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Akeso Announces First Patient Dosed in Phase III Trial of Ivonescimab as Consolidation Therapy for Limited-Stage SCLC After Definitive Radiotherapy

HONG KONG, Aug. 11, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Akeso, Inc. (9926.HK) (“Akeso” or the “Company”) announced that the first patient has been dosed in its multicenter, randomized, double-blind Phase III study (AK112-311/HARMONi-9), evaluating ivonescimab, a first-in-class PD-1/VEGF bispecific antibody developed by Akeso, in small cell lung cancer (SCLC). This study is designed to assess the efficacy and safety of ivonescimab as consolidation therapy in patients with limited-stage small cell lung cancer (LS-SCLC) who have not experienced progression following standard concurrent chemoradiotherapy (cCRT).

AK112-311/HARMONi-9 study is the eighth registrational Phase III clinical trial for ivonescimab in lung cancer (including three international multicenter studies). The initiation of this trial further expands ivonescimab’s therapeutic coverage across key lung cancer indications and different lines of treatment. As the world’s first PD-1/VEGF bispecific antibody, ivonescimab is driving significant transformation in the overall lung cancer treatment landscape and holds the potential to fundamentally improve global lung cancer therapies.

Small cell lung cancer (SCLC) represents approximately 15% of all lung cancers and is known for its aggressive nature, early metastasis, and poor prognosis. Around 30% of patients are diagnosed at the limited stage (LS-SCLC), with over 80% being ineligible for surgical intervention. The current standard of care involves concurrent or sequential chemoradiotherapy (cCRT/sCRT), where most patients face recurrence or develop drug resistance. To date, only one PD-L1 therapy has been approved for consolidation treatment for LS-SCLC, highlighting the significant unmet clinical need of this difficult to treat cancer.

In previous studies focused on extensive-stage SCLC (ES-SCLC), ivonescimab has demonstrated its ability to prolong progression-free survival (PFS), combining the synergistic benefits of PD-1/L1 inhibitors and anti-angiogenic agents. Ivonescimab is a cornerstone in Akeso’s “IO 2.0” strategy, and Akeso has already initiated a series of Phase III and Phase II clinical trials investigating ivonescimab as a first-line treatment across multiple cancer indications. The initiation of a Phase III study of ivonescimab for LS-SCLC is another key step in extending Akeso’s “IO 2.0” approach to earlier stages of lung cancer.

Forward-Looking Statement of Akeso, Inc.
This announcement by Akeso, Inc. (9926.HK, “Akeso”) contains “forward-looking statements”. These statements reflect the current beliefs and expectations of Akeso’s management and are subject to significant risks and uncertainties. These statements are not intended to form the basis of any investment decision or any decision to purchase securities of Akeso. There can be no assurance that the drug candidate(s) indicated in this announcement or Akeso’s other pipeline candidates will obtain the required regulatory approvals or achieve commercial success. If underlying assumptions prove inaccurate or risks or uncertainties materialize, actual results may differ materially from those set forth in the forward-looking statements.

Risks and uncertainties include but are not limited to, general industry conditions and competition; general economic factors, including interest rate and currency exchange rate fluctuations; the impact of pharmaceutical industry regulation and health care legislation in P.R.China, the United States and internationally; global trends toward health care cost containment; technological advances, new products and patents attained by competitors; challenges inherent in new product development, including obtaining regulatory approval; Akeso’s ability to accurately predict future market conditions; manufacturing difficulties or delays; financial instability of international economies and sovereign risk; dependence on the effectiveness of the Akeso’s patents and other protections for innovative products; and the exposure to litigation, including patent litigation, and/or regulatory actions.

Akeso does not undertake any obligation to publicly revise these forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date hereof, except as required by law.

About Akeso
Akeso (HKEX: 9926.HK) is a leading biopharmaceutical company committed to the research, development, manufacturing and commercialization of the world’s first or best-in-class innovative biological medicines. Founded in 2012, the company has created a unique integrated R&D innovation system with the comprehensive end-to-end drug development platform (ACE Platform) and bi-specific antibody drug development technology (Tetrabody) as the core, a GMP-compliant manufacturing system and a commercialization system with an advanced operation mode, and has gradually developed into a globally competitive biopharmaceutical company focused on innovative solutions. With fully integrated multi-functional platform, Akeso is internally working on a robust pipeline of over 50 innovative assets in the fields of cancer, autoimmune disease, inflammation, metabolic disease and other major diseases. Among them, 24 candidates have entered clinical trials (including 15 bispecific/multispecific antibodies and bispecific ADCs. Additionally, 7 new drugs are commercially available, and 2 new drugs with 2 new indications are under regulatory review for approval. Through efficient and breakthrough R&D innovation, Akeso always integrates superior global resources, develops the first-in-class and best-in-class new drugs, provides affordable therapeutic antibodies for patients worldwide, and continuously creates more commercial and social values to become a global leading biopharmaceutical enterprise.

For more information, please visit https://www.akesobio.com/en/about-us/corporate-profile/ and follow us on Linkedin.

La Maison du Whisky Asia-Pacific Appointed as Exclusive Distributor for Maison Ferrand in Singapore

SINGAPORE, Aug. 11, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — La Maison du Whisky Asia-Pacific (LMDW APAC) will take over as the exclusive distributor of Maison Ferrand in Singapore, ensuring continued availability following the closure of Proof & Company of its acclaimed portfolio – Planteray Rum, Citadelle Gin, and Ferrand Cognac – for trade and consumers starting 14 August 2025.

This transition builds on a long-standing relationship: LMDW has represented Maison Ferrand in France for years, and now extends that collaboration to Singapore. Both houses share a philosophy rooted in craft and education, with a commitment to building brands for the long term and creating experiences that matter.

“Our collaboration with Maison Ferrand began in Paris, so extending that partnership to Singapore is a natural step,” said Diego Araud, Managing Director, LMDW APAC. “We share the same belief in championing spirits through knowledge, advocacy, and authenticity – values that resonate strongly with the region’s bar community.”

Maison Ferrand’s portfolio brings more than heritage; it brings ideas that work behind the bar. From bartender staples like Dry Curaçao to modern icons such as Planteray Stiggins’ Fancy Pineapple, these are spirits designed for flavour and function. Innovations like ecoPOUCH – a 2.8L format replacing four bottles while reducing carbon emissions by around 80% – show how sustainability can be practical, cutting waste and streamlining service without compromising quality.

“We are thrilled to begin this new chapter with La Maison du Whisky as our official distributor in Singapore,” shared Maylis Berger, APAC Manager, Maison Ferrand. “Their deep understanding of the market and commitment to craft make them the ideal partner to grow our brands in the region. Exciting times ahead.”

Together, LMDW and Maison Ferrand will focus on bringing these brands to life through education, immersive activations, and community-led experiences – reinforcing a shared vision to shape the future of drinking culture in Asia-Pacific, while continuing to educate and inspire the market.

Maison Ferrand products will be available through Whisky.SG, LMDW’s flagship Bar & Shop on Robertson Quay, and select hospitality and retail partners from 14 August 2025. 

For trade enquiries, please contact: orders@lmdw.com

– ENDS –

ABOUT LA MAISON DU WHISKY ASIA-PACIFIC (LMDW APAC)

Founded in Paris in 1956, La Maison du Whisky (LMDW) is a global leader in the distribution and curation of fine spirits, with expertise spanning rare single malts, world whiskies, rums, agaves, and craft spirits. Established in Singapore in 2006, LMDW APAC serves as the regional hub, shaping drinking culture through retail, e-commerce, trade education, and flagship events such as Whisky Live Singapore. Guided by a philosophy of brand-building, advocacy and authenticity, LMDW APAC partners with leading hospitality accounts to bring exceptional spirits and experiences to the region.

Discover more at: www.whisky.sg

ABOUT MAISON FERRAND

Maison Ferrand, based in Cognac, France, is an independent, family-owned spirits house recognised for its craftsmanship and innovation. Founded by Alexandre Gabriel, Maison Ferrand produces some of the industry’s most acclaimed brands, including Ferrand Cognac, Citadelle Gin, and Planteray Rum. The company has been a pioneer in sustainable solutions like ecoPOUCH and is celebrated for redefining traditional categories through flavour-driven innovation and education. Today, Maison Ferrand spirits are available in more than 90 countries, inspiring bartenders and enthusiasts worldwide.

Learn more at: https://planterayrum.com/ | www.citadellegin.com | www.ferrandcognac.com/en | www.maisonferrand.com

The Pulse of the Chinese Warrior Dance: Dance Drama “Odes to Heroes” Sets Beijing Ablaze

BEIJING, Aug. 11, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Following the dance dramas Awakening Lion and LOONG, the large-scale ethnic dance drama Odes to Heroes, another masterpiece by the Guangzhou Song and Dance Theatre, was staged at the Beijing Tianqiao Performing Arts Center from July 31 to August 3, 2025.


“Odes to Heroes” | The Epic Dance Drama Debuts in Guangzhou

It was jointly produced by the Publicity Department of the CPC Guangzhou Municipal Committee, the Guangzhou Municipal Bureau of Culture, Radio, Television and Tourism, and Guangzhou Cultural Development Group under the guidance of the Department of Culture and Tourism of Guangdong Province. This spectacular performance offered a double feast for both the eyes and souls to the capital’s audience. With the intangible cultural heritage “Yingge” at its core, the dance drama has quickly become a cultural sensation in Beijing, resonating deeply with the audience through its profound cultural roots and artistic expression on the modern stage.

A Phenomenal Dance Drama Sparkles in the Capital

As a blockbuster performance of the 2025 “Tianqiao Dance and Performance Season,” Odes to Heroes debuted alongside other acclaimed works such as The Eternal Wave and The Journey of a Legendary Landscape Painting, captivating the audience with its passionate patriotism and exquisite stage art. Excerpts from the drama had previously been featured in the “Hundred Flowers Welcoming Spring: Spring Festival Gala for the Chinese Literature and Art Circles” and the CCTV’s 2025 “Cultures of China, Festival of Spring” Global Chinese New Year Gala. This premiere in Beijing has presented a newly refined version to show the perfect blending of intangible cultural heritage and contemporary spirit.

Why Has the Fervor for “Odes to Heroes” Never Stopped?

The dance drama Odes to Heroes has ignited lasting fervor nationwide, not only for its top-tier creative team and star-studded cast, but for the emotional and cultural resonance it delivers on stage. Currently, the dance drama has undergone 38 tours in 19 cities across the country. It was further refined in June, evolving with the Yingge dance at its core and the epic history of overseas Chinese as its soul, reimagined through a contemporary lens to tell the epic story of overseas Chinese and their patriotic spirit during the War. As the drama unfolds through striking choreography, symbolic imagery, and a moving narrative of separation, reunion, and self-discovery, it awakens a profound “bloodline awakening” among audiences—a cultural self-confidence and pride in heritage. Blending rich elements of Lingnan culture such as wood carvings, embroidery, iron-branch puppetry, beef balls, oil-paper lanterns, and it’s worth mentioning that the theme song of Odes to Heroes is in the Chaoshan dialect rap style. The production bridges tradition and modernity. Each performance becomes a powerful expression of shared memory, identity, and hope—bringing the spirit of Yingge and the voices of generations past and present to life.

Curtain Falls and Echoes Remain

The year 2025 marks the 60th anniversary of the Guangzhou Song and Dance Theatre and the 80th anniversary of China’s victory in the Anti-Japanese War and the World Anti-Fascist War. To commemorate this historic year, the theatre presents its Lingnan trilogy—Awakening Lion, LOONG, and Odes to Heroes—as a tribute to six decades of artistic excellence. Odes to Heroes honors this immortal history through powerful stagecraft, where the clash of the Yingge mallet and the emotion in “overseas letters” evoke the patriotic spirit of two generations. Following a successful premiere in Beijing, the production has left a lasting cultural impression and rekindled public appreciation for traditional heritage. The theatre will continue telling Lingnan stories through contemporary dance, promoting Chinese culture on the global stage.

Philippines’ AC Health partners with Singapore’s ABC Impact in vision to transform health for every Filipino

MANILA, Philippines, Aug. 11, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — AC Health, the healthcare arm of Ayala Corporation, has secured a landmark investment from ABC Impact, the Singapore-based impact investor dedicated to Asia and backed by Temasek Trust and Temasek. This strategic investment marks ABC Impact’s entry into the Philippine healthcare sector, expanding its regional footprint.

Under the agreement, ABC Impact will infuse primary capital for a c.16% minority stake in AC Health. The investment will support AC Health’s vision of transforming healthcare for every Filipino by building a seamless, integrated healthcare ecosystem.

The fresh capital will fuel AC Health’s expansion across its core pillars of hospitals, multi-specialty clinics, and retail pharmacies – through a combination of organic initiatives and targeted acquisitions. By 2027, AC Health aims to expand its network to at least 10 hospitals, 300 clinics, and 1,150 pharmacies across the Philippines.

As an impact investor dedicated to Asia, ABC Impact brings regional insights and networks that can support AC Health in tapping into clinical excellence and healthcare innovation across the region. With existing healthcare investments in India, China, and Vietnam, ABC Impact sees opportunities for knowledge-sharing and future collaboration that can complement AC Health’s integrated care model in the Philippines.

“This partnership marks a significant milestone in AC Health’s journey,” said Paolo Borromeo, President and CEO of AC Health. “ABC Impact’s investment reinforces the strength of our integrated model and our commitment to making healthcare more inclusive. This partnership creates valuable opportunities for knowledge exchange, technology transfer, and the adoption of global best practices, further enabling AC Health to raise the bar in care quality, patient safety, and operational efficiency as it moves toward world-class standards.”

“Healthcare is a fundamental human need, and this partnership with Ayala and AC Health reflects our mission to improve lives by advancing access to quality care,” said David Heng, CEO of ABC Impact. “We believe AC Health is well positioned to deliver meaningful social outcomes alongside sustainable growth. Through our regional healthcare experience and impact lens, we aim to support AC Health’s efforts to strengthen systems and serve more communities across the Philippines.”

The partnership brings together AC Health’s integrated delivery network and ABC Impact’s thematic investing experience in inclusive healthcare solutions. The investment also marks ABC Impact’s first direct entry into the Philippine healthcare sector, building on its regional track record of purpose-driven investments. These include Vietnam-based Kim Dental, the country’s largest private dental care network; India-based DCDC Kidney Care, a dialysis provider operating over 200 centers across underserved regions; and HiRo, a clinical research organization supporting mid-sized global pharmaceutical and biotech companies across Asia Pacific and the United States.

This investment also deepens the longstanding relationship between the Ayala Group and the Temasek ecosystem – reinforcing their shared commitment to long-term, values-driven growth.

“We are honored to expand our relationship with Temasek and Temasek Trust, and welcome ABC Impact as a partner in our healthcare journey,” said Fernando Zobel de Ayala, Chairman of AC Health and Board Director of Ayala Corporation. “Together, we look forward to building a more resilient and inclusive health ecosystem for Filipinos.”

BofA Securities acted as the exclusive financial advisor to AC Health in connection with the transaction. Completion of ABC Impact’s investment in AC Health is subject to the satisfaction of closing conditions.

About AC HEALTH

Established in 2015, AC Health has rapidly grown into one of the country’s most dynamic and integrated healthcare networks, driven by its vision to transform health for every Filipino.  

AC Health operates across two core pillars—provider and pharma—creating a seamless healthcare ecosystem that addresses the full continuum of care. Its portfolio includes Healthway Medical Network, a network of multi-specialty clinics, ambulatory centers, and full-service hospitals; Generika Drugstore, the pioneer in generic retail pharmacies; IE Medica and MedEthix, a major pharmaceutical importer and distributor; and St. Joseph Drug, a leading retail pharmacy in North and Central Luzon. Through its pillars of pharma, hospitals, and clinics – AC Health creates a seamless and integrated healthcare ecosystem for the Filipino patient.

Visit our website at https://www.achealth.com.ph and follow us on LinkedIn to learn more about the company.

About ABC Impact

ABC Impact is an Asia-focused impact investment firm dedicated to delivering measurable social and environmental outcomes alongside risk-adjusted financial returns through sustainable growth. With over USD 900 million in assets under management, the firm follows a disciplined, thematic strategy to invest in high-potential businesses addressing Asia’s most pressing challenges. Its portfolio spans climate and water solutions, sustainable food and agriculture, healthcare and education, and financial and digital inclusion. ABC Impact is part of Temasek Trust Asset Management and is backed by Temasek Trust, Temasek, the Asian Development Bank, and other leading institutional investors.

As a signatory to the Principles for Responsible Investment and the Operating Principles for Impact Management, ABC Impact applies a rigorous, evidence-based impact measurement and management framework to ensure effectiveness and accountability. The firm is committed to mobilizing private capital for a more sustainable and inclusive Asia.

Visit https://abcimpact.com.sg and follow us on LinkedIn to learn more.

Schneider Electric reports significant sustainability milestones in Q2 2025


HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 11 August 2025 – Schneider Electric, the leader in the digital transformation of energy management and automation, today announced its Q2 2025 extra-financial results, marking a pivotal moment as the company enters the final stretch of its 2021–2025 Schneider Sustainability Impact (SSI) program. With six months remaining, Schneider Electric continues to demonstrate its commitment to measurable, inclusive, and transformative progress across its Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) goals. The company’s SSI score reached 8.06 out of 10 this quarter, reflecting sustained momentum across key sustainability pillars.

Schneider Electric reports significant sustainability milestones in Q2 2025

A quarter marked by global recognition and ground-level impact

This quarter, Schneider Electric was honored as the World’s Most Sustainable Company by TIME and Statista for the second consecutive year. This recognition follows its recent distinction as Europe’s Most Sustainable Corporation by Corporate Knights, reinforcing the company’s leadership in sustainability.

Beyond accolades, Q2 2025 delivered tangible results. Schneider Electric surpassed its goal of training 1 million people in energy management, a cornerstone of its commitment to inclusive energy transition and youth empowerment.

This milestone, aligned with World Youth Skills Day 2025, is driven by the Youth Education & Entrepreneurship Program, active in over 60 countries. The program equips underserved communities with technical and entrepreneurial skills to participate in the energy transition.

Recent initiatives highlight the program’s global reach and impact:

  • In Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh, digital twin technology is used to train displaced communities in solar repair and e-waste recycling.
  • The Conserve My Planet program engages students in India, Kenya, Vietnam, and Thailand through hands-on sustainability projects.
  • In Brazil, mobile training benches bring renewable energy education to incarcerated youth, supporting reintegration and reducing recidivism.

These initiatives share a common thread: when education meets technology and purpose, systemic change becomes possible.

Sustained progress across key sustainability pillars

Schneider Electric also reported continued progress across several core sustainability indicators:

  • 734 million tonnes of CO₂ emissions saved and avoided for customers since 2018, crossing the 700-million-tonne milestone.
  • Supply chain decarbonization efforts continue to gain momentum, as operational CO₂ emissions from Schneider Electric’s top 1,000 suppliers were reduced now by 48%, just two points away from the year-end target. This reflects the growing impact of the Zero Carbon Project, which combines local solutions, on-site support, renewable energy insights, and targeted training.
  • The Decent Work Program reached 79% coverage in Q2 2025, up 39 points year-over-year, reflecting improved working conditions and compliance, particularly in the Middle East and East Asia & Japan.

“As an impact company and the World’s Most Sustainable Company, we believe that education is one of the most powerful drivers of long-term transformation. Surpassing 1 million people trained in energy management is a proud moment, and a reminder of what’s possible when purpose meets action,” said Esther Finidori, Chief Sustainability Officer. “With six months left in our 2021-2025 Schneider Sustainability Impact program, our priority is clear: accelerate with determination and deliver lasting impact.”

For a detailed view of all indicators and progress, please refer to the full Q2 2025 Schneider Sustainability Impact report, including the latest progress dashboard.

Recent recognitions:

  • Schneider Electric ranked #1 in the prestigious Gartner Top 25 Supply Chain 2025 after 10 consecutive years on the list
  • Schneider Electric is recognized in the “Impact for Sustainability” category of the inaugural TIME100 Companies Impact awards
  • Schneider Electric is awarded “Best ESG Information” by the Labrador Transparency Awards
  • Schneider Electric received the “Corporate Social Excellence” award from the Rutgers Institute, recognizing 16 years of impact investing
  • Schneider Electric is named one of Europe’s Best Employers by the Financial Times

Hashtag: #ImpactCompany #Sustainability #ESG

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

About Schneider Electric

Schneider’s purpose is to create Impact by empowering all to make the most of our energy and resources, bridging progress and sustainability for all. At Schneider, we call this Life Is On.

Our mission is to be the trusted partner in Sustainability and Efficiency.

We are a global industrial technology leader bringing world-leading expertise in electrification, automation and digitization to smart industries, resilient infrastructure, future-proof data centers, intelligent buildings, and intuitive homes. Anchored by our deep domain expertise, we provide integrated end-to-end lifecycle AI enabled Industrial IoT solutions with connected products, automation, software and services, delivering digital twins to enable profitable growth for our customers.

We are a people company with an ecosystem of 150,000 colleagues and more than a million partners operating in over 100 countries to ensure proximity to our customers and stakeholders. We embrace diversity and inclusion in everything we do, guided by our meaningful purpose of a sustainable future for all.

Coalax Lancer300 Empowers Solo Creators with Modular Gear and Patented Magic Arm

LOS ANGELES, Aug. 11, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — As 360° action cameras continue to evolve and push the boundaries of immersive storytelling, the tools that support these technologies are transforming just as rapidly. At the forefront of this shift is the Lancer300 from Coalax, a brand specializing in designing innovative outdoor and photography gear. Seamlessly blending power, protection, and portability, the Coalax Lancer300 is not only a gear-carrying solution but a full-on outdoor content creation workstation.

Magic Arm : Your Mobile Film Crew

The Lancer300’s most eye-catching innovation is the Magic Arm. Compatible with all major 360° cameras such as DJI’s newly revealed Osmo 360 or Insta360’s X5, the arm also supports lighting rigs, microphones, and other creative accessories, making it the ideal solution for a wide range of outdoor shooting scenarios, from solo travel vlogs to rugged documentary shoots.

The Magic Arm features full 360° adjustability. It is fully detachable and can extend up to 1.5 meters. With a simple push-pull motion, the arm transforms into a 1.8-meter quick monopod, providing a stable shooting platform in seconds. Whether mounted on the backpack or used standalone, this versatility offers creators an entirely new way to capture content hands-free.

A Creator-Centric System: Power, Protection, Portability

In addition to the Magic Arm, the Lancer300 features a fully modular design, a detachable power source, and a protective backpack frame inspired by exoskeletons, all engineered to support modern creators using increasingly diverse and power-intensive gear. More than just a camera bag, the Lancer300 is built as a fully integrated field system, combining six essential tools in one compact solution: a camera backpack, portable power station, drone case, modular rigging setup, monopod, and exoskeleton design.

At its core is a 300Wh power module that supports optional solar charging, offering a reliable energy solution for extended shoots in remote locations. A rugged IPX6-rated waterproof hard shell, reinforced by a durable exoskeleton frame, provides protection for sensitive equipment in challenging outdoor conditions. With expandable compartments tailored for drone storage, multiple mounting points, and a rail-based system for adaptable gear configurations, the Lancer300 is built to meet the complex demands of modern content creation.

Moreover, the Lancer300’s design goes beyond pure functionality. Drawing visual inspiration from iconic Western sci-fi and gaming culture such as Death Stranding, Helldivers, and Star Wars, the Lancer300 doesn’t just perform like professional gear. It looks like it belongs in a cinematic universe. Its rugged yet futuristic aesthetic turns it from a simple tool into a statement piece that reflects the identity of modern creators.

While the Lancer300 was developed with digital creators in mind, its versatility extends to a broad range of users. Professional photographers, drone enthusiasts, field researchers, geologists, musicians, and even wedding videographers can all benefit from Lancer300’s integrated support and power solutions. Now available at B&H, the Lancer300 signals a new trend for creators and other outdoor professionals looking to do more, anywhere.

As mobile-first content production continues to rise and remote shooting becomes more common in various sectors, the Lancer300 offers a next-generation solution that functions as both a mobile content creation hub and a fully integrated outdoor workstation. For more details about the solution, please visit https://www.coalax.com/products/lancer300-modular-backpack.

About Coalax

Coalax designs innovative, modular gear for outdoor enthusiasts and photographers. Built for durability and sustainability, their products feature organic components and user-driven improvements. By engaging closely with their community, Coalax empowers adventurers and creators with reliable, versatile tools that elevate outdoor experiences and support creative expression.

For more information, please visit: https://www.coalax.com/.

CONTACT: Wayne Wan, hello@coalax.com

60 Global Rising Stars from 1,200 Universities will Converge in Singapore for SMU’s 12th Lee Kuan Yew Competition Grand Finals

  • 60 finalists for SG60 milestone edition selected by an international panel of judges and visionary partners
  • Focus on empowering Urban Solutions and Sustainability to solve the world’s most essential, urgent challenges
  • Pioneered a new AI screening platform to enhance the discovery of disruptive startups
  • Record global participation with S$2.5 million+ prize pool

SINGAPORE, Aug. 11, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Singapore Management University (SMU) announces the 60 finalists of the 12th Lee Kuan Yew Global Business Plan Competition (LKYGBPC), celebrating a major milestone as Singapore commemorates its 60th year of independence. Organised by SMU’s Institute of Innovation and Entrepreneurship (IIE), this year’s competition sets a benchmark for university-led deep-tech startup competitions, with new records for global participation.

Held every two years, the LKYGBPC is one of the largest university-led startup competitions in Asia. This year, finalists will gather at SMU’s city campus between 29 September and 2 October 2025 to pitch their innovations to a judging panel during the LKYGBPC Grand Finals Week.

Startups will compete for a prize pool of over S$2.5 million in the 12th edition of the biennial competition this year.  The global competition shines a spotlight on startups with Urban Solutions and Sustainability innovations that address today’s universal grand challenges. From airless wheels based on NASA technology and transistors that cut data centre energy use by 30 per cent, to bioplastics tough enough to rival petroleum-based plastics, on-demand hydrogen production at sea, and self-healing concrete, these breakthroughs are amongst the shortlisted entries that challenge decades-old limits in energy, mobility, and infrastructure.  

“The 12th LKYGBPC saw record-breaking 1,500+ applications from more than 1,200 universities across 91 countries, a 57 per cent increase compared to the previous edition’s submissions. Entries from Asia increased by 70 per cent, and we also saw a significant increase in submissions from North America, the Middle East and North Africa,” said Ms Shirley Wong(王秀萍), Entrepreneur-in-Residence at SMU IIE, Managing Partner of TNF Ventures, and Chairperson of the 12th LKYGBPC Advisory Committee.

“These numbers reflect the growing confidence from startups globally in leveraging Singapore as a business and technology gateway to the rest of Asia. Hosting LKYGBPC alongside SG60 – a nation-wide movement celebrating Singapore’s next chapter of her nation-building journey – and the Singapore Grand Prix adds a higher level of energy and global attention, making it a powerful platform for entrepreneurs to connect, learn, and co-create with trailblazers worldwide,” she added.

Startup founders are drawn to the 12th LKYGBPC as Singapore offers a regional springboard for scaling across Asia, with its status as a global multilingual hub of innovation and talent.  Said Evangelos Moschos, a finalist of the LKYGBPC and post-doctoral researcher at France’s Ecole Polytechnique, is also the Co-Founder and CTO of OceanTech startup Amphitrite. He shared, “Singapore is the world’s busiest transhipment hub where we can access leading shipping lines, investors, government agencies, and tap into a world-class R&D ecosystem. We anticipate engaging with local academic partners through the competition to explore joint research projects. We’re also keen to hire Singaporean talent, including SMU students, to work in Paris or Singapore.”

This year, startups will compete across 12 focus areas, namely Carbon Tech, Climate Tech, Emerging Tech, Energy Transition, Food and Land Use, Green Buildings and Construction, Homeland Security, Public Health, Sustainable Materials and Circularity, Transport and Logistics, Urban Mobility and Water Solutions.

AI Screening to Boost Objectivity in Startup Evaluation

As a new feature this year, LKYGBPC also introduces the DueAI™ Challenge, a novel initiative that leverages Artificial Intelligence (AI) to enhance the efficiency and comprehensiveness of startup screening. This approach reflects emerging trends in the global venture capital (VC) and startup landscape, where AI-enabled capabilities are increasingly adopted to streamline data collection, accelerate deal flow, and support data-driven investment decisions.

Dr Sze Tiam Lin (徐添仁), the Senior Licensing Advisor at SMU IIE who created this new initiative, said, “The DueAITM Challenge demonstrates how AI can transform entrepreneurial evaluation for investors and deliver greater scalability and objectivity while empowering human decision-making.”

What’s On during Grand Finals Week

Throughout the Grand Finals Week, held from 29 September to 2 October 2025 at SMU, the 60 global finalists will participate in a series of events designed to connect them with key stakeholders. These include closed-door roundtable sessions with influential regional business families. The startup founders will gain invaluable insights and mentorship, while the business families can engage with cutting-edge technologies relevant to their investment portfolios and industries.

This year’s competition will also serve as a vital pipeline for internship and career opportunities for Singapore-based students. Via an inaugural Talent Exchange segment, students will have the chance to pitch their expertise directly to the finalist startups for the opportunity to join startup teams from universities such as the University of Tokyo, ETH Zurich, Tsinghua University and Harvard University,

The week will culminate in the highly anticipated Blaze Mixer Night, an open invitation for Singapore’s youth to engage with the young founders from the 60 finalist startups, be inspired by their new technologies, and grow their network.

Catalysing Innovation with a Growing Community of Partnerships

The 12th edition of LKYGBPC also welcomes the Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR) as its first official Scientific Knowledge Partner, bringing their world-class scientific expertise and network to the competition.

In addition, the LKYGBPC is honoured to be supported by a growing ecosystem of visionary partners, who have provided continuous support to the finalists over the years and enabled the competition to deliver enduring impact across Asia.

The Zhang Fan Global AI Initiative Award, which will be presented for the second consecutive edition of LKYGBPC, aims to empower startups which are pushing boundaries in AI. Mr Zhang Fan(张帆), formerly Co-founder of Sequoia Capital China and a four-time Forbes ‘Midas List’ honoree VC, said, “I’ve had the privilege of backing innovators fresh out of university who dare to reimagine the future. LKYGBPC convenes a truly world-class cohort of founders poised to engage with Southeast Asia, where catalytic funding and mentorship remain essential. As we stand on the cusp of a new AI era, I look forward to leveraging my experience and resources to help these teams transform breakthroughs into meaningful impact.”

Among the other new collaborators is Indorama Ventures, which is behind the Future of Sustainable Materials Award, tapping its end-to-end R&D and manufacturing expertise to spotlight breakthrough materials innovations.

“Our mission at Indorama Ventures is to create indispensable chemistry, transforming lab-born innovations into global solutions that touch billions of lives every day. Through LKYGBPC’s global pipeline, we can engage closely with early-stage deep-tech ventures from Asia and beyond, helping us accelerate innovation and build a more sustainable world for decades to come,” said Mr Yash Lohia, Executive President of Petchem and Chairman of the ESG Council, Indorama Ventures.

Greater support for entrepreneurs aiming to drive a resilient and more sustainable future will also come in the form of awards backed by leading Venture Capital firms such as Antler, TRIREC and Wavemaker Partners. Mr Paul Santos, Managing Partner of Wavemaker Partners, is a steadfast supporter of LKYGBPC through the LKYGBPC Investment Prize that supports innovative Enterprise, Deep Tech, and Sustainability-focused startups.

He said, “Over the years, the competition has attracted bold, young founders from all over the world, reinforcing Singapore’s role as a rising global hub for entrepreneurship. This aligns closely with our mission of investing in founders building companies that are solving meaningful problems and creating real, lasting impact.”

Enclosure: Annex 1: List of 60 finalist startups in the 12th edition of the Lee Kuan Yew Global Business Plan Competition.

About SMU (新加坡管理大学):

Established in 2000, Singapore Management University (SMU) is recognised for its disciplinary and multi-disciplinary research that addresses issues of global relevance, impacting business, government, and society. Its distinctive education, incorporating innovative experiential learning, aims to nurture global citizens, entrepreneurs and change agents. With more than 13,000 students, SMU offers a wide range of bachelors, masters and PhD degree programmes in the disciplinary areas associated with six of its eight schools – Accountancy, Business, Computing, Economics, Law and Social Sciences. Its seventh school, the SMU College of Integrative Studies, offers degree programmes in deep, integrative interdisciplinary education. The College of Graduate Research Studies, SMU’s eighth school, enhances integration and interdisciplinarity across the various SMU postgraduate research programmes that will enable students to gain a holistic learning experience and well-grounded approach to their research.  SMU also offers a growing number of executive development and continuing education programmes. Through its city campus, SMU focuses on making meaningful impact on Singapore and beyond through its partnerships with industry, policymakers and academic institutions. https://www.smu.edu.sg/

About SMU IIE (新加坡管理大学创新与创业研究院):

The Singapore Management University’s Institute of Innovation and Entrepreneurship (IIE) empowers aspiring entrepreneurs and innovators to create positive change. It offers tailored training programmes, an equity-free incubator, and a vibrant community that connects innovators through events and networking opportunities, including the renowned Lee Kuan Yew Global Business Plan Competition (LKYGBPC). For more information: https://iie.smu.edu.sg

About Lee Kuan Yew Global Business Plan Competition (LKYGBPC) (李光耀全球商业计划大赛):

Organised by Singapore Management University’s Institute of Innovation and Entrepreneurship, the Lee Kuan Yew Global Business Plan Competition (LKYGBPC) is a biennial university-led start-up challenge. One of the most exciting of such competitions in Asia, it derives its name from Singapore’s founding Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew, who developed the country’s defining business plan that propelled Singapore onto the global stage. It is this spirit of entrepreneurship, innovation and ambition that the competition enshrines. LKYGBPC invites the brightest minds from the world’s most entrepreneurial universities to come together to address the challenges of the 21st century and reimagine the future. For more information: smu.sg/lkygbpc

About the DueAI™ Challenge
The 12th LKYGBPC introduced the DueAI™ Challenge—a parallel competition where 14 independent AI models operated within a secured environment to screen startup applications submitted to LKYGBPC. These AI-driven evaluations ran in parallel with assessments by over 220 human judges from 46 countries, with results compared before the LKYGBPC finalists were selected. By embedding the DueAI™ Challenge into its official selection process, LKYGBPC became one of the first university competitions to explore at scale how AI enhances the discovery of promising startups.

Annex
Startups in the 12th Edition of the
Lee Kuan Yew Global Business Plan Competition
Singapore Management University
29 September to 2 October 2025

No

Team

Executive Summary

Category

Name of University
(Main Founder)

Geographies 

1

Arculus

Arculus repurposes natural gas transmission pipelines for bulk transportation of either CO2 or hydrogen, thanks to a patented barrier coating applied on the internal surface of the pipe.

Beta

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

United States of America

2

Castomize

Castomize is making healthcare more accessible, effective, and less invasive through the creation of impactful medical devices using advanced manufacturing technologies.

Infinity

Singapore Management University

Singapore

3

ChemT Biotechnology

ChemT Biotechnology seeks to revolutionise bio-manufacturing with AI-designed small molecules that enable precise and tunable modulation of cell behaviour.

Beta

National University of Singapore

Singapore

4

Cold Battery

Cold Battery is a cutting-edge solution for storing and delivering cold energy efficiently, boosting profits and slashing emissions across industrial cooling applications.

Beta

Nanyang Technological University

Singapore

5

Inviscid AI

Inviscid AI delivers physics-informed AI that creates digital twins and simulations up to 1000 times faster than traditional methods for design optimisation.

Beta

University of Oxford

United Kingdom

6

MabLab

MabLab has built the world’s first multi-agent rapid test capable of detecting laced drugs and spiked drinks.

Infinity

Harvard University

United States of America

7

OmniPath H2

Novel industrial decarbonisation technologies lowering costs for the hydrogen economies of today AND tomorrow

Beta

Harvard University

United States of America

8

Sesame Sustainability

Sesame Sustainability’s industrial-grade modelling platform transforms how energy companies plan multi-billion-dollar decarbonisation investments, compressing analysis from years to weeks.

Infinity

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

United States of America

9

8inks

8inks revolutionises battery manufacturing with multilayer curtain coating—enabling higher performance, lower cost, and scalable production of next-generation lithium-ion and solid-state batteries.

Infinity

ETH Zürich

Switzerland

10

AMPHITRITE

Harnessing Satellites & Artificial Intelligence to produce reliable ocean data and make the best decisions at sea

Infinity

École Polytechnique

France

11

CyanoCapture

Synthesising insulin and $40 billion worth of drug precursor molecules by harnessing a photosynthetic cell discovered in 2020.

Infinity

University of Oxford

United Kingdom

12

Dunia Innovations

Dunia Innovations is revolutionising the field of material discovery by leveraging cutting-edge AI and autonomous experimentation to bring breakthrough materials to the world.

Infinity

University of Glasgow

United Kingdom

13

Enantios

ENANTIOS enables the fast, simple, and robust characterisation of complex and chiral molecules and biologics for the pharmaceutical and chemical industry.

Infinity

ETH Zürich

Switzerland

14

exnaton

exnaton enables utilities to quickly launch innovative, data-driven electricity products with its AI-powered billing platform — accelerating the energy transition.

Infinity

ETH Zürich

Switzerland

15

HyveGeo

HyveGeo looks to remove CO2 from the air while boosting food security in arid regions.

Beta

University of Cambridge

United Kingdom

16

Luxtelligence

We develop energy-efficient photonic circuits for Quantum and AI, leveraging advanced thin-film materials to enable next-generation, high-performance connectivity solutions.

Beta

École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne

Switzerland

17

Micromelt Ltd

Microwave-powered catalytic reactor that depolymerises mixed plastic waste into high-purity monomers and hydrogen gas in one step.

Beta

University of Oxford

United Kingdom

18

Mimicrete Ltd

Powering the smart infrastructure of tomorrow

Beta

University of Cambridge

United Kingdom

19

PRONOE

Restoring our oceans’ natural capacity to permanently remove CO2. Worldwide.

Beta

INSEAD

France

20

Vivid Dx

Vivid Dx is developing a next-generation platform to deliver broad pathogen ID in 30 minutes and phenotypic antibiotic susceptibility testing (AST) in 3 hours – directly from blood, with no blood culture required.

Beta

University of Oxford

United Kingdom

21

Aerologix

Aerologix is a drone technology platform connecting clients with 40,000+ pilots, delivering on-demand aerial data, mapping, and AI insights for infrastructure, environment, and industry.

Infinity

UNSW Sydney

Australia

22

Jmem Tek

Jmem Tek provides ready-to-deploy JPUF-based quantum resilient security solutions for vulnerable industries to address encryption obsolescence concerns as quantum computing advances.

Infinity

National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University

Taiwan

23

Koralo

Koralo creates functional food and feed enriching health and beauty with patented co-fermentation of microalgae and mushroom roots – delicious, functional and affordable.

Infinity

Windesheim University of Applied Sciences

Netherlands

24

MUI-Robotics

MUI-Robotics specialises in sensory-AI which imitates human smell sense with high accuracy for real-time quality control, safety, and environmental monitoring globally.

Infinity

Mahidol University

Thailand

25

Oculab

Oculab strengthens Tuberculosis (TB) monitoring by bringing AI-powered analysis to microscopes through the smartphone, reducing examination time to 10 minutes while achieving 87% accuracy rates.

Beta

University of Indonesia

Indonesia

26

Oriongo

Oriongo specialises in the development and integration of positioning algorithms, with strong R&D in inertial navigation, geomagnetic positioning, Wi-Fi, 5G, GNSS, BLE and AI positioning fusion technology

Infinity

National Taiwan University of Science and Technology

Taiwan

27

Puralink

Puralink is the autonomous robotics platform for pipe inspection, mapping, and repair

Beta

University of Technology Sydney

Australia

28

Qarbotech

Qarbotech develops patented photosynthesis-enhancing solutions that boost crop yields sustainably, helping farmers grow more food with fewer resources while combating climate change.

Infinity

University of Cambridge

United Kingdom

29

ReZinc

ReZinc – a sustainable innovation to transform carbon-based battery waste into high-quality carbon paint for metal surfaces.

Beta

VinUniversity

Vietnam

30

Saint Novel

Saint Novel enables drug discovery with innovative GenAI and full-stack drug development success experience (from in silico design to phase II trial which was sold to Sanofi at 1.5 billion USD).

Beta

University of Hong Kong

Hong Kong SAR

31

Untapped Energies

Untapped Energies seeks to unlock 100% renewable wind & hydro energy from unutilised, ‘untapped’ real estate.

Beta

Queensland University of Technology

Australia

32

Klimatech

Vortex is Klimatech’s vertical-axis wind turbine (VAWT) that combines aesthetics and function for sustainable energy in urban, remote, and commercial spaces.

Infinity

Asian Institute of Management

Philippines

33

EarthFlow AI

EarthFlow AI is making subsurface climate and energy solutions scalable with ultra-fast AI simulation.

Beta

Imperial College London

United Kingdom

34

Heliotrope Photonics

At Heliotrope Photonics, we are developing an innovative coating that transforms the sunlight to enhance solar panel performance.

Beta

New York University

United States of America

35

Helix Carbon

Helix Carbon provides electrolysers to the steel industry that upcycle CO2 directly out of waste gas, no carbon capture required.

Beta

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

United States of America

36

Loop CO2

Tunable, debondable, and circular-ready CO₂-based polymer platform made from 100% sustainable feedstocks, enabling next-generation debonding-on-demand adhesives for electronics, EV batteries, and packaging.

Beta

Georgia Institute of Technology

United States of America

37

MacroCycle Technologies

MacroCycle is aventure creating circular plastics and textiles at cost parity and with zero carbon emissions.

Infinity

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

United States of America

38

Map Collective

MapCollective.com is a multi-tier supply chain traceability data mining and dashboard platform, helping procurement and sustainability organisations gather supplier data.

Infinity

Georgetown University

United States of America

39

Nephrogen

Nephrogen is developing curative gene therapies for kidney and pancreatic diseases, which affect more than 15% of the global population but have zero effective treatments.

Beta

Stanford University

United States of America

40

Quon Energy

Quon Energy deals with the development and installation of next-generation geothermal power tailored to the geological conditions in the volcanic region.

Beta

The University of Tokyo

Japan

41

SinuStim

SinuStim is developing an oral appliance that instantly alleviates nasal congestion and facial pain for patients with chronic sinus disease by using gentle electrical pulses that regulate overactive nasal nerves.

Beta

Johns Hopkins University

United States of America

42

SMART Tire

SMART Tire makes the world’s first high-performance airless tires, based on NASA technology.

Beta

University of Southern California

United States of America

43

UpcycleX

UpcycleX, out of MIT, is transforming the chemical industry with a scalable, zero-emissions electrocatalytic platform that turns plastic waste into high-value products, unlocking an $80 billion market opportunity.

Beta

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

United States of America

44

Vertical Horizons

Vertical Horizons is developing the next-generation power infrastructure using scalable vertical GaN technology to dramatically improve energy efficiency and power density for AI, in data centres.

Beta

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

United States of America

45

ChipEvo Ltd

Towards One-Click Chip Generation: ChipEvo leverages Large Language Models to revolutionize silicon design and verification with 10 times faster development and significant cost savings

Beta

Texas Tech University

United States of America

46

CLEAN CO2

CLEANCO2 is China’s CCUS mineralization technology pioneer and industrialisation leader

Infinity

Tsinghua University

China

47

深度原理 (Deep Principle)

A world-leading technology innovation company specialising in AI for Chemistry/Materials.

Infinity

Queen’s University Belfast

United Kingdom

48

Genia

Genia builds Generative Design CoPilots for engineers in construction helping them design permit-ready drawings 10 times faster with 20% material savings.

Infinity

University of Pennsylvania

United States of America

49

Kerong Catalyst

Kerong seeks to lead the Application of Precious Metal Catalyst Technology in the Environmental Protection Industry.

Infinity

Brunel University London

United Kingdom

50

光子芯力 (PhotonCore)

PhotonCore Technologies focuses on the cutting-edge development of Electronic-Photonic hybrid computing architecture chips.

Beta

Tsinghua University

China

51

SynMetabio

SynMetabio seeks to be the world’s first company to mass-produce bio-based synthetic leather  for high-performance uses like automotive and footwear.

Infinity

ShanghaiTech University

China

52

Tidetron Bioworks

Tidetron Bioworks is a pioneering platform that integrates synthetic biology and AI to drive low-carbon innovation.

Infinity

Sun Yat-sen University

China

53

UniversalLab

Reshaping the $60 billion materials R&D testing industry with AI agents

Infinity

École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne

Switzerland

54

Xatoms

Xatoms discovers new materials using AI and quantum chemistry for water purification.

Infinity

University of Toronto

Canada

55

浙江极码电子科技有限公司 (Jima Technologies)

With deep R&D experience in the field of smart microgrids, Jima Technologies’ research focuses on smart grids, offering multi-point real-time voltage regulation and load balancing in renewable-heavy power grids

Infinity

Tianjin University

China

56

SpaceFields

 SpaceFields is building the “Northrop Grumman of the 21st century” from India. SpaceFields aspires to be the dedicated merchant developer and integrator for next-gen bespoke solid propulsion for burgeoning aerospace & defence markets.

Infinity

Veer Surendra Sai University of Technology, UCE Burla (Odisha, India)

India

57

Expedock

Expedock’s flexible tech solutions automate workflows and improve visibility, empowering teams to focus on what matters most.

Infinity

Stanford University

United States of America

58

Puffer AI

Puffer AI unifies under-utilised startup data, expert know-how and AI-driven workflows to accelerate research, scouting and evaluation—turning scattered information into smarter, faster investment decisions.

Due AI Challenge

N/A

Singapore

59

Evalyze

Evalyze streamlines startup fundraising and VC deal screening by automating due diligence, investor matching, and personalised outreach. Founders receive an investor readiness score and a tailored fundraising roadmap, while VCs use Evalyze to evaluate pitch decks, benchmark startups, and prioritize deals. Trained on 8,000+ successful raises, Evalyze cuts months of manual work into days. empowering better, faster funding decisions on both sides.

Due AI Challenge

N/A

Canada

60

Shensu AI

Shensu AI creates AI-driven automation tools that optimise financial operations, enhancing efficiency and reducing costs for individuals and enterprises alike.

Due AI challenge

N/A

India

 

 

Ultima Markets Secures FCA Licence to Support UK Expansion

EBENE CYBERCITY, Mauritius, Aug. 11, 2025 /PRNewswire/ —  Ultima Markets, a globally trusted CFD broker for online trading, has secured the regulatory licence to operate under the United Kingdom’s Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). This acquisition marks a significant step in Ultima Markets’ strategy to establish a regulated presence in the United Kingdom (UK).

Ultima Markets is slated to launch its UK offering in 2026.
Ultima Markets is slated to launch its UK offering in 2026.

The UK is a key global financial hub with an estimated 19 million and growing active traders in 2024. The FCA has rules and regulations that emphasize transparency and consumer protection.

“We’re incredibly proud to take this step,” said Gareth Derbyshire, spokesperson for Ultima Markets. “Becoming FCA-regulated reflects our long-term commitment to the UK and its regulatory standards. It sets the tone for what UK traders can expect from us: transparency, integrity, and a clear focus on their trading experience.”

Ultima Markets plans to onboard UK clients from 2026 and is slated to launch a localised offering that includes a dedicated website, enhanced compliance systems and platform features tailored to FCA standards. “We are taking every measure to meet expectations in full,” Derbyshire added. “That means more than just ticking boxes. Our products, education and support are being designed and built for UK traders.”

UK traders can look forward to access to Ultima Markets’ full range of CFD instruments, including forex, indices, commodities, and shares, trading on leading platforms like MetaTrader 4 (MT4). Through Ultima Markets’ Trading Academy, traders of all levels will also be empowered to take control of their trading goals by developing practical skills and financial literacy.

Founded in 2016, Ultima Markets is regulated by the Financial Services Commission in Mauritius, and recognised for its fast execution, deep liquidity, and diverse trading tools.

Ultima Markets is also the first CFD broker to join the United Nations Global Compact, embedding responsible business practices into its operations and advancing sustainability education through its Ultima Impact Foundation.

About Ultima Markets

Ultima Markets is a licensed, award-winning, multi-asset broker offering access to over 250 CFD instruments across forex, commodities, indices and shares. The company was recently awarded Most Advanced Multi-Asset Trading Platform Europe 2025 and is the first CFD broker to join the UN Global Compact.