Home Blog Page 1215

Moyom Biotechnology Announces Strategic Partnership with WPP Group to Elevate Aphranel’s “Poetics of Time” Brand Positioning

SHANGHAI, Jan. 26, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Moyom Biotechnology recently announced a strategic partnership with WPP Group, one of the world’s leading global communications and creative networks. The partnership is centered on the “Poetics of Time” brand framework and will focus on the long-term evolution of Aphranel’s global brand communications.

Moyom Biotechnology Announces Strategic Partnership with WPP Group
Moyom Biotechnology Announces Strategic Partnership with WPP Group

Headquartered in London, WPP Group operates in more than 100 countries worldwide, integrating capabilities across creative, media, public relations, digital, consulting, and artificial intelligence. Through the partnership, WPP will draw on its global resources and integrated expertise to help Aphranel establish a clear, consistent, and internationally relevant, market-ready brand narrative, while communicating the values and the underlying scientific and clinical approach behind Poetics of Time to a broader professional audience.

Aphranel is a core brand of Moyom Biotechnology, positioned as the first CaHA-based regenerative injectable to receive regulatory approval in China. The brand is defined by an approach centered on a return to core medical principles, emphasizing structural support and long-term biological processes aligned with the natural rhythm of time.

“Poetics of Time” reflects Aphranel’s belief that aesthetic medicine should move beyond the notion of resisting aging, and instead focus on respecting anatomy, material science, and long-term clinical value. The partnership with WPP represents a key step in strengthening the brand’s global expression at the intersection of regenerative science and a clinically grounded, time-based medical philosophy.

Moyom Biotechnology said that it will continue working with WPP to expand the international reach of Aphranel and further build long-term brand trust and consistency across global markets.

About Aphranel

Aphranel is a core brand of Moyom Biotechnology, focused on professional medical aesthetics applications for clinical use. The brand specializes in facial injectables and regenerative materials, driven by science-based development and a sustained commitment to long-term clinical value.

About Moyom Biotechnology

Moyom Biotechnology is a medical technology company dedicated to regenerative materials and professional medical aesthetics, with a focus on science-based solutions and sustainable innovation in healthcare delivery.

About WPP

WPP is the world’s largest advertising and marketing services group, providing integrated brand, media, public relations, data, and technology solutions worldwide.

Swan Defence and Heavy Industries Limited Secures Chemical Tanker Order from Europe’s Rederiet Stenersen AS

MUMBAI, India, Jan. 26, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Marking a major milestone, Swan Defence and Heavy Industries Limited (SDHI) announced the signing of its first newbuild contract for six (6) IMO Type II chemical tankers, each of 18,000 DWT, to be constructed at its revitalized shipyard in Gujarat, India.

An aerial view of Swan Defence and Heavy Industries shipyard in Gujarat, India. 
An aerial view of Swan Defence and Heavy Industries shipyard in Gujarat, India. 

Valued at USD 227 million, the contract from leading European shipowner Rederiet Stenersen AS, the first and the largest chemical tanker order awarded to an Indian shipyard, reaffirming SDHI’s capabilities in delivering complex, world-class commercial vessels.

The agreement includes an option for an additional six sister vessels. The first vessel is scheduled for delivery within 33 months, with subsequent deliveries planned at regular intervals.

The vessels will be designed by Marinform AS and StoGda Ship Design & Engineering and classed by DNV. Built to Ice Class 1A standards, the tankers will feature advanced dual-fuel LNG ready hybrid propulsion, enabling multiple operational modes supported by high levels of automation.

Vivek Merchant, Director, SDHI, said, “This marks a historic milestone in the shipyard’s new journey toward becoming a state-of-the-art shipbuilding hub. The order from Rederiet Stenersen AS underscores global confidence in our ability to deliver future-ready, high-quality vessels. This agreement is not only a significant achievement for SDHI but also a strong endorsement of India’s growing commercial shipbuilding ecosystem. Progressive maritime policies, including the Shipbuilding Financial Assistance scheme, have enabled Indian private shipyards to compete successfully with leading global peers. We sincerely thank Rederiet Stenersen AS for their trust and support in SDHI as we embark on this important partnership.”

This is the first newbuild order at India’s largest shipyard following its revitalization under the new management of Swan Corp Limited, the parent company of SDHI.

John Stenersen, Director – Ship Management, Rederiet Stenersen AS, said, “This is our first newbuilding contract placed with an Indian shipyard, following a comprehensive technical and commercial evaluation. Our decision reflects strong confidence in SDHI’s infrastructure, engineering capabilities, and readiness to deliver specialized vessels that meet Stenersen’s global standards, while remaining cost competitive.”

About SDHI

Swan Defence and Heavy Industries Limited (SDHI), formerly Reliance Naval and Engineering Limited, is a leading shipbuilding and heavy fabrication company in India. The shipyard operates India’s largest dry dock (662 m × 65 m) and has a fabrication capacity of 164,000 tonnes annum.

Website: www.sdhi.co.in
Press Queries: media@swan.co.in

AsiaInfo and ABB Robotics Launch “Embodied Intelligence Laboratory”

Alibaba Cloud and NVIDIA as Key Technology Partners. Usher in a New Era of Industrial AI.


HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 26 January 2026 – AsiaInfo Technologies Limited (“AsiaInfo Technologies” or the “Company”; HKEX stock code: 01675), a leading provider of software products, solutions, and services, and ABB Robotics jointly established the “Embodied Intelligence Laboratory” and held its inauguration ceremony at AsiaInfo Plaza in Beijing on 25 January.

Tian Suning, Chairman of AsiaInfo Technologies, and Dr. Ouyang Ye, Chief Executive Office and Chief Technology Officer of AsiaInfo Technologies, together with Han Chen, Vice President of ABB Group and President of ABB Robotics China, jointly held an unveiling ceremony for the laboratory. Li Li, Vice President of the Government-Enterprise Business Unit at Alibaba Cloud Intelligence Group, attended the ceremony as key technology partners, witnessing this milestone that ushers in a new phase of integration between Physical AI technologies and the real economy.

ABB Robotics is one of the world’s leading robotics suppliers, offering a comprehensive and integrated portfolio that includes industrial and collaborative robots, autonomous mobile robots (AMRs), controllers, application solutions, services, and equipment. Powered by its intelligent software, its technologies help businesses across industries from automotive to electronics and logistics to become more resilient, flexible, and efficient.

As AI rapidly moves from the digital realm into the physical world, Physical AI, as the key bridge linking AI capabilities with real‑world industries, is becoming a core engine driving the intelligent upgrade of manufacturing sector. Against this backdrop, AsiaInfo Technologies has established a strategic partnership with ABB Robotics to jointly set up the Embodied Intelligence Laboratory, integrating both parties’ core strengths in foundation AI large models, industrial automation, communications technologies and robot control. The laboratory will focus on cutting‑edge areas such as industrial simulation and Physical AI, aiming to break through bottlenecks in the perception, decision‑making and execution capabilities of intelligent agents in complex real‑world scenarios. It will build an end‑to‑end innovation system spanning technology research and development (“R&D”), technology commercialization and large‑scale industrial deployment, thereby injecting strong AI‑driven momentum into high‑quality development.

As a leader in full‑stack digital‑intelligence capabilities, AsiaInfo Technologies will take AI large model application as the core lever, deeply integrating its strengths in 5G‑A telecommunications technology and network security to drive technology integration and large‑scale deployment at the laboratory. By developing replicable, scalable scenario‑based solutions, the Company will accelerate the rollout and value realisation of innovation in the intelligent manufacturing sector. Leveraging its global expertise in industrial automation and flexible control, ABB Robotics will provide the laboratory with real‑world, production‑line use cases and strong engineering support capabilities, enabling efficient validation, optimisation and iteration of technical solutions, and achieving deep coupling and mutual empowerment between technology and application scenarios.

The laboratory will leverage external technology partners to reinforce its R&D capabilities. By utilising Alibaba Cloud’s massive data processing power and cutting‑edge algorithmic frameworks such as Vision‑Language‑Action (VLA), and NVIDIA accelerated computing technology for training optimisation, it will significantly speeding up the industrialisation of Physical AI technologies.

The Embodied Intelligence Laboratory jointly established by AsiaInfo Technologies and ABB Robotics has been officially launched, marking the shift of their strategic partnership into a practical stage of implementation based on previous research. This collaboration represents not only a forward-looking initiative by both parties to deploy cutting-edge technologies and fulfill their industrial responsibilities, but also a pivotal step in advancing Physical AI from the laboratory into real-world applications on the factory floor. Looking forward, AsiaInfo Technologies together with partners including ABB Robotics and Alibaba Cloud, will use the laboratory as a core platform to deepen technical collaboration and scenario co‑creation, drive large‑scale deployment of Physical AI in industry, build a globally impactful benchmark for industrial intelligence, and help shape an open and collaborative Physical AI ecosystem.
Hashtag: #AsiaInfo

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

Ninth “YouChenghui” International Youth Painting Exhibition Launched in Malaysia, Fostering Friendship through Creativity

KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia, Jan. 26, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — A report from InJiangsu.

The overseas launch ceremony for the ninth edition of the “You Chenghui” International Youth Painting Exhibition was recently held at the Malaysia National Handicraft Arts Village. This event, co-organized by Jiangsu Provincial Media Group and Malaysian partners, aims to use art as a bridge to deepen cultural understanding and friendship between the youth of China and Malaysia.

Ninth "YouChenghui" International Youth Painting Exhibition
Ninth “YouChenghui” International Youth Painting Exhibition

The ceremony featured an exhibition of nearly 100 paintings created by young artists from both countries. Through vibrant colors and imaginative compositions, the children expressed their interpretations of each other’s cultures and their shared hopes for friendship, showcasing the artistic talent and enthusiasm for cross-cultural exchange among the younger generation.

In his welcome speech, Mr. Lee Tai Hong, Deputy Director General of Tourism Malaysia, highlighted the significance of the initiative. “The ‘You Chenghui’ exhibition is more than an art display; it is a bridge connecting hearts and minds,” he stated. “It provides a valuable platform for the youth of Malaysia and China to understand each other better and build lasting bonds, nurturing the future ambassadors of our bilateral friendship.”

Mr. He Ning, Deputy Director of Jiangsu Provincial Media Group, emphasized the event’s enduring mission. “Since its inception, ‘You Chenghui’ has been committed to bringing young people from both countries closer through artistic dialogue,” he said. “We look forward to welcoming more young Malaysians to Jiangsu, where they can experience China’s rich cultural heritage and modern dynamism firsthand, and together, we can write new chapters in our friendship.”

The “You Chenghui” exhibition has now been successfully held for eight consecutive sessions, engaging tens of thousands of young participants from both nations and establishing itself as a key platform for people-to-people exchange. The ninth edition will continue to use painting as a creative conduit, exploring new formats for interaction and encouraging more young people to connect through artistic expression, thereby promoting transnational friendship and mutual cultural appreciation.

About the “You Chenghui” International Youth Painting Exhibition:

Initiated and promoted by Jiangsu Provincial Media Group, “You Chenghui” is an international youth cultural exchange project. Through painting exhibitions, interactive workshops, and other activities, it provides a platform for young people from different countries to showcase their talent, enhance mutual understanding, and foster grassroots friendship and cultural dialogue.

 

Kuala Lumpur is Among Top 10 Destinations in Asia for Celebrating the Lunar New Year – Agoda

KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia, Jan. 26, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — As the Lunar New Year approaches, digital travel platform Agoda reveals that Kuala Lumpur is the seventh most sought-after destination for international visitors celebrating the festive season in Asia, as well as the top-searched domestic destination. Agoda further reports that, based on accommodation searches, Bangkok, Thailand is the most popular destination among Malaysians spending the Lunar New Year holiday abroad.

Kuala Lumpur, Johor Bahru, and Penang have emerged as the top inbound destinations for travelers to Malaysia. This trend highlights a growing interest in Malaysia’s vibrant cultural heritage and urban experiences. Kuala Lumpur, with its iconic skyline and diverse culinary scene, offers a blend of modernity and tradition. Johor Bahru attracts visitors with its cultural landmarks, while Penang is celebrated for its historic architecture and renowned street food. These preferences indicate that travelers are seeking destinations that offer a mix of cultural exploration and urban adventure.

Kuala Lumpur also leads as the top domestic destination for Malaysian travelers, followed by Penang and Malacca. Malacca, with its historical sites and colonial charm, draws those eager to delve into Malaysia’s past. These preferences indicate a trend towards appreciating local culture and history while enjoying diverse experiences.

Meanwhile, Bangkok ranks as the top outbound destination for Malaysian travelers, followed by Hat Yai and Tokyo. This preference underscores a desire for cultural exploration and diverse experiences. Bangkok’s rich street life and cultural sites offer a dynamic urban adventure. Hat Yai, known for its bustling markets and local cuisine, provides a more laid-back yet culturally immersive experience. Tokyo, with its blend of tradition and cutting-edge technology, appeals to those seeking both cultural depth and modern excitement. These choices reflect interest among travelers to explore destinations that offer a rich tapestry of cultural and urban experiences.

The upcoming Year of the Horse symbolizes energy and adventure, inspiring travelers to explore vibrant destinations. The Lunar New Year marking new beginnings and Spring’s arrival, is a prime time for reuniting with loved ones and embracing renewal. It’s an opportunity for self-discovery, whether rediscovering familiar places or venturing abroad. 

Fabian Teja, Country Director Malaysia and Brunei at Agoda shared, “The Year of the Horse brings a vibrant energy to travel, and it’s exciting to see Kuala Lumpur shine as a top destination. Cities like Johor Bahru, Penang and Malacca have so much to offer to travelers that will surely make the journey truly special for them. Whether they are staying in Malaysia or venturing abroad, Agoda has amazing deals on flights, stays, and activities to ensure their New Year celebration is unforgettable.”

Looking at the combined preferences of Asian travelers, Japanese cities emerged as favorites for the Lunar New Year holiday, with Tokyo leading, followed by Bangkok (Thailand), Taipei (Taiwan), Osaka (Japan) and Seoul (South Korea) in the top five. Fukuoka (Japan), Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia), Sapporo (Japan), Singapore and Hong Kong round out the top 10.

Embracing the adventurous spirit, travelers planning their Lunar New Year getaways can explore Agoda’s extensive offerings, including over 6 million holiday properties, more than 130,000 flight routes, and over 300,000 activities. Running from 14 to 28 February, Agoda’s Mega Sale will offer up to 60% off on hotel bookings, with special flash sales of up to 70% on 17 February and exclusive deals on flights and activities. Agoda VIP members will receive early access to deals from 10 to 13 February. The latest deals are available on the Agoda app or at agoda.com/deals. 

ASUS Republic of Gamers Announces Official Global Esports Partnership with DRX

Performance-driven collaboration features ROG hardware powering all DRX rosters

KEY POINTS

  • ROG named official gaming hardware partner of DRX for the next two years, working closely with VALORANT, League of Legends, and all other DRX rosters
  • Players will train, compete, and create content using products from the ROG Ace Esports lineup, including ROG Harpe II Ace and ROG Falchion Ace 75 HE
  • DRX players will take part in early testing and provide feedback for future ROG esports products

SINGAPORE, Jan. 26, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — ASUS Republic of Gamers (ROG), the global leader in gaming and esports gear innovation, today announced an official global partnership with DRX, one of the most accomplished esports organizations in the world.

For the next two years, ROG will be the official gaming hardware partner of DRX, working closely with the organization’s VALORANT and League of Legends teams, as well as all rosters under the DRX banner. DRX players will be supported with ROG’s esports-ready peripherals, designed to meet the demands of elite-level competition where speed, precision, and reliability are non-negotiable.

ROG and DRX will also collaborate on multiple global content initiatives, behind-the-scenes features, product co-development insights, and fan-facing activations that offer a closer look at how professional players fine-tune their setups and prepare for top-tier competition. These initiatives will create new opportunities for fans to connect with DRX team members and to try ROG gear.

ROG Ace Esports Collection

At the core of the collaboration is the ROG Ace Esports Collection — a lineup of peripherals purpose-built for professional play and co-developed alongside esports athletes. Throughout the partnership, DRX players will train, compete, and create content using products from this lineup — including high-performance esports mice such as the ROG Harpe II Ace and keyboards like the recently-launched ROG Falchion Ace 75 HE, plus other ROG peripherals trusted by champions everywhere.

Partnering to elevate esports

DRX has built a legacy defined by discipline, innovation, and championship success, earning international recognition across multiple titles, including a League of Legends World Championship victory in 2022 and third place finishes at both the 2022 and 2025 VALORANT Champions. This shared pursuit of competitive excellence makes DRX a natural partner for ROG, as the brand continues to deepen its commitment to esports worldwide.

“Esports is where performance truly matters, where every click, every flick, and every decision can define the outcome,” said Kris Huang, General Manager of the ASUS Gaming & Workspace Gear business unit. “Partnering with DRX allows us to work directly with world-class players across multiple titles, gaining invaluable feedback that helps us refine the ROG Ace Esports product lineup while delivering authentic, high-performance experiences for pros and fans alike.”

“DRX is built on the notion of spirit of challenge, and we found a perfect mirror of that philosophy in ASUS ROG,” explains DRX CEO Sun Il Yang. “By aligning with a brand that shares our relentless pursuit of excellence in performance and innovation, we are ensuring that our players have ROG’s world-class peripherals to achieve success on the global stage. We look forward to a shared commitment to excellence alongside ROG.”

As the partnership moves forward, DRX players will also take part in early testing and feedback for future ROG esports products, continuing ROG’s long-standing approach of co-creating gear alongside the players who rely on it most. Fans can also expect exclusive ROG and DRX content, global activations, and closer looks at the gear used by DRX’s VALORANT and League of Legends teams throughout the season, with the latest updates shared across official ROG and DRX social media channels.

About ROG

Republic of Gamers (ROG) is an ASUS sub-brand dedicated to creating the world’s best gaming hardware and software. Formed in 2006, ROG offers a complete line of innovative products known for performance and quality, including motherboards, graphics cards, system components, laptops, desktops, monitors, smartphones, audio equipment, routers, peripherals and accessories. ROG participates in and sponsors major international gaming events. ROG gear has been used to set hundreds of overclocking records and it continues to be the preferred choice of gamers and enthusiasts around the world. To become one of those who dare, learn more about ROG at http://rog.asus.com.

Get Exclusive Limited-Edition Gifts During Your Lunar New Year Trip: Wakamoto Launches “Thank You from Wakamoto” Campaign

TOKYO, Jan. 26, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Wakamoto Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. (Tokyo, Arata Igarashi), a company dedicated to supporting healthy and active lifestyles, will launch a nationwide campaign in which customers who purchase “Strong Wakamoto” will receive an original hand towel.

The campaign will be held at drugstores and other retail outlets across Japan, welcoming visitors from the Taiwan region who celebrate the Lunar New Year in Japan.

Campaign Background

In 2024, Wakamoto celebrated its 95th anniversary. To express its appreciation to customers who have long supported its products, the company has implemented a variety of advertising initiatives and promotional campaigns, all of which have been well received.

Meanwhile, Strong Wakamoto has been sold in Taiwan for approximately 40 years and has gained widespread popularity as one of Taiwan’s leading gastrointestinal medicines, with an average annual shipment volume of approximately 650,000 bottles over the past five years.

With the desire to convey its gratitude not only to Japanese users but also to loyal Taiwanese customers who regularly use Strong Wakamoto, Wakamoto has decided to launch this campaign.

Campaign Details

A special set consisting of two bottles of Strong Wakamoto (1,000 tablets each) bundled with an original hand towel will be offered for a limited time at participating drugstores in Tokyo.

Campaign period:

Sales will begin sequentially from January 26, 2026.
Available while supplies last.

Participating retailers:

Matsumoto Kiyoshi, Don Quijote, Sundrug, Takeya, Universal Drug, Bic Camera, Daikoku Drug, Tomod’s, Sapporo Drug Store, Welcia Pharmacy, Tsuruha Drug, Sugi Drug, Amano Drug

Note: Please note that the campaign may not be available at all locations and will mainly be conducted at stores near major tourist areas.

Limited-Edition Hand Towel Featuring Traditional Japanese Designs

As a limited-time and limited-quantity gift, customers will receive an original hand towel featuring Strong Wakamoto blended into traditional Japanese designs.

The hand towels come with four randomly selected designs: geisha, ukiyo-e, traditional Japanese patterns, and sumo wrestlers.

The classic Wakamoto bottle shape is gently worked into the design, creating a look that is unique and easy to recognize. Made from soft microfiber material, the hand towel is suitable for everyday use and also works well as a decorative item. It is a perfect choice for both personal use and as a souvenir.

Campaign Featured on YouTube

Details of the campaign are also introduced on YouTube by popular travel YouTuber Alan, who shares information about traveling in Japan.

The campaign appears in his video “How to Navigate Tokyo’s Shinjuku Station Maze! A Fun and Delicious Day in Alan’s Journey.

Video URL:
https://youtu.be/azZpRI75QkI

Alan (Alan Channel / 阿倫頻道) is a Taiwan region-born YouTuber based in Japan. Known for his friendly personality and humorous style, he has gained a large following both in Japan and overseas. His videos introducing Japanese travel destinations, food, and Made-in-Japan products are especially popular among Taiwanese viewers interested in Japan, earning him recognition as a trusted source of Japan-related information.

Alan Channel / 阿倫頻道:
https://www.youtube.com/@AlanChannelJP

Comment from the Company

Takuma Kato, Wakamoto Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.

“To enjoy everyday life and to fully enjoy a trip to Japan, maintaining good digestive health is very important. Japan offers many delicious foods such as sushi, tempura, ramen, udon, and yakiniku. However, overeating or sudden changes in diet during travel can sometimes cause discomfort and affect your condition.

Strong Wakamoto can be a reliable partner for your journey, helping support your digestive health while traveling. Just as a mobile battery keeps your smartphone fully charged, Strong Wakamoto helps maintain the ‘stamina’ of your stomach and intestines.

We hope you will continue to enjoy Strong Wakamoto and take this opportunity to bring home a special gift as a memorable reminder of your time in Japan, along with our sincere gratitude.”

About Wakamoto Pharmaceutical

Founded in 1929 with the launch of its first product, Wakamoto, Wakamoto Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. began as one of Japan’s pioneering companies in the field of self-medication. Since then, the company has continued to develop its business across three core pillars: pharmaceuticals, healthcare, and global operations.

Drawing on nearly a century of experience and expertise, Wakamoto Pharmaceutical remains committed to contributing to the creation and advancement of a healthy and prosperous society.

Company Profile

Head Office: 2-2-2 Nihonbashi-Honcho, Chuo-ku, Tokyo, Japan
President & CEO: Arata Igarashi
Established: April 1929
Industry: Manufacturing
Website: https://www.wakamoto-pharm.co.jp/
X (Twitter):
https://x.com/avan_wkmt
Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/wakamoto_gwt/

About Strong Wakamoto

Strong Wakamoto is a flagship long-selling product of Wakamoto Pharmaceutical and has been trusted by generations of customers since its launch in 1929. As a reliable partner in daily health support, it has long been used to help people maintain their physical condition and enjoy a more comfortable everyday life.

Key Features

Supports digestive health

Strong Wakamoto helps support intestinal function and promote digestion, contributing to a well-balanced digestive environment. It is commonly used to help manage everyday digestive discomfort, supporting a more comfortable daily life.

Supports daily nutrition

Containing a rich blend of gentle, body-friendly ingredients such as yeast and lactic acid bacteria, Strong Wakamoto is suitable for daily nutritional support, especially for people with unbalanced diets.

First “Global Fertility Crisis Forum” Brings Together Experts to Tackle Low Birth Rate Challenges

HONG KONG, Jan. 26, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — The inaugural 2026 Global Fertility Crisis Forum was held last Thursday in Hong Kong. The event brought together 44 guests from more than ten countries and regions, including representatives from the United Nations, China, the United States, India, Japan, South Korea, and Hungary. Participants from academia, business, and government engaged in in-depth discussions on the growing global challenge of declining fertility rates, focusing on key issues such as demographic trends, the economic impact of declining fertility, policy responses, and the balance between women’s reproductive choices and career development.

A Global Demographic Crisis Unfolds

Low fertility is no longer a regional issue but a sweeping global transformation. Forum participants warned that low fertility rates now affect two-thirds of the world’s population living in countries and regions with total fertility rates (TFR) below the 2.1 replacement level. Beyond population decline, this shift endangers economic stability, cultural heritage and sustainable development. East Asia faces acute challenges from soaring housing costs, high education expenses and rigid gender norms that undermine conventional policies. Although many nations have adjusted fertility policies and introduced subsidies, practice shows that simply easing birth restrictions fails to deliver sustainable rebounds.

Vladimira Kantorova of the United Nations Population Division, mentioned that we must design people-centered interventions to build a viable future and leverage intersections across demographic trends to forge sustainable futures. Yuwa Population Research Institute CEO and Chief Researcher Wenzheng Huang urged an immediate return to replacement-level fertility. He elaborated on humanity’s multifaceted value: people are not merely labor but consumers, the base for innovation, carriers of culture and language, and sources of emotional meaning.

AI Intensifies Family and Fertility Challenges

Economist, James Liang posits that AI is exacerbating the global fertility crisis on two key fronts: AI-fueled entertainment offers instant gratification that competes with the long-term commitment to raising children, sparking the question of whether virtual dopamine is supplanting family life, and an AI-driven economy demands hyper-skilled labor, pushing young people into extended education and greater financial instability, which leaves them without the time or money to start and sustain families. Amid these AI-driven fertility challenges, Liang underscores that having children is a meaningful contribution to the continuity of humanity, a critical point he emphasizes in addressing the deepening dilemma.

Root Causes: Economic Pressures, Social Expectations, Cultural Shifts
Masahiro Yamada, Professor of Family Sociology, Chuo University, Japan, attributed Japan’s surging unmarried rates to economic volatility and sky-high societal standards, calling marriage a “luxury.” The shrinking populations erode workforces and innovation while aging demographics strain healthcare systems.

Policy Lessons: Hungary’s Gains, South Korea’s Warnings
Hungary’s full-lifecycle family policy system, integrating fertility, employment, housing, and taxes, boosted birth rates in 2021. Kazakhstan sustained a TFR near 2.8 in 2024 via robust family aid and maternal-child health systems.

South Korea’s TFR plummeted to 0.72 in 2023, however; Hanyang University’s Professor Hye Mi You insisted that cash incentives fall short without overhauling work culture, housing markets and family norms.

Actions for a Fertility Revival

The forum released the Initiative on Addressing the Global Fertility Crisis, calling on the international community to recognize “sustainable reproduction” as a shared core value; to meaningfully ease family burdens through policies on taxation, social security, childcare and housing; to encourage enterprises to build family-friendly workplaces; and to foster a social culture that respects childbearing and promotes shared responsibility.

The forum also proposed action plans: establishing a global fertility monitoring platform; creating a “Population Sustainability Contribution Award”; incorporating a “Fertility-Friendliness Index” into reporting; encouraging companies to include parenting support within their ESG frameworks; and forming an “Academic Community on the Fertility Crisis.”

This forum created a pivotal international dialogue platform to address the global fertility crisis, driving deep change in mindsets, policies and behaviors, with the aim of providing insight and a foundation for cooperation as humanity confronts population structural transformation.