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PAObank Enhances “Money Safe” Feature for Upgraded Anti-Fraud Protection

Universal Access Now Available to All Retail Banking Customers Raising the Bar for Deposit Security


HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 29 December 2025 – PAO Bank Limited (“PAObank”) places the highest priority on safeguarding customers’ funds. In alignment with the Hong Kong Monetary Authority’s (“HKMA”) latest anti-fraud measures, PAObank is proud to announce a comprehensive upgrade to its “Money Safe” feature. Effective immediately, all customers can now proactively lock part or all of their deposits directly through the PAObank Mobile Banking APP, based on their individual needs, adding an extra layer of security to their funds.

Mr. Ronald Iu, Chief Executive of PAObank, said, “With fraud cases continuing to rise in recent years, protecting customers’ funds remain a bank’s primary responsibility. PAObank fully endorses the HKMA’s anti-fraud efforts and is actively enhancing our protection measures, enabling customers to manage and safeguard their funds with greater autonomy and flexibility. With this latest upgrade to the ‘Money Safe’ service, we have further strengthened the protective measures available to all our customers. We remain committed to integrating innovative technology to deliver a safer and more reliable financial services experience.”

PAObank customers can now activate Money Safe protection at any time via the PAObank Mobile Banking APP. This feature enables customers to isolate or lock part or all of their bank deposits, preventing any outward transfers of the protected funds through any channel. To access locked funds, customers are required to visit PAObank office in person for identity verification, after which the funds will be released within three working days. This process ensures robust protection while maintaining accessibility when needed.

For details, please visit PAObank’s website at www.paob.com.hk. For enquiries, please contact our customer service through the PAObank Mobile Banking APP or contact our hotline at 3762 9900.

Hashtag: #PAObank

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

About PAO Bank Limited

PAO Bank Limited (“PAObank”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Lufax Holding Ltd (“Lufax”) (SEHK: 6623; NYSE: LU) and a member of Ping An Insurance (Group) Company of China, Ltd. (“Ping An”) (SEHK: 2318; SSE: 601318), is committed to fostering financial inclusion and establishing a digital banking ecosystem by leveraging its extensive experience in SME banking services and its leading financial technology advantages. PAObank was granted a banking licence by the Hong Kong Monetary Authority in May 2019 to offer banking services via virtual channels. PAObank is expanding diverse business segments including retail banking and SME banking, serving customers in Hong Kong and the Greater Bay Area, establishing itself as Ping An Group’s comprehensive financial platform in Hong Kong.

Beijing Backs Ceasefire, Aid Efforts in Cambodia–Thailand Border Tensions

This photo is used for representational purpose only.

China hosted a trilateral meeting with Cambodia and Thailand in Yuxi City, southwest China’s Yunnan Province, as the two Southeast Asian neighbours took further steps to stabilise relations following a recent ceasefire agreement.

The talks were held from 28 to 29 December at the invitation of Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, bringing together foreign ministers from China, Cambodia, and Thailand. 

According to Chinese media reports, the meeting concluded with agreement on five key areas: strengthening communication, deepening mutual understanding, gradually consolidating the ceasefire, restoring bilateral exchanges, and rebuilding political trust. The parties also reaffirmed their commitment to improving relations while maintaining regional peace and stability.

The talks followed the signing of a joint statement by Phnom Penh and Bangkok agreeing to an immediate ceasefire after deadly border clashes. Chinese officials said the Yunnan meeting aimed to move the process beyond a pause in fighting toward longer-term confidence-building and political engagement.

During the discussions, China reiterated its support for dialogue and encouraged both sides to take phased and practical steps to ensure the ceasefire holds. Beijing also said it was ready to support regional efforts, including cooperation through Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), to help monitor the situation and address humanitarian needs in border areas.

China Confirms Humanitarian Aid Offer

Meanwhile, according to reports from Chinese, Cambodian, and Thai media, China has already provided approximately RMB 20 million (about USD 2.8 million) in emergency humanitarian aid to Cambodia to assist civilians displaced by recent border clashes with Thailand. The assistance includes tents, blankets, food, and other essential supplies, some of which have already arrived in Phnom Penh. 

The aid was publicly confirmed by Chinese and Cambodian officials.

At the same time, questions emerged online about whether China had made a similar offer to Thailand and whether Bangkok had declined it. 

Addressing the issue, the Thai Prime Minister said China had indeed communicated an offer related to the USD 2.8 million in humanitarian assistance, but that Thailand’s response would depend on further discussions after the return of Thai negotiator Sihasak Phuangketkeow, who was scheduled to return on the evening of 29 December.

Vientiane Provincial Court Issues Sentences in Five Criminal Cases

Vientiane Provincial Court has sentenced five individuals, including Thai and Chinese nationals, for crimes ranging from traffic violations and fraud to drug trafficking. 25 December 2025. (Photo credit: Vientiane Police News)

The Vientiane Provincial People’s Court handed down final judgments on 25 December in five criminal cases involving offenses ranging from traffic violations and fraud to drug trafficking.

The defendants included two Thai nationals, two Chinese nationals, and one Lao citizen. Among the cases, the court imposed one life sentence.

In traffic-related cases, Khachonlap, a 41-year-old Thai laborer from Khon Kaen, was sentenced to 11 months in prison and fined LAK 5 million (about USD 228) for causing a traffic accident in violation of road regulations. 

In a separate case, Van Mung Hui, 27, a Chinese laborer residing in Naxaythong district, Vientiane Capital, received 18 months’ imprisonment and a LAK 5 million fine for a similar offence.

The court also ruled on a fraud case involving Huang Ji Cheng, a 41-year-old Chinese businessman from Sikhottabong district, Vientiane Capital. He was sentenced to four years in prison and fined LAK 15 million (approximately USD 684) following his arrest in May 2024.

The heaviest penalties were issued in a drug trafficking case involving two Lao nationals from Na Mak village, Thoulakhom district, Vientiane Province. Khaozaiy, 34, was sentenced to five years in prison and fined LAK 10 million (around USD 456), while Thongsavanh, 55, received a life sentence for his role in methamphetamine distribution. Both were arrested in November 2024.

The court also referenced earlier drug-related rulings issued in September. In that case, Yeng Yang, 50, and his wife Maly, 45, from Kasi district, were sentenced to death after authorities seized more than 63,000 methamphetamine tablets in July 2023. A third defendant, Ha Yang, 34, was sentenced to life imprisonment after being found in possession of 12,800 tablets.

China Matter’s Feature: How Yantai Built Up China’s Leading Wine Industry

YANTAI, China, Dec. 29, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Along China’s eastern coastline, the city of Yantai has developed into the country’s most established center for wine industry, bringing together vineyards, large-scale manufacturing and a fast-growing wine tourism sector. Recently, American video creator Jack made a 48-hour visit to the region, offering new insights into how China’s wine industry thrives in the city.


China Matter’s Feature: How Yantai Built Up China’s Leading Wine Industry

Yantai is home to more than 60 vineyards and estate wineries, many of which have expanded beyond production to tourism and cultural experiences. At Longting Vineyard, a boutique estate by the sea, visitors are invited to experience a slow life for a while, tasting a glass of wine paired with traditional wellness activities. “We want people to experience not just our wines, but a lifestyle connected to the land and local culture,” said Emma Wang, Director of Operations at Longting Vineyard.

Natural conditions play a key role in shaping the region’s wines. As a city by the sea, Yantai benefits from abundant sunshine, a mild maritime climate and mineral-rich soils. These factors allow grapes to ripen slowly and evenly, producing wines that are often described as fresh, balanced and elegant. According to Zheng Anyu, Tasting and Sales Manager at Longting, the region’s Chardonnay reflects these traits particularly well, with clean acidity and subtle notes influenced by sea breezes.

Besides boutique wineries, Yantai also represents the industrial backbone of Chinese winemaking. The city hosts more than 200 wine producers and accounts for roughly one-third of China’s total wine output. At Changyu, China’s first modern winery founded more than 130 years ago, automated production lines amaze visitors by its scale and efficiency that now represents the highest level of the industry.

Quality remains the foundation of the fame. Over the past three years, wines from Yantai have won more than 700 international awards. Ruan Shili, Chief Winemaker of Changyu Cabernet, said consistency in grape sourcing and strict control of key production steps are essential. “When talking about wine-making, grapes decide its success for about 70 percent, and the other 30 percent depends on technique,” he said.

With an annual wine tourism flow of three to four million visitors and a wine-making history spanning more than a century, Yantai is continuously transforming from a wine production hub into a city of wine culture with greater global reputation.

YouTube Link: https://youtu.be/ut_V_nY4DA8

GEEKOM Returns to CES 2026 with Premium Laptops and Next-Generation Mini PCs

TAIPEI, Dec. 29, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — GEEKOM will make its fourth consecutive appearance at CES 2026, taking place from January 6 to 9 at Booth 35025 in LVCC South Hall 2. As a leader in the Mini PC industry, GEEKOM is presenting its most focused product launch to date, marking a major expansion into premium laptops while continuing to advance its compact computing lineup.


The centerpiece of GEEKOM‘s CES 2026 showcase is the GeekBook X14 Pro, a laptop that sets a new benchmark for lightweight design. Weighing just 2.2 pounds and measuring only 0.23 inches at its thinnest point, the GeekBook X14 Pro is positioned as the world’s lightest all-metal laptop. It features a 2.8K OLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate, delivering sharp visuals, vivid colors, and smooth performance.

Powered by the Intel Core Ultra 9-185H processor and equipped with 32GB of RAM and a 2TB SSD, the GeekBook X14 Pro handles demanding workloads with ease. Despite its powerful configuration, the laptop delivers up to 16 hours of battery life for all-day productivity. GEEKOM reinforces its premium positioning with a limited-time two-year warranty. For users who prefer a larger display, the GeekBook X16 Pro offers a 16-inch screen with largely identical specifications. Both models are available through GEEKOM‘s official online store at geekompc.com and on Amazon.

In addition to the GeekBook series, GEEKOM will preview two upcoming laptops at CES 2026. One is a high-performance AI creator and gaming laptop powered by the AMD Ryzen AI 9 H 465 (Gorgon Point) processor, designed for intensive creative workflows and AI applications. The other is a productivity-focused laptop powered by a third-generation Intel Core Ultra 7 365 processor, aimed at professional users. The model names of both devices will be announced later. GEEKOM continues to strengthen its Mini PC portfolio with the introduction of its 2026 lineup.

The A9 Max 2026 Edition debuts as the world’s first Mini PC powered by the AMD Ryzen AI 9 H 465 processor, while the IT13 Max 2026 Edition becomes the first Mini PC to feature the Intel Core Ultra 7 366H. Both models integrate Iceblast 3.0 cooling system for improved thermal performance and lower noise levels, and each is backed by a three-year warranty.

The year 2026 will see GEEKOM‘s most concentrated wave of new product launches, serving as a direct result of more than 20 years of experience and sustained development in the computer industry.

ChinaAMC launches Depository Receipts of two Chinese flagship ETFs in Thai exchange

Thai investors now can trade in real-time during local market hours using baht without overseas accounts, while also benefiting from capital gains tax exemptions.

BEIJING, Dec. 29, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Today, China Asset Management Co. (ChinaAMC) partnered with Thai securities firm InnovestX Securities to list Depository Receipts (DRs) linked to the “ChinaAMC CSI 300 ETF” and the “ChinaAMC STAR 50 ETF” on the Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET), enabling Thai investors access to a basket of China’s core assets and hard-core technologies. 

This marks the first time that ETFs listed on the Shanghai Stock Exchange (SSE) have entered an overseas market through a DR structure, and represents another milestone in deepening capital market cooperation between China and Thailand under the Belt and Road Initiative.

The simultaneous listing of these two flagship ETFs in Thailand also fully reflects the local market’s strong interest in allocating to high-quality Chinese assets and their confidence toward growth prospects of China’s technology sector.

In June, ChinaAMC collaborated with Thailand’s leading asset manager BBL Asset Management to launch the Southeast Asian nation’s first feeder fund channels to China’s A500 ETF, marking the first overseas introduction of China’s broad-based A500 index.

This July also witnessed ChinaAMC’s introduction of China Global Vision Fund to Thai investors, via partnership with Thailand’s First Plus Asset Management. Notably, ChinaAMC has secured the first fully discretionary mandate among onshore Chinese managers to run a Thai-domiciled fund. The fund is dedicated to investing in leading Chinese firms expanding internationally, enabling Thai investors to capitalize on the structural trend of China companies going global.

From the A500, China Global Vision Fund to the STAR 50 and CSI 300 indices, ChinaAMC has continued to expand overseas investors’ “China asset allocation toolkit” through forward-looking planning and efficient execution.

Easy Access to China’s “core assets “+ “hard tech”

A key highlight of this issuance is that it offers global investors a wrap-up of China’s “hard tech” strength besides core assets.

Unlike traditional broad-based or general growth indices, the STAR 50 Index brings together leading companies in China’s strategic emerging industries such as semiconductors, high-end equipment, and biomedicine. The listing of the ChinaAMC STAR 50 ETF DR fills a gap in the Southeast Asian market for investing in China’s “hard tech” sector. This not only allows Thai investors to directly benefit from China’s technological transformation but also collectively demonstrates the international capital market’s high recognition of China’s latest achievements in core technology breakthroughs, semiconductor supply chain independence and technological self-reliance.

At the same time, the ChinaAMC CSI 300 ETF, widely regarded as a barometer of the Chinese economy, is also being listed in Thailand through the DR structure, providing international investors with a channel for one-click access to China’s core high-quality assets. The simultaneous listing of these two products creates a strategy of “core assets + hard-core technology.”

ChinaAMC: Leading Chinese Asset Managers’ “Go Global” drive

As a pioneer in China asset management industry’s “go global” drive, ChinaAMC has always been at the forefront of promoting the internationalization of Chinese assets, boasting exceptional index investment management capabilities and extensive cross-border business experience.

This project leverages efficient connectivity mechanisms to build a highly innovative cross-border ecosystem. InnovestX Securities purchases the underlying ETFs in the Hong Kong market through the “Northbound ETF Connect” scheme and then issues DRs in Thailand. ChinaAMC provides the underlying high-quality asset management services, while InnovestX is responsible for local issuance and market-making.

This model efficiently connects the markets of Mainland China, Hong Kong, and Thailand. Thai investors can trade in real-time during local market hours using Thai baht without overseas accounts, while also benefiting from policy incentives such as capital gains tax exemptions. This not only significantly enhances the convenience of cross-border investment but also facilitates a continuous inflow of overseas medium- to long-term capital into the SSE market, showcasing a new chapter in the high-level opening-up of China’s capital markets.

About ChinaAMC

Founded in April 1998, China Asset Management Co., Ltd. (ChinaAMC) has grown to be one of the largest asset managers in China, with total AUM exceeding RMB3.2 trillion (US$449.5billion) as of Sept 30, 2025. It positioned itself as a full-service and versatile asset management platform that operates across asset classes, industries and regions. ChinaAMC has been China’s largest equity ETF provider for 20 consecutive years (2005-2024).

Source: ChinaAMC. AUM includes subsidiaries. Data as of Sept 30, 2025.

Disclaimer

Investment involves risk, including possible loss of principal. The information contained herein is for reference only and reflects prevailing market conditions and our judgment as of the release date, which are subject to change without further notice.

 

Adventures in DMPK: Viva Biotech’s One-Stop Pharmacology Platform Cross New Modalities

SHANGHAI, Dec. 29, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Drug Pharmacokinetics and Pharmacodynamics (PKPD) has become increasingly critical as drug discovery modalities continue to expand across a broader and more diverse therapeutic landscape. Viva Biotech has responded by building an integrated pharmacology platform that covers this end-to-end modality range, supporting programs from in vitro ADME assays through in vivo PK and efficacy studies. Adventures in DMPK: From Small Molecules and PROTACs to Peptides and Antibodies, the latest session in the Viva BioInsights webinar series, was presented by Dr. Justin Cui (Vice President of Pharmacology, Viva Biotech) and showcased these capabilities.

Dr. Cui emphasized that small molecules, PROTACs, and peptides roughly share a common ADME/PK logic: physicochemical profiling and metabolic stability (e.g., microsomes, hepatocytes, S9/UGT, whole blood/plasma), permeability/transport (MDCK/Caco-2), DDI risk (CYP inhibition), and tailored exploratory assays, followed by multispecies PK with formulation screening. The differentiator is not the checklist, but the decision framework applied to large program volumes—using exposure metrics (e.g., AUC) and half-life to support early compound triage and deprioritization when profiles fall below internal thresholds.

For peptide programs, Viva Biotech supports cross-species PK design (multiple routes such as SC/IV/IM) and comprehensive metabolite profiling (plasma, urine, bile, feces, tissues), with WinNonlin-based analysis used consistently across modalities. This consistent analytical framework enables comparison of peptide PK behavior alongside small-molecule programs.

Building on this ADME–PK foundation for small molecules and peptides, Viva applies modality-specific strategies to antibody programs, where FcRn biology becomes a central determinant of pharmacokinetic behavior. A central technical highlight was Viva Biotech’s engineered hFcRn/B2M–MDCK Transwell system for antibody transcytosis, developed to generate a cell-based readout of FcRn-mediated transport and to enable time- and dose-dependent transcytosis measurements. Positioned as a cost- and time-efficient approach for in vitro PK screening, the assay supports evaluation of Fc-engineering variants such as YTE and LALA Fc, and Fc fusion proteins. Importantly, data presented in the webinar demonstrated a strong correlation between cell-based transcytosis readouts and published clinical antibody half-life data (Pearson r > 0.84), supporting its utility for early candidate ranking ahead of in vivo studies.

Beyond PK, the webinar highlighted how DMPK decisions become more actionable when paired with mechanistic bioassays. Viva Biotech’s immunology in vitro portfolio covers immune-cell activation/differentiation and signaling assays, with platforms including multi-color flow cytometry, multiplex cytokine readouts, reporter assays, and Incucyte imaging systems. In vivo, Viva Biotech described tumor efficacy evaluation capabilities spanning syngeneic and CDX models, with ex vivo analyses supporting TIL assessment, pharmacodynamical biomarkers, and pathology readouts. Together, these approaches enable integrated evaluation of exposure, target engagement, and functional outcomes within disease-relevant contexts.

Viva Biotech brings over a decade of early drug discovery experience, with a comprehensive DMPK, pharmacology, and efficacy capabilities. In recent years, this foundation has been further strengthened through facility expansion and deeper integration of antibody PK with disease-focused studies across oncology, autoimmune, metabolic, and other therapeutic areas. In Dr. Cui’s framing, Viva Biotech has established a comprehensive DMPK platform spanning multiple drug modalities, embedded within a one-stop service model that connects structure-based discovery with ADME, pharmacokinetics, pharmacology, toxicology, and IND filing—supporting more confident and data-driven development decisions throughout the preclinical stage.

For more information about Viva Biotech’s Pharmacology & DMPK services, please visit: https://www.vivabiotech.com/cro/pharmacologydmpk 

Alphamab Oncology Announces IND Application for a Phase II Clinical Study of HER2 Bispecific ADC Subcutaneous Co-formulation JSKN033 as First-line Treatment of Advanced Cervical Cancer was Officially Accepted by CDE

SUZHOU, China, Dec. 29, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Alphamab Oncology (Stock Code: 9966.HK) announced that the IND application for a Phase II clinical study of JSKN033 (a proprietary high-concentration subcutaneous co-formulation consisting of HER2 bispecific antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) and PD-L1 immune checkpoint inhibitor) in combination with platinum-based chemotherapy with or without bevacizumab as first-line treatment of advanced cervical cancer (Study Number: JSKN033-202), has been officially accepted by the Center for Drug Evaluation (CDE) of the National Medical Products Administration (NMPA).

Cervical cancer is the most common gynecological malignancy and the fourth leading cause of cancer-related deaths among women. Patients with early-stage disease often experience recurrence or metastasis within two years after treatment, while those with advanced disease have a poor prognosis, with a five-year survival rate of less than 20%. Currently, platinum-based (cisplatin or carboplatin) chemotherapy combined with bevacizumab represents the guideline-recommended first-line standard of care. Although immune checkpoint inhibitors have also achieved breakthrough progress, tumor heterogeneity in cervical cancer still leads to suboptimal responses in some patients, highlighting a clear unmet clinical need.

In recent years, multiple clinical studies have confirmed the synergistic potential of combining ADCs with immunotherapy and anti-angiogenic agents. As a first-in-class co-formulation of ADC and immune checkpoint inhibitor, JSKN033 leverages a dual mechanism of action, combining targeted tumor killing with immune activation. In early-stage clinical studies, JSKN033 monotherapy has demonstrated promising efficacy and a manageable safety profile in patients with cervical cancer who have failed standard therapies.

JSKN033-202 is an open-label, multicenter phase II clinical trial designed to evaluate the safety, efficiency and pharmacokinetics (PK)/pharmacodynamics (PD) of JSKN033 in combination with platinum-based chemotherapy, with or without bevacizumab, as first-line treatment for patients with advanced cervical cancer. All patients will receive treatment with JSKN033 plus either cisplatin or carboplatin, with or without bevacizumab, with the choice of platinum agent and the use of bevacizumab determined by the investigator based on individual patient circumstances. The initiation of this study is expected to provide an innovative and convenient treatment option for patients with advanced cervical cancer.

About JSKN033

JSKN033 is the global first high-concentration subcutaneous formulation, combining the ADC (JSKN003) with PD-L1(Envafolimab), which is independently developed by the Company. JSKN003 is developed by site-specific conjugation to the Fc glycans of Anbenitamab (KN026), resulting in a homogeneous and stable ADC with a drug-to-antibody ratio (DAR) of 4. JSKN003 binds to two HER2 epitopes on tumor cells and release topoisomerase I inhibitors through cellular endocytosis, exerting anti-tumor effects. Envafolimab is a Fc fusion protein consisting of humanized anti-PD-L1 single domain antibody and human IgG1 Fc fragment, which has been approved by Chinese authorities as the global-first subcutaneous injection PD-(L)1 inhibitor in November 2021.

JSKN033 combines the benefits of immunotherapy and ADCs while enhancing safety and convenience through subcutaneous administration.

Currently, Phase I/II clinical trials of JSKN033 for the treatment of solid tumors is being conducted in China and Australia. The IND application for the Phase II clinical study of JSKN033 in combination with chemotherapy as first-line treatment for advanced cervical cancer has been accepted by the CDE.

About Alphamab Oncology

Alphamab Oncology (Stock Code: 9966.HK) is an innovative biopharmaceutical company focused on oncology. Leveraging proprietary platforms-including single-domain antibodies, bispecific antibodies, glycan-specific conjugation, linker-payloads, dual-payload ADCs, and high-concentration subcutaneous formulations, the Company has built a differentiated and globally competitive pipeline, covering cutting-edge candidates in ADCs, bispecific antibodies, and single-domain antibodies.

One product has received market approval: Envafolimab (KN035, brand name: 恩维达®), the world’s first subcutaneously injected PD-(L)1 inhibitor, offering greater convenience and accessibility in cancer treatment. The NMPA has accepted the new drug application for KN026 (Anbenitamab Injection), a HER2 bispecific antibody, for second-line or later HER2-positive gastric cancer. Four bispecific ADC candidates have entered clinical stages, and next-generation ADC pipelines—such as dual-payload ADCs—are advancing rapidly. The Company has established strategic partnerships with organizations including CSPC, ArriVent, and Glenmark, covering both product development and technology platforms.

Our overarching mission is to make cancer manageable and curable by addressing unmet clinical needs in oncology. Alphamab Oncology is continuously dedicated to the development of effective, safe, and globally competitive anti-tumor drugs, delivering China-innovated cancer therapies to benefit patients worldwide.