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Dr. Lu Xianping, Founder, Chairman of Chipscreen Biosciences named the Chinese mainland winner of the EY Entrepreneur Of The Year™ 2025 awards

SHENZHEN, China, Dec. 30, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — On December 5, 2025, Dr. Lu Xianping, Founder, Chairman of Shenzhen Chipscreen Biosciences Co., Ltd, has been named the Chinese mainland winner of the EY Entrepreneur Of The Year™ 2025 awards.

Dr. Lu Xianping delivers his remarks at the award ceremony.
Dr. Lu Xianping delivers his remarks at the award ceremony.

This recognition honors his outstanding contributions to advancing new-quality productive forces and driving innovation within the pharmaceutical industry.

The award program, themed “Two Decades of Unwavering Strength, Forging Ahead in the New Era,” celebrates entrepreneurs who shoulder new-era responsibilities and contribute significantly to national prosperity and social progress.

Dr. Lu Xianping stands as a distinguished scientist and entrepreneur in China’s innovative pharmaceutical sector. He earned a Ph.D. in Molecular Biology from Peking Union Medical College, pursued postdoctoral research in the U.S., and successfully founded two biopharmaceutical companies. Driven by the mission to “develop affordable innovative drugs for ordinary people,” he chose to return to China and established Chipscreen Biosciences in 2001.

Against the backdrop of China’s historical focus on generic drugs, Dr. Lu dedicated himself to researching first-in-class drugs with entirely novel mechanisms of action. By building a new drug discovery and evaluation platform based on chemical genomics and AI-assisted design, he significantly improved R&D success rates and shortened development cycles. Under his leadership, Chidamide became China’s first original small-molecule anti-tumor innovative drug and the country’s first pharmaceutical product to be globally licensed out. It filled a critical gap in treating peripheral T-cell lymphoma in China and has extended new hope to patients with breast cancer, adult T-cell leukemia, diffuse large B-cell lymphoma and other malignancies. Chiglitazar Sodium, developed over 19 years for Type 2 diabetes, marked a historic breakthrough as the world’s first PPAR pan-agonist. Both drugs have been included in China’s National Reimbursement Drug List (NRDL), substantially reducing patients’ financial burdens. In the current pipeline, multiple drug candidates with significant first-in-class potential are expected to deliver novel therapeutic options for chronic diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease.

Dr. Lu has actively promoted improvements in China’s pharmaceutical ecosystem, including the evolution of innovative drug review pathways, NRDL inclusion mechanisms and capital market reforms. Under his guidance, Chipscreen has donated over RMB 700 million worth of medicines, helping more than 10,000 patients alleviate treatment costs. Dedicated to developing first-in-class therapies with novel targets, structures and mechanisms, he has been hailed by international media as “China’s pioneer of original innovative drugs.”

Her Turn to Lead: How a Family Event Business Found New Life–and New Markets

SINGAPORE, Dec. 30, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Singapore-based exhibition and event agency Leon Exhibition Pte Ltd has announced a leadership transition, with second-generation leader Shuhui Mai taking the lead. 

On-site at a luxury automotive launch outside a landmark retail district, 2018 — a father-daughter team behind the build, bridging legacy craftsmanship and next-generation execution.
On-site at a luxury automotive launch outside a landmark retail district, 2018 — a father-daughter team behind the build, bridging legacy craftsmanship and next-generation execution.

When Shuhui Mai stepped into her family’s exhibition business, it was never part of a long-term succession plan. She had built a promising career far removed from exhibition halls, carpentry workshops, and the intensity of on-site coordination work. But when her father’s company faced a defining crisis, the decision to return became personal—and irreversible.

Today, Shuhui represents a new generation of leadership at LeonEx, a Singapore-based exhibition and event agency that has evolved from a local operator into a trusted partner for regional and Asia-Pacific brands. Her journey is not only about growth, but about rebuilding trust, redefining design, and carrying forward a legacy shaped by resilience.

A Business Built on Perseverance

LeonEx was founded in 2009 by Shuhui’s father, Xun Yao Mai, with a simple goal: to give his family a better life. Like many first-generation entrepreneurs, his path was neither smooth nor predictable.

“What started as a group idea eventually became a solo responsibility,” he recalls. “When difficulties came, others stepped away. I chose to continue.”

Operating in the demanding exhibition and events industry—where margins are tight and execution must be precise—LeonEx survived through grit and persistence. But its most difficult challenge did not come from the market. It came from within.

Without delving into specifics, both father and daughter describe a period when the business was left hollowed out, forcing a complete reset. For the founder, it was deeply painful. For his daughter, it became a turning point.

An Unplanned Return

Before joining LeonEx, Shuhui worked as a headhunter, recruiting talent across the public sector as well as banking and finance. For nearly two years, she thrived in a fast-paced environment that sharpened her understanding of people, systems, and organisational structure.

“I never planned to join the family business,” she says. “Recruitment allowed me to understand different industries without being inside them.”

Her return was driven not by ambition, but conviction.

“My father went through a very difficult period, and I felt he had been wronged,” she says. “I initially came in to protect his name and the decades of work he put in. Over time, that responsibility turned into purpose.”

What she inherited was not a thriving company, but an empty shell—no factory, no workers, no active clients. What followed was a rebuild from the ground up.

Reimagining LeonEx

Rather than replicate the past, Shuhui redefined what LeonEx could stand for. At the heart of her vision is a belief that exhibition booths should do more than occupy space—they should tell stories.

“Too many booths are square, predictable, and forgettable,” she explains. “We wanted to create conversation points that help clients engage meaningfully during the short window of an exhibition.”

Design became LeonEx’s strongest differentiator. Shuhui works closely with her team to translate client objectives into physical environments that clearly communicate brand identity.

At the same time, LeonEx began balancing traditional building excellence with digital and hybrid experiences. Touchscreen activations and interactive mini-games are being explored and incorporated into booths to increase engagement and dwell time.

“Technology should enhance interaction, not distract from it,” Mai says. “If it helps our clients start better conversations, then it adds real value.”

Growing with Regional Brands

LeonEx began working with Moomoo Financial in 2019 and grew alongside the brand as it expanded regionally, developing a consistent exhibition identity across markets. The agency has also supported Longbridge and, for the fifth consecutive year, won the tender for Sentosa’s pavilion at ITB Asia—one of the leading exhibitions in the global travel and tourism industry.

Another project especially close to Shuhui’s heart is the FG2 Pavilion at FHA. Entering its third year in 2026, the pavilion brings together second-generation F&B business owners under one collective platform—brands such as BoBo Fishball, Song Fa Bak Kut Teh, and Defu Garlic.

“The idea is to help second-generation founders bring their businesses to the next level, while retaining the heritage built by the first generation,” Shuhui explains. “As a second-gen myself, this feels like second-gen serving second-gens.”

Leadership and the Road Ahead

In a male-dominated industry, Shuhui admits she had to work harder early on to be taken seriously. “Consistency and results eventually speak louder than assumptions,” she says.

For her father, stepping back was a deliberate decision. “Regional expansion was her vision,” he says. “She needed full authority to lead.”

Today, LeonEx continues to grow steadily under next-generation leadership. For Shuhui, the journey is no longer about proving a point.

“It started with pressure,” she reflects. “Now, it’s about building something meaningful—something my father can be proud of, and something that can stand on its own.”

In a business shaped by resilience and reinvention, LeonEx’s story reflects a broader truth about family enterprises: legacy does not end with inheritance—it evolves with leadership.

SDS Australia Reports Rising Demand for Premium Saunas as Buyers Become More Informed

SYDNEY, Dec. 30, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Australia’s sauna market experienced strong growth in 2025, reflecting a broader shift toward preventative health, recovery and long-term wellness investment. According to SDS Australia, one of the nation’s leading premium sauna retailers, demand has accelerated across both residential and commercial sectors.

Across the country, saunas are now increasingly being integrated into private homes, architectural builds, hospitality venues and high-end wellness spaces. Industry observers say the rising awareness of heat therapy’s health benefits, combined with a growing appetite for considered lifestyle design, has driven this expansion.

As the category grows, SDS Australia’s CEO, Michael Doubinski, says the market is becoming increasingly divided between mass-produced sauna imports and premium, European-made systems. Construction quality, material integrity and long-term performance have emerged as key points of differentiation – particularly for consumers focused on consistent, reliable health outcomes over time.

An architectural-grade outdoor barrel sauna from SDS Australia’s European Made collection
An architectural-grade outdoor barrel sauna from SDS Australia’s European Made collection

“The increase in demand has been significant, but what’s more notable is how much more informed buyers have become,” said Doubinski. “Customers are no longer just asking what a sauna looks like. They want to understand how it’s built, how consistently it performs, and whether it’s designed to support regular, long-term use as part of a genuine health routine.”

The rapid influx of factory-produced saunas into Australia has expanded consumer choice but also introduced new challenges. Many entry-level systems are designed for speed and scale, often relying on thinner timbers, adhesive-based construction and generic components. Over time, these products can struggle to deliver consistent thermal performance or durability – particularly in Australia’s varied climate conditions.

At the same time, buyers are becoming more discerning. Rather than focusing solely on price or appearance, consumers are increasingly asking where saunas are manufactured, how materials are treated, whether independent certification is in place, and how systems are designed to perform over years of use.

European sauna manufacturing continues to set the global benchmark. Producers operating in Nordic and Baltic regions have the advantage of being able to draw on generations of sauna expertise, combining traditional craftsmanship with modern engineering and material science. High-quality European-made saunas are typically defined by solid, architectural-grade timbers, chemical-free thermal modification processes, precision-engineered heaters and independently tested performance standards.

Doubinski said SDS Australia has aligned its offering exclusively with European sauna manufacturers in response to this shift. “As the market matures, we’re seeing a clear preference for saunas that prioritise longevity, transparency and engineering integrity, rather than short-term cost savings,” he said.

Looking ahead, industry analysts expect Australia’s sauna market to continue expanding, with education playing a greater role in purchasing decisions. While overall demand remains strong, the next phase of growth is expected to be driven less by volume and more by informed choice.

As the market moves into 2026, buyers are paying closer attention to how saunas are built, where they are made, and how they are designed to perform over time – signalling a maturing category where construction quality and long-term performance are increasingly central to decision-making.

ARC Group Brings the Premier Capital Markets & M&A Forum to Tokyo

TOKYO, Dec. 29, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — ARC Group will host the Capital Markets & M&A Forum in Tokyo, an exclusive gathering of the nation’s most influential financial professionals, corporate executives, investors, and advisors. Designed for senior decision-makers, this high-impact forum will uncover actionable insights, foster elite connections, and open the door to exceptional deal-making opportunities in Tokyo’s fast-evolving capital markets. The event will take place on January 20th, 2026, at the Ritz-Carlton Tokyo Hotel.

About ARC Group

ARC Group is a global investment bank and management consultancy supporting companies through cross-border financial advisory, M&A, IPOs, SPAC transactions, financing, and consulting services. Headquartered in Hong Kong with offices in China, the United States, Southeast Asia, Europe, and the Middle East, ARC Group delivers integrated solutions across multiple jurisdictions.

  • Capital Markets: A top global mid-market investment bank, consistently leading the SPAC M&A League Table globally.
  • M&A: Over USD 1 billion in transaction volume in the last three years, specializing in cross-border deals involving Asia.
  • Management Consulting: Supporting companies from growing businesses to Fortune 500 leaders in overcoming strategic and operational challenges.
  • ARC Group Securities LLC: A wholly owned, U.S.-registered, FINRA-member broker-dealer with firm commitment underwriting capabilities.

About the Event

For the first time, ARC Group brings its flagship Capital Markets & M&A Forum to Tokyo, convening senior executives, investors, and advisors for a focused dialogue on the forces shaping global capital markets and cross-border deal-making.

Previously hosted in leading financial hubs including Shanghai, Shenzhen, Dubai, and Kuala Lumpur, the forum has established itself as a trusted platform for senior decision-makers to exchange insights and explore cross-border opportunities.

Set in Japan’s leading financial hub, the forum will explore key trends across IPOs, M&A, financing, and strategic expansion, with particular attention to opportunities emerging in Japan and the broader Asia-Pacific region. Through off-the-record discussions, strategic perspectives, and sector-focused sessions, participants will gain practical insights into navigating an evolving market environment.

Held at The Ritz-Carlton, Tokyo, this exclusive gathering offers a highly curated networking experience, bringing together decision-makers across investment banking, corporate leadership, legal advisory, and institutional investment. Attendees will have the opportunity to exchange views with peers, build meaningful connections, and identify pathways for collaboration and deal flow.

This milestone Tokyo edition marks ARC Group’s continued commitment to fostering high-level capital markets dialogue across Asia’s most influential financial centers.

Venue: The Ritz-Carlton, Tokyo
 Tokyo Midtown, 9 Chome-7-1 Akasaka, Minato City, Tokyo 107-6245, Japan

Date: January 20, 2026

Register here: https://arc-group.com/capital-market-and-ma-forum-2026-tokyo-edition/

https://arc-group.com/capital-market-and-ma-forum-2026-tokyo-edition/
https://arc-group.com/capital-market-and-ma-forum-2026-tokyo-edition/

 

Media Contact: 

Anna Sahlberg
anna.sahlberg@arc-group.com

 

 

 

FranklinWH System Obtains World’s First TIA-942 Rated 1 to 4 Certification for Home Energy

From data centers to modern homes: a new era of residential energy reliability

SAN JOSE, Calif., Dec. 30, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — FranklinWH Energy Storage Inc., a leading provider of home energy solutions, proudly announces that the FranklinWH System with aPower battery storage has obtained the world’s first TIA-942 certification across the full rating spectrum spanning from rated 1 through rated 4 (4 is the peak of the certification hierarchy) for residential systems. TIA-942 is a well-known data center standard for ensuring reliability and availability of equipment and extending that to home energy systems is critical for providing homeowners the confidence that they will have power when it is needed. This milestone sets a new benchmark in the residential energy storage system (ESS) sector, signifying the FranklinWH System meets the stringent data-center standard for reliability, resiliency, and availability.

The demand for exceptional energy reliability is increasingly required in modern homes. However, the residential ESS industry today lacks a universally accepted benchmark for reliability. Adopting the data center standard offers consumers and partners a transparent, objective assurance that the ESS performs to the highest standard of reliability and robustness, with ultra-clean and stable UPS-grade power delivery.

“With this certification, we are raising the bar for residential energy storage, giving homeowners added confidence that their system will perform when they need it most,” said Gary Lam, CEO of FranklinWH. “TIA-942 is a rigorous, measurable standard trusted by the world’s most critical facilities. Bringing this level of proven reliability to the home means performance isn’t just promised, it’s verified.”

Developed by the Telecommunications Industry Association (TIA) and accredited by ANSI, TIA-942 certification evaluates infrastructure across power systems, redundancy, monitoring, fault tolerance, and overall resiliency. The standard is issued by Enterprise Products Integration (EPI) and defines four increasing levels of reliability, each requiring stringent engineering and system design to minimize downtime and ensure continuous operation. It is widely considered the leading standard for uptime in data centers and other always-on facilities and, until now, it had never been applied to residential energy systems.

The standard defines four rated levels, with rated 4 representing the highest level of redundancy, fault tolerance, maintainability, and resiliency. For decades, the standard has served as one of the most rigorous and complete reliability frameworks.

With this milestone, FranklinWH sets a new industry standard that brings enterprise-level reliability to homeowners for the first time.

About FranklinWH

FranklinWH Energy Storage is the manufacturer of the FranklinWH System, a next-generation home energy management and storage solution. Headquartered in the San Francisco Bay Area, FranklinWH’s team brings decades of experience across energy system design, manufacturing, sales, and installation. The company is AVL-listed with multiple financial institutions and continues to empower homeowners to achieve true energy freedom. Learn more at franklinwh.com

CONTACT: Email: Media@franklinwh.com 

 

From Factory Floors to Smart Homes: Eforthink Debuts Next-Gen UWB Solutions at CES 2026

Dual-track strategy: Industrial-grade precision boosts enterprise efficiency, while consumer innovations redefine smart living

LAS VEGAS, Dec. 30, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Eforthink, a global leader in UWB-powered location IoT solutions, is set to unveil a brandnew lineup of new ultra-wideband (UWB) products and platforms at CES 2026. Bridging the gap between industrial automation and consumer smart living, the company will showcase cutting-edge real-time positioning systems for manufacturers alongside intuitive spatial sensing devices designed for homes, offices, and beyond.


Industrial IoT: Precision Control for Smarter Manufacturing

Eforthink’s industrial-grade solution leverages a hybrid positioning system that fuses UWB with Bluetooth Angle-of-Arrival (AoA) technology. Delivering centimeter-level accuracy, it tracks people, vehicles, and materials in real time — optimizing workflows across automotive plants, warehouses, logistics hubs, and various factories.

Key applications include:

  • Asset tracking
  • Forlift tracking
  • Production tracking
  • Yard management
  • Indoor positioning and navigation

By streamlining operations, Eforthink’s platform helps global manufacturers enhance lean production and achieve greater agility in increasingly complex supply chains.

Touchless Interaction: From Connected Devices to People-oriented Experiences

Taking its industrial UWB expertise into the consumer realm, Eforthink introduces three spatial sensing products that promise to transform everyday interactions:

1. Eforlink ScreenLock – Smart Key for Computers

With 10 cm spatial sensing precision, ScreenLock recognizes authorized users via their smartphones. The computer unlocks as the user approaches and locks instantly upon leaving — no passwords, no keystrokes, just seamless security and productivity.

2. Eforlink UWB Identity Presence Sensor – A Home That Knows You

This sensor identifies who is in the room and adjusts lighting, temperature, entertainment settings, and even pre-configured appliance actions accordingly. Moving beyond simple voice commands, it enables a shift from passive device control to proactive, personalized environments.

3. Eforlink UWB Pet Tag – Hands-Free Access for Pets

Authorized pets can now enter and exit freely with automatic door unlocking, while unknown animals are kept out. It’s a small innovation that makes a big difference for pet owners seeking both security and convenience.

Bridging Two Worlds

UWB technology has long been the backbone of industrial automation, said a company spokesperson. Now, Eforthink is bringing that same precision and reliability into consumers’ daily lives — redefining how people interact with their homes, offices, and even their pets.

Eforthink envisions a future where spatial intelligence is as ubiquitous in personal spaces as it is on factory floors.

Visit Eforthink at CES 2026

  • Location:  Las Vegas Convention Center (LVCC), North Hall, Booth #11071
  • Dates:  January 6–9, 2026

For more details on Eforthink’s technology portfolio, case studies, and product specifications, visit www.eforlinktech.com.

Stay connected via our official channels:

  • LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/110192592
  • TikTok: @eforlink_official
  • Facebook: facebook.com/profile.php?id=61550340266779

About Eforthink

Headquartered in China, Eforthink is a leading provider of location-based IoT solutions. Its full-stack Real-Time Location System (RTLS) platform combines software and hardware to deliver precise tracking of objects’ positions, movements, and interactions. Supporting multiple positioning technologies — including GNSS, RFID, BLE, and UWB — Eforthink enables enterprises and consumers alike to build efficient, scalable RTLS ecosystems.

Meet xLean TR1 at CES: The World’s First Dual Form Transformable Floor Washing Robot Vacuum

LAS VEGAS, Dec. 30, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — At LAS VEGAS, Jan 6, 2026, the xLean team will bring the ground-breaking xLean TR1, the world’s first dual-form transformable floor washing robot vacuum with human cleaning intent.

xLean TR1 at CES 2026
xLean TR1 at CES 2026

xLean TR1 seamlessly transforms between robot and handheld forms, offering a comprehensive solution for both everyday cleaning and sudden messes in a single device. With a one-second transformation, it shifts from robot form to handheld form for targeted, on-the-spot cleaning.

Cleaning efficiency is equally remarkable: it takes just 15 seconds to clean cat litter mixed with a can of cola. Powered by the cutting-edge Dual-Motor DirectSuction™ system, it delivers an impressive 17,000Pa of suction, achieving a 99.99% pickup rate for liquid and mixed solid–liquid waste, as well as stubborn stains — revolutionizing cleaning performance in the entire robot vacuum industry.

Another major breakthrough is that the xLean TR1 is the world’s first cleaning robot built with a Self-evolving Intelligence system. Unlike traditional robots that rely on fixed programs and improve only linearly, the xLean TR1 is the first cleaning robot to apply reinforcement learning from embodied robotics, enabling it with an initial level of autonomous intelligence. Through Reinforcement Learning from Human Feedback (RLHF), the robot continuously learns and evolves during handheld form, ultimately developing human-like obstacle avoidance, stuck-recovery behaviors and advanced autonomous cleaning decision-making capabilities.

In addition, the xLean TR1 will debut human-like autonomous cleaning strategies. Using a self-developed dirt sensor and the Self-evolving Intelligent Algorithm, xLean TR1 adapts its human-like cleaning strategy in real time based on the detected dirt level: heavy messes trigger deep cleaning while lighter messes receive faster, lighter passes, similar to how humans clean in real life. xLean reports this approach delivers near-complete cleaning results while improving effective cleaning efficiency by around 50%. The xLean team proudly invites every tech enthusiast to witness this milestone in home robotics.

Inspired by the most efficient human cleaning behaviors, the xLean team has pioneered robotic Hunting Mode: the xLean TR1 autonomously hunts floors, identifies messes with human-like intent, makes human-like cleaning decisions where needed, and offers targeted cleaning. For example, random pet dirt and hidden debris are automatically recognized and cleaned, resulting in higher efficiency and lower energy use.

The xLean team welcomes all attendees to visit us at Venetian Expo Booth 51159, to witness the next generation of cleaning robots.

ONE Store Becomes Korea’s No. 2 App Marketplace

  • Five-year game transaction share reaches 12.6% (2020H2–2025H1)
  • ONE Store records a 49.2% share among the top 50 highest-grossing games in 1H 2025

SEOUL, South Korea, Dec. 29, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — ONE Store, a Korean app marketplace, said it has cemented its No. 2 app marketplace position in Korea.

ONE Store Becomes Korea’s No. 2 App Marketplace
ONE Store Becomes Korea’s No. 2 App Marketplace

According to IGAWorks’ Mobile Index report on transaction volume across three app marketplaces, ONE Store recorded a 12.6% share of game transaction value from the second half of 2020 through the first half of 2025 — reflecting a cumulative five-year performance. This further reinforces ONE Store’s position as the No. 2 app marketplace in Korea.

Founded in 2016, ONE Store is regarded as the leading third-party app marketplace in the global app market. These results reflect ONE Store’s ability to earn the trust and support of both developers and users through lower fees, marketing support, and user incentives, even amid competition from major global platforms. 

ONE Store continues to reinforce its win-win approach with developers and expand benefits for users. To date, developers have saved approximately KRW 380 billion (approx. US$257 million) in cumulative fees, while users have received approximately KRW 690 billion (approx. US$467 million) in cumulative discounts.

In the first half of 2025, among the top 50 highest-grossing games available on both ONE Store and other major app marketplaces in Korea, ONE Store recorded a 49.2% share of transaction value. This suggests consumers are choosing platforms that offer better value. In fact, ONE Store’s ARPPU (Average Revenue Per Paying User) was approximately five times higher than that of other major app marketplaces, indicating strong user loyalty and spending power.

Genre-specific performance also stands out. In the first half of 2025, among the top 50 highest-grossing games, ONE Store recorded transaction value shares of 50.9% in RPG, 64.8% in Simulation, and 49.2% in Strategy. The average share across these three most popular genres in Korea reached 52.9%.

Ultimately, these results underscore ONE Store’s position as a preferred app marketplace among Korean gamers.