the holiday, Angel’s Yichang facility has been decorated to mark the Spring Festival. As they stroll through the city, trainees see shopping malls bustling with people buying holiday goods, while traditional folk melodies fill the parks. Aqil, one of the participants, said, “Everyone here is preparing for the celebrations. Amid all the festive excitement, I can truly feel the energy and richness of the culture.” Before joining Angel, Aqil worked at a local technology company. Like many young professionals, he was attracted to companies with a strong international presence. This customized training program is designed to help him transition into his new role, enhance his technical skills, and strengthen cross-cultural collaboration and teamwork. The multinational program officially began on November 26 last year at China Three Gorges University and consists of 20 days of classroom instruction followed by five months of hands-on operational training.

The Angel Indonesia project represents a key milestone in the company’s international expansion. As an integral part of its global growth strategy, the project is expected to help build local industry capabilities, create job opportunities, and strengthen linkages across the broader value chain. The training program aims to encourage participants to adapt proactively to the new environment, engage in meaningful cultural exchange, and develop a solid mastery of both theoretical knowledge and practical skills, laying a strong foundation for the future plant’s safe, stable, and reliable operations.

Setting up a subsidiary in Indonesia will allow Angel to take advantage of local resources, the strategic location, and tariff advantages, accelerating its expansion into neighboring Asian markets. The project, launched in 2025 in south-central Lampung Province, is located next to the joint venture partner’s sugarcane mill. The site is currently under development, with completion and commissioning scheduled for 2027. The project includes a yeast production line with an annual capacity of 20,000 tons, supported by a wastewater treatment facility capable of processing 3,500 tons per day, as well as an organic fertilizer project designed to reduce waste and improve resource efficiency, with an annual output of 20,000 tons. Angel Yeast Indonesia will source large quantities of locally produced molasses, converting by-products into usable inputs while promoting cleaner production practices. Wastewater from yeast production will be treated and converted into organic fertilizer, and fine yeast by-products will be sold as animal feed, supporting local agriculture and livestock farming, while serving as a practical example of circular economy principles.

The Angel Yeast Indonesia plant is a key part of the company’s global manufacturing network. For Angel, global operations extend beyond expanding production capacity; they focus on supporting the local yeast industry through technology transfer and workforce development, while contributing to growth across related value chains and creating employment opportunities. These young trainees are being prepared to become the core team of the Indonesia facility, playing an important role in enabling global operations, industrial collaboration, and cross-cultural engagement.

Skylon Appoints COBNB as Hospitality Partner, Launches COBNB+ with L’Occitane en Provence Hotel Amenities


KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA – Media OutReach Newswire – 7 February 2026 – Skylon, a premium development by GBD Land, located at Changkat Raja Chulan, Bukit Bintang, 50200 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur, has officially appointed COBNB as its hospitality partner, marking the launch of COBNB+, the company’s new premium hospitality brand. Skylon is the first development to debut under the initiative.

Image courtesy of COBNB+, L’Occitane en Provence and Skylon Residences
Image courtesy of COBNB+, L’Occitane en Provence and Skylon Residences

As part of the COBNB+ rollout, all PLUS-managed residences at Skylon will feature a full upgrade to L’Occitane en Provence hotel amenities, setting a new standard for guest comfort. The partnership reflects COBNB’s strategic move into experience-led hospitality, where design, service, and brand collaboration come together to enhance guest satisfaction and long-term asset value.

COBNB+ represents the highest tier within COBNB’s managed portfolio, designed for guests who value refined living, consistency, and effortless stays. The programme combines curated interiors, elevated operational standards, and technology-enabled hospitality, offering a boutique-hotel experience within a service apartment setting.

L’Occitane en Provence was selected as COBNB+’s premium amenities partner for its strong association with leading hotels and resorts worldwide, its commitment to responsibly sourced ingredients, and its timeless French heritage. The brand’s emphasis on sensorial comfort and craftsmanship aligns naturally with COBNB’s vision of modern, experience-led hospitality.

Skylon’s designation as the first COBNB+ property establishes a new benchmark for managed residences in Malaysia. The collaboration reflects a shared vision between GBD Land and COBNB to operate residential assets at hospitality-grade standards, enhance guest satisfaction and loyalty, and strengthen long-term asset performance.

“At L’Occitane en Provence, we believe everyday rituals can become precious moments. Our partnership with COBNB+ at Skylon reflects a shared vision to elevate the guest experience through sensorial comfort, thoughtful details, and the art of Provençal living — even within a modern service apartment setting,” said Elida Wong, General Manager, Southeast Asia, L’Occitane en Provence.

The launch of COBNB+ at Skylon marks the beginning of a broader premium rollout across selected developments. As COBNB continues to expand its hospitality platform, COBNB+ will serve as its flagship standard for luxury short-stay and serviced living.

At COBNB, luxury is intentional — and it begins with attention to every detail.

Hashtag: #cobnb #cobnb+ #loccitane #skylonresidences




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

About GBD Land

GBD Land is a forward-looking property developer focused on creating thoughtfully designed residential developments that combine lifestyle, quality, and long-term value.

About L’Occitane en Provence

Founded in the South of France, L’Occitane en Provence is a globally recognised brand known for its natural ingredients, Provençal heritage, and long-standing presence as a preferred amenities partner for premium hotels and resorts worldwide.

About COBNB

COBNB is Malaysia’s leading short-term rental and hospitality management platform, operating at the intersection of technology, design, and service excellence to maximise guest experience and long-term asset performance.

For more information, visit:

Skylon Residences:

Doorzo Ends 2025 with Its Strongest Year, Reaching a Decade Total of ¥80 Billion and Reinforcing Its Vision as “Your Gateway to Japan”

TOKYO, Feb. 7, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — SIG Service INC. (Headquarters: Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo), the operator of Doorzo, closed 2025 with record-breaking results, driven by its unwavering global vision of becoming “your gateway to Japan.” Over the course of the year, Doorzo further solidified its position as a leading cross-border shopping platform by broadening its international presence, enhancing platform capabilities, and delivering robust growth across core performance indicators.

Supported by a rapidly expanding global user base, Doorzo achieved significant milestones in total sales, international downloads, and cross-border shipments. These achievements highlight the company’s sustained commitment to expanding global access to Japanese products through continuous technological advancement, localization, and logistics excellence.

About “Doorzo” by SIG Service INC.

Established in 2013, Doorzo is a cross-border e-commerce platform that enables international customers to purchase items from Japan’s marketplaces. Accessible via mobile app and web, offering international shipping.

In 2025, Doorzo surpassed ¥80 billion in total sales, reached 6.2 million app downloads, and shipped over 3.6 million parcels to 118 countries, serving users in 180 countries worldwide. Collectively, Doorzo parcels traveled the equivalent of 160,000 trips around the Earth, highlighting the platform’s scale and global logistics capabilities.

On Trustpilot, Doorzo achieved 4.7 stars across almost 1,000 reviews; supported 17 languages and 44 currencies, enabling a seamless shopping experience for users across major global markets. Top destination regions included: the United States, Canada, Australia, Mainland China, the United Kingdom, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Singapore, Malaysia, the Philippines, Mexico, and France.

Community Highlights and Fun Facts

In order to start 2026 closer with its community, Doorzo also shares some of the most interesting fun facts:

  • The most expensive item sold on Doorzo is a Pokémon Trainer “Lillie” trading card, whose market price often lands around ¥6 million.
  • Most unusual request: a customer asked to place as many “Fragile” labels as possible on a shipment valued at ¥500,000, consisting of a Zimomomo Titan Everybody Knows toy.

Most popular categories in 2025

  • Trading Cards (TCG)
  • Figures
  • Games
  • Toys
  • Women’s Fashion

Multicultural Staff

Doorzo fosters a multicultural environment. Staff from different countries and languages who are enthusiastic about Japanese Culture.

Looking ahead to 2026, Doorzo will continue to provide more diverse and convenient services to its global users, followed by its consistent global vision of becoming “your gateway to Japan”.

Doorzo Ends 2025 with Its Strongest Year
Doorzo Ends 2025 with Its Strongest Year

Visit the “Doorzo” website: https://www.doorzo.com/

Company Overview:

SIG Service INC.

Company Name: SIG Service INC.

Akihabara Office: 2-7-1 Kanda-Suda-cho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo

Established: December 2013

 

AWE Asia 2026 Concludes in Singapore, Signaling a More Grounded Phase for XR and AI

SINGAPORE, Feb. 7, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — AWE Asia 2026 concluded this week at Singapore Expo, convening the global extended reality (XR) and artificial intelligence (AI) community for three days of keynotes, developer sessions, track discussions, and hands-on demos. Across the program, a clear theme emerged: as AI moves beyond screens and into real-world environments, XR is increasingly viewed as essential infrastructure—providing spatial understanding, context, and human-centered interaction that next-generation AI systems will rely on.

The conference opened with remarks from AWE co-founder Ori Inbar, who framed the moment with a message echoed throughout the event: there is no AI without XR. As AI applications expand into physical spaces and embodied devices, spatial computing and immersive interfaces are becoming foundational to how intelligent systems perceive, interpret, and respond to the world.

Keynotes emphasized practical, human-centered futures

On the Main Stage, speakers explored how this shift is already taking shape. Atley Loughridge, Design Engineer at Snap Inc., shared how Snap’s AR stack is moving from experimentation to production at global scale. Drawing from work across Lens Studio and Spectacles, she highlighted developer-first tooling and cross-platform deployment spanning mobile, web, and wearables—positioning wearable AR as a practical computing layer entering everyday use.

Alvin W. Graylin examined programmable reality and ambient intelligence through a human-centered lens, emphasizing trust, agency, and responsibility as AI-driven XR systems increasingly influence perception and decision-making. Mark Billinghurst introduced “Empathic XR,” describing a shift toward immersive systems capable of sensing intent, emotion, and context—enabled by physiological sensing and AI—pointing to applications in healthcare, training, and daily life.

Builders, platforms, and applied use cases

A developer panel moderated by Steven Xu (Snap Inc.) spotlighted teams building spatial experiences with Lens Studio across Snapchat, web platforms, AR Mirrors, and Spectacles, focusing on production-ready workflows and scaling beyond prototypes. Matt Sanders from Meta’s Wearables Accessibility and Impact team explored “Wearable AI for Everyone,” highlighting how AI glasses can support greater independence and more authentic connection. Beng Hui Ong, APAC Senior Solutions Architect at Agora, presented a case study on “physical AI” in toys and companion devices, illustrating how spatial technologies and AI can combine to create helpful, supportive experiences. Dr. James Ong, Founder and Managing Director of the Artificial Intelligence International Institute, argued that “AI for Humanity” should be treated as a shared global responsibility—calling for stronger governance and collective action to keep AI aligned with long-term human well-being.

Additional sessions covered cloud-powered generative 3D pipelines, enterprise XR deployment, immersive intelligence in healthcare and aviation training, contextual AI in industrial workflows, and new approaches to immersive storytelling and education.

Expo floor demos, startup pitch, and awards

The expo floor and AWE Playground translated conference themes into live demonstrations spanning wearable AR, spatial analytics, optics, enterprise infrastructure, and glasses-free 3D displays. As a Platinum Sponsor, Snap featured prominently with hands-on Spectacles demos, offering attendees a tangible view of computing beyond screens.

Applied innovation was further highlighted through the debut AWE Asia Startup Pitch, followed by the Auggie Awards Ceremony recognizing standout contributions across the ecosystem, including Startup to Watch (Braillic), Best in Show Experience (Refract), and Best in Show (Snap).

AWE Asia thanks its sponsors Snap, Meta, ArborXR, Raypai Photonic Crystal, and Agora, and extends appreciation to all speakers, partners, exhibitors, and attendees who contributed to the program.

PR Newswire is the official media partner of the AWE Asia 2026 conference.

Augmented World Expo Asia
Contact: contact@aweasia.com
Phone: +1 (917) 909-6297

LT3001 DEMONSTRATES FUNCTIONAL IMPROVEMENTS IN PATIENTS WITH DISABLING ACUTE ISCHEMIC STROKE

  • Breakthrough Phase 2 Trial Results Show Promise for Patients Ineligible for Standard Reperfusion Therapies
  • Data Presented at International Stroke Conference
  • Data Show That LT3001 Delivers Meaningful Functional Improvements in Patients Suffering from Disabling Acute Ischemic Stroke (AIS)

TAIPEI, Feb. 7, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Lumosa Therapeutics (Lumosa; 6535.TWO) today announced positive results from two independent Phase 2 clinical trials with its novel stroke drug LT3001 (Odatroltide). LT3001 is a first-in-class dual-functional therapy that combines safe reperfusion with direct neuroprotection, addressing key limitations of current acute ischemic stroke treatments. These data revealed that LT3001 delivers meaningful functional improvements in patients suffering from disabling acute ischemic stroke (AIS), offering new hope for those who cannot receive standard reperfusion treatments. These data were reported here today at the International Stroke Conference in New Orleans.

The groundbreaking results demonstrate LT3001’s potential to transform outcomes for stroke patients facing limited therapeutic options. The novel therapeutic agent, which enhances endogenous fibrinolysis and scavenges harmful free radicals, showed particularly impressive results in moderate stroke patients with disabling symptoms. In the LT3001-202 trial conducted in China, moderate stroke patients with disabling symptoms treated with LT3001 achieved 8% and 13% improvements in modified Rankin Scale (mRS) scores of 0-1 and 0-2 respectively, compared to placebo.

Most remarkably, LT3001 showed improvement in functional outcomes in LAA and mismatch-positive populations. In Study 202, LAA patients (n=169) showed an 11% improvement in mRS 0–2 and a 9% gain in mRS 0–1. Study 205 validated these signals via imaging assisted selection, with mismatch-positive patients achieving a 10% absolute improvement in mRS 0–2. These clinical advances could restore independence to thousands of patients annually.

The complementary LT3001-205 trial, spanning the US, EU, and Taiwan, utilized advanced imaging-assisted patient selection. Despite smaller sample sizes, the trial reinforced LT3001’s efficacy signals, with patients showing disabling features achieving mRS 0-1 outcomes more often with LT3001 (27%) compared to placebo (17%).

“Across the two Phase 2 trials, LT3001 demonstrated a favorable safety profile, with no increase in symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (sICH) despite multi-dose administration over 3 days,” said Thomas Devlin, MD, PhD, FSVIN, Director of the CHI Memorial Neuroscience Institute, Professor of Neurology Morehouse School of Medicine and principal investigator of the LT3001-205 study. “LT3001 showed potential benefit beyond the conventional thrombolytic time window, supporting its use in patients ineligible for IV thrombolysis or EVT, a population with high unmet need. The consistency of results across two independent trials, using different selection strategies, strengthens our confidence in LT3001’s broad applicability.”

Addressing a Critical Unmet Need
“Despite over five decades of research and thousands of potential drug targets, the development of neuroprotective drugs for conditions like stroke has not resulted in any FDA-approved drugs in the U.S.,” said Sheng-Wen Yeh (Mimi) Ph.D., general manager, Lumosa. “While many drugs frequently succeed in preclinical, animal-based studies, they fail to show safety or efficacy in human trials. Our efficacy data with LT3001, spanning diverse patient populations, is exciting and provides direction for our Phase 3 programs.”

Acute ischemic stroke affects millions globally, with many patients experiencing disabling symptoms that severely impact their quality of life and independence. Current reperfusion therapies, while effective, are not suitable for all patients due to timing constraints, contraindications, or anatomical factors. LT3001’s unique dual mechanism – enhancing the body’s natural clot-dissolving processes while protecting brain tissue from oxidative damage – offers a new therapeutic pathway for these underserved patients.

The trials evaluated patients within 24 hours of stroke onset, focusing on those with disabling symptoms defined as significant arm or leg motor impairment. This patient population represents a substantial portion of stroke cases where current treatment options remain inadequate. Both Phase 2 trials employed rigorous randomized, placebo-controlled methodologies, with LT3001-202 enrolling 297 patients and LT3001-205 including 88 patients. The consistency of positive signals across different geographic regions and patient selection criteria underscores the robustness of these findings.

About LT3001
LT3001 (Odatroltide) represents an innovative approach to acute stroke treatment, targeting both the thrombotic and oxidative components of stroke pathophysiology. Unlike traditional approaches that focus solely on clot removal, LT3001’s dual mechanism addresses multiple aspects of stroke injury, potentially extending the therapeutic window and broadening patient eligibility.

The Company is advancing LT3001 through comprehensive clinical development, with plans for Phase 3 trials to further validate these promising results in larger patient populations.

Next Steps and Global Development Plans
These combined Phase 2 results provide critical clinical evidence supporting the continued development of LT3001 for acute ischemic stroke. Of note, Lumosa recently received feedback from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration regarding its Phase 3 development plans for LT3001.

Based on this feedback, Lumosa aims to accelerate global Phase 3 development of LT3001 and deliver innovative and effective treatment options for stroke patients worldwide.

About Acute Ischemic Stroke
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), stroke is the second leading cause of death for people over the age of 60 with approximately 6 million deaths in the world per year. Stroke can be categorized as hemorrhagic (bleeding) or ischemic (lack of blood flow to critical areas of the brain). Studies show ischemic stroke is most common, occurring in about 85% of all stroke cases. Stroke is notably a disease with significant global unmet medical need. There are 15 million people worldwide who suffer a stroke each year. Because only surgery and limited therapeutic options are currently available, 80% of stroke patients are left with no other treatment options or without desired outcomes.

About Lumosa
Lumosa Therapeutics, Inc. (https://www.lumosa.com.tw/) is a clinical-stage pharmaceutical company dedicated to the development of novel therapies and solutions for neurologic diseases with urgent unmet medical need. In addition to utilizing its own technology platform, the Company is also actively engaged in scientific licensing and co-development collaboration — building a pipeline from early to late-stage assets consisting of first-in-class and best-in-class drugs. Lumosa’s mission is to enrich patients’ quality of life through pioneering medical science, diverse collaborations, and a commitment to remain genuine and ever-evolving. Central to this mission is the Company’s objective to develop its novel small molecule, LT3001, for the treatment of acute ischemic stroke, a medical disease for which more effective therapies are greatly needed.

Frost & Sullivan: Human-Machine Integration and Manned-Unmanned Teaming to Reshape Global Military Operations Through 2027

Converging AI, autonomy, and secure communications push MUM-T from experimentation to scalable deployment

LONDON, Feb. 7, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — According to a new Frost & Sullivan analysis, Human-Machine Integration/Manned–Unmanned Teaming (MUM-T), Global, 2025–2027, the rapid convergence of artificial intelligence, autonomy, and secure networked communications is transforming modern military doctrine and accelerating the shift toward multi-domain operations.

Global spending on MUM-T is projected to grow from approximately $5.0 billion in 2024 to $7.6 billion by 2027, reflecting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 15.2%, as defence organisations prioritise force multiplication, survivability, and operational agility.

“Manned–unmanned teaming is moving decisively from experimentation into scalable deployment,” said Avi Kalo, Global Aerospace & Defence Director at Frost & Sullivan. “What differentiates the current phase is the integration of AI-enabled autonomy, open architectures, and real-time human oversight – allowing armed forces to coordinate assets across air, land, and maritime domains with unprecedented speed and flexibility.”

From Concept to Capability

Once limited to niche trials, MUM-T has emerged as a core pillar of next-generation force modernisation, enabling manned platforms to collaborate seamlessly with unmanned aerial, ground, and maritime systems. These capabilities support missions ranging from intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) and electronic warfare to strike operations and logistics, while reducing risk to human operators.

The study highlights that leading defence organisations – particularly in North America and Europe – are accelerating adoption through flagship programs such as collaborative combat aircraft, future vertical lift, and naval unmanned teaming initiatives. At the same time, Asia-Pacific and Middle Eastern markets are expanding MUM-T investments in response to regional security dynamics and evolving threat environments.

Technology Convergence Driving Growth

Frost & Sullivan identifies several converging forces underpinning the market’s expansion:

  • Advances in AI and autonomy, enabling higher levels of interoperability and reduced cognitive burden on operators
  • Modular open systems architectures (MOSA) that streamline integration and future-proof platforms
  • Rising defence budgets and fast-track procurement, particularly for adaptable, software-defined capabilities
  • Cross-sector collaboration between traditional defence primes and agile defence-tech innovators

However, Kalo also notes persistent challenges, including cybersecurity vulnerabilities, integration complexity, and ethical and legal considerations surrounding human oversight and autonomous decision-making.

Growth Opportunities Across the Value Chain

Kalo continues: “Our analysis identifies significant growth opportunities across procurement, research and development, and defence-tech collaboration, as governments and industry partners seek to accelerate innovation cycles, reduce costs, and operationalise MUM-T at scale.” Upgrading legacy platforms, investing in AI-driven mission software, and expanding testing and simulation environments are expected to be key areas of focus over the next three years.

Strategic Imperative for Defence Stakeholders

“As geopolitical tensions intensify and operational environments become more contested, MUM-T is no longer optional – it is strategic,” he concludes. “Defence organisations that align doctrine, technology, and partnerships around human–machine teaming will be best positioned to achieve sustainable operational dominance.”

About Frost & Sullivan

Frost & Sullivan, the Transformational Growth Company, enables clients to accelerate growth and achieve best-in-class positions in growth, innovation, and leadership. The company’s Growth Pipeline as a Service provides the CEO’s Growth Team with transformational strategies and best-practice models to drive the generation, evaluation, and implementation of powerful growth opportunities. For over 60 years, Frost & Sullivan has partnered with investors, corporate leaders, and governments to identify, prioritise, and execute transformational growth strategies.

Your Transformational Growth Journey Starts Here: Schedule Your Growth Pipeline Dialog™ with the Frost & Sullivan team.

Contact:

Kristina Menzefricke
Marketing & Communications
Global Customer Experience, Frost & Sullivan
kristina.menzefricke@frost.com

CHANDO Presents Decade-Long Skin Brightening Research at IMCAS

Research Introduces 577 Epigenetic Mechanism for Asian Skin

SHANGHAI, Feb. 7, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — The IMCAS World Congress 2026, an internationally recognized forum for aesthetic medicine and clinical research, opened on January 31 in Paris. As a global platform supporting collaboration in dermatology, plastic surgery, and aging science, IMCAS facilitates the exchange of interdisciplinary research and clinical best practices. This year, Chinese skincare brand CHANDO participated in the congress by presenting a long-term research outcome: the identification of a novel epigenetic pathway for skin brightening, termed the 4-Butylresorcinol (577) Pigment Management Mechanism. The research presentation reflects the continued engagement of Chinese industry and research organizations in international scientific dialogue on precision skincare.

Global Forum for Scientific Exchange: CHANDO Research Presented at IMCAS

The IMCAS World Congress serves as a professional convening platform for plastic surgeons, dermatologists, and aesthetic practitioners, supporting the dissemination of medical research and clinical innovation at an international level. The event is designed to encourage professional exchange, continuing education, and the sharing of evidence-based technologies across disciplines.

At this year’s congress, which hosted 225 scientific sessions and attracted 21,764 professionals, CHANDO’s research was reviewed through the IMCAS scientific evaluation process. Selected for a keynote presentation in the main forum, CHANDO skin research scientist Dr. Youssef introduced the study titled “Epigenetic Skincare: A Novel Root-Cause Brightening Mechanism of 4-Butylresorcinol (577) via microRNA Regulation in Asian Populations.” The presentation outlined the company’s long-term research approach to the epigenetic factors influencing skin pigmentation in Asian populations.

Dr. Youssef, Skin Research Scientist at CHANDO, delivering the keynote presentation at IMCAS World Congress 2026
Dr. Youssef, Skin Research Scientist at CHANDO, delivering the keynote presentation at IMCAS World Congress 2026

Decoding the Biology of Asian Skin: A Targeted Research Approach to Brightening

CHANDO’s research focused on three persistent challenges identified through long-term observation of Asian skin characteristics: stubborn dark spots, susceptibility to sallowness, and a fragile barrier that often leads to rebound darkening. While conventional brightening ingredients tend to take a generalized approach, CHANDO directed its research toward underlying biological mechanisms, studying how environmental factors like UV exposure influence gene expression. In his address, Dr. Youssef explained that since 2014, CHANDO has employed high-throughput sequencing and bioinformatics to analyze Asian skin. The team pinpointed a specific microRNA that plays a central role in UV-induced pigmentation by regulating three key enzymes (MITF, TYR, TYRP1) involved in melanin production.

The pivotal finding: CHANDO’s signature ingredient, 4-Butylresorcinol (577), was shown in laboratory and clinical testing to inhibit this microRNA’s abnormal expression, curbing melanin overproduction at its source. This mechanism differentiates 577 from conventional brightening approaches and provides a targeted strategy relevant to post-sun or post-procedure pigmentation management in Asian skin. Notably, the ingredient also demonstrated high tolerability in clinical testing, making it suitable for sensitive skin types prone to irritation. It effectively reduced dark spots and sallowness while minimizing common side effects like redness or rebound pigmentation.[1]

This recognition follows CHANDO’s earlier designation as the “Global 577 Brightening Leader” by Shangpu Group, an independent research organization, based on the ingredient’s technological innovation and commercial impact.[2] The IMCAS presentation represents an additional instance of consumer-facing research from China contributing to international scientific exchange.

A Decade of Science-Based Research for Asian Skin

For over ten years, CHANDO has invested in foundational research focused on the physiological characteristics of Asian skin. The 577 compound represents more than a functional ingredient—it reflects an applied research outcome derived from epigenetic study and skin biology. Today, 577 is integrated into CHANDO’s Cellcrystal Whitening Radiance Series, demonstrating how laboratory research has been translated into consumer skincare applications designed for pigment management at the biological source.

Looking ahead, CHANDO has indicated its intention to continue participating in skin science research, with the goal of supporting clinically evaluated skincare development and ongoing international collaboration.

Notes:

[1] Data from third-party testing. Among 32 subjects aged 18–60 using the Cellcrystal Whitening Radiance Rejuvenating Serum for 4 weeks, instrumental measurement showed a 21.47% reduction in skin melanin and a 34.92% improvement in brightness. Results may vary individually.
[2] Shangpu Group’s research, finalized April 2025, compared global market performance of 577-based facial brightening products (Jan 1–Dec 31, 2024). CHANDO was recognized as the Global 577 Brightening Leader based on market presence, technology, and product influence. 

 

TGE’s New Film: “Scare Out” – China’s First Contemporary National-Security Movie, Set for Lunar New Year Release

PARIS,  NEW YORK and LONDON, Feb. 7, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — AMTD Group Inc. (“AMTD Group”), AMTD IDEA Group (NYSE: AMTD; SGX: HKB), AMTD Digital Inc. (NYSE: HKD) and The Generation Essentials Group (“TGE”, NYSE: TGE; LSE: TGE), a subsidiary of AMTD Digital Inc., jointly announce that TGE latest’s release “Scare Out” (the “Movie”), China’s first contemporary national-security film created under the guidance of the Ministry of State Security of the People’s Republic of China, will debut in theatres during 2026 Lunar New Year, releasing on February 17 in China, the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, Malaysia, Brunei, Ireland, Fiji, and Papua New Guinea.

 

This TGE’s new film will be released in Hong Kong SAR and Macau SAR on February 28, with more countries and regions to be announced.

Directed by Yimou Zhang, the Movie features a stellar cast including Jackson Yee, Yilong Zhu, Jia Song, Jiayin Lei, Mi Yang, Yi Zhang, Cecelia Liu, and Yaowen Liu.

The Movie centers on a team of undercover national security officers living under assumed identities. In a silent, high-stakes battle with foreign spies, they carry out careful, strategic work to protect the nation. Rooted in the pulse of today’s world, the Movie reveals the modern national security frontline and honors the unnamed heroes who quietly protect the country.

The promotional materials of the Movie through social media has generated substantial buzz, reaching a total audience of 2.47 billion. Its related hashtag on Douyin has garnered 1.18 billion views, securing the No.1 spot on the real-time popularity chart, and it also holds the No.2 spot on the Weibo movie list.

AMTD is a co-production company of the Movie, with Dr. Calvin Choi, founder of AMTD IDEA, AMTD Digital, and TGE, serving as a co-producer.

About AMTD Group
AMTD Group is a conglomerate with a core business portfolio spanning across media and entertainment, education and training, and premium assets and hospitality sectors.

About AMTD IDEA Group
AMTD IDEA Group (NYSE: AMTD; SGX: HKB) represents a diversified institution and digital solutions group connecting companies and investors with global markets. Its comprehensive one-stop business services plus digital solutions platform addresses different clients’ diverse and inter-connected business needs and digital requirements across all phases of their life cycles. AMTD IDEA Group is uniquely positioned as an active super connector between clients, business partners, investee companies, and investors, connecting the East and the West. For more information, please visit www.amtdinc.com or follow us on X (formerly known as “Twitter”) at @AMTDGroup.

About AMTD Digital Inc.
AMTD Digital Inc. (NYSE: HKD) is a comprehensive digital solutions platform headquartered in France. Its one-stop digital solutions platform operates key business lines including digital media, content and marketing services, investments as well as hospitality and VIP services. For AMTD Digital’s announcements, please visit https://ir.amtdigital.net/investor-news.

About The Generation Essentials Group
The Generation Essentials Group (NYSE: TGE; LSE: TGE), jointly established by AMTD Group, AMTD IDEA Group (NYSE: AMTD; SGX: HKB) and AMTD Digital Inc. (NYSE: HKD), is headquartered in France and focuses on global strategies and developments in multi-media, entertainment, and cultural affairs worldwide as well as hospitality and VIP services. TGE comprises L’Officiel, The Art Newspaper, movie and entertainment projects. Collectively, TGE is a diversified portfolio of media and entertainment businesses, and a global portfolio of premium properties. Also, TGE is a special purpose acquisition company (SPAC) sponsor manager, with its first SPAC successfully raised and priced on December 18, 2025.

Safe Harbor Statement
This press release contains statements that may constitute “forward-looking” statements pursuant to the “safe harbor”provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements can be identified by terminology such as “will,” “expects,””anticipates,” “aims,” “future,” “intends,” “plans,” “believes,””estimates,” “likely to,” and similar statements. Statements that are not historical facts, including statements about the beliefs, plans, and expectations of AMTD IDEA Group, AMTD Digital and/or The Generation Essentials Group, are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements involve inherent risks and uncertainties. Further information regarding these and other risks is included in the filings of AMTD IDEA Group, AMTD Digital and The Generation Essentials Group with the SEC. All information provided in this press release is as of the date of this press release, and none of AMTD IDEA Group, AMTD Digital and The Generation Essentials Group undertakes any obligation to update any forward-looking statement, except as required under applicable law.

For more information, please contact:

For AMTD IDEA Group:
IR Office
AMTD IDEA Group
EMAIL: ir@amtdinc.com

For AMTD Digital Inc.:
IR Office
AMTD Digital Inc.
EMAIL: ir@amtdigital.net

For The Generation Essentials Group:
IR Office
The Generation Essentials Group
EMAIL: ir@tge.media